Promote Proper Breathing

Breathing properly is important for several reasons. It prevents the lungs from collapsing, leading to a condition like pneumonia, and oxygenates the blood adequately. In situations where a person has gone through abdominal surgery, breathing may become painful and a few techniques can be taught to help him breathe better. People with respiratory diseases ,can also benefit from breathing techniques.

Instructions

1. Teach your client the importance of breathing properly and let her know about the breathing techniques you will teach him. Educate her on the ways in which the breathing techniques will promote better breathing.

2. Teach positioning. Teach your client to reduce the work required to breathe by doing the following: raise the head of his bed or position herself in a sitting position. Teach your client to sit up and lean over a table to breathe easier.

3. Teach your client diaphragmatic breathing. Ask your client to assume a comfortable position, sitting, standing or lying down. Tell him to relax his muscles.

4. Ask her to place one hand on his chest and the other on her abdomen just above her waist. Inform her that she should feel her hand move when she breathes.

5. Tell your client to breathe in deeply through his nose and make sure he sees the hand on his abdomen going upward and outward. The other hand should not move.

6. Ask your client to purse her lips and breath out slowly through her mouth as if she were blowing through a straw. Tell her she should observe the hand on her abdomen moving inward toward her back.

7. Inform your client to practice diaphragmatic breathing for 10 to 15 minutes each day. Let him know he can take breaks, if needed, between breaths.

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Thyroid Replacement Medication

The thyroid is an important gland that regulates the balance of the body. Sometimes, due to hypothyroidism or problems with the pituitary gland, the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to function. It is even possible that surgery or radiation keeps it from producing any hormone at all. Thyroid replacement medication is given to those with a low or non-functioning thyroid.

How It Works

Thyroid replacement medication is a synthetic version of the body's own thyroid hormone. It is taken daily in pill form.

Medications Available

There are eight medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as thyroid replacement medication. They are available by prescription as Unithroid, L-Thyroxin, Levo-T, Levoxyl, Novothyrox, Synthroid, Levothroid and Levolet.

Dosage

Thyroid replacement medication needs to be monitored every few months with blood work to test the levels of TSH and T4. The medication is adjusted as needed until levels are normal.

Interactions

There are some medications that can interact with thyroid replacement. Hormones (estrogen, testosterone and birth control pills), cholesterol-lowering and anti-seizure medications, as well as anti-depressants can interfere with the levels of thyroid medication. In addition, the pills should be taken on an empty stomach and not at the same time as soy, calcium or iron.

Long-Term Effects

The majority of those who begin taking thyroid replacement medication need to take it the rest of their lives. While doses may be lowered, they are rarely discontinued.

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Care For A Broken Wrist

Wrist injuries are commonly caused by impacts during falls, no matter whether you slip in the parking lot at the grocery store, crash while riding your snowboard, or get tackled during a football game. Proper treatment and care of a broken wrist is important so that the bones will heal straight and true. If you do not seek treatment early on, you may find that your bones are not healing properly. You may need surgery that could have been avoided with earlier intervention.

Instructions

1. Place a cold pack or ice bag on your wrist immediately after the injury. This will keep swelling down, which will speed healing (and will enable your doctor to apply an effective splint).

2. Wrap a towel around your wrist to keep it as stable as possible while you travel to the emergency room or doctor's office.

3. Seek medical attention immediately. When you arrive at the hospital or clinic, a medical professional will examine your wrist and order a set of X-rays to determine if the bones are broken, and the extent of the injury. If surgery is not needed, you will most likely be fitted with a splint on the day of your injury.

4. Place ice on your injured wrist for 10 to 20 minutes every few hours over the course of the next three days.

5. Take medication as ordered by the physician. If you were given pain medication, carefully follow the pharmacist's instructions. Most pain medication should not be taken before operating a car and can have adverse effects when consumed with alcohol.

6. Elevate your wrist using a pillow or sling for several days after the break. A pillow can help to stabilize your wrist and minimize pain, and will also help keep swelling in check.

7. Follow up with your doctor after your initial visit. Occasionally, the doctor will wait until the initial swelling goes down before applying a cast. Call to make an appointment the morning after your injury.

8. Adhere to the doctor's instructions regarding the care of your cast. If your cast is not waterproof, do not allow it to get wet. This can cause itching, a rash and a foul odor.

9. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following severe symptoms. Medical attention is needed if you cannot move your fingers, have tingling or numbness in your hands, feel burning or stinging, or have excessive swelling or severe pain.

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What Are The Benefits Of An Inversion Table For Stretching Internal Organs

Digestion problems, and possibly a growing waistline, may be caused by the natural shifting of internal organs due to gravity. Hanging upside down on an inversion table helps the organs return to their normal position.

Effects of Gravity

Gravity eventually takes its toll on the body, especially once you enter middle age. Organ prolapse occurs when the internal organs shift downward due to constant gravitational pull. This causes internal congestion so the body does not function optimally.

Benefits of Inversion

Inversion therapy allows the body to stretch by reducing the effects of gravity, creating space for the intestines and other organs. This aids in blood flow to the digestive tract, which speeds digestion and waste elimination, and fights bloating. Proper organ alignment and a healthy digestive system also help to reduce the waistline.

Using an Inversion Table

Using an inversion table regularly will fight the effects of gravity and organ shift without physical exercises or difficult yoga poses. The tables work by allowing you to secure your lower legs and release backward into an inverted position.

History

Inversion therapy is believed to have started with Hippocrates in ancient Greece. It has also been used in yoga practices for centuries.

Precautions

Inversion is not recommended for those with high blood pressure, cardiac or circulatory disorders, glaucoma or other eye conditions, hernia, ear infection, bone weakness, a spinal injury or those who are pregnant or obese. Consult your doctor before using an inversion table.

Tags: Benefits Inversion, internal organs, inversion table, Inversion therapy

Feed A Gluten Free Toddler

Trying to get a toddler to eat at mealtime can be an extremely difficult task and a true test of parental patience. Unfortunately, feeding a toddler gluten-free foods can seem even more impossible. Regardless of the health reasons for which a toddler must eat gluten-free, there are many tips and tricks that can get them chowing down in no time.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters and can go through many “phases” of loving or despising certain food groups. The first step to converting a toddler to eating gluten-free (GF) is by choosing one of their favorites (for the moment) and converting the recipe into GF ingredients. For example, if your toddler is all about eating mini bagel pizzas for lunchtime, than try cooking a gluten-free bagel with fresh tomato sauce and sliced unprocessed cheese to create the same flavors.

2. Aside from converting favorite recipes, many toddlers simply dislike fruits, vegetables or anything that is generally good for them. Try tricking their palette by creating foods that taste sugary and decadent, but are actually full of healthful ingredients. For example, cook a gluten-free waffle and top with 1 tablespoon of organic almond butter, finely chopped apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Simply adding as many healthful ingredients as possible to recipes or foods can provide a “buffer” of vitamins for picky toddlers. Try blending blueberries and raspberries into pancake batter or adding pureed mashed potatoes and green beans to their eggs.

3. The majority of parents with energetic toddlers rely on snack foods to get them through an important meeting or errand with ease. Try choosing snacks that are naturally gluten-free but still fun for a toddler to eat, such as organic fruit roll-ups or fruit leathers, or gluten-free cereal in a cup. Mixed nuts, mini rice cakes or dried fruit are other wonderful snack foods that can fit into any diaper bag or purse in a hurry.

