Common colds are annoying, leaving us exhausted and irritated at work. To keep them from deteriorating into a more serious condition, there are a few steps you can take to keep yourself functioning at work and home--and get well quickly!
Instructions
1. Know that common cold is caused by a virus. Most of the viral illnesses including cold are self limiting. They usually take few days to go. Keep your self warm.
2. If you are otherwise healthy there is no need to take antibiotics. Antibiotics only kill bacteria not the virus.
3. Take Tylenol 325 mg or extra strength if you have bad running nose, headache or fever. You may take as frequently as every 6 hrs. Tylenol will reduce the secretions, control fever and headache. Again it does not kill the virus.
4. If you also have a component of allergies then Benadryl instead of Tylenol may help. Benadryl itself contains Tylenol but you can take Tylenol with it as well as long as you do not take too much of it.
5. A hot chicken soup may do the trick.
6. If your nose is draining yellow or greenish colored secretions may be it is time to take antibiotics. Sometimes viral infections do get secondarily infected with bacteria. Call your doctor.
Cold sores usually appear when the immune system needs strengthening, or when a person is under a great deal of stress, but can occur at any time. There many over-the-counter (OTC) medications offering relief from itching and pain associated with the cold sore, and speed the healing process.
Types
There are several different types of OTC medications, with active ingredients (either natural or pharmaceutical) such as camphor, eucalyptus, lidocaine, benzyl alcohol, benzocaine, lysine, zinc and phenol.
Effects
All OTC cold sore medications are designed to do one of three things: to relieve symptoms; to prevent the progression of the blister or lesion while shortening the length of the healing process; or to prevent the virus from being able to produce a cold sore even before it starts.
Function
Most cold sore treatments will relieve symptoms, which often include redness, inflammation, burning and itching. These treatments usually contain ingredients such as benzocaine, lidocaine, or camphor.
Prevention/Solution
Treatments that work by preventing the progression of the cold sore also shorten the healing time, and help prevent them from spreading or worsening. They generally contain ingredients that have antibacterial or antiviral properties, and promote healing and preventing reinfection or spreading of bacteria.
Considerations
Certain medications on the market have properties that will help to prevent breakouts, as well as treat existing cold sores. There are balms and moisturizers that help keep cold sores from drying out, cracking, and bleeding. Some treatments for cold sores may even contain a sun screen such as zinc oxide, because bright light can often trigger a cold sore outbreak.
Peer pressure, prevalent during the formative teen years, can lead your teen to drug addiction. You may fear losing their young person to addiction and death. Avenues of support for treating teen drug addicts include treatment facilities, interventions, family therapy and group counseling.
Group Counseling
Although teens are susceptible to peer pressure, positive peer pressure can lead to addiction recovery. Teen groups can be found in hospital settings, youth correction centers or at residential treatment facilities as part of the treatment plan. Group counseling facilitated by a mental health professional allows teens to share their feelings, vent frustrations and offer support with other teens facing similar addiction problems.
The counselor/facilitator lays down the basic rules of group counseling, such as refraining from judgment and not insulting each other. He might also encourage otherwise silent members to speak up or add to their input in order to help others in the group understand that they are not alone in their struggle.
Intervention
Sometimes an intervention is required as the first step in beating teenage drug addiction. A professional counselor facilitates the intervention, bringing family and friends of the addict together to give testimonies as how the substance abuse affects them, such as physical or emotional abuse and creating extreme worry. They can also testify to the teen's isolation and social withdrawal from family and friends, in addition to physical symptoms like rapid weight loss, loss of concentration, school problems and trouble sleeping.
Family members may give an ultimatum that if the addict doesn't seek professional help immediately, they will cut her out of their lives. Addicts who agree to treatment attend a treatment facility for a specified period of time.
Treatment Facilities
Rehabilitation can include in-residence treatment facilities, depending on the level of addiction and substances abused. Facilities have medical staff on-hand to help treat and manage symptoms of drug use and withdrawal. Professional counselors provide your teen with coping skills for dealing with post-treatment life such as learning ask for help and ways to curb peer pressure. Other skills can include properly expressing anger and other emotions versus turning to substances. Counselors might also diagnose co-morbid conditions such as past-traumatic stress disorder or depression.
Some residency settings allow family visits, while others are more restrictive.
Family Psychotherapy
Family focused therapy is an effective way to treat teens for drug addiction. Family focused therapy doesn't mean that the entire family is there to help the counselor "fix" the teen; rather, the entire family's dynamics are addressed. Although other family members may not be addicts, they may be enablers. Family members might also produce the triggers that get teens thinking about drugs, such as constant criticism or absenteeism. Family focused therapy helps the family all become part of the solution by teaching everyone communication and support skills.
Tags: drug addiction, Family focused, Family focused therapy, focused therapy, might also, treatment facilities
Gene therapy and manipulation are controversial issues. As a result, research in this field is being strictly regulated. In fact, certain types of genetic research were banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from January to April of 2003, according to the Human Genome Project Information site.
FDA
The Human Genome Project Information website states that the first clinical trials for gene therapy started in 1990. Experiments are still being conducted, but as of 2009 the FDA had not approved the use of any human gene therapies.
Cure Potential
Gene therapy may have the potential to cure hereditary blindness, some cancers, deafness, Parkinson's disease, sickle cell diseases and X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, or X-SCID (commonly called bubble baby syndrome).
Fixing Genes
Defective genes are repaired either by being replaced by good genes, by a process of reverse mutation, or by being regulated and controlled.
Obstacles to Gene Therapy
To be an effective cure, therapeutic genes must be able to function for a longer period of time, must be able to avoid the body's tendency to attack foreign objects, and must stop the viruses that deliver them into the body from causing harm. Researchers have yet to discover a way to cure health problems caused by more than one mutated gene.
Experimentation
Many of the experiments conducted in regard to gene therapy have been done on mice and other animals. Human trials have been extremely limited.
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The battle against eating disorders can take many months and even years to overcome with the proper help. Maintaining a diary of eating behaviors has proven to be an effective way to manage disorders like anorexia and bulimia. The diary gives the individual a written and factual account of all feelings, thoughts and activities surrounding eating and issues of weight. Sharing the information in the diary with a professional can help the professional take the proper steps to treat the patient.
Instructions
Keep a Diary of Eating Behaviors
1. Set up the diary to keep track of important factors involved in eating behaviors. Create columns on the page to list the time of day, food and drink taken in, where eating happens, binges, purges or other compensation efforts and thoughts and feelings during meals. Leave space on the page for general thoughts and feelings.
2. Fill in the columns every time you have a meal. For example, "12:15 p.m., one piece of pepperoni pizza, one glass of Diet Coke, school cafeteria, felt like I added 5 pounds to my body."
3. Record all bad eating habits such as frequent vomiting, eating sweets often, eating too much at any meal and other eating habits you feel are negative.
4. Write down overall thoughts and feelings at the end of the day and feel free to express yourself fully in the diary.
5. Read through the diary on a weekly basis to look for trends in eating, feelings, thoughts, compensation efforts and other aspects of eating behaviors.
6. Write out the trends you noticed on a page dedicated to a weekly wrap-up of eating events.
7. Create a goal to achieve in the next week that will show positive improvement in your eating behaviors, thoughts and feelings. Make sure the goal is reachable and is not too difficult.
