An overnight liver detox can help you flush out toxins accumulated in the liver over the years and help restore this vital organ. It will help bowel movements occur more regularly by washing out sluggish bile. A cleansed liver will purify blood and repair the gallbladder. This overnight liver detox takes a little over a day to complete, with the detoxification process occurring overnight. All you need is organic apple juice, olive oil and lemon juice, castor oil, and a heating blanket.
Drink 40 oz. of organic apple juice throughout the day. Achieve this by drinking 8 oz. of juice five times during the day with a span of three hours between each drink. It is important that the juice be organic so you are not loading your body up on excess sugar and preservatives.
Food
Eat a healthy breakfast, but there are no guidelines on how much or what to eat. For lunch and throughout the rest of the day eat lightly. Contain your diet to salads, fruits and raw vegetables.
Prepare for the Overnight Detox
Consume 2 tbsp. of olive oil and 2 tbsp. of lemon juice an hour before bed. Right before you lie down in bed, saturate a 6-by-6-inch piece of flannel with castor oil. Place it on the right side of your stomach, under your ribs. This is where your liver is located. Tape a plastic bag over the flannel to keep the oil from soaking into your nightclothes and bed linens. Sleep with an electric heating pad or blanket over you (or at least over the plastic bag) to keep the castor oil activated.
Morning After
Remove the castor-oil pack. Rinse the area with water and baking soda to remove the oily residue. Sweat for 20 minutes the morning after the detox to purge your body of lingering toxins. You can do this by sitting in a sauna for 20 minutes or putting on a sweat suit and vigorously working out.
Tags: , lemon juice, liver detox, organic apple, organic apple juice
Portable family hygiene kits are a must for any family who drives long distances or who has children involved in sports. Kits online sell for upwards of $50. Make one yourself and save $20 to $30. The family hygiene kit includes all the items needed to stay clean and fresh when you are away from home.
Instructions
1. Buy a small container or bag to hold of the items. Remember that the kit has to fit comfortably in your car. Get a bag or container that fits in the truck, hatchback or behind a seat.
2. Include a roll of toilet paper to use when public restrooms are out of paper. The toilet paper also comes in handy when things explode inside your car.
3. Purchase full-size bottles of body wash and shampoo. Use baby body wash as shampoo. Pull these out and freshen up after ball games, activities or long road trips.
4. Put extra sanitary napkins or tampons in the kit for any mature females in the family.
5. Buy a small bottle of insect repellent for the kit. Look for one that has a pleasant smell in case you have to be inside the car with kids doused in the spray.
6. Place sunscreen in the kit. Normally SPF 30 to 35 is enough sun protection. Use a higher SPF for small children or people with sensitive skin.
7. Include toilet seat covers for public toilets. If toilet seat covers are nowhere to be found, use toilet paper to cover the seat.
8. Buy a small bottle of antibacterial hand sanitizer for the hygiene kit. Use it to sanitize after activities, snacks or use of a bathroom.
9. Put a small box of baby wipes in the hygiene kit. Baby wipes are great for a quick face or hand wash.
10. Purchase a tube of toothpaste and a tooth brush for each member of the family.
11. Put razors in the kit for any adults who may need to shave.
12. Included a couple of trash bags to help keep the car clean or to put other items in.
Tags: toilet paper, body wash, body wash shampoo, family hygiene, seat covers
People can achieve their goals and surpass expectations but they may never get recognition for their endeavors because of modesty or other circumstances. Researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo have found that employees seek praise and attention more than bonuses or other perks. They believe that informal and formal recognition processes should be part of a company's culture. If you do not receive informal or formal recognition naturally, you can use other techniques to gain visibility and get recognized.
Instructions
1. Work hard to achieve excellence if you are seeking recognition. Value your relationships and spend time with the people you care about if you want to be recognized for being an important part of their lives. Excel in your niche at work, so you can give colleagues and your boss something positive to talk about.
2. Identify what you want recognition for. If you want to be promoted at work, determine a feasible time frame and talk to your boss about how you can accomplish your goal within that time.
3. Talk about your achievements without being arrogant. If you are proud of your accomplishments, bring them up in relevant conversations. Become visible by speaking up at work meetings. Talk to your friends and family about goals that you have achieved. Give people the opportunity to share in your successes.
4. Recognize others for their accomplishments. Compliment your co-workers or friends sincerely when they achieve their goals. Provide others with a reason to feel good about acknowledging your abilities.
5. Increase your network and visibility. Attend professional seminars and events and talk to different people in your field. Take advantages of opportunities to present and write articles, blogs or books within your field, so you can be recognized professionally. Keep in touch with people over time and try to provide them with as much value as possible.
Oral glutathione supplementation does not substantially increase the levels of glutathione in the blood, but the glutathione precursor known as N-acetylcysteine does increase glutathione in the blood. The consumption of whey protein can also stimulate glutathione production. This article describes increase the levels of the antioxidant glutathione by taking N-acetylcysteine and whey protein.
Instructions
N-acetylcysteine and Whey Protein Boost Glutathione
1. Obtain N-acetylcysteine.
Select an N-acetylcysteine supplement produced at a registered pharmaceutical facility that follows GMP (good manufacturing practice) guidelines. Bioadvantex and Energyfirst are two brands that meet this criteria.
2. Obtain undenatured whey protein.
Whey protein comes in a variety of forms. The undenatured forms of whey protein stimulate liver production of glutathione. Some milk/whey proteins from China have been reported to be tainted with melamine, so this protein should be obtained strictly from domestic supplies and a GMP source. Energyfirst produces a GMP whey protein meeting this criteria.
3. Take N-acetylcysteine and daily.
Doses of NAC include 500, 600, or 900mg/day. Whey protein can be consumed at a dose of 1 gram per pound of body weight per day. Whey protein intake can be varied depending on kidney function, overall fitness, and metabolic activity.
4. Eat foods rich in antioxidants.
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as dark leafy vegetables and fruits, will help keep glutathione levels high by providing additional antioxidant buffering.
5. Avoid excessive levels of alcohol and sugar.
Excessive intake of alcohol can cause liver damage and decrease glutathione levels. Elevated sugar, or hyperglycemia, can also induce oxidative damage which will decrease glutathione levels.
Entamoeba histolytica is a single-celled parasite (protozoa) that is transmitted by contaminated food and water. Like most parasites, entamoeba histolytica lives in and travels through the digestive track and can only survive in unsanitary environments.
Infection
The host must consume food or water that was contaminated with fecal matter from another infected individual. Entamoeba histolytica cysts (eggs) live are excreted in and will remain dormant until they are in a host.
Hatching
Once the host has ingested the cyst, excystation, or hatching, occurs in the small intestine.
Multiplication
The mature entamoeba histolytica, also known as trophozoites, multiply as they travel through the small and large intestines.
Excretion
The new cysts created by the trophozoites are excreted from the host's body in stool and the life cycle begins again. The trophozoites are also excreted but cannot survive outside the intestines.
Invasion
When the trophozoites remain in the host's body, the host has an invasive infection. The parasites might live in the intestinal walls or travel to the bloodstream, where they can affect the heart or lungs.
Tags: Entamoeba histolytica, fecal matter, food water, host body
Metatarsals are the long bones of the foot that run from the toes to the ankle. There are five metatarsals in each foot. A stress fracture is a break in a bone that is caused by a repetitive stress placed on it. Many athletes, especially runners, are prone to metatarsal stress fractures. Since most often individuals do not realize a fracture has occurred, recognizing the symptoms of the break is important.
