Stop Pain Through Acupressure

Stop Pain Through Acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese technique known to bring almost instant relief to pain sufferers, particularly those experiencing back pain. The Chinese have long believed that vital energy becomes blocked in the body, creating a subsequent imbalance, which often leads to pain and illness. By simply applying pressure to the body, it is believed that endorphins are produced that act as natural pain relievers.

Instructions

Put a Stop to Back Pain Through Acupressure

1. Use a blunt object to press your pressure points. Start with the central portion between your nose and upper lip, applying deep pressure for several seconds before you release. Repeat 5 to 10 times until the pain begins to subside.

2. Place the blunt object between your Achilles tendon (runs from heel bone to calf muscle) and inner ankle bone. Use deep pressure for several seconds before releasing and finally repeating 5 to 10 more times.

3. Clench your fist. Next to the pinky finger, locate the spot where your skin folds and protrudes on the outside of your hand. Apply deep pressure once again and release. Repeat anywhere from 5 to 10 times.

4. Learn the specific names of the acupoints associated with alleviating back pain at the Eclectic Energies Web site (see Resources below). You can also view a map of pressure points here.

Other Ways to Stop Pain Through Acupressure

5. Lessen the pain felt during childbirth. Specific acupoints can be pressed, thereby releasing endorphins and helping women to cope with labor. Women can also use acupressure to decrease the effects of PMS and menopause.

6. Manage chronic pain. It is thought that most types of chronic pain have at least one acupoint beneficial in ridding the body of distress. Use a map of pressure points to experiment with your specific type of pain.

7. Treat addiction. As part of a regulated addiction counseling program, many people combine acupressure with their therapy to lessen the tension caused by addictive behavior, such as eating disorders.

8. Administer acupressure to children. It helps to alleviate pain from constipation, insomnia and chest congestion. Some parents use it to treat bed-wetting as well.

9. Use acupressure to treat pain later in life. Many seniors use acupressure to treat mobility issues, joint pain, arthritis and to facilitate faster recovery from injury or surgery.

10. Use acupressure for the stresses of everyday life. Stress causes headaches, tension, muscle soreness, indigestion and fatigue. Corresponding acupoints are often pressed to alleviate and stop the symptoms of stress.

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Stop Neck Muscle Spasms With Fibromyalgia

While neck spasms can happen to anyone, they are more likely for sufferers of Fibromyalgia because of the common occurrence of muscle spasms as a symptom of the disorder. Neck spasms are treatable, however, with a combination of posture, stretching, physical and massage therapy, heat and supplements. With a number of tools at your disposal, neck muscle spasms related to fibromyalgia can be stopped quickly and prevented.

Instructions

Fix Immediate Pain

1. Apply heat to the neck using a heat compress or heating pad, or by taking a hot bath if possible, to stop neck spasms that have just started.

2. Cover the neck and shoulders with a scarf, shawl or coat to keep the area from getting cold, as cold frequently stimulates muscle spasms.

3. Stretch the area affected by neck spasms, and massage the area gently to alleviate sharp tension.

4. Apply a topical medication containing Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM), or take MSM orally as a supplement.

5. Meet with a physical therapist or massage therapist for a massage and ultrasound treatment to stimulate the muscles with deep heat and offer immediate relief.

Prevent Neck Spasms

6. Fix bad posture when sitting and standing. Poor posture can strain the neck and result in neck spasms from the physical stress and imbalance of the muscles. Eliminate emotional stressors by trying to relax, breathe deeply and focus on releasing the tension in your body.

7. Eat a good breakfast and lunch high in protein, since neck spasms often result from low blood sugar in the morning or late in the afternoon.

8. Lie down for a rest in the morning and afternoon for 15 minutes, if possible, to relieve tension.

9. Use lumbar cushions when sitting to alleviate widespread pain from Fibromyalgia while also improving posture and reducing muscle tension in the back, shoulders and neck.

10. Stretch the neck and shoulders. This should be done at least twice daily to prevent neck spasms, but can be done in the morning and before bed, as well as whenever the muscles feel tight during the day.

Tags: neck spasms, neck spasms, muscle spasms, neck shoulders, therapist massage

Grow Andrographis

Andrographis, also commonly known as False Water Willow and Indian Echinaechia, is an annual flowering herb that many medical authorities consider efficacious in stimulating the immune system and an element in treating influenza, colds, cancer and HIV. Andrographis can most easily be grown from seed, but mature plants can also be planted. Most grow in hot humid climates with good sun exposure, but Andrographis can also be grown shade, though the plant will be less vigorous. It is not finicky about soil conditions and can grow well in both nutrient-poor and nutrient-rich soil.

Instructions

1. Prepare a soil bed or fill a pot with soil to suit Andrographis' sensibilities. Loosen and break up the soil with a shovel. It is not a plant that is finicky to soil conditions, but if potting in a planter or pot, make sure that your soil can hold moisture, particularly in an arid climate.

2. Sow Andrographis seeds in late spring, planting approximately 2 inches deep in the soil. Alternatively, sow seeds in pots indoors in February or March and transplant outdoors into the ground or pots in the spring. Water in well.

3. Transplant seedlings into the soil at intervals of 17 to 24 inches apart, keeping the soil level the same as it had been growing in. Water in well.

4. Transplant mature plants in the soil at intervals of 11 to 16 inches apart, again keeping the soil level consistent. Water in well.

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Side Effects Of Gastric Bypass Surgery

For people who are significantly overweight, gastric bypass surgery can be one way to improve health and the quality of life. Generally, patients who undergo the surgery can drop about two-thirds of their extra weight within the first two years. With this type of gastric bypass surgery, part of the stomach is restricted so the person cannot eat as much food, plus a portion of the food bypasses the stomach and goes directly to parts of the intestine. The procedure leads to some potentially dangerous side effects.

Dumping Syndrome

After gastric bypass surgery, food may move through the small intestines too quickly. The consequences are chronic diarrhea, nausea, sweating, fainting and weakness.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Because a portion of the food consumed is not absorbed by the body for nutrients, patients are at risk of developing deficiencies. For example, an iron deficiency could lead to anemia. Patients may also be at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

Problems with Bands and/or Staples

To section off part of the stomach, bands or staples are used. If those materials break or begin to deteriorate, the surgery is essentially reversed.

Stomach Acid Leakage

In some cases, the stomach acid can end up leaking into the abdomen. The strong acid can actually damage internal organs.

Death

Although gastric bypass surgery is considered the safest form of bariatric surgery available, 1 in every 200 surgeries results in the death of the patient through complications.

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Stop Eating Sugar & Flour

According to the National Institutes of Health, eating less than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day can lead to illness. Ketones, or broken down fats, can build up in the bloodstream and lead to gout or kidney stones. So if you are trying to stop eating sugar and flour, beware that immediate withdrawal symptoms may include a rapid drop in blood sugar and serotonin levels, especially in those who are sensitive to the substances. While the symptoms are not life threatening, prepare for sudden bouts of anxiety, cravings, headaches, and fatigue, which will pass within a week of removing flour and sugar from your diet.

Instructions

1. Eat foods that are carbohydrate rich and high in glycemic value to maintain a healthy diet. Foods such as baked potatoes, rice, oatmeal and raisins all are high-carb, low-fat foods.

