Friday, September 30, 2011

Pressure Ulcer Nurse Explains How the Medical Record May Reveal Lapses in Skin Assessments - Or Not!

A few months back, I received another set of medical records to review and analyze for a great attorney-client of mine. It was a case about a stage IV pressure ulcer (also known as decubitus ulcers) that a patient had developed during a hospital stay.

Sounds familiar doesn't it? They all do.

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But there was something very different about this case.

As a nurse, I have reviewed thousands and thousands of medical records; and when I started my review of this large stack of medical records, I noticed that there were great photos in there!

Now, I don't mean great photos as when you go to an amusement park, because these were photos of a stage IV pressure ulcer (the worst type of pressure ulcer you can develop!). I mean these were great photos because they painted the story of what really happened.

Most healthcare facilities; depending on their protocols, have now resorted to using photography as another way to document pressure ulcers. Photographing pressure ulcers in different stages, can be very helpful and beneficial to the healthcare providers because the may be able to determine if the pressure ulcer is healing, getting worse, or if it has remained unchanged.

But there are also disadvantages when photographing pressure ulcers.

The healthcare provider needs to remain consistent and continue to photograph the wound per protocol. An occasional photograph of the wound usually has no benefit.

Photographs of pressure ulcer that are taken too closely or from a distance may be difficult to use to assess the site. Photographs that are not timed and dated can de difficult to match up with the written portion of the documentation that describes the wound. Also, the location of the pressure ulcer must be documented on the photo; especially if the patient has wounds in different part of the body.

So, what was the real story that these great photographs revealed? The photos in the medical record I was reviewing and analyzing became the "unwritten" timeline that perfectly showed us in full-color how this pressure ulcer came about. Needless to say, my attorney's client was very pleased at the final outcome of this case! Great pressure ulcer documentation through photography can be beneficial to either the plaintiff or the defense.

Pressure Ulcer Nurse Explains How the Medical Record May Reveal Lapses in Skin Assessments - Or Not!

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Blood Pressure and Mean Arterial Pressure

The blood pressure in our body is always changing and it is part of the human physiology. It is very rare that someone's blood pressure is always the same because we are always active and we are always doing different things like eating, sitting, standing, walking, breathing, moving around and doing so many other things throughout a day.

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Every time that we do something different, our blood pressure changes and it react to the different positions that we are in. It is important that doctors and other professionals have the set rate for each person that relates to blood pressure and what it should be, because it is just impossible for anyone to take his or her blood pressure all the time throughout the day. This is why mean arterial pressure is important. Mean arterial pressure "...is a term used in medicine to describe a notional average blood pressure in an individual. It is defined as the average arterial pressure during a single cardiac cycle." (Source: Wikipedia)

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There are different reasons that mean arterial pressure is taken and recorded. Not all are related to health. The mean arterial pressure is known as part of a couple biological processes that do not show any health problems. When an arterial blood flow goes through the body it is going somewhere that it has in mind. Usually the blood is pumped through the arteries and left in the beds of capillaries that will run across the surface of different organs and give them the nutritional substances that are needed to operate properly. This perfusion pressure is thought to actually be the mean arterial pressure.

For the mean arterial pressure to allow an organ to operate the way that it should, it must be at around 60 mmHg. This is enough for an organ of the average size person as long as it is remains at this spot. If the value falls below the average, it means that there is not enough blood pumping into the organ and this will cause the organ to become alchemic. The result will be tissue damage to the organ. The mean arterial pressure should be checked and calculated on a regular basis. Some health officials check the value of a person's arterial pressure when they check a person's blood pressure. It is just one of the many calculations that have to be made about blood pressure.

Blood Pressure and Mean Arterial Pressure

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Accuracy of Blood Pressure Monitors

There is no visible way one can understand changes in human blood pressure, and naturally, checking regularly is the only means to keep track of it. The blood pressure results can predict the risks for your body and health, thereby enabling your physician to suggest ideal food, work, and sleep schedules for you.

pressure washer hose

Different blood pressure monitors provide different readings. The most common blood pressure monitor uses a column of mercury to gauge the blood pressure with a hand pump attached to the arm of the patient. When you pump this, the blood pressure monitor tightens on your arm. Readings taken by this device are usually accurate. But a disadvantage with this type of mercury-based blood pressure monitor is that accidental spilling of mercury can cause various allergic reactions and illness.

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Even though many types of blood pressure monitors are available on the market, mercury-based pressure gauges are more dependable and widely used. But in a technology-driven society where electronic gadgets are exceedingly popular, mercury pressure devices are fast replaced by aneroid and electronic blood pressure monitors. The cuff that is used to attach the device to the arm is important, too. A narrow cuff gives high blood pressure reading, while a broader cuff gives a lower reading. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury. It represents the force of blood exerted on blood vessel walls.

In order to ensure that these new devices provide accurate data, they should be calibrated and validated periodically. Calibration ensures that measurements start from zero on all occasions. It is important that you check the blood pressure monitor you use for accuracy.

Accuracy of Blood Pressure Monitors

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Treatment of Varicose Veins - Staging and Complications

Like many illnesses or conditions a system of staging is used to assess the severity of varicose veins and this then assists in providing the most appropriate treatment.

There are eight stages, the first and best being "C0" where there are no visible signs and "C6" the worst where ulcers have formed. Other stages include "C2" indicating that they are visible and C4a means that skin discoloration and dryness has occurred.

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Complication of Varicose Veins if left Untreated
In general the majority of people do not develop varicose vein complications and if they do develop it is usually several years after they first appear.

The reason that varicose veins can cause complications is because they stop blood from flowing properly. Listed below are some of these complications:

Varicose eczema - Varicose eczema may cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy. Sometimes blisters may occur and the skin will flake.

Bleeding - Due to the skin becoming thinner a small knock to a varicose vein which has formed near the surface of your skin easily bleed and may be difficult to stop. The best way of stopping the bleeding is to position your leg so it is above your chest. You should then apply pressure to the area. Should the bleeding continue then it would be advisable to seek help.

Lipodermatosclerosis - Lipodermatosclerosis causes skin to become hardened and tight, the condition is most common in the calf area.

Chronic venous insufficiency - is where the way that the skin interacting with the blood is affected by the faulty valves therefore stopping or interfering with the blood flow. Chronic venous insufficiency can sometimes cause other conditions to develop such as venous ulcers.

Ulcers may develop because of increased pressure in the veins in the lower limbs. This can allow fluid to seep from the vein and it collects under the skin. Over time the fluid causes thickening of the skin and the area swells and eventually will break down into an ulcer. The ankle is the most common area for this to occur. These ulcers can be treated but it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible.

The majority of varicose veins do not need treatment and those that do will not require any substantial medical treatment. However, should the condition start to deteriorate then it is wise to see a doctor and ascertain what treatment would be best for you. The sooner that this is done the easier it is to rectify. This will provide a better prognosis and mean that your quality of life will be improved.

There are consequences of leaving this untreated and complications, although rare, can occur.

Research has shown that untreated varicose veins where the skin has ulcerated may increase the risk of cancer.

In the elderly, particularly, the skin has thinned to such as extent that following a small knock bleeding can be excessive. This is even more the case if a person is on steroid drugs which themselves cause the skin to thin.

The clotting of blood may also cause problems, especially for deep veins. The clotted area can move and get trapped in other parts of the body such as the heart, lungs or brain resulting in serious medical conditions such as heart attacks or strokes.

In general varicose veins do not present a serious health problem in the majority of people.

The Treatment of Varicose Veins - Staging and Complications

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Low Blood Pressure Dangers

Blood pressure is the force with which blood presses against the walls of arteries. This force is influenced by the strength of the arteries and the action of the heart pumping blood into them throughout our bodies. The blood pressure levels vary all the time depending on stress, the time of the day and the type of food we eat.

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Although most people fear hypertension, having low blood pressure can also have some dangers with symptoms such as nausea, blurred vision, fainting and dizziness. Unlike high blood pressure, this condition has those noticeable symptoms and if you don't have them doctors consider that you are healthy. However, there can be cases of sudden drop of blood pressure and this can be very dangerous.

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In order to be healthy, the body maintains a certain amount of fluids, this amount of fluid will be determining the volume of blood you have in the body so any case of dehydration - like the caused by diarrhea and vomiting - can lead to low blood pressure. Sweating can also be a trigger to dehydration, especially when you sweat for long periods of time.

It is important then that we maintain good amounts of fluids by drinking water. For most people this will be enough to keep good pressure levels.

Other people suffer of drops of blood pressure caused by allergic reactions, and cases of infections and blood loss will lead to a rapid loss of blood pressure.

If you are feeling the symptoms of this condition, you need to seek the help of a doctor. A doctor will help you spot the cause of your problem and will give you treatment accordingly. If you experience dizziness and fainting you should seek EMERGENCY attention, as this is a sign of very low pressure levels or a sudden drop of them which can even lead to death.

Low Blood Pressure Dangers

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Benefits of Tea

Are you one of those people who loves the wafting aroma of hot tea waking you in the morning? Do you feel fresh and active the whole day after having a sip of tea? Do you think tea is your stress buster? Are you among those who want the taste of tea to linger in your mouth? Do you actually understand why you get such pleasure when you drink tea?

