Friday, March 29, 2013

Medicaid & Lapband Surgery

Medicaid sometimes pays for lapband surgery.


Lapband surgery involves the placement of a narrow band around the stomach to restrict the volume of food a patient can eat. Medicaid pays for lapband surgery for some patients with low incomes.


Medicaid Eligibility Criteria








Not all people with low incomes qualify for Medicaid. In some states, only children, the elderly and the disabled can qualify. In other states, some other adults may qualify if they meet income guidelines.


State Specific Guidelines


Medicaid eligibility criteria vary from state to state. The criteria for lapband surgery eligibility may also vary. Check with the agency that administers Medicaid in your state for details.


Lapband Surgery Eligibility Criteria


Generally, lapband patients must have a Body Mass Index of 40 or above, unless they have weight-related health problems, in which case they must have a BMI of 35 or above. They must have a history of failed diet attempts.


Surgery Prerequisites


In some states, patients must complete a six-month physician supervised diet before Medicaid will pay for lapband surgery. Medicaid may also require patients to undergo a psychological evaluation and have a consultation with a dietician.


Centers of Excellence


The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery designates weight loss surgical centers that meet specific criteria as Centers of Excellence. In order for Medicaid to pay for lapband surgery, patients must have surgery at a Center of Excellence.

Tags: must have, lapband surgery, patients must, Centers Excellence, Eligibility Criteria
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Prepare For A Total Mastectomy

Prepare for a Total Mastectomy


A total mastectomy is a type of surgery in which the entire breast is removed. The most common reason for this drastic surgical procedure is breast cancer. The nipple and areola may also be removed, depending on the extent and location of cancerous involvement. Read on to learn prepare for a total mastectomy.








Instructions


1. See your healthcare professional for a complete physical evaluation. It's important to confirm that there is no underlying cause that would hinder recovery from a total mastectomy.


2. Expect to have several tests to prepare for a total mastectomy. Tests will likely include a routine blood work, urinalysis and an ECG (electrocardiogram). This will identify underlying infections, abnormalities or heart irregularities that could cause increased risk for surgery.


3. Prepare to ask the anesthesiologist questions about the anesthesia during the surgery. Ask about the method used to make sure you will remain anesthetized during the procedure. While it is extremely rare, some patients are able to feel the surgery in progress but are unable to alert the doctor.


4. Notify your doctor and anesthesiologist if you are taking any medications, including herbal supplements. Some supplements and medications can increase the risk of bleeding, and these must be stopped prior to surgery. Only your doctor can determine what is safe to take prior to and immediately following surgery.


5. Plan to go without anything to eat or drink for 8 hours or more prior to the time of surgery. The stomach must be empty during surgery to reduce the chance of regurgitation of stomach contents into the lungs.


6. Anticipate that showering with an antibacterial soap the evening before surgery may be necessary. This reduces the contaminants on the body that could cause infection in the open incision.


7. Read the surgical consent form completely and carefully. Make sure it states the appropriate surgery in the correct location. It should state which breast and give a complete description of the surgery. For instance, "total mastectomy, right (or left) breast" is required over "mastectomy."


8. Determine who will be available to assist you with home duties after release from the hospital. There will be restrictions on lifting and some movements during recovery. This is especially necessary if small children are in the home.

Tags: total mastectomy, could cause, during surgery, prepare total, Prepare Total Mastectomy
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How Does Aspirin Relieve Headaches

History of Aspirin


Aspirin is made from salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is found in the white willow plant, which has been used throughout the ages by folk healers to reduce pain, swelling and fever. Scientists studied the chemical reactions of salicylic acid for many years before producing aspirin as we know it today.


Causes of Headaches


When you have a headache, you most likely will take an over the counter pain medication. Aspirin is an ideal drug because it eliminates pain through the suppression of chemical processes within the body. Headaches are caused by a variety of reasons including environmental factors, food allergies and stress. The pain can occur anywhere around and inside of your head. Some people suffer from severe forms of headaches called migraines.


Biology of a Headache


The pain of a headache stems from nerves running over the scalp, as well as nerves in the face. Most of these nerves run directly from the brain to the head, simply because of their close location. Pain receptors lie within each nerve. The receptors act as channels that carry pain messages from the nerve to your brain. When the brain receives a pain message, it registers this. That is how you perceive pain in your body, and in this case, as a headache.


Prostaglandins


The central nervous system produces chemicals--prostaglandins--in response to certain stimuli. These chemicals fight infection and trauma to the body. Prostaglandins are unsaturated, fatty acids that, as they work, create the symptoms of pain and inflammation.


COX-2 Enzymes


All cells contain enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts that help to produce chemical reactions. COX-2 enzymes are an important part of the immune response. The reaction of a COX-2 enzyme causes its host cell to secrete messages. These messages prompt the central nervous system to produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, in turn, cause the symptom of pain.








How Aspirin Works


Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin production by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme. Aspirin molecules attach themselves to COX-2 enzymes. This binding action blocks the enzyme from creating chemical reactions. When no chemical reactions are produced, messages cannot be transmitted along the neuropathways that ask for the prostaglandin production. With the action of prostaglandin in check, your pain is either completely relieved or greatly reduced.


Aspirin Dosages


Dosages of aspirin vary according to the amount of pain you are feeling. Typically, a normal dose is 324 mg every four hours. For a strong headache, you can take up to 648 mg of aspirin every four hours without any ill effects. It is recommended that you not exceed 48 tablets in a twenty-four hour period. Women in their third trimester of pregnancy are advised to seek other pain treatment as aspirin can affect the developing fetus. Children under the age of twelve should consult a physician before taking aspirin. If you are recovering from the flu or chicken pox, it is not recommended that you ingest aspirin.

Tags: chemical reactions, central nervous, central nervous system, COX-2 enzyme, every four
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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Scalp Problems Due To Chemotherapy

One unfortunate and often heartbreaking result of chemotherapy is hair loss. What many don't realize is that scalp discomfort goes hand in hand with chemo-induced hair loss. Certain types of chemo aggressively attack cancer cells as well as the more healthy cells of the body that quickly regenerate. Scalp cells fall into this category as do intestinal, mouth and other rapidly producing cells. Chemo often results in scalp problems for many individuals, ranging from scalp sensitivity to eczema.








Significance


Some scalp problems arise when individuals undergoing chemotherapy don't care for their scalp skin as well as they did when they had a full head of hair. The scalp requires cleansing even without hair. However, too frequent washing can result in a dry scalp or conditions such as eczema. It's important to find a balance for caring for the newly exposed skin in a comfortable manner. Mild shampoo without perfume works to cleanse the scalp gently. Some individuals choose to use conditioner only to moisturize the scalp.


Scalp Pain


Chemotherapy treatment affects the body in a cumulative manner. Most individuals experience scalp pain within 7 to 10 days after initial treatment although full hair loss can take more than 21 days to occur according to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The scalp becomes incredibly sensitive and some patients experience a constant burning sensation. Coupled with itching as the hair follicles release the hair, the burning and sensitivity create a very uncomfortable situation for cancer patients. Hair loss in itself creates distress well before treatment, the unexpected accompanying pain and discomfort can make an upsetting situation even worse.


Dry Scalp


During chemotherapy treatment, the body changes in many ways. Many patients experience less oil production in the skin. This includes scalp skin as well as facial and body skin. Less oil in the scalp can result in drying and flaking on the crown of the head. It's best to monitor your head closely and bring any excessive drying and flaking to your physician's attention.


Sunburn


Cancer patients, like others, can go barreling out the door into the sunshine. Throw in an uncovered head and that's a recipe for disaster. Sunburn represents a major problem for chemotherapy patients who've spent their lives having a hair-covered head. Forgetting to cover the head with a scarf, hat or cap can result in quite painful sunburn on this tender area.


