Archive for January, 2010

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Blue Tang

Comments: 0January 11th, 2010 by admin

Among the family acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes), there a few that truly stand out as exceptional beauties. The blue tang is among those that are consistently treasured for their striking coloration along with their famous cousin, the yellow tang. These two surgeonfish are the faces of the surgeonfish family, as such, they are very popular among marine aquarium hobbyists.

Given the scientific name Paracanthurus Hepatus, the blue tang is a common offering in the marine trade that is collected in large numbers from the Indo Pacific. Because of this, they generally are considered a cheaper than usual surgeonfish to purchase. Expect to pay between $30 to $50 per specimen depending on size. They are also known as the Regal tang and the blue hippo tang.

They are strikingly colored. Their entire body is a bright electric blue with a prominent black marking on its upper half of the body that stretches near to the back of the fish. The caudal fins on this species are all yellow. There are some variants that are known as the blue bellied blue tangs that do come into the trade from time to time. These specimens usually fetch quite a bit more than regular specimens.

Considered a large fish, they can top out at a length of 12 inches in captivity. Fishes in captivity usually do not reach lengths of wild caught specimens to expect an average adult length of about ten inches. Like all members of the surgeonfish family, they can be susceptible to marine parasites and lateral line erosion.

Lateral line erosion is thought to be a consequence of a nutritional deficiency which is why it is very important to try and mimic their natural diets in the wild. They are a grazing fish that form large shoals in their habitats where they roam the reef in search of algae to graze on.

As they are primarily herbivorous, such bias must be shown during feeding to ensure a long and healthy life in captivity. They are generally easy feeders and will accept a wide variety of foods including dry pellets, frozen meaty items as well as seaweed.

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blue regal tang diet

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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

Heroin Addiction

Comments: 0January 11th, 2010 by admin



Heroin addiction is everywhere, it is not confined to inner city slums but is found even amongst the professionals such as lawyers and the like. Every day, thousands across the country are engaged in the battle against heroin addiction. Methadone clinics around the country are helping a lot giving many a chance to stop using this dangerous drug, however, many still do not have access to these clinics; others make use of these clinics but replace their addiction to heroin with an addiction to methadone.

Addiction knows no boundaries, and can strike at anyone; but with the proper attention, it can be beaten.Heroin addiction does not only affect the actual user but draws family and friends into the battle as well.

Drug Rehabilitation

The first step in battling heroin addiction is for the addict to admit they have a problem then and only then can affective rehabilitation start. This is a job that must go through professional drug rehabilitation. It is virtually impossible to combat this terrible addiction without professional help.

If you are fighting an addiction to heroin, you should check yourself into a rehab program. It is most important that you do not let your financial situation, regardless of what it may be, stop you from getting professional help. There are many rehabilitation clinics that offer programs for those with little or no income; you will find that state medical programs often cover this type of treatment.

Depending on your level of heroin addiction, your stay in a drub rehabilitation program will last anywhere from thirty to ninety days. It is usual that methadone, as a heroin replacement, is administered in increasingly smaller doses, so as to wean your body gradually off of the drug.

For some, however, under certain medical circumstances,it may be necessary to go through a complete and rapid detoxification process, in order to get the drug out of your system completely. Obviously every case is different thus there are several schools of thought on which type of detoxification works best; but the fact remains that heroin addiction is a distructive, dangerous and in some cases deadly habit.

Support Is Vital Both during And After The Rehab Program.

As with any other substance addiction even after you have completed a rehabilitation program, heroin addiction will be a daily battle. It is imperative that you own your addiction, and make the conscious choice to not give into the cravings. It is much easier to do this if you have a healthy support system in place as you go through the program and most definitely before you are released from your rehabilitation program. Family and friends are a great comfort, as long as they were not enabling your addiction prior to rehabilitation; and there are countless support groups available, such as Narcotics Anonymous, where you can find daily support from those who are just like you.

By admitting that you have a heroin addiction you have taken the first most important step along the road to recovery. Now do whatever it takes to fight this deadly drug – your family, your friends, and, most importantly, your very life will be changed for the best as you overcome this heroin addiction.

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Posted in Alcohol

Throwing The Perfect Football Pass

Comments: 0January 10th, 2010 by admin

While football is considered one of America’s greatest pastimes, few know the secrets of throwing the ball properly. A proper football pass is a perfect spiral delivered directly to the target. With that in mind, this article will attempt to explain some methods that actual football coaches use to teach their quarterbacks the right way to throw.

When trying to throw the perfect spiral, there are three things that you need to consider: the positioning of your hand, the release of the ball, and the timing of the whole pass movement. As far as gripping the football goes, many coaches recommend that you grip the ball with your ring finger placed on the first lace of the football. Your pinky should also grip the laces, and the best positioning for the pinky is between the next two laces up from the first. This usually varies from player to player, due to hand size and preference. For instance, Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles is a highly respected quarterback who keeps his fingers on laces one and four, respectively.