Pain
The first symptom of a metatarsal stress fracture is a slow, steady increase in pain. Pain will be located at the site of the . The top of the foot is the most painful.
Intensity
The pain increases with walking and running or with any other activity that bends the foot. Inactivity helps the pain.
Tenderness
The top of the foot will be tender when touched along where the stress fracture has occurred.
Edema
Oftentimes there will be a small amount of swelling to the foot, especially to the forefoot.
Warning
The fracture will usually not present itself on an x-ray until several weeks after the fracture happens. The healing process tends to show itself later, and that is what is normally seen on an x-ray weeks later.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes unusual sensations in the limbs, especially the legs. These sensations are generally at their worst when the sufferer is at rest or is overly tired; they are usually relieved by movement. Because each patient's experience of RLS is unique, the ailment is poorly understood.
Defining RLS
Some RLS sufferers describe the sensations as a feeling of bugs creeping inside the muscles of the legs; others experience itching, burning or even pain. Still others feel a shortness of breath that can only be relieved by incessant movement.
According to the National Institutes of Health, criteria for diagnosing RLS include an urge to move the limbs with or without sensations, improvement with activity, worsening of symptoms when at rest and worsening of symptons in the evening or at night.
Types of RLS
RLS is categorized as either primary or secondary or sometimes as early onset or late onset.
Primary RLS exists without any known causative factor. It is sometimes called early onset RLS because it can appear in young people who display no other health problems.
Secondary RLS is the result of another medical condition or external factor. Chronic kidney problems, diabetes, varicose veins, thyroid disease and Parkinson's disease are some of the conditions that can produce RLS. Some drugs can also produce secondary RLS or trigger episodes in those who already have symptoms.
Pregnant women frequently experience temporary RLS.
Causes and Contributing Factors
While the cause of primary RLS remains unknown, certain factors seem to be present in most or all cases. At least half of primary RLS sufferers have a family history of the illness. RLS is likely to be related to the dopamine and iron levels in the body.
Most patients with either type of RLS present with some level of anemia or reduced levels of iron. In some cases, correcting this deficiency is all that is necessary. For others, treating the iron deficiency can lessen, but not eliminate, the symptoms.
Research
Functional brain imaging has been used to explore the connection between dopamine and iron-related markers in the brain fluid of individuals with RLS. The results have been confirmed by brain autopsies of RLS sufferers.
There has been extensive research into the genetic component of the syndrome, as well.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes, including altering exercise habits and reducing or eliminating caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, are the first course of action recommended for RLS sufferers.
RLS is often treated with a class of medicines known as dopamine agonists, the same medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. These include pramipexole, carbidopa/levodopa and ropinerole. The RLS foundation recommends ruling out all possible secondary causes of RLS before considering drug treatment, as these medications frequently have side effects. One of these, augmentation, can actually cause symtpoms to worsen at times. Research has also shown that dopamine agonists can cause compulsive gambling.
Opioids and benzodiazepines are prescribed for patients who have a hard time sleeping because of RLS, and those who experience pain with RLS are sometimes given anticonvulsant medications.
There are some alternative solutions on the market, but none of these have been proven effective.
Tags: dopamine agonists, early onset, , Parkinson disease
A consultation for braces is a necessary orthodontist visit to determine the need for braces, to size the braces and decide on various other factors concerning the impending braces. The consultation will last about a half an hour and cover various aspects of the braces as well as provide patients and their parents with all the necessary information.
Diagnosis
The main focus at the braces consultation is determining the need for braces. This diagnosis is often obtained before the consultation appointment but will be discussed in reference to treatment plans for the patient's orthodontic problems. Photos of the teeth and X-rays of the mouth will be taken at the consultation, and a molding of the teeth may be taken.
Treatment
The patient's specific treatment plan will be discussed and outlined at the braces consultation. Treatment plans may include wearing a retainer for a few weeks before having the braces placed. The amount of time the braces will need to remain in place will also be discussed at the consultation. It is during the discussion of treatment when the orthodontist will explain to the patient and a patient's guardians the necessary care for braces. At the consultation visit, the patient will be allowed to decide the colors of their braces.
Other Options
Alternative treatments will also be discussed at the braces consultation. Alternative treatments may include only wearing a retainer or wearing a clear mouth guard apparatus.
Warnings
At the consultation appointment, the orthodontist will discuss the risks and complications associated with wearing braces. The orthodontist will then warn the patient about pain and discomfort associated with the braces and possible problems the braces can create, such as the removal of enamel from the teeth and gum soreness and bleeding.
Financial Arrangements
Because braces are expensive, it is important that payment arrangements be discussed at the consultation appointment. At the consultation, the orthodontist may ask the patient and guardians if the patient has dental insurance. If the patient does not have dental insurance, the orthodontist may be able to set the patient up on a payment plant or may require the total cost of the braces be paid up front. The payment plan option is not available at all orthodontic offices.
Tags: braces consultation, , orthodontist will, , Alternative treatments, associated with
Just as day care exists for children, it also exists for adults and elder patients. There are two types: medical day care and social day care. However, the process of finding a good facility can be daunting. What are the important questions to ask to make sure you choose the right program? The National Adult Day Services Association recommends that you first decide what specific services you and the patient need. Answering certain key questions will determine which kinds of adult day care centers will work best.
Medical vs. Social
Both medical and social adult day care centers typically provide social and occupational activities, usually offer two daily meals and often include drop-off and pick-up services in the cost. The main difference between the two is that at a medical facility, there will be access to various physicians and therapists, as well as dietitians. Speech or occupational therapy may be included or melded into a social activity.
Ask Until....
Ask until you are satisfied. You will want to know whether the center is indeed medical or social. If you are the caregiver for a patient with Alzheimer's, for instance, this is the first question you should ask. Ask specifically, however, about Alzheimer's. Though it is a medical facility, i may not take patients with Alzheimer's. You must ask. Then find out who owns the agency and whether it is licensed and/or accredited by the state. Ask to see this license. Ask how long it have been in operation and check references as well.
On your own, investigate any lawsuits that may exist. Find out if the facility allows unannounced visitors. They should. You should be able to drop by to assess the care. If they offer activities, find out the ratio of patients to medical workers or recreation leaders.
Tour the facility. Is the staff specially trained in the area of dementia or with stroke victims? Do they offer meals and snacks? Also ask whether transportation is provided in the cost, and don't stop there. Find out whether the facility hires an outside company to handle transportation or if it has a driver who works in-house. This is important because if it is an outside transportation agency, you will need to check that firm out as well and check licenses. You will also want to inquire about the final cost of the program. Be very specific and inquire about additional charges. Also, find out if the facility accepts Medicare or Medicaid and whether there is a limit.
Trust Your Instinct
Ask as many questions as it takes. You will want to ask all of the aforementioned questions and any questions that arise when touring the facility or after the patient has attended the facility for a week or so. Always trust your instinct. We take the time to shop for a car or a house--we should be as clear and focused and more so when shopping for adult day care for the one we love. Know also that this should be a positive experience for you and the adult in day care, not a punishment. So do your homework and keep asking questions.
Tags: , adult care, adult care centers, care centers, inquire about, medical facility, medical social
A foot massage after a long day of work would be like heaven ... if only someone were around to give you one. Forget about feeling sorry for yourself if nobody's around, or willing, to massage your poor, deserving, tired, achy feet; do it yourself.
