Choosing to have is often an emotional and deeply personal decision for a woman. If you are considering breast implants, it is important to be familiar with the types of implants that are on the market to ensure you select the product that is right for you.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two types of breast implants that are used in the majority of breast implant surgeries: the silicon and the saline implant. Both types have undergone rigorous testing and are approved for use by the FDA.
Silicone Implants
The silicone implant consists of a silicone shell or skin that encases a silicone gel substance that many women feel is most like actual breast tissue. Silicon implants are available in a wide range of pre-manufactured sizes and profiles.
Saline Implants
Saline implants also have a silicone shell, but they are filled with the same saline solution that is used in IVs. In some types of saline implants, the breast size can be adjusted post-surgically.
Considerations
Both silicon and saline implants have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years. Removal and replacement is a surgical procedure, but usually require less recuperation that the initial surgery.
Get Smart
Be an informed medical consumer. Select a doctor who is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience with breast implants. Ask to see examples of her work and make sure you discuss any risk factors and concerns before you commit to any surgical procedure.
Ear infections are most common in children, but adults can also be bothered by them. An ear infection can not only cause pain, but in some instances if left untreated, it can cause more serious problems, including deafness.
Middle Ear Infection
Most ear infections in adults are caused by bacterial or viral infections. The infections travel to the middle ear, and swelling and pus might occur. People with allergies are at greater risk.
Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear is caused when fungi or bacteria invade the ear under moist or wet conditions. Swimming does increase the risk of infection.
Symptoms
Ear infections in adults can cause pain, fever, itching, dizziness, temporary loss of hearing and ear blockage. Sometimes diarrhea or vomiting might occur.
Damaged Eardrum
If an eardrum has been damaged or broken by a Q-tip or other foreign object, there might be a discharge of fluid from the ear.
Infections
If there is an infection, the ear canal might become red and swollen. There might also be a foul smell discharge from the infected ear.
Medical Care
A doctor should examine and treat any ear infection to prevent serious damage and to alleviate pain. Ear drops, painkillers and antibiotics are courses of treatment. Xylitol-rich gums lower the risk of ear infections in adults, according to EDU.UDYM.com.
Snake venom can cause illness and even death, depending on the type of snake you are dealing with. Homeopathy is a type of alternative medicine that treats patients by using a small amount of what-in larger doses-is causing the symptoms of the patient's health problem. Certain forms of homeopathy can also be used as a snake remedy.
Getting Treatment
If you have been bitten by a snake, don't delay getting treatment from both a traditional doctor and your homeopath. A homeopath considers a patient's symptoms and other variables before prescribing a homeopathic mixture. Homeopaths consider things like what caused the disease or illness and why the patient is showing some symptoms and not others. The homeopath will then prepare a mixture specific for your particular condition.
Antivenin
Homeopathy works similar to the way that antivenin works. These antivenin antidotes tend to use some of the snake's actual venom to create a cure for the poison. The goal is to use the problem, in this case venom, to kick-start the body's natural defenses to fight the venom. Enough venom is used to trigger the body's response but not to overwhelm the body's defenses.
Ophidia
Homeopathic remedies for snake venom are part of the Ophidia group of homeopathic medicines. There are 15 medicines in the Ophidia group: Lachesis, Crotalus horridus, Crotalus cascavella, Naja tripudiens, Elaps corallines, Bothrops lanceolatus, Vipera torva, Vipera communis, Vipera jedi, Cenchris contortrix, Bungarus fasciatus, Toxicophis, Hydrophis cyanocinctus, Clotho arictans and Ophiotoxinum. Homeopathic treatments are primarily used for bites by vipers, cobras, kraits and sea snakes. There are a number of remedies that can be developed from the above medicines.
Cautions
Though homeopathy has been used for centuries, its effectiveness continues to be disputed. With a condition as serious as snake bites, you should not forgo a traditional therapy for the problem. Use homeopathy to supplement whatever treatment your doctor recommends. You should also discuss both treatments with your doctor and your homeopath.
According to the National Institutes of Health, black cohosh is a plant that has been used for many years as an herbal treatment for a variety of female health conditions. Black cohosh is often used by midwives and other health practitioners to induce labor in women who are nearing or have passed their due date. The herb may help regulate and strengthen contractions, while promoting cervical ripening.
Instructions
1. Speak with a healthcare professional before taking black cohosh during pregnancy. Because black cohosh has been documented to induce labor in some women, taking it before term can be extremely dangerous for both mother and baby. The herb should only be used with medical supervision.
2. Use five drops of black cohosh tincture to promote cervical ripening, regulate contractions and induce labor. Add the drops to a cup of tea or water and drink once or twice daily from 37 weeks gestation.
3. Increase the amount of black cohosh tincture drops to 10 if there is no cervical change after one week. Drink 1 to 2 cups each day. Discontinue using black cohosh if you experience any side effects.
4. Take black cohosh capsules daily beginning in week 38 of your pregnancy. The supplement is most effective when taken in divided doses throughout the day. Take one capsule each morning, another around lunchtime, and a third before bed. This amount can be gradually increased to four to six capsules after several days. Each capsule should contain approximately 500mg of black cohosh root.
5. Place 15 drops of black cohosh tincture under your tongue to rapidly ripen the cervix. Repeat this process every hour, or until cervical changes begin. The American Academy of Family Physicians warns that the effectiveness and safety of using black cohosh in this manner has not be fully evaluated or determined.
6. Combine black cohosh with blue cohosh for increased effectiveness. These two herbs work together to induce labor. While the primary purpose of black cohosh is to regulate contractions, blue cohosh is a potent herb that may significantly strengthen contractions, causing them to become more effective.
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With a great deal of focus on staying slim bombarding us from all forms of media, many young girls, teens and women are and have become obsessed with their weight. Boys and men feel the pressure, too. An eating disorder is classified by extremes. Behavior, eating patterns and feelings all come into play. Eating disorders are treatable, and the sooner a person gets help, the better and quicker the recovery.
Anorexia Nervosa is the unyielding pursuit of thinness. A person with anorexia nervosa will have a distorted body image and an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. Some may engage in excessive exercise, self induced vomiting and abuse laxatives. Health complication often occur and can be life threatening.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is a condition where a person will consume extraordinarily large amounts of food and feel no control over the eating. Purging, vomiting, excessive use of diuretics, laxative abuse and/or excessive exercise follows an eating binge. Health complications can arise.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder differs from bulima in that excessive eating episodes are not followed by purging. Those who suffer with this aliment are often overweight or obese and may also have other psychological disorders.
Treatments
Many eating disorders are treated with a combination of behavior therapy, counseling and certain medications. Studies are underway to determine if chemical imbalances or genes are involved and better treat these disorders.
Consequences
Those who battle an eating disorder may suffer severe health consequences both physical and emotional. Some even die from complications.
Fact
The number of people with eating disorders has increased over the past 30 to 40 years. It is estimated that .05 to 1.0 percent of young girls or women have anorexia nervosa and 1.0 to 2.0 percent suffer with bumimia nervosa. As many as 10 percent of women report symptoms of eating disorders.
If you're looking for a career in the medical industry, there are loads of positions that don't require you to be a doctor or a nurse. One such job would be in the field of radiology scheduling, or a radiology scheduler, to be a bit more specific with the actual title. So, what does a job like this exactly entail?
