Health and medical information

TORCH information, Herpes Virus

2008-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Herpesvirus infections are among the most common viral infections in humans. They are spread by oral or genital contact. It is estimated that between one in 1,000 and one in 5,000 infants are born with HSV infections. About 80 percent of these infections are acquired during the birth process itself; the virus enters the infant through its eyes, skin, mouth, and upper respiratory tract. Of infants born with HSV infection, about 20 percent have localized infections of the eyes, mouth, or skin. About 50 percent of infected infants will develop the disease throughout the body (disseminated) within nine to 11 days after birth. Disseminated herpes infections attack the liver and adrenal glands, as well as other body organs. Without treatment, the mortality rate is 80 percent. Even with antiviral medication, the mortality rate is still 15 to 20 percent, with 40 to 55 percent of the survivors having long-term damage to the central nervous system. In order to begin early, effective treatment, it is critical for pediatricians to diagnose HSV infection in newborns as soon as possible.

Performing the TORCH panel requires obtaining a sample of the infant's blood. Samples from infants are usually obtained by the heelstick procedure when only a small quantity of blood is needed. The baby's foot is wrapped in a warm cloth for five minutes to bring blood to the surface and help it to flow more easily. The foot is then sterilized with an alcohol swab and a lancet is used to puncture the baby's heel on one side, avoiding the center of the heel to prevent inflammation of the bone. The blood sample is drawn in tiny capillary tubes, properly labeled, and taken to the laboratory for testing. In rare instances, a phlebotomist is not able to draw sufficient blood from a heel puncture, and a physician may draw venous blood from a femoral vein in the groin area or another vein larger than veins in an infant's arms.

Since the TORCH test is a screening or first-level test, the pediatrician may order tests of other body fluids or tissues to confirm the diagnosis of a specific infection. In suspected cases of toxoplasmosis, rubella, or syphilis, cerebrospinal fluid may be obtained from the infant by spinal tap in order to confirm the diagnosis. A diagnosis of CMV is usually confirmed by culturing the virus in a sample of the infant's urine. In HSV infections, tissue culture is the best method to confirm the diagnosis.

TORCH Information, Cytomegalovirus

2008-07-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus belongs to the herpesvirus group of infections. It can be transmitted through body secretions, as well as by sexual contact; some newborns acquire CMV through the mother's breast milk. In adults, it produces symptoms resembling those of mononucleosis. About 1 to 2.2 percent of newborns in the United States are infected with CMV. Of this group, 10 percent have measurable symptoms. The mortality rate for these symptomatic newborns is 20 to 30 percent. Surviving infants with CMV may suffer from hearing problems (15%) or mental retardation (30%). Newborns who acquire CMV during the birth process or shortly after birth may develop pneumonia, hepatitis, or various blood disorders.

TORCH information, Rubella

2008-07-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Rubella

Rubella is a virus that has a seasonal pattern, with epidemics most likely in the spring. Between 0.1 to 2 percent of newborns are infected with rubella. The rate of fetal infection varies according to the timing of the mother's infection during pregnancy. Birth defects, however, are most likely (85%) in infants infected during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Infants born with rubella may already show signs of heart disease, retarded growth, hearing loss, blood disorders, vision problems, or pneumonia. They may also develop problems later in childhood, including autism, hearing loss, brain syndromes, immune system disorders, or thyroid disease.

TORCH Information, Other Viruses

2008-07-27T10:33:00.001-07:00

Other Viruses (Syphilis)

Syphilis is caused by the spiral- or coil-shaped bacteria (spirochete), Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted among adults through sexual intercourse. About 2 to 5 percent of children born to mothers diagnosed with syphilis have the disease at birth. Syphilis was added to the TORCH panel because of an increase in reported cases after 1990. Syphilis can cause early delivery, miscarriage, and is a potentially life-threatening infection for an affected fetus, often resulting in stillbirth. The mortality rate in infants infected with syphilis is about 54 percent.

TORCH Information, TOXO

2008-07-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can be acquired by the mother from handling cat feces, drinking unpasteurized milk, or eating contaminated meat. The infection is carried to the infant through the mother's placenta and can cause impairment of the infant's eyes (opthalmic impairment) and central nervous system (neurological dysfunction). The organism can invade brain or muscle tissue and form cysts. Infection acquired by the mother later in pregnancy usually decreases the likelihood of infection in the infant at birth although eye problems may occur in adolescence. Toxoplasmosis early in pregnancy is more likely to cause miscarriage or serious birth defects. The incidence of toxoplasmosis in newborns is one in 1,000 live births.

Torch Test

2008-07-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

The TORCH test, which is sometimes called the TORCH panel, belongs to a category of blood tests called infectious-disease antibody titer tests. This type of blood test measures the presence of antibodies (protein molecules produced by the human immune system in response to a specific disease agent) and their level of concentration in the blood. The name of the test comes from the initial letters of the five disease categories. The TORCH test measures the levels of an infant's antibodies against five groups of chronic infections: toxoplasmosis, other infections, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). The "other infections" usually include syphilis, hepatitis B, coxsackie virus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella-zoster virus, and human parvovirus.

Since the TORCH test is a screening or first-level test, the pediatrician may order tests of other body fluids or tissues to confirm the diagnosis of a specific infection. In the case of toxoplasmosis, rubella, and syphilis, cerebrospinal fluid may be obtained from the infant through a spinal tap in order to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of CMV, the diagnosis is confirmed by culturing the virus in a sample of the infant's urine. In HSV infections, tissue culture is the best method to confirm the diagnosis.

Description

The TORCH panel requires a sample of the infant's blood. Samples from infants are usually obtained by the heelstick procedure when only a small quantity of blood is needed. The baby's foot is wrapped in a warm cloth for five minutes, to make the blood flow more easily. The foot is then wiped with an alcohol swab and a lancet is used to stick the baby's heel on one side. It is important to avoid the center of the heel, in order to prevent an inflammation of the bone.

Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant

2008-07-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS

Although a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms, and find signs of being pregnant, other's don't "feel" pregnant. Certain signs and symptoms of being pregnant can be confused with other illnesses. The following list are some telltale symptoms of pregnancy. Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of being pregnant, but you also might be one of the lucky ones who never experience this pregnancy symptom. Missing a period is another sign and symptom of being pregnant. We'll go into greater detail below, and you can read below.

MISSING A PERIOD

One of the most common signs and symptoms of being pregnant, missing a period can also be caused by other reasons. Although missing a period is one of the most common of the pregnancy symptoms, stress, illness, weight fluctuations or coming off the oral contraceptive pill can also be the cause of this. Irregular periods are a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur several months apart. If you still feel like you are experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, continue reading the other signs of being pregnant.

TENDERNESS OF THE BREAST

Another sign and symptom of pregnancy is the changing of size and feel of your breast. As early as a few days after conception, this pregnancy symptom may occur. Your breast is beginning to enlarge, as it gets ready for breastfeeding. Many women claim that their breasts are very sensitive and that they experience a very sharp, tingling sensation as well. Being one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant, the tenderness of the breast often disappears a few weeks later.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Considered another one of the classic sign and symptoms of being pregnant, nausea and vomiting, (aka morning sickness) has become one of the most feared of all pregnancy symptoms. Feeling sick is a common complaint and is experienced by most women from weeks 5 to 6 of their pregnancy. However, morning sickness can also be felt as early as two weeks after conception. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, and can vary from an occasional faint sensation to overwhelming vomiting and nausea. By and large, morning sickness is one of the pregnancy symptoms that tends to disappear towards the end of the first trimester.

TIREDNESS

Many women experience fatigue as one of their pregnancy symptoms. Although this might be a sign of being pregnant, it can also indicate other things as well.

DARKENING OF THE AREOLA

Being one of the first physical symptoms of pregnancy, the darkening of the areola can occur throughout your entire pregnancy. If you notice the darkening of the areola, this could be considered one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant.

FREQUENT URINATION

If you experience that you are urinating more frequently, this might be another of the pregnancy symptoms that confirm that you are pregnant. As early as two weeks after conception, you might find yourself experience this pregnancy symptom. The pressure of the literally reducing size of your bladder is the cause of this. Your uterus beings to rise up into the abdomen, and this annoying pregnancy symptom is the result. Rising levels of the pregnancy hormone progesterone stimulate the bladder muscles, so that it feels full, even though you might not need to urinate. Of all of the pregnancy symptoms, and signs of being pregnant, women sometimes find this to be the most annoying.

CHANGES IN TASTE AND SMELL

Don't be surprised if you experience this pregnancy sign and symptom. Many women claim that certain foods make them feel queasy - while others experience a craving for other foods. Another sign of this pregnancy symptom, is a strange metallic taste.

CONSTIPATION

Another of the annoying signs and symptoms of being pregnant, constipation occurs.

CONFIRMING YOUR PREGNANCY

Two weeks after conception, your baby is no bigger than a pinhead, comprised of a few balls of cells. As it begins to develop in the lining of the uterus, the placenta begins to form and produce necessary pregnancy hormones. Below are some ways to confirm that the pregnancy symptoms and signs of being pregnant that you have noticed are accurate, and that you will be having a baby.

HOME PREGNANCY TESTS

Being very accurate, these tests can be purchased at a local drugstore, and can confirm pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Your health care provider may rely on this test, and may only repeating testing if complications arise. If you receive a positive result, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor so that they can confirm you are pregnant and begin follow-up.

OFFICE URINE TEST

Similar to that of a home pregnancy test, and office urine test confirms pregnancy by also detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Being nearly 100% accurate, this test does not require you to urinate first thing in the morning. This type of test also can determine that the signs and symptoms of being pregnant hold true, and that your pregnancy symptoms are right.

PREGNANCY BLOOD TEST

In order to assist dating your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may also perform a pregnancy blood test. This particular pregnancy test can give you a positive or negative result, and once again detects the level of HCG. This time, it detects that level in your blood, and depending on your pregnancy symptoms, helps them determine what kind of care to give you. Pregnancy blood tests are useful if there are any concerns about miscarriage, or if there are indications that an unusual pregnancy is occurring.

INTERNAL EXAM

Four to six weeks after conception, your doctor can receive indefinite proof by examining you internally. Certain signs like the thickening of vaginal tissues and the softening of your uterus will confirm that the pregnancy symptoms are right on!

Breast Cancer Causes and Treatment

2008-07-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is a type of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can develop in one of several areas of the breast, including the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, the small sacs that produce milk (lobules) and the nonglandular tissue.Breast Cancer is estimated that 192,200 women and 1,500 men in the United States will be diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2001. Though rare in men, Breast cancer accounts for 31% of all cancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in Breast tissue. There are numerous types of Breast cancer. For example, ductile cancer, found in the cells of the ducts, is the most common type of Breast cancer. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular cancer. Treatment will depend on the type of Breast cancer and stage of the disease. There are also many non-cancerous (benign) Breast diseases as well.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
1.A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm.
2.A clear or bloody discharge from the nipple.
3.Crusting or scaling of the nipple.
4.Nipples that don't stick out (inverted).
5.Redness or swelling of the breast.
6.Dimpling on the breast skin resembling the texture of an orange.
7.A change in the contours of the breast, such as one being higher than the other.
8.A sore or ulcer on the skin of the breast that does not heal.
Causes of Breast Cancer:
The exact cause of cancer remains a mystery. Over twenty percent of those who have cancer never know why. The primary parts that are involved are the natural parts of food, tobacco, occupational hazards, genetic composition and food additives. Other agents that have been linked with cancer are ionizing radiation, chemicals in the air and diet, vitamin deficiency, high-fat diet, stress and environmental conditions.
Diagnosis:
Biopsy: Used to diagnose tumors, a biopsy tests cells removed surgically or through aspiration for microscopic examination.
Cytology test: A test that shows the shedding of abnormal cells. A good example of a cytology test is pap smear.
Imaging techniques: low dose x-rays such as those used in a mammogram can detect early Breast cancer. Ultrasound scanners can also produce images of organs.
Chemical testing: Detect the presence of blood in the feces or elevated levels of enzyme acid phosphates in the blood.
Ultrasound: A new ultrasound technique used after a mammogram can help reduce uncertainty about whether a Breast mass is cancerous or not.
Home Care Suggestions:
-Avoid tobacco in all forms, synthetic hormones, particularly estrogen, excessive alcohol, caffeine.
-To minimize hair loss apply cold packs to the scalp while taking radiation or therapy.
-Engage in mild exercise such as walking and make it part of your daily ritual.
-If you ever receive a serious diagnosis of any kind, one of the most important things you can do is to free your mind of daily concerns.

BURNS

2008-07-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Burns is tissue damage produced by dry heat. A Scald is damage produced by wet heat.

There are three catagory levels of BURN:

FIRST DEGREE BURNS

Outer layer of skin affected.
Redness of skin.
Pain and swelling eg. sunburn, ,minor scald

TREATMENT :

Cool burn area with cold water.
Apply dry sterile dressing and bandage loosely.

SECOND DEGREE BURNS

Involve the superfisial part of the dermis layer.
Skin look raw.
Blisters, swealling.

TREATMENT:

Burning Stop : Put off the fire by using blanket.
Breathing Maintain: Open the Airway, administer oxygen.
Body Examine : Check for bleeding, fracture , degree of burn and sign of shock.
Cool : Cool body with cold water/ cold compress.
Cover : To prevent infection, cover wound with clean cloth.
Carry : Transfer to Hospital as soon as possible.

THIRD DEGREE BURNS

Involve all layer of skin.
Burnt area appears charread and dry.
No pain in charred area (nerves destroyed).
Shock due to loss of fluids.

TREATMENTS:

Cool the burn with water, do not too cool.
Administer oxygen for severe or major burn casuality.
Cover wound to prevent infection.
Reassure the casuality.
Send to Hospital soon as possible.

Care of an Unconscious casuality

2008-07-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Treatment:

Lay the person who unconscious flat on the floor.
Wear gloves.
Open airway.
Check for breathing and circulation.
Administer rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
If breathing administer oxygen.
Place casuality in recover position (breating and circulation present ).
Monitor Vital sign.
Do not give anything by mouth.

RECOVERY POSITON

The purpose of the recovery position is to keep the casualty safe, have the ability to breathe and for any vomit to be able to leave the mouth.

The recovery position should be used wherever it is thought appropriate by the rescuer, but particularly when the casualty is unconscious and/or likely to vomit.

The position is identical for both adults and children, although a baby cannot be put into it.

If you have not had any Life Support training, you should not attempt other Life Support techniques. However, you could learn to put the casualty into the Recovery Position - this would be safer than leaving the casualty as they are, in most circumstances.

Diabetes

2008-07-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

There are two catagories of Diabetes :

Hypoglycaemia ( LOW SUGAR - HIGH INSULIN )

CAUSES :

Too much Insulin in the blood.
Excessive exercise.
Missed a meal.
Emotional and physical stress.

SIGN AND SYMPTOM:

Pale face.
Sweating, cold and clammy skin.
Tremors.
Confused, disorientated, dizziness/ faintness.
Anxiety, restless.

TREATMENT

If conscious, immediately offer sweat drink.

Response to the treatment to be repeated within 5 to 10 minutes.
Keep casuality confortable.
On improvement, follow advice of the casuallity. He/ She is the expert.

Hyperglycaemia ( HIGH SUGAR- LOW INSULIN )

CAUSES:

Lack of insulin.
Stress.

TREATMENT:

This develops very slowly 24 to 48 hours.
If person does go to unconsciousness and its confirmed Diabetes treat as stated in "Care of an unconscious casuallity ". Put into recovery position.

read continue to "Care of an Unconscious casuallity ".

Nose Bleed

2008-07-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

Causes:

May result from trauma ( fracture skull from head injury) .
After blowto the nose, breathing to dry air, and allergies.

Sign and Symtoms:

Bleeding from the nosestrils.

Treatment:

Sit casuality down leaning foward.
Pich the soft fleshy part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes and release.
Keep casuality quiet and caution not to blow the nose.
Monitor vital signs and recurrence of bleeding.
Advice to see a Doctor

A person with a prolonged nosebleed (greater than 30minutes) should be sent
for Medical Aid

Heart Attack First Treatment

2008-07-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

Obstruction in coronary artery caused by blood clot / cholesterol ( fatty tissues )

Signs and Symtom:

Severe crushing central chest pain ( sometimes describe as severe indigestion ).
Pain in the arm or arms and throat.
Pain from front of chest radiate to the back.
Difficulty in breathing ( air Hunger ).
Blue / cyanosed.
profuse sweating.
Suddent faintness / dizziness.

