Use Crystals For Chakra Healing

Crystals have been used to amplify certain healing properties for thousands of years. Modern practice of crystal healing can be utilized while balancing chakras. Chakras are energy stores that lie along the center of the body along the spine. Imagine your spine as a river of energy and the chakras as pools that fill from the river. If one is blocked energy cannot flow along the river or fill other pools. Sometimes this will cause a flood of one chakra and the depeltion of another. To maintain good health it is beleived that your chakras must be balanced. Certain crystals can help stimulate balance of chakras if used properly.

Instructions

Crystal Cleansing Session

1. Cleanse the room of negative energy using any ritual for the religion you are associated with. For Example, use holy water and blessing for Christians, sage stick and feather for Pagans.

2. Make the atmosphere comfortable and begin to set up your space laying out pillows and your attuned crystals by your side.

3. Lie on the ground and get comfortable, laying pillows underneath your head, lower back, and/or legs.

4. Begin relaxing and entering into a meditative state, specifically tuning into your natural healing abilities.

5. Place stones alone or in groups on your chakras as you are guided by your inner healing and become aware of which chakras need attention.

6. Use a journey meditation that focuses on shedding off negative health energy or emotions, the final destination should be to a peaceful place where you are completely healthy, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

7. End your meditative session with the appropriate affirmation for your specific journey.

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Remedies For Cold Sores Inside The Mouth

Cold sores are viral (herpes simplex) infections that can show up on the mouth or inside the mouth, and are often caused by stress combined with a weakened immune system, or too much direct sunlight without SPF protection. They appear as painful fluid-filled blisters. Cold sores are also referred to as fever blisters and typically go away by themselves after 10 days to 2 weeks. Once a person has been infected with the herpes simplex virus, the virus remains in his body for the remainder of his life and may or may not cause cold sore flare-ups in the future. This virus is highly contagious.

Prevention

Prevention is the first line of defense against cold sores. Use a lip balm with an SPF factor of at least 15 whenever you are out in the sun (or wind). Support your immune system with a well-balanced diet, plenty of fiber and water, and a daily probiotic supplement, such as acidophilus or lactobacillus.

Medical Treatment

The most promising medical treatment for cold sores is to take prescription Valtrex as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on. Acyclovir (Zovirax) is another prescription medication sometimes prescribed, but is not very effective once the cold sore has developed.

There are also topical balms, such as Abreva, which helps the sore heal faster and numbs the pain, but contains no anti-viral properties, and therefore is not a preventative.

If frequent cold sores (two in 4 months) are a problem, talk to your physician about chronic suppression therapy, which means taking a daily prescription to prevent recurrences.

Alternative Therapies

There are alternative therapies which may give you some relief from the pain and duration of the flare-up. Take Lysine as soon as you feel a cold sore developing. There are lip balms that contain lysine as well. Taking vitamins C, E and B-12 seem to shorten the duration.

A product called Herp-Ease, from Alchemilla, which contains St. Johnswort, Calendula, Spilanthes and Echinacea, applied directly to the sore works well to heal the sore quickly. You can use this if you have sores on the inside of the mouth by applying it to your tongue and then applying your tongue to the sore. Zinc oxide applied directly to the cold sore (on the lip) helps protect and soften the scab, making it less painful.

Protect Your Nervous System

If you are prone to cold sores, protect your nervous system, as well as your immune system. The HSV virus attacks the nervous system, so if you can avoid stress and get lots of rest, it may help in your fight against reoccurring cold sores.

Conclusions

Taking excellent care of yourself is a step in the right direction in fighting the HSV. Be prepared to defend your immune and nervous systems at the first sign of a cold or mouth sore. Have Lysine on hand, and if your doctor deems it necessary, a supply of Valtrex and Abreva. If you are infected, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Make it your goal to be healthy enough that your defenses will successfully fight the next flare.

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Hpv & Pregnancy Risks

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts or precancerous cell changes, depending on the particular strain of the virus. While the body can often keep the virus well controlled, during pregnancy, changes in the immune system sometimes cause a flareup.

