Get Medicaid To Reimburse You For Home Health Care Expenses

Medicaid is a health insurance program that is funded by both the federal government and state governments. It provides financial assistance for health care for the elderly with low incomes, people with disabilities and low-income children who have no monetary assistance from their parents. Medicaid will sometimes pay for all or at least part of home health care expenses. It's a complicated program with a myriad of rules and regulations, but it can help pay medical costs for people with low incomes or special circumstances.

Instructions

1. Call you local area Agency on Aging, which is funded by federal and community money, grants and contributions. Medicaid is administered by the state, so each state has unique rules about benefits for home health care. Officials from this organization can help you determine if you or a loved one qualifies for home health care reimbursement.

2. Request a notice from your state Medicaid office showing you are eligible for Medicaid, the effective date of coverage and the amount of home health care services approved.

3. File for home heath care reimbursement if you qualify. The Agency on Aging will give you the address for your state. Medicaid has a different name in each state. Send the letter by certified mail, so you will have proof it arrived.

4. Include proof of payment for home care, such as canceled checks, receipts and time logs for health care professionals who came to your home.

5. Add a reimbursement form signed by the person asking for financial help. This form is available from your state Medicaid office. Ask if the state office wants you to also include an official reimbursement worksheet.

6. Submit affidavits for any health care provider you paid in cash. The affidavit must be signed by the person who paid the cash and the health provider who received the cash. You may need to sign this in front of a notary public, but check with your state office first.

7. Stay on top of your request. It often takes a long time to get a yes or no on your request. If your reimbursement response is denied or seems below par, you can appeal the decision. Visit your area Agency on Aging for help with this.

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How Does Supplemental Insurance Work

What It Covers

Supplemental insurance is additional insurance coverage, the purpose of which is to cover medical and other expenses that your primary health insurance does not cover. Many supplemental insurance policies cover lost income if you are unable to work while recovering from illness or injury. The cash benefits that you receive during this time can help to pay for living expenses. In this case, choosing supplemental insurance coverage is particularly important if you are self-employed and have a family. Supplemental insurance also often covers the deductibles and co-payments associated with regular health insurance.

Cash Benefits

Individuals who are at high risk for accidents or serious illness can benefit from a supplemental insurance policy. There are policies available, which would pay you or your family a cash benefit in the event of an accident or disability. Keep in mind, however, that you or your family only will be eligible for payment if injury or death is a direct result of a type of accident specified on the policy. In the case of injury, amount of payment often depends on the seriousness of the injury.

Other Reasons to Buy Supplemental Insurance

Another type of supplemental health insurance policy includes hospital indemnity, which pays a cash benefit directly to the insured, or his or her beneficiary, upon hospitalization. In addition, disease or condition specific policies offer the insured a cash benefit if the individual is diagnosed with a particular disease. Payment is intended to help defray the high medical costs and mounting out-of-pocket expenses usually associated with critical, debilitating, or life-threatening illness.

Covering the Gap in Medicare

The purchase of supplemental insurance policies is common among Medicare recipients, who are looking for assistance to help pay for those expenses not covered by traditional Medicare. In particular, long-term care insurance is becoming more important to seniors who may require home health care, assisted living, or skilled nursing care at some point in the future. Investing in this kind of insurance policy will help to cover the costs should the need for these services arise.

Compensating for Loss of Work

While the cost of no health insurance policy comes cheaply these days, there are practical reasons to consider purchasing supplemental insurance. Although a regular insurance policy may cover the majority of medical expenses related to an illness or injury, these policies do not cover the expenses resulting from the loss of work during recovery, placing a family's financial security at risk. pay the bills quickly becomes a major issue if you unexpectedly are injured or become ill. The fact is that lost time from work and the resulting loss of income is a leading cause of bankruptcy among American families today.

Additional Benefits Offered

In many cases, the medical treatments for serious or acute illness may not be covered entirely under a person's primary health insurance plan. To help pay these costs, some supplemental insurance policies offer a lump sum benefit while others may base payments per day, week or month. More supplemental plans also now provide fixed benefits for preventative medical care.

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Facial Exercises Studies Results

Facial exercises have been promoted to treat everything from facial paralysis to wrinkles. Although some studies show positive results, not everyone is convinced.

Physial Therapy and FlexEffect

Physical therapist Deborah Crowly did an independent study and found that all participants experienced firmer facial muscles. Crowley invented the FlexEffect Facial Resistance Training program. FlexEffect is used also for patients with Bells Palsy.

Sleep Apnea Exercices

A study done in Brazil showed that exercises for the face and tongue reduced the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person's airway is blocked during sleep. This can cause their breathing to become shallow and sometimes the person can't breathe at all.

Facial Neuromuscular Retraining

Studies done by Balliet (1982) and Ross (1991) showed that neuromuscular retraining techniques are effective for regaining muscle control in patients suffering facial paralysis from a facial nerve injury. Facial neuromuscular retraining exercises are done with EMG feedback.

Examples

Examples of exercises for sleep apnea include sliding your tongue back along the roof of your mouth and using your toothbrush on your tongue. Exercises were done for 30 minutes a day. Other exercises include shutting your eyes as hard as you can and pursing your lips.

Not Convinced

The Department of Dermatology at Cleveland University did their own study and concluded that there has not been enough evidence to say that facial exercises meant to treat wrinkles or loose skin actually work.

Tags: facial paralysis, from facial, showed that, your tongue

Aloe Vera Gel Benefits

Most of aloe vera gel's benefits have been proven scientifically to be true. Aloe vera gel research at Jodrell Laboratory in England,"describes antidiabetic, anticancer and antibiotic activities, so we may expect to see a widening use of aloe gel."

See Reference 1)

Aloe vera gel has numerous beauty and health benefits.

Background

During Biblical times, the fragrant varieties of the aloe vera plant were used for perfumes. One of the earliest cultures who used aloe vera ( Aloe Barbadenis Miller) for healing was the Chinese.

Cancer

In a 1999 study at Sungkyunkwan University in Korea, aloe vera gel was shown in the lab to prevent the development of cancer. Aloe vera gel has significant "anti-tumor promoting effects."

Burns

Several scientific reports showed improved healing of minor burns with aloe vera gel. In 1963, A. Farkas received a patent for an aloe vera gel preparation, to use as a topical medication for burns.

Hair

Aloe vera gel was shown to regenerate hair follicles and regrow hair by John Heggers, Ph.D. These experiments were done in 1979 on burned guinea pigs at the Chicago Burn Center.

Skin

Aloe vera gel is an excellent skin moisturizer. "Aloe vera gel penetrates skin almost four times faster than water, and its super emollient qualities help it moisturize the under layers of skin."

Warning

Read the label or use gel from a live aloe vera plant. Andrew Weil, M.D. warns "some cosmetics that boast of their aloe content have too little of it to do your skin much good..."

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Get Rid Of Sore Gums After A Tooth Extraction

Take steps to care for gums after tooth extraction.

Before your tooth extraction, you will be asked about your medical history and undergo tooth x-ray. Antibiotics may be prescribed before and after the extraction. After the extraction, a blood clot should form to cover the extraction site. This will help the gum to heal. The dentist or oral surgeon should give you pain medication. According to dentalfearcentral.org, you should avoid aspirin, as it thins the blood and could cause more bleeding. Have someone to drive you home. Follow steps to get rid of sore gums after a tooth extraction.

Instructions

1. Take your pain medication.

Begin taking pain medication as soon as possible.

2. Relax after your extraction.

Avoid strenuous activity for at least two hours.

3. Do not spit or suck.

4. Use gauze on the extraction site.

Wad up gauze and bite down on the extraction site to stop bleeding. (Your oral surgeon will probably have this for you.)