Identification
If the job title isn't indication enough, a radiology scheduler would be the primary point person for scheduling radiologic examinations. They would take, register and confirm appointments for their specific department of care. However, there job duties don't just stop there. Most people who work as a radiology scheduler will need a certain amount of knowledge on the actual procedures that are run in the department, as they'll most likely be required to give some explanation of the examination to the patients. This doesn't mean they'll need to know everything inside and out, just the basic procedures.
Other Duties
While a great deal of your time will entail the scheduling of appoints, you'll also be performing some general filing of reports, records and requisitions, handle departmental inquiries, assist in ordering key supplies (folders, papers, labels, etc), understand routing information, handle patient histories and have a basic understanding of computers, since this will be the general mode of scheduling, reporting and pulling information.
Requirements
Generally, a person who would be ideal for this sort of position would have some college education, involving an exposure to medical terminology as well as medical secretarial training. Some medical facility may actually require a two-year degree, but equivalent experience will usually fulfill this particular prerequisite. You'll also need to have some experience with a computer and a number of different software packages. Yet, most positions of this nature will require a mandatory orientation and training period in-house, which can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. So, don't be deterred if you are unable to match each requirement.
Skills
Probably the most important attribute for a person working as a radiology scheduler is good interpersonal skills, since they'll generally be working with a myriad of people, as colleagues, patients or visitors. You'll need to considerate and accommodating while still maintaining your regular duties. An attention to detail is also key to success in this sort of position, as you'll handling a number of different schedules, not just patients, but the doctors and technicians as well. Along with these proficiencies, you'll also need fairly good communication skills, since you'll need to understand somewhat complex information revolving radiology and be able to impart these facts and records confidently.
Considerations
While having all these various skills and background is ideal, it is also fairly important to have a general interest in the field of radiology. When someone isn't engaged in what they're doing on a daily basis, it can lead to burnout. And, this frame of mind isn't beneficial for your or the department.
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Plaque is a thin, colorless coating created by bacteria which builds up on the teeth and gums. If not removed frequently, this plaque can cause dental afflictions, such as cavities and gingivitis. While checking up with a dentist periodically is very important, habitual home care to supplement these visits is just as vital.
Instructions
1. Cut off around 18 inches of floss from your dispenser, and wrap each end several times around your middle fingers, leaving a usable length. Put the length into the space between two teeth, and wrap the floss against one tooth, forming a C. Rub up and down with the floss, never breaking the gum line. Repeat until all spaces between your teeth have been flossed.
2. Apply water and toothpaste to your toothbrush. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline and brush in a circular motion, polishing two to three teeth at a time. Do this to the inside and outside surfaces of all of your teeth.
3. Place the brush directly on top of your back molars, and gently polish with a back and forth movement .
4. brush and gently scrub your tongue, including the back. Rinse your mouth vigorously.
5. Pour a small mouthful of anti-cavity fluoride rinse into your mouth. Swish the liquid vigorously around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit. Do not swallow.
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Barium is a common poison found in everyday places. It's used to manufacture many commercial goods, such as paint and tile. Barium is also used to lubricate drill bits when digging for oil. This chemical's effect varies depending on the level of exposure, but it's best to simply avoid Barium altogether if possible.
Instructions
1. Have your tested for any chemical or poison contaminants. Typically, drinking water has trace amounts of many substances, but the government regulates how much of each chemical it considers safe.
2. Locate any nearby oil wells, refineries or mines. Barium is often combined with other chemicals when used in industry. It may seep into the air or water near your home.
3. Know what poisons and chemicals you're exposed to at work. By law, you have a right to know about any potentially harmful substances you'll be dealing with. Fact sheets are available for each hazardous substance and are usually provided by your employer.
4. Get tested for Barium poisoning if you suspect you've come into contact with a substantial amount. Specialists can evaluate what treatment you need to protect against the poison's effects.
5. Contact the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology for more information on symptoms, reach a specialist and known areas of Barium contamination.
A medical bill looks different from a credit card or any other bill you may receive. This difference is what makes it difficult for you to decode the bill and determine whether or not you are responsible for the bill. Most medical bills contain information that can help you identify what the bill/services were for, who the patient is, the charges for the service, which provider the patient saw and the amount due.
Instructions
1. Determine who provided the service to you. This could be the physician who saw you in the office, the hospital you were admitted to, or the laboratory or diagnostic radiology center that provided the services to you.
2. Identify the person who saw the care provider. This could be the holder of the health insurance or could be the actual patient who saw the care provider.
3. Note the type of care provided to you on the date of service listed on the bill. In addition, this field will identify the name of the service you received on that particular day, e.g., office visit, x-ray, surgery, etc.
4. The amount the provider of care charged you for the visit is listed on the bill. On a physician's bill the amount of each service, supply and procedure is listed with the corresponding amount. On a hospital bill, each service, supply, and procedure amount is not listed; the hospital will just provide a summary of the services you received in the hospital. This type of billing makes it impossible to determine if you were charged inappropriately or not. To determine if you were charged correctly, call the hospital billing company and ask for an itemized bill.
5. The balance due is the amount the care provider is requesting you to pay. The balance should be the amount of the charge minus the insurance payment (provided on the bill or your explanation of benefits from the health insurance carrier), minus the non-covered amount, minus your co-pay.
Tags: care provider, determine were, determine were charged, each service, each service supply, health insurance, listed bill
Use of ozone as primary disinfectant for water is common in Europe and is the second most common in the United States (after chlorine disinfection). It is a safe and effective way to remove waterborne pathogens (disease-causing organisms).
What is Ozone?
An ozone molecule is made up of three oxygen atoms (O3). It is unstable, breaking down into O2 in less than an hour after being formed.
Why Use Ozone in Water?
Ozone oxidizes biological material in water better than pure oxygen or chlorine. It also oxidizes many , causing them to settle out (precipitate) to the bottom of standing water.
How is Water Treated with Ozone?
Because ozone is unstable, it is generated at the point of use and diffused as small bubbles through the treated water. Dissolved ozone oxidizes any dissolved minerals or waterborne organics with which it comes in contact.
What are The Disadvantages to Ozone Treatment?
Generating ozone in commercial quantities requires a source of pure oxygen (liquid oxygen or a system to pull nearly pure oxygen from air), electrical power and safety equipment as pure oxygen is highly flammable and ozone is toxic.
Ozone does not persist in water, so chlorine or chloramines must be added to keep water disinfected throughout the distribution system.
Is Ozonated Water Safe?
Yes, it is safe. By the time it reaches consumers, any ozone in the water has reacted with impurities in the water or has decayed back into oxygen.
Some alternative medicine treatments involve patients drinking freshly ozonated water in order to boost the oxygen in their systems and combat diseases. While the benefits are open to debate, there have been no harmful side effects shown from those treatments.
Why Not Use it Everywhere?
For many smaller water utility districts, the costs involved in safely producing ozone are not justified by the amounts of water to be treated. Chlorine-based systems are cheaper for mid-sized systems. For small systems wanting to upgrade, ultra-filtration systems such as reverse osmosis provide disinfection and purification as a single step.
Carpal tunnel is caused by repetitive finger and hand usage, often found in high-computer-using cultures. A few yoga poses will help you prevent or work to curb carpal tunnel pain.Ayurvedic medicine is an Indian philosophy that emphasizes balance in the body through diet, lifestyle approaches and exercise. That is why yoga is a healing factor in the Indian culture and why we should all take a few tips and add them to our daily regimen. For those who suffer from carpal tunnel in particular, a few stretches can help ease the pain.