2. Stock up on fresh and dried fruits to eat when you get a sugar craving. Fruits that satisfy a sweet tooth include blueberries and strawberries, pineapple, grapes, pears and figs.

3. Look for gluten-free products to satisfy bread and pasta cravings. As many people have realized they have allergies to gluten and feel better when they don't eat products made with flour, manufacturers have responded with substitutes. While gluten-free products like hamburger buns, pastries and pastas have always been available in health food stores, you can now find whole sections in traditional grocery stores.

4. Substitute sugar alternatives in drinks and baking. According to the Mayo Clinic, artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than real sugar so you'll need less to achieve the same results. FDA-approved artificial sweeteners include aspartame, sucralose and saccharin. You can also use natural sugar replacements, such as stevia and sorbitol, to sweeten coffee, tea and baked dishes.

5. Read labels closely. Sugar is often listed as an ingredient under a number of different names: high fructose corn syrup, honey, corn sweetener and corn syrup. Food that contains flour can sometimes be misleading as well. Look for gluten on labels; it is used for binding and as fillers in products such as salad dressing, beer, ketchup, soups and gravies.

6. Experiment with new food choices. Consider cooking with buckwheat, a member of the rhubarb family, bean flour or carob. You can use chickpeas, cornmeal and quinoa to make a variety of dishes from hummus to bread.

Tags: artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, gluten-free products

Arizona Procedures For Natural Death In The Home

Any death, even one that occurs at home and is expected, leaves pain in its wake..

When a death from natural causes occurs in the home, whether anticipated--for example, under hospice care--or unanticipated, as in the case of a heart attack, people are often unsure what to do. It helps to have final arrangements written down in advance, so if your family experiences this situation, they will know handle it.

Anticipated Death

Notify hospice of the death. If you know which funeral home you wish to use, inform them of that information as well. Hospice will send a physician to examine the decedent and certify the cause of death.

Unanticipated Death

Call 911. Medical personnel will be dispatched to your home, where they will examine the decedent and transport the body to the county medical examiner's office for certification. In most cases, an autopsy will not be required.

Religious Practices

If the decedent's religion requires certain practices in connection with burial arrangements, such as no embalming, be sure to mention those to the police or physician before the body is transported to the funeral home.

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Stop Drinking By Yourself

Excessive drinking leads to alcoholism. Victims of this disease feel that they need alcohol in order to tolerate daily activities and the rigors of everyday life. They may drink because of financial concerns, a stressful work environment, rocky romantic relationships or to cope with grief. Alcoholism is an addiction that is hard to break, but you can do it without relying on medication.

Instructions

1. Make the decision to quit. You may know that you need to, or others may have told you, but in order to be successful you have to admit you have a problem and make a conscious and sober-minded decision to quit. Get rid of any alcohol that is in your house.

2. Tell your friends and family of your plans. Sit down with a few close friends or family members and discuss why you need to quit, whether it is for your health, for family members or both. Make lists of things you want to do when you have weaned yourself of your addiction; plan on rewarding yourself with the money you have saved by not purchasing alcohol.

3. Make numerous copies of these lists, so you will have to see them throughout the day. Put a copy in your car, so that you will see it when you feel weak and want to rush to the liquor store. Post pictures of yourself before you succumbed to alcoholism all over the house and your work area to remind you of your goal. If your kids or family is your motivation for quitting, post pictures of them to keep you on track.

4. Institute the constant help of family and friends. When you are feeling weak, call a friend and have them remind you of the things they disliked about you when you were drinking all the time. Ask a friend to stay with you for a few weeks while you are battling the roughest part of breaking your addiction.

5. Ask family and friends for support. You may even ask a family member to visit local bars and liquor stores to ask the staff at those places to please refuse your service. Although they may be losing business, many places will still work to battle alcoholism.

6. Keep a journal of your progress and accomplishments. Be proud of yourself when you go a day, a week, a month without alcohol. Reward yourself with a vacation or a new gadget when you reach a year.

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Why Does Chemotherapy Affect Hair Follicles

Chemotherapy refers to a class of medical therapy used to treat cancer. There are over 100 different types of chemotherapy medications, with varying methods of administering the medication and varying doses and levels of effectiveness. However, most chemotherapy agents have one property in common: they are designed to interfere with cell reproduction. This property of chemotherapy medication is responsible for its effectiveness in fighting cancer, but it is also responsible for its effect on hair follicles.

The Cell Cycle

To understand the effect of chemotherapy on hair follicles, it is essential to understand the function of cells and cell reproduction. Certain cells in the body, like cancer cells and cells in hair follicles, reproduce frequently. This means the original cell makes a copy of itself and then dies. There are five phases to cell reproduction, which happen over a period of time. At the end of the five phases, the original cell has created a carbon copy of itself, and this new cell is able to serve the same function as the original cell was serving.

Phases of the Cell Cycle

The five phases of cycle reproduction include G0, G1, S, G2 and M. The G0 phase is the resting stage, when the cell has not yet begun to divide or reproduce. Hair follicle cells do not stay in this resting phase for very long before receiving a signal to move into the G1 phase and begin reproduction. In the G1 phase, which lasts between 18 and 30 hours, the cell grows larger and begins to produce more proteins. This will allow the cell to eventually divide into two cells, with each cell strong enough to support itself and be normally sized. The "S" phase follows, and lasts between 18 and 20 hours. In the S phase, the DNA from the original cell is copied so that the new cell will have the same DNA structure as the original cell. In the G2 phase, which follows and lasts between two and 10 hours, the DNA is checked and the cell begins the process of splitting into two separate cells. In the final M phase, the cell actually splits. This takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Hair Cells & Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy generally attacks cells during the S or M phase, preventing the reproduction of the cell. Because cancer cells are continually reproducing, this chemotherapy has the effect of destroying or killing the cancer cells by interfering with the reproduction process. Unfortunately, the chemotherapy can't tell the difference between the quickly reproducing cancer cells and the quickly reproducing hair follicle cells. Thus, the chemotherapy also interrupts the hair follicle cells during their reproduction, causing them to be unable to divide and reproduce properly as well.

When Will the Hair Loss Occur?

Typically, hair loss begins within two weeks of beginning chemotherapy, because the majority of hair follicle cells have tried and failed to reproduce by this point. Some patients report feeling a tingling on the scalp or a sore scalp when the hair loss begins. If the chemotherapy agent is strong enough to cause full hair loss, the process of hair loss usually is finished between three and seven days after the hair loss began, when there are no remaining healthy hair follicle cells. Hair loss is not permanent and when the chemotherapy stops, healthy hair follicle cells begin to reproduce again.

Manage Hair Loss

Hair loss can't be stopped or diminished. Patients should not attempt to stop the hair loss using ice, as this may decrease the ability of chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells around the head.

Tags: follicle cells, cancer cells, hair follicle, original cell, hair follicle cells, between hours

Grapefruit Seed Extract For Tooth Pain

Grapefruit seed extract works to fight internal infections and pain in humans and animals. According to PureLiquidGold.com, grapefruit seed extract can actually eliminate dangerous pathogens and enhance the body's immune system. However, Earthclinic.com reports that preservatives in commercial extract might be responsible for the antimicrobial traits, not the extract itself.