Anorexia patients will attest to the long-term consequences of this disease. The obvious issues of weight and nutrition overshadow the systemic and psychological issues that weigh heavily on patients through their recovery periods. You should know the effects of anorexia before heading to your doctor's office so you can ask the right questions.
Instructions
1. Look at the thickness and growth of hair to know the effects of anorexia. Hair loss and thinning hair are common in anorexia patients because of a depletion of protein.
2. Determine the overall influence of anorexia by looking at levels of dehydration. Abstinence from food and water by anorexic patients to cut down on weight leads to extreme dehydration and organ damage.
3. Measure blood pressure among patients at various levels of recovery to gauge the effects of anorexia. Low blood pressure is one of the more extreme effects of anorexia. Recovering patients regain pressure due to a strengthening heart.
4. Listen to the heart of a potential anorexia patient to know the serious effects of this disease. The range of damage to the average heart covers simple heart flutters and slower beats to complete heart failure.
5. Observe digestion problems to identify the consequences of anorexic behaviors. These issues are prevalent among binge-and-purge anorexics who use laxatives and other supplements that can cause bloating or constipation.
6. Examine the condition of the skin to assess one of the systemic consequences of anorexia. Yellow discoloration, flaking and easy bruising are a few of the ways in which anorexia damages skin.
7. Make note of an individual's sensitivity to temperature and weather extremes as evidence of anorexia. People who exhibit anorexic behaviors will bundle up or express concern about the heat indoors as their bodies are struggling to maintain internal temperature.
8. Test out muscular and joint strength as a way of gauging the depth of an individual's anorexia. Muscles throughout the body lose tone and strain easily due to low levels of protein. Swelling and pain in the joints that are atypical for a patient's age are common in later stages of anorexia.
Eating several small meals throughout the day may allow weight loss to happen quicker then traditional eating routines. This is because eating 4 to 6 meals daily keeps your metabolism consistently burning. The result of this behavior can actually train your body to burn more calories over time, resulting is quicker weight loss. Here's a guide to eating small meals to increase your metabolism.
Instructions
1. Plan 4 to 6 small meals each day. Plan meal intervals no longer then 3 hours apart. Eating at regular intervals keeps your metabolism burning all day long.
2. Eat breakfast early in the day. Within 1 hour of waking up, make sure to eat breakfast. This will allow your metabolism to run quicker then if you eat later or skip breakfast altogether. According to WebMd, people who eat breakfast every day tend to consume less total calories and therefore lose weight quicker.
3. Prepare your meals in advance. Meals are often skipped because people get too busy. Pre-chopping fruits and vegetables and planning your meals each day will ensure even if you're busy, you won't skip meals.
4. Incorporate fiber into each meal. Eating fiber at each meal will make you feel more satisfied and ensure you don't overeat. Good sources of fiber are whole wheat bread, cereals such as bran and oatmeal and fruits and vegetables.
5. Increase your water consumption. Sometimes your body misinterpret signals of thirst and hunger. When consuming several meals each day, drink at least 8 ounces of water with each meal. This will ensure you drink enough fluids, which will keep you hydrated.
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Low fat foods can be found naturally in grains, vegetables, fruit and other food items. Processed foods are generally high in fat content. Low fat foods are found in food closest to its natural state. Natural foods provide high nutrition and health benefits to the diet.
Foods with Fiber
Foods with fiber such as oats, oat bran, brown rice, barley, bulgar, quinoa, lentils, pinto beans and kidney beans are grains and vegetables that provide low fat nutrition.
Soy Products
Soy beans and their byproducts are naturally low fat foods. Soy milk, tofu and edamame have numerous health benefits and are recommended for a low fat diet.
Vegetables
Vegetables are low fat in their raw state. Broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, kale, chard and eggplant are a small list of healthy low fat vegetables.
Fruit
Natural fruit is low fat and low calorie when eaten in moderation. Apples, peaches, pears, nectarines, melon, plums, bananas and oranges are a short list of low fat food choices.
Fish
Fresh fish and canned fish are low fat food. Choose fresh fish such as salmon, tuna, cod, trout and other non shellfish varieties. Canned fish includes salmon, crab and tuna.
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When you have a pulled back muscle, you know it. Having a pulled back muscle makes it harder to do everything. Getting any relief is sometimes a hard thing to do in a fast-paced environment. Sometimes your muscles get so stiff, you can barley bend or move, but there are some things that you can do to help deal with your pulled back muscles and possibly help them mend quicker.
Instructions
1. Lay on an ice pack often within the first 2 days of your injury. This will keep any swelling down.
2. Take a soak in the bathtub with the help of some Epsom salt. Get the water as warm as you can stand it. Pour in the Epsom salt. If you do not have time to soak in the tub, taking a really hot shower will still help to loosen the stiff muscles a bit.
3. Keep good posture while sitting down and place a heating pad or a heat wrap on your back for about 30 minutes. The heat will temporarily soothe the aching muscles and spasms.
4. Rub a pain-relieving cream onto the sore area of your back (see Resources below).
5. Take it easy. Try not to pick up anything that is heavy. Avoid turning your back in the position where it is painful. Movements over the next week should be slow.
6. Stretch and do back strengthening exercise once you feel up to it. When you are moving better (time will vary with each injury) you need to start slowing stretching your muscles every day. Do not begin too soon or you may make the injury worse. Wait until you get all of your movement back before you do this. Once you get the stretching down, begin a regimen of back strengthening activity or exercise. This will help you avoid future injuries as well as strengthen your back muscles.
Tags: your back, back muscle, back muscles, back strengthening, Epsom salt, pulled back
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that has a toxic effect on humans and animals. When we are exposed to carbon monoxide, we may experience carbon monoxide poisoning, which causes flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headaches, chest pain and even death. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of poisoning in the U.S. today. If you or a loved one ever contract carbon monoxide poisoning, it is essential to act quickly.
Instructions
1. If you suspect that you or others are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately remove all people and animals from the source of carbon monoxide as quickly and safely as you can. If you are in a house or other building and suspect carbon monoxide, immediately get outside and breathe fresh air.
2. Call 911 and request assistance. Cases of moderate to severe carbon monoxide poisoning can only be treated by trained technicians and even mild cases should be examined by a doctor.
3. Check a poison victim to make sure he is breathing. If so, ensure that he is able to breathe fresh air easily. If he are not breathing, administer CPR until help arrives. To administer CPR, lay the victim flat on the ground on his back, then pinch the victim's nose firmly and cover his mouth with yours. Blow until you see the victim's chest expand, about one second. Give two breaths then check to see if the victim is breathing. If he is still not breathing, press down firmly on the chest (right in between the nipples) 30 times at a rate of 100 pumps per minute. Begin again with the two breaths, continuing the cycle until help arrives.
4. When the paramedics arrive, they will most likely administer 100% oxygen to those affected by carbon monoxide inhalation. Using a tight-fitting oxygen mask, patients will breathe in oxygen in order to hasten the carbon monoxide's release from the body.
5. In most moderate to severe cases of poisoning, the affected person will be transported to a hospital for further treatment. Even if a person seems to be recovering quickly from the effects of inhalation, she may still need medical attention.
Conserving water use is a great way to help the environment. Conserving water use is also mandatory, from time to time, in places that are experiencing a drought. There are many great ideas that you can implement when conserving your use of water.
