Graves' Disease & Anxiety

Graves' disease, a common form of hyperthyroidism, develops when a person's immune system mistakenly perceives the thyroid gland as a threat. The body's subsequent attack on the thyroid creates the hormone imbalances and metabolic disturbances of Graves' disease.

Features

The body's normal reaction to stress is to signal for the release of hormones that allow the body to respond appropriately. In Graves' disease patients, the thyroid releases unusually high levels of thyroxine, a hormone that controls metabolism. Many Graves' disease patients report feeling anxious and fearful.

Symptoms

When the metabolism rises above the normal range, a variety of symptoms develop, including anxiety, irritability, a racing heart, unexplained weight loss and tremors in the hands or fingers.

Correlation to Stress

A study cited by the National Institutes of Health (see Resources) found that a statistically significant number of Graves' disease patients experience a stressful life event before developing Graves' disease. According to the Thyroid Disease Manager (see Resources), some studies support a connection between stress and Graves' disease, but others have not shown a relationship between the two.

Prevention/Solution

In addition to medical treatments, Graves' patients are often encouraged to pursue relaxation techniques to relieve anxiety and to eliminate causes of stress in their lives.

Fun Fact

According to the Thyroid Disease Manager, the link between stress and Graves' disease was first reported in 1820.

Tags: Graves disease, Graves disease, disease patients, Graves disease patients, According Thyroid, According Thyroid Disease

Treat Inflammation Of Muscle Attachments To The Spine

Poor posture and over-use of muscles can result in inflammation of muscle attachments to the spine. There are many ways to treat this, from natural, at-home methods to seeing a sports injury professional. Either way, something has to be done to ensure continuation of happy and healthy exercise routines!

Instructions

Treating Inflammation of Muscle Attachments to the Spine

1. Stop exercising and rest your body until the pain ceases.

2. Apply heat to the areas where you are experiencing the aches and pains.

3. Utilize a heat retainer, which provides support and protection to the body. The heat retainers aid the healing process by collecting body heat of a specific area.

4. Apply tape to your back to improve your posture, and also to relieve the pain you are experiencing. Posture is one of the key ways to treat inflammation, as well as prevent it from happening in the first place.

5. See a doctor who specializes in sports-related injuries if necessary. The doctor can prescribe you anti-inflammatory medication, as well as teach you about joint manipulation and sports massage techniques that can help relieve the discomfort you are feeling.

Tags: Attachments Spine, body heat, Inflammation Muscle Attachments, Muscle Attachments, Muscle Attachments Spine

High Sedimentation Rates & Bone Cancer

A sedimentation rate is a test for inflammation.

A sedimentation rate is a blood test that detects inflammation in the body. An elevated sedimentation rate can be indicative of arthritis, other inflammatory conditions or some types of cancer.

Sedimentation Rates

A erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test looks at red blood cells and measures how long it takes these cells to settle at the bottom of a test tube. Inflammation causes red blood cells to quickly sink.

Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that begins in the bones. Other cancers can affect the bones, such as leukemia, which occurs in the bone marrow, or metastatic cancers, which begin in one place and spread.

High Sedimentation Rates

High sedimentation rates indicate inflammation somewhere in the body. Extremely high sedimentation rates are associated with serious diseases, such as infection or cancer, including bone cancer.

High Sedimentation and Bone Cancer

Although extremely high sedimentation rates can indicate cancer, they more often reveal other infections. Typically, physicians only use sedimentation rate to detect cancer when the patient has other symptoms, such as a history of cancer or weight loss.

Considerations

A high sedimentation rate can indicate many diseases. Although high sedimentation rates can indicate bone cancer, this is unlikely in patients without other cancer symptoms or history.

Tags: sedimentation rate, High Sedimentation, rates indicate, sedimentation rates, sedimentation rates indicate

Why Does Seroquel Make You Sleepy

About Seroquel

Seroquel is a medication most often used for treating severe psychological disorders such as bipolar disorder. However, it is increasingly being used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders, because of its sedating side effects. Nonetheless, using Seroquel to treat sleep disorders comprises an unregulated use of the drug, since Seroquel is a powerful antipsychotic drug. For now, it is prescribed mainly for treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and fatigue is one of its chief side effects.

How Seroquel Causes Fatigue

When Seroquel enters the body in pill form, it dissolves and enters the bloodstream, where it is eventually absorbed into the brain. There, it controls the release of dopamine and serotonin, the two neurotransmitters thought to be dysfunctional in bipolar or schizophrenic patients. As with many medications, it is not known precisely how Seroquel affects the brain, only that it alleviates the psychotic symptoms of those with severe mental disorders. Seroquel causes fatigue because it interferes with serotonin, which can cause fatigue in large amounts. Moreover, Seroquel is an antihistamine. Antihistamines, such as allergy medications, fatigue the body when they enter the brain.

Treatments for Seroquel-Caused Fatigue

Many times, the fatigue caused by Seroquel fades as the patient's body adjusts to the new medication. The fatigue may never entirely go away for others, however, since everyone's body responds differently to medication and some people are more sensitive to Seroquel's side effects. However, it may help to take a lower dosage of Seroquel under a doctor's supervision. If you are a bipolar or schizophrenic patient, you may have to bide your time until you and your doctor discover the dosage that relieves your symptoms with minimum sedative effects.

Tags: side effects, bipolar disorder, bipolar schizophrenic, sleep disorders

Signs & Symptoms Of Lymphoma In Adults

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting diseases in the body. It is also called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The cause of lymphoma remains unknown, but studies have shown it to be more common in people who have been exposed to certain chemicals, including benzene, or radiation as well as those with compromised immune systems such as from an organ transplant. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of lymphoma so that treatment can begin as early as possible.

Lymph Nodes

When the lymph nodes close to the skin are involved, they may be noticeably swollen. The lymph nodes that are most visible include those in the neck, armpit and groin and above the collarbone.

Brain

When lymphoma develops in the brain, symptoms include headaches, changes to the personality, difficulty thinking or moving some parts of the body and possibly seizures.

Abdomen

Abdominal pain or swelling can be symptoms of lymphoma in the stomach area. Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite can also be experienced. The swelling and pain can be the result of the pressure from a tumor or from fluid buildup in the abdomen.

Skin

When lymphoma develops in the skin, it can typically be felt and seen. In many cases, patients will appear to have reddish or purplish bumps under the skin, and they may be itchy.

Chest

Lymphoma can also develop in areas in the chest cavity, which may cause shortness of breath or a cough. In some cases, the tumor may cause pressure on the superior vena cava, the vein that carries blood to the heart from the head and arms. This is a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Other Symptoms

Some symptoms of lymphoma are general signs that can be experienced no matter where the cancer begins. These signs include unexplained weight loss, heavy night sweats, itchiness and fever.

Treatment

Treatment options for lymphoma include radiation, chemotherapy and biological therapy to kill or slow the growth or cancerous cells. Bone marrow or stem cell transplants are also options.

Tags: lymph nodes, lymphoma develops, symptoms lymphoma, When lymphoma, When lymphoma develops

Relieve Nasal Congestion In Infants

Nobody likes the nasal congestion that comes along with a cold. When an infant gets a cold, the situation can turn your little one cranky very quickly due to the inability to breathe and communicate. According to Medline, a service of the National Library of Medicine, there are several ways that can help parents with relieving their baby's nasal congestion.

Instructions

1. Encourage your baby to drink as much as she can when she has a cold. An infant often has a hard time feeding when she cannot breathe, so this could be a test of patience for everyone involved. Breast milk, formula and water can all help make mucous thinner and easier to expel.

2. Place a humidifier in your infant's room to introduce extra moisture into the air. Nasal congestion may feel worse when the house is dry.