Why Grapefruit Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is nontoxic to humans and dogs, reports PureLiquidGold. It is becoming a popular alternative because it has no serious side effects.

Tooth Decay

Grapefruit extract can help to treat tooth decay. It has a demineralization (the act of removing minerals) effect on the tooth enamel.

Gingivitis and Gum Disorders

Plaque bacteria causes gingivitis and gum disease. By brushing and rinsing your mouth with grapefruit seed extract, you can not only treat it, but reduce the amount of pain as well.

Tooth Extraction

When removing a tooth from the mouth, add one drop of grapefruit seed extract into water and gargle it. It will help relieve the pain and help heal the gums.

Warning

If you are considering using grapefruit seed extract or any other pain reliever, speak with a doctor before use.

The USDA notes a high level of "benzethonium chloride, a synthetic antimicrobial agent" in grapefruit seed extract, reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and at www.terressentials.com/benzethoniumgse.html.

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Identify Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by periods of feeling on top of the world and other times it can leave a person feeling hopeless. The main difference between the two is that with cyclothymia the ups and downs are more brief than they are with bipolar disorder.

Instructions

1. Know what to look for during the hypomanic phase. During this period, a person feels a sense of eurphoria, extreme optimism, has an extremely high self esteem, poor judgment, rapid speech, racing thoughts, aggressive behavior, becomes self absorbed, engages in risky behavior, increased ambition, increased sexual desire, decreased need for sleep or a lack of focus.

2. Be able to recognize the depressive phase. This phase is characterized by sadness, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts or behavior, anxiety, guilt, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities, trouble concentrating, irritability and chronic unexplained pain.

3. Know what can trigger this disorder. A person can have a greater chance of developing this disorder if they have a family member who has cyclothymia or bipolar disorder, have a lot of stress, abuse drugs or experience a major life change such as a death of a loved one.

4. Understand the problems that cyclothymia can cause if it's not treated. This includes an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder, substance and alcohol abuse, legal problems, financial woes, problems with relationships, isolation, poor performance at work or school and suicide.

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Prepare For Dental Veneers

Prepare for Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth. They are used as a way to cosmetically improve the appearance of a person's mouth. Dental patients who have discolored or chipped teeth usually opt to get dental veneers. Once you decide to get dental veneers, you can prepare for the procedure ahead of time.

Instructions

1. Talk to your dentist. Before you get dental veneers, speak to your dentist about what to expect from the procedure as well as how your mouth is going to feel after the procedure has been done.

2. Inquire about the way that your mouth is going to look once you have the dental veneers. Many dentists have software that can show you what your teeth are going to look like afterwards.

3. Research the procedure. After your visit with the dentist, perform some additional research on your own. Read up on the procedure and call your dentist if you have any questions that you want answered.

4. Get a mold done. To make the dental veneers, the dentist is going to have you come back into the office to make an impression of a tooth or several teeth.

5. Evaluate the shape and color of the dental veneer. Before you have the dental veneers put in, you and your dentist are going to discuss the shape and color of the veneer.

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Apply For Medicaid In Nyc

The rising cost of health care in the United States has forced some residents to seek financial assistance from various state and federal programs.

The Medicaid program is administered by states; however eligibility criteria is based on both state and federal guidelines. Indigent residents of New York City can receive Medicaid benefits, which will pay some of their medical expenses. If you are disabled, you may be eligible for Medicaid under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Administration. If you are not disabled, you must meet the financial regulations of the Medicaid program.

Instructions

1. Call the Human Resource Administration in New York City at (718) 557-1399, or write the Initial Eligibility Unit HRA/Medical Assistance Program, P.O. Box 2798 New York, NY 10117-2273 or go into the New York City Department of Social Services, on 109 East 16th St., and request a Medicaid application. If you are pregnant or need Medicaid benefits for your children, you can request an application at several hospitals and clinics in the city. The Department of Social Services can provide you with a list of clinics and hospitals that accept Medicaid applications.

2. Gather the documentation needed to file the application. To verify your age, a birth certificate is acceptable. You will need proof of citizenship, residency, income from all sources, verification of other resources and assets, such as bank accounts and insurance policies, especially if you or someone in your home is age 65, legally blind, or disabled. Household members who receive Medicare must provide a copy of their Medicare card.

3. Review the application and consult an enrollment counselor if your have questions or need clarification regarding acceptable documentation. Complete and return the application, along with the documentation, to the Human Resource Administration, the local department of social services or one of the hospitals or clinics that accept Medicaid applications.

4. Wait to hear from the agency, which will determine eligibility. Expect to wait about 45 days. If you are denied, contact the agency to learn why, and if you are not satisfied with the determination, you can request a conference with the agency or request a hearing with New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

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Stop A Ringing Ear

Tinnitus is an irregular noise in the ear. Millions of people all over the world experience this symptom. Tinnitus can be in one ear or both ears. The most common kinds of tinnitus include ringing, high pitched hissing, screeching and chirping. Tinnitus is not an illness but a symptom resulting from various causes, including excessive wax build-up, trauma, foreign objects, allergies and loud noises. Your hearing system is one of the most sensitive and fragile mechanisms in your body. It is a part of your nervous system that can affect the overall health of your body. By employing all the methods below, you can safely and effectively stop the ringing in your ears.

Instructions

1. Avoid foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fats. These types of foods can aggravate tinnitus. Also keep away from teas, coffees and alcoholic beverages, since they can lower your blood pressure, which can lead to tinnitus. Additionally, consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables every day to help enhance your blood circulation, which will eventually stop your ears from ringing.

2. Check your ears for excessive ear-wax build-up. Excessive ear wax can narrow your ear canal and cause tinnitus. If you feel you have a high amount of ear wax, consult your physician and have him take a look. Do not purchase over-the-counter ear-wax removal kits before consulting a physician. These kits are not effective in completely removing thick ear-wax build-up, and the ear wax may require removal with a medical instrument.

3. Another major cause of tinnitus is being around or working around loud noises. Motorcycles, loud concerts and road construction can trigger ringing in the ears and even lead to loss of hearing. Purchase and wear earplugs to protect your hearing in a very loud environment. Avoiding loud noises will lessen the ringing in your ears.

4. Lower your blood pressure if you are diagnosed with hypertension. High blood pressure is a common medical condition that can cause tinnitus. Consult your physician and have him prescribe medications that can lower your blood pressure. When your blood pressure is stabilized, the ringing in your ears will stop.

5. Talk to your physician if you are taking medications. Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and birth-control pills can cause ringing in the ears. If the ear-ringing becomes unbearable while taking those medications, speak with your physician immediately. He might prescribe alternative drugs that don't cause tinnitus symptoms.

Tags: blood pressure, your blood, your ears, cause tinnitus, your blood pressure

Color Therapy With Blue Lights

Color therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a centuries-old method of treating both physical and mental illnesses. It remains a popular therapy among some proponents of alternative/complementary medicine, and there are even studies that have lent credence to some of the claims made for this method of treatment. At its heart, chromotherapy is based on the belief that certain colors can be used to treat specific illnesses.