Tea contains flavanoids, which are natural polyphenolic compounds that help in maintaining a balanced metabolism. These compounds act as stimulants and give you the good taste and aroma found in tea. Flavanoids are categorised based on their chemical components as flavonols, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, catechins, anthocyanidins and chalcones

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Estimated consumption of tea in India is around 700 million Kgs. It is not harmful if taken less than 3-4 cups of tea daily. Tea doesn't create acidity if consumed without any added flavours.

Iced tea is a refreshing beverage across the world.

There are several varie'teas'... you name it they have it. Green tea, Lemon tea, Ginger tea... to name a few... However they are actually classified as White, Green, Black, Oolong, which are commonly available in the markets and Pu-reh or Medicinal tea, which is uncommon.

The tea is sold in the form of Leaf, Granules or Dust. The properties remain the same for all the three forms.

Myths & Beliefs

It is believed that The Second Emperor of China, Shen Nung discovered tea when its leaves blew into hot water accidentally. It travelled from China to Japan, Turkey, Dutch, Europe and New York. It came to India, during British rule. Assam is the key plantation region in India.

There are also beliefs that Sanjeevani herbs brought by Hanuman from Himalayas in Ramayana, is a tea plant which saved lives of many along with Rama & Lakshmana.

Celebrations

Tea Party is a dignified event celebrated amongst high class people, various Tea Ceremonies are celebrated across the world.

Medicinal Properties of Tea

People use it as a natural stimulant to get rid of fatigue. It contains Theophylline and little Caffeine (up to 30% less than Coffee) also known as Theine, which acts as an Energy Booster.

Tea contains Polyphenol (multiple phenols) an antioxidant which helps prevent and control Cancer and Cardio vascular disease.

Polyphenols like

o Quercetin used in Nutritional Supplement with Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant property
o Catechin is another antioxidant which gives the bitter like taste to the tea

- Tea helps preventing and treating diseases like, Cancer & Multiple Sclerosis
- Helps avoiding cell membrane degradation
- Green tea is full of vitamins that contain Hydroxybenzene that prevents cancer cells from spreading, prevents Rheumatoid arthritis, Cardio vascular diseases like blocking of arteries and heart attack.
- The Catechin in Green tea is called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) which is tested to reduce AIDS infection. It is also useful to treat cancer.
- Green tea helps in building immune system, prevents tooth decay.
- It also helps in maintaining glowing skin, healthy hair and reduces aging of skin.
- Oolong tea is good for weight loss as it helps in preventing our body from absorbing Dextrose
- Black tea, though mild, helps in digestion and bowel disorders. It is also helpful for spleen disorders.
- Pe'ur tea commonly known as 'Medicinal tea' can benefit in many ways. It helps reducing blood cholesterol resulting in weight loss.

Benefits

Natural Energy booster
Improves Metabolism
Calms down tension
Helps in controlling aging process
Controls Blood Sugar levels
Reduces Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL - bad cholesterol)
Keeps alert and make you stay awake & fresh
Natural diuretic - helps in maintaining water level in the body
Natural laxative - helps in clearing bowel movement
Natural Antioxidant
Reduces Plague as the tannins and fluoride content helps preventing tooth decay
Less Caffeine content helps in improving metabolism and reduces weight as tea is calorie-free unless some sweetener or milk is added to that

Harmful effects

- Every coin has another side. As we say, 'Too much of anything spoils everything'. Likewise, excess consumption of tea can cause harmful effects to the body.
- Excess consumption of Green tea may result in sensitivity of Breast cancer, kidney and liver damage and stomach and hearth burns.
- Tea when consumed in excess may result in fatigue, irritability, nervousness and lack of concentration due to excess Caffeine. Caffeine tends to keep a person awake during nights resulting in nervous system damage, insomnia and high blood pressure
- Excess quantity may also result in urinary infection, arthritis and gout due to uric acid deposits because of the toxic components in tea.
- It also aggravates PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), weakens gums thus harming teeth.
- Excess fluoride deposit in body due to excess consumption of Green tea results in browning of teeth and brittle bones.
- Pe'ur tea is identified to contain high levels of fluorine that may result in Fluorosis, which affects bones and teeth
- Excessive consumption many result in Gastric Ulcer
- Decolouring of teeth
- Stomach or Bowel irritation
- May cause palpitations due to excess workout to the nervous system

Role of Tea Industry in Indian Economy

Indian tea industry boasts for being the second largest employer in the country with more than 1 million staffs with more than 50% women staff.
It is also one of the highest revenue grosser.
The total turnover is about Rs. 10,000 Crores
The growth has gone up to 250% in 60 years
The net export gross per annum is around Rs. 2000 Crores

How to make a Good tea?

Brew tea by adding 1 teaspoon (3-5 grams) of tea to 1 cup (200-250 ml) of boiling water and leave for 3-4 minutes. Filter it and add sugar, milk or any flavour as desired. Your tas'tea' tea is ready.

Other usages of Tea

- Cold tea bag when pressed over the eyes is a good home remedy for Puffy eyes and under eye dark circles.
- Warm tea bags when applied directly to warts for few days, helps shrink them gradually due to the tannin acid.
- Tea bags help in healing bruises much faster
- Tea sachets can be used as a deodoriser
- Tea leaves rolled in a piece of cloth is a good medicine for toothache and mouth ulcers
- Dry tea dust can be used as a natural Carpet freshener
- Mix tea leaves with lemon and strain it. Apply this mixture in your hair, soak for half hour and wash, this works as a good hair conditioner and helps retain the natural black colour in the hair.
- Apply Wet tea bags in you skin, it acts as a sun protection and sun burn cream.
- Burn sun dried tea leaves for a natural mosquito repellent.
- Tannin content in green tea helps curing Dermatophytosis. Patients can soak and wash their feet with tea water. Though the process is slow, it has no side effects.
- Brewed tea can be used to wash Silk clothes, which retains the lustre and colour of silk.
- Tea can be used to treat dry skin by exposing the areas to steam with tea leaves. The properties of Tannin, helps in clearing the pores and softening the skin.

Enjoy the Tea Party by not just drinking but also enjoying its other benefits and live a healthy life.

Benefits of Tea

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Sinus Pressure - Unknown, Fast Acting, Non-Drug Relief

Not long ago an Oriental, ancient, simple way of treating common ailments--including sinus pressure, congestion and pain--has been found and is now being used by thousands in the Western world. This mostly unfamiliar, fast acting method of relief is called acupressure, not to be confused with "acupuncture" which, although based on the same healing principles, it is far more invasive and requires a professional practitioner to do it.

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Acupressure uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative properties. Asian cultures believed that those points were junctures of special pathways that carried the human energy called chi. It is interesting that Western scientists have also mapped out and proven the existence of this system of points in the body by using sensitive electrical devices. Stimulating these points with pressure triggers the release of endorphins, which are the neurochemicals that relieve pain. As a result pain is blocked and the flow of oxygen and blood to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax thereby promoting healing.

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Tension can be more damaging than many realize. It tends to concentrate around acupressure points. When due to trauma, chemical imbalances, fatigue or when a muscle is chronically tense or you are under a great deal of stress, you may have noticed difficulty in breathing. By applying finger pressure in the proper acupressure points you may be able to relieve chest tension and breathe better. Acupressure can also be very beneficial by helping the body rebalance itself. How? By dissolving tensions and stresses that inhibit the immune system, and which tend to prevent a smooth functioning of our body organs. By applying the proper amount of pressure on the right points muscle tension is dissolved, enabling the muscle fibers to stretch and relax. Blood can then flow freely and accumulated waste substances can then be better released and eliminated; allowing better inflow of oxygen and nutrients in that area.

Now that we better understand how acupressure works and why it can benefit you, let's try an acupressure point, out of several, that can clear your sinus pressure in a matter of minutes:

In the center of the back of the head, in the large hollow under the base of the skull--where the bone ends and the soft tissue begins. You will know the exact point location by a well defined pain you will feel when pressing thereon. Using your middle or index finger press firmly and steadily for 3 - 5 minutes. Before you are through doing this acupressure point your sinuses should have started to flow nicely. If they don't you should check to make sure you found the right acupressure spot. Acupressure should not be done right after a meal. You can do this technique several times a day, as needed.

When properly used, this ancient healing system could make the difference between healthy sinuses or sinus misery.

Sinus Pressure - Unknown, Fast Acting, Non-Drug Relief

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Analgesic Abuse - Are You Doing This Too?

Analgesic drugs are the most frequently used medications, yet women who habitually pop a few every day may be raising their chances of getting high blood pressure and gastric bleeding.

American scientists studied over 5,000 women, monitoring their intake of aspirin, paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. They found that women who took 500mg or more of paracetamol a day were twice as likely to develop high blood pressure. Those taking 400mg plus of ibuprofen a day were 60% more likely to develop the condition, rising to 80% for older women (aged 51-77). Aspirin, on the other hand, did not seem to affect the blood pressure.

