Establishments like hospitals, pharmacies and clinics are managed by healthcare professionals. These professionals usually have an educational background in the field, or relevant experience. A healthcare manager must be proficient in many skills in order to be successful. Large establishments sometimes provide an assistant to help with daily duties. At smaller institutions, the healthcare manager may be responsible for all of the details.
Management of Staff
Healthcare managers must be comfortable delegating duties to their staff. They have to be extremely organized and efficient in their scheduling, planning and flexibility.
Financial Management
Healthcare managers must manage their budgets carefully in order to maintain inventory and keep costs low. These professionals must also attempt to provide the best coverage for the lowest cost.
Collaboration with Doctors
It's important for healthcare managers to discuss issues with doctors. This collaboration is required to effectively manage the needs of all healthcare clients.
Office Management
It is the healthcare manager's duty to ensure that the main office runs smoothly. This includes running daily reports, ensuring that equipment works properly, and making sure that manpower is sufficient at all times.
Making Business Decisions
Healthcare managers make many important decisions. The professional must be strategic and thorough when making decisions, as one bad decision could negatively impact the entire business.
There are times when a patient is unable to get out of a bed because of a medical condition such as surgery, broken bones, illness and other issues that affect mobility. When a patient is confined to his bed, the caregiver must respond to his toileting needs quickly with a bedpan. This device allows the patient to urinate or to have a bowel movement. Using a bedpan can help prevent other health complications, such as constipation. These tips will ensure that you know use a bedpan properly.
Instructions
1. Lay supplies such as washcloths, toilet paper, towels, basin of warm water and disposable gloves nearby.
2. Allow the bedpan to heat up by running warm water over it. Because a metal bedpan retains heat, always check to see if it is slightly warm but not too hot before your patient uses it. Dry thoroughly. A warm bedpan will help the patient relax and feel comfortable enough to do his bodily functions.
3. Sprinkle a small amount of baby powder on the sides of the pan. Baby powder will help the bedpan easily slide underneath the patient. Slip on your disposable gloves.
4. Prepare the bed by sliding an absorbent waterproof pad underneath the patient's buttocks to keep the bed clean.
5. Raise the head of the bed slightly so that your patient doesn't get dizzy before sitting up.
6. Support your patient's lower back with one hand while he lifts his buttocks. Place the curved edge of the metal bedpan under the patient's buttocks with your opposite hand.
7. Lift up the head of the bed slowly until your patient can sit up so he will feel comfortable enough to have a bowel movement or to urinate.
8. Unless he feels too weak, walk out of the room so your patient can have some privacy.
9. Lower the head of the bed when your patient has finished using the bedpan. Tell the patient to lift his buttocks. Use one hand to support the patient's lower back. Carefully remove the bedpan with your opposite hand so you do not spill its contents. Put a towel over the bedpan and lay it on a chair. Do not place it on the bed table.
10. Roll the patient on his side and gently clean him with toilet paper. Use a damp wash cloth with soap to clean the patient's buttocks if necessary. Dry the area between the legs of your patient thoroughly.
11. Hand your patient a damp washcloth so he can sanitize his hands when he is finished.
Oregano oil has strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties.
The leaves of the oregano plant provide the raw material to produce oregano oil. Using steam distillation, either dried or fresh leaves release the potent oil containing carvacrol, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene, thymol and phenol, according to Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines. The oil has strong antibacterial properties, and may irritate the skin, according to Kathi Keville, author of "Aromatherapy: Healing for the Body and Soul." This concern prevents some herbalists from recommending it.
Skin and Mucus Irritation
The PDR for Herbal Medicines lists no precautions or adverse reactions when the oil is used in appropriate, designated therapeutic doses. However, Keville notes that in strong dosages, the antibiotic properties from the phenol may irritate tender skin. Some herbalists recommend diluting the oil with a vegetable-based carrier oil, such as olive, almond, sesame or a neutral oil like Vitamin E. Oil of oregano may irritate mucus membranes in addition to irritating the skin. The PDR for Herbal Medicines recommends using oregano oil in capsule form for oral use.
Caravacrol Sensitivity
Caravacrol is the most potent and largest component of oregano oil. It has antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic properties, according to Michelle and Les Moore, scientists with backgrounds in the pharmaceutical industry and in natural health. They recommend that wild crafted, organically pure oil of oregano be diluted prior to use because of the high concentration of caravacrol. They note, however, that many brands of oil of oregano actually contain milder oil of thyme and marjoram and are quite safe to use.
Pregnancy and Children Precautions
Pregnant women and children should not use oil of oregano unless under the supervision of a doctor. The Moores recommend that oil of thyme or marjoram be used for children over the age of 6, but they do not recommend any options for children who are younger than 6. They recommend that a pregnant woman seek the advice and counsel of a health care provider who is knowledgeable in pregnancy and herbal medicine before using oil of thyme or marjoram. A naturopathic doctor, osteopath with herbal training or a midwife with herbal training could provide such advice.
Safe Use Suggestions
Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as sesame or almond, before applying it to your skin. A few drops of oil of oregano with 1/4 cup of carrier oil should be sufficient for most purposes. If the oil feels too warm or irritating, add more carrier oil. Use topically on rheumatic joints, painful muscles and on infected sores. Massage the deeply diluted oil into the skin. Add a few drops of the oil to a tub of warm bath water or to bath salts. A few drops of oregano oil may be added to a cup of soap or cleaner to disinfect surfaces or body surfaces.
Oil diffusers are effective in adding subtle fragrance to the air, since oil is a versatile medium for aromatherapy and essential oils. Candle diffusers are used to diffuse scents in a shallow bowl, using subtle heat from a votive candle. Clay pot diffusers are porous, closed jugs that can be hung on the wall to disseminate fragrance through evaporation. A popular trend is a reed diffuser, which consists of a bottle of fragrant oil and reeds that absorb the oil to the ends for evaporation. Reed diffusers don't require heat, provide a decorative element and are easy to maintain. The benefit of using oil diffusers is flexibility in changing the scent based on needs and preferences.
Instructions
Candle Diffusers
1. Pour the aromatic oil into the saucer on top of a candle diffuser, filling no more than halfway.
2. Position a votive candle under the container (there is an open side of the candle diffuser to insert a votive candle).
3. Place the candle diffuser in a safe location and light the candle to gently warm the scented oil.
Reed Diffusers
4. Decant the aromatic oil into the bottle and fill halfway.
5. Insert the diffuser reeds into the neck of the bottle, taking care not to over-stuff the neck of the bottle, and arrange the reeds as desired.
6. Place the bottle in a secure location and turn the reeds over weekly to expose the moist ends to air.
Clay Pot Diffusers
7. Pour the aromatic oil into the ceramic jug of the clay pot diffuser using a small funnel; fill the jug at least halfway.
8. Plug the opening of the ceramic jug or pot using the cork provided.
9. Hang the clay pot diffuser in a ventilated area to diffuse a light scent. Check the level of oil bimonthly.
Removing an embedded tick on an outdoor trail can be difficult, as you will likely lack all of the tools necessary to safely and completely detach it. At the very least you need a pair of tweezers, or another similar tool. While it is important to remove ticks as soon as possible, it is far more important to remove the entire insect. As long as its tiny head is intact, a tick can regrow the bulk of its body and its legs if they are damaged or dismembered.
