Treat Intestinal Gas

Intestinal gas can produce an array of problematic symptoms such as belching, passing gas, heartburn and abdominal bloating. Everyone experiences intestinal gas from time-to-time. In many instances, the problem resolves itself. Then again, many people deal with chronic or ongoing intestinal gas, in which food may be the culprit. But fortunately, there are ways to get rid of intestinal gas and alleviate discomfort.

Instructions

1. Increase fiber intake. Gastrointestinal conditions such as chronic constipation cause intestinal gas. The easiest way to eliminate constipation is to eat more fiber. Taking a fiber supplement, eating fruits and vegetables, exercising and increasing fluid intake can cure constipation and stop intestinal gas.

2. Stay away from foods that produce gas. Different types of foods can cause intestinal gas. These include beans, cabbage, oats, dairy, wheat and bran. Too much fiber can also contribute to painful gas. It’s okay to eat these foods. However, people who deal with bouts of intestinal gas should eat these foods in moderation.

3. Eat slowly. Eating fast and chewing gum can result in swallowing too much air. In turn, gas develops in the intestines.

4. Drink fewer carbonated beverages. Sodas contain carbonation, which can cause abdominal bloating and intestinal gas. Diet sodas can aggravate the situation. These drinks don’t contain sugar, but they include sugar substitutes, which are proven to cause a host of gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas.

5. Experiment with herbal supplements. Ginger, peppermint and green tea naturally eliminate intestinal gas.

6. Buy anti-gas medications. Over-the-counter anti-gas medicines are an effective and quick treatment for intestinal gas. If dairy or other foods normally cause gas symptoms, take a natural enzyme supplement before eating.

7. See a doctor. Chronic intestinal gas can be the symptom of a more serious condition such as colon cancer, rectum cancer, ovarian cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. Make a doctor’s appointment and rule out these conditions.

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Metaphysical Uses Of Calcite

Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral that comes in a variety of forms and colors. It is an abundant crystal found all over the world in such places as the United States, Iceland, Romania, Brazil, Mexico and the United Kingdom. You can use calcite for metaphysical work that focuses on healing, activating energy systems and removing blockages. Although all forms of calcite are connected to healing and cleansing, you can use different colors of calcite for their own specific metaphysical qualities.

Clear and Stella Beam Calcites

According to "The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach," clear calcite and stellar beam calcite have their own spiritual uses. Clear calcite, also known as Iceland Spar, is a colorless and transparent form of calcite. You can use clear calcite to see your self-limitations more clearly. The stone works to remove energetic blockages and open the energy center of the third eye to promote psychic visions. Stellar Beam calcite is usually yellow or amber in color. This form of calcite can help you stimulate and align your third eye and crown chakras. You can use stellar beam calcite to assist you in remembering past lives and to connect with angels or spirit guides.

Green and Blue Calcites

"The Encyclopedia of Crystals" explores the metaphysical properties of green and blue calcite varieties. Blue calcite is associated with the throat and third eye chakras, and is a strong purification and healing stone. You can use the stone to absorb and filter energy, clear mental chatter, soothe nerves and release negative emotions. Green calcite is a stone connected to abundance and fertility and can draw prosperity to your household. The stone encourages communication and helps a person let go of rigid beliefs.

Pink and Red Calcites

"The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach" says pink and red calcite varieties have powerful healing and connecting vibrations. Opaque pink calcite can assist you in increasing your empathic connections and tuning in to the energy fields of others. Clear or transparent pink calcite stimulates the heart chakra and can help with heart health and emotional healing. Red calcite ranges in color from red to orange- or pinkish-red. This stone is linked to the root and the crown chakras. A woman can use the stone to help her balance her hormones or prepare her for pregnancy or childbirth. This stone can also assist people in healing from sexual intimacy issues and fears.

Orange and Black Calcites

"The Encyclopedia of Crystals" discusses the metaphysical properties of orange calcite and black calcite. As a record-keeping stone, black calcite encourages people to tap into regressed memories and assists individuals in letting go of past traumas. This stone can also help alleviate depression. Orange calcite is a highly energizing stone that balances your emotions and maximizes potential. The stone also has cleansing and healing properties that relate to healing memories of old abuse and dissolving fears, depressions and problems.

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Treat Hot Flashes After Eating

Hot flashes are common for women who are going through menopause. While symptoms vary from woman to woman, most experience a sensation of warmth across the face, neck and chest. Sometimes hot flashes cause sweating, an increased heart rate and pink, blotchy skin. Hot flashes after eating are very common, particularly when a woman has consumed spicy food, alcohol or other additives. Even a large meal can trigger hot flashes. The following steps will help you to treat this uncomfortable condition.

Instructions

1. Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Try to avoid processed foods as they contain many additives to enhance flavor. Stick to fresh, natural food such as vegetables, fruit and whole gains. Limit your red meat consumption as it has been shown to exacerbate hot flashes. Instead, opt for fish and poultry.

2. Take a multi-vitamin daily. Menopause and hot flashes can deplete your body of essential nutrients, particularly Vitamins B, C and E. Choose a multi-vitamin designed for menopausal women as it will contain higher dosages of those important vitamins.

3. Get active. Exercise for at least 30 minutes three to four times a week. It has been shown that regular exercise decreases the occurrence of hot flashes, particularly those that occur after eating.

4. Drink a glass of cool water if you experience hot flashes after eating. This will help to both cool your body temperature and re-hydrate you.

5. Wear layers of cotton clothing. Synthetic fabrics don't allow your skin to breathe and can trap heat next to your body. Instead, opt for lightweight, cotton clothing which is breathable. If you experience hot flashes, remove the top layers to help cool your body.

6. Breathe deeply and slowly. Evenly inhale as you count to five. Exhale at the same rate, again counting to five. This slow, measured breathing has been shown to stop and prevent hot flashes.

7. Avoid spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol. All have been shown to trigger hot flashes in women.

8. Examine the foods you ate prior to a hot flash episode. Keep in mind that whatever you consumed is likely a trigger. Try to avoid those particular foods.

9. Eat only to the point where you feel full. Overeating can cause hot flashes.

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Find Out What Type Of Hip Joint Replacement I Have

Sometimes a person receives a hip joint replacement only to find out later that the part is being recalled or the joint needs to be revised. If you don't remember the hip and joint replacement part name and number, or your surgery was years ago, you can still find the type of parts they put inside you. There are a few ways you can get access to those records.

Instructions

1. Read and examine the hospital papers that the orthopedic surgeon's office gave you when you were discharged. These should include details about your procedure, the parts and how much it all cost.

2. Call the orthopedic surgeon's office where you had your surgery done. Provide the necessary information needed to release your records. This information will include the date of surgery and the surgeon's name. In some places, you will need your insurance number and date of birth.

3. Call the hospital medical records department for the information. It should be able to give you the information you seek.

4. Go to the orthopedic surgeon's office and talk to the receptionist or the person in charge of medical records. Ask her to write the information down for you so you will have a copy.

5. Write a letter requesting the information from the hospital where you had your hip surgery. Address your letter to the Chief Administrative Officer of the hospital and make a copy of your letter. If you don't know the name of the Chief Administrative Officer, call the hospital and ask. In the letter, include your birth date, full name and the time frame of treatment, and inform the officer that you want the information on your hip joint replacement. Write a follow-up letter in two weeks if you don't receive a reply.

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Stick To A Diet

When it comes to weight loss, you can't "go on" a diet and expect to stick to it. This kind of diet is about deprivation, and both your mind and body will see to it that you eventually fail. However, you can make changes to your diet with much more success by following these steps.