Treatment:

DRABC (Danger, Respons, Airway, Breathing, Circulation ).
Administer Oxygen ( high flow for adult ).
Loosen tight clothing at neck or waist.
Half sitting position / sit up recline seat.
Calm and reassure casuality.
Monitor vital signs that is breathing, pulse and level of consiciousness.

what are DRABC prosedures :

Danger :

check the area is safe.

Response :

Shakes shoulders and response.
If there is no response call for help.

Airway:

Open airway by head tilt chin lift.
Suspected head injury , perform jaw Thrust Method.

Breathing:

Check breathing by look , listen and feel for 10 seconds.
If there is no brething give 2 rescue of breathe, Ensure there is chest rise.
If there is no chest rise reposition head and give another 2 rescue breath. Still there is no chest rise , The casuality is chocking end check for

Circulation:

Circulation check, No breathing, Movement and Coughing then Commence CPR.
Begin chest compression 15 times.

Aromatheraphy Benefits

2008-07-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Definition
Aromatherapy is the use of fragrant, concentrated oils from parts of plants, such as their flowers, fruit, stalks, roots, and bark, for the purpose of improving a person's health and well-being.

Purpose
Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine that uses the essential oils found in plants for their healing or medicinal properties. Although its name suggests that it is primarily a form of aroma or smell therapy, the essential oils are, in fact, intended mainly to be absorbed into the body via the skin, through massage, and the lungs, through inhalation. Aromatherapy is widely used to reduce stress, as well as to rejuvenate and detoxify the body. It is also used to treat a wide variety of other conditions.

Precautions
There are several things to be concerned about when using essential oils, in addition to the purity of the oils themselves. Some individuals experience a skin reaction (dermatitis) to certain oils when they are applied, whereas others suffer skin irritation from overuse. More serious are instances in which oils are incorrectly taken internally. Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or epilepsy should never treat themselves, and young children and pregnant women should be especially careful.

Description
As a holistic therapy, aromatherapy is believed to benefit both the mind and the body. As far back as the time of the Egyptians, fragrant oils were recommended for bathing and massage, and plant fragrances were used against the plague in both ancient and medieval times. However, not until the 1930s was aromatherapy formalized by its advocates as a specialized branch of herbal medicine.

Aromatherapists select particular oils for certain conditions, using a plant's essential oils or aromatic essences, which are the concentrated substances produced by plants for specific purposes such as repelling insects or enemies, storing energy, or attracting pollinating insects. Each oil has its own scent, as well as its own claimed healing characteristics. Some are considered antiseptic, some anti-inflammatory, and others stimulating or relaxing.

These oils enter the body through inhalation and absorption. Inhalation can be as simple as putting a drop of oil on a handkerchief (to promote relaxation) or a few drops into steaming water (to relieve congestion). Massage is the most common form of absorbing the oils directly into the body through the skin, and is considered the most effective method.

A visit to an aromatherapist could last as long as one and a half hours and usually begins with an interview. After the therapist gains an understanding of the patient's concerns and needs, whether for stress relief or a physical condition, the therapist will select a blend of oils and mix them in a neutral carrier like vegetable oil. After the patient undresses and lies on a massage table covered by a towel, the therapist begins the massage. A full massage may last as long as 45 minutes and is usually fairly gentle. For maximum results, the patient may be advised not to shower for a few hours.

Proponents of aromatherapy argue that it works on the mind as well as the body. The body is affected directly, since the tiny molecular structure of the oils allows them to penetrate the skin and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Then, depending on the particular "healing properties" of the specific oil, the oil produces an internal effect that can be diuretic, anti-inflammatory, or antiviral. Other oils support the immune system or energize, pacify, or detoxify the body.
The mind is affected by aromatherapy via the sense of smell. Whether inhaled directly or as a result of the fragrance emitted by an oil massage, the concentrated aroma is said to initiate a complex chain of events within the body. First, the aroma enters the nose and is received by the cilia or fine hairs that are linked to the olfactory nerve, which then transmits its converted, electrical message to the brain itself. This message is received in the limbic system, the more primitive part of the brain, which has been called the "emotional switchboard of the brain." Stimulation of the brain's limbic system is considered a direct pathway to influencing an individual's mood, emotions, and overall alertness. Aromatherapists emphasize that essential oils can affect the chemical activity of the brain and therefore produce both psychological and physical changes. Consultation with a well-trained, skilled aromatherapist may determine the effectiveness of the treatment on specific conditions.

Risks
Essential oils can be dangerously toxic if taken internally. Oils applied externally also can have a powerful, unintended effect, such as producing uterine contractions in a pregnant woman. In general, it is important not to overestimate the healing properties of oils. A physician should be consulted if a critical situation occurs.

Normal results
Certain scents are known to soothe and relax the body and mind. Aromatherapists claim regular relief for patients with physical conditions like headaches and emotional situations like anxiety and irritability.
Aromatherapy is often talked about like it is the next big thing, but in reality the practice of using volatile plant oils and essential oils for various purposes is thousands of years old and has links to ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Greek and Roman customs.

Aromatherapy are the essence of a plant, and there are many different kinds of oils that can be used in aromatherapy for many different uses. For example, one you’ve probably heard of is citronella, which is a natural insect repellent and is often added to candles to be burned outside in order to keep the bugs away.

They can be calming, energizing or sleep inducing, relieve anger, anxiety and depression. They are said to be helpful for arthritis, cramps and bruises and can be used in all sorts of beauty products to increase their effectiveness and fragrance.

Essential oils are useful because of their smells, but some of them have other uses related to the chemical compounds within the oil. To give you an idea of some of the uses of some of the more popular and widely available essential oils, here is a list of five common oils and their uses.

Lavender:
This is one of the most common essential oils and it is said to help all sorts of things, from acne to anxiety, headaches to whooping cough. And it smells good, too, so it is used for fragrance, stress relief and depression.

German chamomile:
You may have heard of chamomile tea for calming and stress relief, but the scent of chamomile essential oil is also effective for this purpose when you don’t have a tea pot and stove handy. Chamomile is also used for stress-related woes such as insomnia and PMS, as well as other ailments including arthritis, insect bites and nausea.

Patchouli:
A great oil for all sorts of skin problems, patchouli also has a deep, earthy smell you might remember for the 1960s. Added to a carrier oil such as almond, avocado or peanut oil (because essential oils are too strong to be applied directly to skin) patchouli oil can be used as a treatment for dry skin, eczema, rashes or athlete’s foot. To make a body-friendly oil out of any essential oil, add five to seven drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil. Add less essential oil if you are particularly sensitive to fragrance or other allergens.

Rose:
Another scent you are sure to find anywhere you shop is rose essential oil. Rose oil is great for stress relief, depression, menopause symptoms and for use with a carrier oil on mature skin. Rose smells wonderful and would be great to use with an oil as a massage oil to use on that special someone (or yourself).

Tea Tree:
One of the essential oils that is showing up in all sorts of skin care products these days is tea tree oil, which is great for acne and a wonderful antiseptic. It can be used on insect bites or anywhere itching is taking place and is also a good treatment for ringworm, athlete’s foot and cold sores.
Of course there are many more oils sold than this selection, but this gives you some idea of the potential uses for these oils. You can find essential oils at health food stores and even some supermarkets. Buy the highest quality, most natural products you can find. If you go to a natural foods store you will likely find someone there you can talk to about your particular ailment who can recommend the right oils to use for your aromatherapy.

You can use essential oils in a variety of ways. For a quick boost, but three or fours drops of oil on a tissue and inhale. You can also add a few drops to two cups of steaming water in a bowl and put your face about a foot from the bowl for a few minutes. This method will also fill the room with the oil’s aroma. You can also place a few drops of oil anywhere there is something smelly in your house (garbage can, laundry room) to cover up the odor. If you add the essential oil to a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil, you can use it for massage purposes or in a bath. Essential oils can also be added to bath salts for extra luxury.

Of course you don’t have to use just one essential oil at a time. If you are using tea tree oil in a facial scrub or other product you will probably want to add another oil to mask the fragrance (lavender is good for this, but there are many other possibilities. You may even be able to find blends at the store where you buy essential oils that are made for particular ailments such as stress relief or depression formulas.

If you want to experiment with your own blending of oils, try some of the following recipes.
For a calming foot rub, add 10 drops of chamomile (German or Roman, though Roman is preferred) and five drops of lavender to one ounce of carrier oil (almond or avocado would be particularly nice). Mix well and give yourself or someone else a foot massage. It could also be used on the person’s hands or back.

An energizing air freshener can be made by combining any number of essential oils for a total of about 30 drops mixed with three ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Some combinations include grapefruit and ginger, rosemary and bergamot or peppermint, lemon and frankincense. Mix well and spray around the room for an instant energy boost. A combination of rosemary and lemon would also boost your concentration.

If you’re feeling irritable, why not try a nice long bath with a bath oil made from two ounces of carrier oil and a combination of essential oils adding up to 15 drops. Lavender alone or combined with mandarin or chamomile would be great, or try sandalwood and mandarin. Add about a quarter of an ounce to the bath water; do not use the whole bottle at once. Store in a dark colored bottle in a cool place or in the refrigerator between uses.

To keep your essential oils fresh, store them in a cool, dark place in dark bottles (don’t buy oils if they don’t come in dark brown or blue bottles, as light will have damaged the oil). Ask your doctor before using essential oils on your body if you have chronic health problems or are pregnant. And have fun with this ancient art that’s sure to brighten up (and freshen up) your home.

Hypnosis and Weight Loss

2008-07-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

There are many various reasons for which somebody can want to lose the weight, but it is a pretty safe bet that almost everyone will want with at a certain point in some their lives. The hypnosis of loss of weight will create the sensation to you and will look at better, and will increase your self-confidence. An excellent place to be left for the majority the people is to lay down an objective to regularly listen to your session of hypnosis of loss of weight. As in much of other aspects of the life, the key to achieve your goal is located in suitable planning and the execution.

Everyone is different. We all have various life styles, programs and capacities, and it is important that this is maintained in the spirit by approaching the hypnosis of loss of weight. Before you really start to try to lose the weight, you must decide on a realistic plan which is exact for you. The worst thing that you can make is placed a plan it is difficult to realize that. If, for example, you are an extremely occupied relative working, not to create a plan for yourself which requires to listen to your hypnosis 4 of loss of weight time one day, because the chances are you will fail, who will finish only to the top returning you to feel it worse about yourself.

Each attempt at loss of weight should ideally compose of the dietetic changes and an increase in exercise. The hypnosis of loss of weight can make follow a mode much easier than you had imagined but you must make an effort conscious of changing your life style very into a practitioner your sessions of hypnosis.

By looking at your mode, to make research and to propose some healthy ideas of meal which you do not eat normally. To project to eat these new meals systematically. You want to break your plan in as many small stages like possible, so that you provide yourselves many small, realizable goals. For example, you can decide to seek your new meal Monday, to buy the ingredients Tuesday, and to do them Wednesday. Does this not only duplicate work to the top - if you leave it all at one day when it is more probable good will not have you the hour to do it - but it creates a constant direction of achievement. By listening to your Cd of hypnosis of loss of weight or mp3, to think of the changes which you decided to increase the power of the assertions. To also do this personalizes your practice and more firmly concentrates your spirit on your goal.

At least half of the battle with the hypnosis of loss of weight is one of discipline: as a no matter whom who on a diet or mode of exercise will indicate to you, it is easy to begin a mode but to stick hard with it. The worst thing that you can make make of it the hypnosis of loss of weight is to be established for the failure, as it is a cycle which tends to be repeated. While creating and by carrying out a good thought outside and the realistic plan, you give each other an enormous advantage with a your final aim of the loss of weight.

Acupuncture as Alternative Type in Medicine

2008-07-10T01:31:00.000-07:00

As acupuncture has become more well-liked over the years, governments have accepted it as a precious form of medicine and ask for regulating it. On one occasion you become knowledgeable concerning acupuncture schools you'll be able to discover the right course or school for you and begin the path to a satisfying career as an acupuncturist. Starting out, one wishes to study how and where you are able to earn a diploma or degree in acupuncture and what it's like to work in the sphere of acupuncture.

Acupuncture school education and training necessities can total from 2500 to 4000 credit hours. You desire to choose for a school whose course emphasizes courses in customary Chinese medicine; acupuncture is only one part of customary Chinese medicine. You are able to call each school you're bearing in mind and inquire to speak to a recruiting counselor to realize the student-to-teacher ratio so you can get lesser classes.

States similar to California have lots of acupuncture schools to select from, whereas Wisconsin, for instance, has just one school; a number of states have nothing at all. Select an acupuncture school that offers a wide library of materials concentrated on traditional Chinese medicine. There are just some acupuncture schools that teach practitioners the five-element Oriental medicine move toward to acupuncture, which is frequently used in combination with customary Western medical practices.

Remember that depending on the school, students may be required to learn herbal medicine or can be offered herbal courses like electives. Make sure with your school - it's significant that you have a broad assortment of study resources obtainable to you so you can have all the literature that is necessary for a wide learning understanding

Dandruff Information

2008-07-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

We have all seen people with those white flakes on their shoulders, but is it really just dandruff? Is it contagious? Can't they do something about it?.

Seborrhea (dandruff) is a skin disorder that results from neither too little moisture nor too much oil. It is a form of skin inflammation (dermatitis) which has no known cause. This condition can appear at any time from infancy to old age, and can come and go more or less at random. Treatment of seborrhea (dandruff) is directed at fighting the skin inflammation. This is done either directly, by using cortisone-based creams and lotions (which reduce inflammation), or by reducing the yeast that builds up on scaly areas and adds to the problem. Note, though, that dandruff is not a yeast infection.

Seborrhea is not just skin dryness. Actually, the word "seborrhea" means "too much oil." Seborrhea is also known as seborrheic dermatitis or common dandruff.
Seborrhea can present as a variety of conditions such as dandruff, thick scales on the scalp, redness on the face or in the armpits, or raw, red patches below the breasts. Although some of these conditions may feel "dry," moisturizing only makes them redder. In other cases the skin may seem oily or even oily and dry at the same time.

Who gets dandruff?

• About 2-5% of the population have this condition
• Adults and infants (in the first three months)
• Adults usually show signs in their 25's to 60's, but sometimes earlier
• A type of dandruff is seen in those with HIV disease and is very common in people with neurological conditions like Parkinson's
• It is more common if you are obese
• It is more common if you have rosacea, and possibly, acne
• You are more likely to get it if you live in a cold, dry climate
• Sometimes you also get redness and scaling on your eyelid (This condition is called blepharitis).
• Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish dandruff from scalp psoriasis in its early stages

Causes

• Some individuals have an increase in oiliness of the skin
• Dandruff is known to be increased with stress
• Some drugs, such as cimetidine and gold, may be risk factors
• Heavy drinking of alcohol can be a trigger About half of the patients have an increase in Pityrosporum yeasts on the involved skin. This yeast is a normal inhabitant of the skin
• Dandruff is not infectious, nor can you give it to any one else.

Treatment

There are a number of different types of medicated shampoos. These can be used to control dandruff on your scalp, face and trunk. They can be used daily, although 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient. Contact time with the scalp is ideally 5 minutes.

There are all different types of medicated shampoos, each with a different ingredient:
• Zinc pyrithione (i.e. Head and Shoulders)
• Salicylic acid (i.e. Sebcur)
• Tar shampoos (i.e. T-Gel)
• Ketoconazole (i.e. Nizoral)
• Selenium sulfide (i.e. Selsun)
• Ketoconazole (i.e. Nizoral)

If the shampoo doesn't control the dandruff on your face, a cream is probably required like hydrocortisone cream (which can be bought without a prescription at a concentration of 0.5%), anti-yeast cream (sometimes used in combination with a mild cortisone cream) or a 15% propylene glycol cream. Antifungal pills can be prescribed to reduce dandruff if it is severe. A new generation of treatments called immunomodulators, which are prescription creams and ointments, have been shown to help. These reduce the inflammatory reaction in the skin and are sometimes used to treat this condition.

If dandruff can't be controlled using over the counter treatments, it is best to see your doctor to determine whether or not it is actually dandruff and how it should be best treated.

The Best Ways To Quit Smoking

2008-07-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Smoking is yet one of the leading preventable causes of disease. Smoking affects just about every region of your system from your lungs to your eye, and still your kidneys and liver. The biggest risks for smokers are lung cancer and emphysema. People who stop lean to slip into three categories: folk who woke upward one day and stop; folk who arrest a cool and look overly sick to smoke for a few days, so hold it upward; and folk given an ultimatum by a physician. Quitting smoke is a procedure that requires cautious preparation, bravery, discipline, and dedication. There are many techniques that will assist you stop the habit.

