Herbal Therapies For Migraine Headaches

There are several different herbal therapies that can be used to treat migraine headaches. Among these are feverfew, ginger, kava kava, valerian and gingko biloba. Herbal therapies often have fewer side effects than traditional medicines used for migraines. Most of these herbal remedies are available in easy-to-take capsule form along with tinctures, powders and teas. Consult with your natural-health-care provider to find the best migraine treatment for your symptoms.

Feverfew

Feverfew contains an active ingredient called parthenolide that is helpful in the prevention of migraines. It must be taken on a daily basis, however, instead of only at the onset of symptoms. The recommended daily dose is 125 milligrams. This amount contains the minimum of 0.2 percent of parthenolide that is needed to prevent migraines. Be aware that as the product nears its expiration date, it may lose some effectiveness, as parthenolide is an unstable ingredient. Follow instructions on the bottle carefully when taking feverfew.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is used to increase blood circulation and may help in the treatment of migraines. The recommended daily dose is between 120 milligrams and 240 milligrams. Extracts that contain 24 percent ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6 percent terpene lactones are recommended. Ginkgo helps prevent migraines because of its ability to limit the platelet-activating factor.

Ginger, Kava Kava and Valerian

Ginger contains ingredients that, like ginkgo biloba, effectively limit platelet aggregation. It helps to increase blood circulation. Ginger tea works well for migraine headaches that occur near the front of the skull. Combine 500 to 600 milligrams of ginger powder in boiling water, and drink every four hours until symptoms subside. Ready-made tea bags are also available.

Kava kava is considered a relaxant and is quite helpful in treating stress-related migraines. Look for kava kava in tea and tincture forms.

Valerian is often recommended as a stress reliever and sedative. It is available in tea form, extract and capsules. Take at the first sign of migraine symptoms to help you relax. Do not take if you will be driving or operating machinery.

Herbal therapies are an easy, effective option for people suffering from migraines. If you continue to suffer from severe migraines, consult your physician for a standard treatment program.

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Rekindle A Love Affair With Your Wife

Share an unexpected embrace with your wife.

A long-term relationship requires work in order for it to remain viable and successful. Taking each other and the relationship for granted can lead to hurt and neglected feelings. Don't wait until Valentine's Day to say, "I love you." The key to rekindling a romance is to observe little things every day. Make a conscience effort to treasure your wife and the feelings you have for her. Choose to put her first and feel the mutual appreciation grow.

Instructions

1. Leave notes. Compose a paragraph each night before you go to bed describing how you feel about her or reminiscing about a time you shared. Slip the note into her briefcase, so that she discovers it while at work. Leave a quick one-liner on a sticky note, and stick it to the fridge or another area, where she will see it. Expressive words can add a spark when you are away from each other. Leave your wife a text message or voice mail at some point during the day. Tell her that you are thinking of her, or that you love her and are looking forward to seeing her after work.

2. Hold hands. This simple act is innocent enough to do in public, but it puts skin on skin in a romantic way. Body connection is important for romance. Hold hands every time you are together.

3. Share ideas, hopes and dreams. Communicate plans for the future. Listen to each other, and allow yourselves time to laugh, learn and grow together through these conversations. Open a bottle of wine and sit down for a candlelight dinner. Allow the time to pass slowly as you reminisce about your past and plan for the future together. Building -- or rebuilding -- emotional intimacy is important. Be vulnerable with your partner; show her that you trust her and love her unconditionally.

4. Plan a day together doing an enjoyable activity. Go for a walk through the boutiques in your area; plan for a leisurely lunch at her favorite cafe; or plan a nature hike, if that is something she enjoys. Putting the focus on her and planning something you know she will enjoy shows that you have put thought into the activity and have considered her wants and desires.

5. Give her a day off. A day free from household chores, child duty and the stresses of every day life can do wonders. Show her that you care, and purchase her a spa day, a massage, or lunch with a friend. A little time away while you take over will show her that you understand and appreciate what she contributes to your family.

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Restaurant Guide For Chandler Arizona

The best of the west.

Chandler, Arizona, located on the outskirts of Phoenix, offers restaurants that feed your taste for hearty Mexican food, fine European cuisine and everything in between. It's got just the right blend of metropolitan chic and small town comfort.

Mexican Grill

The El Zocalo Mexican Grill sits on Chandler's own El Zocalo square. Owned by the de la Cruz family, diners have their choice of the Chile Rellenos or Chile Verde, as well as an assortment of beef, shrimp or chicken dishes. On Friday's and Saturday's, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., the grill offers live entertainment and customers can enjoy an open bar with some of the best margaritas in town.

Steak and Wine

Flemming's Prime Steakhouse boasts a wine selection of over 100 wines by the glass and house specialties like a 22 oz. bone-in rib eye or the chilled seafood tower. Voted best steakhouse in 2010 by Phoenix Magazine, the restaurant offers a private dining experience with menus based on the wine you select.

Mediterranean

Pitta Souvli serves health conscious Mediterranean cuisine, featuring Moussaka, Falafel and Tzatziki prepared with olive oil only. They also provide catering with four party platters, live belly dancing and a special "Lamb Wednesdays."

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Teach Bipolar Children

Bipolar disorder, a neurologically-based mood disorder in a child not only affects his school life, but also is a way of life for the individual. It takes a collaborative team effort on the part of all the adults in the bipolar child's life to help him cope with the daily challenges of life. Here are a few ways we can help in the classroom.

Instructions

1. Choose your battles. As the adult working with a bipolar student, it becomes necessary for you to remain calm during difficult situations. Due to circumstances beyond the child's control, negative behaviors may ensue. Ignore minor incidences and find ways to encourage good behavioral choices. This may take a little trial and error, but it's well worth the effort.

2. Be consistent. Consistency and scheduling are two important factors when teaching bipolar children. Therefore, throughout the day, the child needs to know what to expect. Allow time for him to get used to schedule changes.. Later, gradually add unplanned activities to help him get accustomed to accepting occasional deviation from the schedule. Inform the entire class of an unexpected assembly or schedule changes beforehand. This helps to build coping skills for the bipolar child.

3. Give positive praise. As with any child, praise is essential. For every one negative comment made to a child, there needs to be 12 positive comments to counteract the negative one. Praise helps to reassure the child that his good behavior or hard work makes you happy.

4. Become well-prepared. When teaching bipolar children, there are no hard fast rules to follow. Prepare different strategies to use. The unpredictable mood shifts of the child may call for an abrupt change to calm down a situation. Therefore, it becomes necessary for you to be prepared with different strategies to get things back under control.

5. Encourage them to focus. Focusing on the task at hand may become difficult for bipolar children sometimes. When giving out assignments, give shorter amounts of problems that examine their level of understanding. Check in or have an assistant frequently check in with the child. Asking if he is doing alright is usually enough to quickly get the child to refocus.

6. Use the child's name often. While teaching, take the opportunity to use the child's name when writing out math problems or in sentences. The natural instinct for a bipolar child is bossiness. Combat this by giving him responsibilities such as collecting papers or placing him in a leadership role. Alternate this role among the children so that resentment does not come into play.

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Wellbutrin And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The CDC describes chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as a disease that causes perpetual tiredness and a lack of energy. Although doctors do not fully understand the causes of CFS, they have success prescribing antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, for relief of the disease.

Significance

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between one and four million Americans suffer from CFS and that 25 percent of these patients are unable to work.

Identification

Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant drug that raises levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, relieving chemical balances that may cause or contribute to CFS.

Expert Insight

A study conducted at the University of Miami in 1992 revealed that patients suffering from CFS saw improvement with the use of bupropion, the generic name for Wellbutrin.

Limitations

People who have epilepsy, eating disorders, high blood pressure, brain injury or tumors, kidney, heart or liver disease, or bipolar disorder may not be able to take Wellbutrin to treat CFS. It also may cause interactions with antihistamines, birth control, some antibiotics, stimulants, Valium and narcotics, reports Drugs.com.