Prevention/Solution


Potential scalp problems due to chemotherapy need to be addressed well before they arise. Regular grooming can help prevent a variety of scalp problems due to chemotherapy. Some individuals choose to ignore the reflection in the mirror because of the painful visible results of chemo. Instead, choosing gentle care as a preventative measure can prevent many scalp problems during chemotherapy.

Tags: hair loss, scalp problems, drying flaking, individuals choose, patients experience, problems chemotherapy
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Rare Symptoms Of Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that changes how the body reacts when a perceived threat occurs. Stress, illness and sunlight can all trigger a harsh immune reaction that can affect any area of the body. This reaction can cause a wide variety of symptoms ranging from common to extremely rare.


Disease Process


Lupus is characterized by the inappropriate production of immune complexes. These immune complexes attack the body's own cells, resulting in inflammation of many areas of the body including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain.








Common Symptoms


The most common symptom of Lupus is a rash that runs across the nose and cheeks, known as a "butterfly" rash. Other common symptoms include arthritis-like joint pain and fatigue.


Oral


One rare symptom of Lupus is decreased saliva production. This can lead to dental decay, bad breath, and sores of the mouth and lips.


Neurological


Lupus can cause stroke-like symptoms known as transient ischemic attacks (or TIAs). These TIAs result in sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking and uncoordinated movement. Additionally, Lupus can cause a rare inflammation of the outer layer of the brain that can be particularly dangerous.


Cardiovascular


The heart can develop a number of problems due to Lupus including alterations in heart rhythm, damage to heart tissues, and inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart. Blood vessels throughout the body can be blocked by Lupus and result in decreased blood flow, particularly to the extremities.


Kidneys


One of the most dangerous effects of Lupus is kidney damage. Typically caused by either infection or reduced blood flow, the kidneys lose the ability to properly filter the blood.

Tags: blood flow, immune complexes, Lupus cause, symptom Lupus
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Attract Men With Pheromones

People believe pheromones play an important role in attracting the opposite sex.


Pheromones are secreted or excreted through the skin, for instance through a man's sweat, but over the years, and through hygiene, deodorant, antiperspirants and showers, we wash pheromones away or cover them up. We then try to make up for the lost pheromones with perfumes, after-shaves and colognes to attract the opposite sex. Companies, therefore, have produced pheromones and special pheromone-laced perfumes to help the attraction along. The first pheromone was discovered in 1953 in a female moth that was sending attraction signals to a male moth. The first pheromones in humans were discovered in the 1970s.


Instructions


1. Get a product enhanced with pheromones. You can find them in sprays, concentrate and cologne. You can find them online to purchase and try.








2. Apply the formula to your skin. Apply to back of wrists, breasts, ears and neckline. Use one spray or dab, depending on the formulation, per area every 12 hours.


3. Dress nicely. Pheromones aren't magic. There still has to be some basic attraction going on between you. Dressing like you just rolled in the mud won't work. Dress as you would any other time you are going on a date or want to attract the opposite sex.


4. Smile, be warm to others, strike up conversations about the other person's interests and listen. Be approachable, as pheromones enhance attraction between two people that is already present.


5. Don't expect too much. Some people expect to wear pheromones and attract whomever they want. If you don't expect too much you will be pleasantly surprised. If you are having problems in your relationship, simply wearing pheromones won't solve your problems. You still have to get to the heart of your issues before becoming intimate again.

Tags: attract opposite, expect much, find them
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Herbal Shampoo For Hair Loss

Most shampoos do a fine job of cleaning your hair and scalp, but they also contain harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of essential oils that promote health and shine. Dry, damaged hair can lead to hair loss. Herbal shampoos, on the other hand, rely on natural ingredients that maintain these essential oils and promote nourished hair and a healthy scalp. Here are some simple shampoo recipes you can make at home that use rosemary, lavender and peppermint to invigorate the scalp and nourish hair.


Rosemary








For a good all-purpose shampoo, combine 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary and 2 teaspoons of liquid soap in 20 ounces of distilled water. Rosemary is a natural hair follicle stimulant that prevents both hair loss and the onset of gray hair. Rosemary also holds thinness in check and can prevent dandruff.


Lavender


Another option is to combine 2 tablespoons of dried lavender to your liquid soap and distilled water. Lavender not only promotes hair growth, like rosemary, but it also balances oil production, replenishing the scalp and the hair. For a super-shampoo, combine the lavender and the rosemary to prevent hair loss and promote all-around hair and scalp health.


Peppermint


For an even more powerful shampoo, add 2 tablespoons of dried peppermint (if using peppermint oil, use only a few drops) to the rosemary-lavender mix. Peppermint will make the shampoo smell fantastic and, because it is an astringent, it will normalize oily hair and an oily scalp. It also fights dandruff and lice and has a general cooling effect on the head. Because of these factors, peppermint is believed to prevent or slow down hair loss.

Tags: tablespoons dried, combine tablespoons, combine tablespoons dried, distilled water, essential oils
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Early Signs Of Gum Disease

A condition called gingivitis is the first sign of gum disease. The good news is that it can easily be prevented, treated and reversed if caught early enough. Regular brushing and flossing along with professional teeth cleanings to remove tartar are the first steps in preventing and treating early gum disease.


Identification


Gingivitis, or gum inflammation and irritation, is marked by red, puffy gums that bleed easily, often after brushing or flossing. Bad breath is another symptom, as are gums that are just beginning to separate from teeth.








Time Frame


Gum disease begins with a sticky buildup on teeth called plaque, which can start forming within four hours after brushing. If the plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it begins to harden and eventually calcifies into tartar. Tartar produces toxins that cause chronic gum inflammation, which can lead to periodontal disease.


In periodontitis, the bones and connective tissue supporting the teeth become damaged; this condition can cause loose teeth. In fact, the United States Food and Drug Administration lists gum disease as the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease has even been indicated as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease.


Prevention/Solution


Flossing is the most important preventive measure against gum disease, because brushing cannot reach everywhere that flossing can. People should floss their teeth at least once a day to remove food residue and plaque. Once plaque turns into tartar, a dentist or hygienist must remove it. Another good plaque remover is a rotation oscillation electric toothbrush, like the ones dentists use. This is the only brush that can reach under the gum line where bacteria hide and a regular toothbrush cannot reach.


Features


Preventive measures against gingivitis are most beneficial, but if gum disease is caught in its early stages, a number of remedies are available to reverse it. The one FDA-approved, over-the-counter remedy is the toothpaste Colgate Total, which contains the antibacterial agent triclosan.


Along with professional dental cleaning and advice on treating early signs of gum disease, natural home remedies are worth a try before advancing to prescription ones. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps repair connective fibers and regenerate bones, and Vitamin D, an anti-inflammatory agent, have shown some results in treating gingivitis when taken in conjunction with a regular brushing and flossing regimen. Vitamin C can be obtained by eating plenty of fruit and also by taking supplements (nonchewable ones are better because vitamin C is acidic). Vitamin D can be obtained simply by spending 10 or 15 minutes in sunshine twice a week.


Types


Several FDA-approved topical prescription treatments for reversing early gum disease are available from dentists. Antimicrobial treatments include a mouth rinse and a gelatin chip containing chlorhexidine. Antibiotics include a gel containing doxycycline, thin fibers with tetracycline, and tiny round particles containing minocycline. A low-dose pill form of doxycycline is also available and inhibits destructive enzyme growth.

Tags: brushing flossing, after brushing, cannot reach, caught early, early disease, gums that, into tartar
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Monday, March 25, 2013

Treat Prostate Enlargement

You are suffering from an enlarged prostate and you need to get some relief. There are many methods today to treat prostate enlargement, such as prescribed medications, herbal remedies, non-surgical procedures, and in more severe cases, surgery. Read here treat your enlarged prostate and get back to normal.


Instructions


Medication Treatments


1. Take an alpha blocker drug, such as terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin or alfuzosin. These drugs are similar in effectiveness and will help you to urinate easier by loosening up the muscles that surround your bladder.