Instructions
1. Stop at an open location along the trail with plenty of sunlight. If it is dark or cloudy, get a flashlight or other light source. Check the tick's host and other animals or people on the trail for more ticks. Look over clothing, backpacks and hats as well. Ticks can be as small as a period on a sentence, so use glasses or even a magnifying glass if necessary.
2. Ask the affected person to sit or lay down in a well-lit location. If there is a tick on a dog or other animal, have a companion hold it still as you remove the parasite. Brush away hair and pull clothes from the attached tick. Try to clear at least a few inches around the tick bite for maximum visibility.
3. Dump rubbing alcohol on a pad or cotton ball and squeeze it over the bite. If you don't have access to it, you can also spread an oil, lotion or Vaseline over the bug. Continue to apply the liquid or ointment, at least two or three times, over the next 30 minutes. Watch the tick to see if it releases its grip to escape suffocation.
4. Place your thumbs on both sides of the tick pointing at one another. They should be several inches apart, about 1 to 1.5 inches from the tick. Press down against the skin with each thumb and slowly push towards the tick. Get as close as you can without actually touching the tick, then repeat the process several times until the head of the tick is exposed.
5. Grab the head of the tick with tweezers or a similar tool. Hold it firmly but don't squeeze it more than necessary; you don't need to apply much pressure to remove the tick. Pressing too hard can break the tick and hinder your attempt to completely remove it. Pull the tick slowly from the host. Reposition the tweezers if they slip or move from the tick's head.
6. Seal the tick in a container or release it far away from the group. Carefully check the tick bite for signs of inflammation, swelling or remnants. Pull any remaining pieces of the bug from the skin. Consult a doctor if the bite becomes red or more inflamed after the tick is removed.
Tags: from tick, head tick, important remove, similar tool, tick bite
Depression is a mental disorder that affects the afflicted individuals' mood and behavior. Teenagers suffering from depression feel unhappy, hopeless and lethargic. According to Psychology Information Online, approximately four out of 100 teenagers get seriously depressed each year. This mood disorder affects all areas of teenagers' lives, including the home, school, friends and community. The symptoms of depression may be more pronounced in teenagers who are already overwhelmed with the stress and pressures of puberty. If left untreated, depression can lead to serious problems, such as self-medication with drugs or alcohol or thoughts or suicide.
How Depression Affects Emotions
With depression, the symptoms can last several weeks or several months. According to the "Teen Depression" guide, depression can destroy the very essence of teenagers' personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair or anger. During this difficult time, teens may feel that life has no meaning. If something bad happens, such as a family illness, death or divorce, the teenagers may feel guilt even though they had nothing to do with the situation. Crying spells are also possible with depressed teens, especially girls. Teenagers may also feel isolated or alone and that no one understands how they feel or what they are going through. Teenagers who are depressed have racing thoughts, wandering minds and find it hard to concentrate. Depressed teens also have a tendency to lose interest in school activities, friends and hobbies. The hormonal changes may intensify emotions and make teenagers more irritable or hostile. Thoughts of suicide are common in depression. Teenagers may talk frequently of suicide and/or death.
How Depression Affects Behavior
Depression also affects the behavior of teenagers. Sleeping more is one of the signs of depression. But individuals suffering from depression may still be tired and weak after sleeping many hours. Conversely, some depressed teens suffer from insomnia or the inability to stay asleep. Eating too much or not eating enough are both possible with depression. Some teens may overeat as a way to medicate themselves while others turn to drugs or alcohol. Teens may have little interest in school or homework and stop caring about the future. Some teens may have poor attendance records. With others, grades may drop considerably. Withdrawal from friends and family and a preference for being alone are also possible with depression. Running away from home or talking about leaving can also be signs of depression. In severe cases, teenagers may cut themselves or attempt self-mutilation. If teens fall into serious depression, they may try to kill themselves.
Tags: possible with, also possible, also possible with, depressed teens, Depression Affects, drugs alcohol
Yoga enhances your tennis game both physically and mentally.
Tennis is a sport that requires concentration and focus in addition to athletic agility. As a tennis player, you run the risk of developing injuries due to muscular imbalances, weaknesses or overuse. Because of the nature of the sport, your body loses symmetry due to one side being utilized more than the other. You also run the risk of developing tennis elbow, which occurs when too much strain is placed on the elbow joint due to weakened shoulders and upper-back muscles. Yoga helps decrease your risk of injuries as well as enhance your overall balance. In addition to physical benefits, yoga also enhances your concentration and mental focus. Specific postures target key areas that will keep you at the top of your game.
Cow Face Pose
The Cow Face Pose will help open your shoulders and create balance and symmetry between your external hip rotators. Begin from a tabletop position, balanced on your hands and knees. Slide your right knee in front of your left and sit back as you spread your feet and ankles out to their opposite sides. If your bottom does not reach the floor, sit on top of a bolster or folded blanket. Sit tall and extend your left arm overhead and your right arm behind your back. Bend your elbows and reach your left arm down your back while your right arm reaches up. Use a strap or towel if your hands do not meet. Relax in the posture for one minute, then release and repeat on the other side.
Eagle Arms
The Eagle Pose builds strength in your shoulder joints and opens your upper back. Begin seated or standing with both arms extended out from your shoulders in the shape of the letter T. Reach your left arm forward and slide your right elbow underneath your left. Bend both elbows and allow your forearms to extend to meet each other. Bring the palms of your hands together and lift your arms so that your elbows are in line with the height of your shoulders. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute and repeat with your left arm passing under your right.
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
The Half Lord of the Fishes pose creates more mobility for your tennis swing by enhancing your rotation and improving flexibility in your upper back. Begin seated with both legs extended on the floor. Bend your right knee and cross your right foot over your left thigh. Twist and place your left elbow outside of your right knee. Continue to hold the twist as you look over your right shoulder. If you would like a deeper twist, bend your left knee and let your foot rest near your right hip. Hold the pose for one minute, then release and repeat on the other side.
Dolphin Pose
Dolphin Pose strengthens your upper back and helps prevent the development of tennis elbow. Begin on your knees with both arms extended in front of you and your forearms anchored to the floor. Curl your toes under as you straighten your legs, lifting your hips toward the ceiling. Align your elbows directly beneath your shoulders and hold. Begin holding the pose for 30 seconds and progress to one minute as your strength improves.
Warrior III
The Warrior III promotes muscular symmetry and enhances concentration. Begin standing in an upright position with both feet together. Step your left foot back and shift your weight onto your right foot. Hinge forward from your hips until your torso is parallel to the floor while simultaneously lifting your left leg behind you. Reach both arms forward and hold your balance. Work toward holding the pose for 30 seconds before repeating on your other side. If you are new to yoga or have difficulties maintaining your balance, you may need a chair or wall close by for support.
Tags: your left, your right, with both, your shoulders, both arms, other side, right knee
Stress. Insomnia. Stuffy nose. Headache. Sore muscles. These are just a few of the problems that can be eased by using an aroma therapy bag. Aroma therapy bags can be made using rice scented with essential oils. Whether you make your own or buy them, aroma therapy bags can be used heated or chilled.
Make Your Own
To make an aroma therapy rice bag, pour 2 teaspoons of essential oil--lavender, chamomile or rose are good for relaxation--into a quart glass Mason jar. Cover the top with plastic wrap, put the lid on and roll the jar to coat the inside with essential oils. Open the jar and add 3 cups of dry rice. Place the plastic wrap and lid back on and lay the jar on its side. Roll the jar several times each day for three days.
