A migraine is an intense throbbing pain which often only affects part of the head and may involve nausea, vomiting, extreme pain, or vision disturbances. The pain may be felt behind the temples, or behind one eye or ear. Although migraines can occur at any time of day, they commonly begin in the morning. A migraine can last from several hours to several days.
The specific cause of migraines is unknown. Too much or too little sleep, lack of food, stress, hormonal changes in women, weather changes, bright lights and certain foods such as chocolate or red wine are thought to be triggers of a migraine attack. It is thought that constricted blood flow in the brain can bring on the pain.
Contrary to popular belief, a migraine is not actually a headache. A headache is just a symptom of the migraine. In some migraines, a headache is not present at all. Some people can predict the onset of a migraine as an aura, vision disturbances, zigzag lines, or temporary vision loss may precede it. Sometimes the symptoms can begin as early as 24 hours before the migraine attack. Many people also report feeling irritable, depressed, or hyper.
Twenty-five percent of all people and 15% of Americans, suffer from migraines. More women than men suffer from this condition. Migraines affect younger people more often than older. Boys and girls younger than 10 suffer equally from migraines. After the age of 12 and after puberty, three times as many girls suffer from migraines than boys. Although migraines can occur up to 10 times a month or more, the average is 1 to 2 a month. Caucasians experience migraines more often than Asians or African Americans. Family history also plays a role in migraines. Over half of migraine suffers have a parent with migraines.
Everyone is different and it is important for each individual to pay attention to the triggers associated with their own migraines. Keeping a diary is recommended to track the foods, weather and other events leading up to a migraine. Avoiding these triggers is the best way to prevent a migraine. Other methods physicians recommend are getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet on a regular basis, lowering stress and establishing regular sleep patterns.
There are several common methods to treat a migraine. Lying in a dark room is one common way to alleviate the pain. Small doses of caffeine have been known to help treat a migraine, but large doses can be triggers. Over the counter drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help with migraine pain. Doctors can also prescribe stronger drugs called ergotamines or triptans. Putting an ice pack at the back of the skull will lessen the blood flow to the head and provide instant relief. An icepack on the head directly where the pain is felt can also be helpful. Sleep is another way to get through a migraine.
If migraines become more frequent or more painful, it is important to discuss treatment with a physician. Fortunately migraines tend to decrease with age.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Headaches
Mar 24, 2008
What is a Migraine?
Mar 20, 2008
Migraine Relief with Ice Remedy
When you have a migraine headache – or a loved one has – you want a migraine remedy. You visited your physician before, and you know his advice was to take over-the-counter pain medication and rest in a dark room, but that isn't enough. You want to get relief sooner.
One of your friends suggests getting migraine relief with ice, and you want to know more. What is a migraine remedy that uses ice?
Cryotherapy – the Ice Remedy
At the Department of Neurology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Lawrence D. Robbins, M.D. decided to study whether or not cryotherapy (treatment with ice) was effective as a migraine remedy. Dr. Robbins enlisted 45 migraineurs in his study and, when they experienced an episode, gave them only a cold head wrap as a migraine remedy. Here are some of Dr. Robbins' findings.
* 35.5 percent of the 45 patients said that, as a migraine remedy, the ice was not at all effective.
* 29 percent of them said the ice remedy was a little bit effective for migraine relief.
* Cryotherapy was fairly effective for 26.5 percent of those participating.
* Only 9 percent said the cold head wrap was completely effective as a migraine remedy.
Robbins, Lawrence D., M.D (1989), Cryotherapy for Headache, Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 29 (9), 598–600.
If you were among the 35.5 percent who said the ice treatment was useless as a migraine remedy, you might never try it again. Nevertheless, as a result of his cryotherapy study, Dr. Robbins says: “You have a 50-50 chance of getting some pain relief within three minutes of applying a soft, cold ice pack wrapped in a towel to your head.”
Reasoning Behind the Ice Remedy
It is clear that the ice migraine remedy works for many people. It is clear, too, that it works to a degree most of the time. Perhaps a better understanding of how it works will help others test cryotherapy.
During a migraine episode, the blood vessels in the head tend to dilate – open more widely. They may become swollen with blood, causing pressure on the nerves surrounding them. The nerves begin to send pain signals, and you sense a migraine.
To get migraine relief with ice, you surround the head with a cold wrap, gradually cooling the blood vessels. As they cool, they become constricted, and return to normal size. This can lessen blood flow to the head, and reduce pressure on the nerves, providing a migraine remedy.
Migraine Ice
A relatively new product to hit the market, "Migraine Ice" headache pads are advertised as giving "instant cooling, soothing relief" that lasts, sometimes up to 4 hours. The pads are convenient, and require no refrigeration. Those who have frequent migraines can keep the pads in a desk or locker at work for a ready migraine remedy. To use, you simply remove the pad from its pouch, peel off a protective film, and apply the pad to the back of your neck.
Soft Ice
Another convenient product that claims to provide migraine relief with ice is Soft Ice. This is available as either a neck wrap or a head wrap. Since this product delivers comfortable cold therapy that chills the head or neck, it may be just what you need as a migraine remedy.
Traditional Ice Pack
There are many brands of ice available to use as a migraine remedy, and most do the job equally well.
Obviously, you do not need a commercial cold wrap, though, to get migraine relief with ice. A simply, traditional ice pack will do as well. An ice pack is a waterproof bag with a cap at the top that allows you to fill the bag with ice. Once full, the bag is capped, and the ice pack can be applied to neck, forehead, or other parts of the head.
Alternative Ice Pack
If you are away from home, and do not have access to an ice pack, an alternative ice pack can be made with crushed ice and a towel. Simply place the crushed ice on the towel, and fold it to contain the ice.
To best use your ice migraine remedy, go to a dark room. Place the ice pack on your neck or head and rest.
CAUTION: To avoid frostbite, keep commercial cold packs in place for only 20 minutes at a time. If the skin begins to feel the least bit numb, remove the cold pack immediately.
This migraine headache information is for educational purposes only. Please seek advice from your physician for any migraine headache.
©2007, Anna Hart. Member of a “migraine family” and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about migraine relief at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com/ You won’t want to miss Anna’s article on how to get migraine relief through migraine pressure points.
Weight Loss for Women Over 40 - Love Yourself First
If you are 40-something, you know that it is getting harder to manage your weight. This is true for most, but it doesn’t mean you cannot still maintain a healthy weight.
First you may need to re-frame your outlook. If you are dreaming about your high school weight, you may need a reality check. For some, this may be possible, for others it may simply be unrealistic and unnecessary. When determining what your goal weight is, consider this: fi Calculate your BMI (see below). This is the best way to assess whether you really need to lose weight, or you just want to look better in your jeans. If your BMI is in the healthy range of 19-24, then you can be assured that your weight is not adversely affecting your health. If it is over 24, then you could reduce your risk for disease by losing a few pounds.
fi Love yourself first. If you think that losing fifteen pounds will solve all of your body image problems, you are probably wrong. Work with a therapist or life coach so that you can come to peace with who you are and the body shape you were born with. Try not to let your appearance be your biggest motivator to eat well and exercise. fi Consider inches, not just the scale. Take your waist, arm and thigh measurements now. Then compare every two weeks for three to four months after you have been exercising and eating better. You may not always see huge losses on the scale, but lost inches means lost fat and better health.
