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Time to Change

Fat is unhealthy!

This article is directed at both mens 'and womens' health.

You're reading this article because you've come to the realization that you are overweight and that your lifestyle must change. You do not feel well, you are not physically fit, sex is an activity of the past, you can not buy clothes and your doctor has put you on a drug cocktail to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, possibly diabetes, and A variety of other obesity induced problems. And that drug cocktail only makes you feel worse! It is time to remake yourself!

You can lose all of that weight, keep it off, get healthy and not buy into any expensive Fad Diets! Common sense is what it takes! Common sense and dedication to your weight loss goals. Over the past year I've lost 60 pounds. A little over a year ago I topped the scale at 260 pounds and 300 pounds was "just around the corner". Today, I am typically fit, look great and I feel like a man half my age. My sex drive and sexual performance have returned. My doctor has taken me off the medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol I was taking (the high cholesterol medication made me feel terrible !!!). My trousers have gone from a tight 40 inch waist to a loose 34 inch waist! My goal is 175 pounds. I will do it. I will get there! I will never be fat again! And you can do the same!

Permanent weight loss and the resultant change of lifestyle is work but it is not difficult. Weight loss does require a long term physical and emotional commitment. Be sure of your reasons for wanting to lose the weight. Dedicate yourself to your goal and you will need no special diets, no magic pills. Create a weight loss plan for yourself and stick to it. If it does not work to your satisfaction change it. You will eventually find a plan that works. Do not become addicted to the scale, but do measure your progress. Find a support system for yourself. Be sure that your family and friends want you to lose the weight and will support you in your makeover. Some of those closest to you may feel threatened when you lose weight and your health and fitness return. After all – your weight loss may point out their own problems with obesity; Problems they may not want to face. Of course, you can not leave your family and friends; But there are many weight loss support groups available that can help you.

We all have to eat. So feel good about food – do not starve yourself – starvation does not work; You'll only get fatter. Use common sense, change what you eat and how much you eat (Portion Control).

Your new diet should consist, primarily of fruit, vegetables, fresh poultry, fish and the occasional red meat. The nutrients you need are not all to be found in dairy products, red meat and processed bread. One cause of overeating is that the body is not getting enough vitamins and minerals from the food consumed – so we eat more to make up for the deficiency. A broad and diverse diet of high fiber fruit and vegetables is more filling and soon they will begin to replace much of the meat and other high fat food that made you fat and you'll notice how quickly the weight falls off you.

When I go to the supermarket now, I shop only in the fresh produce, meat, fish and poultry sections. I eat only fresh, whole foods; Whole grain bread – no processed food. No "manufactured" bread. The corporations have taken over our minds and our health. Just look at the wide array of chemicals on sale! Is it any wonder we all weigh 300 pounds. Throw that yoke off! The markets are selling obesity and disease. And the amount of it that Americans eat is insane! Every time we consume this chemical and fat filled "food" we may as well swallow arsenic because, like arsenic, it will eventually kill us.

Learn to eat right, avoid restaurants (especially the fast food joints and chain restaurants). The average restaurant meal is two to three times the portion of food you need. And where does excess food go – right to your waist! My change to eating fresh, whole food only, together with portion control and exercise is the only thing that has allowed me to lose the weight I have – 60 pounds in 12 months – 5 pounds per month! It has not been easy, but I did it and so can you!

You have to burn off what calories you consume and then some, otherwise you will continue to gain weight. Diet alone is not enough. Exercise is as important to your weight loss goal as the type and quantity of food you eat. Increased metabolism and muscle mass burn calories.

Exercise! Breathe! Pump oxygen through your body!

Move! Once you do, you'll love the way you feel. Exercise during as many daily activities as you can – take the stairs rather than the elevator, walk to the store rather than drive. And work out to your favorite exercise TV show for 30 minutes or more every day. Create a modest / low impact exercise schedule at first. A brisk walk while carrying 5 pound dumb bells is great, for example. Believe me; In the beginning you will not be able to do much. But get moving! I give myself a good workout of 1 to 1-1 / 2 hours every day (how I lose 5 pounds per month). Most men 20 years younger than I Do not look as good as I look. My workouts are a combination of aerobics and weight resistance training. I could never get into the gyms. I could rarely fit a visit into my busy schedule and when I did the gyms were always mobbed. So … I exercise at home. And you can do the same. Find your own level of exercise to fit your schedule and ability. Do not get discouraged, just get moving and keep moving.

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Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning

The lawyers / attorneys at our firm are offering free consultations to individuals suffering from neurological problems, including neuropathy, as a result of excess zinc in dental creams, including Poligrip and Fixodent. If you or someone you know uses Poligrip, Fixodent or another brand of denture cream and suffers from neuropathy or other neurological symptoms, we urge you to contact one of our denture cream zinc poisoning lawyers as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

Many denture creams / adhesives  – including Fixodent and Poligrip – contain zinc, which in excess, can deplete copper and lead to serious neurological problems.  A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, being exposed to more than 10 times the amount of recommended zinc can result in zinc poisoning. Zinc poisoning can be deadly if not caught and treated quickly. In August 2008, the journal “Neurology” reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion.  It was determined that excess use of dental creams could have been responsible for their symptoms.

Most people are not even aware that denture creams contain this potentially-dangerous ingredient. The  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require disclosure of the potential for denture cream zinc poisoning on these products. Our denture cream zinc poisoning lawyers believe that the manufacturers of these products have failed to warn consumers of their toxic properties, and we intend to hold them accountable for this negligence.

Zinc Poisoning

Approximately 35 million Americans  wear dentures, most of whom are elderly.  Because of inadequate or non-existent warnings, the zinc poisoning from denture creams has the potential to become a major public health disaster.  Patient advocates have pushed for greater disclosure about zinc hazards related to denture cream, but as of now, manufacturers have failed to provide adequate warnings.

Exposure to excess zinc can lead to unexplained weakness, numbness, loss of sensation or other nerve symptoms.  Denture cream users who experience such symptoms should consult their doctor. Tests for zinc levels in the blood can determine quickly if a zinc overdose is to blame. If not detected early and treated, the effects of zinc poisoning can be permanent.

Severe Zinc poisoning can lead to neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy vary, but may include numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms; a reduction in  strength or ability to move  legs or feet, or arms and hands; unexplained pain in the extremities; a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance; or a change or decrease in  walking stride. I

The neurological problems caused by excess exposure to the zinc contained in dental creams can be devastating.  In some cases, patients suffering from zinc poisoning have been confined to wheelchairs. While stopping the use of denture cream with zinc results in improvement of zinc levels in the blood of most patients, victims may only experience a mild improvement of their symptoms.

