Basic information about Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is found in every cell of the body. It is involved in the production of cell membranes, some hormones, vitamin D, bile acids, and other tissues in the body. It also insulates nerves. Cholesterol is produced in the liver, but we also get cholesterol from our diet. The amount of cholesterol in the body depends on factors such as the rate of cholesterol production in the liver, the rate of cholesterol clearance from the body, the amount of dietary fat (particularly saturated fat) and to a lesser extent, cholesterol consumed. The excess cholesterol in our body circulates in the bloodstream. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can clog blood vessels and increase the risk fro heart disease and stroke. Different types of Cholesterol Low-Density Lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol is a bad type of cholesterol that is most likely to clog blood vessels, increasing you risk for heart disease. High-Density Lipoprotein (or HDL) cholesterol is a good type of cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps clear the LDL cholesterol out of the blood and reduces your risk for heart disease. Cholesterol & Heart Disease High cholesterol is one of the major contributors to heart disease. Research strongly indicates that lowering of cholesterol leads to a drop in the occurrence of heart disease. The main reason for this is because with less blood cholesterol, there is less plaque formation within the arterial walls. This will reduce the chances or an artery becoming blocked and causing a heart attack or stroke. Also, blood will flow through arteries with greater ease and this can lower blood pressure. Reasons which lead to a Rise in Cholesterol: Poor eating habits Smoking Excess weight or Obesity Heredity factor Daily Stress Over Alcohol consumption Ways to control or lessen Cholesterol: Good eating habits It is very important to follow good eating habits in order to lower your cholesterol. Regular exercising Experts recommend at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week for at least 12 weeks for significant cholesterol reduction. Weight loss and maintaining it You can lower your LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and elevate your HDL (“good cholesterol”) just by dropping some pounds.

Basic Trampoline Tricks

If you own a trampoline, you already know that it is a great way to get out of the house, and into the fresh air. Did you also know that it's benefiting your health? Jumping up and down on a trampoline is great for strengthening the cardio-vascular system and it is also an excellent workout for almost every muscle and organ of the body. Exercising on a trampoline can also be very helpful for adults and children because it helps to improve reflexes, flexibility, balance and coordination. One way to enhance not only the fun aspect of the trampoline, but also increase the health benefits, is by putting a little extra effort into your jumping by doing some tricks! There's lot of tricks that can done on the trampoline, from the beginner level to the advanced. Here's a few of them beginning with some basics including additional tips to ensure safety and avoid injury. 'Landing on the Back' is one of the first, basic trampoline tricks any bouncer should learn and its very simple. Stand motionless on the trampoline with your arms at your sides or even with your hands in your front pockets. Fall backwards onto the trampoline, keeping your body straight and your head up. As your back meets the trampoline, let your head meet it naturally too, don't jerk or twist it. You will bounce back up and then you can do it again, over and over until you achieve a good rebounding height. The more you practice this trick, the higher you will bounce back and forth! Here's an intermediate trampoline trick you can do once you've master the basic Back Landing trick. Begin the same way, standing straight and motionless, with arms at your sides or hands in your pockets. Fall straight back again, but when you bounce back up, land on your knees instead! The motion will keep sending you back and forth so you can repeat the trick as many times as you want. Some advanced trampoline tricks include somersaults and flips. Either of these can be done backwards or forwards, but you should be very comfortable and confident with your bouncing abilities before attempting either of them. Once you've got the flip down, you spice it up by adding a spin to it. Before attempting any trick, ensure everyone's safety, including your own. Remember to look around and see how much room you have. You will definitely want to avoid a collision with any other jumpers that are on the trampoline with you. To further prevent any mishaps, warm up first by doing some simple bounces and once you get going, remember to keep your head and neck in a natural position. This way you don't hurt yourself. Have fun, be safe and keep on bouncing!

Bad Breath? Medicine May Be the Culprit

If a thorough brushing and a breath mint are ineffective in your fight against bad breath, you may have a serious condition that, if not looked into, could cause detrimental effects to your teeth, mouth and gums. This condition is called xerostomia. More commonly known as dry mouth, medications are one of the most common causes of the disorder. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, more than 400 prescription medications, including some developed for asthma relief, depression and cholesterol reduction, can cause xerostomia - a condition that is a major cause of halitosis (bad breath). The condition also can cause cracked lips, cavities, bleeding gums and canker sores, leading to the deterioration of oral and dental health. Severe cases of xerostomia can inhibit the ability to speak or swallow. Other causes of xerostomia include diseases such as diabetes and undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatment for cancer. However, the disorder is often ignored until serious oral damage occurs. Dental researchers have discovered that saliva contains natural antibacterial agents, which help to keep your mouth healthy and neutralize bacteria that can cause bad breath. If you don't have enough saliva, you become more susceptible to dental problems, such as an increase in plaque buildup and bleeding gums. Treatment of dry mouth depends on what's causing the condition, then taking the appropriate steps to minimize the symptoms. Unfortunately for people with dry mouth caused by medication use, little can be done to correct it. However, if you suffer from xerostomia, many medical and dental professionals agree that you should use products specifically developed for the treatment of the condition, such as Biotene and Oralbalance products by Laclede Inc. These xerostomia treatment products contain a patented enzyme system developed to treat and restore health to a dry mouth and are available over the counter. Brushing your teeth twice a day with Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste will help inhibit harmful bacteria in your mouth and fight the causes and effects of bad breath and gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. It helps reduce bacteria and oral irritants because it contains salivary enzymes that boost and replenish saliva's own defenses. Biotene Gentle Mouthwash is alcohol-free, which helps freshen and moisten dry, sensitive tissue in your mouth. Due to its antibacterial enzymes, it kills the bacteria that cause oral infections and gingivitis. Dry mouth sufferers also are advised to avoid starchy foods, floss daily and have a dental checkup at least twice a year.

Avoid Skin Cancer While You Enjoy the Outdoors

Here's a bright idea: There's a beautiful way you can protect yourself from an increased risk of skin cancer. The Problem Through the work of nonprofit organizations, such as The Skin Cancer Foundation, the connection between sun exposure and elevated risks of skin cancer has become clearly established. "Twenty-five years ago, few people knew about the dangers of excessive, cumulative sun exposure," says Perry Robins, M.D., president and founder of The Skin Cancer Foundation. "While the connection between sun exposure and skin cancer is widely known today, statistics show that the incidence of skin cancer is continuing to increase rapidly. More than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by the sun. Nationally, there are more new cases of skin cancer each year than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer." Some Solutions To help combat this growing health risk, The Skin Cancer Foundation conducts extensive educational programs and regularly reviews products that can help consumers reduce their health risks from sun exposure. More than 300 products in the U.S. and more than 70 products overseas have been awarded the Foundation's Seal of Recommendation. Sunbrella® brand fabrics are one of the latest products to receive the Seal of Recommendation. Sunbrella fabrics are used for awnings, market umbrellas and other forms of shade on decks, patios and at poolside. You will also find Sunbrella frequently used on boats as biminis, covers and marine awnings. Seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is one of The Skin Cancer Foundation's core sun protection recommendations. In order to receive the Foundation's Seal, Sunbrella fabrics were subjected to extensive testing and met The Skin Cancer Foundation's standards for Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet light passing through the fabric. "Consumers have long selected awnings, market umbrellas and boat tops made from Sunbrella fabrics because of the sun protection they provide," said Harry Gobble, director of marketing for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, which manufactures Sunbrella fabrics. "With the Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, consumers are now assured that an independent organization has verified the level of sun protection provided by products using our fabrics."