Scientific Basis

If your first reaction to the notion that color therapy can cure your ills is one of amused disbelief, rest assured that you are not alone. But take a minute to consider more closely the scientific basis for chromotherapy. In their "critical analysis" of chromotherapy, which was published in the December 2005 issue of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Pakistani physicists Samina T. Yousuf Azeemi and S. Mohsin Raza looked at the science behind chromotherapy. They observe that "colors generate electrical impulses and magnetic currents or fields of energy that are prime activators of the biochemical and hormonal processes in the human body...."

Colors and Their Properties

In its overview of color therapy, the Natures Energies website offers a brief profile of the colors used in chromotherapy and the properties for which each is best known. Red, it's observed, can be used to energize and stimulate your body and its component parts, while yellow increases neuromuscular tone. Turn to white if you're seeking a color to promote regeneration or green to regulate the pituitary gland. Blue is valued, according to the Natures Energies website, for its calming effect. The visible spectrum of light for humans ranges from roughly 380 nanometers to 750 nanometers. While various shades of red fall between 625 and 740 nm at the high end of the visible spectrum, blue falls between 440 and 490 nm, closer to the low end of the spectrum.

Practical Applications for Blue Light

Because of its calmative effect, blue light is said to combat mental and physical tension and induce relaxation. You can practice color therapy in a variety of ways, including exposure of your body--or portions thereof--to lights of varied colors; dressing predominantly in the colors prescribed for your specific ills; and changing the color scheme in rooms where you spend a great deal of time. Although you can tackle some of these forms of color therapy on your own, others, such as light box or colored light therapy, might best be practiced with the guidance of a chromotherapist.

The Color Therapy page of the Spiritual.com.au website says that blue light therapy is among the most potent antiseptics available and is useful in the treatment of more illnesses than any other color. It says that blue light can bring down fever, soothe sore throats, reduce skin and gum inflammations and stop bleeding in the lungs. It's also a good color to use to reduce an infant's teething pains, according to Spiritual.com.au. Other illnesses and injuries that can benefit from blue light therapy include goiter, hypertension, measles, chicken pox, cuts, bruises and burns.

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Tai Chi Vs Chi Gong

Both tai chi and qigong use slow, controlled movements

Tai chi and chi gong, usually spelled qigong in pinyin, the official romanization system of Chinese, are similar forms of Chinese exercise which both have roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Qigong

Qigong is considered one of the pillars of TCM, along with acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine.

Tai Chi

Tai chi comes from qigong and is performed similarly, but with the addition of martial arts moves and philosophy.

Controlled Movements

Both disciplines consist of mastering a series of slow, highly-controlled movements. Like yoga, there are many forms to learn and use, but unlike yoga, you remain standing while performing them, moving smoothly from one form to the next.

Styles

There are many different styles of both qigong and tai chi. Some focus more on the fighting aspects of the arts, and some focus more on health.

Age Restrictions

Both tai chi and qigong are suitable for people of all ages. In China, both disciplines are performed by people in all age groups, but the gentle, low-impact aspect of both tai chi and qigong make them especially popular exercises for older people.

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Treat Dysmenorrhea Naturally

If you suffer from dysmenorrhea, you know that it can be debilitating and uncomfortable. Dysmenorrhea involves painful cramps that occur at the onset of your menstrual period and can run the gamut from mild to very severe. Things may get so bad that you have to take off time from work. The causes for dysmenorrhea are believed to be poor blood flow and uterine contractions. Your doctor may prescribe prescription strength ibuprofen or oral contraceptives to help diminish your difficulty. If you prefer to use natural options to help treat your condition, there are some available.

Instructions

1. Do some stretching. Exercises that involve stretching your body can help ease cramps that occur with dysmenorrhea. Tai chi might be a good form of exercise for you.

Precautions After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a common, safe procedure in which the lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This is performed when the natural lens is clouded and decreases visual acuity significantly, a condition called cataracts. Certain precautions should be taken following surgery to ensure a healthy and full recovery.

Right after Surgery

After the new lens is placed in, your physician will likely place several drops of an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops to prevent swelling and infection. For several hours you may feel slight stinging or itchiness in the eyes; as tempting as it is, try to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Activities should be fairly limited for 24 hours following surgery. In particular, you should not operate a vehicle for 24 hours. Simple activities such as reading and watching TV are fine.

A week later

After one week, full activity can be resumed. This includes heavy lifting and sexual activity. You may need to see an optometrist to be fitted for new glasses, as your previous prescription now may be inaccurate.

Complications

Very rarely, a patient will begin to develop secondary cataracts on the membrane behind the artificial lens. If you experience this or any other complication with your vision, see your physician immediately.

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Hip Surgery Options

Hip Surgery Options

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or hip fractures are the most common reasons for hip replacement surgery. Symptoms felt by people who may consider a hip replacement include severe pain, being unable to perform daily activities and stiffness in the hip. According to the Mayo Clinic, 193,000 total hip replacement surgeries are performed in the United States each year, with a 90 percent success rate (see reference 1).

Traditional Hip Replacement

Traditional hip replacement surgery usually involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial one. The surgery is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a large incision over the hip bone and separates the muscles from the joint. The new hip is inserted, the muscles are reattached and the incision is closed. A hospital stay of several days is required. Most patients will begin standing and walking the day after surgery with the aid of a walker and a physical therapist.

Hip Arthroscopy

This surgery is performed when there are loose pieces of cartilage to be removed from the hip, and to correct a condition called femoral-acetabular impingement, which is too much friction in the hip joint. This is done by reshaping the ball and socket portion of the hip. Hip arthroscopy can also repair soft tissue damage in the socket of the hip. Surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis and is minimally invasive.

Osteotomy

Osteotomy surgery is able to restore normal alignment to the hip joint, and reduces the risk of total hip replacement surgery. It is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon uses fluoroscopy, a live X-ray machine, to see which bones need to be cut to realign the leg. Pins and screws are put into the bones to hold them in place. This surgery requires several days in the hospital and months of healing time. Osteotomy is typically performed on young, active patients. It is important to keep all follow-up appointments and follow the surgeon's directions.

Hip Arthrodesis

This surgery is performed on patients who are suffering from severe arthritis, or have had a traumatic injury or an infection. It is done on people who will want or need to engage in manual labor or high-impact activities after surgery. An artificial hip joint might not hold up well and the patient could face another hip replacement surgery. A hip arthrodesis is the fusion of the bones in the femur and pelvis. It is held together by metal plates and screws. The drawback is the loss of movement in the fused hip joint that will cause the person to walk with a limp.

Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a relatively new development. This procedure is not for everyone, and the surgeon will determine if this is an option based on a person's condition. This surgery is done by resurfacing the top of the femoral bone with a metal cap. It generally requires less bone removal than a hip replacement.

Tags: This surgery, replacement surgery, surgery performed, after surgery, anesthesia surgeon

How Long Is The Hepatitis Vaccine Good For

Hepatitis A is a liver disease than causes flu-like symptoms, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and stomach problems. Because there is no cure for Hepatitis A and the condition can prove deadly in some patients, the Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent the virus's transmission in both children and adults.

When Is the Vaccine Given?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is considered to be safe in infants 12 months and older. Once the first vaccine is given, a follow-up vaccine should be administered six months later.

How Long Does the Youth Vaccine Last?

When children receive both doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine, it is expected to provide protection for 14 to 20 years.