3. Use a nasal aspirator to gently remove mucous that may be blocking your child's nose. This method does not always relieve all of the nasal congestion that your baby is experiencing, but can help him breathe easier in the short-term.

4. Moisten your infant's delicate nasal tissues with saline nose drops. The moisture inside the baby's nose will help her breathe more freely.

5. Allow your infant to rest or sleep in his bouncy seat or car seat when he has a cold. Nasal congestion is most bothersome at night or when your baby is lying flat. Reclining in a semi-upright position may relieve some cold symptoms.

Tags: your baby, your infant, congestion that, help breathe, nasal congestion, nasal congestion that

What Are The Lyme Disease Symptoms & Treatment

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause significant long-term health issues in humans. Present on every continent and positively identified in 49 of the U.S. states, the disease is found most commonly in squirrels and mice. A tick that bites an infected animal can then transfer the disease to humans. Individuals concerned about Lyme disease should be aware of its initial symptoms, long term illness warnings, and treatment protocols.

Initial Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The initial symptoms of Lyme disease appear within 3 to 30 days of the tick bite. The first sign is a circular rash with a distinct center that spreads and expands, while maintaining its circular appearance. This rash is called erythema migrans and appears in 70 to 80 percent of Lyme disease cases. Additional symptoms of infection can mimic the flu, including fever, body aches, and a feeling of tiredness.

Over the next few weeks, humans infected with Lyme disease may notice muscle weakness, dizziness, migraines, and stiff joints. After a few months, infected humans may notice arthritis-like symptoms, including aching or swelling joints, numbness in appendages, and localized pain.

Identifying Lyme Disease

Physician diagnosis of Lyme disease often relies on observation of physical symptoms, such as the circular rash. A patient history will be taken, including questions about possible exposure to tick bites and other symptoms the patient may have observed.

Blood tests are available that measure antibody levels to determine if the body is fighting an infection, but may not be completely reliable due to a tendency for false positives. Other tests, including urine analysis and immunofluorescent staining, are not recommended by the CDC.

Treating Lyme Disease

Antibiotics, either oral or intravenous, are typically prescribed for those individuals affected by Lyme disease. If the antibiotics are prescribed during the initial stages of infection, most humans will recover fully. When treatment is initiated after the first few weeks of infection onset, those infected may experience disease symptoms for months or even years.

Avoiding Lyme Disease

Avoid contracting Lyme disease by applying pesticides around the home to control the tick population, and using insect repellent when outside. When possible, stay clear of wooded areas. If outdoor activities include areas with tree cover, consider wearing light-colored clothing that fully covers the body (i.e., long sleeved shirts and long pants). When outdoor activities have ceased, be sure to check carefully for ticks and remove immediately if found.

Tags: Lyme disease, Lyme Disease, circular rash, initial symptoms, Lyme disease, Lyme disease

Treat Hearing Loss With Acupuncture

Treat Hearing Loss With Acupuncture

There are several types of hearing loss that people with normal hearing can experience. Meniere's disease occurs when the fluid levels in the ear canals are higher than normal. Dizziness and low-range hearing loss can result from Meniere's disease. Ringing, roaring and hissing in the ears for no apparent reason is called tinnitus. People with tinnitus can also experience hearing loss. Patients with Meniere's disease or tinnitus may choose to treat their conditions with acupuncture.

Instructions

1. Make an appointment to have your hearing tested once you have been diagnosed with tinnitus or Meniere's disease. Your doctor may be able to perform the test or he may send you to an audiologist. It is important to have a baseline hearing level to work with before you begin to treat your hearing loss with acupuncture.

2. Keep a diary of your hearing loss symptoms. People who experience a hearing loss due to tinnitus or Meniere's disease may also exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vertigo or loss of balance. Bring your notes regarding the frequency and severity of your attacks to your acupuncture appointments.

3. Choose a certified acupuncturist who practices in your area. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is the regulatory agency for acupuncture. The NCCAOM features a provider directory on its website that can help you find a local practitioner (see Resources below).

4. Wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to your arms, legs and face. The acupuncturist may need to insert needles into areas of your face--near your cochlear ducts in the ear--to balance your qi (your body's energy, pronounced "chee").

5. Use acupuncture to treat stress in an effort to keep your hearing loss at manageable levels. Tinnitus can worsen during periods of high tension and stress. Discuss these issues with your acupuncturist as part of your consultation.

6. Schedule follow-up hearing tests after you have completed several acupuncture sessions. Some people feel as though their hearing has been restored after treatment, while others are not sure. A hearing test can give you scientific proof whether or not the treatments have been successful.

Tags: Meniere disease, hearing loss, your hearing, your hearing loss, experience hearing

Treat A Sore Neck

A sore neck is most often caused be tired or overworked muscles. When we do things that the muscles are not used to, such as looking up for a large amount of time, they can easily feel stiff and sore. You can help treat this yourself, and the article below will show you a thorough way of treating your sore neck so that you feel better almost right away.

Instructions

1. Massage yourself. This should start as simply as using a circular rubbing motion around the area where you feel soreness. This should slowly descend into a circular motion in the affected area itself. Start slowly, then go deeply into the muscle.

2. Get a gentle source of heat, such as ThermaCare heat wraps for your neck. Wrap the sore spot with the heating pad. This will help alleviate the ache as soon as the heat kicks in.

3. Lie down with the heating pad, using a supportive neck pillow. You want to get the neck to a neutral position where no strain is placed upon the neck whatsoever. Avoid having the heating pad on for too long in one sitting.

4. Use hot water if heating pads are not something you are comfortable using! You will want to try easing the soreness with water. Stand in a hot shower, allowing the water to flow upon the neck towards the aching part of it. Turn your head with your hands underneath the water, holding it in place. This should help if you use small movements. Let the water soothe and heal. You can soak in the shower for several minutes to help with neck aches.

5. Take the pain reliever usually recommended for you, and try to lie down if these methods do not work. Consult your doctor, and do what you can to avoid any over-use or strain on your neck until medical help can be given.

Tags: This should, upon neck, with heating, your neck

Treat Menstrual Cramps Naturally

Menstrual cramps affect almost all women during their menstruation. Luckily, menstrual cramps are one of the easiest menstrual symptoms to treat naturally. Below are some of the more effective natural remedies that can be used for menstrual cramps.

Instructions

1. Take Motherwort in supplemental form daily during menstruation to both prevent and treat cramps. If you do not like taking supplements, you can add a few drops of the tincture to either water or tea instead.

2. Take a Niacin supplement starting about 5 days before your menstruation usually begins, continue taking it until about 2 days after the end of your menstruation cycle. Niacin is very effective at relieving cramps of any type. It helps by diluting the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and circulation to the wall of the uterus.

3. Take an Omega 3 Fatty Acids supplement daily, and continue taking it regularly even when you are not menstruating. Fatty acids help to prevent muscle tissue spasms, which is a factor in menstrual cramps.

Tags: menstrual cramps, about days, continue taking, your menstruation

How Does Gatorade Stop Headaches

What Electrolytes Are and How They Prevent Headaches

The Wellsphere website describes electrolytes as elements like sodium and potassium which, when present in liquid form, nourish, hydrate and provide energy for the body. Besides preventing dehydration, electrolytes are also important in maintaining nerve and muscle function. When a person loses an excess amount of electolytes through excessive perspiration, whether from physical exertion or extreme temperatures, she will experience dehydration. The most common symptoms of dehydration are tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. The headaches, in particular, are caused by the constricted capillaries and blood flow that come with dehydration.

How The Electrolytes In Gatorade Work

While the body loses a number of electrolytes during excessive perspiration, the two main electrolytes that are lost--and whose absence cause the most discomfort--are potassium and sodium. Sports drinks like Gatorade are manufactured to contain high levels of both of these electrolytes, to replace what the body has lost. When consumed, these beverages release sodium and potassium back into the body, where they are absorbed into the constricted tissues, muscles and capillaries that are operating on an electrolyte deficit. When capillaries are unconstricted, blood flow resumes freely and the headache subsides.