2. Consider an enzyme inhibitor. This type of drug will reduce the size of your prostate, but the effects take longer than alpha blockers. If you have a very large prostate, the effectiveness will be quicker than for men with normal-size prostates.


3. Combine an alpha blocker with an enzyme inhibitor, a treatment method which may have more effective results overall for minimizing your symptoms and preventing them from recurring.


Non-Surgical Treatments


4. Ask about microwave therapy (TUMT). This method uses microwave heat that is emitted in the penis through a catheter to break down the inside of the enlarged prostate.


5. Consider undergoing transurethral needle ablation (TUNA). Also known as radiofrequency therapy, it is an outpatient treatment method that emits heat from radio waves to the part of the prostate that is keeping you from passing urine.


6. Look into interstitial laser therapy. This procedure sends laser energy directly to the core of your enlarged prostate and lessens its size. This procedure is less common than other non-surgical methods.


Surgical Treatments


7. Talk to your doctor about transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). You will go under general anesthesia and your doctor will cut away prostate tissue that is causing your symptoms. This is the most effective surgery.


8. Keep your options open for transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). This surgical procedure is good for men who are not in line for other types of surgery, have smaller prostates, or don't want to risk becoming sterile.


9. Research other types of surgery, such as laser and open prostatectomy. Laser surgery is new and its effectiveness is still being studied. Open prostatectomy is generally performed on men with unusual complications. Talk to your doctor before deciding on any type of surgery.


Natural Herb Treatments








10. Take saw palmetto in recommended doses. It will help to keep inflammation down and inhibit the male hormones that cause enlargement of the prostate. Saw palmetto is known to have no negative side effects.


11. Add pygeum africanum to your daily intake. Research shows that it decreases prostate enlargement and eases up on inflammation.


12. Be sure to take a daily dose of zinc to keep your prostate healthy and shrink it in size over time.

Tags: enlarged prostate, your doctor, alpha blocker, effectiveness will, enzyme inhibitor, other types
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What Do To Stop Smoking

It is difficult to stop smoking, but if you seek the right options for treating nicotine dependency, you can successfully quit. There are several options you should consider if you want to stop smoking.


Join a Stop Smoking Group


Joining a support group is helpful for smokers who do not have support from family and friends. QuitNet and Nicotine Anonymous are two popular support groups for smokers.


Try a Nicotine Patch


Nicotine patches are medically approved devices to help people stop smoking. These patches deliver a lower dosage of nicotine to the body, reducing a smoker's dependence on nicotine.


Enter a Nicotine Dependence Program


Many medical clinics, including the Mayo Clinic, offer nicotine dependency programs to help people quit smoking. Smokers can choose from an outpatient program, residential treatment options or group consultation.








Know Your Triggers


According to WebMD, smokers can stop relapses if they learn--and learn deal with--smoking triggers. Common smoking triggers are being angry, going to a bar or finishing a long day of work.


Gain Support From Loved Ones








All smoking programs, including QuitPlan and medically approved stop-smoking programs, first recommend seeking support from loved ones. They claim support from family and friends motivates the smoker to prevent relapse, keeps them on track and acts as emotional support during stressful times.

Tags: support from, family friends, from family, from family friends, help people, medically approved, nicotine dependency
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What Herbs Are Good For Fibroids

Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or around the uterus. Their development is associated with changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen levels. While these tumors are not cancerous, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Certain herbs are good for use in treating fibroids.


Chaste Berry


Chaste berry is rich in active biological compounds that inhibit the overproduction of estrogen hormones, which is associated with fibroids.


Goldenseal


Goldenseal contains high levels of a compound called alkaloid berberine, which tones the uterine wall tissue and hinders the development and growth of fibroids.


Red Clover Tea


Herbal teas brewed from the flowers of the red clover herb are a popular folk cure for fibroids.(See Resource #2 below for information on brew herbal tea).


Evening Primrose oil


The herbal oil of the evening primrose contains essential fatty acids that serve as natural antiinflammatory agents, which can help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with fibroids.


Mexican Wild Yam


A decoction of Mexican wild yam can be drank as a cure for fibroids. A decoction made from ginger root can also be used.

Tags: associated with, associated with fibroids, cure fibroids, with fibroids
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Friday, March 22, 2013

How Does Colon Cancer Kill







Colon Function


The colon is responsible for assisting the filtering of waste products that the body produces. The colon is the upper part of the large intestine and acts as a last chance stop for the body to remove nutrients, water and salt from the waste products. It makes up about 5 to 6 feet of the large intestine and is divided into five parts--ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid and redundant. The colon has no digestive enzymes, so it must rely on bacteria to break down waste products and release nutrients and water for absorption.


Development


Although an exact cause is unknown, it is thought that most colon cancer is developed from adenoma polyps that can exist in the colon. These polyps are common to the colon area and are not dangerous when benign. However, if they are left alone, they could become malignant and cause cancer. Hyperplastic polyps also pose a risk to cancer development, especially if they are on the right side of the colon.


Physical Damage


If tumors develop into the colon, they can greatly reduce the absorption of water and salt from the waste, increasing chances of dehydration and weakness. They can also leave room for increased bacterial infection by causing physical damage. Waste products that aren't broken down can cause tears in the digestive system, exposing it to harmful bacteria.


Chain Reaction


Tumors that completely obstruct the colon path can cause a "back up" of the digestive system, affecting other organs, such as the liver. If waste products are left in the bloodstream and digestive tract, the liver must work extra hard to break them down and fight any toxic build-up due to waste products not properly removed. By expending these resources, the liver may not have enough additional resources to fight other toxins prevalent in the body. Damage begins to mount along the liver, slowly destroying its tissue.


Metastasized Cells


Metastasized colon cancer cells can spread to other body parts and cause cancer development in them. The liver, kidneys and rectum are frequent targets. The lungs can also become a target. Metastasized cells in the lungs will destroy the lung tissue, causing shortness of breath and more oxygen deprivation.

Tags: waste products, cancer development, cause cancer, digestive system, from waste, large intestine
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Calm Down A Spooked Horse

Horses have a deeply ingrained "fight or flight" instinct, so many of them spook easily. Something as simple as a grocery bag blowing into your path may be enough to get your horse to take off running and you're in for quite a ride unless you know calm down a spooked horse.








Instructions


1. Divert your horse's attention from what frightens him. This is particularly effective if you see something you know has spooked your horse in the past before he sees it.








2. Walk your horse, leading him from side to side, or maybe even having him take a few steps to the rear. Giving him something else to think about will help you to calm down a spooked horse.


3. Reward him with reassuring words and by petting him when he begins to calm down. This will help him to associate a positive with controlling his fear.


4. Know your horse's fears and work to de-sensitize him slowly. For instance, if he has spooked in the past near a certain bridge, take him to that area but don't force him to go very close. Continue this training, getting a little closer each time and you may find eventually he'll be able to cross the bridge without spooking at all.


5. Be aware of your own body language. If your horse has spooked and you are able to maintain a calm demeanor, your horse will likely calm down much more quickly.

Tags: your horse, calm down, down spooked, down spooked horse, spooked horse, will help
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Physical Therapist Fix A Stuck Rib







Stuck Rib


Rib dysfunction is often the cause of upper back and chest pain in many patients. This is usually a surprise to most because we think of the ribs as a non-moving bone cavity. But each time we take a breath, the ribs expand and contract. A dysfunctional rib cannot move with the rest of the ribcage and is therefore referred to as stuck.


Causes and Symptoms


Stuck rib can be the result of poor posture, back misalignment muscle trauma or even lifting improperly. The dysfunction can result in difficulty breathing, restricted movement, muscle spasms and pain in other areas of the body.


Teatment


To correct this ailment, a physical therapist will adjust and align the joints in your ribs, to be followed by a physical therapy regimen. Physical therapy will strengthen the joints and muscles, which may have caused the injury. Massages and hot packs and cold compresses are also treatments for stuck rib.