Adults Vaccinations

Certain adult demographics should have a Hepatitis A shot:

• those who travel to countries with a high population of those with Hepatitis A, such as Mexico, Africa, Central America and others (visit www.cdc.gov/travel for more information on travel vaccines).

• those who live in areas where cases of Hepatitis A have been diagnosed

• those with chronic liver disease

• those who share needles or use street drugs

• men who have sex with men

• those who are treated for blood clotting disorders

• those who work with Hepatitis A (animals or strains) in a laboratory

How Long Adult Vaccinations Last

Adult vaccinations are given in higher doses and have been shown to last up to 25 years in adults.

Side Effects

Side effects from the vaccination include mild disorders, such as soreness, headache, appetite loss and tiredness.

Vaccine for Travelers

Those who are traveling out of the country to Hepatitis A-infected areas, should receive the Hepatitis A shot at least two weeks before traveling out of the country.

Tags: have been, Hepatitis shot, Hepatitis vaccine, liver disease, those with

Get Agitation Assessment

Agitation Assessment is important in deciding better manage sedation and agitation to best comfort patients; reduce the length of stay in medical facilities, and test the nature and extent of agitation in patients following a brain injury or when dealing with elderly or nursing home patients with dementia, Alzheimer's patients, sedated intensive care unit patients, and critically ill infants and children. There are many scales used for patients who can communicate and those who can't. To get the agitation assessment that fits the needs of the patient, try the following.

Instructions

1. Ask your medical care professionals about the differences between the most used scales: The Ramsey Scale, the Motor Activity Assessment Scale, the Vancouver Interaction and Calmness Scale, the Agitated Behavior Scale, the Riker Sedation/Agitation Scale, and the State Behavior Scale. Find out what scale nurses in your facility are most comfortable with and which scale is used for which conditions. For example, the State Behavioral Scale is the scale most commonly used for critically ill infants and children and the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS) was developed to test the nature and extent of agitation during recovery from brain injury. The ABS is also often used for Alzheimer's patients.

2. Find out what kind of scale is used by the hospices you're considering. Most hospices use a pocket sized guide called the "Symptom Management Algorithms: A Handbook for Palliative Care" to assess and manage pain, symptoms, and agitation in terminally ill patients. Ask hospices and palliative care facilities if they use this guide.

3. Ask medical facilities if they have tried the Consciousness and Agitation Assessment Tool (CAAT), a newer system that uses changes in heart rate and blood pressure. This fuzzy inference system shows the ability to determine patient agitation, to better manage sedation, and to reduce the length of stay for sedated adult ICU patients and is thought to work better than the Ramsey Scale and the Motor Activity Assessment Scale (MAAS).

4. Ask doctors if they use assessment results to choose medicine and other methods to maximize comfort for patients, maximize meaningful communication, optimize sleep patterns, move and turn the patient, reduce noise and environmental distractions, and re-orient the patient as often as possible. You should also find out how often medical professionals reassess and document symptoms.

5. Choose a teaching hospital or a facility that uses different approaches to fit the patient's circumstances rather than fixed scales to measure agitation. Some scales, and the workers who document results, can be subjective and results can have a lot of errors.

Tags: Agitation Assessment, Behavior Scale, Activity Assessment, Activity Assessment Scale, Agitated Behavior

Spot Symptoms Of Acute Cerebellar Ataxia

Acute cerebellar ataxia is a condition characterized when there is a sudden onset of muscle coordination problems in the legs, arms and trunk or the body. The cause of the condition starts in the cerebellum, which is a part of the brain. This part of the brain controls your balance and your coordination. When a problem happens there, the reaction occurs in the rest of the body in these sudden movements and disturbances.

Instructions

Spot Symptoms

1. Spot the most common symptom of acute cerebellar ataxia which is the uncoordinated movements of the trunk and or the limbs of the body. The sudden movement can be startling especially when the condition first betweens to happen. It is important to note that having just this or just several of these symptoms doesn't mean you have the condition.

2. Notice other common symptoms of acute cerebellar ataxia. Clumsiness is often a problem because of the uncoordinated movements of the body. This also presents itself in the form of difficulty in walking where the individual may feel unsteady.

3. See symptoms in a patient who is suffering from this condition by monitoring their speech. Slurred speech is often common, with changes evident in the pitch of the voice, the volume and the tone. Also, some patients complain of problems seeing clearly as one of the not as often noticed symptoms of acute cerebellar ataxia is rapid movement of the eyes.

4. Monitor for other health issues that could correlate with the symptoms of acute cerebellar ataxia including headaches, dizziness, and changes in mood including changes in behavior and personality. The rapid movements may cause an individual to feel sick to the stomach as well, especially when eye movement is chaotic.

5. Test for the condition through your doctor. Exams including a cerebrospinal fluid test and an MRI or CT Scan are used to determine if the patient has the condition, especially when symptoms are present. Other tests including a metabolic blood test, urine analysis and ultrasound will show proof of the condition.

Tags: cerebellar ataxia, especially when, symptoms acute cerebellar, acute cerebellar, acute cerebellar ataxia

Care For Black Children'S Hair

These pig-tails present a smooth, neat style.

The hair of African-American or biracial children presents unique challenges if you're not familiar with the texture. Black children's hair is usually dry, so avoid the use of drying products or over washing. Too frequent washing will reduce the necessary hair oils. Because the hair of black children is textured, curly and often wiry, tangles can pose a problem. The child will most likely want to decide how it's styled, so keep in mind the texture of his hair when considering style it.

Instructions

1. Wash the child's hair every week to 10 days with a moisturizing shampoo. Massage the scalp with your fingertips and rub in an outward motion from the scalp to the ends. Rinse well.

2. Apply a leave-in conditioner to the child's hair after every shampoo. Work a quarter-sized dollop into the hair, all the way to the scalp, and massage with your fingertips. Dry gently by wrapping a towel around the child's head, then squeezing out the water.

3. Apply 1 tsp. of jojoba or olive oil to the child's scalp. Use less on a small preschool or younger child. Work the oil into the scalp with your fingertips.

4. Remove tangles with a wide-tooth comb. Start at the end of the hair and gently comb, working your way to the scalp. This reduces the amount of discomfort the child feels from the detangling process.

5. Blow dry the child's hair if you prefer a straighter style, or want to braid the hair. Use a boar-bristle brush and blow dry as you are brushing it out. If you want a natural look, allow the hair to air dry.

6. Use a pick to style the hair into a natural look. If you want to braid the hair, secure the braids with cloth-covered rubber bands.

7. Pick the child's hair out before bed, unless she wears braids. Cover natural looks and braids with a scarf or do-rag to keep knots from forming while sleeping. Pick out natural looks in the morning and keep braids in place until they start to look disheveled.

Tags: child hair, with your, with your fingertips, your fingertips, braid hair

Get Information Color Therapy

Get Information About Color Therapy

Color therapy is a holistic and non-invasive type of therapy that dates back to ancient times. Colors can affect our mood, health and emotions and are commonly used by hospitals, restaurants and other businesses to impact customers and guests. Here's get detailed information about color therapy.

Instructions

1. Understand the concept of color therapy. Light energy affects all living things and each color has its own energy vibration. These color wavelengths are absorbed through the eyes, skin and aura. Color therapy enhances the bodies healing processes and emotions by balancing emotions.