Aroma therapy rice bags are not difficult to make. Alicia on the Cancer Lynx website fills a long tube sock with rice and ties or sews the end. If you want to make one out of material, Sew Mama Sew has a tutorial that includes pictures.
Hot or Cold
To heat the aroma therapy bag, put it on a plate and place in a microwave. The amount of time for heating will vary depending upon the size of the bag. Begin by heating the bag on high for one minute; check to see whether it is warm to the touch and reheat if needed.
For a cold bag, place the aroma therapy bag in a plastic zip-style bag, close the plastic bag and put it in the freezer. The plastic bag will protect the food in the freezer from absorbing the smell from the essential oils.
Hepatitis C attacks the liver but can remain dormant for decades and does not always require treatment.Those diagnosed with the early stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are advised to continue normal life routines. Advanced stages of HCV, which a person does not always reach, may call for a few possible treatments. Understanding what these treatments are can help a patient make a more informed decision regarding their care. There are three main kinds of hepatitis C - genotypes 1, 2 and 3. Genotype 1 is the most prevalent.
Reasons Treatment May Be Required For Hepatitis C
Often, no treatment is necessary for hepatitis C, but there are exceptions. A blood test indicating the presence of hepatitis C in the bloodstream may require regular treatments and medical supervision. If a standard liver biopsy indicates severe liver damage, hepatitis C treatment is necessary. Excessive levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) indicate that treatment for hepatitis C is required.
Reasons No Treatment May Be Required For Hepatitis C
Many times, no treatment is required with a diagnosis of hepatitis C. If regular testing indicates a negligible amount of damage to your liver, your doctor may decide to forgo treatment, since many treatments for hepatitis C have major side effects. Not all doctors come to this conclusion, however; many feel that the disease is worth fighting from its earliest stages, despite the potential side effects of treatment.
Treatments For Hepatitis C
The most common treatment for hepatitis C is a regular weekly injection of a drug called pegylated interferon alfa combined with a twice-a-day antiviral agent called ribavirin (Rebetol). This combination therapy treatments clears up hepatitis C in 40 to 80 percent of the people who use it; people with genotype 1 HCV respond positively 40 percent of the time, while those with types 2 and 3 respond positively about 80 percent of the time.
Side Effects Of Treatments For Hepatitis C
The interferon used in the drug therapy treatment of HCV may cause side effects in some individuals. These may include irritability, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, fatigue, skin irritation, depression and concentration or memory issues. The ribivirin used in the drug therapy treatment of HCV may cause side effects, including nasal congestion, anemia, fatigue, itchiness and birth defects. In combination treatments, interferon and ribavirin may cause side effects including suicidal behavior or psychosis; people who have had problems with depression in the past are advised against using the combination treatment for hepatitis C.
Liver Transplantation And HCV
In severe, end stage liver disease, transplantation may be necessary. It is important to note, however, that a liver transplant does not cure hepatitis C; even if a person receives a liver transplant, the disease can recur. HCV patients who receive a liver transplant are also very likely to develop cirrhosis within five years.
Tags: cause side, cause side effects, liver transplant, side effects, treatment hepatitis, does always
If you have just recently learned that you are pregnant, the first question on your mind might be just how pregnant you actually are and when you can expect to be giving birth to your baby, known as the "due date" for your pregnancy. In human beings, pregnancy lasts an average of about 40 weeks from the start of the woman's last menstrual period--but there are a number of ways to try to date the pregnancy.
Instructions
1. Get out a calendar and count 40 weeks from the first day of your last known menstrual period. If you know your last menstrual period, this will be how your doctor calculates your due date, although he will most likely use a wheel that automatically calculates this rather than count weeks on a calendar. This method works best if you have regular 28-day menstrual cycles. Women ovulate about 2 weeks before their menstrual periods begin, so if you have a longer cycle or an irregular menstrual cycle, that affects your ovulation date and this method will not be accurate (given that your pregnancy technically begins after ovulation and the fertilization of the egg).
2. Count 9 months on the calendar from the date of your last menstrual period and then add 2 more weeks; 40 weeks of pregnancy translates to about 9 1/2 calendar months (or 9 months from conception if you have 28-day cycles with ovulation in the middle of your menstrual cycle). This is a more rough estimate of when to expect your baby, but it is easier than counting weeks.
3. Count 38 weeks from your ovulation date if you were actively trying to conceive and happen to know which day you ovulated. This is the most accurate means of calculating your due date, but it requires that you actually know your ovulation date--such as if you were using ovulation predictor strips or temperature charting during your menstrual cycle. But even if you have irregular cycles, if you know your ovulation date, this method gives you an accurate estimate of your due date.
4. Count 38 weeks from the date that you had sexual intercourse if you know for certain which incident of sexual intercourse resulted in the pregnancy (such as if you have only had sex once in the last several months). Sperm can live inside a woman's body for 5 to 7 days, so this method would give you an estimated due date within 5 to 7 days of accuracy--but only if you are certain about the date of the sex that caused the pregnancy.
5. Visit your doctor for an early ultrasound. A transvaginal ultrasound in early pregnancy allows the doctor to measure the gestational sac and early developing baby to correspond to dates of development and give you a due date within 7 days of accuracy. Ultrasound becomes less accurate as a tool for calculating the due date as the pregnancy progresses, because the margins of error become wider (since babies grow at different rates). Your doctor will probably use this method to calculate your due date if you do not know the date of your last menstrual period or the likely date of conception.
Tags: last menstrual, menstrual period, weeks from, your date, your last
Medicaid, along with Medicare, is a health insurance program created as a part of the Social Security Act of 1965. It was designed to help individuals and families who could not afford to pay for health care. The program is mostly available to individuals who have low income. In order to qualify, the individual must meet certain eligibility requirements. Medicaid helps to provide coverage for many groups of people. Within some groups, certain state requirements must be met as well.
Mandatory Eligibility Groups
States are required to provide Medicaid coverage for most people who receive income assistance from the federal government. There are certain Medicaid mandatory eligibility groups. One of these is families with children who have limited income. These families must also be able to meet the eligibility requirements of their state's Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Another group of eligible individuals are those who may receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For pregnant women and children younger than 6, the family's income must be below 133 percent of the federal poverty level.
Categorically Needy Groups
There are also certain categorically needy groups for Medicaid. Pregnant women and children, up until they turn the age of 1, whose family income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be eligible. If a child is under the age of 21, he can be eligible for Medicaid if he is ineligible to receive AFDC, but income requirements must be met. Also, individuals living in institutions, but who have limited income can be eligible.
Pregnant Women, Children and Teenagers
Women should apply for Medicaid if they think that they may be pregnant. If a woman's income does not exceed 133 percent of the federal poverty level, then she may be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage regardless of her marital status. If a woman is on Medicaid when her child is born, then she and the child will still receive coverage.
Individuals can apply for Medicaid if they are the guardian or the parent of a child who is under the age of 18. To be eligible, the family must have a limited income. If a teenager is emancipated (living on her own), she may apply for Medicaid as well. A teenager can either apply on their own or have an adult apply for them. In some states, children can receive coverage until they turn 21.
Aged or Disabled Individuals
If an individual is over the age of 65, they may be eligible for Medicaid only if they have low income. If someone is terminally ill and requires hospice services, he can also apply. Medicaid is also there to help the individuals who are disabled.
Usually, these individuals are qualified to receive Medicare coverage as well. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for most individuals who are over the age of 65 and/or have certain disabilities. For most services, Medicare will pay 80 percent of the Medicare approved amount for services. If an individual receives Medicaid, the remaining 20 percent will be covered.