Instructions
1. Take shorter showers or take a shallow bath. The average shower head releases 5 to 7 gallons of water every minute and filling the average bathtub to capacity uses about 36 gallons. Limiting your shower time to about 5 minutes, or only filling the tub halfway, for a bath, will greatly reduce your water usage.
2. Turn off the water in the sink while you are brushing your teeth. If you brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day, you are wasting about 20 gallons of water every day.
3. Don't water your lawn every day. Many people set their sprinklers to a timer and let it go, even if it has recently rained. By turning on your sprinklers, manually, only when your lawn needs it, you can greatly cut down on unnecessary water use.
4. Flush your toilet less. Have you even heard the expression "If it's yellow, let it mellow?" It may sound downright disgusting to some, but flushing your toilet only when you need to for odor reasons can really help cut down your water usage, because every flush uses 3.5 to 5 gallons. Another way that you can save water with your toilet, is to replace older models with newer, efficient models that only use 1.6 gallons per flush.
5. Wash your clothes only when doing full loads (no small or medium loads,) when you are left with nothing else to wear and avoid double rinse cycles, because every wash uses an average of 30 to 60 gallons per load.
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Popular hair removal methods--waxing, threading, depilatories and shaving---are not long-term solutions to facial hirsuteness. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes medical electrolysis as the only permanent hair removal method for the face and considers laser hair removal as a permanent reduction technique.
The success and permanence of any facial hair removal procedure depends on the condition of the hair, number of treatments performed, skill of the technician and the type of equipment used.
Instructions
1. Arrange a hair removal consultation with a technician. Electrolysis and laser hair removal are time-consuming and expensive procedures. Ask the technician to evaluate your facial hair thoroughly and provide an estimate of costs and time required for the procedures.
2. Electrolysis uses a small current and a needle to destroy hair follicle cells and the papilla (surrounding tissue that nourishes the hair). Laser hair removal uses a thick solution to cover the treatment area, followed by a pulse of laser light to heat and destroy the follicle. Before committing to a long-term hair removal plan, inquire about safety procedures, number of clients treated, infection control, complications or side effects.
3. Plan and prepare for your first hair removal session. Avoid waxing or tweezing the hair on your brow, chin or upper lip for 3 to 4 weeks before treatment. Before your first treatment, ask your physician about pain management recommendations for any facial discomfort. Inform the hair removal technician of any current medications that you are taking and any pre-existing medical conditions that may interfere with the treatments.
4. Maintain your scheduled treatment sessions to impede hair growth. Electrolysis and laser hair removal are most effective when scheduled during the telogen phase of hair development. Depending on your cycle of hair growth, weekly treatments can last from 1 year to 18 months. Facial hairs that are thick and coarse require longer treatment schedules than fine hair.
5. Follow your post-treatment procedures carefully. Swelling and redness may occur after electrolysis and laser hair removal. Avoid intense sunbathing and exposure to direct sunlight for 24 hours after each treatment. Keep your face clean and free from makeup, creams and lotions for at least 12 to 14 hours after the treatments.
Discolored toenails are a main sign of a fungal infection.
Discolored toenails often mean more than a simple change in appearance. Much of the time, a discolored toenail is the result of a fungal infection. Simply walking barefoot, using bacteria ridden nail clippers or even an unhealthy diet can cause your toenails to become discolored or to change in appearance. Toenails with a fungal infection tend to become thicker in size and take on shades of yellow or purple. With the use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash, nail clippers and a change in diet, discolored toenails can be remedied back to health.
Instructions
1. Fill the bucket halfway with anti-bacterial mouthwash. Allow the mouthwash to sit for about 10 minutes. Add an amount of white vinegar equal to the amount of disinfectant added to the bucket. Stir the two together until you have a uniform solution.
2. Scrub your feet with antibacterial soap. Thoroughly clean each toe and toenail.
3. File down your nail as low as possible without causing any pain or discomfort.
4. Place your feet into the bucket of solution. Allow them to soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Remove your feet from the solution and promptly dry them. Once dry, wrap each toe in an adhesive bandage to ensure that no bacteria from the floor enters the open pours.
Tags: fungal infection, your feet, about minutes, anti-bacterial mouthwash, change appearance, nail clippers
Keloids are raised scars that occur from an overgrowth in the skin due to an injury, surgery or even a bad case of acne. Keloids can cause discomfort and cause one to feel embarrassed or self-conscious, which is why many people seek ways to get rid of these scars. However, there are various methods and treatments you can use to get rid of keloids.
Instructions
1. Understand that if a piercing caused the keloid, it may be necessary to change the jewelry or remove the piercing.
2. Use pure tea tree oil and apply it several times a day to the scarred area. Some people claim they have been able to get rid of their keloids with this treatment within a couple of weeks.
3. Inject it with steroids. This method is usually done about once a month, becomes less visible, and flattens within 3 to 6 months.
4. Apply pressure to the keloid if it is a bump caused from acne. Do this three times a day for 3 to 5 minutes, and after a week you should start to notice that the keloid is flattening.
5. Buy silastic gel and apply it to the keloid. These come in gel sheets, which you can cut to fit the size of the keloid and hold them in place with a tape that adheres to skin. This must be used regularly every day for several weeks or months and works to get rid of the keloids by flattening the raised skin.
6. Remove the keloid surgically. However, consider this with caution, because there is a fair chance that it could come back and continue to reappear larger each time. Some people have better success with this treatment by injecting the keloid with steroids or treating it with radiotherapy immediately following the surgery.
7. See a dermatologist and discuss your options with the doctor. The doctor can recommend whether he thinks the best treatment to get rid of your keloids is to inject it with steroids, surgically remove it or use another method to get rid of your keloids.
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Chances are that the sheets on your bed are made from cotton. You may have flannel or fleece sheets in the winter, or even silk if you are a romantic type, but have you ever heard of bamboo sheets? These sheets are relatively new, and are made from the fibers of the bamboo plant. Understanding the benefits of bamboo sheets just might persuade you to buy a set!
Instructions
1. One of the best things about Bamboo sheets is that they are renewable. Bamboo is actually part of the grass family, but it's extremely fast-growing. Some bamboo can grow up to a foot a day! This makes bamboo a great, eco friendly alternative.
2. Bamboo fibers are very soft, so bamboo sheets have a nice silky feel, but they aren't slippery at all.
3. Bamboo bed sheets are antibacterial. It sounds strange but it's true. Bamboo has is naturally resistant to bacteria and a test was performed by the China Industrial Testing Center back in 2003. They placed a bacteria on 100% bamboo sheets for 24 hours and then tested the amount of live bacteria. Strangely, on sheets that were composed of 100% bamboo, 99.8% of the bacteria was killed!
4. Because of bamboo's unique resistance to bacteria, pesticides don't need to be used on Bamboo crops, which makes them even greener.
5. Bamboo has the ability to insulate, which means that they can be used in both summer and winter. The sheets will actually help to keep you cool in the summer months and warm in the cold winter.
6. Bamboo sheets come in a wide variety of colors, so you can use them in any type of bedroom or to fit and decorating scheme.
