What Chemicals Are In Hot & Cold Packs

Chemical reactions cause heat and cold.

Hot and cold packs contain mixtures of chemicals that react together to create heat and cold. The chemicals in hot packs combine to cause exothermic reactions, while those in cold packs cause endothermic reactions. The majority of chemicals used in these packs are non-toxic and pose no threat to the environment. The exception is ammonium nitrate, which is not only toxic; it's potentially explosive.

Single Use Hot Packs

The main chemical in single use hot packs is either calcium chloride or magnesium sulfate; the other ingredient is distilled water. Calcium chloride is a common salt that is often used to melt ice from roads and sidewalks. Calcium chloride isn't a food-grade salt, but it isn't toxic. High concentrations of calcium chloride can harm plants and trees near roadways. Magnesium sulfate is another salt compound. It's often used medically for soaking sore muscles and feet--Epsom salt is one example. It's also used as a bath salt and is found in some brands of bottled water.

Single Use Cold Packs

In single use cold packs, the chemical ammonium nitrate is used. Ammonium nitrate is toxic if ingested. It is a very dangerous chemical used in fertilizer and explosives. If a pack breaks open and the ammonium nitrate comes into contact with combustible materials it may explode. Cold packs also contain distilled water and when the inner linings are broken, the ammonium nitrate reacts to the water and causes an exothermic reaction.

"Dry" Heat Packs

The chemicals in "dry" hot packs are most often iron powder, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt. They can also contain wood powder and a small amount of water. The chemicals are harmless and most are found in nature. Activated carbon is merely processed charcoal and vermiculite is a natural mineral. These packs begin working after the chemicals are exposed to air.

Tags: also contain, ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium chloride, chemicals packs, cold packs, distilled water

Cymbalta Emotional Side Effects

Cymbalta, otherwise known by its generic name of duloxetine, is a prescription medication commonly used to treat both anxiety and depression. Much like other medications on the market today, there are potential side effects from its use, even for those patients who need the drug. Some of these side effects can actually affect a person's emotional state and well being.

Nervousness

Some people taking Cymbalta have complained of an elevated nervousness or anxiety, even when this is the disorder they are currently being treated for.

Mood Swings

A person taking Cymbalta to treat either depression or anxiety may begin to experience swings in mood, which is essentially going from one extreme to the opposite.

Excitability

According to the Mayo Clinic, a person using Cymbalta to treat depression or anxiety may become more excitable than normal. Since this medication can increase a person's energy level, it may result in this particular symptom.

Irritability

Though rare, some people taking Cymbalta may begin to become rather irritable, and it may take very little to anger or frustrate them.

Suicidal Thoughts

Though also rare, a person taking Cymbalta may begin to experience suicidal thoughts.

Tags: taking Cymbalta, begin experience, Cymbalta begin, Cymbalta treat, depression anxiety

Home Stair Lift Systems Fact Sheet

As people get older, their bodies get weaker. At times, even the simplest movements can be unbearable. Arthritis and other muscular diseases can impair a person's ability to climb up stairs. People suffering from these ailments in the past would use crutches or just crawl up the stairs to reach an upper floor. Fortunately, the stair lift system is now available to help alleviate the problem.

Function

People with a handicap or disabilities that experience difficulty going up and down stairs can use stair lift systems. You can install stair lift systems on straight or curved staircases with flat or curved landings. Wheelchair-bound individuals use the stair lift systems with the assistance of another person to help with the transfer from wheelchair to the system. An extra wheelchair at the other end helps in making the transition smooth from end to end.

Features

The seat of the stair lift system is motorized. It is installed on a railing with an aluminum track that holds the chair. By adjusting the chair based on need, such as for people who prefer to either stand or sit down while riding the stair lift system, you can take advantage of this system's flexibility. In most cases, the stair lift system can carry up to 300 lbs. of weight. Some safety features are included, such as armrests, footrests and seat belts to prevent falling. They also feature wireless remote controls, call buttons and obstruction sensors.

Types

There are stair-mounting models of stair lift systems and there are wall-mounting models. There are different chair lift models that you can install that would work with different types of staircases. The price varies from the style and height of the staircase. The curved staircases are more expensive than straight ones and the longer or higher the staircases, the more expensive the stair lift system is. Most models run on electricity (AC) only, while models that are more expensive can run after a power failure using the back-up battery (DC). Some stair lift systems can be installed outdoors, making it easier for people to go to the garden and enjoy the outdoors without too much effort.

Warning

It is important to practice extreme caution when operating or using a stair lift system. Wear the harness or seat belt to prevent falling. Individuals who are unable to move on their own, such as those suffering from paralysis, need assistance. Consult a physician to see if it is advisable for these individuals to use the stair lift. When assisting non-mobile individuals, do not walk too close to a moving stair lift system so that you will not be caught in the tracks. The stair lift system is never for kids to play with.

Benefits

Mobility impaired individuals can enjoy less dependency on others by experiencing the freedom that the system offers. Individuals can lead better lives knowing they can move without too much agony and pain. The stair lift system also benefits the caregivers of the non-mobile patients because of the ease of transporting patients from one floor to the other. It lessens the effort on caring for elders, giving both patients and caregivers a boost of confidence.

Tags: stair lift, lift system, stair lift system, stair lift systems, lift systems, more expensive

Symptoms Of A Broken Tailbone

The tailbone, or coccyx, can be broken in a variety of ways. When you fall on your tailbone and break it, there is extreme pain and other symptoms that go along with it. Unlike when you break other bones, the tailbone cannot be put in a cast and recovery depends on making some changes so that you can promote healing.

Identification

A hard fall and pain does not necessarily mean that you have broken your tailbone. After examination, a doctor can request an X-ray or an MRI to determine if your tailbone is broken or just bruised.

Common Symptoms

Pain while sitting and lifting your legs are symptoms of a broken tailbone. Pain while walking up or down stairs, and pain when touching around the tailbone area, are also signs of a broken tailbone.

Causes

A fall can break your tailbone. Sometimes a woman can break her tailbone during the process of giving birth.

Prevent Ataxia

Ataxia is a condition that attacks the brain's elaborate system. A person suffering from this condition will exhibit the same signs of inebriation. Their speech will be slurred as they reel unsteadily and make uncoordinated hand gestures. Ataxia can be a sign to more serious problems, like stroke, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and other serious neurological disorders. Other symptoms for Ataxia is nausea or vomiting, headaches, impaired coordination on one side of the body and decreased alertness. Ataxia is quite common where a stroke or hemorrhage in the brain has occured. To talk about preventing ataxia means to talk about preventing those other problems.

Instructions

1. Prevent from having a stroke and brain hemorrhaging. This is done by getting your blood pressure checked regularly. If you have high blood pressure, assume treatment to lower it. Don't smoke or stop smoking of you already do. Eat foods that are low in fat. Have cholesterol checked frequently. Keep weight under control by dieting and exercising. If you have diabetes, keep it under control by controlling your blood sugar.