Deep breathing perhaps phe single most powerful and important technique quit smoking. Drink lots of water and fluids to help flush out the nicotine and other poisons from your body. Natural methods include acupuncture cessation smoking treatments and hypnosis. Hypnotherapy method is moderately effective in giving up smoking. The smoker, willingly subjects him or herself to a hypnosis session. Medications such are Wellbutrin are also known to help cut down on cigarette cravings. Smoking measure to boost up your war against nicotine may ultimately result in your failure to induce smoking cessation.

Medicines as well as a proper approach are the ultimate requirement which would further pave your way out of the vicious circle of smoking addiction. Other quit smoking techniques when your quit date arrives, throw out anything that reminds you of smoking. Nicotine replacement therapies come in many different forms: skin patches, gum, sprays and inhalers. They have small amounts of nicotine in them and can help take the edge of cravings. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese healing. It uses needles to stimulate energy points in the body. Acupuncture is promoted as a way to reduce cravings.

Withdrawal symptoms in people who quit smoking. Zyban is a prescription antidepressant drug that can reduce the urge to smoke in some people. It is most effective in helping people quit when it is combined with other quit methods like counselling. Do your very best to stay away from alcohol, sugar and coffee the first week or longer, as these tend to stimulate the desire for a cigarette. Avoid fatty foods, as your metabolism will slow down a bit without the nicotine. You can solicit quit smoking support from the American Lung Association. They provide smokers with free literature, and they also sponsor support groups all over the country.

SMOKING EFFECT

2008-07-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Effects of tobacco smoke

Tar in cigarettes coats the lungs and can cause lung and throat cancer in smokers. It is also responsible for the yellow–brown staining on smokers' fingers and teeth.
Carbon monoxide in cigarettes robs the muscles, brain and blood of oxygen, making the whole body — especially the heart — work harder. Over time this causes airways to narrow and blood pressure to rise, and can lead to heart attack and stroke. High levels of CO, together with nicotine, increase the risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries and other circulatory problems. A first-time smoker will often feel dizzy and sick.

‘Light’ or ‘low tar’ cigarettes
Research has shown that there is little difference between the amount of chemicals inhaled by people who smoke ‘light’ or ‘low tar’ cigarettes and those who smoke regular cigarettes. People who smoke ‘light’ cigarettes have the same risk of developing smoking-related diseases as people who smoke regular cigarettes.

Immediate effects
Soon after smoking tobacco, the following effects may be experienced:
initial stimulation, then reduction in brain and nervous system activity;
Enhanced alertness and concentration;
Mild euphoria;
Feelings of relaxation;
Increased blood pressure and heart rate;
Decreased blood flow to body extremities like the fingers and toes;
Dizziness, nausea, watery eyes and acid in the stomach; and
Decreased appetite, taste and smell.

Long-term effects
The principal diagnoses are cancer, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Passive smoking
Passive smoking can cause a number of health problems including heart disease, lung cancer and irritation of the eyes and nose. It involves breathing in tobacco smoke from other people's cigarettes: smoke that has been exhaled or smoke from the end of a lit cigarette.

Tolerance and dependence
People who use tobacco tend to develop a tolerance to the effects of the nicotine in the tobacco very quickly. This means they need to smoke more and more in order to get the same effect.With repeated use of tobacco, the risk of dependence on nicotine is high. Dependence on nicotine can be physiological, psychological or both.
People who are physically dependent on nicotine find their body has become used to functioning with the nicotine present and may experience withdrawal symptoms when they reduce their nicotine intake.
People who are psychologically dependent on nicotine may find they feel an urge to smoke when they are in specific surroundings, such as at the pub, or in particular situations such as during their lunch break or socializing with friends.
Research has shown that smoking is often associated with different roles and meanings for smokers, including the following.
Social roles, such as enjoyment of the company of friends, the drinking of coffee or alcohol, and promoting social confidence and feelings of independence (particularly for young women).
Emotional roles — caring for the self, such as helping to deal with stress and anxiety, weight control and providing ‘companionship’.
Temporal roles, such as connecting the flow of events or time in the smoker's day, providing a break from work or activities and relieving boredom.
This may be why smoking is sometimes referred to as the most difficult drug to give up.

Withdrawal
If a person who is dependent on the nicotine in tobacco suddenly stops using it or reduces the amount they use, they will experience withdrawal symptoms because their body has to readjust to functioning without the drug.Most of these symptoms will disappear within days or weeks of quitting smoking, but cravings may persist for years after stopping using tobacco.

Symptoms include:
Cravings;
Irritability, agitation, depression and anxiety;
Insomnia and disturbed sleeping patterns;
Increased appetite and weight gain;
Restlessness and loss of concentration;
Headaches;
Coughing and sore throat;
Body aches and pains; and
Stomach and bowel upsets.

Partners

2008-07-06T02:08:00.000-07:00

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Sexually Transmitted Infection

2008-07-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that you catch whilst you have sexual intercourse. You can also catch some infections through kissing and touching and these are ‘sort of’ sexually transmitted infections. There are also some infections which can be caught during having sex but can also be caught in other ways – like ‘thrush’ (candida).

Gunk or blood coming out of the end of your penis – think gonorrhea, non-specific urethritis or chlamydia
Warty lumps on your penis or near it – think genital warts
Painful sores or blisters on your penis or near it – think herpes
An itchy penis with a red tip – think thrush.
Itchy scrotum and pubic hair – think crabs.

Easy ways to help know if you’ve got a Sexually Transmitted Infection and if you are a Girl:
If your vaginal discharge goes thick
gooey
smelly
itchy
a different colour
into overdrive

...then you might have thrush or trichomoniasis.
If it hurts to pee, then think cystitis – but it could be thrush
If you get wart lumps around your vagina – think genital warts.
If your vagina itches or gets sore – think thrush.

Remember if you have one STI you could have others as well as they tend to hunt in packs. Watch out for Chlamydia, as 90% of women who have it don’t know. And always be wary of AIDS.

(The clap)/Gonorrhea

Pus drips out the top of your penis. Women can get a horrid greenish discharge from their vagina, though up to 80% show no symptoms. If it’s not treated, it may gum up your tubes and stop you having babies.
It’s caused by

Having sex – including oral sex (which may give you a sore throat) – with someone who’s got the gonorrhea bacteria.
How not to get it

First – always use a condom. If you are a girl don’t sleep with any bloke who has a weeping willie. If you are a bloke don’t sleep with a girl who has any kind of funny discharge. But as you can’t always tell about either of these things – it is going to be a condom!
What to do if you do get it

Head for the doctors - or your local genito-urinary clinic (GUM). You’ll both need treatment with antibiotics (penicillin).

(NSU)/Non-specific Urethritis

Boys - your penis hurts, especially when you pee.
Girls – it can hurt when you pee
It’s caused by

Having sex with someone who’s carrying various bacteria like chlamydia or trichomonas. The bugs hang round for a bit and then make your urethra (pee tube) inflamed and sore.
How not to get it

Don’t have sex with someone carrying the bug. But as it’s almost impossible to know who has it – be safe and use a condom.
What to do:

Lads - it’s very important to get this sorted. If you pass chlamydia on to another girl, it could make her unable to have babies. Go to the doctor and get some antibiotics for both of you.

Girls – get this sorted urgently as it may interfere with you having babies. Head for the doctors.

Chlamydia

It may feel like you are peeing barbed wire.
Some girls get a yellowish discharge and feel itchy round the vagina
Some men get a white cloudy droplet coming out of their penis.
BUT: many women don’t feel anything at all. Up to 1 in 10 young women have it, and 90% of them don’t know, because they don’t feel anything. At least 25% of men have no symptoms from it either.
It’s caused by

Having sex (vaginal or anal) with someone who has the chlamydia bacteria. It can even be passed on by fingering or touching someone’s genitals. Once infected a person stays infected until they are treated.
How not to get it

Don’t have sex with anyone who’s got it – but use a condom anyway as it is impossible to know.
What to do if you do get it or are worried that you might have it

Head for your doctor’s, or your local Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic at a hospital. You can find the address in the phone book. You need to get it sorted because it can damage your chances of ever having children.

Genital Warts

You get warts on your privates, which look horrible.
It’s caused by

Having sex with someone who has genital warts as well. They come from a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus. In all there are over 40 different types of this virus – some of which cause warts on your fingers and verrucas on your feet, and others which can cause cancer of the cervix (neck of the womb). They’ re all different, though – finger warts don’t give you genital warts. Though some strains of genital warts are linked to cervical cancer, they are not the genital sort you see on the outside of the genitals
How not to get it

If it’s got warty lumps on it, don’t sleep with it. Though it can be difficult to tell if they’re inside the girl. Always use a condom.
What to do if you do get it

The doctor will give you a special paint which makes the warts drop off.

Genital Herpes

You get little red spots round your penis or vagina. These turn into little clear blisters. These then pop and leave you very sore (just like cold sores). The first time you get it, you usually feel pretty ghastly. In some people it comes back in various strengths – you might feel awful again or not notice at all.
It’s caused by

Having sex with someone who has the herpes simplex virus lurking in their body.
How not to get it

If you see someone with blisters down there, don’t have sex with them – or at least use a condom.
What to do if you do get it

Go see your doctor or local Genito-Urinary Medicine clinic and get checked out. They won’t tell anyone that you have been.

Q: What’s the difference between love and herpes?
A: Herpes lasts forever.

You can’t cure herpes. It goes away and then comes back, hiding out, in between, in your nerves. Eighty percent of women get reoccurrences. But your doctor can give you something which makes it come back less, and hurt less.

Thrush

Thrush is caused by a yeast called ‘Candida Albicans’ and is also known as also known as ‘yeast infection’, ‘candida’, or ‘monilia’.
How you get it

Your skin, including your vagina and penis, and inside your mouth may normally have a mixture of different bugs including yeasts living there and causing you no trouble. However sometimes these yeasts start multiplying and make that part of the skin where they are – penis, vagina, mouth – very itchy. A very common reason for this happening is when you take antibiotics which kill of some of the normal bacteria on your skin and because these are killed off it allows the yeasts to grow (yeasts are not normally killed off by antibiotics). People with diabetes are also more likely to get thrush because the yeasts like the sugar that is in the urine of people with diabetes.

So you can see from this that you don’t need to have sex in order to get thrush! But it can also happen as a result of having sex.

Your penis or vagina gets really itchy and sore. A woman’s discharges go lumpy like cottage cheese.

It’s very common and easy to sort out.

It’s caused by:
A yeast called Candida albicans running wild inside you. Infected yeasts can be passed on through sex, or it can happen when your insides are out of balance from:
taking antibiotics
having diabetes
being generally unwell

It’s very common and easy to sort out.
What to do

If there is any risk that you got this by having sex - see your Doctor as you ought to get checked out for other sexually transmitted infections.

If it is the first time you think that you have thrush - go to the Doctor to check out that that is what it is.

If it's not the first time, and you know what it is, then go to the pharmacist and buy a cream. Canesten is the most popular. If it doesn’t clear up after a few days, go and see your doctor. He or she won’t tell anyone else – not even your mum. Sometimes girls need to use a special sort of tablet called a ‘pessary’ which she puts into her vagina, or a tablet that needs to be swallowed.

If it keeps coming back, try to avoid nylon undies and tight trousers – just to keep the temperature down there nice and cool.

Crabs

Your balls / pubic area get incredibly itchy.
It’s caused by

Pubic lice which are not absolutely the same as head lice, as they seem to like your pubic rather than your head – hair. Left untreated, they will just breed and breed.

The lice look like little crabs, are nearly transparent and a bit smaller than the head of a match; and the eggs on the hair are pinhead-sized and flesh-coloured.
How not to get it

Don’t sleep with anyone who scratches down there a lot as they are a sexually transmitted infection.
What to do if you do get it

Nip to the pharmacy and buy some special anti crab lotion. Check out ‘what’ with your local pharmacist – they won’t be embarrassed or embarrassing. That should stop you feeling lousy (ho ho). You should also get checked out for other sexually transmitted infections at your local young people’s clinic or your family doctor.

Cystitis - What is cystitis?

You’re desperate to pee all the time but it feels like you’re peeing fire.
Your pee may look cloudy or red (with blood)
It’s caused by
Bacterial germs
Other infections (like thrush)
Allergies
Friction during serious bonking
Friction from frequent masturbation
How not to get it

If you get it and you haven’t had sex, try changing your soap or, if you are a girl, stop using any vaginal deodorant – you might be allergic to it.

If you are getting it after having sex (and you have been checked for a sexually transmitted infection), make sure you and your partner wash before and afterwards; try peeing before and afterwards; drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in it. Girls can try a lubricant if their vagina is dry.
What to do

Make sure that you get checked for a sexually transmitted infection.

In order to help clear it up you can try some of the following:

Drink a lot of water with a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in each glass. Cranberry juice and lemon barley water are also good! This flushes out the bugs.

Drink some more water/cranberry juice/lemon barley water

Take a paracetamol

Drink more water/cranberry juice/lemon barley water.

Curl up with a hot water bottle.

If you’re still having trouble after a day or two, go to see your doctor as you might need antibiotics.

Information About Braces

2008-07-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Braces can improve appearance, improve health, make beautiful.
Braces are an orthodontic device used to straighten teeth and align the jaw properly.
Children should have a checkup for braces once they are seven years old
a long way in recent years and today, braces work faster and are less invasive than they once were

Braces are one of the things you can do for your kids to insure their health throughout their lifetime. Surveys have indicated that people who have had braces look better and feel better about themselves. They live longer and have a statistically lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Braces For Children

Although braces is a subject commonly thought to apply to teenagers, it is important for children to have an orthodontic check up by age 7. By examining the mouth while your child still has his or her baby teeth, an orthodontist can see problems with jaw growth and tooth alignment that can possibly be prevented or easily fixed. For some children, braces can be a two step process. For example younger children may benefit from getting treatment before their secondary teeth come in. For instance, if your child’s mouth is too small for all of his or her teeth, an orthodontist might be able to rectify the situation with a palatal expander to widen the jaw, to prevent having to have teeth pulled later on. Then, when secondary teeth come in, he or she can get braces.

Some kids can't wait to get braces. Others are a little worried about what it will be like or how they will look. It can help to learn more about braces, which straighten your teeth and make your smile even better looking.

Reasons to See an Orthodontist

Aside from having your child screened by an orthodontist by age 7 as a precaution, you should definitely see an orthodontist if you observe any of the following:
Your child has trouble chewing or swallowing.
He or she has lost their baby teeth early or late.
He or she breathes mostly through the mouth.
Your child sucks his or her thumb or fingers.
His or her jaw makes sounds.
His or her top and bottom teeth touch at unusual angles.
Your child’s top and bottom teeth don’t touch at all.
his or her teeth seem out of proportion with his or her face.

The cost ranges from $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the treatment's length and complexity. At an initial consultation, the orthodontist will perform a thorough exam of your child's teeth and jaw, taking X-rays and impressions

Braces for Adult

Braces aren't just for teenagers – it’s never too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile. About 1 million Americans over the age of 18 wear braces. Your general dentist can help you determine if orthodontic treatment is the right option for you. Your general dentists may even be able to treat your orthodontic problems. You can also request an evaluation and receive treatment from an orthodontist, a specialist in diagnosing, preventing and treating improper alignment of the teeth.
Some adults never received orthodontic treatment as children to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw joint disorders. Left untreated, these problems may result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches and earaches, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems.
Braces can provide adults the same benefits children receive. However, treatment may take longer than it does for children. The average adult wears braces for 18 months to three years. As with children, adults may need to wear a retainer to maintain the results of treatment after braces are removed.

The cost of braces depends on the type you select. On average, metal braces cost $5,000 to $6,000. Keep in mind that your out-of-pocket costs will likely be higher if you choose non-metal braces. Check your Evidence of Coverage, Summary Plan Description or Group Dental Service Contract to see if your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment for adults. You should also ask your dentist to submit a pre-treatment estimate (also called a predetermination) to your dental plan so you can find out in advance what your out-of-pocket costs will be.

Life With Braces

It is always best to visit an orthodontist, rather than a regular dentist, even though regular dentists may offer braces. Orthodontists have advanced and specialty training where a dentist has not.

A common misconception is that it is visibly obvious that a child will need braces. This isn’t always the case. 45 percent of children need braces to fix a functional problem (like an overbite or under bite or crooked teeth). However 75 percent of children could benefit from them to improve the shape of their faces or future issues such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint ) problems. Braces can serve many other purposes besides straightening crooked teeth.

