Home Health Care For The Elderly

Advances in technology and medicine and increased awareness of better diet and health care techniques have resulted in people living longer. Health care costs also are higher, and for some elderly people the only choice is to remain at home regardless of their health status. This can be a positive experience for aging people who remain at home and the family and staff who become members of their home care team. It also offers some unique challenges.

Today seniors are at home later in life.

Considerations

Good nutrition is very important with the elderly

When you think about home health care for the elderly, your main goal is to ensure that they have home environment that meets all their needs. This includes good nutrition, meeting daily healthy, hygiene and nutritional needs, and ensuring ongoing, consistent contact from family, friends and health care professionals.

Safe Environmnent

Evaluate the safety of the bathroom for the senior

Evaluate the home environment. Remember the physical and mental limitations the senior has. If balance and mobility are a concern, consider evaluating specific areas. Are there steps with handrails? Does the bathroom have rails by the toilet and sink? Do you need a bench for the tub/shower? Carpeting and throw rugs can make mobility hazardous. Furniture should be placed to allow movement with walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Lighting should be good day and night. Remove any cord hazards.

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Activities of Daily Living

Assess the senior's ability to cook.

Nutritional needs of the elderly are important. Poor balance or motor skills can limit cooking. Orientation or memory deficits mean no stove use. Home-delivered meals are possible. The local senior community center can help. Many grocery stores offer home delivery if needed. Discuss meal planning with the senior.

Bathing and dressing are daily skills that may prove challenging. A home health aid or occupational therapist can assess these abilities. Make sure the tub has anti-skid pads. A bath bench for the shower area or raised toilet seat can be purchased at a medical supply store or pharmacy. Consult your doctor about a prescription based on the diagnosis. Medicare may cover these costs.

Medications

Review all of the medications being taken

Many senior citizens use multiple medications. It's critical the right medication is taken. Ask the senior what medication is being taken, its purpose, and what dosage is taken at what times. The answers to these questions give you information about their understanding of medications. Get permission to speak with the doctor to ensure you have correct information. Visiting nurses can help with medication training.

Some Important Goals

Encourage independence with self care when possible

Your goal is to help the senior at home be as independent and active as possible. Research studies show genetics, diet, physical activity, social interaction and using the mind are key ingredients for living longer. Make sure regular home visits and phone contacts are done. Changes in personal hygiene, physical activity, falls, diminished orientation or memory, sleep or appetite, and increased isolation or mood changes indicate there may be a problem. If you notice these changes contact the doctor. All caretakers should communicate regularly. Encourage physical activity, socialization and activities that can keep the mind active like crossword puzzles.

Some Final Thoughts

The role of a caretaker is stressful. Be flexible and fair when dividing caretaker responsibilities. Maintain the dignity of the senior. Good communication among all members of the care-taking team is imperative. Many people find it useful to have a time when all members of the care-taking team meet to express concerns. Finally, all caretakers need a break. Have a backup plan in place so if time off is needed somebody is available to bridge that gap. If everyone works together this time at home can be meaningful, safe and productive.

Tags: physical activity, being taken, bench shower, care-taking team, health care, home environment, home health

Deal With Hair Thinning

Hair thinning in men and women can be treated in some cases.

Hair thinning in both men and women is inevitable. As we age, our hair thins. It is the degree of thinning that defines whether hair loss is a problem that can be addressed. There are many factors that can be attributed to hair loss besides aging, such as pregnancy, poor nutrition, hair pulling disorder, scalp infections, medical conditions, stress, hormonal changes, hereditary hair loss and prescription medications. It is important to determine the cause of your hair loss before deciding on a particular treatment plan to follow.

Instructions

1. Hair-thickening shampoo increases diameter of hair.

Use a hair-thickening shampoo and conditioner to increase the diameter of the hair that you do have. Any type of hair loss or thinning will benefit from using a thickening shampoo and conditioner. Some recommendations for hair-thickening shampoo and conditioners include Bosley Professional Strength Bos-Revive, Pantene Pro-V Full & Thick Collection, Nexxus Diametress Luscious Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, RegenePure DR and RegenePure NT, and Nioxin Shampoo and Conditioner.

2. Vitamins can help with hair loss.

Take vitamins formulated for hair growth. Key ingredients that are thought to help with hair loss and thinning are saw palmetto, niacin, vitamin B and vitamin C. These are available at your local drugstore, or you can get a prescription for hair-loss vitamins from your doctor. It is important to consult with your medical doctor before taking any hair-loss vitamins since many of the ingredients may cause negative interactions with other medications you are taking.

3. Apply a heat protectant to hair before blow-drying.

Treat and style your hair gently. Apply styling products that are formulated for fine hair, such as mousse, gels and creams. Always apply a heat-protecting product to hair before blow-drying or using hot appliances. When blow-drying, flip your hair upside down to help increase the volume of your hair. After hair is dry, blast it with cold air (usually a setting on your blow-dryer) to help seal the cuticle. It is best to limit the use of hot appliances, such as curling irons or straighteners, and avoid repeated chemical treatments, such as hair color and perms, to avoid further hair loss.

4. Hair extensions can be attached to your natural hair to hide hair thinning areas on your scalp.

Use hair fibers or hair extensions to camouflage your thinning hair. Hair fibers are a color-matched product that is sprinkled on the hair. The fibers grab onto the hair and help to obscure any thinning spots and will not interfere with any hair-loss treatment plan. There are many different brands to choose from today, including Toppik Hair Building Fibers and Nexgen Hair Building Fibers. The fibers stay in your hair until your next shampoo.

Hair extensions are another great way to hide thinning areas on your scalp by attaching human or synthetic hair to your existing hair. There are many different ways to attach extensions but it is best to consult a professional at a hair salon. However, extensions are not recommended for people with ongoing hair loss because of the added stress and weight of the hair extensions.

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Kinds Of Pressure Points

There are many pressure points on the body.

There are a number of types of pressure points on the body. These include gatherings of nerve ends and sensitive points in muscles, blood vessels and tendons. Pressure on different kinds of points can cause pain or pleasure, and it has been argued that working on pressure points may be able to ease medical conditions.

Pain

Some pressure points in the neck, head, torso, arms and legs can be pressed to cause pain. Groups of nerves can be painful simply because of the sensitivity of the area. Pressure points on muscles and tendons can be painful because they occur at a weak point and pressing them momentarily disrupts the muscle or tendon function. A pressure point on a blood vessel hurts because the blood is blocked.

Pressing a pressure point may cause pain along the affected vessel, muscle or tendon. This may be useful in self-defense. However, make sure you have been properly trained in using pressure points for this reason before you attempt to do so, as you may cause more damage and pain than intended. A painful pressure point at a joint usually indicates that pressing that area will cause damage to the joint.

Pleasure

Gentle rubbing of some pressure points can cause feelings of pleasure or relaxation. In pressure points at nerve groupings, this massage stimulates the nerves. Pressure points on tendons and muscles may feel pleasurable because the weakened point is being gently stimulated, much like massage. For instance, gently massaging, in circular motions, the point in the middle of the wrist just below the creases in the skin can feel exceptionally pleasant. The most pleasurable pressure point is located on the lower end of the ball of the foot, at the point between the first and second toes.

Headaches

Some pressure points are useful in ridding yourself of a headache. Place both thumbs on the base of the skull, next to the jutting part of the skull behind the ears, and massage the area with circular motions. Massage the temples, which are the flat sections of bone just behind the start of the ridge of the eye sockets. These are the more pleasurable pressure points that are believed to relieve headaches. Another pressure point for pain relief is the meaty flesh between the thumb and the forefinger. Squeezing this area to the point of feeling some pain is supposed to ease head pain.