2. Get more of the supplement manganese in your system. There are many great health benefits for manganese. Small amounts are already present in your bones. Taking a manganese supplements not only aids in he prevention of ataxia but also helps the bones, skin and cartiledge.

3. Eat more copper-rich foods. Copper can be found in vegetables and meats. Copper aids in bone growth and helps the body use iron and sugars.

4. Limit access to virtual reality devices. Excessive use can cause ataxia. Use within reason. Just remember the saying "Too much of a good thing is still too much."

5. Limit exposure to mercury, solvents, gasoline, glue and other poisons.

Tags: about preventing, blood pressure, stroke brain, talk about, talk about preventing, under control, your blood

Guide For Aromatherapy Soy Candle Making

Soy candle making is a precise but fun art to learn

Soy candle making is different than making candles with other waxes. And it's also an art to scenting them with real essential oils (far different than "fragrance" oils) to make sure the scent binds to the wax. But soy candle making can be mastered and be very fun!

With practice, you'll learn to make them with ease. Soy wax calls for specific measures to make sure the soft wax molds properly and the scents adhere to the soy wax. To get used to soy candle making, I suggest first making poured soy candles (poured into a container and meant to stay in it while burning). In fact, if any type of candle making, including soy candle making, is new to you, you might want to get your feet wet by just buying and trying a soy wax candle kit at your craft store before venturing on your own. But, this article covers the how-tos for both poured and molded (those that stand on their own without the container) soy candles.

Instructions

1. Choose your soy wax according to whether it will be molded (stand on its own) or stay in a poured container. Soy wax for molded candles needs to be harder than that for poured candles. The supplier should tell you which is which. Usually, stand-alone soy candles made at home are small. The larger commercial ones use special equipment to get the soft wax to work in larger sizes. If this is your first attempt at soy candle making, poured candles are suggested.

2. Melt the wax to about 170 degrees F.

3. Add the dye. In soy candle making, the wax sometimes has trouble binding with dye. So, add any candle dye you desire now, but first shake the dye very well before putting it in the melted wax if it's liquid dye. The candle dye instructions will tell you how much to use according to the size of your candle.

4. Stir the wax with the dye for at least two minutes using a whisk to get the dye to bond with the soy wax. At this point, some people also add a uv inhibitor so their soy candles won't fade in sunlight or strong fluorescent light. Your choice. Amount will be given on the uv inhibitor depending on the size of your candle.

5. Add true essential oils. Aromatherapy soy candle making means you'll be using true essential oils. You'll need less essential oils than you would a fragrance oil, often only about ¼ the amount called for with fragrance oils. Because soy wax often calls for one ounce of artificial fragrance oil per 16 ounces of melted wax, do the math to adjust to essential oils.

6. Make sure the temperature is at least 170 to allow the oil to bind, but not hotter than 185. The oils will dissipate in the heat if it's too hot, and not much will be left for your hardened candle.

7. Once the temperature is correct, add the essential oils and again stir for at least two minutes with the whisk to make sure the oils bond with the wax.

8. Spray with silicon if needed. If using metal molds for stand-alone soy candle making, special silicon spray can be purchased to spray onto the mold to help release the cooled candle. Do that now if this is the case.

9. Prepare the wick in the mold. Many people just tie the wick to a pencil which is laid across the mold or container, with the remaining wick dangling to the bottom of the mold or container. If the wick seems to need weight to keep it straight, you can dip it in the melted wax and let it cool while holding it straight before putting it into the mold or container.

10. Pour the wax. Reduce the temperature to between 95 and 110. Soy candle making means pouring soy wax at the correct temperature which reduces the frosted look soy candles sometimes pick up. And if you pour it too hot, it will harden unevenly at the top. The candle will still burn fine, but won't look as nice. Though not essential, it can help to have the molds be a little warm, just above room temperature when pouring. Not cold and certainly not hot.

11. Cool them off. Soy candle making avoids "quick cools" that other types of wax suggest. Allow your soy wax candles to cool naturally without hurrying the process (such as with dipping molds into ice water) to keep the new soy candle from cracking.

12. Cut off wick to about a quarter inch. Cure for at least 24 hours. Remove from mold if you soy candle is a molded one, and enjoy!

Tags: candle making, essential oils, candle making, mold container, poured candles

Be Lucky

There are people in this world that just seem to be lucky. Everything seems to go their way. Even when an event that would be considered bad for most, like losing a job, happens, they end up with a better opportunity. Why is it that these people are lucky? It is not just that they were born under a lucky sign. There are things that they do everyday that make them lucky. With a little extra effort, you can be lucky too.

Instructions

1. Pay close attention to your surroundings. People that tend to be lucky pay much close attention to their surroundings then people that do not think that they are lucky. If a twenty dollar bill is on the ground the lucky person sees it and picks it up because they pay close attention to their surroundings. The unlucky person walks right over the money because their thoughts are elsewhere. Be lucky just by keeping your eyes open and your mind on what you are doing.

2. Smile and be cheerful. Being lucky does not cause people to be happy. Being happy causes people to be lucky. When you are in the right state of mind, you will always be able to find the silver lining in any event. This will always make you feel like the luckiest person in the world.

3. Do nice things for others. There is a saying that tells us that everything that we send out into the world will come back to us in three. This saying has a lot to do with being lucky. To be lucky, you need to selfishly do things for others. The good cheer and luck that you send to others will find its way back to you when you least expect it. So, go out and do some good deeds for other so that you can be lucky too.

Tags: close attention, that they, attention their, attention their surroundings, close attention their, lucky just

Stress & Upper Abdominal Pain

People suffering from stress may find that they have upper abdominal pain. Stress is linked to this type of pain in a variety of ways. A person under stress may go to the doctor only to find that there is nothing physically wrong. Alternatively they may find that they are now suffering from a physical stomach condition that is caused by stress.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is related to stress. It is a common physical reaction to long term stress and anxiety. The symptoms of IBS are upper abdominal pain, constipation, gas, upset stomach and diarrhea. There is no actual cure for IBS, but there are many treatment options available including medication and diet change that help manage and remove some of these symptoms. Working to reduce stress can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Constipation

Although the cause is unknown, stress can also cause constipation without actually causing IBS. Constipation can cause upper abdominal pain and is easily treated. There are many over-the-counter medications that help with constipation, but adding more fiber to the diet can also help. Like with IBS, treating the stress can help in treating the constipation. Most people who suffer constipation as a physical symptom of stress find that it goes away after the stress is eased.

Psychosomatic Pain

Psychosomatic pain is pain that is purely psychological and has no physical cause. Although there is pain, the person does not have anything physically wrong. Psychosomatic pain due to stress can occur as chest pain, abdominal pain and headaches. Because there is no physical cause, pain killers will not usually help. The only way to treat psychosomatic pain is to treat the stress that is causing it.