Secondly you need to make some changes in your eating habits. Most women at this age are pretty busy. They may be juggling a family, career and aging parents. This often adds up to skipping meals, eating junk food, and being dehydrated! Keep these tips in mind each day to get you out of a bad habit: fi Sit down and take a lunch break. While breakfast may be quick, lunch should not have to be on the run. Often we think that we are saving time by eating at our desks or in our car! But your body and mind need some downtime and a twenty to thirty minute break will likely leave you more focused and energized. Plus, sitting down will help you eat more slowly, which will help you eat less and stop when you’re full.
fi Plan two to three snacks a day. If you work out of the home, bring two snacks with you each day. If you work at home, choose your snacks in the morning or the night before. You may even want to post a “Healthy Snack List” on your refrigerator to help you make good choices. Portions are important. Snack ideas: Low fat yogurt; 1-2 ounces pretzels; low fat string cheese with 6 wheat crackers; low fat granola or high fiber bar; 10 animal crackers and a glass of skim milk; a piece of fresh fruit or a cup of melon or berries; raw carrots; hummus with 6-8 wheat crackers; a glass of low fat chocolate milk. fi Consider keeping a food log. Writing down what we eat helps keep us accountable for all the little tidbits and go into our mouth. fi Be patient. Weight loss after forty is slower than it was before. You have to simply accept this. Make small changes, stick with them, and you will eventually see results.
Finally, exercise is more important than ever. Again, with the busy and often content lives that 40-something women may lead, they may get relaxed on exercise. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Check with your doctor first to find out if there should be any restrictions, then shoot for exercising 3-5 times a week. While this may seem like a lot, keep in mind, household activities count too. So consider more formal exercise (like jogging, walking, weight lifting) to be done 3-4 times a week.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Heart Association (AHA) have released updated physical activity recommendations for adults and older adults. The recommendations are an update and clarification of the 1995 recommendation on the types and amounts of physical activity needed by healthy adults and older adults to improve and maintain health. Specifically, the guidelines recommend all healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes on three days each week. So the good news is that once you increase your intensity, you can get by with 3 days a week of activity. Keep these ideas in mind when planning out your activities: fi If you are not active at all, start walking. A nice walk outside each morning will be a great way to start your day. Even if you only have time for a 30-minute walk, start there. Some activity is always better than no activity.
fi If you are already a walker, try jogging. Increasing the intensity of any activity will help boost your metabolism. Start by jogging for 30 seconds, then one minute, and continue alternating minutes of jogging with walking. Before you know it you will be jogging two miles. fi Don’t hire it all out. Often individuals may have a comfortable lifestyle at this point and be able to hire folks to do the weeding, mulching, dig a new garden, mowing, or housework. Consider doing some of these old chores yourself. Shoveling mulch builds muscle and burns lots of calories! fi Try weight lifting. Weight training doesn’t mean you have to turn into a body builder nor does it mean you have to go to a gym. If you want to join a gym, that’s fine. It is a good idea to get some initial training from a personal trainer to be sure you are doing the activities with good form, but once you have the form down, you can easily work out at home. Invest in a set of light hand weights (usually 2, 3 and 5 pounds each) and start doing repetitions. We lose muscle as we age and weight lifting is one way to build some back and burn more calories.
Take your weight loss goals one at a time and you will see results eventually. In the meantime, think about your short-term goals and how eating healthy foods and using your muscles keeps your body well. Before you know it you will be inches smaller and a few pounds lighter
Rosanne Rust, MS, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Nutrition Consulting, Writing, Lectures
Licensed Provider for Real Living Nutrition Services®
Tired of dieting?
Try a new approach to weight management:
http://www.reallivingnutrition.com/RosanneRust.aspx
Think Fat Loss NOT Weight Loss
It is the fault of our popular media we are all obsessed with weight loss!
Unfortunately, this is to the downfall of our "real" goal of looking great naked!
The media obsession with those figures on the scales sets false hopes and promises, ultimately leading to failure in our goals. Whilst some publications and reports have recently stopped using weight as the primary indicator, it's twin brother of Body Mass Index (BMI) is used instead, in the false assumption that there is an ideal weight for your height!
Yes, BMI is a slightly better indicator than simply weight alone, but it forgets some of us are naturally built like an anorexic marathon runner, or a muscle packed quarterback, throwing the BMI measure completely out the window.
The problem with weight loss is the unhealthy fixation with restricted calorie diets, hundreds of hours of aerobic exercise, and in some cases, surgical methods to cut a few pounds from the scales.
I call it "unhealthy", as these traditional weight loss methods have been shown in many scientific studies to be detrimental to our body's metabolic rate, causing our body to hold on to the body fat we are so desperate to lose. There is more evidence in the gym today, you'll spot many of the members on the treadmills and in aerobic classes day after day, week after week, without any noticeable difference in body shape. Even the aerobics instructors are looking a little "chubby"!
Restricted calorie diets cause our body to go into starvation mode, with the ultimate result of slowing our metabolism and causing us to store more fat rather than losing the stuff.
It is clear that all the old approaches are not working, so what does work then?
If fat loss or body shape and size was our primary focus, I believe we are more likely to attain our goals. The process of "fat loss" would mean you concentrate on actions to boost your normal metabolic rate, and boost it significantly enough to allow fat to simply disappear naturally.
This would include exercises to build more metabolically active tissues, this means resistance type training to increase muscle tissue. You would also look to adopt eating habits that boost your metabolism rather than slow it down, meaning eating smaller meals every 2 to 3 hours, and eating foods that contain good protein sources and not the processed carbs that are so prevalent in the modern diet.
These methods will not only allow you to drop the 1, 2 or more dress/jean sizes, show your flat stomach or 6 pack abs, and make your butt look smaller, but you'll probably lose some weight in the process too ;o)
So today is the day to change your focus from those numbers on the scales, to simply working out how to lose the fat that is covering your body. Losing the fat is not complicated, it simply requires a shift in your perception of what are the most "effective" methods. Start today by quitting the "diet", eating sensibly and regularly instead. Get into the gym and do the more effective resistance workouts and stay away from the cross trainer!
Tim Goodwin is a Luxembourg based fitness professional specializing in help the busiest people achieve more with their amateur sporting interests, and at the same time ridding them of excess body fat. Visit http://www.getfit.lu/success.html to get a free 18 page report "How to lose weight even when you are really busy" containing a full 4 week program which you can start today! Feel free to duplicate this article, I only ask that it remains in full and includes this resource box.
Should You Consult an Atlanta Weight Loss Doctor?
Are you an overweight Atlanta resident looking for ways to lose your weight? Are diet and exercise just not effective more? Maybe it’s time for you to visit an Atlanta weight loss doctor to discuss your options.
There are many weight loss or bariatric doctors who can help you achieve your weight-loss goals. Because of their expertise and resources, these Atlanta weight loss doctors are truly capable of providing the most appropriate plan or treatment for your case.
It all starts with the first consultation. During consultation, you will be weighed. The initial visit will consist of a physical exam and medical and dietary history taking which the doctor will perform by using electronic body analysis which is an electronic scale that measures and prints a person's weight, water weight, muscle pounds, fat pounds and body fat percentage. The scale will also be able to tell the total average of the amount of calories you take everyday plus calculate the amount of body fat and pounds that is most appropriate for your body type.
After your evaluation, the Atlanta weight loss doctor will give you their recommendation as well as the weight loss plan most suited for your needs. Your physician might also give you optional energy-boosting and fat-boosting shots during the visit.
After your consultation, your Atlanta weight loss doctor may recommend you the following medicines for treatment and maintenance. Bondril, Tenuate, Didrex, Tenuate, Meridia, Xenical, Phentermine, etc. They may also recommend you a weekly dose of booster shots to speed up your weight loss and enhance energy level.