Blockage

On occasion, warts in the vaginal canal can grow so large that a vaginal birth is not feasible. A cesarean section can then be scheduled for the delivery.

Delivery

If there are small warts in the vagina when the baby is due, a vaginal delivery can still be performed. However, there is a 0.04 percent chance that the baby will catch HPV during the delivery, in which case the baby could get a condition called laryngeal papillomatosis. If caught early, it can be easily treated and can go into full remission.

Treatment

Genital warts can be treated during pregnancy. Doctors often prefer to remove warts surgically during pregnancy rather than using other methods. The fear is that topical treatments or freezing off the warts could increase the likelihood of a miscarriage.

Precancerous Cells

Some strains of HPV cause precancerous changes to cells, particularly on the cervix, and can eventually lead to cancer. If you've had a history of HPV, it's important to let your doctor know, because hormonal and immune factors can cause the tissue to change more quickly during pregnancy.

Reassurance

It's best to be concerned but not worry. The majority of HPV cases during pregnancy result in no harm to the mother or child.

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Recover From A Root Canal

Recover From a Root Canal

Nobody likes root canals and they have a fearsome reputation for being painful and cumbersome procedures. Recent advances in dentistry have made the process much easier, without the pain and discomfort that were once far more common. Even so, a root canal is a significant operation, and you should take steps to recover from it correctly.

Instructions

1. Eat soft foods for the first few days after the root canal. The tooth is often sensitive (lingering effects of the decayed material that the root canal removed), and tough or crunchy foots can slow down the time it takes to recover. Look for foods like soup, hot cereal, applesauce, yogurt and bananas to eat,= and try to refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth where the root canal took place.

2. Place some crushed ice in a sealable plastic bag and wrap a cloth towel around it. Hold it against your jaw to reduce the swelling or discomfort. Empty the bag out and replace it with fresh ice as the old ice melts.

3. Refrain from any lifting or physical exertion while you recover from a root canal. It may cause your jaw to ache, as the blood assisting with the healing process is dispersed to other parts of your body as part of the physical activity. In particular, stay away from any activity that requires you to bend over or reduce the elevation of your head.

4. Keep your head elevated while you sleep for the first few days after a root canal. If your head lowers below the rest of your body in the night, it may cause bleeding and further impede steps to recover from the operation.

5. Take medication to reduce the pain and swelling. Most dentists recommend non-prescription ibuprofen, such as Advil, Nuprin or Motrin, taken several times a day. You may also be prescribed heavier pain relief or antibiotics while you recover: be sure to ask your dentist about any possible problems that stem from mixing medications or any non-prescription medications you may be taking along with whatever he prescribes.

6. Stop smoking while you recover. Smoking severely retards the healing process and may make things worse by introducing carcinogens and other poisons into the newly repaired tooth. As difficult as it may be, try to quit smoking entirely until your mouth has a proper chance to heal.

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Recover From A Ministroke

A mini-stroke is actually a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is similar to a "regular" stroke, but is does not last as long and does little if any long-lasting damage to the body. A mini-stroke can give you some indication that you may have an actual stroke later in life. One out of three people who suffer from a mini-stroke will experience a standard stroke, sometimes in less than a year of the TIA. In most cases, the best form of recovery from a mini-stroke involves treatment to prevent an actual stroke.

Instructions

1. Consult a doctor. If you've suffered a mini-stroke, you should talk to a doctor, as this medical condition may be a "warning sign" that you will face an actual stroke later in life. Your doctor can put into place the proper treatment and recovery plan to care for your health and condition.

2. Start taking aspirin after experiencing a mini-stroke. According to the Mayo Clinic, the use of aspirin is more so a treatment than a form of recovery for a mini-stroke. This nonprescription medication can actually help keep the platelets in your blood from sticking together and causing clots to form, which could elicit an actual stroke. Consult your doctor before taking aspirin, as it may interfere with other medications you are taking.

3. Change your diet. To fully "recover" and lessen the potential of an actual stroke, your doctor may recommend that you change your diet, reducing the amount of sodium, cholesterol and fat while increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables.

