Archive for October, 2009



Diabetes is a serious health problem that can affect your heart, kidneys, eyes, teeth and nerves. If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, oral hypoglycemic agents may have been prescribed such as sulfonylurea compounds to lower blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, these drugs are responsible of some unwelcome side effects. Are there natural, common and harmless ingredients that can help you stop taking dangerous drugs and stay in good health? How cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels? Is there a way to treat Type 1 diabetes too?

Active compounds

At least, eight different species of cinnamon have been identified. The specie most known and used worldwide is the cultivated one which is called by the botanists: Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. Another one which is sold in many grocery stores too is called: Cinnamomum Cassia. Its most active compound is a flavonoid, the MHCP or methylhydroxy chalcone polymer.

Properties

Cinnamon would help in reducing post-meal blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. How? According to some studies, cinnamon water-soluble active components are able to increase glucose metabolism which means cells’ ability to convert glucose to energy. They would have also the property to stimulate insulin sensitivity.

Health Benefits

Cinnamon bark stick or ground is a spice quite inexpensive which can easily be bought at most markets all over the world. Other practical advantage is that the active ingredient of this spice cannot be destroyed by heat. You can drink cinnamon tea (soak a stick in tea) or add it to dessert, juice, meats, salads etc.

Health Benefit Limits

Most of scientific studies were done with small groups of patients and therefore cannot offer enough evidence that cinnamon would be an effective hypoglycemic natural agent. Additionally, recent studies found that cinnamon doesn’t help so much people who are suffering from Type 1 diabetes.

Conclusion

Did you find this information helpful? Even though there is no significant evidence that cinnamon is a ‘miraculous hypoglycemic agent’ playing a major role to lower blood sugar levels, the scientific community agrees to say that it does help diabetics! What could it hurt to try? You can also do the same than Maxie. Who is she?

Maxie who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes wanted to stay in good health without medication. She started to follow a natural hypoglycemic home remedy. As the result, in few days her morning blood glucose dropped from 136 to 89! Feel free to read her story in Diabetes Reversal Report! This natural treatment is also able to cure persons who have been suffering from Type 1 diabetes for less than 7 years.



I will call them rumors, referring to the stories I have heard about how cinnamon is supposed to help control blood sugars for diabetics. I have heard them for years. Every once in a while I even put cinnamon in my Starbucks thinking it’ll help. I finally got around to checking it out first hand.

First I did a little research and found that none other than our own USDA Agriculture Research Service has done exhaustive studies on a natural way to keep blood sugar levels normal beginning as far back as 1990. Why bother you ask?

Diabetes is a disease that affects 7% or 21 Million Americans and claims 240 million victims worldwide. Type 2 Diabetes is the biggest portion of those at 95 %. Another 14 million Americans have pre-diabetes where their blood sugars are elevated but below Diabetic levels. They are on the way to getting it and probably don’t have a clue.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism–the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.

After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach.
In people with type 2 diabetes the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced.

So in short it is HUGE.

WHAT THEY FOUND. Chemist Richard A. Anderson looked at plants and spices that came out of folk medicine tales. They found that a few spices, notably cinnamon, made fat cells more responsive to insulin.

They discovered that cinnamon’s main ingredient increased glucose metabolism about 20 times normal in a test tube test of fat cells. They found this ingredient (MHCP) also was effective in preventing the formation of damaging free radicals-a bonus. Cinnamon is very inexpensive and is widely available.

So the next time you are at your favorite health food store get some water soluble cinnamon not the oil variety and give it a try. I did and it works!!

As with anything you do with the ‘big D’-check with your doc first.

To find out more about Diabetes check the link below.



Indigestion

For many years indigestion has been considered the number one disturbance of American businessmen. Heartburn, the belching of sour material, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fullness or pressure, are the symptoms that trouble most.

The same symptoms in varying degree may be associated with exceedingly serious disorders. The severity of pain, and the agony of the pain is not really a measure of the condition that is wrong. If the symptoms come on one or two hours after eating, they may be due to uncomplicated ulcer of the stomach or duodenum and the doctor will have to make extra studies, including use of the X-ray to be sure of the diagnosis. Similar symptoms may occur in conditions related to the appendix or the gall bladder, or to a weakness in the diaphragm, the large muscle of breathing which separates the abdomen from the thorax.

