The Gem Alexandrite

The gemstone alexandrite is a rare and sought-after stone with a unique color and history. High quality gems of this kind can be found in antique Russian jewelry and in jewelry of Victorian England, but its scarcity makes it uncommon in modern jewelry. Its ability to shift from one color to the next depending on lighting and time of day also makes it special.

History

Alexandrite was discovered in 1834 on the day the future Russian tsar Alexander II came of age and therefore it was named after him. It was found by the Tokovaya River in the Urals within nearby emerald mines. Because its red and green tones match with the traditional colors of old Imperial Russia, it was named the national stone of tsarist Russia. Alexandrite deposits were used up in Russia and most of the gems from other countries did not have the same unique color changing qualities until 1987. Since then, high quality alexandrites have been found in Brazil and Tanzania.

Color

The most captivating feature of this gemstone is its ability to change color based on the time of day and type of lighting the wearer is in. In the daylight, alexandrite displays shades of green to blue-green. When the wearer is under artificial light, the stone may take on the colors of red or red-violet. Alexandrites that are of less high quality may appear green during the daylight but a dull brownish-red in incandescent light.

Chemical Composition

The alexandrite is essentially a chrysoberyl in composition, which is a mineral that contains titanium and iron as major components. What makes alexandrite different from other chrysoberyls is that it contains chromium as an impurity, which causes its color-changing abilities. On occasion, vanadium will also contribute to this ability. The chemical beryllium is a major component of chrysoberyl and has contrasting characteristics to chromium, making it rare for them to be found in the same rock formations. This is what makes alexandrite so rare.

Folklore

The gemstone alexandrite is said to have a mysterious and magical feel to it, and it is considered a good omen. It is believed to help its wearer discover hidden possibilities and creative solutions through activation of the intuition. In crisis situations or times when logic fails, it is supposed to succeed in aiding the wearer. Some believe that this gemstone stimulates the imagination and creativity.

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Pros And Cons Of Using Milk Thistle

Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2000 years. It is most commonly used to treat liver and gallbladder problems. Using milk thistle has both advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits

Milk thistle stabilizes the membranes within the liver cells and alters their structure so that toxins cannot get inside. Milk thistle also increases the liver's ability to regenerate and form new healthy cells to replace the damaged ones, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Considerations

Although most people tolerate milk thistle with few serious complaints, people who are allergic to thistles, aster plants, daisies, or artichokes may have an allergic reaction to milk thistle. Possible side effects include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, weakness and collapse. Milk thistle lowers blood sugar levels, and should be used cautiously by patients with hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Potential

According to the Mayo Clinic, a number of research studies have examined milk thistle to determine if the herb is useful in treating conditions such as cancer, chronic liver disease, acute viral hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Although some studies show promising results, as of 2010, the evidence is not clear enough to strongly recommend milk thistle as a treatment for any of these life-threatening diseases.

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What Are The Pros & Cons Of Stomach Stapling

Stomach stapling is a method that some severely obese people may opt for to lose weight when other alternatives, such as diet and exercise, have failed. However, like any elective surgery, stomach stapling involves many risks that may undermine the benefits derived from the procedure.

Nutrition

Stomach stapling does not interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

Cardiovascular Health

Stomach stapling will drastically reduce weight in severely obese people, which may reduce the effects of high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Better Sleep

Sleep apnea, linked with obesity, will be alleviated, which leads to better sleep not only for the patient, but also for spouses and family members.

No Guaranteed Weight Loss

The amount of weight lost initially after the surgery may return if lifestyle changes are not enacted following surgery.

Complications

The band put around the stomach during the surgery may slip and the staples put into the stomach may also come undone; both may render the surgery ineffective.

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Recognize Symptoms Of A Gynecologic Disorder

The best way to recognize the symptoms of a gynecologic disorder are to know what they are. The following are some of the signs of gynecologic disorders and should always be mentioned to your doctor.

Instructions

Recognize Symptoms of a Gynecologic Disorder

1. Document any pain and make sure to mention it to your doctor. Feeling pain is the first and most obvious symptom of a gynecologic disorder. The type of pain can vary from mild to severe and from just occasional cramps to consistent. Any pain that you are feeling between your hipbones should be addressed with your doctor as it can be directly linked to any of your reproductive organs.

2. Pay attention to vaginal discharge. A lot of times small amounts of discharge from the vagina are completely normal and are produced by the cervix. This discharge should be white or clear in color. Also, it should be odorless. Any discharge that has an order or is of a different color or consistency can signal an infection and should be mentioned to your doctor.

3. Take notice of any vaginal itching as it is another symptom of a gynecologic disorder. The itching can resolve on it's own and can even be prevented by showering regularily, using mild soaps, keeping the area dry, and wearing cotton underwear. Vaginal itching, however, can also be a sign of an infection so any itch that persists should be evaluated by your doctor.

4. Be aware of any vaginal bleeding occurring beyond a normal menstrual cycle as it should also be taken as another symptom. For women of a reproductive age, any bleeding that occurs outside of a menstrual cycle should be evaluated. If your menstrual cycle is unusually heavy or light, this is also worth mentioning. For young girls and menopausal women, any bleeding at all should be addressed with a doctor. There are many disorders this can be a signal for and should never be ignored.

5. Mention to your doctor any excess hair you have. Hirsutism is the name given to the condition in which a woman is unusually hairy or has excess hair in places only typical to men. Although it may not seem like a gynecologic disorder, it can signal that there is a problem with the woman's hormones and should be evaluated by a doctor. The most common disorder causing this condition is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

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Get Rid Of Milia

Milia are pesky little bumps that are somewhat visible on your face. While difficult to get rid of permanently, milia can be manageable. Here are the best ways to get rid of milia.

Instructions

Use A Heart Monitor

There are various types of personal heart monitors. The easiest to use are sent by a monitoring company with three colored leads attached. They attach to metal button electrodes. The other type of monitor can be purchased at most pharmacies or department stores and is often placed on the wrist. Using a heart monitor is a fairly simple process.

Instructions

Using a Heart Monitor

1. Use the heart monitor to measure the rate your heart is beating (beats per minute) and your blood pressure. A healthy person should have a resting pulse rate of 60 to100 beats per minute and blood pressure of about 120/80.

2. When applying the three-lead monitor, place the electrodes in the appropriate locations on your chest. The white belongs above your right breast area, the black belongs below your right breast and the red belongs below the left breast.

3. When working with the wrist monitor, read the directions provided with the device. Most wrist monitors have metal nodules that should be placed on the inside of your wrist (the area where you will most likely find an accurate pulse rate).

4. Record the heart rates with the two different monitors. With the leads monitor, a company records the rates and pressure and reports them to your doctor. The recordings are stored in the box monitor that is attached through the three leads. After the monitor is full and tells you to transmit, you will have to call the information in so the company can collect all recordings and send them to your doctor.

5. With the wrist monitor it is important to keep a daily journal. You should record your heart if you feel funny or ill and at specific intervals during the day to ensure accuracy. You should bring your daily journal to a cardiologist if you find anything out of the ordinary or suspect a problem. Your journal of recordings could reveal a lot.

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How Does Insomnia Affect Wellbeing

Insomnia Affects Mental Well-Being

Insomnia may affects a person's mental capacity and judgment. Insomnia can result in symptoms similar to being drunk. In fact, research has shown that lack of sleep affects on a person's driving ability in ways similar to drinking alcohol and results in numerous automobile accidents.