Physical Health

Each pressure point is supposed to provide a different health benefit. The practice of acupressure relies on this assumption to provide medical benefits through stimulation of pressure points. For instance, pressure points around the wrist and along the arm can help to free you of grief, clear your mind, relieve spiritual yearning, purge emotions, release anger, increase blood circulation and ease breathing problems, according to the online pressure point guide, Press the Point.

Considerations

Pressure points can cause great pain when pressed and may even cause serious damage. Be sure to use extreme caution when using pressure points for any reason. If you are stimulating pressure points to treat a medical condition, make sure it is not the only treatment that you are using. If you are ill, visit a doctor.

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Stop Binges

Binging masks your feelings for a short amount of time.

Binging on food can ultimately lead to obesity. During a binge, you self-medicate with an excess of food, in the hopes of numbing and eliminating negative feelings. Dieting and food deprivation can trigger a binge, as can high stress levels. The lack of self-control and the inability to control cravings can make you feel embarrassed, ashamed, guilty, sad and angry with yourself. After a binge you feel worse than you did beforehand. This may motivate you to attempt to stop the behavior.

Instructions

1. Incorporate relaxation techniques to get a handle on stress. Breathe deeply, from your abdomen, during stressful times. Inhale through your nose and fill your lungs with as much air as possible. Exhale all the air through your mouth while contracting your abdomen. Repeat this, making sure your stomach inflates and deflates as you breathe. Practice yoga or meditation as additional or alternative relaxation techniques.

2. Take on an activity that keeps you from binging. Read a book, listen to music, talk to a friend on the phone, or exercise when you feel a binge coming on. Distract your mind from thinking about food. As time passes your urge to binge subsides.

3. Eat a balanced diet, so you feel satiated and not deprived. Consume three meals per day and add in two to three healthy snacks over the course of the day. By constantly providing your body with nutrition, the urge to binge reduces. Avoid completely eliminating bad foods, because this may make you crave them even more. Have treats in moderation and replace dieting with healthy eating habits.

4. Feel and express the emotion you are trying to mask with food, instead of resorting to binging. Examine your feelings when you feel a binge coming on. If you feel sad, cry for a minute; if you're angry, scream out loud or hit a pillow; if you're lonely, visit a friend.

5. Seek support if you cannot stop your binges on your own. Participate in individual and group therapy sessions and self-help groups. Meet other people in the same predicament and realize that you are not alone. Get information about binge-eating prevention and recovery. Talk to a therapist about your emotions to find any underlying reasons behind your binges.

6. Consult your doctor about medications you can take to help prevent binges. Your doctor can prescribe antidepressants, to help control your negative moods and reduce or eliminate binges. He can also prescribe appetite suppressants to reduce your cravings for food.

Tags: binge coming, feel binge, feel binge coming, relaxation techniques, through your, urge binge, when feel

Control Anxiety Without Medication

Anxiety is a psychological disorder characterized by intense feelings of fear, nervousness and worry that interfere with leading a normal life. Anxiety is usually best treated with therapy. Depending on the severity of the anxiety, medications are sometimes prescribed. However, anxiety medications can have uncomfortable side effects and many people prefer not to take them. For people who prefer not to take medications, there are alternative methods of treating anxiety.

Instructions

1. Try meditation to control anxiety without medication. Whenever you feel particularly anxious, retreat to a quiet location like your bedroom. Sit or lie down where you feel comfortable and close your eyes. Breathe gently through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Clear your head and concentrate on your breathing to relax your muscles. Trying repeating a meaningful phrase quietly as a point of focus. Relaxing your mind and body will keep stressful thoughts from distorting your thought process and leading to panic or worry. Meditate for about 30 minutes every day to help keep anxiety at bay.

2. Try relaxing breathing techniques to control your anxiety. Exhale through your mouth loudly. Close your mouth and inhale through your nose while counting to four. Hold your breath for seven seconds. Exhale while counting to eight. Repeat three more times. This is a relaxation breathing technique called the 4-7-8.

3. Try talk therapy to control your anxiety without medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to do wonders for anxiety. See a psychologist to talk about what is bothering you. Don't keep everything bottled up, as this will only increase your anxiety and stress. A psychologist will advise you on methods of controlling your anxiety without resorting to medication.

4. Join a relaxation class where you will learn relaxation and stress-control techniques that will also help you combat anxiety. Proper stress management techniques can actually have the same calming effects as medications without the harsh side effects. Moreover, talking with other people who suffer from anxiety can be highly effective in dealing with your own problems.

5. Try aerobic exercise to control anxiety. Walking, jogging, biking and even dancing increase endorphins (chemical compounds that produce a sense of well-being) in your brain that can reduce feelings of stress and worry. Even 20-30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise can make a huge difference in levels of anxiety.

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Make An Incense Burner

Elaborate incense burner

Incense burners don’t have to be some elaborate, expensive item bought only at overpriced stores. You can make an incense burner yourself using a few simple items and a little imagination. Your incense burner could be as simple as an ashtray with an old toothpick holder glued to it, or it can be as elaborate as you can imagine if you fashion it out of oven-baked clay. You can make an incense burner with a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Find something to work as a basin. You will want something that works to catch all the incense ashes so they don’t drop all over the world. It should be a circular basin if you intend to have the incense stick stand upright and a long, narrow basin if you are going to have the stick at an angle. Old ashtrays or candle holders work well and you will also know they are durable enough to withstand the heat should the incense stick fall over. Vintage glass or ceramic dishes, glasses or any other item with enough surface to catch the ashes will also work.

2. Get a tallish item with a small hole in it that will fit an incense stick. If you find an item that would be fabulous, such as a miniature statue, and it does not have a hole in it, drill one with a very thin bit. Items that come furnished with holes and hold up to the heat include ceramic toothpick or small utensil holders, knobs from lamps and furniture and other pieces that have holes for screws. If the hole is too big for your incense stick, you can stuff it with tinfoil for a quick fix or fill it with clay for a more permanent structure. Make sure to outfit the foil or clay with a stick in hand so you can gauge how big the hole should become.

3. Glue the pieces together. Once you have your basin and stick holder, all you need to do is glue the two pieces together. Use a heavy duty glue that is not water soluble as you will want to wash the burner when it gets full of ashes or too dusty.

4. Fashion your own out of oven-baked clay. If you want to create your own incense burner from scratch, find a heavy duty oven-baked clay. Self-drying clays are more prone to disintegrate, so pick one that is oven baked or go for ceramic if you have access to materials and a kiln. Roll a long piece of clay which you can coil into the holder portion of the burner and create a basin to go with it with a flattened piece. Paint it or use colored clay to create designs.

5. Use pieces of old incense burners to create your own unique new one. You can glue two or more pieces of old burners together, even breaking them apart to fashion a brand new burner. Glue pieces together with heavy duty glue.

Tags: incense burner, incense stick, heavy duty, oven-baked clay, pieces together, create your, duty glue

Do You Need Distilled Water For A Battery

Do You Need Distilled Water for a Battery?

Water Used by a Battery

A car battery delivers power to start a car. The battery usually has internal plates that make the battery work. These plates are covered with water. During battery activity, some of the water through chemical action breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases that may evaporate from the battery. When this happens the water level drops and the plates are no longer covered with water. They do not operate efficiently and are damaged. In many batteries, water can be added regularly to ensure the plates are covered. Most battery makers recommend adding distilled water to these batteries to bring water to the correct level so that the battery works properly.

Checking the Battery

Modern car batteries are often maintenance-free. They are sealed and do not vent hydrogen and oxygen gas. They do not have removable caps. These batteries sometimes have a green "eye" on the battery that turns black when the battery needs replacement. These batteries need no water added. Other batteries have square caps that can be carefully removed with a flat blade screwdriver. Under the caps are plastic filler holes that lead to the battery plates. If the battery plates are exposed to air, distilled water should be added to each hole to cover the plates. Use a filler syringe to slowly add water. Do not fill to the top of the tubes. Gently and firmly put the caps back in place.