Instructions
1. Gather your materials next to a comfortable seat where you can reach it all. Take off your shoes. Wet your washcloth with hot water. Wring out the cloth. Put a little soap on it. Sit in the comfortable chair.
2. Wash your feet with the warm washcloth and soap. As you do so, enjoy the warmth and rub your feet as you go. You are being your own heated foot massager. When finished, rinse with the second warm washcloth. Dry gently and thoroughly with one of your towels.
3. Put a golf ball on the floor, under the ball of one of your feet. Move your foot over the golf ball, rolling it up and back for half a minute. Then roll the ball around in circles under your foot for another 30 seconds. Adjust the pressure and direction of the golf ball for areas of your feet that feel particularly achy. Repeat on the other foot.
4. Apply foot lotion to your feet: Put lotion on both hands, and rub them together a bit. Then grab your foot, your thumbs grasping the sole. Firmly massage the sole of your foot with your thumbs as you rub on the foot lotion. Grab each toe, and rub the pad of each. Last, run your hands up and down your foot, with your fingers rubbing the top of the foot. Repeat for the other side.
5. Wrap your feet in the second towel. Relax and let the foot lotion soak in for a few minutes. Then slide on your comfortable slippers.
Tags: your foot, your feet, foot lotion, golf ball, with your
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two conditions that can result from prolonged exposure to hot temperatures without adequate hydration. Heat exhaustion is a precursor to heat stroke, per the Mayo Clinic.
Hiking in the heat can cause heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke
Identification
Heat exhaustion is characterized by significant sweating, loss of color, cramps, fatigue, fainting and dizziness. Heat stroke symptoms include a body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, dry skin, high heart rate, confusion and even unconsciousness.
Treatment
According to the CDC, if you see someone affected with either heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call emergency services and get them out of the sun immediately and cool them with towels, water and fans.
Effects
Heat stroke can cause organ damage, brain damage and even death if not treated quickly. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if left untreated.
Prevention
You can help prevent heat illness by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and avoiding strenuous activities outdoors on hot days. When you must go outside, make sure you have someone with you in case of an emergency.
Warning
Those most susceptible to heat-related conditions are seniors, young children, overweight individuals and those who already are ill or take certain drugs, especially diuretics.
Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years as treatment for a number of ailments. The National Institutes of Health lists massage as both a conventional and an alternative treatment, depending on the particular issue. Massage can help relieve muscle strains, though the vast majority of massages are delivered as a relaxation technique at day spas or salons. However, though the feeling of a massage can deliver relief and rejuvenation, there are risks involved. People who suffer from certain illnesses are advised against massage. In addition, researchers are still discovering the changes (positive and negative) that massage has on the body.
The Facts
Massage therapists can practice any of 80 types of massage, which involve the pressure, stretching, rubbing and overall manipulation of the body's muscles and tissue. The point of any massage is to relax muscles. A massage can do this by carrying higher levels of blood and oxygen to the areas worked upon.
The differing types of massage vary in how the therapy is delivered, from amount pressure to the types of strokes employed. Swedish massage utilizes long strokes and kneading, and the therapist will often move the body's joints to aid flexibility. Deep tissue employs strokes and hard finger pressure on tightened or knotted muscles and tissue. This allows the therapist to focus on the body tissue that resides far under the skin. Shiatsu massage uses a more rhythmic approach that varies finger pressure and strokes on the body that are vital to its energy flow.
Risk Factors
The first risk factor is whether the masseuse you are seeing is certified. Just because the sign in front of the building says "Massage" does not mean certified therapists are on staff. Therapists in many states are required to seek training and obtain certification from the state in which they practice. Certifications include: LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist), LMP (Licensed Massage Practitioner), CMT (Certified Massage Therapist), NCTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork), and NCTM (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork).
Massage licensing varies from state to state. New York State requires 1,000 hours of training and the passage of a state exam. California has no state licensing, but individual counties provide certification and have different requirements. States such as Alaska and Kansas have no state legislation governing massage therapy.
Massage therapy is not unlike any other practice. Without training, the massage could be done incorrectly and result in injury. Before scheduling a massage, ask whether the therapists are licensed by the state and hold one of the certifications listed above.
Risk Factors
If you have cardiovascular issues, massage therapy holds a great deal of risk. People with a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, can start bleeding both externally or internally due to the level of pressure placed on the body, with no ability to clot. The same can be said for people on blood thinners or anti-clotting medication and for people with damaged blood vessels.
People with thrombosis, or blood clotting in a deep vein, can suffer a catastrophic event if the clot becomes dislodged. This can occur when the therapist is working with deep pressure on the legs. By jarring the clot and allowing it to flow through the body, the risk of stroke, aneurysm and heart attack is imminent.
Risk Factors
People with a weak skeleton are at the risk of sustaining bone fractures from massage. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, many therapists will decline the session as your bones could break from the pressure of a massage. Bones that are healing from a fracture are also at risk because the fractured bone may not be strong enough to withstand a massage.
Cancer presents a number set of risks beginning with bone density. Chemotherapy, radiation and other cancer treatments can weaken the body's bones and expose them to fracture. The reduced immune system of a cancer patient can prevent speedy healing and promote the onset of infection. In addition, therapists may refuse to treat a person with cancer because of the location of the tumor, feeding tubes, chemotherapy tubes or inflammation from radiation therapy.
Risk Factors
As with any treatment there are side effects. The NIH lists the following side effects from massage therapy:
• Temporary pain or discomfort
• Bruising
• Swelling
• A sensitivity or allergy to massage oils
Discuss the level of pressure with the therapist prior to the session. If you feel that the therapist is applying too much pressure, say so during the massage. Also explain any allergies you have and ask the therapist to use a hypoallergenic oil.
Tags: Risk Factors, People with, Board Therapeutic, Board Therapeutic Massage, Certification Board, , deep vein
Purslane is a trailing, ground-growing herb with succulent stems and clusters of green, oval leaves. The entire plant is edible, including flowers and seeds, and is considered a weed in most areas of the world despite its wide use as a culinary and medicinal herb.
Cooling
Purslane is a traditional herb used in the treatment of fevers and as a "cooling aid" in general. It is considered a "cold" plant, used to treat "hot" medical conditions such as inflammation and overheating. In alternative medical theories, such as ayurvedic or Chinese systems, the interplay of hot and cold elements in the body cause many upsets, with headaches, liver problems, hemorrhaging and sleep problems caused by excessive heat in the body. Purslane was traditionally used to treat all these ailments.
Stomach Upsets
Purslane has historically been used to treat stomach upsets from dysentery to diarrhea, and intestinal worms. It is also used to help treat irregular or painful menstruation. Purslane is a digestive stimulant, and aides in all digestive disorders.
Urinary Disorders
Purslane is used as a diuretic treatment and in the treatment of urinary disorders. Because it has such a strong effect on the urinary system, it is not recommended that people with a history of kidney stones take purslane therapeutically, as it is known to increase urine production and filtration, and can even cause a stone to move.
Source of Nutrients
Purslane is a high source nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It is one of the richest vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids, with around 8 mg per gram of leaf. Purslane is high in antioxidants, vitamins A, E and C, as well as B group vitamins. Amino acids, alkaloids, flavinoids and sterols are also found in purslane, as well as beta-carotene. According to Botanical.com, American Indians used purslane as a supplement when undergoing long journeys, and even small quantities (2 or 3 ounces a day) were enough to sustain a man.