When To Drink Gatorade

It may seem obvious that the best time to drink Gatorade, or any electrolyte-rich drink, would be when one experiences dehydration symptoms. This is actually counterproductive. Regular exercisers and those who do strenuous outdoor work know that drinking a beverage like Gatorade before AND after engaging in physically demanding labor of any kind keeps electrolytes present in your system while you sweat. This is the best prevention against the headaches, muscle cramps, vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration.

Tags: blood flow, excessive perspiration, like Gatorade, sodium potassium, vomiting diarrhea

Heal With Magnets

Magnets have long been utilized for their healing potential. With roots in some of the world's most ancient civilizations, magnetic healing has earned a coveted place in the pantheon of alternative healing modalities. Utilizing the magnetic energy fields of the body, the healing properties of magnets are just as effective today as they were in centuries past. With the proper tools and working knowledge of these unique instruments, you can harness the power of magnets to heal a variety of medical conditions.

Instructions

1. Determine the north and south poles of your magnet. Place the magnet in front of a standard compass. The north side of the magnet will cause the compass to point in the northern direction.

2. Identify the area of your body in need of magnetic therapy. Focus on one area at a time.

3. Place the magnet, north side down, directly onto the skin over the afflicted area. For example, if you are suffering from arthritis in your knee, place the magnet directly on top of that knee. In some instances, you may want to tape the magnet onto the skin using a bandage or other medical-type adhesive.

4. Monitor the pain in the afflicted part of your body. There is no scale for determining how long a magnet can remain on the skin, so it is up to you to remain in touch with the messages your body is sending. It may be just a few minutes, or you might decide to keep it on for a day. According to the book "Energy Medicine," author Donna Eden advises that practitioners never keep the north pole of the magnet taped onto the skin for more than 12 hours.

5. Use the magnet as needed. You may see the pain abate immediately, or it might take several applications. Each body's magnetic field is different, and healing times vary from person to person.

Tags: onto skin, your body, north side, Place magnet

Prk Laser Eye Surgery Complications

Millions of people each year opt to go under the knife to ditch their glasses and contact lenses. But as with every type of surgery, Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK, laser eye surgery presents a host possible complications that can arise after the procedure. From under-correction to persistent dryness to more serious complications, it is important to be aware of the risks of PRK laser eye surgery before deciding to go through with the procedure.

What is PRK Laser Eye Surgery?

Similar to LASIK surgery, PRK attempts to correct vision problems such as myopia and astigmatism through using a laser to reshape the eye's cornea. It is currently the second most-used laser treatment to correct vision problems. Though the two surgeries are relatively similar, their dissimilarities come in how the procedure is carried out. By using an Excimer laser, the doctor removes the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, to reshape this portion of the eye and fix vision problems. Patients are then required to wear bandage contact lenses over their eyes for several weeks to ensure that the epithelium has a chance to heal and regenerate.

How is it different from LASIK?

Rather than simply pushing the epithelium back, using a laser to reshape the cornea and then pulling the epithelium back over the eye as in LASIK surgery, PRK removes this portion of the eye completely. In addition, PRK is often used in patients who have thin corneas or larger pupils and is a possible alternative for those who do not qualify for LASIK surgery because of specific eye conditions. In addition, PRK's recovery time is considerably longer than LASIK's, and patients typically don't see the instant clarity of vision they would see in the days following LASIK surgery.

Pain

Though not necessarily a complication, it is important to understand that there might be slightly more discomfort and pain in the days following a PRK procedure. This is due not only to the sensitive nature of the procedure, but because the entire epithelium must regenerate itself. Therefore, it is essential that patients consult their doctor about post-operation care and take precautions to protect their eyes from any unnecessary stress.

Under -orrection and astigmatism

One possible complication that can arise after a PRK procedure is under-correction. This is when not enough or too much tissue has been taken off the cornea. Though this condition can be rectified, it will entail more surgeries once the eye has healed. Another possible issue that can arise is the development of an astigmatism if the tissue is removed unevenly. This can also be corrected with further surgery.

Distorted Vision

Distorted vision is another possible complication that can affect post-operative patients. The appearance of halos, night glare and double vision can all affect patients after PRK. Subtle vision distortions can be corrected with eye drops, while others will require further surgery.

Other Complications

As with all laser eye procedures, there is a risk of infection and scarring. The possibility of developing infection can be curbed through being mindful of post-operation protocol and contacting your doctor if you begin experiencing anything out of the ordinary.

Tags: LASIK surgery, that arise, vision problems, after procedure, arise after, arise after procedure, complication that

Use Soy Protein

Soy is high in protein, lactose-free and contains no cholesterol. Those properties make it a great way to supplement the diet for those with lactose intolerance or high cholesterol, or for vegetarians. Additionally, soy protein is thought to increase cardiovascular health, making it a great supplement for just about everyone, particularly people at risk of or with a history of heart disease and diabetes. Here are some ways to add soy to your diet.

Instructions

1. Replace your regular wheat flour with soy flour. You can make all of your favorite recipes in the exact same way with little change in flavor, an easy way to use soy protein and support your overall health.

2. Substitute tofu or even tempeh for meat in recipes which call for beef, chicken or other meats. While many people do not like the taste and texture of tofu, tempeh, made from whole, cooked soybeans, is far more palatable and is packed full of soy protein.

3. Drink soy milk instead of regular milk, particularly if you are lactose intolerant, or trying to reduce fat or cholesterol in your diet. While finding a brand of soy milk that you find palatable will take some experimentation, there are plenty of quality products out there which offer similar taste and consistency to regular milk.

4. Power up with soy protein powder. Soy protein powder may be the easiest way to get extra protein each and every day as it can easily be added to juices, salads, soups and other recipes.

5. Look for a large variety of other soy products, such as miso, soy burgers, soy turkey, soy yogurt, soy cheese and more. With a little adjustment to your regular grocery list, you will find that it is a snap to use more soy protein in your daily diet.

Tags: great supplement, protein powder, regular milk, your diet, your regular

How Do Oranges Help Your Body

Oranges have many health benefits.

Accupuncture Treatment For Chronic Depression

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine. The act of acupuncture is placing needles in the skin at the more than 2,000 different points on the body. The purposes of acupuncture can range from pain relief and nausea from chemotherapy to smoking cessation, carpal tunnel syndrome and nearly everything in between. One of the things acupuncture is used for is to treat the symptoms of chronic depression.

Efficacy

Acupuncture is used by some to treat the symptoms of chronic depression. Acupuncture works by stimulating the central nervous system through the needle in the skin. Once the central nervous system has been affected, chemicals are released into the muscles, brain and spinal cord. These chemicals help to promote the body's natural healing system. In homeopathic terms, the needles from an acupuncture treatment stimulate the flow of energy and functionality in the body. It is estimated that acupuncture is now covered by 70 to 80 percent of insurance companies in the United States. Additionally, the United Nations World Health Organization now approves acupuncture as a potential treatment for depression. In a study conducted at the University of Arizona it was found that acupuncture needles placed at certain points specific to depression were successful in reducing the symptoms of depression by 43 percent. Psychologists and acupuncturists both deduced from this study that using acupuncture for the treatment of depression can be effective and produce similar results to treatment using drugs and psychotherapy. There is another way in which acupuncture might be successful in treating the symptoms of depression. According to the Psychiatric Times there is data that might confirm that acupuncture for the treatment of depression might also stimulate the release of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are three of the substances found in anti-depression medications. Anti-depressants as well as acupuncture are an acceptable treatment plan for chronic depression. The adverse affects might be itching in the area of the acupuncture and tiredness and drowsiness.