Side Effects

Wellbutrin may cause side effects, including seizures, skin rash and blisters, fever, swollen glands, confusion, hallucinations, headaches, sleep, appetite or digestive problems, and lack of sexual interest.

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Make A Skullcap Tincture

A skullcap tincture is easy to brew and settles the nerves.

Adherents of herbal medicine use skullcap to calm the nerves and treat headache and insomnia. You can keep a tincture on the nightstand for sleeplessness or tension; more convenient than getting up to brew the tea. Skullcap is a member of the mint family and grows naturally in the eastern part of the United States. The leaves and stems are used in herbal preparations. When making a tincture, use dried leaves. Chinese skullcap is not the same as American skullcap and should not be used interchangeably.

Instructions

1. Place one jar in a pot of boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove it with tongs and place it on counter top. Place the dried skullcap in the jar and pour enough 100 proof vodka over the leaves to fill the jar. Stir. Put the lid on.

2. Label the jar with the date bottled. Shelve the jar in a place that is out of direct sunlight. Open the jar and stir the contents each day for one week. Let it set for five weeks more. Open it every two or three days to stir it.

3. Place cheesecloth into a stainer. Sterilize the second jar by boiling it in water for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the jar from the water with the tongs and place it on the counter. Strain the liquid into a clean jar through the cheesecloth and strainer. Label the jar.

4. Pour 1 ounce of the tincture into the dropper bottle and label it. Keep the tincture in the medicine cabinet or any place that is close at hand but away from the reach of children.

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Physical Therapy For Gait Training

When a person suffers an injury or a debilitating disease, he often has to relearn walk. This process is called gait training. A physical therapist becomes a guide and a resource for the person relearning do basic movements.

The physical therapist can use many different techniques and tools to help patients quickly and safely recover their mobility.

Strength Training

Stronger muscles, especially in the lower limbs, can help patients recovering from an injury or coping with a disease to improve their gait. In a study published in Minerva Medica, a peer-reviewed medical journal, researchers found that progressive resistance training helps improve muscle strength and tone as well as gait.

You can do progressive resistance training in many ways, so it is easy to customize a program to your specific needs and abilities. You can use free weights, resistance bands, body-weight exercises like squats and push-ups, and exercise machines.

Traditional Therapies

Improving muscle strength is at the core of most physical therapy programs, but therapists also augment strength training with exercises to help the muscles recover their ability to move in certain specific ways.

In the clinical setting, a physical therapist will develop exercises that help the patient practice walking. The parallel bars play a key role, allowing patients to support themselves using their upper body strength while actively walking. The parallel bars allow patients to gradually put more and more weight on their legs as they recover their ability to walk.

Locomotor therapy is another effective, traditional technique. This type of therapy works to get patients moving in more realistic circumstances. Walking on a treadmill is a common locomotor therapy. Research conducted at Northwestern University shows that patients who progress from standard clinical physical therapy to locomotor therapy recover their walking ability more completely than those who don't undergo additional therapy outside the clinic.

High-Tech Devices

Newer devices combine electrical stimulation or sensory input with traditional gait therapy techniques to produce even better results.

The GaitAid is one such device. It works using virtual technology to provide sensory feedback to patients with gait disorders. Sounds and visual images help the patients make greater neurological connections with proper movements and can dramatically improve gait and balance issues.

Other high-tech devices use electrical stimulation to help the lower extremities relearn basic movements.

Tags: recover their, help patients, physical therapist, basic movements, electrical stimulation

Home Remedies For Sinus Congestion & Pressure

If you are continually plagued with symptoms of sinus and congestion pressure, home remedies offer a unique and effective alternative to conventional medicine. Symptoms of sinus congestion and pressure are often the result of common illnesses, such as colds and flu, and can also accompany allergies and sinusitis. Use all or just some of these home remedies to alleviate your symptoms. If you continue to be bothered with sinus and congestion pressure, contact your physician for more conventional treatment options.

Avoid Allergens

To ease sinus and congestion pressure associated with allergies, one of the best plans of attack it to simply avoid contact with the allergen. If this means your symptoms act up during the arrival of spring and its resultant blooms, avoid the outdoors as much as possible during this time. Likewise, if you experience symptoms when exposed to other allergens, such as dust or mold, avoid those things. This is one of the simplest home remedies there is to treat a stuffy and congested nose.

Humidifiers

Use a humidifier to loosen chest congestion and open up clogged nasal passages. This will help to keep the mucous flowing in the nasal passages, as well as allow them to drain. Stand in the shower at least twice a day for a basic version of a humidifier and allow the steam to build up in the shower for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, put a standard humidifier in an enclosed room and breathe in the soothing vapors. Another option is to fill a basin with hot, steamy water. Place a bath towel over your head, lean over the steam, and allow it to penetrate your nasal passages. Stanley N. Farb, M.D states in the book, "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies", that humidity is key to keeping the cilia working in the nose.

Nasal Washes

Use a nasal wash system to remove debris from your nose. This helps to eliminate stale nasal secretions. Simply mix one teaspoon of table salt with two cups of warm water. Pour into a small shot glass, tilt your head back and pour into the nostrils, one at a time. Close one nostril, and pour into the remaining nostril. Repeat, then blow your nose gently.

Moist Heat

Apply moist heat over the sinuses to remove the feeling of pain and congestion. Put a warm, wet washcloth over your cheekbones, nose and eyes to hep open up the sinuses. Leave on for two to three minutes or until you feel symptoms subside.

Spicy Foods

Eat spicy food to encourage the flow of mucous within nasal passages. Garlic, horseradish and cayenne all encourage the thinning of nasal mucous. Add these spices to everyday foods and eat whenever you feel congested.

Tags: congestion pressure, nasal passages, sinus congestion, sinus congestion pressure, home remedies, over your, pour into

Calm Genital Itch

Dealing with an itch below can be one of the most unpleasant things for a woman. Find out calm and soothe genital itch and irritation.

Instructions

1. Avoid scratching, rubbing, or adding pressure to the area. The smallest bit of irritation can make tiny tears and cause the vagina to burn or itch more. Also avoid sexual contact, especially until you can pinpoint the root of the issue.

2. Apply a thin coat of Vaseline to the genitals, which will soothe the area and also provide a coat for damaged skin against bodily fluids such as urine which can cause burning once the area has been scratched. Often times, the actual discharge from the vagina can cause it to itch more, and a barrier such as petroleym jelly may keep it from having direct skin contact.

3. Discontinue the use of all douches, vaginal creams, bubble baths, and sprays which may have had contact with the area. These can aid in irritating the vaginal area, even if it's a specific product for feminine needs.

4. Avoid shaving the area until the itch leaves or is cured by a medical professional, as the area can respond negatively to razors or wax during this time.

5. Pat instead of wiping the genitals when you use the bathroom, as the often-rough swipe of toilet tissue can irritate the area and cause itching.

6. Avoid wearing tight garments, such as tight jeans, and make sure to promptly change out of wet clothing, such as swimsuits. Keeping the area dry with air circulation will prevent bacteria from growing.

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Choose Nonfat Marinades To Season Meat

Marinades are use to both flavor and tenderize meats before they are cooked. However, many traditional marinades are high in fat. If you are trying to cut the fat from your diet then you will want to look for nonfat marinades for your meats.

Instructions

1. Look for a marinade recipe that contains nonfat yogurt. Yogurt is a great component for a meat marinade because it contains active cultures that will break down the meat fibers and infuse the meat with a tang. Yogurt and dill marinades work well with lamb and beef, especially when creating Mediterranean dishes.

2. Select an acid-based marinade. Acid based marinades contain ingredients like lemon juice, wine and vinegar. These marinades use the acidic content of these ingredients to break down the meat fibers, which tenderize the meats. Acid based marinades for fish can not only add flavor to the fish, but they can also be used to cook the fish.