Why Use Distilled Water

Many mechanics and car owners use tap water to top off the battery. This can lower performance and shorten battery life due to water impurities that upset the normal battery function. Battery manufacturers recommend distilled water for better performance and longer battery life. Distilled water is water from which salts and minerals have been removed. Water from faucets, lakes and wells usually has dissolved minerals and salts. These minerals and salts affect the chemical action in the battery. The battery works harder to maintain its charge and does not operate as efficiently. When the battery works harder, its internal temperature may get hotter while the battery is working. This causes more evaporation and requires more water. Distilled water ensures the correct battery chemical properties are maintained.

Where to Get Distilled Water

Distilled water is available at most supermarkets and merchandise stores. Check the bottled water section. Distilled water is easy to find because it is also used in steam irons. Many automotive stores carry distilled water because some car owners use it in their car coolant systems.

Safety Tips

Follow owner manual instructions on battery maintenance. Always wear safety glasses before removing battery caps. Do not smoke around batteries as the escaping gases may be explosive. Wear gloves when removing and replacing battery filler caps. Do not get battery fluid on hands, face or clothing as battery fluid is acidic and corrosive. Flush exposed skin immediately with lots of lukewarm water.

Tags: battery works, Distilled water, battery fluid, battery life, battery plates

What Are The Properties Of Natural Stone

Little matches the beauty of natural stone.

The most common natural stones are marble, granite, travertine, limestone, slate, sandstone and quartzite. One of the best qualities of natural stones is that no two stones are alike. Because stone is made in nature, its colors vary, making it more beautiful. When considering using natural stones in your house or in a project, you will want to consider their properties to determine which natural stone is best for the job.

Mechanical Properties

One of the important properties of natural stone is its place on the Mohs hardness scale. The Mohs hardness ranks natural stones on a scale from 1 to 10. If a stone is a 1, it is one of the softest; 10 is the hardest. According to the Granite Land website, the harder the stone is, the less likely it is to be scratched. Limestone measures 3 on the Mohs scale; granite, 6.5; and quartzite, 7.

Young's modulus is another important property of natural stone, because it measures the elasticity of the stones. It measures the amount of stress that can be put on the stone before it deforms. It is measured in gigapascals (GPa). According to the Granite Land website, the majority of natural stones measures about 50 GPa.

Thermal Properties

One thermal property of natural stones is the co-efficient of thermal expansion. When a natural stone is exposed to a distinct temperature increase, it causes the stone to expand at a specific rate. The co-efficient of thermal expansion for natural stones varies. For example, the co-efficient of thermal expansion for quartzite is 1.3, while granite has 7.9 and limestone, 8.0.

Specific heat capacity is another thermal property that tends to be important for natural stones. The specific heat capacity is the amount of thermal energy required to raise the temperature by 1 degree C per unit mass.

Chemical Properties

Acid resistance is important for natural stones. It imparts how much weight of the natural stone will be lost when the stone sits in an acid for a specific amount of time at certain temperatures. Granite is hard and brittle. It can easily withstand acids. On the other hand, marble can be easily corroded by acids.

Natural stones do absorb liquid, but each stone has different chemical water absorption properties. The water absorption of different natural stones is measured by a percentage point. It measures how much weight is increased after the stone was submerged in water at a defined temperature for a specific amount of time. The typical water absorption of granite is .3 percent, while the absorption of marble is .1 to .2 percent.

Tags: natural stones, natural stone, co-efficient thermal, co-efficient thermal expansion, thermal expansion

Early Stomach Cancer

Also called gastric cancer, stomach cancer tends to develop slowly over many years and usually affects people over the age of 70. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 13,000 men and 8,000 women are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year in the United States.

Symptoms

Stomach cancer is very hard to determine early, because early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms. When symptoms develop, they resemble a stomach virus. Symptoms include fatigue, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, nausea and stomach pain.

Types

Cancers starting in different sections of the stomach may have different symptoms and prognoses. About 90 percent of stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, which are cancers that develop from the innermost stomach linings. Other tumors found in the stomach include lymphomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and carcinoid tumors.

Causes and Risk Factors

The cause of stomach cancer is unknown. Risk factors include salty food choices, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, anemia and a family history of stomach cancer.

Stages

Stomach cancer is categorized in stages 0 through IV. Early stomach cancer is limited to the layer of tissue that lines the stomach.

Treatment

Treatment options depend upon the stage of the cancer as well as your overall health. In early-stage stomach cancer, small tumors that haven't spread past the inside lining of the stomach may be removed using endoscopy.

Tags: stomach cancer, early-stage stomach, early-stage stomach cancer

Relieve Eye Stress Naturally

A two minute head massage can actually relieve eye stress

Eye stress affects a large majority of the population. After all, our eyes constantly are at work. Sometimes our eyes are strained to read fine print, look at a computer screen all day long, avoid bright sunlight, and adjust to harsh indoor lighting. This can lead to some rubbing of the eyes. Don't get carried away with worry. There are simple and natural remedies that will allow our precious peepers to take a rest. Yes, your eyes can rest even when it isn't bedtime.

Instructions

1. Start with simple eye exercises to relieve eye strain. If you are focusing on your computer, try looking at a longer distance to work the different eye muscles. Focus again, but focus this time on something that is right in front of your face. Look near. Look far. Repeat this five times. Take a couple of long blinks, and repeat this once again.

2. Try a different distance exercise, and follow your finger. Hold your arm out in front of you, and extend your pointer finger (like the test at the eye doctor office.) This gives your eyes relief, and it strengthens the lenses and muscles at the same time.

3. Dim your lighting. Harsh indoor office or home lighting can cause eye strain. To relieve the strain off your eyes, dim your lights to a comfortable level. Doing this for only thirty minutes can make a difference.

4. Give yourself a two minute head massage. The scalp is reflexology paradise! Besides relieving stress all over your body, a simple two minute head (and scalp) massage can relieve eye strain and stress.

5. If all else fails, take a short cat nap. Ten to fifteen minutes of short rest on your eyes will leave you refreshed. You'll wake up ready to see the world in a stress-free light!

Tags: your eyes, minute head, relieve strain, head massage, minute head massage, rest your

What Causes Severe Leg Cramps While Sleeping

Low potassium is just one cause of nighttime leg cramps.

Nighttime leg cramps are defined as sudden, painful, involuntary contractions of the muscles of your legs during the night. Typically, nighttime leg cramps have no real cause and are simply a painful nuisance. There are times when these cramps may be associated with other conditions or disorders that may need treatment. If you are concerned about your nighttime leg cramping, consult your health care provider.

Unopposed Flexion

Nighttime leg cramps can be caused by unopposed foot flexion while in bed, according to the National Medical Society. When people sleep, the muscles of their feet and calves are shortened and become vulnerable to nocturnal leg cramping. The cramp generally occurs in the calf, and the calf muscle may visibly harden. Sometimes the cramp is caused by a voluntary contraction. You can have nighttime leg cramps in context with heavy sweating from prolonged exertion, hemodialysis or hypoglycemia. If you are taking calcium channel blockers, this can cause nocturnal leg cramps.

Peripheral Artery Disease

According to the National Institutes of Health, peripheral arterial disease can cause leg cramping. PAD happens when plaque builds up in the arteries. Arteries carry blood throughout the body and problems result if they get clogged. Plaque consists of calcium, fibrous tissues, fat, cholesterol and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in your arteries, it creates a condition called atherosclerosis and the arteries become narrower and harden, which disallows the free flow of oxygen-rich blood to parts of your body.

Diuretics and Leg Cramping

If you take water pills, or diuretics, this can deplete your body of potassium. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess water and salt (sodium), and in so doing the kidneys put more sodium into the urine. Sodium absorbs water from the blood and this diminishes the levels of fluid in the blood vessels. This, in turn, takes some of the pressure off the walls of the arteries, which is good for individuals with certain conditions. However, the bad part is that these pills wreak havoc on potassium levels. Low levels of potassium can cause leg cramping.