Physical Therapy


There are several forms of physical therapy you may receive for a stuck rib injury. Deep breathing and core stability exercises can be administered by your therapist. These stretch the tissue to release the pressure. Thoracic nonthrust manipulation is a direct massage technique to the rib area. A new form of therapy is myofascial release. The fascia is connective soft tissue that bonds muscles and bones. This therapy will relieve pain and allows the tissue fibers to reorganize, making them more flexible and functional.

Tags: physical therapy, therapy will
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Thursday, March 21, 2013

Detox Nickel From The Body







Heavy metal poisoning can cause many different conditions such as cancer, hormonal imbalances, neurological disturbances, depression, food allergies and much more. Nickel is a common metal that can cause many of these problems. If you've been exposed to large amounts of nickel, and believe it to be affecting your health, it is important to take proper measures to get your body back in balance. Overexposure to nickel is most commonly caused by the frequent use of cell phones and PDAs, or wearing a piece of jewelry containing nickel for a long period of time. If water is not filtered properly, it can still contain small traces of nickel, even when it is determined safe for consumption. Use this easy recipe made with items found at your local grocery store to create a mixture that will help detox your body, and keep you in good health.


Instructions








1. Mix the cilantro and flaxseed oil together in a blender until the cilantro is fully chopped. Mix in the rest of the ingredients until it forms a paste-like spread.


2. Store the paste in dark glass jars to prevent sun exposure, which will cause the ingredients to lose nutrients and go bad more quickly.


3. Spread the pesto mixture on bread, toast, potatoes or even pasta. Not only is it good for you, but it tastes great as well, and can add flavor to almost any meal. Only 2 teaspoons a day is enough to release heavy metals from the body through urination.


4. Continue eating 2 teaspoons of this mixture for a month to actually see and feel the benefits for your body. Whether you are doing this to detox from nickel and other heavy metals, or just to keep your body in good health, it is an excellent mixture that is full of vitamins and very easy to make.

Tags: your body, cause many, good health, heavy metals, mixture that
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The Best Foods To Eat For A Beginning Postbariatric Patient

Eating foods that are not soft can lead to considerable sickness for bariatric patients.








Bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass and gastric banding procedures, decreases the size of the patient's stomach to aid in weight loss. In the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, bariatric patients should be on a liquid-only diet; they then may begin to reintroduce soft foods in very small portions. The Mayo Clinic also advises that bariatric patients may be intolerant of spicy foods at first, so use sparingly. It is vital for postbariatric patients to avoid eating or drinking until they are very full, since stretching the stomach can actually begin to reverse the benefits of surgery.


Seafood.


Seafood that is soft enough to be easily digested and can be cut into small pieces is ideal for postbariatric patients. Shrimp, scallops, crab and tuna with fat-free mayo are excellent choices. No matter what, fish should never be fried or sauteed with oil. Instead, bake, broil or grill seafood for the lowest fat content possible. Avoid sauces that are butter, oil or cheese based.


Soups.


Bariatric patients should consume more than four cups of sugar-free liquid per day, a requirement that soups easily help to meet. Broth-based soups are generally lower in fat than cream-based soups, making them more appropriate for mealtime. The UCSF Medical Center reminds patients that their stomachs hold less than 1/4 cup of liquid, so keep servings small. Adding tofu to soups is a good, soft-textured way to add protein to soup. It is the staple of some Chinese soups, but make your own to avoid hidden oils and fats included in most convenience foods.


Beans


Pureed beans can be flavored with garlic and onion powder.


Beans are an ideal food for postbariatric patients, especially in the form of refried beans. Smooth, very high in protein and low in fat, beans should still be eaten in small portions, eaten slowly and separately from liquids. Lentils are a good choice, as are other pureed legumes like split green peas. University of California San Fransisco Medical Center warns that high-fiber foods like beans may not be easily digested by some patients, so pay close attention to any discomfort after eating beans, adding beans back a couple of weeks later if necessary. Be careful with the addition of rice, an item that the Mayo Clinic says often causes discomfort for patients.


Vegetables and Fruits


Vegetables and fruits are beneficial because of their low fat content. However, raw vegetables and the skins of fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fibrous "strings" which the Mayo Clinic suggests bariatric patients avoid. Instead, try skinless fruits pureed with water or no-sugar-added juice. Vegetables that can be pureed into a smooth paste such as potatoes or squash are the very best option.

Tags: Mayo Clinic, postbariatric patients, bariatric patients, bariatric patients, easily digested, Medical Center, patients avoid
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Massage A Hamstring Strain

Massage a Hamstring Strain


Hamstring strains can be the source of considerable pain and discomfort for those affected. And for the active-minded individual, they can severely impede the ability to remain active. However, by following these easy-to-follow steps, you can effectively massage and rehabilitate your strained hamstring muscle, and return to your normal daily activities unimpeded.


Instructions








1. Use simple stroking and rubbing massage techniques directly on your strained hamstring muscle. By gently but forcefully applying pressure to and stroking your strained, achy hamstring muscle, you can greatly improve your functioning and eliminate much of the strain-induced pain and stiffness that is characteristic of all muscle strains. Start by sitting down on a chair and elevating and extending your affected leg out in front of you; resting it on a chair top or table top works great, and it allows easy access to your hamstring.


2. Next, gently feel and probe around your hamstring muscle using your fingers and hands to effectively isolate the most painful and inflamed areas of your hamstring.


3. After locating the most painful areas, begin to gently but firmly rub and stroke these areas using both your fingers and the palms of your hand; the idea is to both poke and prod the painful areas more directly with your fingers, but to also use the bluntness and the flatness of your hand and palm to apply more even and direct massage and stimulation to the painful areas of your hamstring. Do this for at least five minutes 2 to 3 times per day until symptoms abate.


4. If you have access, accentuate your massage therapy of your hamstring strain with sessions in a sauna or whirlpool. Not only will the heat and water pressure help to soothe your strained hamstring, but you will also be able to move and flex your leg in the water, which will help improve circulation to and reduce stiffness in your strained hamstring!

Tags: your hamstring, your strained, hamstring muscle, strained hamstring, your strained hamstring, painful areas
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Use Lifescan One Touch Ultra

Use Lifescan One Touch Ultra


If you're suffering from diabetes, then you're aware of the negative effects it has on your health and everyday life. Constantly worrying about your blood glucose levels can prevent you from enjoying day to day activities. Worrying about what foods you should or should not eat, and at what time of day you should or should not eat them, can make life a hassle. That is why owning a Lifescan One Touch Ultra blood glucose monitor is a quick and efficient way to check your blood and monitor your diabetes. It only takes a minute to set up and a few seconds to check your blood glucose. Then you're ready to continue your day without constant worry and anxiety.


Instructions


Set Up the Blood Glucose Meter


1. Press and hold the OK button on the meter to turn it on. Use the up/down arrows on the meter to highlight the language you wish to display. Click "OK" to select it. A menu will then appear asking you to set the date and time.


2. Set the date and time by using the up/down arrows to scroll through the days and months of the year. Press the "OK" button to select the appropriate date.








3. Repeat the process to set the time. Then confirm that your meter settings are correct by selecting "Yes" on the main screen.


Testing With the Meter


4. Start with the meter turned off and insert a new test strip (from the vial of test strips included in your kit) into the port on top of the meter. When inserting into the port, make sure the three bars on the test strip are facing you. The meter should turn on automatically when the strip is in place and ask for a number code.


5. Input the code marked on your test strip vial into the meter by using the up/down buttons to select the appropriate number.


6. Place a new lancet (needle) in the blood sampler (included in your Lifescan One Touch kit) and wash your hands thoroughly.


7. Hold the blood sampler firmly against the tip of your finger, and press the plastic release button near the top of the mechanism. A round spot of blood should now appear on your finger.