3. Pick a fat free version of your favorite salad dressing as a meat marinade. Italian dressing is a commonly used marinade for meats, and the fat free version of this salad dressing also works well as a marinade. It is a great option for people who are watching their weight and fat intake.

4. Try a sweet marinade for meat. Sweet marinades are typically made using sugar and vinegar solutions that are flavored with herbs, spices and fruit juices. If you select a sweet marinade mix that calls for an oil to be added, use fat free mayonnaise instead of oil.

Tags: Acid based, Acid based marinades, based marinades, break down, break down meat, down meat

Charge An Aquamarine Crystal

Gemstone crytals have unique properites.

Many therapists of alternative medicine use crystals and gemstones in the practice of healing arts. Unlike simple quarts crystals, which have fairly neutral properties, gemstone crystals have specific properties, as do the elements of the periodic table. You can learn to charge an aquamarine crystal for personal or professional use as a healing object. Use your aquamarine crystal for meditation or a variety of healing modalities.

Instructions

1. Clear any stray or unwanted energies from a new aquamarine crystal. Wherever you purchased or obtained your crystal, it absorbed energies and influences from the people and things that have touched and interacted with it before you. Clear these energies from the stone by holding in a running body of water, such as a sink tap or stream. If the crystal has a point, aim it into the water flow so that the water flows onto the point of the stone. When you can sense that the stone is clear of stray energies, remove it from the water flow. If you are new to using crystals and are unsure if you can sense energies, place the aquamarine in a bowl of sea salt for at least 24 hours to allow the salt to draw the energies out of the crystal.

2. Charge your crystal using the natural environment. Laying a crystal in direct sunlight for at least six hours will charge it with the sun's radiant energy. Laying a crystal out in dynamic weather conditions, such as rain or snow will also charge it with beneficial energies.

3. Charge your aquamarine crystal using a pyramid. Some crystal users believe that pyramids focus and concentrate energies in ways that we can use in various ways. Build a pyramid out of wood, paper, cardboard, or any material that you're inspired to use. Place the crystal beneath the pyramid for a designated amount of time, it can be as brief as one hour, or as long as overnight or even 24 hours. The best method for charging any crystal will rely largely on your personal beliefs. If you don't believe that a pyramid will charge your aquamarine, then it won't.

4. Charge your crystal by holding or carrying it. Carrying the crystal on your person, whether carried or worn as jewelry, will allow the crystal to absorb your specific energies and be charged by your life force. Any skin contact will enhance the crystal's absorption of your energies, especially holding it in a hand. Meditating on the crystal while holding it is the fastest and strongest way to charge the crystal with your energies. Be careful what thoughts and emotions pass through you when you charge crystals in this way, as that is what you will put into the stone.

5. Charge the crystal with specific energies that relate to the aquamarine's unique traits. Specialists in the study of healing with gemstones, identify the aquamarine with certain properties. Aquamarine relates to the element of water, so it should react well to clearing by water and charging by rainfall. Meditation on water images or by the ocean, should also enhance the charging of the crystal. Some practitioners use sound vibration to clear, balance and charge crystals. Aquamarines resonate and respond to the tones between G and F# (F sharp). Light-colored aquamarines respond better to the G spectrum, while darker stones prefer F#. Play these tones for your crystals to charge them with their own energies.

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Fire Safety Tips For The Workplace

If you ask any managerial employee at your workplace what the most important issue above all others is at your workplace, you will almost certainly be told safety. Safety, including fire safety, is a topic that all workers should be trained for and, if possible, review and be tested on periodically. Fire safety is a particularly important topic as it can effect every work environment known.

Fire Prevention

It is important that workers be educated in locating possible fire hazards and where to report such hazards. Reporting of such things as overloaded electrical sockets and improperly contained flammable materials must be maintained as the responsibility of every employee. Further, adherence to following safety procedures within the workplace is essential to preventing fires. It is imperative that if you see any possible fire hazard you immediately notify a manager. Always follow up and make sure issues are dealt with promptly and adequately. Never assume something is safe as your life may very well rest on that assumption.

Fire Response

In the case of a fire there is a clear procedure that must be followed in order to maintain safety and stop the fire. Above all, it is imperative that you do not lose control of the situation. While a fire is certainly a scary thing and never something to be taken lightly, it is also something that can be controlled and extinguished. Firstly, it is important you do not attempt to handle the situation alone. If something happens to you, there will be no one to aid you or continue efforts to contain the fire. Ensure that at least one other person knows of the situation. If you are unsure whether the fire may be extinguished by a fire extinguisher, then get someone who does know. Never take chances when dealing with a fire. If the fire is large then it is imperative that someone hit the fire alarm, if available, and call 911 immediately. It is also important that all fire exits be clearly lit and known by all workers. Further, a fire exit should never be blocked. This is not only bad safety practice but against the law as well as per OSHA regulations. Finally, keep your calm and exit in a quick yet controlled manner. Pushing and shoving your way out of a fire is not only extremely dangerous but incredibly selfish.

Fire Education

Proper response to fire in the workplace is a very basic safety concern that should be covered with all new employees and reviewed periodically to ensure a safe working environment. It is imperative that some sort of training material whether purchased or made in house is available to employees and that they are allowed access to any and all fire safety information upon request. While many employers may see this as a great cost for training, it is in no way equivocal to the value of human life. As an employee, it is important you not only know all safety procedures outlined by your employer but also follow them. It is important employees realize that cutting corners with safety may not have consequences the first or second time you cut a corner, but eventually it will have consequences that are dire and may lead to the loss of your own or a co-worker's life.

Tags: imperative that, fire safety, have consequences, important that, possible fire, safety procedures

Acupressure Cure

You may have heard of acupuncture or have seen images of people with needles on various parts of their bodies. Well, acupressure is just like acupuncture but without needles. It is a non-evasive approach to healing that uses your fingers to relieve pain, speed healing and bring balance to your body.

History

Acupressure began as a medical practice in China over 2,000 years ago. Acupressure involves pressing, rubbing or massaging certain points on the body to cure or help cure a variety of physical ailments. This form of therapy is regarded as massage therapy and it has progressed rapidly since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. In Japanese, acupressure is called shiatsu.

Methodology

In acupressure, when a local area is pressed or rubbed in the same area where you have pain or tension, it's called a "local point." If a distant part of the body is relieved of pain while you press this local area, it's called a "trigger point." Trigger points send a signal through pathways along the body called "meridians" which connects the points and the organs involved.

There are 12 meridians on either side of your body. Each meridian matches a particular organ. In acupressure each pressure point is numbered to show where it's located along the meridian. Acupressure allows qi (chi) or energy and blood to flow along these meridians to cure illnesses or to alleviate symptoms associated with them like pain.

Cures

Realize that common acupressure cures are headaches (including migraines), weight loss, nausea, vomiting, angina, cerebral palsy, back pain, insomnia, hangovers and menstrual cramps (Reference 1).

A study at the Women's Hospital, School of Medicine in Zhejiang showed that "acupressure can be used as alternative treatments to relieve menopausal hot flashes for...women who are unable or unwilling to receive HRT (hormone replacement therapy)," (Resource 3).

Cure Examples

There are several acupressure points you can use to relieve pain, especially for headaches. Here are two techniques, from Dr. Mehmet Oz:

Between the eyes: Pinch the tissue just above the nose with your middle finger near one eye and the thumb near the other and slowly push upwards so you feel the pressure near your eyebrows.

The hand web: Using the thumb and index finger of the other hand, apply a pinching pressure to the soft fleshy web between the thumb and index finger, on the back of the hand (Reference 2).

The June 2006 issue of Fitness Magazine has an article called, "Press to De-Stress: 7 Acupressure Cures for Aches and Pains", with a cure for insomnia by acupuncturist, Don Phillips:

Press the spot between your eyebrows, called "yintang." This promotes relaxation, which can help you fall asleep, explains Phillips (Reference 3).