Food
Purslane is a common potherb, used regularly by people in the Mediterranean as well as in France, England and China. Australian Aborigines ate purslane as a salad green. It is used in place of watercress or baby spinach in salads, and can be stir-fried, steamed or added to stews and curries.
Tags: used treat, fatty acids, omega-3 fatty, omega-3 fatty acids, Purslane high
Online learning objects combine text, graphics and movies to create a learning resource that is both fun and effective.
Throughout the history of institutionalized learning, there have been a number of different teaching paradigms that have proved to be dominant and effective styles of teaching. With growing interest in using technology as a teaching tool, computer-based learning resources known as "learning objects" have become a go-to method of teaching children. With learning objects becoming more standardized and widely used in the everyday instruction of children, there are a number of things you should know about them.
Definition
A learning object is defined by the innovative learning technologies website EduWorks as a resource that breaks learning content down into "bite-sized chunks." These chunks are then presented to the student through a combination of text, graphics and movies. These informative bits are navigated by the student through a table of contents and/or menu. At the end of each learning object, there is an assessment test designed to assess how well the student retained the information presented.
Standards
Several standards are required of a learning object, Mihaela-Monica Vladoiu, professor and researcher, writes in a 2003 paper for the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics in Vilnius, Romania. These standards include showing a clear purpose, reflecting a learning preference, being applicable to different areas of study, being able to stand alone, supporting competency at the appropriate level, and helping the student understand the material being presented. Another study, conducted by researchers Ferdinand Krauss and Mohamed Ally and published in "The Interdisciplinary Journal of Knowledge and Learning Objects," concludes that the standards for evaluation of a learning object are "content quality, learning goal alignment, feed-back and adaptation, ability to motivate learning, presentation design, usability, reusability and supporting resources"
Pros
Learning objects have inherent benefits that make them an ideal choice for almost any situation, Vladoiu writes. These benefits include flexibility to use the information in a module in multiple contexts, ease with which these chunks can be updated, the module's capacity to be customized, and the ability to match specific learning objects with students who have individual competency gaps in specific areas. But Susan Nash, professor and researcher at Excelsior College, argues that a learning object is useless if it is not effectively implemented into a curriculum.
Cons
There are also several limits to using learning objects, according to Vladoiu. Teachers who use the learning object method must limit themselves to the information covered in the learning objects currently available. While the types of information available in learning object form are growing every day, the cost to create new learning objects can be steep. Also, institutions that wish to convert to a learning object-based system must retrain their instructors to use learning objects in the classroom, thus increasing the entry threshold for the use of learning objects. Researcher Pithamber R. Polsani compares the difference between traditional in-class learning and learning objects with the difference between books and e-books, a difference that is on both the "conceptual and metaphorical levels." For learning objects to be effective teaching and learning tools, they must be designed as learning objects in and of themselves, rather than as a new subset of traditional learning.
Lap Band surgery has helped many patients lose weight effectively. Unlike crash diets and cosmetic surgery, Lap Band surgery can help you manage your weight into the foreseeable future. For Lap Band surgery to work as effectively as possible, however, you may need to change many aspects of your life.
Instructions
Alter Your Lifestyle to Lose Weight Effectively with Lap Band Surgery
1. Alter your eating habits. After your Lap Band surgery, you will feel full after eating smaller quantities. To lose weight effectively, you should strive to eat three small meals a day that contain essential nutrients.
2. Drink fluids separately from eating your meals. While the Lap Band that is installed during surgery restricts food to make you feel full after eating less, fluids will cause food to pass through the Lap Band faster, allowing you to eat more.
3. Limit your alcohol intake. While alcohol has a high number of calories, you will not feel full after drinking it. It can also break down nutrients that you need.
4. Begin or resume an exercise program with which you are comfortable. Aerobic exercise can increase the rate at which you lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health.
5. Visit your doctor according to the schedule that she recommends. She may need to enlarge or loosen the Lap Band to adjust the rate at which you can lose weight. These adjustments typically take less than 30 minutes.
Tags: Band surgery, feel full, feel full after, full after, lose weight, after eating
LASIK eye surgery has gained popularity in recent years. The procedure is performed in the doctor's office, and patients return to normal activity after the surgery is done on the same day. The procedure has helped correct many people's vision. Celebrities and athletes like former NFL player Tiki Barber have had LASIK to correct their vision.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is the precise removal of the corneal tissue by a special laser that changes the focal power of the eye. The cornea is responsible for bending light in the eye and creating an image on the retina. The light bending and focus is called refraction, and the imperfections of the eyes' focal ability are called refractive errors. LASIK is used to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (cloudy vision). It is not uncommon to find any given combination of these refractive errors that need LASIK to correct vision.
Brief Descriotion of the Operation
The cornea is sliced with a device called the microkeratome. This creates a flap on the eyeball. The doctor employs extreme caution and precision in creating a perfect flap. The flap is then rolled back to expose the inner layer of the cornea. The necessary refractive corrections are made on the cornea's inner level using the excimer laser. When the treatment is finished, the flap is returned to its original position. It is interesting to note that the eye has an extraordinary suction ability to hold the flap in place. This enables the doctor to take great care in making sure the flaps fit perfectly when the corrective measures have been completed.
LASIK FAQ
How much does LASIK surgery cost? According to allaboutvision.com, the average cost of the basic surgery in 2009 is $2,140 per eye. Special circumstances or procedures could add a few hundred dollars.
Is LASIK covered by my insurance? LASIK is considered an elective surgery by most insurance companies. It is best to check with your provider to see if the service is covered entirely.
Is there an age limit? There is no age limit in performing the surgery. The only limitation is that the patient must have no cataracts.
Will I go blind? According to recent data no one has lost their sight.
What are the side effects? Reported side effects are sensitivity to light, dry eye, inability to discern objects in low light, as well as lack of visual clarity in the first few months after the surgery.
Is there any long-term risk involved? In the 15 years since the surgery's inception, there have been no reported long-term or progressive side effects.
Is LASIK safe? When performed by a qualified surgeon, LASIK treatments are very safe. Although no operation is performed without risks, they are very minimal with this procedure.
What happens if the surgery isn't successful? Most people walk away from the surgery with sharper vision. LASIK surgery has a high success rate.
How much will my vision improve? Patients walk the surgery with 20/40 vision, an 85 percent improvement in sight.
Questions for the Doctor
Tough questions have to be asked while researching the right doctor to perform the surgery.
How many LASIK procedures have you performed in past 12 months?
What percentage of your patients receive 20/20 vision after the surgery?
What percentage of unresolved complications have you had in past 6 months?
How many operations have you performed that are similar to mine and with what kind of equipment?
What was the worst refractive surgery mishap you've experienced? How was it handled?
Good Candidates for LASIK
Your eyes must be examined every 2 years by an ophthalmologist. Candidates must be afflicted with myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia for at least a year. The ideal age for eye maturity is 18 years, and the patient must not have had any eye infections in the past year. Individuals with dry eye syndrome are not good candidates for LASIK .
Tags: LASIK surgery, after surgery, , side effects, away from, , from surgery
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that begins in the mesothelium. The mesothelium are protective membranes in the lung, and in other parts of the body as well. In over 90 percent of cases, mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and inhaling asbestos fibers. It may take many decades for mesothelioma to develop after the initial exposure to asbestos. Treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Often, mesothelioma can't be cured, and the treatments are designed to manage symptoms and extend longevity.