Asthma Treatment -- How To Help Someone Having An Attack

Our existence depends on breath -- and an acute asthma attack can make it almost impossible to breathe. No wonder these attacks are so scary for both the affected person and for onlookers. Knowing the basics of asthma treatment is essential when trying to help someone experiencing an attack. Maybe you are having dinner with a friend and all of a sudden, she looks panic stricken and gasps for breath. Or perhaps your children’s friends have come over to your house and your daughter screams that her best friend can’t breathe. Do you know how to deal with these situations? If you are able to provide the right asthma treatment, it might possibly save someone’s life. Here are key facts you should know. * During a bout of asthma, patients find it easier to breathe while sitting up than lying down. So help them get into a comfortable sitting position. * Most asthma patients know what they need to do to deal with an attack. So it is best to ask them. Ask if they have an inhaler and where it is. If they don’t have one, ask them if you should call for help. Many asthma patients carry not only an inhaler, but a written instruction card as well. An asthma attack can temporarily rob the patient of his ability to speak. In such situations, an instruction card explaining what needs to be done can be invaluable. If there is such a card, just do as it says. * Help them use the inhaler. An inhaler is designed to deliver a specific dose of asthma medication. The medication relaxes the patient’s airways and helps restore normal breathing. Medication is so important that in case the patient doesn’t have his or her inhaler available, most doctors say that it is ok to use someone else’s. Nothing else you can do has nearly the same effect as taking the right medication. In general, you should give two to four puffs of the inhaler and then wait for about five minutes for the next dose. Position the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the patient’s lips. Let him know when you are about to give a puff so that he can breathe in at the same time. Wait for several seconds before you deliver another puff. Or until he lets you know he is ready for the next one. You can use a spacer to help the person inhale the medicine over the course of several breaths, instead of one breath. This device sits between the inhaler and the person’s mouth and can hold the medicine in place between breaths. If a spacer is not available, you can make one by rolling up some paper to create a tube. * Once you’ve given medication, observe the patient for several minutes. Is it getting easier for him to breathe? * If it appears that they are not responding to the medication within ten minutes, call an ambulance. And continue to deliver about four puffs of medication every five minutes while waiting for the ambulance. The medication will help prevent the asthma attack from getting worse even if it doesn’t seem to provide immediate relief. * Stay calm throughout the episode. This will help the patient remain calm as well. If he panics, it will worsen the asthma attack and make it far more difficult for him to breathe. So talk to him calmly, to reinforce the feeling that everything is under control. This is vitally important. Being aware of these asthma treatment basics will help you deal effectively with many emergency situations.

Arthritis, Gout – Rich Man’s Knee Pain

There are many causes of knee pain, such as overuse, obesity, arthritis or injury. However, there are two main causes of knee pain, they are arthritis and gout. If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering with knee pain or arthritis pain in the knee you may benefit from the many studies done on this subject. The three basic types of arthritis that may cause hip and knee pain: osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis (most commonly rheumatoid arthritis), and traumatic arthritis. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can cause knee pain. In children, chronic knee pain may be the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis or simply "growing pains". Knee pain may result from trauma, overuse, internal derangement, osteoarthritis, or inflammatory arthritis. The differential diagnoses include inflammatory arthritis, bursitis or tendonitis, anterior knee pain and internal derangement. Gout the another main reason for knee pains. Gout is a condition that causes sudden and severe attacks of pain, redness and swelling of joints. Gout is a condition has been well known for many centuries. Most often it affects a single joint in one episode, often the big toe. About 9 out of 10 affected individuals affected by gout are men over the age of 40. The peak age of attacks is 75 years, but it can occur in young individuals on rare occasions. Over one millions Americans have a gout attack each year. Gout is due to accumulations of uric acid within the fluid of your joints. Uric acid is a waste product of many foods that we eat. In order to properly digest food, and rid our body of waste, we produce substances such as uric acid to transport waste material. Ultimately, uric acid is excreted via the kidneys in urine. However, when the transportation of uric acid is impaired, and uric acid accumulates in the blood stream, the condition called gout may result. The impairment of uric acid excretion is often due to a hereditary problem, but can also have other causes. When the uric acid level becomes too high for an individual, painful attacks of gouty arthritis, or joint pain, can result. Other symptoms can include kidney stones, and, ultimately, kidney failure. It is interesting to note that the relationship between uric acid levels in the blood stream and gout is unclear. Some individuals with gout have normal or near normal blood levels of uric acid; other individuals have very high blood levels of uric acid with no symptoms of gout. It appears to be entirely dependent on the individual. Some individuals have a hereditary condition making them more susceptible to gout; other risk factors also contribute to having a gouty attack. Among these are obesity and sudden weight gain, abnormal kidney function, excessive intake of alcohol (especially "binge" drinking), and certain types of cancer. Some medications, such as thiazide diuretics to control blood pressure, and foods that are rich in purines can lead to attacks. Purine-rich foods include organ meats (e.g. liver, kidney), herring, anchovies, and to an extent, all meat products.

Are You Still Sleeping with That Pain in The Neck?

There are many sleeping pillows to choose from, cotton, wool, latex, polyester or natural filling like goose down. Most pillows come soft, medium and firm. A down bedding specialist will carry high quality goose down that will stay lofty. You will be able to try many pillows with different qualities of goose down and each a different firmness. Generally, people who are stomach sleepers require a soft pillow, back sleepers a medium pillow and side sleepers a firm pillow, unless they are petite then a medium would be better. Some down bedding specialists will offer the service of adjusting the pillow once you have slept on it a few nights. Now that’s the perfect sleeping pillow. A high quality goose down pillow with the right amount of filling will cradle your head and keep your head at the correct angle for a good night’s sleep. A high quality white goose down and the proper care will prevent the pillow from flattening out, keeping the loft to support your head and spine in the correct alignment. Regular cleaning and conditioning (not washing or dry-cleaning) by a down specialist will not only sanitize the down, it will re-fluff it and keep it lofty, and remove any dust. You should clean your down pillows about every 3 - 4 years to keep them fresh and fluffy. Choose a high threadcount for the casing to ensure the down will not “leak” out. Swiss Batiste is the lightest, most durable and the most downproof material with a very high threadcount. Any cotton cambric 300 and over will be very durable and downproof. So for that all important personal pillow, get what you really need for a perfect night’s sleep. Choose a high quality Eiderdown or white goose down pillow and have it made just for you. You will be rewarded with years of sleeping without that pain in the neck. Once you have your perfect pillow, get an extra one for traveling. You will not want to be without it.

Are You Sick and Overweight? Your Diet Could Be the Problem

Every five years or so there seems to be a new fad diet that becomes the craze. Low-carbohydrate diets currently hold that spot. The popularity of fad diets is their ability to assist the individual with quick weight loss. Some people who want to lose weight are so desperate that they will try anything. Many of these diets do result in weight loss. The problem is that they may cause rebound affects in the form of more weight gain or worse, cause you to develop a health issue or to become vitamin deficient. The problems that can occur when you are on a fad diet can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Severe symptoms that you may develop from a fad diet include heart disease, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides. What further complicates the issue is that most people will not know they have a problem until the condition progresses to a dangerous level. This is one of the reasons any diet modifications should first be discussed with a medical doctor. Of course, the best method for weight loss is to lessen the number of calories consumed and increase the number of calories burned so that no more than two pounds per week are lost. This method takes time and people who want to lose a significant amount of weight may become impatient. There may be the possibility that your weight gain is associated with some health condition. There is good news for people in this situation. The reason many people aren't successful on fad diets is because the diets are typically not good sources of long-term nutrition. Your body will crave the nutrients that it is missing. Unless you are on a restrictive diet advised by your doctor, it is best to avoid diets that limit a particular food group. A diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grain, as well as fats is the best way to lose weight. These foods are low in calories and are also beneficial in keeping your body healthy. A multivitamin that contains high amounts of chromium and calcium may assist you with losing weight. These two elements help your body metabolize fat, which is necessary for weight loss. As with fad diets, you should consult with your doctor before taking a multivitamin with high doses of these elements. To check out the supplement we take daily and highly recommend, be sure to check out http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/what-we-use.html

Are you being troubled by Sinusitis?

It is said that around 30 per cent of all people suffer from sinusitis or sinus infection at least once each year. Sinuses are little air pockets inside the skull bones. They are located to either side of the nose, behind and in between the eyes, in the forehead, and behind the head. Sinuses contain mucus that drains into the nasal passageways through pin holes in the sinuses. A sinus infection happens when the paranasal sinuses on either side of the nose get inflamed. This happens during a cold or an allergy attack, when more histamines are produced in the paranasal sinuses. The inflammation blocks the narrow passageways, making the mucus collect there. This collected mucus soon becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. That's how a sinus infection begins. The body produces histamines during allergic reactions. Histamines are neuro-transmitter chemicals. Though histamines are always present in our body, an allergy attack causes more histamines to be released at the site of the allergy attack. When a mosquito bites, for example, histamines are released at the area of the bite making the skin there turn red and itchy. When histamines are released, they cause inflammation and constriction of the muscles. The symptoms of a sinus infection begin with headache, facial pain, nasal congestion, fever, green or yellow discharge, a heavy face feeling, etc. The infection usually lasts for three weeks or more. Structural problems such as deviated septum, nasal polyps, etc. are conducive to a sinus infection. The cure for sinusitis is steam inhalation, nasal irrigation, hot fluids such as tea or chicken soup, and plenty of rest. Aspirin or paracetamol tablets and decongestants are some of the medicines commonly prescribed for sinus infections. If the symptoms continue for more than 48 hours, the pateint should be started on antibiotics or nasal steroids. If you don't treat the sinus infection pretty early, it could even cause bronchitis and pneumonia and damage the sinuses and cheekbones. You would then have to go for nasal surgery to repair the damage. When the sinus infection refuses to respond to medication, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is the most efficient treatment. Prevention is always better than cure. Stop smoking, because smoking is one of the chief stimulants of sinusitis (sinus infection). Take an oral decongestant or a short course of nasal spray decongestant, especially before air travel. Drink plenty of fluids, so the nasal discharge remains thin, and use antihistamines for controlling allergy attacks. Allergy testing can also increase tolerance towards allergy inducing substances. An allergic reaction is an unnecessary, and even dangerous, immune response that should be prevented. Antihistamines counteract these immunological inconsistencies. One of the factors that cause our immune system to go awry is the increasing presence of toxins in the environment. These toxins also touch off allergy attacks in the body. Recent research has found that a new group of sugars called glyconutrients could represent the next frontier in building a robust immune system. Eight of these essential sugars have already been discovered. They play a major role in the some of the body's most fundamental chemical processes, and also have a role in keeping the human immune system in perfect order. Consuming glyconutrients through natural dietary supplements could go a long way in regulating histamine-induced disorders and allergies, and in preventing sinus infections.