7. Possibly the best benefit of all is that these sheets are economical. They cost roughly the same as mid-quality cotton sheets, and start at about only $30 for a twin set! Check the resources section to learn more about bamboo sheets that are available.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses strong chemicals to rid your body of fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatment methods. Although chemotherapy is an effective treatment for a range of medical conditions, it has multiple side effects. Some chemotherapy side effects are minor and treatable, while others are severe and can lead to more serious complications. Recovery from chemotherapy requires treatment for the therapy's common side effects, including "chemo brain," hair loss and nausea.
Chemo Brain
"Chemo brain" is used by cancer survivors to describe the memory and thinking issues typically associated with chemotherapy treatment. Chemo fog, cognitive changes and dysfunction are also common terms used to describe this chemotherapy side effect. According to the Mayo Clinic, additional study and testing is needed to confirm that chemotherapy actually causes cognitive dysfunction. However, it is a common side effect of cancer and its treatment methods. Confusion, difficulty concentrating, learning new skills, fatigue, short attention span and short-term memory loss are all common signs of chemo brain.
While no standard treatment for chemo brain or cognitive dysfunction has been identified, your doctor can help you recover from this chemotherapy side effect by controlling other causes of memory loss, teaching you effectively cope with memory issues and prescribing medications to help relieve common chemo brain symptoms. Controlling other factors such as anemia, depression, sleep deprivation and early menopause can help you recover from memory loss associated with chemotherapy. Repetitive brain exercises, tracking memory loss influences, engaging in stress-free activities and learning effective coping strategies are all additional things you can do to recover from this chemotherapy side effect.
Hair Loss
According to the Mayo Clinic, hair loss typically cannot be controlled or prevented, but you can take steps to minimize the frustration and effectively recover from this common chemotherapy side effect. Developing a gentle hair care routine before and after chemotherapy, protecting your scalp and being patient are ways you can overcome hair loss. After treatment, your new hair growth will be fragile and frail. Avoid harsh chemicals, coloring and bleaching for about six months. This will prevent damage to growing hair and scalp irritation. Hair growth and repairing hair damage takes time. Be patient, your hair will eventually grow back.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can make you feel horrible and can cause you to stray away from your chemotherapy treatment schedule. Once nausea and vomiting occurs, it can be difficult to control. Recovery from chemotherapy nausea and vomiting is best accomplished with prevention methods. According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor can prescribe anti-nausea drugs for you to take before treatment and on a routine basis during and for a few days following chemotherapy. The anti-nausea medications prescribed will depend on the type of drugs used in your chemotherapy treatment.
Tags: chemotherapy side, side effect, According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic, chemotherapy side effect, chemotherapy treatment, Mayo Clinic
Finding a podiatrist can be easy. There really is no need to limp around the streets with painful feet in search of a podiatrist. Follow these steps to find out more.
Instructions
1. Keep in mind that there are many places that you can search. The Internet or the Yellow Pages may be a good place to start. You may search for podiatrist in your area through the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) or through your states podiatry board website. You may ask friends or family members who they recommend. Speaking to your primary care physician can be helpful.
2. Once you have an idea which podiatrist you would like to go to it is best to check with your health insurance company. Depending on your insurance plan you may be limited to only seeing certain podiatrists. If you seek treatment by a podiatrist that is out of your network you may have to pay the bill up front.
3. Phone a couple of the podiatry offices to get an idea on prices and billing procedures. Ask about their cancellation policy as some may require 24 hours notice otherwise you are sent a bill.
4. Ask about the opening hours and see if these work with your schedule. What is the wait time for emergency appointments? How long does it take to get an appointment?
5. You may need to look at local transport and handicap accessibility to make sure that you can get to the podiatry office easily.
Herbalife International is a global company that produces a series of products designed to help people achieve healthy nutrition, lose weight and take care of their skin. Many people choose to go on the Herbalife diet to loose excess weight and reach their ideal size successfully. As with any diet, the Herbalife diet needs to be properly researched before a person decides to use it. A physician should be consulted for safety purposes before going on any type of diet, including the Herbalife one.
Specifications
The Herbalife diet is unique in that it doesn't lay down a set of specific rules or instructions to people who choose to partake. There is no specific outline of what a person must eat or drink during the course of a day. Rather, there are a number of recommended products that people can use to achieve these goals. The Herbalife diet also does not have a specific time requirement people must follow. A person simply goes on the Herbalife diet he has reached his ideal weight, at which point he can resume eating normal nutritious foods once again.
Products
People on the Herbalife diet consume a number of Herbalife nutritional products in substitution of regular meals. These products can be purchased on the Herbalife website at http://www.lifemania.com. Most people choose to drink one of the many flavors of Herbalife protein drinks. Each one of these drinks is to be taken as a substitute for one regular meal throughout the course of a day. In general, for breakfast and lunch a person would drink a protein shake and then for dinner have a regular, nutritious meal.
Cost
The Herbalife diet is one of the more expensive diets on the market today. The average person will spend between $4 and $5 per day while on this specific diet. This has led to a number of criticisms that the Herbalife diet exists specifically to make money and not to help the people engaged in it.
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A deductible is the fixed amount of medical costs the customer agrees to pay before the insurance company will begin to pay expenses. For example, if you went to the emergency room for treatment of a broken arm, there would be a bill for services rendered. You or the hospital would submit that bill to the insurance company. This is also known as submitting a claim. The insurance company reviews the claim, noting the services included in your contract. The cost of the services included in your contract below the deductible amount is your responsibility. The insurance company would then begin to pay for covered services beyond that amount.
Annual Reset
The amount of the deductible varies among policies and insurance companies and resets on a set date, usually Jan. 1, every year. These choices lower the cost of medical insurance for the customer. If the insured has a relatively healthy year, the savings are considerable. However, if the insured receives medical care, fulfilling the deductible offsets the savings from reduced premiums. Many choose to deposit money into a health savings account to help with health care expenses.
Preventative Healthcare
Having a high deductible may cause people to defer routine preventative care such as annual physicals and screening to a later date. It is for this reason some insurance policies will consider preventative health care services separate from the deductible. The insurance company hopes to reduce long-term health care costs through well care and early detection.
One and All
The way the deductible is calculated also varies from plan to plan. There are individual deductibles and family deductibles. The individual deductible applies only to one person or one member of the family if there is more than one person insured. The family deductible usually applies to all the covered members and is considerably higher than the individual deductible--often double. However, the family deductible usually allows the out-of-pocket expenses of several family members to count toward the total limit.
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A variety of polished rock types is typical of a collection.
Stone polishing is a very rewarding hobby. Polished stones may be added to a collection, sold for profit or used in jewelry. While most are merely semiprecious, these stones are still very beautiful and can draw attention with intricate patterning, bright coloration, fossil history or other unusual attributes. Learning to identify the different types of stones is a key to this hobby, and makes it all the more rewarding.
Quartz
Quartz crystals formed within a hollow rock are called agates.
Quartz is a common collector's favorite. It comes in many different colors such as yellow, white, clear, grey and pink (called rose) as well as in transparent to opaque varieties. Quartz can display different properties depending on how the crystal was formed. In fact, most semiprecious stones including amethyst, chalcedony and citrine are actually different forms of quartz. Rose and white quartz are two of the most popular forms and are often carved into figurines and memorabilia.
Amethyst
This is a typical cluster of purple amethyst.