No Link to Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are often associated with stress even though the two are unrelated. Ulcers can cause upper abdominal pain, but contrary to popular belief they are not formed due to stress. Although it is possible for a person to have stress and an ulcer, one did not cause the other. Ulcers need immediate attention from a doctor to prevent them from getting worse. Medication can be taken that will help prevent the ulcer from causing further problems.

Medication Side Effects

When stress is severe enough, a doctor may choose to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication. Medications prescribed for stress can cause upper abdominal pain. Side effects related to abdominal pain include upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Although coming off of the medication with the help of the doctor is an option, in some cases it is not always the best decision. Trying different medications that don't cause uncomfortable side effects should be attempted first.

Tags: abdominal pain, find that, upper abdominal, cause upper, cause upper abdominal

Hormone Imbalance Treatment

Hormones are chemical messengers that can have a myriad of effects on the body. Hormonal imbalances can cause sluggishness, pain, feelings of fatigue and nausea, and even abnormal hair growth. Often hormonal imbalances are the result of a disruption of the ratio of multiple hormones that normally work in concert to provide an effect. As a result, there are many ways of treating a hormonal imbalance.

Hormone Replacement

In the event that a hormone is underproduced, the deficiency can be corrected by taking supplements.

Hormone Precursors

Sometimes synthetically made hormones are either too expensive or not effectively absorbed by the body. In these situations, taking hormone precursors, which are the building blocks of the deficient hormone, can help correct the level.

Hormone Blocking

In the case of hormones that are being overproduced, hormone blockers can be used. Because hormones must bind to receptors to be active, some medications bind to these receptors, effectively blocking the hormone's function.

Surgery

Sometimes a hormonal imbalance is caused by a hormone secreting tumor. In these cases, removal of the tumor should correct the imbalance.

Symptomatic Treatments

Some cases of hormonal imbalance are too expensive to treat, or have too many side effects. In these cases, simply treating the symptoms may be recommended for the patient.

Tags: hormonal imbalance, hormones that, these cases

Bloodstone

About Bloodstone

A bloodstone is also known by other names, including blood jasper and heliotrope. Bloodstone is a gem that is dark green with a foggy or smoky appearance. It's of the quartz family and is of the chalcedony type. The bloodstone is characterized by the appearance of bright or crimson red spots throughout the stone. However some variants of the gem are void of the spots or only have a few scattered through the specimen.

Properties

Bloodstone is a soft stone. To protect the stone from scratches by harder stones or metals, it is suggested that you store the gem separately. Some chemicals and prolonged exposure to heat or bright sunlight can damage the stone's brilliance. The gem is made of silicon dioxide and it's green coloring comes from chlorite. The red spots of the bloodstone come from iron oxide. The stone can be polished to a high shine.

Sources

The country with the largest source of bloodstone is India. It is mined from the Deccan Traps and then sent on to Cambay where the gem is cut into usable shapes and polished for sales. Bloodstone can also be found in western Scotland, Australia, Madagascar, Brazil, China and the United States. In 2009, bloodstone is not as widely available as it has been in the past.

Myths

One myth of the bloodstone comes from Christianity. Early legend places the crucifixion of Jesus on a surface of jasper. According to the story, as the blood dripped from the cross it dotted the green jasper below it permanently and mystically changed the gem's properties forever. Later Christians would understand the bloodstone as a symbol of suffering and even flagellation.

Uses

India regularly powders the gem and sells it as an aphrodisiac. It is also valued by some of the country's herbalists as a healing stone, although there is no science to support such claims. Bloodstone is not very expensive and is commonly used as a decorative knife handle. It has long been a popular material for seals, such as the the Martyr's Stone in the Louvre. Beads and necklaces are also carved from the soft stone of this gem.

Cuts

On Moh's Scale of Hardness, this gemstone ranks between a 6.5 and 7. It can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular cuts of bloodstone are the round, oval and rectangle. It is recommended that bloodstone be cut in the cabochon style. The stone isn't faceted like many gems are. Instead, it is polished with a flat back and curved top. The flat side of the stone is often placed in some type of setting, such as gold or silver.

Tags: comes from, soft stone

Get Sunburn Relief

Sunburns can be extremely painful and irritating. It is important to know get sunburn relief after you get a sunburn and find yourself in pain. Learn some easy and inexpensive ways to get rid of sunburn pain and get relief from your sunburns.

Instructions

1. Topical Sunburn Remedies to Get Relief From Sunburn Pain

The first and most often chosen way to relieve sunburn pain and get rid of sunburns is to use a topical cream. The first thing you should look for in a topical sunburn cream is lidocaine. Lotions with lidocaine will not only help to return the moisture your skin lost from getting the sunburn, the lidocaine will relieve the burn and sting from a sunburn to help the pain disappear. Look for a sunburn pain relief product that contains lidocaine and aloe vera or cocoa butter for the best relief. Some great sunburn relief products are Burt's Bees After Sun Lotion and Solarcaine Aloe Vera and Lidocaine After Sun Lotion.

2. Home Remedies to Relieve Sunburn Pain

There are many home remedies to relieve sunburn pain and get rid of sunburn pain. One thing you can try is putting cold plain yogurt on your sunburn. The active ingredients in the yogurt will help relieve sunburn pain. A cold washcloth soaked in milk can also help relieve sunburn pain. Finally, apple cider vinegar can be used to quicken the healing process of a sunburn and relieve pain. It will sting slightly when you put it on your skin but the ingredients in the vinegar will help get rid of your sunburn pain.

3. Over the Counter Medicine for Sunburn Pain Relief

If you are experiencing great pain from your sunburn try taking an over the counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil. This products will help stop the inflammation caused by the sunburn and relieve sunburn pain.

4. Prevent Sunburns from Starting to Relieve Sunburn Pain

The easiest way to stop sunburn pain is to never get a sunburn in the first place. Use a great suntan lotion with an SPF of at least 15. Try to find a suntan lotion that is waterproof and reapply often. This will stop sunburn pain from ever starting.

Tags: relieve sunburn, sunburn pain, relieve sunburn pain, sunburn pain, sunburn pain, will help

Prepare Healthier Toast

Whether you smother toast in jam, peanut butter, or lightly smear it with butter, it's a staple of breakfasts the world over. But like any food, there's ways to make it a healthier food. Whether it's your choice of bread or spread, there are many ways to choose wisely to make it a smart eating experience. Here are five ways you can have your toast and eat it too.

Instructions

1. Take a look at the bread you're using for toast. Is it white, wheat, sourdough or rye? Your choice of bread is an essential part of preparing healthier toast. Avoid white bread because it's too processed. Instead, look for whole grain or multi-grain breads, such as wheat, oat, flax seed and 12-grain. When possible, choose fresh-baked with no preservatives. If you have a bread maker, make it fresh and that way you know exactly what's in it.

