Elbow Nerve Pain

The main nerve in the elbow is called the ulnar nerve, which is located in the soft spot above the elbow. This area of the elbow is very sensitive, causing tingling and pain for minutes at a time. If the nerve is pinched or constricted, it causes the arm not to function properly. The nerve will send pain down your arm into your hand and down your fingers. The tingling numbing pain will travel through your entire arm, leaving your arm unable to completely function properly for a few minutes until it has had time to pass.

Causes

The main cause of elbow nerve pain is from constriction in the nerve commonly caused by bumping up against an object, such as household furniture. The area of the elbow causing the most pain is often known as the funny bone. The elbow nerves run down the back of your arm from behind the elbow. Other causes of elbow nerve pain can also be much more serious, like carpel tunnel and tennis elbow syndromes. Inflammation of the elbow nerves can also cause serious pain throughout the entire arm and hand.

Tests

Many tests can be performed to determine whether your elbow nerve pain is serious or mild. Imaging scans can determine whether the tendons or nerves are inflamed or damaged. Nerve conduction tests allow you to test the nerves to ensure that they are working properly and able to feel pressure and physical contact. An EMG will send electronic shocks down into the elbow to monitor the activity in the nerve. An MRI can also be done to ensure that there is not any other form of growth within the elbow causing pain.

Treatment

Treatments include restriction of regular activities until the area heals. An arm and elbow brace or splint will help stabilize the elbow, allowing it to heal. To reduce pressure and swelling on or around the elbow nerve, corticosteroids is injected into the affected area. Over-the-counter drugs help to lower the pressure and reduce pain. Stretching is important to keep the tendons and nerves in the elbow flexible.

Prevention

Always allow the elbow to heal after injuries and protect the area by using splints and casts to prevent excess damage. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away you should seek medical attention as this may be a result of a more serious issue. Prolonged elbow nerve pain can become permanent, so early detection is the key.

Consequences

If left undiagnosed and untreated, the pain can become worse. Not seeking medical treatment for nerve pain within the elbow can result in complete loss of function in the entire arm.

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Tooth Bonding Vs Lumineers

If you have chipped or discolored teeth and are looking for a good cosmetic dental procedure to restore your smile, you may find it difficult to choose what is right for you. However, you can find clear-cut solutions whether you need tooth bonding or lumineers.

Small Chips

For small chips or problems affecting only one or two teeth, tooth bonding may be your best solution. Some dentists, however, will not apply lumineers to only one tooth because they find it too hard to match the colors of your other teeth to the single veneer. Also, lumineers require fittings and multiple appointments, while a dentist can perform bonding in one visit.

Discoloration

For problems like discoloration, which affect several teeth at once, lumineers are the better fix. This is because the resin dentists use to secure bonds to teeth may cause staining and actually worsen the problem while the porcelain of lumineers will not stain the teeth. Also, dentists perform tooth bonding freehand, so it would take much too long to bond several teeth.

Prices

Tooth bonding is often cheap enough for dental insurance to cover completely, while lumineers may cost much more. When you are dealing with treatment to a single tooth, bonding is a much cheaper option.

Longevity

Lumineer porcelain maintains its sheen significantly longer than tooth bond resin. If you choose tooth bonding, you will need to have the resin replaced every few years. According to advertisements, lumineers last up to 20 years.

Tags: tooth bonding, several teeth, tooth bonding

Succeed In School With Tourette'S Syndrome

Tourette's Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements and vocalizations--called "tics"--to occur. It is a disorder that can cause social, emotional and academic challenges. Here is cope with Tourette's Syndrome to succeed in school.

Instructions

1. Communicate with teachers and school officials about your child's condition. Because the tics associated with Tourette's Syndrome vary in intensity, teachers need to know what to expect in order know properly respond. Classmates can be educated about Tourette's Syndrome and your child's tics so everyone is comfortable with the situation.

2. Assess your child's special needs. Tourette's Syndrome can affect the reading and writing ability of a child whose tics affect vision and hand coordination. Children who experience vocal tics may not want to read aloud or answer in front of the class due to embarrassment.

3. Arrange for extra help at school for your child in areas where tics affect learning. Help during school hours with one-on-one learning can benefit the child with Tourette's Syndrome by removing the stress to perform in specific time constraints and in front of peers.

4. Involve your child in extra-curricular activities in and out of school that interest him. Focusing on an activity can lessen the severity and occurrence of tics.

5. Find Tourette's Syndrome support groups in your area. Talk with other students who cope with Tourette's Syndrome and learn new ways to succeed in school.

Tags: Tourette Syndrome, your child, with Tourette, with Tourette Syndrome, cope with, cope with Tourette

Deal With A Manic Depressive

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious psychiatric illness. Manic depressive people have big mood swings between extremely excited states and deep depressions. Like other psychiatric disorders, bipolar disorder varies in severity and specific symptoms from person to person. How you should deal with someone with the disorder depends on the symptoms and your relationship.

Instructions

1. Learn everything you can about bipolar disorder. Organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) make information available online to educate the public about bipolar disorder. Books like the "Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide" go into more depth about the illness. Follow the links below for some good resources and books to educate you about the condition.

2. Avoid stereotyping a bipolar friend or family member. Some bipolar patients manage their symptoms so well or have mild enough symptoms that even those close to them scarcely notice when they have an episode. Others can be exciting and charming while manic, but also reckless and self-destructive. Still others suffer full-blown psychotic episodes or suicidal depression. Use books and other resources to learn what to look for, but privilege your own observations above what you read.

3. Evaluate your own relationship to the manic depressive. The way you deal with a close friend or family member suffering from bipolar disorder is a lot different than how you would deal with an acquaintance or total stranger accosting you in the midst of a manic episode. If, for example, you have a bipolar roommate who does not have his symptoms under control, you may simply want to move out.

4. Learn to watch for oncoming manic or depressive episodes. A bipolar patient may start to have excited speech or a change in affect before a manic episode, or stat to seem hopeless and lethargic before going into a full-on depression. He may not notice these signs. If your relationship is close, suggest he goes to see his doctor before slipping into a full-on mania or depression.

5. Help the bipolar patient avoid relapses. Encourage her to take her medicine and keep up with doctors appointments. Discourage drug use and excessive drinking, as these can exacerbate symptoms.

6. Don't argue with a manic. Be honest and straightforward, but don't have an intense discussion. Don't take anything your friend says during mania too personally. Wait until he calms down to have difficult conversations.

7. Get immediate professional help if the bipolar sufferer appears to be a danger to herself or others. Call her doctor or 911. You may feel guilty at the time, but your friend will forgive you or even thank you when she comes out of the episode.

Tags: your relationship, about bipolar, about bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder, bipolar patient

What To Do For A Pinched Nerve

MayoClinic.com says the pressure causing a pinched nerve "disrupts the nerve's function, causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness." A pinched nerve can happen anywhere in the body. Those with a pinched nerve normally "with rest and other conservative treatments...recover from the effects...within a few days or weeks." But it could be serious enough to require a doctor's visit.

Rest

Depending on the affected area, rest can help a lot. If the pinched nerve is in the neck or shoulder, make sure the area is fully supported. Do not compress the area around the pinched nerve as this will cause further pain.

Over the Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease discomfort of the pinched nerve and allow internal inflammation to reduce. Avoid muscle relief creams with menthol or heat-inducing formulas. Because you are dealing with a compressed nerve, the cold or hot sensations can be much more acute than with muscle strain.

Other Self Treatment

Treating the pinched nerve yourself by trying to move the affected area in ways that cause pain can actually cause more harm than good. A pinched nerve is not the same as a muscle strain or stiffness, it does not improve temporarily with use. A couple of self-treatment techniques that can help are meditation, hydrotherapy and other relaxation techniques. In a spa or hot tub, do not position the sore area in front of the jets because this can cause additional pain.