Addison's Disease & Parkinson's Disease

Addison's disease, which is caused by a malfunctioning of the adrenal gland that may have occurred due to a hemorrhage, can cause nighttime leg cramps, according to MedicineNet.com. Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease frequently suffer from leg cramps, the Mayo Clinic says.

Overextension and Other Factors

According to Dr. Bhupinder K of the AskMedicalDoctor website, overextension of the leg during the day can cause nighttime leg cramps. If you are overweight or dehydrated, engaged in long periods of standing over the course of the day or have high or low sodium levels in your body, this can cause cramping. Drinking too much alcohol and liver disease can cause leg cramps. Nerve compression can also be the culprit.

Diabetes

If you are a diabetic, you may experience leg cramps while sleeping as well as in the daytime. If you take insulin, this can lower your potassium levels, which, in turn, can provoke leg cramps. Diabetics tend to have magnesium and sodium deficiencies as well, which can cause leg cramps, according to the Diabetes Information Library.

Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant, especially in the second and third trimesters, often experience nocturnal leg cramps. This is due to the pressure of the uterus on the veins that return blood from your lower extremeties to the heart.

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Chinese Herbs For Chronic Tension Headaches

The pain and discomfort of chronic tension headaches can be a major barrier to the enjoyment of life. There are several Chinese herbs that have been known to ease the effects of frequent tension headaches.

Chinese Licorice Root

The pain from tension headaches can be eased by Chinese licorice root, which contains properties similar to aspirin. Approximately 6 grams can help stave off headache discomfort.

Peppermint

When rubbed into the forehead or back of the neck, oil of peppermint---known as Bo He in Chinese medicine---also possesses aspirin-like qualities.

Poria Cocos

Poria cocos, otherwise known as Indian Bread, is a mushroom commonly utilized in Chinese medicine. It is available from many herbal supply stores and is often used as part of calming herbal mixtures.

White Willow Bark, Valerian and Wild Lettuce

While white willow bark serves as an anti-inflammatory, valerian and wild lettuce both have relaxing properties. This combination makes an excellent balm for a tension headache. Be cautious with white willow bark and do not take more than 60 milligrams per day.

Ginger

Ginger is a multifunctional herb used to treat a variety of ailments; it can relieve pain and counteract tension. Rubbing a small amount of ginger oil into the temples can bring relief from a tension headache.

Tags: from tension, tension headache, tension headaches, white willow bark, willow bark

Make Barefoot Wedding Sandals

Use beads or crystals that complement your wedding dress and decor.

Barefoot wedding sandals are decorative jewelry pieces that you wear on your feet and second toe in place of shoes such as heels or sandals. Numerous companies sell signature and custom designed wedding sandals to wear during the spring, summer and early fall months. You can also make your own barefoot wedding sandals with bead cord and crystals or beads that match your wedding dress or decor. These visually stunning foot adornments are easy to make. However, barefoot wedding sandals can also break easily if not securely knotted or clasped. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear the sandals a few times before your wedding to ensure that the clasps and knots are secure enough for your big day.

Instructions

1. Cut a large piece of the bead cord -- enough to wrap around your second toe and your ankle -- to determine the correct length of the finished barefoot wedding sandal.

Tai Chi For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Woman doing Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a form of exercise, which originated as a martial art in China. It is a gentle form of physical activity, which can be performed at any age. Rheumatoid arthritis is chronic inflammatory disease that involves the joints.

Tai Chi History Highlights

According to Lawrence Galante, Tai Chi Chuan, "The Supreme Ultimate Fist," was originated as a martial art and self-defense discipline in China. Historical records set reference of Tai Chi on the 17th century A.D. with a man named Chiang Fah (Patience Tai Chi). Centuries later, the practice was diversifying to other styles or forms. Those styles are: the Chen, Yang and Wu. The newest form is the Sun, developed by Sun Lutang at the beginning of the 20th century. This style has influence of several "internal arts" such as Pakua Chan, Hsing I Quan and Xingyiquan.

Features

The Merck Manual defines rheumatoid arthritis as an inflammatory disease of the joints. It is characterized by symmetrical pain localized at the wrists and hands, with less involvement of the legs and the knees. The inflammatory changes lead to the destruction of the joint cartilage and impairment the joint function. The disease also has systemic manifestations such as cardiovascular and kidney disease. Usually, the treatment is anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. In severe cases, chemotherapy will be the last choice. Passive and active exercises play an important role in its treatment.

Considerations

Tai Chi has been under the public eye for its possible applications to health issues. The Harvard Magazine Online in its February/March 2010 edition published a related article. Other studies about Tai Chi show its possible applications on balance improvement such as the one by Wolf in 1996. In addition, Lee, Heah Young and Lee, Keum Jae published the benefits of the Sun Style patients with knee osteoarthritis and demonstrated improvement in pain, stiffness, balance and knee motion in their 2008 study. Up to this point, research has demonstrated that Tai Chi has benefits for osteoarthritis and elderly persons.

Research on Rheumatoid Arthritis

The findings in rheumatoid arthritis are not conclusive. The pilot study performed by C. Wang and a group of researchers in 2005 and published in RheumatologyOxfordJournals.org found that "...Tai Chi is a safe and potentially promising complementary therapy for adults with functional class I or II Rheumatoid Arthritis." However, the main critic to the limited research studies available is the methodology used. In research literature review performed by M.S. Lee, M.H. Pittler and E. Ernst, they found the following: "The methodological quality of the included RCTs (Research Clinical Trials-acronym explanation added by the writer) was low. None of the included RCTs reported details on randomization, blinding and allocation."

Summary

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that requires a broad spectrum of treatment. Joint mobilization through non-extraneous exercise is part of it. Although research does not demonstrate conclusive evidence, Tai Chi may be considered an alternative. However, as any form of exercise it is recommended that should be performed under the close supervision of a health care provider.

Tags: arthritis chronic, form exercise, included RCTs, inflammatory disease, originated martial

Health Triangle Facts

Look at a picture that depicts the Health Triangle. You will notice that it is represented by an equilateral triangle. In this type of triangle, all sides are the same length, and each angle is equal to 60 degrees. Each side of the triangle represents a different aspect of health. One side represents mental health, another pertains to social health, and the third signifies physical health. There's a reason why the creators did not use a scalene or isosceles triangle, whose sides have different lengths and angles. By making all sides equal, they are stressing the point that each aspect of health is of equal importance.

History of the Health Triangle

The Health Triangle was the brainchild of the students of the Tanana Middle School in Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1997, 120 eighth-grade students were asked to complete essays about what they believed to be the most pertinent health issues for other eighth graders in their district. One hour of school time each day was devoted to research. The project was completed within 10 days. Eventually, the students narrowed their subject matter down to three areas of study: physical health, mental health and social health.

The Basic Premise of the Health Triangle

To understand the basic premise of the Health Triangle, look at the interdependency, interrelatedness and interaction of its three sides. Physical health can either be directly or indirectly related to mental health, and social health has a profound influence on both mental and physical health. For example, mental stress can cause various health problems such as high blood pressure. However, social contact with friends might relieve stress. Likewise, improper eating habits can cause low blood sugar, which can lead to irritability. Not only does this affect mental health; it can cause you to become socially isolated.

The Physical Health Side of the Triangle

Physical health is influenced by the food you eat, the amount of exercise you get, your sleep patterns and your oral hygiene. Avoiding alcohol and drug abuse are crucial to physical health.

Mental Health

Mental health pertains to the way we manage stress and depression. When evaluating someone's mental health, we need to look at the way they cope with the problems of daily life, and the way they relate to their friends and family.

Social Health

A person's social health is evaluated by the way they relate to other people. A strong network of friends, and the ability to function in social situations is crucial to social health.