Are Contact Lenses Right For You?

If you need vision correction and are wondering if contact lenses are a good alternative for you, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Think about your lifestyle. For example, do you participate in any sports? If you jog, do aerobics, or other jarring sports, you will likely find glasses cumbersome. They will have a tendency to slip and fall off, or you will have to purchase a strap to keep them on. Even then, they may fog up when you sweat or sweat may drip onto them. Contact lenses will save you all this trouble. You will be able to see clearly and won’t have to worry about them falling off. If you play contact sports, you may not be able to wear glasses, or you may have to invest in goggles large enough to cover them, or even more costly, prescription safety glasses. If you are a swimmer however, contact lenses may not be a good choice, as you could lose them if you open your eyes underwater. Another factor to bear in mind is maintenance. Glasses will get smudged and will need to be cleaned occasionally to optimize your ability to see through them, but keeping contact lenses clean is critical not only for your vision, but for your health as well. If you don’t clean your lenses properly or often enough, you can put yourself at risk for an eye infection that could possibly leave you with a vision loss that cannot be corrected. Using disposable contact lenses can make taking care of your lenses easier, but you still will need to make sure that your hands are very clean before putting them in, and take care of them properly if you take your lenses out and put them back in for any reason. If you don’t think that you can add any steps to your daily hygiene routine, then contact lenses may not be the best choice. Quality of vision correction is one area where contact lenses are superior to glasses no matter who you are. Since the lens part of contact lenses sits directly on your eye and covers the seeing part of your eye completely, you will have corrected vision all around, including to the top, bottom, and sides, whereas with glasses, there is no correction for your peripheral vision. That can be problematic for activities like driving, or if the quality of your vision is important in your profession. Speak to your eye care health professional about your options. They can explain the pros and cons of wearing glasses or contacts, and help you make the best choice for you.

Anxious, Are We?

The dictionary defines anxiety as distress of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune. It is also described as a state of apprehension and psychic tension occurring in some forms of mental disorder. It is usually described as the feeling of uneasiness caused by anticipation of future events, be it planned or otherwise. Everybody, at one point in their lives, has experienced some form of anxiety. Common events like an upcoming exam or thesis presentation; or when a loved one gets sick; or when you go to unfamiliar places --- all these may cause you to feel fidgety and worried. However, extreme distress over the littlest things may be considered as a disorder and needs to be treated. Other symptoms of anxiety can include palpitations; shortness of breath; sweating; trembling; sense of choking; chest pain; nausea or stomach upsets; dizziness; numbness or tingling; and chills or hot flashes. So what causes anxiety disorders? Scientists attribute it to a lot of factors, four of which are genetics, personality, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. Researchers theorize that family history contributes to a high likelihood of someone developing an anxiety disorder. If one was brought up around a household of worriers, the chances of a person growing up to be a worrier too will be very high. Personality plays a big part as well. People who have low self-regard and have poor coping skills are also likely to develop anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are associated with high levels of brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit impulses. An imbalance on certain neurotransmitters may alter the way the mind would react to different situations, leading to anxiety. Any form of trauma or stressful situations such as abuse, accidents, or death may lead to anxiety disorders. Stress and anxiety go hand in hand. Anxiety levels heighten with constant exposure to extreme stress. Also, the constant use or sudden withdrawal from addictive substances like alcohol, caffeine and nicotine may also worsen anxiety. Oftentimes, worrying too much leads to anxiety panic attacks. These are surges of overwhelming fear that come out of nowhere and for no apparent reason. It affects not only the way the brain functions, but it also triggers changes in our body's major glands. The glands produce different kinds of stimulants and hormones double-time, flooding body cells simultaneously, causing the sufferer to feel the need to either run, get out, or hide. This is far worse than the regular anxiety that people feel when they're stressed out as this is based on irrational fear. Stress management may help prevent anxiety disorders from developing. One good way to manage stress is to improve your lifestyle. Get adequate amount of sleep, making sure that the body is well-rested after a full day's work. Intake of stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine containing products should be decreased as they would not help alleviate your stress, and may even aggravate your condition. Performing relaxation exercises will also help you during stressful times as it will relieve tense muscles. Last but not the least, don't forget to take a breather. Relax. Anxiety is our body's natural reaction to stress. It's up to us if we let it take over our lives. To keep it short and simple, when you're feeling anxious – stop, take a deep breath, count to ten, and relax.

Anxiety Attacks: How an International Pharmacy Can Help

At some point in life, almost everyone experiences anxiety. Perhaps you feel uncomfortable in the moments leading up to an important test, maybe you get the jitters the night before your wedding, or perhaps you have a case of the butterflies before you get up to speak in front of a group. This transient anxiety is simply a part of life, and while it is sometimes exacerbated by stress, it always goes away. This kind of normal social anxiety is very different from the anxiety experienced by those with an anxiety disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), "Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million American adults age 18 years and older (about 18%) in a given year." Anxiety disorders can be debilitating for those who suffer from them, as well as to family members and loved ones. What Are Anxiety Disorders? In a sense, "anxiety disorder" is an umbrella phrase for a number of more specific psychiatric disorders. According to the NIMH, anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. Although these are distinct conditions, the one thing they have in common is a sense of fear and dread that is disproportionate to the actual events taking place. The symptoms of an anxiety attack can depend upon the type of disorder. According to the NIMH, panic disorder is "characterized by sudden attacks of terror, usually accompanied by a pounding heart, sweatiness, weakness, faintness, or dizziness. During these attacks, people with panic disorder may flush or feel chilled; their hands may tingle or feel numb; and they may experience nausea, chest pain, or smothering sensations." Treatment for Anxiety Disorders Some anxiety disorders respond well to a type of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy. This can help alleviate the "self-talk" that contributes to the escalation of an anxiety attack. Systematic desensitization therapy often works well for people with phobias, as it gradually exposes them to that which they fear and lessens their negative reactions. Virtually all anxiety disorders can be treated with pharmaceuticals, either alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. Antidepressants are often useful in treating panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, particularly those that are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Brand name drugs like Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil are examples of SSRIs. There are also pharmaceuticals specifically for anxiety, such as the generic drugs buspiron, diazepam, and lorazepam. Brand name pharmaceuticals include Klonopin, Buspar, and Ativan. The Role of an International Pharmacy Although an online pharmacy isn't meant to replace a mental health professional's diagnosis and treatment of anxiety attacks, it can serve a much-needed purpose: access to the pharmaceuticals that can make life bearable for those who suffer. Those with anxiety disorders often can't go out of the house or are ashamed of their condition. They often end up self-medicating with illicit drugs or alcohol. With skilled doctors and licensed pharmacists, an international pharmacy can help those in need get the help they deserve.