Tags: extraction site, pain medication, tooth extraction, after tooth, after tooth extraction, gums after, gums after tooth

Treat Hallux Valgus

Hallux Valgus is commonly known as a bunion. It is a condition of the big toe joint which becomes deformed and painful. The big toe drifts towards the other toes and can some times override them. The big toe joint protrudes to the side of the foot and can become very painful and prominent. The forefoot becomes wider making shoe fitting very difficult. Bunions can be treated and there are a few things that can be done that may prevent the condition worsening.

Instructions

1. Change your shoes to a style that is broader and deeper to reduce the pressure on the prominent joint. Avoid tight, narrow or short shoes as this may make the condition worse and can sometimes be the cause of bunions.

2. Avoid any stitching or seems from shoes or socks that may run across the big toe joint. They may cut into the skin or cause pressure leading to corns and calluses.

3. Splay your toes as often as you can. This may prevent the deformity from worsening by keeping the muscles strong in your feet. Your podiatrist may fit you with a splint to wear at night that holds the toe in correct alignment.

4. Visit your podiatrist if you continue to be in pain or the big toe joint appears more prominent. In some cases orthotic therapy and toe devices can prevent the deformity worsening and reduce pain. In other cases surgical correction of hallux valgus may be necessary.

Tags: Hallux Valgus, prevent deformity

Signs & Symptoms Of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos-related diseases can surface many years after exposure to the substance. The two primary diseases related to asbestos exposure are mesothelioma and asbestosis, and both can be difficult to diagnose initially due to their commonplace symptoms in the earliest stages. Asbestosis most directly affects the lungs and abdominal area, because its fibers are inhaled and subsequently lodge themselves in the lungs for long periods of time.

Background

Asbestos is a form of magnesium silicate, a fibrous mineral once valued as a fire-retarding agent. It is a naturally occurring substance that was mined and used in a number of products, most notably as an insulation substance in commercial architecture. Asbestos was found to have severe effects on both people and the environment, however: not only was it found to be a carcinogen, but the fibrous nature of the mineral also made it dangerously easy to inhale, often leading to long-term respiratory problems. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in the 1970s banned asbestos use in certain products, and later the Environmental Protection Agency put an end to all new uses of asbestos under the Clean Air Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Susceptibility and Risk

Asbestos is found in nature. It appears in trace amounts in air and water and is therefore virtually inescapable. However, symptoms and side effects are typically associated with more concentrated daily exposure to the substance. Tobacco and asbestos are catalysts for one another: if you have a history of smoking and are exposed to asbestos, your chances of developing lung cancer increase exponentially; likewise, if you have been exposed to hazardous amounts of asbestos in the past, smoking puts you at a much higher risk than either smoking or asbestos would alone. Otherwise, those most susceptible to asbestos-related diseases are people who have been exposed to it in high concentrations or for long periods of time, or both. Asbestos becomes especially dangerous when its fibers are somehow disrupted and fly into the air, making it difficult to avoid inhalation. Construction workers tearing down an asbestos-filled building, for instance, are at high risk for disease.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, or cancer in membranes surrounding most internal organs, is the type of cancer most frequently associated with asbestos. Signs and symptoms often include anemia, weight loss, fatigue, coughing (sometimes with blood), difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Bowel function may be compromised. Fluid sometimes builds up in the pleural area, causing pain. In severe cases, tumors can form in the affected areas. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and often requires combinations of common cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy and sometimes surgery).

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease in and of itself, but it also puts the patient at risk for lung cancer. The primary symptom of asbestosis is short breath, in extreme cases causing respiratory failure. Asbestosis occurs when the tissue in the lungs is scarred by trapped asbestos fibers. The lung tissue is then irritated to the point of inflammation, sometimes secreting fluids that further interfere with breathing. There is no complete cure for asbestosis. Symptoms may be controlled through nebulizer or oxygen therapy, and some patients attempt to loosen the trapped fibers by causing the chest to vibrate through various percussive methods.

Government Involvement

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken measures to supervise the use of asbestos in the workplace. It is particularly concerned with protecting workers from the substance and can be contacted if an inspection is thought necessary. There are a number of government provisions for asbestosis and mesothelioma patients. States typically have sovereignty over these issues, and the appropriate governmental agencies should be contacted if necessary.

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Signs Of Too Much Serotonin

Anti-depressants may seem like they don't have dangerous side effects, but take too many of them (or too much of one drug) and you may be at risk of developing serotonin syndrome---a condition that is uncomfortable and sometimes fatal. It's best to be careful when you start a new drug or increase a dose, and be on the lookout for any of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome as detailed below.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter---a chemical that transmits messages to different parts of the brain. It's believed that abnormal serotonin levels can contribute to depression (although no one can be sure, as it's impossible to test neurotransmitter levels in a living person---it would destroy the brain). Scientists theorize that extra serotonin may make up for naturally low serotonin levels or compensate for a lack of serotonin receptors in the brain. Other scientists think that serotonin helps regenerate brain cells. Whatever the mechanism, many anti-depressant medications affect serotonin levels in an attempt to ease depression.

Effects

Serotonin doesn't just affect your brain. It can have effects on many parts of the human body, including the heart, muscles and your gut---certain foods can raise or lower serotonin levels. Under normal conditions, the body doesn't overproduce serotonin, but introducing certain substances into the body---usually anti-depressants, but also certain dietary supplements---can put the body into serotonin overdrive.

Symptoms

Serotonin syndrome usually kicks in soon after introducing a substance into your body, such as a few hours after taking a new or higher dose of an anti-depressant. Symptoms include confusion, twitching and trembling, dilated pupils, shivering, goosebumps, headache, sweating and diarrhea. The heart may beat very quickly. In severe cases, a person with serotonin syndrome may have a fever and irregular heartbeat. He may also have seizures and slip into unconsciousness.

Treatment

If you think you or someone close to you has serotonin syndrome, call your doctor. In some cases, the patient may just be able to stop taking the medication and ride out the symptoms until serotonin levels return to normal, but if the case is more severe, she may have to go to the hospital for observation or treatment. In a hospital setting, doctors and nurses can administer drugs that stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, relax twitching muscles and stop the body's serotonin production. After release from the hospital, symptoms can linger for a few weeks as the body processes the last of the offending medication.

Prevention

Don't want to experience serotonin syndrome? Make sure that your doctor knows about all the drugs you're taking, especially if your doctor wants to combine a drug that increases serotonin production with a drug that increases the amount of norepinephrine production. Norepinephrine is another mood-regulating brain chemical. This combination of anti-depressants is especially likely to provoke serotonin syndrome.

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Diagnose Aural Migraine

Approximately one-third of patients with migraine will experience an aura on at least 1 occasion, and these will usually evolve across 5 to 20 minutes and last for at least an hour. Aura symptoms are characterized by fully reversible visual, sensory or speech phenomena that can either precede or accompany a migraine attack. The International Headache Society has established criteria for the diagnosis of aural migraine.

Instructions

Diagnostic Criteria for Migraine With Aura

1. A patient must have at least 2 migraine attacks with at least 3 of the following criteria: at least 1 aura symptom, aura symptoms that last at least 4 minutes or a succession of aura symptoms that occur across at least 4 minutes, no aura symptom that lasts longer than 1 hour, and headache that occurs either at least 1 hour after aura or at the onset of aura symptoms.

2. Aura symptom must have at least 1 of the following features: bilateral visual symptoms, unilateral tingling and/or numbness, unilateral weakness and speech difficulty.

3. In each type of aura symptom (i.e., visual, sensory and speech), positive and negative symptoms can occur. Positive symptoms are defined as disturbances that would not normally occur in an individual, or "added disturbances." An example of a positive sensory symptom would be tingling, and an example of a positive visual symptom would be spots, lines or other phenomena that are not normally seen in the visual field. Negative symptoms are defined by the absence of a normal characteristic experienced by someone, or "absent disturbances," such as the absence of vision (i.e., vision loss) or feeling (i.e., numbness) or difficulty speaking .

