What To Use To Kill Biting Mites

Mites can be a pain, literally. Mites feed off their hosts, typically rats or birds, biting them and sucking their blood. Biting mites can cause irritation and discomfort for both pet and humans alike. If not dealt with, these problems can quickly spiral out of control, and more drastic and expensive measures will have to be taken. A clear indication of a rodent infestation, or a bird problem, is a mite infestation.

Diagnosing the Problem

As stated previously, the easiest way to get rid of mites is to get rid of their hosts, which are typically rats or birds. You will have mite problems for two to three weeks after fixing the rodent or bird problem, as the mites can live off of humans for two to three weeks, but cannot complete their life cycle on us. This two-to-three week period may be too much for some people, as mite bites can last for a week or two. If you inspect around your home, and cannot find evidence of birds or rodents, you most likely have plant mites, which do not typically bite. Before jumping to spray the whole house with pesticides, realize that different pesticides will kill different types of mites, and jumping quickly to conclusions will probably yield poor results. Use the following products for your different mite problems.

Animal Infestation

If you believe you have mites from an animal, either a bird or a rodent, or even off of fleas, buy Tempo SC. This product will help with any inside-the-household mites. This will help to prevent mites from entering as well, so if you are in the process of dealing with either a rodent problem, or a bird nesting problem, you can spray this to help get rid of some of the mites.

Plant Infestation

If you believe that your mite problem originated from plants, buy Fruit Tree Spray. Do not use this product inside, and do not spray it on your fruits. You can spray it on leaves of a plant, but it is still a pesticide. Do not spray this product on vegetable plants at all, as they are fairly fragile and may die due to this spray. Use a concentration of safer soap to help deal with the mites on more sensitive plants.

Infestation Within Walls

A major issue is when you realize that you have mites in your walls, due to rodents or birds residing within them. The only way to deal with mites within walls is to use a dust to kill them. Buy Drione Dust, and spray it into the gaps in-between walls through access to an attic, or anywhere else where you can safely spray the stuff without knocking down a wall. This spray lasts for a little while and is pretty strong, so it should get rid of mites fairly quickly.

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Ear Protection For Children

Ear protection for children, on the outside as well as on the inside, is an often overlooked heath and safety matter by parents and caregivers. In every season, kids need their parents to show them take care of their ears for safeguarding their hearing as well as their skin.

Significance

Hearing loss can occur at a very young age if exposed to loud noises. In addition to protecting kids from this, there are different seasonal safeguards that need to be considered as ears are often overlooked when applying protection to the skin.

All Times

If a child is going to be exposed to any kind of loud noises such as at a sporting event; ear plugs are recommended. Swimmers, in pools as well as in lakes, should also wear ear plugs to avoid irritating or inflaming the eardrum with water which can lead to an infection.

Spring and Summer

Ear protection for children is especially important during the months where sunburn and insect infestations are common. If a child has shorter hair where the tops of his ears are exposed, make sure the skin is adequately covered with sunblock and insect spray to avoid blistering and bites.

Fall and Winter

A lot of heat can escape the body through the head. Make sure your child's hat covers her ears as well to prevent frostbitten lobes. Extra safeguarding is easily done in with earmuffs over her hat on really cold days.

Warnings

Before using any product when protecting a kid's ears, choose those that are specifically meant for ear protection in children. Make sure to read the label carefully for application instructions and age warnings.

Tags: loud noises, often overlooked, protection children

Test For Testicle Cancer

In the United States, testicular cancer often affects young men between the ages of 15 and 35. However, it is a common form of male cancer that is very treatable. The American Cancer Society relates that for all men diagnosed with this type of cancer the five-year survival rate is approximately 95 percent. In some cases, men often detect signs of testicular cancer through self-examination. To make a proper diagnosis, doctors will have to test for testicle cancer. This may involve a battery of different types of tests.

Instructions

1. Detect the early signs and symptoms of testicular cancer through self-examination. Signs of a lump or a mass in the testicles can indicate a possible problem. Some other symptoms of testicular cancer are swollen or tender testicles, a heavy feeling or ache in the scrotum or lower abdomen. On rare occasion, another sign may be soreness and an enlargement in breast size. Detection through self-examination, may lead to early diagnosis and treatment.

2. See a doctor if you detect any symptoms of testicular cancer. The doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination that can include feeling your abdomen for signs of swollen lymph nodes and checking for the symptoms specified in Step 1. If a doctor suspects cancer, he may order a battery of tests.

3. Follow the doctor's recommendation and get properly tested. One test that may be necessary is an ultrasound test. This test involves using sound waves to take a picture of the scrotum, testicles and other surrounding organs to detect signs of the mass or lump and its type. A solid lump can be a sign of cancer, so other test will be necessary.