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Apart from the risk of developing high blood pressure, excessive consumption of analgesics is associated with many other serious health risks too. For instance, the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding increases in patients taking NSAIDs on a regular basis. This can aggravate the underlying peptic ulcer disease too by increasing the likelihood of erosion of stomach mucosa. Patients who have peptic ulcers/gastric ulcers can also develop severe bleeding, and those without previous history of peptic ulcers can develop these due to superficial erosion in the stomach lining.

Patients who are more prone to develop bleeding gastric ulcers are those taking analgesics (NSAIDs) for some underlying pain disorder, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, it is very essential to visit your general practitioner for a regular assessment of your dosing schedule and any associated side effects. Most ulcers are preventable if detected earlier, and can be prevented altogether by reducing the intake of these medications or replacing them with those having fewer side effects.

Analgesic Abuse - Are You Doing This Too?

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Pressure Mounted Baby Gates

Some baby gates are pressure mounted, while others are hardware mounted. Pressure mounted baby gates are affixed in doorways and stairways through traction, using pads that unscrew to apply pressure against a stair post, door frame or wall. These are designed to be less permanent installations than hardware mounted gates, whose brackets are screwed into place. Why should a parent prefer one over the other?

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Greater Ease of Installation

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For anyone who hates furniture and accessories with a "some assembly required" description, pressure mounted gates are a relief. Most pressure mount units are preassembled U-shaped frames with a center door that's already attached on its hinge. The most you'll need to unscrew or ratchet out the pad extensions. Almost none of these models require any tools or hardware, and the few that do require no more than a screwdriver or an Allen wrench.

More Economical

It's not uncommon to find pressure mounted safety gates of good quality for less than , and very high quality ones for under 0. Hardware mounted baby gates tend to fall in the -120 range. Hardware mounted gates are most often installed at the tops of stairs, whose newel posts can require more complex brackets to accommodate less-than-symmetrical angles, hence the price difference.

Greater Flexibility

Because pressure mount gates extend to fit the opening in which their installed, they can be relocated to different openings in the house at will. Less precision is required when selecting the width of your gate - you only need to be accurate within a few inches. Hardware mounted baby gates simply won't fit your opening if they're too wide or too narrow, at least without purchasing costly extensions. Safety gates are typically designed to accommodate 42 to 72 inch openings.

They're also more flexible in terms of portability. Because they're so simple to install and uninstall without tools, pressure mount gates can be taken along for visits to friends' houses for occasions like children's birthday parties. They're easy to share on a temporary basis, or simply to experiment with different placements in your own home. You can place your baby gate any place that happens to need sealing off at the moment.

Pressure Mounted Baby Gates

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Analogies Between Every-Day-Life Stress And Peptic Ulcer

The long-disputed idea that gastric and duodenal ulcer is mainly caused by stress was struggled by two medical doctors and scientists studies who discovered the existence of an acid-resistant bacteria. Helicobacter pylori is capable to resist and breed in an acid environment; it belongs to class A of pre-cancerous stages as it is known to produces some of the most dangerous forms of gastric and duodenal cancer.

After the huge discovery of Helicobacter doctors considered all forms of ulcer were caused by bacterial infection and stopped studying the emotional factors. A medication combining Metronidazole, an anti-parasite antibiotic and Ampicillin took over the sketch of medication and patients suffering from ulcer seemed to get quickly better.

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In spite of these discoveries studies around the world population have pointed out that stress affects gastric secretion and injures the stomach mucous more than H. Pylori. Although infected, some people never show clinical signs of ulcer; on the other side people feeling stressed are twice more likely to develop ulcer then the ones considered stress-free. Also, ulcer cases seemed to multiply after natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods when an increased number of people accused clinical signs of gastric pains and digestive hemorrhages.

To be able to establish a complete diagnosis of a particular case a physician must necessarily search for both psychological and physical determinant factors. The term of "Illness" is relative as every case of ulcer is special; every patient is different, with his own lifestyle and his personal eating and relaxing habits.

Beside ulcer, stress can also cause high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma, especially in patients with difficult work-environments or family problems. For treating gastric and duodenal ulcer a doctor must consider advising his patients to improve their lives on both physical and emotional scale. A physician should always be a good psychiatrist as he needs to treat bodies as well as minds.

Although an antibiotic treatment is most necessary to control signs and symptoms, a doctor must ask the patient about his own level of stress at home or at work. Even when well treated, with the right antibiotics, ulcer always shows relapses after a period of time.

Stress can be caused by internal factors as well as by external ones like a stressful marriage, use of drugs or alcohol.

A program of physical exercises, meditations or therapeutic baths and massages will surely improve the psychological condition of the patients. Also a cure of homeopathic products and natural-based food can increase the body's performances. Food supplements like deglycyrrinizated licorice which helps stomach wounds to heal or Aloe Vera that decreases inflammation and supports healing, can make things look better.

For treating a disease you must first understand it. Accepting both physical and emotional factors as potential causes for any illness might help you cure any kind of affection better. Examine the nervous and immune system together with the disturbing area can bring sometimes huge satisfactions. This is why accepting stress as a potential cause for ulcer is very important for a successful treatment.

Analogies Between Every-Day-Life Stress And Peptic Ulcer

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Mouth Ulcer Treatment The Easy Way

My mum always has mouth ulcer problems. The days when ulcers infest her mouth, she gets really temperamental, and I'll have a hard time smoothing her bad temper. Are you also having ulcer problems regularly? Here are some tips which might helps to give fast relief to the pain ulcer problem.

To quickly allow mouth ulcer to heal, try rinsing your mouth many times a day with a cup of warm water mixed with half a teaspoon of sea salt. This may helps to get rid of the bacteria that feed on plaque and give some relief to the pain caused by ulcer. As sea salt is mild antiseptic, rinsing yourself regularly with this solution can help tighten gums and keep them healthy.

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Another great natural medicine to use is resin from the myrrh tree. It has been used for centuries to heal mouth ulcer as it has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which help to heal irritated mucous membranes. Use a capsule of powdered myrrh and apply it directly to the mouth ulcers several times a day.

For long term relief from ulcer you need to take deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL). It stimulates your body to produce protective mucus that encourages healing of mucous membranes, and fight bacteria that causes mouth ulcer. Buy chewable DGL tablets that have had compound glycyrrhizic acid removed as this acid can cause water retention and high blood pressure. Take one or two three times a day. Use it as often as you need. Try taking it for three months to solve the ulcer problem completely if you are suffering from chronic mouth ulcer.

Besides healing ulcers, you should also try to prevent it from occurring. If you are having mouth ulcer frequently, you may need to take note of what you eat. Some of the food you eat may be the contributing factor. Examples are highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pineapples, or vinegar. Some other food may be the prime factor, hence try noting what you eat often that may potentially cause the ulcer issue.

Another great mouth rinse you can use is a solution of sage tea mix with sea salt. These are antiseptic, relieve inflammation and also promote healing. Pour 250ml of boiling water over 2 teaspoon of dried sage, cover it and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Then add half teaspoon of sea salt and stir well. Just use 60ml of mixture to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth.

Lastly drink more water to cool down your body. By cooling down your body temperature, you will let the infected area to recover quicker. At the same time, try not to take spicy food which will increase your body temperature rapidly.

Mouth ulcers are usually harmless and they will go away in a few days time. However, if your condition is very serious and you can't get rid of it, it is best to consult your doctor as it may be due to viral infection or by other health problems.

Mouth Ulcer Treatment The Easy Way

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Sleep Apnea Causes High Blood Pressure

Sleep apnea is the repeated pausing of breathing while sleeping, so that one or more breaths are missed. A person can have many occurrences a night and in some people, episodes may last for up to minute. At each incident the brain awakens the person for a moment, to make them inhale air again. This cycle of brief awakenings results in disturbed and poor quality rest. Sleep apnea is not the same as snoring, though most people with this condition do snore.

pressure washer

Blood pressure normally falls during sleep. There is a substantial amount of evidence that if there is no fall at night, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart failure.

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One of the side effects of sleep apnea is that blood pressure usually does not fall at night. This means that there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally if left untreated, there is an increased likelihood of having daytime (resting) high blood pressure too.

Some estimates are that 50% of long-term sufferers have high blood pressure. It is not clear whether the cause is the repeated shortage of oxygen, caused by missing breaths, or the interrupted and poor quality of sleep. It is probably a combination of both. Studies have shown that continually not getting enough sleep increases the risk of elevated blood pressure. The lack of continual deep sleep due to sleep apnea may have a similar effect.

Those with sleep apnea usually cannot tell that they have this condition, since they are not aware of stopping breathing and the brief awakenings. Consequently, many sufferers do not believe that they have this problem. when others tell them.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute estimates that 18 million people have sleep apnea. This is a large number of people who are at greater risk of increased blood pressure.

There are a number of treatment options for sleep apnea depending on the cause. Sometimes lifestyle changes are sufficient, and can include, not lying on the back, sleeping with head and upper body elevated (such as in a recliner) a reduction in alcohol consumption, reduction in the use of muscle relaxants, quitting smoking and weight loss. There are a number of devices that fit in the mouth that are worn at night. Positive airway pressure devices are available also. A good place to start for more information about the causes and treatment is the American Sleep Apnea Association.