Surgery
Surgery may be performed in an attempt to cure mesothelioma, or in an attempt to relieve symptoms and enhance the quality of life. As of 2009, new tests are being developed to detect mesothelioma earlier, so the Mesothelioma and Awareness Center suggests that more surgeries may eventually be performed for curative purposes. As of 2009, though, the majority of surgeries are performed for palliative care (symptom management). Surgery takes three forms: pleurodesis, thoracentesis and pleurectomy.
Pluerodesis is a procedure that involves preventing fluid from building up in lungs by injecting talc into them. Thoracentesis involves using a thin needle to drain the lungs. Pleurectomy involves removing the lining of the lungs, in order to relieve fluid buildup.
Radiation
Radiation is usually prescribed as a form of palliative care, to manage symptoms. Radiation is often recommended for patients who are unable to undergo or withstand surgery. It is typically administered five days a week for approximately five weeks. Radiation is usually prescribed in the form of external beam radiation--the use of high-energy, x-ray-like beams aimed at the lungs to kill the cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
For most mesothelioma patients, chemotherapy is administered directly into the chest cavity (intrapleurally) or the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneally). This has proven more effective than intravenous chemotherapy (administered systemically through an IV in the veins). The two chemotherapy agents used most frequently in the treatment of mesothelioma include Alimta and cisplatin. Like radiation and surgery, chemotherapy is usually administered to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells to extend quality and length of life, as opposed to being administered to .
Tags: cancer cells, chemotherapy administered, cure mesothelioma, , manage symptoms
Lasers are reinventing dental treatments. In the past, many people put off going to see their dentist, even for basic cleanings, because traditional dentist techniques resulted in anxiety and pain. As a result, they suffered poor dental health. Today, laser dental treatments are putting an end to the pain and suffering of traditional dentistry.
What They Are
Laser dental treatments, collectively known as laser dentistry, use a laser to energize a spray of water and air to treat certain dental conditions. The treatments are approved by the FDA, and the laser is considered to be just as good or even more effective than traditional dentistry techniques.
Techniques
Laser dentistry is most commonly used to chip away decayed tooth material, such as that found in cavities. Other treatments include cosmetic bleaching and root canals. Laser treatments generally aren't suited for treatments like polishing, and they don't work on individuals who already have fillings
Benefits
Laser dentistry techniques are much less painful than traditional drill dentistry, are completed quickly, less pressure is experienced than with the drill, and generally the amount of numbing medication is limited or none at all. Other benefits include increased precision, faster healing time and a lower risk of infection.
Limitations
Availability of laser dentistry technology to the dentist is the primary limit. The equipment can be very expensive, so small dental clinics may not be able to afford it. Additionally, laser are still fairly new, so it will be a while before there are a large number of dentists who are trained in do them.
Who Can Be Treated
Anyone who needs one of the dental procedures suited to laser dentistry can be treated by laser techniques. However, laser dentistry techniques are less commonly performed on children because the techniques and related training are not as widespread in pediatrics.
Tags: dentistry techniques, dental treatments, laser dentistry, laser dentistry, than traditional
During Lap-Band surgery, the doctor fits an adjustable silicone prosthetic device around the stomach to restrict its size, in order to help the patient achieve weight loss. The Lap-Band procedure is safer than gastric and also is reversible.
Common Side Effect
Hair loss and hair thinning happens to nearly everyone who undergoes gastric bypass surgery, and can also occur with Lap-Band surgery during the first 6 months after the procedure. Patients should stay calm and realize their hair will grow back.
Protein Deficiency
Even non-surgical weight loss, when occurring rapidly, can cause hair loss. The effect results mainly from lack of protein as the individual learns to eat smaller amounts of food and avoid eating large amounts, which causes vomiting.
Consume More Protein
Lap-Band surgery patients should make sure they consume enough protein. The ability to metabolize nutrients is not affected by Lap-Band, as it is with most other types of bariatric surgery, so eating sufficient amounts will eliminate the negative side effects.
Protein Sources
Lap-Band patients can obtain protein by eating lean meats such as chicken and fish, and low-fat dairy products. Protein shakes are also an option, as are protein supplements.
Hair Considerations
For best hair results, patients should avoid hair treatments such as coloring and permanents until their normal amount of hair grows back.
Tags: Lap-Band surgery, Band Side, Band Side Effects, bypass surgery, bypass surgery also
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, can stem from many different causes. In eastern, or Chinese medicine, the treatment can vary, but defining the root cause is key. However, certain tinnitus causes have no other explanations. Luckily, for those individuals, eastern medicine still offers alternative remedies which may help.
Traditional Eastern Remedies
Acupuncture is often used in to treat tinnitus. Certain kidney and liver dysfunctions are known to produce tinnitus symptoms and so acupuncture may be used to address the deficiencies in these areas.
In eastern treatments, herbs are often used. This remains true for dealing with tinnitus. The Chinese have been using herbal medicine for thousands of years. Sesame seeds are one botanical ingredient Chinese herbalists may use for treating tinnitus. The seeds are believed to be good for dizziness and blurred vision as well. Another remedy involves eating sunflower seeds and drinking an herbal tea steeped from sunflower hulls.
If the cause of tinnitus is hypertension, the herbs san-huang-hsieh-hsin-tang, a coptis and rhubarb combination, may be prescribed by a Chinese herbalist.
Another old and effective medicinal herb is ginkgo biloba. The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest trees on Earth and while eastern medicine has long used its leaves, western medicine has only started during recent decades. Ginkgo biloba is believed to support the circulatory system and acts as a blood thinner. Because of this, more oxygen is carried through to the body and brain and so ginkgo biloba is often taken as a memory aid. It is also believed to promote the auditory system and so it can help with ringing in the ears.
Black cohash is another herb used to treat tinnitus by addressing the underlying stress that is often associated with the condition. So if tinnitus is caused by or produces stress, may help. Many herbalists will recommend combining black cohash with ginkgo biloba.
Available Eastern Combination Remedies
Native Remedies manufactures TinnaRex. According to Native Remedies, the product meets the highest pharmaceutical standards by using the best quality raw ingredients. TinnaRex's formula is designed to promote harmony and health of the ear and nervous system. It claims to clear up one's hearing while providing overall feelings of well-being, harmony and balance. This remedy is made up of ginkgo biloba, rosemary, green oats, vervain and the homeopathic ingredient salicylic acid.
Naturally Pure Health Products, LLC offers a Chinese herbal remedy called X-Tinnitus. This remedy contains the Chinese herbs radix rehmanniae preparata root, fructus corni fruit, cortex moutan root, rhizoma dioscoreae root, poria root, rhizoma alismatis root, and radix bupleuri root. This remedy is a homeopathic, herbal remedy which also claims to reduce the noise in your ears and help you deal with the condition.
Tags: ginkgo biloba, This remedy, black cohash, Chinese medicine, eastern medicine
Does your urine smell bad? Urine odor can be stopped by ridding the cause of your urine smelling badly. Many people experience a foul smell when they urinate and they are not sure why. This article will give you steps to take to diagnose the problems causing bad smelling urine. Avoiding different types of food and medication will help stop the urine smell. Following a healthy lifestyle that is mentioned below will help get rid of foul urine odor.
Instructions
1. Dilute your urine. Many people do not drink enough water. Dilute your urine by drinking plenty of water. Normal diluted urine usually has no smell and is fairly clear in color. Being dehydrated is one main reason why people experience foul urine odors.