Amethyst is a semiprecious stone that is frequently found in fine jewelry. It is a form of purple quartz that ranges from a light to a dark hue. Frequently, amethyst is found in agates, stalactites or other rock formations that form a bed of crystals; these formations can be cut laterally to show the intricate internal design. Amethyst is a transparent stone but can contain impurities or imperfections that make it translucent. Green quartz, or lime citrine, is also considered to be a type of amethyst and is a light blue-green color.
Cat's Eyes
Cat's Eyes, or Tiger's Eyes, are rocks formed with fibers of mineral that reflect light in an unusual way. These stones come in yellow/brown, blue, and red varieties and are noted for their satin-like appearance. Light either reflects in rippling bands from their surfaces or is focused into a single band of fuzzy light in the center. Tiger Iron is a similarly formed mineral that has banded qualities and an appealing coloration.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a bluish-green or turquoise form of the mineral beryl; this gemstone-quality stone is used in fine jewelry. It ranges from transparent to translucent, depending on the quantity and type of impurities present.
Petrified Wood and Fossils
Petrified wood and fossils are the mineralized remains of organic material. Petrified wood is the most common, and retains the original pattern of wood striations in the mineral formation. It comes in varying shades of brown, in ribbon or other wood-shape patterns of color and is often used in lower-quality jewelry. Fossils are often sanded down and carefully polished to retain and better display their unique qualities.
Meteorites
While meteorites aren't usually made of any particularly valuable material, often they are polished and collected due to the interest in their origin. Most frequently, they are made of iron and/or rock, although certain exceptions occur. Peridot, August's birthstone, is the only gem that has been found in meteorites. Peridot is most frequently a lime green color, but can also be found in orange, brown, yellow and other colors.
Turquoise
This is a good example of turquoise jewelry, polished into a rounded shape.
Turquoise is an opaque mineral that gets its name from the blue-green coloration it bears from containing oxidized copper. It has only recently lost its prized gem value as a result of treatments and imitations, but prior to this was a very valuable stone for most of human history. It is often carved into figurines or rounded shapes, as opposed to the angular cuts of many crystals.
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The muscles in your arms are no different from the muscles in the rest of your body, which means they should follow the same principle. You must overload your muscle fibers to the point that they break down, then give them sufficient rest for them to rebuild and get stronger. To develop the biggest muscles possible, stay within a range of 10 to 12 repetitions. In addition to training correctly for maximum hypertrophy, you must ensure that you consume enough calories to fuel your body in an effort to develop bigger muscles.
Instructions
1. Train your arms last. Focus on doing compound exercises first. Compound exercises use bigger muscle groups. Jeff Anderson of the website criticalbench.com explains it this way, "compound exercises move the body through more than one joint movement, while isolation exercises only move the body through a single-joint movement." Barbell squats, pull-ups and push-ups are good examples. Bicep curls and tricep extensions are isolation exercises.
2. Do more compound exercises than isolation exercises. According to Anderson, "compound exercises, due to the increased amount of muscle used for the movements, are better at sending your endocrine system a "distress call" to pump out more anabolic hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone." The more muscle fiber you can stimulate, the bigger the muscle you will build. Two thirds of your workout should involve compound, one third isolation.
3. Train your triceps as much as you train your biceps. Focusing on your bicep is wrong since the triceps are a bigger muscle group. In other words, favor the triceps, if any.
4. Switch hand positions in all exercises. Keeping your muscles guessing will trigger them to get bigger. Since you do only extensions for triceps isolations and flexions for bicep isolations, use the following three hand positions--palms up, palms down and palms facing each other.
5. Vary your weight. Even though you want to focus on lifting heavy and use a low rep range, lightening the weight and doing higher reps (15-20) once every couple of weeks will stimulate more muscle growth. You can avoid plateauing by incorporating this principle into your program.
Tags: bigger muscle, isolation exercises, body through, compound exercises, compound exercises, more muscle, move body
If you suffer from acid reflux you are not alone. The symptoms of acid reflux are many, including heartburn, discomfort in the abdomen, sore throat, regurgitation, nausea and hiccups. These symptoms often are worse at night causing you to lose sleep.
Here are some things you can do to control acid while you sleep.
Instructions
1. Check your diet. If there are any foods in your diet that cause you discomfort or bloating or gas, eliminate them completely as these are likely causing your nighttime reflux as well. Also note that something you eat in the morning may very well be the cause of your nighttime acid reflux. As a general rule, you want to avoid fatty foods, fried foods, creamy foods and sauces, all dairy products and citrus. Alcohol and caffeinated products are culprits as well.
2. Learn about the benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) The use of ACV in healing has long been known but forgotten. This incredible substance can reduce acid reflux in a matter of seconds. For best results add one to two tsp. of ACV to a glass of water and drink before eating. Some people find that simply sipping a half-glass of this before bed instead of before meals helps them sleep through the night without waking due to acid reflux discomfort.
3. Buy some fennel seed. You can get this at supermarket chains or health food stores. Fennel is a powerful digestive aid and helps to reduce not only acid, but flatulence as well. Its benefits have been know throughout the ages, in fact the Romans ate them as part of an after-meal "seed cake" for this purpose.
4. Use fennel essential oil. If you do not like the pungent taste of fennel, try using its essential oil. Essential oils have powerful healing properties and can be used in a diffuser or as a massage oil. Simply place two to three drops of oil in water following your diffuser directions or make a massage oil out of two to three drops of essential oil and two to three tbsp. of almond, olive or other unscented massage oil. Breathe in the restorative properties. Use the massage oil on and around the abdomen.
5. Change sleeping positions. Very often simply propping up on an extra pillow at night helps acid reflux.
6. Peel and slice a raw potato. Eat a half slice before bed. Potatoes, when uncooked and peeled, have digestive enzymes that often eliminate acid reflux. Note that cooked potatoes, especially potato chips are best to eliminate.
7. Add some honey. Adding one tbsp. of honey to a glass of cold water is also an effective acid reflux and heartburn reliever.
Tags: acid reflux, three drops, your diet, your nighttime
Yeast infections are caused by the fungus microorganism Candida albicans, which is always present in the body and changes according to the environment in which it lives. If a person has a depressed immune system, or is undernourished, then it will encourage the fungus to expand. If it builds up without control, it can lead to an infection. In most cases, superficial infections, called yeast infections, of the skin and mucosal membranes cause inflammation and discomfort and are common. A home remedy for a yeast infection in the ear and other places is usually effective in curing it.
Internally
Most yeast infections are caused by the same microorganism, so there are effective home remedies that will also help virtually any yeast infection. Take freeze-dried garlic and olive leaf extract; both are antifungal. Take 1,500mg of garlic daily (approximately two cloves) and 1 to 2g of olive leaf extract a day. Also take 1 to 3 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil a day.
Topical
Apply some essential oils on yeast infections, such as Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) and Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) to stop the growth of fungal infections. Make a diluted solution and apply to the infected spot; they can relieve the itching and inflammation. According to the book "Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby," written by Allison England, you can mix one and a half teaspoons of tea tree oil with one third of a teaspoon of lavender in a dark blue glass or small amber dropper bottle. Next, add 7 drops to some pure aloe gel and apply to the infected area. This is a very soothing home remedy for the ear.
