The common cold or flu is almost synonymous with these winter months, and if you find yourself heading out to the drug store to dope up on NyQuil, then think again. Home remedies that usually fade away with our childhood, are beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the various websites available that are now promoting them. However, these treatments go far beyond chicken soup for a runny nose. Today's home remedies are just as good as what your mother and her mother before that offered up, and thanks to organic trends, you have the opportunity to give even better homemade remedies to your kids. Read on for five favorites.
Healing a Cold with Lemon & Garlic
It's tempting to take those overly advertised cold medicines when you get the sniffles, but did you know that common kitchen foods can make you well without giving your system unnecessary chemicals? Lemon is a great example of this. You may have noticed that a lot of cold & flu medications are infused with lemon. That's because the pharmaceutical industry has caught on to a secret your ancestors knew all along - lemon can make you well. Add some Vitamin-C enriched lemon juice, or a slice of fresh lemon, to a glass of warm water for relief from common cold symptoms.
Garlic also packs a powerful punch against cold & flu season. Garlic soup can greatly reduce the strength of your symptoms. Eat it once a day to keep the doctor away! You can prepare it by boiling up three cloves of chopped garlic in a cup of water. The vegetable's natural oils helps to clear up your clogged airways. It can also work to flush away toxins.
Conquering a Cough
Catch that chronic cough from a coworker? A nagging, chesty cough that hinders your day when you feel otherwise fine, can be beyond annoying. Chop up some ginger (around 10 grams) and boil it in a cup of water. Strain and then add a teaspoon of sugar for a cough suppressant designed by Mother Nature herself.
Beating A Bad Case of Nausea
Plagued with the stomach flu and can’t find any relief? Now is the time to get your sweets in. Peppermint tea has been known to help with an unsettled stomach, and sucking on lemon drops can do the trick as well. Honey chamomile can also help with this. Lastly, while it is never a good idea to make soda drinking a daily habit, a little 7-Up can go a long way when you are feeling queasy. Pair it with some unsalted soda crackers to get your digestive system back on track.
If your nausea isn’t caused by the time of year at all, but is rather being caused by first trimester pregnancy, then add a few teaspoons of wheat germ to a glass of milk to reduce your queasiness.
Healing Headaches
If you find yourself with a debilitating headache right before that important company meeting or big party, then return back to my original praise of the lemon. The crust of a lemon peel can be mashed down and applied as a mask directly to the forehead, or you can squeeze out the pure lemon juice and add to your favorite tea for hopefully close to instant relief. Three to four slices should do the trick.
If you like the idea of a homemade headache mask, mixing cinnamon with water to form a paste to then be applied to the throbbing area is another home remedy trick that has been proven to work.
Abolishing the Aches
While it sounds far from appetizing, raw potato juice is known as one of the best weapons against aches and pains, especially those stemming from mild arthritis. Cut a medium potato into very thin slices, and place them overnight in a glass of cold water. Drink the water in the morning before you eat anything, and you should see some sort of improvement with your achiness.
Home remedies run abundant all over the Internet and in the recipe boxes of our grandparents. Consider rediscovering them before you spend unnecessary money on over the counter medications.
So you’ve decided to go vegetarian. Now that the choice has been made, make sure you are doing it in a healthy way. Making the transition from carnivore to herbivore can be a challenge for anyone who isn’t familiar with the nutritional demands. You can’t just skip the steak in the buffet and expect to stay healthy and safe.
Knowing what exactly to eat will help you to make smart choices and stay in optimal shape for as long as your vegetarian diet is with you. Read on for some information toward a healthy lifestyle, dead animals not included!
A vegetarian diet is usually made up of mainly plant-based bites such as veggies, fruit, whole grains, and nuts. Since you won’t be eating meat anymore, you will enjoy a diet lower in fat and an increase in fiber.
Unfortunately many people consider french fries and white bread to be the staples of their vegetarian diet, leading to a variety of health problems. Planning your diet smartly can ward off many diseases and help you to keep up with the health benefits many meat eaters easily experience.
First of all, you need to decide what sort of vegetarian you’d like to be. Vegans are the most stringent of vegetarians, not eating any food that comes from animals, including not only meat but dairy products and meat flavoring as well. Lacto-vegetarians consume dairy products, but like vegans, do not have eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians are the most common, eating eggs and dairy, but not having any meat. Lastly, there are Flexitarians, who fluctuate between partaking in a vegetarian diet, and following a normal food plan including meat products. No matter what sort of vegetarian you aspire to be, it is definitely possible to have all of your nutritional demands met through a non-meat diet. Read on for some pointers.
If you decide against dairy, you can have soymilk, almond milk, or rice milk instead. These can help you to get the nutrients you need without having to depend upon an animal to provide it. Instead of butter, go for the olive oil or vegetable broth. There are also fat-free cooking sprays available for purchase that can help get the flavor in without harming an animal or adding extra calories. Soy cheese is also available, and egg replacements (which are made up primarily of potato starch) can be a great way to start the morning.
When it comes to non-meat sources for your essential vitamins and nutrients, filling these requirements is easier than you think. Protein is a big deal in your body, so make sure you are getting it through meat substitutes, nuts, or whole grains. Also of high importance, calcium can be found in dairy products, but also in green leafy vegetables if you have taken the vegan route. Calcium-enriched tofu is also available for purchase. Vitamin B-12 is important to avoid anemia, and if you are a vegan, it can be tough to get. Try taking a supplement in pill form, or eating a cereal enriched with it, which can often be found at your local health food store.
Lastly, iron is important to keep your red blood cells in tip top shape. You can get this through certain beans, lentils, whole-grain products, and fruits such as citrus and strawberries. Try to get an intake of iron whenever possible.
Being a vegetarian never means you have to compromise your health. Sometimes it just takes a little time to find your groove with such a new endeavor, and with a little research and a lot of passion for safe and healthy alternative foods, you will find you enjoy a full menu of exciting options.
No matter how you slice it, is vital those attempting to have a child after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder have some sort of plan in place to prevent damage to both mother and baby from taking place.
If you are not yet pregnant, the most important thing you can do for your health is to receive an evaluation from your doctor. This is so important, so your doctor can monitor and be both your support and cautionary spokesperson throughout this delicate time. It is possible to be off of medication during your pregnancy, however if you are thinking of becoming pregnant, do not just walk away from your prescriptions without consulting with your doctor.