2. Step back from butter. If you're going to use another spread on top of the butter, consider skipping the butter all together. The taste gets hidden by the spread anyway. If you want the buttery taste, but don't want to use margarine or other trans-fat spreads, consider Ghee, a clarified butter available in health food stores. It tastes like butter but doesn't have all the unhealthy fats. Or lightly brush on a high quality extra virgin olive oil; many have a buttery taste with plenty of health benefits.

3. Read the label of your jam or jelly. Watch out for those high in fructose, corn syrup or with artificial sweetners. These are artificial sugar flavorings that load on the calories. Avoid "diet" versions because these use synthetic sweetners, which are also not a good choice. Instead, choose those low in sugar, and look for ones that feature organic fruits, flavorings and ingredients as the most healthful choice. Better yet, make your own.

4. Choose peanut butter wisely. Many commercial peanut butters are filled with salt and oils, as well as stabilizing chemical preservatives. Read your labels and look for those that are natural or organic, and have as few artificial ingredients as possible. If you live near a health food store, you can often have them grind fresh peanut butter for you there and it's nothing but peanuts.

5. Try using different items on your toast. * Freshly ground flax seed is very healthy, and adds a delightful nutty taste to toast. You can grind it in your coffee grinder each day for maximum freshness. * A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg makes for a zingy flavor and actually boosts your energy and immune system. * A very light dusting of Stevia powder (an herbal sweetner) makes for a pleasantly sweet taste without the calories. * Puree a piece of fresh fruit in your blender as a jelly substitute. * Explore other nut butters, such as almond, hazelnut, and sunflower seed to provide variety. Organic is best.

Tags: peanut butter, buttery taste, choice bread, flax seed, health food, your toast

Ms Symptoms Chills

Chills are not a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), however, they can be a side effect of medications used to treat the condition.

Medications

Medications that can cause chills as a side effect include Betaseron, Avonex and Rebif.

Betaseron

Betaseron is administered by injection into the abdomen, buttocks, or thigh every other day. It is often taken at bedtime.

Avonex

Avonex is administered by injection into the thigh or arm once a week. It is often taken at bedtime and can be taken with acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce side effects.

Rebif

Rebif is administered by injection into the abdomen, buttocks, or thigh three times a week. It is often taken at bedtime.

Chill-Like Symptoms

MS symptoms that may be mistaken for chills are tingling, numbness and tremors.

Other Symptoms

Other symptoms of MS are loss of vision (either partially or completely), blurred vision, pain, sensations of electrical shock with certain movements of the head, fatigue and dizziness.

Tags: administered injection, administered injection into, injection into, often taken, often taken bedtime

Prepare For Rouxeny Gastric Bypass Surgery

Prepare for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

The way you prepare for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery sets the tone for the success of your operation and recovery. Patients who are not committed to their pre-operative duties may find that their doctors postpone or cancel the surgery itself. Roux-en-Y surgery makes it easier to lose weight but the patient still has to do a lot of hard work. Prepare diligently for pre-op to prove you are ready for the challenges of post-op.

Instructions

1. Participate in pre-operation screenings to conclude whether or not you are a candidate for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

2. Contact your insurance company for final confirmation of coverage no later than one to two weeks prior to surgery.

3. Sit down with your family or chosen representative to discuss your wishes should there be an extensive recovery period or other unforeseen circumstances.

4. Lessen the length of time spent in surgery and recovery by dieting before the procedure. Patients who weigh less may be suited for laparoscopic surgery as opposed to traditional gastric bypass surgery. The traditional technique is more difficult for the doctor and the patient.

5. Aim for a pre-surgery weight loss of 10 to 15 or even 25 percent of your total weight.

6. Begin to adapt your diet to post surgery standards.

7. Decrease the sugar and caffeine in your diet.

8. Cut back on your alcohol and tobacco intake. Shoot for totally abstaining from both items.

9. Avoid carbonated beverages.

10. Start an exercise routine. Walk five to ten minutes a day and gradually increase the time.

11. Think about your recovery period. Organize your home to eliminate activities that will put stress on your abdominal muscles.

12. Seek out patients who have undergone gastric surgery to discuss life after the procedure. Many patients are not prepared for the depression and continued food cravings after surgery.

13. Pay an outpatient visit to the hospital for lab work necessary for the surgery.

14. Consider putting away pints of your own blood to be used during your surgery.

15. Adopt a liquid diet two days prior to gastric bypass surgery.

16. Take nothing by mouth after midnight the day before your procedure.

Tags: gastric bypass, gastric bypass surgery, bypass surgery, bypass surgery, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Bypass Surgery

Prevent Huntington'S Disease

Huntington's disease is a neurological disorder that results in the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain--the result of which is often uncontrolled spasms and tics, a decrease in motor skills and emotional dysfunction. While no method of prevention exists, medication is available to treat the symptoms of Huntington's disease. However, such medication will only serve to alleviate the symptoms, while the disease will continue to progress at an, often, rapid rate.

Instructions

Prevent Huntington's Disease

1. Understand that it is impossible to prevent Huntington's disease. The disease is an inherited neurological disease which, in all known cases, stems from an abnormal gene on either the male or female side.

2. Recognize the signs and symptoms of Huntington's disease. Since prevention of Huntington's disease is impossible, recognizing the various symptoms of the disease is the best method for easing progression. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include: Dementia, balance issues, slurred speech, involuntary movement, and swallowing problems.

3. Understand that Huntington's disease is inherited. Come to terms with the fact that you did not cause yourself to get Huntington's disease, but rather inherited it from an abnormal gene in your mother or father's DNA. Learn as much as you can about the disease and then learn to adapt your lifestyle accordingly.

4. Learn the risk factors for Huntington's disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, “If one of your parents has Huntington's disease, you have a 50 percent chance of developing the disease.” However, it is possible to develop Huntington's disease without a prior family history of the disorder.

5. Seek a formal diagnosis from a medical professional and begin treatment for the symptoms of Huntington's disease, if necessary. Medication will, often, decrease the severity of symptoms attached to Huntington's disease, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, the average lifespan after diagnosis is “10-30 years.”

Tags: Huntington disease, Huntington disease, Mayo Clinic, symptoms Huntington, symptoms Huntington disease, abnormal gene, disease However

Ms & Memory Problems

Multiple sclerosis can cause more than physical degeneration of muscle function and abilities. MS can also cause the patient to develop problems with memory loss and cognitive degeneration. Processes such as storing and retrieving memories, processing information and remembering events can be affected. The ability to plan and prioritize can also be negatively impacted.

Cerebral MS

The link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and cognitive (memory) problems is well-known, with 70 percent of diagnosed cases of MS also featuring related memory-loss problems. 50 percent of patients diagnosed with early stage MS show related cognitive losses.

The most commonly found cognitive issues found in MS patients are in attention, memory, word-finding and abstraction. An increase in emotional lability (frequent, pronounced changes in mood) and slower information processing are also features of MS-related cognition issues.

When a person is experiencing severe cognitive issues related to MS, she is said to have "cerebral MS". Persons with this level of cognitive involvement often do not understand the severity of their memory loss issues.