4. If you would prefer not to cater to your toddlers tastes and would rather “convert” them to healthy eating, than patience is the most important factor. Try designating a week on the calendar to introduce a healthy new food (such as a vegetable or fruit) and serve it once per day on its own (using a fun fork, bowl or adding a tasty garnish.) Try to simply leave your toddler alone without an audience to adjust to the new food and with a week or more of consistency…they just might try the item.

5. Have fun with gluten-free cooking and serving and your toddler will too. Try creating fun recipes that any toddler would love like gluten-free grilled cheese sandwiches, soup or “franks and beans” using GF sausage. If you are in a hurry, simply purchase a gluten-free frozen meal, pour into a separate dish and add fun ingredients. Frozen macaroni and cheese can be made more healthful with pureed avocado and tofu sour cream mixed throughout, while a frozen Mexican bowl creates a fun dipping sauce for corn chips.

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Pseudogout Symptoms

Pseudogout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by deposits of crystals in and around the joints. Although the crystals causing the inflammation are different from those that cause true gout, symptoms are very similar.

Location

Pseudogout most commonly affects the ankles, knees, hips, wrists and shoulders, but it usually only affects one joint at a time.

Characteristics

Pseudogout inflammation is characterized by joint pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness. These symptoms can be severe.

Time Frame

An episode usually comes on suddenly and lasts for several days to several weeks. Episodes can resolve spontaneously. Pseudogout episodes sometimes occur repeatedly and may affect a different joint each time.

Risk Factors

Pseudogout is most common in older adults, particularly those who are dehydrated. Joint trauma can increase one's risk of developing the crystals that cause pseudogout. Genetic conditions are another risk factor.

Treatment

Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications, injections of corticosteroids into the affected joints or removal of fluid containing the crystals.

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Natural Alternatives For Synthroid

Synthroid, also called Levothyroxine, is a synthetic thyroid produced by Knoll Pharmaceuticals. Synthroid is hormone replacement used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Synthroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery or cancer. Synthroid can cause many side effects, leading some patients to seek natural alternatives.

Warnings

The consumer information provided by drugs.com warns that people that have had a heart attack, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis or adrenal gland problems not controlled by treatment should not take Synthroid. An overdose of Synthroid could cause chest pain, pounding heartbeat, tremors, shortness of breath, leg cramps, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea or seizures. Allergy to Synthroid could cause hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Other side effects include headache, insomnia, nervous or irritable feelings, fever, hot flashes, sweating, changes in menstrual periods, and appetite and weight changes.

Iodine Deficiency

If you are deficient in iodine, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) says you may be able to treat hypothyroidism by simply using iodized salt. Other natural sources of iodine include seafood and plants that are grown in iodine-rich soil. Kelp is one of the most well-known natural supplements used to increase iodine intake.

Dietary Changes

According to the UMMC, there are some things you can do with diet and supplements to help reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Eat a diet high in B vitamins and include plenty of fresh vegetables and sea vegetables such as kelp. Eat antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables. Get protein from cold-water fish, lean meats or beans, and avoid red meat. Exercise for 30 minutes daily.

Eliminate suspected food allergens. Avoid refined foods, trans-fatty acids, and alcohol and tobacco use. Avoid broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soybeans, peanuts, linseed, pine nuts, millet, cassava and mustard greens as they are known to interfere with thyroid function.

Supplements

UMMC recommends several natural supplements to improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-lipoic acid and L-tyrosine are recommended. Herbal supplements include bladderwrack, green tea, coleus and guggul. Consult a health care provider that is educated in natural alternatives to determine what will work best for you.

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Prevention Of Radiation Skin Burns

Radiation is a treatment for cancer that utilizes beams of high energy X-rays to kill malignant cells. A machine is used to direct beams directly to the affected area; the goal is to eradicate cancer cells while keeping healthy ones intact. While radiation is helpful in the treatment of cancer, it can have some unpleasant side effects. Radiation burns can sometimes appear on the skin of people undergoing this type of treatment.

Curcumin in Turmeric

Curcumin is a chemical found in turmeric, an Indian spice often found in curries and other traditional Indian dishes. According to BBC News, curcumin taken after a single dose of radiation can help eliminate some of the burns and blistering associated with radiation treatment. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is useful in preventing these burns. Those undergoing radiation should check with a physician before taking the recommended 500 to 2000 mg daily. Curcumin is non-toxic up to 8000 mg daily; most manufacturers suggest taking one 500 mg capsule up to four times daily with meals.

Wine

According to a study led by Italy's National Research Council, women who drank wine on days of radiation treatment for breast cancer had lower rates of toxicity than those who did not. 13.6 percent of those drinking one glass of wine experienced skin toxicity, compared to 38.4 percent among those who didn't drink. Radiation-induced skin toxicity includes burning and blistering. After checking with a physician first, take one glass of wine before undergoing radiation treatment.

LED Lights

According to WISTV, radiation treatment can damage healthy skin cells in the cancer treatment area, which can lead to painful skin burns and skin texture changes. To protect and heal the skin in patients undergoing therapy, low-intensity LED lights are being used. Hundreds of low-intensity lights arranged in one optical unit have been found to trigger injured skin cells to heal themselves. LED lights are useful because they provide the extra energy injured skin needs to recover. Patients interested in seeking LED treatment should seek assistance from physicians, centers for cancer treatment and representatives from companies specializing in light therapies.

Sunblock

Some radiation patients have found success using powerful sunblock before undergoing radiation. For the best results, those in radiation treatment should look for sunblocks that are specially formulated for radiation.

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Beat Bulimia And Return To Life

Bulimia can take over your life and control your actions. To recover from this disabling disorder, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Stop purging so that you can start focusing on what is really going on in your mind.

2. Confront yourself. All of the feelings you have stuffed down, literally, inside of you need to be acknowledged first before you can move forward. Ask yourself why you binge and purge, and try to discover what triggers this type of behavior.

3. Reach out! Ask for support from family and friends. Being honest with them about your situation can help with your recovery from this eating disorder.

4. Ask for help from your doctor. They might be able to refer you to a support group or mental help that can aid you in your recovery from bulimia. You will also need a nutritionist or dietician who specializes in treating eating disorders to get you onto a healthy food track.

5. Learn to love yourself. Invest time in self-love activities such as grooming yourself or taking a day at a spa. Learn that you are worthy of a full life just like anyone else.

6. Learn manage your emotions and how you deal with them. By gaining some control over your emotions, you can stay grounded and move towards recovery.

7. Set realistic goals for yourself so you will not fall into the same destructive patterns again. By setting realistic goals, you will feel a great sense of confidence and achievement when you succeed.

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Side Effects Of Oscal

Os-Cal is a brand-name calcium supplement often combined with Vitamin D that physicians prescribe to treat osteoporosis. Calcium is a mineral your body needs to ensure bone strength and proper functioning of nerves and muscle. It is available under many brand names and various strengths. Available over-the-counter, it should only be used upon the advice of your physician. As with all other types of drugs, certain side effects have been reported with its use. Os-Cal contains oyster shell calcium. It is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline.

Severe Side Effects

Signs of an allergic reaction to Os-Cal include hives; itching; swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat; and pressure in the chest. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Os-Cal, you should contact your physician immediately or go to your local emergency room.

