Archive for November, 2009

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Online Treatment Plans For Alcohol Addiction

Comments: 0November 14th, 2009 by admin



Alcohol treatment programs are organized in every city of the United States. An acknowledgement of the problem and the effort to seek help is the first positive step towards recovery. It is often seen that an alcoholic prefers to obtain help online, rather than publicly approaching a rehabilitation center. The advent of the Internet has made information regarding treatment for alcoholism readily available. The World Wide Web is growing every hour. This has made a number of treatments and rehabilitation plans easily available, online.

A recommended start to an alcoholic treatment, online, would be to use a familiar search engine. On entering the required keywords, the search engine generates a range of websites and pages relating to the topic. These sites provide facts on alcoholism and even chalk out suitable plans, based on professional expertise. The addict does not have to pay for the treatment received. These sites request the addict to provide certain essential information. On the basis of this information, the experts promoting the respective site chalk out a suitable plan. These plans tend to be different for different people.

It helps to subscribe to an online newsletter or magazine. The person can obtain professional treatment plans and advice. Most of these subscriptions are free, however, a few sites may charge a nominal fee for providing the services. The payment generally guarantees individual and preferential treatment. Chat rooms and opinion-sharing sites also prove to be extremely beneficial. The addict can talk to people with similar problems.

There are numerous sites providing information and online treatment plans. Strict adherence and following the plan is ultimately a personal choice. It pays to involve a family member or friend to monitor the person’s movements and chart the improvement. Often low willpower will render an efficient treatment plan useless.

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Posted in Alcohol

Treatment of Flea Bites on Human – What Home Remedies Available?

Comments: 0November 11th, 2009 by admin



Fleas not only bite and live off your pets, they bite people too. The typical human reaction to a flea bite is the formation of a small, hard, red, slightly raised, itching spot with no swelling. Some bleeding can occur, particularly if the bitten area is scratched. A single puncture point caused by the flea is generally apparent in the center of each spot.

Flea bites normally occur on the legs and ankles. Different people have different reaction to fleabites. Some people are totally unattractive to fleas and are not affected by the presence of fleas while others may be “appealing” and sensitive to fleas resulting in severe allergic reaction to their bites.

See some pictures of flea bites on humans

Well, how to treat flea bites on human? Before you run off to your family doctor to seek medical treatment, here are some home remedies for the treatment of flea bites on human.

1. Firstly, it’s important to keep the affected area clean. Wash the bites with some antiseptic lotion or soap. Use cold water but avoid the use of warm or hot water as this may tend to stimulate itch

2. Secondly, apply a cold pack over the bites to reduce swelling.

3. Do not scratch the inflamed area as this may lead to open wounds and secondary infections.

4. If the affected area is read and swollen, you may apply a mild steroid cream like 1% hydrocortisone cream. This should be easily available from any pharmacy without the need of a prescription. Hydrocortisone helps in reducing inflammation rapidly. Alternatively, if you have a bottle of calamine lotion at home, this may help too.

5. Very often, the itch caused by the fleabites can be very intense. An oral dose of anti-histamine like Dimetapp, Chlortrimeton is very effective in relieving itch. Once the itch stops, you will stop scratching as well and the healing will take place faster.

Treatment of flea bites using these home remedies should improves within a few days, However, if the condition worsen whereby, they remained red and swollen with discharges, then a trip to your family doctor may be necessary. Your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics for you and a jab of steroid may be needed to stop the inflammation.

However, success in treating flea bites is by no means a solution to your problem. To avoid further bites from these little pesky creatures, the only solution is to get rid of them totally. Killing fleas in house, getting rid of fleas on pets is what you need to do as part of your flea extermination plan

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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

Treating Genital Herpes

Comments: 0November 11th, 2009 by admin



Before you finally decide to treat genital herpes, it is a good idea to know more about this contagious disease or infection. Treating genital herpes should not be done without proper medical consultation first. Seeking professional medical help is a must especially for the first time patients especially if you plan to use the available medicines or drugs sold in the market.

