Monday, May 31, 2010

Clomiphene Side Effects

Clomiphene is a drug mainly prescribed to treat infertility in women. Available in the brands Clomid, Serophene and in generic form, clomiphene is particularly helpful for women who rarely or never ovulate. Numerous side effects are possible.


Most Common Effect








In clinical trials with clomiphene, as detailed by eMedTV, the most common side effect was enlargement of the ovaries, experienced by up to 13 percent of women in some studies. Related effects of pelvic or abdominal pain or bloating occurred in up to 5 percent of participants.


Warning


Enlarged ovaries can be a symptom of a serious disorder called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In severe cases, the ovaries rupture. Symptoms besides large ovaries include abdominal pain or swelling, diarrhea, less urine, nausea, pelvic pain, vomiting and weight gain.


Other Side Effects


Other side effects experienced in 1 in 10 participants included breast pain, headache, hot flashes, nausea, and abnormal menstrual bleeding, including spotting between periods or abnormally-long heavy periods.


Visual Disturbances


Clomiphene can cause visual disturbances, which call for prompt medical attention. These include blurred or double vision, decreased visual sharpness, loss of peripheral vision, spots, flashes and intolerance of light.


Birth Defects


Birth defects have been reported after clomiphene treatment resulted in pregnancy, but researchers have been unable to establish whether the defects were caused by the drug.

Tags: abdominal pain, have been, side effects, Side Effects

Diet For Crohn'S







Crohn's disease is a disorder caused by an inflamed gastrointestinal tract. The disorder causes swelling in the lower intestines, stomach pain and frequent bowel movements. Although medication is available to treat Crohn's, it is important to eat the right foods. Avoiding foods that will aggravate the stomach helps to reduce the symptoms of the disorder.


Foods to Avoid


Even though raw fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients, it is difficult for your stomach to digest them. This can cause your intestines to become inflamed and make your current Crohn's symptoms worse. If you decide to eat vegetables, prepare them in a different way. Try steaming or sautéing to improve their digestibility. Fried foods are also harsh on the stomach and should be avoided. If you are dining out, ask for your meat to be baked or grilled. Spicy foods can upset the stomach and should be limited to avoid exacerbated symptoms. Other gassy foods include nuts, beans and corn.


Limit Your Dairy Intake


Dairy products can irritate your intestines, especially if you are lactose intolerant. Soy milk and cheese can curb the intestinal problems that result from dairy. Instead of eating ice cream, try sorbet for a sweet treat. Yogurt should be avoided. Take vitamin supplements if you still want the benefits of the live and active cultures found in yogurt.


Increase Fluids and Avoid Dehydrators


Diarrhea causes you to lose important nutrients for remaining healthy. This is why drinking plenty of water is necessary to curb Crohn's symptoms. Coffee, energy drinks and alcohol intake should be reduced or completely removed from your diet. This will avoid dehydration and diarrhea. Although some energy drinks claim to have several beneficial vitamins, the carbonated beverage will cause you to have gas. This can lead to an upset stomach.

Tags: Crohn symptoms, energy drinks, should avoided, stomach should, upset stomach, your intestines

Test For Bladder Infections

You notice that something is a little different lately when you go to the bathroom. You may frequently feel a sense of urgency to go, but when you try, you only urinate a little. You notice a sharp pain in your bladder. These symptoms could add up to a bladder infection, which is easily treated with antibiotics that must be prescribed by a doctor. Here's know for sure.


Instructions


1. Pay attention to your body. Are you urinating frequently? Do you feel pressure or an uncomfortable feeling in your pelvic area? Cloudy urine can be a telltale sign of cystitis, another name for a bladder infection or urinary tract infection.


2. Call your doctor as soon as you feel the symptoms of a bladder infection. Your doctor may want you to come in for an examination to rule out other infections or problems.








3. Know that you will most likely have to urinate in a specimen cup in order to test your urine for bacteria. Follow the directions exactly so as not to contaminate your results.


4. Tell your physician about any current medications you are taking. as well as drug allergies, especially to antibiotics. Your doctor may want to prescribe an antibiotic such as ampicillin, amoxicillin or Bactrim to treat your cystitis. Pyridium may also help alleviate the pain associated with a urinary tract infection.


5. Take your medication as prescribed, and be aware that you may not feel better until you are done with your medicine.

Tags: bladder infection, doctor want, frequently feel, tract infection, urinary tract, urinary tract infection

Friday, May 28, 2010

Home Preparation For Shoulder Surgery

Home preparation for shoulder surgery will help reduce your stress levels and make your recovery time more comfortable. Your physician may have reviewed your pre-surgical procedures, but it is important to plan for post-surgery. Home preparation can include a recovery room, planning physical therapy for regaining shoulder strength and making precooked meals for freezing.


Recovery Room at Home








Patients should decide on a desirable recovery room at home before the surgery. You may be spending most of your time in your recovery room. Your choices may depend on the size of your home. Also, your recovery room should be in a quiet location. You may want to pick a room with limited noise and foot traffic. Discuss your shoulder surgery with your family, and talk about the length of your recovery time, pain management, physical therapy and nutritional needs.


The family room can be a good choice. Think about the amount of lighting you may need and make sure your couch is comfortable. You can rest on the couch and keep items nearby such as your favorite magazines, books and the television remote control. Keep items on your end table and have enough reading materials for variety.


Home Post-Surgery Exercises


Your post-surgery shoulder recovery should begin at the hospital and continue at home. Speak with your physician and physical therapist about your shoulder rehabilitation program. Your physical therapy team will design a home exercise schedule to maintain shoulder stability and regain strength such as supportive shoulder rotation.


You should expect a full recovery after your shoulder surgery, but it is important to know possible warning signs. You should contact your physician if you experience tenderness or acute pain originating from the surgical site, since these symptoms may indicate an infection.


Make a list of contact information for your health care team such as your orthopedic surgeon's name, address and telephone numbers. Place a list near your home telephone for yourself and your family members.


Meals After Surgery


You will be spending most of your time at home. While thinking about a surgery recovery room and physical therapy treatments, you should consider daily meals, including proper nutrition and who will prepare the meals. Ask your physician if you need a daily multivitamin. Depending on the type of shoulder surgery and recovery time, you can precook and freeze meals. Simple meals include stews and meatloaf. Keep nonperishable food items, such as raisins and crackers, in your recovery room.


Planning your home for comfort after your shoulder surgery may take a week. Make sure you have a quiet recovery room, a place for physical therapy exercises and precooked frozen meals filled with healthy nutrients.

Tags: recovery room, physical therapy, your recovery, your shoulder, recovery time

Ways To Boost Your Metabolism

Your metabolism is the fire that powers every cell in your body. You feed the flame by consuming calories, but if your metabolism is not running smoothly (as it does tend to slow down with age) you may end up gaining unwanted weight. The good news is that you can help maintain a strong metabolism by following a simple daily routine.


Eat Breakfast


Research has increasingly shown that eating breakfast every morning helps boost metabolism. A study performed at Harvard Medical School showed that participants who ate breakfast every day were one third less likely to be obese and half as likely to have blood sugar issues as people who did not eat breakfast. By eating in the morning, your blood sugars become stabilized, so you are more satiated and less likely to overeat at your next meal.


Move


A combination of interval training and strength training can help boost your metabolism.


During interval training, an athlete alternates between a low intensity workout and bursts of high intensity activity. A runner, for example, would alternate between jogging and sprinting. Doing this burns more calories and increases metabolism by teaching the body to use oxygen with more efficiency.








Strength (or resistance) training helps stimulate muscles to become stronger and function with more ease. Muscle density helps the body to burn off fat more readily during interval training.


Eat Well, Not Less


If you cut a lot of calories out of your diet, your body will begin to think that it is being deprived of what it needs to function well. When this happens, it starts to "protect" your body, storing carbohydrates and fat by slowing down your metabolism. Eat full, healthy meals to keep the fire fueled and prevent your body from feeling neglected.