Prevention
Candida albicans is always present in the body, so prevention means controlling its growth. Taking antibiotics eradicates the good as well as the bad bacteria, which can allow the yeast to grow uncontrolled. When the bacteria are all killed, the yeast has no check and begins to grow. Take lactobacillus and yogurt when you have to take antibiotics, so that the good bacteria stay at a useful level. Consider dietary changes to manage yeast, such as eliminating refined carbohydrates and sugar. Choose wholesome foods, and eat them separately from cooked food to avoid fermentation in the stomach.
Garlic
Garlic contains powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which make it an ideal choice for combating yeast overgrowth. To make garlic oil, crush three cloves of garlic and combine with olive oil and keep it at room temperature for a several days. Strain it and let it remain in the refrigerator. This is not for food preparation. Warm a few drops and put them in the ear with the yeast infection. Some people even put a small sliver of garlic directly into the ear and cover it with a cotton ball. Eat one or two cloves of garlic a day to keep yeast infections at bay.
You can calculate the Weight Watchers point value for food items or meals if you know the formula and know where to look. Follow these steps.
Instructions
Calculate the Point Value Yourself
1. Look at the food item's packaging or lable for nutrional values. Divide the calories by 50.
2. Divide the total fat grams by 12.
3. Add the values from Steps One and Two to get the value of "X."
4. Divide the dietary fiber grams by 5 to equal "Y."
5. Take "X minus Y" to find the point value of the food item. Round up values higher than .5 and round down for values lower than .5.
Determine the Point Value with the Weight Watchers Calculator
6. Purchase s Weight Watchers calculator from their website.
7. Push the "compute food" button.
8. At the prompt, enter the calories, the fat and the fiber amounts for the food item. Push "Enter" after each entry.
9. The calculator will give you the point value and you can choose to subtract that amount from your daily allotted points by pushing "Enter" again at the end.
Tags: Weight Watchers, food item, Calculate Weight, point value, point value food, value food
Wheelchair cushions are available by physician's order or over-the-counter and are made from different materials such as foam, gel, urethane honeycomb or air-filled chambers. Thickness, firmness and type of cushion depends on your needs. The pressure created from sitting for long periods of time can break down the skin and lead to complications such as pressure sores. A wheelchair cushion can relieve some of this pressure and assist with posture. Measuring a person for a wheelchair cushion depends on whether it is a replacement cushion or if the cushion is purchased separately from a new wheelchair.
Instructions
Measuring for a Replacement Cushion
1. Measure the inside width of the wheelchair seat in inches. Don't measure from one arm of the wheelchair to the other arm. Measure the portion of the seat between the arms.
2. Measure the depth of the wheelchair seat in inches from the back of the seat to the front of the seat.
3. Determine the correct thickness needed for the wheelchair cushion based on your pressure-release needs. Adjust the height of your seat and the footrests based on the thickness of the cushion when it is compressed. Many wheelchairs are adjustable.
Measuring for a New Cushion
4. Measure between the widest portion of your hips or thighs while sitting. Sit on the tape measure while measuring if someone is unable to help you with this task.
5. Add 1 inch to the width measurement to allow for movement.
6. Determine the seat depth by measuring from the rear of your buttocks to the back of your knees while sitting.
7. Subtract 1 inch from the depth measurement if you have a manual or power wheelchair. If you use your feet to maneuver the wheelchair, subtract 2 inches from this measurement so your calves don't rub against the cushion with each movement.
Labradorite is a variety of the mineral feldspar. Although the color of the stone is silver gray, the stone displays an array of colors according to the angle of light refraction.
Metaphysical Properties
Labradorite is credited with the ability to dispel negativity and provide clarity of thought. It is a grounding stone and focusing on a piece of labradorite can help you enter and maintain a meditative state.
Healing Properties
Labradorite is known for healing properties such as strengthening the immune system and relieving pain. The stones healing powers are thought to benefit those who suffer from rheumatism and arthritis.
Psychic Properties
Labradorite is used to enhance intuition, recall dreams as well as to balance and protect the aura.
Astrological Associations
Labradorite is associated with the astrological signs of Leo, Pisces, Scorpio, Aquarius and Sagittarius. It is also associated with the crown, solar plexus and third eye chakras.
Considerations
Labradorite is also associated with the planet Pluto, the element ice as well as plants such as blackthorn, snowdrop and gardenia. The mineral also resonates to the Archangel Raphael.
Significance
Labradorite represents the "Temple of Stars," bringing the wisdom of worlds, universes and planetary beings to the wearer.
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A high frequency machine generates a current that is transmitted to the skin through a glass electrode which helps to kill harmful bacteria, stimulate circulation, and also helps the skin to absorb skin care products. High frequency can be used to treat acne and to assist in massaging aging skin. Learn use a high frequency facial machine in the steps below.
Instructions
1. Insert the chosen glass electrode into the high frequency machine; it should just snap in to place.
2. Turn the high frequency machine down to a zero level and turn it on. Wrap the cord around your arm once to keep the cord from dragging across the client's skin.
3. Hold the handle of the high frequency electrode in the hand that you normally work with and make contact with the electrode and your finger before placing it on to the client's skin.
4. Place the electrode on the client's skin and remove your finger. Increase the intensity to a comfortable setting and move the electrode in small circles around the skin for a maximum of five minutes.
5. Place your finger back on the electrode and remove it from the client's skin. Turn off the high frequency machine and sterilize the electrode.
Tags: client skin, frequency machine, high frequency, high frequency machine, your finger, glass electrode
Breast augmentation is an increasingly common cosmetic surgery in which implants are placed in the breasts to make them larger. Hundreds of thousands of women have undergone the procedure for themselves, and it is a very safe procedure. However, as with any surgery there are risks and possible complications. It is important to go over all the possible side effects with your doctor before having the augmentation.
Implant Rupture
Breast implants can break, causing them to deflate. This can cause the breasts to look uneven. If an implant ruptures, you will likely need surgery to replace or remove it.
Cancer Detection
Breast implants can make it more difficult to detect breast cancer during a mammogram, because tumors might be hidden behind the implants. It is important that the person performing the mammogram knows you have implants so she can take extra care.
Breast Feeding
In most cases, woman who undergo breast augmentation are able to breast feed, but some mothers do have difficulty. If you plan to breast feed after breast augmentation, be sure to tell your surgeon, because it may affect the surgical technique.
Changes to Sensation
Some women who get breast implants have less sensation around the nipple and breast following surgery. In most cases, the loss of sensation is a temporary condition, but it can be permanent.
Surgical Side Effects
The surgery itself can cause side effects in many women. These include bruising and swelling around the breasts, pain around the incisions and constipation.
Infection
Infection is a possible complication of any surgical procedure. Be sure to inform your doctor if you experience fever or flu-like symptoms, redness or warmth and tenderness around the incisions.
Tags: around incisions, breast augmentation, breast feed, Breast implants, most cases, side effects, your doctor
Whether it is occasional use or a full-blown addiction, substance abuse by teens is not to be ignored. Take steps to treat teenage drug use. There are many variables, but perhaps the most important is finding out as quickly as possible if there is an immediate threat to the teen's well-being.
Instructions
1. Find out what drugs your teen is using and how often. This can be tricky, especially if your teen is secretive or avoids communication. If a frank discussion is not possible, then go underground. Talk to your teen's friends or acquaintances.
2. Use assessment tools on websites or talk to the family doctor. Sometimes, even without hard evidence, there are signs of drug use in a teen's personality. Put together a plan for approaching the issue.