Tips and Warnings

Do not use acupressure as a substitute for medical care. Consult with your doctor about using it along with your current medical care.

Don't use acupressure if you're pregnant.

Do not to apply acupressure to legs with varicose veins (Resource 1).

Tags: with your, index finger, local area, medical care, relieve pain, thumb index, thumb index finger

Foods Low In Carbohydrates

Low-carbohydrate diets are popular because they offer quicker weight loss while allowing people to eat real, natural foods instead of processed ones. Everyone from celebrities to homemakers knows about low-carb diets, but may not know which foods are best to eat on a low carbohydrate diet and why.

Benefits for Diabetics

Foods high in carbohydrates cause blood sugar spikes, and keep blood sugar levels elevated for longer periods of time because it takes the body longer to process them. Diabetics should eat foods low in carbohydrates to keep blood sugar levels regulated throughout the day.

Vegetables

Low-carbohydrate vegetables are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that help fight disease and improve overall health. Leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, celery, cucumber, squash, green beans, mushroom, onions, peppers and spinach are some of the healthiest low-carb vegetables.

Fruits

Contrary to popular belief, fruit can be eaten on a low-carbohydrate diet; the right fruits just have to be chosen. Strawberries, blueberries, kumquats, prunes and tangerine are some of the best low-carb fruits and should be included in a well-rounded diet.

Meats

Meat is a staple of a low-carbohydrate diet. Eat skinless chicken and turkey, lower-fat steaks such as sirloin, and pick ground beef with the lowest fat content to ensure optimal health benefits.

Dairy

Check the carbohydrate count in all dairy products, and only consume those with the lowest carb levels. Some low-fat versions of dairy products are processed, so should not be included in a healthy low-carb diet.

Grains

Whole grain, high-fiber breads and wraps can be included in a low-carbohydrate eating plan on occasion. Even grains with more nutritional value are higher in carbs than other foods, so should not be eaten every day.

Tags: blood sugar, blood sugar levels, dairy products, keep blood, keep blood sugar, low-carbohydrate diet

Physical Therapy Exercises For Post Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a highly invasive, serious surgical procedure, and as such it will require heavy amounts of therapy and properly supervised and designed exercises during the months of recovery. As with any major surgery that affects main moving areas, a mastectomy is likely to require a rehabilitation program to regain proper movement and strength in the weeks after surgery. Working with a physical therapist to ensure proper technique, there are several exercises you can learn and perform to help heal fully in the stages following surgery.

Initial Recovery

During the initial stages of healing and rehab, it's important to not overexert the surgical area. Doing so could inhibit proper healing and cause large amounts of pain, so it's best to focus on smaller exercises that work the hands and elbows more than the chest and shoulders.

Hand and wrist strengthening exercises with little to no resistance are excellent starting points. Gently squeeze your hand closed and hold it tight for several seconds before relaxing. Repeat this several times.

As you progress through the initial days and weeks of your healing you can add some resistance to this simple exercise, by squeezing a stress-relief ball or a heavy hand-strengthening sandbag. These bags are essentially latex or rubber balls filled with heavy sand or synthetic material that is difficult to easily squeeze, providing resistance for hand exercises. You can also lightly work the wrist during this phase by gently moving it back and forth, holding it for several seconds at each position. This won't strengthen the area so much as stretch it and help regain pain-free movement in the wrist and up the forearm.

As you get past the initial week or so from your surgery you can begin to incorporate light elbow exercises as well. For the rest of this initial stage these exercises should involve nothing beyond some simple elbow extensions, more to regain movement rather than to strengthen. Bend both elbows so your hands are raised to your head. Gently extend one arm at a time, holding it in front of you at full extension for several seconds before bending it back. Then do the same with the other arm. Repeat several times. Resist the temptation to add any weight to this exercise, as doing so too early in your recovery could harm the surgery area.

Later Rehab

As your rehab from surgery progresses into the next month, you can begin to experiment with exercises that work additional areas of the upper body. At this point you can involve the shoulders and chest much more. Again, you should focus initially on regaining movement more than on strengthening with weights or resistance.

Several good exercises to accomplish this with the shoulder area involve lying flat on your back. From this position, have your arms extended at your sides with the palms facing up. Then extend one arm straight up so your hand is directly above your face. Hold it there for several seconds before lowering. Repeat with the other arm.

An even better exercise, and a good indicator of how far along in your healing you are, also begins with lying flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, with your elbows bent and pointed straight up toward the ceiling. Next, slowly lower your elbows to the floor while keeping your hands firmly locked behind your head. This movement will have your arms, still bent, moving slowly parallel to the floor. Depending on how far along in healing and rehab you are, you might be unable to move your elbows all the way to the floor. This is a good exercise to repeat frequently as you heal, as it works the affected chest area very well and helps continuously build movement in the area as the muscles restrengthen.

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Detox Foot Pads Safety

Detoxifying foot pads contain mainly vinegar and green tea extracts, according to a study done by Dr. Devra Davis on MSNBC. These ingredients are harmless and pose no safety issues for the majority of users. However, the adhesive used in the pads has proven irritating to some users. Overall, the foot pads are generally regarded as safe.

History

Detox foot pads are a form of traditional Japanese medicine, and, according to a report by Dr. Mercola, the original pads used bamboo vinegar that had been fermented for nine years. These pads had an effect on the kidney meridian, located on the feet, according to traditional Japanese medicine. Even these original pads, however, did not detoxify the body of heavy metals.

Misconceptions

None of the foot pads detoxify the body. The brown gunk on the pads is simply the chemical reaction of moisture plus the substances on the pads. In the pads tested by Dr. Davis the substance was simply green tea and vinegar. John Stossel, co-anchor of the ABC news program 20/20, asked for a report on ingredients from Avon and Kinoki, two manufacturers of these pads, but neither company responded.

Benefits

The pads act like poultices and some contain ingredients such as milk thistle, an herb known to be beneficial to the liver, according to Dr. James Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy. It is possible that some benefit may be obtained from placing the pads on certain areas of the body. Dr. Duke states, for example, certain pads contain cayenne pepper, a known pain reducer. If the pad containing cayenne pepper is placed over a painful joint or muscle it is possible that the user could experience pain relief.

Safety

The pads were included in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration import alert on May 11, 2007, because the detox foot pads are misbranded and claim to do something that they don't do. There is no known safety hazard associated with the pads. However, Avon and Kinoki were not forthcoming with their ingredients lists, so allergic reactions are possible, since there is the possibility of an unknown ingredient posing an allergic threat. Also, the adhesive used on the pads can be irritating to some people, according to the 20/20 report.

Considerations

Detoxifying foot pads are a popular health item, especially in Asian countries. Using the foot pads should not pose a problem and may do some good when treated as a poultice. According to a report on WPIX, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, television station, the Center for Disease Control found 60 toxins in the 2,000 people it tested in 2005. However, detox foot pads may not be the most efficient method for detoxification.

Tags: foot pads, foot pads, according report, adhesive used, adhesive used pads, Avon Kinoki

The Signs And Symptoms Of Flea Bite Allergies In Humans

Hives, swelling and itchy skin are all symptoms of flea allergies.

Humans affected by flea bites can suffer from an allergic reaction to the flea saliva, known as flea allergy dermatitis. Dog and cats are commonly identified as flea hosts, but rodents, birds and small furry animals can also carry fleas. If you believe your flea bites are from animals other than dogs or cats, your reaction may be more than just allergic, and you should see a doctor to eliminate the possibility of certain flea-transmitted diseases especially prevalent in developing countries.

Itchy Skin

While allergic reactions vary by individual, itchiness is one of the main symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis. All flea bites cause some itching, but those who suffer from flea allergy dermatitis experience a whole-body itching sensation. Children with allergic reactions may scratch until they develop open sores. Prevent secondary infections by applying an anti-histamine and anti-bacterial cream to the skin regularly before covering the bites with bandages. To solve the problem, either have a professional exterminate the fleas or do it yourself using flea bombs, and apply spot treatment to your dog or cat immediately.