Another common misconception is that braces take a long time to do their job. It just isn’t so with today’s developments. Braces take much less time today thanks to the improvement of technology and recent educational developments. Also, braces do not have to be as “unsightly” as they once were. Today colored braces are popular as well as clear models which are hardly visible at all. Certain kinds of braces can also be fitted in the back of teeth so that they aren’t readily visible.

Braces Improve Your Health

You will be able to chew your food better.

Chewing is the first step in digestion. If your teeth are not straight, you will not be able to chew your food correctly so partially unchewed food will go down to your stomach. That can give you an upset stomach

You will avoid dental problems.

If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it you will have problems with your teeth for years to come; your teeth will be hard to clean. Your gums will hurt. Your teeth will wear in ways that the should not. The effects are significant enough that many adults are now going back to the orthodontist for braces.

You may avoid developing a breathing problem.

As you get older the roof your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. That makes you snore loudly, and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea". If you get braces you can avoid this possibility.

Kinds of Braces

Braces come in lots of different sizes and colors.

First there are old fashioned braces. Old fashioned braces are big and clunky. They can cut your lips, and are generally uncomfortable.

Metal or "traditional" braces: These come in different colors, even gold-plated versions. They are the least expensive type of braces and are widely available. One benefit is that they are strong and rarely break, which means fewer time-consuming visits to the doctor. Staining is not a problem. "Speed" braces, which involve a special type of bracket that locks onto the wire, are up to 40% faster and are more hygienic than regular versions since elastic bands normally used to attach the wire to the tooth bracket are eliminated. However, speed braces are more expensive and not as widely available yet.

Then there are modern braces. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than old fashioned braces. They have what is called a low profile design, which is less irritating to your lips. They also have special contours to make your orthodontic treatment go faster and be less painful.

Ceramic or "tooth-colored" braces: Although they appear to blend into the teeth, these braces can eventually become discolored from wine or coffee. They are more comfortable than metal braces, and are usually attached to teeth that show—the uppers or upper fronts. These are available as speed braces as well.

Invisible braces or "clear" braces: If patients choose to use these removable plastic trays to correct crooked teeth, they must be disciplined about wearing each tray in the series for the prescribed amount of time in order to get the best results. Food can’t get stuck between teeth with this form of orthodontics since no brackets or wires are used. Invisalign® usually takes about as long to work as ceramic or metal braces, except in patients with severe problems, but this method can be more expensive. It usually requires fewer doctor’s visits. Used to correct slight or moderate misalignment, orthodontists are increasingly following treatment with ceramic braces in more severe cases.

Lingual braces: These are braces, usually metal, that sit behind the teeth, on the tongue side. Although they are not visible, they may interfere with talking and are more expensive than other kinds of braces.

There are two main types of braces for your teeth

Fixed braces or “train tracks”
These have small squares of metal with grooves and are stuck to the tooth. The wires which are put in to the grooves help move the teeth into the right position.

Removable braces
These can be taken in and out of the mouth. They have a base made out of acrylic, which can be see-through or pink. Attached to the base are wires to hold it in position and springs to move the teeth.

How Braces Work

Braces act like magnets for food, so you need to keep your teeth especially clean while you have them on. You'll want to brush after meals and be extra careful to get out any food that gets stuck in your braces. Your orthodontist also may give you a special flosser you can use to floss in and around your braces. When your orthodontist changes your wires, ask if you can do a quick floss (it'll be easier without the wires).

You won't have to go on any special diet when you have braces, but you'll want to avoid some foods that are problems for braces. Stay away from popcorn, hard and sticky candy, and especially gum. Sugary sodas and juices can cause a problem, too, because the sugar stays on your teeth and may cause tooth decay. You can have these drinks, but be sure to brush afterward.

Because braces put pressure on your teeth, you might feel uncomfortable once in a while, especially after the orthodontist makes adjustments. If you have pain, ask your mom or dad to give you a pain reliever.

If you ever have a loose wire or bracket, or a wire that is poking you, you should see the orthodontist right away to get it taken care of. If your orthodontist can't find a problem, he or she may give you some soft wax that you can stick on the bracket that's bothering you. Then it won't rub against your mouth.

So braces can be inconvenient, but lots of kids have them and they are definitely worth the trouble. When will you know for sure? On the day your braces are removed and you can see your new and improved smile!

Information About Abortion

2008-07-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Abortion is one of the most common medical procedures performed in each year. More than 40% of all women will end a pregnancy by abortion at some time in their reproductive lives.

While women of every social class seek terminations, the typical woman who ends her pregnancy is either young, white, unmarried, poor, or over the age of 40.

Abortion Preparation

History

Most abortions are performed after your health care provider takes a brief and targeted medical history. You will be asked questions about prior pregnancies and any treatment or care during the current pregnancy. You will be asked about any diseases or conditions that affect your reproductive organs, such as sexually transmitted infections.

The provider will ask whether you have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, anemia, bleeding disorders, or surgery (on your ovaries or uterus, for example). If you have active medical problems, you may need to be stabilized before an abortion or have the procedure performed in a facility that can handle special medical problems.

If there are known problems with the fetus, such as severe brain abnormalities that will either not allow the fetus to live, and if these problems are known through diagnostic testing, the woman may choose to end the pregnancy with abortion.

The most common problems with the fetus encountered in abortion counseling include major system development failures and problems that cannot be repaired dealing with the heart, nervous system, spine, brain, abdomen, kidneys, and breathing and digestive systems.

Physical

A brief physical examination is usually performed before an abortion. The focus is on determining when your pregnancy began and checking for sexually transmitted disease and whether you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Lab tests

Pregnancy tests are used to confirm that you are pregnant. Home tests are reliable, so providers will accept these results in some cases. Blood will be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and for hepatitis. Urine may be checked to see if you have a urinary tract infection.

Imaging studies

An ultrasound is virtually always dome for pregnancy confirmation and dating. Doctors are looking for how many fetuses may be developing, the size of the fetus or fetuses, a picture of the uterus and ovaries, and to rule out a problem such as an ectopic pregnancy (a life-threatening condition in which the fetus develops outside the uterus).

Medications

Your health care provider may give you antibiotics as a precaution against infection. Antibiotic use for the procedure is usually given the day of the procedure and for the next day or two.

Procedures

Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, and the doctor knows how many weeks along the pregnancy is, and you have decided to end the pregnancy, the procedure offered typically reflects your stage of gestation. Early abortions can be accomplished medically or surgically, but most facilities do not have the protocols established or personnel with the technical ability to offer medical abortions (with pills). Therefore, most abortions are performed surgically Also known as a D&C

During the first trimester of your pregnancy, abortion can be done through medical or surgical abortion procedure. Remember that medical abortion works efficiently only up to nine weeks of your pregnancy.

The medical abortion procedure is performed using drugs such as misoprostol alone, methotrexate and misoprostol, mifepristone and misoprostol.

The medical abortion procedure using the combination of methotrexate and misoprostol is generally prescribed till the first seven weeks of pregnancy.

However, the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol are prescribed till the seven to nine weeks of pregnancy. The medical abortion is 95% effective in terminating a pregnancy.

On the other hand, a surgical abortion procedure called Suction Aspiration, also known as vacuum aspiration, is used to empty the uterus during the first trimester of your pregnancy.

During second trimester, medical abortion procedure is ineffective to end your pregnancy.

Surgical abortion such as Dilation and Curettage (D&C), Dilation and Evacuation (D&E), and Induction Abortion are used during the second trimester. It is to be noted that surgical abortion procedure is usually done under local anesthesia.

Dilation and Curettage is also known as suction curettage. It is generally preferred between 13-15 weeks of pregnancy.

Dilation and Evacuation is also known as D&E. It is used to empty the uterus between 15-21 weeks of your pregnancy.

Induction Abortion is a rare surgical abortion procedure, which makes use of substances such as salt water (saline), urea, or potassium chloride to inject into the amniotic sac to start uterine contractions and terminate pregnancy.

Prostaglandins are introduced into the vagina for uterine contractions and to empty the uterus. On the other hand, Oxytocin (pitocin) is injected intravenously (in to the veins) to empty the uterus.

Medical abortion procedures are not used during third trimester. However, surgical abortion procedures such as Induction Abortion, Dilation and Extraction are used for terminating your pregnancy.

As said earlier, Induction Abortion terminates your pregnancy through medications. The medications make uterine contractions and eject the uterine contents through the cervix.

Dilation and Extraction (D&X), also known as partial birth abortion, is a third trimester surgical abortion procedure in which the fetus is removed from the uterus through the cervix. It is preferred between 24-36 weeks of pregnancy.

Know about the above facts of abortion and select the safe procedure.

Risk of Abortion

For most of the women abortion is not just medical procedure, but it is considered as life changing event, which can bring significant physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences.

Apart from being a simple medical procedure, it has considerable risks involved with it. Some of the significant abortion risks are discussed below.

Significant risks involved in abortion:

Heavy bleeding: Bleeding after the abortion procedure is quite common. But if your cervix is torn or punctured then it can lead to heavy, abnormal bleeding. This kind of severe bleeding after abortion is known as hemorrhaging. Only in some cases, this kind of abortion risk needs surgery.

Infections: Any fetal part left inside the womb (abnormal or incomplete abortion) can cause infections for your pelvic parts. These infections can also be caused due to the surgical instruments which are inserted into the uterus during the surgery. The pelvic infection can be identified with persistent fever.

Incomplete abortion: Some times the abortion can be incomplete with some unwanted fetal parts left inside the uterus. This can lead to severe complications after the abortion.

Perforation of the uterus:The major risk in abortion is puncturing or perforation of the uterus. This can be due to improper use of surgical instruments during the surgery. This kind of risks in abortion can lead to hysterectomy that is removal of uterus.

Damage to internal organs:

The surgical procedure involved in abortion has many complications. During the surgery, the surrounding organs near the uterus can be injured. This is also one of the major factors of abortion risks.

Scars on the uterus lining: Because of suction tubing, curettes and the use of other surgical instruments there is a chance for permanent scars on uterus lining.

Cervix injury: Cervix puncture is a considerable risk in abortion. Damage or injury to cervix can cause severe vaginal bleeding which in turn needs a surgical repair.

Anesthesia: There are several complications involved with the use of general anesthesia during the surgery. It can cause heart attack, convulsion in body functions and in some rare cases it can lead to death.

Other significant abortion risks:

Breast cancer: This is considered as major risk in abortion. About 50% of women are affected by this type of cancer after abortion.

Premature delivery: When you go through one or more induced abortion surgeries, there is a significantly increased risk of premature delivery in future. This kind of abortion risk is mainly associated with several complications like cerebral palsy, prematurity in brain, eye problems and several bowel diseases.

Infertility: This is a very rare case in the risks of abortion, where a woman might not get pregnancy in future.

Pelvic inflammatory diseases: This can be a life threatening risk for you after abortion, which can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. About 5% of women suffer with pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Psychological effects of abortion:

Many women suffer with emotional and psychological problems after experiencing abortion. Some of these problems are depression, acute feeling of grief and fear of disclosure, eating disorders, suicide tendencies, anxiety and also increased consumption of alcohol and drugs.

These are some of the risks involved in abortion. So think before you go for an abortion surgery. Avoid abortion, unless and until it is obligatory in terms of your health.

A NINE MONTH PREGNANCY

2008-07-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

The total period of pregnancy can be divided into three trimesters.Each trimesters consists of three months.In the first trimester, the developing baby is called EMBRYO and thereafter it is reffered to as FETUS.From the second trimester,the fetus acquires a human shape and its growth becomes rapid.It is during this trimester,that pregnancy becomes evident and the mother experiences the first movements.The organs of the baby mature during the third trimester and overall fetal growth continues till the baby is delivered.

How does the fetus grow during the nine months of pregnancy?

FIRST MONTH:

Heart, digestive system, nervous system, backbone and spinal cord have begun to form
Placenta (also called "afterbirth") has begun to develop
The fertilized egg is now 10,000 times bigger than it was at conception

By the end of the first month,the embryo is about 1/10 of an inch long.The heart,which is no longer than a poppy seed,has begun beating

SECOND MONTH:
The embryo is about 1 inch long and has distinct,slightly webbed fingers.Veins are clearly visible.The heart has divided into right and left chambers.The brain begins to develop,Heart is functioning.

Eyes, nose, mouth and ears are formingBone and muscle begin to grow
Penis begins to appear in boys
Embryo is moving, although the mother can not yet feel movement

THIRD MONTH:
By now the fetus is 2 1/2to 3 inches long and is fully formed.He has begun swallowing and kicking.All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function

Weighs about ½ to 1 ounce Nails begin to develop; earlobes are formed; teeth develop Foetus develops recognizable form
Arms, hands, legs and feet are fully formed and movement is possible
Eyes are almost fully developed
By this stage, a foetus has developed most of its organs and tissues

Foetal heart rate can be heard at 10 weeks with a special instrument called a Doppler

FOURTH MONTH:
Your baby is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo.His heartbeat can be heard clearly.This is when you may feel your baby''s first kick.# Weighs about 6 to 7 ounces Foetus is developing reflexes such as sucking and swallowing and may begin sucking his/her thumbSweat glands are forming on palms and soles
Fingers and toes are well defined
Skin is bright pink, transparent and covered with soft, downy hair
Sex can be determined
The baby could not survive outside the mother's body despite being recognizably human in appearance

FIFTH MONTH:
A protective coating called vernix caseosa begins to form on the baby''s skin.By the end of this month, your baby will be 8 to 10 inches long and will weigh almost a pound.
Weighs about 1 pound
Hair begins to grow on his/her head
Soft woolly hair called lanugo will cover its body (and some may remain until a week after birth)
Mother begins to feel foetal movement
Internal organs are maturing
Eyebrows, eyelids and eyelashes appear

SIXTH MONTH:
Eyebrows and eyelids are visible.Your baby''s lungs are filled with amniotic fluid,and he has started breathing motions.If you talk or sing, he can hear you.

Weighs about 1¾ to 2 poundsEyelids begin to part and eyes open occasionally for brief timesSkin is covered with protective coating called vernix
Foetus is able to hiccup
Taste buds appear

SEVENTH MONTH:
By the end of the seventh month, your baby weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is about 15 inches long.His body is well-formed. Fingernails cover his fingertips.

Taste buds have developedFat layers are forming although skin is still wrinkled and red
Organs are maturing
If born now, the baby will be considered premature and will require special care

EIGTH MONTH:

Your baby is gaining about half a pound per week,and layers of fat are piling on.He has probably turned head-down in preparation for birth.He weighs between 4 and 6 pounds.

Foetus is 16½ to 18 inches long There is rapid overall growth during this month
This month sees tremendous brain development
Most body organs are now developed apart from the lungs, and the kidneys are mature
Fingernails now extend beyond fingertips
Kicks are strong enough to be visible from outside
Skin is becoming smoother

NINTH MONTH:
Your baby is hefty 6 to 9 pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches.As he grows you may feel him move around less. Weighs about 7 to 7½ poundsThe lungs are mature
More fat is formed round the body
Baby is now fully developed and ready to survive outside the mother's body
Skin is pink and smooth
The baby settles down lower in the abdomen ready for birth and might seem less active

wish you a joyous and safe pregnancy!!!

Genetic Diseases Information

2008-07-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Single-gene (also called Mendelian or monogenic) - This type is caused by changes or mutations that occur in the DNA sequence of one gene. Genes code for proteins, the molecules that carry out most of the work, perform most life functions, and even make up the majority of cellular structures. When a gene is mutated so that its protein product can no longer carry out its normal function, a disorder can result. There are more than 6,000 known single-gene disorders, which occur in about 1 out of every 200 births. Some examples are cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Marfan syndrome, Huntington’s disease, and hereditary hemochromatosis.

Most of the genetic disorders featured on this web site are the direct result of a mutation in one gene. However, one of the most difficult problems ahead is to find out how genes contribute to diseases that have a complex pattern of inheritance, such as in the cases of diabetes, asthma, cancer and mental illness. In all these cases, no one gene has the yes/no power to say whether a person has a disease or not.

X-linked dominant disorders are caused by mutations in genes on the X chromosome. Only a few disorders have this inheritance pattern. Males are more frequently affected than females, and the chance of passing on an X-linked dominant disorder differs between men and women. The sons of a man with an X-linked dominant disorder will not be affected, and his daughters will all inherit the condition.

A woman with an X-linked dominant disorder has a 50% chance of having an affected daughter or son with each pregnancy. Some X-linked dominant conditions, such as Aicardi Syndrome, are fatal to boys, therefore only girls have them (and boys with Klinefelter Syndrome). Other examples of this type of disorder are Hypophosphatemia, Aicardi Syndrome, and Chokenflok Syndrome.