Insomnia also causes loss of memory and affects a person's ability to concentrate. In severe cases, insomnia can lead to hallucinations and psychotic behaviors.

Insomnia Weakens the Immune System

In addition to mental and psychological effects, insomnia also affects the physiology of a person. Insomnia cause a person's immune system to weaken and makes him or her more susceptible to illness. A person with insomnia also experiences nausea, headaches, lost of appetite and blurry vision.

Insomnia can Lead to Substance Abuse

Most people with insomnia try over-the-counter medications for sleep rather than look for formal insomnia treatment from their doctors. The main issue with over-the-counter sleep medications is that their effects are temporary. Furthermore, insomnia can become addictive or tolerant to sleep medications. That is, they may need higher doses of the drugs in order to get the same result. In some cases, patients may try to use alcohol as a sleep aid. Stopping medications or alcohol will cause insomnia to relapse and also withdrawal.

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Make Homemade Bath Salts For Giftgiving

A jar of homemade bath salts is a personalized, inexpensive gift.

Pamper the people on your gift list, with the makings for a soothing bath. Homemade bath salts brings relaxation to reality. Mix a large batch and divide it into attractive jars. Customize the scent and color to the recipient, if you like.

Instructions

1. Choose your salt. To ease body aches and pains, add Epsom salts. To give the water a soft, silky feeling, use baking soda, sea salt, rock salt or even table salt. It's fine to mix different kinds of salts together. If you purchase Dead Sea salt, air it out thoroughly on paper towels or cardboard before working with it.

2. Select essential oils to scent your bath salts. These can be purchased in most food stores or natural food shops. Do not put your nose close to the bottle since the smell is potent. If you wish to see what the homemade bath salts will smell like, apply a drop on a paper towel and let it sit two or three minutes before sweeping it past your nose.

3. Prepare the containers. Select glass bottles or jars that have a tight lid, in any size or shape that you think will appeal to the recipient.

4. Combine your salts in a large stainless steel mixing bowl. If using more than one kind of salt, use equal portions of each. A typical batch of bath salts is 2 cups, but you can adjust the amount to suit the size and number of containers you want to fill.

5. Add 1/2 teaspoon essential oils to the salts. Mix well to evenly distribute the oil. Cover container with plastic wrap for three hours. Alternatively, divide the salts into smaller containers and scent each batch separately. Use a ratio of about 25 drops of oil per cup of salt mixture.

6. Portion your homemade bath salts into the gift containers and adorn with a ribbon. Create labels or gift tags indicating the fragrance and instructions for use: Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of bath salts under warm running water for a soothing, relaxing bath.

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Recover From Laser Treatment For Varicose Veins

Recovery from endovenous laser treatment is relatively fast and painless. Your laser procedure will take about 45 minutes and will be performed on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic. Since there is no general anesthesia you can even drive yourself home right after the procedure, unless your doctor has prescribed valium to take before the procedure; in that case, make sure you have someone else drive you home. Always remember to follow your physician's instructions and ask him what to expect before treatment begins so you can recover from laser treatment for varicose veins as smoothly as possible.

Instructions

1. Wear your compression stockings immediately following your procedure, if if your doctor gives them to you. Usually you will be asked to wear the compression stockings for 2 weeks to help prevent swelling and tenderness or bruises. Follow your doctor's recommendations on wear your stockings.

2. Take an over-the-counter pain medication if you experience pain or discomfort. Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be used instead of aspirin. Most people do not even feel any pain or soreness after endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins. Numbness of the area is sometimes reported but it is rare. Contact your doctor if you feel numbness that does not go away after the anesthesia wears off.

3. Resume most of your normal activities. There is no reason for bed rest and it is not encouraged. Nor should you sit for extended periods of time; long car trips or air travel should be avoided for 2 weeks.

4. Abstain from high-impact aerobics such as running and swimming for 2 weeks after your laser treatment for varicose veins.

5. Walking is usually encouraged for most patients immediately following your procedure, according to the veindirectory.org. Just don't do brisk or power walking.

6. Avoid standing in one position for extended periods of time if you can. If you have a job that requires standing in a the same position all day, gently march in place for a minute or two to get the blood moving. No high-impact marching, just some gentle movement. Sit during your break times.

7. Go to your follow-up exam with your doctor. This is usually scheduled for one week after the procedure. Follow all of the doctor's instructions--and enjoy the look and feel of your new legs without varicose veins.

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Complications Of Total Hip Arthroplasty

Also known as total hip replacement, total hip arthroplasty involves removing a hip joint diseased by arthritis or injured through trauma to the hip. A surgeon places a hip prostheses made of metal or ceramic and then inserts a liner to the hip made of plastic, ceramic or metal. As with many surgical procedures, hip arthroplasty comes with both risks and rewards.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Also known as blood clots in the leg veins, deep vein thrombosis occurs due to poor circulation. Because a patient often is immobile following surgery, a blood clot can develop, which can dislodge in the veins and cause a pulmonary embolism. The pulmonary embolism can cut off blood flow to the lungs and other organs, which can cause significant damage to the lungs and even death.

Infection

Because the hip replacement procedure requires making incisions and inserting surgical instruments deep within the body, this can result in infection. Bacteria can infiltrate the open wound during surgery, which is why intravenous antibiotics may be administered during surgery. If an infection occurs inside the body's tissues or bones, this can cause serious problems and require further surgery to treat the infection. It is also possible that an infection can occur at the incision site, which results in symptoms such as fever, redness, swelling or drainage at the incision site.

Artifical Joint Malfunction

While the hip replacement should be carefully lodged in the pelvic bone with screws, it is possible for the replacement to loosen due to activity, screw placement or weight. If this occurs, the replacement may cause pain and swelling. These symptoms can require further surgery to better secure the implant.

Pain or Stiffness

While hip replacement is utilized with a goal of reducing pain and improving function, it is possible that the hip will not return to a previous level of functioning. If patients do not receive an implant that utilizes cement to secure the joint, it is possible for pain in the mid-thigh to occur up to 24 months following surgery, according to hipsandknees.com. If a patient had a significant level of deterioration in the hip joint prior to surgery, stiffness is more likely to occur.

Change in Leg Length

While precautions are taken during surgery to ensure the leg length remains the same, it is possible for a surgeon to lengthen a leg to better stabilize the hip or offer improved muscle function. Sometimes patients describe a sensation that the leg where the hip has been replaced is longer than the other leg, even if it actually is not. As the patient acclimates to the leg length, the replacement and leg length should begin to feel more natural over time, according to hipsandknees.com.

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Cures For A Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches occur when your sinuses are clogged. Sinus headache sufferers feel congested and may have a fever, cough, sore throat or post-nasal drip. There are numerous ways to relieve the pain of a sinus headache.

Make It Cold

If you're looking for a temporary relief for the pain, a cold washcloth or cold compress on your forehead may help. Lie down, close your eyes and relax while doing this--simply relaxing may help as well.

Spicy and Steamy

It may help to clear out your nasal passages. If you can, eat spicy foods. Or try something minty, such as mouthwash. You can also try putting a hot washcloth over your face, or taking a hot shower. The steam from the hot water can help unclog your sinuses.

Dry air may also cause sinus headaches and clogged sinuses, so invest in a humidifier to get more moisture into the air in your house.