Metabolic Side Effects

Rarely metabolic side effects such as hypophosphatemia (low blood phosphate levels) and hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) have occurred with the use of Os-Cal. This is more likely to occur in patients with impaired renal function and can be quite severe. Patients undergoing kidney dialysis have a greater chance of developing hypercalcemia, and should use a calcium supplement only if their physician prescribes it. Frequent monitoring of blood calcium levels is important in this type of patient.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Stomach problems such as hyperacidity and acid reflux have been reported with the use of Os-Cal. Constipation is a common complaint with the use of calcium. A stool softener may be needed to maintain regularity. Rare instances of calcium carbonate gallstones have been reported in pediatric patients taking calcium supplements. Allergic reaction to Os-Cal may manifest itself as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite. Stop this medication if you experience any of these side effects and report them to your physician as soon as possible.

Renal Side Effects

Generally this medication is well tolerated, but rare cases of renal calculi (stones) have been reported. Only one case of a renal cyst caused by calcium deposits has ever been reported with the use of Os-Cal, according to a report published by Northeastern University. People with a history of kidney stones should take calcium supplements only on the advice of a physician, as additional calcium in the bloodstream may contribute to additional kidney stone formation.

Other Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of impaired renal function, formation of kidney stones or kidney sand, or any type of heart problems. It is important that this medication be taken only in the way prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Os-Cal if you take digoxin (Lanoxin), tetracycline or other types of calcium supplements.

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Dog Arthritis & Acupuncture

Dogs find acupuncture relaxing, and many sleep through the treatment.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, dogs are living longer than ever. This increased life span, however, gives the dog's body a chance to gradually break down in much the same way as a human's. Arthritis is common in older dogs and, if left untreated, can advance to crippling proportions. Pain, lameness and irritability are all common symptoms, and though there is a lack of hard scientific data, many dog owners find that acupuncture brings relief.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the result of the loss of cartilage and cartilage-producing cells in a joint, usually the hip. With no cartilage to cushion movement, the joint loses lubrication, and pain results from the bone-on-bone grinding of every movement. Although it most commonly affects older dogs, young dogs with hip dysplasia can also start experiencing symptoms.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves the insertion of paper-thin needles into certain points on the body to balance and regulate the flow of "chi," or energy. Proponents say it effectively reduces stress, pain and inflammation, and can help the dog regain range of motion in the affected joints. Anyone performing acupuncture should be a certified veterinary acupuncturist.

Treatment

Acupuncture treatment usually lasts about an hour per visit. The acupuncturist will visually examine the dog to assess his overall health, and palpate and manipulate the joints to determine exactly where the problem lies. She will gently insert a number of sterile needles into the dog's skin at predetermined points and let the dog sit and relax while the treatment takes effect. In severe cases, a mild electrical current may be passed through the needles to stimulate circulation and muscle movement. Most dogs find the experience quite relaxing and may even fall asleep.

Results

There has never been a reputable study about the effectiveness of acupuncture on dogs with arthritis, but owners of arthritic dogs rely on it for treatment. Dramatic increases in movement and decreases in pain are regularly reported, and some owners credit acupuncture with giving their old dog a new life. The availability of veterinary acupuncture services is increasing because of increased demand, and even staunchly traditional veterinarians are referring patients to acupuncturists. Larger animal hospitals in some cases include a permanent acupuncturist on staff, and some traditional veterinarians are becoming certified in animal acupuncture.

Alternatives

Traditional medicine offers a number of medications designed to alleviate pain and lubricate the joints. Carprofen, aspirin, and etodolac are common pain relievers, but because they are taken internally, they can all cause gastrointestinal or liver issues. Glucosamine chondroiton is a widely used supplement that may help lubricate the joints and slow the loss of cartilage if taken over time, but there is no reliable data to support this claim. All forms of traditional therapy can be used in conjunction with acupuncture with no ill effects.

Tags: acupuncture with, dogs with, loss cartilage, lubricate joints, needles into

The Side Effects Of Eucalyptus Lavender Oil

The eucalyptus tree, native to Australia, grows more than 200 feet tall, bearing blue green leaves with off-white flowers. While there are more than 200 different kinds of eucalyptus trees, oil is extracted mainly from the globules varietal. Lavender oil is extracted from the lavender plant, which is a low-growing, pale purple, flowered plant. The two essential oils work well together due to their complementary properties.

Antiseptic

Eucalyptus lavender oil has potent antiseptic properties. If you spray a room with a mixture of 2 percent eucalyptus lavender essential oil and water, the spray will kill 70 percent staphylococci virus in the air. (See UltimateWaterMassage.com reference.) The oil is also used as a disinfectant when treating burns, blisters and cuts.

Respiratory

Try placing eucalyptus lavender oil in chest rubs or in a humidifier for a chest cold or flu. Its crisp, minty scent will help to open up your lungs and nasal passages, bearing relief to most common bronchitis or flu symptoms such as congestion and coughing.

Mood

Eucalyptus lavender oil's scent has a calming, tranquil effect when inhaled and is touted to improve concentration. Eucalyptus' mint scent combined with lavender's crisp, sweet smell offers a balanced, attentive response when you breathe it in. There are a plethora of soaps and hand creams on the market infused with eucalyptus lavender oil. Try adding a few drops to your bath and soaking the day's troubles away.

Circulation

Eucalyptus lavender oil can be added to massage oils, such as almond, grape seed or olive, and used as a topical rub to help improve circulation in a specific area. This remedy is used in arthritis treatments and to treat healing injuries. (See JerseyLavender.co.uk reference.) Additionally, this oil can be used on tired feet to help rejuvenate your toes after a long day, or even to help treat athlete's foot. You can use the oil on any sore muscle or joint to help relieve some of the pain or swelling.

Considerations

Consult a doctor before using any essential oils. Do not use or handle eucalyptus lavender oil while pregnant, trying to become pregnant or nursing.

Tags: Eucalyptus lavender, essential oils, eucalyptus lavender, more than

The Roles Of A Nurse Practitioner & Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are both considered advanced practice nurses, yet their roles differ significantly. An NP focuses on providing primary care to an identified group of patients in a role similar to that of a physician, but with a more limited scope of practice. A CNS may have any of a number of roles as a direct care nurse, educator, researcher and/or consultant to improve quality and costs within an organization.

Education

In order to become either an NP or a CNS, a registered nurse needs to complete a master's degree in nursing. Typically, a nurse will complete a bachelor's degree in nursing, pass a national exam known as the NCLEX to earn her RN license, and then practice for awhile before enrolling in a graduate program. There are, however, some combination bachelor's degree-master's degree programs that streamline the process.

Patient Populations

An NP specializes in providing primary care to a group of patients within a field such as family practice, geriatrics, psychiatry, acute care, pediatrics, women's health or neonatal care. A CNS provides specialized nursing care to a group of patients within a particular population, setting, disease or medical specialty, type of care or type of problem, such as working with geriatric cancer patients in a hospital.

Practice Settings

A CNS has a lot of options for his practice setting, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, private practice, mental health facilities and private homes. An NP, on the other hand, is usually employed to work collaboratively with a physician in an office practice, clinic, hospital or ambulatory care center.