Healthful Choices


According to an article published by MyFit.ca, a balanced portion of the following healthful foods and drinks can help boost your metabolism: whole grains, rolled oats, almonds, natural yogurt, apples, peanut butter, beans, spinach, cayenne pepper, poultry, extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, salmon, green tea and water. According to an article published in Health magazine by Samantha Heller, M.S., R.D., having a sufficient amount of B vitamins and magnesium in your diet will support a healthy metabolism. If you think you cannot get enough of them naturally, you may want to consider taking a high-quality vitamin supplement.


Snack Often


If you eat only three times a day, you may be more likely to feel hungrier than you should and end up overeating at your next meal. By eating at least a few light snacks in the middle of the day, you can boost your body's fuel and avoid eating too much at one time. Combinations of carbohydrates and protein -- carrots and hummus, trail mix, or perhaps apples and cheddar cheese -- will help you feel full and keep your blood sugar balanced.

Tags: your body, interval training, your next meal, According article, According article published, article published

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Kids Safety Tips For Electrical Equipment

During the summer in particular, it's imperative that children have the necessary resources and information on electrical safety. A few basics can help ensure your children's safety.


Outdoor Power Lines








Children should beware of outdoor power lines and assume that all outdoor wiring is dangerous. Children should never touch an outdoor wire with any part of their body, or with another object. They should not throw items onto electrical lines or try to retrieve anything from aerial power lines.


Play in Open Areas


Children should fly kites and other airborne toys in open areas (fields, parks, etc.) away from aerial power lines. Should a kite, balloon or other toy get stuck in a power line, they should not attempt to retrieve it.


Climbing








Children should not attempt to climb trees near power lines, even if the two are not touching. Also, children should never climb a utility pole or play near electrical equipment.


Other Electric Safety Tips


Children should never venture into an electric substation, as the high-voltage electric equipment can prove fatal. They should never follow anyone in, either, but be told to call the local utility company to help rescue them. Children should keep all electrical toys at least 10 feet away from pools and wet surfaces, and should never touch these toys while wet or standing in water, as electricity flows quite easily through water.

Tags: should never, Children should, power lines, aerial power, aerial power lines, away from, Children should

Home Remedy For Gas & Belching

Gas and the resulting belching it causes are a subject most people find embarrassing. Nevertheless, gas, that uncomfortable, expanding feeling in your stomach or upper intestines, is talking to you. What is it saying? That depends on a number of things: what you just ate, how you ate it, whether you smoke, how tense you are, and how often you are bothered by it, among other things.


Description


Gas is simply too much air in the stomach or intestines. The digestive system is an "open" system, meaning it is open to the outside of the body. Food goes in, waste comes out. The doorways to the outside, the mouth and the anus, allow air into the system. Some air is easily processed and does not cause trouble. But if we take on too much air, we can find ourselves uncomfortable, bloated, even cramping. When air pressure in the stomach builds up enough, it has to go somewhere. That somewhere is out. Belching is the sudden release of air pressure in the stomach or upper intestines through the mouth. The more air built up, the louder the belch.








Causes


The discomfort of gas is caused by either swallowing air or producing it in the intestines. Eating too food too quickly, gulping food or drink, and chewing gum all create aerophagia, or the swallowing of air. Drinking carbonated sodas adds to the problem, as they already have air bubbles in them. Smoking produces excess saliva, which causes some people to take in more air. Loose fitting dentures are another cause of aerophagia.


Undigested or partially digested food in the intestines allows food to ferment and create gas by-products. The body has a hard time breaking down some types of carbohydrates, such as simple sugars like lactose. Also, starches, such as potatoes and pasta, naturally produce gas as they pass through the digestive tract.


Asafoetida


One of the most popular home remedies for gas and belching is a spice called asafoetida. Also known as stinking gum, devil's dung and food of the gods, asafoetida is native to Iran and has been used as a digestive aid for centuries. A pinch in warm water may provide relief from gas. Or mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of dry ginger powder and a little salt in eight ounces of warm water. Asafoetida can also be sprinkled on food as a spice. It works to reduce gas in foods such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. You can also make a poultice by soaking a cloth in hot water with 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida and placing it directly on the abdomen for cramping. Note that asafoetida has a very strong smell and must be stored in an airtight container.








Other Remedies


Take digestive enzymes to help digest food. Enzymes are crucial for digestive health and to reduce gas, bloating and belching. A daily probiotic supplement also helps digestion and cuts down on gas. This is especially important if you are over 40, because we have less enzymes and digestive flora in the gut as we age. Check out http://beatthebloat.com/ to buy enzymes and find helpful information.


If these measures are not getting the results you need, it is time to avoid gas producing foods, such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, cauliflower, whole wheat flour, radishes, bananas and apricots. If you are lactose intolerant, add dairy products to that list, or take lactic acid bacteria as a supplement to help you digest milk products.


Finally, drink chamomile tea after meals or at bedtime. It improves digestion and helps release trapped gas in the system.


Considerations


For most people, gas and belching, while an embarrassing nuisance, are a normal part of life. But for others, chronic belching is a sign of an upper gastrointestinal disorder such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), delayed gastric emptying or even a peptic ulcer. Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, also may present itself as too much gas and belching. If belching is constant or excessive and these home remedies don't give relief, be evaluated by a doctor to rule out a more serious condition.

Tags: broccoli Brussels, broccoli Brussels sprouts, Brussels sprouts, foods such, help digest, home remedies, most people

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Plant Patchouli For Oil







Patchouli adds a fresh, spicy scent to your home.


Patchouli oil is a centuries-old cosmetic product used as a perfume, a conditioner for oily hair and a fixative for other scents in soaps and candles. The essential oil may be expensive, but growing your own patchouli plant negates this expense. Even if you're not interested in distilling essential oils, the patchouli plant gives your home a light, spicy fragrance. It grows teardrop-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers that complement any d cor.


Instructions


1. Fill a 1 quart terracotta pot with a balanced mix of peat moss, vermiculite and pearlite up to about 1 inch below the rim.


2. Poke your finger about an inch into the soil mix. Place a single seed into the hole and cover it with soil. Don't pack down the soil. You may plant up to three seeds in one pot, spacing them about 4 inches apart.


3. Place a single layer of river stones in your flood tray. Place the pot on the flood tray and water the soil until the flood tray is about halfway full. Enough water should trickle into the tray to fill the flood tray completely. Water below the pot should keep the air around the pot moist and humid.


4. Place the pot in a sunny to partially shady windowsill. You can also place it in a room that gets bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day. Water the soil with about a cup of water each day; your patchouli plant must never dry out.


5. Replace the water in the flood tray every week. Standing water could grow fungus and algae that could kill your plant. Lukewarm or room temperature water works best.

Tags: flood tray, patchouli plant, about inch, Place single, your home

Neck Pain Symptoms Related To Shoulder Pain

Pain in your shoulder area can result in additional stress and strain on your back and neck. Similarly, pain in the neck region can radiate down into the shoulder region. The muscles and nerves in the area all work together in creating stability in your upper torso, so it is no wonder that you may experience pain unrelated to your original injury. Understanding the anatomy of the shoulder and neck region will help to create a proper treatment plan that minimizes additional aches and pains.








Anatomy


Within the neck are seven vertebrae cushioned with discs and connected with muscles, tendons and ligaments. The job of the muscles is to provide mobility and support of the head as it sits on your shoulders. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The shoulder girdle extends well beyond the top of your arm, through the shoulder girdle and moving across the collar bones and scapula bones in the back. The muscles stabilizing the shoulder move in many directions.


Neck or Shoulder Pain?