Doctor Time

If it has been a week or more and your efforts at home are not working, it's time to go to a doctor. For neck, back or sciatic-related nerve problems, a chiropractor should be your doctor of choice. However, your general practitioner is okay for other areas of the body. There are times, according to MayoClinic.com, when there is too much damage to the area and surgery must be done to alleviate the pinched nerve. Waiting too long to go to a doctor can result in nerve damage. Be open to the treatment options your doctor offers, but don't be afraid to seek a second opinion if you don't agree.

Tags: pinched nerve, pinched nerve, affected area, muscle strain, your doctor

Vegetables That Are Constipating

Lack of exercise makes bowel movements weaker.

Lack of fiber in food is often linked to constipation. Yet fruits such as watermelons contain little fiber, and they make your bowels work. Many remedies use vegetables when you have constipation, but some vegetables may have the opposite effect. Ideally, a digestive system should have one or two meals in the bowels, but many people carry up to four days worth of waste in their colon, says allonhealth.com. Constipation is becoming increasingly more common. The problems are linked to our modern lifestyle and lifestyle choices.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is infrequent and incomplete bowel movements. Lack of bowel movement often results in hard stool, but stool consistency changes all the time. Dr Reddy's site says hard stool consistency may be a sign of constipation but could also be the result of a high-fiber diet.

Causes of Constipation

Excessive intake of protein or fat can also cause constipation, and some vegetables have high vegetable protein content. Still, the protein content is low as compared to the animal protein content in meat. Beef contains 50 per cent protein, and green-leaf lettuce contains 22 per cent, says raw-food-health.net. Lack of water and a diet with processed food that lacks moisture make stools dry. Exercise habits influence bowel movements, and a sedentary lifestyle leads to weak muscles. Lack of exercise and poor diet put extra pressure on the system. Infants have a restricted diet, and breast-fed babies tend to have more frequent stools than formula-fed infants. Constipation in infants is related to their restricted diet.

Protein

Most vegetables are prepared before you eat them, and prepared, protein-rich vegetables such as soybeans, beans and lentils can cause constipation. You should take the fiber content of the vegetable into account as well. Often, fiber content causes problems such as cramps and gas. Eating beans may cause constipation but often results in gas.

Fiber and Starch

Vegetables such as carrots can cause constipation problems. You can overcome the constipation by increasing fluid intake. Drinking more fluid, preferably water, helps your bowels with the fibers that are causing the problems. Potatoes and corn contain starch; they can cause constipation.

Tags: cause constipation, bowel movements, protein content, constipation some, constipation some vegetables, contains cent

The Causes Of Genetic Diseases

Genetic diseases are conditions that are carried and possibly affected by a person's genome. Diseases such as Huntington's disease and Down's syndrome are strictly genetic and caused entirely by the individual's genome. Certain cancers, diabetes and even obesity are also genetic diseases, insofar as their occurrence and severity are affected by distinct genetic traits.

Causes

Genetic disorders can be inherited from parents. If one or both parents carry the gene for a disorder, it can be passed on to their children. Some diseases require two copies of the gene to manifest, meaning both parents must be carriers, while others require only a single gene. Other genetic disorders can manifest as a result of favorable environmental factors, such as lifestyle. Lifestyle can also impact an individual's genome and cause genetic mutations during life, leading to a developed genetic disease.

Types

Genetic diseases are grouped into three categories: single gene, multifactorial and chromosomal. Single gene disorders are inherited from parents and result from a damaged or mutated gene's inability to function properly. Multifactorial diseases, as the name implies, are caused by genetics and other factors, such as smoking, overeating or environment. Chromosomal diseases result from having either extra or missing chromosomes, such as in Down's syndrome in which the individual has three copies of the chromosome 21 instead of the normal two.

Recessive and Dominant Conditions

Every human being has two copies of each gene, which they inherit from each parent. In recessive conditions, a type of single gene disorder, each copy of the gene must be affected for the disease to manifest. If only one parent passes on a recessive condition, the child will only be a carrier; however, if both parents pass on the gene, the child will be affected. Dominant conditions manifest even if only one parent passes on the mutated gene.

X-Linked Conditions

X-linked conditions, another form of single gene disorder, result from mutations to genes associated with the X chromosome. This chromosome determines gender. Women have two X chromosomes, while men have both an X and a Y. Because men have only one copy, they are more likely to be affected by X-linked conditions, while women are more likely to be carriers. Many X-linked conditions, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are carried on the mother's side, as they are fatal or debilitating to men early in life.

Environmental Factors

Multifactorial conditions arise from exposure to the appropriate environmental factors. Current methods of genetic testing can detect an individual's propensity for developing a condition, such as certain cancers, based upon the presence of mutated genes. While individuals with the mutated genes are at a higher risk for developing these conditions, the disease will not activate without the proper external influence. For example, heart disease is a multifactorial disease that will not manifest unless external factors, including poor diet and little exercise, promote it.

Tags: both parents, gene disorder, result from, Causes Genetic, child will, disorders inherited, disorders inherited from

Overcome A Fear Of Rats

You're terrified of rats but desperately need to overcome this fear either because you'll be traveling in rat-infested areas, your child wants a pet rat or you're simply sick of being scared of rats. Overcoming fears isn't easy, but there are many techniques available.

Instructions

1. Try hypnosis. You can see a hypnotherapist or simply purchase a CD or listen to a podcast. Some fear-reducing CDs are for ridding people of general fears, while others are more specific to help you overcome your fear of rats.

2. Think about why you have a fear of rats. If you're scared of rats due to a movie, perhaps learning more about rats or seeing rats in a pet store may make you feel better. If your fear is because one bit you as a child or ran across your feet, it may be harder to get rid of the fear.

3. Consider evaluating the fear. Ask yourself if the danger of the rats is real or perceived. If you're dealing with a giant rat staring you down in an alley, the danger may be real. If you're dealing with a rat on a TV show, you perceive the fear.

4. Remind yourself that rats really can't hurt you. While they can carry disease, most people survive a rat bite, and a simple bite is the worst a rat can do to you.

5. Learn more about rats. Many people keep rats as pets and love them dearly. Try to find out what makes them so loved by so many.

6. See a therapist or a counselor for anti-anxiety tips and treatments.

Tags: about rats, dealing with, fear rats, more about, more about rats, scared rats, your fear

Yellow Nail Syndrome Facts

Yellow nail syndrome, named for its primary symptom, is extremely rare. It usually begins in middle age or older, and is associated with various other conditions involving the lymphatic system, lungs and immune system.

Primary Symptom

In yellow nail syndrome, fingernails and toenails become thicker and turn pale yellow or greenish-yellow, with slightly darker edges. All the nails may be affected.

Additional Characteristics

The nails grow very slowly or seem to stop growing altogether. They may have cross ridges, be missing cuticles, and separate from the skin by curving into a hump. The nail changes usually are permanent.

Lymphoedema

Yellow nail syndrome commonly occurs with lymphoedema, an abnormal buildup of lymph fluid that causes swelling. This occurs in about 80 percent of patients with yellow nail syndrome, typically in the legs.

Lung Conditions

Lung conditions also can accompany yellow nail syndrome, including chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. There also may be recurrent fluid collection around the lungs.

Other Disorders

Other disorders associated with yellow nail syndrome include sinus infections, immunodeficiency conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and malignancies.

