tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66574685414561942992024-02-21T08:49:21.097-08:00Health and LifeDurgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.comBlogger481125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-2162811834758094162012-04-07T20:38:00.001-07:002012-04-07T20:38:31.657-07:00Mesothelioma LawsuitsWhat are mesothelioma lawsuits and how do they arise?
Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed by the victims of mesothelioma to avail reparations for medical expenses, pain & suffering and loss of income associated with the growth of this disease. Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer, which is inflicted by exposure to asbestos most frequently used in industrial and residential places till the late seventies. The numbers of mesothelioma victims were on the rise as the employers continued using these hazardous materials despite knowing the harmful consequences of them. Thus the poor workers, who were ignorant of the potential health risks that they were about to confront, were the unfortunate victims.
In case the victim dies there is a provision that one of the family members or the executor of his estate can file the lawsuit. On the other hand a family member who has contracted the disease from the victim of mesothelioma can also file a lawsuit.
Thus, if an individual is victimized owing to the negligence of another person, he has absolute right to take legal actions in the court of law for compensation. An individual needs to first consult with an attorney who deals with asbestos litigation and on his discretion the victim can file the suit.
How long does the process take and what are the end results?
These lawsuits tend to be cumbersome and longwinded. It could also stretch to years even to reach any settlement. Again all lawsuits are not necessarily longwinded; some of them take lesser time. However, in some of the cases the victims receive negligible amount of money, most of which are used to meet the lawyer’s and the court’s expenses. Nevertheless victims of mesothelioma should exhibit their rights and fight for their compensation. Again, mesothelioma lawsuits are generally settled out of court before they are set for trail. This actually makes more sense because it curtails court expenses for both the parties.
What can you do if you are uncertain about exposure to asbestos?
If you don’t know where and when you were exposed to asbestos, you should speak to your lawyer who will help you out. The lawyer may possibly hire a professional investigator who can make the necessary investigations so as to find out where the exposure had occurred and who are the ones that can be held responsible.
How much do you have to pay?
Factually, you need not pay unless and until you receive your compensation. It is only then that your lawyer shall take a percentage out of the compensation as his remuneration.
How much can you expect as compensation?
Well it depends on how creditable your case is. You will find that past settlements amounted to quite a ransom. But in the recent past with the subsequent increase in the number of mesothelioma lawsuits, there is a sleek chance to realize the entire amount.
The history of mesothelioma lawsuits
According to U.S mesothelioma history, the first ever mesothelioma lawsuit was filed in 1966 against the careless use of asbestos. But unfortunately the verdict went against the case. For the second time, another suit was put forward for a co-worker and this time the case was won. This gave impetus to all those helpless victims who craved for justice as innumerable mesothelioma lawsuits cropped up simultaneously.
Mesothelioma lawsuits also tells us that how ignorant people were initially about the causes and the aftereffects of the deadly disease. But now with the intervention of the law firms the victims of mesothelioma are provided with all-round assistance as regards lawful solutions to their righteous problems.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-59387891509131137712012-04-07T20:37:00.004-07:002012-04-07T20:37:48.102-07:00Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancerThat affects the lining of the abdomen. It occurs in the tissues lining the abdominal cavity that contain a fluid that enables the organs to move and work properly. It is a cancer, which is associated with asbestos exposure, a mineral belonging to the amphibole group used in making fireproof articles. Asbestos exposure can cause severe health complications.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is sometimes also referred as diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma, as this is the place where the cancer spreads out. Among asbestos related diseases, peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common cancer.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can prove fatal in many circumstances if proper diagnosis and treatment is not done. The latency period is very long [ten to fifty years] and most of the time it is diagnosed when the disease is well spread into the body. Mesothelioma can affect any part and organ of the body if not detected on time.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms may not appear soon after exposure to asbestos. It may take a long latency period and symptoms may be clear after a long time.
• Most of the symptoms resemble that of flu
• Stomach pains and fever
• Abdominal swelling may occur
• Due to swelling of abdomen, extreme pain in the internal organs may take place
• Shortness of breath accompanied by a persistent cough due to build up of fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity known as pleural effusion.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma origins
Asbestos is the main cause for people developing peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos is a material used in shipyards and industries. Asbestos adds to the durability and fire resistance quality and gives strength to products and protects them against corrosion. Inhalation of asbestos can be serious and fatal in many cases. It causes the scar tissues to develop on lower lobes of both lungs, leading to minor cuts and lacerations in tissue. It can impair lung elasticity and the lung’s ability to sufficiently exchange gases.
Diagnosis - Peritoneal mesothelioma
AOne of the major obstacles in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma lies in its symptoms resembling flu with fever and other symptoms. Many patients and doctors are unable to recognize the disease unless the tumors of peritoneal mesothelioma cause severe adnominal swelling and pain.
The diagnosis may be based on X- ray or CT scan. In both these methods of diagnosis, detailed images of the body are taken in which the complete picture of the body becomes clear and the doctor is able to identify where the cancerous cells are located.
Sometimes, an exploratory surgery is also performed based on the doctor’s recommendation. Also, a biopsy is carried out in which a sample of the cells is taken from the affected portion of the body, and it tested under the microscope to check for abnormal growth. A blood test is also done to rule out possibilities of other diseases and ailments.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-35349576773032678472012-04-07T20:37:00.001-07:002012-04-07T20:37:11.378-07:00Peritoneal MesotheliomaOne of the fatal types of mesothelioma is Peritoneal Mesothelioma in which the cancerous cells attack the lining of the abdomen called Peritoneum. Peritoneum is the thin membrane, which shields various organs of the abdomen and also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly. Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which affects this lining, is yet now a relatively rare disease that accounts for about 1/5 of all mesotheliomas. Its only known cause in the U.S. till date is previous exposure to asbestos.
Major symptoms
Though Mesothelioma is neither age nor sex specific, peritoneal Mesothelioma is mostly seen in men who are in the age group of 50-70 years. There are a number of symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma most of which start appearing after 20, 30 or 50 years after the exposure to asbestos. These symptoms may include weight loss (however, waist line may increase), pain or swelling in the abdomen, weakness, loss of appetite, bowel obstruction, anemia, nausea and fever. Also, fluid often accumulates in the peritoneal space leading to a condition called Ascites.
Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma
The initial step towards detection of peritoneal mesothelioma includes X-rays and CT scans. For confirmed diagnosis, however the doctor needs to do biopsy whereby a piece of tissue is cut from the affected part of the victim’s body and is placed under microscope for examination. If the disease is detected at an early stage it stands better chance of getting cured than the state of diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma, where the cancer has already spread to various parts.
The cure
It’s true that peritoneal mesothelioma is fatal and leads to several deaths every year. However, with continued researches, several modes of treatments have been embarked upon and in the future there is a fair chance of the disease becoming absolutely curable. The types of treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
In surgery a part of the abdominal tissue is cut out to remove the tumor. At times the doctor may also need to remove a lung or a portion of the diaphragm as per the requirement of the surgery. Radiation therapy, the second method, requires the application of high energy X-rays to shrink the tumor and kill the malignant cells. The rays may be applied from an external machine or by placing the radiation source directly to the affected part of the body, by means of plastic tubes. Last treatment type is the chemotherapy whereby a combination of drugs is applied to kill the cancer cells. The drugs may be administered by mouth in the capsule form or may be applied intravenously via needle.
However, it is essential to mention that cost of treating any form of cancer is extravagant and you may consult a mesothelioma lawyer to earn you a handsome compensation from the authority who was responsible for your prior exposure to asbestos.
So learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma so that you can initiate the treatment at the very early stage and get cured.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-28738123117534441182012-04-07T20:30:00.003-07:002012-04-07T20:30:49.323-07:00Mesothelioma Treatments - Some Basic FactsBefore we discuss about mesothelioma treatments it is important to have an understanding of what is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the linings of lungs and abdominal area caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. It takes 30–40 years for this cancer to appear after the asbestos exposure. It is important to treat this cancer in the early stages otherwise it proves fatal. Various mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
There are two types of surgeries for mesothelioma treatments, Aggressive Surgery and Palliative Procedures. Before performing any surgery, it is necessary to check whether the heart and lungs are functioning properly. Of the two types, aggressive surgery, also known as Pneumonectomy, is complicated surgery performed on younger patients, who are good in health and can bear the surgery. Pneumonectomy involves the removal of extra pleural membrane. The main purpose of this mesothelioma treatment is to physically remove as much tumor as possible.
Palliative procedures of mesothelioma treatment are known as Pleurectomy. It is done in the early stages of cancer. This process of mesothelioma treatment involves surgical removal of pleura. However, the procedures are involved to lessen and control the symptoms rather than to cure the disease. This surgery reduces the pain caused by the tumor mass and helps in preventing the recurrence of pleural effusion. Complete removal of tumor is not possible with this procedure.
Chemotherapy is a mesothelioma treatment method that makes combined use of certain drugs for shrinking the tumor. Though some patients show only partial success to this method, some combinations of chemotherapy drugs have proved successful. Scientists have developed some new chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma treatments.
Radiation therapy is the mesothelioma treatment method that makes use of nuclear radiations to kill the malignant cells and shrink the tumor. However, radiation therapy is an extremely difficult procedure. It can damage the healthy cells of heart, lungs, and other vital organs surrounded by radiation dosage. Dual therapy includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy along with the combination of surgery. This combination helps in killing any remaining tumor cells left after surgery and in relieving symptoms such as pain.
Mesothelioma treatments can be very expensive. However the patients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos based diseases can file lawsuits for recovering damages medical expenses, loss of income, lost earning capacity, pain and sufferings. The mesothelioma victims can take help of expert asbestos attorneys to locate the defendants- persons/companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-52986612006175233362012-04-07T20:30:00.001-07:002012-04-07T20:30:07.940-07:00Symptoms of MesotheliomaThe term “Mesothelioma” in medical terms is defined as form of cancer that proliferates at a very fast rate after it has been diagnosed, which affects the mesothelial cells in the body. After detailed study of this disease by several scientists all over the world, it has been concluded that in most of the cases the reason is the direct contact with loose asbestos particles. This disease is generally known to be derived from an abnormality that arises from inhaling the loose asbestos particles suspended in the air for a very long time. The chances of the patients, diagnosed of mesothelioma, have very bleak chances of survival which is not more than one or two years and if it has been detected long back and rigorous medication has been started on the patient then the patient is likely to live for about five years.