Instructions
1. Find a comfortable seated position. Breathe deeply.
2. Reach your right arm out in front of you, facing the inner arm up toward the ceiling. Reach your right wrist up toward the ceiling and take a hold of your right fingertips with your left hand. Breathe into your wrist area. Surround the wrist with the breath by sending (mentally) the breath to the wrist.
3. Switch sides, and with your left arm out, face your left wrist up toward the ceiling, taking a hold of your left fingertips with hand. Breathe into your wrist area. Send the breath to the wrist.
4. For a deeper stretch, bring both hands down in front of you, facing your wrist outward and your fingertips toward your body. Breathe into both wrists.
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Tektite, actually a family of similar stones (among which is Moldavite), is a dark-black, shiny, hard stone that believers hold originated from meteors and hence is of extraterrestrial origin. These stones are roughly 70-percent silicon dioxide on average. Believers in the powers of these stones hold that they can assist those who are skilled in using them in everything from good sleep to .
Jupiter, associated with Tektite
Origin
The creation of Tektite is a result of a reaction that involves lightning or a meteor striking sand. The resulting explosion throws the material up several miles, and the sand then cools to become Tektite. The rock is very glassy and shiny in appearance. It is basically of terrestrial origin. (See Reference 2)
Alleged Benefits
Various experts in this field hold that Tektite can assist the bearer in communing with extraterrestrials and enhance psychic abilities as it vibrates at a very high level. Many hold that it prevents emotional scars and activates dreams and their later recall. It is said to assist in astral travel, to unclog clogged energy ducts in the body, and to help create positive changes in life such as the elimination of harmful habits. There is little in the lore that this rock cannot accomplish. (See Reference 3)
Legends
Some hold that Tektite is the green stone found in the Holy Grail. In addition, because of this among other things, it was the preferred stone of royalty through the "middle ages" and regularly given as gifts among the powerful (though there seems to be no primary evidence of this). Its primary legend is that since it allegedly derives from outer space, it is a means of communicating with and understanding beings from other worlds and dimensions. (See Reference 1)
Associations
Experts in this field associate Tektite with the planets Jupiter and Pluto. It is connected with the zodiac sign Sagittarius as well as with deep-red roses, which are associated with the element of fire. Most of all, Tektite is associated with the ability to see beyond the material universe and into the spirit world, both the terrestrial one and the extraterrestrial. (See Reference 1)
Protections
Tektite is said to give protection from fire and storms, as well as skin disorders and importantly laziness, since it is a high-frequency crystal in terms of the speed of its vibration. It is also used against anger and sleeplessness. In general, it is used as a means to unleash energy that is not agitating, but focusing and relaxing. (See Reference 2)
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Garlic tablets are manufactured for both humans and animals.
Garlic, a potent ingredient found in supplements, contains a major antibiotic compound called allicin, which is released once raw garlic is crushed or sliced. It's where many of garlic's medicinal benefits are derived. According to Web MD, this compound is so fragile and unstable that it dissipates quickly. But if broken down into more compounds, such as when developed for drugs, remains effective.
Allicin
Allicin is known as a pythonutrient that helps combat the common cold and flu, among other illnesses. The compound also is known as an antioxidant. It is only released once fresh garlic has been crushed. Cooking, aging or decomposition of garlic destroys its allicin properties. Most garlic supplements don't contain allicin but only allicin potential.
Ajoene
Ajoene is responsible for garlic's odor and flavor. Ajoene has shown significant effectiveness when used topically for patients with carcinoma and has been documented in clinical studies as an effective compound for treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. More studies are being done to evaluate the role of ajoene in treating cancer. This allicin by-product also is found in many antifungal treatments as it's effective against athlete's foot, according to Web MD.
Organosulfur Compounds
Garlic produces three organosulfur compounds known as Diallyl Sulfide, Diallyl Disulfide and Diallyl Trisulfide that aid in detoxification. These compounds are present in garlic oil, which is found in many garlic tablets and supplements. These compounds also are known as protective agents, helping reverse the development of carcinogenesis, according to The Journal of Nutrition.
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ER patient representatives assist patients during their time in the hospital.
ER patient representatives assist patients and their families with concerns, questions and special needs including finding interpreter services. They help to educate patients on their available options and are the gateway to further information beyond the representative's knowledge.
Job Description
ER patient representatives work with the health care administration to evaluate patient satisfaction within the emergency room of the hospital. They help patients and families with special needs such as finding a translator, referrals for additional care and specific questions about the hospital. They can also help set up meetings with doctors, staff and health care representatives. For example, if a patient wanted to transfer to a hospital closer to home, he should contact a patient representative to ensure both hospitals and the insurance provider approve the transfer and take all necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Educational Requirements
There is no set educational requirement to become an ER patient representative. Some hospitals may only require a high school diploma, while others require a bachelor's degree in a health-related field and experience. It is best to check with the hospitals you are interested in working at to find out educational requirements. Some many be willing to substitute work experience for educational requirements.
Salary
Salaries for ER patient representatives vary widely depending on location and experience. Salary can range anywhere from $20,000 to over $60,000 annually. However, as of November 2010, the national average for a is $42, 561. For a location-specific number, visit the link in the Resource section and search by ZIP code.
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Comfrey leaf is most known for its ability to promote healing and repair minor injuries like sprains and bruises. Traditionally, this herbal medicine was used to heal broken bones by early European doctors. Now, anti-inflammatory creams derived from the comfrey leaf can be found in many ambulances and first-aid kits worldwide.
Identification and History
Comfrey leaf comes from the Symphytum officinale plant and is commonly called knitbone. The comfrey leaves themselves are oval shaped and covered with bristly hairs. The leaves from the lower stem are large (10 inches) and descend in size farther up the stalk. The plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia. As far back as 400 BCE, Greek physicians used comfrey leaves to stop bleeding and treat respiratory illnesses. In Middle Ages England, people used comfrey leaves to heal wounds and mend broken bones. To further attest to this plant's long history as an herbal medicine, "comfrey" is derived from Latin "con firma," to make whole again. Also, the botanical name Symphytum is a Greek derivative of "symphyo" (to unite).
Using Comfrey Leaf
The most common use for comfrey leaf is as a healing agent for skin and skeletal wounds. According to an herbal medicine website, Herbal Remedies Info, the results of an American study confirms that comfrey leaf has healing powers. One of the main constituents of comfrey leaf is allantoin, a chemical that breaks down red blood cells to promote rapid healing of bruises and contusions. As an ointment or paste, comfrey leaf can be applied to burns, sprains, broken bones and skin lesions. The best way to consume comfrey leaf is to first dry and grind up the leaves. To make a paste, mix the dried leaves with water, aloe vera or a light, moisturizing oil. Next, apply the paste directly to the skin.
Warning Against Ingestion
In some cases, comfrey leaf is ingested to heal urinary and digestive problems. Botanical.com recommends taking an infusion of 1 pint boiling water for every 1 ounce of comfrey leaves. However, taking comfrey leaves internally is not always recommended. The debate revolves around the pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in comfrey leaves. So-called PAs can cause fatal liver damage if consumed in large amounts, but there is no conclusive evidence to show that comfrey leaves contain high amounts of the PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids). Some countries like Canada, Germany and Australia have placed restrictions on the comfrey leaf because of the potential dangers of the toxic alkaloid pyrrolizidine.