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Household Cures For Skin Irritation

Skin irritations can be, well, irritating. If you find yourself itching and scratching in the middle of the night, when most stores are closed, you will most likely find yourself looking around the house for some natural cures. There are many treatments you can find in your home that are both inexpensive and effective.

Instructions

Razor Burn

1. Soak your legs in warm water before you shave to soften the hairs.

2. Don't shave over the same section of skin more than once.

3. Shave in the same direction as the hair is growing.

4. Don't use a dull razor; it will require you to press down more firmly on the skin, which will cause irritation.

5. Use a moisturizing body wash or shaving cream when shaving to avoid making the skin dry, therefore avoiding razor burn.

6. Apply lotion after shaving to add moisture to the skin, and avoid putting on anything that will cause a lot of friction to the newly shaved area immediately after shaving.

Bug Bites

7. Press a deep "X" into the bug bite using your fingernail. This will help it to stop itching, as well as making it more difficult for you to scratch the bite, preventing infection and more itching.

8. Place a small dab of toothpaste on the bug bite.

9. Apply a pasty mixture of baking soda and water to the bite.

10. Take an oatmeal bath. If you don't have oatmeal bath from the drug store, you can use a food processor to grind regular oatmeal fine enough to mix in the bath.

11. Soak in a bath of Epsom salt.

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What Kinds Of Things Can A Hypnotist Get Rid Of

Hypnotherapy is a medical health procedure used by licensed therapists to help a person's life and well being. While under hypnosis, a person is in a relaxed state of deep consciousness, sometimes called a trance, and is highly open to suggestion on be aware of your life, bad habits, and control them.

Smoking

Many people wish to quit smoking for health reasons. Hypnotherapy may be able to help with getting rid of this addiction. The therapist starts by asking the reasons you wish to quit smoking. Hypnotherapy begins to take effect in about four sessions and can last up to or more than 10. Hypnosis to quit smoking has a high success rate -- more than any other method according to many studies conducted in the United States. (See Resource 2 and 3)

Weight Loss

Over 60 million people in the United States are overweight or obese. Diets and exercise work will willpower, and hypnosis can help you achieve your weight loss goal. Therapists ask about your eating habits and behavior. While under hypnosis, the therapist may suggest fruit is a better option than cake, and that exercise helps with the process. Also, the therapist suggests alter bad eating habits and behaviors while the patient is under hypnosis.

Insomnia

Sleeplessness is a common thing among the masses. Many people struggle each night to fall asleep and stay asleep. Insomnia can cause crankiness, irritability and low functionality. Under hypnosis, the therapist will suggest thinking of relaxing things while in bed, visualizing yourself being rocked gently and feeling heavy. The patient will remember these suggestions as they go to bed each night.

Stress

Stress takes a large toll on a person's everyday life. Children, jobs, marriage and money all cause stress. Stress puts people in unpleasant moods and even causes physical sickness. Relaxation is a big part of the hypnosis process. While under, the therapist will relate the harmful effects of stress on life and what steps to take to help the situations that cause strain. It may take a few sessions to get the stress relief process started. Hypnosis can be used with cognitive behavioral therapy for better results. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a patient learns replace unhealthy, negative thoughts and behaviors with positive and healthy ones.

Tags: quit smoking, While under, behavioral therapy, each night, eating habits, hypnosis therapist, Many people

Meat Tenderizer For Treatment Of Wasp Or Spider Bites

Spider bites and wasp stings are painful enough that some kind of treatment is usually desired, even if the patient isn't allergic and doesn't show symptoms severe enough to warrant medical treatment. A paste made of water and meat tenderizer is a convenient and effective way to reduce the pain and discomfort that accompany such a bite or sting.

History

The use of meat tenderizer to soothe the pain and swelling of wasp stings and spider bites has long been a home remedy, passed down through generations. It gained validation in 1972 when an article that included the treatment appeared in the "Journal of the American Medical Association."

Application

To use the treatment, carefully wash the area around the sting with cool water. Then mix about 1/4 tsp. tenderizer with 1 to 2 tsp. water and stir to make a paste. Apply the paste directly on and around the bite or sting site by gently rubbing it into the skin.

Effects

The meat tenderizer's enzymes break down the proteins in the insect venom. This relieves pain and reduces swelling. It also coaxes the stinger out of the skin in the case of a wasp sting.

Time Frame

Make the paste as soon as possible after the person is stung or bitten. It should be left on the affected area for about 30 minutes. Usually, the pain from the bite or sting stops immediately.

Warnings

People who are allergic to bites or stings should seek medical attention after being bitten or stung. If people who have been bitten or stung display symptoms such as nausea, sleepiness, difficulty breathing, a flushed look, fever or inordinate amounts of swelling, an allergic reaction may be developing. Seek medical attention immediately.

Considerations

Reportedly, vinegar can be substituted for the water in the paste and is even more effective at reducing pain. Also, if no meat tenderizer is readily available, baking soda is sometimes substituted for the meat tenderizer.

Tags: meat tenderizer, bite sting, bitten stung, medical attention, wasp stings

What Is Zinc Sulfate Used For

Zinc sulfate is recovered from zinc ore during the refining process. Zinc sulfate is essential for maintaining healthy body tissues. Zinc sulfate can be taken orally, but in some cases must be given through injection. Zinc occurs naturally in a wide variety of foods including beans, nuts, grains, cereals, dairy products and seafood. In addition to its use as a dietary supplement, it is also an important chemical in industry and agriculture.

Industry

Zinc sulfate is used in the manufacturing process for making rayon. A solution of zinc sulfate, sulfuric acid and sodium is injected into raw rayon; it coagulates and is spun into rayon fiber. Rayon fiber is then used in the manufacturing of tires, rubber hoses and industrial belts. Zinc sulfate is used along with sulfuric acid to produce electricity. It has also been found to be effective in the removal of moss stains on roofs because it will not stain or corrode aluminum or galvanized gutters.

Agriculture

Zinc sulfate is an important element in agricultural fungicides and is used to protect a wide range of products including cotton and wheat. Pears, cabbage, apples and broccoli will also resist fungal infestation when a solution of zinc sulfate is sprayed on them. A solution of zinc sulfate sprayed on soil can increase crop yields. Zinc sulfate is also used in animal feed to increase appetite, control blood disorders and bone disease and prevent premature death.

Medical Uses

Zinc sulfate is most commonly prescribed to help with zinc deficiency and to aid in keeping body tissue healthy. Zinc sulfate is also used as a protection from tissue damage that result from alcohol abuse. Zinc sulfate is used as a dietary supplement when tests reveal patients have low levels of zinc in their system. It can also be used as an astringent for mucous membranes of the eyes. Zinc sulfate protects the skin when used in creams for the treatment of acne, as a sunburn protector and as an aid to the healing of the skin after it is has become burned.

Deficiency Indications

People who experience a decreased sense of smell and taste or are dealing with adult acne may be suffering from a zinc deficiency. Macular degeneration or eyes that are extremely sensitive to sunlight can also be indications of zinc deficiency. Prematurely graying hair and dry hair with brittle ends are also warning signs. Zinc deficiency can also be indicated by enlarged prostate and impotence. Other indicators of zinc deficiency may include brittle nails with white streaks on them, mouth sores and dry, cracked or chapped lips.

Warnings

If you are experiencing any zinc deficiency symptoms you should consult a physician. Pregnant women and women who are nursing should not take zinc sulfate or other zinc supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking zinc sulfate, as it may not be recommended for your particular problem. Certain foods such as dairy products and other foods that are high in calcium or phosphorus can make it difficult for zinc sulfate to be absorbed by your body. Zinc sulfate can also reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics.

