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Bronchitis Disease

This disease is as a result of the inflammation of the large bronchi also known as the medium sized airways. If left untreated, it can progress to pneumonia. Over time, that is, months of constant irritation of the airways, the condition regresses to asthma. Bronchitis disease symptoms, include an expectorant cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, headaches, wheezing and occasional chest pains. The air passages are blocked by the mucous piling up in them.

The causes of a bronchitis disease are viruses, bacteria and exposure to dangerous fumes. This includes smoking. According to the cause of the disease, different treatment options are available. Bronchitis disease caused by bacteria is treated using antibiotics, expectorant cough syrup and bronchodilaters. Those caused by viruses do not require treatment using antibiotics. The symptoms usually disappear on their own after a few days.

Bronchitis disease starts with a dry cough. This cough is usually severe and can wake you at night. After a few days, the cough becomes productive. This is followed by the other symptoms of bronchitis. These symptoms usually last for about a week or less.

The expectorant cough can last for up to a month. If it lasts for more than a month, more diagnosis is required. This should be done by an ear, mouth and nose doctor. This is to rule out other conditions such as asthma.

When bronchitis disease is not fully treated, it can progress to other health issues. It is therefore very important to finish the prescribed dosage even if the symptoms have all gone. This ensures full treatment.

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Dog Training Shock Collar Pros And Cons

A shock collar is a type of “control tool” used to correct a dog’s behaviour, but are they safe and effective? Learn more in this article.

Your dog has some outrageous behaviour – it doesn’t like children or maybe any visitors? Or perhaps it keeps using the house as a toilet? It never seems to listen to you? So maybe a shock collar could be the answer?

A shock collar is one of a family of what are called control tools. They work by giving negative reinforcement to a dog’s behaviour. Then the dog will learn and over time it should stop doing the bad behaviour.

Pros

These collars can be very good for overly aggressive dogs that are not responding to traditional methods. For example, a mistreated but strong dog that won’t listen to you. Sometimes, these collars can save the dog from otherwise being put to sleep.

The effect of a mild electric shock is just a small discouragement to the dog but enough to show that bad behaviour is not tolerated. It is no worse than a quick “clip” from a dog’s mother.

Cons

They are not a magic bullet or cure. If they are not used correctly then they will be of no use to you. Make sure you get good training on how to use one and when to use a shock collar.

Some dog trainers argue that dog training shock collars are antiquated and totally unnecessary. They say that with a dog, you can always create a reward or punishment for any behaviour and a dog will always learn.

Some people say that any electric shock, no matter how small, is a form of torture and cruelty.

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Post-Natal Brain Injury – How to Seek Redress

If your child suffered a brain injury at birth that you think is due to the negligence of the obstetrician or the hospital, you may be owed compensation. Birth injury attorneys specialize in such cases, and may provide a free consultation with a staff physician to evaluate the merits of your case.

Firms that regularly deal with post-natal brain injury cases often employ a staff physician whose job is to analyze the medical records and if applicable, determine the critical times during delivery when medical professionals did not provide proper and adequate care. Post-natal brain injuries may be caused in any number of ways.

Obstetricians routinely monitor infants during birth for fetal distress. By monitoring the baby's heartbeat during labor, a doctor can determine if a Caesarean delivery is indicated. If medical professionals ignore fetal monitoring equipment or incorrectly interpret the data, serious brain injury can occur. Birth injury attorneys are skilled at evaluating these unfortunate situations.

If a doctor improperly uses forceps or a vacuum extractor during delivery, the baby may suffer an avoidable brain injury. This is a case of medical malpractice, and you can seek redress by contacting a birth injury attorney and asking that the details of the forceps or vacuum delivery be evaluated.

Cerebral palsy can be caused by birth defects or by post-natal brain injury. In cases of cerebral palsy, it is critical that with the help of medical specialists, birth injury attorneys determine whether it is likely that the cerebral palsy was the result of a pre-natal birth defect, or whether it could have been resolved from a brain injury during delivery.

Injuries to the brachial plexus are caused by damage to nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder. This type of injury occurs when a baby's shoulders are affected during delivery, causing the nerves of the brachial plexus to tear. While this is a spinal nerve injury and not a brain injury, birth injury attorneys also handle cases involving brachial plexus damage.

Preeclampsia is a disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period that affects both the mother and the baby. It occurs in 5% to 8% of pregnancies and is rapidly progressive and dangerous. A birth injury attorney, with the help of medical consultants, can evaluate whether a baby's brain injury was caused by preeclampsia that was not treated promptly.

In cases of post-natal brain injury, it is necessary to determine exactly who the liable parties are. Beside obstetricians and other doctors, nurses, health care facilities, and other caregivers may be liable in cases of brain injury. A birth injury attorney is skilled in identifying reliable parties in cases of brain injury. Those parties may include the hospital where delivery took place.

Hospitals, whether public or private, can be held directly in certain cases of post-natal brain injury. They can also be held indirectly, or "vicariously" liable for negligent actions by employees. If a hospital fails to examine the credentials or track record of an attending physician before granting him or her hospital privileges, your birth injury attorney may want to include the hospital as a defender.

If a doctor is an independent contractor at a hospital and commits malpractice there, the hospital can not be held liable for the malpractice. But in birth injury cases and other severe cases of malpractice, a hospital can be held negligent in granting hospital privileges to an incompetent doctor. When you seek legal redress after a post-natal brain injury, your lawyer will carefully determine who can be held responsible.