Decongestants, Expectorants and Antibiotics

Try a combination of over-the-counter and prescription drugs to relieve your sinus headache as well. A pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, can lessen the effects of the headache, while a decongestant can help unclog your sinuses. A nasal spray can reduce inflammation and make it easier to breathe, and an expectorant helps get rid of the mucus in your throat. You may also want to try cough syrup.

If you think your sinus headache was caused by a bacterial infection, see a doctor, who can prescribe an antibiotic.

Combine Them All

Medicines can help clear up your sinus headache, while heat and cold are good for relieving pain and congestion right away. Use some combination of the three remedies to completely get rid of your headache.

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Process Of Grinding A Mineral Into A Fine Powder

Minerals can be ground for a variety of purposes, including use in makeup.

With so many cosmetic powders on the market, choosing the right one for you can seem like a daunting task. Mineral makeup has gained popularity, but minerals must go through a grinding process before becoming makeup powder.

Choosing Minerals

Minerals have a number of beneficial properties that vary from mineral type to mineral type. Depending on the need or product, different minerals must be gathered. In makeup, minerals like mica and iron oxide add an iridescent shimmer effect, while zinc oxide and titanium oxide have skin calming effects that help heal blemishes.

Grounding Minerals

Soil or rock material with a high content of the chosen minerals gets broken apart and sifted, thereby extracting the minerals from the unusable parts. The minerals get sorted and separated from one another and then undergo a mechanized mortar and pestle type of grinding until each extracted mineral becomes a fine powder.

Finishing Mineral Powder

The minerals sit out to dry fully after being grounded. Depending on the desired purpose for the mineral powder, additives may be mixed in. For example, mineral makeup often gets mixed with other minerals, vitamin E, shea butter or other skin care protectants.

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Borderline Ovarian Cancer Tumor

There are different types of ovarian cancer; one of the types is known as borderline ovarian cancer tumor. It is a neoplasm normally appearing in the ovary that has a nuclear abnormality, however, it is noninvasive. It comes in the range between a malignant and a benign tumor.

History

Dr. Taylor was the first doctor to describe ovarian tumors that were supposed to be semi-malignant, yet their treatment had more positive results when compared to the treatment of other cancers of the ovary. It was only in the 1970's that these borderline tumors were recognized as a separate subset of ovarian cancers by the WHO.

Types

There are 2 common types of borderline ovarian cancer tumors; mucinous and serous borderline ovarian cancer tumors of the intestinal type.

Frequency of Tumors

Only 1.8 percent of women contract ovarian tumors. This condition can be brought on by smoking, uses of contraceptives, menarche and inherited tendencies toward ovarian cancer.

Detection

It is difficult to diagnose and detect borderline tumors of the ovary until they show themselves in abdominal distention and pain. Many patients do not feel any symptoms.

Treatment

Surgical removal of the tumors is advised after the diagnosis is done. Biopsies can also be a part of the initial treatment, but postoperative treatment is still being researched by doctors.

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Treat Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer as it is more commonly known, has a variety of treatment options. It is a cancer of either the bowel or rectum, which together form the large intestine. The type of treatment for bowel cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, as well as your age and overall health. Knowing your options ahead of time will help prepare you when the time comes to discuss them with your doctor.

Instructions

1. Surgery. This is the most common form of treatment for bowel cancer and there are three types of surgery that can be performed. A polypectomy involves removing any cancerous polyps on the colon or rectum. A laporoscopy uses a lighted tube attached to a camera that is inserted through small incisions in the wall of the abdomen. A colon and rectum resection involves surgically removing all cancerous portions of the colon and rectum, and then reconnecting the healthy areas. Generally, when any surgical procedure is performed to remove cancer, the doctor will also remove a small area of healthy tissue, as well as the lymph nodes, ensuring all cancer cells are gone.

2. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a method of using anticancer drugs to either stop the dividing cancer cells completely or prevent them from reproducing and spreading. It is a treatment that may be given as an IV or taken orally with pills. It can be started before surgery is performed to destroy colorectal cancer cells used in combination with radiation after surgery to destroy any remaining cells or used in cases when the cancer become advanced and begun to spread.

3. Radiation therapy. This method uses high energy beams of radiation that targets the organs affected by the bowel cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer and success of other treatments, it may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.

4. Internal radiation therapy. Otherwise referred to as implant radiation, this treatment method uses radioactive materials that have been planted and left inside the body to kill the cancerous cells.

5. Brachytherapy. Considered innovative, this is a more advanced form of internal radiation. It is considered to be quicker and more effective because the radioactive material is not simply placed in the body, but in the tumor itself. Not only does this ensure a higher dose of radiation at the desired site, it also decreases the risk of destroying the healthy tissue surrounding the cancer of the bowel.

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Problems Associated With Gambling

Gambling becomes pathological when it affects everyday living, relationships, family and work. The problems associated with gambling are far-reaching and increase when the disorder goes untreated. Despite the negative consequences that gamblers face by continuing with their behavior, the activity can become compulsive and unable to be stopped without treatment.

Money

One of the biggest problems associated with gambling is the loss of money leading to unpaid bills, eviction, bankruptcy and lack of credit worthiness.

Trust

Family members and friends lose trust in a compulsive gambler who lies, borrows money or does not follow through on commitments.

Moods

Mood swings associated with problem gambling include irritability when the gambler tries to stop and depression following losing streaks.

Freedom

As the gambling addiction progresses, the gambler takes increasingly dangerous risks to get money to continue or becomes involved in other illegal activities that may lead to incarceration.

Focus

Concentration is affected when the gambler can't think about anything but the next game, race or other gambling venue.

Escape

Other problems that require attention are ignored as the gambler uses increased gambling activities as a form of escape

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Treat Eye Inflammation With Desonide

Many common conditions can cause eye inflammation---allergies, sinus infections, and other irritants. Some sources of eye inflammation are more serious. In the case of uveitis, the middle layers of the eye become inflamed. The result is blurred vision, eye pain and redness. Bright light might also bother you.

Uveitis can permanently damage your eyes if you don't get treatment. If you experience eye pain, redness and irritation that don't go away within a day or two, make an appointment with your eye doctor.

The typical treatment is eye drops that contain a steroid like desonide.

Instructions

Treating Uveitis with Desonide

1. Visit your eye doctor for a complete eye exam. He or she will check for conditions like iritis, cyclitis and retinitis. Each of these conditions can be dangerous without a doctor's care.

2. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor and make sure you mention any adverse reactions you've had to medications. Your doctor will likely prescribe eye drops with steroids. Desonide is a common prescription steroid that helps to relieve inflammation. It's available as eye drops under the brand name Desowen.

3. If your eyes are very painful, ask your doctor about painkillers. If your eyes are sensitive to light, keep a pair of sunglasses handy.

4. Follow your doctor's instructions and use the eye drops as recommended. By placing the drops directly into your eye, you'll help to relieve the inflammation at its source and protect your vision from permanent damage.

5. Don't attempt to substitute desonide-based lotions or ointments for your treatment.

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Homemade Colon Cleanses

Homemade colon cleanses include using a home colonic kit to cleanse the large intestine and/or consuming herbs that assist colon cleansing.

People undergo colon cleansing to maintain health. Colonics are ordinarily done at a clinic by a colon hypdrotherapist. A homemade colon cleanse may enemas to have the same effect.

Drinking teas with senna, casara sagrada or fennel seed can also cleanse the colon.

Identification

The colon, or the large intestine, stores waste. The body normally removes waste on its own but some people may not eat a balanced diet or not drink adequate liquids nor exercise, resulting in constipation.