Also, do not be ashamed if you find during the pregnancy you are not as strong as you thought you would be. Some cannot go nine months without their meds, and there are ways to remedy this. Always be upfront and honest with your support team, and you will receive the best care possible. If you are already pregnant, know that prescriptions such as Lithium are very harmful to the fetus during the first trimester. Make an appointment with your doctor immediately to discuss your options. Intensive counseling is a good idea if you have to wean yourself off of your medicine, so you still have a way to remain stabilized. Even with the best of help, some women who suffer from bipolar have such a severe case that their psychiatrist may not advise pregnancy. Instead, look into adoption, as there are plenty of children available who need loving homes. You can be a wonderful mother without risking your health or putting a baby in danger.
If you do go off of your medication, it is vital you have prescription ready to go right after birth. Many bipolar women cannot breast feed, as they are highly susceptible to post partum depression and must be medicated as soon as possible. There is a 50-90% risk of a manic episode during pregnancy or post partum, so get your ducks in a row so you can keep yourself safe and as risk-free as possibly.
There are definitely options for bipolar women, as Electroconvulsive Therapy is even possible during pregnancy if the mania or depression is severe enough. While not a favorite option of physicians due to the risk, it is possible to closely monitor such a procedure and keep both mother and baby quite safe.
In cases of extreme depression, a hospitalization may be mandated during the pregnancy. If you find you need to be hospitalized, this is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, being hospitalized means you care about the baby’s well being and are willing to do whatever that takes. It is a sign of courage, not weakness. Proof that you are mature enough to handle being a mother in the face of a devastating illness, rather than hiding behind dangerous medications and reckless behaviors. And for this, you should be applauded. Don’t ever think you are any less of a person if your mental illness does not allow you to conceive. There is always a solution, though it does not always come quickly.
In this era of healthy living and organic food crazes, it is amazing how many people still underestimate the power of including water in their daily routine. From skincare to extra energy, water is a natural health booster that a lot of us still overlook. So if you are one of the millions still left in the dark, read on for reasons why you should be drinking more of this ready-made skincare and body enhancer.
Water is the main ingredient in the human body. Would you try to make banana bread without bananas? Cherry pie without the cherries? Probably not. And if you did, your family would find you insane. This is exactly why health professionals think that we are crazy when we deprive our body of the appropriate amount of water it needs every day. Our bodies are made up essentially of water, and everything from your skin care and beauty down to your digestion and your major organs needs it to survive.
But what if you are still young and vibrant, and feel as if you are not yet at a stage where you need to worry about your internal health? While it is never too early to be conscientious about your health, it may also be important for you to hear about just how vital water is to your skin care. It moisturizes, softens, and keeps your skin at its healthiest. If you find that your face looks dull or ashen, analyze your fluid intake. Are sodas and sugary juices overshadowing your water consumption? Do you find yourself constantly thirsty and listless, and your skin dryer than it should be? Try adding more water to your life for a virtually instant pick-me-up. Water hydrates your skin and gives you that healthy glow that the world will envy. So many people spend hundreds of dollars on makeup and fancy skincare products, when all they really need is a glass of the good stuff.
Another great thing that water provides, is help with weight loss. Water is nature's ultimate appetite suppressant, and drinking a lot of it helps you to curb your cravings and flush your system out at the same time. With all of the dangerous weight loss pills and programs out there, save yourself (and your health) the risk and frustration and go back to basics. Fill up your water bottle and keep it with you at work as you begin to experience those in between breakfast and lunch hunger pangs. Remember that exercise also helps your circulation, which can save you money that you normally spend on skincare. Instead, a naturally flattering complexion forms when you exercise regularly!
So how much water should one drink each day? The question seems like it commands a simple answer, but the reality is that the response varies based upon your body's needs. A lot of sources will tell you that you need a minimum of 8 glasses a day, but the truth of the matter is that you need to obey your own internal requirements.
Experts are now saying that there is no set number. Rather, when you are thirsty, you should drink. If you find yourself experiencing headaches or dizziness, chances are that you are depriving your body of water, whether or not you are meeting the 8 glasses a day standard. If your urine is highly concentrated and anything other than clear/very pale yellow in color, then that is another telltale sign that your body wants more.
For optimal health, be it internal or external, water is an everyday necessity for life. You can live for months without food, but only a few days without an H20 fix. So listen to your body and pay attention to what the healthcare pros are saying. Drink more water. Your skincare, energy level, and health will improve. In short, your body will thank you!
There are so many foods out there that will help you live life to the fullest, providing energy and vibrancy we all need. Also known as “superfoods”, these ten snacks are perfect when you are looking to improve your health and enhance your life! Think they are on your gross out list? Give them another chance. Our tastebuds evolve from childhood, and also there are plenty of innovative recipes that weren’t in existence when we were kids.
1) Beets – Beets? Really? After spending an entire childhood and then some avoiding these red roots, this often neglected veggie is actually a great resource when it comes to protecting your arteries and helping your heart stay strong and healthy. They have even been proven to fight cancer. Cooking beets makes them less nutritious, so get brave and eat them raw!
2) Cabbage – It may not be a popular diet choice here in the U.S., but it is a staple veggie in a lot of Asian and European kitchens. With low calories and able to accelerate your body’s enzyme production, you can again reduce cancer risk and stay healthy. Find some fun slaw recipes, or substitute it where you would normally put lettuce, like sandwiches or hamburgers.
3) Guava – This one shouldn’t be too difficult to stomach, as this delectable island fruit can take you away from your daily mundane life and send you daydreaming to a tropical getaway. It’s great for potassium, and will give you fiber as well.
4) Prunes – These dried plums may make you nervous, or like an elderly person with bathroom issues, however prunes can knock out free radicals in your system like no other fruit can. Filled to the brim with antioxidants, prunes got such a bad reputation for the um, other issues they can cause, that grocery stores now carry the renamed “dried plums”, and plenty of fun and yummy recipes are available to help you get them down.