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Time Management Tips – 3 Strategies to Convert Perfectionist Paralysis Into Productivity

Time management tips help you break time habits that hinder your progress. For example, think of habitual perfectionism as the ultimate time goblin. The more of your time you feed it, the larger and more tyrannical it becomes.

Fortunately, perfectionism is a learned behavior that you can unlearn. You were not born a perfectionist. So commit to understanding and over perfectionism. Learn first-hand how much more pleasurable and productive your life can become!

Three Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism:

  1. Identify the source of your perfectionist voice. Sit back and relax, closing your eyes. Tune into the voice of your perfectionist as if you were tuning in to a radio station from long ago. Whose voices do you hear? Sometimes members of your family prompted you to perform. Maybe teachers imposed unrealistic demands upon you. Then again, you may have modeled yourself yourself someone who appeared larger than-life, or who standards were extreme.
  2. Write down perfectionist messages you give yourself. By writing down these messages, you can immediately identify the expectations that are not realistic. This is an important accomplishment in itself! Do not bother trying to defend yourself. The perfectionist time goblin is not listening to you. Instead, envision yourself placing each message into a burlap sack, tying it securely, and burying it in a deep hole. Now, consciously replace each message with a realistic goal.
  3. Identify the undering fear. You empower yourself every time you identify the source of your fear. Do you fear failure, fear success, or are you apprehensive about what will happen if you do succeed?

Whatever your fear may be, the promise that perfectionism can "fix it" is illusory. Do you hope that being "perfect" will provide you with a measure of control over your environment that is impossible to attain? It is both compassionate and realistic to let that go.

And then, exercise your genuine power to replace perfectionism with realism. Validate that your best is good enough. And make your peace with what lies beyond your ability to fix. Fully appreciating your genuine efforts and allowing yourself room to grow, empowers you and helps you experience the world as a safer place.

Reducing your perfectionism is both courageous and sensible. Living more realistically makes your time more enjoyable, and more productive, as well.

Now ask yourself: How can you replace perfectionism with productivity today to make the best use of your time?

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What Are The Disadvantages Of Using A Gaming Laptop?

Some people love using laptops but also like playing games. Most know that playing games on standard laptops doesn’t always give that great of performance. Because of this you might have the temptation to go buy a gaming laptop. While it sounds nice to have a laptop that could play high end games on it, you really should consider the disadvantages of these first.

These machines cost some serious money. They aren’t cheap at all. You could purchase a gaming desktop and a very good laptop for the same price as just one gaming laptop. You are really cutting out many options by investing this kind of money in hardware like this.

The weight of it is a huge problem. While you might think it’s portable because it’s a laptop, it really isn’t that portable. It will be too heavy to carry around all day. Additionally, you will need a gaming mouse to go along with it which adds to the weight and makes it more complicated.

The battery life of these machines are fairly worthless since it’s running high power hardware. You will be stuck near a plug if you want to do anything more than an hour of gaming. This really defeats the purpose of using a laptop. Most people purchase laptops so that they can be portable.

There is a huge risk with these laptops. The parts on them tend to go bad quickly. You will have to service the whole computer versus repairing a part or two yourself like on a desktop. This will also up the cost of owning this type of computer over the long haul.

You can’t upgrade that easily. As a gamer you know it’s best to have frequent upgrades. A gaming laptop will become old much faster than a desktop that you can upgrade. Most gaming computer laptops have most of the upgrades already installed when you purchase if you are serious about gaming. This limits future upgrades which would require you to purchase a new model in order to upgrade.

Heat will make it uncomfortable to use and eventually kill your hardware. There is a limited life span with these devices compared to a desktop that can deal with heat better while playing games.

A gaming laptop is something that many want to buy. Find out the disadvantages to this and why you might avoid buying a computer like this. Ask you friends if they think it would be a good investment before you go out and purchase one of these gaming laptops.

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MFSL Gold Disc Original Master Recording

Thanks to Mobile Fidelity Sounds Labs (MFSL or MoFi for short) the world has a set of high quality music recordings to enjoy the best music released in the 20th century. While many have heard of the disks, few understand how they are manufactured and how they came to be.

The gold disc produced by Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs was first envisioned in the middle 1980's and was allegedly an aggressive breakthrough in music technology. The gold on the surface of the disc cave MFSL the material to record in much more depth and quality than on a traditional compact disc. This cave the4m the where with all to make a disc sound like the superior LP, however it also solved the problem of the fragile nature of the LP recordings.

Once people began buying compact discs, Mobile Fidelity Sounds Labs was fast in adopting the medium and began producing the gold standard CD. This concept was tabbed the Ultradisk by MoFi. The Ultradisk is the Gold MFSL discs that are much thought after by audiophiles across the globe. By using a gold plated disc, the company was able to create a sharp appearance, while simultaneously allowing the MoFi to do things never thought possible. For example, the gold surface afforded the ability for Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs to record a very large amount of data on a disc. Among the more unique features of the gold disc has zero to do with the physical cd, instead the front and back cover artwork of the cd. A uniquely printed "Digital Recording Master" appears on the artwork atop of all of these CDs that MFSL produced. This is a quick, easy and great way to ensure you are purchasing a real Mobile Fidelity Sounds Labs disc.