These injuries are  preventable, but the manufacturers of dental creams have neglected to included stronger warnings about zinc poisoning on the products’ labels. The failure to do so has left many denture cream users disabled and unable to work, at a time when they may be facing significant medical bills.   For that reason, our dental cream zinc poisoning lawyers will work hard to make sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Report on Denture Creams and Zinc Poisoning

In August 2008, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas reported on four patients who suffered from neuropathy and other neurological problems associated with zinc poisoning.  All were denture cream users.  The article, published in “Neurology”, noted that one tube of denture cream should last 3 to 10 weeks,  but patients in the report were all using at least two tubes a week. Three had also lost their teeth at a relatively young age, meaning they had  used “extremely large amounts of denture adhesive daily for years.”

The researchers tested the denture creams the four patients used, and found zinc concentrations between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram.  Based on the patients’ denture cream use, the researchers estimated that they were exposed to at least 330 mg of zinc daily, far more than the recommended daily allowance of 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. The National Academy of Sciences stated in 2001 that the largest daily tolerable zinc intake is 40 mg.

According to the University of Texas researchers, all of the patients had abnormally high levels of zinc in their blood, accompanied by abnormally low levels of copper.  Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL.  The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL.

To treat symptoms, one patient took copper supplements but didn’t stop using denture cream. His copper levels improved, but his zinc levels remained too high and he showed no improvement in his neurological symptoms. A second patient, who took copper supplements and stopped using denture cream showed improvement in copper and zinc levels, but no improvement in neurological symptoms.

Another  patient’s neurological symptoms included weakness in the hands and poor balance, while another had weakness in her arms and legs that made her wheelchair dependent, along with cognitive decline and urinary incontinence. These patients showed “mild neurologic improvement” after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements.

Individuals with ill-fitting dentures may use excess cream in order to secure their  dentures.  The University of Texas researchers recommended that patients facing this problem seek professional help, and possibly have their dentures replaced, in order to avoid using too much denture cream.  Unfortunately, as our denture cream zinc poisoning lawyers have found, manufacturers are unwilling to disclose the amount or type of zinc in their products.  This makes it impossible for consumers to assess the hazard of zinc poisoning caused by denture creams.

Legal Help for Victims of Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning

If you or someone you love suffers from neuropathy or other neurological symptoms that you believe were caused by zinc in denture creams, you have valuable legal rights.  Please visit www.yourlawyer.com or call 1-800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to speak to a dental cream zinc poisoning lawyer at our firm.

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Skin Cancer – Types-Causes-Symptoms and Treatment

In recent years, the incidence of skin cancer around the world has escalated and the condition now affects millions of people worldwide. The usual cause is prolonged exposure to the harmful ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. The risk is higher if anyone lives or takes vacations in areas with intense sun. The recent depletion of the ozone layer is thought to have played a part in increasing the incidence, because the ozone layer acts as a shield against harmful ultraviolet light. In addition, tanning booths, which use ultraviolet light, may cause this cancer. People who have fair skin are especially susceptible because they have low levels of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color and helps protect it from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

The four essential types are;

. Melanoma, a pigmented skin tumor that is quite serious and may be life-threatening.

. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin tumor, which is locally invasive and destructive (it destroys tissue in the immediate area), but is usually not spread or result in death.

. Squamous cell carcinoma, which is three times rarer than a basal cell carcinoma but behaves in a similar manner.

. Bowen disease, a cousin of the squamous cell carcinoma but more wonderful, involving only the outer most layer of the skin.

The typical basal cell carcinoma is an elevated round-oval, pearl-like bump with some red coloration due to fine red blood vessels going across or into it. Sometimes some small bumps form a circle. They bleed easily and sometimes ulcerate. The squamous cell carcinoma is less well defined, has uneven, poorly visualized borders and may be a scaly, crusted, red elevation with a rough surface. Bowen disease usually is a red or pink plaque-like elevation with very clear borders. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma tend to occur on sun-exposed sites of the skin.

Causes: The cause of cancer is unknown. It is thought, however, that squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are related to an accumulation of sunlight over a lifetime. People with light complexions have these tumors more often than people with dark complexions. Malignant melanoma is believed to be associated with numerous severe sunburns during childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. It, too, occurs more commonly in lightly pigmented people, especially those with blue or green eyes, freckles and almost white skin. A tendency to develop melanoma seems to run in families.

Symptoms:

. Skin lesions with persistent ulceration or bleeding

. Persistent skin lesion that changes size, shape, or color (skin changes).

Diagnosis: A Biopsy should be done on any suspicious skin lesions. When evaluating pigmented skin lesions, the physician usually looks for good and bad signs. Bad signs include

. Uneven pigmentation or coloration of the lesion

. Irregular cords

. Asymmetry

. Marked elevation

. Large size (larger than a pencil eraser)

Treatment:

Medical Treatment: It required Surgical Treatment.

Surgical Treatment: All the types described above can be evaluated by means of excision and removal of the tumor. Surgical removal results in a better than 90 percent cure rate for nonpigmented tumors (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and bowen disease). Alternative methods for destroying the cancer include using liquid-nitrogen freezing (cryosurgery) or scraping with a curette and burning the tissue with electric cautery (electro desiccation and curettage).

The treatment of melanoma depends upon the thickness of the tumor and the depth of invasion when examined with the microscope. When the tumor is thin and exquisite, examination of the lymph nodes draining the skin area and chemotherapy.

Prevention: prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of this cancer, so limiting exposure to the sun is the best prevention, particularly for those with fair complexions. Most of it occurs on the head, neck and hands, so clothing (wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves) and use of sun block with a sun protection factor of 15 offers adequate protection.

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Debridement and Callus Foot Tissue

Debridement is a method for ridding the foot of callus foot tissue.  This callus tissue can include foot tissue with scales, foot tissue with fissures (cracked heels, etc.), corns, foot tissue with lesions (foot ulcers), keratinized tissue, tyloma, kyperkeratosis or any other hardened or excessively thick foot tissue.  Debridement can be used to remove dead tissue, damaged tissue, or infected tissue (as in the case of a foot ulcer).  Sometimes a podiatrist will remove the callus tissue using a scalpel or manual cutting tool.  Other times the podiatrist will use a drill-like instrument that gently buffs the dead or damaged skin away.  

When debriding callus foot tissue extra care must be used to ensure that the damaged or infected skin does not tear or start to hemorrhage.  This is especially true in patients who have diabetes and are prone to foot ulceration.  The debridement of callus tissue on the feet can be attempted at home using a pumice stone or set of nail scissors to gently trim the hardened tissue.  Debridement should not be attempted at home if the callus tissue is unusually infected or if it the tissue starts to hemorrhage.  Debridement should never be attempted at home by people with diabetic foot or people with lymphedema (a condition that causes the foot to swell due to blockages in the lymph system).