There are three types of mesothelioma but the symptoms of the diseases depend on their kinds. The symptoms vary from one-another but the general symptoms that are found in patients suffering from different types of mesothelioma are weight loss, chest pain, loss of appetite, short breath , plain cough and cough with blood. Diagnosing mesothelioma in its initial stages is not possible because symptoms surface very late and that, these symptoms are no special signs indicating the particular disease but are common for other diseases too.
Generally the symptoms of mesothelioma resemble to that to any other normal lung diseases. Most of the symptoms arise in the lungs, where the mesothelial cells covering the lungs and the cavity between them are affected due to prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. Consulting with the physician is very necessary from time to time and necessary test must be conducted to detect the disease.
The main symptom of mesothelioma is a constant pain in the chest which is followed by short breaths and difficult breathing because of accumulation of fluid in the chest, which makes breathing all the more difficult. Some of the other symptoms of the disease include abnormalities in the lungs, which can be diagnosed under proper supervision of the doctor with a chest CT-scan.
Basically, the disease of mesothelioma advances in four stages. In the first stage, begins the formation of the tumor in the area of lining of the lung and doesn’t exceed from one side of the lung. And then in the second stage the tumor extends to other organs in the chest cavity, such as heart. Then in the third stage its extents to the other abdominal organs affecting all the other organs too. Finally in the fourth and the last stage the tumor extends to all parts of the body and affects all the parts adversely. These are some of the symptoms of the disease of mesothelioma, by which the disease can be tracked in the initial stages of its occurrence.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-33100535128933010482012-04-07T20:20:00.002-07:002012-04-07T20:20:34.667-07:00The Facts about Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma by far and accounts for 75% of all mesothelioma cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the respiratory areas of the body such as the lungs. More specifically, the cancer attacks the lining of the lungs and ribs called the pleura hence the name pleural mesothelioma. <br />
The main cause of pleural mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Only a couple of months of being exposed to the deadly dust and fibres of asbestos without protection can lead to pleural mesothelioma thirty to fifty years later. Elderly men of ages sixty to seventy are those most at risk to asbestos because this was the generation which worked with asbestos with little protection from the dust and fibres. Due to the long latency period of pleural mesothelioma (30-50 years), these men are only just discovering they have the deadly cancer. Currently, many of these men are lodging million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to asbestos. Asbestos fibres get into the lining of the lungs by inhalation and become lodged inside the lungs.<br />
The symptoms that are associated with pleural mesothelioma include persistent coughing, difficulty swallowing, facial swelling, weight loss, fever, rasping and coughing up blood. Patients may additionally experience shortness of breath because as the tumour on the lining of the lungs expands, this leaves less room for the lungs to function properly. Some patients also begin to feel severe pains in their chest and this is due to the spreading of cancerous cells. A lot of these symptoms are similar to diseases and conditions which are far more common than mesothelioma which means that pleural mesothelioma is often very difficult to diagnose until it is too late.<br />
Treatment of pleural mesothelioma is limited and as yet there is no proper cure. Research is being conducted in labs all over the United States and many pharmaceutical companies are also testing for new treatments. Treatments for pleural mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. A patient’s age, medical record, weight and other such factors are taken into account before treatment. Generally, chance of survival is far more likely if pleural mesothelioma is treated aggressively in its early stages because once the cancer has developed and matured it is very difficult to cure.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-16838520984419735652012-04-07T20:19:00.000-07:002012-04-07T20:19:35.908-07:00Who is at risk from mesothelioma cancer?Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer which is fairly rare although in the last few decades the number of people who have died from it have dramatically increased. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos without sufficient protection. When a person is exposed to asbestos, he or she inhales tiny asbestos fibres which are suspended in the air. These fibres pass into the respiratory system and end up becoming lodged in the lungs. An accumulation of asbestos fibres in the lining of the lungs like this can cause nearby cells to deform and eventually leads to what is known as pleural mesothelioma. Accumulation of asbestos fibres in the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) can lead to peritoneal mesothelioma and build up of fibres around the tissue of the heart can cause pericardial mesothelioma. Asbestos fibres reach these places over time or because they have been transported there by the lymphatic system.
Mesothelioma has a very large latency period (time between getting the cancer and feeling the symptoms of it). This period is usually between 30 – 50 years and so a person who bears mesothelioma is unlikely to know that they have got it. This is why mesothelioma is so hard to diagnose in its early stages because it shows no symptoms and the few symptoms that it does show such as wheezing and shortness of breath are typical of far more common diseases such as pneumonia. The likelihood of being cured depends largely on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. If it is treated when it has fully developed and matured then it is extremely difficult to cure.
In this way, those at risk are those who have worked amongst asbestos. Construction workers, asbestos manufacturers or those who have lived within a mile of an asbestos factory are the people who have the largest contact with asbestos. Those who are in contact with these people are also at risk because asbestos fibres can stick to clothes and hair. The majority of people who are discovering that they have mesothelioma are elderly men of about 60 – 70. This was the generation which worked with asbestos a lot without sufficient protection. Many of these men are now lodging multi million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to the dangers of asbestos.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-90747815266216582632011-02-05T22:11:00.000-08:002011-05-28T20:43:07.259-07:00How to Treat Acne on ScalpScalp acne is a common problem in men and women. It can get very messy and troublesome for those already suffering from a number of scalp problems including dandruff, dry or oily scalp, etc. But the key is to keep the scalp clean and well nourished.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">The main causes of acne are:</span><br /><br /> * Poor hygiene conditions<br /> * Inadequate diet requirements<br /> * High stress levels<br /> * Heredity can cause acne.<br /> * Hormonal imbalance also cuses acne.<br /> * Seasonal changes<br /> * Drug toxicity, usually steroids<br /> * Excessive exposure to heat or sunlight cuuse acne.<br /> * Drinks or beverages containing caffeine<br /> * Intake of certain spices<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Remedies For Scalp Acne:</span><br /><br /> 1.Keep your scalp clean<br />Use a mild shampoo to wash your hair more frequently.This will reduce your Acne.<br /><br /> 2. Dip a cotton ball in a Product containing salicylic acid and apply on the acne area.<br /><br /> 3. Do not use any acne cream/oil containing benzoil peroxide or other peroxide ingredients on the scalp because it may change the color of your hair.<br /><br /> 4. Mix four parts tea tree oil to 1 part lavender oil in olive oil or any other oil and apply to the scalp as a shampoo. This works as a wonder if your scalp problem is due to any infection.This is good Remedy.<br /><br /> 5. Boil a cup of Neem leaves in water and Wash your head with this water when it is warm. It will reduce your scalp acne.<br /><br />6. Vitamin A, B, C, E and zinc are the best vitamins and are present in many fruits and vegetables. Actually acne can be caused due to a deficiency in vitamins A, B-2, B-3, B-6 and zinc. Zinc is a powerful antioxidant that boosts your immune system and Can reduce your scalp acne.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-61351027083792574232011-02-02T06:11:00.000-08:002011-02-02T06:13:13.266-08:00Acne Solution and RecommendationsAcne is most common human skin Condition affecting mostly adolescents.At least 95% of the teenagers are affecting by this condition at some time or other.<br /><br />for acne solution I can recommend the following:<br /><br /> * Eat Healthy Food.<br /> * Change Your Pillow set Frequently<br /> * Stop Touching your Face always<br /> * Sleep on Your Back<br /> * Treatment Twice a Day (With Natural Remedies)<br /> * Exercise ( yoga or others)<br /><br />What are the Effective home remedies for acne solutions that you can use today to get rid of your Acne :<br /><br />- Good Remedy for the acne scars is to use honey. Honey contains a lots of beneficial factors. It can reduce the infection because of its anti-bacterial properties. It also reduces the inflammation brought about by the infection.<br /><br />- Lemon also a good acne solution, add lemon juice to the egg white for a better result.<br /><br />- Having more sulfur in the diet is also acne solution.Eating more sulfur rich foods like garlic and onions can reduce acne.<br /><br />- Grind orange peel with water and apply the paste to the affected area is also good acne solution.<br /><br />- Cucumber pulp applied to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes a day.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-84114635273642582892009-11-20T12:15:00.002-08:002011-02-02T07:14:06.185-08:00Fair Complexion SecretsEvery one desire to have a fair complexion. The causes for a dark skin or complexion could be many like Heredity,Hyperpigmentation,harmful UV rays of the sun,melanin.Melanin is a pigment that gives the skin its colour.Melanin protects the skin from the harsh rays of the sun. When the skin is exposed to the sun, the production of melanin increases.As melanin is a dark pigment, the skin surface acquires a dark colour. More the melanin darker the skin. When there is an excessive secretion of melanin and if care is not taken it leads to darkening of the skin in patches.Vitamin B3 and milk proteins are effective agents for melanin control.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">There are many home remedies for improving complexion or to get a lighter complexion.</span><br /><br /><br />-Mix 1 tsp of milk powder, 1 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice, and ½ tsp of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after 10-15 minutes.<br /><br />-Mix 1 tsp of baking powder with 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of hydrogen peroxide.apply on face for five minutes.<br /><br />-Mix oatmeal with curd and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps remove the tan and lightens the skin.<br /><br />-Soak 4 almonds overnight. Grind into a fine paste using milk. Apply on face and neck and leave it overnight. Wash with cold water in the morning. Do this daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.<br /><br />-Mix equal parts of orange juice ,lemon juice and honey and apply for 20 minutes.<br /><br />-A tbsp of gram flour mixed with 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice works well for lightening dark skin. Apply this mixture and leave it for 15 minutes before washing off. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.<br /><br />-Apply grated white radish or its juice for fairer complexion.<br /><br />-Make a paste of honey, milk, yogurt, and ground sesame seeds in equal proportions and apply on face and whole body.<br /><br />Mix honey with equal amount of almond oil. Apply on the face every night.<br /><br />-Make a paste by mixing a pinch of cinnamon powder to ½ teaspoon honey. Apply on the face every night.<br /><br />-Make a paste by mixing papaya, honey, milk, and milk powder. Apply on face and leave for a few minutes and wash, your face will look fairer.