Scope of Practice

A CNS provides direct care to her patients, and also works closely with other nurses to share her knowledge as a consultant, clinical expert, researcher and/or educator. An NP practices much like a physician, but with a more limited scope of practice. She can perform health screenings, diagnose and treat acute and chronic diseases, prescribe medications and treatments, educate and counsel her patients about healthy lifestyles, and refer them to other providers for more complex or specialized care when appropriate.

Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and other specialty organizations certify nurses as CNSs based on a combination of experience and a passing score on a written exam. NPs are certified through ANCC, as well as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Once he is certified, an NP can take the appropriate licensing exam through the board of nursing in his home state.

Prescriptive Authority

Most NPs do prescribe medications and treatments as part of their primary care role. A CNS is eligible to apply for prescriptive authority if she meets state-specific criteria, which are generally met during her graduate school experience. Both NPs and CNSs are eligible for reimbursement by insurance companies and Medicare according to federal law, but legislation in individual states may limit or preclude that reimbursement.

Tags: group patients, primary care, care group, care group patients, degree nursing, direct care

The Relationship Between Abdominal Aneurysms And Brain Aneurysms

Aneurysms are potentially dangerous bulges in arteries caused by weakness in the artery walls. Although they both pose very real health risks, there is no clear relationship between aneurysms of the abdomen and aneurysms of the brain.

Facts

Abdominal aneurysms affect the body's main blood vessel, the aorta. Brain aneurysms can affect various arteries in the brain.

Relationship Between Aneurysms

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the causes of aneurysms are not fully understood. In some cases, they are congenital (present from birth), and in others they are triggered by lifestyle factors, bacterial or fungal infections or traumatic injury. A link between abdominal and brain aneurysms is not indicated.

Factors In Abdominal Aneurysms

High blood pressure, smoking and the dangerous buildup of cholesterol-containing plaque (atherosclerosis) may all increase the chances of an abdominal aneurysm.

Additional Locations of Aneurysms

Aneurysms may also occur in the chest, intestines, spleen and behind the knee.

Considerations

Aneurysms often cause no obvious symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they vary according to the site of the damaged artery.

Tags: Abdominal Aneurysms, aneurysms affect, Relationship Between

Respite Care For Alzheimer'S

Respite care for Alzheimer's patients is a short-term solution for caregivers who need a break or have other obligations away from home. Finding the right short-term stay arrangement can be challenging depending on the needs of the Alzheimer's patient.

Respite Care At Home

It may be possible to arrange for respite care in your home, which may be the best option for someone with Alzheimer's. Home care agencies can help find a caregiver to provide respite care or a combination of friends, family and agencies can provide the needed care.

Respite Care At A Facility

Depending on the amount of care needed, there are two types of facilities to choose from. A residential care facility can accommodate Alzheimer's patients who are mobile and not too confused. A nursing care facility can provide a higher level of care for more physically comprised patients.

Community Care Assessment

Local authorities determine the level of care the Alzheimer's patient requires using the Community Care Assessment Tool. This is an assessment of their abilities to do activities of daily living, such as bathing, clothing, cooking and mobility. In some cases, local authorities may help pay for short-term respite care for Alzheimer's patients.

Tags: Alzheimer patients, care Alzheimer, Alzheimer patient, care Alzheimer patients, Care Assessment

Best Ways To Lower Triglycerides

Like most answers in preventative medicine, the answer usually includes diet change and involves exercise. The medical value of lowering triglycerides is supported by clinical evidence in reputable medical journals. The best ways to lower triglycerides are not things that many people want to hear.

Instructions

1. Lose weight. Lower body weight is the most powerful way to make a long-term impact on triglyceride levels. Since triglycerides are a form of transportation for a component of fat, the best thing that you can do is cut back on the contributing fat. Studies have shown that losing as little as 5 or 10 pounds can make a big difference. Nutritionists recommend that you decrease your caloric intake modestly so that you don't become sluggish and burn a lot fewer calories while you diet. About 500 kcals (food calories) is a reasonable amount to reduce your intake during a diet. Your physician or nutritionist will help you set and achieve goals safely.

2. Create a life-long, sustainable diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fat. This may mean that you have to switch to healthier cooking oil and use less of it. Use a pump sprayer to limit your use of cooking oil and buy meat that is as lean as you can possibly buy (like 93 percent lean, for example). Reduce your intake of fatty foods and only eat unsaturated fats when you do eat fatty food. Consult your doctor or nutritionist before making diet changes since they can affect your long-term health; there are certain vitamins that require some fat in order to be absorbed into your body and an appropriate amount of triglycerides is required for tissue repair.

3. Stop smoking. Cancer isn't the only problem that smoking creates. Get away from that next cigarette and you can decrease triglycerides. The average weight gain from stopping smoking after 1 year is usually as insignificant as 1 pound. It is better (by far) to stop smoking since the pound is easily lost.

4. Stop drinking. Drinking alcohol significantly increases triglycerides. If you can't immediately stop drinking, limit your alcohol consumption. Less is better.

5. Get regular exercise. Burn at least 900 kcal a week or do at least 120 minutes of vigorous exercise if your triglycerides are controlled. If your triglycerides are high, work out vigorously for up to an hour every day. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise routine.

Tags: limit your, your doctor, your intake, your triglycerides

Tumble Obsidian

Obsidian requires special attention to gain a high-luster polish.

Tumbling rocks in a rotary tumbler eliminates and polishes the rocks' naturally rough exterior to create shiny, attractive and amazingly detailed surfaces. Some rocks already have a glossy surface. Obsidian is a glass-like stone that can be difficult to polish because of its already smooth exterior. Adding plastic pellets to the final stages of the tumbling process enhances the appearance of polished obsidian. Including Ivory soap, a pure soap that does not have chemical additives that leave residue on the stones, washes away the grit used throughout the tumbling process.

Instructions

1. Add your obsidian rocks and 4 oz. coarse abrasive grit to the rotary tumbler. Cover the rocks and grit with water. Tumble the rocks for one week. Remove the water and grit. Wash the obsidian.

2. Put the rocks and 4 oz. medium abrasive grit into the tumbler, again covering them with water. Run the tumbler for another week. Remove the water, grit, any sharp or broken rocks and rocks that are smaller than one-quarter inch. Wash the remaining obsidian.

3. Add the rocks and 2 oz. pre-polish grit to the tumbler. Add the plastic pellets until the tumbler barrel is three-quarters full. Cover everything with water. Run the tumbler for 10 days. Remove the grit, pellets, water, any broken rocks and obsidian pieces that are smaller than one-quarter inch. Wash the remaining stones.

4. Add the obsidian, 1 oz. polish grit, and plastic pellets to fill three-quarters of the barrel and water to cover everything. Run the tumbler for two weeks. Remove the grit, pellets, water and unwanted obsidian pieces. Wash the remaining stones.

5. Add the remaining obsidian and plastic pellets to fill 3/4 of the barrel. Use the knife to shave one bar of Ivory soap into the barrel. Cover everything with water. Run the tumbler for a few hours. Once you have removed the pellets and soapy water, you should have smooth, clean obsidian stones with a high luster.

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Home Treatments For Heartburn

Heartburn is a painful condition in which stomach acid and food particles back up into the esophagus, causing pain and burning in the chest and throat. It is important to stop heartburn when it occurs because over time, the acid from your stomach can really wear down the lining of your esophagus, causing more serious problems. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are available to treat and prevent heartburn, but many home remedies can be just as effective.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is good for more than just household cleaning; it can relieve heartburn, too. Mix about 1 tsp. of baking soda in 8 oz. of water and drink the whole glass. The baking soda helps to neutralize stomach acid, stopping heartburn pain. Because baking soda is high in salt content, you should not use this remedy too often and you should not use it at all if you are pregnant.