Homemade colon cleansing may mean using enemas to which coffee or aloe vera may be added for additional benefits. This can be done while drinking teas or herbs that assist colon cleansing.

Enema kits can be purchased online, at drug stores and pharmacies. Cleansing herbal teas are easily purchased at health food stores or online.

Well-known herbal colon cleansers include senna and casara sagrada and the Ayurvedic formulation called triphala, made from three dried fruits.

Significance

Colon cleansing generally is seen as an alternative medical practice as mainstream Western medicine sees colon cleansing as unnecessary.

Proponents of colon cleansing say a modern American diet low on fiber and high on stress and processed foods result in widespread irregularity. Some people have only one to two bowel movements per week instead of daily.

There is a practice among some health food enthusiasts that believe colon cleansing between the season is especially important to clear any waste that is unintentionally "stuck" in the colon. This can lead to great discomfort but also become chronic.

Colon cleansing before the spring, winter, fall and summer solstices is a very common practice among people who believe in its health benefits.

People who are trying to lose weight may also do homemade colon cleansing to jumpstart their weight loss plan.

Benefits

Doing homemade colon cleanses can save money if you know do it properly. Going to a clinic to have colonics may cost from $75 to $100. The nature of the procedure is invasive and many people might prefer to do colon cleansing in the privacy of their homes.

Taking laxatives may require staying near a bathroom to complete the colon cleansing. People who undergo a fasting and cleansing regimen, may do so during time off from work as it is difficult to do a directed colon cleanse and be at the office.

Misconceptions

The greatest misconception may be that homemade colon cleansing is difficult. Once you learn the basic methods, it is very simple and inexpensive to do.

Literally, it can mean doing one to three or more rounds of an enema using filtered water and detoxifying.

People use coffee in the enema to encourage the liver to release bile.

The National Institutes of Health published a study in 2006 stating that health claims of doing colon cleansing may be wildly overstated. The study's researcher did state the main health benefit is to assist the body in its natural detoxification through the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

Using a colonic is a way to prevent inflammation of the GI tract but it is not necessary to do it excessively.

The other misconception is that is it habit-forming and harmful. While taking laxatives certainly may become habit-forming, doing homemade colon cleansing requires time and effort that is not easy to do every day, for example.

Warning

If you have never had a colonic or used teas designed to be colon cleansing, see your doctor or a naturopath.

People who have chronic diseases or any family history of diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or have an eating disorder, should consult their physicians first.

Generally it is not possible to "harm" yourself by using homemade colonics, however, it is a good idea to get a medical clearance if you have any serious health conditions.

Tags: colon cleansing, colon cleansing, colon cleansing, homemade colon, homemade colon cleansing, assist colon

Make Crystals Easily

Crystal making is an educational and fun project that many children enjoy. Evaporation crystals are some of the most common in nature and the easiest to grow on your own. They are made when water evaporates that has minerals dissolved in it. Salt is one of the most common evaporation crystals that people see, but there are many minerals that can be made into crystals easily with this method. Although it takes a few days for the crystals to form, hands-on time is minimal.

Instructions

1. Twist the pipe cleaner into any shape desired. A simple shape is to coil it into a disk. Stars, circles and triangles are other simple shapes.

2. Tie the pipe cleaner to the craft stick with a 6-inch piece of cotton string. Make sure it is tied near the center of the craft stick.

3. Boil 2 cups of water in the pot, and then pour the water into the glass jar. Mix 1/4 cup borax with the boiling water until dissolved. Keep adding borax 1 tablespoon at a time until it will no longer dissolve.

4. Set the craft stick over the top of the jar with the pipe cleaner dangling into the mixture. It's OK if the pipe cleaner floats on top and doesn't submerge.

5. Lift the pipe cleaner from the borax solution after 24 to 48 hours. Crystals will have formed over the entire thing. You can hang it in a window as decoration.

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The Uses For A Rainbow Moonstone

Moonstones, which were named the official gem of Florida in 1970, are found neither in Florida nor on the moon. Used for jewelry and mystical purposes, moonstones are thought to have significant power in the life of the wearer.

Jewelry

Moonstones are most commonly used for jewelry. You can find them in high-end and regular department stores and jewelry stores set in rings, earrings and bracelets. These gemstones are popular because they appear to radiate several colors at a time, making them match a variety of outfits. Moonstone jewelry can be purchased at a variety of price points, from relatively cheap to extremely expensive, depending on the jeweler and department store.

Sweet Dreams

In India, wearing the moonstone is said to bring sweet dreams and good fortune to the the wearer. Known as "chanderkant mani," it is often a substitute for pearls and many times is fashioned to resemble pearl necklaces or bracelets. In addition, the moonstone is supposed to help the wearer relax and enjoy life and find love and harmony in relationships. The moonstone is believed to be recharged by placing it in saltwater overnight and then in the sun for two or three hours once a month.

Healing Properties

It is controversial and disputed whether or not moonstones carry healing powers. Many believe that placing the moonstone on the afflicted portion of the body will promote healing and good health. In Arab countries, many women sewed moonstones in their garments to help with fertility. The moonstone is also associated with healing backaches, headaches, menstrual pain and aiding in an ailing immune system.

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Treat Morning Sickness With Acupuncture

Treat Morning Sickness With Acupuncture

Morning sickness affects between 50 and 90 percent of all pregnant women in one way or another. Some women experience morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancies, while others feel a little "green" only during the first trimester. Morning sickness can include nausea, vomiting and aversions to certain foods or odors. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often use acupuncture to even out hormone imbalances. For this reason, women may choose to treat their severe or long-lasting morning sickness with acupuncture.

Instructions

1. Use a calendar to keep track of your morning sickness symptoms and bring it with you to your first acupuncture appointment. Note the week of pregnancy you are in and how you are feeling each day. Write down any specific foods or smells that seem to trigger episodes of nausea or vomiting.

2. Find a certified acupuncturist who can work with you to treat your morning sickness. Ask your doctor if he can refer you to an acupuncturist who specializes in women's health. If you do not have a referral, use the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture's online directory (see Resources below).

3. Schedule twice-weekly acupuncture appointments for 2 weeks as a "trial run" to see if acupuncture will be able to treat your morning sickness. People who have not used acupuncture before need at least four sessions to adjust to the treatments. If you find the treatment works for you, you can then work out a regular schedule of sessions with your acupuncturist.

4. Eat a small snack 2 hours before you are scheduled for acupuncture to prevent lightheadedness or dizziness during the appointment. Bland foods such as crackers, dry toast or ginger ale are foods that are generally tolerated by pregnant women who experience morning sickness.

5. Wear a shirt with sleeves that can be easily pushed up during treatment. Take off your watch and bracelets prior to your appointment. The main acupoint that is used for morning sickness is on your forearms, above the wrists.

6. Follow the acupuncturist's suggestions to keep morning sickness at bay between appointments. She may suggest that you buy motion sickness wristbands to wear after your acupuncture sessions. These are bands that put pressure on the points above the wrists that are manipulated during acupuncture and they are available at many drug stores.

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Cognitive Therapy Treatment Of Depression

If you are suffering from depression, cognitive therapy is an option that may help you. Revolving around interaction between patient and therapist, this therapy takes an empirical view at your thoughts and how they make you feel.

Theory

The theory behind cognitive therapy is that our thoughts about events that happen to us are what cause our emotions, not the events themselves. The therapy's goal is to change how patients think about things that happen to them.