Treatment will decrease the risk of getting high blood pressure. For those who already have high blood pressure, treatment will help stop further increases, and reduce the risk of the consequences such as stroke and heart failure.

Sleep Apnea Causes High Blood Pressure

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Is High Blood Pressure and Poor Circulation Related?

Most of the time the idea for an article is developed from the questions my clients ask. Most of them ask if a health issue can be related to another one? This question is asked more frequently because when they try one of my programs for health issues, it cures another health problem jointly.

In their e-mails they mention apart from losing weight or reducing blood pressure, my health programs have improved their poor circulation. I have received many e-mails from my clients who have tried my weight loss and high blood pressure program.

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Then most of them ask me are both the problems interrelated. My answer is always a yes.

Restricted flow of blood in the body is called poor circulation. The symptoms for this is numbness or cramps in hands and legs.

Over time, however, symptoms also present as coldness in the limbs, extreme tiredness in the legs or even all over, pain in the limbs, redness and swelling, water retention, headache, sleep interruption, skin ulcers, loss of libido and even loss of mental acuity.

When there is limited amount of blood flow in body, then a person will get this symptoms. All the organs in the body needs adequate blood for the better supply of oxygen. When the organs do not get adequate blood the oxygen supply will also come down. This may lead many problems.

Poor circulation of blood for a long time may lead to hypertension and may damage the organs. This damage can lead to blindness, stroke and heart attack. Moreover, this can cause blood clots, which may lead to stroke.

So, what causes poor circulation? The most common causes are atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), obesity, inactivity (oftentimes goes hand in hand with obesity), diabetes, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.

High blood pressure can lead to narrowing of arteries and narrowing of arteries can lead to high blood pressure. That is the reason why sometimes high blood pressure is the cause and a side effect of poor circulation.

Diabetes has its own complications because its side effects include both small blood vessel damage (this is why amputation is so often a result of untreated diabetes) and water retention. Both of these have been proven to lead to high blood pressure.

All my programs are natural and comes with zero side effects and proven results. If your physician has advised you to reduce your weight or your blood pressure in order to increase your blood circulation, I recommend my High Blood Pressure Program or Weight Loss Breeze Program.

EL331002

Is High Blood Pressure and Poor Circulation Related?

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Vitamins That Fight High Blood Pressure

If you are suffering from high blood pressure right now, the good news is you can take some vitamins to help lower your blood pressure in short period of time. Which vitamins are fighting high blood pressure for you? They are:-

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Vitamin C

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Vitamin C protects your arteries and decreases the risk of heart disease and hypertension in several ways. First, it prevents the generation of free radicals which damage artery walls. Second, it helps repair damage to the arteries, preventing the deposit of plaque at the site of injury. It also helps elevate levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

Several studies have found that blood levels of vitamin C are significant lower in patients with high blood pressure. Therefore, it is a good idea for people who have high blood pressure to take vitamin C. It is recommended to take a minimum of 2,500 milligrams of vitamin C per day if you have hypertension.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is the most active antioxidant in the fatty cells of your body. It reduces the risk of heart disease and hypertension by protecting your arteries from the effects of oxidized LDL cholesterol. From the research, it was found that men who had a daily intake of more than 30 international units of vitamin E had 37 percent reduction in heart disease.
If you have hypertension or want to prevent of high blood pressure, it is recommended to take 800 international units of natural vitamin E daily.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that, like vitamin E, works primarily in the lipid, or fat, tissues of your body. Vitamin A prevents LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) building up of plague in your arteries. Vitamin A can be toxic in very high dose. If you have high blood pressure, it is recommended to take 5,000 international units daily to protect against cardiovascular disease

People who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low vitamin A, low vitamin E, the risk of heart attack would be up to 87 percent.

Vitamins That Fight High Blood Pressure

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Study, Stress and Music

Is background music beneficial or harmful during study? Given that about 75% of students listen to music whilst they do their homework, we ought to find out.

It is natural to enjoy learning. We are born curious and eager to gain new knowledge to make sense of the world we live in and gain an increased understanding of our self. This new and successful learning results in self-growth and self-esteem.

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Human beings seek self-esteem and happiness more than anything else (Aristotle)

The model of a happy, self-motivated learner can be disrupted by stress and negative emotions. The little emotions are the captains of our lives and we obey them without realizing it. (Vincent Van Gogh)

Stress occurs when there is a perception that a given challenge is greater than our skills. Stress can be good or bad, depending on how we deal with it. Good stress causes a narrowing of attention, bad stress causes a focus on negative outcomes. Bad stress can interfere with brain circuitry making learning more difficult. Physiological changes resulting from stress include increases in pulse rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Severe stress can cause headaches, tears and ulcers. In summary, stress can negatively affect learning. When I ask students if they have been stressed recently a majority of hands rise.

Music is an art form which deals with the representation of emotion through the medium of sound. It can have a physical effect on us because it is closely linked with emotion, perhaps even more so than the abstract nature of words. The number one reason people listen to music is to moderate their emotional state. In a very real sense, music connects us with our inner selves.

Numerous studies leave us in no doubt that music can affect our mood state and stress levels. In fact, a great deal of present research involves the use of music in medical situations to assist recovery rates and induce a desired physiology (usually a lowering) of heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. The use of music as an element in medical intervention is an example of creative connection between subject areas. I explore this topic more in my staff PD units on trans-disciplinary learning and creativity.

Great innovation and new ideas emerge from trans-disciplinary connections (Kozumi)

Does music help or interfere with studying? Firstly, it depends what the task is. The more difficult the cognitive challenge, the more likely background music will disrupt the learning process. For less challenging learning tasks, music can greatly assist in providing external stimulation and a positive learning arousal state. Secondly, it depends on the characteristics of the music which we will come to in a moment; and thirdly, it depends on personality type. Extroverts enjoy and often require more external stimulation than introverts, and are likely to handle background noise better than introverts.

What are the music characteristics that aid or disrupt study?

Tempo
The recommended tempo for background music is in the range 70 -110 beats per minute, slightly faster than the heartbeat at rest. Music at fast tempi exerts a greater cognitive load (demands more attention) because our brain is processing more musical events per second. Fast music also raises the heartbeat, which is why gymnasiums use certain types of music with their fitness programs. Very slow music lowers the heartbeat, creating a state that might be too relaxed for study purposes.

Volume
Music which is very loud or forceful exerts a greater cognitive load which makes concentration more difficult. Music which is too soft can also be irritating if we find we are straining to listen. Music with sudden dynamic (volume level) changes is also unsuitable. Volume level is an individual preference, but needs to be moderately low and consistent.

Tonality
For this topic, tonality refers to whether music is in a major or minor key. Music written in a major key generally has a happy character, whilst minor, sad. One does not need to be familiar with this music jargon as even very young children are adept at picking the tonality of music. For example, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is in a major key, whilst a funeral march would be in a minor key. Choosing music written in a major key and at an appropriate tempo is best for study purposes, although many people find that slightly quicker minor key music also works. This is because of relationships between musical characteristics - particularly between tempo and tonality, creating different arousal thresholds.

Lyrics
Many young people have a listening repertoire of only songs; that is, music with words. Lyrics are the most distracting aspect of background musical listening, because they compete with the same brain regions that process language. More particularly, studies have found that the most distracting background music per se is fast and familiar vocal music known by, chosen and liked by the listener.

So it's not about genre of music, be it classical, jazz, pop or rock, but the inherent musical characteristics which affect our mood and learning readiness. These characteristics include tempo (the speed of the beat), volume, tonality (major or minor) and whether or not the music is instrumental or has words. There are indeed more pertinent musical characteristics including texture, melodic range and rhythmic complexity, but this beyond the scope of a typical student presentation. There is still much we don't know about the effects of music listening on behaviour, and fMRI scanning is contributing much to our understanding.

If background music is to assist the learning process, we need to help students understand that if they do choose to play background music during homework, the primary aim remains to engage in a sustained period of learning. If music can help maintain a healthy learning- arousal state then well and good. But it's not about entertainment, and not all music is appropriate.

The largest body of music with

• moderate tempo
• consistent volume
• emotionally cool
• major tonality
• instrumental

is music from the baroque and classical periods.

Suitable baroque music includes compositions by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and Pachelbel, and suitable classical music includes selections from Haydn, Mozart and Boccherini. I have compiled a 10-hour mp3 playlist for schools and individuals. Each piece was personally examined and selected based on the above criteria. Contact me if you would like this sent to you.

Those who like studying with background music have found some of the following benefits:

• It shuts out distractions
• I get immersed in my own world and become more productive
• It puts me in a positive frame of mind and a better mood
• It gives me a general feeling of well being
• It calms me before a large task and I stay focused for longer
• It makes time go by fast
• It helps me work quicker
• It's good for repetitive homework tasks
• It helps my creativity
• It makes studying more enjoyable

In summary, the use of background music for study is a personal thing. What is suitable for one will not necessarily be for another. For the record, this author finds it very difficult to concentrate on reading or writing with music on.