Types of Memory Loss

Two types of memory loss related to MS are known: the first is recent memory loss, or that which affects things like remembering names and phone numbers, and when to take medications. MS most often affects this type of memory function.

The second type of memory loss is procedural or remote memory (use a computer or ride a bike). This kind of memory loss affects things and processes that were learned many years ago. MS does not have as much of an effect on this category of memory.

Effect on Executive Function

MS-related memory loss can have an effect on executive functions, which are the higher-level processes involved in more complex mental operations. These are prioritizing tasks, planning and the ability to problem-solve. Persons suffering from MS develop difficulty with this kind of function because it involves shifting from concept to concept and using mental quickness. They essentially feel lost in a maze.

Handling Memory Loss

The patient suffering from MS-related memory loss can rehabilitate his brain by going through rehabilitation to regain some cognitive functions. Some other ways he can handle memory loss include writing things down, using checklists, doing something when he thinks of the chore, putting objects in the same spot every time and prioritizing and focusing only on the most important tasks.

Use Electronic Memory Aids

The person with MS can utilize electronic memory aids such as the personal desk assistant (PDA). Cell-phone calendars can also help her to remember what she need so she can get through the day. Other devices such as tape recorders can also help, to record important information or a to-do list.

Tags: memory loss, memory loss, affects things, also help, cognitive issues, MS-related memory

Methylphenidate Side Effects

Methylphenidate is a medication prescribed to treat attention disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Available under the brand Ritalin and in generic form, Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that doctors also prescribe to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy. Several side effects are possible.

Most Common Effects

In clinical studies with Methylphenidate, the most common side effects include abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness and weight loss.

Serious Side Effects

Other serious but uncommon side effects can occur and call for prompt medical attention. These include chest pain, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, easy bleeding or bruising, difficulty urinating, fever, persistent sore throat, seizures and uncontrolled movements or speech.

Psychological Side Effects

Serious psychological side effects also can occur and should be reported to the doctor promptly. These include suicidal thoughts, aggression, agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations and unusual behavior.

Growth Issues

Methylphenidate can stunt children's growth by a very small amount, but the children typically catch up over time.

Allergic Reaction

Rarely, some people experience an allergic reaction to Methylphenidate. Signs are rash or hives, itching, swelling, severe dizziness and difficulty breathing.

Tags: side effects, Side Effects, These include

Use A Pressure Cooker

Learning to use a pressure cooker will allow you to cook healthier meals in a much shorter amount of time. Cooking in a pressure cooker can reduce cooking time by up to 70 percent. This method of cooking retains most of the natural vitamins and minerals that are lost during other cooking methods. Using a pressure cooker not only saves time and money, but also is more convenient and produces healthier meals. Read on to learn use a pressure cooker.

Instructions

Preparing the Pressure Cooker

1. Insert the rack into the pressure cooker if needed for the specific recipe.

2. Pour the amount of liquid that is required by the recipe into the pressure cooker, and then add the food.

3. Check the cover vent pipe for any clogs by looking into it as you are holding it up to a light.

4. Place the cover onto the pressure cooker and make sure that the cover handle and the body handle line up evenly.

5. Put the cover onto the pressure cooker and close it securely.

6. Attach the pressure regulator onto the vent pipe of the pressure cooker.

Cooking With the Pressure Cooker

7. Heat the ingredients in the pressure cooker, watching for the pressure regulator to begin to rock slowly.

8. Adjust the level of heat so that the pressure regulator is rocking in a slow, steady motion. This is the point where cooking time begins.

9. Follow the directions for the specific recipe, cooking for the correct amount of time and reducing the pressure as directed.

10. Remove the regulator from the pressure cooker when the cover lock air vent drops.

11. Take off the cover of the pressure cooker and the food is ready to serve.

Tags: pressure cooker, pressure cooker, pressure regulator, amount time, cooking time, cover onto

How Does Blood Pressure Work

Rise and Fall

Contrary to what some may believe, variations in blood pressure and general rises and falls are normal and completely healthy. Blood works to cater to the needs of the body. When there is more need, pressure may go up, and once that need is relieved, pressure falls down again. Additionally, pressure can shoot up due to high amounts of activity, or simply stress. When at rest however, a healthy person has blood pressure that maintains a more or less stable state that doesn't highly fluctuate.

Heart and Arterioles

Blood pressure works by pushing blood around in the body and moving it into the circulatory system and arteries. This pushing occurs thanks to the pumping of the heart, which shoots the blood along its path. Ultimately the blood enters the arterioles. The arterioles directly can cause a raise in blood pressure, because it is the arterioles that monitor and change the amount of blood flow by expanding or shrinking back down. When the arterioles remain in a contracted state for too long, high blood pressure occurs.

Problems

If blood pressure gets too high for too long, it puts the person at high risk for either stroke and/or heart disease. High blood pressure may also lead to the bursting of arteries, resulting in a hemorrhage. Conversely, bulging of the arteries may occur, which can result in an aneurysm. The problem with high blood pressure is that there are no advance symptoms to trace and thus no proper preparation allowed (at least in the vast majority of cases), and when the heart is forced to pump harder to compensate for a problem, over time the heart may become enlarged and its ability to pump blood will decrease. Kidney disease is also linked to high blood pressure. The only time high blood pressure can be traced is in a small minority of patients (roughly 10%), in which case a number of causes have been designated, among them gland tumors, diabetes, birth control pills, pregnancy, or simple heredity. Still, outside of these cases, blood pressure problems remain a complete mystery, although people who stay active have a 20 to 50 percent smaller risk of suffering from blood pressure.

Measurement

Blood pressure can be used as a benchmark for the functioning of the circulatory system. Blood pressure is measured by mercury in millimeters by a special instrument known as a sphygmomanometer, and there are two measurements made-a high point and a low point. The low point occurs when the heart relaxes and fills with blood provided by circulation, and is known as diastole. The high point occurs when the heart pumps blood into the body's circulation via contracting, and is known as systole. Blood pressure between people is roughly the same, and there is little difference between the pressures of healthy individuals.

Tags: blood pressure, high blood, high blood pressure, when heart, blood pressure, blood pressure, blood pressure

Position A Baby To Relieve Colic

Colic can be frustrating for parents as well as the baby. Not much is known for sure about colic, except that it is characterized by stomach pain and lots of crying. While colic can appear to come about suddenly and seem impossible to stop, there are ways to relieve your baby's severe discomfort. Different positions may work better than others, but the important thing to remember is to concentrate on relieving stress on your baby's tense stomach.

Instructions

1. Constant contact can help relieve a colicky baby. Place your baby in a sling for as long as possible, at least 2 or 3 hours.

2. Stretch one arm across your body. Lay your baby, face-down, with his stomach on your forearm and his face by your elbow.

3. As your baby lays face-down across your forearm, have his legs straddling your hand. Place your free hand on your baby's back for support and use your forearm to put slight pressure on your baby's stomach.