For severe cases, your doctor will recommend surgery. Here are some options:
1. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty – More commonly known as “stomach stapling”, during surgery the surgeon would staple a part of your stomach to create a smaller-sized stomach which will limit the amount of food intake. Some doctors would use bands instead of staples.
2. Gastric Bypass Surgery – This procedure also involves bands or staples to create a smaller stomach. The new stomach will be attached to the middle portion of the small intestine bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine.
Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret
What Is Mesothelioma and What Problems Does Mesothelioma Cause?
If you've been unfortunate enough to get diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be asking your self two questions: What is mesothelimoa and what problems does mesothelioma cause? The answers to both of these questions are quite vast. So, instead of spending all day searching the keywords "what is mesothelioma and what problems does mesothelioma cause" on a search engine, just continue to read this article. You will get a brief summary explaining both what the disease is and what you can expect from it.
With that being said, you should first get an answer to your most basic question: what is mesothelioma. Basically, mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the organs. The most common type affects the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma can affect the abdomen, the heart and even the testicles, though this is very rare. Either way, all cases of mesothelioma can be traced to asbestos exposure. This could be from a person working with the substance at their job and/or through exposure to certain types of paints and building materials used in older residences. Since nowadays asbestos use is strictly limited by the government, most cases occur in elderly individuals.
Now, you are ready to understand the answers to the next question: what problems does mesothelioma cause. The most simple answer is many. The overall prognosis of the disease is very grim, even when a person gets treated. During the time the person has the disease, they will encounter an array of symptoms ranging from unusual lumps on the body, pain, bloody coughing, nerve damage, fluid accumulation in the affected organ, bowel problems and weight loss. Granted, there are a few mesothelioma victims that may not suffer any symptoms, but this tends to be rare. Usually, victims must endure both the symptoms associated with their condition and the problems that occur with chemotherapy treatment.
Some mesothelioma victims decide to fight back once they've been diagnosed with the disease. They do this by seeking settlements against the company responsible for the condition. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma this could certainly be an option, especially as your medical bills will just keep mounting each month. But keep in mind that sometimes cases do end up in court, which could place a lot of extra stress on yourself and your family.
So, there you have it. You now understand the answers to the questions "what is mesothelioma and what problems does mesothelioma cause." And while such information may not be comforting to you, at least you know what to expect with a mesothelioma diagnosis. You also know that you do have legal options available to you, if you decide to use them. What you won't know is how to live with the disease, especially considering its prognosis. You can obtain some guidance from other sufferers, but ultimately you will have to rely on your own spiritual and emotional strength to figure out how you can enjoy what life you do have available to you.
If you want to learn more about asbestos mesothelioma cancer then please check out my website for more information and advice. http://www.AsbestosMesotheliomaCancer.net
Signs And Symptoms Of Mesothelioma (AKA Asbestos Cancer)
There are a couple of issues that confuse, delay or make the diagnosis of mesothelioma more difficult. First, this cancer (commonly occurring from asbestos exposure) typically takes many years to develop (spanning as much as 20 to 50 years). Second, the symptoms are often similar to common respiratory complaints and illnesses like the cold or flu.
There are three types of mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial). Each type has different symptoms, as follows:
The first type of mesothelioma (pleural) shows itself in symptoms ranging from breathing difficulties, trouble swallowing, a shortness of breath, a cough that is persistent and doesn't go away, rapid or severe weight loss, persistent fever, coughing up blood, or a persistent pain or tightness in the chest.
The second type of mesothelioma (peritoneal) exhibits itself in abdominal symptoms since this cancer attacks the abdominal cavity. Signs and symptoms include rapid and noticeable weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling because of fluid building up in the belly, severe constipation, bowel obstructions, weakness, fainting or anemia and persistent fever.
The third type of mesothelioma (pericardial) is the rarest form. Signs and symptoms include persistent and severe chest pain, shortness of or gasping for breath, heart palpitations or feeling like your heart is racing, a persistent cough that doesn't go away, and severe fatigue that is new to the patient.
If you suspect mesothelioma or have had exposure to asbestos, ask your doctor to perform an x-ray or ultrasound to evaluate your symptoms. Yes, the signs and symptoms overlap with over common illness but it's important for image diagnostics to rule any cancers out.
Although there is no current definitive cure for any of the types of mesothelioma, research and trials are underway and show some promise.
To learn more about the symptoms of mesothelioma, as well as developments in the treatment for, diagnosis of and compensation for people with asbestos cancer, click here to visit the mesothelioma signs and symptoms website.
Mar 18, 2008
What Is Asbestos?
What is Asbestos?
According to the Asbestos Network, asbestos actually refers to several naturally occurring minerals. These minerals have been used in commercial products to increase strength and flexibility. The Asbestos Network claims that these minerals are a mix of metals, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Asbestos, like coal or gold is mined. Some of the countries that mine asbestos include the United Sates, Canada, South America and the former Soviet Union.
Types of Asbestos
Asbestos is not just one substance; in fact it can be divided into several different types, and these types can be divided into two basic groups. These two groups are serpentine and amphibole. Environmental Health and Safety claims that the serpentine group only contains one member: chrysotile. This type of asbestos is the most common form found in buildings and is also known as “white asbestos.”
Both the Asbestos Network and Environmental Health and Safety list five different types of asbestos within the amphibole group. These five include amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Amosite is the second most prevalent type found in building materials and is also referred to as “brown asbestos.” Crocidolite, “blue asbestos,” is found in structures where the materials need to be safe from high temperatures. The final three, anthyphyllite, tremolite, and actinolite, are rarely found.
Problems Related to Asbestos
The Asbestos Network explains that contact with asbestos can cause diseases such as asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma. The fibrous nature of asbestos causes much of the problem. The fibers may get caught in the lungs and create lung damage. Or, they may even be swallowed and become lodged in membranes of the gastrointestinal track, according to the Asbestos Network. Again, this could lead to cancer of the lungs or of the GI tract. So while it may be thought that the lungs are the only place that can be damaged, it is other parts of the body can be negatively affected by asbestos.
Who is at Risk?
According to the Asbestos Network, the “dose” of asbestos that a person is exposed to equals the combination of the concentration, or the amount of asbestos in the air, and the duration, or the length of time that a person is exposed to asbestos. The more asbestos inhaled, the greater the chance of damage to lungs or other internal organs. Also, the Network says that cigarette smoking increases the likelihood of contracting an asbestos disease as it decreases the general health of the lungs. The Asbestos Network also lists several occupations that may be more likely to suffer from asbestos created diseases. These occupations include construction work, ship building, railroad working and automobile engineers.
How To Avoid It
There are several things that those who work around asbestos can do to limit their contact with the cancer causing fibers. The American Lung Association of Georgia insists on no eating or drinking while you are working. The Association also urges workers not to smoke and to follow proper guidelines when handling asbestos. Employers that place their employees in asbestos filled areas should have the employees properly trained on how to handle the substance, as well as how to avoid interacting with it.
About the Author:
Robert Michael is a writer for ABE Mesothelioma which is an excellent place to find mesothelioma links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.abemesothelioma.com/
Mesothelioma
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the lung or the abdomen lining, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. Asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s, but during the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured over the following two decades. But even though new measures where brought in to get rid of it, many schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.
Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. The people most at risk are :-
People working in factories that manufacture asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.
Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until between twenty and fifty years after exposure, which explains why so many new cases of this form of cancer are coming to light now. Many people who haven't been in contact with asbestos for decades, are now showing symptoms of this dreadful disease.
As with many forms of cancer, mesothelioma can spread rapidly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, loss of weight, and chest pains. If it is diagnosed early enough, the tumor can be surgically removed, and with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, a full recovery is often possible.