The herpes virus has two strains and the type 2 virus is the one responsible for the genital herpes outbreaks. The symptoms of genital herpes are minimal. If you try to take a closer look at your genitals and the anal region, you will see blisters on the area. Since the herpes is located in a very sensitive area, some individuals don’t report it or they prefer not to seek medical help. By doing so, they are compromising the health of their sexual partner. Even if the herpes virus is dormant, you can still transmit it to your sexual partner. By taking proper treatment, you can prevent future herpes outbreaks or you can shorten the duration of such outbreaks.

There are various treatment options for genital herpes. You can use the medicine and drugs prescribed by doctors or you can opt for the natural treatments like herbs.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is a drug which treats genital herpes. This is considered an anti viral medicine which can be used not only for genital herpes but also for treating cold sores, chicken pox, and shingles.

You must be aware that acyclovir can’t cure genital herpes because its main function is to prevent outbreaks or if the person is already suffering from herpes outbreaks, the drug can promote the healing process as soon as it is taken.

The DNA cells need certain enzymes for replication and so the herpes virus also needs such enzymes. Acyclovir acts by inhibiting such enzymes thereby stopping growth of the herpes virus. The body has a defense system which combats the herpes virus but with the aid of acyclovir, the multiplication of the virus is stopped more quickly.

Acyclovir also works by stopping the appearance of sores and rash associated with the virus. Once you take acyclovir, you must finish it according to the instructions even if the symptoms are no longer present.

At present, acyclovir is one of the best medicines to treat genital herpes, chicken pox, shingles, and cold sores. There are also other drugs that you can use like Famvir. When taking drugs like Acyclovir and Famvir, you need to be supervised by a licensed and qualified doctor. You can also talk to your doctor about alternative medicines like herbs. Some useful herbs are thyme, lemon balm, and green/white tea.

You can’t just take Acyclovir without proper medical consultation. You must provide the doctor with all the medical details. Pregnant women suffering from genital herpes can’t take the drug because it may have some effects to the unborn baby. Breastfeeding mothers are also not encouraged to take the drug without proper medical consultation.

Infections in the genital area show various symptoms and in the case of genital herpes, there is abnormal discharge, thick, profuse, colored, frothy blood. Itching and irritation is also present. When you experience these things, you should consult your doctor right away. Treating genital herpes can be done effectively if the doctor guides you in the treatment process.

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Posted in anemia

Have You Thought About Getting the Flu Shot This Year?

Comments: 0November 10th, 2009 by admin



Awhile back I had to take my daughter in to see her pediatrician. It wasn’t anything major and I was expecting to be in and out of there… and I almost was. Before I knew it, we were back on the topic of flu shots. Now I had just been in for my daughter’s check up a few months earlier, where I thought we had covered the whole flu shot shebang, but apparently my pediatrician had geared up for round two without telling me.

So there we were again- ‘Have you thought about getting your daughter the flu shot this year?’ ‘Nope.’ ‘Well, then have you thought about getting the swine flu shot for her?’ ‘Nope.’ Allow me to elaborate – From the day my daughter was born I have been very selective about the vaccinations I am willing to give her. Not because I believe that there is a link between certain vaccines and autism (although I most certainly do!), but because I honestly believe that we were given an immune system for a reason. You might think that it’s cruel and unusual punishment for me to leave it open to chance that my daughter may or may not have to endure the chicken pox as a child, but I think her body was perfectly crafted by God and I would like to do as much as I can to keep it that way. Injecting her with a virus and added toxins just doesn’t seem the way to do it.

On top of that, they now offer vaccines that don’t even serve a real purpose. For example, they are giving the hepatitis vaccine to newborns these days, because it’s easier to make sure everyone gets their shot at birth than to wait it out and hope the teenagers show up to get it. It’s not really needed for babies and young children. And here’s the kicker – chances are it will be out of your child’s system again by the time they are old enough to actually have to worry about it and they will most likely have to take the shot all over again! Now, tell me how that makes sense… unless of course, you are the pharmaceutical company supplying these vaccinations, then it makes plenty of sense! Add to that the vaccine that helps prevent ear infections in babies. Seriously, who is getting that one? Maybe wait it out a little and see. Chances are your baby won’t have chronic ear infections and in fact will be just fine. If time goes by and you find that your baby does seem to be prone to them, you can always get it then.