Study, Stress and Music

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

Low Blood Pressure Symptoms

Controlling high blood pressure reduces the risk for heart attacks and death from other cardiovascular disease. Extreme low blood pressure, however, can be hazardous--even deadly.

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Scientists add that although higher death rates among those with low blood pressure may be due to other causes, cardiac deaths were particularly high in untreated patients with low diastolic blood pressure compared to patients with heart disease and low systolic pressure.

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Research indicates that the death rate is higher among those with high diastolic blood pressure and those with low diastolic blood pressure compared to those in the mid range. This was the case for treated patients as well as untreated patients. High or low systolic readings do not seem to have as much impact in relation to deaths due to cardiovascular diseases.

Intense exercise or cardiovascular exercise impacts the blood flow; pumping slows, which results in a dramatic drop in blood pressure. The body then responds quickly by increasing heart rate and cardiac output to maintain blood pressure at the level required so that the individual does not lose consciousness due to drastically low blood pressure.

The moment exercising ceases, blood pressure drops drastically. This is because when muscles stop contracting, there is no longer a pump to send blood back to the heart. The heart responds by lowering cardiac output.

Also, blood flow in certain areas remains high due to the concentrations of metabolic byproducts in the bloodstream causing blood vessels in the muscle to remain dilated. This results in a drop in the heart's blood volume, as blood is caught in the blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure.

As body temperature increases when an individual is exercising, the blood vessels in the skin dilate to lose the extra heat. Again, this could also reduce blood volume in the heart, as enough blood is not present to be pumped into the heart.

That's why a cool-down routine is so important after exercise. The cool-down causes blood pressure to drop sufficiently and the heart rate to return to normal. Taking all this into account, it has been proven that regular exercise will gradually lower resting blood pressure, especially in those with borderline or mild hypertension.

Low Blood Pressure Symptoms

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What You Should Know About Peptic Ulcers

Barring a few internal bodily systems, an ulcer can occur just about anywhere. No one is immune from peptic ulcers, which are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal system, and they differ from leg ulcers. A peptic ulcer can be extremely hazardous to your health.

It is possible for the gastrointestinal sore to eat through the intestinal lining and cause the contents of the stomach and intestines to spill out into the body cavity. This perforation can lead to death. There are other problems that you need to be aware of too and you should know the different locations where this disease can develop.

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Most of the ulcers people are diagnosed as having are actually peptic ulcers. The difference is in where they are located. Take for example a stomach ulcer or a duodenal ulcer. Ulcers of the stomach are found in the actual stomach and duodenal ulcers are found in the duodenum.

That makes sense, right? What does not make sense is why anyone would want to risk their health by not seeking out medical guidance and treatment. Ulcers can be quite painful and in some cases very deadly if they are malignant or perforate the abdominal cavity.

There are five different complications that can occur from such diseases located in the gastric region. These are: gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding ulcer,) perforation (where the stomach contents or intestines spill into the body cavity,) penetration, scarring and Pyloric Stenosis. You definitely do not want any of these to happen to you.

An untreated ulcer is nothing to scoff at because sometimes it can lead to great sickness and even death. If you have, or think you may have one, then you need to see your doctor to seek treatment as soon as possible. This is your health and your life that you are risking by not seeking out medications to help.

Peptic ulcers can be caused by several things. The predominant factor is the presence of H. Pylori bacteria. It is not caused by stress, spicy foods or a certain blood type as it was once thought. Other factors that might cause an ulcer are: the use of NSAIDS over a long period of time, the overuse of laxatives, a family history (in particular a duodenal ulcer,) and Zollinger Ellison Syndrome. Luckily, the treatments are quite simple. Most ulcers will heal with medication and watching what you eat until the ulcer has healed.

What You Should Know About Peptic Ulcers

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Blood Pressure Remedy - Lifestyle Changes Is the Best Remedy For Blood Pressure

We often blame health issues like hypertension on uncontrollable factors like heredity, age and gender. In the process, we fail to look into the controllable factors that contributed to the development of hypertension, said factors of which will point the way toward the best blood pressure remedy. This is the case with the following lifestyle changes.

pressure washer pump

Your diet must be a healthy one. We suggest the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet with its emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Of course, you can still eat dairy foods just as long as these are of the low-fat variety. It also helps to eat more bananas, garlic and nuts since these foods have been proven to contain beneficial substances as part of an effective blood pressure remedy.

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Sodium, or salt, is good for flavoring food but when taken in excess, your hypertension can worsen. You must lessen your sodium intake to just 1,500 mg a day including the salt from frozen dinners and canned soups. If you must add flavor to your dishes, do so with herbs like rosemary, basil and parsley.

Your alcohol and caffeine intake must also be closely monitored. On one hand, you can drink a glass of red wine daily for its therapeutic benefits but anything else can endanger your health. On the other hand, the caffeine in coffee and sodas counteract whatever beneficial impact a blood pressure remedy has gained for your health - just eliminate these beverages from your diet.

If you have been habitual or occasional smoker before being diagnosed with hypertension, then you have one more reason to drop the habit. Tobacco damages the walls of the blood vessels, thus, speeding up the hardening of the arteries. Your heart then works harder, which leads to increased risks for hypertension. So, if you want the plan for the ultimate blood pressure remedy to work, quit smoking pronto.

Look at your weight and waistline. If both are on the high side when measured, you must take the necessary steps to lose the excess numbers. Lose weight and trim your waistline in the process. Soon, your high blood pressure levels will drop by a 10 mm-Hg, which is a good drop, indeed.

Last, you must learn to relax. No, you need not take frequent vacations since even yoga and meditation for 30 minutes a day is sufficient as a blood pressure remedy.

Blood Pressure Remedy - Lifestyle Changes Is the Best Remedy For Blood Pressure

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Essential Oil Alternatives For the Top 10 Drugs Prescribed by Pediatricians

When your child becomes unwell, you want to do everything you possibly can to help that child recover and be restored to health. Take your child to a doctor, and that doctor will often prescribe a drug to "fix" whatever the issue is. But is it really that simple? Are drugs really the answer 9 times out of 10 as many doctors would seem to suggest?

A prominent health expert recently stated:

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"The day is fast coming when health insurance schemes collapse and self care becomes the order of the day. But many Americans aren't ready for this.

Certainly many Americans are angry at the passage of Obamacare. But a man I met at a Postal Annex store said he needed the insurance coverage and welcomed it, as he has problems with his joints and diabetes. He wanted the medicines that only the insured can afford.However, Obamacare, or even the pre-existing healthcare system, would not make him any healthier. But this man, along with many other Americans, has no perception of this.

Drugs will be prescribed for him that calm symptoms but never restore health and in fact may create new diseases. Some drugs cause the very disease they are intended to treat."

- Bill Sardi, How to Prepare for ObamaCare Part 1

Before you fill that prescription for your child's cold, flu, or even ADD, take a look at this -

Here are 3 Reasons to Consider Natural Alternatives to Prescribed Drugs for your Child

1. Negative side effects for the drug your doctor prescribed for your child - you might unknowingly be causing more problems as you attempt to help your child be well.

2. Therapeutic-grade essential oils (and other quality products on the market) have a tried and true track record of giving powerful, yet gentle results to children with little risk of side effects.

3. Be empowered to help your child be healthy no matter if there is a natural disaster and pharmacies are shut down.

Speaking of side effects and natural alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, keep reading **(see disclaimer below)** -

Top 10 Drugs Prescribed by Pediatricians

1. Amoxicillin 9.2%

Antibiotic Prescribed For - infections of the middle ear, larynx, tonsils, throat, bronchi, lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, and skin.

Potential Side Effects - nausea, vomiting, rashes and antibiotic associated colitis. Loose bowel movements (diarrhea) and allergic response may also occur. The onset of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin can be very sudden and intense - emergency medical attention must be sought as quickly as possible. The initial onset of such a reaction often starts with a change in mental state; skin rash with intense itching (often beginning in fingertips and around groin area and rapidly spreading) and sensations of fever, nausea and vomiting. Any other symptoms that seem even remotely suspicious must be taken very seriously.

Essential Oil(s) to Try - Thieves, Purification, lemon, peppermint, frankincense (diffuse, take internally in a glass of water or homemade capsules, apply to feet, chest, or throat)

2. Azithromycin5.0%

Antibiotic prescribed for - infections of the middle ear, larynx, tonsils, bronchi, lungs (pneumonia), and sinuses.

Potential Side Effects - diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Rare side effects include abnormal liver tests, allergic reactions, and nervousness.

Essential Oil(s) to Try - Thieves, Purification, lemon, peppermint, frankincense (diffuse, take internally in a glass of water or homemade capsules, apply to feet, chest, or throat)

3. Amoxicillin/clavulanate 3.7% -

Antibiotic prescribed for - infections of the middle ear, larynx, tonsils, throat, bronchi, lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, and skin.