8. Touch the blood on your finger to the top of the test strip. Wait about 5 seconds, and your result will appear on the display, along with the date, time and units of measure.

Tags: Lifescan Touch, test strip, date time, Lifescan Touch Ultra, Touch Ultra
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Pros & Cons Of Comprehensive Health Insurance

Learn the pros and cons of comprehensive health insurance.


Comprehensive health insurance refers to health insurance that covers major medical conditions like back injuries, diabetes or other diseases, and other acute and chronic health problems. This type of insurance is also referred to as "major medical." Major medical insurance is sold through insurance companies, called health insurers, that specialize in managing risks related to illness and injury. When you buy comprehensive health insurance, it's a good idea to know the pros and cons of this type of insurance.


Cost


The major disadvantage to comprehensive health insurance is the fact that it costs more than a supplemental insurance plan. Comprehensive health insurance is priced based on the group you belong to if you are in a group health plan or in a risk pool if you have an individual health insurance plan. But the premium cost of comprehensive health insurance is covering a wide range of illnesses whereas a supplemental plan may only cover one or two conditions at most per policy.


Coverage








Comprehensive insurance provides a wide range of coverage. This means that the policy will cover a majority of illnesses and injuries you could suffer during your life. Comprehensive insurance typically covers hospital stays, chronic illnesses like diabetes, acute injuries like a broken bone or regular doctor visits. Comprehensive insurance pays for the cost of treatment. The payment is sent directly to your doctor or hospital. Other types of insurance, like supplemental insurance, pay you a smaller amount of money that can be used for any reason. This money is not used specifically to pay for your medical bills, however.


Portability/Flexibility


Comprehensive health insurance can be portable if it is a private policy, but you will need to purchase a new health insurance plan if you move out of your state or out of your health plan's service area within your state. Group health insurance policies have state- and federal-mandated continuation coverage that allows you to keep your health insurance until you find other insurance. These continuation benefits are enforced under COBRA and apply to all states. This means that you won't stop receiving treatment for any health condition if you lose your health insurance where you work. If you have private insurance, your policy will pay regardless of where you work.


COBRA benefits remain largely the same in 2010. However, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, you receive a 9- month subsidy that pays for 65 percent of your premium payments if you would normally qualify for COBRA benefits under existing laws. Additionally, involuntary termination following a reduction in hours is considered a qualifying event for the COBRA subsidy if the termination occurred between September 1, 2008 and May 31, 2010. The 9-month subsidy benefit can also be extended to 15 months of reduced coverage if you are still eligible for COBRA after 9 months. After the extension, you must pay the full COBRA premium.


Guaranteed Renewability


Group health insurance often guarantees renewability. This means that you can renew your insurance coverage regardless of your health condition. This is a major advantage, especially if you or your family needs treatment and your policy is about to renew. The insurance company is typically not allowed to cancel coverage, though you should verify with your state's laws concerning guaranteed renewability if this provision applies in your state (see Resources).


The new health insurance law passed in 2009 mandates that all heath insurance plans offer guaranteed renewability. This means that you may renew your insurance plan in any state regardless of your health status.

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Symptoms For Nonhodgkin'S Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer found in the lymphatic system and involves your lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a common cancer, and the survival rate is very high. It is treated with chemotherapy, radiation and other types of therapies.


Lymph Node Involvement


The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is painless swelling in the lymph nodes, which are located in the armpits, groin and neck.


Abdominal Swelling


Sometimes the tissue in the abdomen is involved with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and the stomach will swell, sometimes mimicking the appearance of pregnancy in women.


Other Abdominal Issues


Constipation is also a problem if there is a build-up of fluid within the abdomen. This fluid puts pressure on the intestines and interferes with the normal passage of waste.


Chest Pain


Chest pain is a symptom if the tissue of the thymus is involved with the lymphoma. There may be also pressure put on the trachea, making breathing difficult.


Other Symptoms


Itching, dry skin, fatigue, weight loss and fever all can be symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

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Signs & Symptoms Of Ms In Children

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that affects thousands of people around the world. Although MS is commonly diagnosed when patients are in their late 20s, new techniques are leading to much earlier detection of the disease. Researchers have not found any direct cause of MS but it is believed that some children are genetically predisposed to the disease.


The Facts


MS affects the central nervous system. The disease tends to damage a material called myelin that forms around nerve cells. Scars that are produced as a result of MS interfere with the normal functioning of nerve cells, which results in many of the disease's symptoms. MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Fewer than 5 percent of new cases involve children under the age of 16. More females are also affected by MS than men.








Types


There are multiple types of MS found in children. One of the most common forms is caused relapse remitting MS. Children with this type of the disease will go through periods of remission where they exhibit no symptoms. Symptoms arise in what is called the relapse phase of the disease. This type of MS can develop into a secondary progressive form of the disease that shortens the time between relapse and remission. Progressive relapsing MS is a rare form of the disease that gradually results in more pronounced symptoms. Benign MS occurs when all symptoms of the disease disappear and do not return over time.


Symptoms


Children with MS may exhibit a range of symptoms. A tingling sensation or numbness in multiple limbs is a common symptom of the disease. Nearly half of children affected by MS will exhibit signs of fatigue. Some children may also experience muscle spasms, which can also lead to a feeling of weakness in the muscles. Both bowel and bladder control problems can arise due to the onset of MS.


Diagnosis


Diagnosing MS may be difficult as there is not a specific test that proves a child is suffering from the disease. Doctors go through the painstaking process of ruling out all other diseases such as Lyme disease or Lupus before diagnosing a child with MS. MRIs may be used to determine if there is any scaring along the spinal cord or within the brain that could be indications of MS. Doctors typically will not diagnose a child unless he has had two attacks of MS that last for more than 24 hours each. The attacks need to be a minimum of one month apart.


Treatment


No cure currently exists for MS. Most treatment programs designed for children are geared toward the management of symptoms. Doctors may rely on steroids for treatment purposes in the early stages of MS. Steroids can help shorten an attack, which may prevent other symptoms from developing. Doctors are likely to prescribe additional medications that are targeted toward specific symptoms. Depression is a common symptom among those who suffer from MS. Doctors commonly prescribe anti-depressants to help patients deal with the disease.

Tags: disease that, Children with, common symptom, commonly diagnosed, form disease, form disease that
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Monday, March 18, 2013

Eat For Mental Clarity

Take the struggle out of thinking with dietary modifications.


Though it may seem that the food you down at meal time has little to do with the mental processes that take place deep within your brain, in truth, your diet can play a part in determining just how clearly you see things. If you are eager to improve your mental clarity, build your memory or just give your brain a little boost, consider modifying your current diet. By swapping out some less-than-helpful foods for edibles that are tied to better brain function, you can likely reap the mind-building benefits.


Instructions


1. Avoid fatty foods. Though potentially delicious, fatty foods have negative impacts on both your waistline and your mental functioning. As Tara Parker-Pope reported for the New York Times, high fat diets can lead to a decline in cognitive mental function. This means that the first step in sharpening your mental skills is setting down those fries and trading those chips for some healthy fruit instead.


2. Reduce your calorie intake. The results of a 2009 University of Munster study indicate that the way to a better functioning brain may simply be eating less. This study found that individuals who reduced their caloric intake by 30 percent performed better on tests of mental aptitude. Researchers further hypothesize that this improvement in mental skill could be a survival mechanism as starving individuals would need improved mental function to seek out food. Whatever the reason, however, trimming the calories -- though not to starvation levels -- may give you a mental advantage.








3. Eat more vegetables. You probably already know that a diet rich in vegetables has health benefits; however, you may not have realized that these benefits can extend to improved brain function. As reported on the Today Show, a 25-year study conducted by the Harvard Medical School indicates that individuals who ate diets rich in veggies, including super-foods like broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts, remained mentally sharp longer than those who didn't include these brain-boosters in their diets.