Where does the pain originate? Many people experiencing neck pain over an extended period of time may develop pain spreading over the shoulder region. This may be the more common condition, but does not rule out pain starting in the shoulder and moving up into the neck. The reason is that your body will compensate for any pain and injury. The nerves in the neck enervate the shoulder. If you are experiencing neck pain, you may subsequently be experiencing nerve issues including weakness and numbness in the shoulder. Additionally, a shoulder pain may require the neck to create more support than it normally does when the shoulder is healthy.


Creating Stability


With any injury it is important to improve muscle strength of the surrounding regions because they provide support and compensation for an injury. When it comes to your neck and shoulder, you want to work with your doctor or physiotherapist to make sure the exercises you are doing don't create any further damage. In cases where you have a cervical herniation, you may need to have the herniation removed before you can do anything else to stabilize the joint.








Physical Therapy


Physical therapy for the neck and shoulders starts first and foremost with flexibility. You need to stretch the muscles in all the directions they are meant to go. Anyone who has ever had a neck or shoulder injury knows that the most difficult part of the entire process is regaining a full range of motion. And unfortunately, a lot of the strength of the neck and shoulder come from having a full range of motion.


Stretches include cervical flexion and extension (raising and lowering your chin) as well as lateral flexion (placing your ear to your shoulder). Work on rotation as well by looking from side to side. As you improve neck flexibility, place a hand pushing in the opposite direction of the stretch to improve strength.


Shoulder exercises start with arm rotations as well as bringing your hands clasped behind your back and raising them. You can also clasp hands with one coming from behind your back and the other from over your head. Shoulder shrugs will improve strength as will lateral pulls or rowing exercises. Build strength slowly to prevent further injury.


Preventing Further Pain


The best way to prevent pain extending from one injury to the other is to deal with the first problem as soon as possible. If you are having neck pain, rest your neck and limit activity that stresses your cervical spine. After all, you head still needs to be held up even if your neck is injured and it will call on other muscles that aren't as perfectly positioned to help, such as your shoulder. The same is true of your shoulder, resting it will help prevent pain in other areas. Check your posture to make sure that you are not standing or sitting in a way that adds stress and strain to either the neck or shoulders or both. Improved posture is one of the best ways to prevent neck and back pain in the long run.

Tags: your shoulder, neck pain, your back, your neck, behind your, behind your back, experiencing neck

Care For Elderly Patients







To care properly for elderly patients, you need to be professional yet compassionate, knowledgeable yet flexible. It is not a job everyone can perform, yet it is a rewarding job for those who choose it as their career. While it can be both physically and emotionally demanding, you can do certain things to make caring for the elderly easier for both of you.


Be Compassionate


Though you learned by a book doesn't mean you have to be as crisp as the pages of that book. Always keep in mind that you are taking care of a human being who may have little or no family left, she may have lost her home with only her memory to rely on for comfort, and be left with a room she has to share. All of these things often have an impact on her emotionally; this is when you should take a few moments and provide her with someone to talk to, someone who shows caring about how she feels.


Review the Care Plan


An elder's care plan tells you everything you need to know, from the type of food he can eat to how he needs to be bathed. It is essential you follow this care plan just as it is written and check it daily for any changes. For instance, if an elder is diabetic and receives ice cream for dessert, it can be fatal if you do not notice it and call the dietary department for a sugar-free dessert. Also, if an elder requires two people to lift them out of bed and you choose to do it alone, it can result in a fall and injury. By ignoring the care plan, you can have your certification or license revoked.








Show Respect


This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of caring for the elderly. There may be times when you are caring for someone with dementia who isn't making any sense when she talks. This does not give you the right to mock her in any way; you still need to treat her with respect and carry on the conversation so they enjoy it. Remember, it is about her, not you. You also need to knock before entering a patient's rooms and introduce yourself before providing care for a new patient. Just because they need your help doesn't mean you have the right to treat them like children.


Be Flexible


Flexibility is especially important when approaching an elderly patient for care. You may enter his room with a specific routine in mind, which fits into your schedule. However, you need to adapt to his needs rather than him adapting to yours. If patients want to wash themselves and are capable, let them, even if you could do it faster. If they would like to get their clothes, even if you can do it faster, let them. And if they would prefer to brush their teeth before they get dressed, let them. It may be the routine they have had for years; they are entitled to keep it.

Tags: care plan, caring elderly, doesn mean, doesn mean have, mean have, they would

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

How Do You Catch H Pylori Bacteria

What is Helicobacter Pylori?


Helicobacter pylori is a type of germ, or bacteria, that survives inside the stomach. While most people have this germ, a portion of those infected will experience inflammation of the stomach lining, ulcers and other issues as a result of being infected. Most germs that find their way into the stomach cannot survive due to the high acidity levels required for digestion. However, Helicobacter pylori has an increased resistance to stomach acid. It is unclear why the Helicobacter pylori bacteria does not pose problems with some, yet infiltrates the stomach lining in others causing stomach inflammation, with the potential of creating ulcers or even cancer. The infection presented with Helicobacter pylori remains in the stomach and does not spread to other areas of the body.


Oral Transmission








Helicobacter pylori is a prevalent germ, found in all areas of the world. It is probably the most common bacterial infection in the world. Although it is uncertain where the bacteria originates, it may enter the body through the mouth via contaminated food, beverage or other contaminated object. Once in the body, it finds its way to the stomach where it sets up residence. Additionally, an infected person can infect another person through saliva by kissing, or by eating after the infected person.


Pet Transmission


Both dogs and cats can contract a Helicobacter infection. However, the types of Helicobacter that infect dogs and cats are different from the human form of pylori. A small percentage of people are affected with Helicobacter canis, which is the type of dog Helicobacter. Treatment for humans with Helicobacter canis is the same as Helicobacter pylori.


Prevention


Researchers and doctors are not certain how Helicobacter pylori is acquired in the human population. Currently there is not a vaccine for it, therefore, the best means of protection is prevention. The most effective method of prevention is to wash hands thoroughly before eating or cooking, after visiting the bathroom and after contact with pets. Eat food that has been prepared in a clean area and drink water, and beverages made with water, from a safe and reliable source.

Tags: Helicobacter pylori, Helicobacter pylori, with Helicobacter, dogs cats, Helicobacter canis, infected person

Clean A Purple Amethyst Rock

Purple amethyst represents royalty, sobriety and devotion.


Cherished for its exquisite craftsmanship, vibrant colors and healing properties, amethyst is a bountiful type of quartz. Although all amethyst gemstones are valuable, jewelers and collectors regard deep purple amethyst more highly than other shades of amethyst. Egyptian and British royalty wore purple amethyst jewels centuries ago. Like all gemstones, purple amethyst crystals accumulate grime and oil, which dull their radiance. Regularly cleaning purple amethyst restores its vibrant beauty and luster. Carefully clean purple amethyst rocks using mild solutions.


Instructions


1. Fill a clean bowl with 1 qt. hot water. Stir 1 tbsp. mild dishwashing liquid into the hot water.


2. Submerge the purple amethyst rock in the solution. Let the amethyst soak in the solution for 15 minutes to allow the mild soap to dissolve grime from the rock's surface.








3. Scrub the entire rock gently with a soft bristle brush, such as a clean toothbrush. Remove all grime residue and oil from the rock.


4. Rinse the amethyst rock thoroughly with distilled water. Unlike tap water, distilled water ensures no mineral deposits develop on the rock's surface after rinsing it.


5. Wipe the amethyst gently with a microfiber cloth or towel to absorb moisture.








6. Place the amethyst on a fresh microfiber cloth or towel to air-dry completely.


7. Store the clean amethyst separately in a box lined with soft fabric for preservation.

Tags: purple amethyst, amethyst rock, cloth towel, distilled water, from rock, gently with, microfiber cloth

Monday, May 24, 2010

Handwashing Activities For Preschoolers

Keep her healthy; help her to wash her hands.