Tags: Health Triangle, mental health, social health, aspect health, health social, health social health, mental health social

Supplements To Relax Tight Muscle

Supplements to Relax Tight Muscle

People who work out or use their muscles repetitively on a job can suffer from tight muscles. Muscles also tighten as people get older because they lose muscle mass. Fortunately, there are supplements that help relieve muscle tightness.

Types of Supplements

Magnesium is one of the most effective supplements for relieving tight muscles. Magnesium counterbalances the effects of calcium, which contracts nerves and muscles. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant that can be taken by pill, in powder form or absorbed through the skin during Epsom salt baths.

Other Types of Supplements

The primary use of chamomile is as a muscle relaxant, which can help alleviate tight, cramping muscles. Vitamin C and E also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help assuage muscle tightness.

Effects of Massage Oils

The use of peppermint as a massage oil can be highly effective in relaxing muscles. Wintergreen contains an active ingredient that simulates the effects of cortisone on muscles. Helichrysum and clove can also relieve tight muscles.

Benefits of Vitamin B

An entire host of vitamins and minerals work synergistically to increase vascular efficiency or relieve stress on the body and muscles. Vitamin B complex is one such supplement.

Considerations

In addition to supplements, a person should also consider stretching the muscles more often and exercising to relieve tight muscles. Stretching and exercise increases blood flow, which carries nutrients and oxygen to the muscles for healing.

Tags: tight muscles, muscle relaxant, muscle tightness, muscles Magnesium, muscles Vitamin, Relax Tight, Relax Tight Muscle

Home Remedies To Tone Cellulite & Skin

Home remedies can alleviate cellulite as well as or better than medical treatments.

Cellulite is a skin condition medically known as lipodystrophy, a collection of localized fatty deposits that creates a dimpled appearance in the skin. For a woman the appearance of cellulite and loose skin can be a difficult situation to change. While chemists and pharmaceutical researchers have yet to come up with a magic bullet to cure the condition, there are home remedies that can reduce and effectively improve cellulite and tone skin.

Exercise

Avoiding excess fatty deposits in general are a key to reduce cellulite and keep the skin taut and toned. Regular exercise is the most effective way to reduce body fat, improve overall health and tone skin and muscle. According to the Mayoclinic.com, exercise is the primary way to avoid and control excess weight, which is a big factor in acquiring cellulite and loose skin. Jogging, swimming, walking or biking are all effective exercise methods that use the lower body where cellulite tends to accumulate. The improved health and circulation has a very positive effect on the skin as well.

Diet

What you eat directly effects your fat deposits and the condition of your skin. A good or bad diet is quickly displayed by unhealthy, greasy skin that sags and discolors, as well as through fatty deposits that form cellulite. Eating a low-fat diet with non-processed carbohydrates and fiber and grains can make a huge improvement in these areas. For cellulite and healthy skin the adage "you are what you eat" is completely true and the results will show.

Detoxifying

Removing toxins, bloat, and jump-starting fat loss is an excellent way to remove cellulite, improve skin tone and work toward improving these conditions for good. Drinking plenty of water to flush the body, including the fatty deposits you are working off through exercise, is beneficial. In addition, following a detox diet of leafy green salads, fresh or steamed vegetables, soups, fruits and fruit juices for two weeks is highly effective. Adding herbs such as coriander, and mixing lemon and cayenne into the diet are helpful in burning fat. Plenty of water and all these fresh foods will give a very apparent boost to the tone and condition of your skin.

Massage Techniques

Massaging the areas affected with cellulite is a common way to both break up the fatty deposits and improve the activity of the lymph system. Combined with exercise and an improved diet, massage can help move those lumpy deposits and improve circulation in your skin. Massage the skin or use a body brush when bathing to open pores and increase the circulation. A honey massage is reported to greatly improve circulation, break down cellulite and reduce clogged pores in the skin.

Tags: fatty deposits, your skin, your skin Massage, cellulite loose, cellulite loose skin, condition your, condition your skin

Symptoms Of The End Stages Of Alcoholism

Symptoms of the End Stages of Alcoholism

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 79,000 deaths per year are alcohol-related. People who chronically abuse alcohol are at risk for serious health problems, can suffer both joblessness and homelessness and are more susceptible to losing support of family and friends. Late-stage alcoholics are rarely capable of functioning normally due to lack of social ability and rapidly failing health.

The three stages of alcoholism

The disease of alcoholism generally follows a three-stage pattern, the first being a period of adaptability to larger amounts of liquor consumption with limited social or physical effects. Someone may appear to be a social drinker who can "hold his own," and is able to drink more than other people, but he is still capable of holding down a job and other responsibilities. Second-stage alcoholics begin to show signs of social deterioration. Trouble at home or at work due to alcohol begin to be more commonplace. The problem drinker is not always able to hide the amount she is drinking at this point and there will be periods, such as blackouts, where the alcoholic is losing the ability to control her drinking. The third stage shows serious effects from alcoholism. Health problems, loss of employment, divorce, problems with the law, accidents and homelessness are all consequences of late-stage alcoholism.

Physical Symptoms

Because drinking affects every system in the body, there are multiple symptoms that someone with chronic alcoholism presents. Shakiness or trembling of the hands, incoherent or heavily slurred speech, cognitive difficulty, mobility problems, dementia and anti-social behavior, such as inflicting violence on himself or others, are some of the more common signs of late-stage alcoholism.

Diseases associated with late-stage alcohol abuse

Alcohol affects the nervous system and all major organs of the body. After a long, sustained period of drinking, the alcoholic may face diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, arrhythmia, cerebral atrophy, seizures and risk of stroke. End-stage alcoholics are also seriously at risk for cancer of the esophagus, liver and pancreas. Mental health is affected thorough affective disorder, depression and anxiety or they may suffer long-term brain damage commonly known as "wet brain."

The D.T.'s

Chronic alcoholics suddenly undergoing withdrawal will likely experience delirium tremens (the D.T.s), a combination of severe trembling, panic attacks, fever and hypertension. A more well-known consequence of D.T.s is a period of hallucination where patients see "tiny animals," or feel that insects or small vermin are crawling under and on top of their skin.

Due to the physical stress of sudden withdrawal, people experiencing delirium tremens could die if not treated by a physician.

Treatment for Late-Stage Alcoholics

Many who have reached this stage truly feel they cannot live without alcohol and will persist in drinking until they die from cirrhosis, heart attack or by having an accident while drunk. However, alcoholics can be treated, even in the latter stage of their disease, but it will only be successful if the patient truly wants to make the change. A late-stage alcoholic must be treated under a doctor's care and have his health regularly monitored. Inpatient treatment centers would be the best solution. They typically offer a 30- to 90-day stay that includes individual and group therapy, exercise, diet and nutrition programs, family counseling and peer recovery meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Even individuals who have reached the end-stage of their drinking, can become sober and go on to lead productive lives.

Tags: delirium tremens, have reached, late-stage alcoholism, Stages Alcoholism, Symptoms Stages, Symptoms Stages Alcoholism

Symptoms Of Stage Iv Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a serious form of cancer usually found in older men. If caught early, it is easily treatable. But the longer the disease goes undiagnosed, the harder it is to recover. Stage IV prostate cancer is the most serious, but if detected in time, it is still possible to make a full recovery.

Trouble Urinating

One of the most commonly ignored symptoms of prostate cancer is having trouble urinating. This is often considered a simple side effect of growing older.

Blood in the Urine

A man with undiagnosed prostate cancer may notice blood in his urine, even if he is not having trouble urinating.

Severe Abdominal/Back Pain

By Stage IV, the prostate cancer has most likely spread to other areas of the body. The cancer usually spreads to the lower abdomen and lower back, causing severe pain.

Nausea

Stage IV prostate cancer will ravage the body, causing more than simple urinary problems. One of these problems is nausea, which can lead to vomiting and a lack of proper nutrition.