Antibiotics as a Cure for Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcer refers to open lesions and ulcerations at the level of the stomach. Statistics indicate that more than two percent of the people in the United States are diagnosed with stomach ulcer each year and it is estimated that around eight to ten percent of these people are at risk of developing various other forms of ulcer over the years. In the United States there are approximately half a million annual cases of stomach ulcer. The disorder has the highest incidence in the male gender, and it predominantly affects people with ages over 50. Stomach ulcer is considered to be a serious disorder. In the absence of medical treatment, stomach ulcer can lead to complications such as stomach perforation and internal bleeding. There are many forms of treatment for stomach ulcer in present. However, the problem with most medications is that they only provide temporary symptomatic relief, allowing the disorder to reoccur soon after completing the prescribed medical treatment. Stomach ulcer is a digestive disorder that occurs due to physiological abnormalities (poor stomach production of bicarbonate, poor integrity of the stomach’s mucosal protective cover, inappropriate mucosal blood flow, overproduction of pepsin and gastric acid) and infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Although these bacteria are known to be a major cause of stomach ulcer, most doctors neglect this aspect and only prescribe medications for normalizing the stomach’s production of digestive fluids. Although antacids and other medications commonly used in the treatment for stomach ulcer can keep the disorder under control, they can’t overcome the ulcer completely. Unless the treatment with antacids is followed on a regular basis, the symptoms of stomach ulcer are very likely to reoccur. One of the most common medications used in the treatment for stomach ulcer is Tagamet. This ulcer drug acts by reducing the levels of gastric acid and pepsin inside the stomach. The problem with Tagamet and other antacids is that they only provide short-term effects. Most people affected by stomach ulcer experience a relapse of the disorder soon after interrupting the treatment with Tagamet. Since the underlying cause of stomach ulcer is infection with Helicobacter pylori, people with the disorder should also receive a medical treatment with antibiotics. Research results indicate that people with stomach ulcer who have been prescribed a course of antibiotics such as amoxicillin or penicillin have experienced a considerable amelioration of their ulcer. In addition, most people with stomach ulcer who have followed treatments with antibiotics have been permanently cured. Unlike antacids, antibiotics can provide long-term effects for people affected by stomach ulcer, thus minimizing the chances of relapse. A two-week course of amoxicillin is usually sufficient for overcoming the infection with Helicobacter pylori. Corroborated with antacids, antibiotic treatments can successfully cure stomach ulcers, minimizing the chances of relapse.

Anabolic Steroids Help The People Suffering From HIV/AIDS

You are well aware of the specter of HIV/AIDS hovering all over the world. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reports on HIV/AIDS, disclosed in January 2006, have articulated that AIDS has estimated killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on June 5, 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Certainly, AIDS is now a pandemic, with an estimated 38.6 million people living with the disease worldwide. AIDS caused an estimated 2.4–3.3 million deaths, of which more than 570,000 were children in 2005. There are over 1 million people living with HIV or AIDS in the United States. HIV/AIDS is chronic wasting disease. The suffering from HIV/AIDS can experience chronic wasting syndrome – a significant and unintentional weight loss. Often, physicians use anabolic steroids to help the people with chronic wasting syndrome - HIV/AIDS. There are a number of benefits of anabolic steroids when they are given to the HIV/AIDS patients. The people suffering from chronic wasting syndrome (HIV/AIDS) experience substantial loss of body weight including both muscle and fat. Anabolic steroids do the job needed to counteract the effects of wasting. One of the natural effects of anabolic steroids on the HIV/AIDS patients is promotion of their cell growth and tissues. Anabolic steroids help to increase lean body mass, increase appetite, and increase strength of the HIV/AIDS patients. Thus, if used properly, anabolic steroids can help increase the re-growth of muscle tissues, and overall increase in lean body mass. HIV/AIDS related chronic wasting may also cause Lipodystrophy, which is not necessarily weight loss disorder, rather it is a redistribution of fat in the body. Often fat is lost from the face, arms and legs, and it gets accumulated the back of the neck and around the abdomen. It can also lead to diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia and liver problems. However, anabolic steroids do not directly help treating lipodystrophy; they do help to reduce the fatty deposits caused by lipodystrophy. Oxandrolone is one of the anabolic steroids that have been approved by the FDA to help counteract AIDS-related chronic wasting. Currently, it may not be a mainstream treatment because studies have revealed that the most effective dosages for AIDS-related chronic wasting are higher than the FDA approved dosages, but the drug started showing great benefits to its users

An Enlarged Prostate - A Normal Part Of The Aging Process

The prostate gland goes through two main stages of growth during a man's life. The first sees fairly rapid growth during the early years of puberty with the prostate roughly doubling in size. The second stage of growth starts in a man's mid-twenties and this is a much slower phase of growth which then continues throughout life. For the vast majority of men this second phase of growth does not cause any problems at all until they are well into their sixties or seventies when the symptoms caused by the now enlarged prostate will begin to appear and a visit to the doctor will reveal the presence of nothing more than a simple enlarged prostate. In medical terms, your doctor will say that you are suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH. The prostate sits just below the bladder and partially surrounds the urethra – the tube which carries urine from the bladder. As the prostate gland grows, the tissue surrounding it restricts its expansion and causes the prostate to close around the urethra, thus restricting the flow through the urethra. At the same time, the bladder wall thickens and the bladder starts contracting even when it contains relatively small amounts of urine. In the end, the bladder weakens and loses its ability to contract and thus to empty itself, so that urine remains trapped in the bladder. The precise symptoms experienced as a result of an enlarged prostate will clearly vary from person to person but, as a general rule, the first signs will be a change in your pattern of urination or a difficulty in urinating. You may find, for example, that you start to experience a weak flow of urine or that the flow appears hesitant, tending to stop and start. You may also find that you are unable to hold on and calls to the bathroom become urgent. Trips to the bathroom may also become more frequent, especially during the night, and you may also notice a tendency to leak or dribble urine. In some cases you may be completely unaware of any problem until you suddenly find that you cannot urinate at all. In this case, referred to as acute urinary retention, the underlying problem is often triggered by common medicines which contain a decongestant and which are used in cold and allergy treatments. Acute urinary retention can also be brought on by alcohol, cold or a long period of immobility. In the majority of cases these symptoms result simply from an enlarged prostate and this will be confirmed by a visit to your doctor who can often treat the condition fairly easily. It is, however, important that you do indeed visit your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms as, in a small number of cases, they may be indicative or a more serious underlying problem, such as prostate cancer. A visit to the doctor is also essential as, although many cases of BPH may be treated quite easily, the condition can lead to an infection of the urinary tract, damage to the bladder and/or kidneys, stones in the bladder and incontinence. An early visit to the doctor can have the problems associated with an enlarged prostate cleared up quickly and considerably reduce the risk of developing complications.

American Heart Association Recommendations

The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a variety of foods from the different food groups. In order for women to lose one to two pounds a week, they should consume between 1200 and 1500 calories a day. Men should consume between 1500 and 1800 calories a day if they want to lose one to two pounds a week. Let’s examine the different food groups the American Heart Association suggests you consume. Meat, Poultry, Fish - You should consume no more than 6 ounces of meat, poultry, and fish per day. Lean cuts of poultry and fish have fewer calories than fatty red meat, but you can find lean cuts of red meat in your supermarket. Breads, Cereals, Starches - This food group includes bread, cereal, pasta, rice, and starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn. You can have six servings from this food group a day. A serving size is 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of cereal, and 1cup of rice, pasta, or ¼ to ½ cup of starchy veggies. So, if you eat Remember here, that whole grain is best. When you can, choose whole-grain bread, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta instead of their white counterparts that have been stripped of nutrients and fiber. Vegetables and Fruits - Fruits and vegetables are essential parts of your diet because they contain a variety of vitamins and nutrients. You can have five or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables. A serving size is ½ cup to 1 cup of cooked and raw vegetables, ½ cup of fruit juice, or one medium piece of fruit. Aim to choose a variety of colors in your diet because they have different vitamins and minerals. Let’s examine the colors you should include in your diet every day. Red - Red fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that help keep your heart and urinary tract healthy. They also help with your memory and lower your risk of some cancers. When it comes to red, choose from apples, cherries, strawberries, tomatoes, red peppers, and radishes, to name a few. Yellow/Orange - Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that keep your heart, vision, and immune system healthy. Some yellow and orange fruits and veggies include apricots, lemons, peaches, cantaloupe, yellow squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Green - Green fruits and vegetables help lower your risk of some cancers and keep your bones and teeth strong. Choose foods like green grapes, broccoli, avocados, spinach, green apples, and limes. Blue/Purple - Blue and purple fruits and vegetables lower the risk of some cancers and keep your urinary tract healthy. They also help maintain your memory function. Some delicious blue and purple foods are blackberries, blueberries, raisins, plums, eggplant, and purple cabbage. White - White foods promote your heart health, and if you already have healthy cholesterol, they’ll help maintain those levels. Bananas, pears, cauliflower, mushrooms, and garlic are tasty options you can fit into your meal plan. Milk Products - If you love dairy products, the good news is that you can still eat them and lose weight. However, choose low-fat or fat-free products. They contain the same vitamins and minerals, taste good, and lower your cholesterol all at the same time. Adults aged 19-50 should have three servings of milk products per day. A serving of dairy is 1 cup of fat-free or low-fat milk, 1 cup of fat-free or low-fat yogurt, 1 ounce of low-fat cheese (stay away from fat-free cheeses—they have too much sodium) or a ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese. Fats - You should have no more than five servings of fats a day in the form of oil, nuts, seeds, olives, avocado, and mayonnaise. Fat servings include one teaspoon of oil, three teaspoons of nuts or seeds, 5-10 olives, 1/8 of an avocado and two teaspoons of mayonnaise. If you love the taste of butter on your vegetables, use a fat-free imitation butter spray. It really doesn’t taste that much different.