Approach

The therapist tries to understand the patient's thoughts from the patient's point of view. Then patient and therapist evaluate which of these thoughts are based in reality.

Homework

The patient may be asked to do therapeutic work outside of therapy sessions, such as recording their feelings on paper throughout the day.

Criticism

Some people think that cognitive therapists can be leading in their questions and suggestions.

Good Candidates

Cognitive therapy is a good fit for introspective patients, as well as patients that want to take an empirical look at their problems.

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Balance The Solar Plexus Chakra

Many cultures believe that the key to health, happiness and spiritual connectedness lies in a balance of chakras. There are 7 main energy centers comprising the chakra system and it is believed that each chakra has a specific purpose. If a chakra, which in Sanskrit means "wheel of light," becomes disturbed, illness can take place. Each chakra is connected with an area of the body, a color, a gemstone, an essence and a musical note, so in order to most effectively balance an area, consider using gemstones, music and essential oils. The solar plexus chakra, or third chakra, is located in the center of the stomach. It is associated with the color yellow and responds to the musical note E. An imbalance of the solar plexus chakra can lead to difficulties with self-esteem. This chakra controls our intuition and, if not balanced, can cause stomach ulcers, tumors, diabetes, pancreatitis, indigestion, anorexia, hepatitis, adrenal imbalances and arthritis. If the solar plexus chakra is not flowing freely, the fear of rejection, an oversensitivity to criticism, self -image fears, indecisiveness and self-esteem issues can arise.

Instructions

1. Place your hands over the center of your stomach; let your hands hover there. Do not place your hands on your stomach.

2. Visualize your stomach area opening up like a window or door. Imagine the color yellow flowing from the chakra.

3. Use your mind's eye to make the area glow a beautiful yellow. Watch as this brilliant yellow flows out of the solar plexus chakra. When you see this bright yellow color, say to yourself--"I purify, energize and balance the solar plexus chakra now."

4. Take your right hand and make 3 counterclockwise circles over the chakra, then shake out your hand to remove negative energy. Repeat this step until you feel the energy is balanced.

5. Take your left hand and make 3 clockwise circles over the chakra, then shake out your hand. Repeat this step until you feel the energy is balanced.

6. Visualize the chakra glowing to its brilliant bright yellow and sweep your hands over your head 7 times--the number of your main chakras.

7. Visualize the solar plexus chakra closing like a window or door as you brush your hands over the area.

8. Ground yourself by imagining tree roots growing out of your feet and burrowing deeply into the ground.

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Create Balance For Pitta Ayurveda Mindbody Type

Ayurveda dates back 5,000-year-old to India where sages are said to have compiled volumes of guidelines for diet and treat illness and disease. It is still widely practiced in India today and has spread worldwide. Pittas represent fire and water. They are of medium build, often athletic with defined muscles, a hearty appetite and a very efficient digestion. Food disappears around Pittas. Known for their leadership qualities, self-confidence, Pittas are high achievers. When imbalanced, Pittas can become critical of others. There are ways to remain sattvic, or calm and luminous, even if you are Pitta-dominant.

Instructions

1. Start by staying cool, literally. In summer, stay out of the direct sun from 10 am to 2 pm when the sun is at its strongest. Pittas run hot and exposing themselves to extreme heat will challenge them to keep their tempers from flaring. Instead, remain indoors or in the shade, well hydrated. Winter sports and moonlight walks pacify Pittas who have the internal fire to remain in good spirits in cold weather.

2. Channel competitive drives in sports or other physical activities. Pittas are blessed with athletic prowess: use it to run 5 miles before work or lift weights at the gym on your lunch break. Moderate to strenuous exercise is appropriate if you are in good health and do it consistently to prevent injuries from being a weekend warrior. Play good sportsmanship: play for the joy of it and don’t drum the other team if they win.

3. Eat to fuel your body. Generally Pittas are sports warriors that do the kind of athletic output most people call pre-Olympic training. Resistance training every day? Running before work, surfing on Saturdays and biking 30 miles on Sunday morning at 7 am? Eat a sold 3 meals with the largest meal at 12 noon when digestion is strongest. Snack on high-protein foods such as low-fat yogurt and nuts or a half a tuna sandwich. Avoid empty calories or very salty foods. Pittas must not skip meals or they experience a burning digestion: their agni fire of digestion is so strong.

4. Consume foods that are cooling. Ayurveda recommends Pittas eat foods that are astringent, bitter and sweet. A typical meal might be steamed kale and carrot (bitter and sweet), with brown rice (sweet), tofu, with lemon juice dressing (astringent). Eat whole foods over processed and avoid very salty foods. Known for strong hunger and thirst, drink diluted fruit juices, Pitta-pacifying teas, fresh vegetable juices (parsley, wheatgrass with carrot, ginger or apple) and avoid caffeine in coffee or teas.

5. Make time for non-competitive recreation. Sewing, gardening and yard work or biking leisurely are all ways to unplug the competitive fire that can rage out of control in Pittas. Emphasize play to level the strong impulse to dominate and conquer.

6. Begin a meditation practice. Simplify things by setting aside 10 to 15 minutes to sit quietly with eyes closed. You might practice breath work by closing off the right nostril with your right thumb and breathing through the left nostril for 7 to 10 cycles of breath. The left nostril is the lunar side and some people who practice yoga block off the right nostril for several hours during a meditation retreat to access the right side of the brain that is non-linear and intuitive.

7. Express your creativity and humor. This might mean keeping a book of jokes on your nightstand or performing at a stand up comedy night for amateurs. Expressing your sense of humor will help lessen the intense performance and competitive drives many Pittas have.

8. Schedule in non-productive time. This is what people once called “down time.” It may be only 30 minutes or an hour every day where you do not have to produce or do anything. This allows time for quiet reflection or walking your dog. Unhingeing mentally is restorative for the precise, active mind of a Pitta.

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Alternative Ways To Get Rid Of Head Lice

Although people usually associate head lice with school-age children, anyone can get them. It's not a serious condition but is an annoying one, causing severe itching and other discomfort on the scalp and the back of the neck. If you get head lice, try one of the following methods to get rid of them.

Medicated Treatment

Consult a doctor about using over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as cream rinses, lotions or shampoos. Most over-the-counter products contain pyrethrin (Nix) or permethrin (Rid), which usually kill lice 10 to 30 minutes after use. When applying the medication, wear rubber gloves, and wash your hair in a basin or sink to keep the product from running onto other parts of your body.

If you find live lice after 30 minutes. stop using that product, read the directions for application frequency, and try using a permethrin product if you initially used a pyrethrin product (or vice versa). Because medicated products are insecticides, make sure you follow the directions carefully, as you could suffer a harmful reaction if you apply more of the product than you should.

Non-Insecticide Treatments

If you want to avoid using insecticide treatments to get rid of head lice, try a more natural means. Before going to bed, coat your head with mayonnaise (that you have not yet refrigerated) or petroleum jelly. Cover your head with cling wrap or a plastic shower cap, and let it sit overnight. This will smother any head lice and eggs. When done, throw the shower cap away, wash your hands, and shampoo. To get your hair completely clean, repeat the process once or twice.

To rinse out petroleum jelly, saturate your hair with baby oil. Wash your hair three times with dish soap and hot water, leaving the dish soap on your hair for a few minutes each time.