Weakness

As the body tries to fight off the cancer, the sufferer becomes increasingly weak. He will become tired more quickly, become unable to move around as easily and eventually could become bedridden.

Tags: prostate cancer, cancer most, cancer usually, having trouble, having trouble urinating, prostate cancer

What Are Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are also known as base oils because they're used for diluting essential and absolute oils before applying to the skin. They may be blended or used alone, and each type has its own unique properties.

Features

Carrier oils are typically derived from vegetable fats and produced using the cold-press method of extraction. Cold-pressed carrier oils are of higher quality, but often have a shorter shelf life than oils extracted with heat.

Types

There are two primary types of carrier oils: vegetable oils and nut oils. Popular vegetable carrier oils include olive, sweet almond, grape seed and jojoba. Commonly used carrier oils made from nuts include walnut, pecan, coconut and peanut.

Uses

Carrier oils are used in massage, aromatherapy and natural cosmetics to literally "carry" essential oils, herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals onto the skin where they can be absorbed.

Availability

Common carrier oils are easily obtained in natural health or cosmetic supply stores. Olive oil, canola oil and other high-quality vegetable oils can be found at the supermarket.

Warning

Carrier oils made from nuts, such as peanut oil, may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If a peanut allergy is present, avoid the use of nut-based carrier oils.

Tags: carrier oils, Carrier oils, from nuts, made from, made from nuts

Dangerously Low Blood Count

It is common to experience a low blood count at some point in your life. However, it is important to understand the basics and symptoms to ensure a proper and thorough diagnosis. A low blood count can mean many things, from the everyday common infection to a more serious illness, such as cancer.

Definition

In order to understand a low blood count, it is important to first understand the three components that make up the blood count: red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. The red-blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. The white blood cells are the soldiers of the body fighting any signs of foreign matter, like infections. Blood platelets are coagulants which reduce bleeding and help the body heal. Each of these includes different values, and one may be low while others are normal.

Symptoms

Unless your counts are extremely low, you may not experience any symptoms at all. However, if you have any of the indicators listed below please see your physician as soon as possible. your blood count could be dangerously low. A low white cell count is marked by a fever over 101 degrees F, with chills and sweating. A low red cell count is distinguished by fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, racing, heartbeat and shortness of breath.Low platelet count symptoms include excessive bleeding, easy bruising and heavy menstrual bleeding

Treatments

There are two common ways that dangerously low blood counts are treated. The first is medication. Your doctor may prescribe medications called "growth factors." These particular drugs are used to encourage your body to produce more of the cells that you lack. The second treatment is a blood transfusion. Transfusions help people with low red-cell and platelet counts. A transfusion is the introduction of a donor's cells and platelets into your body intravenously.

Indications

A low red cell count can indicate anemia, B12 deficiency, kidney disease and some cancers. A low white count can occur in some viral infections, immunodeficiency diseases and bone-marrow failure. Low platelets can indicate viral infections, lymphoma, Lupus and the AIDS virus. If you are concerned or are experiencing any of these symptoms, have your doctor run blood tests. A simple CBC (Complete Blood Count) will give the results needed so you can be treated properly.

Coping

There are some daily steps that you can take to maintain healthy blood cell counts. Eating a balanced diet with the right portions of the main food groups is important. You need the iron that foods like dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, lean red meat, nuts and whole grains provide naturally. It is also important to drink plenty of water, as the health of the body and especially its cells can suffer when not provided with proper hydration. If you feel run down and tired, take the time out to rest, as this will help to reduce your chance of illness and ease the stress placed on your body and blood cells.

Tags: blood cells, cell count, your body, blood count, blood count

Assessing Psychiatric Patients For Art Therapy

Art therapy for psychiatric patients is based on the universally-held belief that everyone finds release from tension and a certain amount of self-respect when they create something---when they use a combination of imagination and technical skills to produce a tangible product. Guidelines about who benefits from this type of therapy are very vague, however, the following comments taken from peer-reviewed journals and professional websites should create some understanding about assessing psychiatric patients for art therapy.

Instructions

1. Understand the value of art therapy for people who are institutionalized: A British mental health nurses' study in a mental health institution found the staff as well as the patients valued the time they spent in creative endeavors, nurturing ideas in a creative, expressive way, and promoting problem solving and working together. They found that art therapy increased staff retention, reduced incidents of damage to property, and even reduced the need for medication.

2. Take care when referring schizophrenics for of art therapy: a search of "Cochrane's Systematic Review" (a paid service) allowed two researchers to look for examples of art therapy and its benefit for schizophrenics. The researchers found that there was simply not enough information to make this determination, and called for more studies.

3. Consider art therapy as a way to improve the lives of mentally ill children: Because children who have been abused or neglected often find it hard to talk about their fears, mental health professionals often ask them to draw or paint. The art is then used as gateway for conversation. It is also believed that the creative process gives children confidence and reassurance, and teaches them skills that will remain with them.

4. Choose art therapy for people who are anxious or depressed: There's no question that the process of creating art has been accepted as a healing tool for a long time. It provides growth and skill development as well as directing the focus outside of oneself, and allows for some spirtual exploration.

Tags: mental health, found that, psychiatric patients, therapy people

Homemade Organic Fertilizer For Tomatoes

Fresh comfrey leaves make a potent fertilizer.

In an article in the magazine "Organic Gardening," author Jean Nick cites research that revealed that the leaves of the comfrey herb have a higher content of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium than kelp meal and homemade compost, two of the typical fertilizers you would use in your organic garden, including as feed for your tomato plants. Comfrey also contains calcium and other nutrients. Even better, making liquid comfrey fertilizer for your tomato plants is a straightforward process.

Instructions

1. Place a clean tall-size trashcan out in the garden or in the garage. Pick a place where the unpleasant smell of your homemade fertilizer won't bother anyone.

2. Fill the trashcan halfway with fresh comfrey leaves. Buying this much comfrey gets expensive. If you like this fertilizer, consider growing your own plants.

3. Add enough water to cover the foliage and cap the trashcan. Let the comfrey leaves steep for a minimum of three weeks.

4. Scoop some comfrey liquid fertilizer out of the trashcan and apply it to your tomato plants every time you irrigate them.

Tags: your tomato plants, comfrey leaves, tomato plants, your tomato

Symptoms Of Menopause

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is that time in a woman's life when menstruation stops and the ability to conceive ends. The production of hormones slows down causing annoying symptoms for the aging woman. Hot flashes is one of those symptoms. According to WebMD, 75 to 85 percent of women experience hot flashes as they enter menopause. The hot flashes can last five years or more causing a woman's body thermostat to vary considerably. Along with hot flashes are sleep disorders, weight gain, vaginal dryness, mood swings, dry skin, and hair thinning to name a few. Each woman is different, but all will experience some changes in the body.

Identification

Menopause is the end of menstruation and the ability to conceive. It is a natural process that occurs a year after the last menstrual period, which is approximately age 51. Leading up to menopause, the ovaries will slow down making the two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. This change usually begins around the age of 45.

Effects

The most common symptom of menopause is hot flashes. This is when the body suddenly feels warmth spreading throughout the upper part. The hot flashes will cause sweating and then chilliness. Women may feel an urge to take off a sweater or open a window, and then feel a need to put the sweater back on. Some women will only feel night sweats. They will wake to find themselves soaked with sweat. Others will feel hot flashes throughout the day.

Sleep disorder is another common symptom of menopause. It may begin five to seven years before menopause with disrupted sleep. You may wake once or twice or continuously throughout the night.

Vaginal dryness is caused by thinning in the vaginal lining. This can make intercourse uncomfortable.

As you approach menopause, menstrual periods will become irregular. The cycle may shorten or lengthen. They may be heavier or lighter. This usually begins in the mid-forties.