Multifactorial inheritance -- Also called complex or polygenic inheritance. This type of inheritance is caused by a combination of environmental factors and mutations in multiple genes. For example, different genes that influence breast cancer susceptibility have been found on chromosomes 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 22. Some common chronic diseases are multifactorial disorders.

Examples of multifactorial inheritance include heart disease, high blood pressure, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Multifactorial inheritance also is associated with heritable traits such as fingerprint patterns, height, eye color, and skin color.

Collaboration, education, and training - In addition to making important discoveries and developing new therapies, the Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases has published numerous scientific articles, presented papers at national meetings, and sponsored international meetings so that scientists can interact and more rapidly advance the progress in these diseases.

Most of these conditions involve mutations that lead to the production of a nonfunctional enzyme, or one that is totally absent. In heterozygotes, the single good copy of the gene is generally able to produce sufficient enzyme to handle the normal workload. However, in a few cases, carriers as well as affected individuals have to be careful about their diet, or may exhibit less severe phenotypic effects.

The Female Erogenous Zone A Touch of Magic

2008-07-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

We all enjoy the sensation of touch, regardless of whether it's sexual or not. Erogenous zones are particular body parts that are highly sensitive to sexual arousal. While the majority of males think that women can orgasm through thrusting alone--or just from the touch of their "manly hand"--this is rarely the truth. Some areas are extremely sensitive and the stimulation of these areas is definitely a precursor for good sex. Locating and stimulating your partner's erogenous zones can be part of the fun of foreplay prior to intercourse, or can even let you please your partner without intercourse being involved.

One of the major complaints we hear from women is that they are not being sexually satisfied by their partner. There is an old and wise saying: Women prefer 30-45 minutes of foreplay and men prefer 30-45 seconds of foreplay. Men consider driving back to her place as part of the foreplay. If your man is one of these guys, be sure to slip this article into his lunch bucket or brief case!

That's right, guys: By locating all of the right trigger points, you too will be able to get your woman to stop pretending to orgasm and to do it for real.

Surprisingly, erogenous zones between men and women are quite common. While we do have different genitalia, our nerve endings are similar. Women, for instance, find it very stimulating if you caress their breasts. What most people do not realize is that the nipple is actually very sensitive to touch. Due to the fact that there are hundreds of nerve endings within the areola, it can be extremely exhilarating to lick or touch this area.

While some men jump over the clitoris and pretend it is just there to look pretty, it can actually be one of the most pleasurable organs on a woman. Astonishingly, this small piece of skin is only meant for sexual stimulation. It has no other known function except for tremendous pleasure. For this reason, rubbing your partner's clitoris or applying some sort of touch will drive her crazy. As a result, she could orgasm just from direct clitoral contact. Looking to stimulate the G-spot? When having sex, try touching her clitoris as well. This will heighten every experience.

We all know that the genitalia is a great erogenous spot. However, the parts of the body we pay less attention to can be just as great, and sometimes greater. The neck and ears are very sensitive to stimulate. Kissing, rubbing, or even licking will most likely get your partner going. Still not surprised? Another unusual place for erogenous activity is the head. The scalp is a very popular area, which surprisingly, may get your partner in the mood. This is why we all crave massages when we go to the hair salon. It makes us feel good, and we can never get enough of it.

Your toes are another mood enhancer. Though some people feel this is more of a fetish, the majority of women get shivers down their spine when their feet are rubbed. Whether you like to rub them, lick them, or do some sort of "dirty deed" we don't want to know about, any one of a dozen such activities could end up giving her an orgasm.

When it comes to sexual stimulation, the majority of us pray that we are doing everything right. We stick to the normal guidelines--playing with the genitalia, and maybe sprinkling exotic kisses here and there. Though these are great ideas, the passion, at some point, stops. Try spicing up your bedroom life by adding a few touches to the neck, breasts, areola, ears, navel, wrists, feet, toes, knees, buttocks, labia, clitoris, anus and inner thigh area. It is amazing that such a large part of your body can be so sensual during intimacy with your sweetie. These ideas will certainly alter and enhance every sexual experience you've ever had. Trust us, we've tried them!

Kinds Of Green Tea

2008-06-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Japanese tea is called Ocha and is referred to Green tea. Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in Japan. Green tea harvest starts around May 1 every year in Japan. Green tea farms are fulled with bright green tea leaves. Shizuoka prefecture produces most of the green tea in Japan. You can see many green tea farms around the area.

Tea leaves are steamed, dried, rolled, and blended at tea processing factory. There are many varieties of green tea. Gyokuro is the most superior green tea which has sweet flavor. As it is raised, it is protected from direct sunlight. Sencha is the most common green tea. It is raised without cover for the sun. Maccha is made by grounding steamed dried tea leaves into powder with a stone mortar. It is used for tea ceremonies. Houjicha is made by roasting the leaves.

It contains little caffein or tannin. Bancha is rough tea. It is made from lower grade tea leaves and is inexpensive.

When brewing green tea, we put tea leaves in a teapot called Kyusu and pour hot water in it. Then, tea is served in an individual cup called Yunomi which has no handles. If you are visiting someone's house or business in Japan, you will probably be offered a cup of green tea. Also, Japanese restaurants serve green tea free of charge. When you drink Japanese tea, hold the yunomi cup with one hand and put the other hand at the bottom of the cup. Please remember that green tea is drunk hot and without sugar or cream.

1. Sencha

Sencha is the most popular of Japan's green teas. It has a lightly astringent taste along with a slight sweetness. Lesser quality sencha tea is called bancha.

2. Dragon Well

Dragon Well tea (also called Lung Ching) is the ultimate green tea. The name comes from a legendary well in the West Lake region of China where the tea is produced. The colour is bright green and the flavour is quite brisk. Be prepared to pay more than usual for this quality tea.

3. Gunpowder

These tea leaves are rolled into tight, little balls that apparently resemble old-style gunpowder. Because of the rolled form, Gunpowder tea stays fresher longer than most other green teas. The taste is fresh and a little grassy.

4. Jasmine

Jasmine isn't exactly a kind of green tea, but is a blended tea with green tea leaves and jasmine flowers. The blossoms give the tea a very refreshing taste, and fragrant aroma.

5. Genmaicha

Like the jasmine tea, genmaicha isn't a kind of tea but a blend. This time, sencha green tea is mixed with toasted brown rice. Sounds odd, but the tea has a distinctive toasty flavour.

6. Macha

Macha is the kind of tea used in tradtional Japanese tea ceremony. It's ground up very fine, and the tea is whisked when prepared. The flavour is light and sweet. Macha works well added to desserts too.

7. Anji

Anji green tea is becoming popular due to its fine and subtle flavor. Its grown in the Zhejiang region of China and has thin little leaves that look almost black in dry form. A good variety to try if you find others to be too strong tasting.

A Touch Of Magic - The Male Erogenous Zone -

2008-06-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

As males we act macho; we put on a persona of strength; we do not allow ourself to shed tears in public; we do our best not to scream out in pain. Rough, tough, macho--that is who we are! We often carry this persona into the bedroom where tenderness is forgone for a continuance of our rugged masculinity. We spend as much time at foreplay as we do unzipping our pants. We are here to get the job done and when it comes to sex we thrust away as if ripping out concrete with a jackhammer.

Well, ladies, let me tell you that based on the email we receive at AskUncleTerry.com, even the most macho of men have areas on their bodies that will make them squirm and squeal with delight. Unfortunately, most men have not found these areas for, when left to their own devices, the only sensual place the man ever knows about is his own penis. That's right ladies, his own penis--a sensual area that he discovered as a little boy. During his adolescent years he probably spent more time massaging it than he did doing his homework!

Even most of us macho men would like to ride the roller coaster at Coney Island, or at our favorite amusement park. Much like these roller coasters give us a thrill; human touch will also arouse us simply by finding the right spot. Everybody has a button to push, and the male's erogenous zones are certainly numerous. By caressing these areas, your mate will instantly become stimulated and ready for action.

The most effective "button" on a male is his genital area. The penis shaft is a very obvious route to stimulate your man, but not the only route. A male's testicles are also very sensitive to touch. Be careful when you play with them for you wouldn't want to bring "Mr. Macho" to his knees. Gentle stroking and the feel and sight of your tongue on his testicles alone will make him moan. Another close neighbor is the man's anus. This can be a touchy subject for some men, but there are those who love to have their prostate massaged. Be sure to ask first, though!

A man's genitals are a good place to start, but try not to forget that this area represents only a small percentage of his body. The nipples are very sensitive to touch and can arouse a man quite easily. The careful caressing of his nipples with your fingers, lips, or tongue will provide the male with a state of temporary ecstasy. If you combine a gentle rubbing motion of his testicles while licking his nipples, he is sure to make you breakfast in the morning.

A few slightly less obvious erogenous zones on a male are his neck, face and earlobes. A man's ear is often overlooked. When a female slightly sucks on an earlobe, one can quickly envision her placing those lips somewhere else. This tickling sensation will leave a man craving more. The neck is a great place to kiss, and gently rub with your tongue. Hold him close while kissing his neck and rubbing yourself against his package; he will be on cloud nine.

The male body is a plethora of erogenous zones. If you massage his back, shoulders, hands, and buttocks, this is great way to get him aroused. The thought of having your hands covering his body can place him in a state of readiness. Once you have prepared him, make him wait by rubbing his palms and his feet. The anticipation of receiving you is bound to be killing him at this point.

Make sure to attack these erogenous zones. If you address these spots on your mate, it is guaranteed to enhance your sexual experience. Remember, you need to work together as a team. Good communication between you and your mate will tell you what works, and what doesn't. Now go get him, and make sure you push the right buttons!

Yoga For Healthy Life

2008-06-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

yoga position Relieve from depression, stress, and tension required regular practice of yoga. Yoga is the best exercise to get rid from the disease.

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word meaning join or unite. This implies union between body, mind and soul of the individual to achieve the good health and well being. There are 8 disciplines of yoga which includes

1. Asanas - practice of the yoga postures or position.
2. Dharana- concentration or focus
3. Dhyana- meditation
4. Pranayama- Breathing technique
5. Niyama- Principles of self conduct: purity, self-surrender and satisfaction.
6. Samadhi- the state of higher consciousness where the individual dissolves in the meditation
7. Yama- Universal ethics like sexual restraint, non-stealing, truthfulness, non-violence.
8. Pratyahara- Control of Sense

These are the disciplines of yoga but if person do regular practice of yoga position, meditation and breathing technique. He will get rid from all disease like depression, stress, back pain, high blood pressure, obesity etc.

The yoga position or postures can be classified into the seven categories like

1. Standing yoga position - Chair Position, Eagle Position
2. Forward bends - Child's Position
3. Sitting yoga position - lotus position, Bound Angle Position
4. Lying position -- Corpse position, Fish Position
5. Twisting yoga position
6. Upside down yoga position
7. Back bending yoga position

Research proved that regular practice of yoga position, breathing techniques has many benefits like weight reduction, blood pressure normalize, immune power increase, increase of concentration, increase flexibility of body, detoxification of body system.

First Trimester Pregnancy

2008-06-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

You may have recently heard the words from your doctor, "Congratulations, you are pregnant!." Or perhaps you have seen positive results from your pregnancy test this morning. You are now ready to embark on your first trimester of pregnancy no matter how the results came to light. Since you will be seeing a host of changes in your body over the next few months you will probably have many questions and even more concerns.

What Can You Expect During First Trimester Pregnancy?

The advantage is the fact that there are many resources available to help educate yourself about what is coming. Because of the risk of complications and the uncomfortable symptoms you may experience the first trimester of a pregnancy can be the most difficult. However, you can take heart since the first trimester pregnancy only lasts about twelve weeks and the second trimester often has less symptoms. During these first weeks of adjusting to being pregnant it can be a good idea if possible to take it a little easier on yourself and your body.

Fatigue, nausea, light-headedness and breast tenderness are some of the symptoms that come with a first trimester pregnancy. If possible this is a good time to squeeze in a little extra sleep. Some extra rest right now will definitely benefit your body.

To help you throughout the pregnancy it is also a good time to start developing some good nutrition habits. You will probably start feeling better in a few short weeks even if nausea curbs your appetite right now and you can get through the rest of your nine months with a good diet.

You may only see your doctor every four weeks during the first trimester of your pregnancy.Using an Early Pregnancy Test You doctor will make sure the early development of your baby goes smoothly by screening you for potential risks and complications. You will probably be scheduled for many other routine tests to ensure that both you and your baby progress normally after the first trimester pregnancy. It will usually be early enough if problems are detected to alleviate the risk to mother and child.

There are things you can begin to do during the first trimester of your pregnancy to prepare for the birth of your baby even if nine months seems like a long time. You can begin by reading any of the many pregnancy books to inform yourself of what is coming. You can start window shopping for maternity clothes, plan a budget for a larger family and work on travel plans around your pregnancy.

This is the time to enjoy your life most of all. While symptoms and anxiety may fill the first trimester it is also a great time for anticipation and excitement Pregnancy Diary.

The G-Spot

2008-06-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

So, Where’s the Infamous “G-Spot”?
The term "G-Spot" was first introduced to the public at large in the book, "The G Spot and Other Recent Discoveries About Human Sexuality" in the 1980s. It referred to an article from 1950 in the International Journal of Sexology in which gynecologist, Dr. Ernest Grafenberg wrote about erotic sensitivity along the anterior vaginal wall.

While many people have read or heard about Grafenberg, few have read his actual words. In reality, Grafenberg only uses the word "spot" twice and he uses it to make the opposite point to the way it has been popularly used. He states that "there is no spot in the female body, from which sexual desire could not be aroused. Innumerable erotogenic spots are distributed all over the body, from where sexual satisfaction can be elicited; these are so many that we can almost say that there is no part of the female body which does not give sexual response, the partner has only to find the erotogenic zones."

The Grafenberg spot (G-Spot) is said to be a sensitive area just behind the front wall of the vagina, between the back of the pubic bone and the cervix. Beverly Whipple, a certified sex educator and counselor, and John D. Perry, an ordained minister, psychologist, and sexologist, named the G-Spot after gynecologist Ernest Grafenberg (1881-1957).

Dr. Grafenberg was the first modern physician to describe the area and argue for its importance in female sexual pleasure. His claim is that when this spot is stimulated during sex through vaginal penetration of some kind (fingers during masturbation, penis or other object partly thrusting into the vagina), some women have an orgasm. This orgasm may include a gush of fluid from the urethra -- sometimes called the “female ejaculation” -- however, many experts do not agree on this. It is not considered urine. Is this real? Many gynecologists and physiologist still argue.

There has been a large amount of controversy among sex researchers regarding this theory. For women who have felt this gush of urethral fluid, or for those who have found a new pleasure spot, having a name for it confirms their experience.

But remember, not all women are sensitive in this area, so be careful not to set up unrealistic expectations for yourself. Try it out; if it works, great, if it doesn't seem sensitive, try to find the spot(s) that are right for you!

Men and Sexual Healthiness

2008-06-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Man is hardly different from animals in the wild when it comes to basic body requirements. This is in fact an important consideration to make for man in society because of the fact that he leads a life that is entirely different from his ancestral one. In other words, man today lives in an environment that is very different from the one he was used to many centuries ago.

It must be understood that the natural environment that man once lived in, was one that naturally allowed him to carry out necessary activities. It included attacking for survival, and sexual activity for the sake of increasing off spring for the sake of species survival. The latter was conducted forcibly if needed.

In contemporary times, this is not really possible, and many men cannot act as they please. As a result, they have to curtail themselves, and this can reflect in their health. Not being able to exercise when one needs to, causes you harm, and your health can go down dramatically. In addition to this, sexual activity is something that needs to be carried out as needed. If an individual is restricted from such a practice, it tends to affect him psychologically and mentally.
Causes of Poor Sexual Health in Men

As opposed to being restricted from sexual activity because of societal law, there are individuals that do not or cannot have sexual activity. These individuals include those that are said to be impotent.

Impotency may be due to a number of factors, and any one factor cannot be singled out as the sole cause of impotency.
Some causes of poor sexual health in men:
It is said the erectile tissue is where the problem lies.
It is believed that lack of blood flow to the erectile tissue denies a man of an erection.
This lack of blood flow is actually controlled by muscles that flush in and prevent the escape of blood from the erectile tissue, making an erection possible.
When these muscles are affected, they cannot carry out their functions and thus, impotency results.