It's difficult for a preschooler to conceptualize germs because, well, germs are invisible. And what she can't see she doesn't think exists. So teaching her to wash her hands to get rid of those germs---that she doesn't think exist---sounds like a near impossible task. But washing hands---the best way to avoid getting sick and making others sick---is too important a lesson to give up, so below are some creative handwashing activities to help teach her how. Remember, keep it fun!


Singing


Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, kids can count this time by singing a song that is about 20 seconds long, or singing a shorter song twice. This approach entertains the child while he washes and helps him do a thorough job. The CDC recommends singing "Happy Birthday" twice, but there are plenty of other songs to sing, too, and ones that are more suited to handwashing (test their times to see if they need to be sung twice). Adaptations of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and "Old MacDonald" are just two examples of popular children's songs that now have been repurposed for handwashing. You can find the lyrics to these two and more at www.preschooleducation.com/shealth.shtml. You can switch up the songs, but keep the activity of singing consistent. Start a routine so that when a child goes to the bathroom to wash his hands, he sings. The routine will help him associate the two and make him think of washing as something he wants to do.


Story Time


The CDC website is a helpful resource for how and when to wash your hands. The concepts of washing with warm, clean water and soap; washing before eating or treating a cut; and washing after handling animals, blowing your nose or going to the bathroom are great to share with your preschooler. But don't overwhelm her with details; instead, help her learn by watching someone else do it. Create a fictional story and, as the character battles warlords or digs for China, make her pause and wash her hands. Your preschooler will have fun with the story and she'll learn again and again when she should wash her hands. Feel free to use a more concrete story in the form of a children's book about handwashing. There are plenty to choose from at your local library or bookstore.


Make the Sink Fun








If you make the sink fun and visually stimulating, a child will be more likely to go in to wash his hands. A couple of ways to make this happen is to provide a child-safe stool, which gives the feeling of "I can do it myself"---something every preschooler loves to think. Also, have a colorful or bubbly soap. If the soap is fun, kids will be more likely to wash in general and wash for longer.


Apply These With Your Preschooler








Activities like these will help your preschooler start a habit of washing her hands because she'll find it fun. And if you haven't caught on, the common link between all these activities is the emphasis on modeling and repetition. In addition to the above, make sure she pays attention when her classmates wash, and make sure parents and teachers model good washing behaviors. If everyone around the preschooler is washing, she'll likely wash, too.

Tags: wash hands, likely wash, doesn think, make sure, more likely, more likely wash

Food For Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. The thyroid produces an array of hormones that regulate metabolism and protein synthesis. When production of these hormones is low, the condition called hypothyroidism, symptoms ranging from fatigue to hair loss can result. Using food for hypothyroidism treatment can help stimulate thyroid hormone production by increasing your intake of important nutrients. There are also important foods that interfere with thyroid hormone production that should be avoided.


Protein


The amino acid necessary for production of thyroid hormones is L-Tyrosine. Though the body usually produces L-Tyrosine, many protein-rich foods contain this amino acid. Eating chicken, turkey, fish, almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, seeds and legumes will increase your body's available supply and facilitate normal thyroid function.


Iodine


Another necessary ingredient in thyroid hormone production is iodine, which must be taken through the diet. Iodized table salt contains enough iodine to prevent goiter, another condition of the thyroid, but generally does not contain enough to prevent or reverse hypothyroidism. Seafood is usually the best source of iodine in the diet. Iodized salt can be used to increase total iodine intake to between 300 and 400 mcg per day, but daily intake should not 600 mcg per day.


Selenium


Selenium is a mineral that functions to produce some of the varieties of thyroid hormone. Between 100 to 200 mcg per day are prescribed for hypothyroidism. Many protein-rich foods are also good sources of selenium, especially Brazil nuts, turkey, oats, cod, tuna, eggs and rice. Selenium can be toxic at doses above 400 mcg, so moderation is necessary when increasing selenium intake or using supplements.


Other Nutrients


Zinc, vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, and the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E are also involved in improving thyroid function. To increase your intake of these foods, it is recommended to eat whole grain bread products (zinc and B vitamins), cold-pressed olive oil (for vitamin E), dairy products, meat and shellfish (B12). Eating these foods in variety provides many essential nutrients that nourish the thyroid and promote general health.








Foods to Avoid


Foods that interfere with thyroid hormone production are goitrogens. These foods should ideally be avoided, but if they are consumed they should be cooked to deactivate their goitrogenic effect. Common goitrogens include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, soy, spinach, peanuts, peaches and pine nuts. It's also recommended to avoid stimulants including caffeine and nicotine, and alcohol.

Tags: thyroid hormone, hormone production, thyroid hormone production, amino acid, dairy products, diet Iodized, increase your

Friday, May 21, 2010

Difference Of Male And Female Jellyfish

There are male and female jellyfish.


Jellyfish belong to the phylum Cnidaria, a structurally simple group of marine animals. Easily identified by a layer of mesoglea or "middle jelly," jellyfish reproduce sexually and are distinguished as either male or female.


Location of Sex Organs


The reproductive organs, or gonads, develop in the lining of the gut, also known as the gastrodermis.


Identification


Mature gonads are brightly colored and will vary in color depending on the state of the animal's maturity and sometimes sex.








Male Reproductive Role


Male jellyfish release sperm from their mouth, a method of reproduction known as mass spawning. Some of the sperm will reach the mouth of a female, where fertilization occurs.


Female Reproductive Role


Fertilization occurs once the sperm reach the eggs in the female's mouth. Depending on the species, the fertilized eggs are either stored in the female's mouth or in brood pouches on her oral arms.


Physical Differences


Male gonads may be a different color from female gonads. Adult female jellyfish can be identified by the eggs she holds in her mouth or by brood pouches in the oral arms.

Tags: brood pouches, brood pouches oral, female jellyfish, female mouth, male female

Get Treatment For A Cleft Lip Cleft Palate Baby

Get Treatment for a Cleft Lip Cleft Palate Baby


Cleft lip and cleft palate are both birth defects. The cleft results from incomplete fusion of the lip and/or palate during the first few months of gestation. Sometimes these birth defects are an indication of a genetic disorder. Treatment for cleft lip and palate involves a team approach including various medical professionals.


Instructions


1. Work with your pediatrician to establish a team of professionals to guide you through the treatment process. Professionals on your team should include a plastic surgeon, dentist, speech and language specialist, social worker or counselor, psychologist, audiologist, ear-nose-throat (ENT) doctor, and genetic counselor.








2. Evaluate your baby's ability to breast-feed. Some babies are able to feed normally, while others require special feeding devices. Discuss feeding options with your pediatrician.


3. Discuss options for clef lip repair, which typically occurs between birth and three months of age. Cleft palate repair typically occurs after cleft lip repair, typically prior to one year of age.


4. Talk with an ENT doctor about the increased likelihood for ear infections. Some ENT's will place tubes in a child's ear early to prevent repeated ear infections.


5. Ask for a complete speech and language evaluation as your child begins talking. This can be done privately or through your state's early childhood intervention program.


6. Get a complete psychological evaluation to determine your child's developmental progress and cognitive ability.


7. Take your child for regular dental visits. Keep in mind that your team may require a orthodontist as your child ages.

Tags: your child, birth defects, Cleft Cleft, Cleft Cleft Palate, cleft palate

Boost B Vitamins With Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is one of the most valuable nutritional supplements, particularly for those looking to boost protein and B vitamins. Nutritional yeast is naturally rich in most B complex vitamins and is now available fortified with B12 as well. It tastes great and a little goes a long way.








Instructions


1. Place nutritional yeast in a salt shaker with a spoonful of rice an use it regularly as a condiment for meals and snacks. You can sprinkle the yeast onto your meals, including salads, vegetable sides, rice, mashed potatoes and more. It can even be sprinkled on popcorn as a nutritional substitute for butter and salt.


2. Add 1/2 tsp. of nutritional yeast for every cup of liquid in gravies and sauces. The nutritional yeast boosts your B vitamin content, while adding flavor and helping to thicken your sauces and gravies.