Sometimes podiatrists choose to apply a chemical peel to callus foot tissue.  This chemical peel is designed to soften the callus foot tissue before the surgical process of debridement.  Callus tissue on the foot tends to be harder and thicker than callus tissue on other parts of the body.  The chemical peel, therefore, should be specifically designed to soften the callus tissue of the foot.  

After the chemical peel, the callus tissue is normally removed using a powered instrument with a “burr” that scrapes away the dead or damaged tissue.  The entire process can take as little as twenty minutes.  While debridement techniques tend to be feared as a painful process, they can be performed with the patient feeling little to no physical pain or discomfort.  

The callus foot tissue should continue to receive extra care once the patient has returned home.  Very little stress should be put on the affected areas for the next couple of days.  Avoid adhesive bandages and pads that may further injure the foot upon their removal.  Where soft shoes and socks without seams to avoid unnecessary friction on your feet.  Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that will not only allow your feet to heal but also reduce the chance of corns, scaled tissue, fissured tissue, lesions or any other callus foot tissue forming in the future.

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Anti Aging Tip – Does Chlorine Cause Your Skin To Age Faster?

Chlorine has been added to our water supply since the early 1900’s, and for the most part, it really hasn’t changed much over the last 100 years. If you’ve ever been swimming in a chlorinated pool, you know how harsh it can be to your eyes, skin, and even your lungs, but did you know that chlorine actually cause your skin to age faster?

Well if you didn’t know you are about to find out just what chlorine does to your skin. Let’s start by clarifying one thing – chlorine is not used because it is the safest chemical to disinfect our water supply, it is used because it is the cheapest. Studies have shown that the cancer risk in those that drink chlorinated water is 93% higher than in those that do not. That in it self should make you stop and take notice. But what about your skin?

The chlorine in the water might make it safe to drink but in the process, it is ruining your skin. Chlorine is classified as an oxidative agent that is designed to attack any living organic matter. That’s why bacteria in water are killed. However, it’s also why your skin is so vulnerable to damage; after all it too is an organic matter.

But it gets worse. When you have a hot shower, the chlorine vaporizes into the air then it combines with organic compounds hanging around the air and the result is the formation of chloroform gas, which is a strong irritant for your lungs, and it can also cause fatigue. In fact, you can absorb more chlorine in a 5 minute shower than you would drinking 12 liters of tap water in a day! If you plan to shower, then think about using a shower filter to filter out the chlorine from the water.

Chlorine causes your skin to become dry and your hair brittle. And because our skin is like a sponge absorbing whatever is placed on it, studies have shown you are at risk for more serious diseases such as breast cancer.

As the chlorine dries out the skin it ages the skin faster. One of the best ways to combat the effect of chlorinated water is to add one of the special filtration systems to your homes water system. You can also buy special filters that attach to the shower, which can remove chlorine. It’s best if you can completely eliminate the chlorine in all of your water system including your drinking water.

There are also lotions that you can apply to your body that form a barrier that will protect your skin from the chlorine when you shower. It won’t however stop you from breathing in the vapors.

It’s also important to keep your skin well hydrated with a quality moisturizer. Remember exposure to water even excluding the chlorine can cause you to have dry skin and that will age your skin because the elasticity is reduced. How to solve this issue of chlorine? Use a shower filter to filter out the harmful chlorine. This will keep the skin soft and supple and help to protect the skin.

Now that you know what chlorine can do to your skin, you’ll need to consider your options not only to slow the process of aging the skin but also for your overall health.

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Get Freedom From Eczema Rash at Once

How to get relief from eczema rash? Is the most questioned questions on the internet and hopefully this article will answer the question. So are you ready?

Ok, here goes … The best way to cure or relief from rash is to moisturize your skin, but this is not limited to creams only. You can moisturize your skin using warm water and milk, want to know why? Let me tell you, you see milk as got lactic acid, which can penetrate eczema and start eliminate it slowly. It is a slow process but it is an option.

But there are many other ways, such as Epson Salty Bath treatment, be careful do not try with regular salt, I want to stress this out very clearly! Regular salt contains sodium and sodium reacts very badly with eczema, it will burn your skin! So do not use regular salt. Epson salt contains magnesium. The magnesium helps to produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation.

Lastly you can moisture using grape seed oil, because Grape Seed Oil has properties, which recreate cells that were attacked from eczema disease. So it is not just a moisturizer but a skin rebuilder.

I would like to conclude this article by giving you some diet advice to help you even more in how to cure eczema rash. And here it goes, consume lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin E and Aloe Vera, because they are the key ingredients for a healthy skin, as they provide the fuel for the skin self defense system. And this is why the creams work so well in reliving from eczema, because they are artificially enhanced with these 2 nutrients, so why spend thousands of dollars on creams, if you can moisturize your skin using home treatment that I just told you on this article , Including alternative ways to get healthy nutrients through organic food.

To learn more about how to tackle eczema I strongly suggest eczema rash treatment and moisturiser website.

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The Medical Benefits of Acupuncture Are Too Numerous To Count

There are many medical benefits of acupuncture as acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat the symptoms of many diseases and health conditions as well as to promote good health and well-being.

To determine the medical benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of your condition you must speak with a qualified practitioner of acupuncture. He or she will want to know your entire medical history including any allergies you have and what illnesses and injuries you have suffered in the past. Only after knowing these things can a potential form of treatment be decided on?

Acupuncture works by triggering the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain and central nervous system. These chemicals, endorphins and serotonin have a strong affect on a persons mood and the feelings they have, they can make you feel up, down, in pain or happy and pain free.

The traditional method behind the treatment is to accentuate the flow of “qi”, which is believed to be the bodies natural flow of energy. Today qi is used more like a metaphor and acupuncture is one of the most well known, and most widely used treatments in a complementary fashion.

* What is acupuncture used for?

Acupuncture has been used for a wide variety of medical conditions for a few millennia, today we use acupuncture for medical conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, pain, headaches, digestive problems and women’s menstrual problems.

According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) there are a number of health problems that can be improved upon by the use of acupuncture. These conditions are broken down into respiratory diseases, bronchopulmonary diseases, eye disorders, disorders that affect the cavity of the mouth, orthopedic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and neurological disorders.

The respiratory diseases that acupuncture can help include acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, acute tonsillitis and the common cold. Acute bronchitis and bronchial asthma are both bronchopulmonary diseases that acupuncture has been shown to have great results in treating.