Tags: acupuncture treatment, that acupuncture, treatment depression, acupuncture treatment depression, central nervous

Burn Fat Cells

Everything your body does requires energy, and it obtains that energy by burning calories. When your body takes in fewer calories than it needs, it gets that energy from other sources, such as stored fat. Burning fat is a matter of figuring out your body's daily calorie needs, then creating a deficit that causes your body to burn the fuel it has stored.

Instructions

1. Calculate your daily caloric needs. A doctor or dietitian can do this, but healthcare resources such as the Mayo Clinic website have reliable calorie-needs calculators. Your daily requirement depends on your age, height, weight, gender and level of activity.

2. Cut empty calories. Creating an energy deficit causes the body to begin burning whatever fat it has stored. Non-nutritional calories such as those from sugar or fried foods often is a healthy place to start.

3. Increase activity. Along with cutting calories, the way to burn fat is to increase your body's energy needs. Performing a workout that burns a few hundred calories widens the gap and causes your body to burn more fat.

4. Build muscle. Muscle turns your body into a calorie-burning machine; a pound of muscle burns 50 calories a day.

Tags: your body, body burn, causes your, causes your body, that energy

Treat Droopy Eyelids

A common sign of aging is droopy eyelids. This is usually caused by a loss of elasticity in the muscles of your eyes. Although most of us cannot totally get rid of the signs of aging, there are a few things we can do to delay it a bit. With a few short tips, you'll soon learn treat droopy eyelids.

Instructions

1. Sleep as much as possible. If you are constantly sleep deprived, then you are definitely going to experience periods of droopy eyelids. Your body needs to be well rested in order to function properly. If it does not get necessary sleep, then it will display it in several different ways. Getting at least eight hours of sleep per day will decrease the occurrence of droopy eyelids. You'll feel totally rejuvenated and almost able to do anything.

2. Drink a large amount of water daily. Nourishment is a great way to prevent droopy eyelids and other negative risks to your body. Not only will you feel healthier, but you won't experience overly dry skin either. Having increased elasticity in your skin will delay wrinkles and droopy eyelids from becoming apart of your everyday look.

3. Eat as much healthy vegetables and fruits as possible. This will most definitely give your body the proper nourishment it needs on a regular basis. When you are eating well, you can also feel more focused with your daily activities. Not eating properly will cause you to feel as though you are run down. You won't have the chance to finish important tasks if you are not focusing on them.

4. Place cool gel packs on your eyes regularly. It will give you a nice boost when needed. In the morning before going to work, you can take a few minutes to relax and reduce some of the swelling around your eyelids. This method is an affordable and quick technique for getting rid of droopy eyelids.

5. Get plastic surgery for your droopy eyelids as a last resort. If you have tried numerous methods to get rid of them and nothing has worked, then you may want to consider a cosmetic procedure. Although these procedures can be extremely pricey, some clinics can offer affordable pricing. Many of them have payment plans that will not cause a drastic dent to your wallet. Just remember that doing this procedure will not permanently prevent aging signs, but will only delay them for a bit.

Tags: droopy eyelids, droopy eyelids, eyelids This, will cause, your body, your eyes

Know When To See A Doctor For Anorexia

Know When to See a Doctor for Anorexia

It is difficult for people who have anorexia to approach a doctor and admit that they have this illness. Anorexia is unlike most other diseases in that there is an element of shame involved in initiating anorexic behaviors. There are several signs that will indicate when you should see a doctor for anorexia.

Instructions

1. Set up an appointment with a doctor when your friends and family approach you with evidence of your anorexia. People close to you will not approach you about anorexia until they are sufficiently concerned about your health.

2. Make your way to a physician when you notice that you are spending an extensive amount of time thinking about your weight. The differences between casual concern about weight and anorexic behavior are daily trips to the scale and hours in front of the mirror.

3. Speak with your physician as soon as you know that your digestive problems are out of the ordinary. Chronic bloating, constipation and problems digesting food, when combined with extremely low weight, are symptoms that point to anorexia.

4. Schedule time with your doctor when you know that you are quickly losing your attention span. You should see a medical professional when mental capacities like the ability to focus on a speaker or document begin to diminish. Your doctor will be able to assess whether these problems are associated with other physical or with anorexia.

5. Monitor your energy levels on a daily basis to know when to see a doctor about anorexia. The poor eating habits associated with anorexia lead to deficiencies in vitamins B, C and E, which contribute to exhaustion over time.

6. Seek medical care for anorexia and other eating disorders if you have prolonged bouts with common illnesses. Vitamin C deficiencies and a lack of other nutrients lead to a weak immune system in anorexic patients. You should become concerned if a cold or flu lasts longer than 2 weeks and you exhibit other symptoms of anorexia.

7. Request tests from your doctor to eliminate other illnesses that may contribute to your symptoms. Specific ailments like skin discoloration and poor metabolism can be caused by illnesses that are similar to anorexia. You should run a full battery of tests before proceeding with treatment.

Tags: about anorexia, about your, associated with, doctor when, illnesses that

Chemotherapy Treatment For Lung Cancer

Lung cancer results from abnormalities in the lung cells. With lung cancer, there is uncontrolled cell expansion and growth. This cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer on the planet, and one of the most common causes of death in the United States, for both genders. Chemotherapy is a popular treatment option for dealing with lung cancer.

Types

There are three main types of chemotherapy treatments used for dealing with lung cancer. These types are adjuvant chemotherapy (done post-surgery or post-radiation to destroy any possible lingering cancerous cells), primary systemic or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (conducted pre-surgery to kill cancerous cells) and systemic chemotherapy (for metastatic or locally advanced lung cancer).

Function

Generally, with lung cancer chemotherapy, chemotherapy drugs are administered via intravenous injection directly into the veins, or with the use of a catheter, which is a tube that is inserted into a vein and kept there as long as necessary. In certain instances, anticancer drugs are administered in pill form instead.

Side Effects

As with any treatment procedures, there are certain possible side effects associated with getting lung cancer chemotherapy. These risks include infection, hair loss (a very common chemotherapy side effect), loss of appetite, feelings of nausea, vomiting and mouth sores.

Chemotherapy Drugs

There are a lot of commonly administered drugs utilized for lung cancer chemotherapy treatments. Oftentimes, a combination of drugs is used as well. Some popular chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer include Taxotere, Adriamycin, Paraplatin, Platinol, Gemzar and many others.

Significance

It depends on the individual lung cancer case, but chemotherapy is often used as an additional treatment post-surgery to remove any lingering cancerous cells in the lungs. It is also used to extend the lives of people with very advanced lung cancers. It can also help to reduce the negative effects and symptoms of lung cancer, such as aching and shortness of breath.

Tags: lung cancer, cancer chemotherapy, cancerous cells, lung cancer, lung cancer

The Best Pillows For A Bad Neck

The proper pillow can relieve neck pain.

The best pillows for people with bad necks provide natural support that holds the body in normal alignment. Supportive neck pillows reduce neck, shoulder and head pain and improve the comfort of those who use them. Consider the size, thickness, shape, filling material and cover material when you choose a pillow to ensure your comfort.

Posture Med Contour Pillow

A doctor designed the Posture Med Contour Pillow specially for people who suffer from neck pain. The pillow is constructed of two types of soft memory foam to provide the proper density and compression for comfort. The sides are made with 4 or 5-inch contour rolls to give support to side and back sleepers. The cover is made of 80 percent cotton and is machine washable.

Inflatable Pillow

The air cells of the inflatable pillow move independently to provide the proper head and neck alignment. Two zones---one for your head and one for your neck---can easily be adjusted with valves for the most comfortable support. The inflatable pillow also reduces pressure points on your face, head and neck, and helps maintain proper blood flow. The pillow is made of polymeric vinyl with a triple-layer cover of stretch velour, anti-microbial fiber and stretch jersey. The cover is machine washable.