We, as a people, don’t want to suffer and when we do, we insist on the immediate magic fix. Well, sometimes it’s just a part of life to suffer and if you suffer a little and stick it out, you may not suffer at all later on. Point in case – the swine flu! As it has turned out, the older you are and the more you’ve been around (perhaps have had the regular flu a time or two in your life) the less affected you are likely to be by the swine flu. Want to know why? Because your body (once perfectly crafted by God) can evolve and adjust and learn to fight things off like the flu all on it’s own… but only if we let it.

As I am telling my pediatrician all of this (the condensed version, of course) she decides to try and ease my fears. How does she do this? By looking me square in the eye and saying ‘ Well we are giving pregnant women this shot, and you know we wouldn’t do that if it wasn’t completely safe.’ Really?! Lady, when was the last time you turned on the TV? Last time I checked there were about a gazillion attorney commercials looking for women whose children were born with birth defects do to the medications they were taking while pregnant. No doubt their doctor told them it was completely safe, too! I didn’t laugh at her, but I wanted to. When that tactic didn’t work she moved on to this one -’What about other people? Your daughter may be able to handle the flu just fine but what if she exposes other younger children or pregnant women?’ Keep your guilt Doc! I’m not packing to go on that trip! Didn’t you just get done telling me that pregnant women are GETTING the vaccination?!

Look, the bottom line is this, I am responsible for my daughter’s health and well-being, period. Every parent has to make their own decisions about what’s right for them. I can’t worry about every kid in the world, I keep pretty busy with just one. In case you are still wondering, my daughter will not be getting the flu shot. Not now, probably not ever! Oh… and I’m also in the market for a new Pediatrician

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Posted in flu

3 Types of Ovarian Cancer Explained

Comments: 0November 10th, 2009 by admin



The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. There are two ovaries (a left one and a right one) and when women get old enough to have children one of the ovaries releases an egg each month. These eggs then pass down the fallopian tube to the womb where they can be fertilised with sperm. If the eggs are not fertilised they exit the body during the woman’s monthly period. Aside from releasing eggs, the ovaries are also responsible for producing oestrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer develops when something goes wrong with the cell division process in the ovaries causing them to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. It is the fourth most common type of cancer in females with around 7,000 women contracting it in the UK each year. This condition is most prevalent in menopausal women and is rarely diagnosed in women under 40. There are three main types of ovarian cancer and I will be discussing each of them in greater detail below.

1) EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER:- This type of cancer occurs when the cells that line the ovaries (the epithelium) start to grow in a rapid, out of control way. Between 70% and 80% of ovary cancers are this type and it is almost always diagnosed in women who have been through the menopause.

2) GERM CELL OVARIAN CANCER:- This type of cancer develops when the germ cells (the cells responsible for making eggs) start to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. Approximately 15% of ovary cancers are this type and unlike the other forms of this disease, germ cell ovarian cancer normally affects younger women.

3) STROMAL OVARIAN CANCER:- This type of cancer develops when the connective tissues of the ovaries become cancerous and start to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way. Between 5% and 10% of ovary cancers are this type. This variation normally only affects one of the two ovaries.

Although there are three main kinds of ovarian cancer the risk factors, symptoms, tests, treatments and survival rates are similar for each. Women who contract this type of cancer have a five year survival rate of around 75% if it stays within the ovaries although this drops to about 20% if the cancer spreads to other areas of the body. It is not known exactly what causes this disease but age, obesity and family history are all thought to have an influence. The symptoms of ovary cancer are often very mild or non-existent but when they do surface they include bloating, constipation and stomach pain. If you are diagnosed with this condition surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the three most common treatment options.

I hope this article has given you a brief overview of this condition. Whilst being diagnosed with cancer is never going to be a pleasant experience this type of cancer is very treatable if caught early. If you have any concerns regarding ovary cancer then go see your doctor and explain your concerns. They will be able to answer your questions and give you a professional, qualified opinion.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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Posted in cancer

Avoid Getting Sick And Medical Bills This Cold And Flu Season

Comments: 0November 8th, 2009 by admin



It’s autumn, and that means cold and flu (influenza) season for many Americans. Flu outbreaks usually begin in the late fall and early winter each year. Once an outbreak reaches an area, it spreads quickly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of the flu, and about 36,000 people die each year because of the flu.