4. Take a blood test to detect testicular or testicle cancer. The presence of tumor markers, which are proteins produced by cancer, can be found by certain blood test that include alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin (see the Resource section below). An elevated count in these proteins may suggest cancer.

5. Undergo a biopsy or surgery to determine completely if you have testicular cancer. In rare instances, a doctor may take a tissue sample or biopsy and have it examined immediately by a pathologist to see if the mass is cancerous or benign before proceeding with further surgery. However, in most cases, doctors will often just perform surgery to excise completely the testicle, spermatic cord and the tumor. A pathologist will exam the removed tissue for signs of cancer.

6. Determine how far the cancer has advanced by undergoing imaging tests that can include chest x-rays, CT scan and MRI scan. These tests may be necessary if the pathologist finds evidence of cancer. The treatment options will depend on the stage of the cancer as determined by these cancer tests.

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Stomach Stapling Alternative

Stomach stapling, also known as gastric stapling or gastroplasty, is a form of gastric bypass surgery in which staples are used to make the stomach smaller. A normal stomach is about the size of a cantaloupe, but a stomach that has been stapled is about the size of an egg. Stomach stapling was popular in the 1990s, but adjustable gastric bands have since become the norm for gastric bypass surgery.

Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgery that involves sucking fat cells out of the body with a vacuum-like tube. Liposuction can be used on the stomach, thighs, arms, neck and buttocks. The surgery is performed by a cosmetic surgeon who will talk with you to determine how much weight will be taken off. Most doctors recommend taking off only 10 pounds at a time, which makes the results less drastic than stomach stapling. Most patients recover within two weeks. Unlike with stomach stapling, it is up to you whether the weight stays off and there is no surgery-based limit to the amount of food you are able to eat afterward. As of 2009, the typical cost of liposuction is between $2,000 and $8,000 for a single procedure. Complications can include infection, scarring and extraneous pockets of skin or fat.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band

Adjustable gastric banding is another type of gastric bypass surgery. A band is placed on the stomach in the same way the area is stapled during tha procedure. A small port for access is placed just under the skin and saline is injected into the port to inflate the band. The more inflated the band, the tighter it holds your stomach. Saline can be removed to make the size of the stomach larger. There is no specific requirement for the band's inflation. It is a decision between you and your doctor. The cost of the surgery is between $14,000 and $18,000, as of 2009. Complications of the surgery can include infection, lap band migration and infection or closure of the port.

Diet and Exercise

Diet and exercise should be a large part of the recovery process for liposuction, stomach stapling and the adjustable gastric band, but it is also an effective weight loss plan in itself. Ideally, you should be burning more calories than you are taking in. This means that if you are consuming 2,000 calories per day, you must burn at least 2,000 calories during that day to keep from gaining weight. Stay away from fast food and try to eat as many fresh-cooked vegetables and fruits as possible. Drink eight glasses of water a day to keep your appetite at bay and to keep yourself hydrated during exercise.

Tags: bypass surgery, gastric bypass, gastric bypass surgery, stomach stapling, about size

Diy Dental Cleaning

Going to the dentist is expensive. Regular check-ups and cleanings that are recommended every six months can put a dent in your wallet. Fortunately, there are some do it yourself methods to keeping teeth as clean as possible. While, it is not as thorough as a dentist cleaning, it can provide a stop gap measure when money is tight.

Rinse Your Mouth

Every time you eat or drink, don't forget to rinse your mouth out with water.This little step can go a long way at preventing cavities and the wearing of enamel on your teeth. It also helps to eliminate plaque build up in the mouth. Brushing teeth after every meal would be ideal. If this is possible, do so but if not, always rinse with water. By performing this small step on a daily basis, many expensive, painful dental procedures may be averted.

Flossing And Brushing

Be sure to floss at least once daily and brush teeth twice daily. Flossing gets rid of excess food particles that may be stuck in between the teeth. This can cause tartar build up which will irritate and cause gum inflammation. Eventually gingivitis can occur, then progressing to periodontal disease which will lead to bone loss and loose teeth.

When brushing teeth, use an electronic toothbrush. The movement of bristles on these types of brushes provide a deeper cleaning than a manual toothbrush. They can get rid of stains caused by coffee, caffeine, tobacco or cigarette smoke. They also protect teeth and gums by apply the proper amount of pressure to eliminate bacteria.

Medical Supply Store

Any lay person can purchase supplies from a medical supply store; you do not need to be a dentist. A couple of important items you should buy are a metal dental mirror and dental pick. The mirror will help you determine if you have any holes, chips or cracks in your teeth.If you discover any of these anomalies, gently poke them with a pick to see if you have pain. If this is the case, you will want to see a dentist immediately.