Aloe Vera and Its Natural Skin Care and Health Benefits

Aloe vera plants, particularly aloe barbadensis miller plants, have been used for centuries to help burns, cuts, and other skin ailments. Perhaps your grandparents always had one of these unique, cactus-like plants nearby, just in case of an emergency. If someone got a cut or burn, they would break an aloe leaf apart to extract gel from inside the leaf. The aloe gel inside the leaf is used as a natural healing salve. With the onset of commercialism and the recent boom in all-natural products, aloe has become the ingredient of choice in many skin care and health products. Commercial aloe products include everything from creams to lotions to nutritional supplements in pill or drink form. The products often combine aloe gel with other ingredients to enhance the gel's natural healing components. For example, an aloe-based Hawaiian product, called AhVahleen, combines aloe with some natural extracts taken from organic honey and a Hawaiian Kalo herbal plant. Natural Aloe-Based Solutions for Skin Care and Health Aloe gel, especially when combined with other natural ingredients, can greatly enhance the skin and its ability to replenish skin cells. As skin cells die, new skin cells must replace the old to promote healthy skin. This also slows the aging process and helps keep the skin moist and beautiful. Aloe creams and gels on the market can help enhance this process. There are also creams and gels to help with itching, burns, cuts, psoriasis, shingles, and other skin conditions. Aloe vera gel is also known to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which allow skin ailments to heal while reducing risk of infection. Some aloe-based products are said to help soothe and dry up chicken pox as well. Aloe gel can work as a natural anesthesia to reduce or alleviate pain caused by burns, cuts, and skin rashes. For severe sunburn and/or sun poison, aloe vera gel can cool the burning skin and speed up the healing process. How to Buy Natural Aloe Products Besides growing your own aloe vera plants, the next best thing is to buy natural aloe-based products. But before buying, be sure the products are all natural with few or no added ingredients that could decrease the aloe's beneficial properties. Read the ingredients on each product and learn why the ingredients were added. You'll find some products, such as AhVahleen, to have added natural ingredients to enhance the product's skin care and health properties. These products often provide more benefits than even the actual aloe plant alone. Shop online to find aloe-based products that are unique to your skin care and health needs. If you have psoriasis, for instance, look for creams, gels, or lotions to soothe this condition in particular. If you work in the sun or are outdoors a great deal, look for aloe products that can protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. If you have multiple needs for aloe, find a natural aloe product that offers many benefits in one. Start enjoying natural skin care and health today with the wonderful natural solution of aloe vera!

All About Oxygen Based Colon Cleansers

A number of companies that are in the business of producing oxygen based colon cleansers are not able to develop suitable oxygen based colon cleansers. Blame it on the failure of not following the scientific method of attaching and stabilizing oxygen with utmost ease. Instead, what these companies are doing is a mixing up of magnesium oxides with magnesium peroxides and labeling their products as oxygen releasing compounds. Stabilizing Oxygen The main function of stabilizing oxygen is to generate oxygen following a timed-release process. There is a big misconception in the medical world that the gut is the one, which consists of anaerobic organisms. However, gut disease arises because of the misuse of antibiotics. It is advisable to take an oxygen-based cleanser every day before going to bed as it creates a stable bowel environment. In addition, oxygen will also play a prominent part in oxidizing and cleaning the entire bowel, leading to relieving constipation and compaction. When Looking at Oxygen Cleansers When looking at oxygen cleansers, please check that whether any is oxygen being released or not. How one can determine that? It is quite simple; this can be done through a titration test. Titration will clearly indicate whether oxygen is being released or not, as well as the duration of the release. There are very few products, which release oxygen for over 16 hours. In fact, there are just two products that have this quality. There are few products that actually release oxygen therefore one should be careful while buying an oxygen releasing cleanser. A good quality oxygen-based cleanser should contain GE-132 that is a special mixture of aerobic proboscis and enzymes. Always make sure that you stay away from the so-called oxygen cleansers, which contains some part of ascorbic acid. This is because of the fact that ascorbic acid is a strong antioxidant, and can result in neutralizing benefits of oxygen release. A clean and healthy colon leads to a feeling of wellness therefore do your research before starting your cleansing regime. There are related products available online and also in drug stores.

Alkalize to Reduce Your Size

It is a fact that over 75% of people who lose weight put that weight back on within a year and of those who put it back on a further 50% will actually put on more weight than they started with in the first place! How is that for a scary fact? What I am about to tell you will help you to reduce your weight and help you to keep it at a level you are happy with. You will notice I have put the word help in bold text, this is because this is just the start to reducing your weight and it is without doubt the most important gift you could give to your body to help that weight reduction. Do you know what a ph scale is? A ph scale is a measurement guide to acidity and alkalinity. It is a sliding scale from 1 to 14 where 1 is completely acidic and 14 is completely alkaline. This means that 7 is completely neutral, neither acid nor alkali. Why is this so important? Well our bodies are a fine balance between acid and alkali and the optimum level for our bodies to be at is 7.36 which is just slightly alkali. If you are over weight I guarantee that you body is acidic because that is basically what fat is, stored acid that your body has not been able to break down. When you start to get your body back towards the optimum level of 7.36 your body will automatically react to get rid of some of the waste acid it is currently holding on to. But your body needs help to become more alkaline and to get rid of this waste. Fortunately there is a product which is a solution to both of these areas and it is called ‘water’ that’s right – water. I am sure that you have heard people say many times ‘you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day’, do you take any notice? I am guessing that you are now in one of the 3 following categories: 1. You have heard people say this and you now do drink this amount of water per day. 2. You have heard people say this but you just can’t be bothered because it means you will go to the toilet more often. 3. You have heard people say this and you just don’t believe them. I am here to tell you that you absolutely must drink at least 2 litres (3 would be better but do not exceed 3) of alkalizing water (bottled mineral water preferably) per day. This water will re-alkalize your body therefore giving your body chance to get rid of the excess acid it has been storing and it will help get rid of this waste through your natural systems (again I am not going to graphic on this). I guarantee that if you start to drink at least 2 litres of water per day you will start to feel the effects within a fortnight. But before you rush off to get a glass right now…………. No actually go get yourself a nice big glass full I will wait for you……. Are you back, excellent. There is something else you can do to help your body’s alkali levels and that is to drink green drinks. You can either get these ready made or you can get powders to mix with your water to produce a green drink. Green drinks are made from all natural ingredients that are high in alkali levels which is obviously superb for your body. Search the net for green drinks there are numerous ones out there. I personally drink 2 ½ to 3 litres per day of green drinks and since I started I have found a massive difference to my life. So there you have it, you now know the greatest gift you can give to your body to help you reduce your weight. Graham Nicholls 2006