5) Pumpkin Seeds – Don’t just eat the pumpkin seeds after carving the Jack-O-Lantern, these are great for you year round. They increase your intake of magnesium, making them a great resource for a nutrient you wouldn’t get otherwise. Eat them in their shells, because those contain extra fiber. Don’t want to gut a pumpkin? They are available at most grocery and health food stores.
Bright and leafy fruits and veggies are also a great enhancement for any diet, as are any vitamin supplements appropriate for your age and gender. The key is in the antioxidants plants produce. When you have enough antioxidants in your diet, you can squelch not only your cancer risk, but a myriad of other illnesses as well. You will have a stronger immune system and be able to live healthier for longer.
Remember that you don’t have to give up your favorite foods forever, just because you want to start eating more healthily. Moderation is the key, making sure you are adding more superfoods in, while giving most fast food the boot. However you can always have a cheat day, and it doesn’t hurt you to indulge once in awhile! Knowing what to eat is the best way to get the health your body needs to keep performing at its best. So don’t be afraid to ask your doctor when you have questions on nutrition, and do everything you can to work those superfoods into your diet starting today!
So it’s January 18th. How are you doing with those resolutions? For most people, the New Year’s promises and self-threats are waning, and some have disappeared altogether. If you vowed to slim down in 2008, but have yet to make any impressive progress, don’t give up just yet. There are still things you can do to shed pounds this year! Below are tips to finding the perfect diet that will work you.
Before you select any weight loss plan, remember there are a few staples that should be there.
First, all diets should require a fair bit of exercise. If you find a diet plan that claims you don’t have to exercise, chances are it is invalid and will be a waste of time. It should also encourage you to eat a variety of foods found in all of the USDA recommended food groups. They may minimize the portions of certain foods, but they should all be representative at least a bit. The diet should also not claim that you will lose weight rapidly, as this is both unrealistic and unhealthy. You shouldn’t be dependent upon pills or supplements, and there should be some sort of scientific basis to the diet plan. Lastly, it should encourage you to stay super hydrated, as water is essential to anyone and everyone’s health and well being! Read on to discover diet selection tips that cover all these bases, and have been proven to work with some individuals.
First, you want to find a diet that truly matches your eating trends. If you have a job that demands a lot of travel, then chances are a diet that stresses home cooked meals will not work for you. If you have a family that isn’t supportive of food changes, you will want to find a diet that allows for flexible adjustments or provides tips for you to stay strong against constant temptation. If you aren’t a gourmet cook, you will not want a diet that requires you to spend a lot of time hanging out in the kitchen, preparing foods you aren’t experienced enough to properly make. Lastly, if you are super busy, diets that demand certain timing, like the South Beach diet that requires 6 small meals evenly spaced throughout the day, may be difficult for you.
Exercise is another important point to consider. If you aren’t a very active individual, chances are you will not stick to a diet that requires long hours at the gym. You may have good intentions, but a lifestyle change can be difficult to make, and if you aren’t super active now, you probably don’t want to start out with a high impact exercise plan. Many diets promote physical fitness without extreme demands. If you aren’t already involved with an intense gym or team sport, then know you don’t have to completely overhaul your physical routines in order to get fit.
However, at times reform can be a good thing. If you can find a reasonable diet that will help you break bad habits such as eating in front of the television or snacking incessantly, then you will greatly benefit from the outcome. Many people become frustrated by failed weight loss, only to discover that their own negative habits are causing hindrances. Try to find a weight loss plan that discourages food habits you already know in your heart as bad. It can make a big difference.
Finding a weight loss plan can be made even easier by talking to your doctor and getting advice toward making smart choices. So stop reading and go make that appointment today!
Allergies affect a large percentage of the population, making life difficult both indoors and out. While people sometimes think pollen is the only cause of allergies, the truth of the matter is that allergens are found both inside and out, causing issues for at least 2 out of 10 Americans year round. If you suffer from allergies, read on to find out what causes them and how to find relief. There is hope out there for the sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. Do your homework and fight for a better quality of life whenever allergies try to take over!
Allergies are a backward response from the immune system. What is meant to be harmless turns out to be an irritant to certain bodies, and they can be anything from pollen and mold, to pet fur or certain perfumes. During an allergic reaction, antibodies form and attach to a blood cell known as a mast cell. These are found in your airway or gastrointestinal tract. When this happens, it releases a certain combination of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms such s sneezing, coughing, or the development of a particular rash. If you have itches or a runny nose, then chances are you’re suffering from allergies.
Much to many people’s surprise, allergies are actually genetic. It seems that people inherit allergies, but not necessarily to a specific allergen. If you suffer from allergies, then your child has over a 50% chance of contracting allergies themselves. The probability increases further if your spouse has allergies as well. There are also more severe allergies, such as peanut allergies or a reaction to bee stings that is much more severe than normal. Children, and even adults, can die from allergies such as these, so be sure to have contact with a doctor if you suspect you are at risk for such a reaction.
A lot of people wonder if there is any way to prevent allergies. The answer to this question is both yes and no. If you suspect you are allergic to a certain thing such as a fabric or food, you can arrange to have skin tests done. If your allergies are more wide spread, then you will have to take more drastic measures like perhaps removing a tree from your yard or using all natural cleaning products. Sometimes it is impossible to outlaw an allergy, and sometimes it is possible, but you have to go through a lot of effort. Many people agree it is worth it, however, if it will stop the inconvenience of sneezing and wheezing wherever you go.
Another way to cut down on household allergies is to make sure your house is always dusted, vacuumed, and that there isn’t a lot of pet dander lying around. If you have outdoor allergies, try to narrow down which plants you are allergic to. Sometimes the removal of one certain flower will greatly improve your allergy conditions. Lastly, you can ask your doctor for a prescription allergy medication to ease your symptoms, or try an over the counter version.
Sometimes allergies can severely affect your skin, like eczema for example. If you are suffering from such a condition, make sure you wash your clothes in a mild detergent and use a double rinse cycle to cut down on the cleaner clinging to the clothing fibers. You will also want to opt for cotton clothing and stay away from things that are tight fitting, as these can irritate eczema prone skin issues. Always wear sunscreen and chill out in front of an air conditioner in the summertime. Topical steroids can also be prescribed If your skin allergies are exceptionally severe.