Use the dental pick to scrape your teeth the way a dentist does during a general cleaning. Pay special attention to the areas between the teeth and around the gumline. Do not scrape so hard that you feel pain or cause bleeding. You may also buy a prophy paste at the medical supply shop. This is the type of paste used by dentists and is very abrasive. It removes plaque buildup and stains on teeth, and should not be used more than once every six months.

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What Part Of The Body Does Alcoholism Affect

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, inhibiting the function of parts of the brain that control motor behavior and judgment control. Alcohol literally slows down brain function, so slurred speech, hazy hearing and blurred vision, just to name a few, are common. Since the brain is the "control center" of the body, it follows that other body systems would also suffer from alcoholism. Alcoholism affects the entire body, in different ways.

Alcohol Metabolism

Alcohol is considered a food because it contains calories. However, it is metabolized quite unlike food. Alcohol is often absorbed directly into the stomach lining without being digested. Therefore, alcohol enters the bloodstream very quickly in comparison with other foods.

Alcohol in the Body

As alcohol travels through the body, it is processed by the liver at the rate of about .5 ounces per hour. If there is more alcohol in the body than the amount the liver can process, it recirculates until the liver can get to it.

The Liver

The liver is a very important organ. It is responsible for producing bile for digestions and fat emulsification, stores glycogen and produces antibodies. When there is alcohol in the body for long periods of time, the liver becomes overstimulated, trying to process large amounts of alcohol as well as continue its other functions. Often, this leads to cirrhosis, which is caused by the inability of fats, carbohydrates and proteins to be processed by the liver, as well as hypoglycemia or hypolipemia, as the liver is unable to process sugars and fats.

Women vs. Men

Men can metabolize alcohol more quickly, as they have less body fat and more alcohol digesting enzymes. Therefore, women develop more alcohol-related health effects more quickly while drinking less than men.

Alcohol Syndromes

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome are common alcoholic syndromes. Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when a mother drinks high amounts of alcohol while pregnant; the fetus can be born with severe birth defects. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome occurs due to the inability of the body to absorb thiamin with large amounts of alcohol in the bloodsteam. Wernicke-Korsakoff is an alcoholic version of beri-beri.

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What Is An Ingrown Toenail

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

One of the most common health problems associated with the foot is the development of ingrown toenails. Typically this condition affects the big toe, but can occur in any one of the toenails. Ingrown nails can be easily prevented, but may require the attention of a podiatrist if the condition becomes severe or infection is present.

The Facts

Ingrown toenails are known by the medical term unguis incarnates or onychocryptosis. A healthy toenail develops in a forward direction, causing the nail to become longer. When an ingrown toenail develops, the growth of the nail alters and occurs in a sideways direction. The new growth is pushed into the side of the skin and eventually breaks the surface. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected and require medical attention by a podiatrist.

Cause

The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper trimming, leading to a change in the growth pattern of the nail. Trauma, fungal infections and wearing improperly fitted shoes can increase the risk of developing this condition. In some cases, the condition can be genetic. Also, once an individual has developed and treated an ingrown toenail, the odds of this condition reoccurring increase.

Identification

When an ingrown toenail initially develops, symptoms may be mild and include slight pressure along the side of the nail, slight discomfort, swelling and tenderness. Initially these symptoms will appear only along the infected side of the nail. As the nail grows and the condition increases in severity, the initial symptoms may increase in severity and may be accompanied by infection. Infection is the result of bacteria entering the broken area of skin and is indicated by heat, redness, swelling and pus.

Prevention/Solution

Ingrown toenails can be easily prevented by following a few basic care steps. First, proper trimming is essential, because it is the leading cause of the development of ingrown nails. Nails should be trimmed straight across, should not be cut short, and the corners should not be curved. Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly. For women, tight fitting and pointy shoes should be avoided--especially if this is a reoccurring condition. Also if there are other health concerns such as diabetes or if ingrown toenails are occurring on a habitual basis, regular visits with a podiatrist may be required.

Treatment

In the initial stages of the development of an ingrown nail, treatment may be performed at home. The injured foot should be soaked in warm water and Epsom salts three to four times a day and dried completely to prevent infection. The nail can be gently lifted at the corner to remove it from its embedded position and encourage healthy growth. If possible open-toed shoes should be worn, or comfortable shoes should be selected that do not put pressure on the injured nail. Symptoms that do not disappear after 2 or 3 days of at-home treatment require medical treatment by a podiatrist resulting in the partial or complete removal of the nail. Antibiotic treatment may be required if infection has set in prior to surgical removal.

Tags: development ingrown, ingrown toenail, ingrown toenails, shoes should, this condition

Chelation Therapy & Lead Poisoning

Treating lead poisoning successfully can require the coordination of many methods, including chelation therapy. Chelation is a dangerous procedure used to purge toxic heavy metals from the body. Its use is generally reserved for critical conditions, and chelation therapy is best administered by a licensed physician in a clinical setting.