Medical costs are rising, and thousands of people file bankruptcy each year as a result of unmanageable and steep medical bills. Staying healthy is key to avoid high medical costs. Even small steps such as avoiding the flu and colds can keep you from contracting a more serious illness such as pneumonia, bronchitis or other more costly illnesses to treat.

Follow these affordable and easy guidelines to stay healthy and avoid the common cold and flu this fall and winter:

Get The Flu Shot

Obviously, this is the best way to prevent the flu. Each year, millions of Americans protect themselves from the flu virus by taking this preventative step. The vaccine comes in the traditional injection, usually in the arm, and a nasal spray.

Check in your community for where the shot is offered. Many large pharmacies, schools, clinics and doctor’s offices offer the flu shot.

Wash Your Hands – Often

This is absolutely the best way to prevent the spread of germs that causes colds. Everything you touch from keyboards to door knobs carry germs that can cause an infection. When washing your hands, use the hottest water you can stand and antibacterial soap. You should scrub vigorously for about 30 seconds, or the length of time it takes you to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Dry your hands and use the paper towel to turn the faucet off and open the restroom door.

* Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes and nose without washing your hands first.

* Wash your hands after touching keypads, money and pens in public places.

* At home and work, sanitize your keyboard, desk phone and cell phone.

Exercise

Regular exercise keeps your heart healthy and your immune system strong. Thirty minutes of cardio such as walking, jogging or running just a few times a week can boost your immune system, which will help you fight off infections.

Take Vitamins and Eat Healthy Foods

Taking a multivitamin every day, eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated are great preventative measures to take against colds. A body that has all of vitamins and minerals it needs will fight off infection more quickly than one that does not.

Relax

Reduce your stress. Strong links have been made between stress levels and immune system functioning. Your immune system weakens with the more stress you carry, and this makes you more susceptible to colds.

Stay Home If You’re Sick

If you have contracted a virus, such as the flu or the common cold, it can take up to 7 – 10 days to convalesce. During that time, you are contagious and can easily spread your infection. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands in public places to avoid giving your infection to others.

There are no guarantees or fool-proof methods to keep from getting sick. However, if you follow these tips, you can certainly increase your odds of staying healthy and avoiding greater medical complications and high medical bills.

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Posted in flu

Healthy Indian Recipe – A Complete Nutritious Meal

Comments: 0November 8th, 2009 by admin



Indian food menus are becoming more popular the world over. Indian recipes are known for the healthy ingredients the use of which are based on ancient texts, knowledge passed on from one generation to another. What is more important is that these recipes are now being improvised to suit modern needs.

In most Indian food menus, the food item has a pair of ingredients – one working to compensate the side effects of the other.

For example, dosa is an Indian recipe that is a complete nutritious meal in itself. One dosa can provide your body with most of the required vitamins and nutrients. Hence if you are on a weight loss diet, you will be able to have a filling, complete, nutritious meal once and will not feed the urge to eat anything between meals.

The idea is to get your stomach and tongue feel the satisfaction of a delicious and filling meal that it does not crave for anything in between meals.

Ingredients Complimentary and Counter Active

In Indian dosa we use lentils called “urad dal”. This white lentil is rich in protein, very healthy. White Dal is good for improving hemoglobin count. In India herbal doctors prescribe one dosa per day for people suffering from anemia.

So urad dal has all the good qualities that we need. But nothing is perfect in this world. Good healthy ingredients do have a part that is not good for us. So does urad dal. Eating a lot of urad dal can produce ‘stomach gas’. So to deactivate this component of urad dal, Indians use asafoetida called ‘Hing’. By using a pinch of ‘hing’ in the dosa batter the bad effect of urad dal is removed and we can benefit from the nutritious quality of urad dal.

Another ingredient added to dal to overcome its side effect is cooking soda. Cooking soda again is good for digestion and prevents ‘stomach gas’. A third ingredient used in dosa batter is cumin seeds.