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School Tips For Foot Health And Good Posture

Going barefoot is not best for children's foot health.

School-age children want to be popular. They often think this means they must wear certain clothes, shoes or the right backpack. The reality is that these choices may contribute to foot and posture problems. Many of the choices children and teenagers make today are a detriment to their health and well-being. But do not lecture them about these choices. Instead, offer healthy tips and suggestions.

Backpacks

Carrying heavy backpacks contributes to posture problems in children and teenagers. The American College of Sports Medicine confirms that backpacks affect posture negatively. Its advice is to limit the amount of weight carried in these backpacks to less than 10 percent of your child's body weight. Better yet, have the child use a rolling pack if they are allowed at your child's school. Also, advise your child to carry the backpack differently from day to day; perhaps over the left shoulder one day and the right shoulder the next and then fully on the back the third day. When taking off a backpack, try to get both straps off simultaneously so you do not torque the spine unnecessarily.

Shoes

Get shoes that fit your child. It does not matter if they are expensive or not; they must fit now. A shoe that is too small can lead to ingrown toenails or corns. Also, kids' feet are still growing, and injuries can happen near bone plates. Plan to buy shoes often as your children grow, instead of assuming one pair will last the whole year. According to podiatrist Mario Pacada, a sneaker, especially for running, is the most supportive and practical shoe for kids who will be in them all day long. If you compromise and buy a cute shoe that is not as supportive, insist that your child wear a cushioned insole inside the shoe. You can also replace insoles to avoid smells and bacteria overgrowth. Alternating which shoes your child wears will lengthen the life of shoes and prevent shoe-related posture problems. Discourage the child from going barefoot as this can lead to injury or hygiene issues.

Physical Conditioning

Children in school sit for long periods of time. This causes back pain and does not promote abdominal strength, according to a study published in the Chiropractic and Osteopathy Journal. Additionally, back pain in youth can carry over into adulthood. To combat sitting, poor furniture and lack of strength, children need to participate in physical activity. It is of particular importance to build abdominal strength. Activities could be team sports, but they do not have to be. Playing, climbing and running all help as long as children are getting several hours of physical activity per day. Since kids are still developing, you must consider their rate of growth, size and stamina when deciding on particular sports for them to play. Overuse injuries and ones associated with growing bone plates commonly occur in kids.

At Home

Make sure that your child's desk at home is the right height, which means at belly level. Too low and they will slouch. Too high and they may be looking up all the time. A straight-back chair is best for promoting good sitting posture and inhibiting slouching. Limit time in front of the television, computer and with video games as these promote hunching over and inhibit physical activity. When they go out to play, check that they are wearing appropriate footwear, socks without holes and that shoelaces are tied. When your children are not wearing their sneakers, put foot powder, a sneaker ball inside or spray with an antibacterial to limit the chance of foot fungus like athlete's foot. Encourage your kids to clean and take care of their feet. Do not ignore comments about foot pain. Get these checked out by a podiatrist or medical professional.

Tags: your child, physical activity, posture problems, that your, that your child, abdominal strength, back pain

Who Is Most Prone To Osteoporosis

Postmenopausal white women and men past the age of 80 are likely to develop osteoporosis due to age-induced calcium deficiency. Women in other ethnic groups are also affected. African-American women are considered least likely to develop the condition, but many cases probably go undetected. Estimates of incidence in Asian women are mixed.

Definition

Osteoporosis is a severe loss of bone mass and density. Osteoporosis makes bones porous, fragile and likely to break.

Risk Factors

According to the National Institutes of Health, people are more likely to develop osteoporosis if they are female and have stopped producing the bone-protecting hormone called estrogen; if they did not perform regular weight-bearing exercises (which strengthens bones) in their youth; if they have a family history of osteoporosis; if they have a vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency; if they have a high rate of tobacco use; and if they are thin.

High-Risk Populations

White women (an estimated 20 percent) are more likely than any other ethnic group to develop osteoporosis. Elderly men (past the age of 80) are also prone to osteoporosis, according to an an article in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Low-Risk Populations

African-American women, who tend to have higher bone density than those in other groups, have the lowest risk of developing osteoporosis (5 percent are likely to develop it), but the actual number of cases may be under-reported, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Hispanics are considered less likely than whites but more likely than African-Americans to develop osteoporosis (10 percent).

Unclear Findings

Although the National Osteoporosis Foundation indicates that Asian women are at risk, an article in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism suggests otherwise, citing that "Asians have lower fracture rates than Caucasians."

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Chinese Remedy For Post Nasal Drip

Post nasal drip is a condition that occurs in your nose and throat; it is characterized by the formation of excess thin and/or thick secretions in your nose. The excessive secretions drip into your throat and can cause a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and coughing. The condition can be caused by many factors including a cold, flu, allergies, temperature changes, spicy foods, hormonal changes, sinusitis, dry air and the consumption of dairy products. There are some Chinese remedies that can help you alleviate post nasal drip.

Diagnosis and Treatment

See a doctor if post nasal drip has become a long-term problem, or if the symptoms associated with the condition are causing upper respiratory issues and complications with swallowing. Determine the cause of your post nasal drip with an examination of your ears, nose and throat. You may need blood tests or X-rays. Your post nasal drip may require prescription antibiotics to treat the underlying condition, and you may be prescribed decongestants and antihistamines for the treatment of allergies.

Chuan Xin Lian

In "The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, Second Edition" author Kee Chang Huang explains that Chuan Xin Lian is an herb that is derived from the dried portions of Andrographis paniculata, and contains elements that offer up antibacterial agents. This herb is ideal for treatment of staphylococci, pneumococci, haemolytic streptococci, dysentery and typhoid bacilli. This herb is also beneficial for fever reduction, diarrhea relief, and upper respiratory conditions, such as infections, pneumonia, and tuberculosis that may be responsible for the onset of post nasal drip. Consume Chuan Xin Lian by taking two 2 g sugar-coated tablets two times daily to deal with the underlying conditions causing your post nasal drip. The herb is available in health food stores and can also be purchased online.

Yu Xing Cao

Huang explains that Yu Xing Cao is an herbal remedy derived from the dried parts of the Houttuynia cordata and has antibacterial properties. Yu Xing Cao is used to treat staphylococci, typhoid bacilli, pneumococci, E. Coli, dysentery bacilli, lung abscesses, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. The herb has antitussive properties and boosts your immune system. Use this herb for ear infections and to treat underlying conditions causing post nasal drip. Make a decoction of Yu Xing Cao by mixing 30 g of Yu Xing Cao with 15 g of Tie Geng. Divide the mixture into six even portions and consume every eight hours until all of the mixture is used. To consume Yu Xing Cao in tablet form, take 20 mg four to five times a day for post nasal drip relief. This herb is available in health foods stores and can be purchased online.

Ban Lan Gen

Ban Lan Gen is an herb derived from the dried leaf of the Isatis indigotica. This herb has antibacterial and antiviral agents called glucosides that help destroy staphylococci and streptococci. It is used to treat influenza, upper respiratory infections, encephalitis, hepatitis, lung abcesses, dysentery, and gastrointestinal issues. This herb also has antitussive and anti-asthmatic properties. Take two to four 0.3 g tablets of Ban Lan Gen once a day for ten days to remedy the underlying conditions causing post nasal drip. The herb is available in health food stores, herbal shops, and online.

Tags: nasal drip, post nasal drip, post nasal, post nasal, This herb

Do Braids Make Your Hair Grow Faster

Do Braids Make Your Hair Grow Faster?

While braids look great and, in some cases, make styling hair easier, they cannot increase the rate at which your hair grows. In fact, if done improperly, they can cause more harm than good.