There are believed to be cures for impotency in men and the medicines that have been developed lately are ones that have been quite successful.
However, it is good for one to focus on healthy habits in life so that impotency can be prevented as much as possible. Lack of proper diet, sleep and sexual activity, stress, depression, injury, diseases, etc. can cause impotency. Therefore, it is advised that men must be aware of their life style in order to be on the safe side and retain a healthy sexual life.

What is Blight Ovum?

2008-06-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

A blighted ovum occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but then either doesn't develop at all or stops developing very early. A blighted ovum is consindered a miscarriage. It is sometimes referred to as an "anembryonic pregnancy" - a pregnamcy without an embryo.

If you experience a blighted ovum, you will likely get a positive pregnancy test result. With a blighted ovum, the placenta begins to develop as normal and secretes human chorionic gonadtrophin (hCG) which pregnacy tests check for. You may also experience symptoms common in early pregnancy such as fatigue and nausea.

You may notice some spotting or staining if you have a blighted ovum. As your hormone levels recede, you may experience cramping or bleeding. If you have cramping or bleeding and your uterus is not growing as it should, your physician will probably perform an ultrasound. If you have blighted ovum, the ultrasould will reveal an empty gestational sac.

A blighted ovum will most likely cause you to miscarry by the end of your first trimester. This miscarriage process can sometimes take weeks on its own. Your physician may wish to perform a suction curettage or dilation and curettage to remove the tissue, to spare you weeks of symptoms and possible emotional trauma.

As with most types of miscarriage, your physician may recommend that you wait two full cycles before trying to conceive again.

Orgasm Benefits

2008-06-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

According to JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association), 43% of American women suffer from some form of 'Female Sexual Dysfunction -- often placing the blame on themselves for their inability to reach orgasm. Stop blaming yourself. If you are alone, masturbation will help you find what feels right for you. If you have a partner, talk to them. Often the clitoris is under stimulated during sexual intercourse - which is how many women have an orgasm. If you have orgasms from your cervix being stimulated, tell your partner this. (Or, whatever else does it for you).

Orgasms: Relieve tension! The faster heart beat, the increased blood flow and muscular tautness associated with sexual pleasure all come to a relaxing conclusion with an orgasm, and in the process relieve tensions pent up in your nervous system.

Orgasms: Help you sleep better. While an orgasm is followed in the male by a quick drop in blood pressure and sudden relaxation, the effect on women is more progressive but no less important. Orgasms act as a natural tranquilizer. That wonderful release of endorphins is very calming.

Orgasms: Calm your cravings for junk food and sometimes for cigarettes. Sexual stimulation activates the production of phenetylamine, a kind of natural amphetamine that regulates your appetite. So, before you pig-out, maybe go to your room. :)

Orgasms: Burn calories.

Orgasms: Can work as natural pain management. If you ever noticed forgetting about a headache or menstrual cramps while masturbating or having sex, it is not simply a psychological phenomenon. Endorphins, (natural compounds close to morphine) are released by your body during sex and can increase your tolerance to pain by as much as 70% during orgasm. This will vary from person to person. AND, if you are in the hospital... forget trying this due to the lack of privacy.

Keeping The Desire Alive, Sex In Marriage

2008-06-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Many believe that the reason they are not suited for monogamous relationships is that the sex with one person gets old after a while. The truth is, sex with one person never has to get boring or routine if you pay your sex life the correct amount of attention. The fact is, if two people are willing to work at making their sex life very diverse, and anything but routine, they won't have any reason to look outside of a marriage or relationship for more titillating sexual encounters. For those that really make the effort, sex within marriage can be even more exciting as sex with people you hardly know or people you just met, as in addition to the exciting sexual acts there is a deeper connection that can only be experienced within a relationship. If you're willing to put in the work sex will always be amazing and that's got to be worth working for.

The key is to constantly try new things. Don't fall prey to routine, instead keep things spontaneous. This is undoubtedly the main ingredient in the recipe for a long, happy relationship. Married couples that aren't afraid to take advantage of that half an hour on the living room floor find that sex is anything but dull! When you limit yourselves to sex in the bedroom at night it's easy to get bored. The simple answer to this? Don't limit yourselves! If you keep having spontaneous sex like you did when you first met you'll want to continue to have sex with one another and you won't be looking for anyone else. Keeping the desire for one another alive is an important thing, and learning to have sex when the mood hits, not according to some schedule, will help you do just that!

Not only should you be spontaneous, you should think outside the box. Visit websites or stores in your cities that sell sex toys, videos, and even costumes that you can use every so often to role play for fun! Having all of these things adds an element of excitement to your sex life that will help keep you both on edge because you can continue to change it up! Experimentation is a good thing, and couples that aren't afraid to play with sex toys, watch videos together, and role play will not only have better sex over the course of their marriage, they will be less inclined to look outside of the marriage to fulfill their sexual desires.

Symptoms of Stress

2008-06-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

There are many symptoms related to stress. It is only when our mind and body does not overcome the amount of stress that we have many symptoms of stress.

Symptoms of stress can be a death sentence. Stress symptoms can include gastrointestinal problems and this is why it is very difficult for the person to return to health.

Are symptoms bad?

Symptoms are important -- if we listen and learn from them. Stress symptoms speak volumes about a state of well-being. The symptoms of stress are symptoms related to one of the main causes of stress: physical, electromagnetic/geopathic, thermal, allergies/sensitivities, toxins/poisons, nutrition, and emotions.

Emotional stress is what people consider when they think about stress. Emotional health is paramount to your health and well-being. To get a grasp on your stress you have to take time to understand your emotional state. When you do you can change it to reduce the stress in your life.

Name one symptom and it is related to stress. We all have stress symptoms. This is a part of life. How we each deal with stress in our lives leaves clues to our quality of life. Symptoms speak volumes to how we deal with life.

You want to be more specific? Your heart beat is related to stress. At rest it beats to pump blood through your body. The more you work, the harder it beats and when you really over-do it, it can't keep up with your demands.

Physical stress, emotional stress, and nutritional stress all exhibit symptoms of stress in different parts of the body and mind.
But the question isn't all the symptoms of stress that society keeps chasing. It is in finding the cause of stress related to your symptoms. Remove the cause of your stress and you remove the affect of your stress.

How to remove the cause of your stress takes work and dedication. There are some tools that work and some things you can do that will increase your stress. Find what works for you and make a stress management plan for a lifetime.

Stress is a normal response of your body to situations that you perceive as 'dangerous'. We all have amounts of stress every day that we each have to deal with.

Burn this into your brain: Any symptom you have is related to stress to some degree or another!
A great practice to get into is to correlate the symptom you have to a particular stress. Is your symptom related to lack of sleep, bad food, insufficient exercise, or emotional stress?

Can you even identify your stress? Is your stress buried deep?

When you ask pointed questions about your symptom and your stress you might find an answer you need to move beyond your current level of health.

Physical symptoms of stress are virtually any symptoms that show up. Physical symptoms are a mirror from the body to the stress the person is going through. Chronic stress brings with it many of the physical symptoms you are probably dealing with today.

Symptoms caused by stress go through many physiological changes.

The first effect on the body is that blood is diverted from less vital to more vital organs. Over time and amount chronic stress, less blood in a certain area causes that area to become malnourished. Then this body part may give physiological symptoms.
All due to a stress response and reaction by the body. The cure? Remove the stress--THEN attend to the physical symptom.
After a period of time, your body will nourish the non-vital area once again and the body will heal. Can you see why addressing the physical symptom of stress without finding the cause of stress is foolish?

The first hallmark sign of the body’s reaction to stress is dysfunction of the adrenal glands; an adrenal enlargement. These are the stress glands of choice in the body. These glands literally become fatigued and "stressed". Caffeine, sugar, inactivity, emotional stress, physical stress all have a profound effect on the adrenal system and lowers any chance of dealing with stress.

The second effect in reaction to stress is the activity of the lymphatic system; an intense shrinkage or atrophy of the thymus, the spleen, the lymph nodes and lymphatic structures throughout the body. They cannot keep immune surveillance. Do you know people who are always sick? Check out their stress and you'll find a correlation.

The third effect of stress on the body is bleeding or deep irritation to the lining of the stomach and intestines. They literally ulcerate. Stomach ulcers. Intestinal ulcers.

It is when the mind and body does not overcome the amount of stress that we have effects of stress show up on the body.
Are symptoms of stress bad? If we listen and learn from our symptoms we can lessen the effects of stress and become healthy.

Learning about meditation

2008-06-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Meditation is an art that focuses on total concentration. It is a unique union of body and mind one experiences while in the state of meditation. Most people meditate regularly.

Different set of people meditate for different purposes. Some aim to find solace and relief from the problems they face in their daily life, some desire improvement in health, desire want to enhance memory and other would like to transform their personality or want to get acquainted to their true self.

This is amazing yet true because there are several benefits of meditating.

However, most people who are keen on learning meditation cannot actually learn this unique art because they are unaware of how to do it correctly or how to actually start if off and continue it for the coming future. They are just not able to focus on their main aim to meditating.

If you are keen on learning meditation and don’t know how to go about it, here is an elaborated information on how to learn meditation.

There are several courses on meditation available these days. You can easily learn all meditation techniques via enrolling into one of these meditation courses.

Another method to learn meditation is the self help method. Try to visit a local library or a website and study old materials available on this subject. This will arouse your interest in meditation. You will start believing in the benefits produced by meditation. This further let you meditate more seriously and passionately.

Another method is to trust a meditation starter pack available on the market, these days. You can also purchase a CD that will guide you through the process of learning meditation.

You can easily purchase these CDs from an online retailer. These are not very expensive.

Try to find a personal trainer who would train you on how to meditate. Make sure that the trainer you appoint for yourself is experience and has been practicing for a long time. Try to talk to him personally and discuss what meditation is, how it works and what benefits you can enjoy while practicing it. His answers of these topics will definitely give you an idea on how to meditation and whether the trainer is skilled enough to train you on meditation.

While learning meditation, you need to focus on there important aspects. Here are some of the aspects you need to be concerned about while meditating:

a) Posture

This is an important part of a meditation session. This helps you to learn how to relax. You would also learn how to keep your spine straight. This in turn, improves blood circulation in your body and also improves nerves and its’ functioning. You are an alert person now.

b) Breathing

It is an important element when learning meditation. When meditating, a person learns to take slow even breaths that come through diaphragm.

c) Attitude

Correct and positive attitude is very important when learning how to meditation.

Meditation is a great technique to make you lead a comfortable life. Learn meditation to make your life more beautiful, stress free, healthy and problem free.

Hair Loss Symptoms,Causes and Treatments

2008-06-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.
Hair loss usually develops gradually and may be patchy or diffuse (all over). Roughly 100 hairs are lost from your head every day. The average scalp contains about 100,000 hairs.

Dermatologists comment that scalp hair loss seems to provoke more distress than many severe skin conditions. Unfortunately, hair loss may not be easy to remedy.

Some people prefer to let their baldness run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the medications and surgical procedures that are available to treat hair loss. Before pursuing any of these treatment options, talk with your doctor about the cause of and best possible treatments for your hair loss.

Signs and symptoms
Male-pattern baldness (androgenetic specialize). For men, pattern baldness can begin very early, even in the teens or early 20s. It's typically characterized by a receding hairline at the temples and balding at the top of the head. The end result may be partial or complete baldness.
A woman may notice a decrease in the size of her ponytail.
Aside from the thinning hair itself, most people do not have other problems associated with hair loss.

Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can occur as thinning, in which you may not notice hair falling out, or as shedding, in which clumps of hair fall out.
The types of situations that can cause hair loss include hormonal changes, poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, a variety of medications, surgery, and many medical conditions, but noticeably, thyroid disease.

Other causes of hair loss may also show distinct patterns. For example, conditions such as trichotillomania (compulsively pulling at the hair) or alopecia areata (in which the immune system attacks hair follicles) result in obvious patches of hair loss, while stress and some medications result in clumps of hair falling out.

Treatment of Hair Loss
Natural Treatments for Hair Loss is diet. A diet that contains whole foods, particularly the outer skin of plants such as potatoes, cucumbers, green and red peppers, and sprouts can give strength to hair because they are rich in the mineral silica. Foods that are high in iron, such as lean meats, are important for people with a known iron deficiency.

Some forms of hair loss can be prevented by practicing good nutrition, minimizing stress, and sensible hairdressing techniques. Hair loss from fungal infections can be prevented by never sharing combs, hats, or brushes with other people and by keeping hair clean and the topical treatments may help slow or prevent the development of common male pattern baldness.

Doctor recognizes that hair loss is an extremely emotionally distressing disease that can make those afflicted particularly vulnerable. For this reason, They recommends against purchasing any hair loss product that is not approved by the FDA or recommended by theraphist

Treatment for hair loss may boost self-esteem and overall well-being, although the trade-off might be that it affects your health. Some medications may have harmful side effects, and surgery may carry certain risks.

Liposuction: An Option On The Path To Weight Loss?

2008-06-27T00:14:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of sweating on the treadmill and living on celery sticks and brown rice? Do you watch reality TV shows where overweight individuals undergo seemingly magical transformations in under an hour? The popularity of reality TV shows where people undergo liposuction to get rid of those extra pounds have made plastic surgery more mainstream than ever, and why not?

Liposuction seems like a pretty attractive alternative to sweating it out in the gym. Truthfully, successful weight loss remains an elusive goal for millions of individuals, so liposuction appears an increasingly attractive weight loss option. But is it safe? Is liposuction a viable option on the path to weight loss?

Before you can determine whether liposuction is right for you, it helps to learn about the procedure. Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures available today. Almost all liposuction procedures are done in a very conservative manner. This means that the amount of fat removed from a patient's body is generally small.

Although most liposuction procedures do only remove a small amount of fat, many plastic surgeons also practice large volume liposuction. Generally, large volume liposuction procedures are classified as those where over 5,000 cc of fat are removed. Large volume liposuction procedures generally require the patient to remain in the hospital for an overnight stay.

Most liposuction procedures are done under a general anesthetic. In some cases, liposuction procedures can be done under a local anesthetic. This type of sedation is generally reserved for cases where only small amounts of fat are being removed from specific locations.

What are the most common locations that individuals get treated through liposuction? The most common areas treated include the abdomen, buttock region, hips, and upper thighs. Other areas that are treated include the arms, chin, knees, and back, although these areas are not as common.

How does liposuction work, exactly? In most cases, the plastic surgeon uses a small tool called a cannulas. The cannulas is used to break up fat stored in the body while simultaneously suctioning it. The cannulas is designed so that it not only breaks up and suctions fat, but also contours the body so that no irregularities in the skin are left behind.

There are two basic forms of liposuction in use today. These two techniques are referred to as wet or tumescent techniques. The difference between these two techniques mostly involves the number of fluid that is placed in the targeted area before surgery begins. This fluid is used to reduce the amount of trauma and bruising that may affect the underlying tissues as a result of liposuction surgery.

After surgery, post-operative care tends to involve compression to the targeted area. Compression involves stretch garments that must be worn by the patient for up to three to six weeks after the surgery. In this post-operative period, a follow-up with a physician is necessary. Patients are advised to rest, and should not exercise in this period.

Once you have learned more about the procedure, you should decide if liposuction is right for you. First, ask yourself if you are interested in liposuction as a weight loss option. Is liposuction a viable weight loss option? The short answer is no. Liposuction should not be used as a weight loss treatment.

In general, liposuction is a body contour procedure, and should be treated as such. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that targets specific areas that have not responded to traditional weight loss measures. The best candidate for weight loss is someone who is at or very near their target weight, and it is not recommended for those seeking to lose more than ten pounds.

Many times, if you are set on liposuction, your doctor or surgeon may require you to lose weight before undergoing the procedure. Moreover, liposuction does not guarantee permanent weight loss. In order to maintain the final results, patients must follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Also, although they are rare, complications have been known to result from liposuction surgery. Complications may include infection, puncturing of organs, embolism, swelling, burning, and scarring. If you are still interested in liposuction, make sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific concerns.

Suffering from insomnia

2008-06-26T23:50:00.000-07:00

Sleeping disorders have become quite common in most of the countries across the world. People suffer from problems such as falling asleep, inability to stay asleep, and failure to feel restored by sleep.

In general, the causes for sleep disorders can be categorized into internal, external and due to disturbance in the normal circadian pattern. Most often, sleep disorders are associated to diseases of any organ and a major factor for internal causes of sleep disorder. It is common that most of the diseases manifest with a disturbance in the normal sleep pattern. However, serious sleep disorders can be caused because of medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, fibrositis syndrome, back problems, and neck problems. Any impairment in the brain such as central apnea and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimerâ€™s disease are also potential cause for sleep disorders. Breathing problems are also major causative in cases such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

In the case of endocrinal changes, sleep disorders are evident symptom such as in cases of thyroid problems, in which patient are with insomnia or over sleep. The sleep problems associated with menopause and pregnancy related ones are very common. The alteration in the circadian rhythm is a major causative for many sleep disorders. Shift workers usually experience sleep disorders due to their altered sleep pattern and jet lag is a reason for sleep disorder among plane travelers.