4. Snack on blueberries. Not only do they fit perfectly into a cobbler or pie, blueberries may also do wonders for the brain, reports WebMD. As "Superfoods Rx" author Steven Pratt, M.D., reports, this fruit seems to prevent age-related mental decline. By picking up a handful of blueberries the next time your tummy rumbles, you may be able reap these benefits.

Tags: your mental, brain function, fatty foods, mental function, that individuals
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Friday, March 15, 2013

Determine If You Have Adult Adhd

ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition commonly linked to many attention problems and behavioral issues seen in children. Yet according to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD can actually continue into adulthood, and is frequently left undiagnosed. As reported by the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, an estimated 60 percent of children with ADHD will experience symptoms linked to the disorder into adulthood. That means there could be as many 8 million adults living with ADHD today, within the United States alone. If you believe that you may be living with ADHD, there are a few things you can do to determine if this condition is indeed present.


Instructions


1. Consult a licensed health professional. This is the best and most effective method of determining whether or not an adult has ADHD. The professional will be able to diagnose the disorder and prescribe the appropriate treatment.


2. Look at your past academic performance. Many adults with ADHD will have received poor grades in school, been considered a sort of "underachiever" or had some type of disciplinary problems. Some adults with ADHD will have either repeated a grade or even dropped out of school.


3. Consider your occupational or professional performance. It isn't uncommon for an adult with ADHD to have some issues involving her employment. This could entail repeated changes of trade or position; poor work performance; very few promotions, awards, recognitions and achievements; or even simply a habitual pattern of tardiness.


4. Take into account your day-to-day relationships. While issues involving relationships aren't necessarily a guarantee that someone has ADHD, an adult living with this particular condition is more apt to have problems in his marriage or long-term relationship. This could be due to poor listening, mood swings, irritability, anger, impatience or even impulsiveness, all of which are common hallmarks of ADHD.


5. Bear in mind your driving record. Surprisingly enough, an adult with ADHD will often have a spotty driving record, including multiple traffic violations, accidents and speeding tickets. This record is largely due to the person's inability to actually pay attention and not get bored, prompting both accidents and speeding, respectively.








6. Reflect on your organizational skills. This may seem like a fairly minor detail, but many adults with ADHD just can't seem to get themselves organized. And it doesn't simply stop at being a messy person: The condition can actually seep into your management of money and other finances, as well as time management, planning and prioritizing, staying on task and even remembering things.


7. Weigh your emotions. Adults with ADHD will inevitably suffer from some sort of issue involving their emotional health. This can be something as severe as anxiety, panic and depression or something seemingly minor, like having a short fuse or getting frustrated rather easily.

Tags: with ADHD, ADHD will, with ADHD will, adults with, adults with ADHD, living with
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Extract Essential Oils Without Expensive Equipment

The essence of a plant can be extracted with a little chemistry.








Essential oils are aromatic compounds found in many plants around the world. They have many uses, possessing medicinal properties and enticing aromas. Essential oils bought in a retail store will most likely be very expensive. You can extract the essential oils from plants at home. Essential oils are usually extracted from plants using expensive lab equipment, but the process is not very difficult and can be performed at home with a few household supplies and common solvents.


Instructions


1. Grind up the plant material, as finely as possible.


2. Place the plant material into the glass bottle.


3. Fill up the glass bottle with the hydrocarbon solvent, up to the level of plant material. All the plant material should be covered. Cap the bottle and let it sit for a day.


4. Place a coffee filter in the funnel and hold it over the glass baking dish.


5. Pour the hydrocarbon solvent into the funnel. Be careful not to let any plant material fall into the glass baking dish.


6. Place the dish outside and allow the solvent to evaporate. This will take several hours, depending on the ambient temperature. You can speed up the process by directing a fan at the solvent, but this will introduce dust. Once the solvent has completely evaporated, proceed to the next step.


7. Scrape up the resin with a razor blade. This resin contains the essential oils and plant waxes. Once you have scraped up all the resin, wash the dish, so you can reuse it later.


8. Place the resin in a glass bottle. You can reuse the original bottle, if you clean it thoroughly.


9. Fill the glass bottle with ethanol up to the level of resin.


10. Wait for the resin to dissolve in the ethanol. Some of the resin will not dissolve. This is the plant wax. When it looks like the resin will not dissolve any longer, proceed to the next step.


11. Place a filter in the funnel and place the funnel over the cleaned baking dish.


12. Pour the ethanol into the funnel slowly: Do not allow any solids to get into the baking dish.


13. Place the dish outside and let the ethanol evaporate. Once it has evaporated, the essential oils will be left behind and can be poured or scraped into an amber vial.

Tags: plant material, baking dish, glass bottle, baking dish Place, baking dish Pour, bottle with
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Knee Exercises For A Ruptured Cruciate Ligament

The cruciate ligament is located in the knee and helps hold the knee bones together. The knee is an important part of the body, allowing you to be steady, walk, jog, run, bike, sit, and squat. When the knee is injured, it can severely impair everyday mobility. Several exercises can help rehabilitate the cruciate ligament after it has healed.


Cruciate Ligament








There are two cruciate ligaments. One is the posterior cruciate ligament and the other is the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL. Signs of a posterior cruciate ligament injury are pain in the knee, inflammation, and soreness, and pain when bending the knee. You may also experience the knee giving way during certain activities. To treat a posterior rupture, ice the injury and elevate the knee. Allow the ligament to heal by staying off it and then wrap the knee in a compress to keep it from moving accidentally. An anterior cruciate ligament is more serious. You will be able to tell if you have ruptured your ACL if you hear a "pop" sound and then experience immediate swelling and are unable to carry weight on the knee. When the ACL is torn, keep swelling down by using ice and elevating the leg. Medical attention is needed for an ACL tear and surgery is usually required.


Exercises








Exercise does amazing things for the body -- it improves circulation, increases strength, enhances mobility, and improves flexibility. Exercises that help improve knee strength aid function and build up muscles in the calves, ankles, hamstrings, and quads. Types of exercise include running with a buoyancy belt or vest in a swimming pool, walking, light jogging, lunges, riding a stationary bike, or doing squats. Before starting any exercise plan, it is important to get your physical therapist or doctor's approval. Every injury is different and it is essential that the injury gets proper time to heal. If the knee is still weak, it would be a good idea to wear a knee brace. If pain develops, stop exercising, rest the knee and ice it. It is also important to warm up before exercising by lightly jogging, or walking, then following the warmup with stretching. After exercising, try to do a cooldown followed by more stretches.

Tags: cruciate ligament, cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate, anterior cruciate ligament, knee also, posterior cruciate
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Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Adverse Reactions Between Horse Chestnut & Black Cohosh

Apparently harmless herbs, such as horse chestnut and black cohosh, contain powerful substances able to cure or poison.


Among the curative properties of horse chestnut are the ability to improve circulation and increase the strength of blood vessels, while black cohosh is mostly used to reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.


However, if taken together, these herbs can increase the risks of abnormal bleeding.


Uses of Black Cohosh


According to the British Department of Health, black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa Nutt) can be used as a remedy for: rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, intercostal myalgia (pain in the rib muscles), sciatica (pain in the lower back), whooping cough, chorea (loss of nervous-system function), tinnitus, dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), and uterine colic (painful cramps of the muscle of the uterus).


Uses of Horse Chestnut


According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is mainly used to treat hemorrhoids and chronic venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins do not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart), which is associated with varicose veins, pain, ankle swelling, feelings of heaviness, itching and leg cramping.








Risk of Bleeding


Black cohosh contains salicylic acid, which is an anti-coagulant substance.


According to the Department of Chemistry of the University of Bristol, U.K., horse chestnut has esculin, a substance that also acts as an anti-coagulant. The concomitant use of both substances can cause unnatural bleeding. Pregnant women should definitely avoid it.