Indigestion maybe associated with psychological problems, excessive use of tobacco, coffee, or alcohol, rapid eating with insufficient chewing, constipation with the cathartic habit, sensitivity or allergy to certain food substances, eating of such foods may arouse gastrointestinal distress.

Nausea And Vomiting

Vast



When considering whether to try a natural cure for fibroids, it is important to understand that unlike other growths which occur within the body, fibroids are almost always completely benign and very rarely life threatening. This means that by trying out a non-conventional method of treatment, you are not potentially causing any harm to your body by delaying surgery. Indeed, it could be the best decision you ever make!

Although fibroids can cause little or no symptoms in the vast majority of women, for others the situation is very different. For women with larger or awkwardly placed fibroids, there can be a whole host of symptoms including:

* Heavy periods
* Bladder and bowel problems
* Bloating and excessive wind
* Pain during intercourse
* Fertility problems
* Anemia

Although doctors prefer to leave fibroids alone wherever possible, it is acknowledged that there are circumstances where treatment is essential. The growth of fibroids is fueled by estrogen and when the level of this naturally falls during the menopause, the fibroids begin to shrink, so become less of a problem.

Like all surgery, fibroid surgery carries risks. These are risks such as anesthesia risks and infection. There is also a recovery period following any operation and there will inevitably be a degree of pain. The added complication with fibroid surgery is that unless a complete hysterectomy is performed, there is every possibility that the fibroids will regrow and then the operation will seem pointless. Drug treatment is not a long term option either. In the case of fibroids, there are certain drugs which will help them shrink but these can only be used as a temporary measure (such as prior to surgery) as the fibroids will begin to regrow almost immediately after stopping the treatment. These drugs are not suitable to be taken long term due to the side effects which they have.

Once you consider the problems associated with the conventional treatments, it becomes apparent why a natural cure for fibroids is a preferable option.

There are a few self help natural cures which you can try which may have a degree of success. Some doctors believe that fibroids are caused as a result of a general inflammatory condition within the body and that in women where this exists, fibroids may grow. It therefore follows that treatments which calm down inflammation may help reduce the size of fibroids. You could therefore try using the spice cumin and the herb, rosemary in your foods as these both have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known that an excess of estrogen can cause fibroids in some women. As estrogen is partly produced by fat cells, steps to maintain a lean, healthy body will help. In addition, it is thought that some pollutants can mimic estrogen and so detoxing the body is a good way of helping cure fibroids.



Despite what you may have heard about stage 4 stomach cancer, it can actually be successfully treated given the advancements in medicine today. If you had been diagnosed with the disease just 50 years ago, your worrying would have been justified. However, surviving it is a real possibility today and this article will show you how.

The most common treatment of this type and stage of cancer is by far surgery. This involves the manual removal of the infected parts of the stomach and in medical terms, this is called subtotal gastrectomy. However, in stage 4 the surgeon may decide to remove your whole stomach as well as your spleen and possibly parts of your small intestine.

Following surgery, you will undergo some tests to see how much of the cancer has been removed and whether you will need to proceed to the next treatment which is typically chemotherapy. These drugs aim to kill the cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying. There are many ways doctors introduce the drugs, whether it be via the mouth, spine or even organs.

Between these 2 treatments, it is also common for doctors to prescribe some palliative therapy which is therapy aimed at reducing the pain caused by the symptoms. For example, the tumour may already be so large that it blocks the passage of food through your body. In the case, action will be taken to remove the obstruction.

To conclude, you should never lose hope that you will survive this stage of the disease because there is so much technology around us that can treat your condition. Read up some more on stage 4 stomach cancer to find out about all the possibilities available to you.

Why is slot machine gambling so addictive? Why is it coined the “crack cocaine of addiction”? Why is slot machine gambling considered to be the MOST addictive form of gambling that exists today?

I will try to answer these questions in this article. The questions are quite significant, and the answers can help to explain why so many people have gotten hooked on the “slots”, “pokies”, and “fruit machines”.

Slot machines use what is known to psychological behaviorists as “intermittent reinforcement” Basically, what this means is that a winning hand on a slot machine only happens sometimes.

This type of reinforcement is known to be very powerful because an individual is only rewarded at certain intervals. This can create an addictive reaction , resulting obsession quite easily. When you reward only sometimes., it is sure to create an obsessive reaction.