Tags: nail syndrome, yellow nail, associated with, with yellow, with yellow nail, yellow nail syndrome, yellow nail syndrome

Telephone Triage Certification

On Dec. 31, 2007, the National Certification Corporation discontinued its telephone triage certification exam. Nurses who had received their certification before the discontinue date were grandfathered in, but those who wish to certify are now required to take the Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Exam.

Eligibility

To certify for telephone triage via the ambulatory care certification, you must have a current registered nurse license and have worked as a full-time registered nurse for two years. You must have completed 2,000 clinical practice hours and 30 continuing education hours in ambulatory care within three years.

Examination

The computerized examination consists of 175 questions and is taken at ProMetric Testing Centers across the United States. The test is divided into five categories: Clinical Practice, Communication, Issues and Trends, Systems, and Education. The test covers different types of patient scenarios as well, such as well-patients and patients with acute, chronic or terminal conditions.

Application

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) processes all applications for the exam. Prices vary depending on memberships. Check pricing to see which applies to you.

Certification

After passing the exam, you will be awarded with a Registered Nurse-Board Certified (RN-BC) credential.

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Can Bedbugs Be Spread Into The Workplace

After the 1950s, bed bugs in the U.S. became a rare problem, the use of DDT pesticide having almost eradicated them. Recent years have seen bed bugs come back stronger than ever, with increased numbers of infestations.

The Bugs

The bed bug is a very small, flat-bodied insect that can be found almost anywhere in a home and, as the name suggests, often in beds. They do not grow larger than 3/16 inch, so they can be very hard to see unless you are looking for them.

Diet

Signs of an infestation are small red spots or rashes where the bugs have bitten. The sole diet of the bug is blood, and the species is suited to feeding on humans.

Spreading to the Workplace

Because of the bed bugs' small size and ability to hang onto things, they can easily hitch a ride in clothing and suitcases. If someone has a home infestation of the bugs, that person can transport unwanted bugs on their clothes anywhere they go, including the workplace. The bed bugs can then move rapidly into the carpets at work and, potentially, onto the clothes of others.

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Get Rid Of A Hangover Headache

If you've ever had a few drinks, chances are that you've had a hangover headache. While only time is a sure-fire remedy, here are a few things that might help get rid of that headache.

Instructions

1. ASPIRIN. It's pain relief in a pill. It doesn't always work but it's your best chance.

Stay away from non-aspirin pain relievers that have acetaminophen. The acetaminophen can interact with any alcohol still in

your system and eventually cause liver problems.

Please note: Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding in some folks, so be sure you're stomach can handle aspirin before using.

2. B-Complex Vitamins. Drinking will reduce your Vitamin B levels, so taking a Vitamin B supplement can help you out of your misery.

3. Coffee. Most any caffeinated beverage will work by constricting the blood vessels in your head and neck that cause headaches.

Be careful not to drink too much, though. One or two cups should suffice - any more and you'll be jumpy!

4. Fruit Juice. Juice has fructose, which helps the body process alcohol more quickly.

5. Honey. Honey also has a lot of fructose.

6. Eat a light meal including some carbs. Avoid fried and fatty foods.

7. Try Willow Bark. It's an organic pain reliever. You can get it in capsule form at the local natural food store.

8. Go to Sleep. In and of itself it won't get rid of your headache, but the time you spend sleeping will put you that much closer to the

headache going away naturally.

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A Guide To Extracting & Producing Essential Oils

Many plants and herbs are used to make essential oils.

The extraction and production of aromatherpeutic grade essential oils is done in several ways, and requires years of experience. There are many steps involved beyond just growing and harvesting, and the knowledge of the producer plays a key role in the successful end product. The selection of one distillation method over another is many times driven by the make up of the plant source. Some plants are more easily processed by one method instead of another.

Instructions

Extraction Methods

1. Distillation: Most essential oils are produced using this method and more specifically for leaves, flowers, seeds, roots and stems. Water is heated to produce steam, which rises and gently simmers the contents. The heat causes the essential oils to be released by the plant. As the water evaporates, the oils rise to the top where they can be collected.

2. Cold Pressing: Many citrus oils are produced using this method. Only the finest plants should be used to obtain essential oils by cold pressing the rind or peel. This process is also called scarification. The rind is scored, and when pressed, the oils are captured.

3. Carbon Dioxide Extraction: This is a relatively new method of extraction that uses the state of carbon dioxide when it acts as both a gas and liquid after it is subjected to high pressure. Once it returns to normal pressure and temperature, carbon dioxide reverts to gas and evaporates, leaving no solvent residue. The equipment used for this method can be quite expensive, but the amount of oil produced is greater than other methods, thus making some oils more widely available. Also, because carbon dioxide extraction is gentler on plants, the result is an oil with exceptionally true aromas.

4. Steam Distillation: Historically, this is the most common method of extracting essential oils. During distillation, steam runs through the plant material. The cells of the plant are broken down, and the steam carries the essential oil to a cooling area where the essential oil and water are separated.

5. Which is the best method? It varies by plant which method will produce the best results without either destroying the plant or the oil itself. Some plants simply require a particular process to produce a fine oil. Ultimately, it is the user's sense of smell which will lead them to the best oil production.

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What Are The Bipolar Symptoms In Women

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness with severe mood changes. The symptoms affect women differently, but most people alternate from lows to highs. Hormones may play a part in causing bipolar symptoms. Women who are already bipolar are more susceptible to fluctuations in mood during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

Depression

In a depressive episode, a woman may have crying spells, feel hopeless and unattractive and may eat too much food or not enough food. Thoughts of suicide are also possible.

Manic

During a manic episode, a woman may feel optimistic, attractive and creative. She has lots of energy, sleeps very little and tries to accomplish many tasks at once.

Hypomania

This is a milder form of mania without the extreme highs. Hypomania usually occurs in bipolar 2, a less severe form of the bipolar disorder.

Mixed State

In some cases, a woman has both manic and depressive episodes at the same time. Usually, she feels hopeless and sad but also hyperactive.

Rapid Cycling

With rapid cycling, mood switches rapidly between highs and lows. Each episode lasts only a few hours or 2 to 3 days depending on the woman.

Tags: episode woman

Emergency Decontamination Procedures

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the "goal of whole-body external decontamination is to decrease external contamination to a level of no more than two times background radiation level." Evaluate the effectiveness of the radiation decontamination process by performing a complete radiation body survey before, during and after whole body decontamination. Call for help immediately upon discovering radiation contamination.

Prepare the Victim

Undress the victim, or have him or her undress. Start this process at the top of the body and work your way to the bottom including the shoes. The Department of Health and Human Services says that "up to 90% of the contamination can be eliminated by completing this first step."

Place personal property found with, and removed from, the radiation victim in an airtight plastic container. Label each container, noting the name, date, time and location to simplify the job of the forensic team. These items will not be returned to the victim; rather they will be properly disposed of after the investigation.

Whole body decontamination is completed in two wash cycles. The radiation body survey will tell you where you most need to concentrate your efforts. Use lukewarm, soapy water (neutral pH) rather than hot or cold water to wash the victim's body. Cold water traps radioactive material by closing pores and may create conditions for resulting in hypothermia for the patient. Hot water promotes the absorption of the radioactive material by dilating the blood vessels and increasing circulation. Another concern with hot water is thermal burns.

Once the water is poured over the victim, it is considered contaminated. Do not reuse it on the patient or subsequent patients. Complete this process twice, using clean water each time. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, as it will damage the protective properties of the skin and spread the radiation contamination. The outermost dermal layer may trap some radioactivity, but it will dissipate as the skin sloughs off over about two weeks.