The eye disorders acupuncture helps include acute conjunctivitis, cataract that has no complications, myopia, and central retinitis.

The mouth cavity disorders acupuncture helps include toothaches, gingivitis, pharyngitis, and pain or discomfort that sometimes takes place after a tooth is pulled. The orthopedic disorders acupuncture helps include periarthritis humeroscapularis, tennis elbow, lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica.

Acupuncture also improves gastrointestinal disorders as well as neurologic disorders. The gastrointestinal disorders it helps include hiccups, gastroptosis, spasms that take place in the cardia and the esophagus, gastric hyperacidity, acute and chronic gastritis, chronic duodenal ulcer, acute bacterial dysentery, acute as well as chronic colitis, constipation, diarrhea, and paralytic ileus.

The neurologic disorders it helps include headaches and migraines in particular, facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, meniere’s syndrome, intercostals neuralgia, nocturnal enuresis, paralysis after an apoplectic fit, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and paralysis that is caused by poliomyelitis.

* How is acupuncture done?

Acupuncture is carried out by hundreds of small needles being inserted into special points in the body, these points are known as acupuncture points and are located along meridian lines where qi is supposed to flow likes streams, rivers and seas.

In the body there are hundreds, if not thousands of acupuncture points, all of which are related to different medical conditions and used for alleviating different symptoms.

The points are found by an acupuncture therapist feeling for pulses in the body, mostly around the organs, this will help them determine which acupuncture points to use.

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Treatment of Vaginal Yeast Infection Using Vinegar and Garlic

There are many natural treatments of vaginal yeast infection that you can perform right at home, sometimes with ingredients you have already. Apple cider vinegar and garlic are two items that are used for treatment. This article will tell you how to use them to get relief from the symptoms of your yeast infection. Be warned that you are only getting rid of the symptoms. In order to stop the recurrence you must fight the infection at its source.

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural treatment of vaginal yeast infection in a couple of ways. You can apply it directly to the infection or you can use it as a bath. If you do not already have some apple cider vinegar, you should buy the undiluted type. This will allow you to be able to dilute it yourself to the strength you need.

For the topical treatment, get a solution of one part vinegar and one part water. Use a cotton swab to dip into the solution and wipe it on the affected area of ​​your body. You may feel a burning or tingling sensation but it should go away quickly. Wipe the affected areas a couple of times a day and the infection should go away in a couple of days.

An apple cider vinegar bath is a good, soothing treatment of vaginal yeast infection. Put about a cup of vinegar in a tub full of warm water. Soak for about 20 minutes. Make sure you rinse off and towel off completely dry.

Both of these treatments using vinegar can be used no matter where on your body the infection is. It can also be used to treat a male yeast infection.

Garlic is another way to treat vaginal yeast infections because it is a natural anti-bacterial. The infection is caused by an overgrowth of the candida albicans fungus. It is also called candidiasis and garlic can be used to combat that disease. There are many forms of garlic that you can use to treat the infection: tablet, powder and clove.

The most common way of treating candidas with garlic is to cut a garlic clove in half and insert a string through it. You will be inserting the garlic clove in your vagina and you need the string to get it back out. This method is best done at night because once you insert the garlic you will immediately get the taste of garlic in your mouth. Inserting the garlic overnight for a couple of nights will rid you of your vaginal yeast infection symptoms.

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Help, My Dog Is Vomiting!

Vomiting in dogs is a very common occurrence and can arise from a wide variety of causes, from simple gastritis to complex diseases of other body systems. Not only is it very distressing for both the dog and owner, it also provides a challenge for the veterinarian. This article explains the multiple causes of vomiting in dogs, including adverse food reactions, and the range of treatment options available.

What is vomiting?

Vomiting is the expulsion of food, fluid or debris from the stomach or small intestine due to coordinated movements of the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It is important to differentiate this from regurgitation, which is a passive process rather than a coordinated effort like vomiting.

Regurgitation is a sign of disease in the esophagus, such as obstructions (foreign bodies such as a stick, bone or toy, or a stricture), esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or megaesophagus (dilatation of the esophagus due to weakening of the smooth muscle). The main difference between regurgitation and vomiting is that regurgitation is effortless, while vomiting is accompanied by strong abdominal contractions.

How can I tell vomiting and regurgitation apart?

Sometimes this is not easy to do. Generally speaking, if it happens immediately after eating it is more likely to be regurgitation (though vomiting can still occur then). If the content of the material expelled appears to be completely undigested food, this also supports regurgitation. If the presence of bile can be confirmed though, it is more likely to be vomiting.

Causes of vomiting

The most common causes of vomiting are dietary related, either through dietary indiscretion (e.g. overeating, eating overly rich or spoiled food) which causes acute (sudden) vomiting, or adverse food reactions (food allergies) which can cause chronic (long term and intermittent) vomiting.

However, there are a huge number of other causes arising from either the gastrointestinal system itself (stomach and small intestine) or secondary to disease elsewhere in the body (e.g. liver or kidney disease). Within the stomach, possible causes include:

1. Gastritis (inflammatory disease)
2. Stomach ulceration
3. Stomach cancer
4. Obstruction (foreign bodies, telescoping of intestine)
5. Hiatal hernia (part stomach herniating through the diaphragm)

Possible causes within the intestine include:

1. Infectious diseases (e.g. parvovirus)
2. Worms
3. Inflammatory bowel disease
4. Intestinal cancer

Secondary causes of vomiting that are due to disease elsewhere in the body include:

1. Pancreatitis (infection or inflammation of the pancreas)
2. Peritonitis (infection in the abdominal cavity)
3. Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
4. Kidney failure
5. Pyometra (infection of the uterus)
6. Hormonal deficiencies or excesses (e.g. Addisons disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Septicemia, Calcium imbalance)

Other potential causes that do not fit into the above categories are drug reactions (e.g. digoxin, chemotherapy drugs, NSAIDs) and neurological disorders.

Treatment of vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Whether or not treatment is appropriate depends upon the individual circumstances. If the dog is only vomiting occasionally, is bright and otherwise normal on examination, treatment is probably not necessary. Some dogs with sensitive digestive systems will vomit once or twice a month regardless of any treatment, and if they are otherwise well this should be ignored.

For acute vomiting cases, the first step should always be to starve the dog for 24 hours (while keeping plenty of water available ad lib). After the period of starvation, the dog should be offered small portions of a very bland food, such as chicken and boiled rice, for a few days. Meals should be fed as smaller portions several times a day, rather than one larger meal.