3. Boost B-vitamins by mixing 1 Tbsp. of nutritional yeast for every 2 cups of other ingredients when making veggie or meat burgers, casseroles, stews and more. Because of it's fantastic cheesy flavor, it can also be sprinkled on pizza, lasagna, tacos, burritos and more.


4. Bake with nutritional yeast, adding 1 tsp. of yeast for each cup of flour used. The flavor will be a subtle addition for a boost in nutrition to sweet or salty baked goods.

Tags: nutritional yeast, Nutritional yeast, nutritional yeast every, yeast every

Thursday, May 20, 2010

What Measures Does Hospice Provide For Pallative Treatment For Cancer Patients

Hospice provides physical, emotional and spiritual care for patients with cancer.


Patients with terminal illnesses reach a point where treatment is no longer effective. At the end of their lives, patients need specialized care to make their last days comfortable. Hospice provides that care. Along with physical needs such as pain and symptom relief, hospice also attends to the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and provides support services to the family.


Role


The intent of hospice care is to improve the quality of life specifically for patients in the end stages of terminal conditions, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Hospice care, which can be provided in the home, hospital or other long-term care facility, focuses on compassionate care and patient dignity. Patients with cancer enter hospice when they no longer benefit from treatment and have a life expectancy of 6 months or less.The goal is to enable patients to live their last months free of pain and symptoms associated with their condition or its treatment. Unlike medial care that treats only the condition, hospice care addresses the whole patient.








Palliative Care


Palliative care for patients with cancer is limited to relieving, preventing or reducing the symptoms of cancer. It provides comfort, not a cure, for patients suffering from serious illnesses, according to the American Geriatric Society (AGS). Palliative care aims to improve a patient's quality of life and improve his strength so he can better tolerate medications and treatments. A patient may receive palliative care while still receiving active treatment or near the end of life.


Physical Care


When a patient with cancer enters hospice care, treatment of the cancer is no longer a concern and pain relief becomes the primary focus. Pain management leaves the patient alert and in control while making them comfortable. Palliative care provided by hospice also encompasses relief of other symptoms common in late-stage cancer, such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, depression, delirium, wasting and breathing difficulties.


Emotional Care


The multidisciplinary hospice team includes mental health professionals and clergy who help guide patients. Emotional and spiritual care is tailored to the needs and beliefs of each patient, according to the ACS. Health professionals counsel patients on talking to loved ones about their impending death and preparing themselves for farewells. Hospice workers help patients manage stress and put their affairs in order.


Support Services


Hospice provides services for the families of patients as well. For patients receiving hospice care in their own homes, hospice provides respite care to allow family caregivers time for themselves. Social workers, who are also members of the hospice team, arrange family conferences to deliver updates on the patient's condition and prepare the family for downturns in the patient's condition. After the patient dies, hospice workers continue supporting the family, offering bereavement counseling for up to 18 months, according to the ACS.

Tags: hospice care, with cancer, Hospice provides, according American, care patients, care patients with

Good Foods To Eat For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can encompass a variety of different symptoms. It can involve sensitivity or even intolerance to certain foods and cause digestive problems. Many people suffering from IBS will have alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Additionally, symptoms may worsen when a person is under a certain level of stress. The good news is that there are some dietary changes a person with IBS can make to help avoid and reduce the symptoms of the condition.








Bland Foods


When you are having an irritable bowel episode that involves an upset stomach and diarrhea, it is a good idea to eat only bland foods until the episode passes. Bland foods are very mild and are unlikely to cause further symptoms. Bland foods include white bread or toast, white rice and applesauce. You also will want to replace any electrolytes your body may be losing by drinking something like Gatorade. It is important for you to try to eat and drink even when your symptoms are flaring up, because not eating can potentially make your symptoms worse, cause you to become light headed or cause you to become dehydrated.


Soothing Foods


There are certain foods you can eat that may help soothe your upset stomach caused by IBS. Peppermint candy or tea may have a soothing effect, because peppermint tends to neutralize stomach acid. Additionally, ginger cookies, candy or ginger ale may help calm your stomach as well.


Fiber








If you suffer from IBS, you should consistently eat foods that are high in fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and can help keep you regular, reducing episodes of constipation and helping you to avoid hemorrhoids, which can be caused from straining. Fruits, vegetables and whole-wheat foods are generally high in fiber. Additionally, there are a number of fiber supplements available on grocery store shelves today.


Low Fat Foods


Irritable bowel symptoms can be triggered when a person with the condition eats greasy foods or foods that are high in fat. It is a good idea to choose foods that are lower in fat as a part of your regular diet. You can opt for similar alternatives such as choosing baked potato chips over traditional potato chips.


Safe Foods


IBS tends to manifest differently from person to person. For this reason, it is important for you to test your reaction to different foods. If you notice a particular food causes symptoms a couple of times, you may want to avoid it. It is a good idea to keep a list of foods that tend to flare up your symptoms, so you know what to avoid.

Tags: foods that, good idea, your symptoms, Bland foods, cause become, certain foods, Foods Irritable

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate

As men grow older, their chances for an enlarged prostate increase. Enlarged prostates can result in discomfort, and many symptoms become readily apparent. The severity of the condition varies in men, however, and roughly half of men with an enlarged prostate never have symptoms that are severe enough to warrant them seeking medical attention. Have your prostate examined by a doctor each time you have a physical.








Very Early Symptoms








Acute prostatitis, or more commonly an enlarged prostate, often begins with a few telltale symptoms. The most basic are fever and chills. Because these are fairly common symptoms for most diseases, few people connect them to an enlarged prostate.


Early Symptoms


Enlarged prostates can cause a variety of discomforts and pains. These pains are early symptoms that your prostate may be enlarged. If you are experiencing chills or fever in addition to these pains, this is a clear indication of an enlarged prostate. The pains can include lower abdominal discomfort, pain in the area between the genitals and the anus, and burning during urination.


Progressive Symptoms


If the prostate goes unchecked, the pain can increase and spread. You will also experience changes to your urinary habits. Urination will become a strain, and you will feel the need to go more frequently. Your urine will come out in spurts, frequently stopping and starting during the process.


Additional Symptoms


An enlarged prostate could result in a urinary tract infection. This will make urinating extremely painful. The urinary tract infection could also spread to the epididymis, causing epididymitis. Hematuria, which is the term for blood in the urine, is also possible.


Consult Your Doctor


If you experience any changes to your usual habits, consult your doctor. Prostate exams are important during your routine checkup. If you fear your prostate has become infected or enlarged, schedule a consultation with your doctor. By keeping on top of your prostate's health, you will be able to avoid these symptoms and the difficulties that come with an enlarged prostate.

Tags: enlarged prostate, your prostate, changes your, Early Symptoms, Enlarged prostates, experience changes

Recognize The Symptoms Of A Failed Root Canal

Recognize the Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal


Root canals have a sinister reputation and the odd horror story about failed operations can convince people that routine side effects are actually the symptoms of something much worse. Failed root canals occur when the number of the tooth's canals are not spotted or removed or when infection creeps back in to the tooth pulp. They're very infrequent, but you can recognize them through certain specific signs.


Instructions


1. Notice excessive tooth pain that does not fade over time. A certain amount of ache usually accompanies a root canal--lingering after-effects of the condition it corrected--but if the pain persists over time or grows worse, it may signal that the root canal has failed.


2. Look for a tenderness to the tooth's bite or sensitivity while eating. A post-op root canal always involves a little tenderness, which is why dentists recommend eating soft foods after the procedure. However, sensitivity that lingers or that may flare up again after time has passed may suggest symptoms that your dentist should know about.


3. Recognize a lack of temperature sensitivity in the tooth. Our teeth tend to respond to extremes in temperature, such as easting ice cream or very hot soup. If the tooth involved in the root canal doesn't reflect those sensitivities, something might be wrong.