Low Blood Glucose


Horse chestnut contains extracts that reduce the levels of blood glucose, being used to control diabetes.


However, in interaction with black cohosh, these botanic extracts may cause hypoglycemia.


Addictive Effect


In a document published by the University of Michigan, black cohosh can have addictive effect, when interacting with antihyperlipidemics (substances that reduce cholesterol).








Horse chestnut contains escin, an antihyperlipidemic. In order to avoid black cohosh dependency, it is better to avoid taking both herbs together.

Tags: black cohosh, chestnut contains, horse chestnut, horse chestnut, Horse chestnut, Horse chestnut contains, that reduce
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Kill Straw Mites

You can prevent straw itch mites from harming you or your family by removing possible sources of their survival and killing them. Straw itch mites are parasites of insects and are so tiny that a microscope is needed to identify them. If you are severely infested, straw itch mites can bite you thousands of times and you will be unable to see the bites with your naked eye. Straw itch mites survive in straw, hay, grasses, leaves, seeds or similar materials. You can alleviate your straw mite problem by following these steps.








Instructions


1. Remove and burn all sources of straw, hay, grasses leaves and seeds around your living area. Alert your local fire department and let them know that you are preforming a controlled burn. Only use fire in your area if you are allowed to do so and not restricted by a burn ban due to dry conditions.


2. Vacuum and clean your entire living quarters. Straw itch mites will survive on floors and any other surface in your home. Since straw itch mites are a parasite of insects, they can be located where ever insects go. Remove all insects from your living quarters.


3. Wait it out. Straw itch mites can not live on a human host for more than a few days. If you remove their source of nutrition and natural habitat, they will all die within a few days.

Tags: itch mites, grasses leaves, grasses leaves seeds, leaves seeds, living quarters
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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Who Invented The Jacuzzi

The Jacuzzi tub is one of the most recognizable names in whirlpools and spas. They are special in that the Jacuzzi tub was the first to have water jets built in. The technology that made the Jacuzzi tub possible is derived from the growing aeronautics field that occurred in the 1900s.


Founders


The creators of the Jacuzzi tub were seven Italian brothers, Frank, Candido, Giocondo, Galindo, Joseph, Valeriano, and Rachele Jacuzzi, who immigrated to the United States in about 1900. They were adept with machinery and started to produce airplane propellers after 1915. The brothers stopped making airplane propellers when one of their own airplanes crashed in 1921, killing Giocondo. Instead, they started to make agricultural deep well pumps. The transition to producing agricultural pumps is not as abrupt as it may seem because the brothers understood the hydraulic pumps made for airplanes.








Creation of the Jacuzzi Tub


The brother Candido applied the design for the agricultural deep well pumps to a submersible water pump after his son developed rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 15 months. His son received treatments at the local hospital, but Candido did not want him to suffer between treatments. Candido adapted the pump to create whirlpool treatments for his child so he could have some relief at home.


Marketing


The Jacuzzi tub was first marketed as a therapeutic treatment option. In order to make the product known better, it was given out as gifts for the TV game show, Queen for a Day. The Jacuzzi tub's fame skyrocketed after Hollywood stars at the time created testimonials for the effectiveness of the whirlpool tub.


Significance


Since the Jacuzzi tub was originally designed as a hydrotherapy tool, physical therapists and hospitals realized how effective the tub made hydrotherapy. The doctors could prescribe the use of a Jacuzzi tub at home because the brothers had made portable versions. Celebrities used the tubs to relax in, which brought more media attention to the Jacuzzi tub. The story of the Jacuzzi tub serves as another "rags to riches" story of the American dream.


Jacuzzi Tubs Today








Jacuzzi tubs continue to be popular today. The water jets are still famous features of the tubs. A third generation family member, Roy, invented the first self contained and integrated whirlpool bath. Slowly, heating and filtration systems were added on to the tubs, which helped to start the home spa industry. The tubs can also now be put indoors or outdoors. The hot tubs, spas, baths, and even showers and sinks made by Jacuzzi are found in many homes today.

Tags: agricultural deep, agricultural deep well, airplane propellers, because brothers, deep well
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Survive An Oophorectomy

Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries. It's most often performed when cancer is suspected in the ovaries or uterus. Almost half of all hysterectomies involve removal of the ovaries. Follow these steps to learn survive an oophorectomy.








Instructions








1. Know that you will experience menopause after an oophorectomy. If you haven't gone through menopause yet,then oophorectomy can be a shock to your system.


2. Note that if you're close to menopause or are postmenopausal, an oophorectomy may be easier for you emotionally and physically. A menopausal woman has already experienced many years of declining estrogen levels, which have allowed her body time to adjust.


3. Understand that if you're premenopausal and cancer isn't found during surgery, your doctor will probably prescribe hormones for you. You should research the benefits of natural bioidentical hormones versus synthetic hormones because most doctors will prescribe synthetic.


4. Realize that if cancer is found after your ovary removal, your doctor will probably not prescribe hormone replacement for you. It is because current studies on the safety of hormone replacement after cancer surgery are conflicting and controversial. However, if your doctor won't prescribe hormones for you but you still want to use them, find doctors who will prescribe natural hormones for you.


5. Recognize that an oophorectomy, depending on your individual circumstances, does not always have to be performed through an abdominal incision. Some surgeons are more skilled in performing vaginal oophorectomies.

Tags: your doctor, cancer found, doctor will, doctor will probably, doctors will
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Alternative Diet For Adhd Kids

Parents whose children have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may decide they don't want to rely only on medication to address the symptoms. These families can consider changing their childrens' (and family's) diet to eliminate artificial additives and sugar and increase proteins.


Protein


Adding additional protein to your child's diet may ease some of his symptoms. Instead of sweetened cereal, give him an egg along with his milk, juice or toast. Some parents find their children do better if they pair a protein with a sugary food. The protein balances out the "sugar crash" or dip in energy and helps your child to maintain a better focus.


A study completed by Dr. Richard Wurtman, a neurologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, shows that dietary protein can trigger the utilization of an alertness-inducing neurotransmitter while dietary carbohydrates can do the same with neurotransmitters that induce drowsiness. If your child does have to take medication to manage his ADHD symptoms, eating additional protein may help to reduce the attendant irritability or restlessness caused by the medication.


Depending on your child's age and size, he may need between 24 to 30 grams of protein a day. One cup of milk, an egg, a cup of soy milk or an ounce of meat or cheese each provide seven grams of protein.


Sugars


Some parents find that their children's ADHD symptoms become more pronounced if they have eaten something with a high sugar content. If you simply reduce the amount of sugar in your child's diet, he may respond with a lessening of his symptoms. While natural sugar might exacerbate ADHD symptoms, artificial sweeteners may be no better. Substances such as aspartame or sucrose may contribute to some ADHD symptoms. However, one study published in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that no discernible behavioral or cognitive effects were observed in children believed to be sensitive to sugar.


Feingold Diet


Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a pediatrician and allergist from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco, began to advocate a special eating plan he had developed in the 1970s. This plan eliminates artificial food colorings, preservatives, flavorings and sweeteners, as well as salicylates, which are found in some fruits and vegetables. Although Feingold's dietary plan was dismissed and called "ineffective," one study that was published in the December 2004 Journal of Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics followed 15 previously published studies and concluded that additives and preservatives can have a negative effect on irritability, hyperactivity and insomnia in children who have been diagnosed with AHDH. Some parents and children have noted that they experience symptoms if they eat or drink something that is not allowed on the Feinberg diet.

Tags: your child, ADHD symptoms, children have, Some parents, additional protein, been diagnosed, been diagnosed with
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Occipital Neuralgia Natural Treatment

Occipital neuralgia causes pain in the neck, head and eyes.


Neuralgia is a medical condition characterized by tingling, burning or numbing sensations due to overactive nerve stimulation, damage or compression. Occipital neuralgia specifically involves the occipital nerves located at the base of the skull.