4. Start getting more exercise. Another form of treatment after a mini-stroke is an increased amount of exercise, most likely on a daily basis. This can improve your overall health and keep your weight in check (a risk factor) as well as reduce your blood pressure (another risk factor).

5. Quit smoking. If you smoke and have suffered from a mini-stroke, this is an indication that it's time to quit. You may want to discuss your quitting options with your doctor to come up with the best plan to fit your lifestyle.

6. Limit your alcohol consumption. Another method of recovery and care of a mini-stroke is limiting (or stopping) your alcohol consumption. According to the Mayo Clinic, the maximum amount of alcoholic beverages you should consume is one drink for a woman and two drinks for a man.

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Weight Watchers Foods For Diabetics

Weight Watchers has a disclaimer directing diabetics to consult with their physicians and diabetic professionals before participating in its program. Weight Watchers International and all of its employees do not provide advice or special considerations for diabetics. They do, however, encourage eating filling foods that are glycemic-index friendly.The glycemic index measures how a carbohydrate effects your blood-sugar level. Carbs with a high GI digest quickly speed glucose to your bloodstream raising your glucose.

Living with diabetes

Considerations

Filling foods help you lose inches.

The WW momentum plan includes an emphasis on "filling foods" or foods to keep you feeling fuller longer. These are healthy and portion-controlled choices that fit into a diabetic diet.

Types

Healthy doses of fruit

Experts once thought excessive doses of sugar led to diabetes. Diabetes is caused by taking in too many calories, leading to obesity. Eating filling foods will reduce your overall caloric intact. Specific types of filling foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, chicken, fish, beans and lentils. Sugar and certain carbs are not filling foods, but can be in a diabetic diet in moderation

Expert Insight

Insight from experts

Type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, is more common than type 1 diabetes and occurs when your body is not producing enough insulin or your cells "ignore the insulin." Diabetics can keep carbohydrate intake consistent while eating filling foods. Most filling foods on the Weight Watchers program are low-carb choices.

Benefits

An apple a day

Research shows a Weight Watcher food plan had the same weight reduction and blood sugar drops as those following a low glycemic-index diet. Diabetics or pre-diabetics will benefit from healthy eating leading to reduction of body fat.

Prevention/Solution

Healthy living

Losing only 5 percent of your body weight can cut your risk of developing diabetes 58 percent, according to the Diabetes Prevention Program. Weight Watchers promotes planning your meals around filling foods that lead to meal satisfaction and consistent weight loss.

Tags: filling foods, Weight Watchers, filling foods, diabetic diet, eating filling, eating filling foods, filling foods that

Signs & Symptoms Of Premenopause

Premenopause is the time frame leading up to menopause, at which point a woman stops producing eggs and her period ends. This phase can last up to 10 years prior to menopause, but the average length of premenopause is four years. Once a woman has had 12 consecutive months without a period, perimenopause ends and menopause begins. The signs and symptoms of premenopause are very similar to the signs and symptoms of menopause.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of premenopause include headaches, night sweats, hot flashes, heart palpitations, fatigue, vaginal dryness, urinary problems, bone loss, insomnia, weight gain, irregular periods, changes in cholesterol levels, irritability, anxiety and depression.

Causes

During premenopause, your body produces less progesterone and estrogen. These lower hormone levels are responsible for the signs and symptoms that many women feel during premenopause and menopause.

Timeframe

The signs and symptoms of premenopause often appear around the age of forty but can begin as early as your thirties. The onset of symptoms depends on a number of things, including your genetic history.

Treatment

Oral contraceptive, therapy using progestin, and endometrial ablation can help alleviate the symptoms of premenopause.

Home Remedies

Exercise, practicing stress reduction and eating well-balanced, low-fat, high-fiber meals can help to calm some of the symptoms of premenopause. In particular, alcohol and caffeine can accentuate hot flashes.