Coverage
Medicaid helps to provide coverage for many medical services that an individual may need, especially for the elderly or disabled. Some services that state Medicaid programs must provide coverage for are: dental services, doctor services, hospital services, lab fees, certified nurse practitioner and midwife services, home health care, nursing home care and family planning. Medicare directly sends payments to the individual's health care provider. In some states, individuals may be required to pay a small co-payment.
Tags: apply Medicaid, federal poverty, federal poverty level, have limited, have limited income
Lyme disease comes from ticks and is caused by the Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria. Most commonly, it comes from the deer ticks that feed on human blood. If you spend a lot of time in a heavily wooded area, take precautions. Make sure to check yourself for ticks on a regular basis. Homeopathic treatments will ensure no recurrences and strengthen your immune system.
Homeopathic treatments
Homeopathy uses the body itself to heal based on the premise that a diseased state will be reversed when your body's defenses become strengthened and activated. Homeopathy works by helping the immune system recognize that it's being attacked and then fighting against invading bacteria, thus creating the body's own immunological defense. Homeopathic treatments are similar to vaccines in that they are composed of miniscule amounts of the organism that is causing the infection, thereby using the same toxin to fight the invading mechanism.
While Western medicine is concerned about finding a quick cure, homeopathy focuses on the long term, getting your immune system back in balance to ensure no relapses. Heat therapy works well for Lyme disease. The patient raises his or her body temperature to 102 degrees two times per day for up to 20 minutes using a sauna, hot tub or steam bath with diaphoretic tea. You'll also need miasmatic, or long-term, and symptom-relief remedies. When you are well, you will need a constitutional remedy to enhance your immune system. Some of the remedies for the early stages are sepia, sulphur, tellurium, carioca, kalmia and pastille. According to homeopathy, using a total approach toward all symptoms is the only path for treatment. Homeopaths also recommend using herbs, as they accelerate the response of the immune system. People can't build up a resistance to herbs like they can to antibiotics.
Symptoms
Not everyone has the same symptoms with Lyme disease. Symptoms will most likely show up approximately seven to 14 days after the bite. A rash looking like a bull's eye is one of the trademarks of this disease. According to Mayo Clinic, it starts small and can grow to 12 inches. You might also experience flu symptoms, joint pain, and neurological problems like temporary paralysis, memory loss, mood changes and a change in your sleeping pattern. Less common symptoms include irregular heartbeat, hepatitis or even eye infections.
Tags: immune system, Homeopathic treatments, Lyme disease, your immune, your immune system
One of the greatest bonuses about having a new baby in the house is getting to be close to that baby, and getting to breastfeed so often. It can also be exhausting, and one of the problems that can arrive with the wonder of breastfeeding is the pain of mastitis. Mastitis is an infection of the breast. Usually a milk duct gets clogged and milk becomes engorged in the affected breast. It will become painful to nurse. A new mom might consider giving up breastfeeding if she is experiencing mastitis, but if she can get through the initial pain, it's best for both mom and baby (and breast) if nursing continues right through the infection.
Instructions
1. Take your temperature. Symptoms of mastitis are a fever, accompanied by chills. Sometimes your whole body will ache and you'll feel like you have the flu.
2. Feel your breast to see if it is engorged, even after the baby is finished nursing. The breast will feel hard and uncomfortable, like it's still full of milk.
3. Feel the temperature of your breast. Is the breast hot to touch? And check in a mirror at the color of the skin on the breast. Is the skin red, or streaked red in one area? Especially check a mirror if you can't see underneath the breast.
4. See how you feel when the baby nurses. When the baby goes to latch on, there will be some pain while he nurses.
5. A combination of any of these symptoms signals mastitis. You should contact your doctor who will want to see you, and may prescribe antibiotics. You should continue nursing your baby on both breasts to keep milk flowing. Your baby will be fine -- the baby can't get the infection -- the germ probably came from the baby's mouth anyway.
Throat cancer prevention requires following lifestyle and behavioral guidelines in order to decrease the risk of disease. Although the cause of throat cancer is unknown, research and studies have shown that throat cancer may be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and knowledge about the disease.
Instructions
1. Learn about your throat cancer risk factors. Smokers, heavy drinkers, people who have family members with throat cancer and people with weak immune systems may carry a higher risk for throat cancer. Talk to your family and your doctor to find out if you could be at risk.
2. Avoid tobacco smoke. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke increase the risk of developing throat cancer.
3. Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage a day could significantly increase your risk of throat cancer. Excessive drinking should be avoided.
4. Increase the amount of vitamin A in your diet. A deficiency of vitamin A may be linked to increased throat cancer risk. Eat foods rich in vitamin A (such as liver) or take a vitamin A supplement.
5. Eat at least 5 servings of nutrient-rich whole grains, fruits and vegetables every day. A poor diet increases the risk for throat cancer.
6. Get regular cancer screenings. A healthy lifestyle alone cannot prevent development of throat cancer. Other factors, like heredity and viruses, are also linked to the disease. Screenings will ensure you are healthy and catch cancer in its early stages.
7. Follow up with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: sore throat, persistent cough, difficulty swallowing or pain.
False teeth require special care and attention. Most sets of false teeth are best cleaned using denture brushes. Proper brushing will assure your teeth's appearance and will help them to last longer.
Instructions
1. Remove your false teeth from your mouth and run some warm tap water over them for a few seconds. This removes any large food particles stuck to the teeth.
2. Put a small amount of denture cleaning paste or liquid soap onto a denture brush.
3. Brush the top teeth first using a gentle back and forth motion. Make sure you run the brush over all of the front teeth. Then proceed to clean the backside of the upper teeth.
4. Move to the sides of the upper teeth. Brush both the front and back side of all of the side teeth using the same back and forth motion.
5. Pick up the lower teeth and brush them the same way you brushed the upper teeth. Start with the front side of the front teeth and then move to the backside of the front teeth. Follow through with brushing the front and backside of the side teeth on the lower jaw.
6. Massage the gum area of the false teeth with the brush. Brush the areas that come into contact with your mouth's mucus membranes.
7. Soak your false teeth in warm water with a denture tablet overnight for additional cleaning.
Tags: false teeth, front teeth, upper teeth, back forth, back forth motion, brush Brush, forth motion
Varicose veins are not only ugly, but can be dangerous. They can lead to stroke, heart problems or blood clots. Many herbs have been found helpful in the treatment of varicose veins. Follow these steps to treat varicose veins with herbs.
Instructions
1. Use Horse Chestnut, available in a tincture, and apply it externally. Experiments have supported its use and it has been cited as the most effective herbal treatment for varicose veins.
2. Try Butcher's Broom to strengthen veins and improve blood flow. It can be used internally or externally and also reduces foot swelling.
3. Eat Violet flowers or pansies. They contain rutin which strengthens capillary walls. They are safe when eaten up to 100 at a time and look great in salads. If you don't want to eat violets or pansies, try buckwheat pancakes which are also high in rutin.
4. Apply witch hazel externally in water or alcohol extracts. It has a tingly astringent effect and is also good to treat for bruises.
5. Check out calendula as a tea or in a sitz bath for anti-inflammatory effects. A tincture of calendula can also be used in a compress to apply externally.