<br /><br />-Grate the skin of a Papaya and mix half cup of fuller's earth/besan. Take 2 Vitamin A capsules and mix into a paste. Apply on the face; keep for 20 minutes. When dry, pat with water or milk and rinse off. You can use these scrubs and masks at least once a week.<br /><br />-Crush 1 tsp. of almonds and add 1 tsp of oatmeal. Mix this with 2 tablespoons of honey or milk. Gently rub this granular paste in a circular motion on your face for a few minutes.<br /><br />-Mix Sesame oil, Olive oil, Almond oil in the ratio 4:1:1 respectively. Apply this on the face and neck. Use mild bathing soap and rinse this with lukewarm water.It is an effective to get rid of sun tanning.<br /><br />-A mixture of lime juice, gram flour (besan) and curd applied on the skin regularly will help you in getting rid of sun tan.<br /><br />-Make a scrub of sandalwood powder mixed with almond powder or almond oil and milk. Massage gently on the darker areas like neck, around lips, below eyes, etc.<br /><br />-Try some of these home remedies for improving complexion. However, they must be done regularly and best results are obtained if they are inculcated as a part of daily routine.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-68755310034963661082009-11-20T11:45:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:51.994-08:00Gas Remedies - How to reduce Gas Pain..Several types of food and drinks can cause gas pain. Beans usually create a gas build-up in the stomach. Carbonated drinks and oily products also produce a lot of gas in it. Another culprit is the lactose or dairy products where a lot of people are allergic with. One should also take into consideration how the food was prepared. The beans should be cooked thoroughly so it could be digested properly.<br /><br />Some herbal teas are helpful to alleviate the gas pain. Chamomile tea calms the stomach and ginger tea relieves the pain.<br /><br />Skipping meals can also cause gas pain. When this happens, it is advisable to have a drink of water and an antacid so it could release the gas out. If you want a more natural alternative, you can take charcoal tablets that can be found in drugstores. After that, you can take some light meal such as a warm vegetable soup.<br /><br />For those who are lactose intolerant, there are lactase supplements in the market that you could buy and take before eating any dairy products like milk and ice cream.<br /><br />Drinking water is also important especially when you are experiencing the first symptoms of gas pain. Water fills your stomach that would help expel or eliminate the gas from the system.<br /><br />Aside from proper food preparation, food choices, and drinking water with antacid and teas, it is also advisable to lie on your back while flexing your knees to allow your body to release the excess gas.<br /><br />There are several home remedies for gas pain that you can do at home:<br /><br />1. Drink tea with a sprinkle of cinnamon.<br /><br />2. For adults, eat caraway seeds.<br /><br />3. Every morning, have a glass of warm water with lemon.<br /><br />4. Have some peppermint tea.<br /><br />5. Put some two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and then drink it up.<br /><br />6. Put fennel seeds into a boil, strain, and then drink the fennel seeds water.<br /><br />7. You blanch ginger with cinnamon, and then drink the warm ginger cinnamon water.<br /><br />8. Have a warm cup of chamomile tea.<br /><br />9. Put a half teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and then drink it up to relieve the bloating.<br /><br />10. In a cup of warm water, mix one tablespoon of lime juice and one tablespoon of ginger and then drink it up.<br /><br />Other natural remedies for Gas problems are:<br /><br />• Make mint tea, add some ice cubes and wait till its cold. Drink the cold tea to cure gas.<br /><br />• Salvia blanch is a very good cure for gas.<br /><br />• Cinnamon tea and chamomile tea are well known remedies for gassy stomach; drink the tea in small sips.<br /><br />• Boil 1 cup of water and add a slice of lemon in the water. Stir well and drink.<br /><br />• Cook 3 potatoes for a few minutes. Take some of the cooking water and drink.<br /><br />• Sour cream will relax your stomach and make you feel better. Eat 1-2 tablespoons when ever you feel gassy.<br /><br />• Bloating stomach can be treated by drinking water with apple cider vinegar.<br /><br />• Boil water in a pot; add cinnamon and ginger and drink.<br /><br />• Baking soda is very effective as a cure for gas problems, melt some baking soda in water and drink.<br /><br />• Take 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to relax the stomach.<br /><br />• Drink funnel seeds tea.<br /><br />There are lots of Gas Remedies out there but this can be done as much with home remedies..Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-89009282009149270552009-11-20T11:38:00.002-08:002011-02-02T07:17:34.295-08:00To Improve Complexion (How to get fair OR Clear Complexion)* Apply a mixture of equal amounts of lemon juice and honey on the face and whole body. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.<br /><br />*Apply a mixture of equal amounts of lemon and cucumber juice on the face and whole body. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off (If your skin is dry, use honey and lemon juice).<br /><br />*Apply a gram flour (besan) and turmeric (haldi) paste on face and neck. After sometime when it dries, scrub it off gently. This would gradually reduce body hair over a period of time.<br /><br />*For 15 days, apply a paste of gram flour (besan), milk (2 teaspoon) and lime juice(3-4 drops) on face and neck for 15 minutes and wash with water. You complexion should improve. Repeat every 2 weeks.<br /><br />*Make a paste of honey, milk, yogurt, and ground sesame seeds in equal proportions and apply on face and whole body.<br /><br />*Use milk with honey for scar-free skin. Milk has proteins and is a anti-tanner (it will get rid of scars and get you fair skin) and honey is nutritious and is anti-bacterial. Apply it and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes daily.<br /><br />*You can also grind five almonds and mix with 1 teaspoon of fresh cream and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this paste to the face and neck. Leave on for about fifteen minutes.<br /><br />*Mix honey with equal amount of almond oil. Apply on the face every night.<br />Apply sunscreen of maximum spf when you go out in sun.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-52073999380593458672009-11-19T18:28:00.004-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.056-08:00HOme remedies for Menstrual problems and dietMenstrual Problems treatment using Parsley<br /><br />Parsley is one of the most effective among the several home remedies in the treatment of menstrual disorders. It increases menstruation and assists in the regularization of the monthly periods. This action is due to the presence of apiol, which is a constituent of the female sex hormone estrogens. Cramps, which are a result of menstrual irregularities, are relieved and frequently corrected entirely by the regular use of parsley juice, particularly in conjunction with beet juice; or with beet, carrot, and cucumber juices. The recommended quantity is 75 ml of each of the four juices.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Ginger<br /><br />The use of ginger is another effective home remedy for menstrual disorders, especially in cases of painful menstruation and stoppage of menstrual flow. A piece of fresh ginger should be pounded and boiled in a cup of water for a few minutes. The infusion, sweetened with sugar, should be used thrice daily after meals as a medicine for treating this condition.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Sesame Seeds<br /><br />Sesame seeds are valuable in menstrual problems. Half a teaspoon of powder of these seeds, taken with hot water twice daily, acts excellently in reducing spasmodic pain during menstruation in young, unmarried anaemic girls. Its regular use, two days prior to the expected periods, cures scanty menstruation. A warm hip bath containing a handful of crushed sesame seeds should be simultaneously taken along with this recipe.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Papaya<br /><br />The unripe papaya helps the contractions of the muscle fibres of the uterus and is thus beneficial in securing a proper menstrual flow. Papaya is especially helpful when menstruation ceases due to stress or fright in young unmarried girls.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Bengal Gram<br /><br />A bath prepared by putting an entire Bengal gram plant in hot water is beneficial in painful menstruation. The plant also may be used for a sitting steam bath.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Marigold<br /><br />The herb Marigold, named after the Virgin Mary, is useful in allaying any pain during menstruation and facilitating menstrual flow. An infusion of the herb should be given in doses of one tablespoon twice daily for the treatment of these disorders.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Banana Flower<br /><br />The use of banana flower is one of the most effective home remedies in the treatment of menorrhagia or excessive menstruation. One banana flower should be cooked and eaten with one cup of curd. This will increase the quantity of progesterone and reduce the bleeding.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Coriander Seeds<br /><br />Coriander seeds are also beneficial in the treatment of excessive menstruation. Six grams of these seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water. This decoction should be taken off the fire when only half the water remains. Sugar candy should be added to it and the patient should drink it when it is still warm.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Mango Bark<br /><br />The juice of the fresh mango bark is another valuable remedy for heavy bleeding during menstruation. The juice is given with the addition of white of an egg or some mucilage- a kind of vegetable glue obtained from a plant, and a small quantity of the kernel of a poppy. As an alternative, a mixture of 10 ml of a fluid extract of the bark, and 120 ml of water may be given in doses of one teaspoon every hour or two.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Ashoka<br /><br />The bark of the Ashoka tree is an effective remedy for excessive blood loss during the monthly period which occurs due to uterine fibroids and other causes. It should be given in the form of decoction in treating this condition. About 90 gm of the bark should be boiled in 30 ml of milk and 360 ml of water till the total quantity is reduced to about 90 gm. This quantity should be given in one day, in two or three doses. The treatment should commence from the fourth day of the monthly period and should be continued till the bleeding is checked. A fresh decoction should be made for use each day.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Indian Barbery<br /><br />The herb Indian barbery is also useful in case of excessive bleeding. It should be given in doses of thirteen to twenty-five grams daily.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Rough Chaff<br /><br />The herb rough chaff is also valuable in excessive menstruation. An infusion of the herb should be prepared by steeping 15 gm of rough chaff in 250 ml of water and used for treating this condition.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Hermal<br /><br />The herb hermal is useful in regulating the menstrual periods. It is especially beneficial in painful and difficult menstruation. Two tablespoons of the seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one - third. This decoction should be given in 15 to 30ml doses.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems treatment using Hemp<br /><br />Hemp can be successfully used when menses do not start at the scheduled time. Five large heads of hemps should be boiled in half a litre of water till the water is reduced to half. It should then be strained and drunk before going to bed for two or three nights. This remedy seldom fails.<br /><br />Menstrual Problems diet<br /><br />All-fruit diet<br /><br />The various disorders relating to menstrual flow, being systemic in origin, can be tackled only by treating the system as a whole, so as to remove the toxicity from the body and build up the general health level of the sufferer. To undertake such a scheme of all-round, health-building treatment, the sufferer should begin with an all-fruit diet for about five days, taking three meals a day of fresh, juicy fruits. However, if there is excessive weight loss during the all-fruit diet, those already underweight may add a glass of milk to each fruit meal.