Hives

Flea bites leave a single, red bump, similar to a mosquito bite. However, sufferers of flea allergy dermatitis can experience an outbreak of hives surrounding the entire affected area, not just a single bump. The hives are swollen and sensitive, and frequent scratching exacerbates these symptoms.

Rash

A purple-red rash is another symptom of flea allergy dermatitis in humans. The rash may originate in the bite area, but can spread over the skin with persistent scratching. Apply a hydrocortisone or benzocaine cream to relieve the symptoms of itching, soothe the skin and help with flakiness.

Reaction Time and Length

An allergic reaction typically develops within 12 to 24 hours after the flea bite. The reactive symptoms last for approximately one week. If you have fumigated or otherwise eliminated the fleas and you or another person continues to display symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis, consult with a doctor to determine the cause and rule out other possible conditions.

Tags: allergy dermatitis, flea allergy, flea allergy dermatitis, symptoms flea, allergic reaction

International Massage Schools

Massage therapy.

Massage schools around the world offer students the opportunity to choose from a wide array of massage styles. No matter where you study, you can learn in Shiatsu, Swedish massage, acupressure, or Thai massage. By utilizing special techniques, massage therapists help to stimulate the body's circulation and promote healing. Most massage therapy programs require a high school diploma or the equivalent; prior courses in biology, anatomy and physiology are helpful. Massage therapists must obtain proper licensing and certification in order to legally work in the field.

Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine

The Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine provides courses in massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, homeopathy, and ayurveda. The Institute also runs a student clinic to ensure that students obtain a hands-on training in their field of specialization. The certificate program in massage therapy is available on a part-time basis; students are required to fulfill 100 hours of clinical training under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist. By taking additional courses, students can "upgrade" their certificate toward a "diploma of remedial massage."

Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine

862, North Lake Rd., Cockburn Central (Jandakot)

Western Australia

+011-089-417-3553

aihm.wa.edu.au

Beijing Massage Hospital

Founded in 1958, Beijing Massage Hospital admits over 100 international students to train in different fields of traditional Chinese massage techniques. The hospital is the largest specialized massage hospital in China and provides massage therapy training to "amateurs" and professionals. The massage hospital provides in-patient and outpatient services to treat patients using therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion (a Chinese herbal therapy) and physiotherapy. Courses range from one week to six months and include basic theory of Chinese traditional medicine, channels and acupuncture points, Chinese massage theoretical study and clinical practice.

Beijing Massage Hospital

No.7 Baochan Lane

Xicheng District

Beijing, China

+011-008-610-6616-1064

massage-hospital.com

Kientalerhof

Located near the Alpine mountains in Kiental Switzerland, Kientalerhof is a "center for well-being and creativity"; students can choose from techniques like Shiatsu massage, cranio-sacral therapy and rebalancing. Other areas of study include yoga, colon hydrotherapy, and music improvisation. The training in Shiatsu massage consists of four levels; students learn about the total body, traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory, nervous system response and cooking with natural foods.

Kientalerhof

Hauptstrasse

CH 3723 Kiental (BE)

Switzerland

+01-41-33-676-2676

kientalerhof.ch

Thai Massage School

Thai massage school is fully accredited by the "Thai ministry of education," and international accrediting bodies, including the California Board of Registered Nursing, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. Thai Massage School was recognized as the "best vocational school" by the Thailand Royal award in 2005. Students can choose from a variety of courses in massage therapy such as: basic Thai massage, Thai table massage, Thai foot massage, and Thai chair massage. Students who enroll in a 150-hour, five-level, professional Thai massage program will earn a diploma.

Thai Massage School

203/6 Mae Jo Road

(Across Ruam Choke Market)

Moo 6, T.Faham

Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

+011-053-85-4330

tmcschool.com

Tags: massage therapy, Australian Institute, Australian Institute Holistic, Beijing Massage, Beijing Massage Hospital, choose from

Extended Periods During Menopause

Menopause, the time in a woman's life when she ceases to ovulate, is often a time of great frustration and angst, and one of the things that can happen during menopause is having periods that are of extended length.

Significance

Extended periods during a time of menopause signify that a woman's body is changing, not only hormonally, but physiologically as well.

Time Frame

Depending on the individual woman's body, an extended period during menopause can last for several times its normal length.

Prevention/Solution

Preventing extended periods during menopause is not possible; however, there are medications and aids that can help ease the process, as it can be especially painful to have a period for such a long time.

Warning

If an extended period during menopause causes abnormal abdominal pain, weight gain or bleeding exceeding 7 days or the woman feels that something isn't "right" about it, she should seek the advice of a medical professional.

Effects

Extended periods can take a heavy emotional and physical toll on a woman, especially since she is already dealing with the high stress situation of going through menopause.

Tags: during menopause, extended period, extended period during, period during, period during menopause, periods during, woman body

Stop Drug Addictions

Drug addictions can range from abusing alcohol to snorting crack cocaine. They can be volatile, dangerous, and life-threatening in their most extreme form. Those addicted to drugs run the risk of dying, losing all of their friends and family, becoming homeless, and seriously hurting themselves. If someone you know suffers from a drug addiction, learn intervene.

Instructions

1. Know what your problem is. If you abuse prescription drugs or cocaine, you probably have a sense of what your problem is. However, many people who are addicted to drugs cannot see the light of day. The first step in ending your addiction is realization.

2. Speak to a friend or close relative. Let them know you need help and ask for their continual support and guidance. They may be reluctant to help you. Realize that this is only their fear getting the best of them. By showing them real-life results, they'll know you're making an effort, and thus, will be more likely to help you.

3. Get professional help. Enter rehab or hire a counselor to assist you. If you can't afford professional help, there are plenty of city-wide drug treatmant programs and organizations designed to help individuals like yourself or your friend.

4. Stay away from drugs. Cut off ties with your dealer or friends that encourage your habit. It may be hard. It may feel wrong. But, ultimately, you'll benefit from this decision.

5. Occupy your mind and time with some other activity. Take care of a pet. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Start a new job. When you have responsibilities you care about, you'll be less inclined to abuse drugs.

6. Get rid of your triggers. If your partner, alcohol, or a certain environment acts as a trigger, get it out of your life.

Tags: addicted drugs, professional help, what your, what your problem, your problem

Symptoms Of Aids

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) happens when the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) reaches its last stage. HIV will, over time, leave the body defenseless to infection and certain types of cancers. The following AIDS symptoms will manifest themselves after being infected with HIV.

Early Stages

In the early stages of AIDS, no symptoms may appear, but after one to two months of being infected, the infected person may experience a fever, headache, lethargy and swollen glands in the area of the neck and groin.

Symptom-Free Period

Though some people may not experience symptoms for 10 years or longer after infection, destruction of the immune system still takes place while the HIV virus is growing during this symptom-free period. The virus may also be inactive and do no harm.

Initial Sign

An initial symptom of AIDS that is usually evident in a large number of infected individuals is enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Advanced Symptoms

Advanced symptoms of AIDS are weight loss, chronic cough, frequent fevers, extreme sweating at night, extreme tiredness, swollen glands, chronic diarrhea, patches of white in the mouth, pneumonia, red, brown, pink or purple spots on the skin, memory loss, neurological problems and depression.

Symptoms in Children

Children who are born with AIDS will experience continuous or intense symptoms within 24 months of being infected with HIV. HIV can be passed on to an unborn child from an infected mother during pregnancy, childbirth or while breastfeeding.

Tags: being infected, AIDS symptoms, being infected with, infected with, months being, months being infected

Train For Nonemergency Patient Transport

Non-emergency patient transport services known as are planned, non-urgent transportation of patients from one National Health Service health care facility to another or to and from NHS premises. This service should encompass a wide range of vehicles and levels of care according to patient needs. Training courses include Ambulance Transport Officer, Patient Transport Officer and Patient Transport Attendant courses. Training requires a specific course regime that includes first aid, basic medical terminology, communication with clients and colleagues, and occupational health and safety among other disciplines.