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Effective Treatments For Mouth Herpes Outbreaks & Cold Sores

Oral herpes, which is also known as mouth herpes is the most common manifestation of the virus. Most people are familiar with the occasional “fever blister” or “canker sore”. These little blisters and sores are often cast aside as a minor annoyance. A little over the counter ointment is dabbed onto them for the next few days until they disappear, and then as quickly as they appeared they are forgotten. In actuality, these are outbreaks of the herpes simplex one virus.

Some research has indicated that as many as 80% of all Americans are carriers of the virus that causes mouth herpes. The virus is easily transmitted between people by touching infected areas, which are not always visible, or by making contact with infected saliva. HSV-1 is usually contracted during childhood when it is difficult to stop curious children from touching other children and toys, as well as keeping them from putting unfamiliar objects into their mouths.

The herpes mouth virus causes outbreaks most frequently during the first few years after the initial contraction. From the moment that the first contraction of the virus occurs, the body starts to develop antibodies against the virus. Gradually the quantities of these antibodies increase and as this happens, the frequency of outbreaks decreases. For this reason, the blisters characteristic of mouth herpes are seen more often on children than adults. By the time most people who have HSV-1 reach adulthood, their body has developed enough antibodies to suppress nearly all potential outbreaks.

It is possible to contract mouth herpes as an adult, but it is uncommon. Many of the instances where this form of the virus was contracted in adulthood were as a result of oral sex. When this occurs, the person is usually infected with HSV-2, which is primarily found to be the virus which causes genital herpes. This herpes virus can be contracted orally and usually the oral outbreaks look and feel the same as outbreaks as a result of HSV-1.

When the virus affects the mouth herpes symptoms can be most often seen on the infected person’s lips. Although the lips are the most common place for an outbreak to occur, not all oral outbreaks occur just in this location. Some extreme cases of outbreaks extend down the person’s chin and neck. Other cases of herpes mouth have been known to affect the inside of the mouth, including the gums and inner cheeks. Blisters can also develop in a person’s throat.

Because the blisters caused by oral herpes are often disregarded as actual viral outbreaks, most people choose to treat their blisters and sores with over the counter ointments and creams. When persistent cases of herpes mouth occur, doctors can prescribe stronger treatments in the forms of oral medications and in some cases, injections. Still other people choose to treat their symptoms by using natural methods such as taking vitamins A, C, and Zinc supplements, as well as incorporating higher amounts of lysine into their diet.

If you notice sores or blisters anywhere on your body, make sure you consult your physician right away. The earlier you begin treatment, the better off you will be.

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Diabetes Diet – Are You Taking Right Diet In Diabetes

The diabetic should not be afraid to each fresh fruits and vegetables which contain sugar and starch. Fresh fruit contain sugar fructose, which does not need insulin for its metabolism and is well tolerated by diabetics. Fats and oils should be taken sparingly; for they are apt to lower the tolerance for proteins and starches, for they are apt to lower the tolerance for proteins stimulates and increase insulin production. For protein, home made cottage cheese, various forms of sourced milks and nuts are best. The patient should avoid overeating and take four or five small meals a day rather than three large ones.

The following diet should be serving as a guideline.

Upon rising: A glass of lukewarm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Breakfast: Any fresh fruit with the exception of banana, soaked prunes a small quantity or whole meal bread with butter and fresh milk.

Lunch: Steamed or lightly cooked green, vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, spinach, turnip, asparagus, and mushrooms, two or three whole wheat chapattis according to appetite and glass of butter milk or curd.

Milk after noon: A glass or fresh fruit or vegetable juice.

Dinner: A large bowl of salad made up of all the raw vegetables in season. The salad may be followed by a hot course, if desired, and fresh home-made cottage cheese.

Bedtime snack: A glass of fresh milk.

Flesh foods find no place in this regimen, for they increase the toxic condition under the diabetic state and reduce the sugar tolerance. On the other hand, a non-stimulating vegetarian diet, especially one made up of raw foods, promotes and increases sugar tolerance.

Celery, cucumbers, string beans, onion and garlic are especially beneficial. String bean pot tea is an excellent natural substitute for insulin and highly beneficial in diabetes. The skins of pods of green beans are extremely rich in silica and certain hormone substance which are closely related to insulin. One cup of string bean tea is equal to one unit of insulin. Cucumbers contain a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin. Onion and garlic have proved beneficial in reducing blood sugar in diabetes.

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Obesity, What's The 'Big' Deal Part 3

Previously we have discussed the obsessive epidemic, the Surgeon General's warning, associated risks of this condition, the definition of obesity and overweight, as well as some of the excuses and lifestyle factors associated with obesity.

In this issue we will discuss some methods of fat calculation, and cut off levels associated with increased risk.

Methods of Fat Calculation

There are numerous ways in which to calculate the approximate fat content of an individual's body. Some of the more commonly known methods are BMI (Body Mass Index), DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), bioelectrical impedance analysis, skin caliper pinch tests, and underwater weighing.
The most direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing or DEXA scanning, are impractical for use. Indirect estimates of body fat are more practical. (1)

Body Mass Index

One of the most commonly used methods is BMI due its ease of use. The calculation for this is BMI = weight (in Kg) / height (m) ². The values ​​for different ages show relative health risks.