4. Examine your gums around the tooth for swelling or discoloration. Inflamed gums are often the most prominent sign of a failed root canal, as they may mean that the bacteria and decay are continuing to irritate the surrounding tissue.


5. Watch for the development of a new infection, especially fluid from the tooth. If bacteria seeps back in to the part of the tooth that the dentist cleaned out during the root canal, it can create problems of this nature, resulting in a need to return to the dentist to correct the problem.








6. Follow up with x-rays from your dentist. While many of these symptoms may suggest a failed root canal, the best way to know for sure is to let your dentist take a new series of x-rays. Generally, changes will appear from one set of x-rays to the next if the root canal has failed.

Tags: root canal, your dentist, canal failed, over time, Recognize Symptoms, Recognize Symptoms Failed, root canal

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

How Do Hmos Make Money







The term managed care was first introduced sometime around the late 1920s and refers to a system of medical care based on prepaid contracts. Managed health care did not become popular until the 1980s when the skyrocketing cost of health care demanded widespread change. Until then, the traditional style of health care made patients pay when they had a service performed. This is referred to as fee for service. Health and Maintenance Organizations or HMOs came about with the implementation of the federal Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973. This law made most U.S. states have an overall standard of health insurance. These federal standards said an HMO "had to provide a comprehensive set of medical services for a prepaid fee with minimal co-payments and could not deny coverage to patients with preexisting illnesses."


Organized mainly in two ways, the first type of HMO is typically called a group practice. This is the type of HMO that has doctors and other health-care related services, along with hospitals, available at its own location. It is not unusual that some of these locations are even owned by the federal government, which in turn has its own group practices. There is current criticism of this practice as some perceive it is unethical for the government to gain monetarily from laws they enact.








Health-care providers may be either independent contractors or workers within an HMO. Some of these types of HMOs are referred to as staff model HMOs. The other, known as independent practice, provides services via a contractual relationship, whereby doctors, health-care providers and hospitals are in private practice. Typically, doctors who participate in HMOs get paid a flat rate whether a patient uses their services or not. The fixed fee is paid out to them on a monthly basis. HMOs enroll as many people as possible and make it common practice to pay out as little as possible. This is one way they primarily continue to make huge profits. They reduce costs by providing very little service while increasing premiums every year.

Tags: health care, Health Maintenance

Prevent Corns And Calluses

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that result from pressure. If this pressure continues, the skin get thicker and can become painful or unsightly. This is when we seek treatment. However, in many cases corns and calluses can be prevented. Simply follow these steps:


Instructions








1. Change your footwear. This may be all that is necessary, since the most common cause of a corn or callus is poorly fitting shoes. A shoe may be too tight or too loose and rub across the toes. If the shoe is a slip on style, then the toes will claw to hold the shoe on--making the toes more prone to pressure. A backless shoe does not support the foot and excessive friction may cause calluses to form at the back of the heel. So a good fitting shoe with a lace or strap and supportive heel is the first step in preventing calluses and corns from forming. In the warmer weather you may be able to wear an open toe shoe to prevent any direct pressure on the toes.


2. Apply an emollient or moisturizer to your feet after bathing or showering. It is best to do this when you are sitting down so that the it can soak into the skin. If your skin is very dry then you may be more prone to calluses and corns.


3. Dry your feet thoroughly paying particular attention between your toes. Avoid powders as they will get trapped between your toes and make the matter worse. An open toe shoe will help to keep your feet cool prevent excessive sweating. If your feet sweat a great deal, the sweat may collect between your toes and form a soft corn which can be very painful.








4. Rub any dry areas of dry skin with a pumice stone or foot file. Never attempt to cut the skin away.


5. Visit your podiatrist If you continue to get corns and calluses. They will be able to tell you the cause of the problem along with removing the corn or callus. In some cases the cause may be due to a mechanical or structural problem with your foot. For example, corns often form on the toes as a result of a bunion.

Tags: your feet, between your, between your toes, your toes, areas skin, calluses corns

Types Of Ocean Organisms

It is estimated that around 70 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water. The Pacific, Atlantic, Indian and Arctic oceans are the largest bodies of water on earth. Oceans play a key role in maintaining the health of the planet and ensuring the survival of mankind. Not only do they influence weather systems, the oceans also contain life in abundance. Diverse and complex ecosystems house a vast array of ocean organisms including mammals, fish, crustaceans, sessile animals and microorganisms.


Marine Mammals


Marine mammals--such as seals, sea lions, walruses, manatees, dugongs, whales, dolphins and porpoises--are among the largest animals in the oceans. Marine mammals are classified as vertebrates; that's the classification name for animals that have a backbone. Like land mammals, marine mammals are warm-blooded, deliver live young, produce milk and have hair or fur. Marine mammals also obtain their oxygen from the air using lungs. However, while some marine mammals can dive very deep and hold their breath underwater for long periods of time, they must frequently return to the surface to breathe.


Fish


Thousands of species of fish populate the earth's oceans. Fish appear in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some well-known species include clown fish, blow fish and parrot fish. Many species--including tuna, catfish, salmon and trout--serve as a major food source for humans. Like mammals, fish have skeletons that are made of bone. Instead of a bony skeleton, however, some species of fish--such as sharks, rays and skates--have skeletons made of a strong substance known as cartilage. However, unlike mammals that use lungs to breathe, fish obtain oxygen directly from the water using gill slits.


Crustaceans








Crustaceans are a type of arthropod. They are also plentiful in the oceans. Well-known species include crabs, lobsters, krill, barnacles, crayfish and shrimp. Like fish, crustaceans also obtain oxygen using gills; they serve as a major food source for humans. Unlike mammals and fish, crustaceans are invertebrates; that's the term for organisms without a backbone. Instead of an internal skeleton, crustaceans are equipped with a hard external skeleton made of chitin that protects their internal organs. In a process called molting, crustaceans shed and replace their exoskeletons as they grow.


Sessile Animals








Many ocean organisms are motile and have the ability to swim freely through the waters or move along the ocean floor. Sessile organisms, however, cannot move about freely and are confined to a fixed location. Sessile animals include sponges, corals and barnacles. Some of these animals are sessile throughout their entire lives. Others may be sessile in either their larval or adult stage, and they may be motile in the other. While they may appear vulnerable, these organisms have unique adaptations that help them survive. To obtain food, some sessile animals strain particles from the water in a process called filter feeding. To defend themselves against predators, they often contain toxic substances or stinging cells.


Microorganisms


Microorganisms are the most plentiful organisms in the oceans. Some of these microorganisms can be harmful to both humans and marine life. Others are essential to the health of the oceans and their inhabitants. When animals die in the oceans, bacteria help to decompose the bodies and return nutrients back into the environment. Certain species of bacteria also enable the bioluminescence exhibited by some ocean organisms. Plankton are microorganisms that serve as the foundation of the marine food chain. They are a major source of food for many ocean organisms.

Tags: fish crustaceans, mammals fish, ocean organisms, also obtain, animals oceans, food source, food source humans

Monday, May 17, 2010

Glioblastoma Side Effects

Glioblastoma Side Effects


A brain tumor is a group of cells that have grown and multiplied abnormally. Tumors that begin in the brain from brain cells are called primary tumors; secondary tumors are cancerous cells that have come from somewhere else in the body and seated themselves in the brain. Glioblastoma is a virulent, fast-growing tumor that starts in the glia which are the support cells for the brain that nourish the brain and help guide signals that are transmitted along the neurons. Separated into two classifications, primary and secondary, glioblastoma has no cure and is usually fatal. Glioblastoma can have an array of symptoms, some more common than others.


Headache


Because a glioblastoma happens in the brain, when it grows, it takes up space. This causes increased intercranial pressure as fluids build up in the brain and have nowhere to go. Headache is one of the most common symptoms of brain tumor, occurring in over 75 percent of those diagnosed. Head pain that is due to increased pressure has often been misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches. The headache will often cause nausea and vomiting and seems to be unaffected by analgesics. Often, patients with glioblastoma have reported that the headache is worse in the morning, which may have something to do with having lain down all night.