So you think you might be pregnant? Congratulations! Many women try for months or even years before being able to conceive, while for others a baby comes as a complete surprise. Whatever your plans, if you now suspect you are about to become a mother, then read on for some of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. If you are experiencing any of these, take a home pregnancy test and if the results are positive, make an appointment with your gynecologist right away. If you do not have a regular doctor, you can go to your local Planned Parenthood. However, first things first!
Missed Period
One of the first tell tale signs of pregnancy is a missed period. Most women who are ultra regular with their menstruation cycle can tell right away if something is “off” or if they have a change in their cycle. While some women do not have the luxury of a regular cycle, they may also notice something is up if there is a change in their vaginal discharge or if it has been exceptionally long since their last period. Most women take a home pregnancy test based off of this symptom alone, as it is the most common and usually the most accurate.
Breast Tenderness
Women who are early in their pregnancy often experience sore or tender breasts that can often be described as “untouchable.” They can also experience breast changes such as swelling or darkening of the areola. Many women experience this symptom, while others do not notice the slightest of difference in their breasts until further into their gestation. For this reason, tender breasts are often considered a popular symptom, but it can also be a sign of PMS or a birth control pill side effect. Sometimes tenderness is noticeable enough that this alone can compel a woman to test for pregnancy.
Fatigue
One leading website jovially referred to this fatigue as “pregnancy narcolepsy”, and that is a very accurate description! Women early in pregnancy often experience an extreme tiredness that gets in the way of their normal daily routine. The fatigue can make focusing on tasks difficult, especially if you have a cubicle environment where you sit and stay on one job for an extended period of time. If you find yourself repeatedly exhausted, you may indeed be pregnant. In fact, fatigue is a symptom that can appear as early as one week after conception.
Morning Sickness
Oh the vomiting. If you get through your entire pregnancy without feelings of nausea, then you are one of the lucky few. Most women will feel sick to their stomachs during their first trimester, and it can last from 4-6 weeks up throughout the entire pregnancy. After a missed period, morning sickness is the most common warning sign of being with child. Most women will take a pregnancy test before morning sickness sets in, but if you are particularly busy or were not planning on being a mother right now, then the vomiting or sick feelings might be your dead giveaway.
Food Cravings
You’ve heard the stories of men going out into the snow storm in the middle of the night, on their quest to bring home ice cream and pickles for their expecting wives. While cravings are not always this odd, many women do experience distinct desires for certain foods, while having an unnatural aversion to others. Even favorite foods may become a gross out moment for you, and snacks you would not usually touch with a ten foot pole become personal favorites. Maybe your baby has a penchant for random cuisine, or maybe it’s all about the hormones – but whatever the cause, food cravings are usually a heads up that it’s time to go to the doctor.
As the director of a dance company featuring many adolescents, I often hear teenage chatter regarding acne and other complaints of common skin ailments. Hormones continue to torture today's youth just as much as they ruined our own personal youth, and even as adults many of us still suffer from this obnoxious condition. Isn’t there a cut and dry cure for acne we can all live with? Unfortunately the answer is no, however there are plenty of acne treatments that still might do the trick. The solution? First, understand what sort of blemishes you are enduring, and then investigate your appropriate options.
Types of Acne
Acne crops up when your pores get clogged. No one is really sure why the pores get stuck full of junk, though many blame it on everything from greasy foods to going to bed with your makeup still on. Whatever the cause, bacteria starts to form under the surface of your skin, and various types of blemishes begin to form.
The whitehead is one of the more common forms of a pimple. When the bacteria stays below the skin’s surface, then the pimple has a “white” top to it. You often hear of young people “popping” these whiteheads, which is never a good idea since it can cause infection or further whiteheads to grow.
However, the rationale comes from the fact whiteheads heal by breaking through the surface of the skin and releasing its bacteria to begin healing. However, you must allow this process to happen on its own. The same can be said about blackheads, where the bacteria is partially exposed while still partly under the skin, causing it to turn black in color.
Outside of these two forms of what is known as non-inflammatory acne, there are more serious versions of this skin disorder known as flammatory. A papule is one of those types. This is when there is a break in what is known as the follicular wall. The white blood cells enter, and the pore area becomes inflamed and irritated. A pustule is what comes after a papule, ad this is when it starts resemble a whitehead. This is what is usually recognized as a common pimple. However, things start to go slightly awry from there when it comes to flammatory acne. The pimple then turns into a nodule, which is when a follicle breaks on the bottom, and a large bump forms. It is sore when you touch it, and it is beyond obnoxious looking. Lastly, a cyst forms, and this inflamed reaction can be distressing, alarming, and many people seek dermatological treatment to remedy the skin flare up.
Common myths make acne worse, or prevent treatment from becoming possible. One of these myths is the idea that washing your face more often will help reduce acne outbreaks. However, acne is not caused by having a dirty face. It is the overactivity of oil in the pores, and washing your face repeatedly can actually cause an increased oil production, as your face is struggling to keep up its natural moisture. Another myth is that stress causes acne. The only direct relation between stress and acne is that you often neglect proper care of your skin when you are overly tired or busy. A final myth is that certain foods can cause breakouts. Great news! You can in fact eat chocolate and potato chips!
If you are struggling with chronic acne, the best thing you can do is to visit your dermatologist. Medicated facial washes and oral medications are the best weapons against the skin disorder, and pimples are much more conquerable than you may realize.
In the 1980s, acclaimed sports writer Frank Deford documented the life and death of his 8 year old daughter, Alex Deford, in the book Alex: The Life of a Child. The book became a best seller and was eventually made into a successful TV movie. What exactly happened to little Alex? She was a victim of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that wreaks havoc on the lungs and results ultimately in death. This chronic disease is inherited by the parents and affects breathing and digestion of approximately 70,000 people worldwide. A dangerous protein product compels the body to create a thick and gooey mucus that clogs up the lungs and leads to serious infection. It is also capable of disabling the pancreas and causing the enzymes to stop in its usual breakdown of food. As mentioned above, cystic fibrosis is always fatal.