4. Turn your baby around and lay him on his back on your lap, with his legs pointed at you. Alternating each leg, gently pump his legs like a bicycle to help relieve his tummy pain.

Tags: your baby, your forearm, across your, help relieve, Place your

Cures For Redbugs

Redbugs, often referred to as chiggers, are mites measuring only 1/150th of an inch in diameter. Their small size and affinity for high-grass places makes these pesky little bugs a frequent offender of humans in the southern part of the United States. Redbugs bite onto human ankles and legs, feasting on liquefying tissue until a human scratches them away. Your skin's defensive reaction to the irritating bite of redbugs is to swell with tiny pimple-like bumps on the affected area. Like other insect bites, these bumps will eventually heal on their own but not after causing extreme itching.

Soap and Water

A redbud crawls around on your body for several minutes before starting its feast. Fortunately, these little mites don't have much sticking power and are easily brushed off their landing pads. Take a warm bath and scrub yourself thoroughly with a wet, soapy washcloth to remove the redbugs before they stake their claim on your skin. Even if they've already started biting, warm soapy water will remove them from your skin surface, limiting the damage and minimizing the itching.

Antihistamine Creams

After a redbug bite, your body responds by increasing the blood flow and swelling with tiny bumps to protect and heal the skin. From your standpoint, those defensive pimply bumps are just unbearably itchy. Soothe the itch by washing your skin with warm soap and water to remove any existing redbugs. Then gently pat your skin dry and apply a thin layer of antihistamine cream over the entire affected area three to four times a day. Cover the affect area with an adhesive bandage to prevent scratching.

Calamine Lotion

Remove any existing redbugs from your skin with warm water and soap. Dot a quarter-sized amount of calamine lotion onto a cotton pad and spread liberally over your bumps. Resist the urge to gouge or itch your skin, as the debris under your fingernails could cause a secondary infection. Keep your skin bare until the lotion dries before sitting on furniture or wearing longer clothing.

Sulphur Powder

As a last resort, remove existing redbugs by spreading sulphur powder on your exposed skin. Redbugs hate sulphur and will quickly flee the scene by dropping off your body. For the obvious aromatic reasons, only use sulphur powder in the absence of warm water and soap. Dusting sulphur powder over your skin and around the openings of your clothing, like pant legs and arm sleeves, will also repel future redbug bites for a few hours.

Tags: your skin, existing redbugs, sulphur powder, your body, your skin, affected area

Find A Reliable Plastic Surgeon

Maybe you've decided you're interested in plastic surgery. Perhaps it's something you've considered, but you need to know more about before you make a final decision. Either way, you'll need to find a reliable plastic surgeon. But how can you do that? After all, you want a doctor who's going to give you a good result, because you're going to have to look at his work for the rest of your life. Here are some guidelines to follow when you're trying to locate a reliable and reputable plastic surgeon.

Instructions

1. Be aware that anyone who is an M.D. can perform any operation, but that doesn't mean every doctor is qualified to do so. Typically, a surgeon's board certification is the best way to tell if he's been trained in a particular specialty. Check to see if the surgeon you're interested in has a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the only recognized Board that certifies doctors as plastic surgery specialists.

2. Find out if the surgeon is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). An ASAPS membership means that not only is the doctor ABPS- certified, but also that she has performed a significant number of cosmetic surgery procedures. Membership is by invitation only, and only truly qualified surgeons are asked to join the ASAPS.

3. Ask about the doctor's range of experience. Reputable cosmetic surgeons have performed a wide range of aesthetic surgeries, from breast lifts to tummy tucks to liposuction, on a regular basis. Find out what the surgeon's level of experience is with the particular procedure you're interested in. Most doctors will also have a selection of "before" and "after" photos you can look at, in which patients have consented to be photographed so others can see their results. Feel free to ask for references; many doctors have patients who have offered to discuss their care if they're pleased with the work.

4. Check out where the surgeon has hospital privileges, and what facility the procedure will be performed in. Many aesthetic surgery procedures can be safely performed in a non-hospital surgical center, or an office-based surgical site. Find out what the surgeon's plan is in the event that you need emergency care during a routine surgery. Also, find out what is included in follow-up care, or what will happen in the event that you need a revision.

5. Meet with the surgeon and staff for a consultation. If he doesn’t answer all your questions to your satisfaction, or if you just plain feel uncomfortable with his manner, it's okay to go elsewhere to have your procedure done. After all, you're the one who has to live with the results.

Tags: event that, event that need, Find what, Find what surgeon, patients have, plastic surgeon

Chinese Breathing Exercises

Chinese people have been practicing meditation and breathing exercises for over 2000 years. These exercises are designed to calm and clear your mind, center your chakras and align your inner spirit. Physical benefits include improved posture, stress reduction, increased flexibility and emotional.

Qigong

Qigong is an ancient Chinese breathing exercise that is designed to expand lung capacity, supply the body with oxygen (life source) and nourish the brain. This exercise is known to improve mental clarity and alertness.

This breathing exercise can be done either sitting or lying down. If you are sitting, make sure that you are in a relaxed position, but do not slouch. Relax your arms and hands. Take a deep and extended breath. Inhale slowly through your nostrils, and imagine your chest and stomach filling up with an ultraviolet light. Your lower abdomen will expand, letting in more air than you would get with a short and shallow breath. Let the air flow in and circulate through your body. Pause for a second before you begin to exhale. Your lungs should not feel strained at all. As you release your breath through your mouth, imagine the air flowing out of your entire body. Pause for a second before you inhale again. Do this exercise for at least five minutes. You can increase the duration once you have mastered the technique properly.

Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan is another form of Chinese meditation. Benefits include body conditioning, longevity and focus of the mind. There are movement exercises that coincide with the breathing exercises of Tai Chi Chuan. Some movements are more advanced than others.

Begin by taking three short breaths in through the nostrils. On the first breath, raise your arms out in front of you at shoulder height. On the second breath, extend your arms out to the side at shoulder height. On the third breath, lift your arms directly above your head. Then, exhale through the mouth and let your arms fall back to the side, and back out in front of you. Repeat the exercise at least 10 times.

Tags: your arms, through your, body Pause, body Pause second, breathing exercise, exercise least

Practice Kundalini Yoga Concentration

Kundalini yoga uses a variety of yoga techniques, meditation and mantra (sound) to integrate the body and mind., Because we are used to allowing our minds to wander aimlessly, entering a state of intense concentration during Kundalini yoga practice can be challenging.

Instructions

1. Prepare an area to practice. The area should be clean and clear of distractions. It is best to have a separate room with a door, but an area will work well too.

2. Wear comfortable clothing that is not restricting. Place a yoga mat on the floor.

3. Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with a straight spine. If you do not want to sit on the floor, sit on a chair with your feet on the ground. Place your hands in prayer position with your fingers facing upward. You chin should be facing slightly down and pulled back.