Radiation Body Survey

Using a Geiger-Mueller detector, systematically survey the entire body for radiation contamination. The probe should move over the body no more than 2 inches per second. Have the victim stand up, feet hip-distance apart, arms extended to the side with palms facing up and fingers straight. Wave the wand over all parts of the body while maintaining a distance of approximately ½ inch. Use long, sweeping motions to detect radiation in the extremities and broad horizontal strokes to survey the torso. Start at the top of the head and survey the entire body, both front and back. Important parts of the body that are often skipped when performing a radiation body survey are the top of the head, the face and the soles of the feet, but they should not be skipped. Including the readings from these areas is integral to an accurate survey.

Tags: radiation body, radiation contamination, body decontamination, body survey, Department Health, Department Health Human, entire body

Foods For Heartburn Relief

Foods for Heartburn Relief

Heartburn is when a burning pain affects the upper chest, often alongside belching, coughing or even regurgitation. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. Diet has a huge impact on the frequency and severity of heartburn. There is no strict heartburn-friendly diet, as different people are affected differently, but there are general guidelines you can follow. In addition to this, however, it is best to take the time to figure out what specific foods affect you.

Foods that May Help Relieve Heartburn

Some foods are widely considered safe for heartburn sufferers. Eating more of these foods can help reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn. Choose bananas, apples, potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and peas from the produce section. Garlic can be beneficial, particularly for people who have H. pylori bacteria in the stomach. H. pylori bacteria can damage tissue and cause inflammation, both heartburn contributors. Including some raw garlic in your diet can help eliminate this bacteria. As for meats, go with the leanest steaks you can find or skinless chicken breasts. Other good protein sources are fish (with no fat added during cooking) and egg whites. In general, low-fat or fat-free dairy products are superior choices. This includes fat-free cream cheese, fat-free sour cream and low-fat mozzarella, feta or goat cheese. As for grains, choose multi-grain bread, brown rice and cornbread. Pretzels and rice cakes make great snacks.

Foods that Should be Moderated

Some foods are neither good nor bad when it comes to heartburn. These are foods that may aggravate heartburn in certain people, but are, in general, neutral. In the fruits category, grapes, berries and peaches are all usually safe. Vegetables such as beans, leeks and green onions may be good choices as well. Onions, which in their raw form are a major contributor to heartburn in many people, can have their negative effects curbed through cooking. Slightly less lean protein options, like lean deli ham, canned tuna and lean ground beef may be safe when eaten in moderation. Low-fat milk and yogurt are both unlikely to cause problems, although in some people yogurt's effect on the stomach's pH balance can be problematic. Sparse amounts of extra virgin olive oil or low-fat salad dressing are two ways of adding fat to your food without running a high risk of heartburn. A final condiment that many heartburn-sufferers don't have to live without is ketchup.

Foods that Should be Avoided

High-fat foods are some of the most problematic for heartburn. Fatty meats, like bacon and hot dogs or fried foods such as onion rings can prove painful later. High-fat dairy products such as chocolate and cheese are common culprits as well. Spicy and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, onions and tomatoes can also trigger acid-reflux. For this reason, foods like marinara sauce and chili are some of the most dangerous for acid-reflux.

What to Drink

Coffee is commonly considered a problem for people with frequent heartburn. Caffeinated or minted teas can have a similar effect, as can citrus fruit juices. Water, on the other hand, can be a big help when it comes to relieving heartburn. Dehydration can cause heartburn, so consuming healthy amounts of clean water can help prevent the rising of stomach acid.

Other Tips for Relieving Heartburn

Heartburn isn't only about what you eat, but it's about how you eat it. Overeating can cause heartburn because a distended stomach increases pressure, making the juices more likely to move up into the esophagus. The reasoning behind recommendations against tight-fitting clothing is similar. Putting pressure around your waist can ultimately push the stomach juices up into the esophagus. Finally, consider gravity. If you don't want your food to rise, keep your stomach below your esophagus. This means that lying down just after a meal is probably not a good idea, as it allows stomach acid to flow right back into the esophagus. Instead, give yourself a good amount of time between dinner and bed. Spend that time in an upright position, allowing the pressure on your stomach to be relieved before laying down flat.

Tags: into esophagus, Foods that, stomach acid, cause heartburn, dairy products, Foods Heartburn, Foods Heartburn Relief

Stop Snoring Using A Bite Guard

While snoring is a common condition, most people do not seem to realize how detrimental snoring can be to a person's health. When you attempt to sleep, the muscles in the back of your throat and mouth relax. This causes your tongue and jaw to drop back toward your throat, thus cutting off your natural airway. The force of the air that is able to pass through the airway vibrates on your throat tissues and creates the sound known as snoring. Fortunately, there are ways of correcting this disorder without surgery or bulky sleep machines. Many people have found relief by using a snore-preventing bite guard while they sleep. These guards prevent your tongue and jaw from moving and ensure that your airway remains unblocked while you rest.

Instructions

1. Visit your regular dentist and explain your problems regarding snoring and any other sleep disorders you may be experiencing.

2. Ask your dentist to prescribe a bite guard specifically designed to help you stop snoring.

3. Allow your dentist to fit your bite guard to your mouth. This process is usually done right in the office and takes no longer than 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of bite guard he recommends. The guard will be fitted to your upper teeth and will prevent your lower jaw from moving backward when you sleep.

4. Insert your bite guard before you go to bed in the evening. Make sure it is properly inserted and forms to your upper teeth.

Tags: bite guard, your throat, your upper teeth, bite guard, from moving, prevent your

Spot Symptoms Of Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that most often affects infants and children. It's a cancer that can even begin forming when a baby is still in its mother's womb. It forms around nerve tissue and doctors think it usually starts around the neck, chest or the top of the spine. Unfortunately because it is most common in children, by the time doctors figure out they are dealing with cancer, it has most likely spread to other areas. There are many forms of treatment recommended and available depending on the stage and severity.The chances of recovery in neuroblastoma depends on many factors including the child's age, location of the tumor, and how fast the tumors are growing. Children diagnosed with the disease will often have to go through many tests to determine the course of treatment.

Instructions

Spot Symptoms of Neuroblastoma

1. Look for unusual and/or significant swelling, as it is the most common symptom in neuroblastoma . Most often the swelling occurs around or near the stomach. But in other cases the swelling could be less noticeable, like a small bump or lump around the stomach, front or back of the neck neck or anywhere on the chest.

2. Look at the eyes of the person in question. In many neuroblastma cases the patient's eyes bulge out more than usual. Also they might have dark circles around their eyes as well. One or both of these symptoms may appear.

3. Look to see if the person cannot move parts of their body or if moving different parts is painful or extremely difficult. In infants, you might notice a difference and if there is unusual or stunted movement, look for signs that it might be painful liking crying or unusual movement. In children who can vocalize, they might complain of joint or bone pain. Children and infants might also have weakness or even paralysis.

4. Examine lumps on infants to see if they have a bluish tint to them. The lumps are usually painless for the infant, but they are a potential symptom, nonetheless.

5. Watching for less common symptoms like a fever, fatigue, bruising easily, pin sized marks under the skin, jerking movement, unusual eye movement, swelling in the lower body, and high blood pressure can help in the diagnosis of the disease. In general if you believe your child is ill, watching for any changes in health can help the doctors in diagnosing illnesses.

Tags: cancer that, infants might, most common, Spot Symptoms, Spot Symptoms Neuroblastoma, Symptoms Neuroblastoma

Compare Brown Rice To White Rice

Many people prefer to purchase white rice over brown rice because thy are accustomed to the taste of rice, having grown up eating it. Brown rice on the other hand is virtually and seen as a new “healthy” alternative with a higher price tag that takes a lot longer to cook. To find out which type of rice it makes more sense to purchase, you really need to compare brown rice to white rice.