Potential Side Effects - (see #1 above)

Essential Oil(s) to Try - Thieves, Purification, lemon, peppermint, frankincense (diffuse, take internally in a glass of water or homemade capsules, apply to feet, chest, or throat)

4. Singulair (montelukast) 3.4%

Prescribed for - asthma, the prevention of exercise-induced asthma, and allergic rhinitis (sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, itching of the nose, and outdoor and indoor allergies).

Potential Side Effects - Cough, dizziness, headache, indigestion, nausea, stomach upset or pain, stuffy nose, tiredness, trouble sleeping, weakness. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Singulair: Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), aggressive behavior, agitation, chest pain, dark urine, fever, flu-like symptoms, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, mental or mood changes, new or worsening wheezing or other breathing problems, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, seizures, severe or persistent stomach pain, severe sinus inflammation, suicidal thoughts or actions, swelling, tremor, unusual bruising or bleeding, upper respiratory tract infection, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Essential Oil(s) to Try - Purification, lavender (diffuse, inhale, apply to feet, lavender may be taken internally for allergies)

5. Cefdinir 2.9%

Antibiotic prescribed for - infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx, bronchi, lungs, skin and other soft tissues.

Potential Side Effects - diarrhea, headache, nausea. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Cefdinir: Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bloody stools, change in the amount of urine produced, dark urine, fever, chills, or sore throat, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe diarrhea or vomiting, severe stomach pain or cramps, unusual bleeding or bruising, vaginal irritation or discharge, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Essential Oil(s) to Try - Thieves, Purification, lemon, peppermint, frankincense (diffuse, take internally in a glass of water or homemade capsules, apply to feet, chest, or throat)

6. Albuterol nebulizing solution 2.2%

Prescribed for - asthma and other conditions of the lung.

Potential Side Effects - Coughing; dizziness; dry mouth; headache; nausea; nervousness; sinus inflammation; sore throat; trouble sleeping; unusual taste in mouth. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Albuterol/Ipratropium Aerosol: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; clammy skin; difficulty urinating; fast or irregular heartbeat; new or worsening breathing problems; numbness of an arm or leg; pain, tightness, or pressure in the jaw, neck, or chest; pounding in the chest; severe headache, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness; severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; swelling of the arms or legs; tremors; vision changes; wheezing.

Essential Oil(s) to Try - Purification, frankincense (diffuse, inhale, apply to feet or chest)

7. Concerta (methylphenidate) 1.8% (extended-release Ritalin)

Prescribed for - ADD/ADHD

Potential Side Effects - Loss of appetite - in up to 25.3 percent of people, headaches - up to 22.2 percent, dry mouth - up to 14 percent, nausea - up to 12.8 percent, insomnia - up to 12.3 percent, tics (uncontrolled movements) - up to 9 percent, upper respiratory infections (similar to the common cold) - up to 8 percent, abdominal pain (or stomach pain) - up to 7 percent. Other common side effects (occurring in 2 to 7 percent of people) included: dizziness, weight loss, accidental injury, irritability, increased sweating, vomiting, loss of appetite, cough, irritated or sore throat, sinus infection or irritation, fever, irritated or runny nose, shakiness (tremor), ingestion or heartburn, painful menstrual periods, diarrhea. Concerta can also cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small, and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time. There are a number of less common (but more serious) Concerta side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider, including, but not limited to: suicidal thoughts, confusion, anxiety, chest tightness or chest pain or heart palpitations, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), shortness of breath, depression, more outgoing or aggressive behavior than normal, strange behavior, agitation, or restlessness, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there), fainting or seizures, uncontrolled movements of the head, neck, mouth, arms, or legs (known as tics), signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained skin rash, itching, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, or unexplained swelling.

Essential Oil(s) to Try - vetiver, Peace & Calming, lavender, peppermint, Valor (diffuse, inhale, apply to feet and/or shoulders)

8. Adderall XR (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)1.5%

Prescribed for - ADD/ADHD

Potential Side Effects - Constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, stomach pain or upset, unpleasant taste, vomiting, weight loss. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Adderall: Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blurred vision, change in sexual ability or desire, chest pain, confusion, depression, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, growth suppression, mental/mood changes, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg, one-sided weakness, painful or frequent urination, seizures, severe headache, severe stomach pain, severe weight loss, sudden severe dizziness, fainting, or vomiting, uncontrolled muscle movement, unusual weakness or tiredness, vision or speech changes.

Essential Oil(s) to Try - vetiver, Peace & Calming, lavender, peppermint, Valor (diffuse, inhale, apply to feet and/or shoulders)

9. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) 1.5%

Antiviral prescribed for - influenza (flu)

Potential Side Effects - diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Tamiflu Suspension: Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abnormal behavior, confusion, hallucinations, mood or mental changes, reddened, blistered, peeling, or swollen skin, seizures, severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent sore throat). **Over 1/2 of all children in the UK who took Tamiflu for the Swine Flu experienced side effects.**

Essential Oil(s) to Try - Thieves, Purification, lemon, peppermint, frankincense (diffuse, take internally in a glass of water or homemade capsules, apply to feet, chest, or throat)

10. Prednisolone sodium phosphate 1.2%

Prescribed for - asthma attacks, allergic reactions, poison ivy, arthritis (JRA), acute leukemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenocortical insufficiency, and nephrotic syndrome.

Potential Side Effects - muscle weakness, osteoporosis, fractures, Cushing's syndrome, pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, growth suppression, glucose intolerance, acne, edema, hypertension, hypokalemia, alkalosis, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulcer, nausea, vomiting, headache, vertigo, seizures, psychoses, pseudotumor cerebri, and skin atrophy. Some kids also develop mood swings, become irritable, and have trouble sleeping when they take prednisone.

Essential Oil(s) to Try - Purification, lavender, frankincense (For asthma diffuse, inhale, apply to feet and/or chest. For skin issues apply diluted to affected area. For a general anti-inflammatory affect, lavender and frankincense may also be taken internally).

Give Natural a Chance!

"Americans can fix most of their emergent and every-day health problems at home at far less cost - like headaches, coughs, allergies, colds, backaches, infections, pain, etc. The establishment of a natural medicine chest at home, accompanied by a wee bit of instruction, would reduce health care costs by trillions of dollars."

- Bill Sardi, "How to Prepare for ObamaCare Part 1

Click here for more information.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimers:

*The types of essential oils we recommend are therapeutic-grade essential oils. Cheap, health food store oils are perfume-grade or food-grade at best, won't give you therapeutic results, and may even cause damage if taken internally.*

**Please use wisdom when you or your child has a health concern. We are not suggesting that all Western medical treatments should be ignored and that essential oils will cure everyone of every thing.

It has been my experience (and the experience of many others as well) that I have been able to ween off of the drugs I used to be on, replace them with essential oils, and have been able to avoid drugs altogether in many instances because of the oils (while getting better results with my health).

There may, however, be some instances where a drug might be the best option for someone. While we encourage you to consider alternatives to pharmaceuticals, we do not assume liability for your health choices.**

Essential Oil Alternatives For the Top 10 Drugs Prescribed by Pediatricians

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Saturday, September 24, 2011

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally - 3 Fast Ways to Reduce Blood Pressure For Good

High blood pressure that goes untreated increases your risk of serious health problems, including stroke and heart attack. You can have hypertension for many years and not show any symptoms. Hypertension usually develops over the course of many years and it nearly affects everyone at some point in their lives. Hypertension can be detected easily and once you know you have it you can start treating it. Here are a few great tips to reduce hypertension Quickly.

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Tip 1 - Maintain a Healthy Weight. If you are over weight, losing just 5 to 10 pounds can lower Blood pressure. If you need to lose weight, regular physical activity such as walking, light jogging or riding a bicycle will help you keep your weight under control. Start out slowly and strive for at least 30 minutes a day.

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Tip 2 - Dash Diet. The Dash Diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This type of diet encourages eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy products. You also need to eat less saturated fat, total fat and reduce the salt in your diet.

Tip 3 - Reduce Stress. Managing your stress is an important factor. You should get as much sleep as possible and practice relaxation techniques such as muscle relaxation or slow, deep breathing.

In this article we looked at 3 tips on how to cure hypertension. These are just 3 of a number of ways that will help you cure your high blood pressure. I am sure you probably have more questions so why not find out more.

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally - 3 Fast Ways to Reduce Blood Pressure For Good

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Causes And Effects Of College Binge Drinking

College binge drinking has steadily become a major public concern not only for colleges and universities around the country, but for the states as well. According to research, almost 50% of full-time college students binge drink, and approximately 1,800,000 college students who binge drink qualified for the medical criteria for substance abuse.

What is binge drinking, and why does it affect such an enormous number of college students?

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Binge drinking has been defined as the consumption of alcohol with the primary objective of getting drunk at a very short period of time. For a typical adult, this means consuming about five or more drinks for males, and 4 or more drinks for females in approximately two hours.

Most college students, especially new enrollees, consider binge drinking as a rite of passage to adulthood, even before they turn 21. They associate excessive "partying" as something they have to do in order to be "in". Peer pressure is a huge factor of binge drinking. Some people who have never had a drink in their lives actually have their first taste of binge drinking in college.