Pickle Juice

It may sound crazy, but the vinegar content of pickle juice may be just what you need to stop heartburn. You don't need to drink much, just a few sips will do it.

Barley Grass

Drinks like barley grass, wheat grass and chlorella can neutralize acidity and reduce heartburn problems. This remedy works especially well if taken every day on a more preventative basis.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seed is an herb that calms stomach spasms and aids in digestion, which makes it a good remedy for heartburn. Chewing about half a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals should do the trick.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The pH balancing properties of apple cider vinegar make it one of the most popular, and one of the most effective, heartburn remedies out there. Drinking vinegar may not sound so appealing, and it really isn't. The good news is that you won't need much to get a fast result. Add 1 tsp. of vinegar to about half a cup of water and drink up.

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How Many Calories Do I Burn A Day

Most individuals concerned with losing, gaining or maintaining weight wish to know how many calories they burn over the course of a day. The calorie out equation adds the basal metabolic rate, lifestyle activity level and calories burned during exercise. The sum determines how many calories an individual should eat in a given day.

Features

Total metabolism depends on the basal metabolic rate, lifestyle activity level and calories burned during exercise. The basal metabolic rate is the amount of calories needed to sustain basic body processes. If an individual stayed in bed for 24 hours, the amount of calories needed for this individual to maintain current weight is the basal metabolic rate. The amount of calories burned by lifestyle activity level depends on how active a person is during the day. A server at a restaurant working an eight-hour shift will burn more calories than an accountant sitting at a desk for eight hours. The amount of calories burned during exercise can be determined by wearing a heart rate monitor or typing information into a cardiovascular machine so it can guess how many calories were burned during a bout of exercise.

Function

The most accurate method of determining how many calories an individual burns during the day is the resting metabolic rate (RMR) test. The test is typically taken in a relaxed, fasted state. The individual wears a mask or mouthpiece connected to a computer. The machine determines how many calories are burned during the day by measuring the amount of oxygen taken in compared to the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. The resting RMR test is available in many health clubs and hospitals. If the test is not available, a guess would average 10 calories per pound of bodyweight. For example, the resting metabolic rate of a 150-pound individual would be 1,500 calories.

Considerations

One pound equals 3,500 calories. In theory, an individual wishing to lose one pound per week would eat at a 500 calorie deficit over the course of 7 days, equaling 3,500 calories. When determining how many calories to eat, do not forget to add calories burned during exercise to the equation. From the example above, the 150 pound individual, burning 500 calories during exercise would eat 1,500 calories per day to lose one pound a week.

Expert Insight

Individual metabolism is determined by age, gender and body fat percentage. Metabolism decreases with age. Men have higher metabolisms than women. At any age, regardless of gender, muscle is more active than fat. Where one pound of fat may add two to three calories per day to metabolism, a pound of muscle will add 50 to 70 calories. Take two male individuals with the same age, height and weight, and the one with more muscle and less fat will have the higher metabolism.

Warning

Do not try to lose more than two pounds in one week. When an individual eats at a deficit of more than 1,000 calories per day, the body decreases metabolism. In this case the body does not know the difference between dieting and starving. When the body is starving, the body naturally cuts back all body processes to prepare for a long period of starvation. While the mind may know food is readily available, the body does not know when it is going to eat again.

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Cleanse The Lungs

Cleansing your lungs is vital to your health.

It goes without saying that your lungs are organs your body simply cannot live without. However, many people live their lives with unhealthy lungs and are forever falling prey to respiratory problems. Living with healthy lungs begins with a 3-day cleansing. The steps below will help you.

Instructions

Liquid assets

1. Remove all dairy products two days before you begin your cleanse. Dairy products may interfere with the detoxification process, as they are slowly digested by the body. Your body must rid itself of any toxins from too much dairy products before you begin cleansing your lungs.

2. Drink 1cup of herbal laxative tea before you go to bed the evening before Day 1 of your 3-day cleanse. This will rid your system of any toxins in your intestines that may tend to constipate you. Your lungs must not be overworked by blockages anywhere in the body during your detoxification. There are many brands of herbal laxative teas. "Get Regular" by Yogi is among the top brands. Yogi tea can be found in most supermarkets in the natural-foods section, and in health-food stores.

3. Squeeze two whole lemons into 8 to10 oz. of water before you eat breakfast. This will prepare you to digest powerful alkalizing foods that will help your lungs regenerate themselves.

4. Drink 10 oz. of purge grapefruit juice with breakfast. If you do not enjoy the taste of grapefruit juice, dilute it with a bottle of spring water or substitute with pineapple juice. These juices contain natural antioxidants that promote a healthy respiratory system.

5. Drink 8 to 10 oz. of pure carrot juice between breakfast and lunch. Carrot juice will help you alkalize your blood during your 3-day detox. Because of its beta-carotene content, which the body turns into Vitamin A, carrot juice aids in a clean and healthy respiratory system.

6. Drink one 12-oz. glass of potassium juice with lunch. Potassium is a powerful agent that will act as a cleansing tonic when ingested in liquid form. Creating a potassium juice involves juicing carrots, celery, spinach, parsley and sea greens. If you don't have a juicer, simply mix 2 oz. of Noni juice with an 8 oz. glass of spring water. Noni juice can be purchased from most health-food stores. There are several brands of Noni on the market. It is important to buy pure Noni juice. Tree of Life is one of the few companies that offers pure Noni juice.

7. Prepare and drink 1 cup of mucus-cleansing tea 1 hour before dinner. Mucus-cleansing tea is rich in rose hips, ginger and peppermint. These herbs help alleviate stuffy noses, mucus buildup and congestion. Cleansing tea is readily available in most supermarkets and health-food stores.

8. Drink 12 oz. of pure cranberry juice before bed. Cranberry juice helps fight off bacteria in the lungs that could cause infections. Cranberries are very powerful antioxidants and promote healthy blood and urine.

Body Care and Exercise

9. Sit in a sauna for at least 20 minutes each day of your cleanse. If a sauna is not available, take a 20-minute hot bath. It is important to allow your body to lose as many toxins through perspiration as possible. A sauna or bath will promote excess perspiration and allow your lungs, sinuses and nose to rid themselves of mucus buildup.

10. Take a brisk walk at least once a day. Walking promotes healthy breathing. While walking, concentrate on taking slow, full breaths. Maintain a rhythm, exhaling slowly.

11. Place 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil into 2 qts. of hot water. Drape a dry hand towel over the back of your head and slowly inhale the steam until the water is no longer hot. The oil's properties and steam will help loosen mucus.

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The Medicare Prescription Drug Act

The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 established Medicare Part D and changed the Part C (Medicare+Choice) Plans established in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by an insurance company that works with Medicare.

Part D Requirements

To qualify for Part D, a person must be over the age of 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part A. If a person has prescription drug coverage through his employer or union, he should check with his benefit administrator before making any changes.

How Part D Works

Each plan must meet the standards required by the government. The maximum annual deductible is $250, but some plans may lower or waive this deductible. The amount of the copays for prescriptions, and the formulary used, vary from company to company. Once the total annual amount spent for prescriptions reaches $2250, most companies require the beneficiary to pay for all prescription costs until the total amount paid reaches $5100. Some may offer generic drugs with a copay during this "donut hole" period. Any prescription cost over $5100 per year is paid by insurance.