Chelation therapy is available intravenously and in many forms for oral administration. Health-care professionals use the treatment with great caution, due to potentially deadly interactions between chelation therapy and lead poisoning. Chelation's benefits are still argued within the medical community, but the serious hazards associated with the procedure are universally recognized.

How it Works

Chelating agents enter the body by mouth or intravenously. The agents, or chelators, hunt metals (not just lead) that they can bind to. When a bond is formed between lead (or another metal) and a chelator, the new structure can be excreted in urine. Chelation therapy detoxifies the body by building lead into shapes the body can process and eliminate.

Efficacy

The success of chelation therapy in lead poisoning is measured only in the reduction of lead present in blood samples. The treatment is arguably effective in reducing toxic metals in the body, but has no other therapeutic value. Chelation can help minimize the damage associated with lead poisoning by detoxifying the body, but it cannot reverse damage that has already occurred. The Mayo Clinic warns that brain damage resulting from lead poisoning is irreversible. Organ damage, likewise, will not be improved through chelation therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov cites lack of chelation's proven efficacy as a barrier to more popular use.

Mild Lead Poisoning

Treating less severe cases of lead poisoning with chelation therapy is not always necessary. Doctors generally start treatment with less invasive methods, like removal of lead from the environment and diet modification. Chelation may be recommended if monitoring reveals that blood lead levels are still elevated after other methods have been used.

Severe Lead Poisoning

Chelation therapy is often the first line of attack in emergency lead-poisoning treatment. Blood tests or observation can reveal if the level of toxic lead present in the body is critical. Use of the treatment is generally avoided due to specific dangers associated with lead poisoning and chelation; however, it is an essential tool in responding to extreme cases. Some authorities recommend that emergency care providers begin intravenous chelation immediately when lead poisoning is suspected.

Dangers

Chelation therapy can make a toxic situation worse. Measures must be taken to ensure that the source of the lead has been eliminated, or the patient risks more severe poisoning by returning to the environment. WebMD.com warns that chelation therapy, in addition to purging toxic metals from the body, can also make the body more receptive to further exposure. Absorption of metals is increased by the process, making it essential that the patient is not returned to the contaminated location until the possibility of exposure has been eliminated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that even oral chelation, which is milder than intravenous administration, be conducted only under lead-free conditions.

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Natural Sleep Remedies For Children

A change in your routine may help get your children to sleep at bedtime.

Getting children to sleep at bedtime can be a challenge for many parents, yet most parents are uncomfortable with the idea of giving their children a sleep aid, such as a sleeping pill. Natural sleep remedies are available for children, some of which require only a change in nighttime routine.

Form a Routine

Some children may buck when it is time to go to bed. If you encourage and enforce a routine, however, in time your child will submit. Making a bedtime routine that you can stick to also helps your children understand that this new routine will become the norm.

Limit Sugar and Caffeine

Some doctors feel that you should eliminate all stimulants from your children's diet; if that sounds too extreme for you, then eliminate stimulants at least two hours before bedtime. You will continue to have difficulty getting your children to sleep if they are racing around on sugar and caffeine from sodas, cookies and other junk foods. Do your children and yourself a favor by limiting these foods.

Aromatherapy Bath

Each night, before bed, give your child a bath sprinkled with lavender or chamomile essential oils. These scents, combined with the warm water promotes a sense of calm. This may send a message to your child that it is time to wind down.

Soothing Music

Music can be soothing to adults and children alike. Place a CD player in your child's bedroom and play sounds of ocean waves or soothing music to create a relaxing environment. Yoga music also promotes relaxation.

Television Off

At bedtime, you should turn off all televisions in the house. When children hear the sounds of a television, they may be more enticed to stay awake. Read to your children every night as a natural sleep remedy.

Warm Milk

A small cup of warm milk may promote sleep in your children. Milk contains melatonin, which is a natural sleep remedy. To avoid stomach irritation, give your child warm soy or almond milk, because cow's milk may cause an upset stomach.

Natural Sleep Aids

If all else fails, your child's pediatrician may recommend natural sleeping pills.

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How Do Aed Defibrillators Work

AED Defined

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) analyzes the heart's electrical rhythm for abnormalities. When needed, and AED administers a shock, called defibrillation, to a person suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. The shock may help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm and can increase the chance of survival. Housed in an easy-to-carry case, the unit contains electrode pads that are applied to the chest of the victim. It also contains diagrams of where to place the pads and directs the rescuer with concise and easy-to-understand voice prompts.