<br /><br />Well-balanced diet<br /><br />After the all fruit diet, the sufferer should adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and wholegrain cereals.<br /><br />Avoid white flour products, sugar, confectionery, tinned or preserved foods, strong tea/coffee<br /><br />foods which should be avoided are white flour products, sugar, confectionery, rich cakes, pastries, sweets, refined cereals, greasy foods, tinned or preserved foods, strong tea, coffee, pickles, and condiments.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-61471671454582867952009-11-19T18:26:00.005-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.133-08:00Treatment for Bed WettersSymptoms related to Bedwetting<br />The most common symptom of bedwetting is uncontrolled and unintentional bedwetting while sleeping. However some other symptoms of bedwetting could be as follows:-- Child is at least 6 or 7 years old and has never been able to stay dry overnight.- Wetting during the day.- Uncontrolled bowel movements that result in soiling.- Cloudy pinkish urine.- Straining, dribbling or other unusual symptoms with urination. - Burning sensation while urinating.<br /><br />Bedwetting Causes<br />Bedwetting in children may be due to immature nervous system due to which the child is not able to feel that his bladder is full.- Sometimes it is also because of small bladder due to which the bladder is not able to hold all the urine produced during the night.- In a very rare case it may be due to some defects in the urinary system.- Some medical conditions like urinary tract infection, constipation, diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, or epilepsy may also cause bedwetting.- Hormonal factors, wherein there is inadequate antidiuretic hormone. This hormone reduces the amount of urine produced by the kidneys.- Spinal cord abnormalities.- Genetic factors.- Deep Sleep.<br /><br />Natural Remedies for Bedwetting<br />-One hour before going to bed take six to eight oz. of cranberry juice.- Bedwetting can also be treated using herbs like causticum, lycopodium, ursi, corn silk and pulsatilla.-Before going to bed eat two tsp walnut halves and one tsp raisins.- Drink herbal tea made from herbs like oak bark, horsetail, wormwood or bearberry.- Massage inner thigh of the patient with St. John’s wort oil.- Retention control training - Practice retention control by postponing urination during the day, first by a few minutes and then by gradually increased amounts of time. This exercise will help strengthen the muscles that control urination and also increase the capacity of the bladder.- Avoid taking liquids before bedtime and make sure you empty the bladder before hitting the sack.<br /><br />Diet for Bedwetting<br />Eat Healthy Diet<br />Eat parsley and cinnamon bark. Eat fresh and natural foods like leafy vegetables, brown rice and so on. To prevent bedwetting due to constipation eat a fiber rich diet. Eat diet rich in silica, magnesium and calcium. Some of the rich sources of these nutrients are milk, banana, sesame, and almonds.<br />Diet to avoid<br />Avoid juices of fruits like apple, orange, grapes and pineapple. Avoid sweets, fruits, chocolates, meat and artificial additives. Foods like corn, soy, wheat, dairy products, tomatoes and eggs cause allergy. It is better to avoid such allergy causing foods. Avoid all processed and prepackaged foods.<br /><br />Suggestions for treating Bedwetting<br />Alternative options for Bedwetting<br />Each time the patient feels like urinating he must hold it for few seconds. This will stretch the bladder and the patient will be able to hold it for longer time. Do not drink any thing just before going to bed.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-6100780783493766272009-11-19T18:16:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.158-08:00Internet Addiction Disorder: Causes, Symptoms,and ConsequencesJennifer R. Ferris<br />Psychology<br />Virginia Tech<br />jferris@vt.edu<br /><br /><br /><br />INTRODUCTION<br /> The growing body of research in the area of addiction suggests that Internet <br />Addiction Disorder, a psychophysiological disorder involving tolerance; withdrawal <br />symptoms; affective disturbances; and interruption of social relationships, is a presenting <br />problem that is becoming more common in society as on-line usage increases by the day. <br />With the growing importance of the Internet in everyday life, more and more people are <br />accessing various on-line resources each day. The World Wide Web is informative, <br />convenient, resourceful, and fun. For some people though--the addicted--these benefits are <br />becoming detriments. There are varying opinions on the subject, especially among those <br />who utilize the Internet. Some say that the Internet can be addicting, to the point that it <br />disturbs one's life and the lives of those around him. Others say that there is no such thing <br />as Internet Addiction Disorder-- getting pleasure out of a computer is not the same as <br />getting pleasure from cocaine or any other drug. Whether there is or is not a bona fide <br />disorder, the Internet is disrupting many people's lives. Who is to blame for this disorder? <br />Is it the WWW companies or is it the individual? Whichever (if either), the solution is not <br />to outlaw the Internet, as with psychoactive drugs. Simple methods of prevention do exist <br />that can reduce the negative effects of Internet use. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />DEFINING INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER<br /> To be diagnosed as having Internet Addiction Disorder, a person must meet certain <br />criteria as prescribed by the American Psychiatric Association. Three or more of these <br />criteria must be present at any time during a twelve month period:<br /> 1. Tolerance: This refers to the need for increasing amounts of time on the Internet to <br />achieve satisfaction and/or significantly diminished effect with continued use of the same <br />amount of time on the Internet.<br />2. Two or more withdrawal symptoms developing within days to one month after <br />reduction of Internet use or cessation of Internet use (i.e., quitting cold turkey) , and these <br />must cause distress or impair social, personal or occupational functioning. These include:<br />psychomotor agitation, i.e. trembling, tremors; anxiety; obsessive thinking about what is <br />happening on the Internet; fantasies or dreams about the Internet; voluntary or involuntary <br />typing movements of the fingers. <br />3. Use of the Internet is engaged in to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. <br />4. The Internet is often accessed more often, or for longer periods of time than was <br />intended. <br />5. A significant amount of time is spent in activities related to Internet use ( e.g., Internet <br />books, trying out new World Wide Web browsers, researching Internet vendors, etc.).<br />6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because <br />of Internet use. <br />7. The individual risks the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career <br />opportunity because of excessive use of the Internet. <br /> In recent research, other characteristics have been identified. The first is feelings of <br />restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use. The second is <br />that the Internet is used as a way of escaping problems or relieving feelings of <br />helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression. The third characteristic is that the user lies to <br />family members or friends to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet. And, <br />finally, the user returns repeatedly despite excessive fees (Egger & Rauterberg, 1996).<br /><br /><br /><br />"ADDICTION" AND INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER<br /> Bratter and Forest (1985; in Freeman, 1992) define addiction as "a behavior pattern <br />of compulsive drug use characterized by overwhelming involvement...with the use of a <br />drug and the securing of the supply, as well as the tendency to relapse after completion of <br />withdrawal." Like all other addictions, Internet addiction is a psychophysiological disorder <br />involving tolerance (the same amount of usage elicits less response; increased amounts <br />become necessary to evoke the same amount of pleasure), withdrawal symptoms <br />(especially, tremors, anxiety, and moodiness), affective disturbances (depression, <br />irritability), and interruption of social relationships (a decline or loss, either in quality or <br />quantity). <br /> Due to the nature of Internet Addiction Disorder (failed impulse control without <br />involving an intoxicant), of all other addictions, IAD is said to be closest to pathological <br />gambling. However, the effects that the addiction can have on every aspect of the person's <br />life are just as devastating as those of alcoholism. Kimberly S. Young, Psy.D., conducted <br />a study involving nearly 500 heavy Internet users. Their behavior was compared to the <br />clinical criteria used to classify pathological gambling as defined by the Diagnostic and <br />Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV, published by the American Psychiatric <br />Association. Using this criteria, eighty percent of the participants in the Young's study<br /> were classified as dependent Internet users. They "exhibited significant addictive behavior <br />patterns." She concludes that, "the use of the internet can definitely disrupt one's <br />academic, social, financial, and occupational life the same way other well-documented <br />addictions like pathological gambling, eating disorders, and alcoholism can" (Young, <br />1996).<br /> There have been many attempts by medical doctors and psychologists to explain <br />addiction disorders. These theories include psychodynamic and personality explanations, <br />sociocultural explanations, behavioral explanations, and biomedical explanations. Not all <br />explain any addiction perfectly, and some are better than others at explaining Internet <br />addiction. <br /><br /><br />Psychodynamics and Personality<br /> Psychodynamic and personality views account for addiction through early <br />childhood traumas, correlations with other certain personality traits or other disorders, and <br />inherited psychological dispositions (Sue, 1994). A dispositional model or diathesis-stress <br />model of addiction might help in understanding IAD. Certain people, due to a variety of <br />factors, may be predisposed (diathesis) to developing an addiction to something, be it <br />alcohol, heroin, gambling, sex, shopping, or on-line computer services. They could go <br />through their entire lives never developing any kind of addiction. On the other hand, if the <br />right stressor, or combination of stressors, affects the person at a critical time, the person <br />may be more inclined to develop an addiction. If the person begins drinking alcohol even <br />occasionally, but continues to increase consumption, he may develop a dependency on <br />alcohol. The same premise holds for Internet addiction. If it is the right combination of <br />time, person, and event, then addiction may take place. The idea is that it is not the activity <br />or subject that is important. It is the person that is most crucial to the equation. <br /><br /><br /><br />Sociocultutral explanations <br /> Addictions vary according to sex, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, <br />and country. Some addictions are more common among persons of different categories. <br />For example, alcoholism is most common in the middle socioeconomic classes, in Native <br />and Irish Americans, and in Catholics. Whites are more likely to use PCP and <br />hallucinogens, but less likely than Blacks or Latinos to use heroin(Sue, 1994). Not <br />enough data is available yet about those persons addicted to the Internet to determine if a <br />particular class is most predominant. In addition, at this point there is not enough diversity <br />among Internet users to make any definitive statements. As the diversity among users <br />increases, and as the amount of research on the problem increases, hopefully we will know <br />more about this interesting aspect of addiction with regard to the Internet. <br /><br /><br /><br />Behavioral explanations <br /> These explanations are based on B.F. Skinner's studies on operant conditioning <br />(Sue, 1994). The person performs a behavior and gets either rewarded or punished for the <br />behavior. To illustrate, there might be a child who is