Many people are addicted to the caffeine in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate. Though it seems harmless, studies show that high doses of caffeine can bring risks of miscarriage, fertility problems, tacky-arrhythmia, high cholesterol and panic attacks. Other study results showed that high daily doses of caffeine may raise risks of osteoporosis, breast disease, high blood pressure and ulcers. If you are drinking more than four cups of coffee or tea or soft drinks a day, you are getting too much caffeine. Your goal should be two cups of caffeinated beverage or less per day. By making this reduction, you will survive caffeine withdrawal and allow yourself to find other alternatives.
Instructions
1. Understand that surviving caffeine withdrawal can tricky because caffeine is so readily available. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms include headaches, depression, concentration problems and cravings. These symptoms usually subside after 2 to 4 days. Usually, after you have been drinking less caffeine for about a week, you won't miss it, because the body adjusts to your new habits.The best way to adjust to caffeine withdrawal is to follow your plan a little bit at a time. If you start to experience headaches or other withdrawal symptoms, have a small amount of caffeine. Weaning yourself away from it gradually has proven to be the best approach.
2. Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and soft drinks. Try to cut back on the amount of caffeine that you consume by at least 25 percent each week. You will soon have eliminated it from your diet completely, and will remain withdrawal-symptom-free.
3. Practice alternatives to drinking caffeine. Caffeine-free beverages are plentiful. Try substitutes like decaffeinated coffee, herbal tea, skim milk, juice, and water.Take up a hobby to keep your mind occupied. Supplant your caffeine habit with exercise. For a quick energy boost, take a walk for about 20 minutes. If it is impossible for you to get along without the cup of coffee, try to save it for times of real desperation.
Bone marrow transplant is a potential life-saving procedure for patients with blood-related cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. For many people, transplant is their only chance of a cure, but without a donor--someone whose immune system is genetically similar to theirs--they cannot undergo the procedure. The Be the Match Registry is an international database of people who are healthy and who consent to being bone marrow donors. If you would like to be a donor, simply follow the steps to join the Registry.
Instructions
Getting Tested
1. Confirm that you meet eligibility guidelines. You must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and healthy. You will not be able to donate bone marrow if you have heart disease, cancer, hepatitis, AIDS, or most autoimmune disorders. The minimum age is simply the legal age to consent, and the maximum age is drawn at 60 due to the effects of anesthesia on older people.
2. Go to http://www.marrow.org/index.html and click "Join the Registry." You can fill out the form online, but if you prefer to talk to someone, put in your location to find the closest donor center.
3. Send for the registration kit.
4. Read the instructions in the kit and collect a cell sample by swabbing the inside of your mouth.
5. Return the sample to the address indicated in the kit.
6. Wait for news of a possible match from the Registry. This may happen almost immediately, or it may take many years. It is also possible that you will not match anyone, and therefore you will never be asked to donate. Unless you remove your name, you will be on the Registry until your 61st birthday. If you are identified as a potential donor, you will undergo more tests to confirm a match.
Eczema, a skin disorder that results in scaly rashes, is a chronic issue that can cause much itching and discomfort. The causes of eczema vary. Likewise treatments for eczema differ according to the stage of eczema. As an alternative, Ayurvedic treatments for eczema are available, which involve no drugs or chemicals of any kind. Ayurvedic medicine and nutrition is a traditional form of medicine and nutrition from India, which attempts to heal through natural means. Note that the effectiveness of this type of diet is not scientifically validated.
Overall Diet
According to an article entitled, "Herbal and Ayurvedic Cures for Eczema Treatment", the way to manage eczema is through an Ayurvedic diet. The Ayurvedic school of thought suggests that eczema is a symptom of bad digestion or constitution, so one way of treating eczema is through a change in diet. With this diet, avoid tart foods like yogurt, tomatoes, pickles, and tamarind. Lemon, however, is not classified as a sour food in the Ayurvedic system. Also avoid salt.
Ghee, or Indian clarified butter, is commonly used for Indian cooking, and Ayurveda recommends cooking only with ghee and not oil. You can find ghee through online Indian grocery stores and at local Indian, Middle Eastern and whole foods stores. Also recommended for eating is turmeric, a common Indian spice often used in curries and sauces. Turmeric also can be found easily at Indian groceries.
Legumes like peanuts and many beans are heavy and slow down digestion, so avoid these foods. Green lentils, however, are easy to digest and can be consumed. Avoid animal foods like mutton, chicken and fish.
Foods that will help get rid of eczema include leafy greens like spinach, cabbage and cauliflower.
Natural Food Topical Remedies
Ayurvedic medicine also recommends numerous food ingredient mixtures to apply topically to your eczema for healing and relief. One treatment is made from grinding whole nutmeg into powder form and then adding water to make a paste. You can then apply the paste to the rash. Applying pure coconut oil is also helpful for clearing up eczema. Simply keep the inflamed area area moist until the rash clears up.
Another helpful topical cure is a linseed poultice, made by mixing equal parts water with lime juice in it with linseed oil.
Neem is a tree found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and other areas. If you can find neem, neem is said to be beneficial in treating eczema and good for the skin in general, according to Ayurvedic practitioners. Neem leaves can be applied to eczema, and neem oil can be applied directly onto the affected area. In Ayurveda, neem is considered anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and moisturizing and is included in many cosmetic and toiletry products in India, such as toothpaste, mouthwash and lotion. You can find neem in many online natural medicine and herbal stores, as well as in Indian groceries. There have been no clinical trials which have proven the efficacy of neem, however.
Tags: Ayurvedic medicine, eczema through, find neem, foods like, Indian groceries, medicine nutrition, treating eczema
Intra-abdominal injuries are a serious matter and can lead to death if left untreated. First aid consists of identification of the condition so that emergency services can be contacted to deliver the victim to an appropriate medical facility.
Instructions
1. Ask the victim a question to see if they are responsive. If any trauma victim is unconscious or unresponsive, call 911.
2. If the victim is responsive, you should ask them about their injury. Sharp abdominal pains, as well as sudden swelling or distension in the abdomen, is an urgent medical emergency. A sharp pain is an indicator of a potential organ rupture, and swelling is a common indicator of internal bleeding. Call 911.
3. If the victim is coherent and refuses emergency treatment, advise them to watch out for blood in their urine or stools and to call emergency services if the feel a sharp stabbing pain in their abdomen. Not all abdominal trauma will show immediate signs that will indicate they are urgent medical emergencies.
Nurses help provide crucial information to organ donors and their families.
The importance of timely and sensitive organ donation cannot be stressed enough in today's complex medical environment. As a premier part of the health-care team, nurses can have a unique and profound influence on a patient or family's decision to become an organ donor.
Patients
At times, the decision to become a donor is an easy one, when the patient is young and in relatively good health before dying suddenly. With older patients who are dying, nurses can provide solace and comfort during the stressful time needed to make this important decision.
Families
It is not only patients who have trouble coming to terms with organ donation. Families of the terminally ill might need to make the difficult choice of whether to let their dying relative become a donor. Nurses can assist in this emotional process by providing information to families on the positive effects donation can bring to another needy patient and her loved ones.
Cultural
With new life-saving treatments and medications comes the potential for longer life --- and with it, the increased need for eventual organ donation. However, certain cultures or religions look down on or expressly prohibit their members from becoming donors. Nurses who share the ethnic and religious background of the patient can assist him in seeing donation as a viable and selfless option.
Tags: organ donation, become donor, decision become
If you are asked you to help someone recover after breast implant surgery, you can follow these steps as a guide to your duties. As a caretaker, you can do a great deal to ease your friend's discomfort after this specific surgery.