2. Learn how the different colors can be used to balance energy within your body and is paired with the chakras that are associated to each organ or area of the body. Warm colors (red, orange and yellow) are associated with the chakras at the bottom of the body and connect us to our physical self by improving circulation, providing energy and relieving depression. Cooler shades (green and blue) associated with the middle of the body, impact you spiritually and calm you. Purple shades, like indigo and violet, are associated with the top of your body to connect you to your mental energy and deals with your thoughts, spirituality and intuition.

3. Get an idea of what color therapy can be used for and how it's used. Colors can be used for physical, mental, emotional or spiritual issues and can serve as a catalyst for and to compliment other healing processes. Utilize it in your everyday life to encourage health and well being. Use the color descriptions in Step 2, look online, find a color therapist (usually at holistic and alternative medicine practices) and read books on colors and chakras for additional details.

4. Determine the type of color therapy you want to use. Therapists in color can apply colored light to acupuncture points (no needles) to balance the color chakras, colored fabrics can be place on different areas of the body or a light box can be used.

5. Think about what your own color preferences and why you may have them. A positive or negative experience in your past can make you like or dislike a certain color. The aversion to a certain color can mean an imbalance in that area or your body, and an attraction to certain colors can mean you're balanced in that area. You can use this awareness to see what areas you should focus on first whether on your own or with a color therapist.

6. Practice some color exercises on your own by placing cloth the color of each part of your body associated with the chakra color. Relax and breathe deeply for five minutes or more while your body absorbs the colors into itself. You can also stimulate a color area that is lacking by putting water in a glass of that color or put colored paper over a clear glass. Allow it to sit in the sunlight for three hours and drink it.

7. Heighten your awareness of color on a daily basis. Everything in nature uses color so pay attention to its vibrancy when you are outside or driving. Notice colors indoors as well and think about how they make you feel.

Tags: your body, associated with, body connect, certain color, color therapist, healing processes, that area

Prevent Slouching

Stand tall! Shoulders back! Stomach in! Do these words sound familiar? Whether hunched over our laptops or leaning against the wall on a coffee break, most of us slouch. It's a bad habit that makes us look insecure, tired and contributes to chronic back pain. Yet we do it every day. Wish you could break that habit? Sitting or standing tall is easy; all it takes is know-how, discipline and practice.

Instructions

1. Stand sideways in front of a full-length mirror. No doubt, your back and neck are curved forward. Place your hands on your shoulders and pull them back bringing your torso upright. It might feel like you are leaning back and squeezing your shoulder blades together, but that's normal in the beginning. According to The Spine Universe, your spine is shaped in a soft "S" curve, not straight up and down. Imagine your spine is the letter "S"--pull the top and bottom of the letter away from each other until it is almost straight. Take a moment to feel your body in this new position.

2. Use a belt or a Thera-band. A Thera-band is a long piece of stretch material found at fitness supply stores. Take the belt or band and fasten it around your waist. Make it snug, forcing your abdominal muscles to pull in to support your lower spine. This step is key. Teaching yourself to pull your stomach in will make you stand taller and protect your back from future injuries. Now lengthen your neck so your head is resting right between your shoulders.

3. Once you have mastered Steps 1 and 2, grab that book. Start far away from the mirror. Balance the book on your head. Take a few steps towards the mirror and don't let that book fall. Notice whether you are leaning to the right or left as you walk. Most people favor one side over the other. Straighten your spine, pull your stomach in and keep the book in place as you continue walking.

4. Take this new posture into the work place--no books or belts, just you sitting at your desk. Notice the shape of your spine. Are you leaning forward? To the side? Resting on your elbow? Remember that "S" curve image in Step 1. Pretend that belt is cinched across your belly. Pull your abdominal muscles in, your shoulders back and your chin up, as if the book is balanced perfectly on top of your head. Notice the room around you. Adjust your computer screen and workspace to accommodate your new and improved posture.

5. Try ncreasing the strength of your abdominal and back muscles to help with some of the discomfort you might feel. No time to throw stomach crunches into your schedule? Try pulling your navel to your spine and holding it in for 10 seconds. You can do it in the car, at the grocery store and in your staff meetings. Building your back is also easy. The next time you have nothing going on, except gossip at the water cooler, squeeze your shoulder blades together behind your back and hold the position for 10 seconds. Repeat two to four times. Do that every day, and no one will call you a slouch ever again.

Tags: your spine, your back, your abdominal, your head, your shoulders

Find Wu Yi Tea

Wu Yi Tea is a trademarked product marketed primarily for its slimming properties. While the names of most tea varieties, such as white, black or green teas, give some clue as to how the tea was produced, the Wu Yi name instead applies to where the tea was harvested: Mt. Wu Yi Shan in China. Mt. Wu Yi Shan is renowned for its production of fine oolong teas, so if you can't find the trademarked Wu Yi tea or aren't willing to pay exorbitant prices for it, you could also try the more commonly available oolong or wu long teas.

Instructions

1. Check health food stores in your area. Wu Yi tea is often marketed as a slimming or weight loss product, so you're likely to find it in the supplement section.

2. Inquire at your local supermarket. Many supermarkets have health food or supplement sections. This is the best place to look for Wu Yi tea.

3. Purchase Wu Yi tea directly from its major marketer, Wu Yi Source. The Wu Yi website is listed in the Resources section below.

Tags: health food

Stop Bed Wetting In An Autistic Adult

To stop an autistic adult from bed wetting takes patience. Bed wetting is very common among autistic individuals of any age, as autism is a developmental disorder that may hinder an autistic individual from fully potty training. It is important to find out why it is happening in order to effectively solve the problem. Autistic adults have bed-wetting difficulties because of lack of muscle control, issues imitating the consistent action of going to the restroom, problems understanding the concept or not being aware of the feeling of wet.

Instructions

1. Observe the autistic individual's bathroom behavior during the day. It is important to be aware of the level of his current potty training capability. Not being potty trained during the day can point to a developmental problem of not being able to imitate the concept of going to the bathroom in the first place. In this case, you should be patient and potty train the individual in the same fashion you would most children. Autistic individuals may take longer to understand the concept as a whole. If they go to the bathroom with no problem during the day, you can assure yourself that they are able to grasp the concept. If this is the case, you need to explore other options of what the problem might be during the night.

2. Take advantage of dry protection. For the comfort of the autistic individual as well as creating an easier clean up for you, use plastic mattress liners. In addition, have the individual wear adult disposable moisture-locking underpants to bed. If needed, she may also wear them throughout the day. This will help contain most of the moisture from her pajamas and the bed sheets. Use these dry protection methods while you are working with the autistic individual's bed wetting situation to allow more comfort for both of you.

3. Reduce the individual's fluid intake. Schedule a time a few hours before the individual usually goes to bed that he will not be allowed to intake any more fluids. Dinner should be the last time he drinks a fluid. In addition, urge him to go to the bathroom right before he goes to bed.

4. Adjust the individual's diet. Autistic individuals commonly have a poor immune system and resulting food allergies. Because this may be one of the causes of bed wetting, perform an allergy test on the individual, with a physician's permission, to rule this possibility out. Common allergies among autistic individuals are dairy, grain and strawberries or citrus fruit. To test the individual, take one of these categories of food at a time out of her diet completely for two weeks. At the end of the two-week period, give her the food item on an empty stomach. If she is allergic, she will react within 15 to 60 minutes. Continue on to a different category every two weeks until you have tested all three food categories.