4. Take a few deep breaths and center yourself to start your Kundalini yoga meditation. You can meditate in different ways. Choose a mantra, a sound that is chanted in one deep long breath. You can also focus on just your breath itself as you inhale and exhale. Or you can focus on another sound, such as the "ticktock" of a clock.

5. Focus on something other than the thoughts that are racing through your mind. Every time you start to attach to one of those thoughts, return your focus to the thing that you have chosen to help you meditate.

6. Practice this form of meditation every day. Begin with 3 to 5 minutes, working up to 10 minutes and then to 30 minutes. Experts say that it takes about 40 days to develop a good Kundalini yoga practice.

7. As you begin to practice Kundalini yoga meditation, you will become more conscious in everyday life, focusing on the present rather than thinking of the future or the past.

Tags: Kundalini yoga, Kundalini yoga meditation, Kundalini yoga practice, mantra sound, position with, with your

Tips On Vaporizers

Vaporizers, despite hot temperatures, should be cleaned regularly.

A vaporizer provides temporary relief during cold and allergy seasons, alleviating dryness which can exacerbate coughs, congested sinuses and dry skin. Unlike humidifiers which add cool moisture to the air, a vaporizer heats water, converts it to steam and expels it as mist into the air. To prevent burns and illness, there are tips to effective and safe vaporizer use.

Use Distilled Water

Use distilled water over tap water. Tap water generally has iron and calcium mineral deposits (hard water). When used in a vaporizer, tap water may leave behind scaling, crusting and white dust deposits. According to Drugs.com, mineral deposits can encourage bacterial and fungal growth. Mineral deposits, long term, will also affect the optimal function of your vaporizer.

Cleaning

Change the vaporizer water daily. Wipe dry all external surfaces, especially the electrical cord, and only fill the vaporizer to suggested levels. Vaporizers don't require filters which can breed mold, but mineral deposits and dirt can accumulate in the reservoir. Clean the entire unit every third day. With a brush, clean any accumulated scaling or mineral deposits. As a precaution, wipe surfaces with a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Rinse well before you fill the unit with fresh distilled water.

Keep Away From Pets and Children

Steam vaporizers heat water to boiling with an electrode or heating element. The hot steam released, at 170 degrees F, can cause scalding and burns. Some vaporizer models have vapor cooling attachments, but as a precaution, manufacturers recommend that vaporizers be installed away from children and pets.

Practical Recommendations

Vaporizers are meant for short-term use and should never be plugged in when you're away and when water levels drop below recommended levels. If water levels fall below the heating element, it's considered "standing water." According to the Asthma Society of Canada, standing water is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Conversely, if room humidity is too high, over 45 percent, mold and mildew can grow. If you plan to use a vaporizer often, purchase a portable hygrometer, which measures air humidity. Ideal humidity is 30 to 35 percent.

Tags: distilled water, heating element, mineral deposits, mineral deposits, standing water, vaporizer water

Prepare For An Endocrinologist Visit

An Endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor who treats all the systems of the body that have to do with glands. Glands control hormones in the body which in turn maintain proper function of reproduction, metabolism, growth and development. Preparing for an Endocrinologist visit requires some thought so as to be thorough.

Instructions

Prepare for an Endocrinologist Visit

1. The first thing you should do is have any other medical records sent to the Endocrinologists’ office. You should also have your primary doctor call the Endocrinologists’ office and leave word if there is something in particular they need to know or want checked out.

2. Then, you should make a list of any and all symptoms you are having. Endocrinologist deal with many conditions so you never know what symptoms will be of importance. No matter how small you think the details, list everything you can think of. Sometimes it’s the whole picture that will tell the tale.

3. You should also write down any questions you have. When going to the doctor we sometimes get nervous and don’t remember important questions we needed answering. Making a list of questions beforehand is always a good strategy.

4. Finally, get in touch with whomever you need to in order to have a complete family medical history. Often the conditions Endocrinologists deal with are hereditary so they need the complete facts about other family members.

Tags: deal with, Endocrinologists office, Prepare Endocrinologist, Prepare Endocrinologist Visit, should also, they need

Signs & Symptoms Of Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs where the bronchial tubes are constricted, inhibiting normal breathing. Inflammation of the bronchial tubes can be triggered by various allergies such as dust, pets, pollen, mold or cigarette smoke. It can also be brought on by weather, stress or any common respiratory illness such as a cold. If you believe you have asthma you should consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Cough

A persistent, nagging cough can be one of the first symptoms you notice with a bronchial asthma attack. Usually it will be followed by other symptoms.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath does not necessarily mean you have asthma, but will usually accompany other symptoms. It can become more exaggerated with physical activity or exercise.

Wheezing

Wheezing is a "whistling" sound when you are breathing that is caused by the narrowing of the bronchial tubes.

Chest Pain or Tightness

Because of restricted breathing you may have a tightness in your chest or actual chest pain.

Difficulty Breathing

You may experience difficulty breathing or an abnormal breathing pattern.

Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Care

You should contact your physician immediately if your medication is not helping, if you need to use more than the prescribed dosage or if you have difficulty talking due to shortness of breath.

Warnings

Emergency care is necessary if you become confused or drowsy, are extremely short of breath even while resting or if you have serious chest pain. In addition, bluish face and lips, excessive perspiration and rapid pulse can be life threatening and require emergency treatment.

Tags: bronchial tubes, chest pain, have asthma, other symptoms, your physician

Heart Event Monitor Work

How is a Heart's Rhythm Monitored

Once the patient feels symptoms, he pushes the control button of the heart event monitor for it to start recording the rhythm of his heart. The rhythm initiates an electric activity that brings about a surge of electrodes that is caught by the monitoring devices or wires attached on the chest area of the patient. The activity of these electrodes is then transmitted--through the wires or through wireless connections--to the monitoring device. All the event recordings can be heard by the doctor via the telephone. This will help him determine if his patient is actually experiencing any kind of arrhythmia or abnormalities in heart rhythm. The recordings of the event monitor help doctors provide accurate analysis on their patients' conditions even via telephone call.

Limitations

Heart event monitors depend on their ECG wires to effectively catch the electric signals created by the heart's rhythm. These wires are meant to be attached to the chest area near the heart by stickers. The accuracy of the device basically depends on how well the setup catches up with the electric signals delivered by the heart's rhythm. The sweat and oil on the skin may cause the stickers to detach, which is why most event monitoring setups use sticky patches instead of stickers. In addition, the recording process requires clear and uninterrupted transmission lines.

As a solution, the device should stay away from radios, cell phones or other electronic devices which can interfere with its recording operations. Movements might pull the patches away from the chest area. In this light, patients are advised to stop whatever they may be doing to allow the device to fully record his heart's rhythm during the events when symptoms occur.

Monitor Yourself

Although the device is pretty much reliable, a patient is not advised to solely rely on the device to monitor his condition. He needs to keep a diary to take note of the time he feels the symptoms and his doctor's analysis on the event. This is extremely helpful in monitoring his treatment's progress as well as the efficacy of his medications, if there are any. Keeping notes of your recurrent heart condition as well as the medications you have taken with it will help your doctor recommend more effective treatment, and more effective ways by which you can manage and gradually improve your heart problems.