Function


Injury, compression or inflammation of the nerves housed in the occipital region triggers pain stemming from the neck and traveling to the scalp, ears and behind the eyes. The goal of treatment is largely aimed at reducing symptoms.


Capsicum


According to the Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, a substance in peppers called capsicum may help to inhibit substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in relaying pain signals from nerves to the brain. As a natural treatment for occipital neuralgia, topical capsicum creams are available.


Acupuncture


Some people report a reduction in the severity and frequency of attacks with acupuncture treatments. A study published in the Sep. 28, 2008 issue of the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine supports this claim.


Neurostimulation


According to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine, there is evidence to suggest that neurostimulation may be helpful in treating primary headache disorders, including occipital neuralgia.


Other Considerations


Additional natural treatments used to reduce pain associated with occipital neuralgia include massage, meditation and visualization exercises.

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The Effects Of Sunlight On Rose Water

Rose water charged with sunlight is believed to have healing properties.


Used both for healing and for food, rose water has been distilled from rose petals since ancient times. In the alternative medicine practice of chromotherapy, which uses sunlight and the visible color spectrum for healing, liquids such as rose water can be charged with sunlight to enhance their healing properties.


Making Rose Water


Prized in the ancient world as a flavoring for such foods as marzipan and puddings as well as a tonic for the face, rose water can be made when rose petals are available by steeping the petals in water, sometimes with other substances such as alcohol. The liquid can be used in recipes, mixed with oils or applied alone to the face and body as a perfume or antiseptic.


The Healing Uses of Rose Water


In addition to its uses a a flavoring and perfume, rose water acts as an astringent for toning the skin and a topical antiseptic. Natural healing advocates claim that it supports better circulation, aids digestion and can be used as a remedy for diarrhea. Blended with other substances such as creams or oils, it is used to soften skin and improve the complexion.


Chromotherapy and Healing


Chromotherapy is an alternative healing modality with roots in the ancient practice of heliotherapy, or the use of the sun's rays for healing. Today's chromotherapy combines the use of the sun's rays and elements of the visible color spectrum to effect healing of emotional and physical disorders. Practitioners believe the wavelengths of visible light resonate with electromagnetic energy in the body, and that the use of color and sunlight can reverse imbalances on all levels.


Sunlight-Charged Rose Water








One aspect of chromotherapy is the application of sunlight to infusions and distillations of healing liquids made from herbs and flowers such as roses. Chromotherapy practitioners claim that when sunlight is directed into water-based liquids, they become "chromotized" or infused with focused electromagnetic energy from the sun. In this way, their healing properties are enhanced. Proponents of alternative healing modalities recommend using sunlight-charged rose water for healing local inflammations such as styes on the eye or other local skin irritations, as well as for general health support.

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Monday, March 11, 2013

Tennis Ball Massage For Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome can be defined as pain in the butt. Fortunately if caught in time, treatment is as simple as breaking out a tennis ball. No, you won't be playing any sets right away, but you will feel relief quickly.


Piriformis Syndrome


The piriformis muscle runs from the sacrum (at the base of the spine) to the top of the femur. It is flat, triangular, and runs roughly parallel to the floor. Piriformis syndrome is a repetitive stress injury where the muscle---which assists in hip rotation and balance---is pushed beyond its limits without enough recovery time, or not stretched before exercise such as running.


In piriformis syndrome, the muscle responds to overuse by tightening. This puts pressure on the tendons which hold the muscle in place. It can also cause irritation of the sciatic nerve, and this can be very painful.


Those At Risk


Piriformis syndrome is common among runners, or any athlete who uses their legs for long periods of time. Since the injury is primarily caused by overuse, it is more common in runners than in other groups of people.


The Tennis Ball Fix


The easiest treatment for piriformis syndrome is to apply direct pressure to the piriformis. This releases tension in the muscle. If the case is mild, you can often take care of it by sitting on a tennis ball. This gives firm, but not unyielding pressure on the muscle.


Technique








The best results come if you perform this technique several times each day. It takes some practice, and it may cause some immediate discomfort to the area. Let's assume the piriformis on the right side is causing pain. If your pain is on the left side, simply change sides.


Find a comfortable chair with a firm seat. Place a tennis ball on the spot with the most pain and sit. Do not put all of your weight on the ball, just to the point where you feel some pain. Hold for 20 seconds, then move the ball around to another pain spot. Repeat. Move the tennis ball across the length of the piriformis, putting direct pressure on as much of it as possible. Do not make it so painful that you have to stop. After working the entire muscle, cross your legs. Place the tennis ball under and just inside the outer hip bone. Work again with the tennis ball across the area. If it hurts, you're probably doing it right.


It Still Hurts, Now What?


If you still hurt after a couple of treatments, it's time to call a licensed massage therapist. Be sure to inform your LMT that you tried the tennis ball technique, but you are still in pain. The LMT will perform a massage on the gluteal region to break up toxins built up in the muscle and release the stressed piriformis. On severe cases, several treatments may be necessary. For some, however, one or two treatments followed by the tennis ball technique may do the trick.

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Use Of Niacin To Lower Blood Pressure

Niacin, also commonly known as Vitamin B3, is one of the eight water-soluble B vitamins. Niacin helps the body convert carbohydrates into sugar for fuel. Niacin is commonly used to lower LDL cholesterol , the bad cholesterol, while raising the good HDL-cholesterol, according to blood-pressure-updates.com. Niacin also is proven to help with dyslipidemia, which is the disruption of lipids in the bloodstream. Dyslipidemia is an important cardiovascular disease risk factor. Its benefits have been questioned, however, on what the vitamin does for blood pressure.


No Clear Proof


Niacin has been shown in clinical trials to significantly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, but not necessarily in people with normal blood pressure, according to pubmedcentral.com, a medical research website in cooperation with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).








These findings have complicated the verdict on the vitamin's ability to lower blood pressure because it cannot be determined why the treatment sometimes works and sometimes does not. Larger, randomized studies by the Coronary Drug Project revealed either no clear significant effects of niacin or niacin-containing regimens on blood pressure, or slightly lower average blood pressure than placebo studies.


Need For Specific Studies


Although niacin has been used to treat high cholesterol for decades, it somehow has not had significant amounts of clinic testing specifically to determine its effectiveness on hypertension. According to the NIH, it is believed that further analysis of ongoing studies of niacin on blood pressure and future clinical trials designed specifically to learn more about its affect on blood pressure will give researchers a better understanding of what, if any, benefits can be expected.


Precautions


Niacin, when taken with alpha-blocking hypertension medications increases the possibility of side effects commonly associated with the vitamin, according to blood-pressure-updates.com. People taking niacin often experience nausea, indigestion, gas, vomiting, diarrhea and the activation of ulcers. When planning to use niacin for lowering cholesterol, consult a physician to ensure you are getting the proper treatment for your condition.

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Bandage A Boil

Don't forget to apply a bandage on a draining boil.


A boil occurs when the skin becomes infected and fills with pus. You can usually treat a boil at home by getting it to open with a heat compress. Once the pus starts draining, you can start applying bandages. However, you must properly prepare the area before applying the bandage so the boil continues to drain, stays clean and does not become infected.


Instructions


1. Continue to use a warm compress. You want the boil to remain open and not close back up. So, use the warm compress for three days after the boil has opened, states Dr. Rodney Basler, a dermatologist at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. Simply place a clean, warm washcloth over the area for at least 20 minutes three times a day.


2. Clean the skin before bandaging it. You do not want any dirt or bacteria to get into the area. Thus, you must wash the area with an antibacterial soap and warm water at least three times a day.


3. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the area to reduce the risk of infection. Follow the directions on the bottle. Don't forget to do this after you have washed the area.








4. Gently apply the bandage to the affected area. Always put the bandage on the area after cleansing it and applying the ointment to protect it from dirt and bacteria. You can use any bandage big enough to safely protect the area.

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