When it comes to the actual throw of the ball, it’s recommended that you hold the ball with as tight of a grip as possible. This tends to aid the spiral’s spin, making it easier to catch for the receiver. After pulling back for the throw, you’re going to want to make sure that you are on your last step before you take the throw is with the foot that you are throwing with. Simply put, if you are throwing with your right hand, your right foot should be forward. One little trick that many coaches use to help their players develop aim in their throws is to point at where they want to throw with the big toe of their leading foot. This helps the body to rotate properly and to ensure a throw in the right direction. When it comes to releasing the ball, you should release when your wrist is cocked at a 90 degree angle from your upper arm. Immediately after releasing the throw, flick your wrist in a downward direction. This causes the ball to spin, and when done properly can result in a perfect spiral throw.

Now that you can see some of the basics of getting a good throw down, it’s time to practice. Just be sure to watch what is going wrong when you try to make a pass so that you can better correct the problem in the future. It’s all just a process of getting your body used to doing the proper motion.

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Posted in flu

Alcohol Abuse Effects – 4 Major Effects in Alcoholic Everyday Life

Comments: 0January 10th, 2010 by admin



For centuries, alcohol has been used by nearly every civilization. Recorded history is filled with examples of people using alcohol. The stark reality is that for as long as people have been using alcohol, they have been suffering fro alcohol abuse effects.

In the end, if you are going to elect to use alcohol, if people close to you are going to use alcohol, it is important for you to have at least a basic appreciation of the alcohol abuse effects. The truth is that there are a number of different alcohol abuse effects. Most experts agree that the alcohol abuse effects can impact a person’s life in four major ways:

* Physical Alcohol Abuse Effects

* Psychological Alcohol Abuse Effects

* Financial Alcohol Abuse Effects

* Inter- Personal Alcohol Abuse Effects

Physical Effects:

In the beginning, the physical alcohol abuse effects are not evident in most cases. However, in time and in some instances a person will experience weight gain from all of the sugar that is contained in alcohol. Conversely, this can lead to weight loss due to a failure to eat properly when one really begins drinking heavily.

Other physical alcohol abuse effects include such things as changes to skin tone as well as coloration and fatigue. Ultimately, the physical alcohol abuse effects include marked physical deterioration and permanent damage to vital organs, particularly the liver and the brain.

Psychological Effects:


Ultimately, he psychological alcohol abuse effects end up being extremely serious. The psychological effects include such serious consequences as depression, anxiety disorders and even alcohol induced psychosis. Many individuals afflicted with alcoholism end up suicidal.

Financial Consequences:


Thousands upon thousands of people lose their jobs each and every year due to alcoholism. Moreover, the typical person suffering from alcoholism will be facing mounting debt and finances that completely are out of control.

Inter-Personal Relationships:


One of the primary alcohol abuse effects is a deterioration in inter-personal relationships. Ultimately, the only real relationship a person with alcoholism has is the relationship with a bottle of booze.

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Posted in Alcohol

The Diabetes Cinnamon Cholesterol Connection

Comments: 0January 9th, 2010 by admin



If you or a loved one has diabetes, or high cholesterol, then the diabetes cinnamon cholesterol link is likely to be of interest.

Since early times, cinnamon has been one of the most loved of all spices. In history, a small amount could be sold for a huge fee, due to its scarcity on the open market.

Whilst cinnamon I readily available in most grocery stores and health stores today, it still remains a valuable aid to improving health

Traditionally cinnamon was used not only as an ingredient in native dishes, but also as a medicine. In fact, its pedigree as a medicine stretches back hundreds, if not thousands of years.

However, lets bring this article back into modern times, with new research that has taken place.

In studies cinnamon has shown great potential in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Recently, a study in the Diabetes Care journal indicated that eating just half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can significantly reduce the level of blood sugar.

Also, this same study identified that cinnamon is able to reduce triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (which is the bad cholesterol) and overall cholesterol levels in study participants.

Here are some of the other health benefits that come from including cinnamon in a healthy diet:

Improved digestion – Cinnamon, along with other related spices have been used as an aid to digestion for a long time. People that suffer from conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease and other stomach and digestion disorders can often find that including cinnamon in their food helps with digestion. Better circulation and thinning of the blood. Just like garlic, cinnamon can act as a blood-thinning agent. Although it may not be as powerful as garlic in acting as a blood thinner, it does thin the blood and increase circulation. Toning of tissue in the body – There has been some studies that seem to indicate cinnamon has the ability to tone the tissues in the body. Pain relief and muscle stiffness – Many people who have cinnamon in their diet report that they often have reduced pain and lessened swelling in the joints. Menstrual pain – Cinnamon, has been used by women to reduce the level of menstrual pain and cramps they suffer with. Cinnamon is a strong anti-microbial agent and as such has the ability to kill common germs as E. coli and other bacteria. Arthritis pain relief – Research carried out recently has shown that cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory properties, which may be useful in reducing the pain associated with arthritis. Congestion relief – Cinnamon and other spices have been used for many years to reduce congestion. Improved urinary tract health – Those who have cinnamon in their diet have reduced problems and infections. Helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay – Again, there is evidence to suggest that cinnamon can help in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease.