In addition, studies have shown that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important role in developing a gambling addiction. Dopamine is known as the “feel good” chemical. The illusions of patterns in slot machines, and the intermittent winning spins create a rush of dopamine in the brain that makes people desire continued play.

You have probably heard in the past that gambling addicts are “addicted to the action”and not really as interested in winning money like they may think they are. This is because the dopamine rush is so powerful and pleasurable, that the action of gambling becomes euphoric in its’ own right. It is a means it itself rather than a means to an end.

The role of dopamine is in the brain is very significant and powerful. Individuals with Parkinsons Diseases who were taking medications to increase dopamine in their brains were becoming addicted to gambling, specifically, slot machine gambling. Once these individuals stopped the medication, their addictive and obsessive gambling stopped. This happened to a significant amount of people taking these types of medications.

Slot machine addiction is considered to be the “crack cocaine” of gambling for a few different reasons.

Crack cocaine is one of the most highly addictive drugs that exists today. Slot machine gambling is also considered to be the most addictive form of gambling… hands down.

The two can also be compared to each other because of the very quick, accelerating progression of the addiction. A person can hit total despair and devastation with a slot machine addiction in one to three years. Other forms of gambling do not accelerate as quickly.

Another comparison is how both forms of addiction can create such debasement, despondency and despair because of the power and intensity of the addictive substance/behavior.

Stealing, prostitution, drugs, loss of job, marriage, and finances are common with both of these addictions. You may have heard horror stories of individuals with either of these addictions. These stories are all too common.

As you can see, it is very easy to compare slot machine addiction to crack cocaine addiction. The common characteristics of both addictions is quite impressive.

Why is Slot Machine Addiction Considered The MOST Addictive Form of Gambling?

This question is related to the above two areas that I have covered, except for a few other concepts which I believe are worth noting:

o Slot machines are designed by psychologists and other specialists who are specifically instructed to design slot machines to seduce and addict people.
o The new video mulit-line electronic slot machines have graphics and colors that are very compelling and stimulating to the eye.
o The music in video slot machines is very stimulating, repetitive, seductive , and truly reinforcing. There is strong subliminal suggestion in this.
o The bonus rounds in video slot machines can encourage continued play, even amidst great losses, since bonus rounds are very exciting and provide a rush.
o The speed of play, and the speed of modern slot machines keeps your adrenaline pumping, especially with all of the above factors.
o The jackpots in slot machines can be huge, however, the chances of winning these jackpots are equivalent to winning the powerball lottery, if not more improbable.
o Slot machines can be a place to “zone out”. Today’s slot machines can put you into a hypnotizing trance that is hard to break out of.
o Slot machines require little or no skill, making it easy to just sit there and push the buttons, without a thought, forethought, or contemplation.
o It is very easy to keep playing slot machines because all accept dollar bills, and give players coupons upon ending play. Money loses its’ value and becomes “monopoly” money.
o ATM Machines are usually in close proximity to the slot machines, again, encouraging continued play.
o Many slot machines use denominations of 1 cent to 5 cents. This fools the gambler into thinking that they are not spending much. What is not being said, however, is that the maximum bet can be as high as $15 to $20 per spin. Is this really a penny or nickel machine?

Incoming search terms for the article:

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Social workers can work with people who are struggling with substance abuse issues as well as family members who fear addiction due to a negative family history. A social worker in this field may have clients that are addicted to heroin, crack cocaine, prescription drugs or alcohol. They may also be working with clients that have gone through rehab and are trying to maintain their gains. An addict can benefit by a counselor who can encourage and help them with finding treatment facilities or an outpatient program. Upon completion of drug addiction treatment, the client will need help with dealing with family plus adjusting back to the real world to search for a job. Often therapists will work with doctors and psychologists in team meetings to help with prescribing treatment to the client.

Many social workers in this field find employment in prisons, treatment centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics and social services agencies. Sometimes work is needed to get the client out of denial and to fact that there is an addiction issue. For those that are already dealing with their problem, helping the client to make better choices and process their emotions in healthier ways is very important. The majority of the clients for substance abuse counseling will be addicted to street drugs and alcohol. However, now there is a growing trend of addiction to pain killer medications.