Considerations

Besides hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disorder, vaginal dryness and irregular periods, women experience less subtle changes that begin before menopause. You may notice more hair in your brush. Because hair follicles need estrogen, it's common to experience thinning hair. Estrogen fluctuations can cause an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. It can come on suddenly causing you to wonder what is making you so tired. Memory loss and lapses in concentration may occur. You may forget an appointment or the name of a movie, person, or title of a book. The body's metabolism begins to slow down, so weight gain may occur. Frustration can happen when the weight doesn't come off as easily as it did in your twenties or thirties.

All of these symptoms can manifest into larger issues for those who are not willing to accept the aging process.

Prevention/Solution

Menopause cannot be stopped, but the symptoms can be relieved. Some people opt for hormone replacement therapy while others choose approaches that are more natural. HRT or estrogen replacement therapy is used to replace hormones in the woman's body. It will relieve the symptoms of menopause and protect the body against osteoporosis, a loss of bone density common in postmenopausal women. HRT comes with risks and is not a good choice for all women. The decision to take HRT is between the doctor and the patient.

Natural remedies include soy products in the diet for hot flashes, taking St. John's Wort for depression and mood swings, and Black Cohash for night sweats. Other products include Evening Primrose and Ginseng. Doctors also recommend exercise to relief hot flashes even if the patient is taking HRT.

Warning

Menopause may cause deep depression in some women and extreme mood swings. The stress of body changes, inability to conceive, and a history of mood disorders can affect a woman's mental state. Treatments for severe depression and mood swings may include HRT, antidepressant medication and counseling.

Tags: mood swings, night sweats, ability conceive, before menopause, common symptom, common symptom menopause, depression mood

What Is The Difference Between Oxycontin & Darvocet

Though Oxycontin and Darvocet are commonly used to treat pain, there are significant differences between the two drugs. Before taking either, you should research on the make-up of both drugs.

Oxycontin

Oxycontin is a time-released narcotic painkiller which contains opiate oxycodone, which is derived from morphine and thebaine.

Darvocet

Darvocet is a narcotic painkiller comprised of propoxyphene and acetaminophen.

Differences

One of the main differences between Oxycontin and Darvocet is the strength of the drugs. Oxycontin is much stronger than Darvocet. Oxycontin is used to treat moderate to severe pain, while Darvocet is prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain.

Considerations

Another big difference that can have significant consequences is acetaminophen, which is found in Darvocet, but which is not in Oxycontin. Because acetaminophen is processed in the liver, it is important not to exceed 4,000 milligrams a day. Darvocet N-100 contains 100 mgs of propoxyphene and 650 mgs of acetaminophen, which means that you should never take more than six pills a day. Because Oxycontin does not contain acetaminophen, users typically do not have to worry about this difference.

Warning

Both Oxycontin and Darvocet can be habit forming. You should never take more than the amount prescribed by your physician. If you were prescribed either Darvocet or Oxycontin, but the dosage is not having the intended effect, do not take more. Contact your physician.

Tags: Oxycontin Darvocet, take more, acetaminophen which, Darvocet Oxycontin, differences between

Execute The Balance Posture In Yoga

Yoga Center Teacher Michelle Colucci

The balance posture, called Natarajasana in Sanskrit, helps yoga practitioners to improve their balance and poise. Both of these will emerge in time as you progress. Yoga postures are designed to promote health and well-being. Execute this posture gracefully. Executing yoga positions is never about being competitive or a race against time. Go slowly, remembering to breathe deeply throughout the execution of the posture.

Instructions

1. Standing with the heels of your feet together, reach upward with your right arm.

2. Shift your weight onto your right leg.

3. Grab your left ankle with your left hand. Lift your left foot up to the level of your buttocks. If you can’t lift your foot that high, that’s alright. With practice, your balance will get better, and you'll be able to lift your foot and leg higher.

4. Move your right arm slightly forward. This will help you maintain balance.

5. Focus on a stationary object to help you maintain your balance or look upward. Experiment. Find out what works best for you. If you start to lose your balance, release your foot.

6. Lower your left foot and repeat the balance posture on the other side.

7. Take it a bit further. Once you are comfortable doing the balance posture as explained above, begin lifting your foot and leg a little higher when you execute the posture. Your foot should ultimately end up as high as your shoulders and the distance between your torso and the lifted foot should expand. You will need to lean forward slightly to accommodate the higher lift of the leg. As you lean forward, your out-stretched arm should also drop forward. Repeat on the other side.

Tags: your left, your balance, your foot, your right, balance posture, foot should, help maintain

Signs & Symptoms Of Clarkson Disease

Clarkson's disease is also known as systemic capillary leak syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is an extremely rare disease of the circulatory system, characterized by the increased size of the pores in the body's capillaries. These pores allow blood to leak from the circulatory system and into the body. The symptoms of the disease mimic other ailments, which could result in misdiagnosis.

Low Blood Pressure

The initial symptom of Clarkson's disease is a low blood-pressure rate, but not all people with low blood pressure have Clarkson's disease. The leakage of blood into the body cavity depletes the vacuum of the circulatory system, causing the pressure of the system to be seriously affected. This condition is also known as hypotension.

Hemoconcentration

Hemoconcentation is a blood condition in which the liquid content of the blood has been depleted due to a loss of plasma. Plasma is the liquid that carries the blood cells through the body. While the blood cells remain in the bloodstream, the actual liquid that carry them has been depleted. The result is an increased concentration in red blood cells and the aforementioned hypotension.

Hypoalbuminemia

Hand in hand with the hypotension and hemoconcentration is a condition called hypoalbuminemia, or the loss of albumen in the bloodstream. Albumen is one of the dominant proteins of the human body, making up a majority of the protein located in blood plasma. While the depleted plasma supply concentrates the red blood cells, it loses this essential protein.

Widespread Edema

One of the functions of albumen is to contain and reduce swelling in the body. The lack of this protein leads to swelling, or edema, throughout the body.

Symptoms working together

While the symptoms seem to already work together, they can go a step further in more severe cases. The lack of pressure, combined with increased swelling, will lead to the collapse of some blood vessels. Kidney failure is also a concern, as depleted plasma levels restrict the amount of blood filtered through the kidneys. This reduced workload leads to tubular necrosis, or the cell death of the tubes that connect the kidneys to the urethra. The renal failure is caused by a backup of toxins in the kidneys.

Tags: blood cells, circulatory system, Clarkson disease, also known, been depleted

Use Paragard

ParaGard is a type of intrauterine device implanted inside a woman's uterus as a way to prevent pregnancy. The device contains copper and can prevent pregnancy for as long as 12 years, twice as long as the Mirena IUD, which uses hormones to stop conception. Instead ParaGard prevents the sperm from reaching the egg as well as stopping implantation of the fertilized egg if fertilization does occur. You need to make an appointment with your gynecologist if you wish to use ParaGard.

Instructions

1. Let your doctor know that you are interested in using Paragard IUD as your birth control method. She can provide you with a patient information booklet to educate you on the pros and cons of this method. Benefits include sexual spontaneity, that pregnancy can occur immediately after removal and that the Paragard IUD does not affect hormone levels. Disadvantages include period irregularities, that the IUD can slip out and the rare chance of infection. If you decide to have the IUD inserted, you will set up an appointment for the procedure.

2. Allow your doctor to insert the ParaGard IUD. She will use a special instrument in order to go through the cervix to place the IUD inside of the uterus. You may feel some mild cramping during the procedure.

3. Expect the ParaGard IUD to protect against pregnancy immediately. Since it does not use hormones to work, the IUD can stop conception right after insertion. Mirena IUD takes up to seven days to start working.

4. Return to your doctor for a follow up visit after the IUD is inserted. The physician will likely have you come in about a month after the procedure to check if the ParaGard is still in place. Each year at your annual gynecological visit, she will also examine you to check the IUD's placement.