Read further to sign up for our newsletter to learn about how other natural foods and supplements can help you lead a healthy, long life.


We started out this article by looking at the diabetes cinnamon cholesterol connection, but with all the benefits that cinnamon supplies is would be beneficial to include it as part of most peoples health diet.

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Posted in Diabetes

Pernicious Anemia – A Condition Caused by a Lack of Vitamin B12

Comments: 0January 9th, 2010 by admin



Pernicious anemia is an anemic condition which occurs or happens when an individual’s body or the sufferer is not able to absorb enough of the B12 vitamin from their gastrointestinal tract. The human body requires the B12 to produce red blood cells as well as to maintain the nervous system.

When the vitamin B12 in the body becomes insufficient, the bone marrow is unable to produce red blood cells which divide normally. These cells are then too large and many can not pass through the bone marrow to the body and this creates a shortage of these cells which are needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.

The Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency as well as Pernicious Anemia

In many cases of pernicious anemia, the condition itself is not diagnosed until after signs of a neurological problem appear. There are many symptoms associated with this type of anemia including those which are typical of all types of anemia and include tiredness and fatigue. Other symptoms include bleeding gums, sore mouth, tongue problems, impaired sense of smell, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and a pale skin color.

Other symptoms which may occur and are due to the lack of vitamin B12 can include numbness or tingling in the hands as well as feet, loss of balance, and muscle weakness. In severe cases of a vitamin B12 deficiency it is possible for an individual to experience memory loss, dementia, confusion, and depression.

The Most Common Treatments for Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia was actually given its name due to the fact that “pernicious” is defined as “deadly”. The reason for this was because at one time vitamin B12 treatments were not available; however, at these days pernicious anemia is treated fairly easy by building up the vitamin B12 in the body.

This can be done easily through vitamin B12 shots which are given in the more severe cases of pernicious anemia as well as may be on a daily or weekly basis until the B12 reaches sufficient levels in the body. In less severe cases vitamin B12 pills are usually taken in very large doses. Vitamin B12 is also made available in a nose spray as well as gel which is sometimes beneficial for individuals who have problems with swallowing pills. Prescription medications may also be given to treat this kind of condition which is causing the body’s inability to absorb the B12.

Incoming search terms for the article:

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Posted in anemia

Ovulation Pain

Comments: 0January 9th, 2010 by admin



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

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

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

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

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Posted in Alcohol

Chronic Renal Failure – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Comments: 0January 5th, 2010 by admin



Chronic Renal Failure is a disease affecting the kidneys, in which there is a gradual decline in kidney function and urine output over time. Mild kidney disease can lead to increased blood pressure and frequent urination at night. Moderate disease can lead to mild anemia and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other diseases. However, severe decline in kidney function leads to excessive retention of waste products in the body (a condition called “uremia”), for which heamodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is necessary. Kidney failure is a serious disease, and all affected patients should be under the supervision and treatment of an experienced and qualified Urologist.

Chronic renal failure is known in Ayurveda as “Mutra-Kshaya”. While the physiology of production of urine in Ayurveda is quite different from that of modern medicine, the ancient Ayurvedic texts recognized the importance of chronic kidney failure, and gave it due consideration and importance.

Traditional Ayurvedic medicines which are useful in chronic renal failure are: Gokshuradi Guggulu, Punarnava Guggulu, Punarnavadi Qadha(decoction), Arogya Vardhini, Chandraprabha Vati, Gomutra Haritaki, Surya Kshar and Yava Kshar. Single herbal medicines useful in this condition are: Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Shilajit (Purified Bitumen), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia),Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Apamarg (Achyranthus aspera) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).

According to Ayurveda, the kidneys are made up of a combination of two tissues, “Rakta” and “Meda”. It is believed that the medicines which act on these two tissues also act upon the kidneys and help to preserve and restore function. Some of these medicines are: Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Saariva, Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Chirayta (Swertia chirata), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Chandan (Santalum album) and Shunthi (Zinziber officinalis).

Some Ayurvedic physicians recommend a soup made from the intestines of goat to improve kidney function and urine output. Yet others recommend rice and jowar, processed like popcorn, to be eaten in large quantities.

Multiple courses of “Basti” or medicated enemas, both the “Anuvasan” and “Niruh” types, are recommended. It is believed that this treatment modality acts upon the “Apana Vayu” which in turn acts upon the kidneys and improves kidney function.