Although BMI has been used to evaluate overweight and obesity in adults for many years, it has recently been recommended for the screening of children and adolescents. With this change you can use it from the age of 2 years through to adulthood. However, BMI is used differently to define overweight in children and adolescents than it is in adults. (2)

Overweight in children and adolescents is defined as a BMI-for-age at or above the 95th percentile on the CDC growth charts. The risk of overweight for ages 2-20 years is defined as a BMI-for-age between the 85th and the 95th percentiles. (2)

a BMI of 27.3 or more for women and
a BMI of 27.8 or more for men.

The World Health Organization assigns an increasing risk for developing other conditions including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease for people with higher BMI's as compared to persons of normal weight.

Normal is defined as having a BMI between 18.5 and 25 for those of European descent and for those of Asian descent, a BMI of 18.5 to 23 is normal. (1)

Fat Distribution

In addition to an increase in total body fat, a proportionally greater amount of fat in the abdomen or trunk, compared with fat in the lower extremities or hips, has been associated with increased risk for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease for both men and women. For people of Asian descent, abdominal (central) obesity is recognized to be a better indicator of future difficulties than BMI. (1)

This abdominal obesity is commonly reported as a waist-to-hip ratio, but it is most easily quantified by a single measurement done at approximately the belly button. Men are considered to have an increased relative risk for coronary artery disease, diabetes, and hypertension if they have a waist circumference of 40 inches (102 cm) or more; whereas women are at increased risk if their waist circumference is 35 inches (88 cm) or more. (1)

Waist: hip ratios are plotted on a graph according to age and sex. The relative risk associated with the ratio is calculated based on the values ​​plotted.

Thus, an overweight person with abnormal fat patterning may be at high risk for these diseases even if that person is not obese by BMI criteria. (1)

Another thing to consider is that if an individual is heavily muscled, their BMI will not be an adequate predictor of health risk. This is why using a variety of measures will give you a better idea of ​​whether or not you are at an increased risk.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

There are a number of bioelectrical impedance analysis meters on the market. They work on the principle that electrical currents will travel through different tissues at different rates. By sending a small electrical current through your body and measuring the return speed, an approx measure of body fat is attained.

As electricity will follow the shortest route, if you use a scale bioelectrical impedance analysis instrument, you will have an idea of ​​your lower body fat content. If you use a hand held device, it will give you an idea of ​​upper body fat. Both of these tend to miss measuring core body fat. An instrument that passes current through the core will give you a better idea of ​​core body fat. Typical normal values ​​are in the range of 10-20% body fat for men and 15-25% body fat for women. (3)

In the next issue, we will review some information about exercise and how much should be done, different types of exercises that you might want to try, and strategies to implement exercise into your life.

In future issues we will look at diet, caloric restriction, supplementation, and more.

Until next time …

Yours in Health,

Dr. M. Montgomery @ http://www.healthyunderstanding.com

References

1. Obesity, Jonathan Q. Purnell, MD, Medscape.com

2. Overweight Children and Adolescents: Recommendations for Screening, Assessment and Management, Barbara Polhamus, PhD, MPH, RD; Diane Thompson, MPH, RD; Sandra L. Benton-Davis, BS; Christopher M. Reinold, MPH, RD, LD; Comm. Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn, PhD; William Dietz, MD, PhD., Medscape.com

3. University of Michigan Health System (online)

Disclaimer: As always, check with your health care provider to see if this information applies to you. Due diligence is your responsibility. This information is meant to supplement your knowledge, not to replace your own decision making process or take the place of your health care provider.

This is a commercial newsletter provided free by HealthyUnderstanding.com. For weight loss and other health care products go to http://www.road2health.net and [http://www.road2health1.net] for a quick BMI calculation.

This newsletter may be distributed in its entity without alteration. If you wish to use it in your publication, a copy of your publication would be appreciated. Please send it to DrM@healthyunderstanding.com .

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Sugar Substitutes: Licorice Root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Licorice root (the ingredient in black licorice) is a substance of which basically everyone is aware. Licorice is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. Oriental cultures recognize licorice for its sweetening properties. Glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient in licorice , is between 50 to 100 times sweeter than sucrose.

Parts of Licorice Used : You can use the whole root (with skin or peeled), the dried powder, or the extract to naturally sweeten the things you eat and drink. It takes very little to attain sweetness. Many over-the-counter combination herbal teas sweeten and flavor their formulas with licorice.

The blue-flowering plant, which looks like a pea vine, grows wild in much of southern Europe and in Asia. Licorice is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and is found in numerous traditional formulas in many cultures because it also covers up the gross taste of other herbs.

Uses of Licorice root : Licorice root has been used since ancient Egyptian times to treat upset stomachs, ulcers, asthma, chest infections, bronchitis and coughs. It is also good for clearing the throat, supporting adrenal function, arthritis and as is a mild laxative. Licorice root roots and stolons (peeled or unpeeled) may be used in its unadulterated, ground-up form as a primary sweetening compound. Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid (also knows as glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhizin.

Glycyrrhizic acid is often touted as an ulcer-healing agent (although my clients hated it, so I no longer send it home with them. I also do not ask them to chew the tablets.) In one clinical study, licorice root fluid extract was used to treat 100 patients with early peptic ulcer. Eighty six cases that had been unresponsive to conventional treatment were treated at a dose of 15 ml (about one tablespoon extract) four times daily for six weeks. Positive effects were reported in 90% of the cases.