History

Braids have been used by many civilizations throughout time to adorn the hair of both men and women. The Greeks used small braids intertwined in women's hair. Cornrows, most popular in Africa, were used as symbols of status and religion.

Types

Most braids are temporary and can be created quickly at home. The French braid and English braid are the most common types and are usually created as a single or pair of braids in long hair. African-American women often wear braids known as cornrows. These tiny braids can number in the hundreds on a full head of hair and are most often created by experienced braiders in a salon.

Misconceptions

Many myths allude to our ability to speed up hair growth. The truth is, we cannot speed up our hair's growth. On average, a person's hair will grow one half inch per month. Proper diet and exercise can help maintain this rate, but you cannot speed up your hair's growth through braids.

Warnings

Braids or cornrows done incorrectly can cause severe damage to your hair and, in some cases, even hair loss. Braids weaved too tightly can cause breakage to the hair shaft or even cut off circulation from the scalp, causing a condition called traction alopecia.

Prevention

Always have your hair cornrow braided by a trained and experienced professional. When styling your own hair, do not wear your braids excessively tight against your scalp.

Tags: your hair, hair growth, Braids Make, Braids Make Your, cannot speed

Pore Cleaning Tools

Loofahs offer skin exfoliation, which helps clear pores.

There is an overwhelming amount of skin care products, tools and regimens that promise to minimize oil, hydrate or clear, and everything in between. Clogged pores are a major concern for many teens and adults.

Cleansers and Masks

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are commonly found in cleansers designed to clear pores, because they dissolve dirt and rid pores of oil and sebum that causes pimples. Over-the-counter cleansers contain as much as 2.5 percent of this stuff. Higher levels, 5 to 10 percent, are available by prescription from your dermatologist. Many cleansers specifically formulated to clean pores also exfoliate skin with tiny beads or natural substances such as crushed walnut shell.

Clay-based masks are used to clear and tighten pores. Masks touted for their pore-clearing power also contain eucalyptus, mint or other natural astringent properties used to deep-clean and refresh skin.

Pore Strips

Bioré pioneered the pore strip innovation with its sticky strips designed for use in the "T-zone." With ingredients including witch hazel, known for its astringent properties, the strips go on skin wet, remain for 10 to 15 minutes to create a strong bond, and come off, pulling out dirt, oil and blackheads from pores.

Blackhead Remover

Double-ended blackhead removers extract blackheads from skin by using pressure. These tools are metal and have small egg-shaped holes at each end; one is slightly larger than the other and designed for use on larger surface areas. Manufacturers include Tweezerman and Revlon.

Suction Device

There are battery-operated devices that use suction to deep-clean pores priced at $25 or more as of 2010. Panasonic manufactures a model that sprays a fine water mist onto the skin to increase the suction that pulls out dirt and oil from the skin. These pore cleaners are available at many retailers, but are not as readily available as cleansers, pore strips and blackhead removers.

Tags: astringent properties, blackhead removers, blackheads from, clear pores, from skin

What Is The Purpose Of A Safety Vest

Safety vests, also known as reflective vests, have multiple purposes and are used to save human lives from unforeseen accidents. They come in bright reflective colors that are seen at night and times of low visibility, such as storms and fog. Reflective vests are recommended--and even required--for outdoor activities and some jobs.

Worker Safety

Safety vests are commonly found at construction sites. School crossing guards, firefighters and police officers also wear safety vests.

Colors

Safety vests are available in an assortment of bright colors for increased visibility. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) have established guidelines on which vest colors are approved for construction, emergency response and highway workers.

Outdoor Activity

Safety vests are not just for work-related activities. Wear them when running, walking or engaging in a range of other outdoor activities that require high visibility, such as hunting.

Cost

As of 2009, safety vests range from a few dollars to more than $50, depending upon the style and design.

Standards

The ANSI and ISEA set standards to ensure vests can be easily removed. Velcro instead of zippers, and breakaway features are two of the required elements for public safety personnel.

Tags: outdoor activities, Safety vests, visibility such

Know If The Corrections Made During Openheart Surgery Will Last

Know if the Corrections Made During Open-Heart Surgery Will Last

Open-heart surgeries are performed by experts, but you may wonder whether the surgery will have long-lasting benefits. Here's know.

Instructions

1. Discuss with your surgeon beforehand the expected results from the surgery. Find out what the chances of success are and how long the correction is expected to last.

2. Be sure to find out about the risks involved and any possible complications.

3. Visit your doctor for regular follow-up procedures and keep tabs on improvement of your health. Make necessary changes in your lifestyle to gain maximum benefits out of the surgery.

4. Call your doctor regularly and let him know of even a minor infection in the incision or any pain in your chest.

5. Ask your surgeon if any complications that arise will affect the corrections made during the open-heart surgery.

6. Ask your surgeon if there is any need for another follow-up surgery.

7. Understand that risk is generally higher in older people and those with serious health conditions prior to the surgery. These people should take extra care after the surgery to ensure that the corrections made will last.

Tags: your surgeon, Corrections Made, corrections made, Know Corrections, Know Corrections Made, Surgery Will, Surgery Will Last

Injuries Caused By Chiropractors

The Process

Generally speaking, the practice of Chiropractic care is completely safe. Chiropractors train for a number of years in most cases completing an accredited MD program before their studies. Chiropractors use a wide variety of techniques to help their patients but mostly work with spinal manipulation to make adjustments. These adjustments unblock the flow of trapped energy in the spinal cord. Occasionally there will be pops or cracks heard during the treatment. Sometimes the patient may feel some minor discomfort and on rare occasions the treatment can cause injury.

How Minor Injuries Can Occur

The chiropractor takes his hand and lays them on the patient's spine. He applies gentle to moderate pressure in an attempt to push the joint beyond its normal range of motion. This practice is the main reason many patients may hear a popping or clicking sound during their sessions. It is important to note that this practice is safe the overwhelming majority of the time. However, there are instances where the joint may have had too much pressure applied to it. It can result in pain, inflammation and minor discomfort. If the pain or discomfort is excessive and doesn't correct itself in a few days, then additional medical attention should be sought.

Severe Neck Injuries

Although extremely rare according to The Mayo Clinic, there are occasions where Chiropractic treatments to the neck can cause strokes and paralysis. The treatment involves manipulation and can on occasion disrupt the flow of blood to the brain. This can cause the patient to suffer unconsciousness and even a stroke. Unfortunately, chiropractic neck treatment has also been linked to a few cases of permanent paralysis. The manipulation of the neck again was to blame for restricting the blood flow through the spinal cord. The unfortunate outcome was permanent paralysis in the legs and arms. Again, these instances are quite rare but can happen.

Tags: minor discomfort, permanent paralysis, spinal cord

Creutzfeldtjakob Disease

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a very rare disorder of the brain that has received quite a lot of media attention since the 1990s. It is related to mad cow disease, and this disorder can be considered to be quite frightening because of its serious symptoms.

History

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is named for the two men who discovered the disorder in the 1920s. They worked independently of one another, and both were treating patients who presented some very unusual symptoms. Although many of their findings are contrary to what we know understand about this disease, Creutzfeldt and Jakob provided the groundwork for learning more.

Identification

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is considered to be a form of human spongiform encephalitis; patients suffering from this disease have small holes that appear and spread within the brain. There are several forms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD): sporadic, variant and familial. Sporadic and variant are the most common, while familial, as the name implies, is generally genetic in nature.

Prevalence

CJD in its three known forms is currently diagnosed at a rate of one per million people. It is typically found only in people 45 to 75 years old, while most diagnoses occur after the age of 65. The disease is believed to lie dormant for as many as 20 years before symptoms appear.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CJD are quite severe and include dementia, memory loss, spastic movements, uncontrollable laughing and the degeneration of the human brain. Once symptoms present, death typically occurs within one year. The disease has no cure and is invariably fatal once progression begins.