2. Avoid eating asparagus. Eating asparagus can result in a strong ammonia smell. Although Asparagus is good for you, it may make your urine smell badly.
3. Avoid too many vitamin supplements. Certain vitamins such as B6 can cause your urine to smell badly. Don't over do it on your vitamins, too many can be unhealthy for you.
4. Visit your Dr. If you are experiencing back pains, chills and fever with your Urine Odor, you need to visit your Dr. can have liver, kidney or bladder infections that cause urine odor. Urinary tract infections make your urine have a foul smell. Liver disease will make your urine have a musty smell. People with diabetes may have a sweet smell to their urine.
Tags: your urine, urine smell, make your, make your urine, Many people
While no herb can actually cure numbness in the hand, numerous herbs can help to ease the pain of numbness along with being able to restore and heal nervous tissue in the hands and the rest of the body. Consult with your physician before embarking on any herbal treatment program for hand numbness.
Definition
Hand numbness is defined as an abnormal sensation created by a change in sensory nerve function. It may result from carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic nerve damage or multiple sclerosis, among other things.
Numbness may be started by a breakdown of the nervous system or a lack of proper diet and exercise. Before embarking on an herbal treatment program for numbness in the hands, try to boost your exercise level to 30 minutes a day. It is also important to take a B-complex vitamin along with essential fatty acids. Try this regime for about two weeks and if you notice improvement you may be able to avoid taking herbal supplements or teas altogether. If, however, you notice no improvement, there are plenty of herbal options for you.
St. John's Wort helps to restore healthy functioning of the nervous system reducing inflammation of the nervous system. Combine with lavender or skullcap for even more of a beneficial effect. Drink two cups per day to alleviate symptoms.
A comparable herb to St. John's Wort is vervain (verbena officinalis), which can help with body spasms and numbness of the hands. Look for it in health food stores in ointment form, and follow label instructions carefully.
Peppermint essential oil can be massaged into numb areas of the hands to stimulate them and improve circulation.
Circulation
A common cause of numbness in the hands is lack of circulation. Some herbs are useful for improving circulation and can help improve oxygen flow into parts of the body that may be experiencing numbness.
When used in combination, the herbs Siberian ginseng, ginger root and gingko biloba help the circulatory system and improve levels of energy. Use 300 mg. of ginseng, 250 mg. of ginger and 120 mg. of the gingko extract once during the day to reduce the sensation of numbness. Mix these extracts in a glass of water to make them more palatable.
When used in combination, these oral and topically applied remedies can help to restore feeling to your hands with little or no side effects. If you continue to experience excessive numbness in your hands consult your physician for other treatment options.
Soma is a powerful muscle relaxer that works by preventing your nerves from sending messages of pain to your brain so that you can rest better and get through physical therapy in order to treat any sprain, strains or other muscle-related trauma. Soma is taken orally.
Not a long term cure
Soma is very addictive and should not be the only treatment for musculoskeletal problems. Plenty of rest and physical therapy must be used to conjunction with Soma. Research has also shown that rest and physical therapy are much more effective as long-term cures than Soma, which is usually not prescribed past three weeks.
Know the Side Effects
Common side effects include insomnia, irritability, headaches, drowsiness, depression, blurry vision and stomach problems, especially nausea. Usually, these can be tolerated by most people. However, if you suddenly feel faint, overly weak, disoriented, paralyzed in any part of your body, or have an accelerated heartbeat, seizures, or a loss of vision, you should stop taking the drug and immediately consult your physician or go to the ER.
Exercise Good Judgement
If you do end up taking Soma for an extended period of time, your doctor might ween you off it slowly, decreasing your dose over a certain period, so you avoid strong withdrawal symptoms. Be sure to inform your doctor if you've had problems with drug or alcohol addiction.
Tags: physical therapy, rest physical, rest physical therapy, that rest, your doctor
Schwannomas are tumors made up of nerve fibers. They are often found in the head and neck area, though they can be found anywhere. They are not usually cancerous but can cause weakness and pain. If they are cancerous, which is rare, they are usually called neurofibrosarcomas.
Causes of schwannomas
The causes of schwannomas are not clear, though some risk factors have been identified. Individuals between the ages of 30 and 60 years old seem to be at a higher risk for developing these tumors. There is also a genetic component. Individuals who have a family history of neurofibromatosis type 2 are at a higher risk.
Symptoms of schwannoma
Schwannomas on nerve cells closer to the body surface will probably be discovered sooner than the deeper ones. The deeper ones tend to be much larger when found. A symptom of this tumor is a mass that is growing. It can be painful, but often is not. Another indication that this mass may be a schwannoma is that there is usually an electric-like shock when the area of the schwannoma is touched.
Diagnosis
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis because other more serious diagnoses can have similar symptoms. Your physician will probably use X-rays, MRIs or ultrasound to explore the tumor site. The doctor might take a biopsy.
Treatment
The treatment of schwannomas usually involves surgical removal. If it comes back after surgery, it is most likely because of incomplete excision and not a fresh occurrence of the tumor.
Warning
The idea of a tumor can produce much anxiety. Remember that schwannomas are easily treated and curable. It is vital to see a physician immediately upon discovering any mass in order to rule out the more serious issues.
Tags: deeper ones, higher risk, more serious, will probably
The Rotavirus causes at least 600,000 deaths per year and hospitalizes more than 50,000 kids per year in the United States alone. The virus causes severe diarrhea and vomiting among its victims and attacks almost every child in the U.S. before they have their 5th birthday. The Rotavirus vaccine is given orally in 3 doses and only given when requested by the parent. Here is identify side effects to the vaccine.
Instructions
1. Be alert for mild diarrhea. The vaccine is supposed to prevent severe diarrhea brought on by the Rotavirus disease. There may be light diarrhea directly after the vaccine. This diarrhea should not continue past seven days. The Rotavirus vaccine only prevents Rotavirus diarrhea and not diarrhea brought on by other sources. Contact your doctor if the diarrhea is severe or persists beyond seven days.
2. Get ready for vomiting. One out of every 3 children vaccinated with the Rotavirus vaccine have the vomiting side effect. It should be mild and will only last seven days like the diarrhea. If the vomiting persists beyond seven days, is severe, or the child can't keep liquids down, call your doctor. If the child becomes lethargic, contact the doctor.
3. Watch for a severe allergic reaction to the vaccination. This will involve high fevers leading to a seizure, rashes, or other abnormal behavior from the patient. Call your doctor immediately if you see these signs.
4. Observe the patient. The Rotavirus is used less than other vaccines and therefore recorded side effects are fewer. There are Rotavirus vaccines than have been taken off the market for bowel obstruction problems. Watch the patient and contact your doctor if you feel something might be wrong.
Electrotherapy refers to the therapeutic application of an electrical charge of various intensity and duration to stimulate healing. Although practiced for centuries, American medicine only recently started to accept the use of electricity as a viable form of treatment. Currently, medical professionals employ electrotherapy to heal wounds and fractures. They are also discovering new possibilities for the therapy, such as its use in treating cancer.
History
For centuries, medical practitioners used electrical energy as a healing tool. Around 9,000 BC, people wore magnetic amulets made out of amber, magnetite or lodestone to ward of evil spirits, associated with ill health. In the first century, Roman physician Scribonus Largus used the discharge of electric fish to treat headaches, arthritis and anal prolapse. In the eleventh century, Muslim doctor Ibn-Sidah treated epilepsy with a live electric catfish. These practices continued for centuries.