Instructions
1. Be sure you have the time available -- probably several days after the surgery itself.
2. Help your friend with tasks that involve lifting, bending, or straining. Most doctors prohibit the patient from performing such actions so as to avoid injury to the incisions.
3. Learn about care for your friend's incisions. Know which medications she must take, how much and how often.
4. Learn about the potential complications after this type of surgery (see Resources below). You might be able to spot a problem before it escalates.
5. Assist your friend with such activities as dressing and bathing, which may stretch the incision sites and healing scar tissues.
6. Be prepared to cook and clean. In addition, be prepared to offer emotional as well as physical support.
Tags: your friend, your friend with, After Breast, After Breast Implant, after this, Breast Implant Surgery
Binge eating disorder, also known as compulsive overeating, is an addiction to food. This addiction causes the binge eater to eat a massive amount of food in a short period of time, and often to consume thousands of calories. These overeating episodes usually leave the person feeling out of control, ashamed, guilty and uncomfortably full.
Causes
There is no known cause for binge eating disorder. Some factors do seem to play an important role in the development of binge eating disorder. Depression is one of the most well known causes of binge eating. Other causes of binge eating may be genetics, stress, emotions and dieting. Not eating enough throughout the day may also lead to binge eating.
Symptoms
Binge eaters can let food take over their lives. They may miss work, school and social outings in order to stay home and eat. They may begin to see food as a friend and may even refer to it that way. Other recognizable symptoms of binge eating are hiding food, eating secretly, insomnia, sweating profusely, shortness of breath, weight gain, mobility problems, depression, mood swings and impulsive behavior.
Complications of Binge Eating
The majority of binge eaters are overweight or obese. The obesity can lead to health problems. These can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, stroke and gallbladder disease. Psychological problems are also common in binge eaters. Depression and other emotional problems can lead to thoughts of suicide.
Psychological Treatment
Recovering from binge eating disorder usually starts with some form of counseling. The binge eating is often triggered by unresolved emotions from the past. Resolving these issues is a step forward in recovering from the depression and the emotional problems that may have started or contributed to the compulsive overeating.
Nutritional Treatment
Another part of controlling binge eating is learning how much and what to eat in order to be healthy. This may include consulting a nutritionist to set up a weight loss plan that includes proper portioning. Learning the right way to control your weight is a crucial step in the recovery process.
Medical Treatment
Recovery will also need to include getting treatment for any medical issues that were caused by the binge eating. Eating right and losing weight may eventually take care of most of the medical problems. Until then your doctor may want to treat the conditions with medication. As you get healthier, the medications may be decreased or even stopped.
Hydrogen peroxide is a solution that has both personal and industrial uses. It is a natural disinfectant and bleach. One of its industrial uses is to bleach paper; for personal use, hydrogen peroxide is well-known as a teeth whitener and cleaner. It also kills germs and bacteria and is useful for cleaning insect bites and small cuts and scrapes. Hydrogen peroxide costs less than $1 and is readily available in drug stores.
Types of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide comes in various strengths. The product sold in drug stores is usually a mild 3-percent hydrogen peroxide (the remaining 97% is water). Other strengths range from 22 percent to 35 percent and are not considered safe for personal use. The higher strengths of hydrogen peroxide are sometimes sold in health food stores as a disinfectant. There is also a pure form of hydrogen peroxide than can be dangerous if used improperly.
How Hydrogen Peroxide Kills Bacteria
Hydrogen peroxide is always in a dark-brown bottle as light decreases its potency. Hydrogen peroxide is created from oxygen and hydrogen molecules. It is the oxygen responsible for the killing of germs. When hydrogen peroxide is applied to a surface, it reacts quickly and then breaks down into water hydrogen. At the same time, free oxygen radicals are released; these create oxidation, a chemical process in which oxygen combines with another substance to break down or change the function of the molecules. Through oxidation, the bacteria decomposes, rendering it harmless.
Research and Studies
In a 2003 issue of the "Journal of Food and Science," research indicated that hydrogen peroxide could decontaminate fruits and vegetables infected with E.coli. The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the use of hydrogen peroxide as a sanitizer. According to the EPA, "Hydrogen peroxide, well known as an ingredient in disinfectant products, is now also approved for controlling microbial pests on crops growing indoors and outdoors, and on certain crops after harvest. This active ingredient prevents and controls bacteria and fungi that cause serious plant diseases." Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill certain strains of mold, but that there is not enough research available to recommend it to eliminate mold in homes.
CPT codes are the basic form of an encoded language that describes the procedures and services performed by medical professionals. These codes are all specific to a particular form of care that the patient receives, making it easier for hospitals, patients and insurance companies to understand what diagnosis was made and the procedures that were taken.
Function
CPT Codes stand for "Current Procedural Terminology" as used by the American Medical Association. It sets similar terminology for all facets of the medical profession in surgical and diagnostic services. It communicates information about services and procedures in a uniform fashion. Physicians, coders, patients and insurance companies all use the same terminology in order to better identify the services and procedures that are being performed or have taken place.
Features
CPT codes are known as Level 1 of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. The remaining levels of the coding procedure are left to performance management and emerging technological considerations. When a patient's care is delivered, the nurses, doctors and administrators use specific words and abbreviations to define what service and procedures have been performed. When future medical personnel and insurance agents look at the files, they are able to easily identify what occurred and what actions were taken. This has streamlined the entire process of healthcare.
Significance
Established in 1978, the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System was the first to provide standardized coding within the health care industry. It was deemed necessary by health insurance providers such as Medicare and Medicaid to ensure claims were processed consistently and orderly. The coding system was initially voluntary, however, with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, the coding procedures were implemented nationwide as a mandatory practice.
Considerations
Every year, the CPT codes are reviewed and renewed by the CPT Editorial Panel. This panel is a wing of the American Medical Association and makes any changes to the coding procedures or codes used themselves. Many advisory groups are set up throughout the course of the year in an effort to analyze the codes in place and observe to see if changes are necessary. This creates a situation in which nurses and coding administrators must continue to stay abreast of the changes.
Effects
Some observers of the healthcare industry have complained that these coding procedures have merely increased the costs to patients and insurance companies. Although streamlining the paperwork, specialized coding nurses and administrators need to be hired in medical facilities to ensure the procedures are being followed. In addition, insurance companies have staff to confirm the proper codes are being used for billing purposes. Many believe that this system is inefficient and could be more easily implemented.
Tags: insurance companies, coding procedures, patients insurance, patients insurance companies, American Medical, American Medical Association, Coding System
Blue light photodynamic therapy is used to treat several problems of the skin and the veins immediately below it. Since blue light contains no UV rays, it can be used on the skin to treat problems like spider veins without the risks of prolonged exposure to light. Blue light therapy can also be used to treat sensitive areas, such as the face, without causing burns or scars.
Instructions
1. Try blue therapy at home to treat your spider veins. Lamps can be used in nearly every type of major home appliance and provide a mild therapeutic effect with mild results. This is optimal for leg veins that are not very noticeable or for people trying to avoid recurrence after treatment.
2. Visit your doctor for intense blue light treatments if you have a problem that is more serious or want quicker results. The lamps used by medical offices are not available for home use due to their intensities and the high risk of blindness if the lamps are applied directly to the eyes, so the effects can be seen rather quickly.
3. Choose blue light therapy if you are worried about down time, pain, discomfort and scars. None are a concern with blue light photodynamic therapy, which is why the procedure is recommended during the summer and for people who have fair skin and tend to bruise easily.