Traveling to the dentist for a teeth whitening session every few weeks can not only be time consuming but expensive as well. This is why many different companies produce teeth whitening strips. These strips, which resemble tape, are placed around the teeth and left on for a set period of time. The gel on the tape will whiten the teeth to a brilliant shade of white.
Instructions
1. Open the "Upper" package first. Remove the teeth whitening strip from the protective casing.
2. Place the "Upper" strip against the top teeth, with the tip of the whitenings trip resting against the bottom of the gums.
3. Press the strips firmly on and mold them around the teeth with your fingers.
4. Repeat the same process with the bottom teeth.
5. Wear the strips for the time specified on the package. This is usually around thirty minutes but new brands of strips can take less time.
6. Remove the strips once the time is up. Brush your teeth to remove any excess gel that may still be on your teeth.
Plantar fasciitis (sometimes misspelled plantar fascitis) is the inflammation of the plantar fascia in the foot, often caused by a sports injury. The fascia (connective tissue) on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, causing pain in the heel, arch and sometimes the side of the foot. The heel pain resulting from plantar fasciitis is hard to get rid of. It takes several steps and diligent care to treat plantar fasciitis.
Instructions
1. Wear good arch support with good cushioning. Good arch support that fits your natural arch is essential to treating plantar fasciitis. See a podiatrist and get fitted for orthotics, or wear comfort shoes like Birkenstocks or Mephistos, which mold to your feet. Or try good quality arch supports or insoles such as heat moldable orthotics. Wear arch supports on both feet, not just the foot that has the heel pain.
2. Tape the bottom of the foot to provide additional support to the arch. Using 1-2" sports tape or just about any strong tape (I've heard of using duct tape!), apply the tape to the bottom of the foot once a day, and remove the tape at night.
3. Do calf stretches to help with heel pain. Stretch gently. Calf stretches release the muscles down your calf, along your Achilles tendon, and in the bottom of the foot. This in turn eases the strain on the ligaments (fascia), which are not designed to stretch very much. Do an easy calf stretch sitting or lying down by straightening the leg and tilting your toes toward your face. Or, do a classic calf stretch against the wall.
4. Continue to walk. Although your feet hurt, this is not a condition where staying off them helps. Avoid excessive pronation or supination. Walking should not hurt excessively and should feel better after the first few minutes.
5. Ice the affected foot to reduce the inflammation. A perfect means of icing your foot is a soda can kept in the refrigerator. Take off your shoe and sock, sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor, and roll the can firmly along the bottom of your arch to your heel for about five minutes. This both massages the muscles and ices the inflammation, reducing the pain in the heel.
6. Do massage as part of your treatment of plantar fasciitis. Any chance you get, dig your fingers into the arch and soft tissue of the foot where it hurts. Massage the heel, bringing healing blood to the spot and releasing the foot muscles. Never massage to the point of pain; an ache that makes you groan is fine. See Resources for another article about do massage for plantar fasciitis.
7. Prevent reinjury of the fascia. When you have been off your feet for any length of time, avoid putting weight on your injured foot until you have massaged your foot and, ideally, done a calf stretch. Re-injury of the fascia occurs each time the ligaments have to take the strain of bearing weight--strain that ought to fall on the more elastic foot muscles. When you relax the foot muscles attached to the fascia by massage and stretching, they can now stretch fully, preventing the fascia from tearing.
8. Try heel lifts. Buy them at drugstores and pharmacists or foot health supply stores. Be sure to wear the lifts on both feet, not just the injured one.
9. Be patient. Getting rid of plantar fasciitis and heel pain can take time. Keep doing the routine to treat plantar fasciitis. It will pay off. Your heel pain may take several months to go away completely, and sometimes up to a year. In some cases, surgery may be indicated, but non-invasive treatments such as those described above are usually indicated first.
Coronary artery disease is also known as coronary atherosclerosis or Ischemic heart diseaset. Coronary arteries supply the heart with rich, oxygenated blood from the lungs. Coronary artery disease is a narrowing or hardening of these very vital arteries, which restricts the amount of oxygenated blood flowing into the heart.Three main arteries enter the heart, and if any of them become clogged or narrowed, the heart won't function at its fullest potential. Typically, the condition afflicts men and women over 40 years old, but younger people are also being diagnosed with the condition due to high-fat, high-cholesterol diets.Learning recognize and identify symptoms of leads individuals to seek early treatment and prevent complications that may lead to heart attack, stroke or congestive heart failure.
Instructions
1. Note odd sensations in the chest such as a burning, heavy or a squeezing feeling. In some cases, individuals believe they are feeling the effects of heartburn or acid indigestion when actually they are feeling symptoms of the effect of narrowed coronary arteries and the heart's reaction to decreased amounts of oxygen.
2. Pay immediate attention to any indications of pain or spreading pain that originates in the chest and is also felt between the shoulder blades, the left arm (the closest arm to the heart) or pain in the jaw or neck. These are classic signs of a heart attack.
3. Take your pulse. Often, an irregular heartbeat is a classic indication that the heart muscle is not functioning properly. If you notice an irregular heartbeat, or experience a pounding or racing heart for no obvious reason, seek emergency care immediately.
4. Listen to your body. If you just haven't been feeling 'up to par' lately, or are experiencing increasing bouts of lethargy or weakness, visit your family health care provider. Often, individuals don't experience clear-cut signs of coronary artery disease before moderate to significant damage has already occurred.
Most people, when they think of smoking they think of lung disease, but there are other health risks that can be even more devastating. Heart disease can also be caused by smoking, with or without lung involvement. Smoking can lead to sudden heart attacks or strokes, and can be a contributing factor in coronary artery disease. Smoking prohibits the heart from getting adequate oxygen which can cause it to pump harder to oxygenate the blood. This increases the blood pressure which can lead to a stroke.
Good Cholesterol, Bad Cholesterol and Artery Disease
Smoking increases the amount of bad (LDL) cholesterol in the body, while simultaneously decreasing the amount of good (HDL) cholesterol, both of which put the smoker at increased risk for heart attack and stroke. It can also make blood cells sticky which causes them to clot at a higher rate, cause plaque to build up in the arteries and damage the inner lining of the arteries, veins and capillaries.
Stiff, Inflexible Arteries
Believe it or not, smoking has also been directly linked to the onset of diabetes due to the fact that it can very easily make the smoker insulin resistant. Even worse, it can cause the arteries near the heart and lungs to become stiff and inflexible. In a smoker, atherosclerosis is an extremely high risk because the cells lining the arteries and veins cannot respond the way they are designed to in order to clear the blood of impurities.
Decreased Lung Capacity
Smokers often have decreased lung capacity which leads to less tolerance of exercise and the exercise they do get is often marred by the inability to gain a regular heart beat due to the lack of oxygen in the blood. Heart patients who smoke and have endured bypass surgery are very likely to have more coronary artery disease later on if they do not quit smoking immediately. Also, second-hand smoke can cause a non-smoker to suffer a heart attack as well, so if you smoke it is best to do so outdoors, away from non-smokers.
The cost of hair implants is determined by the amount of hair that needs to be transplanted, as well as other factors. Hair implants allow some people to regain self-confidence and a youthful appearance. Here are some of the different types of hair implants and how they vary in price and results.