Unfortunately, in the early 1900s, charlatans sold a variety of electrotherapeutic devices, resulting in the discrediting of electrotherapy as a viable treatment. Due to this, only recently has electrotherapy once again gained credibility in American medicine.
Theories/Speculation
Australian neurophysiologist Sir John Carew Eccles first demonstrated that nerves transmit signals across synapses to stimulate biochemical processes. This led to the realization that without a certain amount of energy, cells fail to communicate properly and efficiently. Currently, by stimulating the nerves with an electrical current, medical practitioners can trigger various physical responses in the body.
Alternative medicine views the body not as a biochemical machine suggested by western medicine, but as a multidimensional energy system that requires the proper flow of life energy, known as ch'i in Oriental medicine, to maintain health. Electrotherapy can restore the proper flow of energy to an ailing individual. According to Dr. Richard Gerber, "Whereas the existing worldview of medicine sees the body as a great clockwork machine of biological gears and parts, the new worldview of healing sees the body as a complex energy system (p. 3)."
Benefits
Backed by hundreds of clinical trials, American medicine now turns to electrotherapy as a successful treatment option. For example, Dr. Andrew Bassett successfully healed fractured bones with the use of electrical fields. A study by researcher Sue E. Gardner, et al (1999), demonstrated the effects of electricity on wound healing.
The American Physical Therapy Association routinely achieves success by using electrotherapy for rehabilitation such as tissue repair and improve range of joint movement. Other possible medical approaches now being studied include treatment for cancer, coronary disease, obesity, neuropsychiatric disturbances, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, macular degeneration, migraine, depression, insomnia and anxiety.
Types
Electrotherapy presents a variety of treatment options. Ultrasound, one of the most popular, creates highly vibrating waves, beyond human hearing, to stimulate tissue healing. Interferential Therapy (IFT) is another method that administers a very low frequency to stimulate nerves while avoiding any side effects associated with higher frequencies.
The Association usually employs Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for pain relief by stimulating the body's pain-relief mechanism. In addition, Pulsed Shortwave Therapy (PSWT) provides short bursts of energy to stimulate healing of soft tissue.
Medical professionals and veterinarians also now employ Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) that either stimulates or inhibits cellular functioning, resulting in effective treatment for soft tissue damage and wound healing as well as pain management.
Warning
The American Medical Association approves various forms of electrotherapy due to the support of clinical findings. However, it warns that these clinic findings fail to cross over to the myriad of products sold to the individuals by alternative practitioners.
Tags: American medicine, American Physical, American Physical Therapy, associated with, energy system, medical practitioners, only recently
After having surgery on your knee, it is important to understand your limitations in mobility until you have completely healed. Simple activities such as walking, running and even driving must be limited or avoided to reduce the risk of injuring yourself further and possibly causing an infection. Your doctor or physical therapist will give you instructions on pace yourself for the weeks following your surgery. If you experience severe pain or bleeding, contact your doctor or hospital for immediate care.
Walking
You should use your crutches or a walker at all times. Assisted walking devices help keep pressure from your knee, which can't have any stress until your doctor approves of you walking without assistance. As you begin physical therapy, your doctor will have you perform brief bending exercises to keep your knee active. The exercises involves putting small weights on your ankle, followed by lifting your leg up. As the ease of the exercise increases, the physical therapist will increase the weight. The exercises can be painful as you are basically learning gain use of your knee again. Part of therapy includes slowly walking up and down stairs while holding on to the banister to prevent falling.
Strengthening and Mobility Exercises
Limited exercise will help your knee heal faster, and should be performed with a physical therapist present to prevent injury. Within the first few days after surgery you will begin knee-strengthening exercises and range of motion exercises. The goal of exercise is to build strength in your knee until you are able to bend your knee at a 90 degree angle with ease and little to no pain. As your knee becomes stronger, your physical therapist will increase your exercises and may include swimming in your exercise regimen after your incision has healed.
Flexibility
Stretching is important to keep to your knee active, as it is healing and cannot be immobilized. If the knee is not moved continuously it will stiffen and blood clots could form. During this time, you may be prescribed blood thinner medication to assist in blood clot prevention.
Tags: your knee, physical therapist, physical therapist will, therapist will, your doctor
Diatomaceous earth is a fossilized mineral made from ancient plankton that has solidified, creating a chalk-like substance that is used as an insecticide, absorbent agent, litter material, and filterer. Almost all of the earth is mined used open-pit mining techniques, where the earth is stripped away to reveal the deposits beneath. The raw diatomaceous material is then processed in various ways, depending on what it will be used for.
Definition
Diatomaceous earth is a type of fossilized mineral that is mined and processed throughout the United Sates. It is most similar to chalk or limestone, and when processed resembles a power or grit that has a wide variety of uses. The earth gets its name from the fossil origins, which were originally small plankton-like plants and creatures from the oceans. It is composed of roughly a third of silicon and a fifth of calcium, with trace metals present.
Uses
People use diatomaceous earth for a number of commercial products. One of its most common uses is as a natural filtering agent, filtering contaminants from water when the water is ran through the silt-like material. The earth also has highly absorptive properties and is used to absorb liquids in scientific or factory settings, and in processed form is a primary component in many cat litters. It is also poisonous to small insects and is sold as an insecticide for gardens and as flea controlling agent for pets.
Mining
Diatomaceous earth is mined almost exclusively through open-pit mining operations. This means that instead of digging a network of tunnels to access the deposits of diatomaceous earth, the earth is moved aside to expose the layers of earth underneath. This is useful to mining operations when the deposits are close to the surface and can be accessed without going through layers of hard rock. The overburden, or covering layers of earth, are stripped aside by machinery, and the earth is harvested, loaded into trucks, and carried away.
Processing
Since diatomaceous earth has many uses, it can be processed in several different ways once it leaves the mine. The most simple forms of processing do nothing but grind the earth down into manageable pieces and then crush it to a meal or powder, which is then ready to be packaged and sold. More complicated methods to make the earth useful as an absorbent agent, including calcining, in which the earth is heated to purify it, and air classification to separate the finest particles for use.
Considerations
There have been studies conducted on the possible detrimental effects of mining diatomaceous earth on the workers, including lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. While a precise link has not been established, there are higher instances of lung-related illness among diatomaceous earth miners than the norm, although the numbers have decreased and mining safety practices have become more common.
The largest joint in the body, the knee is one of the most crucial joints involved in movement. The femur, tibia, kneecap (patella), cartilage, muscles, ligaments, membrane and fluid all work together to ensure mobility in a healthy knee. Osteoarthritis, injury or disease can interrupt the normal functioning of the joint and cause pain and problems moving. Often, a knee replacement is the best option for relief. This can be done in patients of all ages, including the elderly.
Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery
The first step in determining if knee replacement surgery is right for you is to have a medical evaluation. The practitioner will assess any other health problems you have that might cause problems during surgery, such as problems with anesthesia, heart problems, or breathing difficulties. Lab tests and x-rays may also be performed. Your surgeon may require a clearance signed by your primary care provider releasing you for surgery. You will also be told to guard against any breaks in the skin, infections, or bites on the affected leg prior to surgery. A physical therapy evaluation will also be performed, at which time you will be counseled on home care after surgery and any adaptations that may need to be made to your home to ensure your mobility and safety. This may include raised toilet seats, handrails, having a walker or cane, having someone stay with you if you live alone, or even going to a rehabilitation center post-surgery, which is often recommended for elderly patients so constant monitoring of their condition can be performed.