Instructions

1. Conduct a research on the colleges, medical universities or medical training hospitals offering non-emergency patient transportation courses in your state and internationally. An example is First Intervention.

2. Get the details of the course durations, requirements for admission, whether some official documents are needed, the location of the college or training institution in relation to your residence and accommodation, the method of course delivery--whether it is online, via CD ROMs, through sit-in lectures, correspondence, workbooks or practicums--and the overall course content. The course should include theoretical coursework and supervised practical classes. The institution should be accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission.

3. Contact the institution using the numbers given on the website, directory or brochure. Ask for further details on the types of course you would like to pursue and seek clarification on any areas of concern before choosing amongst the options available to you. You can consult any medical health practitioner you know to give a more practical approach to your venture.

4. Register for the course and for credit transfers. Avail the requisite details, either in soft copy by e-mail or in hard copy and make the necessary payments. Obtain registration certificates and student ID as they must be verified on admission as proof of registration.

5. Report to the facility and meet the course instructors and administrators in person. Familiarize with the academic system of the course, how the course is marked and rated, how assignments are done and handed in and deadlines for completing these assignments. If you will take the course by correspondence, make such arrangements with the institutional trainers.

6. Purchase relevant equipment, course materials and other facilities that are required, for instance dust coats, surgical gloves or a laptop.

Tags: Patient Transport, Officer Patient, Officer Patient Transport, Transport Officer, Transport Officer Patient

Treat Lupus

Treat Lupus

The course of treatment for lupus depends on the location and severity of the disease. Lupus is classified as either mild or severe. At the first sign of symptoms, see your doctor.

Instructions

1. Understand that lupus must be "managed" as well as treated. Part of that management includes avoiding overexposure to sunlight and extreme stress.

2. Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen to ease mild to moderate lupus pain.

3. Take doctor-prescribed drugs for lupus, such as antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Antimalarial drugs have been especially helpful in treating the joint pain associated with lupus.

4. Forgo taking antibiotics, unless ordered by the doctor who is also treating your lupus.

5. Avoid exposure to people who are ill. Lupus reduces your resistance to infection.

6. Get plenty of rest. Take naps if you need to.

7. Exercise moderately to prevent your muscles from becoming weak. Don't overdo it - this will exacerbate your lupus symptoms.

8. Have regular medical checkups. This is vital in preventing lupus from spreading to your major organ systems.

9. Take a vitamin and mineral supplement, don't smoke, limit alcohol, and eat a well-balanced diet. Some lupus experts recommend following the American Heart Association diet.

Tags: Treat Lupus, your lupus

What Not To Eat On A Low Carb Diet

There are many different types of low carb diets, which have different levels and amounts of carbohydrates allowed. In general, however, low carb diets all agree that there are certain types of foods that should be avoided at all times. While there are no food groups that are forbidden altogether, there are types of fruit, bread, grains, sweeteners and vegetables that should not be eaten on a low carb diet.

Fruit

Fruits tend to have a high sugar content, so many types of fruit should be avoided while on a low carb diet. Cherries, tangerines, figs and grapes are all fruits that are very high in sugar. Bananas are acceptable when they are slightly under ripe, but an overripe banana is not allowed on a low carb diet. Dried fruit, of any kind, cannot be eaten on a low carb diet, since it is so high in sugar.

Bread

Bread that is made from refined flour cannot be eaten on a low carb diet. White bread, or any type of bread with refined wheat flour in the ingredients, should be avoided. In addition, many types of bread, including whole grain bread, have sugar or honey in the ingredients, which is off-limits for the low carb dieter.

Grains

Grains are not entirely off limits for the low-carb dieter, but they must be chosen carefully. Any grains eaten, such as wheat or oats, should be whole-grains, and should be eaten in small quantities. Instant oatmeal, even if it contains no sugar, is too processed, and cannot be eaten in a low carb diet.

Sweeteners

There are many sweeteners that cannot be eaten when on a low carb diet. Sugar, in all its forms, is out of place in a low carb diet. Other names for sugar include honey, dextrose, glucose, sucrose, fructose and corn syrup. Cane syrup should also be avoided when on a low carb diet.

Vegetables

For the most part, vegetables are allowed on low carb diets, with the exception of starchy vegetables, such as potatoes. Peas, parsnips, beets and corn are other vegetables that cannot be eaten while on a low carb diet. Most types of squash, including acorn and butternut squashes, are also not allowed for low carb dieters.

Tags: carb diet, cannot eaten, carb diet, eaten carb, eaten carb diet, allowed carb, cannot eaten carb

What Are The Benefits Of Kidney Cleansing

The benefits of a kidney cleanse can affect the entire individual--ranging from the emotional to the physical aspects. Emotionally, benefits can include an improved sense of well being and improved clarity. Physically, the benefits of a kidney cleanse can result in better blood composition and physiological functioning.

Facts

A kidney cleanse is a flushing of the kidneys by consuming beneficial liquids, herbs, or foods. The benefit and purpose of the kidney cleanse is to restore and rejuvenate the kidneys by eliminating toxins from the kidneys and body. Kidney cleanses are painless unless large kidney stones are in the body. Proper kidney cleansing also protects the kidney while providing the body with increased levels of health functioning.

Significance

The benefits of a kidney cleanse are important to know since they can improve one's overall health by simply using the natural method. Not everyone knows about kidney cleanses and their positive effects. The kidney cleanse is a natural way of helping the kidneys to operate at full capacity, or the highest level possible. The kidneys are an essential organ of the body and easily accumulate toxins and waste daily. Benefits of a kidney cleans include eliminating these toxins from the kidneys and body. In turn, many bodily functions are improved.

Types

Types of benefits of a kidney cleanse range from healthier skin, healthier urinary tract functioning, better blood composition and improved electrolyte levels. Healthier skin involves less blemishes, better complexion and tone, and more radiant looking skin. A healthier urinary tract system involves easier urination and decreased discomfort. Better blood composition results in a better acid-base balance. All combine to free up the body's natural resources to aid it in fighting disease and illness.

Function

What: Benefits of a kidney cleanse are used to help the individual live a healthy lifestyle.

When: Benefits can be used and obtained whenever the individual feels urinary discomfort, water retention, or sluggishness.

Where: These benefits can have their beginning either at home or in a professional's office.

How: Both blood composition and blood pressure are regulated as a result of the benefits of kidney cleansing as are removing toxins from the body.

Why: The purpose of doing a kidney cleanse is to gain health benefits.

Considerations

Things to take into consideration when discussing the benefits of kidney cleansing involve the fact that they are to be done in moderation. If one is not familiar with doing the kidney cleanse at home, or has any questions about do the cleansing, advice of a professional is recommended. Sometimes uninformed individuals are overzealous with kidney cleansing and adverse results occur. Allergies to certain herbs used during the cleanse may also exist and naturopaths could help with this.

Tags: kidney cleanse, benefits kidney cleanse, blood composition, benefits kidney, kidney cleansing

Difference Between Alpha & Delta Waves

Delta waves largely characterize sleep.

To help describe brain activity, researchers have identified four different types of brainwaves. Measured in cycles per second, brainwaves control your brain's activity. The lower the brainwave's cycle per second. or Hertz (Hz), the slower the brain activity. The four brainwaves are the Delta waves, the Theta waves, the Alpha waves and the Beta waves. The brainwaves that are associated with controlling your relaxation and sleep are the Alpha and Delta brainwaves.

Alpha

Alpha brainwaves are associated with daydreams, visualization and meditation. Alpha waves operate around 8-to-13 Hz. When your alpha waves are active, you are in a very relaxed state. Alpha waves are usually dominant in children and creative individuals. However, anyone can learn to increase his Alpha waves. You can increase Alpha waves by visualization, meditation, deep-breathing or even watching television.