Instructions

1. Change rather than quit. Don't give up bread, just switch to whole wheat. Don't give up sodas completely if you can drink diet sodas.

2. Add rather than subtract. If you want to get more fiber and fewer calories, add salads to your lunch and dinner. Add more vegetables, fresh fruits and water instead of trying to get by on less of what you already eat.

3. Include your family in your new diet, but don't tell them. Don't argue if your spouse puts potato chips in the grocery cart or your kids beg for candy. Feed them plenty of good food first and they won't have room for junk (and neither will you).

4. Resign yourself to doing the cooking. Restaurant food and prepackaged foods from the grocery store will never be as good for you as something you make from scratch. Make time in your schedule to cook and don't wait until you're too exhausted to do more than eat what's easiest.

5. Bring your lunch and a few healthy snacks to work. Resolve not to bring them home at the end of the day. Tell yourself that you go to lunch with coworkers only if you eat the lunch you brought first and that you can't hit the candy machine if you're still hungry after eating your snacks.

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Treat Head Lice With Vinegar

Treat Head Lice With Vinegar

Lice can be very difficult to rid from someone's head. There are hundreds of remedies for lice removal and treatment, but only a few are legitimate. Vinegar really will treat head lice when used properly. Here are the steps needed to successfully treat head lice with vinegar.

Instructions

1. Warm the vinegar and put it all over the head and scalp. Place a shower cap over the hair for 30 minutes so the vinegar cannot escape and the fumes are still working on the lice.

2. Dip a nit comb into the vinegar and comb it through the hair. You can find a nit comb at your local drug store. This will help destroy the glue that the nits use to stay attached to the hair and the scalp. Brush through the hair many times. You can dip the comb back into the vinegar as many times as you see fit.

3. Mix the vinegar with mineral oil if the nits do not come off easily. You can find mineral oil at your local drug store. Saturate the head with this mixture and the nits should come off easily and pain free. A shower cap can be placed on the head after this process as well.

4. Repeat this saturation and washing of the hair with vinegar on a nightly basis until the lice are completely gone. It is not a bad idea to continue washing the hair in this manner 3-5 days after the lice are gone. This is done to ensure the lice do not come back. The combing with the nit comb can be continued for as long as you are washing the hair in this manner.

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Best Medication For Alzheimer'S

There are several options for medications to treat Alzheimer's disease, and it is as important to start the medication early to slow the progression of the disease. No medication can stop Alzheimer's, but the symptoms can be held at bay for an extended period of time with proper treatment and with the right drugs.

Types

The major drugs used for treatment of Alzheimer's disease are Aricept (donepezil HCl) and Namenda (memantine HCI).

Aricept is usually the first treatment to try since it has proven to be the most effective in treating early to mid-stage Alzheimer's. It is administered in 5 mg tablets in the beginning, and as the disease progresses, the dosage is increased to 10 mg taken once a day. This FDA-approved drug works to replace acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain that carries messages from one brain cell to another--a process that breaks down in the brains of Alzheimer's victims. Studies by the FDA and the National Institute on Aging show that Aricept significantly slows the progression of the symptoms of memory loss, loss of cognitive behavior functions, loss of the general thought process and the ability to communicate.

Namenda is generally used in conjunction with Aricept, as it is shown in tests to further slow the disease progression. It targets glutamate, a brain chemical related to memory retention and the learning process. The usual dosage begins with 5 mg taken once a day, gradually increasing to the optimal dosage of 10 mg taken twice a day.

Other drugs that have also been prescribed to treat Alzheimers, but not as effectively are Razadyne, Exelon and Cognex. Cognex is rarely prescribed, however, because of safety concerns.

Time Frame

It is estimated that 1 person in 8 over the age of 65 has some stage of Alzheimer's disease. According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, the lifespan of a victim of Alzheimer's can be from 2 to 20 years from the time of diagnosis. The average is approximately 11 years.

Alzheimer's disease eventually affects brain cells that control important bodily functions, ultimately causing death.

Significance

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America. Often, the patient dies from a heart attack, but it is the disease that shuts the heart down, not heart disease. Pneumonia is common in deaths of Alzheimer's victims.

Identification

Aricept comes in 5 mg tablets that are white. The 10 mg tablets are yellow. Namenda is a capsule; the 5 mg capsules are tan, and the 10 mg capsules are gray.

Effects

Side effects for Aricept include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bruising, insomnia muscle cramping, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Side effects for Namenda include: dizziness, confusion, flu-like symptoms, agitation, constipation and headache.

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Treat Headache From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Treat Headache From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Headaches are a primary symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome. Many people report that the headaches feel different than other headaches they have had or that they've begun having migraines. Treating headaches from chronic fatigue syndrome must include overall treatments for the problem as well as specialized treatments.

Instructions

1. Talk to your doctor about the headaches you experience. In some cases, depending on the frequency and severity of your headaches, your doctor may prescribe medications like Diamox, analgesic sedatives or migraine medications. The type of medication depends on the type of headache that you experience. Even if your headaches are not severe, talk to your doctor about best treat them.

2. Take over the counter pain medications. For some headaches, traditional headache relievers may do the job. You'll want to keep in mind the potential side effects of long term use of these medications and talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.

3. Reduce stress in your life. Stress can aggravate chronic fatigue symptoms, including headaches. In addition, stress can cause tension headaches as well. Make sure that you're taking care of yourself, getting enough sleep and eating well.

4. Stretch your neck and practice meditative exercises like yoga. Fatigue and pain can often make your hunch your neck and shoulders, which can cause more pain. Practice good posture, do neck stretches and add in stress-relieving practices like yoga that can strengthen your muscles and improve your body posture.

5. Try natural methods of relieving your headaches. Many people find that placing a cool cloth on their forehead or learning biofeedback techniques can help them reduce the pain. Migraines may be helped by finding a dark room to rest in.

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Inlays Vs Crowns

A dental inlays and crowns are restorative appliances that are permanently affixed to a tooth. The extent of decay or damage that a tooth has sustained determines whether an inlay or crown is needed. Both are coverings that preserve the tooth from further decay and maintain the spacing and alignment of the teeth (called the bite) for proper functioning. Inlays and crowns involve more extensive procedures than a filling. As such, inlays and crowns are customized for fit and can be made to match the natural color of the teeth.

Inlays

A dental inlay or onlay fills a cavity, usually located in the top bumpy center of the tooth, or bite area. Dental inlays can be made of metal (usually gold), composite resin or porcelain. Dental inlays usually replace fillings because decay may lie beneath a filling, creating a large cavity. Inlays can be prepared during one office visit by the dentist--this is called a direct inlay--or the dentist can take an impression for a laboratory to cast an indirect inlay to be permanently cemented onto the tooth.

Crowns

A dental crown or cap restores the tooth that is broken, extensively decayed or weak. A crown can be made of metal (usually gold alloy), ceramic or porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Since the tooth is severely damaged, a crown is made to cover the entire tooth. Crowns are fitted to the adjacent teeth to maintain the bite and aesthetics of the mouth. The procedure for fitting crowns can take at least two dental visits because each crown must be made in a laboratory. While a permanent crown is being prepared, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown that is less durable to cover the tooth.

Benefits

Inlays and crowns are designed to preserve the remainder of the tooth and prevent further delay. Unlike fillings, inlays and crowns are made of materials that do not expand; thus further decay is reduced. The porcelain or composite used for inlays or crowns can be matched to your tooth color, maintaining a natural look. Both are fitted closely to maintain the bite, to prevent other teeth from shifting or changes in alignment which may produce pain.