Tags: signs symptoms, symptoms premenopause, signs symptoms premenopause, symptoms premenopause

Diastolic Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the artery walls. Blood pressure is always measured with two numbers: systolic, when the heart is pumping blood, and diastolic, when the heart rests between beats. The diastolic reading is the second number written in the calculation and is the lower of the two.

Function

As blood vessels leave the heart, they branch off and gradually become smaller. Diastolic blood pressure keeps blood moving through these vessels, so cells obtain oxygen and nutrients, and waste matter is removed.

Identification

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushes against the artery walls more strongly than it should. It is diagnosed when the readings are higher than normal on two different days.

Normal Blood Pressure

The normal range for diastolic pressure is between 60 to 89. Having two readings in the 80 to 89 range, however, results in a diagnosis of prehypertension, usually modifiable through diet and lifestyle changes.

High Blood Pressure

Chronic high diastolic blood pressure can cause artery damage, stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Readings over 110 may prompt a physician to administer immediate medication and advise close monitoring.

Low Blood Pressure

Low diastolic pressure is below 60. Chronic low diastolic pressure inhibits the blood's ability to carry oxygen and nutrients to all the cells, and to remove waste matter. This can cause cell damage. Short-term low blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting.

Blood Pressure Variations

Diastolic blood pressure, like systolic, changes throughout each day. Diastolic pressure can change because of exercise, tension, posture and nicotine use.

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Menstrual Cycle & Leg Pain

Many women experience leg pain during their menstrual cycle

A women's monthly menstrual cycle can result in a variety of different types of pain, including leg pain. Common types of discomfort and pain associated with menstrual cycles include abdominal pain and cramping, lower back pain, nausea and stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. In women who are younger than 30, cramps and menstrual discomfort are the No. 1 reason for missing work and school. Often, however, menstrual discomfort eases with age and having children.

About

Many women experience leg pain associated with their monthly menstrual cycle. According to Frederick Gaupp, MD of eMedicineHealth, approximately 10 percent of young women are disabled by monthly menstrual pain, including leg pain. Monthly cramping can be extreme and is often in combination with heavy bleeding that may last from three to seven days. Leg pain can also be associated with using birth control methods that include progesterone and estrogen therapy, such as the birth control pill, vaginal contraceptive ring or implants.

Leg Pain

The condition of menstrual cycles and leg pain may be a minor form of monthly PMS pain for many women. However, it can also be an indication of significant health problems that should be addressed by seeking medical attention. Dr. Gaupp indicates that blood clots or pulmonary thrombosis can result from hormone medications and one of the symptoms of this condition is leg pain. Leg pain can be of particular concern if a woman is older than 35 and also smokes.

Treatment

Dr. Gaupp indicates that home treatment is often adequate for minor leg pain, lower back pain and abdominal pain. Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can also be helpful and may need to be started just prior to when a woman's period starts. Additionally, using a heating pad over the affected area can be helpful, as can massaging the legs and lower back.

Seeking Medical Attention

While in many instances home treatment is more than adequate for most monthly menstrual pain, including leg pain, Dr. Gaupp indicates that occasionally it may be important and necessary to seek additional medical treatment. If a woman experiences unusually significant pain or heavy bleeding, she should seek medical attention. Additionally, if pain lasts beyond her normal period, she should go to her doctor. Also, if a woman is over 25 and suddenly begins to experience painful menstrual cycles, she should see her doctor.

Prevention

Dr. Gaupp states that leg pain can usually be avoided during a menstrual cycle by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. Eating a diet high in fiber and low in fat can also decrease the likelihood of experiencing menstrual pain. He also suggest that women over 35 stop smoking, particularly if they are using hormone birth control, such as the birth control pill, vaginal contraceptive ring, patches or implants, as smoking may lead to blood clots in the legs.

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Information On Starting An Assistedliving Home

Senior citizens will make up 20 percent of the U.S. population by 2030, according to Forbes.com. Life expectancy is getting longer, and as people get older, they may need round-the-clock care. Assisted-living homes provide this care.

Startup Costs

The Purpose Of Stem Cell Research

Studying embryonic stem cells educates researchers on human development. And it has the potential to prevent serious diseases, treat serious conditions, regenerate cells and provide an easy, risk-free method for testing new drugs.