Licorice overdose : The bad thing about licorice is that it causes sodium retention which then raises blood pressure causing hypertension. Licorice acts to retain water in the body. Because of this, it can be a good herb for diabetes insipidus patients where the person can not seem to drink enough water.

Other side effects include edema, headaches, lethargy, and mild depletion of potassium which may result in cardiac problems when consumed excessively. Adverse symptoms of excessive glycyrrhizin consumption generally disappear shortly after a person lowers their dietary intake of products containing the sweetener.

Contraindications : Licorice root should not be used for people or pets suffering with cholestatic liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, hypertonia, hypokalemia, severe kidney insufficiency. It should not be used in women who are pregnant as it can cause an increase in blood pressure, but it is OK to use during lactation.

Case Study : I had just learned how great licorice root was for ulcers from one of the herb distribution companies when I first started practicing natural medicine, so I ordered a couple bottles of the deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which is supposedly to have fewer side effects if overdose occurs. Within a week, I had two ulcer cases that week, which is usually the synchronistic way things happened in my life.

I did not hear back from the first client, but the second client bought her bottle back to me, almost completely full.

"Have you ever tried these?" She asked. "Well, no, I do not have ulcers, but I do try anything I send home with cats as they will not tolerate much and you have to be particular with what you sent home with them."

"Well, you are going to try one now." She said assertively as she opened the bottle and whipped out one of those stinky little pills.

I popped one into my mouth and chewed. "Woof!" I said, as I made a dash to the sink to wash my mouth out. "I had NO idea!"

I refunded her money and learned a lot from that woman. I guess you have to use licorice root in very small doses! I'm not so keen on sending home awful tasting stuff with clients any more. I'd rather send capsules and homeopathic formulas home which taste better. Some herbalists say capsules do not work as well, but if you can not gag something down, and it stays on your shelf the entire month, it's not going to do you any good at all for correcting the challenge you came to see me for in the first place! I think I'll just stick to eating the occasional piece of black licorice candy! I like the organic Panda brand you get at the local health food store.

Here's an interesting licorice fact : Millions of pounds of licorice are imported into the United States each year, about 90% for use in flavoring tobacco products. Bizarre, huh? I wonder if smoking it causes high blood pressure …

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Phimosis or Narrow Foreskin and How to Treat It

By phimosis the foreskin of a boy or man is so narrow in the end that it can not be dropped down. There are mainly two types of phimosis. In one type, the foreskin is elastic so that it can be stretched wider at least to some extent. In the other type there are scars or indications around the tip that makes it totally rigid.

Sometimes the phimosis is partial, so that the foreskin can be pulled down, but not pushed back again. When the foreskin is trapped in a retracted position, it is called paraphimosis. This condition should be considered as an emergency, since the tight foreskin can cut off the blood supply to the penile head.

A boy usually has a narrow foreseenkin in his earliest years and the foreskin also is fixed to the penal head. Gradually the tip widens and the foreskin gets loose so that it can be pulled down. Usually it is possible to withdraw it when the boy is 4-7 years old, and the diagnosis phimosis is there usually not done at a very young boy. Phimosis also usually gets away by itself before or during puberty.

If the opening in the foreskin tip is very narrow, the foreskin will often get inflated by urine during voiding, an occurrence called ballooning. Phimosis can cause inflammation in the foreskin and at the penile head, caused by gathering of smegma and substances from the urine, and consequent growth of bacteria, but it does not occur in every case. The narrow foreskin can make sex and ejaculation cumbersome.

In some boys the foreskin just does not widen, so it remains very narrow, and then you usually get the elastic type of phimosis. Other boys or men get infections or inflammations in the foreskin that produce scars and constrictions that make it difficult to pull it down, so you get the rigid type of phimosis. The infections are usually due to bad hygiene.

The best way of preventing phimosis due to infections and scarring is daily to pull back very gently the foreskin as far as it gets without resistance, wash it well with some mild soap, and then flush it well. The parents should do this on young boys, while older boys, teens and adults should do this by themselves. One should never try to force the foreseen down, however. Some doctors warn against using any kind of soap and recommend pure water.

There are great cultural differences regarding treatment of phimosis between the regions of the World. At some places traditional treatment for phimosis has been circumcision. It has however been shown that phimosis can be cured in most instances without surgery, especially the elastic type:

In boys before puberty, the simplest treatment is daily flushing with clean water under the foreskin to take away impurities, while waiting for the condition to resolve by itself. Complications or special susceptibility for infection, like in diabetic boys, can make more specific treatment necessary at an early age. Some boys may also feel it to be more comfortable after treatment.

Salves with corticosteroids can also be used 4-6 weeks to make the foreskin softer and combine it with gentle daily attempts to pull the foreskin back. After some weeks the foreskin can usually be rolled back normally in 70% of the cases. On the market you can also find salves based on herbal extracts for the same use.

A simple traditional and often successful treatment directed at the condition is each day to stretch the tip of the penis mechanically, and also gently pull it back as long as it gets without resistance, usually with the fingers. The method should preferably be done together with flushing and good washing around the tip. Older boys can learn to perform this method themselves.