Alcohol Abuse Effects - 5 Physical Effects Of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse effects can be far-reaching and devastating. The effects of alcohol abuse not only have consequences for the drinker but those around her or him as well. Alcohol abuse effects can be both psychological and physical. Alcohol consumption causes changes in behavior. The physical effects of alcohol abuse can be experienced with as little as one or two drinks. Impaired judgment and coordination needed to operate a car safely may result in the drinker having an accident. Alcoholism is an illness where alcoholic beverage consumption is at a level that interferes with physical or mental health, and negatively impacts social, family or occupational responsibilities. Alcohol abusers are drinkers that may drink excessively at various times with resulting immediate alcohol abuse effects at the time of excess alcohol consumption. The immediate physical effects of alcohol abuse can be experienced as soon as ten minutes after drinking begins. With continued alcohol consumption on that occasion, the immediate effects of alcohol abuse worsen and become more serious. Here are five of the immediate physical alcohol abuse effects: 1. Inhibitions Become Reduced - at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05, changes in a person's behavior begins to be noticable. Alcohol abuse effects and reduced inhibitions can put a person at higher risk for actions they would otherwise not participate in, such as sexual activity, continued drinking or illegal drug use. 2. Loss of Muscle Control - at the level of 0.10, slurred speech will likely be evident. Impaired judgement and poor coordination are physical effects of alcohol abuse that can lead to falls and accidents. 3. Memory Loss and/or Blackouts - since alcohol depresses the brain's control mechanisms, as blood alcohol levels increase, periods of time and certain situations and events may not be remembered afterward. 4. Stupor - at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.40, a person can hardly function, acting seriously dazed and confused. 5. Coma - at a blood alcohol level of 0.50, a person is at risk for coma, which can be life-threatening. And at this level or higher, respiratory paralysis and death become very much a possibility. Other alcohol abuse effects that are short-term include nausea, hangovers, headaches and fatigue. The longer a person abuses alcohol over time, the higher the chances of other alcohol abuse effects being experienced and alcohol dependency developing. The most severe form of alcoholism is 'alcohol dependency'. Physical alcohol dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is interrupted, by tolerance to the effects of alcohol abuse and by the presence of alcohol-related illnesses. Malnutrition can develop from a reduced appetite plus inadequate absorption of nutrients in the intestinal tract and from consuming 'empty' calories in alcohol. Calories from alcohol are called 'empty' calories since alcohol contains no beneficial nutrients, vitamins or minerals. And with continued alcohol consumption and abuse over years, many of the body organs will be affected. Alcohol is especially harmful to the liver since the liver does most of the work of breaking down alcohol. Alcohol destroys liver cells, and it destroys the ability of liver cells to regenerate. This condition leads to progressive imflammatory injury to the liver and eventually can result in cirrhosis of the liver. Additional long term alcohol abuse effects include damage to the brain, high blood pressure, heart muscle damage, nerve damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the esophagus, erectile dysfunction in men, fetal alcohol syndrome in the offspring of alcoholic women, insomnia, depression and increased cancer risks. If you or someone you know may have problems with alcohol and you'd like to learn more about alcoholism and perhaps seek help, there are proven resources available. It is never too late to begin recovery from alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse effects. Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Adrenal Fatigue

Your adrenal glands are two tiny pyramid-shaped pieces of tissue situated right above each kidney. Their job is to produce and release, when appropriate, certain regulatory hormones and chemical messengers. Adrenaline is manufactured in the interior of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal medulla. Cortisol, the other chemical from the adrenal gland, is made in the exterior portion of the gland, called the adrenal cortex. The cortex also secretes androgens, estrogens, and progestins. Cortisol, commonly called hydrocortisone, is the most abundant -- and one of the most important -- of many adrenal cortex hormones. Cortisol helps you handle longer-term stress situations. In addition to helping you handle stress, these two primary adrenal hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, along with others similarly produced, help control body fluid balance, blood pressure, blood sugar, and other central metabolic functions. In the heightened nervous state of adrenal burnout, the body overproduces adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones. Constant stress and poor nutrition can weaken the adrenal glands. Eventually, this causes the adrenal glands, the front line in the stress reaction, to show wear and tear and become depleted. This frequently leads to impairment in the thyroid gland, which can cause a further decline in energy level and mood and is one of the reasons why many people have thyroid glands that don’t work well. When stress continues over prolonged periods of time, the adrenal glands can deplete the body's hormonal and energy reserves, and the glands may either shrink in size or hypertrophy (enlarge). The overproduction of adrenal hormones caused by prolonged stress can weaken the immune system and inhibit the production of white blood cells that protect the body against foreign invaders (in particular lymphocytes and lymph node function). Adrenal dysfunction can disrupt the body's blood sugar metabolism, causing weakness, fatigue, and a feeling of being run down. It can also interfere with normal sleep rhythms and produce a wakeful, unrelaxing sleep state, making a person feel worn out even after a full night's sleep. Common Causes of Adrenal Stress • Anger • Fear / Worry /Anxiety • Depression • Guilt • Overwork/ physical or mental strain • Excessive exercise • Sleep deprivation • Light-cycle disruption • Going to sleep late • Surgery • Trauma/injury • Chronic inflammation • Chronic infection • Chronic pain • Temperature extremes • Toxic exposure • Malabsorption • Maldigestion • Chronic illness • Chronic-severe allergies • Hypogycemia • Nutritional deficiencies Testing for Adrenal Health In order to determine the health of your adrenal glands you need to have a simple blood, urine, or saliva test performed by your practitioner. Cortisol levels can be checked by blood or throughout the day by a saliva test. DHEA, and Epinephrine, are some other indicators of adrenal function. Associated Symptoms and Consequences of Impaired Adrenal Functioning • Low body temperature • Weakness • Unexplained hair loss • Nervousness • Difficulty building muscle • Irritability • Mental depression • Difficulty gaining weight • Apprehension • Hypoglycemia • Inability to concentrate • Excessive hunger • Tendency towards inflammation • Moments of confusion • Indigestion • Poor memory • Feelings of frustration • Alternating diarrhea and constipation • Osteoporosis • auto-immune diseases/hepatitis • Lightheadedness • Palpitations [heart fluttering] • Dizziness that occurs upon standing • Poor resistance to infections • Low blood pressure • Insomnia • Food and/or inhalant allergies • PMS • Craving for sweets • Dry and thin skin • Headaches • Scanty perspiration • Alcohol intolerance Treatment Lifestyle changes such as: Eating steadily, all day long. Skipping meals is one of the worst things you can do for your body. When you're hungry, your blood sugar drops, stressing your adrenal glands and triggering your sympathetic nervous system. That causes light-headedness, cravings, anxiety and fatigue. Another drawback to skipping meals: The resulting low blood sugar can affect your ability to think clearly and shorten your attention span. Skipping breakfast is particularly bad, as it is a sure fire way to gain, not lose, weight. If you start each morning with a good breakfast and "graze" healthfully every two to four hours, your blood sugar will remain steady throughout the day. You'll feel more rested and energetic. Eat protein with every meal. Eat Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice. Avoid sugar, junk food, white pasta, white rice, white bread. Absolutely NO Caffeine. Coffee/Sodas over stimulates your adrenals and they deplete important B vitamins. Coffee does not give you energy; coffee gives you the illusion of energy. Coffee actually drains the body of energy and makes you more tired, because of vitamin and adrenal depletion. Exercise to relax. Walking, Yoga, deep breathing, meditation, or stretching. No vigorous or aerobic exercise, which depletes the adrenals. Avoid alcohol, processed foods, and tobacco. Nicotine in tobacco initially raises cortisol levels, but chronic use results in low DHEA, testosterone, and progesterone levels. Reduce stress; learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation. Helpful Supplements The use of small amounts of natural adrenal hormone (hydrocortisone) to bring slightly low adrenal function up to its proper normal daily range is often helpful. Take a daily multivitamin to provide nutritional support to the adrenal gland. Vitamin C 1,000-3,000 mg a day L-Theanine 100-400 mg a day Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) 300 mg a day Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), no more than 1000 mg of glycyrrhizin

Advanced Options for Today's Braces

Orthodontic technologies have greatly improved the effectiveness, comfort, and aesthetic appeal of wearing braces for today's patients. Many people who were once concerned about having to wear large metal brackets and thick bands on their teeth for years are now enjoying healthy new smiles thanks to shorter, more discreet orthodontic care. New Choices for Traditional Braces With traditional braces, brackets are glued to each tooth and held together by a metal loop that goes around the entire row of teeth. Modern advances have eliminated the thick steel bands and heavy brackets of the past. Today, stronger glues mean smaller, more tightly bonded brackets. Thick bands have been replaced by thin wires that are not only are harder to see, but also more effective at adjusting teeth. These smaller, stronger components translate into fewer adjustment appointments, and ultimately a shorter treatment length. On top of that, they also improve oral health. Thick brackets and bands were difficult to clean around, and many patients suffered from tooth discoloration as a result. Over time, the exposed enamel around each bracket darkened from inadequate brushing, while the color underneath each bracket was protected; when the brackets were removed, lighter spots could be seen in the centers of many teeth. Thankfully, today's braces rarely cause such a problem, provided patients brush regularly. Consumer demand has also led to many cosmetic choices being made available to orthodontic patients. While stainless steel brackets are still most common, they can also be fashioned from ceramics or plastics, making them blend in more with the teeth. (Plastic brackets are discouraged for longer treatment schedules, as they tend to discolor over time.) Brackets, wires, and elastics are all available in a rainbow of colors. Clear components are also available, which make braces even harder to detect. Invisible Braces The latest news in orthodontics that has many people excited is the development of "invisible" braces. Instead of using brackets and wires, the orthodontist instead develops snugly-fitting molds of the top and bottom rows of teeth. While in place, these molds apply firm but gentle pressure to misaligned teeth, encouraging them to move and straighten over time. Computer technology helps the orthodontist to map out a progressive plan to properly align the teeth, broken down into multiple steps. At each step, the current mold is replaced with a new one that provides slightly more pressure than the last. Over time, the series successfully leads to straightened rows of teeth, without any need to undergo invasive braces installation and removal. Generally, each mold is worn for two weeks. They must be worn all day and all night, but can be removed for eating and cleaning. This prevents the tooth discoloration that often accompanies traditional braces. Most patients experience slight discomfort on the first day of a new mold, but this disappears quickly as their teeth adjust to their new positions. Invisible braces cost more than traditional braces, but for some, they are well-worth the extra investment. Not only are they easily hidden (unless someone is standing right in front of you), but they can also be removed on rare occasions, such as wedding photos, where someone would otherwise be uncomfortable being seen in braces. Invisible braces cannot be used to treat every case. Even if they can be tried, traditional braces still may provide a higher degree of success. Only an orthodontist can tell for certain whether or not someone makes a good candidate for invisible braces.