If you want to make your own lice shampoo, add 5 drops each of the following essential oils to a base of 5 teaspoons of pure olive or coconut carrier oil (these oils kill lice by dissolving their exoskeletons): eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary and tea tree. After adding a small amount of regular shampoo to the mixture, apply all over your hair, and cover with a towel or shower cap for an hour. Then rinse and shampoo your hair without using conditioner. Rinse again, this time with vinegar, and then rinse once more with hot water.

Combing Your Hair

In conjunction with using any lice-killing treatments, wash anything with which you have regular contact to help prevent reinfestation. You also want to comb your hair daily with a metal lice comb, which you can find at the drugstore or via the National Pediculosis Association Inc. website at www.headlice.org.

After using a lice shampoo, wash your hair with regular shampoo and conditioner. After leaving the conditioner in and drying your hair, use a regular comb to remove snarls and suds. Then, starting at the crown of your head, pull the comb slowly through your hair, one section at a time. Once you complete a section, pin it back with a hair clip, and begin another section.

After you have combed all of your hair, rinse it with water and dry. If you see any remaining nits, remove them individually. Soak the comb in hot soapy ammonia water for 15 minutes, and use dental floss or an old toothbrush to remove debris stuck in the comb's teeth.

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Prepackaged Food Diets

If you want to lose weight but don't have the time to spend weighing, measuring, and studying a diet, try the prepackaged meal approach to dieting. Counting calories and grams of carbohydrates, fat, and protein are a snap when your meals are already made and labeled. You can also plan your meals a week in advance so all you'll need to do is remove one from the freezer, heat it, and eat.

Prepackaged Food Programs for Weight Loss

Celebrities such all as Marie Osmond, Dan Marino, and Valerie Bertinelli are touting amazing weight loss results thanks to their choice of prepackaged food, weight loss systems. Programs such as Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem have gained tremendous popularity because all of your meals are created, packaged, and customized to a certain number of calories. The dieter simply selects and orders the foods he wants, and the packages are delivered to his door. Weight loss programs featuring prepackaged food are also customizable for specific nutritional needs such as food allergies or vegetarians diets. These programs are also accompanied by a weight loss and meal tracker, live phone support, and online nutrition education.

Do-It-Yourself Prepackaged Diet Food

You don't have to join a program to reap the benefits of a prepackaged meal plan. Many grocery stores devote an entire aisle in the freezer section to prepackaged diet meals, such as Weight Watchers and Lean Cuisine. Even some of the popular diets, such as South Beach, have jumped on the prepackaged food train. Grocery store prepackaged diet food comes packaged with a list of ingredients and full nutritional information that includes calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, and sodium. You don't have to adhere to a specific program and can pick and choose when you want to eat the prepackaged foods.

Additionally, there are plenty of prepackaged snacks available at most grocery stores. Diet program such as Atkins, South Beach, and Slimfast offer low-calorie snack bars and shakes that include the number of calories and other important dietary information on the packaging.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Prepackaged Food

One of the biggest benefits of going on a prepackaged diet food program is the convenience. Your calories, carbs, and protein are predetermined, making it the perfect plan for the person on the go. There is no stopping to weigh and measure food. Prepackaged food also works well for a busy person who wants to eat a balanced meal or for a person who doesn't like to cook because there's virtually no cooking involved. You only have to heat the meal in your microwave or on the stove. Most prepackaged diet meals even come with their own plastic plate, so you don't have to wash dishes afterward.

Drawbacks include a lack of nutrition education. When the dieter stops being on the prepackaged diet food program, she's not equipped with the knowledge of prepare healthy, low-calorie meals. Also, many meals are high in sodium content. so people with high blood pressure should proceed cautiously when following a diet of prepackaged food.

One drawback specific to a prepackaged food program for weight loss is the cost. Prepackaged food diets include costs not only for the food but also for membership and support, which can become expensive.

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Learn Acupuncture Cupping

Acupuncture cupping can cause bruising.

Acupuncture cupping is an acupuncture technique used to stimulate the acupuncture points. It involves a metal, wood or glass jar, which is used as a suction cup on the skin. Basically, the suction causes blood to rush to the site, therefore stimulating the area. This technique is often used to relieve pain and is said to flush out toxins in the lymphatic system. The following steps describe acupuncture cupping, but remember that you must have your license to use this technique.

Instructions

1. Purchase an acupuncture cupping kit. This includes glass jars (more commonly used) and, depending on which method you use, a burning taper, a vacuum pump or needles. Also purchase alcohol and cotton balls for disinfecting the skin before and after treatment.

2. Familiarize yourself with fire cupping, air cupping and wet cupping. For fire cupping, a burning taper provides a flame, which is inserted into the glass for a short time to warm it. Since the oxygen has escaped, a vacuum is created within the glass. At this point the glass can be placed onto the skin. For air cupping, a vacuum pump or flexible suction cup is attached to the glass jar to draw out the air. Once the air is removed, the jar can be placed on the skin. For wet cupping, the skin is pricked by a needle and the jar draws out a small amount of blood. Wet cupping helps to draw out toxins.

3. Apply glass jars to acupuncture points and/or areas of pain on the body.

4. Leave the glass jars on the skin for no longer than 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Know the limitations and dangers of acupuncture cupping. Cupping can cause swelling or bruising, so this may deter some individuals. A pregnant woman cannot have cupping on her stomach or lower back. In addition, it should not be used on rashes or individuals who bleed easily or who have a fever.

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How Does Microdermabrasion Work

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is also known as microderm, and is a cosmetic procedure that is popular in day spas and medical spas, as well as among some cosmetic doctors. Microdermabrasion uses light abrasion to remove the stratum corneum--the outermost layer of skin, which consists of dead cells. This technique works to remove skin that has been damaged by the sun, as well as to reduce or eliminate scars. Microdermabrasion can also lessen and remove dark spots on the surface of the skin. The process requires no anesthetic and is not particularly painful. Microdermbrasion of a scar is most effective when the scar is raised.

Types of Microdermabrasion

In the past, microdermabrasion was performed using abrasive crystals. However, as the process has become more common, there have been many new developments. There are now multiple methods of microdermabrasion. In the oldest technique, crystal microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are blasted at high speed onto the face to exfoliate and remove the outer layer of skin. Diamond microdermabrasion uses a small, diamond-tipped head instead of blasted diamonds. This diamond head also works to exfoliate the skin. Home microdermabrasion is a method that, while not as effective as professional treatments, is cheaper and easier. Home microdermabrasion kits use tiny particles to sand and polish the skin, with the goal of helping to refresh ir and remove older, dead skin. Home microdermabrasion can have significant effects with repeated use.

How Does Microdermabrasion Help to Reduce Scars?

Reducing stretch marks, scars and other lesions of the skin is accomplished via a process called skin remodeling. When wounded, the skin heals quickly to avoid infection and blood loss. The initial healing involves a quick base of collagen that helps the process along. This collagen base, which makes up the basis of a scar, is gradually removed and replaced with normal skin. One way to speed up this process is to cause a very small amount of damage to the area via microdermabrasion, which stimulates the renewal process. This causes the scar to be replaced more quickly with regular skin.

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Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are open sores located inside the mouth. Ulcers develop for a number of reasons, and can cause additional infections or inflammation. Mouth ulcers are fairly common, and can cause a great deal of pain. Some ulcers can be hidden inside the mouth where no one is able to notice them, whereas others are more obvious and embarrassing. Despite the embarrassment and pain, mouth ulcers are simple to treat and get rid of.