Benefits of Alpha Waves

One of the most important benefits of Alpha waves is the ability to slow down a mind that is typically racing. Anxiety, tension, stress and nervousness will disappear when the Alpha waves are present. Alpha waves can enhance problem solving skills, due to the fact these wave cycles affect both the right and left brain hemispheres.

Delta

The Delta brainwaves are the most relaxing of all the brainwaves. When Delta waves are present, you are in the deepest states of sleep. The frequency range for Delta waves is below 4 Hz. Generated in the right brain hemisphere, Delta waves are associated with a decreased sense of awareness, empathy and the unconscious mind. People who generally have high Delta waves are babies and very young children, meditators, people who have ADHD or brain damage, and monks.

Benefits of Delta Waves

Delta waves are associated with the release of melatonin and also DHEA, both anti-aging hormones. When Delta waves are increased, you have an increased empathetic ability. If there is a balanced amount of Delta waves, the ability to have compassion and understanding for others happens at an unconscious level. Delta waves also provide you an even deeper connection with your unconscious mind. There are many ways to increase the amount of Delta waves in your brain. Some of these are getting a good night's sleep, yoga, meditation and even hypnosis.

Tags: Delta waves, associated with, Delta waves, Alpha waves, Alpha waves, brain activity, Alpha Delta

Recognize When To Stop Eating

Recognize When to Stop Eating

The first and most basic step in controlling your food intake is to recognize when to stop eating. This may prove harder than it seems, as people eat for many reasons beyond physical hunger. However, experts agree there are a series of steps you can follow to make the process easier and more effective without feeling deprived.

Instructions

1. Understand the difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger. Emotional hunger is hard to satisfy, and it usually comes along with feelings of sadness or anxiety. During particularly stressful times, you should pay more attention to the signs that your body sends you to tell you it's time to stop eating.

2. Appreciate the subtlety of your body's signals. Feeling stuffed is a very obvious, noticeable sensation, but simply feeling satisfied is rather subtle. People who are "in tune" with their bodies recognize the muted feelings (like the aches that precede a cold) that develop into more obvious feelings (like a terrible head cold).

3. Stop before you are full. Once you feel comfortable and filled, put the fork down and move away. By the time you get the feeling of fullness, your stomach is already stretched and holding more than it should.

4. Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to receive the message that your stomach is full. The slower you eat, the sooner you will recognize the message to stop eating before overdoing it. If you eat too quickly, you run the risk of eating too much and stopping too late.

5. Wait at least 10 minutes before going for seconds. This will give your body time to process how full you are and allow your brain to emit the "full" signal. Chances are good that you won't be tempted to have a second portion after the wait, thus saving you calories.

6. Drink water with your meals. This will help you conquer thirst and avoid mistaking it for real hunger. Drinking a glass of cold water before the meal is also a good idea, as it reduces cravings and helps you eat more slowly and savor your food more.

7. Ask yourself a series of questions as you are eating. Rather than thinking about something else, focus on the meal and how it makes you feel. You don't have to do this every time you eat, but it's a good exercise to help you learn the reasons behind your food choices.

Tags: your body, your food, feelings like, physical hunger, Recognize When

Plan A Budget Cut In Nursing

Budget cuts are inevitable in any business when revenues decrease and expenditures increase, and this is true for health-care facilities such as hospitals, doctor offices and nursing homes. The nursing budget can be one of the areas administrators try to pare down to improve the bottom line.

Instructions

1. Notify staff about impending budget cuts. When business is down and money is short in health-care, most staff members and nurses know it. Let everyone know that budget cuts are going to occur before you even decide what exactly is getting cut. This prepares them for staff reductions and cost-cutting measures that may be employed in the future.

2. Allow staff to provide suggestions for budget cuts. Nurses and other staff in a medical facility are often aware of excess spending that occurs in their specific area. They may be able to provide suggestions on purchases that can be cut or a way to reduce expenses that will have minimal effect on duties and performance while saving the organization money.

3. Make a short-term and long-term plan. Unfortunately, you don't always have a clear indication in nursing or health-care of how long a budget cut will last. You may only need to cut back on expenses for one year, or the deficit could last much longer and require cutting expenses for several years. As a health-care organization or nursing department, you need to determine a short- and long-term plan for making it through the budget woes you're currently facing.

4. Determine what types of cuts would be best to make. Look at services, staffing, hours, purchasing, employee benefits and any other expenses that may have room for reduction.

5. Make the tough decisions. One of the hardest budget cuts you may have to make in nursing is cutting staff or reducing the hours each employee can work. Be sure to consult with key people in the organization to ensure that your cuts do not have a detrimental effect on patient care. Also be sure to consult with your Human Resources department to be sure that the cuts you are making are fair and legal.

6. Make a plan for how the company will continue after the cuts are made. Your remaining nursing staff will be looking for reassurance and leadership and will want to know how their jobs might change.

7. Make a plan for notification and departure. If you are laying people off, notify them as quickly as possible so that word can not spread before people learn that their jobs were eliminated.

8. Announce the cuts. Be sure to plan meetings that are convenient for all effected. Invite key managers and Human Resources staff to attend to help answer questions your staff may have. Be honest, even if you have to tell the staff that you are not sure what the future holds. Trust is key when cutting a nursing budget.

9. Arrange for services of laid-off workers if you can afford it. Look for companies or government agencies that can provide counseling and placement services for people who have lost their jobs. Providing this type of package shows current and former staff members that your company cares about them.

Tags: budget cuts, their jobs, consult with, cuts have, expenses that, Human Resources

Buy Wholesale Crystals & Beads

Crystals and beads can be purchased wholesale

The mainstays of any jewelry maker’s art are the crystals and beads they purchase. They are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors, and clarity and quality. They can also be the most expensive items an artist can purchase. It is possible to purchase both crystals and beads wholesale, as long as you meet the supplier's criteria. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Apply for a seller's permit number for your state. Most stores, whether online or local, will require one for the wholesale discount. This tells the store you are creating something that will be resold, and the state will collect sales and income tax on the item. It also tells the store you are a "business" and therefore qualify for wholesale prices.

2. Search the suppliers. Some stores sell their beads and crystals at wholesale prices to the general public. They will usually, however, have a minimum order amount, so be prepared to spend the minimum to get the good prices. Suppliers will vary greatly in prices, quality and type of beads and crystals available, so it is wise to do the research first.

3. Explore the specialty stores that deal in just one type of crystal or bead. These stores might grant you lower than wholesale prices if you call and negotiate and plan on spending a large amount. Sometimes these shops actually create the beads they offer, and if so it will be possible for you to order special custom designs at minimum costs.

4. Budget your purchases. Watch for hidden costs. Often shipping and handling charges are high enough that purchasing from an out-of-state store is not wise. Unless there is a specific type you are looking for, you may be able to find the crystals and beads at a local shop. Approach the owner and manager and ask what you need to do to receive the special wholesale prices.

Tags: wholesale prices, beads crystals, beads they, crystals beads, tells store

Diagnose Exotropia

Exotropia is a type of strabismus where the eyes look away from each other. It is usually intermittent and develops when the patient is several years old. Sensory exotropia is a result of poor vision while essential exotropia is caused by an inability to coordinate the muscles that control the eyes.

Instructions

1. Determine the clinical presentation. The most common initial complaint of a patient with exotropia is eyestrain after a prolonged visual task. The patient also frequently has difficulty maintaining his or her place while reading.

2. Use basic vision tests to assess the patient's control over the exotropia. Some patients may know when the divergence occurs and be able to restore binocular vision voluntarily. Patients that use accommodative convergence to control the exodeviation may complain that objects appear to be closer and smaller than they actually are.

3. Measure the severity of the exotropia. An ophthalmologist will conduct tests to calculate the degree of deviation under a variety of distances and other conditions. These tests will also measure the patient's control over the deviation in addition to lateral and vertical incomitancy.