Life style factors such as alcoholism and intake of alkaloids or caffeine can also contribute to the cause of sleep disorders. The environmental factors include light, noise, and change of bedding. The intake of certain drugs Lotronex and Tramadol are also proven to cause sleep disorders. The consumption of any particular substance may also attribute sleep disorders in some patients. Anyway, the causative factor will differ from one patient to the other.

Finding the Best Green Tea to Drink

2008-06-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today one of the most popular drinks in America is fast becoming green tea and for good reasons. Green tea is known for its taste and health benefits far and wide, including weight loss assistance, reducing cancer risks and adding antioxidants to your diet.

It is something of a challenge to select the best green tea, especially if you are new to the green tea world. Some of the best green tea examples available on the market today are found below. There are also some excellent ways to bring out the wonderful flavor through brewing.

Sencha green tea is one of the most popular types of green tea. As an introduction to the green tea family this is perhaps the best green tea since it is very economical and has the most recognizable taste of all green teas for sale.

Kabusecha is another choice and it considered one of the best green teas today. It remains a favorite with customers throughout the world because it is taken from the first and finest harvest. It has a signature scent that is a grassy aroma associated with the best green tea.

A Japanese green tea option is Myou-Kou which is a green tea that is deep steamed. This tea has a thicker, bolder flavor compared to the lighter green teas and is considered the most unique and best green tea available.

Brewing Your Cup of Green Tea

How green tea is brewed is half the enjoyment as any fan of green tea will tell you. Unlike your normal oolong and black teas it is unfermented so the brewing method is a little different for green tea.

When brewing the best green tea the one thing you need to remember is that the tea leaves need room to expand and add their health benefits to the water that they are infused in. To the flavor of the resultant tea can be hindered by tea bags or tea balls. Allowing the tea leaves to sit loosing in the water and steep for a few minutes is the best way to brew green tea and then is should be strained if desired.

A matter of taste and preference is the best way to find the best green tea. Try a number of different types to see which is your favorite green tea.

Lasik

2008-06-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Lasik, which stands for "laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis," is a kind of laser treatment or refractive laser eye surgery for individuals with a high degree of myopia, that is greater than 5 diopters. It is also known by alternate names like "Laser Vision Correction". The theory of Lasik surgery was developed by Dr. Jose Barraquer, who in 1970 introduced the first microkeratome, which is the instrument used for carrying out Lasik surgery. This procedure is called "keratomileusis", in which thin corneal flaps are cut and the corneal shape is altered. The first Lasik was performed in the USA in 1991.

Lasik is similar to PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) except that Lasik is a much more complex procedure, since it is executed for all degrees of shortsightedness.

Lasik is a beneficial procedure for a person, since it can help him reduce the need of glasses or contact lenses by lastingly changing the shape of his cornea. Sometimes, the images that we see appear blurry. This blurriness is called "refractive error", the cause of which is an imperfectly shaped eyeball or cornea. Lasik basically uses an Excimer Laser, which is an ultraviolet laser, to accurately remove the corneal tissue in order to correct the shape to achieve better focusing.

Today, Lasik surgery has reached the point where some special vision correction results can be achieved which would be otherwise impossible with the conventional Lasik surgery. This surgery, known as "Custom Lasik surgery", makes use of 3-dimensional measurements of the way our eyes process images to direct the laser in shaping the front part of our eye. This surgery, also known as the "Wavefront Technology", is better than the traditional Lasik surgery, as there is a better chance of achieving 20/20 vision.

Lasik provides detailed information on Lasik, Lasik Eye Surgery, Lasik Surgery, Lasik Complications and more. Lasik is affliated with Lasik Eye Surgery Information.

Exercise For Better Sex

2008-06-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Do you get winded by simply walking up a flight of stairs? Are you straining to pick up a gallon of milk? Do you crawl into bed shortly after arriving home from work? If so, you shouldn't expect to have the energy for a sexual marathon. But with proper exercise, one can get on the right track to feeling young and energetic in bed again.

Many people are asking how they can improve their sexual stamina, get better aroused, last longer in bed and enjoy better enjoy sex. One of the best ways to achieve all of these desires and a whole lot more is exercise. Unless you're a cold fish, there's a great deal of body movement during sex. Together as a couple, go running or bike riding. This is a great way to spend quality time together while building physical endurance. Having healthier arteries will allow the blood to flow better to the genitals. With a healthier blood flow, men will develop a harder erection, and women will be more easily aroused.

With a conditioned body, one is able to last longer in bed and have sex numerous times. After climaxing once, break the habit of falling asleep afterward. Pleasure your mate for a while, instead. When the blood gets flowing again, "round two" can commence. This will keep both of you interested, and make your mate go wild with anticipation during intermission.

With endless positions to choose from during intercourse such as those found at AskUncleTerry.com, don't stick to the same routine. If you work your upper body, it will be easier to grab your mate with authority and try a new position. Different positions will keep the spark alive. Use each muscle. Guys, this doesn't mean you should just lay back and let the woman do all the work. You need to be engaged, as well. Sexual energy will increase exponentially if both bodies thrust towards one another. Exercising your legs, arms and chest is great, but working the hidden muscles will help build stamina, as well.

Kegel exercises work for both men, and women. This exercise will thoroughly help each partner to gain control of his or her body. To do Kegel exercises, participants must tighten the muscle as if they are holding back urine. This is not about squeezing your stomach, or rear end. Next time you are going the bathroom, try holding back the stream. This should give you a feel of where that muscle is. Once you have found it, try working the muscle with reps of about 10 to 30 times. Then try repeating this at least 50 times a day. Once you are able to do 50, step it up to 30 reps at 200 times a day. It may seem like a lot of work, but you can do these while reading the paper or typing on the computer. If you are faithful to the routine, you should feel results within a month. A woman who does Kegel exercises can control and tighten her vagina. To help stimulate the male, she can use this muscle to get a firmer grab on the penis. Men who are going to climax should tighten their pubococcygeal (PC) muscle and release as desired. This will help them develop a skill to control ejaculation. Every time you hold back an orgasm, try to last a little longer than the previous one. Remember, practice makes perfect and the ladies love a man who can hold his own.

Climb the stairs to your bedroom without feeling exhausted. Pick up that gallon of milk after a glorious morning of sex. After work, you should plan on another sexual marathon. Sex is a great stress reliever and an amazing way to show the teamwork of a couple. Although exercising may seem hard at times, your body and your spouse will thank you.

Colostrum and Pregnancy

2008-06-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

Newborns need to fight against disease and infection from the moment they come into the world. But nature, which provides life, provides mothers with a weapon to help their babies survive. And that weapon is colostrum.

Usually, colostrum begins in the breasts of pregnant mothers in the third month of pregnancy. In some, it may not appear until after the birth. Both are normal circumstances.

When colostrum is being produced, breasts grow and veins may be seen through the skin. As these changes take place, the areola becomes larger and darker and nipples become more erect. The breasts now become heavier, preparing mother to breastfeed.

Some mothers may experience slight blood leakage through the nipples. This is due to the increased number and rapid growth of blood vessels in the growing ductal system and is no cause for alarm.

There is a difference between colostrum produced in the mothers of premature babies and the mothers of full-grown babies. The colostrum produced in the mother of a premature baby is designed to suit the needs of a premature infant, whereas colostrum produced in the mother of a full-term baby contains nutrients and immunes required for growth in a fully term baby.

Colostrum is the most important food a newborn can receive in order to fight off bacteria that begin colonization on his skin and in his mucosal membranes at the moment of birth. The colostrum coats his intestines and protects him from bacteria and viruses. Unlike milk, colostrum is easily digestible by the newborn. Researches have proved that babies that receive colostrum from their mothers' breasts grow up to be stronger and healthier than those who are artificially fed.

Back pain and pregnancy

2008-06-26T02:46:00.000-07:00

For many women, back pain and pregnancy go hand in hand and not surprisingly, there are a number of physical reasons why it occurs. This article will look at some of them.

1. Hormones. During pregnancy, hormones can soften ligaments causing more movement in the joints than usual and in some cases, the ligaments are stretched or strained.

2. Uterus. The growing fetus in the uterus can cause changes in posture which result in lower back pain. As the entire area enlarges, pressure is put on the spine and vertebra.

3. Position of fetus. Especially in the later stages of development, the position of the fetus can compress nerves in the spinal column, causing back pain.

Once you have determined which of the physical reasons is causing your back pain, there are some steps you can take to lessen the pain and in some cases eliminate the problem. The most important thing to remember is that the body changes during pregnancy and that some simple strategies can go a long way to keeping those changes in check.

The biggest factor for back pain and pregnancy is posture. Slouching should be avoided at all times, and when sitting, a pillow or rolled up towel can be used to cushion the lower back. This goes for lounge chairs as well as rigid chairs. Other strategies to keep a correct posture include keeping the shoulders back, chin upwards, head centered over shoulders and using abdominal muscles to maintain a flat, not arched back. Knees lightly bent and the avoidance of uncomfortable footwear such as high heels are also helpful.

A simple strategy to avoid back pain after suddenly sitting after a period lying down is to roll onto one side, then use the arms to push into an upright position.

As mentioned above, abdominal muscles are important to prevent arching of the back, and the best way to strengthen them is through exercise. Your experienced Doctor or midwife will be able to provide exercises specially designed for pregnant women. Walking for 20-30 minutes each day can also be very helpful.

The need increasing as the pregnancy progresses, rest is also an important factor. When sleeping, lying on the side is advised with a pillow between the knees. An extra pillow under the growing tummy will also take a lot of pressure of the spinal column.

Most of the discomfort women feel in the later stages of pregnancy can be attributed to back pain, so paying close attention to avoiding it is paramount. Proper lifting technique should be observed no matter how heavy the object, that is the legs should be bent at the knee and the back kept straight at all times. At no stage should you bend over with straight legs. If there is another child, picking up your child should also be treated carefully.

Finally, domestic work should be kept to a minimum, especially vacuuming. An extension may be required to prevent the back from being bent and a good tip for hanging clothes is to place the basket on a table or chair, so the need to constant bend down is removed. When carrying bags of shopping, the load should be evenly balanced, i.e one light bag in each hand. For any more than that, assistance should be sought.

As you can see there are a number of factors that contribute to back pain and pregnancy. By paying close attention to your physiology and keeping a straight back at all times, much of the pain can be alleviated or avoided in the first place.

PMS

2008-06-26T02:39:00.000-07:00

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is experienced by an estimated 85 percent of all women at some point during their lives. PMS is an umbrella term used to describe a number of physical and emotional changes that women undergo in the days between ovulation and the onset of the monthly period. These changes are attributed to changing hormone levels in the body.

Increased levels of certain hormones may result in specific PMS symptoms. The secretion of too much prolactin from the pituitary gland causes breast tenderness. Excessive prolactin secretion can also interfere with ovulation and may result in irregular periods. Another hormone, aldosterone, is secreted by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone levels normally increase after ovulation. This hormone acts by causing fluid retention, which in turn leads to bloating, headaches and breast swelling in some women. The brain does not utilize the mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter serotonin efficiently in some women, resulting in depression or anxiety. Endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, may be secreted in reduced amounts by the pituitary gland, contributing to depression and to increased pain sensitivity. Increased sensitivity to insulin may result in episodes of low blood sugar, which in turn may increase irritability.

It is not fully understood why some women experience PMS, and others don't. Women with a close blood relative who also has PMS are more likely to suffer from PMS themselves. The types and severity of symptoms vary from one woman to the next. A more severe form of PMS is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD.

In general, PMS tends to become worse the closer a woman gets to menopause. PMS-like symptoms can also be triggered when a woman undergoes major hormonal changes (such as those that occur during pregnancy), when on hormonal contraceptives or after a miscarriage or childbirth.

Ovulation Pain

2008-06-26T02:36:00.000-07:00

Pain can take any form from heart ache, headache, or pain accompanying menses, childbirth or death. Add to this Ovulation Pain, which nearly twenty percent of women endure every month. To differentiate Ovulation Pain from appendicitis or abdominal pain one needs to differentiate the symptoms. Ovulation Pain occurs about two weeks before menses in the lower abdomen, just inside the hip bone. It can be felt on either side, depending from which ovary the egg is released. Some women experience a sharp pain while others feel cramps or minor twinges that extends to a dull nagging ache till next day. Occasionally, nausea follows light menstrual spotting, lasting from 6 to 8 hours or twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

Ovulation Pain is result of small leakage of blood from the ovary at time of ovulation. This leaking blood, though later reabsorbed, causes irritation of the abdominal wall and is responsible for pain. The intensity of pain depends on individual and the volume of blood. Another factor for irritation is space between a woman's ovary and her abdominal wall. One redeeming point is that painful ovulation does not instigate other gynecologic problems.

Ovulation is a phase of the fertility cycle, so even if pain is severe one should avoid anxiety or unnecessary medical treatment. The reason is that Ovulation Pain is harmless in itself. Learn to relax, consult a doctor for pain relievers, drink plenty of fluids and check your temperature several times a day to be sure you are not developing an infection. Try using a heating pad or taking warm baths. A reason for worry is when pain persists for more than 3 days, or if there are accompanying symptoms such as blood in vomit or stool, faintness or dizziness, high fever, difficult or painful urination, swollen abdomen or breathing problems.

Ovulation Pain is not a serious malady but an occasional occurrence. To be prepared, maintain a chart or diary of the cycle of pain at start of menstrual periods. Then, with the aid of your medical history, a physical examination and other medical tests, this pain can be diagnosed and treated. Sometimes women undergo laparoscopy, in which a narrow tube with a fiber-optic light on the end is introduced through a small incision below the navel and into the abdominal wall. If pain is severe or there are some irregularities, then blood tests or X-rays is recommended.

A Guide to Female Hair Loss

2008-06-26T02:29:00.000-07:00

Hair loss usually occurs because of hormonal factors. As a consequence, biological events like puberty, pregnancy and menopause that effect female hormone levels can also cause female hair loss. In the case of pregnancy, hair loss is simply a consequence of the stress the body undergoes during labor and should stop approximately 6 months after birth. Discontinuation of taking birth control pills can also cause temporary female hair loss.

The most common type of female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia or female-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is associated with hair thinning predominantly over the sides and top of the head. Female hair loss affects about one-third of all susceptible women and usually onsets after menopause although it can begin earlier.

Other causes of female hair loss include dieting. Rapid weight loss over a short period of time promotes hair loss and some supplements such as excessive vitamin A also contribute to hair loss. Physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss but this usually only occurs when the trauma is excessive and of a long duration. Everyday stress does not promote hair loss.

Some common myths related to female hair loss are that frequent washing and shampooing, and wearing of wigs and hats all cause hair loss. In addition, rumors abound that permanents, coloring, and other cosmetic treatments can cause permanent hair loss. Other myths are that brushing your hair everyday will create healthier hair, that shaving your head will cause hair to grow back thicker, and that stress causes permanent hair loss. Finally, other myths are that there is a cure for female-pattern baldness and that dandruff causes permanent hair loss.

These are just a few common myths associated with female hair loss. If you experience excessive hair loss, you should see a licensed dermatologist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment options.

A short guide to color blindness

2008-06-26T02:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been shopping in the mall and noticed someone wearing colors that don't match in any way, not even in the sense of fashion? Next time you see this, if you were to ask the person wearing the colors, chances are they will not be accurate about the color. That person may not be committing a fashion crime but instead is someone who is color blind.

A lot of people are unsure what colorblindness really is. When there is a defect in the cone receptors in the retinas of the eyes, it is called color blindness. Being unable to see one color, or shades of one colors, or not being able to see color at all, are all indicators of color blindness. It is believed that it is a genetic trait and it appears that more males are affected by color blindness than females.

Almost all people who are colorblind see some color. For someone to see no color at all is quite rare but not unheard of. Color blindness is a result of a cone defect, a condition where it's difficult to distinguish specific colors. The absence or of color-sensitive cells in the retina is what causes it. The retina is the nerve layer at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve signals. Green/red color blindness is the most common type but there is also yellow/blue in which there is no test to check for it.