Considerations

Inlays and crowns are considered prosthodontic procedures from a specialist. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, the cost for inlays and crowns is high and is usually covered partially (if at all) by dental insurance. Inlays cover a portion of the tooth; crowns cover a more extensive area. Given the extent and cost of the procedure, be sure that the inlay or crown closely matches the color of the adjacent teeth. While temporary coverings are worn until the permanent inlay or crown is fitted, take care to avoid sticky or hard food that may dislodge or loosen the temporary cover.

Misconceptions

Increased sensitivity to hot or cold food an liquids is not always associated with inlays or crowns. If you experience pain or sensitivity after the inlay or crown is permanently cemented, have the fitting checked because the fitting may need to be adjusted or a replacement may be needed.

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Treat Gout Without Drugs

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by an excess of uric acid in the blood that collects around the joints in the form of crystals and causes soreness, stiffness, redness and swelling. Often times flare-ups, or attacks, can take place and the residual pain can last days later. These flare-ups are often the result of eating certain foods or beverages. Medication can be used to reduce the symptoms but the condition can also be treated without the use of drugs.

Instructions

1. Avoid purines. These are substances that produce uric acid in the body. These are found in foods like sardines, anchovies, liver, shellfish, lentils and red meat.

2. Drink lots of water. Two things water does is flush the body of impurities and lubricate the joints. The Institute of Medicine recommends drinking 3 liters a day for men and 2.2 liters a day for women.

3. Reduce alcohol. Alcohol can cause an over abundance of acid in the system which can trigger gout flare-ups. Keep alcohol to a minimum or avoid it altogether. If you are going to drink, do it in moderation. The American Heart Association defines moderation as 1 to 2 drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.

4. Lose some weight. Being overweight can put a lot of stress on the joints which can exacerbate gout pain. Limit your caloric intake and also perform non impact exercise such as elliptical training, stair stepping, rowing and swimming. This will also improve your joint range of motion.

5. Eat some cherries. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating dark-colored fruits such as cherries, blackberries, raspberries, purple grapes and blueberries have been known to lower uric acid levels in the body.

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Causes Of Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are associated with menopause, with menstrual cycles and with thyroid disorders. Symptoms occur when the body produces either too much or not enough of one or more of the many hormones necessary to good health. Hormonal imbalances are more prevalent among women than men, and are more likely to occur in women over the age of 40.

Function

The symptoms of hormonal imbalance range from fatigue and irritability to infertility.

When women begin menopause, the body produces less estrogen, causing a stoppage in egg production. Menopausal women are infertile. This drop in estrogen causes an imbalance. Menopausal women may experience hot flashes, night sweats, irritability and fatigue.

In younger women, a hormonal imbalance may be due to early ovarian failure, or early onset menopause. This results in difficulty in getting pregnant, irregular periods, fatigue and irritability.

Thyroid disorders also cause hormonal imbalances. When the thyroid overproduces and raises hormone levels it is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid under produces, it is called hypothyroidism. Either of these disorders can be found in both men and women, and in children as well.

Features

Fatigue and irritability are the more pronounced symptoms of hormonal imbalances. Other symptoms include dry skin, hair loss, excessive weight gain or loss, depression and vaginal dryness. Cognitive skills may also suffer, including short-term memory loss.

In the case of thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances may also result in lack of concentration and an inability to gain or lose weight. In children, thyroid disorder may manifest as short stature or behavioral issues.

Identification

A simple blood test can be used to determine hormone levels.

If menopause is suspected, a blood test is used to determine the level of FSH or follicle stimulating hormone. Blood tests are also used to determine early ovarian failure. A physician will look for levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen.

The thyroid produces not only reproductive hormones, but growth hormones as well, among others. A blood test determines thyroxine and thyrotrophin levels.

Effects

Hormonal imbalances due to thyroid disorders are treated with a daily dose of synthetic or natural hormone that causes the thyroid to produce the necessary amount of hormones. The dose is usually in tablet form.

Early ovarian failure can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. This allows women suffering from this condition to maintain a healthy reproductive system until they reach natural menopause.

Whether menopause is a disease or a natural cycle of life can be a point of contention. Menopause cannot be cured; menopausal women will not begin producing eggs again because treatment has raised their estrogen levels. What treatment does is relieve severe symptoms due to menopause.

Considerations

Treatment for hormonal imbalances then depends on the cause of the imbalance. No doubt a malfunctioning thyroid should be treated; the thyroid is a vital organ to the endocrine system. There is more at stake than the ability to reproduce. The endocrine system is command central for the other systems in the body.

Imbalances of estrogen and progesterone and other reproductive hormones in young women and men need addressing as well. Left unchecked, symptoms can become severe, resulting not only in infertility but obesity and depression as well. The imbalance may also severely affect cognitive skills and memory.

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How Does Bone Cancer Develop

How Does Bone Cancer Develop?

About Bone Cancer

Bone cancers are one of the rarest cancers found in the United States with less than 2,500 cases diagnosed each year. These kinds of cancer originate in and affect the bone. The different bone cancers are named for the location in the bone that they originate from and affect. Osteosarcoma, is a cancer that affects the osteoid or the hard compacted part of the bone and is mostly diagnosed in children to young adult's. This cancer mainly develops in the knee and upper arm. Chrondrosarcoma is a cancer that occurs in the cartilage, which is the tissue that is found on the ends of the bones. This cancer mostly affects people over 50 years old and is commonly found in the pelvis. Ewing's Sarcoma is a cancer that occurs in the immature tissues in the bone marrow commonly found in the backbone, pelvis and arms and legs. The cancers listed above are called Primary Bone Cancers. Secondary bone cancers are the cancers that originate elsewhere in the body and spread (metastesize) to the bones. The prognosis, treatments and risks associated with these two bones cancers are very different. There are no known causes of Primary Bone Cancers but there are risks associated with developing these cancers.

Genetically Linked Medical Disorders

There are some diseases that increase your risk of developing primary bone cancers. Some of the disorders are genetically linked. Li-Fraumeni syndrome and the Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome are two conditions that predispose the patient to cancerous tumors. Children with Retinoblastoma (a rare cancer of the eye) have a higher risk of osteosarcoma and people with Multiple Exostoses (benign bone tumors) also have a higher risk of developing chondrosarcoma.

Non-Genetically Linked Medical Disorders

Having Pagets Disease increases the risk of developing osteosarcomas. Paget's disease which affects adults and the elderly is characterized by abnormal thick and easily breakable bones.

Radiation

Heavy doses of radiation such as the radiation therapy used to treat other cancers can lead to bone cancer. This was noticed when bone cancer can develop in the bones around the radiation treatment area. This cancer development is more noticeable when radiation therapy is given to a younger patient. Other common radiation sources such as X-Rays, cell phones, living near power lines and microwaves does not increase the risk of bone cancer.

Other Causes

Certain anti-cancer drugs that are used to treat cancerous tumors in children have been suspected to increase the risk of a child developing bone cancer. People with metal implants that were used to repair fractures also have a higher incidence of developing cancer. There are a few cases of patients developing osteosarcoma after a bone marrow transplant.