How It Works

Turn on the machine. A computerized voice prompts the professional or other trained rescuer through the steps of the process. After wiping dry the entire chest area, apply the two electrode pads to the specific sections of the victim's chest that are indicated in the diagram. Depending on the model of AED, you might need to plug the connector into the machine. The AED will analyze the victim's heart rhythm. If a shock is needed, the machine automatically charges and instructs the rescuer to stand clear of the victim. Some models automatically produce the shock. Others prompt the rescuer to press the shock button. After the shock has been administered, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will need to be administered. It might be necessary to follow the CPR cycle with another shock. If the machine indicates that a shock is not advised, the rescuer may need to perform only CPR until professional help arrives.

Who Should Use An AED

Members of police, fire, EMT and medical departments regularly are trained and re-certified in CPR and AED. All others are encouraged to learn CPR and use an AED on adults and children. This knowledge will allow them to assist a victim until professional assistance arrives and it can help save a life. Classes are available through the American Red Cross and other organizations.

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Body Cleansing Diets

There is a great deal of argument regarding the benefits of cleansing diets. There are many who swear by the efficacy of these cleanses, claiming that by purging excess toxins, they feel more energized, healthy, mentally alert and de-stressed. A number dietitians, though, believe cleanse diets are at best, a fad, and at worst, harmful to the digestive system.

Juice Only Cleanse

The juice fast is exactly what it sounds like: for a period of time ranging from one day to a week, the participant ingests nothing but freshly extracted juices of raw organic fruits and vegetables.

It's recommended that those who wish to try juice fasts start slowly by trying a one day juice fast first, before eventually attempting a few days or a week later on. It's a good idea to prepare for juice fasts by engaging in a raw foods cleanse (see below) for three or four days, leading up to the juice fast, so as to make the experience less severe. After the juice fast, engage in the raw foods cleanse again for a couple of days, to lead yourself back into your regular diet.

The fasts should not be back to back; it's best to put a week of solid foods in between one-day juice fasts, and a month between three-day juice fasts.

The benefit of juice fasting over water fasting is that the participant still gets the nutrients and calories he needs. The enzymes that are also present in freshly extracted fruit and vegetable juice are also necessary for basic functioning.

It's also a good idea to avoid nutritional supplements during a juice fast, as they can frequently cause stomach upset and nausea unless taken with solid foods.

Raw Foods Cleanse

The raw foods cleanse is one of the more agreeable cleanses, as it doesn't involve going hungry. Any complications with following the plan arise in the details: to do this cleanse, one cannot eat cooked food. Only fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and grains. No dairy, meat or egg products are allowed. Vinegar dressings on vegetables are okay, as long as the dressing is nothing but vinegar. Because many fruit juices are pasteurized, this fast would exclude them as well. Clean, fresh water will be the beverage during this fast.

For anywhere from a couple of days to a week, the raw foods cleanse participant will eat nothing but raw, uncooked fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and grains. If possible, try to eat only fresh, organic produce during the fast. Health food stores, co-ops and farmers markets are the best bet for what you'll need. For those who live in rural areas without health food stores or co-ops, farmers markets are much more common.

Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse, also known as "The Lemonade Diet," is a cleanse developed by Stanley Burroughs as a detoxification process. Currently, this cleanse also is being suggested as a weight-loss regimen. The cleanse drink consists of fresh lemon juice, organic maple syrup, cayenne pepper and filtered water. No solid foods are eaten. The "lemonade" is drunk six or more times a day.

While this cleanse is effective for weight loss, it is also completely nutrient deficient and can result in muscle loss more than fat loss. Additionally, many dietitians claim that because a functioning liver already detoxifies the body, a master cleanse only serves to rob the body of essential nutrients and calories. Frequently, weight lost on a master cleanse is put back on, as much of the weight lost is water weight, rather than fat.

Tags: juice fast, juice fasts, foods cleanse, fruits vegetables, solid foods, this cleanse, co-ops farmers

Lose Belly Fat And Get Solid Abs

I have been working out for some time now and have tried many methods to tightening my chest and stomach. I've had many protein shakes, creatine drinks, and other get ripped quick products. Some were better than others and heres the methods i use. Keep in mind everyones body is different so results may vary.

Instructions

1. First you should set realistic goals for your body. See where you are now and think about what you would like to realistically achieve. Every goal is possible, but you have to dedicate yourself to achieve results.

2. Once you set your goal, convince yourself mentally that what you are doing is the best thing for you. Don't look at doing your situps, squats and pushups as a chore. Think about it more as you are doing your body and mind very big favors.

3. Dont over do it. In other words, every body needs to do things gradually. You do not want to hurt yourself. Start out with either low weights and high repetitions. Or if you want to do high weights, do less repetitions. Basically know your current limits. Get used to starting your routine first, then gradually add more weight or repetitions.