Education

Studying human embryonic stem cells provides detailed information about the complex development that occurs during pregnancy.

Preventative Care

Cancer, birth defects and other serious conditions are the result of abnormal cell division. Learning more about the processes of cell creation might lead to an ability to cure or prevent these conditions.

Testing

Human stem cells could be used to test new drugs, eliminating the need for potentially risky clinical trials.

Cell-Based Therapy

Human stem cells can transform themselves into specific cells such as red blood cells or muscle cells. Stem cells offer the potential to regenerate tissue, organs and other needed cells, providing sick or injured people with relief without having to wait for a matching donor.

Cloning

Stem cells offer the potential for cell regeneration, which can include completely cloning a person. This issue has been debated heavily in regard to the ethics of stem cell research.

Tags: cells offer, cells offer potential, embryonic stem, embryonic stem cells, Human stem

Get Over A Sinus Infection Fast

Sinus infections can be painful and annoying. Between the runny nose and headaches, you're likely looking for any way to shorten the duration of your symptoms. Remember, often sinus infections can only be cured by antibiotics. So to rid yourself of the condition, you'll have to visit your doctor. However, these natural remedies and holistic practices can help you shorten the duration of your symptoms. Combine all of these steps for the most benefit.

Instructions

1. Run your humidifier every night. The moist air can keep your nasal passageways from becoming irritated. Keep the humidifier in your bedroom and shut the door during the night. Continue nightly until your symptoms resolve.

2. Reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passageways with grapefruit seed extract drops. You can find the extract at your local health food or wellness store. Follow the directions on the bottle. Continue the regimen for 2 days after your symptoms resolve. If the extract upsets your stomach, try taking the drops after meals or with a glass of milk.

3. Dry out your mucus membranes with potassium. You can find potassium supplements at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Follow the directions on the bottle and continue taking the supplements for 2 days after your symptoms resolve. If you have a chronic kidney condition, talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements. Poorly functioning kidneys can have difficulty processing the potassium, leading to a buildup in the body.

4. Apply hot packs to your face 3 times each day until your symptoms resolve. Create a hot pack by wetting a wash cloth with hot water or by placing a wet wash cloth in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Test the wash cloth before placing it on your face; you want the cloth to be warm, but not scalding. Leave the cloth on your face until the warmth has dissipated. Repeat for 10 minutes.

5. Try a twice-daily nasal wash. Nasal washing has been used for hundreds of years to clear the nasal passageways of dirt, bacteria and mucus. Fill a cup or mug with about 12 ounces of warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of non-iodized salt. Stir with a spoon for 30 seconds. Fill a nasal aspirator with the water and salt mixture. While turning your head so that it is parallel to the ground, place the nasal aspirator just inside the nostril closest to the ceiling. Slowly press the bulb of the aspirator, allowing the water to flow into one nostril and out of the other. Repeat. Then turn your head to the other side and repeat by allowing water to flow into the other nostril. You can also purchase a Neti pot system for nasal washes. If you purchase a Neti pot, follow the instructions provided in the packaging. You can continue nasal washes until your symptoms resolve, or you can continue indefinitely. Many experts say that nasal washing prevents colds and sinus infections.

Tags: your symptoms, symptoms resolve, your symptoms resolve, nasal passageways, until your, until your symptoms

Breast Augmentation Pain

Breast augmentation surgeries have grown in popularity throughout the years. New techniques and implants are being developed to help minimize pain and discomfort in the patient, however it is important to understand the discomfort one will go through during surgery and the potential pain caused by complications during and after surgery.

Trauma to Body

After surgery women will experience swelling and sometimes bruising. The pain is usually controlled with medication provided by your physician. You will feel discomfort for the first few days, but should not experience extreme pain. If you notice anything unusual make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

Fatigue

Most patients will experience soreness for the first few days, up to a week. The body has gone through a lot with surgery and it is very normal for the patient to feel extremely fatigued the first few days after surgery. Try to keep movements to a minimum and have someone there to help you with daily tasks for the first few days if possible.