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How Does Kidney Dialysis Work

Dialysis is needed when a person's kidneys are in end stage renal failure, which is when the kidney is only functioning at 10 to 15 percent of normal capacity. Dialysis serves as a substitute for the functions that kidneys provide by removing wastes from the blood, ensuring the balance of vital chemicals in the body and by regulating blood pressure. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis uses an artificial kidney known as a hemodialyzer to clean the blood outside of the body. To perform hemodialysis, a physician must remove the blood from the body by accessing a vein. This is usually completed by accessing a vein in the arm or leg. The vein is than connected through tubing to the hemodialyzer, which draws the blood from the body and passes it through a series of filters to remove wastes, chemicals and extra fluid that have built up in the body. Hemodialysis is usually needed three times a week and lasts 4 to 5 hours per treatment. The amount of time needed for this treatment depends on the person's kidney function, the amount of extra fluids and wastes within the body, the body mass of the patient and what type of hemodialyzer is used.

Peritoneal dialysis cleans the blood within the body of the patient. An abdominal catheter is inserted into the body in a surgical procedure. To perform peritoneal dialysis, the abdominal cavity is filled with a fluid through the catheter called dialysate. As this fluid enters the abdomen, it encounters the arteries and veins that line the abdomen and slowly draws out waste and chemicals from the bloodstream and into the dialysate. Two methods of peritoneal dialysis are primarily used today. Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis can be done in the home by the patient without the assistance of a medical professional. After a catheter has been permanently inserted into the abdomen, the patient uses bags of dialysate to fill their abdominal cavity. This fluid remains in the body for 4 to 5 hours and then is removed through the same catheter that was used to insert the fluid into the body. This method allows the patient to perform normal daily activities while the dialysate is in their body.Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis can also be completed in the home by the patient. This method uses a machine called a cycler. The cycler runs dialysate into and out of the body a number of times in cycles. A cycle may last up to 2 hours and can be performed while the patient is sleeping.

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Side Effects Of Anesthesia In Cats

Many cats need surgery at some point in their lives, including routine spay/neuter surgeries and dental cleanings. Veterinary anesthesia today is very safe, but there are risks. Some cats also experience complications and side effects after the surgery. Before your cat is anesthetized, understand the process and risks your cat faces.

Understanding Anesthesia

Anesthesia can be divided into two categories: local anesthesia and general anethesia. Local anesthetic drugs numb the nerves and relax the muscles in a specific location in the cat's body. General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the cat, relaxing their entire bodies and blocking all pain sensations.

Recovery from Anesthesia

Cats may be drowsy for up to 24 hours after receiving general anesthesia.

Most healthy animals who receive general anesthesia will begin waking up shortly after administration of the gas anesthesia is stopped or when the injectable anesthesia begins to wear off. Cats that take longer than 24 hours to return to normal behavior should be seen by a veterinarian.

Respiratory and Cardiac Problems With Anesthesia

One of the most dangerous side effects of anesthesia in cats is caused by a reaction to the anesthesia. In these cases, the cat may experience severe respiratory distress, including labored or stopped breathing and heart arrhythmias and failure. Often, a respiratory and/or cardiac problem arising from the anesthesia can be a symptom of a larger problem, such as cardiac or lung disease.

Body Temperature and Anesthesia

When under anesthesia, cats are unable to regulate their body temperature. The longer a cat is under anesthesia, the more the body temperature will drop. Veterinarians often place cats on warm mats during surgery and recovery, in order to keep them warm.

Vomitting and Nausea

Anesthesia often causes vomiting and nausea in cats. Feed cats frequent, small amounts of food and water at a time for the first 24 hours of recovery, to minimize the digestive problems that can be caused by anesthesia.

Behavioral Changes

Anesthesia may cause a cat to act abnormally aggressive or timid.

In some cases, anesthesia may cause temporary behavior changes in a cat. The cat may not recognize familiar people or other pets, or may act timid or aggressive. Most behaviors should return to normal within a few days. If the abnormal behavior persists, a veterinarian should be consulted.

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Home Cures For Poison Ivy & Poison Oak

Both poison ivy and poison oak excrete the same chemical---urushiol oil---which most humans are allergic to and which causes the rashes, itching and blisters everyone hates so much. You can treat it with a number of formal medications, including corticosteroid creams, oral antihistamines and steroid injections from a doctor. Home remedies and folk remedies have existed for millennia, however, and can help you treat the symptoms when store-bought medicine is either unwanted or unavailable.

Jewelweed

Jewelweed often grows near poison ivy. It neutralizes the urushiol oil and keeps it from irritating the skin. The plant is also known as touch-me-not and can be identified by its horn-shaped purple flowers. Take the jewelweed stem, crush it up and apply the liquid to the spot affected by the poison oak or ivy. It should prevent the symptoms from appearing. You can purchase extract at many holistic medicine stores if you don't have any jewelweed near you.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal works as a soaking agent, cooling your skin and drying out the blisters caused by urushiol oil. Add a cup to a cool or lukewarm bath (avoid hot water, since it makes the symptoms worse) and stir it in until it is completely blended. Soak it in for 15 minutes to half an hour, and take care when entering and exiting the tub, since colloidal oatmeal can be slippery. It works for several hours, and you can take multiple oatmeal baths a day if you need to.

Cold Compresses

Cold compresses work in conjunction with a soft breeze or gentle blowing to alternately cool down the skin and dry out the blisters. Soak a soft washcloth in cold water, and place ice cubes in the middle of it. Hold it against the poison oak or ivy rash, pressing gently so as not to further aggravate the skin. If the water in the cloth warms up, refresh it with more cool water. Hold the compress in place for 15 to 30 minutes, then run a fan over it or blow on it gently.

Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion has long been prized as a basic cure for poison ivy. By cooling the skin, it reduces the oozing of blisters, which in turn helps eliminate the itching. Apply it to the rash several times a day at periodic intervals. Monitor the rash closely, and stop using the calamine once the fluids from the blisters stop flowing. (Otherwise, you'll dry the skin out too much and exacerbate the itch.)

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Treat Floor Burns

Carpet can cause skin burns.

Floor burns are also called friction burns. They are caused when skin is rubbed hard against carpet or any hard flooring surface. Typically, they are a combination of a scrape and a heat burn. Floor burns are not normally serious. They usually cause minimal skin loss and bleeding. They can, however, be more severe resulting in the removal of several layers of skin. With proper home treatment, a floor burn will heal up in no time.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands with liquid antibacterial soap and water. Hold a clean cloth against the floor burn and apply pressure for 15 minutes to stop the bleeding, if applicable.

2. Clean the wound to remove dirt and debris. Place a squirt of liquid antibacterial soap in your hand. Add a few drops of water and rub your hands together to make a thick lather. Carefully rub the lather over the entire floor burn for a few minutes. Then, rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Pat the wound dry with a clean towel.

3. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the floor burn to kill germs and bacteria and promote healing. Read and follow the directions on the container in order to use it properly. Usually a thin layer of ointment does the trick.

4. Cover the floor burn with a self-adhesive bandage. This will help keep the wound clean. It will also hold the antibiotic ointment against the wound so it doesn't get wiped away.

5. Remove the bandage and wash the floor burn at least once a day. Reapply antibiotic ointment and re-bandage the wound for a couple days until it shows signs of healing.

Tags: floor burn, antibiotic ointment, antibacterial soap, Floor burns, liquid antibacterial, liquid antibacterial soap

Reproduction System Diseases

The human reproductive system is, at the macro level, a two-part system that consists of the male and female sexual organs. The male reproductive system is composed primarily of the testes, vans deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles and the urethra. The female reproductive system is composed of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina. Both the male and female reproductive systems are subject to a variety of conditions.