Many people who want to pursue a career as a substance abuse social worker can get on the job training in certain settings. The minimum educational requirement for a social worker in substance abuse is a bachelor degree, also called the BSW. It would help to pursue a Master degree for high level jobs in the social work field. In addition, the course work will provide a thorough knowledge in social and substance abuse concepts, studies, theories, behavior habits related to substance abuse and research methods.

The salary of a social worker in the substance abuse can vary depending on the location and job. Having a master’s degree will give you a higher salary and being licensed also opens up more job opportunities. Getting a certification in addiction may be a requirement for certain positions as well.

The job of a social worker in the substance abuse field can be very stressful, but rewarding. The position requires dealing with different types of people that may have a lot of rage, disappointment, suicidal ideas and difficult pasts. Also, this career requires someone that can keep information organized on patients and good records. Compassion is essential as well as a keen eye for manipulation as often someone who is vulnerable can be taken advantage of by another person. The gratitude from a client when they are thankful you helped them through a craving period can be very rewarding.



An elementary student who first showed an interest in baseball and basketball, Michael Vick later developed his love of football. Born in June 1980, this Newport News, Virginia native is now the quarterback for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.

In his early teens, Vick became involved in football as his choice after-school activity. At that time, he seemingly gave up all other sports in order to concentrate on football. Through high school, his love of football flourished and carried over into his college years. Attending Virginia Teach, Michael Vick gained instant stardom as a collegiate player with 3 rushing touchdowns during his first game. With the help of Vick, the Virginia Tech Hokies enjoyed a phenomenal 11-0 season and secured a seat at the 2000 Bowl Championship Series. Even though they were defeated by Florida, Michael Vick led the team to an impressive comeback after being 21 points down at one point.

During Michael Vick’s inaugural collegiate season, he led the NCAA in passing efficiency, which earned him a record setting year for a freshman. Additionally, he was awarded the ESPY award as the nation’s top college player, the inaugural Archie Griffin Award and was voted third in the 1999 Heisman Trophy candidates. With all of the awards and recognition, all eyes quickly became fixed on Michael Vick’s participation with the Virginia Tech Hokies. In 2001, however, he decided to pursue his dream of professional football and set his sites on the NFL as Virginia Tech retired his jersey.

In a strange twist of fate, Michael Vick found himself as part of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft when the Colorado Rockies selected him for their team. A game that he had once given up during his teen years now seemed like a probable route for the college athlete. However, Vick had other plans in mind. In 2001, the Atlanta Falcons selected the youngster for their number one NFL draft pick. Despite several injuries, Michael Vick led the Falcons to a record 11-5 season in 2004 and has led the NFL franchise to be one of most competitive teams in the league.

As quarterback, Michael Vick’s memorabilia and his replica jerseys have become one of the bestsellers for the NFL. The apparel and collectibles industry remains one of the largest revenue producing sectors of any sport, including the NFL. As fans flock to find their favorite gear, many seem to be lining up for anything pertaining to Michael Vick and his tremendous contribution to the Atlanta Falcons and the National Football League.



Sculptor and welding teacher, Thomas Lyles, works with metal sculpting and multimedia and has embarked on a project that could be a Turner Prize winner: air conditioners. Working from his Studio Blue at his Evans home, Lyles has created metal and multimedia works for such locations as Walton Rehabilitation Centre, Congregation Children of Israel Temple on Walton Way and Augusta Technical College.

His newest project was a commission won as part of a contest sponsored by a cultural arts foundation in Gadsden, Ala., where he’s from. “That was a tough one to come up with,” Lyles explains, “how do you create something to honour air conditioning?” But he has answered his own question by building an air conditioner as an art element, where visitors can admire his work, and be cooled by it, at the same time.

The piece consists of candelabreas, a liquid crystal display featuring a training video a small bookcase, a poem etched into a centred panel and a rotating column filled with historial images. “I remember being a kid in Gadsden, when air conditioners first started getting big, and you would have all these businesses advertising they had air conditioners as a way to entice people inside the store.” Lyles says. “You know, it worked.”

Lyles learned welding as a means to put food on the table while he pursued a creative career in his free time. As a multimedia artist, he explains that he works with metal, and that air conditioners are a natural extension of something that he is already familiar with. After five years of working as a welder, Lyles started teaching at Augusta Tech about 20 years ago.