Though treating the symptom itself will often improve patient demeanor and comfort, it is no replacement for making a correct diagnosis of the underlying cause, and certain drugs can be harmful if given blindly (for example, giving metoclopromide to a dog with a gastric or intestinal obstruction). Certainly cases of acute and severe vomiting require immediate treatment, as dogs can become rapidly dehydrated, develop electrolyte imbalances and aspiration pneumonia otherwise.

Managing the vomiting dog

There are 2 goals when dealing with a vomiting dog:

1. Identify the underlying cause
2. Stop the vomiting in a safe and effective manner

In many cases, anti emetic therapy (the technical term for vomiting is emesis, and therefore drugs used to treat it are called anti emetics) is instigated immediately while the cause is being established.

A veterinarian will start by taking a full history, focusing especially on normal diet, recent medication, vaccination status and the description of the symptoms. He or she must first make sure that the dog is genuinely vomiting and not regurgitating, which has a completely different set of underlying causes. It is also important to get a graphic description of the material expelled, and whether it contained bile, fresh blood or what appears to be coffee granules (partly digested blood).

The next step is a full clinical examination, including carefully feeling the abdomen, taking the dogs rectal temperature and assessing the hydration status. Once this is completed, a veterinarian will have a slightly narrowed down list of differential diagnoses in mind. If the dog is not dehydrated, bright in demeanor, and both vital parameters and feeling the abdomen were normal, the veterinarian will often (and rightly so) make a presumptive diagnosis of gastritis, or gastroenteritis if diarrhea is present too, and prescribe antibiotics to combat the likely bacterial infection. The owner is then likely to be sent home with instructions to starve the dog for 24hrs and give bland food for a few days, alongside the antibiotics. The owner is instructed to monitor the dog closely, and return immediately if there are any signs of deterioration, or 2 to 3 days later for a routine check up.

If there are any findings in the clinical history or the physical examination that trigger concern, then further tests are necessary. The first of these is usually blood tests for hematology and biochemistry profiles. Urine and feces may also be analysed, the latter for either nasty bacteria or parasites. Additional laboratory tests may be required in certain circumstances, such as bile acid stimulation testing if liver dysfunction is suspected, or an ACTH stimulation test to look for adrenal disease.

The next stage of the work up involves imaging. The most useful is abdominal radiography (xrays), but ultrasonography and endoscopy can also be very important. Radiography and endoscopy both have to be carried out under general anesthesia, while ultrasonography can be performed conscious. If the imaging does not reveal the underlying cause then biopsies may be taken, either endoscopically guided or via exploratory surgery. Histopathology of these samples (studying the tissue microscopically) can give vital clues as to the cause, particularly by differentiating between inflammation and cancer.

The final diagnostic option is the therapeutic trial. If the dog gets better on the medication prescribed, then it must have been a certain type of disease that responds to that drug. By this rationale, wormers, antibiotics or an exclusion diet trial may be chosen.

Drugs used in the treatment of vomiting

1. Stomach protectants and antacids

These medications are useful when stomach ulceration is suspected. Examples include sucralfate (acts like a band aid over the ulcer), H2 antagonists (reduce acid production) and omeprazole (also reduces acidity).

2. Metoclopromide

This drug blocks a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine, which prevents activation of the vomiting centre in the brain (known as the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone). It is only partially effective in doing this though, and has the additional effect of increasing forward motility of the gut. This means it must never be given to dogs that might have a stomach or intestinal obstruction. It can also cause mental changes such as hyperactivity and disorientation.

3. Phenothiazines (e.g. Acepromazine, ACP)

These are effective at blocking the dopamine receptors mentioned above, in addition to other receptors involved in the vomiting reflex. They are usually used when metoclopromide has failed, but also have undesirable side effects such as low blood pressure and sedation.

4. Antihistamines

Histamine receptors are also present in the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone, the part of the brain that controls the vomiting reflex. Antihistamines are effective in blocking vomiting that is due to motion sickness, but are little use against other causes.

5. Domperidone

Domperidone has a similar action to metoclopromide in that it blocks dopamine receptors and secondarily blocks serotonin receptors, but it does not have the promotility effects of metoclopromide. However, side effects include vulval enlargement and possible effects on fertility.

6. Maropitant

This is a new drug that is a Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. It can be given orally or by injection, and is extremely effective at stopping vomiting by working both on the vomiting centre in the brain and on the stomach itself. It is deemed so effective at stopping vomiting that veterinarians must be careful to properly investigate potentially dangerous underlying causes, that could be masked fatally by this drug.

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Stay Positive Through the Winter Blues

Short days, cloudy skies and inclement weather add to the gloom that often comes with the winter season. This mood of gloom often peaks right after the holiday season is over. The celebrations, blinking lights, parties and fireworks are over yet the days are still short and the air cold. You’re feeling low and there may be a good reason for it.

Extended periods of low light and darkness have a direct effect on your hormones. Specifically, your body generates serotonin in response to exposure to daylight. In the absence of daylight, serotonin will be lower in your body. Serotonin plays a role in regulating your moods, your attitudes in general and it may also influence how hungry you feel. This can lead you to snacking, which may only sink you lower if the snacks are loaded with sugar or starch.

For many people, the feelings of sadness and depression in winter are symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Sleep may be disrupted by low levels of serotonin, as the body needs it to help produce melatonin which helps you to sleep. Other general symptoms include excessive napping, irritability, panic attacks and obsessing over things that seem trivial to others. Without assistance, most people find their symptoms abating when spring arrives, around April or May depending on where you live. The days are longer and warmer and serotonin levels and outside activities begin to regulate your body in a happier cycle.

Activities that help to boost your serotonin levels can go a long way to prevent SAD from affecting you during the winter. A variety of SAD lamps, or blue light lamps or sunlight lamps that emit daylight spectrum light have been shown to boost serotonin temporarily and enhance the mood. Twenty to thirty minutes a day in front of one of these lights and you should notice a difference quickly. Exercise is a great way to regulate your hormones and improve your overall health and fitness, which naturally leads to higher self-esteem and a positive outlook. Even a twenty-minute walk each day can make a big difference.

Avoid high carbohydrate sweets and starches as much as possible, including pasta, rice and bread. These foods spike your insulin levels which leads to further drowsiness and that only adds to your low feelings. Instead, choose nutrient-rich vegetables and proteins with every meal. These foods help to boost your metabolism and help to keep your hormones in balance. If you face a long gap between lunch and dinnertime, eat a few nuts such as walnuts or almonds. These nutrient powerhouses will keep you balanced and ward off the hunger pangs that tempt you in the wrong direction. Add Omega-3 oil to your diet as it also makes a direct contribution to enhancing your mood.