Many others do not have to be pressured by peers to binge drink. A lot of college students live away from their parents, staying in their own apartments or dormitories where partying is common any day of the week. For this reason, college becomes a place where they celebrate freedom. They will find many reasons to get drunk. It doesn't matter what the reason is. It may be to celebrate an exam they just aced, or to feel better after having failed one. They will find any reason to party and drink as much alcohol as they can consume.

Many drinking games have also been adopted by these parties and the competition can be a great motivation to drink. Men are proud to have bested other guys, and females who can drink as much as their male friends feel even prouder. For those who don't live with parents anymore, it is such a joy not to have to worry about what time you get home, who you're with, and where you go. Ultimate freedom can be very dangerous. Added to these, the low prices of alcohol in the market do not help.

So what effects do binge drinking have on college students?

The first major effect of this is apparent - school performance. Excessive partying and binge drinking can result to missed classes and dipping grades because the body and mind are greatly affected by over-consumption of alcohol.

The day after binge drinking is not a good day, as most people who have ever gotten drunk can tell you. Hangovers can prevent heavy drinkers from going to classes with the right mindset, if they manage to go at all. They can spend night after night of drinking and be in very bad shape every single day.

The most dangerous effect of college binge drinking is lethal. A lot of young adults are harmed by getting drunk, whether from accidents or serious health issues. A study of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimated a death toll of 1,700 college students from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, most of these due to vehicular accidents. Over 30,000 college students annually also require medical treatment after alcohol overdose. Along with these are serious health issues like ulcers and liver problems, among many others.

Sexual assaults, rape, unprotected sex that can lead to unwanted pregnancy are other grave issues that can come out of drinking. All of these come with critical psychological issues that will not only cause lifelong trauma to binge drinkers, but for those around them as well.

What steps can be taken to help prevent this problem?

College and university presidents have admitted that this may be the most major problem they have in their institutions. To prevent this, many have established informative campaigns and some have even put an alcohol ban within their campuses. Parents should also play a major role in ensuring their kids' safety from this by sending them out to college well-informed of their choices and being there for them when needed. College binge drinking should not be treated as an escape: it will not do anything good for the health, education, and the future of your children.

Causes And Effects Of College Binge Drinking

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Sudden High Blood Pressure - You Need to Know This Information If You Have High Blood Pressure

Sudden High Blood Pressure is understandably a cause for concern for many people. High BP is not known as the Silent Killer for no reason. Understanding blood pressure and the reasons for an increase in your BP is very important before you being any treatment.

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There are factors that may contribute to this sudden increase in your blood pressure, these could be:

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Becoming pregnant Having Diabetes Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol Living an inactive lifestyle A stressful life/work-life Even taking oral contraceptives such as diet pills or steroids can have a sudden impact on your BP.

There are two types of treatments the conventional method through prescribed drugs and medication which many people avoid because of the serious health side effects or the natural treatment based on herbal remedies and BP lowering diets and lifestyle changes.

In order to reduce your BP without medication, you should first know your blood pressure. You can easily get a home BP monitor either through health stores or online. The cost of a monitor is equivalent to a weighing scale. Take your BP numerous times to deduce the average reading.

A sudden rise in BP can be caused by several factors, side effects on antibiotics you might currently be on or birth control pills, stress levels in your life etc. Any changes in your hormone levels can cause a sudden increase in your BP, also get a urine test to check for a kidney infection.

When sudden high blood pressure appears in a person with healthy lifestyle, it can be easily reversed using a natural treatment without resorting to prescription medication. There are various ways to impact and lower BP naturally, investing in a high blood presure natural remedy guide is an excellent way for people who want to really understand high BP and how to control it naturally and especially for those who do not want to use medication as a first line of treatment.

Reversing high blood pressure without drugs is possible, it will require a little effort and perseverance, but the increase in health and overall well being is indeed well worth it, and it might just save your life!

Sudden High Blood Pressure - You Need to Know This Information If You Have High Blood Pressure

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Everything You Need to Know About Caring For Pressure Sores

Living with pressure sores is never an enjoyable experience. If you are at risk of developing them, or you are taking care of someone who might be at risk, get informed about pressure sores to avoid developing these unpleasant injuries.
This guide will tell you the best ways to prevent and care for pressure sores.

What are pressure sores and what causes them?

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Pressure sores are also described as bed sores, pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. They are formed when constant pressure on part of the skin causes the blood vessels feeding that part to shut down. At first, this causes a red or dark patch on the skin. As further pressure is applied, the skin continues to deteriorate, breaking down to form blisters and dead skin, and then going on to affect underlying tissues, bones and joints.

Pressure sores can appear on any part of the body, but will usually develop on parts most susceptible to pressure when sitting or lying down, e.g., the lower back, buttocks, shoulders, hips, heels, knees and ankles.

In general, people who are bed-bound or in wheelchairs are particularly susceptible to developing bed pressure sores. Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing these sores include old age, immobility, incontinence, malnutrition and dehydration, diseases that slow healing, mental disorders that result in a lack of awareness about the body's condition and the taking of certain medications such as sedatives.

How will I know if I have a pressure sore?
There are four stages of severity in the development of a pressure sore.
- Initially, you may find it appears as a red area of skin (or a darker area of skin than normal on darker skins). It is a mark that doesn't disappear after a few hours and may also feel tender. Sometimes, the initial appearance of a pressure sore may appear like a bruise - purple in color and painful to touch.
- The second stage may include a partial loss of skin that may appear as a blister, shallow crater or abrasion.
- The third stage of severity involves a full skin loss which extends to the underlying skin tissue.
- The last stage involves a total skin loss and the sore extends to the underlying tissue, muscle and bone.

How do I treat existing sores?
Properly caring for your existing pressure sore is the best way to promote healing and prevent it from becoming more severe. You might be caring for your pressure sores yourself or have a caregiver who cares for them, but it is always best to be informed about the process. Here are four main steps that need to be followed:

1. Pressure relief
Continuing to place pressure on an existing pressure sore will aggravate the sore and prevent it from healing. Instead, it is essential to relieve the area from any form of pressure. If possible invest in a pressure-reliving mattress or pressure relieving aids such as cushions to help you.

2. Cleaning
Pressure sores will heal well if they are kept clean and it will also ensure the prevention of infection. This means they should be free of dead tissue, have excess fluid drained away from the sore and should also be clear of any other debris. A health care professional should show you how to clean or rinse the sore and also how to wipe away any loose material. The right equipment and methods should be used too. If too much force is used, it can aggravate the sore or if not enough force is used, the wound may not be cleansed properly.

3. Removing dead tissue
Dead tissue which is present in the pressure sore can lead to infection and prevent the sore from healing. Your health care professional will usually carry out the process of removing the dead tissue. Since it may be painful, a pain-reliever may be taken beforehand. Procedures that may be used can range from simply rinsing the sore to applying enzyme medications to dissolve the dead tissue. In rare cases, surgery to remove deeply embedded dead tissue may be required.

4. Dressings
It is important to choose the right dressings to care for your pressure sores. Speak to your healthcare professional about the different types available. You will require different types depending on the type that will best aid healing, how often the dressing needs to be changed and whether or not the sore is infected. Dressings are normally required to keep the sore moist and the surrounding skin dry.

What else should I know?
When cleaning your sores, it is a good time to check for signs that it is healing well. Ideally, you should see signs of a sore healing within 2 to 4 weeks. This includes seeing a decrease in the size and depth of a sore and a decrease in drainage.
Also, you should look out for any signs that the sore has become infected as the infection can spread to the underlying tissues, bones and even to the rest of the body. Signs of infection include having think green or yellow drainage, a foul odor, redness, warmth or tenderness surrounding the sore and swelling. Watch out for signs of fever, chills, weakness, confusion, difficulty concentrating and rapid heart beat that can indicate the infection might have spread throughout the body. If you are concerned and experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.

To manage the pain that pressure sores cause, changing your body position is often a factor that helps. In addition, some patients may choose toe an over-the-counter pain reliever or ask their doctor for a prescription.

How can I avoid developing pressure sores?

There are many ways to prevent pressure sores from occurring. Try to incorporate the following tips into your daily routine:

- Examine yourself very carefully ever day for any signs of sores developing. Recognizing you have a sore developing at an early stage will help you take care of it and prevent it from becoming more severe.
- Eat a nutritious and balanced diet, with extra protein to help keep your skin tissue healthy. A good diet will ensure your body has what it needs to heal itself well and cope with infection.
- Use barrier creams or protective creams to protect areas that are susceptible to becoming moist.
- Protect vulnerable areas of your body from pressure, fiction and moisture. If you are in a wheelchair or undertaking bed rest, it is essential that you change your body position every two hours (or it is recommended that those sitting down change positions every hour). Your caregiver or physician can give you guidance on which positions are best to use.
- Keep you skin clean, dry and well-moisturized. Moisturize your skin thoroughly after washing as skin can be weakened when it dries out. Avoid using talcum powder which depletes the skin's natural oils.
- Make sure any existing sores are cleaned, dressed and bandaged properly.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluid a day.
- Make sure there are no wrinkles or crumbs on your bed sheets or chair.
- Go to great lengths to avoid rubbing areas of your skin that could get sore. This includes avoiding dragging your heels or elbows when moving around in bed.
- Invest in pressure-relieving aids such as pillows, sheepskins and foam pads. The best investment patients can make to prevent pressures sores is buying a good pressure mattress. These mattresses are designed to relieve any pressure that is exerted on a patient when lying down. Some designs even help reposition the patient's weight every few minutes, meaning there is no need to continually reposition them. Pressure-relieving mattresses are one of the best tools used to prevent the development of pressure sores.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They'll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don't forget to mention http://www.volkner.com as the original source).