Infection

Infection after surgery can not only cause pain at the site of the incision, but can also produce fever and depending on the type of infection, can be fatal. It is important to take care of the incisions according to your physician's instructions. If you feel feverish, see redness or discharge on your breasts, see a doctor immediately. If an infection occurs, the implant will be removed until the infection clears, which can take months, then another surgery will be needed to replace the implant.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue builds around the implant. This happens as the body attempts to defend itself again the foreign object placed inside. The scar tissue itself is not concerning, however if it forms to the point that it is squeezing the implant, it can cause serious pain and complications, such as causing the implant to rupture. Symptoms of capsular contracture are pain in the breasts, hardening of breasts and extreme asymmetry of the breasts caused by the scar tissue.

Sensitivity

It can take several months for the swelling to go down to the final size and breasts will be extremely sensitive. During this time, it is important to avoid injury to the chest. No strenuous activities or heavy lifting should be done and exercise should be limited. It is strongly recommended that patients avoid physical contact with breasts to speed up the recovery process and avoid injury that could result in another surgery for correction.

Self Image

While there are different types of physical pain associated with breast augmentation, it is important to address the mental anguish that may go along with the surgery. Sometimes client's expectations are extremely high and they are not happy with the end result. They may think they have chosen the wrong size, either too big or not big enough. They may think their breasts are not symmetrical or simply don't look the way they wanted. Whatever the case may be, the mental strain is great. It is important to be realistic with expectations and make sure surgery is performed for the right reasons.

Tags: first days, after surgery, scar tissue, another surgery, avoid injury, doctor immediately

Eat Healthy At The Melting Pot

There are certain aspects of the 70's that we hope never come back in full swing. Yet, others like fondue are welcomed with opened arms with places like The Melting Pot making fondue a hip dining experience. If you are having trouble deciphering eat healthy The Melting Pot, keep reading.

Instructions

1. Avoid eating the bread and cheese during the first course. Stick to the apples and the vegetables. The cheese is roughly an extra 14 grams of fat and over 240 calories alone.

2. Order your salad with a vinaigrette dressing rather than a creamy dressing.

3. Make the main course seafood, chicken or vegetarian. Also, eat as many vegetables as you can stand during this course. They will fill you up without adding any fat or calories to your meal.

4. Choose a cooking style that is vegetable based or cholesterol free oil.

5. Skip dessert. The dessert course is over 300 calories and almost six grams of fat depending on your selection. If you must have dessert, order just chocolate instead of adding in extras like cookies or alcohol. Also, eat as many fruits as possible rather than cakes or marshmallows.

6. Consider making a choice between skipping the cheese course or the dessert course. It will help to cut some calories and fat, but still maintain the whole fondue experience.

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What Bacteria Causes Ulcers In The Stomach

Helicobacter Pylori

Most stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are caused not by stress as many have assumed for years, but by a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori. H. Pylori has been found in 95 percent of people with gastric ulcers and in 100 percent of people with chronic gastritis. The people most at risk for an infection and subsequent ulceration are the elderly or people living in third world countries who were probably first infected as children. The organism itself does not cause ulcers to form but it secretes ammonia which neutralizes the acid inside the stomach, thereby allowing the bacteria to colonize that region and grow to a point where damage to the tissue occurs. Not everyone who is infected by H. Pylori actually develops ulcers.

Destroyed by Antibiotics

H. Pylori is shaped like a corkscrew and has moving appendages. This bacteria is able to survive the caustic environment of the stomach by hiding in the mucus lining of the organ where it reproduces itself many times over. It can only be eliminated from the patient through the use of antibiotics which attack the bacteria and destroy it. But the antibiotics must be taken at a doctor's orders because if the organism is not entirely eliminated it will reproduce into a colony again and the ulcer will return. Using the antibiotic treatment to its fullest extent will cure the ulcer permanently by eliminating the bacteria.

