Archive for December, 2008

Naturopathic treatment, among other things, involves nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. It is believed by many, the course of an illness, such as Multiple Sclerosis,can be changed with a better lifestyle and a healthy diet. One negative impact on our health comes from food sensitivities. This is often referred to as allergies.

A food “allergy” is usually known because of the immediate and strong immunologic reaction, referred to as an immune response. Food “sensitivity” is a physiological reaction to a food eaten where no immune reaction occurs, but the physiological response may include; head ache, diarrhea, constipation, sinus congestion, sore throat, and joint pain.

Food allergies can be detected with a test, but you may also need to take the Elimination and Challenge diet. This is where you first eliminate from your diet the most common foods that are known to cause sensitivities. You then reintroduce them, one at a time, into your diet. This also is called a hypoallergenic diet by licensed Naturopathic Physicians. These doctors are trained to monitor elimination and challenge diets, while providing guidance and support.

Some common foods you may try first eliminating from your diet are;
1. Wheat products(pasta, breads, processed food)
2. Gluttonous grains(rye, barley, oats, hops)
3. Dairy products(milk, cheese, yogurt, cream)
4. Corn products(tortillas, chips, cornstarch)
5. Peanuts(peanut butter, peanut oil)
6. Soy products(tofu, soymilk, soy protein powder, soy oil)
7. Red meat(the additives are the problem)
8. Caffeine(coffee, tea, cola)
9. Chocolate
10. Sugar substitutes(aspartame, saccharine)
11. Food coloring, dyes
12. Pesticides and chemical spoilage retardants
13. Sulfites (canned vegetables, tuna, fruit)

When dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, as with any new diet or lifestyle change, use this article only as a resource. Talk to your physician, who is knowledgeable with your MS condition, before trying any alternative and complimentary treatments.

Acupuncture, a common procedure used by some Naturopathic Practitioners, is the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. All acupuncture has effects that are useful for pain or dysfunction in one area. Some specific points affect the body as a whole.The practitioner of acupuncture has mastered the location of the points, the needling techniques, and the insertion to the correct depth. Needles are sterile, and generally disposed of after use, but some states allow the practitioners to use sterilization techniques. Each point has a name and also a numerical designation. There are about 361 points on the human body.

There has been research to understand why and how acupuncture works, but there are no facts of the mechanism behind it. Since there has been growing interest in Chinese Medicine, research is needed to provide more insight and benefical effects for the person suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Every physician would conclude that being on a healthy, nutritious diet has benefits. It does help your immune system when you have a good balance of all the required nutrients. However, with modern day farming practices, the way our food is green harvested and processed, it is getting more difficult to get the required nutrients from the food we eat. But even with good food, not all people eat a correct healthy diet which, for most people, should include all foods from the food pyramid. For some with MS, a “Paleolithic Diet” seems to provide better results. If you think you suffer after eating a certain food, talk to your doctor about having an allergy check-up

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages Multiple Sclerosis at http://www.gilbertlowe.info

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Diagnosing Osteoarthritis is becoming a normal life occurrence in people who are aging and who suffer from aches and pains. In most cases, a pain reliever from the medicine cabinet and a little rest provide the necessary treatment to allow individuals to simply go about their daily activities. However, if the pain becomes chronic and more difficult to alleviate, other more radical treatments may be necessary.

If the discomfort lasts for more than two weeks and over-the-counter meds only dull the pain, it is time to seek the advice of a health care professional. Although the pain may have a number of different causes, diagnosing osteoarthritis is quite common in people over the age of 60. The doctor will begin by:

* Assessing the history of pain
* Health history
* Check the joints for swelling and discomfort
* X-rays

A good physician will not arbitrarily diagnose osteoarthritis without being sure the pain is not from another source. However, as individuals age, 70-85% will experience some level of osteoarthritis. In reality, it is just one symptom of the body wearing down with age. The cartilage, or padding between the joints, begins to wear thin or disappear altogether. As a result, it becomes more difficult to remain mobile, often with intense pain, because the two bones are actually rubbing together.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis is not a painful procedure. Basically, the doctor will order an x-ray to see if the cartilage is still present between the two bones on the hurtful joint. In the process of diagnosing osteoporosis, it is essential to discuss the various treatment options available, so patients do not have to live in pain, and can resume many of the normal activities once enjoyed. Among the options available are:

* Over-the-counter painkillers
* Hot & warm compresses
* Prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications
* Rest
* Low impact exercise to retain motion
* Joint replacement, if necessary

However, diagnosing osteoarthritis should not be the last resort, after the pain becomes unbearable. Do not delay! Although the damage already done cannot be reversed, proper treatment can stop or slow the deterioration of joints. Individuals are not doing themselves any favors by being stoic. Treatment options today can probably avoid more invasive and necessary treatment later.

So, if you suspect your doctor might be diagnosing osteoarthritis and suggesting treatment options, do not avoid making an appointment. Why live in pain and discomfort, when relief can mean resuming a normal quality of life and once again enjoying favorite activities?