Identification

It doesn't take much to determine whether or not you have a mouth ulcer. The more challenging part is determining what type of ulcer you have. This is sometimes easy to ascertain, especially if you have suffered an injury of some sort. Mouth ulcers develop at the lining of the mouth, and look like pale, open sores, or holes.

Types

The most common cause of a mouth ulcer is an injury to the mouth, such as biting your lip or scrubbing too hard with a toothbrush and having is scratch your lip. Other causes include stress, illness, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, sudden weight loss, food allergies and the Herpes simplex virus. The latter is the most common cause of viral mouth ulcers. Tuberculosis can cause bacterial mouth ulcers to form, and valley fever is among the fungal causes of forming mouth ulcers. Viral, bacterial and fungal mouth ulcers are also known as pathogenic oral ulcers, and are caused by touching an open sore or scratch on your lips (such as occurs with chapped lips) without first washing your hands. Mouth ulcers caused by issues with your immune system or vitamin deficiency are called aphthous ulcers. It is believed that the body causes these ulcers when fighting off unknown chemicals. Mouth ulcers of this type can occur repeatedly if your immune-system issues are not addressed or corrected. Allergies that can cause mouth ulcers occur when that allergen touches the mouth and causes a reaction to the skin. There are also medical conditions that cause mouth ulcers to form, including Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease and gingivostomatitis.

Time Frame

Mouth ulcers can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The time frame depends on the type and cause of the ulcer. Rarely will a mouth ulcer be cancerous, but it can happen. Cancerous ulcers do not heal over time, whereas others will begin to heal over a period of days. Continuous exposure to the cause of the mouth ulcer (such as continuing to eat something you are allergic to) will delay healing, and may make symptoms worse.

Prevention/Solution

Depending on the cause of the mouth ulcer, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent more of them from forming in the future. Avoiding known allergens that cause ulcers is important, as is being careful not to bite or otherwise cause trauma to your lips. Make sure you are taking an adequate amount of vitamins daily, to eliminate any deficiencies you may have. Using topical anithistamines, antacids or corticosteroids helps to soothe painful ulcers. If it seems as if the ulcer is not going away, or it remains present longer than 3 weeks, see your physician.

Considerations

To prevent further damage or injury to your mouth ulcer, stay away from spicy foods for the duration of the ulcer. Washing your mouth and the affected area with antibacterial mouthwash for 1 minute, twice a day for 2 days will keep bacteria out of the open ulcer. To avoid damaging to your sense of taste, flush the area using a small tube. Keeping certain mouthwashes in your mouth for a minute or longer is not advisable.

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Treat Nausea Caused By Altitude Sickness

Treat Nausea Caused by Altitude Sickness

In cases of altitude sickness, nausea is one of the most common early symptoms. If you experience it, you should treat it promptly, since continuing to climb upward in the face of indicators that the altitude is affecting your health can be very dangerous.

Instructions

1. Slip some dimenhydrinate into your climbing pack. Marketed under the brand names Gravol, Vertirosan and Dramamine, this over-the-counter drug is normally used to fight motion sickness, but is also very effective against general nausea.

2. Stop climbing if you experience nausea caused by altitude sickness. Rest, hydrate yourself, and wait to see if you get better. Mild cases of altitude sickness can be treated effectively by simply stopping and waiting for your body to get acclimatized to the new altitude before ascending further.

3. Descend to a lower altitude if your symptoms do not clear up. Usually, getting back to lower ground will bring a rapid end to the symptoms caused by altitude sickness. The more severe your nausea, the lower you should go.

4. Treat your nausea using medications only if getting back to a lower altitude did not cause them to clear up. In such cases, it is not advisable for you to then continue to ascend to higher altitudes, since your symptoms are simply masked by drugs but still present in your body. Cases of altitude sickness that don't clear up should be taken seriously, as nausea can be an indicator that a more severe form of altitude sickness may be about to come on.

5. Continue to climb only once all your symptoms, not just your nausea, have cleared up completely. Treat the other common symptoms of altitude sickness, which include dizziness, headache and fatigue, the same way as you treat nausea: by resting and seeking lower ground until they abate.

6. Abort your climb if the nausea progresses to the point of vomiting. Vomiting is considered a serious signal that a severe case of altitude sickness is developing. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible if your altitude sickness leads to throwing up.

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Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer

Reports show that four out of every 100 women who are sixty years old will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime before they reach seventy. Since age remains the greatest risk factor, the longer you live, the greater the likelihood that you will get breast cancer. Although the risk of developing the disease rises as women grow older, there are things that you can do to lower the odds.

Instructions

1. Get routine mammograms. A woman is never too old to have a mammogram, as survival rates increase with early diagnosis not matter what your age. Every woman should have a yearly mammogram, or a mammogram at least every other year. If your doctor doesn’t suggest it as part of your annual examination, ask him or her to schedule a mammogram for you. Medicare covers annual mammogram screening for women over age 65.

2. Watch your diet and eat foods low in fat. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and reduce fat to less than 35% of your daily calories. Restricting foods high in saturated fats decreases the risk of other serious diseases, too. Research shows that women who maintain a healthy weight after menopause can reduce their breast cancer risk by more than 50%. Evidence also suggests that eating dark green vegetables may help to restore immune system function in older individuals. You should limit or completely avoid the consumption of alcohol as well.

3. Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. As individuals age, it's actually healthier to eat mini-meals of only 300 - 400 calories in place of the traditional three meals a day. Not only does eating several smaller meals allow you to constantly fuel your body for energy, you may consume fewer total calories. Eating smaller meals also helps to stabilize blood sugar and puts less stress on the heart. Consuming larger, heavier meals can make the heart beat up to 30% faster.

4. Exercise to decrease your risk. Just 2 – 3 hours of moderate exercise each week can lower cancer risk by about 20%. Make it part of your routine each day to walk, bike, swim or engage in some other kind of physical activity that you like to do. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes when you do. Women who report exercising rigorously for more than six hours each week, and have no family history of breast cancer, appear to be 23% less likely to develop breast cancer than women who lead sedentary lifestyles.

5. Ask about all your treatment options if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. Some doctors do not immediately recommend radiation and chemotherapy to older women. Many physicians tend to treat a woman’s age instead of the disease; therefore, older women often are not treated for breast cancer as aggressively as younger women might be. However, reports show that women in their 70’s tolerate these kinds of cancer treatments as well as women in their 50’s. Unless a woman has other health issues, which may make treatment more difficult to tolerate, a physician should not assume that radiation or chemotherapy might be too hard on her.

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Recovery From Hysterectomy Surgery

When a complete hysterectomy is done, the entire uterus and cervix is removed. If a partial hysterectomy is performed, the lower part of the uterus and cervix may be left. A radical abdominal hysterectomy may be performed in severe cases of gynecological cancer. The uterus, cervix, upper area of the vagina and surrounding tissues are removed. Sometimes the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, a hysterectomy is the second most common surgery in the United States amongst women. Recovery time will vary depending on the type of procedure performed.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

During a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is severed from the ovaries, fallopian tubes and upper vagina and any connective tissue that supports the uterus. The uterus is then pulled through the vagina. Once the surgery is completed, you will stay within a hospital for up to 3 days in order to heal. If the fallopian tubes and ovaries were removed with the uterus, you will begin to experience menopause soon after your surgery.