Time Frame
The average length of a single session is between 5 and 10 hours. Results can begin to show within three months after all procedures have been completed. The cost of hair implants is determined by the total amount of time and sessions needed. The average price of each graft used during a session is $6; the price may be lower for those who require many sessions.
Considerations
The cost of hair implants is calculated by the total number of grafts needed. If you have excessive balding, the cost can be $7,000 to $10,000. Hair implants do not require continual sessions or yearly replacements, so you'll save about $1,800 when compared with nonsurgical hair-restoration treatments, which require replacements and special grooming.
Types
There are three main types of hair implants. The first is Single Hair Follicular Unit, which transplants a single hair at a time. This procedure is mainly used to form hairlines and softer edges. The second procedure is called Follicular Units, which transplants two hairs at a time for a denser appearance. The last procedure is the Modified . With this procedure, three to four hairs are used to add bulk.
Warning
Choose a surgeon who specializes in hair implants and has extensive experience. One risk of the procedure is further hair loss. Scarring in the area where the hair is retrieved, as well as bleeding and infection, are common risks. Not following your doctor's post-operative orders will increase your risk of negative side effects.
Misconceptions
Hair implants are not the ideal procedure for everyone. If you have typical male-pattern baldness, this procedure will yield the best results. However, if you have hair loss over the entire scalp, hair implants will not provide positive results. Within six months, positive results will be prevalent and--by following your doctor's orders--your hair will grow evenly and healthy.
Tags: hair implants, cost hair, cost hair implants, Follicular Unit, following your, following your doctor, hair implants
Stretching regularly helps maintain your body's tonic balance.
The word "tonic" has several meanings, depending on whether you use it as a noun or an adjective. Tonic can be a beverage, a musical term or a measure of fitness. It is good for what ails you.
History
The word "tonic" comes from the Greek words "tonikos" and "tonos," which refer to stretching. Another meaning for tonic first emerged in the 18th century, when people referred to a medicine's healthy restorative properties as "tonic."
Noun Types
A tonic can be a beverage, such as tonic water or soda. Tonic can be an invigorating medicine. The first note in a diatonic scale in music is called the tonic.
Adjective Types
In language, tonic describes a stressed syllable; for example in the word "peacock," "pea" is the tonic syllable. In medicine, a tonic reflex is the natural response of healthy muscles to stimulation.
Benefits
A tonic, in the sense that it revitalizes, restores and refreshes, is beneficial to your health and state of mind. In bygone days, people would imbibe a spring tonic to promote good health.
Namesakes
A website called Tonic focuses on good news from around the globe. Tonic is also a post-grunge era rock band. Tonic was a New York music club which closed in 2007.
Gas chromatography can be used to determine a water sample's propylene glycol content.
Propylene glycol is an odorless, clear substance that is used in many cosmetic, agricultural, food and industrial products. Propylene glycol is dangerous only in large doses, as it has a relatively low toxicity. If you want to determine the level of propylene glycol in a water sample you will need to subject the sample to gas chromatography with an appropriate detection mechanism. Once you have a gas chromatograph for your sample you'll need to submit your results to a trained professional for analysis.
Instructions
1. Set the column temperature of your gas chromatographer to just over 100 degrees Celsius, which is the boiling point of water. This will transform your water sample into vapor when it is introduced into the chromatographer.
2. Attach a flame ionization detector to your chromatographer. This is the best variety of detector for determining concentrations of propylene glycol in water. If you don't have a flame ionization detector then you may also use a Fourier transform infrared detector, although that type of detector can only reliably determine the concentration of propylene glycol to levels up to 120 mg per liter.
3. Directly inject the water sample into your gas chromatography system's input valve. You should inject the entire sample in a single plug, as slow introduction of the sample can result in inaccurate chromatography readings.
4. Open the gas chromatographer's flow valve. This will start a flow of an inert gas that will force your sample through the heated column and toward your chromatographer's flame ionization or Fourier transform infrared detector unit.
5. Check the printout from your chromatographer's recording device. The printout should feature a graph detailing the strength of all compounds that have been detected in the water sample.
6. Present the graph to a chromatography analyst. The procedure for determining the concentration of compounds in your sample requires in-depth knowledge of chemistry and integral calculus and can only be completed by a trained chromatography professional.
Tags: water sample, propylene glycol, your chromatographer, flame ionization, your sample, flame ionization detector, Fourier transform
The thyroid gland is located near the Adam's apple and plays an essential role in the metabolism of your entire body. You can use thyroid tests to detect bulimia and damage to the gland itself.
Instructions
Use Thyroid Tests to Detect Bulimia
1. Look for general signs of thyroid problems in the patient's behavior. Hypothyroidism can cause weakness and fatigue. Often, hypothyroidism is the body's attempt to lower its metabolism in an attempt to fight malnutrition and infrequent meals.
2. Use radioimmunoassay (RIA) tests to check the levels of the T4 hormone produced by the thyroid. This common thyroid test can be an excellent way to check the gland's function, but some medications can interfere with the results.
3. Check the levels of the T3 hormone that the thyroid makes by using RIA tests. The gland makes about 20 percent of T3 and 80 percent of T4, but some conditions only affect the manufacturing of T3. Even if T4 production is normal, these tests should be done so that you have a total picture of the thyroid's function.
4. Compare the hormone levels against the expected levels of production for the patient's age and size. Generally, bulimia can cause hyperthyroidism, so the T3 and T4 tests will show higher than average amounts of the hormones.
5. Use an iodine uptake scan to detect absorption problems that could be caused by bulimia. The iodine absorption is measured over the course of a few minutes and bulimia patients are expected to show lower-than-normal absorption, which can be a symptom of hypothyroidism. In order to provide accurate results, this test must be done while the patient has an empty stomach.
6. Take a thyroid scan to create an accurate picture of the patient's thyroid and look for any damage caused by starvation. A radioisotope must be used in order to do this type of scan, and since iodine is commonly used, this scan can be done at the same time as an test.
7. Consider checking the pituitary gland's production of the thyrotropin (TSH), which is the thyroid-stimulating hormone. In the event of severe or chronic bulimia, production of TSH may be restricted and the patient will need treatment in order to restore normal metabolic levels.
With the Weight Plan, you can eat as much of the approved foods as you like as long as you eat only when you are hungry and stop eating when you are satisfied. There is no counting of calories or points involved in this diet. The following will show you follow the Plan.
Instructions
1. Choose any vegetable and fruit to eat at any time of the day when you are hungry.
2. Eat non-creamy soup. The soup can be canned, frozen or homemade with Weight food item ingredients.
3. Consume whole wheat pasta, brown rice, potatoes and as many grain products as you choose. Eat as much high fiber cereal with no added sugar as you would like until you are satisfied.
4. Eat lean meats such as fish, poultry or eggs. No red meat is allowed with this diet. Drink only fat-free milk.
5. Cook with healthy oils such as canola oil and olive oil. You can also have safflower, sunflower and flaxseed oils with the Weight Watchers Core diet plan.
6. Drink coffee or tea without added sugar or cream. Have as much of any sugar-free beverage as you desire.
7. Add condiments to your food such as capers, cocktail sauce, extracts, flavorings. spices, herbs, horseradish, hot sauce, ketchup, lemon or lime juice, mustard, fat free salsa, soy sauce, steak sauce, sugar substitutes, taco sauce, teriyaki sauce, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.