However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible. In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be used alongside other pain relief treatments, to ease the symptoms. Where cure is not possible, the average survival time is between four and eighteen months, depending on the stage of the tumor and the general health of the patient.
I was prompted to write about mesothelioma because I personally know families who have suffered due to this terrible disease.
About the Author:
John Moore - As a child, I lived near an asbestos factory, hence my decision to write this article. Please use my link. http://www.online-mesothelioma-guide.com/
Lung Cancer
Both my grandfather and my father-in-law are suffering from lung cancer. Since two valuable members of our family have the disease we decided to find articles on lung cancer to help us understand the condition better. One of the best resources for finding information about health issues is Web MD. This site offers tons of articles on lung cancer.
Three of these articles on lung cancer were extremely helpful to our family in dealing with the respiratory disease. These three pieces of journalism involve typical questions and concerns that many people face when discovering that they have this frightening disease. Web MD has many more articles about cancer as well but the five I discuss here were outstanding.
The first of the articles on lung cancer that we came across on Web MD was about dealing with the side effects of chemo therapy. One of our biggest concerns for our family members is their reaction to the powerful treatment for cancer that has such difficult effects on the body.
My grandfather complains that the treatment is worse than the disease. The information we discovered through the essay was extremely helpful in helping us understand and deal with the harsh side effects of chemo therapy. This was one of the most important articles on lung cancer we found.
Another great piece involved 10 questions that every patient who has the condition should ask his doctor. When you read articles on lung cancer you realize that you overlook so many questions when you visit your physician. This piece really helped us organize a list of concerns and inquiries for the doctors.
After reading the two articles on lung cancer we decided to do a little more research into the topic to see if there were cutting-edge treatments for the respiratory disease that afflicts so many individuals. We found an article about radiofrequency ablation or RFA. This treatment for cancer uses heat to treat early tumors.
The combined therapy essay provided us great information for this cutting edge treatment for cancer. The RFA approach uses heat to destroy tumors but they do have to be in the early stages of the condition for it to work effectively. Radiofrequency ablation is also used in combination with chemo therapy, not as an independent treatment.
The three articles on lung cancer that we found on Web MD were very useful in helping us gain an understanding of what to do for severe side effects of chemo therapy. We found a list of questions to ask the doctors and we discovered new combined therapy that is used to treat the disease.
There is so much more to learn. Fortunately, Web MD has many more articles on lung cancer for us to study.
About the Author:
If you would like more information on fishing please visit http://www.asbestos-mesothelioma-resources.org/
What Is Lung Cancer And Who Can Get It?
Abnormal cell growth in either one or both of the lungs is the simple answer to the question, “What is lung cancer?” In healthy individuals, the cells within the lungs go about their business duplicating at a normal rate and turning into more and more lung tissues. The lungs continue to function properly and all is well.
But in damaged lungs, this rate of cell duplication becomes uncharacteristically fast yet new lung tissue fails to develop. These damaged (cancerous) cells begin to clump together and ultimately turn into cancerous tumors. Eventually, the tumors begin to interfere with the impacted lung’s ability to function normally and that is when the full impact of the disease known as lung cancer begins to be noticed.
Interestingly, although it usually takes many years for lung cancer to develop, the cells begin to take on abnormal characteristics almost immediately upon being exposed to cigarette smoke or the other environmental contaminants that can cause trouble in the lungs such as radon, asbestos, coal, air pollution, and even second-hand smoke.
Lung cancer can strike anyone regardless of gender, age or race. Even though it is more likely to strike those who are or who have been a smoker, lung cancer can develop in those who have never taken up this habit. Lung cancer in non-smokers is very rare, occurring in only about 10% of the cases, meaning that in almost 90% of the lung cancer cases, cigarette smoking is the instigator. Why is that so?
The primary purpose of the lungs is to breathe in air. The lungs remove the oxygen from this air and push it out into the blood where it can travel around the body as needed. Because the air we breathe is not always pure – it’s filled with dust, dirt, and other types of pollutants – the upper part of the lung system was designed to clean it before allowing it to enter deeper into the lungs. In the case of smokers, the carcinogens in cigarette smoke can break down the lung’s cleansing capabilities and as a result, dirty air and the contaminants within cigarette smoke continue to freely enter into the lungs. It is the absence of this cleansing capability that ultimately causes the cells inside the lungs to function abnormally.
Besides being the #1 cause of cancer death in the United States, lung cancer is unfortunately so far a disease that has no cure. In fact, by the time lung cancer is discovered, few people will survive the first year after diagnosis.
Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are the two types of lung cancer that can develop. Eighty percent of the lung cancer cases are the slower-moving non-small cell type. The problem with this type of lung cancer is that it often spreads to other parts of the body. Sophisticated lung scans are generally the way most tumors are detected, but unfortunately, such scans are not part of routine medical care. That’s probably why most lung cancer goes undiagnosed for so long.
About the Author:
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for LifeLungCancer.com. To learn more about lung cancer treatments and what is lung cancer, visit our site.
Mar 17, 2008
An Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer in the lining of the lungs, stomach or heart. The linings are thin layers of tissue covering the body.
The film is side-arms fabric covering the lungs and chest wall and the pro formation, which protects the lungs. The peritoneum lines abdominal wall and surrounding most organs in the abdomen. The pericardium is the tissue surrounding the heart.
Mesothelioma is a rare but very serious cancer. There are three types based on the types of cancer cells. The most common type is epithelioid and consists of 50-70% of the total cases and better diagnosis. The second type is called sarcomatoid, comprising 10-20% of cases of mesothelioma and is the most predictable in nature. The third type of mesothelioma called biphasic, a combination of two other consists of 20-35% of all cases.
There are an estimated 2000-3000 new cases in the United States each year. The majority of these cases begin in the chest wall (the film Ocean lung mesothelioma), and a few start in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and is very rare cases begin in the lining surrounding the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
The side-arms membrane is a thin lining of mesothelial cells. There are two films side-arms in the chest, side-arms parietal membrane and membrane visceral side-arms. The parietal membrane lines the chest side-arms, including inside wall of the rib, and the veil barrier and pericardium. The visceral membrane covering the lungs and side-arms, filters and liquid to the chest. If the film side-arms becomes diseases it is not effective in removing fluid from the chest, which led to film Ocean lung or Shedding much fluid in the chest.
Mesothelioma is usually as a result of exposure to asbestos. Most people who are diagnosed have had jobs where breathing asbestos fibers. It may take 60 years from the time of exposure to asbestos to develop mesothelioma.
Although rare, mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer, which is often at an advanced stage when the diagnosis is made. In general, and diagnosis, the patient is poor, but some patients live with the disease for a long time. As mentioned above, the type of mesothelioma have an impact on the diagnosis, as well as old, the sick, and how cancerous developed and whether treatment is provided. There are many variables in the assessment of the state of mesothelioma, and thus only a doctor can determine patients the best possible treatment, and diagnosis on an individual basis.
Nugra http://www.kankermesothelioma.net/
Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Commonly, because lung cancer symptoms do not manifest in the early stage of the disease, treating it will be a big problem especially when detection happens when cancer metastases or secondary cancer cells already developed in the other organs of the body. Much research work has been dedicated to find out the first symptoms of lung cancer. Extensive research works conducted at Mesothelioma research clinics have uncovered some symptoms of lung cancer closely linked with the disease.