When the disease was first identified, few children lived past toddlerhood. In the time Alex’s story was published, mid-childhood was common. Today, many CF patients are successfully living well into their 30s and beyond. However, life is still not easy for someone struggling with this disease. There are plenty of therapies to endure, medications to take, and social issues that come out of constant coughing and breathing issues. Those with CF have to work twice as hard to keep up, however thousands rise to the challenge every year. Doctors have located the gene that causes CF, and for this reason, we are closer to a cure than ever before. However unfortunately as of now, there is only treatment and no permanent cute for this devastating respiratory and digestive condition.
If you have Cystic Fibrosis, there are several symptoms that will be apparent. CF children have very salty skin, and a procedure known as a “sweat test” has long been a way to diagnose the disorder. Those with CF also have persistent coughing, often phlegm filled, and can cause gagging and extreme discomfort for the patient as well as those around them who feel concerned or frightened for the cougher. Lung infections are another chronic symptom of the illness, as the constant stress on the lungs from the mucus causes weakness and irritation on a regular basis. A shortness of breath, much like an asthma attack, is often experienced in those who have CF. Two final symptoms are bowel movements that can be considered “greasy”, as well as a chronically low weight or height despite a healthy level of hunger and food consumption.
Most CF patients will be diagnosed with the illness by the age of two years old. Many babies show the signs early on, and frequent hospitalizations as an infant will often lead to an early diagnosis. The median survival age for CF patients, as of 2006, was rated as being 37 years. However, there are CF patients who live longer than this, and unfortunately many who die much younger. Currently about 40% of people with CF are older than 18 years old, which says a lot for the research and progress that has been made since Alex Deford passed away in 1980.
Various physical therapies are available to help maintain a relatively healthy and normal existence. Postural drainage is one of the most common. This involves a daily “pounding” on the lungs in a variety of different positions, often administered by a parent or nurse if the patient is a child. This can be a painful and distressing therapy, however it is good for loosening lodged up mucus in the lungs. Inhaled medications are another effective treatment, as well as oral medications and unfortunately, frequent hospitalizations. However many people with CF can still partake in normal everyday activities, assuming they can stay on top of their therapy and medications.
Menopause can be a sobering time of life for many women, who identify it as a time where youth is "officially" over. Some have issues coping with the end of many parts of womanhood, namely the ability to have a child, and for this reason it can be a difficult time. Knowing some of the most common signs of menopause can help you to mentally prepare for them, and also learn how to physically cope with them as well! Read on for these five most recognized signs, and what to do if you are experiencing them.
Hot Flashes
A hot flash is one of the most famous of menopausal symptoms. Women are often heard complaining about them in television sitcoms, the common gag for a middle aged actress. However in real life, hot flashes are rarely a laughing matter. Known as a sudden hot feeling in the upper body, hot flashes are also accompanied by a faster heartbeat, and a noticeable flush in the face, neck, and chest. Many women also experience sweating, and these symptoms can last for up to five minutes. Sound crazy uncomfortable and almost embarrassing? It can be! Women do complain of hot flashes more frequently than any other symptom. What can stop hot flashes? Most doctors recommend a healthy and balanced diet with regular routine exercise. There are prescription medications available if hot flashes are particularly difficult to deal with.
Night Sweats
If you think hot flashes are annoying, then chances are you will be equally frustrated with night sweats. Where hot flashes inconvenience your day, this related attack takes place in the evening/night. Severe sweating occurs, to the point where it wakes you up continuously each night. This in turn can make your hot flashes worse as you must maintain a healthy routine in order to keep them under control, and a lack of sleep makes this difficult. Night sweats are usually caused by the severe hormonal changes that occur during menopause, and they can sometimes be dealt with by partaking in hormonal replacement therapy or something similar.
Hair Loss
While most women will not experience balding like men, they will more than likely notice a thinning of their hair, be in on their head or elsewhere on the body. This is caused by estrogen depletion, as your hair follicles depend upon this chemical to grow and prosper. Many women notice this as their first menopausal symptom because, we as women, are always messing with our hair! If your thinning hair is disrupting your life, namely your self esteem, talk to your doctor. There are plenty of treatments available.
Weight Gain
Ugh, another reason to diet?! Sad but true! Women going through menopause will experience a thickening or softening around their middle. This is caused by a slowed metabolism, and this often happens around the same time as menopause. Women can control this through, you guessed it, diet and exercise. Menopausal supplements can also help to up your metabolism, so make sure you start taking them BEFORE menopause hits if possible.
Mood Swings
Think you are done with the most common symptom of PMS now that it’s menopause time? Think again. Mood swinging continues throughout menopause and is a common symptom of it! It seems that from puberty to the grave, women are moody and irritable. Is there a way to resolve this? I won’t give you the diet and exercise spiel again, even though it’s true. Beyond that, there are plenty of mood-stabilizing medications you can look into if you feel your mood swings are out of control and beginning to affect your work and personal relationships.
Menopause doesn’t have to be a time to feel defeated. You can take control of your symptoms with the powers of education and modern medicine.
What these statistics do not represent are the literally thousands of rapes not reported to authorities after the fact. Many people, especially young women, live in silence regarding the crimes committed against them. If you or someone you know has been the victim of rape, it is important to realize there are medical and psychological resources available to you for little or no cost. Many women are afraid they will be judged for what has happened to them, however there are organizations out there that are designed for people just like you, where you do not have to be afraid or experience further discomfort or trauma.
If you have been raped, or know someone who has, the most important thing you can do is to call the police immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. The more time that passes, the more evidence is lost. Even if you are not sure whether or not you want to press charges, it is important you report the assault as quickly as possible so that you can have options when you begin to get your head back and are ready to make decisions as to what you want to do.
At the emergency room, a few things will happen. First, a doctor will examine you. A rape exam is similar to a typical gynecological examination, only the medical staff will collect evidence. This includes a swab for semen or other bodily secretions, and an external and internal check for bruising, lacerations, or other injuries sustained from the attack. These will be documented for the police, should you choose to report the crime. Medical staff are mandated reporters if they examine a victim who is under 18, however do not let this discourage you from seeking help if you are within this age range. Reporting a rape will potentially prevent the same crime from happening to others.
After your physical exam, you may be given a pregnancy and HIV test, and if it has been within 72 hours since the rape, you will be given the option of taking a morning after pill to prevent pregnancy. This pill is not an abortion pill, but rather works as an emergency internal contraceptive so that you will increase your chances of not becoming pregnant from the assault. You will then be interviewed by a sexual assault worker or a police officer. Take your time in answering questions, as you want to relay as much about the assault as you can remember.