Disrupts the Immune System

This bacteria has the ability to swim on its own, which is why it can penetrate the mucus layer of the inside of the stomach. It creates proteins that stop stomach acids from forming, and creates its own ideal environment. H. Pylori is microaerophilic, which means that it requires very little oxygen to survive and it can attach itself to the epithelial cells lining of the stomach with small appendages that anchor it in place. It can also disrupt the attacks by the immune system through the use of enzymes that it releases which prevent the immune system from attacking it properly. Infections of H. Pylori are common throughout the United States and involve about 20 percent of people under the age of 40 and 50 percent of people over the age of 60.

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Treatment For Depression In Teens

Depression, which is also called clinical or major depression, is a mental health condition that can affect you at any age or stage of your life. The symptoms of depression in teenagers are similar to those of people in other age groups, although certain forms of treatment are riskier in teenagers compared to others. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, treatments for depression in teens include medications and counseling.

Types

Psychotherapy such as counseling is a conservative treatment for depression in teenagers, and may be used along with antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive therapy, brain and nerve stimulation, and alternative medicine.

Features

Treatments for depression may need to be customized, and what works for one teenager may not work for another due to differences in symptoms and effectiveness of medications.

Benefits

Treating depression in teens can improve academic performance, build self confidence and the ability to make and maintain friendships.

Time Frame

Although some medications may reduce symptoms of depression within four to six weeks, teenagers may require long-term treatment for their symptoms.

Considerations

When deciding on a course of treatment, teens, parents and physicians may consider the severity of the condition, side effects of treatments, and cost.

Warning

Teenagers may experience serious side effects from antidepressant medications, including thoughts or attempts at suicide, and may need careful observation by parents and physicians while on this treatment.

Tags: antidepressant medications, depression teenagers, depression teens, parents physicians, side effects, symptoms depression

Fsh Levels In Menopausal Women

The pituitary gland, located at base of the brain, produces follicle stimulating hormones (FSH), along with luteinizing hormones, according to Advancedfertility.com. When a woman's brain detects that there is low estrogen, which happens as menopause draws nearer, it calls to the pituitary to make more FSH. More FSH is released in an effort to get the ovaries to produce a good follicle and to produce more estrogen. A woman's body doesn't give up without a fight. It's still trying to reproduce well into our 40s and 50s.

The Body Keeps Trying

More and more FSH must be produced by the pituitary gland if there are fewer follicles left in the woman's body and if those follicles are of lesser quality than they were when a woman was younger. Women are born with a finite number of eggs and they age, just like the woman does. Try as the pituitary might, no matter how much FSH is released there aren't any viable follicles left and ovulation and pregnancy is not going to occur. Consequently, a menopausal woman's FSH levels remain high until her death.

Rising FSH Levels

During a woman's reproductive years, her FSH level is somewhere between 5 and 25 mIU/ml. However, once she enters into perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, her FSH levels will rise. Levels higher than 25 indicate that a woman is headed for the finish line and is close to menstrual cessation. FSH levels rise during perimenopause because the woman's body is still trying to ovulate (produce an egg for fertilization) but can't manage it because of hormonal imbalances. If a woman's FSH level is higher than 50, she is in full menopause, according to Epigee.org.

Ovaries Are Failing

High FSH levels indicate that a woman's ovaries are starting to fail, which means menopause is just around the corner, according to Epigee.org. Each month, FSH levels rise to prepare for ovulation. When the hormones rise in a younger woman, this prompts the ovaries to release the egg follicles. Once the egg is released, estrogen levels rise and FSH levels drop as the body prepares for a pregnancy or a period. However, if a woman is menopausal, ovulation does not occur so the FSH levels don't drop as they did when she was younger.

Estradiol Test and FSH Test

According to The Cleveland Clinic, two tests may be run on a woman, particularly a young woman who is suspected of going into premature menopause. The doctor will measure estradiol (estrogen) levels. If they are below 20 to 40 that may indicate that menopause is happening. The second test is to measure FSH levels. When the ovaries slow down production of estrogen, the FSH levels increase. If FSH levels are 30 to 40 mIU/mL in a younger woman, it means that she has premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Considerations

Epigee.org reminds women that, if taking a self-test at home, know that the results are not completely definitive and are only an indicator that you may be entering into menopause. These tests measure the levels of various hormones but cannot specifically tell you if you are absolutely in menopause. Abnormal hormone readings could conceivably be caused by something other than menopause. Because hormones fluctuate, the test should be repeated on a consistent basis.