Rachel Clarkson
Rachel Clarkson is a bed sores specialist and a big fan and promoter of "The Volkner Turning Mattress":

Everything You Need to Know About Caring For Pressure Sores

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You Can Prevent Calluses by Knowing Its Causes

You can prevent calluses by knowing its causes

The formation of calluses on the skin is actually a natural means of protection for the body. The skin starts getting thick in regions of high pressure. In fact, when pressure continues, the skin grows even thicker and eventually becomes very painful. This is when it is treated as something foreign by the body.

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It is basically excessive pressure, with some friction that leads to corns and calluses. When compared to a corn, calluses have a more diffused area of thickening, without any focal point like in corns.

This excessive pressure stems from various causes like wearing too tight footwear, toe deformities like hammer toes where there is increased pressure on the toe top and bony prominences. Even gait abnormalities that cause pressure in various parts of the bottom surface of the foot can lead to callus formations.

Without treatment they can become painful

With so many conditions related to a callus, it can be said that calluses are not actually a health or medical condition. They are only symptoms of some other condition. However if not treated, both corns and calluses can become painful.

Moreover, it is not possible to treat calluses unless the cause for increased pressure is not eradicated. This pressure will continue to thicken the skin, and thus will be very painful. Over time, the body slowly treats the callus as a foreign body and this is when there is a possibility of an ulcer or abscess developing at the callus site.

There is always a chance of this ulcer getting infected, and this infection spreading. Those suffering form peripheral neuropathy, having poor circulation and those who require diabetic foot care are most prone to suffer from complications because of these calluses.

Now that you know what causes calluses, you can prevent the formation of one on your feet with the right preventive care. If you do develop calluses, don't neglect them. Treat them as soon as possible as the longer you take to treat the condition, the more complications that arise.

You Can Prevent Calluses by Knowing Its Causes

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Sinus Pressure - A Quick Cure - Step Three

Could an ancient, very simple, noninvasive healing system hold the key to one of your main sinus cure elements? Almost any sinus expert would agree that keeping the sinuses clear is basic to preventing sinus problems. Many millions of dollars in sinus remedies could be saved every year by consumers if this simple and basic fact were understood and practiced. A sinus congestion that does not go away is probably the number one step toward a sinus infection, followed by pressure, or post nasal drip, and possibly a sinus headache. Why go through all that pain when the answer may lie, literally, at your finger tips and at no cost to you? You can keep your sinuses flowing nicely, in most cases, by following a simple procedure:

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An old healing system used by millions

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There is this ancient healing system from the orient called acupressure--not to be confused with "acupuncture" which is considerably more invasive. It works, basically, on the premise that applying finger pressure on certain specific, very precise, sites of the body stimulates the flow of healing energy to specific organs or other parts of the body. For example, you can boost your immune system and thereby help to prevent a sinus infection. You just apply finger pressure on a specific point on the forearm. But it must be done right after the first sign of the problem. Or even better, if you do this on a regular basis--it just takes a few minutes--you may be helping not only your sinuses, but your body in general to stay healthy. But let's concentrate now on sinus pressure.

How you can start your sinus flowing in minutes

Relax your mind and body. It is best not to do acupressure right after eating a meal. If your mind is relaxed and could visualize your sinuses exquisitely flowing, then you would obtain optimum results. I do this every morning right after awakening and it has prevented many a sinus infection and pressure. Press the tips of the index fingers on the side of your nostrils for 3 minutes--both sides at the same time. If you do it rightly you will feel your sinuses beginning to drain within minutes of starting this procedure

Conclusion

We do not have to rely on over-the-counter or prescribed medications all the time with their unfailing side effects. If we learn and try alternative healing and preventive procedures like the one just described we will be saving money and those side effects. Our Maker has put in the body the right healing mechanisms so that we can naturally heal our own ailments if we learn how to do it.

Sinus Pressure - A Quick Cure - Step Three

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

If Their is Any Risk of Cross Contamination Make Sure You Wear Gloves

In the medical industry it is so important to ensure that you are using the right products for the right job. As always however a lot of this comes down to cost. With disposable gloves allowing you to go between different jobs without cross contamination and with a saving on time. The two types of gloves are Latex and nitrile gloves.

Latex gloves are generally strong and are normally preferred for their tactile properties and their resilience to a broad assortment of chemical substances. These latex gloves aren't sterile and are appropriate for procedures that are non invasive such as swapping pads, washing patients, general cleaning tasks and for treating chronic wounds such as leg ulcers, pressure sores, fungating wounds, abscess cavities and stoma sites. They are powdered for ease of use.

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For really sensitive tasks such as the preparation of thin food and delicate medical tasks medical grade nitrile gloves have been produced to be the ultimate in fit, feel and sensitivity. Nitrile gloves are exceptionally thin, but maintain fantastic strength and puncture resistance. Nitrile gloves don't have a powder coating, are free from latex and protein and therefore minimise the chance of latex associated allergic reactions.

With the impact of MRSA the need for preventing cross contamination is as high as ever. The proper use of gloves is essential ensuring that when a job is finished the disposable gloves go into the correct disposal unit. If you cant use gloves before you do any sort of work then make sure your hands are washed thoroughly.

If Their is Any Risk of Cross Contamination Make Sure You Wear Gloves

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Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure: Blood is naturally under pressure as the heart forces it around the circulation, with hypertension the pressure is above the normal limits. There may be no symptoms with hypertension at first but over time can increase risk of disorders such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. High blood pressure cannot be cured but it can be reduced and controlled, often a change in diet and lifestyle may be all that is necessary to reduce blood pressure. Currently 50 million Americans have hypertension, approximately 20% of the population.

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Factors of Hypertension: There are no obvious causes for hypertension, however factors that can increase the risk are.

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* Sedentary Lifestyle - Increases risk of cardiovascular disease (60% of Americans do not get enough exercise).

* Genetic Factors - There are gene variants associated with increased risk of hypertension.

* Family history - Having a parent or close relative with hypertension increases your risk.

* Ethnicity - hypertension tends to affect African Americans with greater frequency.

* Obesity - Being overweight increases risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.

* Alcohol - Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your risk. (More than 1 drink per day for women and 2 per day for men).

* Smoking - A major factor for developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

* High salt diet

* Age - The risk of hypertension increases with age, men tend to develop between the ages of 35 and 55, and women after menopause

Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure with Pycnogenol:

Study 1: Researchers including Dr. David Fitzpatrick of the University of South Florida and Dr. Lester Packer of the University of California, Berkley have conducted research on pycnogenol and nitric oxide, and how it naturally optimizes the levels of nitric oxide production in the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow and reduce blood pressure. It naturally helps the body produce adequate levels of nitric oxide for necessary functions, and can also reduce the levels of nitric oxide where it does harm. Pycnogenol has a mild hypotensive effect that helps prevent or reduce hypertension naturally. (Fitzpatrick et al., 1998)

Study 2: Dr Miklos and his colleagues at the Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Medical University in Szeged, Hungry and Dr. Peter Rohdewald of the University of Muenster, Germany In their study published in 1996 in the Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Letters, described the hypotensive effect of pycnogenol as "moderate". Pycnogenol naturally helps the heart by blocking some action of the angio-tensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in causing hypertension. People with lower or normal blood pressure will not be affected and those with hypertension and too much ACE will benefit

Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure with Grape Seed Extract: Scientist for the University of California, Davis did a 4 week study on 24 patients. One group was given a placebo treatment, a second group was given 150mg of grape seed extract, and a third group was given 300mg of grape seed extract. At the end of the four week study blood pressure was reduced in all patients taking the grape seed extract, blood pressure did not change in the placebo group. On average Systolic blood pressure dropped 12 points, and the diastolic dropped 8 points. Both doses were equally efficient in naturally reducing the blood pressure. (American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition, Atlanta, March 26-30, 2006)

Reduce side effects of antihypertensive medications:

Study 1: A study published in a 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis shows that pycnogenol can naturally reduce edema by 36 percent, a common side effect of high blood pressure medications. The results of the study show pycnogenol naturally improves circulation, this avoids blood pooling and can reduce edema.

Study 2: In 2004 Dr. X. Liu confirmed that pycnogenol naturally improved the endothelial function of hypertensive patients and allowed those on antihypertensive drugs to reduce their dosage. (Life Science, 2004)

Best Source of Pycnogenol and Grape Seed Extract: A natural supplement Isotonix OPC-3 (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed extract, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be potent antioxidants. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol in the world.

Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure

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