If you are sexually abused or assaulted, do not shower or try to destroy evidence. A rape victim’s first impulse is to forget it ever happened, however this is much more detrimental than seeking help. Even if the rape was a week ago or even longer, it is important to file a report and get yourself checked for physical injuries. The emergency room can also recommend counseling resources that can help you through this difficult time. Many rape victims make a full recovery and go on to help others in a similar situation. It is a terrible thing to overcome, however it is truly possible!
Autistic children usually do not interact socially, and this becomes apparent early in life. They also partake in repetitive habits, such as stacking toys or making patterns out of household items in a way that leads one to believe they are obsessing over particular routines. Autism robs the individual of their intuitive skills, making it difficult for one to respond to the simplest of reflexes, such as responding when their name is called out.
Autism is noted in infants that seem to hold a distinct amount of disinterest regarding their surroundings, including lacking smiles for mother and a lack of responsive facial expressions. Toddlers do not make eye contact and usually do not form attachments to adults other than their parents. As adults, emotional responses continue to be delayed and an autistic patient may seem disinterested, aloof, or as if they are giving the real world the “silent treatment.” Autistic people are not oblivious, but rather are unable to overcome the invisible cage of emotions that has encircled them. It is very difficult for them to step outside of this box they find themselves in, and many do not try unless they are continually stimulated and put through proper therapy and treatment.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for autism. Celebrity Jenny McCarthy recently published a book detailing the steps she took toward healing her son from autism with nutrition, however the jury is still out as to how much this benefitted him and whether or not he was a misdiagnosed or mild case. While nutrition and other alternative forms of treatment do not work for most, the fact they have worked for some makes it worth looking into if you yourself are raising an autistic child.
While autism still remains irreparable, there are many therapies and outreaches available to autistic patients, namely children. Horseback riding has been one successful treatment, which gives children suffering from autism a place where they can feel in control, have a hands on learning experience, and learn to express commands, thoughts, and feelings first through their equine companion and hopefully eventually to the world around them. Horse therapy has been used to soften the blow of several brain disorders, and its victories against autism have been very impressive a study.
Autistic children also seem to make progress through art therapy, where they are encouraged to express their emotions through art, dance, and other forms of creativity in an environment where they feel safe and unthreatened. Trying art therapy can be a scary experience to autistic children who are exceptionally shy, however after the initial adjustment, such children love stepping out of their secret worlds and into another realm of make believe through their own artistic expression. Parents are also extremely rewarded by the progress and creations they see in the life of their autistic child. We still have miles to go before we truly understand autism, however with further research and the progression of unconventional therapies, we are surely on the right road.
No matter what the condition, mental illness can be a devastating thing for both those personally experiencing it and for friends & family members who feel as if they are not equipped to help them through their struggle. With over two million Americans diagnosed with some form of bipolar disorder, to the person who is constantly under attack from the illness, it may feel as if they are the only one. Patients often feel isolated from friends and family members who continually tell them to “cheer up” or “calm down”, when in actuality their moods and impulses feel far from within their realm of control. How can you help a friend or family member dealing with bipolar disorder? What are the treatments? Is there a way to cope?
Publications on bipolar disorder, (namely Bipolar I with rapid cycling, and Bipolar II with more depressive episodes & only 1-3 manic episodes per year), fluctuate between positive outcomes from recent research and doom and gloom statistics regarding the disorder and suicide rates. Whether or not you are a person living with the disease or are looking from the outside in, the reports are enough to make your head spin. A clear and concise explanation of symptoms and causes is not always easily found.
Bipolar disorder is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain which causes a person to fluctuate between deep depressions and high “manic” periods where the individual needs very little sleep, is able to be hyper productive in work, and often lacks the ability to say no in situations where they otherwise would. Promiscuity and grandiose planning can take place during manic episodes, while depressive phases often involve isolation from loved ones, threats of suicide, and a feeling of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness that cannot be shaken.
The first impulse of those who are witnessing a bipolar person in action is to back away from them or claim they are unable to help. While being a support to a depressed individual is undoubtedly a lot of work, there are always things you can do to help them through a depressive or manic phase.
Some things you should not do when dealing with a bipolar individual include:
- - Commenting on how “fun” they are during a manic phase. This will be remembered during periods of depression and they will feel support is only there when they are “up” and entertaining to be around.
- - Ignoring threats of suicide or inquiries for help. You may have heard it all before, but so have they. The majority of successful suicide attempts related to bipolar take place when an individual feels they have finally “convinced” their loved ones of not being serious, and no one is there to stop them.
- - Telling them to just “get over it.” People with bipolar disorder or depression are not usually wallowing or feeling bad for themselves. When in a depressive state, it is physically and mentally impossible for the individual to see past current circumstance or remember past instances of overcoming pain.
If you are willing to befriend or support a bipolar person, there are certainly things you CAN do as well.
- - Don’t be afraid to offer help if you are wanting to provide it. Having bipolar disorder is scary and frustrating, and patients know full well there is a lack of understanding regarding it. There is no reason to be afraid of them, they are already afraid of themselves.
- - Take those asking for help seriously. Chances are, they will only reach out to a few. “Helping” can mean spending time with that person and checking to be sure they are safe, all the way up to finding counseling or reporting them to professionals if you feel suicidal thoughts will not subside shortly.
- - Have patience. While bipolars do experience periods of normalcy, they are often brief, usually a week or so out of every month. The rest of their days can be very painful, even during a manic phase. Learn to take things with a grain of salt, as bipolars often unintentionally say or do things that can be hurtful.
While all of these facts hold true, it does not mean a patient of bipolar disorder cannot be held responsible for some actions. Be bold enough to ask them about their current medications and psychiatry plan. Those with the condition are often on medicine, and should always be under the care of a therapist and doctor. If your friend or loved one is not receiving these things, insist that they do.