Instructions

1. Compare the price of white to brown rice in your grocery store. White rice typically costs approximately $2.50 for a 32 ounce bag. Brown rice is typically sold in smaller bags and generally costs $2.75 for 16 ounces. This makes the cost of brown rice nearly twice the cost of white rice. You would think that since brown rice has less processing costs that it would cost less, but that is not the case.

2. Try cooking both white and brown rice to see how long it takes to finish. Depending on the kids of white rice you purchase, it can cook very quickly. Brown rice on the other hand can take 20 to 30 minutes to cook.

3. Research how long white rice and brown rice can be safely stored. It is not recommended that you purchase large quantities of brown rice as it will go bad faster because it is in its natural state. White rice can be stored for many months, however.

4. Read the labels on both the white rice and the brown rice. At first glance at the nutritional labels of white rice and brown rice, it appears that enriched white rice in superior to brown. This is because after the fiber is stripped from the brown rice in the hulling process to make white rice, synthetic nutrients are added back to compensate. So while it may appear that white rice has more nutrients, brown rice has more naturally occurring nutrients. In addition, white rice is sorely lacking in fiber, the one ingredient that our diets are most deficient in.

5. Read about how white rice and brown rice are digested by the body. For those with insulin problems like diabetes or a history of diabetes in the family, brown rice is the better choice. The fiber in brown rice causes it to be absorbed slowly by the body eliminated a spike in blood sugar.

6. Look into the benefit of white and brown rice on weight loss. Brown rice technically has more calories per cup than white rice. However, those calories are more filling due to the fiber content, so a person is naturally inclined to eat less.

Tags: brown rice, white rice, rice brown, rice brown rice, white rice brown

Blue Light Therapy For Acne

An emerging method to treat acne includes use of lasers and light therapies. Blue light therapy is the best known of these treatment methods. However, the overall effectiveness of blue light therapy is still inconclusive.

How It Works

Blue light therapy is a procedure approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The skin is exposed to a narrow-band, high-intensity blue light source which kills the bacteria that causes acne. This painless procedure can also be used to treat inflamed acne that hasn't responded to other therapies. Of all light and laser therapies, blue light therapy is currently the most widely-advertised and used.

Is it for you?

Blue light therapy is appropriate for people with inflammatory acne. However, those with cystic or nodular acne typically do not benefit from this treatment. At least one study conducted on blue light therapy indicated that it made nodular acne worse.

How It's Done

Patients receive several blue light therapy treatments, usually around eight over a period of four weeks. Sessions can be a short as 15 minutes. After treatment, patients may note dryness and swelling, as well as temporary pigment changes in the skin.

What Studies Show

Studies conducted on blue light therapy are limited and the number of clinical participants small. One U.S. study compared use of the topical antimicrobial clindamycin and blue light therapy. Participants noted a 22.25 percent improvement on the side of the face treated with clindamycin, while the side treated with blue light therapy showed 39 percent improvement. However, after eight weeks and no additional blue light treatment, the side of the face treated with clindamycin showed better results. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, around 55 percent of people note improvement with blue light therapy.

How Much Does it Cost?

Blue light therapy is still considered an experimental procedure, so it might not be covered by a health insurance plan. Patients who opt for this treatment can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per session. With multiple sessions required, this can ultimately cost the patient between $800 to $1,600.

Tags: light therapy, blue light, blue light, blue light therapy, treated with

Treat Iron Poisoning

Iron is an essential mineral needed to prevent anemia as well as other bodily functions. Because iron anemia is a common condition, many people keep iron tablets in their homes, which can be quite dangerous when taken in large doses. These tips will give you an idea how iron poisoning is treated.

Instructions

1. Go to the emergency room as soon as possible, as iron poisoning cannot be treated at home. Never take ipecac or try to induce vomiting, as it can make assessment of iron poisoning far more difficult when you arrive at the hospital. Additionally, whenever possible, bring medicine bottles or containers which contained the iron with you.

2. Get to the hospital within one hour of ingesting iron pills, if possible. When caught soon enough, the stomach can be pumped to expel the pills. While stomach pumping is often the fastest way to get iron out of the body, it is an invasive procedure and cannot be administered once the iron tablets have fully disintegrated into the victim's system.

3. Begin treatment of iron poisoning by allowing the doctor to monitor breathing to ensure that everything is normal and that poisoning is not severe. If breathing is normal, the doctor will provide a strong fluid laxative which will help to flush the iron from the body.

4. Treat severe iron poisoning with chelation therapy administered through an IV. The IV will contain deferoxamine mesylate which binds to iron so that it can be excreted during urination without causing harm to the body.

5. Tell your doctor if you believe that your child may have ingested other medications in addition to iron. While charcoal cannot bind with iron, it can be ingested in liquid form to help absorb other medications that have possibly been swallowed accidentally.

Tags: iron poisoning, iron tablets, other medications

Grape Seed Oil Cooking Tips

Grape seed oil has a light nutty flavor that provides a suitable backdrop for salad dressings, flavored dipping oil and cooking. It is superior to other oil for most sauteing and frying, and nutritionally superior as well. Unfortunately, it is also much more expensive than oils more commonly used. Perhaps as more people use grape seed oil and demand rises, the price will come down.

Flavor

Grape seed oil has a very mild neutral flavor that allows the other flavors of the food to come through. Alone, it tastes very bland, with a slight nutty flavor. It is excellent in salad dressings, adding very little oily flavor of its own and showing off the herbs and spices of the dressing. Its emulsifying properties make it an excellent choice for salad dressing use as well. Grape seed oil is a good choice for use in flavored oils. Unlike olive oil, which adds its own distinctive flavor to the oil, grape seed oil allows the flavor of the ingredients to shine.

Cooking

Grape seed oil heats to a higher temperature than other oils without smoking. This property, combined with its neutral flavor, makes it perfect for frying and sauteing. The food cooks quickly, absorbing less fat and has a more natural flavor. Because it has a higher smoke point, it doesn't break down like other oils and is nutritionally more stable. It can be reused without taking on unpleasant flavors and odors.

Nutrition

Grape seed oil is pressed from the seeds of grapes used in wine-making. It contains only half the saturated fat of olive oil, making it more nutritionally desirable and is high in beneficial polyunsaturated fats. It is naturally high in vitamin E, desirable omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and other anti-oxidants.

Grape seed oil contains traces of very powerful anti-oxidants known as proanthrocyanidins. According to Nutrition Science News, proanthrocyanidins protect the body against atherosclerosis, heart disease, and cancer. Proanthrocyanidins may also protect the body from toxins, viruses and the effects of aging.

Tags: Grape seed, fatty acids, flavor that, Grape seed, neutral flavor

Herpes Zoster Treatment

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, appears on the skin in the form of a rash of red patches that is trailed by blisters that eventually break. Frequently, herpes zoster vanishes on its own, but if treatment is needed, it will vary depending on the symptoms, which can include pain, burning, swelling, itching and fever.

Function

Treatment of herpes zoster can reduce the recovery time, control the symptoms caused by the condition and decrease the risk of lingering complications.

Time Frame

Once the blisters break, ulcers are formed and then dry out and a crust develops, which usually falls off in two to three weeks. Any medication given for herpes zoster should be started within 24 hours of feeling symptoms.

Types

The most common treatment types include antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications for pain and swelling, antihistamines for itching, topical creams and soothing baths or cool wet compresses.

Considerations

None of the treatments prescribed for herpes zoster is an actual cure, but these treatments help with pain and can prevent a recurrence.

Prevention/Solution

Herpes zoster is a very contagious condition, so a person who has come into contact with it they should immediately seek medical advice and take steps to begin treatment right away.