Buckwheat Comfort Pillow

Health care professionals recommend buckwheat pillows for proper alignment of the spine to reduce head and neck pain. Buckwheat hulls are a natural, environmentally safe alternative to foam or fiber filling for pillows. The Buckwheat Comfort Pillow contains nine pounds of organically grown buckwheat hulls that have not been treated with pesticides or fumigants. You can remove or add hulls to provide the ideal support system for your comfort. The hulls are enclosed in a 100 percent cotton quilted cover with a safe-lock zipper. The pillowcase is also quilted, which reduces the noise of the hulls and gives a soft sleeping surface.

Tags: head neck, neck pain, Buckwheat Comfort, Buckwheat Comfort Pillow, Comfort Pillow

Test For Pheromones

Pheromones may create sexual attraction.

Pheromones are a body's natural chemicals that cause attraction. Androstenone is the formal name of the chemical that makes up pheromones. Pheromones are theorized to produce a natural musk, stimulating subconscious parts of olfactory -- smelling -- sensations. While some scientists continue to doubt the existence of pheromones and their effect on attraction, a good test to see if pheromones work is to wear them directly.

Instructions

1. Find four willing people to act as participants in the test. Two participants should be girls and two should be guys. Each participant should be as equally attractive as possible.

2. Spray one guy and one girl with a cologne or perfume with a high concentration of androstenone. Do not spray the remaining guy or girl with this cologne or perfume.

3. Send each of the four participants out on 10 speed-dates. Each date should last a maximum of five minutes. Have each of the speed-daters -- those dating one of the four initial participants -- complete a post-date survey form. Ask each speed-dater if they would like to see their speed-dating partner again.

4. Collect and compare the post-date data. Examine each form to see if there is a discrepancy in results between the two participants wearing the androstenone-based cologne or perfume and the two that did not. More specifically, use this data to test to see if the two participants wearing the androstenone-based cologne or perfume garnered move favorable survey results than the other two.

Tags: cologne perfume, androstenone-based cologne, androstenone-based cologne perfume, girl with, participants wearing, participants wearing androstenone-based

Benefits Of Daily Meditation

People meditate for various reasons including stress relief and pain management. Although meditation is most often associated with relaxation and spiritual enlightenment, there are mental and physical benefits of regular meditation as well.

Mind

Meditation alters brain waves associated with total relaxation and altered states of consciousness. Daily meditation can help strengthen the mind and improve concentration.

Body

Meditation stabilizes the autonomic nervous system, reducing some physical reactions, such as the "fight or flight" response, and increasing blood flow. According to WomenFitness.net, a 1984 study by Delmonte, involving 52 subjects, found that heart rates were slightly lower during meditation. The website also states that bringing the body to a state of relaxation and stillness automatically reduces speed of breathing. Meditation and deep breathing relax stomach muscles, thereby improving stomach and bowel function.

Emotional States

The mental and physical effects such as altered brain wave activity and increased blood flow caused by meditation can balance emotional states. Daily meditation can reduce anxiety, alleviate depression and help one to cope with stress more effectively.

Energy

Meditation and deep breathing exercises promote better oxygen flow throughout the body, thereby increasing energy and vitality.

Sleep

Daily meditation is beneficial in combating insomnia. Meditation releases stress, allowing the body and mind to relax. Once the mind is calm and the body relaxed, the person becomes more receptive to sleep and the quality of sleep is greatly improved.

Fun Fact

The use of meditation as a complementary medicine has increased. The National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states, "a 2007 national Government survey found that 9.4 percent of respondents had used meditation in the past 12 months compared with 7.6 percent of respondents in a 2002 survey."

Tags: Daily meditation, associated with, blood flow, deep breathing, found that, Meditation deep

Home Remedies For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, causes numbness and tingling of the hand as well as pain. Once the disorder is diagnosed by a physician and you are under his care, there are non-surgical options to try at home to alleviate the discomfort from the compression of the nerve.

Rest

Purchase a wrist splint at the pharmacy and use it to "rest" your wrist whenever possible. This is especially useful at night when the nerve sensations from carpal tunnel syndrome can keep you from sleeping.

Medicate

Aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are all available over the counter and help short term or occasional pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exercise

Either your physician or a physical therapist can recommend stretching and strengthening exercises for the wrist that can be helpful to alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms.

Cold

An ice pack purchased at the pharmacy can be helpful in relieving swelling from carpal tunnel syndrome. You can also make your own with a plastic bag of ice that has a washcloth or towel around it.

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture, chiropractic care and toga have all shown results in helping with the pain and tingling of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tags: carpal tunnel syndrome, from carpal, from carpal tunnel, tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel

Grape Seed Extract Information To Fight Cancer

Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant rich in procyanidolic oligomers, also known as PCOs. Studies show PCOs strengthen blood vessels, help to improve blood circulation, and more. Grape seed extract offers many health benefits, and fighting cancer is just one of them.

Significance

Grape seed extract's antioxidant properties are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E. It is also more powerful than beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant. Grape seed extract works as an extended antioxidant, staying in the blood stream for up to three days.

Considerations

Grape seed extract contains a chemo preventative that guards against skin cancer. In several laboratory tests, grape seed extract restricts many different types of cancer cells, including breast, colon, lung, stomach and prostate cancers.

Features

Dr Xianglin Shi, professor in the Graduate Center for Toxicology at the University of Kentucky, along with his researchers, published a report in the January 2009 issue of Clinical Cancer Research explaining that grape seed extract destroyed leukemia cells. It also detailed the potential value of grape seed extract in treating cancer.

Benefits

In addition to fighting off and guarding against myriad cancers, grape seed extract appears to also be effective in preventing damage caused by chemotherapy medications.

Potential

Chemicals found in grape seeds dramatically arrested the growth of colorectal tumors, as reported in a study published in the October 18 issue of Clinical Cancer Research. Rajesh Agarwal, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, concluded that grape seed extract can attack cancer.

Theories

Grape seed extract is useful in treating allergies, skin conditions, wrinkles, diabetes and heart ailments. Its most promising benefit, however, is in preventing cancer cell formation. While not a cure for cancer, grape seed extract is an excellent guard against the disease.

Tags: seed extract, seed extract, Grape seed, grape seed, Grape seed extract

Nursing Care For The Elderly

Elderly nursing care---or geriatric nursing---is a medical specialty. Aged patients often have conditions and needs that differ from other sectors of the populace. A range of conditions that are either peculiar to or are more prevalent in the elderly population helps define a geriatric nurse's job. Various headings can serve to group the major facets of geriatric nursing, but in practice there is considerable overlap.

Communication

One important aspect of elderly nursing is communicating effectively with the patient or resident and with family members. (The health care recipient in a hospital setting is a "patient" while the staff in nursing homes typically refer to their charges as "residents.") The family will have concerns and questions, and among the nurse's many responsibilities is to address these. In the case of a resident who is alert and lucid, the nurse may communicate in the ordinary way. However, an all too common affliction in the elderly---dementia---results in a debilitating loss of mental capacity. It presents a challenge for the patient, for the family and for caregivers, including the nurse. Dementia patients generally require a special approach.

The geriatric nurse must communicate effectively not only with the resident and family but with the doctor. Alerting the doctor or other staff to changes in a patient's condition or to a new sign or symptom that might have otherwise gone unnoticed is at the core of nursing care.

Psychology

Nurses are trained in the basics of psychology but, often, working effectively with residents comes down to intuition and common sense. As already noted, dementia patients present a special challenge in this regard. And the psychological aspect of nursing naturally extends to family relations.