Joint pain can be a result of overuse, injury or arthritis. Whatever the cause, joint pain can feel like a deep ache that makes every day tasks difficult and may cause you to lose sleep at night. There are many over the counter medicines that are designed to help ease joint pain, but often these can be harmful to the body if used long term. Fortunately, there are homeopathic remedies that are very helpful and effective for relieving joint pain. Homeopathic remedies are a combination of plant extracts and sugar, which are formed into little balls. These balls are placed under the tongue where they dissolve quickly. Doses are given about every 10-15 minutes using one to four balls each for acute pain.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Rhus Toxicodendron is helpful for pain that feels like it is accompanied by stiffness in the joint or muscles.
Bryonia
Bryonia is helpful for joint pain that feels hot and inflamed, and gets worse with use.
Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla is helpful for migrating joint pain that feels better with use.
Arnica Montana
Arnica Montana is helpful with joint pain that is a result of injury and can be accompanied by bruising.
Cuprum Metallicum
Cuprum Metallicum is helpful for joint pain accompanied by cramping.
Tags: , pain that, joint pain that, pain that feels, that feels
Anxiety disorders plague millions of Americans. Anxiety is more than just being stressed and frightened, it can sometimes lead to panic attacks. There are scores of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications on the market that work well for some people, however, for many suffering from anxiety, natural remedies and simple lifestyle changes are often able to take the place of medication. Read on for advice on use natural remedies to prevent anxiety and panic attacks.
Instructions
1. Avoid excessive use of alcohol. If you are subject to severe panic attacks, avoid drinking altogether. Alcohol is a depressant and depletes the body of its natural tranquilizers, mainly B vitamins and magnesium. B vitamins and magnesium are essential in keeping your nerves healthy.
2. Avoid smoking. Smoking causes your lungs to work harder than normal and increases your heart rate, which, for many people, can cause unwanted stress that can lead to anxiety attacks. If you can't quit smoking on your own, inquire about a natural program to help you stop.
3. Avoid anxiety triggers in your diet. MSG, caffeinated beverages, fast foods rich in salt, saturated fat, certain cola drinks, meats rich in preservatives and sugar are all contributors to anxiety. Replace these food with natural, whole foods and herbs.
4. Replace trigger foods with foods that are known to calm the body and mind. These foods should be eaten throughout the day. While they digest, they will calm the body as it winds down and the evening approaches. Many panic attacks and feelings of anxiety occur at night. Brown rice, potatoes, natural yogurt, oatmeal, organic meat, soy, steamed vegetables and goat's milk are wonderful foods that contain calming qualities. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C also help prevent anxiety.
5. Drink at least 4 to 6 glasses of water per day. Episodes of anxiety can be triggered when your body is not properly hydrated. Drinking water will flush toxins that contribute to stress, anxiety and panic attacks from your body.
6. Drink a cup of caffeine-free chamomile tea before bed. Chamomile is an herb that calms the nerves. It also helps relieve headaches, constipation and diarrhea.
7. Take a B-complex vitamin with your first meal. 100 mg is recommended.
8. Consider herbal calmers. Natural herbs often work immediately if you are having symptoms of anxiety. Kava kava, valerian root extract and ashwagandha, to name a few, are sold in capsules and often bring relief from anxiety within minutes. Herbal supplements can be taken daily, however some contain side effects. Consult with your doctor, nutritionist or health food store professional for specific advice.
9. Stretch every morning before beginning your day. Proper stretching will help your body prepare itself for the upcoming day, which may contain stressful events. Stretching each morning will oxygenate your body and prevent chemicals that cause anxiety from being released too quickly during hormone secretions.
10. Begin a daily exercise program. This may include a gym membership, yoga, cycling or simply taking a daily walk. It is recommended that you exercise before your first meal of the day, or between meals on an empty stomach.
11. Reserve time each day to relax. Free yourself from distractions. A long bath, massage or meditating session can all work wonders to keep your body and mind properly charged.
12. Perform a deep breathing exercise each night before going to bed or during periods of anxiety. Simply deeply inhale through your nose, hold it for 3 to 5 seconds and exhale slowly, counting to three. Repeat five times.
Tags: panic attacks, your body, anxiety panic, anxiety panic attacks, body mind, calm body, first meal
Many people experience pain below the left shoulder blade, either on a chronic or acute basis. Pain below the left shoulder blade is generally caused by irritation of the ligaments and muscles surrounding the area. This inflammation could be caused by a number of factors, including poor posture, repetitive motion, joint deterioration and traumatic injury. Like most other forms of upper back pain, pain below the left shoulder blade responds well to holistic and naturopathic treatments. In general, these are associated with fewer risks than allopathic approaches.
Spinal Manipulation
Chiropractic and osteopathic care are frequently used by people seeking relief from pain throughout the upper back. Chiropractors aim to relieve pressure and pain in the back (and sometimes elsewhere in the body) through the gentle manipulation of the spine. Spinal manipulation, which is classified as a form of naturopathic and alternative medicine within the U.S., is generally regarded as a safe procedure; it is associated with very few side effects and no drug interactions. If the pain below the left shoulder blade is caused by a serious traumatic injury, an osteopathic physician or physical therapist may also provide spinal manipulation to ease the pain. In severe cases, several sessions may be necessary.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is an excellent natural treatment for pain below the left shoulder blade, especially if poor posture, repetitive motion, or over-exertion are responsible for the pain. Swedish ("rolling") massage, pressure-point massage and Shiatsu massage are all useful techniques for the treatment of upper-back pain. Massage therapy can work to relieve pain caused by tense, knotted muscles; it also promotes relaxation and eases symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture
An ancient component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been demonstrated to relieve many forms of chronic pain, including pain in the upper back. This energy-based healing system utilizes thin, sterile needles, which are inserted into the skin at various key points in the body. According to the principles of TCM, this technique balances a person's chi, or life-energy, enabling a reduction of inflammation and pain. Acupressure, which uses a similar philosophy, involves the use of pressure-- rather than needles-- to restore the flow of energy in the body.
Herbal Remedies
Many herbal remedies contain anti-inflammatory compounds that ease tension and inflammation throughout the body. The herbs white willow and meadowsweet both contain salicylic acid, a naturally occurring compound similar to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). Ayurvedic anti-inflammatory herbs include fenugreek and turmeric, which also contain potent antioxidant compounds. Several "superfruits," including elderberry, blueberry, pomegranate, acai and mangosteen, also possess anti-inflammatory compounds. Because back pain is frequently caused by anxiety-related muscle tension, calming herbs like chamomile and valerian are also beneficial to many people.
Tags: left shoulder, shoulder blade, below left, below left shoulder, left
Because it is nearly colorless, plaque can be hard to see with the naked eye. It is difficult enough to detect on the front surfaces of teeth, but almost impossible to see on the back and sides. Fortunately, disclosing agents exist to help you keep your teeth clean. When you chew a disclosing tablet, it releases a special dye that stains plaque, letting you know what areas of your teeth need attention.
Instructions
1. Brush your teeth thoroughly.
2. Chew a disclosing tablet thoroughly, taking care not to swallow your saliva.
3. Move your tongue around to the surfaces of all your teeth, spreading the disclosing agent around.
4. Spit out the disclosing agent and rinse your mouth out with fresh water.
5. Look at your teeth in the mirror. The areas with plaque will be stained by the disclosing agent (usually a bright red or blue.)