Tags: herpes zoster

Injuries Caused By Artificial Turf

Original Artificial Turf

Artificial turf, first used in the 1960s as a way to reduce maintenance for playing fields, has often been blamed for increased injuries to athletes. AstroTurf, an early artificial surface constructed of nylon, was proven in a 1992 study by John Powell at the University of Iowa to cause NFL players to suffer more serious knee injuries than players competing on natural grass. Other complaints included sore muscles, concussions, sprained ankles, turf burns, and "turf toe," which is pain in the big toe caused by jamming against the turf.

Advancement of Artificial Turf

A key advancement in the manufacture of artificial turf has been the use of "infill" as is used in the popular newer surface FieldTurf. Infill is made up of tiny pellets of rubber or silica, which can be mixed with sand and fills in the spaces in the turf, acting as dirt might on a real grass playing field, and allowing more give and flexibility. Modern fields also better simulate real grass blades, and are adjusted based on the needs of the players and the sport for which the field is used. Players report better "playability," but controversy remains over how well even modern turf protects players from injury. General concerns about artificial turf, even newer playing fields, include questions about the lead level and about the carcinogenic properties of the infill. Increased heat can create problems for players in hot weather, because the temperature on artificial turf can be over 15 degrees hotter than the temperature on real grass. Infection of cuts and burns can also put players at risk since turf does not have the same anti-microbial qualities as real grass.

Turf-Related Injuries

Scientists pinpoint two key causes of injuries due to artificial turf: the "coefficient of friction," and the "coefficient of restitution." The friction issue relates to how difficult it is for a player to move once he makes contact with the turf. Feet feel as if they are stuck on the turf, and higher rates of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries of the knee may occur. The turf's restitution concerns how well a surface can absorb shock. Artificial turf can absorb shock better than, for instance, a slab of concrete, but not as well as real grass, putting players at risk after hard landings. Studies to measure the risk of head injuries on various playing surfaces yielded results favorable to both grass and turf. When Dr. Roseanne Naunheim at Washington University School of Medicine conducted tests comparing artificial surfaces AstroTurf and FieldTurf at various levels of padding with real grass, the frozen real grass field was the most dangerous for head injuries. FieldTurf was not a clear winner, either; as the infill of the FieldTurf became more compacted, it lost its edge over older AstroTurf that was appropriately padded.

Tags: real grass, artificial turf, absorb shock, Artificial Turf, head injuries, players risk, playing fields

Acl Repair Therapy

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is a surgical procedure to repair a tear or other damage to the ligament. ACL surgery is usually an arthroscopic procedure in which a surgeon makes a small incision and performs the surgery using a small camera and tools threaded through the incision. ACL surgery requires a period of postoperative physical therapy to restore proper motion and function in the knee.

First Couple of Weeks

The first couple of weeks after ACL surgery is the early phase of rehabilitation. Immediately after surgery, you will likely be placed on crutches, and initial therapy will be fairly light to allow for proper healing of the surgical graft or other ACL repair. The exercises in this phase of therapy are intended to maintain and increase your range of motion and to help maintain and increase your muscle strength. The exact exercises will be defined by your physical therapist and may include stretching exercises. Depending on your surgery and progress, your physical therapist may have you begin using a cane instead of crutches either part way through this phase or at the end of this phase.

Weeks Three and Four

Most of the pain in your knee should have subsided by weeks three and four. The focus of this phase of therapy is to ensure that the knee is protected. Because the pain is mostly gone, you may be tempted to try things that your recently repaired knee is not yet capable of . Although the goals of this phase will vary, many physical therapists will work with you to improve your ability to bend your knee between zero and 100 degrees. Recommended exercises may include water exercises, mini wall squats, leg presses, or stair machines.

Four to Six Weeks

Four to six weeks after your surgery, you will likely continue the exercises performed in previous physical therapy phases. Your physical therapist will likely try to increase the range of motion in your knee to between zero and 130 degrees. Resistance on exercises like stair machines and stationary bicycles will likely increase. In addition, in this critical portion of your rehabilitation, your therapist will likely recommend home exercises to improve your balance, strength, and range of motion.

Six to Eight Weeks

Six to eight weeks after your surgery is often called the moderate protection phase. During this phase, your physical therapist will continue to work with you to bring you full range of motion in your knee. Resistance will likely increase on machine exercises. Your therapist will likely add weights to other exercises.

Eight to Ten Weeks

At week eight to ten, you are getting very close to the end of your therapy. This phase, sometimes called the light activity phase, emphasizes strength and balance. Your therapist may expand exercises to include lunges and stepping exercises with greater heights than before.

Return to Activity

At this point, after ten weeks of therapy, your therapist may recommend a return to activity. Therapy and exercise will likely continue for some time, but it is more of a maintenance and strengthening program. In some cases, your physical therapist may recommend a brace for a time to protect your knee when you engage in athletic and work-related activity. Your physical therapist and surgeon may recommend physical function testing at the three and six month anniversaries of your surgery.

Tags: will likely, physical therapist, your knee, range motion, therapist will, this phase

Light Therapy Devices For Skin Rejuvenation

According to makemeheal.com, there are a variety of light therapy devices that you can use at home to rejuvenate your skin. There are three common categories for which people seek rejuvenation: reducing acne and scarring; reducing wrinkles and facial lines; and eliminating hyper-pigmented skin.

Light Therapy Device for Acne

Makemeheal.com recommends the Ageless Beauty Marvel-Mini Blue product as an ideal home light therapy device for treating acne and acne scarring. The cost of the device is a few hundred dollars, but it is effective at reducing acne. The "blue" light therapy device emits a specific UV-light that attacks and kills bacteria, which are the common culprits in causing acne on a person's face. This type of light therapy focuses specifically on acne that a "propinbacterium" causes. For the best results, you must use this light therapy device twice a week to reduce bacteria-based acne.

Light Therapy Device for Aging Skin

An aging skin light therapy device is also in the few hundred-dollar price range. Made by the same manufacturer, the Ageless Beauty Marvel-Mini Red is a light therapy device that uses a similar function as the Blue device. It differs in that the UV-light therapy emitted from the device focuses on reducing facial lines and skin wrinkles that are the result of the aging process. Rather than killing bacteria, this UV-light therapy penetrates beneath the skin to increase blood flow and reduce skin creasing that extended exposure to the sun can cause.

Light Therapy Device for Hyper-Pigmented Skin

Hyper-pigmented skin is skin that has excessive brown spotting and discoloration, the result of a genetic predisposition or simply of the aging process. The Ageless Beauty Marvel-Mini Green is a light therapy device that emits UV-light therapy designed to treat hyper-pigmentation. The UV-light wavelengths in the Green device treat "basal" cells, which are skin cells that reside near the skin's surface. The Green light therapy device focuses the wavelength on the pigmentation and "lightens" those spots, causing them to better blend with the skin color on the rest of the face. This treatment is ideal for individuals who have lighter skin with brown or dark discoloration.

Tags: light therapy device, light therapy, Ageless Beauty, Ageless Beauty Marvel-Mini, Beauty Marvel-Mini, light therapy, therapy device

How Are Bone Spurs Treated

About Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are irregularities and protrusions that form along the edges of bones, usually near a joint. Also known as osteophytes, bone spurs tend to cause joint pain, as the excess bone can irritate nerves and surrounding tissue. Bone spurs are often a precursor to arthritis, but they may form around joints and go undetected for years; sometimes a bone spur will never become a noticeable problem. Bone spurs can form from repetitive joint use, and tend to form in greater numbers in old age. The spine, feet and hands tend to be especially susceptible to bone spurs. X-rays, CT scans and MRIs can reveal bone spurs and help doctor and patient plan treatment options.