painfully shy and fears meeting new <br />people. Whenever it is time for recess, he goes off on his own, and does not play with the <br />other children. Thus, he avoids having to talk to anyone new, and consequently avoids the <br />anxiety associated with new encounters. This avoidance of anxiety is rewarding and <br />reinforces his behavior. This means that he is likely to engage in this behavior (escaping <br />from the problem) the next recess, or the next time he must meet new people. This relates <br />to addiction, and specifically Internet addiction in the following way: Drugs, alcohol, sex,<br />gambling, the Internet, and shopping offer many rewards. They offer love, excitement, <br />physical, emotional, and material comfort, and the means to escape from reality. These <br />can all be rewards. If an individual wants these rewards and learns that the Internet will <br />allow him to escape, or receive love, or have a lot of fun, he will probably turn to the <br />Internet the next time he feels these needs. This becomes reinforcing, and the cycle <br />continues. <br /><br /><br /><br />Biomedical explanations <br /> These explanations focus on hereditary and congenital factors, chemical imbalances <br />in the brain and neurotransmitters. There could be chromosomes, hormones, and surplus <br />or lack of certain necessary chemicals and neurotransmitters that regulate activity in the <br />brain and the rest of the nervous system. According to this perspective, this would cause a <br />someone to be susceptible to addiction (Sue, 1994). . There is definitive research that <br />shows that some drugs act to fill in the synaptic gaps of the neurons in the brain, fooling <br />the brain into sending out faulty information. This, it is thought, is one reason for the <br />"high" one gets from engaging in activities such as running, drug use, and gambling. This <br />might apply to Internet addiction, since many opportunities on the Internet are fun and <br />exciting. <br /><br /><br />IS THIS ALL HYPE? <br /> There is debate among users as to whether there really is such an addiction, and as <br />to whether it's a bad thing. Some people feel that the Internet is just a harmless, friendly <br />tool for gathering information, making new friends, and passing time. Mental Health Net <br />sponsors a discussion room about different topics related to mental health. There were several <br />responses from people across the United States. Some of the people agreed that it <br />is indeed possible to become addicted to the Internet. Others claimed it was all a farce. One <br />of the participants, Charity, believes there is no such thing as Internet Addiction Disorder. <br />She says there are many activities in life that she gets pleasure from engaging in, yet she <br />does not believe she is addicted. She says, "Maybe the computer is just nicely interactive <br />in a world of increasingly isolated people. And it's quiet, which is a very nice thing." <br />Scribe, another participant, holds that maybe there is such a disorder, but it may not be all <br />bad. He says, "...a person may spend a lot of time on the Internet, as I do, because I have <br />finally found the 'bottomless' source of information. There is no last passage to this <br />reference book, and if I am addicted to anything, it is knowledge... Are we not all addicted <br />to something, which keeps us interested in living?" (Mental Health Net, 1997)<br /> Others such as Young and other psychologists, feel that used in excess, the Internet <br />can become hazardous to one's mental and physical health. By definition, an addiction <br />does interfere with normal, adaptive functioning. So if someone is addicted, his or her <br />functioning is maladaptive. This may manifest itself in a few of the symptoms classified by <br />the American Psychiatric Association, or it may manifest itself in all of them. <br /> The New York Times reported last August about IAD, providing true stories about <br />individuals who think they might be addicted. The paper tells the story of one woman in <br />the Pacific Northwest who was divorced by her husband because of the enormous amount <br />of time she spent in front of her computer. Her fixation with the Internet apparently caused <br />her to forget to buy food for her children, to take them to their doctor appointments, and to <br />buy enough oil to heat her home. There is also the story of the seventeen year old boy from <br />Texas who was suffering from Internet withdrawal symptoms. When he was brought into <br />the alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, his body convulsed about, and he through tables <br />and chairs around the rooms (Belluck, 1996).<br /><br /><br /> <br />SCAPEGOAT, ANYONE? <br /> It seems obvious that Internet Addiction Disorder does indeed exist. The question <br />arises of who, if anyone, is to blame? Should it be the individual who chooses to <br />participate in any on-line activity--from research, to chat, to just "surfing" the Net? A <br />contemporary and pressing issue involving alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and even state-<br />sponsored gambling faces legislatures today. Is it the suppliers of these addictive <br />substances and products that should take responsibility for the problem? LavaMind, a <br />company that produces computer games, quoted one of their customers in an advertisement <br />on their web page. "Why is this thing so damned addictive?" is what the customer had <br />written to LavaMind (LavaMind, 1997). Should the programmers and on-line services <br />providers, like the drug dealers on the street, or the nicotine fixers at R.J. Reynolds, or the <br />Commonwealth of Virginia Lottery marketers be held responsible for how and how much <br />people use their products? Not everyone gets addicted to drugs or the lottery. In fact, it <br />seems most people who do use the Internet, even in large quantities, never get addicted. It <br />is hard to say who, if anyone, should take the blame. Programmers and service providers <br />should be responsible enough to create appropriate products, and provide services in the <br />ways that best serve the public, while maintaining their competitiveness. Consumers, <br />however, should take responsibility for themselves and "know when to say when". If not <br />that, then at least "tie one on". Unfortunately, if there are those that are predisposed to <br />addiction, they might not be the ones to recognize a problem when it is happening.<br /><br /><br />PREVENTION <br /> Psychiatrist Ivan Goldberg, MD is the doctor who coined the term Internet <br />Addiction Disorder. Goldberg and Young offer some ways people who believe they are <br />addicted, or may be heading toward addiction, can help themselves. First, Goldberg says, <br />people must recognize patterns of overuse. An awareness of the basic symptoms is <br />important. A key signal to this would be time spent at the computer, but also time spent <br />thinking about the Internet or in activities related to the Internet. The next step, according <br />to Young, is to identify underlying problems. Similar to other kinds of addicts, Internet <br />addicts should ask themselves what is causing them to want to escape from everyday life? <br />The third step is to devise and act out a plan to work through the problem, rather than <br />escape it. Escaping from the problem through the Internet, and effectively ignoring it, <br />does not make the problem go away. It usually only intensifies the problem. Finally, the <br />addict needs to take steps to resolve the addiction itself. Young advises a gradually decline <br />in use, until finally a "sensible" amount of time is reached (Murray, 1996).<br /><br /><br />CONCLUSION <br /> The Internet is not the enemy just because people become dependent on it. It has <br />many important and necessary benefits. It is fast, ecologically sound, convenient, and <br />informative. In many ways it makes our lives much simpler. In many ways it makes our <br />lives more complex. The Internet provides an escape from reality and everyday problems <br />just like alcohol or drugs. Some argue that the interaction with other people on the <br />Internet fills a social void. People can assume new identities; others interact with that <br />identity and the person may assume these on-line relationships are the same as the real <br />thing. It becomes a problem when people become so engrossed and enmeshed in on-line <br />activities, and their "other" lives to the point of neglecting their health, relationships, jobs, <br />and other responsibilities. As with many of life's pleasures, moderation is the key.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-44150574956132215602009-11-19T10:16:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.196-08:00Scabies RashScabies rash is a very itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into your skin. Scabies can affect people of all ages and from all incomes and social levels. Even people who keep themselves very clean can get scabies rash. Many people who get scabies rash are not even aware of why they have it or what caused it.<br /><br />The most common way that scabies rash is contracted is through close human interaction. Whether it is from a hug, sleeping together or other contact, scabies can be passed very easily from one person to another. In addition to human contact, a small percentage of individuals contract scabies from touching something that the mite is on. This form of transmission is much rarer, mainly because the mite has a life span of less than forty-eight hours when it is away from a host human.<br /><br />Some experts believe that the scabies mite can live up to 3 days without human body contact. When a mite reaches an area of rough or wrinkled skin (elbows, knuckles, knees), it burrows under the skin. Scratching can spread scabies mites to other areas of the body, but simply touching another part of the body while mites are on the hands may also spread them.<br /><br /><br />How to Recognize Scabies Rash?<br /><br />1. Know if you are at risk.<br /><br />Scabies is almost always spread by prolonged, close, skin-to-skin contact with a person who is already affected. <br />Scabies in adults is often spread through sexual contact. <br />Scabies can spread quickly in crowded places, such as day care centers and nursing homes.<br /><br />2. Recognize the symptoms of a scabies infestation. If you have been infected for the first time, you may not have any symptoms for 2-6 weeks. If you have had a scabies infestation before, symptoms will appear rather quickly (1-4 days). The most common symptom of scabies is an intense itch (especially at night) and a rash that affects a great deal of the body. <br /><br />3. The most common sites of an infestation for an adult are:<br /><br />Webbing between the fingers <br />Wrist <br />The fold of the elbow or knee <br />Armpit <br />Nipple <br />Shoulder blades <br />Breast <br />Waist <br />Butt <br />Penis <br /><br />The sole of the foot <br />The palm of the hand <br />Head <br />Face <br />Neck <br /><br />5. Be aware that very small tunnels are sometimes visible on the skin. These are caused by the mite burrowing beneath the surface of the skin. They will appear as thin gray, brown, or red lines on the surface of the skin. <br /><br />6. See a doctor if you believe you may be infected with scabies. If you are found to have scabies, advise anyone you have had close contact with that they should be treated also.<br /><br /><br />Scabies rash - Scabies Diagnosis:<br /><br />The diagnosis of scabies is often difficult as it looks similar to a skin rash in the initial stages. A medical diagnosis is made by scraping the skin to observe under a microscope in order to locate the mite or find eggs. However, it is possible that the results of a skin scraping or a biopsy may return negative but it is still very much possible that you may be infested with the mite. In a typical case, there are only up to 10 mites on the entire body and it is possible to miss them. The constant scratching also causes the characteristic nodular bumps and redness that indicate the infected areas and may occur anywhere except the facial region.<br /><br /><br />Scabies on Babies (Scabies Rash):<br /><br />If your baby gets scabies rash, he'll develop an extremely itchy rash of scattered red bumps, usually between the fingers, around the wrists, and on the outside of the elbows, armpits, lower abdomen and genitals. It may also show up on the kneecaps and the sides of the feet. Older children and adults don't tend to get the rash on their palms, soles, scalp or face, but your baby might.