The main three symptoms to lung cancer that should not be ignored are shortness of breath, pain when breathing or coughing, and existence of a persistent cough, especially if it is accompanied by expectoration of sputum streaked with blood. Additionally, loss of appetite, fatigue, unusual losses of weight are three symptoms, which are indicative of lung cancer. The website further deals with the symptoms that can indicate and help identify the formulation of the preliminary stages of the disease (though difficult to be detected) so that adequate measures can be taken at the earliest possible opportunity.
Stage IV with extensive lymph node involvement or cancer that has spread to other organs, hen treated with chemotherapy and palliative care to reduce symptoms and increase comfort has a one-year survival rate.
Mesothelioma
Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. The third type of mesothelioma is called biphasic, it is a combination of the other two types and consists of 20-35% of all cases. In fact, Mesothelioma research news states that the period of the onset of Mesothelioma cancer could be from 10 to 60 years from the time of exposure to asbestos.
It is said that mesothelioma is linked to lung cancer and it is a good idea to get the help that is deserved when someone feels like they have been diagnosed because of the work that they did for a living. The term mesothelioma is used to describe a cancer tumor, which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ; this is usually the lungs, heart, or the abdominal organs. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos.
Most cancers are caused by external stimuli and mesothelioma is no different.
Exposure
The time between exposure and development of cancer ranges from 15 to 30 years. Your risk increases by 30 percent from daily exposure to second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke: Exposure to second-hand smoke has been shown to be a definite risk factor.
Although rarely discussed, exposure to toxic fumes in the workplace or environmental toxins in the air contribute to a significant number of deaths from lung cancer. For example, occupational exposure to diesel motor emissions, asbestos, and paint was found to be significantly correlated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Although changes in the lung begin almost immediately upon exposure to carcinogens, lung cancer takes years to develop.
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products. People who get lung cancer from asbestos exposure usually get it from work or from living in an older home. Factors that may protect people from lung cancer are not smoking, avoiding second hand smoke, a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, and limiting exposure to potential carcinogens in the environment such as radon.
Asbestos
Imagine a building with asbestos insulation torn apart and exposing all that insulation, well now you can see the problem. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.
People working in industries which involve extensive use of asbestos and other chemical substances/fumes are also at a greater risk of lung cancer. There are no reported cases of mesothelioma in people who were not exposed to asbestos either in the workplace or through their environment. Because asbestos related diseases take decades to form, early detection is critical for proper treatment.
However, exposure to asbestos presents an added urgency for routine appointments.
For more related information about Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Cancer, Pleural Asbestosis and various other pages on this topic, stop by and see if the information we have can help you.
Mar 14, 2008
Losing Weight After Pregnancy
Losing Weight After Pregnancy
Losing all of your pregnancy weight after giving birth is on a lot of new mums minds, but how fast you can do this depends on a few factors. The first factor is obviously how much weight you gained during your pregnancy.
Most women will lose about ten pouds, or maybe a bit more within the first couple of weeks after delivery, as well as the weight of the baby this loss also includes the placenta and fluid loss.
Breastfeeding speeds up weight loss if you are able to and choose to do this. you will also find that as your uterus shrinks back down to its normal size you will lose weight.
It will take a bit of time to get back your pre pregnancy weight, after all it did take nine months to put on , so it is not gonna dissapear overnight, but if you eat sensibly and take some exercise you should be able to shift those pounds.
While you are still breastfeeding your body may hang onto a few pounds, this is your body,s way of ensuring that you have enough energy to provide adequate milk for your baby.
Every woman is different in respect to how quickly they lose the weight, some women lose it in just a few weeks but it depends on the individual. If you are generally quite fit before the pregnancy you might find losing the weight after easier than someone who is maybe not quite as fit .
The important thing is to start exercising slowly and work up to doing more each week, even just getting out and going for a walk can help your body shape up and lose that fat.
If you eat healthily and take some exercise you should find that the weight drops off eventually.
If you want more info on keepin in shape during pregnancy ,then check out this link.
http://tinyurl.com/2adcl4
About the Author
Julie Savill is a mother of two children and wworks as a technician in a hospital.
Does Weight Loss By Hypnosis Work?
Weight loss is a problem that most of us have dealt with at least once whether it was someone in the family trying to lose some weight or yourself, it is a pressing problem that takes a lot of determination and patience. Many of us fail at strict diets and/or other practices of losing weight such as exercising or pills because our routine or our present state of health may not permit it.
How Does Weight Loss By Hypnosis Work?
Hypnosis works at the subconscious level, inducing in your mind positive thoughts and patterns that will help you with the present problem, in this case weight loss through your own mind and body. Hypnosis for self improvement is usually is done through a therapist who will monitor you and your progress through the sessions.
Weight loss by hypnosis may have to be achieved through several sessions depending on how open you are to the therapy but it can also be practiced at home with the help of CDs and DVDs. When using the weight loss by hypnosis therapy, you will be able to lose as much weight as you desire, not overnight but gradually in a healthy fashion and you will be in control the entire time of your body and mind.
When using weight loss by hypnosis, a pattern is induced in your unconsciousness where your appetite can be controlled and/or some of your favorite foods that cause you to gain you will be associated with factors or feeling that you dislike like nausea and every time you reach for that particular type of food you will experience this feeling and thus, you will control your cravings.
Helpful Tips
Weight loss by hypnosis can be achieved at home as well through the help of CDs and DVDs, where the same therapies are performed but without the therapist. If you are not comfortable performing hypnosis by yourself, you can take a few sessions with a therapist until you learn all there is to know and can conduct your own hypnosis therapies.
There are no side effects known to have derived from weight loss by hypnosis but you may not be able to see results as soon as you may like them if you don't continue your sessions regularly and/or don't practice the right way when performing it by yourself at home. So keep it up with the sessions and the results will be lasting for many years to come. Enjoy your new found effective weight loss plan!
About the Author
If you want to learn more about Hypnosis Video Clips please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Hypnosis - http://www.hypnotismsecrets.com
Best Way To Lose Weight
I hope that the following clause will help you to better understand this topic and may be of benefit in some way or another.
I presume there actually is no “best way to lose weight” as such which will fit each and every person crossed the board. Since everyone is unlike and is unequaled in their own way, it can be safely said that each person will have a different necessity when it comes to weight release options.
I think however, it can be said that there is in spades a best way to lose weight for every individual, and it is best if you can find this out for yourself and follow it. If you are not sure about how to go about this, to begin with, you always have the alternative of contacting a moderated nutritionist or dietitian who will be able to help you find the your own personal “best way to lose weight”.
There are many options for weight loss solutions, you also have the option of reading through assorted books and literature useable on the subject of weight loss to find what is the best way to lose weight for you. As you can see there are a number of options open to you, and it only hinges on which one you take to get your weight leaving under way.
Before you considering to begin on any weight loss method however, it is always best if you consult with your doctor or other certified person to decide whether this is the best way to lose weight for you.
In this way you can work over any futurity problems which might rise as a result of your weight loss, and you can also rule out any checkup or health issues which might keep you from losing weight the way you should.
To this end, even though you might think that you have found the best way to lose weight, you might not want to set that in stone. Always leave your options open and you will find that you are better off for doing so.
By keeping your weight loss plan flexible also gives you leeway to change it as you go through it, wedding out the bad spots and fine tuning the things which work for. In this way especially you will find that you really are reaping the results and that you have truly found the best way to lose weight, for yourself.
And once you have done this, the next thing that you need to do is to stick to your weight loss program. There is plainly no use in having found the best way to lose weight if you don’t follow through on it to the conclusion.
And when you have done this, you will know that you will be fighting healthy and ready to take on the world. WHY? Because you know that you put-upon the most fit and best way to lose weight... to read more on this topic, please check our web site...