3. Reach out to your teen. Be prepared for this conversation to last a nanosecond, though it may not. The message to deliver, if only in that nanosecond, is the following: "I know. I am concerned. We need to deal with this."
4. Understand the difference between occasional use and addiction, and even more importantly, the differences among drugs. Many websites and community resources have this type of information.
5. Talk to your teen about occasional use, if there are no signs of addiction. Point out drug use is often illegal and trouble with the law can follow them along in life. Be persistent, even if your teen gets up and walks out.
6. Deal with an addiction situation, and do not give up. One conversation probably will not do it, nor even two or three. Ask other people your teen respects and wants to please to help you deliver a message of concern, love, support and the need to act.
7. Seek professional advice on how best to treat the addiction, using as much information as you have. Not every treatment works for every person, and each addiction is as different as the teen it affects.
8. Take the steps designed for your teen's situation. This starts with getting the teen to agree to treatment, and it may take a long time to get past that step. Remember a treatment step may fail, but that does not mean giving up.
Tags: your teen, Take steps, Talk your, Talk your teen, Teenage Drug, there signs, Treat Teenage
Water can enter your ears while you are swimming or taking a bath. If you allow water to remain in your ears for a long time, it can cause infection, damage the eardrums and result in pain. Here's get water out of your ear.
Instructions
1. Pour a few drops of water into a dropper. Turn the head so the affected ear is facing up. Drop some water from the dropper into your affected ear. Wait two or three seconds, then flip your head quickly so the affected ear now faces the ground. Repeat the process until all the water has drained out of your ear.
2. Prepare a mixture of half alcohol and half vinegar. Put two or three drops of this mixture into the affected ear. The mixture should dry up the water in a few minutes.
3. Sleep with the affected ear facing the surface of your pillow. After a few minutes, the force of gravity may pull the water out.
4. Dry up the water in your ear using a hair dryer on a low setting. Take care not to hold the hair dryer too close or to burn yourself.
5. Use over-the-counter antiseptic eardrops. Shake two or three drops into your ear, then turn your head so the affected ear is facing downward. The water should come out with the eardrops.
6. Consult your doctor if water remains in your ear no matter what you try on your own.
Tags: affected facing, hair dryer, head affected, head affected facing, into your
Alendronate sodium, or Fosamax at is sometimes called, is a drug that those who have brittle bones. There are many side effects to alendronate sodium for both men and women. There is also a very specific way to take alendronate sodium as well as important side effects to note.
Function
Alendronate sodium is a medicine that can help to strengthen the bones in a body. It has Vitamin D that absorbs calcium, which is needed to make bones strong. Alendronate sodium is most commonly taken by men and women who suffer from osteoporosis. Alendronate sodium is sometimes used to fight Paget's disease, which is a bone disease.
Fosamax
Fosamax is the brand name of the most popular alendronate sodium. It is such a popular brand that many people actually refer to alendronate sodium as Fosamax. Possible side effects are the same as alendronate sodium and it is advised that Fosamax not be used by those who have an esophagus disorder, can not stand or sit up for 30 minutes, kidney disease or a low amount of blood calcium.
Side Effects
Alendronate sodium can have many side effects and some of them differ in men and women. The most common side effect for women is abdominal pain. Others include pain in muscle, bone or joint, nausea, dyspepia, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, acid regurgitation, esophageal ulcer, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal distention, gastritis and taste perversion. For men the most common side effect of alendronate sodium is acid regurgitation. Other side effects are flatulence, dyspepsia, abdominal, nausea, diarrhea and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Overdose side effects
Alendronate sodium is most dangerous when an overdose occurs. The side effects that come from an overdose of alendronate sodium are heartburn, inflammation of the esophagus or stomach, ulcers or an upset stomach. Contact your doctor if you suffer from any of this problems.
Warning
There are very specific conditions that must be followed for alendronate sodium to be affective and harmless. Alendronate sodium should be taken first thing in the morning with only a glass of water. After taking alendronate sodium you should not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes, and that includes taking other medications. You should not lie down after taking alendronate sodium, and if you are not able to sit up or stand up, contact your doctor.
Tags: alendronate sodium, side effects, alendronate sodium, acid regurgitation, Alendronate sodium, Alendronate sodium, Alendronate sodium most
Bronchitis and smoking go hand in hand. When you smoke, chemicals within the tobacco irritate the lining of your bronchial tubes. Typical symptoms include a cough, sore throat, mucous and chest discomfort. The more that you smoke, the worse this condition becomes. It can lead to chronic bronchitis, a disease linked almost exclusively to smokers.
Poisonous Substances
Because of the highly poisonous ingredients within smoking products, each puff of a cigarette irritates a smoker's body starting with their lips and mouth, and ending deep within the airways of their lungs. Just a few of the harmful substances within cigarettes are nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, ambergris, benzene and hydrogen cyanide. All of these chemicals are put into cigarettes along with the tobacco leaves. When the cigarette is lit, the chemical properties are changed, making them even more deadly.
Smoking and the Lungs
The airway begins with the mouth and travels down your throat into the trachea, which is the beginning of your lungs. From there, the lungs begin, forming multiple passages (bronchi) that help them to expand and contract. With each breath that you take, your lungs fill with much-needed oxygen. Smoking irritates the lining of your trachea and bronchi. When these passages are irritated by the smoke, they swell and inflame. The swelling and inflammation is a part of the immune response to aid healing. Mucous is also produced, but in abundance. The mucous actually clogs the bronchi, making it more difficult to breathe. This is why smokers cough so much. Their lungs are working extra hard to expel mucous.
Further Irritation
The incessant coughing further irritates the lungs and throat. Many bronchitis sufferers complain of cough-related chest pain, muscle spasm and a sore throat. Because they continue to cough, there is no relief from the cycle. In spite of these symptoms, and knowing why they have the condition, most people continue to smoke.
Smoker's Cough
This cough is termed "smoker's cough." It is found almost exclusively in smokers, although people exposed to second-hand smoke often develop it as well. The cough is productive. This means that the cough produces mucous and phlegm harbored deep within the lungs. Smoker's mucous is typically brown, yellow or green. The brown color shows the type of residue left in the lungs when you smoke. Yellow and green mucous indicate infection. If you have a severe cough, there might be blood in the mucous, too.
Upper Respiratory Risk
Smokers are at greater risk of developing upper respiratory viruses and infections because of the mucous buildup. The mucous within your airways is thick and is able to trap foreign particles, microorganisms and bacteria quite effectively. It's rather like a science experiment in your lungs. Bacteria and microorganisms thrive in moist, warm environments, and a smoker's lungs are perfect for infections to proliferate. Smokers are also more susceptible to asthma, as the bronchitis makes it difficult to breathe.
Tags: your lungs, almost exclusively, almost exclusively smokers, cough there, deep within, difficult breathe
Most people are aware of the "classic" heart attack symptoms in which the victim clutches his chest and has such pain that everyone around knows what is happening. In actuality, heart attack symptoms usually start much more slowly and are harder to identify.
Symptoms in Men
These symptoms may start slowly, may not be excruciating and may be dismissed. You may have discomfort in the chest lasting a few minutes that goes away and then returns. Other symptoms may include pain in the upper body area, to include either or both arms, and pain in the back or neck.