<br /><br />The only way to avoid scabies rash is to avoid contact with anyone who might have it. That can be tricky, especially if your baby is around other children and has several carers. If your baby has scabies rash, you can help prevent a re-infestation by making sure all family members and others in close contact with him are treated at the same time that he is.<br /><br /><br />Home Remedies for Scabies Rash:<br /><br />One of the most effective natural treatments for scabies rash comprises of applying fresh juice of apricot leaves over the affected area.<br /><br />Take fresh or dried neem leaves and make a paste from them. Add in equal quantity of turmeric powder, mixed with mustard oil. Apply the mixture on the affected area, leave for one hour and wash off.<br /><br />Take dried bark of a peepal tree and grind it, to form a fine powder. Strain the powder with a sieve and apply it on the lesions, as a dusting powder.<br /><br />Buy 400-500 gm drumstick leaves and extract their juice. Mix in equal amount of sesame seed oil. Boil the solution till the water dries up. Cool and apply over the infected areas.<br /><br />Wash the clothes as well as the bedding of the infected area in hot water, on a daily basis. Thereafter, leave them in the sun to dry, rather than making use of dryers.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-12665180620395979442009-11-19T09:47:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.221-08:00Tested and Proven Ways to Increase Height NaturallyDo you always get picked last when you want to join a sports event, specifically basketball? Have you given up on your dream of becoming a famous supermodel? Are you tired of being called 'Strawberry SHORT cake?' Well mate, I feel your pain that is why I am going to give you tips on how to increase height naturally without having to play with drugs with unknown side effects and other horrors.<br /><br />• EXERCISE<br /><br />This should not come as a surprise. To effectively increase height naturally, you need to make those bones and muscles move. The best exercise when talking about getting taller is swimming. The fact that your legs and arms will be extended in opposite directions will then stretch your body and lengthen your spine.<br /><br />• STRETCHING<br /><br />There is a reason why it is called stretching in the first place. Try standing up and bending over as you touch your toes. See what I mean? Focus on stretches that will loosen up the vertebrae. Yoga and Pilates are good.<br /><br />• INVERTING YOUR BODY<br /><br />Standing upside down helps to increase height naturally. By allowing gravity to stretch the spine and your knee cartilage simultaneously, it will contribute into providing you good posture and also fixes minor back alignment issues. Posture is one key ingredient if you want to get taller.<br /><br />• SLEEPING AND NUTRITION<br /><br />You need at least 8 hours of sleep everyday. This relaxation regime stretches your spines, and also triggers the secretion of growth hormone in your body. Along with this, eat foods that are rich in amino acid and calcium. Don't forget to check your diet and watch your weight as well!<br /><br />These are just a few tips on how to increase height naturally BUT if you are in a hurry, try programs that you can buy online that will teach you exactly what kind of exercise do you have to perform, what kinds of vitamins and nutrients you need and teach you stuffs that you can do at home to promote height increase. These kinds of programs are 100% safe and natural, so no need to worry about ghastly side effects.<br /><br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com">http://EzineArticles.com</a>Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-73491299519917934492009-11-19T08:52:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.252-08:00How To Get Gorgeous SkinDon't go to bed with makeup on. Makeup left on overnight seeps into your pores, clogs them, and congests your skin. Make sure that you wash your face twice at the end of the day. Once to get the makeup off. A second time to wash the skin itself. <br />Exfoliate twice a week. After washing your face at night, be sure to exfoliate. Use a delicate scrub a non-abrasive formula that will not irritate or scratch your skin. If you don't have one on hand, a tablespoon of sugar and champagne or oatmeal will work just fine.<br /><br />Use facial masks regularly. If possible, everyday is ideal. Again, if you don't have one on hand, make your own. Mashed banana or avocado is good. Plain yogurt also works well.<br /><br />Keep a treatment and moisturizer on your face, day or night. Put your skin first. After you wash it at night, put on some kind of skin treatment, whether it's alpha hydroxy acid, vitamin A or C, or any kind of special cocktail treatment. Beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, is a topical exfoliate that minimizes the appearance of aging. Let that sink in, then put a moisturizer over that. In the morning, do the same.<br /><br />Don't use the cheapest or most expensive cosmetics. I have experienced that the moderately priced cosmetics are the best. They get the job done, and the ingredients are usually very good. Face powder and foundation is the only items you may want to spend money on. Lipsticks and other facial makeup products do come in more selections of colors in pricier brands than drugstore brands. You have to keep trying various brands until you find something that works well for you.<br /><br />Hydrate your face throughout the day. Whether it's a commercial product, or one you make yourself (fill a spray bottle with distilled water, add a few drops of chamomile or rose essential oil, shake it gently before each use, and spray it on) hydrate your face, even over makeup, frequently throughout the day.<br /><br />Treat your face gently. Never pull, tug, or scrub your facial skin. Be very gentle when you clean it, moisturize it or makeup on it. This will lessen the chance that you'll damage your skin and get wrinkles.<br /><br />Keep your face covered when you're in the sun. As beautiful as you are never lets anyone see you her face when your in the sun. Slather on a high factor sunscreen, put on sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat.<br /><br />Dehydration- It's important to drink at least eight glasses of water (or other non-carbonated, non-caffeinated beverages) daily to keep your skin moisturized, keep your hair healthy and keep your healthy glow.<br /><br />Eat fresh foods and drink lots of water. Stay away from too much "dead food" food that's basically not fresh and is processed, like chips. She always eat lots of veggies, fruits, nuts, and drinks tons of water.<br /><br />Let go of stress. Stress can show up on your face, no matter how well you take care of your skin. Do something your enjoy everyday, whether it's watching TV or going shopping. Your face reflects what's going on inside of your mind.<br /><br />SMOKING- Do not smoke. You already know it can kill you, but did you know that it causes hair in unwanted places, e.g. lip hair? Were you aware that it causes wrinkles and premature aging? It turns your teeth, skin, and fingernails a disgusting yellow over time.<br /><br />Lack of Sleep- When you don't sleep, you don't look your best. You're guaranteed to have puffy or dark circles underneath your eyes. Your body needs 7-8 hours every night to rejuvenate. During this time your skin is repairing it's self.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-23141339426079356092009-11-19T08:48:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.283-08:007 Days Stop Smoking ProgramThe first thing to do is set a date when you are going to stop smoking. Let’s start one week from today. That will give you plenty of time to practice with the weapons in your arsenal. Eight days from today, it will be the beginning of the end of your smoking habit.<br /><br />Days 1 and 2:<br /><br />Examine your smoking behavior for the first two days. Every time you light up, ask yourself:<br />Why am I smoking this cigarette?<br />Would this be an easy one or a difficult one to do without?<br />If I did not smoke this cigarette, what would I do instead?<br /><br />Day 3:<br /><br />Let’s get out and test your weapons today.<br />At least once today, use your weapons to shoot down the urge to smoke.<br /><br />During the five minutes that it will take for the urge to pass, try out some of your arsenal. Try one, or all, or find a combination that works for you. <br /><br />Day 4:<br /><br />Today is the big testing day. If you haven’t already tried it, skip those one or two cigarettes that you feel may be the toughest to give up in your daily routine. Pick the ones that you rated “difficult” during your monitoring period.<br /><br />Remember, this is a practice period, and you must not get upset if you are unable to give up a difficult cigarette. You must practice and experiment with your different weapons to realize how you can be more effective.<br /><br />If you found skipping that cigarette very hard or even failed in the end, review any factor that got in the way of your success. The most common causes of difficulty or failure that a potential quitter faces are:<br />Chemical properties of addiction<br /><br />When you do not have that cigarette, you feel lousy. If you are a heavy smoker, a nicotine patch may help to relieve your bad feelings.<br /><br />Social pressures<br /><br />You may find yourself in a situation like, card game, party, coffee break during which you would normally smoke. It may help to let others know of your desire to stop smoking, and also your reasons to stop smoking.<br /><br />Enlisting the aid of a non smoker to confide in may also help. Make sure that he or she is aware of your goals so that they do not say or do anything to instill a negative impact on your desire to stop smoking.<br /><br />If you feel that you may not resist the social pressures of smoking, consider the option of giving up these social encounters for two or three weeks until the urge passes and you can be comfortable again.<br />Tension and negative emotion<br /><br />A crisis occurs during your work or personal day, and one of the main reasons for you to smoke has been tension reduction. Try to deal with your negative emotions and use the tension reducing methods that we talked about earlier.<br /><br />Get away from the area that the tension is associated with. Take a walk, or go to another room. You may also find that nicotine gum will give you enough tension relief to get through.<br /><br />Days 5, 6, and 7:<br /><br />You are now heading down the home stretch. In the next three days, your goal is to come out of this week smoking half the cigarettes that you would normally smoke. If you started as a one pack a day smoker, cut back to ten cigarettes per day, or less. <br />The fewer the better<br /><br />During days 5 and 6, set your goals toward achieving positive results on day 7. Maintain your smoking record during these three days, and continue to decrease your dependency on nicotine. <br /><br />What do you do if you still have doubts? This is probably due to your chemical dependency on nicotine. It is a highly powerful drug, and many factors have been working together to make you dependent. <br /><br />Discuss with your doctor about the feasibility of a patch or nicotine gum. Nicotine is the hook that has gotten you to smoke which carries the harmful effects to your body. With the help from the patch or the gum, you will have all he tools you need to successfully quit.<br /><br />The nicotine patch or gum will give you a steady influx of nicotine into your system, which will be reduced slowly over a period of several weeks. Do not smoke while on the nicotine patch. You could experience a dangerous overdose of nicotine.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-30095436813464004142009-11-19T08:47:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.321-08:00Caffeine - I Bet You Didn't Know This! Health and Nutrition!By Nick A. James<br /><br />What exactly is caffeine? It is a colorless, somewhat bitter substance that is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola. It is also in many over- the-counter medicines and in many diet/weight loss supplements. It is a stimulant and it is considered a psychoactive drug. It is the most widely consumed drug in this country. Drugmakers are required by law to list the amount of caffeine in their product, however, food and beverage companies do not have to. The caffeine that is taken out of coffee beans to produce decaffeinated coffee is then sold to drug companies and soft drink manufacturers.