4. Everyone says eating healthy is importand, and i couldnt agree more. Although its not always an option, if you do slip up and eat something that you later regret, DO NOT let this ruin your diet. Most people feel that if they slip off the straight path, that the diet is ruined and normally dont return to their routine of healthier eating. Allow yourself some time to adjust and if you slip, pick yourself back up and keep on the right track.

5. Please see the Links in my resources if you are serious about getting yourself into shape. I have used both of these methods and have been very happy with them and have gained weight, muscle and an awesome mentality because of them and it can help you too...

God Bless

Tags: doing your, have been, some time, your body

Clear Hay Fever

Hay fever, which is also called allergic rhinitis, is a chronic condition caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. It results in symptoms similar to those of the common cold, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, sinus pressure and congestion. Many people end up taking prescription medications for hay fever, but there are a number of alternatives that you can also try to clear hay fever up without medicine.

Instructions

1. Take a shower every night before bed. Wash your body and your hair thoroughly. Hay fever is caused by pollen, and those tiny particles often cling to your clothes and body throughout the day. Washing them off before bed is a good way to make the night a time for recovery rather than exacerbating the problem.

Ceramic Titanium Cookware Safety

Choosing the right cookware can be confusing

The element titanium was discovered by Reverend William Gregor in 1791. In 1910, metallurgist Matthew A. Hunter produced pure titanium. It is known for its strength, being twice as strong as aluminum and 45 percent lighter than steel. Ceramic titanium became a popular cookware item in the 1980s. However, like Teflon and aluminum, some questions have come up about the safety of the titanium.

Theories/Speculation

According to a 2005 article posted by Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services, S.C., a chronic pain and sports injury center, titanium cookware does not have any apparent health risks.

Rebecca Wood, a Julia Child award winning cookbook author, stated that cookware labeled titanium is often aluminum fused with titanium. This is a healthy choice because the ceramic and metal are non-reactive with the human body.

Detractors

According to Healthy.net, you should use caution when cooking with titanium until there is more proof that it is not toxic. The site does not specifically address ceramic titanium, which is titanium with a ceramic layer on the cooking surface. The finish is glazed to form a glass type finish.

Concerns

Concerns over cookware in general tend to be focused on two issues. Aluminum is used in many types of cookware as the base metal. Too much aluminum is considered toxic and has many health-related issues. The second health concern at first appears to be an unrelated issue. Teflon releases a chemical, Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), that is considered dangerous.

The concern with titanium cookware is whether the manufacturers are using a Teflon-like substance that the consumer is unaware of. Also, using aluminum as a core metal is a consideration for its potential impact on health.

Considerations

Teflon and hard-anodized aluminum manufacturers recommend cooking at low heat. This should be applied to cooking with ceramic titanium as well. If future studies show that toxic fumes leach out from ceramic titanium like they do with Teflon, cooking at lower temperatures will be safer and healthier. According to the website Living and Raw Foods, "Overly apply heat to food and nutrients are progressively destroyed."

Precautions

According to Scan Pan Cookware, the originator of the ceramic titanium technology, their cookware is considered non-stick because a non-stick coating is applied. If you want to enjoy the benefits of non-stick cookware, but have lingering doubts about the long term health impact, don't cook foods in them at high temperatures, and don't use metal utensils as they may scratch the surface of the cookware. Wash the cookware by hand and don't try to clean it with rough abrasives such as steel wool.

Tags: with titanium, ceramic titanium, ceramic titanium, cooking with, that toxic, titanium cookware, with ceramic

Fun Ways To Teach First Aid To Youths

Teaching first aid skills to kids enables them to handle emergency situations with more ease. Being prepared may help calm their nerves in a situation that requires first aid. An interactive approach to teaching first aid makes the learning process more fun and effective. Youth are able to actively practice first aid techniques and are likely retain the information due to the fun approach.

Make a First Aid Kit

Create a list of supplies for a first aid kit with the help of the kids. Discuss the uses of each item and why they are important to include in a first aid kit. Select a container for the first aid kit. A tackle box, plastic storage box or zippered cloth bag will work well. Allow the youth to decorate the first aid kit. Assist the kids in gathering all of the first aid items on the list. Organize the items inside the first aid kit.

First Aid Poster

Create posters that relate to first aid topics. Have kids draw pictures or cut pictures out of magazines. Topics for the first aid posters could include directions for first aid kits, procedures for handling injuries or general first aid awareness. Have each child share his poster with the others to stimulate conversation about first aid topics. Display the posters as a reminder of the first aid skills learned.

Field Trips & Guest Speakers

Kids may have a fear of doctors, hospitals, police officers and paramedics. Emergency medical situations are frightening for everyone. Plan a field trip to a clinic, hospital or fire station. The youth will have the opportunity to meet the emergency personnel in a non threatening environment to ease any fears. If a field trip is not possible, invite these professionals to visit and speak with the kids. Allow the medical professionals to share first aid advice with the kids.