Since people usually receive and collect silver and gold for investment purposes, the most common available form is ingot. For silver ingots of pure bullion they are usually cast into a size and form ideal for today’s modern world. These coins do have a currency value, obviously making them much more popular than pretend pirate’s loot! As for gold bullion, it has been regarded for centuries as a way to protect wealth and invest even more money. Even today, people love to stockpile gold bars, as they are enchanting with their beauty and able to pull people into their illusion of richness and splendor. Even owning one gold bar can make people feel inherently wealthy, making them a fun gift and collector’s item.
Right now, world demand for silver is higher than ever before. The time to invest in silver and gold bullion is definitely now. The U.S. government places value especially in silver, making it a valuable investment for anyone looking for an almost definite turnaround. Monex provides a variety of precious metals including American eagle gold coins worth $50 each. They are available in various weights, including units of 20 coins each. Monex also has bragging rights as the carrier of the best silver coin prices within the industry.
This was the first Christmas in my life I didn't go home to the bay area. I thought it would be weird and I'd get homesick, but I didn't really experience that. One reason is probably because my parents, sister and uncle are all staying with us up here at our house in Sacramento....and THAT has kept me so busy, annoyed, tired, stressed out and admittedly happy, that I didn't have much of a chance to really think about usual traditions.
Christmas Eve we cooked a formal dinner and then we went to the Christmas Eve service at church. It was pretty much what I expected from my family. My mom fell asleep, my sister was bored out of her mind, my uncle actually gave it a chance and had intelligent things to say afterward, and my father both broke his communion cup and complained about the dance we performed. I had never seen anyone accidentally crush their communion cup before, but the dance criticism didn't really shock me. He didn't like the fact there was a media playing with the dance, because it took attention away from me and Alisha. I told him that the dance was about God, and not about me being in the spotlight, and he looked at me totally dumbstruck like I was speaking a foreign language. Oh well. Maybe I am.
Anyway the dance was fun, but I definitely janked it. We kept it super simple and yet my sort of deflated spirit going into the night triggered unpointed toes and botching a jump I have never botched before. It was so easy. The dance was so, so, so easy. And I acted like a total novice. My heart wasn't in it. I just got too afraid. There are too many critics in the world, and the biggest one is in my head. I liked our outfits though. And I liked the dance. I just didn't like me in it.
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Christmas day we opened gifts, and I got a pile of books I am super excited to dig into. Then we went to a super posh brunch at Karen's house with the whole world in attendance. My family, U Chun's parents, Frank's parents, aunt, niece, and cousins...it was way fun. I got the most amazing version of Alice in Wonderland from Frank's family. This super intricate pop up book that they found in some tiny shop. I love gifts like that
I got lots of good gifts. And had a lot of fun with my "extended" family (Frank's fam, church friends), but my real family is just starting to stress me out more everyday. I tried to take everyone over Pebble Creek to see all the Christmas lights, something they would normally love....but my mom threw a fit about how cold it was (it wasn't), and my sister just slept all afternoon/evening.
There was a lot of baby pressure this weekend too. WHY aren't you pregnant, Tam? WHEN are you going to give us grandchildren, Tam? Well...soon mom. And I have learned from you and dad a lot of loving things to pass on....and a lot of things that I will insist on stopping with this generation.
On a more positive note, Christmas really was a lot of fun. I am sort of complainy because I am tired and our house is thrashed. I love my family...I am just not sure if I don't understand them or they don't understand me
A couple of months ago I was pulled over for having an expired license and registration. A strapping young lad of a CHP officer gave me a ticket, and rightly so. I was driving basically without permission. Yes, law enforcement, I was a very bad girl.
SO I dutifully woke up butt early to get to the DMV before they opened so I could clean up my reputation, get my new license, etc. etc. I get my picture taken for my new license. It is a surprisingly cute shot for 7am and no makeup. I pay for my registration. Oh....says the lady that now stands between myself and vehicular freedom.....you need to get your car smog checked before we can complete your registration request.
Me: no problem! (surprisingly chipper for someone who skipped her cranberry juice and pop tart that morning...).....and I go and get my car smogged. This is all starting to get a little old. I am starting to hate my car. But, I am all for the smogging because I love California and I understand why we have to do it. After all, 36,457,549 people apparently love it to, and we have to keep our cars in check, right? Noooo problem.
Old faithful passed her smog check, and the smog guy assured me that the DMV would get the information, thus releasing my registration stickers. But wait. What about the ticket? No problem, I tell myself. I can take the proof of paid registration, proof of smog, and mail it in with the check, because they ask for "proof of correction." I do. Bye bye $300.
A week letter, I get a nasty notice from the Superior Court of California, saying (and saying strongly in all bold and caps) that I need to have PROOF OF CORRECTION (aka a police officer signing off my ticket). The ticket is also now $650. Sigh.
So I take my ticket, and my registration in my purse with me to the mall today to do some last minute shopping....and I see a Sacramento sheriff. It's my lucky day! I just saved myself a trip to the police station, woot!
Um....un-woot. He says he needs further proof of registration, aka the smog certification. Dang it. So I go down to the police station, thinking they can run my license in their computer and see that I have paid everything. No, says the desk guy. You need to have your stickers. My stickers? Yeah your registration stickers.
I know exactly what stickers, you nincompoop desk cop who didn't make it into combat or whatever the heck it is you call police officers that actually do stuff....but I can't GET the stickers until the TICKET is signed. He just shakes his head at me.
Me: Can I talk to a police officer?
Him: There aren't any here.
I take a moment of silence for emphasis as I look around at the puke colored walls of the Citrus Heights POLICE DEPARTMENT before I turn back to him and say very slowly "There.....are.....no....cops....at....t
Him: No. They are covering the north end.
Me: ALL of them?!
And so on and so forth until I left defeated with my unsigned ticket. I can't get the stickers without the signature, but the signature will not happen until I get the sticker.
Rawr.
I am so going to jail
The media blame obviously comes from magazines and other entertainment mediums where young eyes are bombarded with visuals of lithe ladies making millions based solely on appearance. Where media’s blame can be attributed is easy to see however it cannot take the blame forever. Both media and critics agree there has to be a breaking point where Hollywood is no longer depended upon for role models and babysitters. The time has come where parents and other adults must step up to be the positive examples young women so desperately seek. Teens looking to the entertainment industry alone for their good examples and role models will be gravely disappointed.