4. Expect to spend an average of 40 minutes at the doctor's office. You will do this weekly for about 2 months, or until your doctor concludes that further treatment won't be necessary. While other types of treatments for spider veins, including laser and sclerotherapy, are relatively quick, blue light therapy requires more time to produce results.
5. Give your body enough time to show the appropriate results. Spider veins treated with blue light therapy often shrink slowly, reducing inflammation and losing their intense coloration in the process. Since the effect is not dramatic, many patients mistakenly believe the treatment has been ineffective.
Tags: blue light, spider veins, blue light, light photodynamic, light photodynamic therapy, light therapy, photodynamic therapy
Nuclear medicine scans are used to evaluate different systems of the body. Nuclear imaging scans display the structure of internal organs, tissues and bone. Common uses of nuclear medicine scans are to evaluate bone fractures, check for the presence of cancer, evaluate blood flow problems, analyze kidney function and look for brain abnormalities. If your doctor orders a nuclear medicine scan, you need to prepare for the test beforehand.
Instructions
1. Let your doctor know about any medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines. Certain drugs could interfere with the test.
2. Remove all your jewelry. Jewelry can also interfere with the test. To keep your jewelry safe, it's best to leave it at home.
3. Wear comfortable clothes. You will need to lie on the table for a long period of time while the images are gathered. If your doctor allows you to wear your own clothes, wear comfortable clothes that don't contain any metal. If you can't wear your own clothes, you will be provided with a gown.
4. Receive the radiopharmaceutical drug by mouth or intravenously. Prior to the nuclear medicine scan, you will be given a radiopharmaceutical drug needed to provide images for the test. The type of drug you are given depends on the body part being examined during the scan. Options include thallium, xenon, gallium and iodine. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking this drug.
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Laser face lifts are an option for those who aren't ready to go under the knife.
A laser face lift, sometimes called laser skin tightening, uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove, layer by layer, areas of skin that are damaged or wrinkled. While the name is a bit of a misnomer in that it doesn't actually lift the face, it works to minimize the appearance of fine lines in wrinkle-prone areas. A laser face lift can be performed on the entire face or on specific problem areas.
Ideal Candidates
A fair complected, healthy patient with non-oily skin is the ideal candidates for a laser face lift. People with olive, brown or black skin are at an increased risk for pigmentation changes, while a patient prone to infections may also be a bad risk. Laser face lifts are appropriate for people who want to tighten the sagging around the face and neck, but don't want to undergo surgery or a lengthy recovery period.
How it's Performed
A laser face lift is performed by stripping the outer layers of damaged skin, leaving new cells to form a smother, tighter skin surface. Studies have shown that the physical changes that occur are similar to those that occur with dermabrasion or chemical peel procedures, according to the Plastic Surgery Network. Particular areas of the face can be concentrated on during the procedure, such as wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. With differentiated laser penetration, the physician is able to pinpoint specific spots and wrinkles.
Anesthesia
Sedation and a local anesthetic are enough to control pain if very small areas are being treated by a laser face lift, but a patient will need general anesthesia if a large area is to be done.
Benefits
A laser face lift can help patients achieve younger-looking, smoother skin without the pain or expense of surgery. One benefit is that a laser face lift has a minimal amount of associated risk and very little recovery time.
Limitations
No skin treatment, surgical or otherwise, will stop the aging process. After a few years a patient may begin to see some of the same signs that bothered her the first time around, although practitioners say that she will still look better than she would have without the laser face lift. Laser face lifts are not shown to be very effective for neck skin or make a significant change to large amounts of excess skin.
Costs
The cost of the procedure is dependent upon several factors, such as size of the area treated, how many areas are treated, and whether a local or general anesthesia was used. You also need to factor in the costs of pre-operative exams and testing, the operating and recovery room, medical supplies and dressings, laser fees, surgeon fees and follow-up care with your surgeon. Shopping around for the lowest cost is possible, but may also bring in the practice of a non-qualified surgeon, so do your homework.
Tags: face lift, laser face lift, face lifts, laser face, laser face
Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States based on The American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The Chinese use various herbs to prevent and treat strokes.
Causes of Strokes
In Chinese medicine, they do feel that any excess in lifestyle can cause strokes. Emotional stress, over working, poor diet and excessive sex are believed to be four causes of stroke in Chinese tradition.
Herbs for Prevention
Ginkgo biloba (bai guo ye) has many benefits towards preventing strokes and is the first herb used by Chinese traditional medicine.
Treating Strokes
Chinese medicine suggests that acupuncture is a great recovery method for a person that has had a stroke. Also these herbs Kai qiao, Xi feng and Zhi bu gan shen are used as well.
Chinese Herb Treatment
The goal of the Chinese herbs used in preventing and treating strokes are to open the blood vessels, stimulate blood circulation and dispel stagnation.
Other Prevention and Treatment
It is thought that the most effective way for preventing strokes is to alter the lifestyle and to become more harmonious with nature. Managing stress by meditation, yoga or tai chi are helpful. Also, the traditional Chinese diet which is high in fiber, low in fat, sugar and dairy assists in preventing strokes.
Tags: preventing strokes, Chinese medicine, Strokes Chinese, Strokes Chinese medicine
The word migraine means "half head" in Greek. A migraine headache may start on one side of the head and spread to envelope the entire skull with debilitating pain. Cluster headaches are the worst type of migraines. They can chronically reoccur almost daily. Migraine headaches are caused by abnormal blood circulation between the skull and the scalp that irritates nerve endings, resulting in agonizing discomfort.
Function
Accupressure treats the cause of migraine pain by normalizing circulation, allowing muscles to receive more oxygen. The muscles relax, tension is relieved, and pain fades. Rest and sleep are restorative once a migraine has begun. Accupressure can relieve symptoms at the start, making it possible to continue work and social interaction without interruption.
History
Acupressure originated in ancient China. Pain is thought to be the result of energy blockages, and by stimulating points on the human body, blockages can be relieved and normal health restored. Modern theories are that pressure points distract attention and interrupt nerve pathways so that the nerve transmissions of pain do not reach the mind. To migraine sufferers, how it works is not as important as the fact that it does work, and researchers have validated the effectiveness of self-acupressure, also called auto-acupressure: "Auto-acupressure replaced outpatient prescriptions for analgesics, ergotamine preparations, steroids, propanolol or methysgeride. The value of auto-acupressure was enhanced by its easy availability of application and lack of toxic effects" (Treatment of Headache Pain with Auto-acupressure, H. Kurland, 1976).
Techniques
These acupressure techniques can be done alone or with the help of other healing hands:
Use the thumb at the back of the neck to apply pressure beneath the skull. Press up firmly for 1 to 2 minutes. Use a fingertip or eraser to press at the base of the thumb on the back of the hand in the web between thumb and index finger. Alternatively, grasp the web between the thumb and index fingers of the other hand and hold firmly for 2 to 3 minutes. Alternate sides and repeat.
Considerations
If the headache starts in the side of the head, press on the opposite shoulder. Find a depression between the top of the shoulder and the side of the neck. It should feel slightly tender. Press firmly for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not use this point in pregnancy. Again, use the foot opposite the side the pain started on, and press in the web inside the big toe. Hold for 1 minute.
Warning
Headaches that are caused by exertion or sexual activity, bending, coughing, or that accompany stiff neck and fever, head injury or vomiting, or symptoms of slurred speech, distorted vision or numbness and tingling anywhere on the body should be evaluated immediately by a physician.