Laboratory Test

HPV

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common form of sexually transmitted disease (STD) and affects women and men. It usually infects the skin or mucous membranes and is frequently asymptomatic. In some instances, genital warts may occur as a result of HPV. The major concern regarding HPV is that some strains can cause cervical cancer. The CDC also reports that the immune system is capable of clearing the viral infection from the body in approximately two years in 90 percent of cases.

Chlamydia

Another common sexually transmitted disease is chlamydia. According to the CDC, more than 1 million cases of chlamydia were reported in 2006. It can affect both men and women. Transmission occurs through sexual contact with an infected person. It is caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, and is usually asymptomatic. It can cause infertility in women by damaging the reproductive organs. In men, the infection may cause a discharge from the penis. In addition to HPV and chlamydia, other STDs that affect the reproductive system include gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and trichomoniasis.

Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which the cells of a particular part of the body grow at an abnormal rate. It can be caused by a number of factors, including viral infections, genetic predisposition, exposure to toxins and exposure to radiation. Both men and women can develop cancers that affect their reproductive systems.

Female Reproductive Cancers

Women who develop a reproductive cancer are most likely to develop cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer or vulvar cancer. Cervical cancer occurs when the cells in the cervix grow at an uncontrollable rate and cause tumors. Most women develop dysplasia (precancerous cellular changes) first. Uterine cancer is caused by the cellular abnormalities in the inner lining of the uterus, which leads to uncontrolled cellular growth. The majority of ovarian cancer cases are "epithelial cell tumors." These are tumors that develop from the surface cells of the ovaries. Vulvar cancers are abnormal cellular growths that occur on the outer genital areas.

Male Reproductive Cancers

Two of the more common types of reproductive cancer that men develop are prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and a tumor develops on the prostate gland. Prostate tumors, as with most cancers, may metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body. Testicular cancers are malignant growths that develop in the testicular tissues. The two forms of testicular cancer are seminomas (slow growing) and nonseminomas (fast growing). According to the National Cancer Institute, testicular cancer is more frequent among younger and middle-aged men.

Tags: reproductive system, testicular cancer, that develop, cancer occurs, cancer occurs when, growths that, male female

Treat Feeding Disorder Of Infancy & Early Childhood

Many infants are born with feeding and swallowing difficulties. There are also many different kinds of feeding and swallowing problems that affect babies. Sometimes a child has a feeding problem and that is all. Most times the problem is caused by something else such as a genetic syndrome. Whatever the cause there are treatments out there that can help teach your child eat properly.

Instructions

1. Treat children who have PICA. PICA is a eating disorder where children eat inedible objects. This is extremely harmful and has led to many deaths. Work with a dietitian who knows and understands PICA. When your child wants to eat something other than food, have food handy that you can offer them instead. You will have to remove all dangerous objects from your house that can be swallowed . A behavior specialist can also work with you and your child to treat this disorder.

2. Treat rumination disorder. This disorder is when a child spits out and re-chews their food or regurgitates their food. It isn't common. To treat this disorder you must see a pediatrician and a dietitian to make sure your child is getting proper vitamins and minerals. Supplements may need to be used. Treatment often relies on a comprehensive behavioral modification plan. This plan will be implemented by a behavior specialist and followed by the parents. Children will also need to be stimulated more so that their attention is distracted from food.

3. Treat feeding disorders of infancy & early childhood. This is the most common type of childhood eating disorders and it occurs when a child does not eat properly and does not maintain the nutrition her body needs. The clinical diagnosis usually is called "Failure to thrive". To treat "Failure to thrive" you must be consulting a dietician and a behavior specialist who can develop a behavior modification plan for you to follow at home. If children do not follow the plan and do not continue to gain weight or stay healthy then they may need to be treated with a G-tube.

4. Treat children who have trouble chewing and swallowing. This type of problem requires an occupational therapist. It also requires seeing a specialist in feeding and swallowing issues. She will create a plan for you and take you step by step with what need to be accomplished first. For instance, she may have you place a piece of food in the side of your child's mouth directly on his teeth. She may have you do this with each bite of food for days, weeks, or months until your child learns it. Then your child may move on to the next step. Follow the doctors plans.

Tags: your child, behavior specialist, feeding swallowing, children have, Failure thrive

Is There Financial Assistance For Brain Tumor Surgery For A Child

Brain tumor surgery for a child is expensive. According to the Skull Base Institute, it can cost as little as $30,000 to $60,000 if minimally invasive techniques can be used. The surgery can cost as much as $150,000 if conventional methods are used.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a state-administered program available in all states that covers medical expenses for qualified recipients. Recipients must meet certain income guidelines, which vary from state to state.

Children's Health Insurance Program

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides medical coverage for brain surgery and other health needs for uninsured children from low-incomes families if the family's income is too high to qualify for Medicaid. CHIP is funded at both the state and federal level and is available in all 50 states.

Supplemental Security Income

Social Security provides monthly payments in the form of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to children that are disabled and meet certain income guidelines. A child with a brain tumor may qualify. This money may be used to help finance brain tumor surgery. Children that qualify for SSI usually qualify for Medicaid as well.

Cancer-Related Organizations

A number of cancer-related organizations provide financial assistance to children that need brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Such organizations include Cancer Fund of America, Kelly Ann Dolan Memorial Fund, National Children's Cancer Society and United Health Care Children's Fund.

Finding Assistance

If a child needs brain tumor surgery, he should be receiving medical care through a hospital. Most hospitals have social workers on staff that can assist families in locating sources of financial assistance.

Tags: brain tumor, available states, brain surgery, brain tumor surgery, certain income

Treat Depression With Light Therapy

Treat Depression With Light Therapy

Light therapy, or phototherapy, uses a combination of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lamps and lasers to produce the full spectrum of light under controlled circumstances. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective in treating some types of depression. It may be a more desirable treatment option over psychotherapy and antidepressants because results may be obtained much more quickly.

Instructions

Treat Depression With Light Therapy

1. Consult with your physician for a diagnosis of depression, and find out whether light therapy is a viable form of treatment. Light therapy can be extremely effective for seasonal-affective disorder, or the winter blues, especially in northern regions where sunlight may be limited in the winter months. Light therapy is starting to gain acceptance as a way to treat other forms of depression as well.

2. Treat your depression with light therapy by receiving treatments early in the morning for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The light may be administered from a variety of sources, including lasers, fluorescent bulbs, light-emitting diodes and other sources that can produce the full spectrum of light.

3. Combine light therapy with short-term sleep deprivation in order to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Many patients report that staying up all night, and then receiving light therapy, actually relieves the symptoms of depression much quicker than the light therapy itself.

4. Expose yourself to sunlight for the easiest way to implement light therapy to treat your depression. Spend at least 30 minutes in the early morning sun for the best results. An hour of sunlight will also supply the body with its recommended amount of Vitamin D, which may also be beneficial in the treatment of depression.

5. Maintain regular-sleeping patterns while undergoing light therapy to treat your depression. The success of light therapy depends upon regulating your biological clock and keeping routines.

6. Use antidepressants in combination with light therapy for an effective, quick way to treat many different types of depression. Bright light causes the brain to raise serotonin levels in the same way antidepressants do. The two combined treatments complement each other very well.