Addictive Foods and their Harmful Consequences

Most of us are fond of at least one product that has the effect of a stimulant and that eventually becomes an addiction. These products include exercise stimulant drinks (they come in cans and look like cola), fizzy aerated drinks, tobacco, betel nut, betel leaf, strong coffee, strong tea, mahuang (an ephedrine-like compound consumed in china), and alcohol. Before I tell you why we shouldn’t consume these products, I’d like to deal with the question of why we do consume them in the first place. There’s no one who doesn’t know that products like these, consumed in excess, can severely harm our bodies. Yet, we still find them hard to resist. The need to eat stimulant food is a simple human weakness that has existed for ages: humans (and many animals) have always indulged in foods that give a sort of emotional high. In clinical terms, this means rapid heart beat, a little sweating, dilation or constriction of the pupils of the eye, a warm flush on the face, and a sense of greater sensitivity, concentration and perception. These sensations of ‘high’ die down within a few hours, and we are left feeling listless and low. This leads to a craving for that food again, to experience the high one more time. And there we are going round and round in a vicious circle. The physiology of addictions is as follows: When you eat an addictive food, it stimulates the hormone like substances found at the end of your nerves, which triggers an avalanche of similar stimulatory substances and you experiences a high. As the substances near the nerves are depleted, you get into the low phase, which leads you to crave that food again. This yo-yo phase of nerve stimulation and depletion leads to a pattern of addiction. Consuming addictive foods is one of the oldest unhealthy food practices and, despite a revolution in health consciousness; it shows no signs of dying out. Below are some side effects of certain addictive foods. Alcohol Addiction: Erosion of stomach and intestinal lining, liver damage, nutritional deficiency. Tobacco: Erosion of gum and tongue can lead to cancer of the buccal mucosa. Betel nut: Leads to the discoloration of teeth, erosion of the lining of the mouth, and cancer of the mouth and upper tract. It also leads to heart problems among people who already have a weak heart. Ma huang: It contains ephedrine and leads to heart problems. Aerated drinks: High doses of caffeine. Caffeine and xanthine: Found in tea, coffee. These become harmful only in very high doses; don’t consume more than five cups a day. Mixed drug reactions: People who consume medications for the heart, hypertension and asthma have to be very careful about the interactions of the drugs with stimulant foods, as mixing the two can be fatal. After years of experience, all doctors know how difficult it is to break the food addictions of their patients. So like them, I can only advise a good compromise. If you can’t break the addiction, then at least you should practice moderation.

ACSM On Steroid Abuse In Sports

The ACMS – American College of Sports Medicine – was the among the first organizations that, supported, commended, the United States House of Representatives for passing legislation, and urged the American Senate to pass the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 to curb the steroid abuse in sports. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 came as a great blow to steroid abuse in the United States. The legislation prohibits free over-the-counter sales of anabolic steroids. It requires a person buying steroids to have a prescription from a recognized physician. The legislation also does effectively reclassify anabolic steroids as controlled substances, and under the federal law, controlled substances are the most highly regulated drugs in the USA. The previous law, that considered anabolic steroids as supplements, had many loopholes for steroid abuse. Gary Wadler, M.D., an ACSM sports medicine doctor and member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), said, “This potentially closes a very large loophole that exists under current law, thereby protecting the health of professional elite athletes as well as recreational and student athletes.” The American College of Sports Medicine has always been fighting steroid abuse in the United States. It has always been against the steroid abuse and the use of on performance enhancing substances, particularly anabolic steroids, because of their adverse health effects. The ACMS has always been supporting the efforts to suppress steroid abuse and protecting the health of athletes. According to the experts associated with ACMS, steroid abuse is like chain reaction that goes on and on. The collegiate athletes abuse steroids just because pros do that; the juniors copy their seniors in steroid abuse, and resultantly the kids as young as 10 years of age indulge in steroid abuse. Thus, the authorities should control the steroid abuse among the pros first; it will consequently minimize the steroid abuse among the collegiate athletes who mere copy their pro stars. The pros and coaches can play very positive role in keep back steroid abuse among the teenagers. The pros should try to be the role models of youngsters, and coaches and help young jocks to develop positive frame of mind.

ADD - Alternative Treatments

In this article we're going to discuss some alternative treatments for someone suffering from ADD. Unfortunately some people suffering from ADD cannot handle taking medication, either for psychological or physical reasons. For these people their only recourse is taking an alternative path. There are many alternative treatments for ADD. We'll be going over the most common. One way to treat a person who has ADD is through what is called behavioral modification or intervention. This is a direct negative or positive reinforcement of the behavioral changes we want to have take hold in the child. For example, a child in class who never raises his hand before asking a question might be given a small reward by the teacher for restraining himself enough to raise his hand before asking the question. This is reinforced over and over until it becomes second nature to the child. In other words, the child learns to raise his hand in class before asking a question. Even if the child still blurts out the question after raising his hand he is still rewarded for raising his hand to begin with. It's a small step but an important one. The theory behind this is that rewarding the struggle towards changing the child's behavior encourages the new full behavior. Another alternative treatment for ADD is the use of neurofeedback. This is where electrodes are attached to the scalp so the patient can actually see the brainwaves working. By doing this he can see the effect on his brain of staying calm in a given situation. This way he can learn to slow down or speed up brain waves. Another thing that can be done is to hook up an interactive metronome to the patient. This metronome will assist the person suffering from ADD in focusing his attention through sound and movement patterns. This is supposed to also have a calming effect on the patient. Then there is EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique. This involves stimulating specific acupressure points while speaking certain words that reinforce behavior. This seems to trigger changes in the neurological system. Another form of therapy is what they call "Animal Assisted Therapy" or AAT. This is the practice of getting a pet for the child to pet and even to take care of. This teaches the child responsibility and keeps his mind occupied. Many children who care for pets become more self regulated and calmer. A very effective form of treatment is the small specialized classroom. These classrooms fill in gaps in learning that the child may have missed in his regular classroom, because of frequent outbursts. These classrooms incorporate learning with periods of vigorous physical activity, opportunities for success, and attention and reward for every accomplishment. These classrooms also provide naps for proper sleep and good food for proper nutrition. In the final article in this series we are going to discuss how parents can cope with a child suffering from ADD and what support groups they have available to them.

Acupressure's Sweet Spot - How To Get A Rush Without The Sugar

Are you a sugar user? More and more people are resorting to high sugar drinks and snacks for a quick jolt of energy. But the trouble with using sugar for an energy boost, is that it sets up a roller-coaster effect that can soon become addictive and lead to health problems down the line. Recent research has revealed an acupressure point that boosts energy and alertness naturally and with no come down. The Highs & Lows of using Sugar for Energy Soon after a sugar fix you start buzzing with energy, but it's a short lived boost that soon swings sharply the other way with an energy slump. If you address that slump by eating or drinking something else high in sugar, you'll get that energy rush again, followed by another slump. Using sugar for energy gives sporadic results at best, but there are health dangers too. Diabetes II is an ever increasing risk in a world where we're rushing to get more done and fighting daily battles with stress and fatigue. Sugar increases insulin levels and raises blood triglycerides which increases the risk of developing late onset Diabetes. Acupressure Energy Boost Acupuncture and Acupressure share a network of vital energy points situated along meridian channels throughout the body. For thousands of years these points have been used to influence qi (chi), the body's subtle energy force, for a wide variety of physical and emotional benefits. The University of Michigan recently finished an intensive study that set out to prove that acupressure can provide an effective natural energy boost. Lead researcher, Dr Richard Harris, explains "it [acupressure] seems to stimulate the nerves that moderate attention and alertness". Tapping the Sweet Spot Students in the trial experimented with massaging five acupressure points for three minutes each. The most effective and stimulating point was the Si Shen Chong point, known to acupuncturists as one of the extraordinary acupoints (HN1), and found right in the centre of the top of the head. Participants in the trial found the most effective way to get a sugar-free energy boost, was to tap this point lightly with the fingertips for two or three minutes. The point used in this trial is one of the extra energy points sometimes used in the EFT meridian points tapping sequence. The beauty of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is that it uses a series of potent acupuncture and acupressure points that not only give the body a natural energy boost, but can also be used to control addictive cravings for sugar and popular stimulants like caffeine. EFT uses a set sequence of 12 acupuncture points known to give relief from a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms. As found in the University of Michigan study, results are easily and reliably achieved by tapping lightly on the acupuncture points with the fingertips.