<br /><br />It can be a welcome waker-upper in the morning taken in that morning cup of coffee. It also helps give some a boost to stay awake late in the day. However, the boost isn't necessarily instant as it takes about an hour for the effects of caffeine to make it's way through the bloodstream and into the system. It has benefits and it has side effects. It helps keep us alert. It stimulates the central nervous system. Some say it improves physical and mental performance. It has diuretic activity. Some studies list is as a mood elevator, and a pain reliever. Because of the increased alertness levels of those who consume caffeine, there has been improved performance in activities such as test-taking, driving, flying and problem solving.<br /><br />There are side effects of caffeine though. Those are insomnia, nervousness, increased tension and anxiety-panic attacks, just from drinking the amount of 300 mg. The amount that causes these side effects vary from individual to individual, however, children seem to have a lower tolerance of it because of their lower body weight. The Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant women to avoid it altogether. The FDA does list it as a "safe food additive", even though pregnant women should avoid it. For those that take it regularly every day, going without it a day can cause withdrawal symptoms such as, headaches, irritability, a lack of energy and of course, sleepiness. These withdrawal symptoms are short lived though.<br /><br />The following is a chart and the amount of caffeine in products you use and consume daily.<br /><br />6 ounce cup of coffee - 64mg to 150mg<br /><br />5 ounce cup of tea- 40mg<br /><br />12 ounce can of cola- 40mg<br /><br />hot cocoa - 1 cup 4mg<br /><br />6 ounce chocolate bar 25mg<br /><br />2 Excedrin tablets 130mg<br /><br />Besides weight loss products and stay awake products and energy drinks, caffeine is being tested for pesticide use and it has been laced in women's panty hose for it's constrictive effects that are supposed to shrink thighs. Love it or hate it, caffeine is and always has been a big part of American culture and probably is here to stay.<br /><br />About the author:<br />Nick A. James offers informative tips and information on nutrition, health and working from home.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-86117179060427694712009-11-19T08:44:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.350-08:00What is nicotine addiction?Nicotine is the tobacco plant's natural protection from being eaten by insects. Drop for drop it's more lethal than strychnine and three times deadlier than arsenic. Yet, amazingly, by chance, this natural insecticide's chemical structure is so similar to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that once inside the brain it fits a host of chemical locks permitting it direct and indirect control over the flow of more than 200 neurochemicals.<br /><br />Within eight seconds of that first-ever inhaled puff, through dizzy, coughing and six shades of green, nicotine arrived at the brain's reward pathways where it generated an unearned flood of dopamine, resulting in an immediate yet possibly unrecognized "aaahhh" reward sensation. Sensing it would cause most first-time inhalers to soon return to steal more. Nicotine also fit the adrenaline locks releasing a host of fight or flight neurochemicals and select serotonin locks impacting mood.<br /><br />Brain Defenses Create Dependency<br /><br />A toxic poison, the brain's defenses fought back but in doing so they had no choice but to also turn down the mind’s sensitivity to acetylcholine, the body's conductor of an entire orchestra of neurochemicals.<br /><br />In some neuro-circuits the brain diminished the number of receptors available to receive nicotine, in others it diminished the number of available transporters and in still other regions it grew millions and millions of extra acetylcholine receptors (up-regulation), almost as if trying to protect itself by more widely disbursing the arriving pesticide.<br /><br />There was only one problem. All the physical changes engineered a new tailored neurochemical sense of normal built entirely upon the presence of nicotine. Now, any attempt to stop using it would come with a risk of intermittent temporary hurtful anxieties and powerful mood shifts. A true chemical addiction was born. Returning home to the “real you” now had a price. Gradually the calmness and comfort associated with being the “real you” faded into distant or even forgotten memory.<br /><br />The brain's protective adjustments insured that any attempt to stop would leave you temporarily desensitized. Your dopamine reward system would briefly offer-up few rewards, your nervous system would see altering the status quo as danger and sound an emotional anxiety alarm throughout your body, and mood circuitry might briefly find it difficult to climb beyond depression.<br /><br />The Recovery Process<br /><br />Successful nicotine dependency recovery is in maintaining the motivations, dreams and patience needed to allow: (1) the physical mind time to re-sensitize itself and re-adjust to functioning normally again; (2) the subconscious mind time to encounter and re-condition the bulk of its nicotine feeding cues that triggered brief anxiety episodes in an attempt to gain compliance; and (3) the conscious mind time to either allow years of defensive dependency rationalizations to fade into distant memory, or the intelligent quitter time to more rapidly destroy their impact through honest reflection.<br /><br />The ex-smoker will find themselves enjoying a deep and rich sense of inner quiet, calmness, and tranquility once their temporary journey of re-adjustment is substantially complete.<br /><br />The body's nicotine reserves decline by about half every two hours. It's not only the basic chemical half-life clock which determines mandatory nicotine feeding times, when quitting it's also the clock that determines how long it takes before the brain begins bathing in nicotine free blood-serum, the moment that real healing begins.<br /><br />It can take up to 72 hours for the blood-serum to become nicotine-free and 90% of nicotine's metabolites to exit the body via your urine. It's then that the anxieties associated with readjustment normally peak in intensity and begin to gradually decline.<br /><br />But just one powerful "hit" of nicotine and you’ll again face another 72 hours of detox anxieties. It's why the one puff survival rate is almost zero. None of us are stronger than nicotine but then we don’t need to be as it is simply a chemical with an I.Q. of zero. It does not plot, plan or conspire and is not some demon within us. Our most effective weapon against it is, and always has been, our vastly superior intelligence but only if put to work.<br /><br />Nicotine Replacement Products<br /><br />The key to nicotine dependency recovery is not in dragging out the 72 hours of detox by toying for weeks or months with gradual nicotine weaning or other creative means for delivering nicotine. The nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) industry want smokers to believe that a natural poison is medicine, that its use is therapy, and that it is somehow different from the tobacco plant's nicotine molecule. The truth is that the pharmaceutical industry buys its nicotiana from the exact same growers as the tobacco industry. They want you to believe that double-blind placebo controlled studies proved that NRT doubles a cold turkey quitters odds of quitting and that only superheros can quit without it. The truth is that their studies were not blind as claimed, and that all but a tiny sliver of earth's successful quitters are quitting entirely on their own. Here are a few facts that those selling creative nicotine delivery devices would rather you not know:<br /><br />* Nicotine is a psychoactive drug whose "high" provides a dopamine "aaahhh" sensation and an adrenaline rush. Would you have been able to tell, within 5 minutes, whether the gum or lozenge you'd been given contained the nicotine equilivent of smoking two cigarettes or was instead a nicotine-free placebo? So could they. A 2004 study found that NRT studies suffered from massive wide-spread blinding failures (May 2004)<br />* A nicotine smoker's natural odds of quitting for six months, entirely on their own, without any products, procedures, education programs, counseling or formal support is roughly 10% (June 2000)<br />* Those using the over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine patch or gum as a stand-alone quitting tool have only a 7% chance of quitting smoking for six months (March 2003)<br />* Up to 7% of OTC nicotine gum quitters are still chronic users of nicotine gum at six months (May 2004). Question: isn't 7 minus 7 still zero? (May 2004)<br />* 36.6% of all current nicotine gum users are chronic long-term users (May 2004)<br />* You truly would have to be a superhero to quit while using the nicotine patch if you've already attempted using it once and relapsed. The only two patch user "recycling" studies ever conducted have both shown that nearly 100% of second-time nicotine patch users relapse to smoking nicotine within six months (April 1993 and August 1995, see Table 3)<br />* 91.2% of all successful long-term ex-smokers quit entirely on their own without resort to any product, procedure or program of any kind including hypnosis, Zyban, Wellbutrin, acupuncture, magic herbs, laser therapy, or the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, spray, or inhaler (ACS 2003)<br />* Education, understanding, new skills and serious support can more than triple your natural six-month odds of 10% (April 2003)<br />* Those who refuse to allow any nicotine back into their bloodstream have 100% odds of remaining nicotine free today! (Today, Tomorrow & Always!) <br /><br /><br />Education Destroys Dependency Ignorance<br /><br />Is encountering your subconsciously conditioned nicotine feeding cue (times, places, events, emotions) that are in need of reconditioning a bad thing? Are almost all cues reconditioned and broken by a single victory in not providing the demanded substance? Is time distortion a normal recovery symptom? Do all subconscious crave episodes last less than three minutes? Can distortion make the minutes feel like hours? Can looking at a clock bring honest perspective? Does the number of episodes peak at an average of six on day three and decline to just 1.2 crave episodes per day by day 10?<br /><br />If "average," can you handle up to 18 minutes of serious anxiety (3 minutes x 6 episodes)? If you have established twice as many nicotine feeding cues as he average smoker can you handle up to 36 minutes of challenge on your most challenging day of recovery?<br /><br />Does nicotine really double the rate at which caffeine is metabolized? Will your caffeine blood-serum level really increase by 203% if you drink the exact same amount of caffeine after ending all nicotine use? If you are a heavy caffeine user can elevated levels of caffeine cause additional anxieties making nicotine dependency recovery harder than need be?<br /><br />Why could you skip breakfast and even lunch when smoking nicotine and never feel true hunger pains? Can difficulty concentrating during early recovery, and other low blood sugar type symptoms, often be easily corrected by simply learning that nicotine is no longer your spoon feeding you stored fats and sugars, and that you must again learn to properly fuel your body? How can temporarily (72 hours) drinking natural acidic fruit juices like cranberry help to both stabilize blood sugar and accelerate depletion of your body’s reserves of the alkaloid nicotine?<br /><br />These are only a few of the hundreds and hundreds of nicotine dependency recovery issues explored in detail at WhyQuit.com, a free online motivation, education and peer support forum. If you are addicted to nicotine we invite you to sample the juice of understanding and the amazing world of online nicotine dependency recovery. I think you'll be surprised at how much there is to learn about the deadly insecticide that now commands your brain, controls your health and will likely determine your life-expectancy.<br /><br />The next few minutes are all that matter and each is entirely doable. It may not always be easy but it is simple. There was always only one rule: no nicotine today!<br /><br />John R. Polito<br />Nicotine Cessation EducatorDurgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-13842376525369275142009-11-19T08:42:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.385-08:00You Can Quit SmokingTips for the First Week<br />Nicotine is a powerful addiction. If you have tried to quit, you know how hard it can be. People who are trying to quit smoking go through both physical and psychological withdrawal. Here are some tips for quitting.