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Do Plantar Fasciitis Stretches

A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis means that you have inflamed and overused the fascia that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. Extreme cases sometimes require surgery, but if you begin plantar fasciitis stretches soon after the onset of pain or your diagnosis, you have an excellent chance of full recovery. Follow these steps to do plantar fasciitis stretches to speed healing.

Instructions

1. Stand facing a wall, with one foot closer to the wall than the other is. The sore foot should be the one further from the wall. Place both hands on the wall, and bend the knee of the leg closest to the wall. Lean into the wall until you feel the heel stretch, hold for about 10 seconds and release. Repeat up to 20 times for each sore foot.

2. Face a counter top, and grasp the edge of the counter. Place your feet at shoulder width, and one foot in front of the other. Bend your knees and slowly squat toward the floor. Again, the rear foot will stretch, hold for 10 seconds and release the stretch.

3. Lay a towel on the floor and put your bare foot on it. Using your toes, grab some of the towel and bring it toward you. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat.

4. Sit in a chair and bring your foot up toward you. Grasp your heel in one hand, and the front of your foot in the other. Pull the toes gently toward you until you feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds, release and repeat with the other foot if needed.

5. Balance on the balls of your feet on a bottom step. Make sure there is a wall or handrail for support. Transfer your weight to one foot, while you lower the heel until you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold and repeat with your other foot.

Tags: seconds release, until feel, your foot, fasciitis stretches, feel stretch, Hold seconds

Frontal Lobe Effects In Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by swings from serious depression to extreme mania. About 1 percent of the general population suffers from bipolar disorder, which affects men and women roughly equally. Bipolar disorder is a biological brain disease that tends to run in families.

Cause

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the frontal lobe of the brain.

Manic Episodes

During manic episodes, activity in the frontal lobe increases significantly.

Depressive Episodes

During depressive episodes, activity in the frontal lobe decreases significantly.

Glial Cells

The brains of patients with bipolar disorder show decreases in the number and density of glial cells in the prefrontal cortex.

White Matter Hyperintensities

MRI studies of the frontal lobes of patients with bipolar disorder reveal small, abnormal areas in the white matter of the brain. These abnormalities are believed to be caused by the loss of myelin.

Tags: bipolar disorder, activity frontal, activity frontal lobe, Bipolar disorder, episodes activity, episodes activity frontal, Episodes During

Repair A Bostitch Nail Gun

A Bostitch nail gun is one of the best tools to have both at home and work. It is a lightweight tool featuring magnesium housing that makes it durable enough to withstand the regular bashing and banging of daily use. With its rubber foot and adjustable nail depth, it can be used on a wide range of materials, including soft woods. Most Bostitch nail guns work with any air compressors and feature an adjustable tool to direct exhaust or spent air away from the user when it is not in use.

Instructions

1. One problem you might experience with the Bostitch nail gun is that it frequently double or triple shoots nails. This occurs when the nail gun is attempting to shoot several nails at the same time even though the trigger has only been pulled once. Make sure you are using standard nails. If you are, the cause of multiple firing could be that the coil and the firing pin are not in line and are causing the nail to bend during firing. Ensure that the firing pin and the coil are in line so the nails do not fall out of place before firing.

2. If air is leaking or blowing out through the trigger, it could be because the O-ring in the trigger (sometimes referred to as the purple ring) is out of place or split. Open up the Bostitch nail gun to replace the O-ring if it is broken.

3. Sometimes the piston on your Bostitch nail gun may become stuck after firing. It is very likely that the valve head is stuck. Take off the blank head, and check whether the return spring is loaded. Push down the spring, and notice whether it returns back up. If it does, then the valve head needs replacing.