Vaginal Recovery

It is normal to experience heavy, menstrual-type bleeding after surgery. It may take up to 2 weeks to fully recover from a vaginal hysterectomy, and it isn't recommended that you have intercourse for up to 6 weeks after your surgery. If you begin to experience fever or chills, nausea or vomiting or blood clots that are the size of lemons, contact your doctor immediately, as this is a sign of infection.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

An abdominal hysterectomy can include the entire removal of your uterus (total hysterectomy) or only part (partial hysterectomy). Other parts of reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries, may be removed. The surgery is performed by making an incision in the abdomen in order to remove the uterus. You may either have an incision made above the navel or across the bikini-line (above the pubic bone).

Abdominal Recovery

Pain is significant after an abdominal hysterectomy, but medication prescribed by your doctor can help with this. You can expect to stay in the hospital for up to 4 days, and bleeding after surgery is normal. It can take up to 8 weeks to fully recover from an abdominal hysterectomy. You won't be able to lift heavy objects for at least 6 weeks or have intercourse for up to 6 weeks. If your ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed with the uterus, menopause will start.

Robotic Hysterectomy

According to the Mayo Clinic, during a robotic hysterectomy, a doctor uses a robotic surgical system to remove the uterus. Five puncture holes are made in the body around the naval. These incisions are much smaller than the incision used in an abdominal hysterectomy. A doctor uses robotic instruments, which are placed within the body, to release the uterus from the reproductive organs. If necessary, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed as well.

Robotic Recovery

Recovery is less traumatic, since smaller incisions are made on the body. Scarring is also minimal. Usually you are able to leave the hospital a day after a robotic hysterectomy has been done. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to recover fully from a robotic hysterectomy, and many women are able to return to work within a week after the surgery. Any physical activity or intercourse should be restricted until up to 6 weeks. Bleeding after the surgery is minimal, and if all of the reproductive organs were removed, menopause will soon begin after surgery.

Tags: fallopian tubes, after surgery, abdominal hysterectomy, fallopian tubes ovaries, ovaries fallopian, ovaries fallopian tubes, reproductive organs

1200 Calorie Lowfat Diets

Whenever you start a calorie restricting diet, be sure you get the most out of the calories that you are allowed to have. Because fats and oils also tend to be high in calories, a great way to cut back on calories is to opt for a low-fat diet. This is particularly true if you are restricting your calorie count to around 1,200 calories a day.

Some Fats Are Good

Use fats sparingly. Even in a low-fat diet it is important to remember that not only do we need some fat but also that not all fats are the same. Even those fats that are good for us are high in calories, so they should be used with particular attention to portion control.

Divide your Calories

To start a low-fat diet, divide up your calories to allow for three or four meals per day. Because low-fat diets tend to have a high concentration of fruits and vegetables you are going to want to eat smaller amounts on a more frequent basis. Fruits and vegetables not only fill you up quickly but they also digest faster. You may need to adjust your eating schedule to allow for these changes.

When dividing up your calories for meals, have your largest meal as well as most of your fat calories early in the day. This gives your body a good start. A good choice is cereal, skim milk and fresh fruit. Pay attention to portion sizes on the label and choose a cereal that is nutrient-dense.

For lunch choose lean beef, chicken or tuna packed in water. At least half of your plate should contain fresh vegetables. A serving of brown rice is better than white as it is less refined. Again, pay attention to portion sizes when choosing meats and carbohydrates. A serving size of beef or chicken should be no wider than your fist.

Your last meal of the day should be the smallest. You can use the remainder of your daily calories as you choose as long as you make low fat choices.

Should you feel the need for a snack, a handful of frozen grapes make a good low fat and low calorie choice.

Tags: attention portion, low-fat diet, your calories, attention portion sizes, beef chicken, high calories

Facts On Oolong Caffeinated Tea

Oolong tea is a style of tea that originated about 400 years ago in China. There are several famed varieties, including the one grown at Mount Wuyi in Fujian province. Oolong refers to the method of production and the length of fermentation rather than a specific type of plant. The flavor of oolong tea varies, depending on production method, and some versions, like jasmine-scented oolong, are lighter in flavor, whereas others are more full bodied. Oolong tea also comes in different forms, including curled leaves, pearl shapes and "gunpowder." All teas are naturally caffeinated, with some styles having more caffeine than others, depending on the production method.

Oolong Production

Traditionally, tea leaves are picked on a clear day in units consisting of one bud and two leaves per unit. The leaves are left in the sun for a short time and placed in baskets and shaken; this expresses the juices and initiates fermentation. The process of fermentation causes the leaves to darken from green to reddish and then to black. Oolong tea is considered a semi-fermented tea, which means the leaves are only allowed to ferment for a short time. With oolong teas, fermentation is stopped when the leaves are about 30 percent red and 70 percent green, though this may vary by region and producer. In general, fermentation lasts two hours for Chinese oolongs and longer for Taiwanese oolongs. After rolling, the leaves are rubbed to create the desired shape and texture. The leaves are then dried over a charcoal fire, which also stops the fermentation process. Dried leaves are then graded by a tea master and packaged for export.

Oolong Preparation

Oolong tea can be brewed like any other tea, using hot water and a brewing vessel. Generally, if brewing a large quantity, it's best to put the leaves in an infuser and place the infuser in the water, removing it when brewing is done. Removing the leaves prevents the tea from becoming bitter. If a stronger brew is desired, it's better to use more tea rather than a longer steeping time. Because oolong tea is partially fermented, it can be infused multiple times and keep the same strength, another good reason to use an infuser. The same batch of leaves can be used several times over and the infuser can be stored in the refrigerator and warmed before brewing.

"Gong-fu Cha"

There is a traditional method of brewing oolong called "gong-fu cha." Gong-fu cha uses three pots, one for heating water, one for brewing and one for serving. The serving pot is very small and the tea is served in thimble-sized cups. In the gong-fu cha method, water is boiled in the heating pot and the pot is set aside on a warmer. The clay brewing pot is filled with hot water and hot water is poured on the sides to prep the pot. The brewing pot is then drained and tea is measured into the pot. The brewing pot is filled with hot or warm water a second time and then emptied to wash the tea. After the wash, boiling water is poured over the tea leaves--filling the brewing pot to the top. The lid is then placed on the brewing pot and hot water is poured over the entire pot. The leaves are allowed to steep for one to two minutes. The tea then is poured into the serving pot and is ready to drink. Oolong tea can be infused several times, so the same brewing pot can make six to eight serving pots of tea.

Wulong Tea

Oolong is also marketed as a rare and exotic weight-loss tea under the name wulong. The tea is neither rare nor does it have properties beyond those of any other tea. All tea comes from the same plant (camellia sinensis); it's the production and fermentation process that determines the type of tea produced. Green and oolong teas are both partially fermented, while white teas are unfermented and black teas are completely fermented. Different levels of fermentation create different chemical changes in the tea leaves and caffeine levels, which is why white tea has almost no caffeine, while black tea has a lot. The fermentation process also results in different levels of antioxidants and polyphenols--elements that contribute to cardiovascular health, healthy cholesterol levels and weight loss. But the differences are slight and all tea has similar benefits.

Tea and Weight Loss

There have been several studies exploring the the link between tea and weight loss, and some have been contradictory. In a study in the January 1999 issue of the International Journal of Obesity titled "Anti-obesity action of oolong tea," mice fed a high-fat diet with oolong tea lost fat, but it was determined that the tea's caffeine content was more a factor than any properties specific to the tea. A study posted in the December 1999 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed, however, that the polyphenol content in tea (specifically epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG) is a larger contributing factor in weight loss than caffeine content alone.

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