Prevention/Solution

Researchers are still trying to determine what actually causes CJD in humans, and not much is known about this disease and its transmission. However, there may be a link between eating the affected brain material of an animal with a similar disease, such as mad cow.

In Southern U.S. states, where regional diets may include the ingestion of squirrel brains, there has been an increased amount of people suffering from CJD. The same is also true in cases where the patient was known to ingest meat contaminated with brain matter, either from squirrels, elk, cattle or other animals that are susceptible to spongiform encephalitis.

Due to the nature of this disease, eating the brain of any animal or eating meat contaminated with brain material is highly discouraged.

Tags: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, this disease, about this, about this disease, brain material

Remedies For Inflamed Gout

Gout is caused by too much uric acid that forms crystals in the tissues of the joints in the body. The result is inflammation and pain. Treatment of gout involves reducing the inflammation to relieve the pain. Long term treatment of inflamed gout also seeks to prevent the inflammation from occurring by preventing the deposits of crystallized uric acid in the joints.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Prescription drugs are given to reduce the inflammation that is responsible for the pain of gout. Corticosteroids, NSAIDS and colchicines are commonly prescribed to reduce joint inflammation.

Drinking plenty of water during a gout attack can help to flush the uric acid from your body. Drink water with lemon as much as possible while you are suffering from a gout attack.

Make certain that there are omega 3 essential fatty acids in your diet regularly. The fatty acids are a natural anti- inflammatory that will help relieve joint pain that is caused by gout. Use an anti-inflammatory diet to prevent gout from becoming inflamed.

Preventative Medicine

Preventing a gout attack is one of the best ways to treat inflamed gout. Diet is one of the biggest factors in a gout prevention treatment. A low purine diet is one that has a low content of purine, which are changed into uric acid in the body after they are consumed. A diet that is low in this substance will ensure a limited amount of uric acid in the body and reduce the risk of a gout attack. Low purine foods include eggs, nuts, low -fat cheeses, fruits and juice and pasta.

Gout is more common in obese patients. Losing weight if you are overweight and maintaining a healthy body weight is a preventative measure that can stop gout attacks. Diet should be designed to lose weight and reduce purines in foods.

Pain Relief

Gout pain usually occurs on the big toe and can be debilitating. Preventing a gout attack is the best way to avoid this pain, but pain relieving methods are necessary when a gout attack is taking place.

Analgesics are available over the counter and can be beneficial for the relief of pain from inflamed gout. A doctor can prescribe a stronger analgesic that may provide more pain relief for severe cases.

Infra red light is used to provide pain relief through heat on the affected joints. Laser treatment for gout is also used to provide pain relief without any of the side effects that are common with medications. Lasers are used as an anti-inflammatory treatment.

Hot and cold packs on the affected joints are a simple home remedy that can provide relief during an inflamed gout attack. Apply heat to the affected area for three minutes and then apply cold for 30 seconds. Use warm and cold water to apply the heat to affected joints.

Epsom salt foot baths for inflamed gout can also provide immediate pain relief. When there are several joints in the body affected by inflamed gout, a bath with one or two cups of Epsom salt will allow you to soak the entire body.

Tags: gout attack, inflamed gout, uric acid, pain relief, affected joints, gout also, heat affected

Viral Throat Infection

A variety of viruses can cause a sore throat. The duration of soreness is dependent on the virus causing it. Usually, these viruses also cause other symptoms along with sore throat.

Influenza

The influenza virus is common in the winter months. Along with a fever, body aches and coughing, influenza can cause a sore throat as it is prone to infect and destroy cells of the upper respiratory tract.

Common Cold

Many viruses are being discovered each year that cause common colds at any time of the year. These viruses cause sore throats in addition to runny nose and a low-grade fever.

Herpangina

Many children between the ages of 3 and 10 years will acquire an infection caused by the coxsackie group A virus. This infection is characterized by blisters of the mouth, throat, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Infectious Mononucleosis

Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus causes a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck (the tonsils), which leads to pain and difficulty swallowing. The infection, infectious mononucleosis, is easily transmitted by contact with contaminated saliva.

Prevention/Solution

Viral infections of the throat do not have a cure. Relief of symptoms with medication is the only course of action. There are vaccines against influenza, and proper hygiene can prevent viral infections such as the common cold and infectious mononucleosis.

Tags: cause sore, sore throat, cause sore throat, viruses cause, viruses cause sore

Donate Plasma In Wisconsin

Plasma is the yellowish portion of your blood that is easily regenerated by the body. The plasma consists mainly of proteins and water, which is what a body needs to control infection and bleeding. People that donate plasma are paid anywhere from $20 to $30 depending on the agency.

Personal Requirements

Find the closest plasma center in your area to schedule an appointment. You must be at least 18-years-old or maximum 65-years-old. You must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Even people taking medication or that have a medical condition can apply to donate plasma.

The Application

You will need a Social Security card, Wisconsin photo ID and a utility bill or equivilent that has your permanent Wisconsin address on it. During the application process, you will be asked about any medications that you are taking or any medical conditions that you may have.

The Physical

Submit to a complete physical after completing the application. The physical includes weight check, blood pressure check and lab work to test your blood. If you qualify and continue donating plasma, you are required to take a physical once each year after the first donation. Although Wisconsin plasma centers will take all qualifying donors, they are looking for donors that are AB- and AB+. Wisconsin centers work with National Marrow Donor Program to find and register possible bone marrow donors.

First Donation

Arrive at your first appointment at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time. You will use a computer with a touch screen to answer a few personal questions. A lab technician will draw some blood to test protein level and anemia. If your lab work shows positive protein levels and no signs of anemia, you will be directed to a donation station. Expect to be at the plasma center for at least an hour if you are a male and possibly an hour and a half if you are a female. You are paid upon completion of your donation

Tags: donate plasma, plasma center, that have, your blood

What Is The Onestitch Facelift

The one-stitch face-lift is supposedly a more subtle and less invasive procedure than traditional face-lifts. Sometimes referred to as a "lunchtime procedure," the one-stitch face-lift is done under local anesthesia and has a shorter recovery time.

History

Plastic surgeon Dr. Renato Calabria, from Beverly Hills, Calif., developed the one-stitch face-lift as an alternative to mini-face-lifts. He reportedly got the idea after seeing an actress use tape to pull up the skin around her eyes.

Procedure

The patient is placed under local anesthesia and small incisions are made along the hairline. Sutures are then threaded and anchored, effectively pulling up the skin without the need to cut it. The procedure is completed within minutes, and the patient can supposedly return to work the next day because swelling and bruising are minimal. Totally recovery time is around four days. The procedure costs between $5,000 and $7,000.

Results

The one-stitch face-lift is said to make the patient look up to five years younger and have a natural appearance. According to Dr. Calabria, it softens the nasal labia fold and tightens the jawline. While not meant as a replacement for an endoscopic, vertical face-lift, it can refresh a patient's look and can be used in combination with Botox and fillers.

Typical Patients

According to Dr. Calabria, patients who opt for this type of face-lift are usually in their 30s. Actresses who want some facial rejuvenation without the downtime are also known to get the one-stitch face-lifts. They typically have the surgery done before major events such as movie premieres or award shows.

Expert Insight

A forum poll of several plastic surgeons reveals that the type of face-lift is not as important as the plastic surgeon. These doctors caution would-be patients to thoroughly vet their potential surgeon. The doctors suggest calling up former patients and talking with the surgeon to ensure that he or she is on the same page. It is fine to consult multiple doctors to find the right one for the procedure.