By the inelastic type of phimosis some kind of surgery will sometimes be necessary, but in many communities surgery is regarded as the last option due to several factors: It is difficult to obtain a real good result functionally and aesthetically by surgery, regardless of method. There is a risk for complications as infections, bleedings and scarring, and there is a risk connected to anesthesia.

Circumcision will solve the initial problem, but a full circumcision will alter the penal in a way that the boy or man not always will be pleased with, even when the procedure is fully successful, and this operation also gives the greatest risk for all complications. In addition to the complications mentioned, the exposed penile head will be subjected to mechanical irritation, as a response grow thicker, and can thebyy loose sensitivity. Circumcision will leave a ring of scar just below the penile head that may not look good and feel uncomfortable. Also the reduced amount of skin on the penis can make erections more difficult.

Often one can cut off an inelastic ring at the tip, and occasionally also use the other methods some time afterwards. Some surgeons do a more complicated reshaping of the foreskin to widen it (preputial plasty), and in many countries in Europe this is the recommended method when surgery is necessary.

When consulting a doctor for treatment of phimosis, one should discuss the methods available to find that which fits best the interest for the patient, which often will be a young boy, and not automatically accept a suggestion for circumcision. If the doctor is rigidly inclined towards circumcision, a second opinion should be consulted.

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Dry Skin Remedy – Get Rid of That Dry Skin Easy!

You probably tried to get rid of that dry skin, which is most likely eczema, with doctors visits or creams or pills. This cost you a lot of money, many people have spent hundreds of dollars to try to cure that dry skin. Here is the answer after months of desperately seeking for a dry skin remedy! Try the power of natural treatments. These are proven methods that have little to do with medication or drugs. Check out these dry skin remedies below to cure your eczema.

Get A Better Diet

I bet you did not know that a bad diet can worsen the effect of eczema. Well, you are not the only one who underestimates this. Scientist have found evidence that highly acidic food makes the eczema worse, so you should try to cut down on them, you might get a benefit from this.

Dress Smart

Wearing the wrong clothes can have a negative effect on your eczema. This is a very easy method that could drastically help to less the effect of eczema. This is a small problem but could get you problems long term. Get rid of the cloths and towels that you find itchy and replace them with the softest 100% cotton you can find. If that is not a dry skin remedy to treat that dry skin I do not know what is!

So remember this well, get your diet straightened out and avoid highly acidic food. Also know what you wear, avoid itchy clothes and go for 100% cotton. When you follow these tips you're going to get a positive effect on your eczema.

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Type 2 Diabetes – The Best Exercises For Boosting Insulin Sensitivity

To help combat Type 2 diabetes, one of the top things you want to be doing is looking to improve your insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity refers to how well your body responds to the carbohydrates you consume. If your body has a healthy sensitivity to insulin, you will move carbohydrates into your muscle cells, helping to build new lean muscle mass and prepare your body for future exercise.

Those who have reduced insulin sensitivity, on the other hand, tend to convert the carbs they eat to body fat stores very quickly; this means they usually end up gaining weight because of it. Additionally, they are more prone to fluctuations in their blood sugar levels, which as you already know, is not advantageous when it comes to managing Type 2 diabetes.

So which exercises should you include in your workout program to see optimal results? Here is your all-star line-up…

1. Burpees. Simply put, burpees are one of the best exercises you can perform in your workout routine. They are beneficial because not only do they get your heart rate up high, but they will also work your muscular strength.

On top of that, they are going to hit virtually every single muscle group in your body, helping you gain functional strength. Because they are intense, they are ideal for improving insulin sensitivity.

2. Squats. Next up on the list of top moves for improving insulin sensitivity is the squat. Squats are super as they allow you to lift more weight, thus challenging your body to a more substantial degree. You will build great strength when adding squats to your workout program.

Because squats also target the most massive muscles in the body – the lower body muscles of the quads, hamstrings, and glutes; this helps improve your insulin sensitivity and creates a higher demand for glucose. After doing a few sets of higher rep squats, say 8 to 12 reps per set, your body will be primed to transport glucose to these muscles to restore the depleted glycogen just used by your muscles.

3. Cardio Intervals. On the cardio side of things, contrary to what you may believe, steady state cardio does not do all that much to improve insulin sensitivity. While if you are not active at all and then add some constant state cardio training it can give you some benefits, but to reap maximum benefits regarding improving insulin sensitivity, you will want to focus on cardio intervals.

Going at an all-out pace for 30 to 60 seconds coupled with active rest periods is the absolute best way to improve your cardiovascular conditioning level while making your cells more sensitive to glucose. Do these just once or twice a week, and you will notice the difference.

4. Yoga. Finally, not all exercise to improve insulin sensitivity has to be intense. Yoga can also do the trick. As yoga helps you regulate your breathing and helps to combat stress (which can reduce insulin sensitivity), both of these are going to work in your favor.

Yoga is good news because it is an excellent exercise to do when you need a day or two off from the intense workout you are performing in the gym.

There you have the main exercises to try adding to your workout program to help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of both weight gain and Type 2 diabetes.