Part C Requirements

Part C is usually a lower-cost alternative to a Medigap Plan. To qualify for Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan) coverage, a person must reside in the area where she wishs to join, be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and not have end-stage renal disease.

How Part C Works

Enrollees receive all of their health care services--including Part A and Part B coverage--through their Medicare Advantage Plan provider. They receive a health card from their provider. Providers usually offer extra benefits with their plan and may include Part D.

Contact Information

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the website linked below for more information. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit the websites linked below to see if you qualify for extra help to pay for Part D premiums and drug costs.

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Healing Properties Of Rhodochrosite

By wearing this gemstone of pink calcite around the neck, rhodochrosite has the ability to heal the heart and the head. Learn what healing properties the rhodochrosite possesses.

Effects

By changing the magnetic charges associated with negative emotions, the rhodochrosite calms negative emotional patterns.

Considerations

Without the negative charges, negative emotions cannot collect and build. Rhodochrosite cleans outs the emotional baggage of the mind and keeps it clean.

Potential

With less emotional garbage collected and nothing interfering with the development of healthy emotions, rhodochrosite has the potential to create a solid foundation for healthy emotional development.

Benefits

By healing the damage caused by negative emotional patterns, rhodochrosite benefits the user through positive emotional experiences and an increase in self-confidence.

Theories/Speculation

With this new emotional freedom, rhodochrosite has physical effects on the body as well, such as stable blood pressure, reduced heart rates, less intestinal disorders and fewer stress-related syndromes.

Time Frame

It takes a rhodochrosite wearer anywhere from two to six months before experiencing the healing properties associated with this precious gemstone.

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Breathing Games

Blowing bubbles, besides being a fun activity, can be a beneficial breathing exercise.

Many people benefit from doing regular breathing exercises. Children with cystic fibrosis use them to clear secretions from their lungs. Musicians who play wind or brass instruments, as well as asthmatics, may incorporate breathing exercises to increase respiratory control. Some people just use breathing exercises as relaxation techniques. Turn these exercises into games and fun activities to make them more enjoyable, whether for you or your children.

Blowing Bubbles

Begin by inhaling deeply. Forming your lips into an "O" shape, exhale in gentle, but steady streams to blow bubbles. This can be done using a homemade soapy solution or pre-made bubble mix and a bubble wand. Repeat three to four times. When repeating this activity over time, the length of each exhale and amount of bubbles should slowly increase as breathing technique improves.

Blowing up Balloons

Blowing up balloons is very conducive to deep, steady breathing but requires a decent level of lung strength and control. This is not an ideal activity for those with little respiratory control or for young children. Blow up several balloons in a row, concentrating your breath, and never blowing out all of your air at once. Do not continue if you experience dizziness or light-headedness.

Straw Painting

Pour several very small puddles of paint onto a piece of paper or paper plate. Using a straw held close to the paint, blow steady breaths to paint in different directions. Try to make a shape using the control of your breath, or create patterns of different colors to design a modern piece of art. You can expect some splattered paint when performing this activity, so plan accordingly.

Blowing out Candles

Place several free-standing candles on a table or countertop and light them. Using short, focused breaths, blow on each flame to extinguish without inhaling between puffs. Relight the candles and repeat the activity from further away, using stronger breaths to blow out each flame. You can achieve the same results by holding your hand about 6 inches away from your face and blowing on each of your fingertips with the same controlled breaths.

Paper Soccer

Clear a tabletop to use as a soccer "field" with designated goals on either end. Crumple a piece of paper to serve as the soccer ball. Use a straw to channel your breath, to blow the ball towards the goal, and challenge a teammate to see who can be the first to score 10 goals. Try the same activity without the straw and see if the same results can be achieved.

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How Does The Body Use Vitamin A

Breaking Down Vitamin A

Vitamin A is one of the essential nutrients that the human body needs in order to operate. It is found in a number of foods that are readily available, which is the main source of vitamin A for the body. These foods include liver, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots, among others. It can also be found in many vitamin supplements that are available at drug and grocery stores. When food it eaten and digested, the vitamin is broken down into retinol (the easiest form of vitamin A for the body to absorb) and then distributed throughout the body, which uses it in a number of different ways.

Vitamin A and Vision

One way the body uses vitamin A is in the retina. The body is able to use vitamin A in the creation of rhodopsin. These are the rod-shaped parts of the retina and are important in the way we see. Rhodopsin is needed to see black and white and also to see at night. Without them, the body suffers from nightblindness. The body uses vitamin A in order to replenish the retinas' supply of rhodopsin. This is the reason why vitamin A is so important for a person's vision and a reason why carrots are thought of to be one of the best foods for vision.

Vitamin A and the Skin

Another way the body uses vitamin A is by converting it into retinol and using that to heal skin. While this is still being researched, vitamin A is one of the only vitamins and nutrients that show a dramatic change in the skin when put to use. For one, it is able to drastically reduce secretions of the sebaceous glands. When these glands secrete oils, pimples are formed on the skin, so when the body uses vitamin A, it helps prevent blemishes. In addition, the vitamin also reduces the number of bacteria in the ducts and pores of the skin.

Vitamin A as an Antioxidant

Vitamin A is also used by the body as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight of the formation and attacks of free radicals. These are responsible for attacking important cells in the body, including those that are involved with the immune system. By converting some of the vitamin A into antioxidants, the body is able to use them in the defense of these free radicals and therefore keep the body healthy and protect it from disease or harm.

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Identify Symptoms Of Colic

Most of have had the experience of dealing with a tired, fussy, cranky baby once in a while. Sure, we're kept up at night by crying when the baby is wet, hungry or just wants some company. Such episodes are normal and to be expected. Colic, however, is something entirely different. Colic is the term for repeated and excessive crying by an infant that can't be attributed to wet diapers, hunger or even a need for solace. Medically speaking, colic is defined as incessant crying for several hours at a time that occurs nightly or several days a week for more than two weeks. While the exact cause of colic is unknown, doctors believe that it may be caused by food intolerances, immature digestive or nervous systems or extremely sensitive babies who react to everything going on around them. Learning identify symptoms of colic may offer parents the assurance that they will get through this tough period with patience and understanding.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to your baby's cries. Is he merely fussy or does he seem to be in physical distress? Is his crying disgruntled or shrieking? Sometimes, it helps to pick the baby up and walk or swing or take him or her for a car ride. It might help to know that colic in infants is fairly common for up to 5 months old and is more commonly occurs with boys than girls, as well as with the first child.

2. Note when the baby starts incessant periods of crying. Most cases of colic express themselves in the late afternoon or evening. Take notes of what is going on around you or the baby when the crying starts.

3. Look at your infant's face. Most cases of colic are accompanied by a flushed, or red, face. The baby's legs seem to pull up toward the torso or chest, as a natural response to pain. Parents may also note the presence of gas accompanied by the baby's tummy producing loud, rumbling sounds.

4. Pay attention to your baby's sleep habits. Is colic keeping her (and you) awake for hours every night? All babies cry, and it's normal, but the cries from a baby experiencing colic may be distressing to everyone concerned. Try playing some soft music and swaddling the baby snugly in a blanket. Then, lay the baby down on his tummy and gently rub her back.