Aids Among Teens

It may not be the most popular opinion, but the youth of this country is still at risk for HIV and AIDS. While a lot has been done to educate the public on these infectious diseases, the prevention programs used to instruct and inform the youth of this country are still greatly needed as new-age groups become sexually active, along with experimenting with intravenous drug use each year.

Identification

AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is essentially a condition caused by HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, which is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluid from someone infected with the virus. It can be passed in a number of different ways, including sex, the sharing of needles, blood transfusions and even from mother to child during pregnancy. For many of us, it may seem like common knowledge, but to the youth across the country, this isn't always the case.

Significance

Since 1991, AIDS has actually become the sixth-leading cause of death for the youth of this country. That is a fairly high number for a preventable disease. Of all people diagnosed with HIV or AIDS in a single year, 13 percent will be young people. However, a person's age is not the only factor in their risk of infection. A person's race can also play a part in contracting this disease.

Effects

From this 13 percent, 55 percent will be African Americans and 18 percent will be Hispanic, making the risk of infection notably and disproportionately higher for youth of purported minority races and ethnicity. However, these numbers don't mean that a teen is at a greater risk just because he is of a specific minority group. Certain economic and social factors, such as poverty, quality of available educational facilities and access to proper health care, make outreach programs even more important to underprivileged neighborhoods and communities.

Considerations

Yet, it isn't just economic and social factors that play a role in the rate of HIV and AIDS infection in our youth. A teen's gender is also an issue, as a disproportionate amount of males are infected with the disease. Of all young people infected with HIV or AIDS, 62 percent will be males and the other 38 percent are females. A part of this uneven number has to do with male-to-male sex, since male teens that have sex with other men are at a higher risk of HIV infection. This risk is again even greater for youth of minority races and ethnicity, making outreach programs not only important to underprivileged neighborhoods and communities, but also to gay youth.

Prevention/Solution

Currently, the statistics have shown that a fairly larger number of teens are not worried or even bothered by HIV or AIDS. This fact alone should inform us that educational outreach is still very much needed. While it is important to educate our youth on the risk factors and behaviors attributed to infection, they should also understand that nothing is 100 percent effective except abstinence. It is truly the best solution and prevention strategy. Yet, this alone is not the only method that should be taught. An informed youth is a safe youth.

Tags: percent will, youth this country, infected with, risk infection, this country

Quartz Crystals

About Quartz Crystals

Quartz, sometimes called crystal or rock crystal, is the trigonal, hexagonally structured form of crystallized silicon dioxide (SiO2). The most common form of SiO2 is low-temperature quartz. Because quartz is quite hard, (a 7 on the Mohs scale), it demonstrates a resistance to mechanical abrasion that allows it to survive many of the processes on Earth's surface. This makes quartz one of the most common minerals on Earth's surface.

Features

Quartz, similar to other minerals, forms in cavities and cracks in other rocks. Dissolved silicon dioxide is transported by hot water either as a liquid or gas (steam) into these cavities and openings and as the water cools, the mineral crystallizes out of the water. This is similar to the evaporation process of seawater leaving behind salt crystals when the water evaporates. Quartz forms primarily in igneous rocks although it can also occur in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Formation

Large cavities or cracks can produce enormous quartz crystals or clusters of crystals. Quartz forms after other silicates have joined with most available cations. This process of mineral incorporation (such as can be seen on a polished granite countertop) bonds the minerals together into very strong composite materials. As the minerals bond together, the remaining cavities or growth opportunities collect the escaping water, making the quartz growth environment wet. This happens under incredible geologic pressures over significant periods of time.

How Quartz Got its Name

According to the College of Natural Resources of the University of California at Berkeley, "The name quartz is believed to have originated in the early 1500s from the Saxon word querklufterz (cross-vein ore), which was corrupted to quererz and then to quartz." Etymology Online suggests the word comes from Middle High German word twarc, meaning hard.

Colored Quartz

Colored forms of quartz include amethyst, citrine, rose, milky, black, smoky, rutilated, tourmaline and chatoyant intruded, ametrine and adventurine. Natural color occurs due to impurities when quartz is crystallizing. Amethyst comes in shades of purple, due to radiation damage and the presence of iron. It is often used as a gemstone. Amethyst received its name from the ancient Greek word methys, meaning not drunk. It was believed that the stone prevented drunkenness, according to Etymology Online. Citrine comes in shades of orange and yellow orange and it is also often used as a gemstone. It is also colored by the presence of iron. When amethyst and citrine form together they create ametrine and produce a bicolored peach stone.

Types

Smoky quartz can range all the way into black. It is colored by aluminum and radiation. Etymology Online notes that this stone is also called a touchstone. It was used in ancient times to test for the quality of gold and silver alloys. Rose quartz is pink due to the presence of titanium and it is frequently used in bead work. Green quartz (Prasiolite) is rare and comes from a mine in Brazil. Amethyst is sometimes heat treated to make it change to a green color, but it isn't the same as the real stone. Milky quartz is often associated with deposits of gold. Rutilated quartz is clear quartz with fine (venus hair) red rutile crystals. Tourmaline and chatoyant intruded quartz are clear quartz with intrusions of tourmaline or asbestos. Adventurine is green quartz with intrusions of mica. There can be other intrusions that are more rare. Other interesting properties of quartz include its piezoelectric qualities and, if you rub two quartz crystals together, they produce light, a feature called triboluminescence. And, although quartz is extremely hard, it can be dissolved in very hot water.

Tags: Etymology Online, quartz with, amethyst citrine, cavities cracks, chatoyant intruded

Go To Sleep Without Prescription Drugs

These days, it takes a lot for many people to fall asleep. In fact, there are many commercials about asking your doctor to prescribe you a sleeping aid. The problem with sleeping aids is, they can become additive, even if the label or your doctors says they are not addictive. There are several ways in which you can fall asleep without becoming addicted to a drug or having any side effects.

Instructions

Sleeping without Prescription Drugs

1. BREATHE RIGHT STRIPS: For a long time now, these Breathe Rights Strips have been on the market. These little strips will help you sleep better because they open up your nasal passage. They allow you to be congestion free, along with no more snoring. It is never easy to fall asleep with a stuffy nose and runny eyes. Runny eyes usually coincide with a stuffy nose. There is something about the way this product is made, using a particular kind of flexible band, which allows for your each side of nose to lift up. With each side of your nose lifts up, you are now able to sleep better. The snoring is also subside.

2. SLEEPING SPRAY AND LOTIONS: Another great, and drug free way, of falling asleep faster at night is by using applying aromatherapy spray on your pillow at night. Aromatherapy is a great sleeping aid. You can use between one to three spritz on your pillow and sheets. Along with the spray, rubbing any aromatherapy lotion on your arms and neck will relax you. In no time, probably ten to fifteen minutes, you will fall asleep. It really works and this is a great drug free way of getting to sleep fast. Along with these products shown, you can also try Lavender Oils, Sandalwood Oils, Lavender Chamomile and many more.