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How To Control Seborrheic Dermatitis Using Tea Tree Oil

Controlling Seborrheic Dermatitis Using Tea Tree Oil

A common all natural method used to treat seborrheic dermatitis is by using tea tree oil. Anyone who has researched various ways to naturally treat seborrheic dermatitis will have come across this natural oil in their search. Tea tree oil is specifically used to target the proliferation of yeasts on the skin. I will explain in more detail how tea tree oil can help ease symptoms caused by seborrheic dermatitis. This helpful oil has become increasingly popular which is why it’s highly regarded by many.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil has grown to become one of the top essential oils and this is due to the fact it contains powerful antifungals. This effectively helps control all many types of fungus, yeasts and bacteria. This essential oil dates back hundreds of years ago where it was commonly used as a natural remedy for treating different skin conditions ranging from warts to dandruff. It also contains antibacterial properties which are derived from the leaves of the Narrow Paperbark Tree.

You can find this product at any health or grocery store at an affordable price. It’s rather common to come across the oil mixed with shampoos, conditioners and cleansers. In most cases, it’s preferable to use only the oil by itself, in its pure form. When the oils are mixed with other ingredients, it’s this processing blended with other products which considerably dilutes the effects, compared to just pure tea tree oil. It should be noted that before using this oil, caution shouldn’t be overlooked. Tea tree oil is very potent in its pure form so what most recommend is to dilute it by mixing it with other types of oils.

Ways To Incorporate Tea Tree Oil For Seborrheic Dermatitis Relief

The surprising thing with this method is it can be used in different ways. Implementing this anti-inflammatory solution into your seborrheic dermatitis skin care regimen, will help control many of the associated symptoms of this condition. The methods outlined here are very easy to implement, however extreme care should be taken when using tea tree oil on sensitive skin. This medicinal oil is quite rich therefore it can quickly cause irritation to the eyes and skin. For this reason, the oil should never be left on the skin for any prolonged periods, unless diluted with other oils. Additionally, the antiseptic oil should be kept away from the eyes and if irritation lasts where symptoms do not go away, it’s recommended to seek advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Always do a test patch on a small area of skin such as your arm and wait for 30 minutes to make sure you don’t get an allergic reaction. This will ensure that if the oil is used on more sensitive areas of the skin, you’ll be able to tolerate it.

Mixing Tea Tree Oil In Conjunction With Carrier Oils To Alleviate Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms

Carrier oil, as its name implies, is simply a type of oil used to help dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. They “carry” the essential oil onto the skin so it can be readily absorbed within the skin. These carrier oils or base oils are mainly derived from vegetable origins. Nuts and seeds are included as other popular extractions for carrier oils. Common carrier oil types include grape seed, jojoba, almond, and olive oil. There are plenty more to choose from.

A highly effective method for treating the symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis is using undiluted tea tree oil and tea tree oil mixed with carrier oils. This is a simple method which doesn’t involve a whole lot of work. What you do is mix a table spoon of carrier oil with one or two drops of the antifungal oil, then simply rub the mixture in your hands before applying to the problem areas.

Let the mixture soak into your skin for 5-10 minutes and then gently wipe the oil off with a soft microfiber cloth. You might even encounter residual oil left on the skin afterwards, which may feel greasy. If this is the case, you can simply take a gentle facial cleanser and wash your skin in order to remove any of the excess oils. This tactic will lesson the effectiveness of the oil treatment while removing any excess shine or greasy feeling. If you do this treatment at night, you won’t have to worry about the excess oil compared to the daytime. However, if you’re new to using oils on your skin, it might take some time to get acclimated to the extra oils on your skin.

It’s a good idea to start slow with the aforementioned method. You don’t want to delve into this head first without knowing what you’re getting into. For this reason, I highly recommend starting off by applying a small concentration of antifungal oil onto a small patch of skin. This will help make sure you’ll have a better gauge on things. You can ask yourself if this is something you want to continue with or maybe this isn’t the right method. The ultimate decision is yours to make and maybe you end up taking a different course of action. How you react to this oil will likely be the determining factor here.

Washing With Tea Tree Oil Shampoos To Control Seborrheic Dermatitis Affected Skin

This germicidal oil derived from the Narrow Paperbark tree has become synonymous with skin care. Due to its easy availability and ever increasing demand, tea tree oil has become unquestionably popular in dandruff shampoos. The marketing of these shampoos include special labeling, which indicates that the oil is helpful in treating both hair & scalp and all dandruff related symptoms. Often times, people will use these dandruff shampoos not only for their hair & scalp, but for other parts of the body. For example, even though these are primarily marketed for the hair, this doesn’t limit the shampoos from being used on the face. These are also other areas where seborrheic dermatitis symptoms tend to show.

With a wide range of these products available, look for specific ones with the least number of added chemicals on the list of ingredients. This will help ensure you’re getting a higher concentration of tea tree oil considering this is the main active ingredient you’re buying the product for in the first place! The purer the shampoo, the less likely you run into any potential allergy problems from harsh chemicals.

The most beneficial way to use these kinds of shampoos is by letting them soak into the skin for approximately 5 minutes or so. This will give the oil ample time to effectively do its job. After the time has passed, just simply rinse off with water and you’re done. Now, if you’re using these shampoos as a multi-use product, it’s better to look for one’s with an added conditioner as it generally includes moisturising benefits for the skin.