Non-surgical Treatment

The proper treatment for bone spurs depends on how problematic a specific bone spur becomes in terms of pain and inhibiting joint mobility. If a bone spur causes minor pain, rest and prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended. A bone spur that does not normally cause pain but flares up to due excessive use of a joint can be calmed with rest and careful use of the joint. Physical therapy involving joint flexibly, mobility and strengthening exercises can sometimes alleviate problems with bone spurs. Wearing devices such as splints, braces or orthotics, which limit joint mobility during normal use, can help reduce irritation caused by bone spurs.

Surgery

If a bone spur irritates a nerve excessively causing constant pain or severely limits range of motion, surgical procedures can be performed to remove the spur. Surgical removal of bone spurs may be carried out in open surgery or arthroscopically. Open surgical procedures involve cutting the skin in order to gain access to the bone and ligaments. This allows the doctor to view the spur directly and cut it loose. Arthroscopic procedures are carried out by inserting a camera and tools into incisions in the skin. The doctor uses the camera to locate the bone spur and direct his implements to remove the bone spur. Bone spurs may also be removed during other surgical procedures; for instance, if a doctor is performing a surgery for arthritis on a certain joint and notices a bone spur, he may decide to remove it.

Tags: bone spur, bone spurs, Bone spurs, surgical procedures, bone spurs

Ring Finger Surgery

Ring finger surgery may be needed for a variety of reasons.

The ring finger is the fourth finger on the hand, counting upwards from the thumb. Extremities such as fingers are especially at risk for injury and damage, and often must undergo surgery to correct acute, as well as chronic, conditions.

Breaks and Fractures

Breaks or fractures in ring fingers often need surgery as a remedy. X-rays are taken in order to determine the type of break, as well as how many joints are involved, and to what degree. If a cast or splint is not enough to hold the finger in place, tiny pins may have to be inserted during surgery in order to aid healing.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common reason for ring finger surgery, although this often involves operating on the rest of the hand as well. The ulnar nerve, which is responsible for sensation in half of the ring finger, can be damaged by repetitive wrist motions, and can cause numbness and tingling in the ring finger.

Weight Gain

At times, significant weight gain is the cause of needed surgery on a ring finger. It is possible for a patient to become so overweight as to make normal removal of a ring or wedding band impossible. Surgery may be necessary to reduce finger swelling, or to cut away part of the ring embedded in the finger.

Tags: ring finger, Carpal Tunnel, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, finger surgery, ring finger

Spot Pancreatic Cancer Early

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to identify early, and therefore one of the most deadly. Usually cancer has spread in the body by the time symptoms are bad enough for the patient to see the doctor. Knowing the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer can greatly increase the chance of successful cancer treatment and increase treatment options.

Instructions

1. Notice any loss of appetite.

A loss of appetite is often the earliest of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. If you have unexplained loss of appetite see your physician for medical advice and pancreatic cancer screening if they feel it is warranted.

2. Take note of any abdominal pain.

Abdominal pain can arise from many conditions, certainly not just pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer however is generally characterized by a dull ache in the lower abdomen that radiates backward toward the spine. Whereas some abdominal pain decreases with laying down, pancreatic cancer pain may increase with laying down.

3. Report darkened urine or lightened stool.

These may be signs that your body is having difficulty digesting and absorbing food because of the damages done by cancer to your pancreas.

4. Watch for yellowed skin and eyes.

Pancreatic cancer can cause increased levels of bilirubin in the blood which leads to the symptoms of jaundice. Yellowing often shows most clearly in the whites of the eyes. Be sure to consult with a physician regarding jaundice and consider getting specific blood tests done for pancreatic cancer screening.

5. Watch for a generic sense of illness.

A vague and even gnawing sense that you just do not feel right can accompany early pancreatic cancer. Do not write these feelings off as sometimes low level nausea, fatigue, or general pains can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer.

* See more tips on detecting pancreatic cancer below.

Tags: pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cancer, loss appetite, abdominal pain, cancer screening, laying down, pancreatic cancer screening

What Helps With Gout Pain

Gout is very painful and debilitating and can have you hobbling around like an 80 year old. Lately, holistic alternatives to medications have become very popular since many people are lacking health insurance. I have listed good and bad foods below to assist you in your healing.This information is not meant to diagnose and if the problem persists please consider seeing a doctor for a diagnosis.

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis and similar to fibromyalgia in many aspects. Weather changes have an influence on body pains and when barometric pressure plunges and humidity rises those that are prone to gout and fibromyalgia have flare ups. People with gout cannot break down the amount of uric acid entering into their bodies and so the acid crystallizes in their joints. A kidney issue may exist that does not allow the body to process all the uric acid coming into it, reduce the uric acid and you will reduce the pain. Purines are the chemicals in food that are metabolized by the body and broken down into uric acid. Deleting the foods high in purines from your diet is the logical course of action to take.

What Foods Should be Avoided?

Avoiding the following foods known to be high in uric acid can stop a debilitating gout attack, vegetables like asparagus, legumes (beans), spinach and mushrooms are high in uric acids. Organ meats like liver, kidneys, heart, sweetbreads and tongue. Some sea foods are also to be avoided like scallops, shrimp, anchovies, mussels, mackerel, sardines, herring also red meats, alcohol and soft drinks.

Foods and Drink low in Uric Acids

Drinking 8 to 10 glass's of water a day will help to dilute and flush excess uric acids from the body. Increasing your dairy intake and foods high in potassium or taking a potassium supplement can also assist in pain reduction. Black cherries and blueberries or their juices can be very helpful and can be found in health food stores. Some grocery stores are selling organics and will also carry the juices. Pineapple juice has bromelain in it and it is a natural anti-inflammatory, you can also pick it up as a supplement in capsule form. Balancing your ph levels also helps, you can do this by drinking natural lemon juice.

Herbs and Folk Remedies for Gout Pain

Apple cider vinegar is a natural ph balancer, if the body's ph is balanced everything flows better, combining it with clover honey and water to taste and drinking it once a day can balance the ph easily. Once broken down, uric acids are dissolved and excreted through the kidneys. Lemon juice does the same thing as acv as far as balancing the ph. Natural fruits, like strawberries and grapes and the herbs, hydrangea and parsley, that are diuretics are also good for dissolving and excreting the uric acids.

Topical Liniments

DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) is effective when applied to the problem area but leaves a rather unpleasant taste in the mouth, because DMSO quickly enters the blood stream and leaves the taste, it is doubtful that a double blind study will ever occur to obtain FDA approval. In Florida it is only available at feed stores and is very effective on horses and dog arthritis. A liniment that soaks into the joints and works well is "Workout Liniment" and is available online. See Resources below. Another less effective one is absorbine jr and it is available at many stores.

MSM and Homeopathics

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is sulfur and is available in liquid, powder and capsules. Sulfur can be bought in homeopathic form and many companies make a gout formula. When dealing with herbs, those in liquid, capsules and powder will enter the body quicker and with less waste making them the preferred choice of many practitioners. The least preferred form is compressed tablets, the problem is the wax coating is very hard for the body to dissolve and most of the product never makes it into your system before being eliminated. Sulfur is very good if the joint is really itchy and burning and flares up in damp weather.

Acupressure Points

EFT (emotional freedom technique) is meridian therapy that reprograms the body and can be effective on gout when you focus tapping on the kidney meridian (orange dot). Tapping both sides of the body at the same time can bring the meridian into alignment. A routine is available below, just replace the snake phobia with gout information and focus extra tapping on the kidney spot. See Resources below.