Acomplia- a New Hope arises

Did you wake up one morning and suddenly realize that you didn’t like the way you look? Did you realise with a shock that you had really neglected your own self? Did that make you really sad? Is it the weight increase that is the basic problem? Relax, you can find a solution once the problem has been identified.
Let us take a look at the problem in its entirety. Now let’s try and figure out what you did to create this problem. Once you have identified the causes e.g. stress, your lifestyle and /or poor diet, write these down as “Don’ts”. Now lets move on to cures.
Meeting with the Doctor would be a first priority to check you up and work out a concrete plan of action. The Diet Plan he would advise could include exercises and these may vary from walking, cycling or jogging depending on the state of your health. He could also suggest certain workouts such as joining a Fitness Center or Gymnasium, aerobics, yoga or a combination of these. Along with this, he may even suggest the Diet Pill, Acomplia.
New research shows that the experimental diet drug Acomplia helps to keep off unwanted weight for almost up to two years. After two years of undergoing the Acomplia Diet Pills Treatment, patients kept a steady loss of 16 pounds and more than one third of the patients lost 10% of their weight. Researchers believe that this Diet Pill treats a pleasure center in the brain which has links to overeating and smoking and a fourth study shows how Acomplia sheds pounds and even helps people to stop smoking!
A study was done by Luc Van Gaal, of 1,500 overweight adults in 2 years. He gave the information of the findings to the American College of Cardiology 2005 Scientific Session. This study was financed by Sanofi-Aventis, the French pharmaceutical company in Paris which was developing the Diet Pill for clinical usage.
Acomplia is known to reduce waist size, shed off weight and maintain the weight for a period of two years. Unlike other Diet Pills which lose their efficacy, Acomplia has proven itself otherwise. It has also aided to increase the level of good cholestrol or HDL while reducing the blood fats or triglycerides and improved the body’s resistance for blood sugar.
Approximately 97 million adults in the US are obese or overweight and this increases the risk for diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes for them.Be sure to understand all the pros and cons of the action plan for you and never medicate yourself without the Doctor’s green signal. For more Acomplia Information these Weight Loss Diet Pills are available in the Acomplia Pharmacy UK where you can Buy Acomplia. There is Cheap Acomplia available here. So go ahead and meet the Doctor and work out that Diet and Exercise regime so you can begin today!

Acne Treatment- Regime For Moderate To Severely Moderate Acne

In this kind of acne, a large portion of face or other affected areas get affected with whiteheads, blackheads, pustules and papules. A dermatologist should preferably treat this acne and the treatment should begin as soon as you observe the outbreak. If this kind of acne persists it can cause scars. Scars can be of two types- pockmarks or pits or raised thick tissue. To prevent the formation of scares and to prevent progression to sever form, consult your doctor as soon as such acne appears. If you are prone to scar formation, you should consult a dermatologist immediately. For those who are prone to keloid formation, it is more essential. Treating scars can become a trouble some process. Do not let acne grow to severe form so that scars can be prevented. To treat moderate to severely moderate acne your doctor may adopt many methods. One choice may be physical treatment. Your doctor may remove the comedones physically or give blue light to treat acne. This physical treatment may be combined with topical application or oral medication. Oral medication for acne treatment may include use of antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, oral isotretinoin or any other medicine your doctor feels suitable. The choice will depend upon the severity of acne and your skin. Your doctor may also prescribe topical medication that may include antimicrobials, retinoids and OTC medications. Women may be prescribed Oral contraceptives to treat acne. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article

Acupuncture - Fast Escape From Infertility

Primarily a Chinese remedy, acupuncture is a complementary modern treatment that cures infertility problems in both men and women. Acupuncture for infertility is most effective for those people who are suffering from problems like irregular ovulation, or blockage in the sperm ducts. Acupuncture works in a way different from all types of typical medicines Acupuncture fertility works in this way. Often there are obstructed movements in the meridians that run throughout the length of the body. These obstructed movements cause swelling up of energy in some parts of reproductive organs while others get deprived from such energy conjures. Acupuncture works by placing needles on these blocked sites and stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals to the reproductive organs. This releases the required amount of energy to cure infertility in both men and women. Acupuncture brings miraculous cure to men and women suffering from infertility If you are thinking how acupuncture and infertility works for one another then the answer is simple. Acupuncture aids in regular flow of blood to the reproductive organs and instantly stabilizes the hormone levels, which in turn increases ovarian function in women and rapid sperm production in men. Acupuncture uses several methods for curing infertility. You either need to take Chinese herbal medicines that are capable of replenishing the Kidney or apply acupuncture under the feet, behind the ears, near genital organs and on your palms to get relieve from infertility. Acupuncture does not work with only needles but also provides aid with other special treatments like in-vitrio fertilization [IVF] and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] for acupuncture fertility. Organizations like the Atlanta acupuncture for infertility pregnancy also offers acupuncture and electro-acupuncture methods for treating infertility. Know more about the success rate of acupuncture from reducing infertility Reports say that at least 90% of women undergoing acupuncture get cured from infertility problems, polycystic ovarian syndromes [PCOS], excess pelvic pain and severe intercourse pains. However, reports also say that even 86% of men have been cured of all unusual reproductive problems with the aid of acupuncture. Infertility and acupuncture go hand in hand. So try acupuncture to get miraculous escape from infertility.

Acne Scar Laser Treatment

Copyright 2006 Alberto Martinez I didn’t know anything about acne scar laser treatment to remove, blend, or diminish the pocks and other marks, then. It was the 1980s, and I was not all that focused on beauty (but rather on getting through graduate school, therapy, and three jobs); and I was ignorant about skin care innovations. But I said to the man of the week, a cool guy, actually, for most purposes, that I wanted to sand-paper my face skin, so I could lesson the devastating holes…or at least so I could fill in the open pores, the holes where acne had been. Think of the face as being made of clay. Imagine that clay face full of big gouges, dents, or blemishes—new and old. Envision taking a stylus or other sculptor’s tool to drag and smear new clay into those pits and over those scars and marks. It seems logical, right? Your new face would be pock-free and smooth again, as it had been in pre-adolescent days. If you think of the new techniques, surgical, cosmetic, and other, used to remove acne marks, you might think in terms of the sculptor’s clay and maneuvers analogy. Then again, you might think more in terms of the face as an unfinished or marked piece of furniture that about to get sand-papered. Not all that “imaginative” or, rather, new, today, though. Now we have such a re-sculpting device: we have acne scar laser treatment. Acne scar laser treatment, also called resurfacing and also used for wrinkles, works in a particular way. According to one plastic surgery professional, acne scar laser treatment done by a CO2 laser or an erbium laser—which “vaporizes” superficial damaged skin cells. This frees up the existing and healthier collagen to get thicker and to become even healthier. The emphasis honest practitioners of acne scar laser treatment offer, though, is that such treatment does not “cure” or magically remove all acne marks and blemishing. Rather, it improves the skin condition, diminishing though not completely removing. Other details are equally important. Depending upon type of acne scar laser treatment, be prepared to accept the treatment as a kind of surgery. You might undergo sedation or anesthesia of some type or degree; you can expect to be in the outpatient treatment room for anywhere from fifteen to ninety minutes; and you will need anywhere from three days to three weeks to wait for the swelling to go down and the abrasions, redness, and/or oozing to stop completely so you can resume typical skin care. I certainly didn’t envision such a complicated process. Then again, I didn’t come up with the idea all by myself, evidently. And besides, I am not a doctor, nor do I play one when writing.