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What To Do For Blocked Inner Ear

What to Do for Blocked Inner Ear?

Blocked inner ear issues can be caused by a number of things. Some such things are a wax buildup, a fluid-filled ear infection or allergies and sinus pressure. Whatever the cause, they are uncomfortable and sometimes terribly painful. It is important to treat this condition as soon as possible.

Wax Buildup

If you have impacted wax in your ears, you can use a wax softening drop and flush the ear with water. This will often remove the wax, but can be slightly uncomfortable. Oil-based wax softening drops often help the most, as they also will moisturize the inner ear after the impacted wax moves. If the inner ear is not moisturized, it can cause an intense itching feeling in the inner ear.

If you don't like this route, ear candling is another option. Ear candling uses a hollow candle's smoke to melt wax and draw it out of the ear into the hollow area of the candle. The narrow end of the candle is inserted into the ear canal and the other end is lit. Although the person receiving the ear candling will hear a loud crackling sound, the flame is never close enough to the head to cause any burns or damage. A sweet oil must be used post-ear candling to prevent the inner ear from drying out and becoming itchy.

Congestion

When the inner ear tube, or the eustachian tube, becomes full of congestion, a pressurized, blocked feeling will occur. This usually occurs with a related cold, flu or illness, or an ear infection. If the eustachian tube does not close--usually due to an illness--contamination can leak into the middle ear and cause pressure as well as infection. Visit your family doctor to acquire a proper prescription ear drop or oral medication for clearing the blockage or infection.

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Losing Hair After Surgery

Everyone experiences hair loss on a daily basis. Normal hair loss is barely noticeable, amounting to less than 100 hairs per day. However, the stress of a major surgery can cause hair loss to accelerate up to three times as much in both men and women. It's the body's way of reacting to the trauma of the operation.

The Facts

During a normal hair growth cycle, hair grows, then enters into a resting or "telogen" period and eventually sheds. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, "telogen effluvium" is a term used to describe hair that has been rushed into the resting state after the body suffers a shock due to major surgery. As resources are redirected to help heal the affected surgical area, the body temporarily shuts down hair production because it is not necessary for survival.

Identification

Telogen effluvium related to surgery can be distinguished from other forms of hair loss in several ways. Individuals typically begin to notice the increasing hair loss two to three months after the surgery. Hair loss after surgery is uniform, noticeable on the scalp but never excessive enough to cause a patchy appearance or complete baldness. In addition, the shed hairs all exhibit a specific pattern at the root, which resembles a white bulb.

Time Frame

Hair usually resides in the telogen phase for a period of two to four months before growth resumes. Individuals don't begin to notice the increase in hair loss when showering or brushing the hair until about three months post-surgery. Although the resting hair is being pushed out of the scalp by new hair that is already growing, it can take anywhere from about six months to a year for the hair to return to its normal fullness.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass or other operations of the digestive tract designed to reduce obesity are more prone to hair loss post-surgery. This is due to the reduced intake of food in the weeks and months immediately following these procedures. The body needs an adequate amount of proteins and vitamins to maintain hair production. Protein-enhanced shakes are often recommended for these patients as a substitute until solid food can be better tolerated.

Proper Diet

Hair loss related to surgery typically reverses itself without any medicinal intervention or the need for over-the-counter hair loss tonics or treatments. However, maintaining a diet rich in protein and iron is believed to help promote and speed up healthy hair growth. Suggested foods include salmon, beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, nuts and whole-grain cereals. Avoid foods that can inhibit hair growth, such as those that contain high levels of caffeine and fat.

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Eat Healthy At A Mexican Restaurant

There are probably three healthy choices to eat on any given Mexican restaurant menu, while the rest of the selections can be a dieter's nightmare. However, you can eat healthy in a Mexican restaurant if you make smart choices.

Instructions

1. Avoid eating the chips that come before the meal. You could save yourself an extra 200 calories and nine grams of fat in one serving. If available, use fresh carrot sticks or celery sticks to dip into the salsa.

2. Choose items that are grilled or baked rather than fried or breaded. Items like grilled chicken fajitas or tacos al carbon are flavorful and are not as high in fat and calories as enchiladas or tacos.

3. Stay away from extra cheese and sour cream. Those will add extra fat and calories to your meal. If you are viewing the cheese as a protein source, consider a meal made with black beans, grilled shrimp or chicken instead.

4. Request corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. On average, this will save you 200 calories and about nine grams of fat. If you are sticking to a strict diet, eat only the meat and vegetables and leave the tortillas.

5. Use salsa as a salad dressing rather than a traditional ranch or vinaigrette. Most salsas have little to no fat in them and are low in calories.

6. Cut your meal in half and eat the rest for lunch the next day. It might not be the ideal method for eating healthy, but cutting back on your portion size means taking in roughly 210 calories rather than 420 calories for just two enchiladas.

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Hepatitis C Treatment Drugs

The most serious of hepatitis strains, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to significant liver damage and even liver cancer. Not all people, however, will need treatment. Your doctor will look at several factors to determine a course of action. Standard treatment for Hepatitis C is a combination of two particular drugs.

Treatment Guidelines

According to the National Institutes of Health, you should treat your HCV if tests indicate the virus is moving through your blood, if you have biopsy results that indicate serious liver damage and if you have increased levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in your bloodstream.

If your liver shows only small abnormalities, your chances of developing serious complications are slight. In this case, your doctor might not recommend treatment since it can cause very serious side effects. On the other hand, it is not possible to know for sure how your condition will progress, so some doctors might recommend fighting the virus.

Goal of Treatment

HCV treatment aims to remove the virus from your bloodstream. According to the Mayo Clinic, it gets rid of the virus in 40 to 80 percent of those treated. Success rates are based on genotype, which is the genetic make-up of an individual. The therapy has a success rate of up to 50 percent in people with genotype 1, the most common in the United States, while it works up to 80 percent of the time in those with types 2 and 3. Your doctor will determine your type before starting treatment.

Medication

The standard care for hepatitis C consists of a combination of two treatments.The first treatment, pegylated interferon alfa (Peg-Intron, Pegasys), injected weekly, is an anti-viral treatment that helps the immune system keep the virus from multiplying and attaching to other cells. The broad-spectrum antiviral medication ribavarin (Rebetol), taken twice a day orally, makes up the second half of treatment.

Treatment Timeline

You will require a high dose of medication for 48 weeks if you have genotype 1. If you have genotype 2 or 3, 24 weeks of treatment with a lower dose is usually sufficient. The first round of treatment may not clear the virus from your system, which will require a second course of the same medications.

Side Effects

These medications can cause serious side effects. Interferon medications can cause severe symptoms that mimic the flu, along with irritability, depression, memory loss, skin problems, fatigue and insomnia. Ribavarin can cause anemia (low red blood cell count), itchiness, nasal congestions, skin irritation, fatigue and birth defects.

When combined, these medications can induce psychosis and suicidal behavior in a minority of people; therefore, you are not a good candidate for this treatment if you have or have had in the past, uncontrolled depressive episodes. Other factors precluding treatment are pregnancy, untreated thyroid disease, low blood cell counts and autoimmune diseases. You are also not a good candidate if you drink alcohol or use drugs and are unwilling to stop or seek treatment.