As an example of psychology and communication being interrelated, absence of dementia in a resident doesn't necessarily mean communications will be simple. It is a fact of human nature that people can and do run the gamut from being mild-mannered and reasonable to being stubborn, unreasonable, and belligerent or combative. This is true in society in general and it is true in the health care setting.

Compassion

A basic quality of human decency, compassion is refined in good nursing care. In elderly nursing there are times and circumstances that call for a gentle touch. The are other times and circumstances that call for---though with no less compassion---sternness. The nurse must use her discretion to decide where the balance is and what is appropriate in each given instance.

Medications

Dispensing medications is a significant part of a nurse's responsibility in caring for the elderly. Residents commonly have multiple prescription medications in addition to over-the-counter medicines, including supplements. The nurse must ensure that medications are given at the proper times and in the proper dosages. And awareness of medication allergies or drug interactions are important.

Treatments

Injuries such as fractures from falls and skin tears, often resulting from very minor mishaps, are more prevalent in the elderly than in the general population. Nurses for the elderly must must care for and appropriately treat these and other wounds.

Record Keeping

A nurse's responsibility isn't limited to meeting all the demands of caring for residents or patients. He must also accurately document all the care provided and medications dispensed.

Tags: nurse must, circumstances that, circumstances that call, effectively with, elderly nursing, geriatric nurse

Take Hydroxycut

If you are looking to lose a few extra pounds you may have heard of the diet pill Hydroxycut. To get the most effective results you must take the pills in the right way. This guide will explain take Hydroxycut.

Instructions

1. For the first three days, take one pill by mouth three times daily. Each pill should be taken with eight ounces of water and approximately one hour before meals.

2. After the first three days, take two pills by mouth three times daily. Each pill should be taken with eight ounces of water and approximately one hour before meals.

3. Consume plenty of water. While you are taking Hydroxycut you should consume eight to ten eight ounce glasses of water each day.

4. Eat right. In order for Hydroxycut to work as intended you must eat healthy and appropriately portioned meals. It is also important to avoid unnecessary snacking.

5. Perform aerobic exercise regularly. To get the most from the metabolism enhancing effects of Hydroxycut it is important to perform aerobic exercise for thirty to forty-five minutes on a regular basis. Good choices here would be activities such as walking, running, cycling, or other activity which involves prolonged continuous motion.

Tags: aerobic exercise, approximately hour, approximately hour before, before meals, daily Each, daily Each pill

Description & Caster Size Of The Xpanda Mobility Chair

The X-Panda Mobility chair, also called a Snug Seat, is a pediatric seating system for children with various physical disabilities. The chair comes in four different seat sizes and has a back that can be angled to accommodate either an open or closed hip angle.

Frame

The X-Panda features a multi-adjustable frame for maximum growth potential and individual leg positioning. The chair can be adjusted in width, depth and back height to accommodate nearly any size child.

Back

An innovative design enables the child to push back during extension and will return the child to his original position. The back is also lockable if desired for activities such as feeding. The back sizes range in height from 10 to 20 inches and can be angled from -5 degrees to 30 degrees in either direction.

Casters and Wheels

When ordering an X-Panda pediatric seating system you have a choice between pneumatic and solid tires. The front tires are on casters that fit seven inch by two inch tires. The two back tires are on wheels. You can choose between 12 inch and 22 inch tires on the back. The back wheels also come in a choice of colors, silver, blue or red.

Tags: inch inch, inch inch tires, inch tires, inch tires back, pediatric seating, pediatric seating system

Understand Children'S Anger

Understand Children's Anger

Children display a wide spectrum of anger-from a 2-year-old having a temper tantrum because she doesn't want to sit in the car to an upset child who talks back to the teacher and picks on his schoolmates. Children get angry for all the reasons that adults get angry-fear, loneliness, disappointment, stress and hurt. Like adults, both boys and girls have trouble identifying anger when they feel it and difficulty releasing it appropriately once it's felt. Here are seven steps for healthy anger management.

Instructions

1. Recognize Differences.

Girls and boys learn to express their dissatisfaction and frustrations differently. Girls are told that "nice girls don't get mad," so instead of expressing anger, they say, "You hurt my feelings" or they might cry. Girls in general are more indirect. Boys learn that it's not OK to cry, so instead of shedding tears when they're hurt, they might punch the wall or start a fight. Boys confront each other directly and use verbal assaults.

2. Recognize Signs.

Three-year-old Carrie is tired from a full day at day care and when she comes home she throws herself on the floor and demands a cookie. Eight-year-old Shari is disappointed that her best friend got sick and can't spend the night. She's cranky and slams the door; she lies on her bed and won't eat dinner. Ten-year-old- Adam lost his favorite baseball mitt; when his seven-year-old brother walks by he throws a book at him. When his mom comes to see what all the commotion is about he yells at her to "Get out my room!" After her parents separated, 15-year-old Alyson began missing classes because she couldn't get up in the morning. Her grades plummeted and she complained, "I don't have any friends."

3. Recognize Degrees.

When I talk with children and parents about anger, I divide anger into three categories: Little anger is momentary and specific; Big anger is intense and covers up feelings of depression and low self-esteem; Huge anger is rage and covers up deep emotional wounds. By understanding the different degrees of anger, parents have clearer ideas of what interventions might be needed.

4. Teach Healthy Management.

There is a difference between angry feelings and angry acts, and they need to be handled differently. Angry feelings need to be identified and expressed. Angry acts need to be restricted and redirected. Teaching healthy anger management involves both parts-allowing the expression of angry feelings while limiting angry behavior.

5. Teach Expression.

Sometimes it's sufficient simply to identify a child's feeling by saying, for example, "I know you're frustrated about that assignment."

6. Set Appropriate Limits

When a child is acting in destructive ways, appropriate limits need to be set. For example, "It is not OK to hit your brother. No hitting allowed."

7. Redirect Energy.

When 7-year-old Rosie slammed the door, her mother said, "Come tell me what you're mad about." But when Rosie kicked the cat, her mother stepped in and said, "I know you're upset because you can't play outside, but you can't take it out on the cat. Go get a book to read." By acknowledging the feeling, limiting the behavior and redirecting the energy, Rosie is learning healthy anger management.

Tags: anger management, healthy anger, healthy anger management, Children Anger, they hurt, they might

Foot Soak Help Detoxification

How Does a Foot Soak Help Detoxification?

Why Detox?

People are bombarded with chemicals and toxins that make their way into their bodies. Most of these toxins do not get eliminated through digestion or other means, so they end up invading the body tissues. In order to get rid of these chemicals, a process called detoxification is needed. There are many ways to detox, from diet and fasting to detox baths. A very popular method of detoxification is the foot soak, as it is fast, easy, convenient and doesn't require specialized equipment.

Detox Through the Feet

For centuries the feet have been regarded as channels into the body. Ancient cultures in Asia have looked at the feet as a map to the body, with specific areas of the feet corresponding to different body areas. When toxins accumulate in these areas, the feet is one way that they try to release. A foot soak is a relaxing way to encourage this channel of detoxification.

As the feet are soaked in very warm water, it encourages blood flow to the feet, bringing toxins down through the blood stream and out through the soles of the feet.

Types of Foot Soaks

There are many different types of foot soaks. The most convenient is to use a large dish tub, add sea or epsom salt to very warm water (as warm as you can stand it) and soak your feet for at least 20 minutes. The salts help draw water and toxins out of your foot. If you have a problem with foot odor or bacteria, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your water. The soda helps kill bacteria that can cause infections and odor.

A very popular type of foot soak for detoxification is the ionic foot soak. The ionic foot soak is done in a special foot bath machine that puts ionic charges into the water. It is believed that these ionic charges re-balance the body's electro-magnetic fields, causing body organs to perform optimally and therefore aiding in detoxification. The electrical charges that are used in an ion footbath are so small that it is safe for use.