Go to as many open houses, social meetings and group gatherings that you can. Go walking with a friend. Connecting with other people keeps you socially engaged and outwardly focused. If you made a New Year’s resolution, now is the time to put it into action. Aside from the health benefits of exercise, a regular routine or project with specific milestones is likely to lift you out of the doldrums. Celebrate every small accomplishment and before you know it, spring will arrive and you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about.

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The Nine Step Problem Solving System

In all areas of your life, you will face problems. This is inevitable. No one is immune to this reality of life. However, there is no need to feel vulnerable. Because with the Nine-Step Problem-Solving System that I am going to teach you today, you will become adept at solving even the most daunting of problems. Once you master this system, you will position yourself to solve any problem.

Step 1: State the Problem in Writing

It is absolutely critical that you take a clean sheet of paper and write the problem down. By doing so, you will identify what the actual problem is. It should be as simplified as possible. Any one that reads the statement should be able to tell you what the problem is.

Step 2: Emotional Detachment

Problems can emotionally hit you very deeply. This can create an imbalance of emotions. Certain stress hormones are released that can cause you to feel unstable. To counteract this change, all you need to do is just laugh at the problem. Yes, literally laugh at it. State the problem while laughing at it or using comical voices. I understand that this sounds absurd, but trust me; This will calm your nerves down and get you focused.

Step 3: Psychological Support

You will tend to feel lonesome when faced with a problem. You will assume that the whole world is out to get you. The remedy for this feeling is to take the time to think about your spouse, your family and friends. This is your support group. These are indeed your well-wishers who always want to see you smiling and will do anything to see you happy. These are the people who will stop everything to come to your aid when you are in distress.

Step 4: Physiological Response

The caveman response behaviors of fight-flight-freeze are still embedded in you. In our modern times, you may have come to understand that the responses of fight and flight are really not necessary as we do not for the most part face life-threatening moments. And you are less likely to respond in this manner. However the freeze response is one that you may seem to have little control over. Therefore, you need to learn to tame it. You can easily break the shackles by simply making your body move. You can get up and take a walk or if possible run. Engage yourself in a little exercise routine of moving your hands, shoulders and waist. If the shoulders are drooped, pull them up and stretch them wide. If your breathing is shallow, take a moment to perform some deep breathing exercises. And if your head is hanging low, lift it up high, high into the sky.

Step 5: Change Your Vocabulary

I am sure you agree to the fact that words have power. Words from President JF Kennedy enticed a nation to aim for a goal as audacious as landing a man on the moon. Words can influence you in a positive or a negative way. The word Problem has a negative effect. You need to give it a more positive spin. You can instead use the word Challenge or Opportunity or even a Possible Blessing in Disguise instead of the word Problem. As a result of changing the vocabulary, you will approach the issue with an entirely positive outlook. From here on, I will only use the word Challenge in lieu of the word Problem.

Step 6: Put on Your FBI Hat

The next step is to put on your FBI Agent's hat. Gather all the facts and data and put it in writing. View the challenge from different perspectives. Scrutinize each and every detail. The solution to the challenge could lie in this step.

Step 7: Positive Questioning

It is important to ask quality questions. Quality questioning will lead to quality solutions.

Here are some questions you could pose:

  • Who can I call or talk to about this challenge?
  • Have I had a similar challenge in the past and how did I handle it?
  • What is the worst-case scenario?
  • How important is this issue anyway?
  • Will it matter in one week, one month or even one year from now?
  • What is the long-term benefit of solving this challenge?
  • Can this be an opportunity for something majestic?

Step 8: Control Your Focus

It is imperative that you maintain your focus. You should have at least 80% of your focus on the solution and only 20% on the actual challenge. In your mind, you should be repetitively asking the question, "What is the solution to this challenge?"

Step 9: Celebrate

If you take some time to reflect on all your past challenges, you will realize that you have solved almost all of the challenges that came your way. Is not that remarkable? In the same way, you will solve this challenge as well. Once it is taken care of, you need to take the time to celebrate this latest triumph. You see most people multiply a challenge they have by ten times. It is a big deal for them. But when they overcome it, they downplay their achievement. This is very unfortunate. But you are not going to be like them. You are a champion, and a champion acknowledges his / her achievement in front of a packed arena. So go ahead, celebrate this moment of achievement.

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Dealing With Weight Gain During Menopause

Aside from the myriad of symptoms that happen during menopause, weight gain is something that a lot of women are not happy about. Although hot flashes, night sweating, mood swings and a little bout with depression every now and then are really annoying, many women are more concerned about bloating and swelling during menopause because the weight gain seems to stay on even after this phase.

The declining levels of sex hormone estrogen experienced during menopause greatly affect a lot of things in a woman’s body. The reason why those who are in their 40s-50s are feeling hot flashes, water retention and others is due to the body’s reaction to declining production of estrogen.

The main cause of weight gain during menopause is water retention. When you age, the lymph system may not properly work anymore. Thus, water is retained inside the body tissues and cause edema, the medical term for swelling and bloating. The areas where edema is common include the legs, arms, feet, hands, and abdomen.

When you experience water retention, the first thing you need to do is consult a doctor. Edema may be a symptom of more serious diseases, such as chronic lung problems, heart ailments, damaged or blocked veins, and thyroid and kidney diseases. However, if the doctor says that your water retention is just due to hormonal imbalances, high salt intake, the weather, or things that are not very serious, then there are other things you can do to beat edema-related weight gain.

Lower Your Salt Intake

Too much salt in your body could wreak havoc to your kidneys. If you want to lose weight and reduce your swelling limbs, then try decreasing your salt intake. Furthermore, stay away from very salty snacks, such as potato chips, instant noodles, and other junk foods. Check the label and say no to foods that have high sodium content.

Exercise Regularly

When you were younger, you probably were conscious about your weight and body, so you regularly visited the gym and also participated in aerobic activities. Furthermore, you probably were more adventurous, gone to trekking trips with friends and participated in sports activities. But now, due to hectic schedule at work and too much things to do at home, many women end up forgetting the importance of exercise and moving around.

It is important to note that exercise is very important, not only for losing weight, but also for strengthening your bones and muscles and improving your heart’s health. Ideally, you need to squeeze in gym sessions at least three times a week. But if you really are busy, doing stretching, jumping rope and other exercises while watching the television or waiting for the stew to cook are also good ideas.

Watch What You Eat

Another important factor in losing weight is reducing your calorie intake. You really do not have to starve yourself just to lower your caloric intake. The most judicious way to lessen the amount of calories you eat each day is by choosing your food carefully. Instead of grabbing a bag of potato chips, why don’t you get an apple? In lieu of fat-filled porterhouse steak, you can always eat chicken, turkey or fish.