Tags: uric acid, uric acids, broken down, foods high, Gout Pain

Camphor Essential Oil Uses & Benefits

Slightly cool to the touch, camphor essential oil has an intense, penetrating odor. When applied topically, camphor oil has a numbing quality and is easily absorbed by muscle tissue. After combining in the body with glucuronic acid, camphor essential oil that is absorbed through the skin is safely passed out of the body in urination.

Origin

Growing up to 35 feet tall, the camphor tree is native to Japan, Taiwan and China. It takes 50 years before a camphor tree produces oil for extraction. Steam extracted, camphor oil becomes present in every part of the tree. Once used as a remedy against the plague in Persia, camphor essential oil has also been used in Iran for embalming purposes.

Applications and Benefits

To ease respiratory ailments, add camphor essential oil to a steam vapor. Inhaling camphor essential oil in this manner may also be useful for nervousness and depression. Essential oils of frankincense, Neroli, chamomile, basil and cajeput all blend well with camphor essential oil.

To reduce swelling of bruises and muscle sprains, camphor essential oil may be used in a cold compress. Useful in reviving an individual who is in shock, camphor essential oil may be added to smelling salts which also may be used to stimulate circulation in cases of heart failure.

Slightly antiseptic when applied to the skin, camphor essential oil numbs sensory nerves but is not readily absorbed by mucous membranes. You should use camphor in diluted form by mixing a few drops into a carrier oil such as almond or grapeseed.

Helpful with stiff muscles, applying camphor essential oil reduces inflammation while cooling the skin.

Best used in a diffuser or vaporizer, camphor essential oil strengthens the body and stimulates the nervous system. Camphor essential oil should not be used in massage therapy.

Warning

Three types of oil are produced from the camphor tree: white, yellow and brown. White camphor is the only type that should be used for therapeutic purposes, as yellow and brown camphor are classified as toxic and carcinogenic.

Even white camphor essential oil is powerful and should be used with care. People who should avoid camphor oil include pregnant women and anyone who has epilepsy or asthma. Even a small amount of camphor essential oil can cause vomiting and convulsions if ingested.

Tags: camphor essential, camphor tree, should used, yellow brown

Cope With Homesickness When Missing Someone

Whether you're away at camp or college, on a business trip or in a new city, you're sure to feel even more homesick if you're also missing a friend or family member. Cope with the separation with strategies to help you keep in touch, but keep moving forward with your life at the same time.

Instructions

1. Exchange email with someone from home on a regular basis, if possible. Keeping up to date on the events, highlights and minute details of your friends and family's lives may help you feel like you're not away at all.

2. Fill your days with fun or fascinating activities to keep your mind off your former home. Carry a book or collection of word puzzles that you can focus on immediately if you're starting to miss someone. Adopt a new hobby to keep you busy at night when you may feel the most melancholy.

3. Make new friends. Although they won't replace the ones you're pining over, you can hang out, have interesting conversations, laugh and capture some of the camaraderie you're missing.

4. Start a journal or write letters that express your feelings of sadness and homesickness. Releasing the emotions can help you cope, while bottling them up can cause them to escalate.

5. Consider the person's personality quirks and annoying habits. There's got to be at least one quality that makes you happy to be away from a special someone for a little while.

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Chinese Herbs For Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. There are five kinds of hepatitis: hepatitis-A, hepatitis-B, hepatitis-C, hepatitis-D and hepatitis-E. Although all types of hepatitis can be contracted by consuming contaminated food, hepatitis-B, hepatitis-C and hepatitis-D are often a result of contaminated body fluids, such as a blood transfusion. Chinese medicine provides a number of solutions for hepatitis infections

Chinese Medical Analysis

The form of traditional Chinese medicine hepatitis treatment used depends on an analysis of the chi, or life force, of a hepatitis patient. Because hepatitis is a liver based disease, Chinese medicine often tries to reroute the chi to heal the liver. Many different types of Chinese medicine can be used to achieve this goal, including acupuncture and acupressure, cupping, reflexology, dietary changes and special herbal preparations.

Herbs

Traditional Chinese medicine often diagnoses Damp Heat in Liver and Spleen in hepatitis cases. The following herbs can be used to cool and heal the liver: Yin chen, pu gong yin, cang zhu, zhi zi and chai hu. Other herbs can be added to help with the process. These herbs are often detoxifying herbs. A few of these herbs are: Bai hua shi shi cao, yu jin, chen pi, tao ren, chuan lian zi, ji nei jin, ban xia and huang jing. Because of the complexity of the chi and differences in conditions related to hepatitis, it is important to see a Chinese medicine practitioner before using these or any other herbs.

Success Rates

Dr. Misha Ruth Cohen, a doctor of oriental medicine and acupuncturist, reports that 20 to 30 percent of hepatitis patients in San Francisco also use Chinese medicine and herbs to treat their condition. One of the ways of testing for severity of hepatitis is to test for liver enzyme levels. A study at the Quan Yin Healing Arts Center showed positive effects in lowering liver enzyme levels due to traditional Chinese medical practices.

Tags: Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine often, enzyme levels, heal liver, hepatitis-B hepatitis-C, hepatitis-B hepatitis-C hepatitis-D, hepatitis-C hepatitis-D

Cope With A Tooth Abscess

An abscessed tooth is never an enjoyable thing to have. An abscessed tooth is an infection between the tooth and gum or in the tooth's root, and can be excruciatingly painful. If left untreated, the infection can spread from the tooth to the bone that supports the tooth. Here is cope with this uncomfortable problem.

Instructions

1. Recognize the symptoms of a possible abscessed tooth. Symptoms can include fever, painful chewing, sensitive teeth, a bitter taste in your mouth, foul-smelling breath, swelling of the neck glands, swelling of the jaw, swelling and redness of the gums or an open sore on the gums.

2. Visit your dentist. Your dentist can properly diagnose an abscessed tooth and help create a treatment plan. Your dentist can also take X-rays to check for erosion of your bone structure in the abscess area.

3. Take an anti-inflammatory medication to help with the pain, swelling and discomfort of the abscessed tooth.

4. Consider a root canal. Your dentist may wish to perform a root canal, which will drain the abscess and also remove any diseased tooth root tissue.

5. Use antibiotics, under your dentist's supervision, to finish off the infection.

Tags: abscessed tooth, root canal, tooth root, Your dentist

Cope After Mouth Surgery

Mouth surgery can be a necessary option in order for a person to become healthy again. Surgery on the mouth is performed for a variety of reasons, including mouth cancer and removing wisdom teeth. However, mouth surgery can be a painful experience. So read on and find ways to make yourself comfortable.

Instructions

1. Prepare a spot in your home that is comfortable for when you arrive home, such as a couch or your bed. A lot of time will be spent there during the recovery process. Put blankets on the couch, and have things brought to your "comfy spot" like books, crossword puzzles and the remote for the TV.

2. Keep a phone nearby in case you need something. Friends may also wish to call and see how you are doing. If they offer to help in any way, accept it. Recovering from surgery is hard enough. You shouldn't have to do all your housework or cooking by yourself.

3. Arrange for your parents or a close friend to take the children for a day or two while you recuperate.

4. Eat soft foods while recovering from mouth surgery. For example, eat jello, ice cream, mashed potatoes or soup. These foods will be gentle on the mouth, whereas harder foods like chips or popcorn could hurt the mouth. Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated, but stay away from sugary drinks such as pop.

5. Take pain medication if it is prescribed by your doctor. This will alleviate the pain associated with mouth surgery. If the doctor did not prescribe a painkiller, over the counter medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen work just fine. Be sure to only take the prescribed amount on the bottle, and if the pain is too much, call your doctor for a prescription.

Tags: mouth surgery, your doctor