<br /><br />Cravings<br /><br />Drink a lot of liquids, especially water. Try herbal teas or fruit juices. Limit coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol - they can increase your urge to smoke.<br /><br />Avoid sugar and fatty food. Try low-calorie foods for snacking - carrots and other vegetables, sugarless gum, air-popped popcorn, or low-fat cottage cheese. Don't skip meals.<br /><br />Exercise regularly and moderately. Regular exercise helps. Joining an exercise group provides a healthy activity and a new routine.<br /><br />Get more sleep. Try to go to sleep earlier and get more rest.<br /><br />Take deep breaths. Distract yourself. When cravings hit, do something else immediately, such as talking to someone, getting busy with a task, or taking deep breaths.<br /><br />Change your habits. Use a different route to work, eat breakfast in a different place, or get up from the table right away after eating.<br /><br />Do something to reduce your stress. Take a hot shower, read a book, or exercise.<br /><br />Psychological Needs<br /><br />* Remind yourself every day why you are quitting.<br />* Avoid places you connect with smoking.<br />* Develop a plan for relieving stress.<br />* Listen to relaxing music.<br />* Watch a funny movie.<br />* Take your mind off a problem and come back to it later.<br />* Rely on your friends, family, and support group for help.<br />* Avoid alcohol. It lowers your chances for success.<br /><br />Tips for the First Week, You Can Quit Smoking.March 2001.<br />Courtesy of: US. Public Health Service<br />Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-58798860703320301712009-11-19T08:38:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.412-08:00I’ve Got a Cold: What Can I Do?What's the best treatment for a cold?<br /><br />There is no cure for the common cold. The most important thing you can do is drink a lot of fluids to keep your body hydrated. This will help prevent another infection from setting in. Avoid drinks like coffee, tea, and colas with caffeine. They rob your system of fluids. As for eating, follow your appetite. If you're not really hungry, try eating simple foods like white rice or broth.<br /><br />Chicken soup is comforting, plus the steam helps break up nasal congestion. Ginger seems to settle an upset stomach. A hot toddy may help you sleep, but beware of mixing alcohol with other cold remedies.<br /><br />Over-the-counter cold medicines can offer relief from aches and fever. However, doctors no longer believe in suppressing low-grade fever except in very young and very old people, or people with certain medical conditions such as heart or lung disease. Low-grade fever helps the body fight off infection by suppressing the growth of viruses or bacteria and by activating the immune system.<br /><br />* Aspirin. Young people and children should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.<br />* Decongestants can help make breathing easier by shrinking swollen mucous membranes in the nose. Use for no more than two or three days.<br />* Saline nasal sprays can also open breathing passages and may be used freely.<br />* Cough preparations are not hugely effective. For minor coughs, water and fruit juices probably help the most.<br />* Gargling with salt water can help relieve a sore throat.<br /><br />How effective are natural remedies like zinc, echinacea, and vitamin C?<br /><br />Some studies show that zinc nasal sprays help cut a cold's severity and duration. The theory? Zinc sprays may coat the cold virus and prevent it from attaching to nasal cells where they enter the body. But other studies show that zinc is no more effective than placebo. Recent, well-done studies on echinacea show that it is not effective in preventing colds. However, in one study, 120 people with cold-like symptoms took 20 drops of echinacea every two hours for 10 days and had briefer colds than others.<br /><br />As for vitamin C's effects, a recent survey of 65 years' worth of studies found limited benefit. The researchers found no evidence that vitamin C prevents colds. However, they did find evidence that vitamin C may shorten how long you suffer from a cold. One large study found that people who took a vitamin C megadose -- 8 grams on the first day of a cold -- shortened the duration of their colds.<br /><br />To prevent colds the natural way, it's best to make sure you've got a well-nourished immune system. Dark greens foods like spinach are loaded with vitamins A and C. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. Low-fat yogurt may help stimulate the immune system.<br /><br />Regular exercise -- such as aerobics and walking -- also boosts the immune system. People who exercise may still catch a virus, but they have less severe symptoms. They may recover more quickly compared with less-healthy people.<br /><br />WebMD Medical Reference<br />View Article Sources Sources<br /><br />Reviewed by Jonathan L Gelfand, MD on November 21, 2007Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-1635808603668213092009-11-19T08:35:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.441-08:00HOW TO LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSUREPrevention<br />You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle. These steps include maintaining a healthy weight; being physically active; following a healthy eating plan, that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods; choosing and preparing foods with less salt and sodium; and, if you drink alcoholic beverages, drinking in moderation. In this section you will learn more about healthy lifestyle habits for preventing and controlling high blood pressure.<br /><br />Healthy Eating<br />Research has shown that following a healthy eating plan can both reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and lower an already elevated blood pressure.<br /><br />For an overall eating plan, consider the DASH eating plan. "DASH" stands for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension," a clinical study that tested the effects of nutrients in food on blood pressure. Study results indicated that elevated blood pressures were reduced by an eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods and is low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol. The DASH eating plan includes whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts and has reduced amounts of fats, red meats, sweets, and sugared beverages.<br /><br />A second clinical study, called "DASH-Sodium," looked at the effect of a reduced dietary sodium intake on blood pressure as people followed either the DASH eating plan or a typical American diet. Results showed that reducing dietary sodium lowered blood pressure for both the DASH eating plan and the typical American diet. The biggest blood pressure-lowering benefits were for those eating the DASH eating plan at the lowest sodium level (1,500 milligrams per day).<br /><br />The DASH-Sodium study shows the importance of lowering sodium intake whatever your diet. But for a true winning combination, follow the DASH eating plan and lower your intake of salt and sodium.<br /><br />Maintaining a Healthy Weight<br />Being overweight increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. In fact, blood pressure rises as body weight increases. Losing even 10 pounds can lower blood pressure — and it has the greatest effect for those who are overweight and already have hypertension.<br /><br />Being overweight or obese are also risk factors for heart disease. They increase your chance for developing high blood cholesterol and diabetes — two more major risk factors for heart disease.<br /><br />Physical Activity<br />Being physically active is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent or control high blood pressure. It also helps reduce your risk of heart disease. It doesn't take a lot of effort to become physically active.<br /><br />Limit Alcohol Intake<br />Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. It also can harm the liver, brain, and heart. Alcoholic drinks also contain calories, which matter if you are trying to lose weight. If you drink alcoholic beverages, have only a moderate amount — one drink a day for women; two drinks a day for men.<br />What counts as a drink?<br /><br />12 ounces of beer (regular or light, 150 calories), or<br />5 ounces of wine (100 calories), or<br />1 one-half ounces of 80-proof whiskey (100 calories).<br /><br />Quitting Smoking<br />Smoking injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. This applies even to filtered cigarettes. So even though it does not cause high blood pressure, smoking is bad for anyone, especially those with high blood pressure. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Once you quit, your risk of having a heart attack is reduced after the first year. So you have a lot to gain by quitting.Durgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657468541456194299.post-6744249307153412892009-11-19T08:32:00.002-08:002011-02-02T05:19:52.468-08:00Smoking and Teens: Time to QuitSAY GOODBYE TO AN UGLY HABIT – QUIT SMOKING!<br /><br />It’s probably not news to you that smoking is bad for your body. It causes wrinkles and turns your teeth yellow, and puts you at risk for diseases. Here’s a newsflash for you ladies, though. Smoke hates you more than it hates guys!<br />It is harder for females to quit than it is for males.<br />Smoke can be more harmful to female lungs than male lungs.<br />The younger you start, the harder it is to quit!<br />This means that starting to smoke as a female teen is asking for trouble. So, quit smoking or don’t start for YOU…for your health and beauty, today and in the future.<br />Smoking ads may try to make smoking look cool, but you’re smarter than that. The tobacco companies are not looking out for you, so you have to look out for yourself. Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit – either way you win by not giving them your money!<br />What smoking does to your body<br /><br />Soon after you start, smoking causes yellow teeth and bad breath (gross!), as well as health problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, upset stomach, and dizziness. When you are older, you can get major health problems from smoking, like cancer and heart disease. Smoking will also make your skin wrinkle.<br />What quitting can do for your health<br />12 hours after quitting, the dangerous carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.<br />2 weeks to 3 months after quitting, your heart and lungs begin to work better.<br />1 to 9 months after quitting, coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath start to go away.<br />1 year after quitting, your risk of heart disease goes down.<br />Why do people smoke?<br /><br />Stress. Smoking leads to more stress. Learn how to manage stress with tips from www.GirlsHealth.gov.<br /><br /><br />Habit. If you feel like you can’t stop smoking, ask a doctor or nurse for help<br /><br /><br />Boredom. Smoking to fill time? Find other things that you like to do instead, like jog, read, or shop.<br /><br /><br />Others smoke. Stay strong and tell your friends and family they should quit, too.<br /><br /><br />Can’t quit. Don’t think you’ll be able to quit? Start thinking positive – yes, you can!<br /><br /><br />Weight control. Quitting doesn’t add pounds, eating more does. Exercise and eat healthy to keep from gaining.<br />How to quit<br /><br />Sick of spending money on cigarettes, smelling like an ashtray, and your friends hassling you about smoking? Then you are ready to quit!<br /><br /><br />1) Set a quit date and tell everybody when you are going to stop<br />2) Throw away all your cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays.<br />3) When you get the urge to smoke, do something else…take deep breaths or drink a glass of water.<br />4) Carry things with you to put in your mouth, such as gum or hard candy.<br />5) Stay busy by going to the movies, riding your bike, walking the dog, or hanging out with a friend.<br />6) Spend time in places where you are not allowed to smoke, such as the movies or the mall.<br />7) The first few days after quitting, don’t hang with smokers or in places you used to smoke.<br />8) Drink lots of water and fruit juice…stay away from drinks with caffeine, like soda, coffee or tea.<br /><br /><br />Be prepared! You may be crabby and feel on edge for a couple of weeks or longer, but then your body will<br />forget nicotine and you will feel better. Once you feel better, you may still want to smoke at times, but stay<br />strong…it’s easy to get hooked again and you don’t want to throw away all that hard work. <br /><br />WebMD Public Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesDurgahealthcare.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12454630758488910817noreply@blogger.com0