In order to become healthier, you need to take 9 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday. Aside from weight loss, eating plenty of vegetables could provide you with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that you need to avert aging and to make your skin more rosy and glowing.

Go Natural

There are many things that are available in your kitchen that can help you with your water retention woes. Natural diuretics that you can try are green tea and ginger. Moreover, you can also take oral supplements that can help you deal with your swelling and bloating problems. One product that can help you get rid of water retention naturally is Expelis. Find out more about this supplement by visiting http://www.expelis.com/.

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Do not Panic, It's Only Panic!

Imagine driving down the road one day with your window down. You're enjoying a nice breeze and the radio is on. The songs are not your favorite, but you like them because you know all of the words to almost all of them. Feeling happy and carefree.

Then it stops. Everything just stops.

All of the sudden you can not breathe. You're choking! Why are you choking? There is nothing to choke on! Maybe something else is happening. Maybe you're having some kind of allergic reaction! To what, though? There's nothing to be allergic to. Now your skin feels weird. One second you can not feel anything, and then the next it almost feels like your skin is about to burn off. Something is wrong! Your heart! Your heart is beating so hard! It feels like it's about to pound out of your chest. You have to find a way to pull over because you're having a heart attack.

Scared! No, not scared.

Terrified.

Slam on brakes! Skid to a stop! Say your prayers! …

This is just one of the many many situations I've been through in my lifetime. I suffer from a severe case of Panic Disorder. It was brought on by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which I was diagnosed with when I was about 12 years old. You think when you're a child that things will get better when you're an adult. You think that adults are invincible and when you finally are one that everything will be OK. In truth my condition would yo-yo a bit. But the older I got the worse I got. I had a few good teen years where it was not so bad and I could go out and have a little fun.

Oddly enough, the OCD is under control. It's the panic that eats me alive now.

The kind of OCD that I have is mostly obsessive; Meaning that I do not feel the compulsions like most people do. I would think of something and dwell on it. I would become obsessed with it. Like, when west nile was a thing, I was terrified to go outside. I would not go outside. There was no way that you were going to make me go outside.

Most people thought it was funny or silly. I felt humiliated and helpless. That's just one tiny example out of the 34 years I've been alive.

I have a hard time eating from a fresh loaf of bread because there is no safety seal. The same with certain ice cream brands. You can not pay me to eat it. I simply will not. There are very few people who can invite me to dinner because I will not eat just anyone's cooking. When new pills are prescribed to me it takes me such a long time to get up the guts to take it. I'm afraid of taking medications because the thought of ingesting something that I can not get out of my body is terrifying. I'm scared of Novocaine. I'm scared of hair dye because, even though I dyed my hair many times when I was youngger, I may develop an allergic reaction and die. These are all things that I am scared of NOW. Which is so wonderful in comparison to the things that I used to be afraid of.

The worst part of all of it is that as soon as it hits you, you are completely and utterly alone. There is no one in the world that can help you. There is nothing that can make it better.

No one can ever understand what you're going through. In order for them to understand it they have to experience it; And you do not want anyone to experience it. You do not want your worst enemy to have to face something like this.

There are a few things that ease the symptoms, though. A rubber band on my wrist. It kinda snaps your brain out of it for a while. I used to have big swollen welts on my wrist and a pocket full of broken rubber bands. Then I would use cold. A really cold air conditioner. Ice. Going outside in the winter. It would make me so cold that all I could think about was the cold.

None of these coping mechanisms work anymore. The rubber band does not help me. It does not phase me a bit. The cold just makes me … well … cold.

When I was younger I made the very wrong assumption that people were generally "good" and would understand that I had some issues that maybe needed a little more attention. Well maybe not attention so much as a little more exception.

It turns out that people just suck. Because of their past experiences a LOT of people, including my now ex-husband, thought that I was faking it (he does not think that anymore, BTW). But, you can not fake terror. I even have some people that I guess I am technically related to that also do not believe me. Which is fine because, in all honesty, they have their own problems.

Something that you MUST realize if you love someone with this disorder is that they do not want attention for it. They do not want to be known for it. They do not want that to be what defines them. They just want you to acknowledge and accept it.

The people that believed that I really had a problem just felt helpless. How do you comfort your daughter who is crying in a corner in her room because she's scared to walk out of the door? How do you tell her it's going to be OK when you do not even really know what the hell is going on? Believe me, though, even when you do not understand what's going on with someone who is suffering from something invisible, the fact that you stay there, no matter what, matters.

I was told many times by people to just stop. Just get over it. I know that they were not aware of how inconsiderate and ignoreant their words were. However, after a couple years I just learned to keep my mouth shut. I did not mention anything about the Panic Disorder unless there was some kind of pressing reason. I knew what people would think of me. I knew the things they would say when they thought I could not hear them. So I just did not say anything. I have so many friends, even now, that I've never mentioned it to. Until right now.

I honestly feel like there is a monster inside of me (mostly metaphorical, 'cept when I'm having my monthly, then it's literal). When the panic attacks were controlling me, there was nothing I could do. There was nothing that could be said. There was nowhere safe. So that's what happened to my life.

Everything became nothing. I had people who loved me but I could not go places with them. Because this monster would pull me back. It would remind me that it was there and that if I went somewhere that it was going to get me. Worse, it was going to get me in front of everyone. They would see.

I turned into a recluse. I could not be left home alone and I could not go anywhere alone. I would have to have a "babysitter" if anyone went anywhere. My family would cater to this because they had no idea what else to do. Mostly because I would not let them out of my sight.

Terrified.

I knew I was a burden. The ones that loved me always told me that it was not true. But when your best friend has to change the day that she goes grocery shopping to better suit your phobia, you're being a burden.

Situations like this will show you who your real friends are. They are the ones that are there when the dust finally clears.

I was having 4 – 10 panic attacks a day. It was exhausting. Even now, I have high levels of anxiety and I'm always hyper aware of everything which seriously takes a toll on my daily stamina.

During my years of depression I had a few relationships. Because I needed to be medicated, I needed insurance. Because I needed insurance, I needed to apply for disability. For some reason there are these human men (and women) that are called "losers". These "losers" like to find women that are insecure and live off of them. Unfortunately for them, it did not take long for me to catch on. I might have been insecure but I was not stupid.

But being in more than a few bad relationships did not convince me that I was always going to be alone. Who would love someone that can not even stay home alone for 10 minutes? How could I ask someone to love someone like me? I'd given up. I was 32 and I did not care anymore. I was just going to exist until I did not have to anymore.

Skipping all of the lovey dovey stuff, I met someone who loves, believes, and supports me to no end. He has children. I now have a family. I have a reason to be better.