5. Check your underwear and pads often to make sure the IUD has not fallen out. You should also check the ParaGard by using a clean finger to feel for the string at the base of your cervix.

Tags: your doctor, check ParaGard, prevent pregnancy, stop conception

Symptoms Of A High Thyroid Count

The thyroid is a large endocrine gland in the neck, located above the collarbone and below the thyroid cartilage, or Adam's apple. This butterfly-shaped organ is involved in controlling how the body uses energy, creates proteins and affects the body's rate of growth. A high thyroid count or level, known as hyperthyroidism, can produce a variety of symptoms.

Overactive Metabolism

Hyperthyroidism can cause speeding up of various bodily systems.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

The most common causes of overactive thyroid in humans are: Graves' disease, toxic thyroid adenoma and toxic multinodular goiter.

Circulatory System

An excess of thyroid hormone can result in symptoms that resemble those of an epinephrine or adrenaline overdose, including rapid heartbeat, increased pulse rate and heart palpitations.

Nervous System

An over-stimulated metabolism caused by hyperthyroidism can result in nervous system tremors, hyperactivity and an overall feeling of extreme anxiety in the absence of external stressors.

Digestive System

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sudden weight loss may accompany a high thyroid count.

Other Symptoms

Shortness of breath, fatigue, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, protruding eyes, male breast development, loss of menstrual periods in women, loss of libido, hair loss and muscle weakness can all be symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Tags: high thyroid count

Prostate Cancer & Prostatic Disease

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that aids in the production of semen.The prostate is susceptible to three main types of prostatic diseases: prostatitis, prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer, according to the US National Library of Medicine.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate that causes pain upon urination and localized pain in the abdomen, perineum, penis, and testicles, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Prostatic Hyperplasia

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse defines prostatic hyperplasia as a benign swelling of the prostate that makes urination frequent and difficult. It also causes dribbling or leaking of urine.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a condition where the cells of the prostate grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor, explains the American Cancer Society. Since its symptoms sometimes mimic those of other prostatic diseases, doctors typically rule out cancer through a blood test before diagnosing a prostate condition.

Significance

Prostatitis affects 30 to 50 percent of males during their lives, according to Prostate Health and Cures, and prostatic hyperplasia occurs in 90 percent of men in their 70s and 80s. Prostate cancer strikes one in every six men.

Effects

Prostatitis and prostatic hyperplasia produce unpleasant symptoms, but they are not life threatening. Advances in screening and treatment of prostate cancer have increased the 5-year survival rate of prostate cancer to more than 99 percent.

Tags: prostate cancer, prostate that, prostatic diseases, prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic hyperplasia

Atv Safety Gear

Each and every year, emergency rooms in the United States treat many thousands of ATV-related injuries, some of which result in fatalities. Many of these injuries and deaths could be reduced or prevented all together if only the rider adhered to some simple safety guidelines: read the ATV's operation manual, sign up for a training program, never allow children on adult an ATV, don't ride tandem, do not ride on pavement or operate an ATV under the influence. Finally, one of the most important elements of ATV safety is wearing the proper protective gear.

Helmet

Wearing a helmet is absolutely necessary whenever operating an ATV. Helmets come in many styles and sizes, but must be designed for ATV use. Helmets that are made for skateboarding, bicycling or rollerblading do not offer adequate face protection, nor are they capable of absorbing the same amount of energy as an ATV helmet. Purchase a helmet that has a label of approval from any or all of the following: the Snell Memorial Foundation, the Department of Transportation, and/or the American National Standards Institute.

Eye Protection

If your helmet is not equipped with a proper face shield, you will need to purchase a pair of appropriate goggles. The right goggles will protect your eyes from debris such as dirt and rocks, insects, twigs and mud or water. Again, there are many goggles on the market. Look for those that are approved by the major safety agencies. There are also goggles specifically designed for those who must wear prescription eyeglasses.

Body Protection

Proper safety gear also includes wearing a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. A long-sleeve shirt and long pants will help prevent many cuts and abrasions that may result from riding through brush or in the event of a crash. Serious riders should invest in pants and shirts, padded at the elbows and knees, that are manufactured specifically for operators of off-road vehicles.

Gloves are another important part of ATV safety. The proper glove will not only offer protection from scratches and cold weather, but prevent fatigue caused by vibration. Once again, there are gloves on the market made solely for the purpose of operating all terrain vehicles.

Last, an over-the-ankle boot with a heel is recommended for operators of ATVs. A boot that goes over the ankle will help reduce the risk of ankle sprains or breaks, while a heel prevents your feet from slipping on the foot pegs. Work or motorcycle boots are good alternatives if you don't wish to purchase actual ATV or Motocross boots.

Serious riders, or those interested in racing, may also wish to look into chest, arm and leg guards, as well as a kidney belt.

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Symptoms Of B Complex Vitamin Depletion

The B vitamins as a whole are vital to the human body. The B vitamin complex aids the body in turning food into energy and keeps the immune system at full strength. The B vitamin complex is responsible for helping in many other bodily functions, meaning that when there is a deficiency in these key substances there will be serious consequences. They work in unison and when there is a lack of one the potential for imbalances that affect the entire metabolism is there.

Significance

Thiamin is also known as vitamin B-1. It is needed in the regulation of glucose as it is converted into energy. The health of the human nervous system depends greatly on thiamin, which is found in such foods as liver, poultry, egg yolks, fish and whole grains. The symptoms of a B-1 deficiency include fatigue and depression, with constipation, swollen parts of the body called edema, and loss of appetite also possible. The most extreme symptom of B-1 deficiency is a disease called beriberi, which occurs nowadays mostly in alcoholics with liver problems which keep them from breaking down the vitamin for use in the body.

Function

B-2, called riboflavin, helps to produce red blood cells and antibodies of the immune system. It also is involved in energy production and helps to metabolize fats and carbohydrates. A lack of B-2 means that vision trouble is possible, with eyes becoming itchy and sensitive to light and cataracts able to develop in some cases. Other vitamin B-2 deficiency symptoms are cracked lips, a swollen tongue, dizziness, lack of sleep, and hair loss. Most commonly seen in the elderly, riboflavin deficiency can be avoided simply by consuming such foods as liver, fish, almonds, legumes and brewer's yeast.

Benefits

Helping in the secretion of digestive fluids and bile is just one of the jobs of vitamin B-3. It comes in 2 types, niacinamide and niacin. Niacin can lessen bad cholesterol levels and increase good ones among its many benefits and niacinamide has proven to be effective in lowering insulin requirements in those with diabetes and helps prevent osteoarthritis. Someone with a vitamin B-3 deficiency can undergo bouts of diarrhea and in severe instances have to deal with dementia and dermatitis, an inflammation or infection of the skin. Broccoli, carrots, eggs, peanuts, potatoes, cheese and tomatoes contain this vitamin.

Features

Few nutrients have more jobs to perform in the human body than vitamin B-6, which is called pyridoxine. It is key in the proper function of the brain and also is concerned with making red blood cells, healthy skin, and regulates a large number of enzymes. Supplemental B-6 is used to treat diseases ranging from epilepsy to cardiovascular ailments. The symptoms of this vitamin missing from the diet can include convulsions and depression, anemia, headaches, loss of hair, and a host of skin conditions such as eczema and seborrhea. Vitamin B-6 is in a large number of foods but is especially prevalent in sunflower seeds, walnuts, soybeans, carrots, spinach and fish.

Considerations

Folic acid is a member of the B vitamin complex, found in leafy greens such as chard, beet greens and spinach. It is one of the B vitamin complex members that often becomes deficient in people because when these foods are cooked it lowers the level. Luckily the human body can store folic acid for up to 2 months but alcohol use drastically impairs the body's ability to absorb it. Folic acid helps keep heart disease at bay; symptoms of deficiency of this substance manifest themselves as depression, anemia and becoming easily irritated and forgetful.

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