Dramatic Play

Use dramatic play to allow kids to practice first aid situations. Provide an unconnected phone and have the children practice calling 911. Pretend to be the operator so they can practice having a conversation. Set up a clinic play area so they can practice first aid treatments. Encourage the youth to create a skit or presentation about first aid topics. The goal with dramatic play is to increase their comfort level with first aid and emergency situations.

Practice on Each Other

After watching videos or hearing about first aid procedures, allow the kids to practice on each other. Provide the first aid supplies needed to care for various medical situations. Assign each youth a partner. Describe a particular first aid situation such as a sprained ankle, burn or cut on the hand. Using the provided first aid supplies, have the partners administer the necessary first aid for the injury.

First Aid Trivia

Create a set of first aid trivia cards that cover first aid basics. Laminate the trivia cards for durability. Have each child draw a trivia card and answer the question. Another option is to write a first aid procedure on each trivia card. Have the child perform the procedure on a doll or another child.

First Aid Charades

Create cards with various first aid procedures or ideas listed on them. Have one child draw a card. Have her act out the first aid idea on the card for the others to guess. The person who guesses correctly is the next person to select a card. Another option is to have the kids draw pictures so the others can guess.

Tags: about first, first topics, practice first, about first topics, allow kids, allow kids practice

What Happens When You Go To Court For Truancy

If you have too many unexcused absences from school you are considered a truant.

By law, children must attend school. If they fail to show up and the school notifies authorities, which they will be because the school keeps attendance records, they are considered truants. You must attend school a certain number of days each year per state law. If you have too many unexcused absences you and your parents may have to go to juvenile court to explain yourself. Keep in mind that your parents or parent may very well go to jail if you are truant even though they may not be at fault or even aware of your truancy.

The Outcome

Legislators in various states are crafting bills that support the creation of courts specific for truancy cases, particularly in areas where the truancy rate is exorbitant, according to a May 2011 article in the "Houston Chronicle."

In West Virginia, State Senator Erik Wells proposed a truancy law that parents will lose their driver's license if their children are truant.

Following a court hearing and you are found truant, your parents are accountable and can face fines and even jail time. Additionally, you, as the truant, may have to go to a detention center for juveniles and also pay fines.

Habitual

A habitual truant refers to a student who misses public school four days in a month's time or 10 days in a school year with no excuse. Most schools have their own specific rules regarding truancy and the consequences. When you skip school you will eventually have to see your attendance officer, principle or whomever is in charge of this matter at your school. The attendance officer can give you an issue for truancy requiring you to appear in court. In some cases, you may be arrested on the spot and taken before a judge.

What Happens Then?

You will receive notification via mail that you are to go to court for a hearing. If you are under the age of 16, the judge may only warn you, or you may have to go under the supervision of a probation officer. Typically, the judge will order counseling if the situation calls for it and require you to attend school. Depending on your situation, the children's services department in your area may get involved in your case. Failing to follow the courts order can revert any judgments and require jail time. If you are 16 or 17 years old, the judge can take away your operator's license, order you to do community service or get a job. The school is also able to expel the truant.

The Effects of Truancy

Chronic absenteeism leads to delinquency. When a child is habitually truant this is usually an indicator of underlying issues, which can result in educational failure, social isolation and delinquent activity. When a child does not regularly attend school, she is at risk for teen pregnancy, dropping out of school and substance abuse, according to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service.

Tags: attend school, your parents, attendance officer, court hearing, have many, have many unexcused

Metastatic Lesions & Liver Cancer Diagnosis

Metastatic Lesions & Liver Cancer Diagnosis

If you have been diagnosed with liver cancer with metastatic lesions, you have advanced liver cancer. A cure is unlikely, but treatments are available.

What is Stage 4 Liver Cancer

Metastatic lesions indicate your cancer has spread beyond the liver and into other organs. This is the last stage of liver cancer. It typically spreads to the lungs and bones.

Determining Treatment

Your doctor will determine treatment based on the size of your tumor, where it has spread, your age and your general health among other factors. He will also take personal preferences into account. At this stage, you might opt to forego certain treatments or not want treatment at all.

Role of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for stage 4 cancers since it travels through the whole body. By controlling the cancer, it can relieve symptoms and possibly prolong survival. You might also receive hepatic artery infusions, which deliver chemotherapy drugs right into the liver.

Targeted Drug Therapy

The drug sorafenib treats advanced liver cancer by blocking the formation of new blood vessels. It can prolong survival modestly compared to no treatment.

Prognosis

Stage 4 liver cancer has a five-year survival rate of 2 percent. This data indicates the number of people with this stage of liver cancer still alive five years after diagnosis.