An increased competitiveness in elite sports and other worlds desirable to young women such as dance and modeling demand a thin physique, and many within these arenas are turning to unhealthy measures such as binging & purging, chewing & spitting, and outright denying their bodies any form of nutrition. Even those who are consciously aware of the unhealthy choices they are making figure they are young and will be able to “bounce back” from their poor habits once they hit their ideal weight.
Instead these women are hitting rock bottom, landing themselves in therapy and inpatient programs in a battle to save their lives. The scariest thing about anorexia and bulimia are how quickly they can spiral out of control. Endless documentations of cases show women who at one time thought themselves to be in full control of their decision-making, only to discover too late that their mind had taken on a warped perspective difficult to beat. Battling a mindset that is deliberately inflicted upon oneself can be a grave challenge, one that many battle unfortunately until their death from the psychological disease.
If you know someone who is suffering from an eating disorder, it is not beneficial to tell them they are “thin enough.” Arguing logic into a person battling such a mindset is a losing battle, so instead save your energy and resources to help them gain positive tools to help in their struggle. Encourage the individual to get into therapy as soon as possible. This will be slow going and not something they will be happy with doing. Be prepared for a fight.
Many with disorders such as anorexia and bulimia do not believe they have a problem, and it must be shown to them through professional help and a constant confrontation with reality. You will be most helpful when you are ready to present the sick person with endless patience and unconditional love even when it feels impossible. Fighters need people to stand behind them both through the victories and setbacks of recovery. If you choose to be this person for someone battling an eating disorder, your job is noble but FAR from easy. Be ready to struggle alongside them, and keep their eyes on full recovery whenever it seems impossible. Those with eating disorders are able to overcome the negative mindsets that have become second nature. The support and educated beliefs of others only helps the process along!
With the New Year almost upon us, countless Americans are making their annual resolution to get healthier and skinnier! And, sadly like most other years, plenty will fall off the wagon and back into their old habits before the calendar changes over to February. To keep you on track, below are some tips toward a New Year that is happier and healthier than any you have experienced in the past.
1) Find Out What Exactly Your Body Needs…..
Our first impulse is to eat when we are hungry. It only makes sense, right? But the truth is that plenty of people eat twice as much (and sometimes even three times!) of what their body actually needs. In fact, thanks to our fast food culture, many of us are not only taking in excess calories but are also experiencing a huge deficiency in necessary vitamins. There are a few questions you should ask yourself when it comes to evaluating your caloric intake.
- - How many calories do you need according to your BMI and other factors easily found on a health website.
- -Are you eating out more than a few times a week? Is this necessary?
- -What types of fresh foods such as fruit and veggies will you be willing to use as a replacement for unhealthy snacking?
While these questions may seem simple, it is definitely easier said than done!
2) Speaking of Replacements….
As mentioned previously, knowing how to replace unhealthy foods with smarter choices is a challenge, but well worth it. Many people are under the false pretense that when you begin a diet, you have to rule out all of your favorite foods. In actuality, this just isn’t so. It is all about modification, not total elimination. Here are some common substitutions for some popular junk foods:
- -Raw veggies like celery or green beans can replace greasy potato chips. Pair them with a small amount of a low fat dip if you can’t stand to eat the green on their own.
- -Hot dogs can be replaced with turkey dogs, or even better, soy dogs.
- -Whole grain anything is always better than white. Whether it is pasta or hamburger rolls, opt for whole wheat whenever possible.
- -Fresh berries is a great sweet treat when you need to ditch the ice cream or cake. Now that the Christmas cookies are almost gone, it’s time to pay attention to the fruit section of the grocery store instead.
- -Turkey meat instead of beef is always an ideal option, so consider starting to use it in your favorite dishes.
3) Realistic Exercise….
The calendar turns to January and everyone splurges on a gym membership. As workout center owners sit back and count their dollars, many of us continue to sit back on….the couch. This year, set an exercise plan you can follow. Find a fun dance class, or some other activity that won’t necessarily “feel” like exercise to you. League sports, aerobics, yoga, or any other variety of recreational hobbies are well worth the motivation, as you can burn calories and slim down without even thinking about the physical exertion.
Another way to get in some realistic exercise is to find an activity partner. Will your spouse or a friend wake up half an hour earlier to go for a run? Is there a fitness DVD that you can do with others and pair it with a health foods potluck? Get creative with your exercise regime and it will be more enjoyable. In turn, if it is something you enjoy, it will be something you are compelled to stick with longer.
Sound scary? Unfortunately it is. Having a stroke is one of the most devastating illnesses, as it can cause lasting damage to your brain, including but not limited to your motor skills. Since the brain affects so much of our body, the location of the stroke determines the after-effects suffered. If you have a stroke toward the back of your brain, the after-effect will more than likely be some sort of visual impairment. If you have a stroke on the right side of your brain, then you will experience paralysis on the left side of your body, memory loss, and a personality that moves “faster” and can be categorized as questioning and curious. Lastly, if you suffer a stroke on the left side of your brain, then the right side of your body will be affected in the same ways, except your personality changes into a slower and more timid style at times. Strokes carry a lot of risk with them.
As the #3 cause of death in the U.S., that is over 150,000 people a year in terms of casualties. Many beyond that survive a stroke and spend years in rehabilitation and fighting to regain freedom to live their life fully. It is a truly devastating disease, and unfortunately there isn’t a lot of prevention available. Taking aspirin when you think you are having a stroke has been shown to reduce the damage, just as in a heart attack. The medicine helps reduce clotting and opens up airways for your brain, so if you are able to think fast enough, aspirin can help you until professional help arrives.
My grandmother died from stroke complications in 1998, and after witnessing her endure several of them throughout the years prior, I learned that the best support you can be to someone struggling with this disease is to have eternal patience. It may sound difficult, but it really is the best commitment you can make to someone faced with learning all of their motor skills over again. They will already be frustrated, meaning you should attempt to be the best and most understanding support possible. A stroke is scary for everyone involved, but try to remember it is most terrifying for those actually experiencing it within their own body. Unconditional love and encouragement is the best medicine you as a friend or family member can provide. Stay positive and remember that many Americans do in fact recover fully from having a stroke, and there is a silver lining in many instances!
FIREWORKSJuly 3, 2008
Thank you