Tags: light therapy, Depression With, Depression With Light, Treat Depression, Treat Depression With, your depression, early morning

Who Discovered Krabbe Disease

Krabbe disease is a rare genetic disorder that results from a shortage of an enzyme called galactocerebrosidase, which leads to the production of toxins in the brain and neurological impairment. The disease is named after the Danish neurologist Knud Krabbe who first diagnosed infants with this condition in the early 1900s. The disease is most prevalent in infants between the ages of 3 to 6 months, which is known as infantile Krabbe disease. Late infantile Krabbe disease is diagnosed between the ages of 6 months to 3 years old. Juvenile Krabbe disease strikes between the ages of 3 to 8. Adult-onset Krabbe disease arises after the age of 8.

Krabbe disease will often be diagnosed within the first 12 months.

History

Krabbe disease can be traced back to 1916 when Krabbe first diagnosed infants with the disorder. Krabbe researched five infants from two families who had dramatic episodes of crying and irritability before they were 6 months old. The babies later developed spasms brought on by light, noise and touch. Before they were 2 years old, all the infants passed away. Krabbe specified the cells in the brain lacking proper enzymes, and the disease was named after him.

Significance

One of every 100,000 deliveries in the United States results in a baby born with Krabbe disease, according to Hunter's Hope Foundation, which was founded by former NFL quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife Jill to provide research and information on Krabbe disease. Nearly two million people are carriers of the genetic deficiency that is responsible for the condition. No cure exists for this rare disease.

Effects

Effects of Krabbe disease include delays in development, seizures, irritability, loss of the ability to control muscles and a decline of the eye muscle. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that infants who contract the disease are most likely to die before the age of 2.

Misconceptions

In the early stages of Krabbe disease, infants have trouble feeding, experience seizures, and cry excessively. It is common for babies at this phase to be misdiagnosed with conditions such as colic, reflux, food allergies and cerebral palsy. .

Prevention/Solution

While no cure presently exists, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes states that in some cases in which patients with the genetic deficiency received umbilical-cord-blood stem cells from donors before symptoms appeared, the stem-cell recipients developed minor neurological damage. Bone marrow transplants are effective in mild cases. Treatment is mostly supportive and physical therapy can improve muscle tone and circulation.

Tags: Krabbe disease, between ages, Krabbe disease, ages months, between ages months, diagnosed infants

Absorb Medication After A Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery patients are at an increased risk for poor absorption of certain medications. Because the surgery essentially reroutes food and drugs around several major sections of the small intestine, these patients have a significantly decreased surface area for soaking up nutrients and certain medications. While there are not many detailed recommendations for improving drug function in these patients, some guiding principles may help them absorb medication better after gastric bypass surgery.

Instructions

1. Substitute immediate-release drugs in favor of extended-release medications. Since gastric bypass surgery reduces the length and surface area of the small intestine, extended-release medications are more likely to pass through the gastrointestinal tract partially unabsorbed. The same holds true for delayed-release and coated medications.

2. Take some medications more frequently. Some physicians may decide to give a gastric bypass patient more doses of an immediate-release drug to get the same results over time that an extended-release drug would provide someone else.

3. Switch to liquid preparations of some medications, which make it unnecessary for the drug to dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract. Consider other drug formulations that could also improve absorption, including transdermal, rectal, vaginal, intranasal, intravenous and subcutaneous.

4. Ask for specific instructions from your physician on take your medications after gastric bypass surgery. Malabsorption problems are more likely to result in a decrease in drug effectiveness, rather than an overdose. Therefore, physicians should monitor patients frequently to determine the effects of some drugs. If standard doses of prescribed medications produce little or no results, absorption may be a problem.

Tags: bypass surgery, gastric bypass, after gastric, after gastric bypass, certain medications

Cure Sleep Apnea Naturally

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The number of people with sleep apnea grows every year. Here are some suggestions to help mild cases of the condition. For more serious versions, consult your doctor.

Instructions

1. Reduce your weight 5 to 10 lbs. Extra weight can obstruct your breathing while you sleep.

2. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Both slow your respiratory system, which can produce sleep apnea.

3. Avoid sleeping on your back. In this position, your tongue may fall back into your airways, creating an obstruction.

4. Try the flower remedy called vervain. Organic herb stores carry this in dry herb form and it can be made into a tea. The herb promotes relaxation and has a calming effect.

5. Using a few pillows to elevate your head so as to not lay flat. Try those pillows that are designed with a hole in the middle. The base of your head rests in the hole and this keeps your airways open.

6. Try 5-HTP. This is amino acid raises serotonin levels in the brain to relax you.

Tags: sleep apnea, your airways, your head

Know If You Are In Menopause

Menopause Symptoms

Menopause, the right of passage, the ceasing of your cycle, the end of worrying about getting pregnant and a new found freedom for women. Menopause comes with its set of annoying symptoms that can make you pretty miserable. Some woman don't have any symptoms when they go through menopause and others suffer to no end.

Instructions

1. What are the symptom: Symptoms of menopause can be hot flashes, night sweats. Your menstrual cycle may change radically from irregular periods, to having a period more than once a month.

2. How are you sleeping?: Sleep disturbances is usually a part of menopause. Having problems falling asleep or waking up with night sweats is usually experience when in menopause.

3. Cognitive changes: Some woman experience confusion and difficulty with concentration when going through menopause. There are herbal supplements that can address these menopause symptoms.

4. When is it over?: Menopause can last for several years.You are considered to be post menopausal when you have not had your period for a year.

Tags: night sweats, Some woman, through menopause

Use Sarsaparilla

Properly known as Smilax Ornata, sarsaparilla is an herb that has proven helpful with many different applications. Often, the root of the plant is considered the most beneficial. Here are some of the various uses of sarsaparilla as both an ingredient in recipes, beverages and as a healing herb.

Instructions

1. Apply a poultice made with ground sarsaparilla root and vinegar to create a soothing treatment for sores on the skin. The poultice is understood in folk medicine to be helpful with recurring conditions such as psoriasis, minor burns and even mosquito bites.

2. Soothe eyestrain with the use of sarsaparilla tea. Brew a tea from the leaves and roots of the plant, and soak a clean cotton cloth in the fusion. Allow to cool before application. Thirty minutes applied as a compress to the region of the eyes can help to ease the itching sensation that is often present with tired eyes.

3. Treat a cold with the use of sarsaparilla tea. Brew the tea using the root. Add a small amount of honey to help with cold symptoms such as runny nose, fevers, and sore throats.

4. Season meats, vegetables, and even breads with ground sarsaparilla root. Just as herbs such as ginger, cayenne, and cinnamon can enhance the flavor of many dishes, so can sarsaparilla.

5. Create a tasty beverage. Sarsaparilla has been used in both alcoholic beverages such as beers and homemade wine coolers, as well as an additive in soft drinks. The pleasant flavor of sarsaparilla often enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.

6. Use sarsaparilla as a means of obtaining necessary nutrients. Sarsaparilla is a good source of iron, and also includes moderate amounts of various B vitamins, potassium, and manganese. There are also trace amounts of such important vitamins as C, D, and A present in sarsaparilla.

Tags: ground sarsaparilla, ground sarsaparilla root, helpful with, sarsaparilla Brew, sarsaparilla root

What Are The Benefits Of Wheat Germ Oil

What Are the Benefits of Wheat Germ Oil?

Wheat germ oil is a natural and fat soluble oil that comes from wheat kernel germ. It is high in vitamins A, D and E as well as lecithin. Wheat germ oil also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6 in smaller levels as well as vitamin F.

Vitamins A, D and E

Because of the high amounts of vitamins A, D and E, wheat germ oil works great on aging and dry skin due to its cell regenerative properties.

Cardiovascular Function

Wheat germ oil contains properties that balance blood cholesterol. This is helpful in enhancing cardiovascular function.