3. HUMIDIFIERS: There are several humidifiers on the market today. There is one humidifier that allows you to sleep better. The one in this photo is not it. But, the Vicks Humidifier, V3500N Cool Mist, will allow for you to fall asleep. It lets out a cool mist, allowing you to breathe better. When you are able to breathe better, you can also sleep better.

4. LISTENING TO RELAXING MUSIC: If none of the above is a way you would want to fall asleep, how about music? The sounds of nature or classical music are another way to fall asleep. Listening to the sound of rain or thunder will put you to sleep. Having some other white noise (dishwasher, dryer or washer) in use, somewhere in your home, is a good way to fall asleep.

5. Sleeping these days seems to be one thing many of us lack. If there are better ways to fall asleep, without drugs, any of the above solutions will help you. Drugs are not always the solution, unless you have apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you need to be under a doctor's care.

Tags: fall asleep, sleep better, asleep without, breathe better, drug free, each side

Joint Pain Exercises

Good Stretch

Although exercise may be the last thing on your mind, exercising painful joints can actually help relieve pain and stiffness. A mix of stretching, resistance training and aerobic exercise can help you regain flexibility and maintain a positive state of mind.

Stretching

Stretching helps you preserve a good range of motion in your joints. Without it, your joints will feel stiff and inflexible, and this stiffness will exacerbate pain.

One good stretch for knee joint pain requires you to lie flat on your stomach on a flat surface. Keep your leg straight and lift it three to four inches off the ground. Try alternating with your other leg, and also try to hold each leg in the air for five seconds or until you feel a good "burn" in your thighs.

Resistance Training

Resistance training will strengthen the muscles around painful joints. Stronger muscles will take pressure off your joints as you perform everyday tasks and also provide stability for your joints. The "resistance" in resistance training can be anything from heavy weights to the water in a swimming pool; anything that forces you to exert pressure will do.

The common push-up is one popular resistance exercise. If pain keeps you lying horizontally and unable to complete the exercise, try pushing against a wall. Stand 2 feet away from the wall, place your palms against the wall at shoulder width, and push yourself into a standing position. Repeat as many times as you can, and keep track of your progress from day to day.

Aerobic Exercise

Although jogging and running are popular forms of aerobic exercise, they are not advisable with people with joint pain. This high-impact activity will actually worsen knee joint pain, and there are many other ways to get your heart pumping.

Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming or riding a bike will give you the same results without making your pain worse. Start out slow, and as always when beginning a new workout routine, consult your physician first.

Tags: your joints, joint pain, aerobic exercise, against wall, knee joint, knee joint pain

Physician Billing Guidelines

Physician billing guidelines refer to the procedures and processes in place to ensure that doctors receive payment for services rendered. Billing protocols are essential for operating the business aspects of medical practices. Guidelines should consist of well-documented rules and procedures that are not only designed to collect payments and prevent errors, but . keep the practice in compliance with Medicare rules, regulations and fee schedule.

Billing Procedures

Generally, physician billing guidelines cover the billing protocol for all types of payers, including individuals, private insurance companies and government payer programs. Collection procedures must take into account any rules and regulations as well as many different components involved with billing for the practice. The workings of a successful physician billing system must have processes for handling billing individuals for deductibles and co-payments.

However, the primary focus is on government payers, such as Medicare, which has specific guidelines for billing. Processes are in placed for handling patient demographic entry, charge entry and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) or ICD-9 coding.

CPT and ICD-9 are the coding guidelines, which physicians must follow when submitting claims forms to receive payment for their services from Medicare. The procedures must also encompass pre-certification, insurance verification, claims submission, payment posting, account receivables follow-up and denial of claims.

The majority of private insurance payers follow these basic steps. To ensure accurate and prompt payment, many physicians must effectively manage the business of billing. Most physicians establish their primary billing protocol in accordance with the Medicare billing guidelines, which states that there must be a medical reason for the service; you must have performed the service for which you are billing and there must be thorough documentation of the medical necessity for the service.

Most doctors have little to do with the billing process. To maximize the processing of claims for payments, the function is usually handled by experience medical billers and coders. Some of the smaller physician practices handle their own billing in-house. One or two people may be trained to handle the billing tasks and other administrative functions. Generally, large medical centers may have a staff of billers and coders who are specially trained to handle all aspects of the physician billing process.

Like any set of office procedures, physician billing guidelines must be up to date, especially as they relate to changes in billing and coding. There is also a need to stay current on legislation that can have an effect on the billing process. To avoid this burden, many physicians outsource the billing function to third-party companies that specialize in medical billing.

Typically, medical billing firms know the latest rules and regulations and apply them. They also have staffers properly trained on correctly coding the diagnosis, treatments and other services rendered by physicians to ensure payments arrive in a timely manner. Many small practices submit claims on paper but larger offices and third-party medical billing firms perform the function electronically. Although there is still some billing of claims by paper, health care providers are moving toward industry-wide compliance with electronic billing.

Tags: billing guidelines, billing process, medical billing, rules regulations, billers coders

Lose Weight On Weight Watchers(Tm)

Choosing a weight loss program can be difficult with all of the available options to select from. If you are looking for a program that will help you loose weight and still let you have all of the foods you normally eat the Weight Watchers program would be a good program for you, providing you with simple, easy-to-follow steps that will make the journey much less difficult.

Instructions

1. Attend the weekly meetings. Being present at the weekly Weight Watchers meeting is a very important step that will help you accomplish your weight loss goal. Being accountable to the leaders and the scales will constantly remind you to follow program. Studies show that people who attend meetings lose more weight than the people who do not. Attending the meetings will remind you of your goal weekly so you won’t get off track. Having support through the Weight Watchers meetings is the biggest help for people who are trying to lose weight and succeed in keeping it off.

2. Drink your water. Drinking the recommended amount of water everyday helps your body to stay hydrated which in turn facilitates your body in flushing out fat. Not only does drinking water help with weight loss, it also keeps your skin hydrated and promotes overall health and wellness. Your body especially needs extra water to compensate for the heat of the summer and sweat losses from extreme work or exercise. Drinking water regularly will help you to lose weight permanently.

3. Include variety in your meals. In following the Weight Watchers program it is important to get a wide variety of food in your eating plan. Eating the same meals day in and day out will cause you to grow bored. It is also important to vary your food choices so that you will get the proper nutrients your body needs to be healthy. Trying something new and being creative will help you to stay focused and continue following the Weight Watchers weight loss program.

4. Write in your daily eating journal. The most essential step to helping you lose weight on the Weight Watchers program is tracking what you eat and drink in your daily journal. Weight Watchers employs a "point system" to help you track your food and water intake. Everything is assigned a point value.You need to write down what you eat, when you eat it, and how many points the food uses. The journal works like a check book register. You write down the total points of what you just ate and subtract it from your total points allotted for the day until you use them all. There is also a space for marking off the recommended water and milk as you drink them.

5. Make sure to exercise. Exercise is one of the key steps in weight loss. You will see an increase in your weekly weight loss when you add regular exercise to your daily routine. Weight Watchers recommends that you exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week. Not only will you lose weight faster but you will feel better, too. It is easier to stick with an exercise routine if you find a friend to do it with you. Exercising with someone you know will make the time pass faster and the workout seem less tedious.

Tags: Weight Watchers, weight loss, that will, will help, lose weight, Watchers program