As toxins and metals leave the body through the feet, the color of the water, both in ionic foot soaks and basin foot soaks, tends to change. Naturopaths that are trained in this area claim to be able to tell what part of your body is trying to release the most toxins by the color of the water. No controlled studies have been done on this claim, but many people who have used foot soaks as a method of detox and healing are believers.

Ionic foot baths can be purchased for home use, or one can visit one of the many ionic foot soak spas that are being added to many beauty salons and massage centers.

Tags: foot soaks, ionic foot, foot soak, ionic foot soak, areas feet

Which Oil Is Best For Body Massage

The right oil can make a massage blissful.

Whether giving or receiving a massage, the best bet for a relaxing massage that doesn't leave the skin greasy or irritated is all-natural, cold-pressed oil. The perfect solution may even be in the kitchen cabinet.

Types of Oils

Olive oil has been used for centuries to smooth the skin.

All-natural, cold-pressed oils, such as olive oil, grapeseed oil and other light oils, will help hands glide easily over the skin but won't be too slippery to prevent a deep massage. Other natural oils like jojoba, almond and shea butter provide a light, pleasant scent for the massage, while still serving as effective massage oils.

Oils to Avoid

Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product and very irritating for the skin.

Avoid mineral oil, as it is petroleum-based and can irritate the skin by clogging the pores. Mineral oil can also trap heat under the skin, causing discomfort. Other oils to avoid include synthetic massage oils with heavy perfumes, which can irritate the skin and the nose. A massage should be relaxing, not overpowering.

Cleanup

A clean towel is all that is needed to clean up after a natural oil massage.

If a massage is thorough enough, the natural oils should penetrate the skin and leave it soft and supple. Any excess oil can be blotted or wiped off with a clean towel.

Tags: clean towel, irritate skin, massage oils, natural oils

Treat A Sprained Strained Or Twisted Ankle

Wrap a sprained ankle with a compression bandage.

An ankle sprain or strain can be just as painful as a broken bone. Sprains occur when you overextend the muscles and ligaments around a joint. Treatment involves rest, ice, compression and elevation -- four basic first-aid elements that medical professionals abbreviate as RICE. All these measures will minimize swelling and bruising and will speed healing.

Instructions

1. Get off your feet as soon as you can after hurting your ankle, and certainly if you see swelling or bruising around the joint. Do not put any weight on the injured area, and get help if you need to move to a comfortable location.

2. Lean back and elevate the injured foot so that it is above your heart. Pile up pillows, cushions, and folded blankets or towels and rest your ankle on them.

3. Place cloth-covered ice packs on the sprained ankle for one 20-minute stretch every hour of the 24 hours after your injury. Do not leave the ice on your ankle continually, and keep a cloth barrier between the ice and your skin so as not to risk frostbite.

4. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen.

5. Wrap your ankle with a compression bandage or brace after the first 24 hours have passed. The bandage will keep the joint stable and will allow you to begin putting weight on it again.

6. Stay off your feet as much as possible. Stand and walk only as necessary until the pain subsides.

7. Resume normal activities without a brace or bandage once the swelling and bruising go down to strengthen your ankle as soon as possible.

Tags: your ankle, swelling bruising, ankle with, ankle with compression, around joint

Control Overconfidence

American culture values the individual who is confident and assured in business and social settings. A problem occurs when confidence blinds an individual to information needed to make good decisions. Confidence then becomes overconfidence, which damages an individual's ability to make smart choices. Left unchecked, overconfidence causes stress in both business and social relationships. Here's control it.

Instructions

1. Remind yourself there are elements to every situation you cannot control. Individuals who feel in control of their environment often become overconfident in their ability to control or predict outcomes.

2. Take a nature trip or remove yourself from familiar surroundings. Experience situations you cannot impact. Shake your own self-confidence to control your overconfidence.

3. Control the urge to only give credence to facts that fit your views. Overconfident individuals often disregard facts that do not fit their view of a situation. List the pros and cons of a situation on paper or have someone else make the list. If you see too many cons listed and are still bullish on the idea, consider that you may be exhibiting signs of overconfidence.

4. Take responsibility for failure as easily as you take credit for success. Learn to control your ego and harness your confidence into a productive force. Take criticism and learn from mistakes. Turn overconfidence into reasoned confidence.

5. Seek counseling if your overconfidence is damaging your career or personal relationships. If you believe you are always right, refuse to admit mistakes and don't listen to those who hold different views ask for help to control your overconfidence.

Tags: control your, your overconfidence, business social, control your overconfidence, facts that

Alzheimer'S Vs Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease

Alzheimer's and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are two different types of dementia that both involve protein folding problems. However, they stem from completely different protein disorders and also manifest with very different symptoms. In addition, Creutzfeldt-Jakob can be contagious, whereas Alzheimer's is not.

Identification

Alzheimer's and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease have several similarities. They are both neurological disorders, and they both involve protein misfolding, but the similarities stop there. Proteins have a certain folded structure, which generally determines how they work. Protein misfolding diseases are unique in that a protein folds away from its usual conformation and instead folds differently, causing a loss of function of the protein and, at times, toxicity. Protein misfolding diseases are often complicated by the fact that one misfolded protein can cause other proteins around it to fold incorrectly, propagating the disease.

Types

Alzheimer's disease is caused by a misfolding of the beta-amyloid protein, a protein normally found in the brain with no known function. Alzheimer's can arise spontaneously, as a natural course of aging, or it can arise due to a mutant beta-amyloid protein. While it is not known exactly what causes the protein to misfold, there are certain genetic and environmental factors that are associated with a heightened risk for the disease.

Effects

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease begin with memory loss, which is normally thought to be age and stress related. As the disease progresses, additional symptoms appear, such as confusion, irritability and, in severe cases, hallucinations. Once a diagnosis of Alzheimer's is made, often using a brain scan and other cognitive and behavioral tests, the average survival time is roughly 7 years.

Types

Creutzfeldt-Jakob is the most common transmissible type of spongioform encephalopathy, a type of brain disease that causes small holes to form in the brain, making it resemble a sponge. Creutzfeldt-Jakob is thought to be a prion disease, which is a rare type of misfolded protein that can confer a disease (most other diseases are spread via bacteria, viruses, or parasites). Creutzfeldt-Jakob is more commonly known as "mad-cow," in which the disease was spread via the ingestion of brain tissue from infected cows, though the disease can also be spread via consumption of brain tissue from other animals. The disease can also be a result of a genetic mutation in the prion protein, though this only accounts for less than 10 percent of the known cases.

Effects

The primary symptom of Creutzfeldt-Jakob is a dementia that rapidly progresses, along with involuntary muscle movements, speech problems and hallucinations. In most cases of sporadic (i.e. not genetically inherited), the disease is fatal within a matter of months. Once Creutzfeldt-Jakob is suspected, in can usually be confirmed with an EEG (an electroencephalogram, a type of brain scan that shows a typical pattern for Creutzfeldt-Jakob), analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, and certain characteristic markings on an MRI.

Tags: Alzheimer Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Alzheimer Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Alzheimer disease, beta-amyloid protein, both involve, both involve protein, brain scan

Side Effect Of Topamax

Topamax is a drug used specifically to treat central nervous system conditions such as epilepsy and migraines. Topamax may also be used in the treatment of seizures as an adjunct medicine, that is, a medicine used in conjunction with another medicine. Off label uses of Topamax are for obesity treatment, seizures in infants, bipolar disorder, alcoholism, absence seizures, diabetic neuropathy and atonic seizures. It may be used to treat children and adults. Using Topamax may put you at risk for developing or experiencing some serious or minor side effects, depending on how your body reacts to the medicine.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects are strange sensations in the body such as a "burning" feeling, dizziness, fatigue, slow cognitive and physical reaction, drowsiness, anxiety, upper respiratory infection, coordination problems, weight loss, loss of appetite, changes in the taste of food or beverage items or changes in the sensation of touch, confusion, impotence, trouble with concentration and attention and nausea.