Thank you for taking you time to read through this information if you’re interested in gathering more knowledge please continue to search this site.
About the Author
Michael Malega presents several best way to have weight articles for your information. You can visit Michael's web site at: Best Way To Lose Weight http://www.healthy-rapid-weight-loss.com/index.php
Best Weight Loss Products Revealed
For years there has been debate regarding the use of weight loss suplement products. Some feel that weight loss supplements work well as long as you are taking them, but when the program is stopped, the weight creeps back on. Mainly because the person taking the weight loss supplements does not make the lifestyle changes that are necessary to sustain weight loss. Doctors feel that if lifestyle changes are made, and diet is controlled, then the weight loss supplements are not needed.
Dieters argue that there is not enough time in the day to do the things that are needed to be done and cannot think of adding a trip to the fitness center to work out every day. Those who advocate weight loss supplements have stated that when taking weight loss supplements, they lose weight. They are not advocating anything else. When people need to lose weight they take their products, when they have achieved their weight loss goals, they stop taking the product. It is that simple.The good news is that there is a happy medium.Some propose that the person who are trying to lose weight take the two arguments and combine them into one.
Experts state that a person cannot maintain weight loss without making lifestyle and dietary changes.
Advocates of taking weight loss supplements state that a person will lose the desired amount of weight while taking the supplements. By making the lifestyle and dietary changes while taking the weight loss supplement will put an end to the debates. If the dieter meets with a nutritionist and develops a proper diet, and exercise routine, and starts this routine the day they start taking the weight loss supplement, the weight will come off at a quicker rate. By the time the weight loss goals have been met, the dieter would stop taking the weight loss supplements but continue with the diet and exercise routine. It is a way of easing into it slowly. When the dieter sees the results, chances are they will want to continue with the plan. It is a way to give the person seeking weight loss a boost of confidence.
Weight loss supplement products give that boost of conifedence if you find the right product for your body. Everyones body is different and that is why you hear good and bad reviews about the same weight loss supplement. But there are some basic things to look for. Sites like 4starhealth only carry 4 star weight loss products so you know your choosing a winner.
About the Author
For more information on the best weight loss products please go to http://www.4starhealth.com
Free Weight Loss Advice That Really Works!
Here's your first weight loss nugget: Just because somebody has muscles doesn't mean should automatically take their weight loss advice.
I'm going to give you a few tips, some free weight loss advice that really works. Use this advice and you will lose weight.
7 tips for maximum weight loss:
One: Never begin a diet with a half-hearted attempt. The mere thought of giving a new a diet a "try" is good enough reason why you will fail. Like Yoda once said to Luke Skywalker, "There is no try. Only do or not do." Live by those words.
Two: Reserve yourself in advance to focusing 100% for 3 strong weeks on your weight loss efforts. That means planning your meals, planning your workouts, making sure you write down your goals. Keep your head down and focused for 3 weeks. By the end of that time you will see your first results.
Three: Do not live on the scale. The scale is one of the biggest culprits for derailing weight loss success. If the scale doesn't read how you'd like it to read, your whole day has a chance of being destroyed. And so does your weight loss.
Free weight loss advice bonus tip: You can expect to lose 5-10 pounds in the first 2 weeks if you only increase your water intake and begin walking.
Four: Eliminate as much negativity as you can. There will be weight loss doubters. There will be people who secretly wish you to fail behind you back. Don't fret. Just recognize it and remove it as quickly as you can.
When you do lose the weight, don't hold a grudge. Just smile and hope for better things for those that doubted your weight loss power.
Five: When disaster strikes in the form of depression or a diet breakdown. Pick yourself back up immediately and begin again. Seize the moment and renew your weight loss commitment. Rededicate yourself by writing a letter of forgiveness to yourself.
There's your free weight loss advice that really works. Use it and go out and grab your new tighter, slimmer body. Hey, you deserve it, right?
About the Author
Get your FREE subscription to Underground Weight Loss VIDEOS. Plus a FREE copy of your "can't miss" Fat-Slashing Power Formula: Weight Loss Secrets! Just for visiting: Weight Loss Success!
Mar 10, 2008
Weight Loss Surgery is a Blessing for the Obese People
Heavy weight people suffer mentally and physically. They hesitate to mix with people and hence, create a separate environment for themselves. They also suffer from various type of physical problem and life becomes a hell for them. To reduce excess weight, many obese people perform various types of physical exercises like brisk walking, yoga, swimming but those things hardly affect their body. Some even goes for heavy dieting. Today, obesity is a hard core disease and it is spreading like a wild fire. Medical science had made rapid progress and finds an effective solution in the form of weight loss surgery or Bariatric surgery to fight against the problem.
Weight loss surgery is performed in many major hospitals in India. This operation successfully removes the excess weight from the body. With the upcoming of this weight loss surgery, obese patient need not have to panic on the issue. This operation is really a blessing for them. An obese person suffers from hypertension, insomnia, gallbladder disease, liver disease, degenerative disc disease, heart disease, infertility, arthritis in weight bearing joints and gastroesophageal reflux diseases. There are various forms of Bariatric surgery. Lap band, gastric bypass surgery and body lift are some of the forms. Obesity is a growing epidemic around the world and Bariatric surgery is a blessing. The operation involves low risk, smaller scars and faster recovery. It is very beneficent in comparison to traditional large incision gastric bypass surgery. The operation involves less risk factor.
Weight loss surgery removes the excess fat from the body of an obese patient. Once a person undergoes this treatment, he has to take very best care of his diet. He needs to follow a very strict diet. Maintaining a proper diet can help them to recover soon. Liquid foods, fresh fruits and cooked vegetables are most preferable. They can intake pureed food also. In obese patients, doctor needs to operate complications like anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, dumping syndrome etc. After the operation, patients suffer from various side effects. They mostly suffer from depression. The patients commonly die from heart failure.
With weight loss surgery, an obese patient can lead a normal life. He can feel himself one among the others. Cost is a very important factor for this type of surgery. One can seek the finance from the National Institutes of Health (NHI) but he or she needs to fulfill certain criteria. To get money from National Institutes of Health (NHI), the body mass index of the patient should be 40 or even greater. Otherwise, they had to bear all the expenses by their own. Before the operation, a patient has to undergo various types of tests. This surgery is not performed on the person suffering from cardiac problem, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. The surgery is carried out successfully in countries like US, Europe, Australia. Today, India, Brazil and Mexico have also joined in the race. This surgery helps the obese patients to enjoy every flavor of life and enjoy life to the fullest.
About the Author
Sarah Wilson is a tourism management expert with years of experience in overseas medical tourism management. If you want to know more about lasik eye surgery, weight loss surgery, medical tourism in india and more, you can visit http://www.surgeryunlimited.com/
The Best Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite
You don’t have to spend outrageous amounts of money on surgery or other drastic procedures to learn how to get rid of cellulite. There are at home remedies that can help you dissolve the excess fat and restore your skins natural beauty. The following measures will give you and idea of how to get rid of cellulite with at home remedies.
Cellulite Body Wrap
You don’t have to go to a spa or salon to get a cellulite body wrap. Both professional and homemade cellulite body wraps can improve the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite body wraps use a mixture of minerals and herbs that stimulate the fat cells to release the fat; they absorb toxins from the skin and reduce swelling. You can utilize herbs such as kelp or algae, which stimulate the fat burning process in the cells.
Skin Care
Skin care is very important for learning how to get rid of cellulite. You should cleanse your skin using your wash cloth or loufah to massage the area where cellulite exists. Use a circular motion at first and then a brushing motion upwards towards the heart. This will improve circulation and help remove toxins and metabolic waste out of the tissues and spaces around the cellulite.