What we are doing here is to benefit from a nutritious meal and have a three pronged attack over its side effects. The three ingredients, asafoetida, cooking soda and cumin seeds, which are used for overcoming the side effects of dosa, have healthy nutrients in themselves. So we have removed the bad effects and added more nutritional value to the meal.

This is just one example of the many, many ways Indian food lovers have perfected the art of eating healthy nutritious meal. This knowledge is passed on from one generation to the next.

Modern Indians do not want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Necessity is the mother of invention. Instant food items that retain the healthy, nutritious quality based on the ancient wisdom of Indians are coming into the food market.

These healthy recipes have such ingredients that work against the bad effects of each other as well as compliment each other’s nutritional value.

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Posted in anemia

Asthma Medicines

Comments: 0November 5th, 2009 by admin



There are various medicines that are used to treat asthma. These include tablets, syrups, inhalers. Asthma medicines are given to control an asthmatic condition, this is because asthma is not curable and the treatment given is wholly to control the situation from getting worse. This disease affects the respiratory system.

It therefore affects the lungs by blocking the airways that transport air in and out of the lungs. The airways usually swell when affected and therefore sufficient air is not transported. Asthma medicines come in different forms such as tablets and inhalers. The inhalers come in two types. Preventer inhalers which is used to prevent asthmatic attack from occurring.

The inhaler is used on a regular basis as this helps to keep the airways clear of any type of congestion that would hinder the flow of air. Reliever inhalers are used during an asthmatic attack. This helps to give the patient relief. The airways are able to relax from the relief. Syrups for asthma are also available. The medication helps to bring relief to the patient. When medications are not taken regularly, the condition can become severe.

This develops slowly with time and is due to get worse. The medicine helps to maintain a level of normally in the patient. Daily medications are good for patients with severe asthma to tone down the level of attacks. While those with a mild asthma can have irregular intakes of medicine. As long as a strict follow up of this is taken, chances of attacks reduce.

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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

Reducing High Cholesterol – Knowing Cholesterol is Lowering High Blood Pressure

Comments: 0November 3rd, 2009 by admin



What is Cholesterol?

Being trapped in a time that too many delicious foods are too mouth-watering to be resisted, it is a miracle if our body can still survive the onslaught of cholesterol, a waxy material that was primarily produced by our liver. If we are just aware that this element is already produced by our body, maybe we could just pass our routine fries and burger schedules. But too bad, only few of us knew it and if there is a chance of knowing it, chances are, we were going to dismiss it as insignificant in lieu of our favorite foods. Taking too much of it is like courting disaster and it is a perfect recipe for having

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Posted in anemia

Kidney Cancer Alternative Treatment – 2 Natural Cures

Comments: 0November 3rd, 2009 by admin



Kidney is used for vital functions like filtering of blood and removing impurities in them, removal of surplus water, minerals and other salts. Kidney cancer is defined as a type of cancer that is developed in kidney. Kidney cancer is classified into 2 types based on the location of the cancer within the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) are the two types. This type of cancer is not only present in adults, rather in children too. Wilm’s tumor is present in children. The origin of this disease is mainly from renal tubule and the renal pelvis.

Though there are many reasons for developing this disease, some of the common reasons are smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, long term dialysis. Some of the symptoms of kidney cancer are loss of appetite, anemia and blood in the urine. Though surgery is a prevalent treatment, there are also many this disease alternative treatments available these days.

Nutrition therapy: One of the most prominent ill-effect of kidney cancer and its medicinal treatment is loss of appetite. Providing all the vital nutrients is important for all the cancer patients. Cancer and its medicinal treatment can finally lead to weight loss if proper nutrition is not provided. In this therapy, a registered dietician provides a meal plan to the cancer patient. Fruits, vegetables, fish, yogurt, grains and cereals are the main sources of proper nutrition.

Naturopathic therapy: Naturopathic therapy deal with methods and medical substances to reduce any harmful effects on human body and bring back the good health. Naturopaths deal with power of nature to cure human illness. Botanical medicine, homeopathic medicines are considered few forms of naturopathic therapy.

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Posted in anemia

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