Tags: liver cancer, advanced liver, advanced liver cancer, Cancer Diagnosis, Lesions Liver

Cure A Hangover Quickly

There is no instant cure for a hangover. Alcohol takes time for the body to process and it leaves lingering effects, such as dehydration and intestinal irritation that your body grapples with during the hangover. Curing one quickly partly entails avoiding or minimizing the booze in the first place. If you wake up with a hangover, however, you can take a few steps to address the symptoms, which should shorten the time it takes for you to recover.

Instructions

1. Plan for the hangover while you're drinking. Eat food with your alcohol and drink lots of water between drinks. The liver takes about an hour to process 1 ounce of alcohol (1 bottle of beer, 1 glass of wine or 1 shot of hard liquor), so pace yourself while you're drinking. Don't mix different kinds of alcohol while drinking and try to focus on drinks with fewer congeners (i.e., clear drinks such as vodka or gin instead of dark-colored drinks such as scotch or brandy).

2. Take some vitamin B6 before going to bed the night before you drink. It might also help to have a light snack and drink more water if you can. They will cut the effects of the hangover in the morning.

3. Sleep. Anytime you go drinking, it pays to set aside plenty of time in the morning to sleep in. The more you get, the more time your body has to process the alcohol.

4. Drink more water when you wake up. Alcohol dries out your body. The more you can replenish the water, both while you're drinking and during the hangover itself, the better your body will recover. Stay away from coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

5. If you're suffering from nausea, drink fruit juice or carbonated beverages such as ginger ale. They will help settle your stomach. Take the beverage in gradually, with small sips. If you feel up to eating, stick to bland, easily digestible foods with a lot of carbohydrates, such as crackers or white rice. Vitamins B and C will replenish your body's electrolytes as well.

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Elliptical Exercises For Osteoporosis

Elliptical machines offer enough weight-bearing impact to help improve bone density and muscle mass that is good for osteoporosis sufferers without too much impact. Running outside or on treadmills can stress the hips, knees, and back. Elliptical machines are low-impact and some have arm handles to work the upper body.

Forward or Backward

The elliptical machine can be used in several ways. With or without the arm handles is one option. Pedaling forward or backward will work different muscles. You can also hold on to the static handles or let your arms hang at your sides. The forward motion on the elliptical targets the quads, glutes, and calves with more emphasis on the quads. Some ellipticals allow for raising the incline of the machine which will allow you to change the emphasis further on different muscle groups.

Pedaling backwards will target the hamstrings and glutes. You can also adjust the incline when going backwards to further emphasize certain muscles more than others. The machine will indicate which muscles are being used more as you press the incline and decline buttons to adjust the height.

Targeting different muscles will also change the emphasis on the hips and knees. The more variety employ in how you exercise on the elliptical the more comprehensive the benefits for osteoporosis.

If you use an elliptical machine, remember to maintain good posture for the most effective workout. Keep your shoulders back, your head up and your abdominal muscles tight. Let your lower body support your weight.

Handles or No Handles

Some elliptical machines have arm handles to incorporate upper body work. These ones are good for working the arms and shoulders, but will not substitute resistance training for the upper body. The machines that have the arm handles usually do not have the incline option so if you can alternate between using the different machines, such as at a gym, do so.

All ellipticals will have static hand rails that do not move. You can hold these for balance. However, if you let your arms hand at your sides you will need to use more core muscles to maintain balance and posture. You should always be standing up straight with your hips tucked, your shoulders pulled back, and your chin level when using an elliptical trainer.

Duration

Thirty minutes daily of physical activity is recommended for good cardiovascular health, but thirty minutes of daily weight-bearing activity like using an elliptical trainer, weight lifting, or aerobics is recommended for osteoporosis. Thirty minutes straight may be difficult for sufferers, but three 10-minute sessions or two 15-minute sessions are just as effective for building bone strength. Dividing your workouts into three sections also will strengthen your heart and lungs as well as thirty minutes without stopping will.

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Design A Stress Management Plan For A Vata Ayurveda Mindbody Type

Vata is one of the three mind-body types, or doshas, found in Ayurveda medicine. Ayurveda dates back 5,000 years to India and as an adjunct therapy, it is practiced by people all over the world. Vata people are thin, sometimes underweight and appear to be in constant motion. They can be seen talking on their cell phones, eating a sandwich and maybe rebooting their computers all at once. Ether and space are the two elements that are seen in Vatas, and they can complain of insomnia, constipation, anxiety, restlessness, dry hair, dry skin and feeling cold in their hands and feet. Vata is identified with a rajasic, or turbulent movement, that, if not harnessed, can create stress. Learn to manage stress by grounding the restless energy of Vata.

Instructions