The first few weeks of treatment usually produce the most serious side effects. Pain medications and antidepressants can sometimes mitigate these effects. For some people, interferon causes such severe side effects that they might have to stop treatment.

Tags: serious side, serious side effects, side effects, virus from, blood cell, doctor will, from your

Incorporate Exercise With The Atkins Diet

One of the major mistakes people make with the Atkins diet is not exercising. The reasoning goes: if you're not eating carbs, there's less to burn off. This is far from the truth. Exercise is enormously important during any diet, and especially so with the Atkins diet, as the diet is so unique.

Instructions

1. Strength training. This is especially important for women, who ordinarily need more strength training. Because the Atkins diet is high-meat, it's also highly acidic, which can be hard on the bones. Strength training with free weights is recommended.

2. Participate in cardiovascular workouts, such as walking, jogging and other active sports. However, don't make this an excuse to overeat. Yes, you'll burn off carbs via exercise, but that's the idea with the Atkins diet. You'll negate the benefits of exercise by cheating on the diet. Here's a formula: a piece of bread is equivalent to a full hour of vigorous walking. Because the diet is high in fat--which is hard on the heart--it is good to balance this out with cardiovascular fitness.

3. Know that you cannot continue the same diet if you are exercising a lot. For example, if you're jogging an hour a day, this is going to affect the amount of carbs you take in. Without some extra carbs, you're not going to have the energy to exercise. However, this is normally the case with intensive exercise. If you exercise 15 to 20 minutes a day, you should be able to sustain the same diet.

4. Because the Atkins diet often results in low energy, it is a good idea to start slowly--as little as 10 minutes a day, before entering into anything more intensive. You need to see how your body reacts to both the diet and exercise combined. The Atkins diet has the side effect of lessening muscle strength and energy. This doesn't mean that you should avoid exercise, but it does mean that you might have to cut down the length of a regimen.

5. Depending on the nature and frequency of your exercise, you could expand the amount and types of carbs you can eat if you have a steady regimen. The Atkins food pyramid will change according to the amount you exercise as it relates to your current weight, height and gender.

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Home Remedies For Whitening Teeth

Teeth whitening can give a person a brighter smile. Home remedies are an affordable way to remove stains from teeth. Once the stains are gone, however, for teeth to remain white takes an ongoing process.

Use Lemons

As a teeth whitener, lemon juice works because of its citric acid. The acid gently cleans the tooth enamel. There are a few ways to use the lemons. Buy lemon juice from a supermarket and use the liquid to bleach the teeth. Dip your toothbrush in the juice and then apply it to your teeth. A fresh lemon can also be used. Peel the lemon and then rub the inner side of the rind against your teeth. Lemons are a mild bleach, which can help to whiten the teeth. Results won't be dramatic, but you will see an improvement in the color of your teeth.

Use Vinegar

Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar have acetic acid. The acid can clean the teeth by removing stains. You can brush the vinegar on the teeth on a daily basis until the teeth become whiter.

Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Many dentists recommend cleaning the teeth with a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide is a bleaching agent. The baking soda has tiny granules that provide an abrasive quality. Combined, the two substances make a very effective teeth whitener. The hydrogen peroxide can also be used alone. Just brush the teeth with the peroxide on a daily basis.

Use Table Salt

Making a paste of table salt and water is also useful for whitening the teeth. The salt has an abrasive action that can deep clean the teeth. A variation is to use lemon juice instead of water when making the paste. The bleaching action of the lemons and the abrasive action of the salt are very effective in getting the teeth whiter.

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What Are The Benefits Of Cpr Certification

The benefits of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, certification are plentiful. The simple answer is that you may one day be able to save a life with CPR knowledge, as you never know when an accident can happen. CPR certification is generally easy to obtain, though there may be a fee. Many organizations offer the certification, such as your local Red Cross. There are also high schools that offer the certification.

Jobs

Getting certified in CPR can be the last step in getting a job. There are many professions that require CPR certification, including lifeguards, paramedics and nurses.

Saving Lives

The true benefit of CPR certification is the ability to save lives. Whether you're reviving a child, a family member or a patron at a restaurant, knowledge of CPR during a medical emergency can prolong a life.

Family Members

If you have children or other family members with health problems, the benefits of CPR certification can include helping care for your family.

Getting certified

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Heal A Broken Nose

Nose injuries are fairly common. Broken noses occur with sever blows often from sports or automobile accidents. Symptoms of a broken nose include pain, bleeding, swelling, black eyes, crookedness and grinding of nose bones when moved. Once broken, there is not much that can be done, and often the nose heals on its own. Sometimes surgery is necessary to correct a deformity, but with initial attention and care the nose will heal correctly.

Instructions

1. Ice nose immediately. This will bring down the swelling. Take acetaminophen to help with pain.

2. Visit doctor as soon as possible. The only reason you should do this is so that your physician can check for a septal hematoma. This is when blood gathers in the divider of your nose, eventually killing the cartilage and causing your nose to collapse. It gets more difficult to treat as time goes on, so ruling this out soon after the fracture is a safe bet.

3. Evaluate nose five to seven days after break when swelling has gone down. If there is a deformity you do not like and/or you cannot breathe, surgical intervention is recommended. You can either choose to do this right away, within ten days, or wait a few months for the fracture to heal and get cosmetic nose surgery. Sometimes, both options are necessary to heal a severe nose fracture.

4. Wait it out. If your nose structure has not changed and you can breathe let the nose heal on its own. Nose fractures heal quickly and form a solid bond. Within three to four weeks the pain will subside and the fracture will be stabilized.

5. Protect your nose. For four to six weeks after the fracture occurs, wear a protective nose and face shield while engaging in any rough activity. This will allow the nose to heal safely and prevent further injury.

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Choose An Orthotic

Orthotics are used to treat various foot complications such as bunions, Achilles tendonitis, shin splits, patellofemoral pain syndrome and foot complications from diabetes. Finding the right orthotic and even more importantly, a podiatrist to prescribe the orthotics that best fit your needs, is difficult. These steps will help you choose the right orthotic for you.

Instructions

Choose an Orthotic

1. Make sure your doctor has the right credentials. Any podiatrist will not do in these circumstances. In order get the best orthotics, you need to go to a doctor who is qualified. Verify that your podiatrist is a certified podiatrist. These individuals have had experience in the field, a relevant degree and have had to pass difficult exams in order to get their certification. Keep in mind you want to have the best qualified podiatrist so you get the best orthotics.

2. Do your research. The Internet is invaluable in this instance. Look up all the information you can on the potential orthotics that you are considering. Look for reviews and specific descriptions. In addition to looking up information on orthotics, you can also find information and reviews on various podiatrists.

3. Visit several doctors. Before you decide to go with a specific podiatrist, visit several of them. You never want to go with the first professional you encounter. It’s better to be knowledgeable about what is out there because you want to make sure you get the best.

4. Evaluate your personal needs. In order to figure out which orthotic is best for you, you must analyze a few things. First, figure out how often you will be wearing the orthotic. Is it going to be all day or just when you’re participating in physical activities? Second, figure out what hasn’t worked for you. You don’t want to get suckered into buying something that already didn’t work for you.

5. Find out what has worked for others. Ask around. If you know anyone who has had any experience with the condition you are trying to treat or has used orthotics, ask them what has worked for them. While this might not give you a definite answer, it will help you learn which products are best. Another great way to do this is to talk with individuals in your podiatrist’s waiting room.

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