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis With Tea Tree Oil Soap

As referenced in the above method, washing with tea tree soap is a similar process to shampooing. What you want to do is to rub a lather of the soap onto the affected areas caused by seborrheic dermatitis. You can then proceed by leaving it on for a couple minutes and then rinse. Again, you’re going to want to avoid soap with a long list of extra ingredients. It’s preferable to consider organic soaps from specialty health shops. The key here is to minimize and avoid as many other variables by simply keeping it as simple as possible. This improves effectiveness of the soap and removes any potentially adverse reactions.

Using this particular method does have its drawbacks. The main one being, soaps in general are extremely drying and more so if left on the skin for an extended period. This spells trouble for those with seborrheic dermatitis because dry skin increases the rate at which flakes accrue. On the other hand, it’s like a double edged sword where if the soap is rinsed off too quickly, the oil won’t be able to combat the yeast overgrowth on the skin. I wouldn’t say this is the optimal method, but for those who don’t have problems with the drying nature of soap bars, then this is an option to consider.

It’s not uncommon to find this special type of soap include a mix of other antifungals like neem, peppermint, and oregano oils. The combination of all of these antifungal essential oils can be overpowering for the skin. A prevalent issue arises when the assorted oils are all mixed together. This can lead to higher chances of unwanted adverse reactions. Before using this soap method, it’s imperative to read the instructions on the packaging. Finally, you can test patch this on a hidden area of your skin by diluting the soap’s lather with more water than you would normally use.

Calming Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms With Tree Tea Oil Washing Routine

This is one of the tried, tested and true tea tree methods because it’s likely to be the least problematic when it comes to skin sensitivity. Fill a cup with purified water and then add 3-4 drops of oil. To apply the mix, simply take a cotton ball and dip it into the water and then gently dab it onto the affected areas of the skin. This method works best with purified water which you can either boil or reverse osmosis. Tap water can have fluoride and other potentially harmful chemicals so it’s important to use a filter when washing.

When washing with tea tree oil and purified water, avoid overly massaging the mixture onto your skin. Once the solution has been applied, use lukewarm water to rinse off. If you feel the need to let the oil stay on your skin, you can leave it on until the air dries it out naturally. Leaving the solution to stay on and dry is going to be more effective while rinsing off will minimize the chance of any adverse effects.

A Soothing Tea Tree Oil Clay Mask Remedy For Seborrheic Dermatitis

Another method to control seborrheic dermatitis is combining the natural oil with a clay mask. To use this method, you will need to buy a clay mask product. A popular type of clay mask that’s readily available is betonite clay masks. You will also need a bottle of this oil on hand.

To start off, prepare the clay mask as instructed on the packaging label. While in the process of making the mask, simply add a few drops of oil. When the colorless oil is infused with the clay mask, finish completing the rest of the steps in preparing the clay betonite mask.

Putting on a clay mask is a drying process in and of itself, however, adding this potent oil will likely enhance the drying even further. To mitigate the drying effects, it’s best to reduce the amount of time the mask is left to sit on your face.

The deep cleansing action of the clay mask with the addition of this Australian oil will penetrate deep within the skin’s pores. The strong antifungal properties in the oil will kill the bacteria on the skin where seborrheic dermatitis is situated.

Improving Seborrheic Dermatitis Using Tea Tree Oil Overview

Using Melaleuca Alternifolia extract is just one of the many natural methods useful in helping control seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. It is a worthwhile recommendation for sufferers who have tried other methods to control their seborrheic dermatitis without positive results. Many people who have gone about with this method have seen appreciable results leading to a serious reduction in their seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

Is this natural oil right for you? It might be the game changer for your skin or you might stand not to benefit from any drastic results, but you won’t know this unless you try this method out.

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How To Adapt a Cake Recipe for an Egg Allergy

Many ordinary cake recipes can be adapted to an Egg Free or even a Vegan Diet. In the baking of cakes, slices and muffins, the purpose of eggs is to bind the ingredients together and to leaven the cake. You can adapt baking recipes that require only a few eggs in by using one of the following substitution ingredients in place of each egg:

Replace Each Egg with One of the Following :

* 2 Tablespoons of Milk

* 1/2 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice

* 1/2 Tablespoon of Bicarbonate of Soda

* 1/4 Teaspoon of baking powder

For Fruit Cakes, Substitute each egg with either:

* 1 Tablespoon of cornflour, or

* 2 Tablespoons of water

When choosing recipes to adapt, it is important to read the recipe carefully and observe the flour to egg ratio. This will determine the success of your baking. Select recipes using only 1 or 2 eggs for each 200g (7oz / 1.5 Cups) of flour, and substitute using the adaption techniques listed above.

One of the benefits of Egg Free Baking is the lower cholesterol level of the baked goods produced without eggs.

Egg Free Cakes are just as easy, if not easier to prepare than cakes containing Eggs. If your baking does not turn out, take a look at the following results and remedies to assist you for the next time:

If your cake has sunk in the middle, try reducing the amount of liquid used in the recipe. If your cake looks and feels undercooked, you may have taken it out of the oven too soon, had the temperature too low or used too little baking powder. A heavy cake may require more baking powder, and may contain too much butter or oil, whereas a dry cake may require more butter, oil or baking powder and could have been in the oven too long.

The crumbly cake typically contains too much sugar and not enough binding ingredients such as oil or cornflour. When the top of your cake cracks it indicating that the oven temperature is too hot, the cake tin is too small, or there is not enough liquid in the mixture.

Happy Egg Free Baking!