Tags: one-stitch face-lift, According Calabria, local anesthesia, patient look, recovery time

What Is The Medicare Coverage Gap

The Medicare coverage gap is the period between coverage limits for Medicare Part D drug coverage. Medicare Part D pays prescription drug costs up to certain point, then stops paying until a higher threshold is reached.

Deductible and Coverage

Plan D is offered by many different insurance companies, and each company sets its own deductible and coverage limits. However, no plan can have a higher deductible than the amount set by Medicare for that year.

The Gap

Once you have reached the out-of-pocket coverage limit in your plan, you enter the "gap" in the plan. Continue using your medical card so your out-of-pocket expenses can be tracked.

Catastrophic Coverage

The plan must begin paying again when you have reached the Medicare-determined threshold for "catastrophic" coverage. This amount is adjusted yearly for inflation.

Generic Drugs

Switching to generic drugs can help keep your out-of-pocket costs low all year. You also can choose to switch to generics when you reach the gap to reduce your costs until catastrophic coverage begins.

Considerations

If your income is below the annual limit set by the government, you may qualify for the Full Extra Help program, which requires no premium or deductible and limits your co-pay amount. There's also a Partial Extra Help program that uses a sliding scale to determine your premium and deductible.

Tags: catastrophic coverage, coverage limits, Extra Help, Extra Help program, have reached, Help program

Signs Of The Flu In Toddlers

Signs of the Flu in Toddlers

Most toddlers are vaccinated against the flu, however, in some cases, children are still contracting the virus. It is important to watch for the signs and symptoms of the flu, so you can get immediate care and the proper diagnosis to treat the toddler accordingly. Contact the child's pediatrician if the flu is suspected.

Headache

A toddler who complains of a headache may be showing a sign of the flu. Sometimes it is hard to understand exactly what a toddler is attempting to explain, however, complaining of a headache should be fairly simple. Depending on whether the child has any other signs of the flu, a children's pain medicine may be administered to relieve the pain temporarily. If the headache returns, consult the toddler's pediatrician and schedule an appointment.

Fever

Fever is common in toddlers, especially those toddlers who are around other children on a daily basis. It is easy to pick up infections but not always easy overcoming the illness, especially if it is the flu. A fever higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit should be of concern to the parent and an appointment with the pediatrician should be scheduled immediately. A rectal thermometer should be used to get an accurate reading. Be sure Vaseline is swabbed around the tip of the thermometer to ensure comfort and ease.

Extreme Fatigue

Most toddlers are active, always running around and into something. Parents usually welcome much-needed breaks, especially when the toddler is napping. However, if a toddler seems to be fatigued with no energy whatsoever and has no desire to get up and play, the child may be showing signs of the flu. The fatigue can sometimes be accompanied with a high fever. Call the toddler's pediatrician immediately to schedule an appointment if the fatigue worsens.

Upper Respiratory Problems

Toddlers often contract colds or viral infections, which may include a runny or stuffy nose and a hacking cough. It is normal to see the pediatrician's office full of small children on any given day with upper respiratory problems. However, a problem that lasts more than a few days and seems to be getting worse may be a sign that the toddler has the flu. These signs may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue and a high fever.

Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may be a sign that a toddler has the flu. Offer the toddler small amounts of liquids to help keep the body from becoming dehydrated. Small children are often admitted to the hospital because their bodies are not able to stay hydrated during extreme bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Call the toddler's pediatrician if the child experiences vomiting and diarrhea for more than a day or if it is accompanied with a high fever.

Tags: high fever, toddler pediatrician, accompanied with, accompanied with high, Call toddler, Call toddler pediatrician

How Safe Is Brain Aneurysm Surgery

Of the two main treatments for a brain aneurysm--opening the skull to manually fix the burst vessel and inserting coils to help it heal itself--surgery may seem like the more dangerous option, but it can actually be safer and lead to a better recovery.

A ruptured brain aneurysm must be treated at once.

A ruptured brain aneurysm is a serious, life-threatening condition, and it must be treated at once. The only question is which of the two treatments is better.

What is done is brain aneurysm surgery?

To treat a ruptured brain aneurysm, a surgeon will open the skull and use a clip to close the base of the aneurysm.

Risks

The largest risk with brain aneurysm surgery is that it is performed too late and brain damage has already occurred. The other main risk is of the aneurysm recurring, and surgery actually has a significantly lower recurrence rate than endovascular coiling, especially with large aneurysms.

On the other hand:

Endovascular coiling does have a shorter recovery time than surgery, but this probably does not outweigh the long term benefits of surgery.

Prognosis

How one recovers from brain aneurysm surgery depends more on how quickly the surgery is performed and one's overall health than on the procedure. Brain aneurysm surgery should be considered the main treatment for brain aneurysms and safer than any others commonly in use.

Tags: brain aneurysm, brain aneurysm, ruptured brain, ruptured brain aneurysm, aneurysm surgery

Viacord Cordblood Donation

Viacord is a private company that preserves cord blood, taken from the umbilical cord at the birth of a child, for possible future use. Cord blood is used in the treatment of many serious diseases, and families that store this blood will have access to it in the event that a member of that family can benefit from it. Viacord does not accept cord blood donations, although there are public cord blood banks in the U.S.

Viacord Company

Viacord is a private company that charges a fee for the preservation and continuous storage of a baby's cord blood. There are different payment plans and levels of service, dependent upon the contract that a customer chooses. Viacord services include the collection of blood at the hospital, courier pick-up service, cryopreservation and long-term storage. In the event that a family member needs access to the cord blood, the company coordinates safe delivery of the preserved blood to the medical facility. Viacord does not accept cord blood donations for use by the public.

Donating Cord Blood

Although Viacord, as a private company, does not accept donations of cord blood for public use or research, the National Marrow Foundation does operate a public bank that matches up donated cord blood stem cells with patients who are in need of a transplant. There is no cost to the patient to donate, and the process does not change the delivery experience in any way. Cord blood is taken from the umbilical cord only, after it has been cut, and does not cause any discomfort for your baby. The bank then cryopreserves the cord blood and attempts to find matches for patients who are in need of cord blood to treat a condition such as leukemia and lymphoma. Because many patients who need such a transplant cannot find an exact tissue match within their own family, donated cord blood is vital.

Uses for Cord Blood

Cord blood differs from regular circulatory blood in that it is rich in blood-forming cells that can help patients with life-threatening conditions. This blood contains stem cells, which not only encourage new tissue growth and development but also serve as the building blocks of the immune system. Other sources of transplants include marrow and circulating blood, but cord blood is less likely to be rejected by the body than either of these options.

Considerations

If you are considering donating your cord blood, you should know that if you choose to do so, that blood is not in any way guaranteed to be available should someone in your family need it at a later date. Public cord blood banks operate on a first-come, first-served basis when an exact tissue match is found. This means that if someone else needs the cord blood first, that person will receive it. The only way to guarantee that you have cord blood available for your use is to pay to have it stored by a private company such as Viacord. That said, the National Marrow Donor Program notes that there is an urgent need for donor cord blood and that more than 6,000 individuals per day are looking for a tissue match through their program. If you do donate your baby's blood and have a need for cord blood later, you would be eligible to receive a donation through the same channels as other recipients of donated cord blood.

Misconceptions

Because cord blood storage and donation are relatively new technologies, and uses are still evolving, there are many misconceptions that surround the process. Many people mistakenly assume that taking cord blood will alter the delivery and birth experience or cause the baby pain. This is not true. Cord blood is taken from the umbilical cord after it has been cut from the baby. Because it is taken after delivery, it will not change your birth experience in any way. Additionally, couples commonly believe that it is not worth storing cord blood because the odds of needing cord blood cells later are so slim. Doctors estimate that the odds of someone in your family getting a condition that would benefit from a cord blood transplant are around 1 in 1,400. Low odds, yes, but not terribly low. If you choose not to preserve your baby's cord blood with a private company, do consider donating it to a public blood bank, where another person may enjoy a longer life because of it.