Color problems are with certain color combinations such as yellow on green, green on red, red on green, blue on red, red on blue, and red on black are the most common type of problems with those who have color blindness. The best thing to do if you think you may be color blind is to take a test. A picture composed of different colored dots is shown during a color blindness test. The nurse or doctor determines a person may be color blind based on if a person can't see the picture or number within the dots. The bad news about color blindness is that it cannot be treated. Tinted eyeglasses can help some but will not treat color blindness.

Dry Eyes

2008-06-26T02:18:00.000-07:00

The eye is a vital organ that converts the reflected light from an object into neuron signals and feed them to the brain for processing and identification of the object.

The eyes can suffer from various conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, conjunctivitis, cataract, astigmatism, glaucoma, sty, infection and tumors. The eyelids blink several times a minute to clean the eyes and keep them moist, using the secretion of tears from the lacrimal gland. The lids also have a fast reflex action to protect the eyes.

Tears serve an important function in the health of the eyes. They wash off dust, chemicals, germs and other foreign bodies. They control the microorganisms in the eyes with their enzymes. In a condition called ï¿½dry eyes,ï¿½ the tear gland does not secrete enough tears, or the quality of the liquid is poor and evaporates very fast. Normally the tears form three layers over the eye. The lacrimal glands produce water, and the small glands produce oil and mucus. The bottom mucus layer covers the cornea, and over it is the water layer with some nutrients. The outer oil layer prevents the water from evaporating.

Dry eyes are one of the old age problems, where not enough oil is produced. Some medications cause this problem. Hot, dry and windy weather can also lead to this problem. Menopause, thyroid conditions and vitamin A deficiency can also cause it. The person with dry eyes has itching, burning, irritation, blurred vision, discomfort and redness of the eyes. Surprisingly, there may be more tears secreted.

Treatment for dry eyes is planned only after finding the root cause of the problem. For old people with no specific problem, artificial tears two to three times a day and an ointment during the night can take care of the problem. The passage from the eyes to the nose, which normally drains the tears, can be plugged to keep enough tears in the eyes.

Dry eyes, if left untreated, can cause more severe problems for the eye. Drinking plenty of water, taking the eyes off of paperwork or the computer periodically, and blinking the eyelids deliberately are some of the ways we can assist our eyes.

Vitamins for better sight

2008-06-26T02:13:00.000-07:00

In underdeveloped countries, inadequate nutrition is the main cause of blindness. Vitamins are antioxidants that keep our body including our eyes healthy. Vitamins A, C, and E have all been shown to be important in eyehealth. There is increasing evidence that many fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables and fish contains components which are important for eye health.

Vitamin A

Most mothers will tell their children to finish their carrots as it is good for the eyes. Carrots are loaded with Vitamin A. One carrot contains double the USA. recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A. This vitamin is critical in preventing many diseases connected with eyesight. Most importantly it prevents night blindness. Vitamin A deficiency also leads to xerophthalmia, dryness in the eyes, corneal ulcers and swollen eyelids. All these can lead to blindness. Vitamin A is also important as people age, as it prevents cataracts from forming and helps in preventing blindness from macular degeneration. The recommended intake for males is 1000 retinal equivalents (RE) while females need about 800 RE per day, if you feel you are not meeting this with your diet then you may wish to consider an eye health supplement. It is important to read labels if taking Vitamin A eye health supplements as is can be toxic if large amounts area taken. This is also particularly important when you are pregnant as excess Vitamins A can cause birth defects.

Most red, yellow or orange foods contain beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A. Along with carrots, fruits like cantaloupe, mango, vegetables like pumpkin, red pepper, papaya and mango are excellent sources of beta-carotene. Vitamin A is also found in spinach and other green leafy vegetables, sweet potato, fish, especially cod liver oil and chicken or meat liver.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is often called a superhero and is certainly a key ingredient in any eye health supplement. It helps in preventing many age-related vision problems such as cataract. This occurs when there is a buildup of protein which eventually clouds the vision. Vitamins C may also help in delaying age-related macular degeneration which has no cure. A survey showed that if the onset of cataracts could be delayed by ten years, then related operations could be avoided. This is because most cataracts set in as people get older and surgeries are usually done above the age of 65 or 70 meaning that if they are delayed by ten years, cataract will not develop in the personal's lifetime.

Vitamin C is found in all citrus fruits, guava, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, raspberries, tomatoes, plums, green leafy vegetables, red and green peppers, papaya, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, grapes, potatoes, spinach kiwifruit and cranberries. In fact most fruit and vegetable sources contain some Vitamin C. It can also be found in some animal sources but cooking destroys Vitamin C. The USA recommended allowance for Vitamin C in both males and females is 60 milligrams per day. The human body cannot synthesize this vitamin nor does it stay in the body for long. Factors like smoking, pollution, diabetes and other problems affect its absorption. Processing destroys Vitamin C so it is best to eat fresh fruits and vegetables to get the maximum benefits.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E also helps in preventing cataracts and macular degeneration and optimizing eye health. The USA recommended daily allowance is 10 mg for males and 8 mg for females. This is found in all nuts, legumes and some fruits like mango, again if dietary intake is not adequate then an eye health supplement may be a good idea.

Research has shown that bioflavonoids also act as important antioxidants and they help us to absorb Vitamin C better. These are the compounds that give fruits their color. Lutein and Zeaxanthin, two other antioxidants found naturally in vegetables and fruits also help in eye health. It is also important to consume foods rich in essential fatty acids and minerals for better eyesight. All in all, it would be best to increase the daily fruit and vegetable intake to keep those peepers in good shape, if this kind of food doesn't tickle you fancy then it may be worth considering an eye health supplement.

Eyes

2008-06-26T01:57:00.000-07:00

The eyes are the sensors that detect the reflected light from an object, pre-process it into a neuron signal and transmit it to the brain. The brain, after referring to its memory data bank, then identifies the object.

The eye is an almost spherical organ, about an inch in diameter, fitted with fatty tissues inside the eye socket of the skull. The sclera is the tough protective outer layer of the eye, which we see as the white of the eyes. The cornea is made of transparent, strong and smooth material that covers the colored portion of the eye. Its semi-spherical shape directs light into the pupil.

The iris, the colored portion of the eye, is made of flexible muscles, and the aperture in the center is known as the pupil. The iris muscles contract or expand to different light conditions and determine the size of the pupil. Heredity decides the color of the melanin pigment in the iris. Behind the iris is the lens. The lens focuses the light coming in through the pupil onto the retina by altering its own shape.

The retina detects the light, does the initial processing and transmits it to the brain. The eyelids, along with the lacrimal gland (tear gland), protect the eyes from injury, dust, germs and other toxic substances by automatic reflex action. We have two eyes located at a fixed distance apart, so they send two slightly varying signals according to the angle. The brain processes these and arrives at a three-dimensional image.

In an inherited condition like myopia, or near-sightedness, the distance between the lens and the retina is more than normal, so the eyes cannot see the distant objects. In the old-age problem of hyperopia, or farsightedness, the eyeball structure alters, the distance between the lens and the retina is reduced and the eyes cannot see close objects. Glasses or contact lenses can correct both these conditions. A cataract is a condition where the lens gets clouded and the vision deteriorates. Surgically replacing the lens with a synthetic lens successfully corrects the problem. Other eye diseases include conjunctivitis, astigmatism, glaucoma, sty, tumors, ectropion and entropion.

Simple precautions, such as wearing goggles in dusty areas like workshops and laboratories, and wearing sunglasses when there is harsh sunlight, go a long way in keeping these vital organs functioning smoothly for life.

Mental Health

2008-06-26T01:36:00.000-07:00

It would appear that at some point after World War I, real mental health became something of a luxury. The absence of any real mental disease like schizophrenia or dementia certainly is not an indicator of complete mental health any longer. The boom in knowledge of human psychology that began in the 1960s has made that eminently clear.

Truthfully speaking, even basic functionality can no longer be automatically assumed for a human being living in the present age. There are an unprecedented number of Americans and Europeans undertaking psychotherapy today ï¿½ what started off as a fad now seems to have become a necessity of daily living. The pressures of the rat race are overwhelming. The number of situations and triggers for mental disorders has multiplied significantly. The stress levels are extremely high.

We are, therefore, reduced to defining acceptable mental health in very broad terms. A certain degree of aberration is to be expected in almost every post-modern human being. Reasonable mental health will, therefore, have to be defined by the lack of gross disorders. A good standard for judging this would be the one apparently employed by health insurance companies, who are reluctant to pay for mental disorders that do not result in complete breakdown of normal life for the individual.

The diseases that indicate a major disruption in mental health would today include Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or a major depressive disorder. Further mental disorders that may or may not be considered as mere a lack of fine tuning by authorities may include obsessive-compulsive disorders, alcohol or drug addiction, or stress-induced nervous breakdown.

Mental health in the twenty-first century means a reasonable quality of life and functionality in individuals, despite the overwhelming odds against them.

Physical Fitness

2008-06-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

Physical fitness is a necessary requisite for leading a healthy and an active life. It not only improves the strength and endurance of the body but also the lifestyle of a person. Physical fitness is difficult to maintain, especially amid the stress and strain of contemporary lifestyles, with little scope for exercise and recreation.

The vital components of physical fitness are cardiovascular strength and endurance, respiratory efficiency, muscular strength and flexibility. In addition, a number of other factors such as environmental, chronological and physiological age and genetics influence physical fitness. The physical fitness methods adopted by one person should not be the same as for another, since the physique and health condition are usually not the same. Though physical activity or exercise acts as a catalyst to achieve physical fitness, a well-balanced diet also aids this process. A regular and systematic workout and a planned meal is a recommended way to maintain physical fitness. Small physical activities that suit an individualï¿½s physical condition are more effective than heavy exercises.

Being physically fit will reduce various health-related problems such as obesity, hypertension and cardio-vascular problems. Apart from developing strong muscular mass, physical fitness induces wellness and emotional stability. In addition, a better performance of heart, lungs and other body organs is assured. Physical fitness can be achieved through yoga sessions, aerobic classes and muscular fitness exercises.

Today, more and more people are concerned about the importance of physical fitness in their lives. The urge to lead a physically fit life has boosted the development of multi-gyms and health clubs in every corner of the world. Physical fitness training classes are included from school days onwards. Further, required physical fitness tips and tricks can be obtained through libraries, publications and the internet.

Fitness Programs

2008-06-26T00:56:00.000-07:00

Fitness is a state of the human body that allows it to function up to its full potential. It is the ability to do regular jobs without any strain, while being alert and energetic enough to endure any stressful activities. It is basically a condition wherein, all the major parts of the body, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, bones and muscles are in proper working condition. There are four aspects related to physical fitness: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance and flexibility. Fitness programs are the path to having a healthy body. They are the perfect way to incorporate exercise into the daily routine. Fitness programs, when followed religiously, are a remarkable way to counter several diseases, even in old age. Fitness programs need a lot of commitment and hard work.

There are several stages in incorporating a fitness program into your daily routine. The first thing is to check your present health condition to determine what kind of a program would suit you. This requires a basic health check up of blood pressure, diabetes-check, and a full work over for any suspected diseases, and past injuries. Also, consider your family history. Are you prone to heart attacks, strokes, arthritis, and other ailments? A major aspect in physical fitness is the body's composition, which indicates the makeup of the body in terms of the ratio of lean mass to fat mass. Lean mass is comprised of muscle, bone, vital tissue and organs. Fat is fat.

Fitness programs take all these physical conditions of the person into account. The ideal exercise regime for a person will suit his/her body type. This is also contingent upon one's objective be it weight loss, physical strength, or others. Fitness programs are composed of several kinds of activities such as: aerobics, aquatic exercises, golf, walking, skipping, jogging, swimming, bicycling, running, skiing, or playing sports like tennis and squash.

Fitness program should be chosen to suit your fitness level. They should be enjoyable, with realistic goals, and should fit well with your lifestyle. Some people may not see immediate results. Depending on the program as well as their body type results may vary. However, patience is very important. Choosing more than one type of exercise would also make it interesting. You can opt for an instructor for special kinds of fitness programs or for group fitness programs. People with disabilities need to follow fitness programs consistently.

There are many professional fitness centers that have sophisticated equipment to suit all kinds of people and their fitness needs. These centers have professionals and medical specialists who would be able to offer advice about the best kind of fitness program to take up. They provide customized workout routines, nutrition plans, personal trainers, and expert guidance to make the results last.

Fitness

2008-06-26T00:51:00.000-07:00

Fitness is defined as a state of being healthy, which prepares the body for the physical necessities of daily life. To be more precise, fitness provides strength, flexibility and stamina for the proper functioning of the body. It is a total solution for a perfect, fine-tuned life. The five main components of fitness are aerobic endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility and body composition. The right kind of physical and mental exercises and proper intake of nutritious food are the factors that contribute to fitness. A well-balanced diet not only makes one fit, but provides all necessary nutrients for the body. Mental fitness, essential for the psychological well-being of a person, is also a key factor in sustaining a healthy state.

Fitness lowers the risks of various health issues such as obesity, cardio-vascular problems, habitual inactivity and depression. It helps to prevent age-related problems. Moreover, fitness makes one feel relaxed and active throughout the day.

To stay physically fit doesn't entail spending hours in a gym or on costly fitness to develop muscle mass like body builders. All you need to do is improve power and endurance and get mobile. Nowadays, immobility has become part of a lifestyle, with people spending more time in front of the computer. So the need for exercise is a must.

A systematic workout of small exercises such as brisk walking, cycling, jogging and swimming can energize the body. An overdose of exercise might injure the body. So it is vital to find an enjoyable schedule of activity. The fitness methods adopted must be person-specific. It varies for men, women, children and the aged. Individuals have to choose exercises that are ideal for their body. Fitness methods include meditation, yoga sessions, aerobic classes and muscular fitness exercises.

Today, more and more people are struggling to keep their body and mind fit. This has resulted in the growth of a range of sophisticated multi-gyms, professional fitness institutions and clubs. Health and fitness magazines and publications are also available, and fitness tips and training programs are available via the Internet.

Dental Health Care

2008-06-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

It is important that people give equal importance to dental health care and general health care, and stop treating the former just as a supplementary of the latter. Neglecting your teeth might lead to serious trouble for you in the future. Many people are afraid of going to the dentist, causing them to neglect their dental care. You should overcome this fear. Keep in mind, though, that there is hardly any substitute for regular personal care.

Ever since childhood, you must have heard your parents telling you to brush your teeth. The best way to do so is to ensure that your brush should be against the gums at 45 degree angle. You should proceed with gentle strokes, and brush each side and the top. Make it a point to brush your tongue too. Do not keep the same toothbrush for eternity; try to change it every six weeks or so.

Take proper care of your toothbrush. Remember that this is the object that enters your mouth daily, coming in contact with billions of bacteria. Never ever share your toothbrush with anyone, as it entails a huge risk of cross-contamination. Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after use. If many toothbrushes are kept together, do not allow them to come in contact with one another. Opinions differ on the storage of toothbrushes in a disinfectant. Some opine that it is more harmful to store the toothbrush in the same disinfectant repeatedly, as it might result in cross-contamination.

Do not keep your toothbrush in a closed container that can turn out to be a favorite spot for bacteria to form. Your floss should be 16 to 18 inches in length. Wrap the floss around each of your middle fingers and slip it between your teeth. Form a U shape against the side of one tooth. Starting at the gum line, use a gentle rubbing motion to remove the particles of food. Repeat with each adjacent tooth. Remember to take up the slack so that you are using a clean section of floss for each tooth.

A Guide To Dental Health

2008-06-26T00:33:00.000-07:00

People begin to learn about dental health from a very young age, when teeth first begin to show up. But in spite of such early awareness, many people fail to maintain good dental health through their adult life. Good dental health comprises brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and regular visits to a dentist or dental hygienist as well. Besides, people supplement their dental care with the use of products like mouthwash or advanced mouth care systems. You should keep it in mind that the lack of adequate dental care practices will result in cavities and gum disease.

It is generally advised that you use a toothbrush with softer bristles so as to protect your gums. Some people, however, prefer power brush systems that help break up plaque and bacteria in your mouth. But it takes more than brushing to keep your teeth in good health. Some other steps need to be taken to ensure that people do not lose their teeth as they become old.

To begin with, you should understand your own oral health needs, as your oral health depends on your diet, the type and amount of saliva in your mouth, your overall health and your oral hygiene routine. Try to follow a daily routine in consultation with your dentist.

As fluoride strengthens developing teeth in kids and prevents decay in adults, toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride should be used. You should brush at least twice a day, if possible three times or after every meal. You should also floss at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing will remove plaque, a complex mass of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

Limit the consumption of snacks and follow a balanced diet plan. Tobacco in any form will enhance the risk of oral cancer and cause stains on your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly and get your mouth examined.