Exercises to get rid of Cellulite
Exercise is consequential in order for you to get rid of your cellulite. You should combine cardiovascular exercise – walking, jogging, swimming, aerobics – and strength training – weight lifting and machines. You should also customize your exercise program to target the areas that have the most cellulite. If you are having the most problems with your thighs then do exercises that are designed for the thighs. These could be leg lefts or side leg lifts. In addition, there is exercise equipment exclusively made for thighs.
If you want to focus on your backside then do cellulite exercises that target the area, such as lunges or squats. Also, to increase the efficiency of your exercises, begin adding weights to your ankles or holding weights at your side –start with light weights and then build up.
Cellulite and Coffee
Many experts have recommended using caffeinated coffee grounds as a scrub for cellulite prone areas. The grounds produce an exfoliate action, as the caffeine absorbs into the skin and stimulates the fat cells to release their contents. You can apply warm coffee grounds to the targeted area and wrap with plastic wrap for 10 minutes or mix the grounds with hand cream and apply, massaging the area for at least sixty seconds. Many cellulite creams on the market also utilize caffeine and other cellulite-fighting ingredients. After you are done rinse the grounds off in the shower.
Anti Cellulite Diet
In order to learn how to get rid of cellulite, you must reduce your body fat. An anti cellulite diet consists of more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Stop eating processed foods high in saturated fats and trans fatty acids. Start to grill foods instead of frying them, drink plenty of fresh water every day, avoid the sweets, replace your coffee or tea with herbal teas and stop drinking soda. An anti cellulite diet will also help you feel healthier and promote weight loss.
About the Author
The aesthetician and freelance writer Eloise Bessemer advices to other women about MBT shoes and cellulite treatment. Other information about anti-cellulite product reviews and natural cure for cellulite are available at http://www.cellulitetreatment.org
Effective Back Pain Exercises
The answer to a healthy back is appropriate exercise. The problems associated with back pain can be minimized with exercises. It is widely known that regular exercises will improve the appearance and health in general, but very few realize the benefits that good physical conditioning can have on their back pain.
The benefit of exercises for the back depends on the following three key principles:
To attain satisfactory aerobic fitness.
To focus part of the exercising on the muscle groups that supports the back.
To avoid exercises that cause heavy stresses on the back
The right kind of exercise program helps in keeping the back pain under control and can make it easier to continue doing the daily chores. A break from vigorous exercise can be taken if the pain becomes worse. A Doctor or physiotherapist can be consulted before starting an exercise program for deciding on the type of exercises that can be done to relieve back pain and to stay fit.
Warm up is important before exercise and deep inhaling has to be repeated before each exercise. Regular exercise helps a lot and if it is skipped for a day, unavoidably walking can compensate it, to some extent.
Exercises to strengthen the back and hip muscles:
Wall slides exercise helps to strengthen the back and hip muscles. Leg muscles also get relieved. By standing against a wall on the back, try to slide down with knees bent. The bend should be 90 degrees and count till 5. Then come back to standing posture. This has to be continued for five times.
Raising the leg also helps in strengthening back and hip muscles. Lay down on the stomach. Try to tighten the muscles of a leg and bring it up. Count till 10 and bring it down. Continue this for 5 times each for both the legs.
Sitting up partially strengthens the abdomen muscles. Lie on the back and keep the knees bent. Raise the head and shoulder above the floor and try to reach the knees with hands. Leg rising also benefits stomach and hip muscles.
Exercises to minimize the back pain:
An aerobic conditioning program for 30 minutes, thrice a week is ideal for overall fitness. Recommended aerobic exercise includes Bicycling, swimming and brisk walking. Aggravation of low back pain can happen if step aerobics and exercises like jumping and running are practiced. Aerobic exercises make the heart and other muscles consume oxygen more efficiently.
Swinging back legs could strengthen the muscles of hip and back. Stand in the back of a chair and raise a leg up and down without bending the knee. Repeat this for each leg.
Posture training for sitting, standing, sleeping and even during motion is needed if posture is a factor. The type of shoes viz. High Heels that are worn can also affect the posture by adding more stress on the lower back by changing the posture.
Stretching exercises can be done for keeping the muscles flexible and less prone to injury.
Physical therapy: There are different forms of physical therapy viz. Passive Physical therapy and Active Physical therapy. Passive physical therapy includes Heat/Ice packs, TENS units and Iontophoresis. Active Physical therapy is the exercises like Stretching for back pain exercise, Low-impact aerobic conditioning and strengthening for back pain exercise.
While there are merits if a pattern of good conditioning is followed the wrong type of exercise may actually worsen the low back pain. Activities that pass on too much stress on the back like lifting heavy weights, jumping, running, step aerobics and climbing are not advised. Slow Cycling on a recumbent stationary bike can also relieve back stress. To sum up, exercise will decrease the severity and frequency of lower back pain and can be prevented when a comprehensive exercise program is followed.
About the Author
Visit http://www.besthealing.info/ for more information on back pain and arthritis related disorders. Also, check out http://www.infraredspa.info for very useful resources on infrared spa that heals both the body and mind.
How Much Caffeine is Ok?
So what's the verdict on your daily coffee? My philosophy is I'll try anything twice and most substances can be used for tribal purposes. It's the abuse of a substance that starts the problem.
Did you know that worldwide, 120,000 tons of caffeine is consumed each year? That's the equivalent of one caffeine-containing beverage per day for each of the 5 billion plus inhabitants of planet earth.
Welcome to the most widely consumed psycho-active substance in the world.
Humans have been using this drug since the Stone Age. Our early ancestors elevated their moods, stimulated their awareness and eased fatigue by chewing the bark, leaves or seeds of certain plants.
Today we big monkeys may have refined our tastes but are not much different. We consume caffeine in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, some soft drinks, and even some drugs. But how much do we really know about the substance whose consumption is rivalled only by water?
Caffeine is found in varying amounts in the fruit, leaves, and beans of over 60 plants. In the plant world, caffeine acts as a natural pesticide that paralyses and kills some insects that try and feed on these plants.
But the word itself comes from the French term for coffee, café. Your typical morning latte can contain an upwards of 200g of caffeine. A cup of tea averages around 70mg, soft drinks anywhere from 10 to 50mg per beverage, and an average 28g serving of milk chocolate contains about as much caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
Studies have shown that a complete tolerance to the subjective effects of caffeine can be seen to develop after consuming 300mg of caffeine 3 times per day for 18 days, and sometimes even earlier.
Caffeine is completely absorbed by the stomach and small intestine within 45 minutes but its effects can be felt after around 15 minutes. And just what are these effects? Well, caffeine is a central nervous system and metabolic stimulant.
Because of the norepinephrine released in the brain after ingestion, caffeine increases respiration, strengthens the pulse, raises blood pressure, stimulates the kidneys, temporarily relieves fatigue, and excites the brain, improving mental function.
Caffeine and its related substance theobromine (from tea and cocoa) are like sugar in their effects on the body. They stimulate the adrenal glands to release an adrenaline-like substance, which causes the liver to release sugar into the blood stream.
This is what gives you the lift you feel from drinking caffeinated beverages.
Just like alcohol and nicotine, caffeine readily crosses the blood brain barrier. There in the brain it also constricts cerebral blood vessels. If you're used to drinking a few cups of coffee a day but decide to give it a rest, those blood vessels will dilate, leaving you with one hell of a headache, one of the best known withdrawal symptoms.
Other symptoms can include irritability, an inability to concentrate, and even stomach aches.
These feelings can appear within 12 to 24 hours if no caffeine has crossed your lips, peak at approximately 48 hours and last from one to five days.