Neurological Symptoms


Depending on in which area of the brain the glioma has seated, neurological symptoms can vary, but the most common is a glioma in the cerebrum, that part of the brain that governs consciousness and voluntary actions. The symptoms commonly reported are weakness in one arm or one leg, numbness in one extremity, hearing loss or loss of eyesight. Because some of these neurological symptoms can mimic stroke, it is always a good idea to get yourself checked out if you are experiencing any of the above.


Seizures


Seizures will occur in patients with a glioblastoma roughly 60 percent of the time. One type of seizure is a "simple focal seizure" that involves your senses (the smell of burnt feathers or tar) and affects your motor functions (a "twitch" in your arms or legs). This type of seizure is over very quickly, and usually the patient does not lose consciousness. Often mistaken for epilepsy, a grand-mal seizure from a glioma will last only one or two minutes and will cause the patient to lose consciousness and exhibit twitching motions in his hands and feet. If a patient has a brain tumor on the frontal lobe (which governs emotions, personality and motor function), he may act confused, disoriented and perform repetitive movements.


Hydrocephalus


Hydrocephalus is from the Greek words "hydros," which means "water" and "cephalus," meaning "head" and is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) in the brain. The fluid is often under increased pressure due to the glioblastoma moving in and taking up space in the skull needed by the brain which can damage the brain by compressing the soft tissue. Often, patients with hydrocephalus due to glioblastoma will experience "sunsetting" of the eyes, where the eyes are continually cast down, which is caused by intercranial pressure. Urinary incontinence is also one of the unfortunate side effects.


Behavioral Issues








Other indicators of glioblastoma can be cognitive, or involving the mind and the senses. Patients under medical care for glioma have reported problems with short-term memory, difficulty concentrating and confusion or disorientation, as well as some behavioral changes. Some patients find themselves easily irritated and short tempered, often blowing things up out of proportion. Aphasia, which is the inability to find the right word to express yourself, can be an issue, too. Depression can also occur.


Considerations


These symptoms can also happen in people without a brain tumor and can actually signal the presence of other diseases and conditions. If you have suspicions or are worried that you might have a glioblastoma or some other neurological condition, see your doctor.

Tags: brain tumor, patients with, brain that, cells that, cells that have, Glioblastoma Side, Glioblastoma Side Effects

How Do Braces Pull Teeth Back

Equipment


For those with teeth and bite issues, braces can work wonders. They slowly move teeth into proper position, and, in doing so, can alleviate bite, chewing difficulties and even jaw pain. To accomplish this feat, there are several things working at once. Wires, rubber bands and brackets combine to pull teeth into the correct position.


How They Work


To make the braces work, brackets are attached to the teeth with glue, and wires are run to each bracket attaching them all together. A small elastic band is placed around each bracket to keep the wires from slipping out of place. However, some brackets don't need elastic. The bands come in all colors, so the patients can have some say in how they look. The teeth move due to the pressure from the wires. As they move, the wires are tightened to move the teeth more. If a certain area needs more pull than others, rubber bands are added for additional movement.








Another Type


There is another type of braces that don't require wires, bands or brackets. They're clear and molded to the teeth of each individual mouth. They start with a mouth piece slightly off from where the teeth are currently located. The piece forces the teeth into the position of the mold. Once the teeth have moved to fit the mouth piece, a new mouth piece is started to force the teeth further into place. This continues until the teeth are in the correct position. These are used mainly with adults and were created so that the braces wouldn't be noticeable to others. They also seem to be a less painful option.

Tags: mouth piece, teeth into, bands brackets, braces work, correct position

Friday, May 14, 2010

Information On Teeth Whitening Products







Teeth whitening has become a huge industry as more people seek brighter and whiter teeth. There are many over-the-counter products that are effective in whitening teeth. What all these products do is use bleaching agents to remove stains from the teeth. But the best whitening treatments occur in a dentist's office. While products for home use can make teeth about two shades lighter, a dentist can make them eight shades whites, according to the Make My Teeth Whiter website.


Teeth Whitening Toothpastes








Toothpastes are the easiest way to whiten teeth. Teeth whitening toothpastes are regular toothpastes with added bleaching agents. Usually the bleach is a peroxide-based product. Hydrogen peroxide is popular and is used in higher strengths than you find in a bottle sold in drugstore. Consumer Reports magazine tested teeth whitening toothpastes. Colgate Max Fresh, Ultra Brite Advanced Whitening, and Colgate Luminous performed well in tests.


Using Whitening Strips


Whitening strips contain a bleaching substance and adhesive to attach to the teeth. The strips are easy to apply and most brands instruct you to leave the strips on for 30 minutes. Use the strips two times a day for 14 days. Over time the white strips will show a noticeable change.


Using Brush-On Gels


Whitening gels require a little more work. With these paint-on gels you use a tiny brush to paint the bleaching agent on each individual tooth. After applying the gel, leave on the teeth for one hour. Usually you do this two times a day for one to two weeks, depending on the brand. The Make My Teeth Whiter website reports that brush-on gels are the least effective teeth whitening method. "Unfortunately, saliva flow makes it almost impossible for it to work the way it is supposed to. This can cause blotches on your teeth," the website states. Also, the gel tastes terrible to most people.


Using Whitening Mouthguard Kits


The whitening mouthguard kits are the most complicated procedure, but can yield very good results in a short time. With these products, you use a tray to make a mold or impression of your teeth. Then you add whitening gel to the mouthguard tray and fit it around the teeth. You leave the mouthguard on for one to three hours or even overnight, depending on the brand. This process can be uncomfortable if the mouthguard does not fit well. A more expensive alternative is to buy a mouthguard kit from your dentist. With this method you get a custom fit. By using this type of mouthguard you get better whitening results.

Tags: bleaching agents, depending brand, Make Teeth, Make Teeth Whiter, Teeth Whiter, Teeth Whiter website, these products

How Is Hepatitis C Contracted

Unclean Needles


Hepatitis C can be contracted through any type of blood or blood products. Anytime there is blood-to-blood contact, there is a risk for contracting hepatitis or other diseases like HIV. The most common way to contract hepatitis C is through the use of needles used for tattooing, piercing or drugs. Anytime a needle is shared, there is a risk of contracting hepatitis C.


Labs


Sometimes, hepatitis C is contracted through products used in laboratories. People using dialysis machines and receiving blood transfusions run a high risk of contracting hepatitis C. Any person receiving a blood transfusion before 1990 ran a very high risk of contracting hepatitis, because tests for hepatitis weren't given to blood donors before they donated. Now, that there is a test in place to rule out donors with hepatitis.








More Ways


Hepatitis C can also be contracted during unprotected sex. Also, sharing any type of hygiene product like a toothbrush or razor that might contain a small amount of blood could put you in danger of contracting hepatitis. Kissing or hugging a person with hepatitis will not put you at risk of contracting the disease. Hepatitis C can only be contracted through contact with blood.

Tags: contracting hepatitis, risk contracting, risk contracting hepatitis, contracted through, high risk, high risk contracting

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Become A Chiropractor In The Uk

Legislation such as the Chiropractic Act of 1994 requires anyone practicing chiropractics in the United Kingdom to hold a 4-year degree, have proper insurance and abide by a government-regulated code of conduct. Find out what education options are available to you and register with the appropriate government regulatory agencies to become a chiropractor in the United Kingdom.


Instructions


1. Choose which school to attend for chiropractic education. You will need a full 4-year degree from an accredited school to practice chiropractics in the United Kingdom. The two schools that offer chiropractic education at national and international standards are The Anglo European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth and The Welsh Institute of Chiropractic at the University of Glamorgan (see Resources below).