Tags: heart rhythm, chest area, attached chest, attached chest area, away from, electric signals

Treat Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a condition where a person experiences breathlessness or the feeling that breathing is uncomfortable and deliberate rather than automatic. Shortness of breath can be be caused by many different medical conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and may be chronic, or may be experienced as an isolated incident. There are several steps that one experiencing shortness of breath can take to treat their condition, but the effectiveness of any treatment will vary based on the cause of the dyspnea.

Instructions

1. Consult your doctor, immediately if symptoms are severe. Especially if you are experiencing chills, a high fever, and a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath can indicate life-threatening medical conditions. A doctor will be able to best prescribe treatment for your specific case.

2. Quit smoking and limit alcohol use. Smoking is damaging to the lungs, and can cause shortness of breath, or diseases that lead to it. Similarly excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dyspnea.

3. Take oxygen when symptoms are severe. You may notice athletes sometimes use an oxygen mask after heavy exertion; breathing pure oxygen from an oxygen mask can reduce the severity of dyspnea by providing more oxygen to the bloodstream per breath.

4. Take cough medication if your shortness of breath is accompanied by excessive coughing.

5. Use prescription steroids. Especially useful to those with shortness of breath due to asthma, steroids, either injected or inhaled, can reduce inflammation of the lungs and calm dyspnea.

6. Seek treatment for underlying the causes of dyspnea. Since shortness of breath can be caused by many different underlying physical conditions, the best way to treat shortness of breath is to prevent it by treating the condition that causes it.

Tags: shortness breath, breath caused, breath caused many, caused many, caused many different, many different, medical conditions

Definition Of Trigger Points

Many people develop trigger points that cause pain in various parts of the body. Trigger points develop as a result of the muscle in the body being overworked or injured.

Identification

According to Trigger Point Book.com, trigger points are small knots of contractions that develop in a muscle. Normal muscle function causes muscle fibers to contract and relax, resulting in blood circulating throughout the area. Trigger points force the muscle fibers to contract and hold the contraction, which stops the flow of blood in the affected area. Irritation of the trigger point occurs when the area is starved of oxygen and the blood flow is interrupted, causing the trigger point to send out signals of pain through the body.

Symptoms

Referred pain is often the result of trigger points. This means that the trigger point directs the pain to another area of the body. Symptoms commonly associated with trigger points and referred pain are headaches, neck pain, jaw pain, back pain, elbow pain, dizziness, nausea and sinusitis.

Treatment

Massaging the trigger point is an effective way to restore blood flow to the affected area and reduce the pain associated with trigger points. Massage also helps to release the contracted muscle fibers in the area of the trigger point, which provides pain relief.

Tags: trigger point, muscle fibers, trigger points, with trigger points, affected area

Prevent An Abscess

Prevent an Abscess

Skin abscesses, or boils, usually result from an infected cyst around which pus forms. Symptoms of an abscess are warmth, redness, swelling and pain at the site. Abscesses can also be messy to treat and embarrassing. If you are prone to abscesses, your best bet is to learn prevent them.

Instructions

1. Keep your skin clean. Wash well with mild soap and water several times a day to prevent abscesses from developing.

2. Treat your skin with an antiseptic in the morning and evening to keep the staphylococcus bacteria under control. Staphylococcus bacteria is the bacteria that causes most abscesses. Betadine or other such antiseptic cleaners are a good choice.

3. Don't touch your face. Any germs that are on your hands will transfer to your face, thereby increasing your chances of developing an abscess.

4. Take showers instead of baths to prevent abscesses from occurring, or if you already have an abscess, to prevent it from spreading. Baths are a breeding ground for bacteria, and if you are prone to abscesses anyway, sitting in a bath is more likely to promote the formation of an abscess.

5. Boost your intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants promote a strong immune system, which will help you fight the bacteria that cause abscesses. Eat lots of fresh, colorful foods, which are rich in antioxidants.

Tags: abscesses from, bacteria that, Prevent Abscess, prevent abscesses, prevent abscesses from

10 Signs Of A Heart Attack

With the word "attack" in the phrase, most people think heart attacks grab hold suddenly, felling them with little warning. Not so. Many heart attacks come on gradually, without intense pain and sometimes with symptoms that come and go. The signs of a heart attack can be confusing enough that people don't suspect a heart problem. This is true even for those who have had a heart attack before, because the symptoms can vary from one attack to another.

Chest Pain and Discomfort

Pain in the center of the chest is a classic heart attack symptom. The pain might be intense or mild. It could feel like squeezing. The pain might be left of center instead. Not all heart attacks cause clear-cut chest pain. Sometimes instead of pain, there is rather a feeling of fullness or pressure. These feelings will last more than a few minutes.

Difficulty Breathing

Shortness of breath can accompany chest pain.

Shoulder and Arm Pain

Lots of people know about left arm pain as a symptom of heart attack, but few know that the pain flows into the arm from the chest.

Abdominal Problems

Pain flowing from the chest to the upper abdomen can be a sign of a heart attack. Instead, the pain might be in the middle of the torso. Nausea and indigestion can occur.

Jaw or Neck Pain

Pain in the jaw, teeth and/or neck can be a symptom of heart attack. Like arm pain, the pain starts in the chest.

Dizziness and Fainting, Weakness

Becoming light-headed or faint, accompanied by chest discomfort, can be a sign of a heart attack. You might instead experience a feeling of sudden weakness.

Cold, Sweaty Skin

If you have cold, clammy skin, perhaps accompanied by anxiety and nervousness, you may be having a heart attack.

Feelings of Doom or Malaise

Some people having a heart attack experience the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. Some people just feel "off," maybe as if they are coming down with something.

Changes in Heart Rhythm

An increased heart rate or an irregular heartbeat might be signs of a heart attack.

Pallor Change

People having a heart attack might have skin that turns pale.

Tags: heart attack, having heart, having heart attack, heart attacks, pain might, attack might, chest pain

Side Effects Of Postcervical Decompression Surgery

Post-cervical decompression surgery, or discectomy, is a medical procedure used to treat ruptured or herniated discs in your lower back. Though an effective treatment, discectomies present some risk of side effects.

History

Doctors performed the first discectomy in the 1940s. Since then, advances in technology, medical equipment and medications lessen the adverse effects of the procedure.

The Operation

After administering a general anesthetic, a surgeon makes a small incision along your spine to access the affected disc. The surgeon then removes part of the disc and the tissue that surrounds it.

Side Effects from Anesthesia

Heart rate or blood pressure levels sometimes decrease due to the anesthetic. Sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, a sore throat or shivering are common side effects of anesthesia.

Side Effects of the Procedure

It is common to feel pain at the site of the incision and discomfort walking or sitting at first. Scar tissue at the site of the incision is another possible side effect.