Further Symptoms
A victim may experience shortness of breath and may break out in a cold sweat. He might experience nausea or dizziness.
Symptoms in Women
As in men, women quite often have discomfort in the chest. Women, however, are more likely than men to have some of the other warning signs, like shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the back or jaw area.
Significance
If you are with anyone experiencing any of these symptoms, the best course of action is to call 911. It is better for the ambulance to take him to the hospital, as the crew will be trained paramedics and emergency equipment is on board the ambulance. You may give the victim an aspirin while you wait for the ambulance.
Prevention/Solution
The best prevention for a heart attack is to see your doctor regularly and have cholesterol screening, stress tests or heart catheters as needed. Cut out high-fat foods in your diet, watch your alcohol intake, and if you smoke, give it up. Get plenty of exercise.
Tags: heart attack, attack symptoms, discomfort chest, have discomfort, have discomfort chest, pain back
Breathing through your nose has many advantages over breathing through your mouth. Nasal breathing allows air to be filtered, humidified, and warmed as it enters your body. It also promotes healthy blood vessels by the supply of clean air filled with nitrous oxide, prevents bad breath, filters out germs that cause disease, helps prevent nighttime snoring and keeps your sense of smell strong. Everyone can and should breathe through the nose; it's just more difficult for some people to retrain their bodies.
Instructions
1. Check to make sure that you can breathe through your nose comfortably. A good way to do this is simply to cover your mouth with your hand, or with someone else's hand. If normal breathing continues through your nose, then there is no physical abnormality or condition preventing nose breathing. If you're unable to breathe normally through your nose, you may have some form of nasal congestion or blockage.
2. Eliminate any problems that may be contributing to mouth breathing. For example, nasal congestion can be caused by a number of things including colds, respiratory infections, allergies, air pollution and a hot or dry climate. For colds and respiratory infections, use a nasal decongestant to clear the sinuses, treat sinus problems with appropriate prescription and/or over-the-counter medications and consider filtering and humidifying the air in your house if air pollution or dryness in the air is a problem.
3. Train yourself to breathe through your nose while you're awake. Consciously think about keeping your mouth shut and forcing yourself to breathe in through your nose. Eventually it will become a habit, and you'll be able to breathe through your nose as you sleep. Taking long, deep breaths through your nose can be beneficial, allowing the alveoli in your lungs to relax and absorb more oxygen. According to nosebreath.com, the Nose Breathe Mouthpiece website, the need for medication for asthmatic patients is reduced because of the greater efficiency of the naturally relaxed alveoli.
4. Practice lip exercises. You can practice breathing in and out through your nose by pursing your lips, according to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease International Library. Do this naturally and without pushing air out forcefully. You can also stick your tongue out as far as it can reach several times a day (maybe while brushing your teeth). This will help train your tongue to stay at the front of your mouth and prevent airway blockage-induced snoring as you sleep.
5. Try one of the various products designed to help control airflow in and out of your nose. Nasal strips work by freeing and opening the nasal cavity, simply making it easier to breathe through your nose. A chin-up strap, similar to a football helmet strap without the helmet, or a chin-up strip can help as well. Both of these products make it more difficult for you to open your mouth, thereby promoting nose breathing in the process.
Tags: through your, your nose, through your nose, breathe through, breathe through your
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the throat near the trachea. The purpose to the thyroid gland is to produce and release hormones. The thyroid gland also helps regulate body temperature, the absorbing iron and production of energy. When the thyroid isn't working properly, a person will often struggle with weight, fatigue, hair loss, depression, swollen hands and feet, and memory problems.
Instructions
1. Ask that your physician perform a standard TSH tes. Many experts also recommend that you request an antibodies test, as well as a T3 and T4 test, which will confirm the results of the TSH test. Most medical professionals also recommend that you have the tests run several different times and compare all of the readings. The more tests are run, the more accurately your physician will be able to diagnose your thyroid condition.
2. Understand TSH test results. In 2003, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists lowered the normal value range of the thyroid from 0.5 mIU/L to 5.0 mIU/L, to 0.3 mIU/L to 3.0 mIU/L. Anything higher is considered to be a hypothyroid condition. Patients with a reading under 3.0 are often diagnosed with a hyperthyroid condition, although many patients feel best when they have a thyroid value of 2.0 mIU/L.
3. Make lifestyle changes if your test results indicate a thyroid condition. Processed foods, trans-fats, raw cruciferous vegetables and iodine supplements should be avoided if you are diagnosed with a thyroid condition.
Tags: thyroid condition, thyroid gland, also recommend, also recommend that, diagnosed with, recommend that, test results
Plastic surgery is becoming increasingly common as procedures that were once meant to help those with deformities and other skin damage are adapted for other purposes. While technically, plastic surgery refers to surgery dealing with natural problems or damage, the term has become synonymous with cosmetic surgery and vanity surgeries such as nose jobs, facelifts, lip alterations and breast alterations. In either form, plastic surgery carries significant risks of serious side effects.
Infection
Whenever the skin is broken and internal tissues are exposed to foreign matter, there is a chance that the body will become infected with malicious bacteria. Doctors use sterilized tools in clean environments, but even the best preparation can't eliminate all chances of infection. Additionally, incisions, cuts, sutures and staples that can be left behind after plastic surgery present an avenue for infection to attack the body. Normally. an infected surgical site can be treated effectively with over-the-counter medications or antibiotics.
Scarring
An inevitable part of making holes and cuts in the skin is that they leave scars behind, an ironic fact for a type of surgery meant to promote beauty. Surgeons try to hide scars by performing surgery laparoscopically (through a small incision in the skin) to limit how noticeable the scar will be. Some procedures done in the nose or mouth can be completed using only incisions made out of sight. Still, despite a surgeons' best efforts, many procedures such as breast implantation and reduction can leave scars that are noticeable when viewed from a certain angle.
Nerve Damage
Another risk of plastic surgery is that procedures can cause nerve damage. If a surgeon nicks or cuts nerves while completing a surgery, it can cause a partial or total loss of feeling in certain parts of the body. For instance, in a breast implantation surgery, it is possible for the nerves leading to the nipple and areola to be damaged, which can lead to a loss of sensation during sexual activity. While nerve damage is a fairly rare complication, its effects are often permanent.
Allergic Reactions and More Serious Side Effects
When someone undergoes surgery, she is given various medications for pain and swelling. These may cause an allergic reaction in the patient. The severity of allergic reactions can range anywhere from mild coughing and fever to the development of hives or death. Plastic surgery is carried out under general anesthesia, which is known to carry a slight chance of putting the patient to sleep so that he is unable to be revived. So limiting the number of general anesthesia procedures one undergoes is wise. Surgery can also lead to a rare type of infection, called toxic shock syndrome, which carries a fairly high mortality rate.
Surgeries Often Don't Go As Planned
One major risk of plastic surgery is that the results are never guaranteed. A doctor can speculate how the surgery will make the patient look after swelling and bruising subside, but the result is often different than what the patient planned. For example, a facelift might leave the patient feeling as though her skin looks too artificial, a nose job might leave the nose crooked, and breast implants might be larger or smaller than anticipated. This often results in further surgeries to fix the problem. resulting in wasted money and more exposure to other risks.
Tags: plastic surgery, breast implantation, general anesthesia, leave scars, might leave