2. Register with the General Chiropractic Council. After earning your degree in Chiropractics you are required by the Chiropractors' 1994 Act to register with the United Kingdom government regulator, the General Chiropractic Council. To register with the General Chiropractic Council, you will be required to fill out an application and submit references to your character and good standing (see Resources below).


3. Obtain professional indemnity insurance. All chiropractors practicing in the United Kingdom are required to hold professional indemnity insurance. This insurance can be arranged through an official organization such as the British Chiropractic Association (see Resources below).








4. Abide by the General Chiropractic Council Code of Practice and Standards of Proficiency. These standards advise on issues of how best to accommodate patient needs and define the parameters of acceptable and unacceptable conduct. The General Chiropractic Council Code of Practice and Standards of Proficiency can be found on the General Chiropractic Council website (see Resources below).


5. Complete a minimum of 30 hours Continued Professional Development each year. Your 30 hours of Continued Professional Development can be lectures, coursework, case conferences and more. You will be required to submit evidence of your Continued Professional Development to the General Chiropractic Council every year (see Resources below).


6. Renew your registration with the General Chiropractic Council annually.

Tags: Chiropractic Council, General Chiropractic, General Chiropractic Council, Resources below, United Kingdom

Treat A Rattle Snake Bite

Rattlesnake bites can be deadly if not treated properly.


About 8,000 snakebites occur each year, with about 1 percent of those resulting in death. Modern medicine and the development of anti-venom has drastically reduced the chances of dying from a snakebite. Nevertheless, proper procedures must be followed after a snake bite, particularly if the bite is from a poisonous rattlesnake. Too much misinformation regarding rattlesnake bite treatment is circulated; learn properly treat a rattlesnake bite.


Instructions


1. Remove the victim from the vicinity of the snake to prevent another bite and to protect yourself from a bite. Immediately contact emergency services or make arrangements to get the victim to a hospital to administer an anti-venom.


2. Use a bandage from the snake bite kit or a piece of cloth to wrap the area 2 to 4 inches above the snake bite. The bandage should be not be too tight or it may cause additional damage.


3. Keep the victim calm and help him manage his breathing. You do not want the victim to go into shock. Assure the victim everything will be okay and help is on the way. Keep the affected limb at a lower level than the victim's heart.








4. Use the snake bite pump, if you have the snake bite first aid kit. The pump will help extract venom from the wound.

Tags: snake bite, rattlesnake bite, snake bite

The Healing Properties Of Gemstone Beads

Crystals contain powerful healing energies.


Gemstone, or crystal beads, have been a part of spiritual, healing and magic ceremonies for thousands of years. Gemstone energies are employed to heal, impart wisdom, protect and change lives. These energies affect the physical, emotional, and mental bodies, as well as external circumstances. Gemstone beads are small pieces of crystal that have been drilled so they can be strung together as jewelry. Every gemstone has specific healing energies, regardless of size. Each crystal type has a mix of healing properties that is unique to that gemstone or gemstone family. Amethyst, quartz, lapis lazuli, bloodstone, moonstone and turquoise are six powerful and popular healing gemstone crystals.








Amethyst


Amethyst is a popular stone among healers.


Healers often wear amethyst to help focus their healing energy. According to lore and tradition, it can relieve physical and emotional pain, bolster the production of the hormones, and strengthen the elimination system. Migraines, insect bites, acne, and tumors are reputed to improve when an amethyst is applied to the skin. Amethyst is said to bring spiritual insight and promote good judgment, selflessness and happiness.


Quartz


Quartz wands come in a variety of colors.


Quartz is reputed to be the most versatile multipurpose healing stone. Quartz is applied to body to alleviate pain and reduce fever, stop bleeding and reduce burn blisters. Historically, quartz has been used as a diagnostic tool and to communicate with spirits. Quartz has been used for transformative healing at all levels: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.


Lapis Lazuli


Lapis is reported to balance thyroid gland function, purify the blood and strengthen the respiratory and immune systems. Lapis is said to relieve headaches and general pain. Lapis is also reputed to protect against depression, anxiety, and restlessness. Historically, it is said to promote clear understanding and intuition and to protect the wearer from both physical and psychic attacks


Bloodstone


Traditionally, bloodstone has been used to treat all types of blood problems. Crystal lore reports that bloodstone stops bleeding, treats anemia and blood disease, improves blood pressure issues, and treats cardiovascular disease. It is said to be an all-purpose healer and cleanser of the body. It is reported to be helpful with menstrual cramps, blood clots, and hemorrhoids. Bloodstone was given to pregnant and birthing women to protect them and their unborn children. It is said to be particularly good for emotional trauma and grief recovery.


Moonstone


Moonstone is considered to be a woman's stone--promoting fertility, strong female hormone balance, menopausal support, alleviation of menstrual pain and PMS, and assistance with the aging process and its transitions. Moonstone has a reputation for protecting women during pregnancy and childbirth. This crystal is reported to aid in the expression of love and balance emotions. Moonstone honors the Goddess in all women.


Turquoise


Turquoise is reported to be an all-purpose healing crystal.


Turquoise is reported to be a general healer for all illnesses and mental or emotional issues. Healers have used it to treat throat and lung infections, asthma, hypertension, rheumatism, gout, and viral infections. It is said to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, detoxify the body, and promote endurance. Turquoise is reputed to protect the wearer from harm, dispel fear, lift depression and provide a sense of happiness and contentment.

Tags: been used, alleviate pain, alleviate pain reduce, have been, healing energies

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Position The Head For A Neti Pot

Nasal irrigation with a neti pot provides gentle relief for allergies, congestion and sinus infections. Neti pot use comes to the Western world from Ayurveda, which the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine describes as an ancient "whole medical system." By using a solution of saline and water in the neti pot, you cleanse the nasal cavity and passages of excess mucus, dust and bacteria. Ayurvedic medicine claims that neti pot cleansing helps to maintain the balance of earth and water energies in the body.


Instructions


1. Stand in front of a sink.








2. Lean forward. Position your head over the sink basin.


3. Tilt your head to the left. In the correct position, your right nostril is above your left nostril.


4. Place the neti pot into your right nostril. Your nostril and the neti pot spout should create a seal -- no water should be able to escape.


5. Tilt the neti pot. If your head is in the correct position, the water will run out your left nostril. If the water doesn't drip through, adjust your head until you find the right position. Repeat the procedure for your other nostril.

Tags: your head, your right nostril, correct position, left nostril, right nostril, your left, your left nostril

Use Support Groups To Treat Anorexia

Use Support Groups to Treat Anorexia


In addition to psychotherapy, family therapy and medicinal treatments, support groups can be an excellent supplemental tool to treat anorexia. The patient's doctor will be a key source of information on locate and use support groups to facilitate the patient's recovery.


Instructions








Find a Support Group for an Anorexia Patient


1. Use the resources available to the patient through her team of health professionals. Generally, a medical doctor as well as a mental health professional and a dietitian work in tandem to treat an anorexia sufferer. Between the three of them, it should be fairly easy to locate a local support group to help the patient treat her condition.


2. Wait until the patient has recovered a healthy body weight and is on the road to psychological recovery before enrolling her in a support group. The patient's doctor or psychiatrist will be able to offer specific guidance as the appropriate time for the afflicted person to take part in group therapy.


3. Attend the support group along with the patient, if permitted to do so. It can help the afflicted individual feel more comfortable if she doesn't feel like she's alone in the support group.


4. Maintain close contact with the director of the support group in order to compare the patient's reports of progress against the expert opinion of the group moderator. Because group settings can pose challenges to anorexia patients, it is important to keep lines of communication open with the professionals in charge of the support group.


5. Make sure the patient continues to follow her treatment regimen in addition to the group therapy. Even if the patient is showing physical and mental signs of recovery, all treatment protocols must be followed until a doctor says otherwise.

Tags: support group, group therapy, Groups Treat, Groups Treat Anorexia, patient doctor