I wanted to be better for the first time in a long time. The monster in me was not expecting this because she'd won so long ago. I started researching copying mechanisms again. Then I realized that copying with something is not really dealing with it. I do not want to agree with this monster! I want to kick her in the face! I need her to back off! I needed my life back!

So I started to research how others had overcome their Panic Disorder. How did they get their power back? What do they do?

I started seeing seeing the BEST therapist. The first one that told me what was going on was OK. It was just my body doing what it's supposed to do, it was just doing it for no reason. Or the wrong reasons. He assured me that a panic attack can not kill you. And it can not. It's almost like your brain has a short. The wiring is broken. That is NOT your fault. You can not help how you're made. I've learned not to fight it.

Do not fight your panic attacks! Yes, you read that right! I am no doctor. I have not a degree in anything. I just know this from experience. Do not try to stop the panic. Accept that it's going to happen. Accept that it's happening. Then, know that it's not going to last.

I've found that when I tell the panic attack to "bring it on!" That it's less severe and it does not last as long. Every time you do this, you get a little bit of your power back. A little bit of who you really are coming back.

I am still working on it. I am not functioning like a normal human being by any standards. I am, however, staying home alone now. I can drive a couple miles down the road for things that I may need. I can take my kids (my new family) places. I can take care of them. I am getting my life back. I wish it was a faster process but my progress is unbelievable! I am so proud of me!

Below is a link to some helpful websites that may be able to help those who suffer from Panic Disorder, and those supporting sufferers, to get a better understanding of the whole process and learn to face it! It's such a wonderful feeling!

The link below is the best I've found on how to deal with panic disorder:

Http://www.anxieties.com/6/panic#.Vui4YUeZNl0

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Tips for Effectively Dealing With Anxiety and Sweating Palms

As if anxiety problems are not enough, many sufferers also experience an excessive sweating condition. One of the worst side effects of anxiety and stress is sweating. Do you suffer from anxiety induced sweating problems? Do your palms become clammy and gross when you are feeling anxious or stressed out? If so, then you've probably noticed that the embarrassing sweat will make the anxiety even worse!

Is there a way for you to control both your anxiety problems and sweating?

Yes! There are some natural treatments to help you control BOTH problems!

First, you can try dealing with the anxiety itself. Here are a few tips to help you stay calm in hectic environments:

• Kava kava is a good herbal remedy for anxiety. It's available in a variety of forms: pills, tea, tinctures, powders, etc. You should not take it every day, just once or twice a week. It will put you in a relaxed state. Kava kava is reportedly a good mood enhancer. When you are in a relaxed state, your sweat production will be decreased.

• Aromatherapy is great for dealing with stress and anxiety. Essential oils are especially effective in the treatment of anxiety. Some scents commonly used for relaxation purposes include orange blossom, chamomile, lavender, vanilla, and tea tree oil. You can take a small vial of essential oil with you everywhere you go. Inhale the scent whenever you feel upset or nervous; You will find yourself relaxing more and sweating less.

• Learn breathing techniques. Meditation is not just something you can do when you are alone. Many people know how to relax themselves on the spot. Whenever you start to feel anxious or stressful, take a deep breath, hold it in, and then slowly exhale. Repeat this process over and over again. Pay attention to your breathing. You can also try placing your hand over your chest. Stretch your body and stand tall as you do this breathing technique. You'll be able to keep your stress levels AND sweat production down!

Try these techniques to reduce anxiety. If these techniques are not enough, you can try some additional remedies to control sweating.

• Talcum powder and baking soda are both effective against sweaty hands. Mix one or the other with water in a big bowl. Add a generous amount of baking soda or powder in the bowl and soak your hands in the mixture for fifteen minutes or so a day. Do this for a few days and you may begin to notice a difference!

• Use an antibacterial lotion or antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride. These are available over the counter and as prescription antiperspirants. Apply it to your hands every night, and in the morning, wash your hands thoroughly to remove the residue. You will be amazed at how helpful hand antiperspirants can be!

• Vinegar is actually a very helpful antidote to sweaty palms. Before you go everywhere, soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and rub it all over your palms. Let it dry before going out the door. If the smell is too bad, run a small amount of water over your hands. You do not want to wash all of the vinegar off, though.

• Only dry your hands with clean towels made out of cotton. Do not use any cheap towels or cloths made out of synthetic fabrics to clean your hands. They will only leave chemicals on your hands, which will in effect cause more sweat.

It may take a combination of anxiety treatments and sweaty palm remedies to really help you. Just know that there is help available! There are other anxieties sufferers who have to deal with sweaty palms as well.

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Understanding Sinus Tachycardia

Before you can really understand what sinus tachycardia is you must first know what part of the body we are discussing. This ailment has nothing what so ever to do with your sinus cavities, but has plenty to do with your heart.

The sinus node or the sinortrial is a small group of cells that are found in the upper right chamber or the atrium of your heart. The sinus node contains cells that most people call the pacemaker cells, which generate the electrical signals that control the rhythm and pace of your heartbeat. These signals travel from the sinus node to the AV node and then is sent to the ventricles that pump the blood to the rest of your blood.

When a person has sinus tachycardia the rhythm of the heart rate impulses that are generated from the sinus node are elevated. This elevated rate is greater than 100 beats per minute on average in an average adult. Normal heart in adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute however; heart rate does vary with age.

Causes of sinus tachycardia are normal physiological situations such as exercise. However, there are several other situation that cause the heart rate to rise such as fright, stress, flight, anger, dehydration, anxiety, fever, hypovolemia with hypotension and shock, malignant hyperthermia, heart failure, anemia, pheochrimocytoma, hyperthyroidism, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, chronic pulmonary disease, acute coronary ischemia, myocardial infarction, hypoxia and the intake of illicit drugs, nicotine, and caffeine.

Symptoms are hard to determine without a doctors examination and the help from an EKG. The most noticeable symptoms include palpitations, lightheadedness and fatigue.

There are two types of sinus tachycardia that are inappropriate and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

With inappropriate or chronic nonparoxysmal sinus tachycardia you will have an elevated resting heart rate or an inflated heart rate when exercising. Most of the patients with this disorder have no prior history of heart disease or other causes of the ailment. Many believe it is due to abnormal autonomic control.

Postural orthostatic is often seen in women with no heart problems. This ailment is characterized by normal resting heart rate but inflated postural sinus tachycardia without orthostatic hypotension.

If you have been diagnosed with sinus tachycardia your physician may prescribe beta-blockers, however, many people prefer to use herbal treatment as well. A combination of both has proven very successful. Herbal treatments will enhance heart function, remove blood clots, improve the blood flow, and boost energy and aid in the health and quality of life.