6. Use a dental mirror to check the backs of your teeth for plaque. Hold it inside your mouth while facing the bathroom mirror so that you can see the reflection of the back of your teeth in front of you.
7. Brush your teeth again, paying particular attention to the areas with plaque. Keep brushing until all the dye is gone.
8. Repeat the above steps to make sure you've taken care of all the plaque,
Tags: your teeth, disclosing agent, areas with, areas with plaque, Brush your
Ayurvedic practitioners call turmeric the "golden spice of life." Its botanical name is "Curcuma longa," and it belongs to the Ginger family. Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old medical system, has used it for healing, eating and more. Turmeric was used in its earliest days as both a paste and a juice. When raw pieces of turmeric are crushed, the result is a translucent, reddish-yellow tasteless liquid which can be mixed with honey to give it some flavor. Turmeric liquid is used in Ayurveda as a blood purifier, and in cases of chronic illnesses and stomach problems. The paste is used to treat skin conditions, like eczema.
Turmeric's History
Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda for centuries both as a potent antioxidant and a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. In the late 20th century, it was discovered that "curcumin" was the ingredient responsible for most of the curative effects of turmeric. In 2005 the Wall Street Journal reported that research activity into curcumin was exploding. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved curcumin as "generally regarded as safe." But even though 40 clinical trials with it have been completed, it's usefulness for specific diseases has not been proven. Still, there are great hopes for it, and many people around the world use it for various ailments with great success.
Tumeric's Healing Powers
Ayurvedic and Western doctors now believe has the power to:
Lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol
Increase the good HDL cholesterol.
Reduce blood sugar level in diabetics
Acts as an anticoagulant
Protect and is a tonic for the liver.
Boost the stomach's defenses against acid
Heal wounds. In Northwest Pakistan and Afghanistan, ground turmeric is applied to a piece of burnt cloth, and placed over a wound to clean and cure it.
Possibly fight cancer.
Be of possible benefit to Alzheimer's disease, and liver disorders.
Ayurveda Medicinal Use of Turmeric as Food
A strong Ayurvedic belief is that diet is a crucial aspect of the body's well-being.
Therefore, great attention is given to the foods that are chosen to eat, and how they are prepared. Turmeric has long been considered by Ayurvedic healers for its diverse and powerful healing properties.
Turmeric as a spice gives Indian dishes a deep, golden color. The roots of the plant are laid out in the sun to dry, then ground into a powder. Some people like to eat the roots pan fried in ghee (butter) with sauce and spices. Most people add the bright yellow powder into foods as they are cooking, to give flavor and color. It is not advised to eat turmeric without cooking it first.
Tumeric's Important Role in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, the belief is that turmeric balances the three main characteristics of the human condition, also called doshas. Dosha means "change." The three Ayurvedic doshas are Pitta, Kapha and Vata. Kapha signifies water and earth. Pitta is the force between water and fire. And Vata is the force of ether and air. Older people are usually classified as Vata, since as we get older, we shrink and dry out. Teens are Pitta because during this stage, hormone changes transform us into adults. And Kapha is the dosha of children, who grow or increase in size and substance of the body.
Turmeric's Power Referred To In Ancient Book
The Charaka Saṃhitā Sutra, an ancient Indian Ayurvedic text on internal medicine written by Caraka is believed to be the oldest treatise on Ayurveda. This book is a huge "how-to" on Ayurveda. One of the traditional remedies it points out for jaundice is a combination of turmeric, triphala, neem bark, bala, licorice all cooked in milk and the ghee of a buffalo.
Tags: Ayurvedic Medicine, belief that, that turmeric, Turmeric Used, Turmeric Used Ayurvedic, used Ayurveda, Used Ayurvedic
Respite care is the term used to refer to the act of leaving a loved one with special needs in the temporary care of another party. This is a very common custom, especially for caregivers who must attend to other responsibilities. Typical recipients of respite care are special needs children, but it is becoming increasingly common for the elderly as well as the mentally disabled.
Stress Reducer
may help children by lowering the stress level at home. In a study whose purpose was to examine possible correlations between respite care and academic achievements by children with disabilities, Bernard-Brak and Thomson (2009) discovered that children who received these services exhibited higher scores on academic measures than nonrecipient children. The researcher contributed their higher performance on the reduced stress in their home environment as a result of their parents using respite care.
Requirements
Recipients of respite care services must meet certain criteria depending on the particular care provider. According to Diog et al. (2008), these requirements include: proof of economic solvency, medical evaluations, minimal age requirements, behavioral requirements and duration restrictions. The article mentions that parents sometimes have difficulties in finding willing providers when they do not meet some of these criteria.
The Chid's View
Although respite care units have been immensely beneficial in helping parents manage stress in their lives, some studies show that children may hold negative views toward their providers. A study by Radcliffe and Turk (2008) examined this issue and concluded that the child's and the parent's views toward respite care do not always coincide. To assure the emotional well-being of the child, it is fundamental that they are not distressed by the service.
Safety
Even though respite care providers are generally considered safe, it may be wise to do some research on the provider before entrusting them with your disabled loved one. This can be carried out by asking providers for a list of recommendations and finding out about the company by searching on the Internet. If the care is to be provided in home, a "nanny cam" may be a good investment to make sure nothing undesirable is happening in your absence.
Finding Care
The best place to look for access to quality respite care is at the Lifespan Respite Task Force (LRTF) website (see Resources). They offer clients a detailed search tool to help make finding respite care as amenable as possible.
Tags: respite care, respite care, respite care, , stress their
Acupressure is the combination of the principle of acupuncture and pressure. It is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to balance the body's yin, yang and chi by stimulating the meridian system (channels or lines of energy that flow through the body).
Function
Acupressure applied to the temple area stimulates the point called, Taiyang. When this area is rubbed gently it calms and relaxes the mind while also relieving headache that originates in the temple area.
Do it yourself
Rub hands together to warm them, then use the tips of your index and middle finger to gently rub your temples in a circular motion. Keep eyes closed and use gentle pressure to stimulate this acupressure point.
Tips
Liniment or a massage oil can enhance the use of acupressure on the temple area when trying to relieve a headache. Be careful not to get any oils into the eyes as burning and irritation could occur.
More uses
Acupressure applied to the temples is mostly used to relieve tension caused by headache but it can also be used to relieve anxiety, aid in sleep and may help reduce wrinkles near the eyes.
Warnings for pregnant women
Acupressure should be used with caution if you are pregnant as certain acupressure points can induce labor or start contractions. Acupressure applied to the temple area is safe for pregnant women to use.
HIV treatment in 2009 looks a lot different than it did even five or 10 years ago. While we seem to be no closer to a cure for AIDS, changes in the way we treat patients and new pharmaceuticals have breathed new life, literally, into the hopes for the infected. These new medications are more powerful, so they can be taken less frequently, and they still produce fewer side effects than the medication of yesterday. On the other hand, it's important to understand that infected patients should take their treatment options seriously and understand that many with the virus can go up to 10 years without medication and still never see symptoms.
The Need For Medication
Those infected with HIV will need to consult with their doctor to determine what, if any medications will be right for them. The doctor will determine this by taking blood tests, which will show a couple of things. One, the blood test will show the patient's viral load--in other words, how much of the virus is in the bloodstream. Two, the test will show a T-cell count, which is a test of the immune system. Based on these results, a clearer picture will emerge regarding the patient's need for treatment.