Ayurvedic treatment, taken regularly for prolonged periods, may help to reduce the frequency of dialysis and improve kidney function. However, the decision to reduce or stop dialysis should be taken by the attending Urologist, and not by the patient.

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Posted in anemia

Lack of Vitamin B12 May Cause Pernicious Anemia

Comments: 0January 1st, 2010 by admin



When one lacks vitamin B12 in the body, this can result in a
condition known as pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia can be
detected by a blood test due to the presence of huge immature red
blood cells in one’s blood. Such blood cells show inefficiency at
carrying oxygen.

Pernicious anemia can be triggered by a dearth of food in one’s
diet that has vitamin B12. Or another cause could be a lack of
intrinsic factor in one’s stomach. Those who are at risk for this
condition are vegans.

One treatment for pernicious anemia is consuming large amounts of
folacin to assist red blood cells in growing to the right shape
and size. Still, even the right amounts of folacin will not repair
any nerve damage attributed to vitamin B 12 deficiency. The most
severe effects of Vitamin B12 deficiency are irreversible nerve
and brain damage.

In reality it will take up to 5 years for the condition to develop,
depending on the amount of B12 still stored in one’s body. This in
turn is dependent on how much food with vitamin B12 you actually
consume. Animal products supply the largest amounts of vitamin B12
since this nutrient is not really found in vegetables. (This
explains why vegans are at risk for the disease.)

For one to absorb the vitamin into the body, intrinsic factor is
required in the person’s stomach. This factor is actually a
protein produced in the human stomach. However, if a person’s
stomach has been partially or wholly removed, then the capacity to
produce intrinsic factor is lessened or totally eliminated.

Without intrinsic factor, a person can still end up with vitamin
B12 deficiency even if he were to constantly consume foods
abundant in vitamin B 12. Should one’s stomach be removed through
surgery, he can receive vitamin B12 shots that must be
administered for life at intervals of every three weeks. By
injecting the vitamin into the bloodstream, it is guaranteed that
it will circulate in the person’s system even without the
intrinsic factor.

It is remarkable enough to note that a pound of calves liver per
day has enough vitamin B12 that even those who don’t have the
intrinsic factor will be able to absorb the right amounts of the
vitamin to avoid pernicious anemia.

Among other things, the deficiency is caused by: fish tape worm;
Crohn’s disease, abdominal or intestinal surgery that may hamper
the production or absorption of intrinsic factor; and chronic
alcoholism.

The importance of a well-balanced diet that incorporates animal
products cannot be overstressed for preventing the condition.
(Vegans, since they are at risk, should consult a good dietician to
avoid developing pernicious anemia.)

Spotting the condition early on and quickly treating it may reduce
its severity while forestalling neurologic complications. The
impact on the central nervous system could become irreversible
should treatment not be started within 6 months from when symptoms
are first detected. Furthermore, Vitamin B12 deficiency may
trigger a false-positive Pap smear due to the condition’s effect
on epithelial cells.

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Posted in anemia

What is Aplastic Anemia? – Its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Comments: 0January 1st, 2010 by admin



When your body stops producing enough new blood cells you may have Aplastic Anemia. Aplastic Anemia can happen to anyone at any age and is a serious condition. Bone marrow requires a sufficient number of cells to be able to replenish blood cells effectively. When marrow is not functioning as it should be this is called ‘Aplastic’.

Anemia refers to a low blood cell count. In individuals that have a reduction in red blood cell concentration in their blood would be diagnosed with Anemia. On the other hand, in Aplastic Anemia all three blood cell types are affected, they have a lower count of platelets along with lower counts of red and white blood cells.

Causes of the Condition

Bones marrow has a function that is very critical. It contains stem cells that produce red cells, white cells and platelets. If something ends up damaging your bone marrow then Aplastic anemia will develop. Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause damage resulting in Aplastic anemia.

Exposure to a chemical known as benzene, found in gasoline, is the main cause of the aplastic anemia, although researchers have found that it can differ depending on the patient. Leukemia can develop as a result of people being exposed to benzene and they do not even know it. Drugs, dyes, gasoline and certain synthetic rubbers contain benzene also.

Symptoms and Treatment

There are several symptoms that go along with Aplastic anemia. Some of the conditions are mentioned below:

* Excessive bruising

* Extremely pale skin tone

* Higher risk of infection

* Fatigue

Without treatment, the condition can be fatal. Patients are given medicine on a daily basis by their doctors to suppress the immune system from attacking cells in your bone marrow. There have been many cases where patients have been given a bone marrow transplant because it is seen as a possible cure.

If you feel you may have been around benzene you need to contact an experienced lawyer that knows your rights and will guide you in the right direction. You may be suffering from Aplastic anemia and a lawyer can help you.

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Posted in anemia

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