The Surgery
Knee replacement surgery takes about two hours, in which the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone, then places the new metal or plastic knee joint. Total or partial knee replacement may be performed depending upon your situation. Following either surgery, you will stay in the recovery room for an hour or two, then be moved to a regular hospital room, where you will stay for three to four days. Your physical therapy will begin soon after surgery, as restoring movement to the joint is of the utmost importance. You may be prescribed blood thinners, special compression socks or other measures to prevent blood clots after surgery. After your hospital stay is over, you will either move to a rehabilitation center for 20 to 30 days, or be sent home if that is an option and go to physical therapy a few times a week for at least a month.
Prognosis of Knee Replacement in the Elderly
Following knee replacement surgery, approximately 17 percent of elderly patients experience complications like clots or infection. Thirty-eight percent experience pain lasting more than four weeks post-surgery. Recovery takes approximately a month in elderly patients, with most needing help with activities of daily living for a month or more. One year following surgery, elderly patients experience more relief from osetoarthritis pain. A knee joint that is replaced is expected to last 10 to 15 years, which usually correlates to the remainder of the life span of an elderly patient.
Tags: elderly patients, after surgery, physical therapy, also performed, elderly patients experience, knee joint, knee replacement
All surgeries have risks of complications, even the simplest procedures. Most knee replacement surgeries are very successful, and the risk of complications occurring is actually quite rare. However, if complications do occur, some can be minor problems such as loss of motion or minor nerve damage, but others can be quite serious, such as damage to arteries or a pulmonary embolism, and will require additional surgery and hospitalization.
Blood Clots
The most common complication of knee replacement surgery is blood clots in the blood vessels in the legs. If the clots stay in the legs, it's a minor problem. However, the clots could become a pulmonary embolism if they dislodge and travel through the vessels.
Infection
There is about a 0.5 percent risk of infection after a knee replacement. Most operating rooms take extra precautions in sterilizing equipment and ensuring that the air is also filtered to prevent bacteria from entering via the incision. Some patients are also prescribed antibiotics as a secondary measure.
Prosthetic Loosening/Failure
Over time, the prosthetic may wear out and loosen from the joint. On occasion, the prosthetic may actually fail to set. New prosthetic technology has helped this issue, but most knee replacements only last an average of 20 years.
Wound Healing
Occasionally, the incision wound has difficulty healing, especially in obese patients. Parts of the skin may even die and require grafting if the problem is not attended to.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is a possibility with any surgery. The most common nerve affected in a knee replacement is the peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles that bring the foot upwards. In addition, sometimes the tiny nerves in the skin around the knee are cut, which causes the knee to feel numb and have a tingling sensation. Most nerve damage corrects itself within 6 to 12 months.
Loss of Range of Motion
Some patients develop excessive scar tissue around the prosthetic and incision, which constricts how much the knee can bend and flex. Rigorous physical therapy can usually correct any scar tissue build-up.
Arterial Injury
Arteries in the leg are rarely injured during surgery, but it is a possible complication. If an artery is cut, it can be repaired but only if it is detected in time. If not, the leg may have to be amputated.
Tags: knee replacement, most common, , scar tissue, Some patients
Upper respiratory symptoms appear in all age groups and at any time of the year. During the winter, it is common to be sick with an upper respiratory infection. People tend to stay inside, and during the winter, homes and businesses are closed up to keep the heat in. Because the respiratory tract involves a large part of the body, what you are infected with could be one of many illnesses. The other thing to consider is that a cough or sore throat may be just a simple cold or it may be something more. Only your doctor can diagnose what you have, so see her if you are not sure or if your symptoms are severe.
Instructions
1. Monitor your symptoms. Upper respiratory infections involve your body from the chest up. Typical upper respiratory infection symptoms include a cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, phlegm or excess mucous, and nasal drainage. Other symptoms that often coincide with upper respiratory infections are headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
2. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not clear up after 48 hours, if your fever is over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, or are severe.
3. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you cough up blood or breathing.
4. Educate yourself about what an upper respiratory infection is. Know what constitutes a mild, serious and life threatening condition.
5. You may have difficulty inhaling or exhaling. If you have difficulty breathing, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Tags: your symptoms, have difficulty, upper respiratory infection, your doctor, cough sore, cough sore throat
Obesity is characterized by excessive body fat; you are considered obese if you have a BMI (body mass index) count over 30. Obesity goes much deeper than physical appearance and puts you at risk for several health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer. Treatments aim to reduce weight, which improves quality of life and lowers your risk of related complications.
Diet
Reducing your caloric intake and eating healthier foods is a vital part of treating obesity. Safe weight loss is around one to two pounds per week and gives you the best shot at keeping it off permanently. You and your health care providers can go over your typical eating habits to get an idea of what needs to be modified. Typically, you will need to cut back to between 1,000 and 1,600 calories daily. Foods with a low , meaning a low amount of calories in a given volume, allow you to eat larger portions but take in fewer calories. Low energy density foods include fruits and vegetables. Stay away from high energy density foods like sweets, candies and processed foods. Aim for more plant based foods and increase your intake of non-meat proteins like beans, lentils and soy. Consume healthy fats like nuts, seeds and olive oil.
To jump start your weight loss, your doctor might recommend a short term low calorie liquid diet. You typically consume only 600 to 800 calories a day. A doctor might recommend this if you are getting ready for weight loss surgery or have serious medical complications. You should not do this on your own; you need medical supervision. You also need to adopt long term weight loss strategies once you are done to keep up the weight loss.
Exercise
Exercise, along with healthy eating, is the foundation of any successful weight loss regimen. You will need to exercise at a moderate to intense level for at least 150 minutes a week to lose a modest amount of weight; you will need at least 250 to 300 minutes for significant loss. Start off slowly and build up your capacity; do not over do it and do not set unrealistic goals for yourself in the beginning. Healthy weight loss can be slow going in the beginning but is the best way to keep it off long-term.
Behavior Modification
Successful weight loss entails dramatic changes in your behavior and attitudes toward diet and exercise. Behavior modification programs help you examine your current situation and beliefs to start implementing lifestyle changes. You can overcome negative beliefs and self-defeating behaviors. Professional counseling can help you get to the deeper psychological roots of your problems with food and help you deal with stress and anxiety, major triggers for overeating. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular form of therapy for overcoming obesity.
Medication
Your doctor might prescribe medication as a complement to healthy eating and exercise in certain instances like having a BMI over 27 along with complications like diabetes or high blood pressure or if other methods have not worked.
Meridia alters your brain chemistry, causing you to feel fuller faster and reducing appetite. After one year, you will typically take off five to 10 percent of your starting weight. Xenical keeps your body from digesting and absorbing fat; excess fat is excreted in the stool. You will lose about five to 10 percent of your body weight within one year.
These medications might not work for everyone and some need to remain on them for life. You are likely to regain the weight once you go off them.
Surgery
Bariatric surgery offers the most dramatic weight loss but can be dangerous. This surgery will restrict the amount of food you can eat. You can lose up to 50 percent of your body weight; at five years a little over half have kept the weight off. Optimal results require a long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This surgery is usually reserved for people who are morbidly obese (BMI over 40) or if it is 35 to 39.9 and you have serious weight-related complications.
Tags: weight loss, doctor might, energy density, percent your, will need