Tags: firmly minutes, Acupressure Migraine, Acupressure Migraine Relief, between thumb, between thumb index, Migraine Relief, Press firmly
There are more than 400 reported possible cigarette ingredients. Tobacco companies are not required to give specifics of ingredients because of trade-secrets laws. Most ingredients found in cigarettes can be legally categorized as food additives under FDA guidelines. Other ingredients are used for binding purposes and heat sources. It is the combination of the ingredients that produces the toxic effect of cigarette use.
Tobacco
Cigarettes contain thinly chopped tobacco leaves that have been cured.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is used in the casings of many cigarettes. It helps with flavor development.
Graphite
A soft crystallized carbon, graphite is utilized as a heat source in cigarettes.
Ammonium Hydroxide
Ammonium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH level in the cigarette.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is considered a binding ingredient and helps the cigarette achieve the desired texture.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is used to aid in moisture maintenance.
Urea
This ingredient is used to improve flavor and aroma in cigarettes.
Vegetable ghee serves as a substitute for traditional ghee, an important ingredient in many Indian dishes. This product is sometimes known as vanaspati or clarified butter.
Traditional Ghee
Traditional ghee is a creamy spread produced by boiling butter until the liquids and solids have separated. The liquid is then separated from the solid and packaged as ghee.
Ingredients
Vegetable ghee is a vegetarian alternative to this product. It is made up almost entirely of hardened vegetable oil and is free from any milk products.
Uses
It is ideal for various forms of cooking, such as baking, sautéing and deep frying. It is also used as a spread on bread or vegetables.
Texture and Appearance
Both traditional ghee and vegetable ghee have a texture and appearance similar to lard. However, neither of these items contains animal fat.
Flavor
Despite its resemblance to lard, vegetable ghee is cholesterol-free. It has a buttery, nutty taste that is somewhat milder than that of traditional ghee.
Tags: traditional ghee, What Vegetable Ghee, Vegetable Ghee, Vegetable ghee, vegetable ghee, What Vegetable
"Vertigo" is a medical term used to describe a serious feeling that the room around you is spinning even when it is not. It can lead to serious balance problems as well as headaches and nausea. Vertigo is different from general dizziness in that it is much more severe. Because of this, it is important to properly diagnose vertigo so that it can be treated. Take steps at home to determine whether you have vertigo.
Instructions
1. Determine whether you have any of the symptoms of vertigo. The most serious symptoms include a sensation that either you or the room are spinning, trouble balancing yourself while standing, and a general feeling of nausea as a direct result of the other symptoms.
2. Purchase a home ear infection test from a pharmacy. Having an ear infection can result in many of the same symptoms as vertigo. If your test comes up positive, your symptoms are a result of your ear infection. However, if your test comes up negative, you probably have vertigo.
3. Purchase a home hearing test from a pharmacy. General hearing problems can result in similar symptoms to vertigo, so it is important to rule out all possibilities before diagnosing yourself.
4. See a physician. Though you can become relatively sure you have vertigo, it is never a good idea to diagnose yourself. Vertigo is a serious condition that must be treated properly, so see a physician who will perform a number of definitive tests.
Tags: have vertigo, symptoms vertigo, from pharmacy, Purchase home, test comes
Disregarding safety while working with wood can result in minor problems like small cuts and light muscle strains, but it can also result in major injuries, like serious lung damage from prolonged exposure to chemical fumes or maiming from machines that get out of control. Although there are always risks, paying attention to safety cuts down on them greatly. Having a first aid kit available is always a good idea, too.
Follow Training and Instruction
Before beginning work, it is important to thoroughly understand use equipment and materials. It is best to learn basic and advanced woodworking techniques under the supervision of someone with knowledge and experience. Regardless of training, all instructions for use and safety should be read and reviewed before getting started. Each piece of equipment should come with an instruction manual from its manufacturer that contains information on properly use it.
Warnings on chemicals and other materials should also be heeded, and material safety data sheets should be referred to for information and proper mixing ratios. Safe use of materials includes not just knowing use them during procedures, but also clean up afterward and dispose of materials.
Instructions should also include information about keep machines in good working order, with blades sharp and safety mechanism functioning, and repair or replace parts as equipment ages.
Dress for Work
Bodies should be protected by both basic clothing and safety wear. Long pants and long-sleeve shirts help protect the skin, but clothes should be close-fitting so they don't get caught in equipment. Hair should also be tied back and jewelry removed for this reason.
Sturdy gloves are often a good idea, although gloves that are chemical-resistant should be worn when dealing with finishes and other chemicals. Sturdy boots are also useful for protecting the feet and keeping a firm grip on the floor. Safety glasses are a good precaution, and respiratory protection should be used when dust and fumes can be inhaled.
Keep the Shop Neat and Clean
Keeping the shop organized is also important when it comes to lowering the risk of accidents. The work area should be clear so that it is possible to move around it without bumping into anything. The floor should also be kept clean, with wood shavings swept up and spills cleaned, to limit the risk of slipping. Materials should be kept orderly so that piles will not fall, and sharp instruments and flammables should be put away. Lids should be kept firmly on materials, and noxious and flammable wastes should be disposed of in sealed containers. The area should also be well ventilated.
Tags: should also, area should, good idea, should kept, with wood
Treating minor cuts and scrapes is something everyone should know do, as taking the simple steps necessary to do so can prevent infection and other more serious situations from developing. In most situations, minor cuts and scrapes can be effectively and successfully treated with the most basic of supplies.
Instructions
Treat Minor Cuts and Scrapes
1. Take a careful look at the injury to ensure that it is, in fact, minor. Look, too, for signs of any foreign objects, such as dirt, gravel, or broken glass. Having accessed the situation thoroughly, you are now ready to move on to the next step.
2. Now that you know exactly what sort of situation you are dealing with, you are ready to assemble your supplies. You'll need clean water and a mild soap to wash the wound, some hydrogen peroxide to use as an antiseptic and anti-bacterial to help prevent infection, tweezers if you need to remove something from the wound, and bandages if the wound needs protection.
3. Wash the wound with clean running water and a mild soap. If you do not have running water available, you can pour clean water over the injury. Take care to use a mild soap. If the only soap available is one that is heavily perfumed, it is going to sting significantly and probably should be avoided. The water will be sufficient to rinse the wound.
4. Pour hydrogen peroxide over the wound, letting it bubble over the surface. The bubbling action of hydrogen peroxide is an important part of how it is able to help prevent infection. The bubbles help move bacteria and other potential agents of infection up and out of the wound site.
5. If there is a foreign object inbedded in the wound, like gravel from a playground scrape, use the treezers to carefully remove it. You'll want to pour a little peroxide over the tweezers before using them on the injury. Once the wound is free of debris, clean it with the peroxide again.
6. Most minor cuts and scrapes do better if exposed to air. It quickens the clotting and healing process. However, there are other minor cuts and scrapes that may be better covered for a short while. For example, a cut on the bottom of the foot may be better with a light gauze bandage for a little while in order to help keep it clean. A scrape on an area that will be exposed to potentially harmful substances, as is the case often when a minor injury is experienced at work, should also be covered to prevent infection. Gauze is a good choice because it allows airflow while offering a bit of protection for the cut or scrape.
7. The final step is to keep an eye on the scrape or cut, making sure that it is not showing signs of infection. Signs of infection include reddening, swelling, an unpleasant odor, and the appearance of pus. Often, a sensitive nose can detect the slight change in smell that indicates the potential of infection. Infections can be very serious and may require professional health care services.