HIV Medications
In the U.S., there are specific guidelines for doctors to follow when it comes to treating HIV in the most efficient way possible. This will include starting the patient on a regimen of drugs, which often include Reyataz, Lexiva or Kaletra, many times combined with a booster such as Sustiva. There are several medications and combinations on the "not recommended" list due to research trials or simply a better solution having come along since the drug was widely used.
Drug Combinations
HIV treatment in the 21st century gets much of its effectiveness and power from combinations of drugs, intended to work with each other to provide the best possible results. For instance, a patient beginning medicinal therapy will often be given a combination of two NRTIs and a protease inhibitor. Some of these drugs have now been combined into a single medication, lowering side effects and lessening the burden on the patient.
Changing Therapies
Doctors treating HIV look at the evolution of the patients' treatment needs in terms of a front-line therapy and a second-line therapy. Looking at it in this way is necessary because of the nature of HIV, and its ability to morph and become resistant to current medications. The doctor continues to monitor blood work, and if she finds the medications are not working, she will move to a new set of drugs in the hopes of continuing therapy successfully.
HIV in Children
Antiretroviral therapy is the order of the day when it comes to treating children with the HIV virus. These drugs help to reduce incidences of illness and even fatalities in children with the disease, just as they do in their adult counterparts. There have been tremendous success stories in HIV-heavy areas such as Brazil and Kenya, where children on complete ARV treatments experienced enormously positive survival rates as compared to the average.
Tags: will show, children with, comes treating, have been, side effects, test will, test will show
When breast cancer spreads beyond the breast area to the rest of the body, it is known as metastatic breast cancer. Roughly 20 to 30 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer will eventually develop metastases of the cancer elsewhere in their body. Metastatic cancer is more difficult to treat because it is often difficult to locate.
Variability in the Population
Survival rates for metastatic breast cancer vary greatly among patients. Some patients will go into remission easily, whereas others will not respond to any treatments.
Hormonal Treatments
Hormonal treatments work to block the effects of estrogen throughout the body. Because breast tissue grows in response to estrogen, this can slow the growth of metastases.
Immunotherapy
Another type of therapy focuses on identifying unique features of breast cancer cells and trains the immune system to kill cells with those features.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy works by poisoning cells that are rapidly dividing. This is especially useful for metastatic breast cancer, as the tumor cells may be rapidly dividing in many areas of the body.
Radiation
If the location of the metastatic breast cancer is known, radiation therapy, performed by directing beams of X-rays at an area, can kill cells in those areas.
Tags: breast cancer, metastatic breast, metastatic breast cancer, kill cells, rapidly dividing
Women who are entering perimenopause find that their menstrual cycles undergo many changes, including changes in the amount of bleeding. This is due to the shifting balance of hormones. Women who experience estrogen dominance during perimenopause may find that their uterine lining builds more thickly during the follicular phase of their cycle, resulting in heavier bleeding at menstruation. Applying a natural progesterone cream can help to counterbalance the estrogen dominance that causes heavy bleeding. It can also be used to treat bleeding associated with endometriosis, a condition in which endometrial cells that would normally line the uterus grow in other areas such as the fallopian tubes and on the ovaries.
Instructions
1. Start applying bioidentical progesterone cream 10 days after the first day of your last menstrual period. If you are treating bleeding from endometriosis, being applying the cream eight days after your last .
2. Apply 1/4 tsp. of progesterone cream daily to an area such as your arm, belly or thigh. If the progesterone treatment is for endometriosis, increase the dose to 3/4 tsp. Change areas frequently to aid absorption.
3. Stop applying the cream on the last day before your expected period. The withdrawal from progesterone will bring on menstruation. The first day of your menstrual period is considered Day 1 of the next cycle.
Tags: menstrual period, applying cream, days after, estrogen dominance, find that, find that their
Treating diabetes with acupressure is most effective with type 2 diabetes. This is the type that can be controlled with diet and exercise. Adding acupressure treatment can help a type 2 diabetes patient reduce his or her need for medication to treat the condition. Always consult a doctor before initiating any treatment for diabetes and never replace prescribed treatment just with acupressure therapy.
Instructions
1. Talk to your doctor about adding acupressure to your type 2 diabetes treatment. Most doctors will tell you that acupressure will not cause you any harm, but you should also continue your conventional treatment. Get your doctor's approval before starting any acupressure therapy.
2. Lie on your back and expose your belly. Place four fingers of your hand just below your belly button. The pressure point just below your fingers is known to improve digestive function in the body. It is also supposed to make you more energetic and awake. Press the point in an inward, circular motion. Don't do this right after you eat or you might make yourself sick.
3. Place four fingers of your hand just below your knee cap. Find the indention just below the fingers on the outside of the tibia bone. This is your shin. Press the point inward toward the bone. This pressure point is also known to improve digestion. Be careful as you do this, or you could cause yourself great pain. Use a gentle but steady pressure.
4. Move down to your ankle, and place four fingers above the bone that sticks out. Be sure to do this on the inside of your ankle and not the outside. Find the pressure point on the back of the tibia bone. Press the point inward toward the bone. This pressure point is known to improve spleen function. This could potentially aid in insulin production.
5. Focus on increasing your exercise and improving your diet. These are proven methods of controlling type 2 diabetes. Manipulating acupressure points can help your body with digestive issues that contribute to type 2 diabetes, but they cannot cure it alone. They will do nothing if you do not also improve your diet and get more exercise.
Tags: type diabetes, just below, pressure point, below your, bone This
CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, restores blood circulation and oxygen supply when properly administered to a trauma victim. First aid maneuvers like CPR has to be done within 4 to 6 minutes after someone has stopped breathing to avoid brain damage or death. Always allow the trauma victim's chest to contract fully after each compression before pressing down again.
Instructions
1. Lay the trauma victim on his back on a flat surface. Place the lower portion of your palm, near to your wrist, onto the sternum on the lower middle of the victim's chest.
2. Keep your fingers of this hand lifted up and away from the chest of the trauma victim. The bottom of your palm fits into the concave part of the chest.
3. Criss cross your arms then apply pressure with only the top hand and not the bottom. Put your dominant (the right hand if you are right handed and vice versa) hand atop the hand that is already placed on the chest. The top arm creates a 90-degree angle with victim's body.
4. Steady your elbows as you push in quick successions on the trauma victim's chest. Bend the elbow of your bottom arm but straighten the top arm. Press down on the chest up to 2 inches. Do 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths. Do about 80 to 100 hand compressions per minute.
5. Administer first aid maneuvers considering a trauma victim's age and size. For a baby, you use the two fingers of one hand to do CPR compressions. Pressing the chest down up to only 1 inch, you do so onto the lower part of the chest and at 100 hand compressions per minute. After every fifth compression, you must give one resuscitating breath into the baby's nose and mouth at the same time.
6. Perform CPR on children under the age of 8 by using only one hand for the compressions. Position the hand heel of your dominant hand into the bottom portion of the chest and execute 5 compressions followed by a rescue breath via the mouth only. Do 100 hand compressions per minute.
7. Share the duty of administering first aid maneuvers with anyone in the vicinity who is also well versed in proper CPR technique. This strategy helps you and other good Samaritans avoid mistakes due to tiring or overlooking significant factors.
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