It takes the body an average of 7 to 9 hours to process the caffeine in one cup of coffee. Women, however, metabolise caffeine about 25% faster than men unless they are taking oral contraceptives or are ovulating which then increases the time to 10 to 20 hours!
So, in my view 1-2 cups a day won't cause you too much harm, but the benefits you'll achieve by using caffeine only when you need it will far surpass your daily psychological reliance on those cups of coffee.
About the Author
Brett Smith is not your average health and online dating expert. He has some interesting and controversial views on health for singles.
Mar 6, 2008
Anorexia Treatment
Anorexia Nervosa is a life threatening condition that can put a serious strain on many of the body's organs and physiological resources. Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming fat. Their dieting habits develop from this fear. Anorexia mainly affects adolescent girls. Anorexia may be a serious disease for old men. Anorexia nervosa" is frequently shortened to "anorexia" in both the popular media and scientific literature. There are two types of anorexia. Classic Anorexia (Restricting Anorexia) – The person eats very little and loses weight through self-starvation or excessive exercise.
Binge-Eating/Purging Anorexia – In addition to cutting the intake of calories, this person also binges and purges. Anorexia nervosa often starts between the ages of 15 and 25, but it can develop in children as young as 10 and in older people. Although 90% of those who develop anorexia are women, the condition also affects men. Anorexia nervosa is found in all social groups and almost all cultural groups.
One percent of teenage girls in the U.S. develop anorexia nervosa and up to 10% of those may die as a result. Anorexia can cause severe medical problems and even lead to death. Anorexia may be used as a way to express control when the rest of one's life seems out of control. There are many signs that someone may have anorexia nervosa. The most frequently noticed is the extreme thinness that characterizes someone with this eating disorder. Common warning signs of anorexia incliding is a person suffering from anorexia is thin and keeps getting thinner.
A person with anorexia may end up losing 15% or more of her ideal body weight. Anorexia creates a distorted body image—a person with anorexia feels fat even when she is thin or underweight. Anorexia may cause a person to complain about feeling bloated or nauseated even when she eats normal—or less than normal—amounts of food. A person suffering from anorexia may feel cold even though the temperature is normal or only slightly cool. Support groups are also invaluable in treating anorexia.
Anorexia can be treated with psychotherapy and diet advice but these are only effective if the person is ready to get better. Cognitive techniques which recognize the importance of addressing distorted self-body images and perfectionist thinking are frequently used, and should be part of the initial focus of treatment. Psychoeducational materials are sometimes used to instruct patients on how to recognize the appropriate body weight and body fat proportions of a normal body.
Oftentimes additional psychiatric concerns must be addressed such as specific traumatic events or memories which may underlie the negative self-image associated with anorexia. Effective inpatient anorexia treatment sometimes uses behaviorally-oriented token economies which reward patients for eating regular meals. Self-help groups may also be helpful. It is often comforting to talk to other people who have been through the same thing. Therapy involving the family may also be helpful, especially when a younger child has anorexia.
Anorexia Treatment Tips
1. Antidepressants (such as amitriptyline) are the usual drug treatment and may speed up the recovery process.
2. Chlorpromazine may be beneficial for those individuals suffering from severe obsessions and increased anxiety and agitation.
3. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is never an appropriate treatment option for a person suffering from an uncomplicated eating disorder.
4. Self-help methods for the treatment of this disorder are often overlooked by the medical profession.
5. Oftentimes additional psychiatric concerns must be addressed such as specific traumatic events.
6. Self-help groups may also be helpful. It is often comforting to talk to other people who have been through the same thing.
Author Resource:- Juliet Cohen writes articles for depression clinic and how to treat depression. For more information visit our site at http://www.depression-clinic.com.
Mar 2, 2008
Mesotherapy Treatment for Cellulite
Cellulite is very troublesome condition for anyone who gets affected by it. Especially for woman, it is very demoralizing and because of such unwanted ugly appearance, it becomes difficult for them to come publicly. It is indeed a frustration that we are now capable of sending astronauts into the space for months and the permanent cure for some diseases are still illusive. For cellulite, endermologie is effective but expensive then what should we think about?
Give mesotherapy a shot for cellulite. It is the painless injections of vitamins, medications, minerals and certain amino acids that are just placed beneath the surface of the skin. It is therefore, mesotherapy can also be used for reducing weight, face and neck rejuvenation and hair re-growth apart from reducing and/or treating cellulite.
The injections used for this are prepared individual depending upon its purpose and unlike other medical treatments; mesotherapy is performed directly onto the affected areas of the body and because of this, there are very limited side effects and such injections also reduce the possibilities of drug interactions and allow substantial reduction in the number or amount of medications utilized for every procedure.
Mesotherapy will melt the fats that are present underneath the skin by painless injections and will break up the network of connective tissue fibers that form the cells that trap the fats and result in cellulite. The mesotherapy will break the bands of the connective tissues by injecting small amounts of special medicines in mesoderm (skin layer) to break down the cellulite by improving blood circulation and lymphatic and venous drainage so that the toxins are removed and body gets rejuvenated.
The therapy takes about 10 minutes and is not painful at all since the injections are not given deep into the muscles. Once those injections are given, one can return to her or his normal work. The patients are informed that how many 'sittings' or treatments will be required for the maximum benefits in their initial consultation. However, the treatment is only decided after thoroughly examination of the local area and the degree of cellulite the patient has.
Mesotherapy is very effective and hence, is accepted worldwide. The treatment generally lasts long and the results can be measurable until the patient does not gain more than about 15lbs. The mesotherapy has favorable results for the cellulite that are present on larger areas of the body such as legs, buttocks, hips etc. It is comparatively cheaper as compared to those expensive ultra modern techniques. The therapy does not carry any risk as compared to other radioactive techniques or surgeries.
However, cellulite is the condition that requires sincere attention and hence, along with mesotherapy; certain medications can also be given for better results. Proper diet, change in a lifestyle, hot-packs and physical workout in gym will be very beneficial in treating/reducing the cellulite. One should be careful about the dietary intake and should prevent all those factors that are triggers for developing cellulite.
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Cost Of Mesotherapy
The total cost of Mesotherapy depends on several factors and varies widely from one clinic to the other. Costs include consultation fees and treatment fees, which in turn depend on the level of expertise of the person providing treatment, the size and number of body areas to be treated, and the total number of treatment sessions needed.
The higher the certification of the individual providing treatment, the higher the cost usually is. A board-certified plastic surgeon will be more expensive than a nurse practitioner. Clinics with higher overhead will also be more expensive. It is best to consider at least a couple of options to determine the level of expertise and price range one is comfortable with.
In general, an initial consultation for a Mesotherapy treatment may cost between $50 and $500. During this consultation, a treatment plan is chalked out depending on whether the aim is to reduce cellulite, localized fat, or both.
Once the treatment plan is decided, a patient may undergo between four and ten treatment sessions. The total number of sessions depends on the type of treatment (cellulite reduction versus localized fat reduction), and area of the body that is being treated. For each area of the body being treated, such as the thighs or buttocks, one session may cost between $200 and $600. If the body area to be treated is the neck or eye, or face region, greater skill may be required and the cost accordingly goes up.
Because there are so many variables involved in the final bill for Mesotherapy, it is best to find out what costs are involved upfront. Mesotherapy is not covered by health insurance, and treatment costs can run into the thousands of dollars. Costs per injection session may not include drug and equipment costs. Certain treatments may also require follow-up after the initial injection treatment is completed, adding to the total cost.
Mesotherapy provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more. Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors Info.