Elevates Mood

Wheat germ oil improves the functions of the nervous system and also acts as a mood elevator.

Fiber

Wheat germ oil is an excellent source of fiber. This will improve functions of the bowel, prevent weight gain and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Conception

Because wheat germ oil is so rich in vitamin E it often can help a woman conceive. This is contingent on the fact that she has no underlying health disorders.

Tags: Wheat germ, Benefits Wheat, Benefits Wheat Germ, What Benefits, What Benefits Wheat

Home Remedies For Scar Removal

Home remedies for scar removal can easily be achieved using items you probably have in your pantry or refrigerator. It is recommended to begin treating the scar as soon as possible after it becomes visible for best results. If the scar is deeply embedded in the skin it will be more difficult to remove. Try some of these alternative treatment options before more-invasive solutions such as skin grafting, surgery or prescription creams.

Lemon Juice, Tomato, Almond Oil and Fuller's Earth

An effective home remedy for treating scars is to use lemon juice. Apply some lemon juice directly on the affected area with a cotton ball. The acid helps remove the scar. Another tip: Cut a lemon in half and rub it over your face for an all-natural pore-tightening treatment.

Cut a tomato in half and rub gently over the affected area. You may also make fresh tomato juice and apply to the affected area with a cotton ball. Tomato is also good for cleaning out facial pores.

Massage a few drops of sweet almond oil into the scar area. Vitamin E oil is also quite effective in treating old scar tissue.

Make a paste using fuller's earth or clay and apply to the scar. Mix 2 tablespoons of fuller's earth or clay with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add a small amount of rose water to the mixture, apply to the scar and let dry for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Do this twice a day until the scar is gone.

Fenugreek Seeds and Sandalwood

Mix some fenugreek seeds in about a cup of water. Boil for five to seven minutes. Let the water cool, then wash your face or other affected scar areas with the water. Use this procedure at least once a week for best results.

Sandalwood can also be used in scar treatment. Make a paste by soaking some sandalwood in water overnight. This will soften the sandalwood enough to form a paste. Apply the paste on the affected scar area, and let dry completely. Rinse with cool water. Repeat once a day for a week to see results.

Cucumber and Banana

Use cucumber extract to treat scar tissue. Apply to the affected area, and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash the skin with warm water, and repeat once a day for a week for results. You may also place sliced cucumber over scar tissue, leave for a few minutes, remove and repeat as often as you like.

Mash a very ripe banana, and apply the paste to scar tissue. Leave the paste on for about seven minutes, then rinse with warm water. Do this several times a week for best results.

Tags: affected area, scar tissue, best results, once week, water this

Become An Animal Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is a modality of traditional Chinese medicine that involves stimulating key points on the body by the insertion of specialized needles. Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. In some animals it has been applied for respiratory and digestive disorders, pain management and other conditions. In order to perform acupuncture on animals you must acquire specialized training.

Instructions

1. Identify your professional status and need. Most animal acupuncturists are veterinarians or veterinary technicians. If you are not a professional in either of these fields, you may find it difficult to enter a training program or find a practice venue.

2. Determine that acupuncture is the treatment modality you wish to practice. In order to train as an acupuncturist you should have an interest in and respect for alternative medical therapies in general and Chinese medicine in particular. Acupuncture will require you to work with terminology and concepts that are not generally familiar to people from Western cultures.

3. Choose a training program that is right for you. The choice of program will depend upon your professional background and field, location and the type of certification you will require. Other factors to consider are the program requirements, the quality of instruction, and the professional success of program graduates.

4. Apply to the program of your choice. Better yet, apply to multiple programs so that you will have more options to choose among. When you enter the program, learn everything you can. Complete all assignments; involve yourself wholly in your educational program. Ask all the questions you can think of. Build strong relationships with your instructors and fellow students. When you have completed your training, you will be ready to add acupuncture to your repertoire of professional skills.

Tags: Chinese medicine, training program, will require, your professional

Cancer Treatment With No Insurance

Cancer treatment can create a heavy financial burden for families and individuals without insurance. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, be sure to address your financial concerns with a hospital social worker, the social-services office or your doctor's business office. Although applying for financial assistance can feel like an arduous task, it can be beneficial to have relief from the financial implications of cancer treatment without insurance.

Government Programs

Government agencies are often the first place to consider for financial assistance. Medicaid is often one of the first programs considered at social services. This program covers medical expenses and often leaves nothing for the family or individual to pay out of pocket. Other programs, such as aid to the needy and disabled, social security or social security disability, might be able to offset some treatment costs.

Veterans and Cancer Treatment

If the patient was a veteran, seek out cancer-treatment programs that provide veterans and their dependents with access to services for early detection and treatment for cancer.

Indigent Care Programs

Some states offer indigent care programs or financial assistance programs based on the ability to pay. These programs offer health care on a sliding-scale fee. Note, however, that not all states or hospitals offer indigent care.

Hill-Burton

Hill-Burton is a federal program that provides money to hospitals, which in turn provide reduced or free services to those who cannot afford them. Online directories list hospitals and clinics participating in the Hill-Burton program.

Hospital and Physician Assistance Programs

Discuss your finances with the billing department at the hospital and doctor's office, and see if they can reduce the cost or write off the cost of treatment. Larger hospitals and university hospitals often have a budget to support more robust financial-assistance programs. Many hospitals donate care to improve their image within the community, so become familiar with what programs they have available.

Private Foundations

Private foundations often provide programs that offer financial assistance. Cancercare.org, the American Cancer Society, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation provide assistance or offer resources to help those who cannot afford the cost of their medical expenses.

Considerations

There are numerous ways to get financial assistance. By contacting associations with a specific diagnosis, you will increase your chances of finding appropriate funding sources. Even though the cost of cancer treatment has risen, it does not mean you or your loved one should avoid treatment.

Tags: financial assistance, cancer treatment, cannot afford, indigent care, medical expenses, offer indigent

Stop Taking Requip

Requip is the brand name of a prescription drug manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline for the treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Parkinson's disease. Some of the more serious side effects associated with the drug include sudden drowsiness and fatigue, nausea, sudden and uncontrollable movement, and a drop in blood pressure. Hallucinations may occur at any time while taking Requip, according the manufacturer. These are all factors that prompt some individuals to discontinue using the drug. Here's do it safely.

Instructions

The Steps

1. Talk with your doctor about uncomfortable side effects or more serious problems you may be having with your medications.

2. Consider a tapering plan to wean yourself off the drug. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage or less frequent dosing to ease withdrawal symptoms from Requip, which may include muscle stiffness and fever.

3. Prepare with your doctor an alternative plan for treatment, which may include prescriptions for different medications. The goal is to prevent the recurrence of RLS and Parkinson's symptoms, which may return quickly when you stop taking Requip.

Tags: with your, more serious, side effects, taking Requip, which include, with your doctor

Improve Mood And Alleviate Minor Depression

No one enjoys being in a bad mood or suffering from a small bout of depression. Being in a bad mood or feeling slightly depressed makes it difficult to sleep, get along with others, and go to work. There are a few easy ways to quickly elevate your mood and eliminate depressed feelings.

Instructions

1. Laugh- If you are in a bad mood or feeling depressed try to find some way to laugh. Laughing boosts endorphins which are pleasure chemicals in the brain. The more endorphins you have the less upset or depressed you will feel. Watch a comedy on television or talk to a funny friend to increase your chances of laughing.