Other Side Effects

The lesser side effects noted are diarrhea, gait changes, sinus infection, language or speech disruption, insomnia, memory loss or impairment, back pain, changes in mood, indigestion, viral infections, dry mouth stomach, joint pain, sore throat, weakness, somnolence (being in a state near being asleep), paresthesia (sensations of tingling, pricking, or numbness), leg pain, hypertonia (tightness in muscles and trouble stretching), libido decrease, urinary disorders, anemia, reduction in eating or anorexia and ataxia (problems in the central nervous system with body movement).

Children's Side Effects

Any side effect symptoms adults experience may occur in children as well, however; some symptoms of Topamax are exclusive to children. These symptoms are bruising, hair loss, bronchitis, increase of saliva production, aggression, constipation, fever and a runny nose.

Severe Side Effects

Severe side effects of Topamax would typically require medical treatment if they intensify or continue for a long period of time. The severe side effect of Topamax include depression, thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior, hallucinations, paranoia, blood clots, kidney stones, low or high blood pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing (which may lead to a pulmonary embolism), fainting, chest pain, rapid breathing (which may lead to metabolic acidosis) and decreased sweating with or without a high fever.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can be fatal and progress quickly over time. It is important to seek medical treatment if you experience an allergic reaction to Topamax. The allergic reaction symptoms are hives, developing a rash, swelling, itching, wheezing and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

Tags: allergic reaction, breathing swallowing, central nervous, central nervous system, difficulty breathing

Choose A Mood Stabilizer

If you are bipolar or have a mood disorder, your doctor may recommend that you take a mood stabilizer medication. However, choosing which mood stabilizer to use can be confusing, especially since there are so many kinds on the market. Learning choose a mood stabilizer means taking many things into consideration.

Instructions

1. Get a proper diagnosis. Mood stabilizers work well on people with bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive), but not on people with simple depression or other disorders.

2. Consider side effects you can live with. Some mood stabilizers, like Risperdal and Zyprexa, can cause weight gain. Others, like Topamax, can make you feel "fuzzy" or sleepy, especially when you first start taking it. Lamictal has been linked to skin rashes, some of them life-threatening. Also, Lithium can cause salt imbalances in your body if you don't drink the right amount of fluids.

3. Decide if you can deal with blood draws. Some mood stabilizers, like Lithium and Depakote, require frequent blood draws to determine blood levels of the medication. Others, like Trileptal, don't require any blood draws. When you choose a mood stabilizer, consider how well you deal with needles.

4. Talk with your doctor about the differences between "true" mood stabilizers (examples: Lithium, Lamictal), anti-seizure medications that also function as mood stabilizers (examples: Depakote, Tegretol), and antipsychotic drugs that act as mood stabilizers (examples: Abilify, Zyprexa). When you choose your mood stabilizer, it helps to know what the medication is supposed to be doing in your body.

5. Consider how often you want to take pills every day. Once-daily dosing is easier than remembering pills several times a day, but not every mood stabilizer comes in one-a-day form.

6. Keep in touch with your doctor once you choose a mood stabilizer. If you run into issues, he or she can help you with adjusting dosages and changing the time of day you take your mood stabilizer.

Tags: mood stabilizer, mood stabilizers, blood draws, choose mood stabilizer, mood stabilizers examples, stabilizers examples, your doctor

Create A Biorhythm Chart

Create a Biorhythm Chart

Biorhythms were discovered in the early 20th century by Doctor Wilhelm Fliess. They are the patterns made by our physical, emotional, and intellectual ups and downs. The chart appears as three lines, one for each of these aspects, drawn on a graph. Sometimes the lines are above the baseline, indicating a good day; other times they are below, indicating a bad day. There are many biorhythm calculators and charts available on the Internet based on your date of birth, but in order to create one to hang up on your wall at home, you must create your own.

Instructions

1. Draw out the chart one month at a time. Using a dark marker, draw a vertical line down the paper for each day of the month, and label the bottom of each line with the date.

2. Consulting an online calculator, look up that month for your biorhythm, and then use the three remaining markers to make dots on your chart indicating where your physical, emotional and intellectual forces will be on their highest day.

3. Using your "physical" marker, make a dot 23 days later again at the high point. This is the period of your physical biorhythm. Make a low-point dot with the same marker 11.5 days after your high point. Now draw a smooth curve with the marker connecting the points.

4. Repeat this procedure with the emotional and intellectual markers. The period for the emotional line is 28 days (the low point will be 14 days after the high point), the period for the intellectual line is 33 days (the low point will be 16.5 days after the high point).

5. Next month, draw a continuation of this pattern with the same markers.

Tags: high point, days after, emotional intellectual, your physical, after high

Recipes For Perfumes

Recipes for Perfumes

Your scent announces you long before you arrive on the scene. In the animal kingdom, scent marks a territory, warns of danger and initiates reproduction. Humans use it to attract love, too, but also as a symbol of power, eloquence and as a personal statement. Now you can create an exotic personal scent of your own with some recipes for perfumes.

Significance

Create a sensuous scent. Pour 1 cup vodka into a bottle and add 3 drops each of passionflower and neroli essential oils. Add 2 drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Cap the bottle and shake. Let it steep for about a week. Make sure you shake it several times a day. Store it in a cool place away from the sun. What you don't use as your personal perfume, use to scent powder, shampoo, massage oil or even put in diffusers. Do not use metal utensils when making perfume, and always sterilize the bottles. Keep the base for perfume for 8 months to a year.

Features

Keep it simple. Collect enough petals from carnations to make 3 cups. Place a cheesecloth in a bowl. Make the cloth large enough so the edges fall over the side. Put the carnation petals in the bowl. Pour 6 cups of water over the top of the petals and allow the mixture to sit overnight. Lift the sides of the cheesecloth up to form a bag and squeeze out the excess water into the bowl. Simmer this down until you have about a tablespoon left. Store the mixture in the refrigerator and remember that the shelf life is only about a month. If you fancy another type of flower, use its petals instead, or experiment and add a little vanilla to the scent.

Effects

Wake up refreshed and get on the move with this perfume. Mix 2/3 cup of distilled water with 5 tsp. of vodka. Add 3 drops of rosemary essential oil, 4 drops of grapefruit essential oil, 1 drop of frankincense oil and 2 drops of spearmint essential oil. Shake well and allow it to steep for a week in a cool, dark area. Shake it several times a day. This quicker picker-upper perfume recipe will get you going in the morning. Shelf life is between 9 months to a year.

Considerations

Mellow out with your personal scent. Mix 2 tsp. of almond oil and the same amount of vodka into a bottle. Add 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil, 7 drops of cedarwood essential oil, 1 drop of chamomile essential oils, 4 drops of clary sage essential oils and 4 drops of mandarin essential oils. Shake the bottle slightly to mix the oils as you add each drop. Cap the oil and shake it well. Store this in a cool area away from light for 2 weeks and shake it several times throughout the day. This mixture lasts about 8 months.

Benefits

Feel as fresh as a bouquet of spring flowers. Mix 2 tbsp. of jojoba oil for the carrier oil. Add 2 drops of bergamot essential oil, 2 drops of neroli essential oil, 10 drops of geranium essential oil, 8 drops of jasmine essential oil, 4 drops of vanilla essential oil, 2 drops of patchouli oil and 8 drops of ylang ylang oil. When you add each drop, swirl the container to mix. If you're pregnant or epileptic, don't use this mixture, since you should not use bergamot. Store in dark bottles away from light and heat.

Tags: essential drops, essential oils, away from, essential oils drops, oils drops