4. Classify the exotropia. The Duane classification method considers basic exotropia to be a difference of less than 10 prism diopters between near and distance deviation. Divergence excess exotropia is a deviation that increases with distance and convergence insufficiency exotropia occurs when the divergence decreases with distance.

5. Identify the cause of the exotropia. This condition has a genetic component but it can also develop as a result of a significant loss of vision in both eyes. Other sources of exotropia include neurological disorders and abnormalities in the pulley systems of the eye muscles.

Tags: control over, patient control, patient control over, when divergence, with distance

What Is A Waterpik

Waterpik is a brand of oral irrigation device that cleans the teeth, gums and the entire mouth by using water with a forced jet spray. The Waterpik device will clean the entire mouth by using a stream of water that the company says is up to 93 percent more effective than flossing.

Company

According to the Wise Geek website, the Waterpik company has been manufacturing the device since 1962. Waterpik started out making their oral irrigation device, and now has produced a line of innovative shower heads, also.

Countertop Model

The Waterpik oral irrigation device started out as one device, and has evolved into two Waterpik devices: the countertop and cordless models. The countertop model has a large reservoir, 10 pressure settings and a wide assortment of removable tips. The newest countertop model has a tip with a toothbrush attached so a user can clean his teeth with the water jets and brush at the same time.

Cordless Model

The cordless Waterpik has two settings and a number of removable tips for different teeth and for a large number of purposes. The cordless model can be taken anywhere a person desires, to be used while away from home.

Why better?

The Waterpik oral care devices are different and perhaps better than using a toothbrush and flossing because the water stream of irrigation can reach farther than a toothbrush can. The Waterpik can get up to 4mm below the gum line. A person using the Waterpik may get an instant feeling of having a clean mouth. The Waterpik will remove more tartar and plaque than brushing and flossing can't reach.

Studies

Waterpik has had at least 50 studies done that have shown positive results. In an undated study at the University of Nebraska, it was found that adding a dental water jet to tooth brushing was up to 93 percent more effective at improving gum health than traditional brushing and flossing. A study at the University of Buffalo found that people who used a dental water jet with an irrigation tip compared to mouthwash, the water jet did a better job.

Good Things

Using a Waterpik, according to Wise Geek and the Waterpik site, can mean many more good things for a person's oral dental health. The Waterpik can get many food particles out of the mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach. the Waterpik can help prevent bad breath, and gingivitis. Using the Waterpik can also help people who have diabetes save their teeth and their gums.

Braces

For people who wear braces, a Waterpik irrigation device can be better than using a toothbrush and floss. The Waterpik can make cleaning the teeth easier and faster than brushing or flossing. That's because the water gets through the smaller spaces easier. While floss can go through tight spaces between the teeth, the Waterpik can do so without causing bleeding and pain.

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Home Remedies For A Cold Sore Or Fever Blister

That tingling, burning, itching sensation is back, and it's bad news. You know a cold sore is about to rear its ugly head. You've had them before, and you're likely to have them again. Early treatment of the symptoms can shorten the duration of your misery and lessen the intensity of cold sores, also known as fever blisters. Here are some remedies to keep in your medicine cabinet for when the dreadful virus strikes again.

The Facts

More than 90 percent of people have been exposed to the Herpes Simplex Virus I. Once it is in your body, it is there forever. Thankfully, most people don't react to the virus. But for people who react by getting cold sores, it can be miserable. The virus may lie dormant for months, but can at any time cause an eruption of small red blisters that weep a yellowish clear fluid. Outbreaks last from seven days to three weeks. The intensity tends to decrease over time, and you may eventually not get them anymore.

Warning

The virus is highly contagious, and can be passed to others through contact. Wash your hands after treating your infection, and do not scratch or pick at the sore.

Time Frame

Start treatment as soon as you notice the warning signs of a developing cold sore. You may be able to keep the blisters from growing too large, and if they're small, they're less likely to break open and spread.

Considerations

You can't cure cold sores. They are a viral infection, and outbreaks must run their course. Your goals are minimization of symptoms, comfort during the infection, and prevention of future outbreaks.

Solutions

If you tend to get cold sores often, always keep a bottle of L-Lysine capsules on hand. In Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Dr. Balch suggests 500 mg twice daily. If you have the slightest suspicion a cold sore is on its way, try the L-lysine for two or three days. Sometimes the symptoms will ease off and go away instead of developing into a full blown cold sore. You can also find lip balms that contain this critical amino acid, which you can apply during the course of an infection to soothe the blisters and speed healing.

Consider taking vitamin B complex tablets and zinc lozenges. These two supplements give your immune system a boost to fight infection.

For comfort, use a topical anesthetic to relieve (temporarily) the burning and itching. Tea tree oil is a good natural choice, as it has a numbing effect, and inherent antiseptic qualities. There are many over the counter, oral topical anesthetics available at your local grocery store.

Take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever to ease the inflammation around the blister and make it hurt less.

These measures will minimize your discomfort, making it easier for you to leave the sore alone, and avoid accidentally spreading the infection to other parts of your body, or to someone else.

Prevention

It is worth trying to prevent future cold sores, and there are three areas you can focus on.

Your health: try to stay well, as getting sick may trigger an outbreak.

Your diet: chocolate, caffeine, whole grain wheat products and peanuts are consistently cited as triggers of cold sore outbreaks.

Your environment: Avoid excessive sun exposure and cold wind. It might be harder to avoid stress, another common culprit of cold sore eruptions.

One very common trigger, according to the MedicineNet.com article on the subject, is "no apparent cause". That one's pretty unavoidable.

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Herbal Acid Reflux Treatment

Cinnamon: Herbal Acid Reflux Treatment

Acid reflux disease (also known as GERD) involves stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. This can cause a host of problems and can lead to symptoms like constant heartburn and pain. There are several herbal remedies that can help to reduce these symptoms. Consult a doctor before adding any new supplements to your diet.

Stop Your Symptoms

Try each of these three herbal remedies independently of one another to stop your symptoms as soon as you notice them, and figure out which one that works best for you.

Anise is an herbal remedy that has been used frequently in Chinese and Indian medicine. It is a natural antacid and it can be used instead of Rolaids or Tums. Prepare it as an infusion by adding seven teaspoons of herbal aniseed to a quart of boiling water.

Meadowsweet has tannins that can help to soothe stomach problems, such as peptic ulcers, gastritis and heartburn. Take 200 milliliters three times a day after noticing heartburn or a stomachache.

Slippery elm is an herb from damp forests in the United States and Canada. When mixed with warm water or milk it can help with indigestion and heartburn. You can purchase capsules of the herb at a local health food store; doses are typically 400 milligrams three times a day (See Reference 1).

Heal Your Stomach

Once you have stopped your immediate symptoms, you can start to heal the damage that the acid has caused. Try these two herbs to heal the stomach and the esophagus.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is an herb that can repair the inner mucus lining of the stomach and over time, it can prevent heartburn and other acid effects. Take two 380-milligram wafers three times a day in between your meals.

Aloe vera juice can be taken to soothe the irritation in your esophagus. Use an aloe vera juice that is 98 percent pure with no presence of aloin or aloe-emodin. Take two cups of the juice in between each meal (See References 1 and 2).

Improve Digestion

Finally, use these three herbs to improve your digestion to help limit the production of acid.

Extracts from the cinnamon plant can increase the efficiency of your digestion as well as bring a warming feeling to your body. Either add cinnamon to your food or make it into a tisane.

Peppermint can help with the flow of gastric juices in the stomach. Make a peppermint herbal infusion with one heaping teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water. Steep it for ten minutes and then strain out the leaves. Drink the infusion three times per day.

Devil's claw has a dual purpose: it increases the nutrient absorption of food and strengthens digestion over time. Take 1.5 to 2 grams of this herb every day.

By stopping the symptoms, healing your stomach and then taking steps to improve your digestive process, you will be able to severely limit the effects of acid reflux disease (See Reference 1).

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