2. Exercise- Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and lessen depression. You do not have to run a marathon to get benefits from exercise. Take a brisk ten or fifteen minute walk during your break at work or in the morning. Exercise creates endorphins in the brain and like laughing it will improve your mood and reduce feelings of depression.

3. Sunshine- Go outside and get a few minutes of sunshine. Your body will absorb Vitamin D from the sun will help your immune system and your mood.

4. Friends- Socialize with friends and family. It is normal to want to isolate when feeling upset or depressed, but this can sometimes make the situation worse. Call up your best friend or grab a cup of coffee. Many times just talking to someone can improve mood and lessen feelings of depression.

Tags: your mood, feelings depression, improve your, improve your mood, mood feeling

Treat Calluses On Bottom Of Feet

A foot file can help keep calluses under control.

Repeated friction and pressure on the soles of your feet -- such as the balls or the heels -- can result in the development of calluses, a thick patch of hard, dead skin. Ill-fitting shoes also contribute to the problem. If you decide to treat a callus yourself, it's important to know what you're doing. Otherwise, you could end up causing an injury to yourself.

Instructions

1. Fill a large dishpan halfway full of warm water. Add 1/2 tsp. of mild liquid soap to the water and agitate the water with your hands to mix.

2. Soak your feet in the warm, soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes. The soaking will help soften the calluses so you can file them.

3. Remove your feet from the water and file the callused areas gently with a pumice stone or foot file. The dead skin will fall off in little pieces.

4. Slather moisturizing lotion on the soles of your feet to moisturize the areas you just treated. Repeat once or twice per week until the calluses are gone.

Tags: your feet, dead skin, foot file, soles your, soles your feet

Exercise With Chest Congestion

According to information from the Mayo Clinic, exercising if your congestion symptoms take place "below the neck" is not recommended, as physical activity can potentially exacerbate the problem. However, if you are training for a particular event or you are just the kind of dedicated individual that never misses a workout, there are some steps you can take to minimize the affect of your chest congestion, allowing you to still train at a reasonable level of intensity even while ill.

Instructions

Exercising with Chest Congestion

1. Assess yourself realistically prior to engaging in exercise while suffering from chest congestion. If you are affected with a severe, deep-lung cough or are having difficulty making it to the restroom, let alone the gym, you are better off skipping the workout entirely. On the other hand, if you have transient or mild symptoms that vanish with nothing more than a dose of cold medicine, you can probably still train safely.

2. Choose low to moderate intensity exercises that will not elevate your heart rate or breathing to unreasonable levels. If you are already suffering from chest congestion, the last thing you want to do is trigger a coughing fit by engaging in fast running or heavy lifting--the kind of exercises that will leave you gasping for breath afterwards. Choose mild activities like brisk walking or training of smaller muscle groups like the arms, shoulders, and calves. While you might be winded after a particularly heavy set of squats or deadlifts, the same is not necessarily true of calf raises, so stick to exercises that you know you can perform without undue strain on your body.

3. Call it a day if your symptoms escalate while training. The goal of training is to improve your health, not impair it. If you feel that the training session is making things worse you are better off quitting on the spot than forcing yourself to complete it just to regret it tomorrow when your symptoms are even worse. Maintain constant awareness of your physical state to avoid pushing it too far beyond the limit while exercising with chest congestion.

Tags: chest congestion, exercises that, Chest Congestion, exercises that will, from chest

What Is Prescription Seroquel

Seroquel is a brand name for the prescription medication quetiapine furmarate. Doctors commonly prescribe Seroquel for the treatment of bipolar disorder and scizohprenia.

Function

Seroquel works by counteracting the effects of certain types of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin. Doctors do not understand precisely how this helps patients suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, reports RxList.

Time Frame

Doctors prescribe Seroquel for eight to 12 weeks in patients with bipolar disorder to treat periods of depression or mania related to the disease, according to RxList. In scizophrenics, Seroquel is usually prescribed for six weeks or less.

Features

For bipolar disorder, Seroquel is sometimes prescribed along with lithium or divalproex. Schizophrenic patients are usually treated with only Seroquel.

Risks

The most common side effects of Seroquel include constipation and headaches, reports the Mayo Clinic. Use of Seroquel poses a risk for suicidal thoughts, the onset of type 2 diabetes, a potentially life threatening condition known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome, low blood pressure levels, shortages of white blood cells, involuntary facial twitches or tics, the development of cataracts, seizures, hypothyroidism and increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Warning

Seroquel is not recommended for use in the treatment of dementia in patients over the age of 65 because use of the drug in the elderly has been associated with an increased incidence of sudden death.

Tags: bipolar disorder, prescribe Seroquel

Treat A Yeast Infection With Antibiotics

A yeast infection is an irritation of the vagina and it happens when the regular yeast becomes unbalanced in the vagina and an overgrowth occurs. Yeast infections are very common and unfortunately, many women have to deal with this type of infection. Although a yeast infection is treatable, it is normally very unpleasant and annoying. Yeast infections are treated with a variety of products, but a lot of females choose to treat their yeast infection with an oral antibiotic. However, there are some things that you need to do in order to properly treat a yeast infection with antibiotics.

Instructions

1. Identify your symptoms and make a list of them. Your doctor needs to know your symptoms before he can treat you with antibiotics. The most popular symptoms of a yeast infection include a vaginal itch, soreness and redness in the vaginal area, a burning sensation, a thick, white discharge, swelling of the vagina and pain while having sexual intercourse.

2. Call your doctor and make an appointment. If you have any of the symptoms listed in the above step, it is important to see your gynecologist (or another appropriate healthcare professional) as soon as possible so you can begin treating the yeast infection with antibiotics.

3. Go to your scheduled doctor’s appointment. Describe your symptoms to your doctor. Your doctor determines whether or not you have a yeast infection and discusses treatment options with you. He may or may not need to examine you before treating your yeast infection.

4. Inform your doctor that you want to take antibiotics for the infection. There are several treatment options for yeast infections, such as anti-fungal ointments, creams and suppositories. However, your doctor can give you a prescription for an antibiotic called Diflucan, which can safely and quickly clear up your yeast infection.

5. Obtain a prescription for the medicine. Your doctor writes out the prescription and tells you how often you need to take the medication. Depending on the severity of your yeast infection, you may only need to take a single dosage or your doctor may suggest that you take the medication for several days.

6. Take the medication and be sure to follow the directions. It is important to complete all of the medication and take it exactly as your doctor prescribed it. You may choose to take the pills with food because this can help reduce the chance of experiencing certain side effects such as nausea, headaches and diarrhea.

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Cleansing Pills For Rapid Detox

When starting a new diet, one of the best ways to get a quick jump start to weight loss and rev up the metabolism, is to take cleansing pills for rapid detox. This will assist in eliminating excess waste buildup in the bowels.

Significance

A regular bowel cleanse will take anywhere from 3 weeks to 1 year to complete, but for a rapid cleanse, detox pills can provide noticeable results in as little as 7 days.

Function

Nutrients and herbs used in rapid detox cleansing pills assist in detoxifying the liver, provides fiber to capture and bind to waste, and then hydrates the bowels to help with elimination.

Considerations

In order for the rapid detox cleansing pills to work more effectively for weight loss, an individual must change her eating habits and begin an exercise regimen.

Effects

A 7-day rapid detox cleansing pill will not only help you lose weight, but your metabolism will begin to speed up. Your blood sugar levels will balance out as well.

Warning

You should check with your doctor before beginning these programs because of serious health risks such as chest pains and irregular heartbeats from the caffeine stimulants.

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