Tags: cord blood, cord blood, cord blood, private company, blood taken, blood taken from

Kneesurgery Infections

Infections may occur as a complication of knee surgery. An infection of the knee joint is serious and should always be taken care of immediately.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a knee surgery-infection include fever, swelling and new or ongoing drainage from the site of incision.

Treatment

Knee-surgery infections are treated by identifying the bacteria that caused the infection. Then, the knee joint is surgically cleaned and washed, followed by a prescription of antibiotics.

Risk Percentage

Joint replacement has a higher risk of infection than other surgeries. For a person's first knee-replacement surgery, the risk of infection is thought to be 0.5 percent.

Precautions

Hospital staff (surgeons, nurses, surgical technologists) must keep bacteria under control in the operating room. The staff wears a full body suit, similar to a space suit, and filters are used to keep the air clean. In addition, antibiotics are given before, during and after the surgery.

Additional Risk

There is an additional knee-surgery infection risk for those with diabetes or arthritis or who have taken cortisone for a long time. The infection risk is also increased if the knee joint had a prior infection or if the patient has had an infection elsewhere in the body.

Delayed Infection

Surprisingly, the artificial knee joint can get infected even years after the surgery. This can occur from bacteria that move through the blood from an infected wound elsewhere in the body, from a gallbladder infection or from regular dental work that released the bacteria.

Tags: knee joint, after surgery, bacteria that, elsewhere body, infection risk, risk infection

Ayurvedic Treatment For Hair Loss

The Ayuryedic treatment works under the theory that your bones tissues and life style are responsible for the growth of your hair. This treatment implements massaging, diet and herbs into your daily routine as an effective method to regrow or maintain healthy hair. This treatment promotes the route to a healthy lifestyle not just an occasional remedy.

Massaging

Ayurvedic treatment involves scalp massaging to increase blood circulation. It is recommended to massage your scalp with vitamin E oil, which will strengthen your hair follicles. A drop of herbal serum on your scalp is an effective treatment for hair loss. Herbal serum is a herb formula designed for hair treatment that you can find in a health foods store. You can use this serum two to three nights a week in the first week to restore thinning hair and nourish your hair follicles. The serum can be rinsed out with a conditioner in the morning and applied one to two times per week after the first week. Results will be seen within a few weeks.

Diet

Your diet is an essential part of the ayurvedic treatment. White sesame seeds have an abundant amount of magnesium and calcium which promotes hair growth. Eating a handful of sesame seeds every morning will supply your body with the proper nutrients for hair growth. Wheat germ, buttermilk, yeast, whole grain, nuts, milk, soya beans are all rich in protein which promotes strong healthy hair. A cup of yogurt every morning provides a great source of yeast. Essential fatty acids such as zinc, vitamin-B complex, sulfur and vitamin C should also be added to your diet. Be sure to take your daily vitamin to maintain overall health as well as promote the health of your hair.

Herbs

Herbs can be used to disinfect your scalp, stimulate hair growth and improve the circulation of blood flow. Apple cider vinegar and sage tea can be used as a hair rinse to stimulate hair growth. Rosemary, birch, horsetail and stinging nettle can be applied to your scalp while massaging to stimulate the growth of your hair. Horsetail contains a great source of silica and can be used to maintain your hairs healthy appearance. To fight against hair loss you should use licorice extracts as a paste to massage into your scalp before going to bed. Burdock and marshmallow tea is great for the hair also. To preserve the health of your hair you should drink 1/3 cup of aloe Vera juice once a day for three months.

If you are using an over the counter hair regrowth product it is important to consult with a pharmacist or doctor to ensure that there are not any side effects when switching to ayurvedic treatment.

Tags: your hair, your scalp, hair growth, ayurvedic treatment, every morning

How Does Calendar Birth Control Work

What is Calendar Birth Control?

The calendar birth control method, also known as the rhythm method, tracks the days of your menstrual cycle in order to predict fertile times, ovulation and "safe days," or days during which intercourse is least likely to result in pregnancy. This is a traditional technique that remains popular with conservative Catholics as well as women who prefer not to use hormonal birth control or other forms of contraception. One of the main determinants of success with calendar birth control is having a regular menstrual cycle. If your cycle is highly variable, meaning it does not last the same amount of time from month to month, the calendar method alone may not be as accurate as combination with other approaches. These include tracking basal body temperature, or BBT, and regularly checking your cervical mucous consistency.

Track Fertile and Safe Days

The calendar method predicts ovulation by subtracting 14 days from the length of your average menstrual cycle. For instance, if your cycle always lasts 30 days, then your predicted ovulation day is 16 days after your period begins. A woman's most fertile days usually last from a few days before to a few days after she ovulates. In a 30-day cycle, your most fertile times would range from day 12 to day 20. Therefore, days 1-11 and 21-30 would be considered your "safe days." If your cycle length fluctuates, your ranges will fluctuate as well. It is best to track your safe days based on the shortest and longest cycles you typically have if you wish to avoid pregnancy.

Calendar Prediction vs Other Forms of Birth Control

According to the Mayo Clinic, calendar birth control is about 87 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used accurately. As a comparison, condoms are about 85 percent effective. Birth control pills take the lead at 92 percent. One of the key factors in using the calendar method successfully is practice. Most health care providers suggest that you do not solely rely on this method unless you have tracked your cycle over the course of 4 to 6 months and have become familiar enough with it to accurately predict ovulation and the start of your menstrual flow. Even a 1 to 2 day fluctuation in the length of your cycle can mean the difference between a safe day and a fertile day. Cycle length can change over time, or even if you are undergoing a stressful time. If you are use this method alone, track diligently and adjust as needed for any variations. However, if you want to avoid becoming pregnant, the calendar method is most effective when combined with other forms of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm.

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Toddler Earwax Removal

Earwax may seem gross, but it has an important job---keeping the inside of the ear healthy. It traps dust and other particles that could enter the ear canal and cause infections or damage. It helps keep the ear from getting too dry and protects ear tissue from water. However, an excessive buildup of earwax can cause problems in toddlers such as pain, infection and impaired hearing. It needs to come out.

General Maintenance

Parents usually need to do very little to control their toddler's earwax. A toddler who gets regular baths and stays properly hydrated will most likely not have problems with earwax. If any wax appears outside of the ear canal, use a damp rag or finger to gently wipe it out. An ear swab is fine to use if you're careful not to stick it in the ear canal.

If you find an excessive amount of wax in your toddler's ears, or if he shows signs of discomfort such as rubbing his ears or tugging on them, make an appointment with the child's doctor. The doctor can get rid of the wax and check to see that nothing else is wrong with your toddler's ears.

Medical Help

A doctor has several ways of removing wax from the toddler's ears. He may use an instrument called a curette to scoop or gently scrape out the built-up wax. The doctor can also flush out the ear with a warm liquid, which will soften the wax and allow it to come out more easily. The wax can be suctioned out. If the doctor finds signs of infection, she can prescribe ear drops to the toddler. If the wax removal will be especially painful, or if the child is uncooperative, general anesthesia may be required to remove it.

Parents should not attempt to remove earwax from their toddler's ear canal. Inserting an ear swab or anything else into the toddler's ear canal could cause serious damage and may force the earwax farther into the canal. A child who has regular problems with earwax buildup or blockages should see a doctor, who can give parents or guardians tips on stop the buildup from becoming a problem. These may include regular flushes with warm liquid and the use of an over-the-counter earwax remover. Follow all directions carefully and work closely with the toddler's doctor to avoid causing serious damage to the child's ears.

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