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with arthritis for more than 40 years. You can see how he conquered osteoarthritis pain at http://www.osteoarthritis-conquered.com

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Two teenagers were watching wrestling on television. They took positions with their favorite wrestlers and within no time started cheering. The following day they started working on attaining the muscle and strength like that of their heroes. Unfortunately they all burned out in an effort to attain the muscles and strength they so much wished to have.

Most of us like the above teenagers dream of that magic supplement that will within no time transform our bodies by packing on them pounds of muscle to attain our dream figures and bodies.

This is unrealistic to say the least. A number of factors among them training and eating habits greatly affect our body building. At times we simply overtrain and eventually burn out in our effort to attain the so called perfect muscles.

We all have perhaps seen that gentleman on a flimsy bench trying to lift a few stones. This is an improvised gym and can only be effective if proper care and good guidance is followed.

Most of us at times get disappointed when after a few days of going to gym we fail to attain that perfect body that we saw on some model somewhere.

This can be due to a number of mistakes we make at the gym. These range from how long you work out, how many days you work weekly, the exercise form you are using to your eating habits.

Before going to the gym, it is important to ask yourself ask yourself what you exactly want to achieve? Is it building size, competing with a friend or just impressing that girl or boy in the neighborhood?

When we go to the gym with a lot of unrealistic expectations, we often get disappointed. Most of us want within no time to have the body of some body builder whom they saw on a television commercial or newspaper advert.

In most cases, these expectations can not be attained because some of the models we idolize are on drugs or it’s in their genes to have the muscles and bodies that they have. To avoid this tendency, the goals we want to achieve have to be attainable and realistic.

Changes in the body don’t occur overnight. After 6 months of thorough training at the gym, all you are likely to achieve is some impressive gain in strength. Factors like age and lifestyles play a significant role in determining the ibs of muscle you can attain during this initial period with 15lbs being the most.
For you to realize a growth in muscle, you need proper recovery from your work outs regardless of your level of experience. Recovery cannot take place if you are hitting the gym 6 days a week for six hours on end.

From the second month at the gym you can use a split routine to allow you train harder and use more exercise. This enhances significant recovery.

Despite the gym being the surest and most effective way of working yourself to those muscles and strength we so much wish to have; due precaution and care should be taken to avoid working ourselves to self destruction and eventually death.

We should appreciate that we have different genes that are responsible for development within our bodies. Always remember that somebody somewhere may be working to attain the body and figure you already have. All the best as you head to the gym.

Dane Fletcher is the world-wide authority on bodybuilding and steroids. He has coached countless athletes all over the world. To read more of his work, please visit either http://www.BodybuildingToday.com or http://www.SteroidsToday.com

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Have you ever walked outside only to be blinded by the bright sunlight and wished you could wear prescription sunglasses? Sunglasses are such a convenience to have; they help protect your eyes on those sunny days, as well as when it has just snowed and the sun is glaring off the snow, or when you’re at the beach and the water catches the reflection of the sun.

But what if you wear prescription glasses or do not want to wear your contacts? Then what do you do? Prescription sunglasses are now available for you at a price almost every budget can afford.

Fortunately prescription sunglasses are more affordable than you might think. Prices have decreased in the recent years making prescription sunglasses available on almost every budget.

Costing just a little more than regular glasses, prescription sunglasses are more than just a convenience, they can actually help protect your eyesight from damage the sun causes. With protection against UV rays, sunglasses can help to protect your sensitive eyes from damage while you are playing in the snow, at the beach, driving, or anywhere else in the sun.

A few years ago, prescription sunglasses were only available in ugly, bulky looking frames but now things have changed and they are available in more modern frames. Even brand name frames are available such as Ray Ban, Serengeti, Bolle, Ed Hardy, and so on.

Sleek, up-to-date frames with prescription lenses are now available in all shapes, thicknesses, colors, and with photo chromatic tints if so desired. There are different materials available including glass, polycarbonate, regular plastic, and Trivex with glass being the best option for glasses although it is also the most inconvenient because of its weight and the ease of scratching the lenses. The glass makes lenses much heavier and, when dropped, they shatter much easier than any other type of lens.

Unlike clip on alternatives or magnetically attached alternatives, which are not convenient, prescription sunglasses are available as wraparound sunglasses that wrap around the head. Wraparound prescription sunglasses avoid the pain of having the earpiece wearing on your ear and are more secure than regular glasses. They are also available as regular sunglasses that fit on your ears as most people are accustomed to.

Sunglasses remain a wonderful invention that people make good use of; prescription sunglasses are such an asset, you should not leave home without them or you put your eyesight at risk!

Ojo Designs (http://www.ojodesigns.com/prescription-sunglasses/) sells prescription sunglasses. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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Sometimes we get complacent regarding safety in the workplace. We’re so busy going about our jobs that we neglect to follow the proper precautions; then an accident happens and we’re reminded why we need a refresher on basic safety rules.

In The Office

– Check all computer cords regularly for damage, including fraying and splitting. If you detect any problems, stop using the computer immediately and have it fixed, or risk an electrical fire.

– Never overload an outlet, and keep extension cords out of high traffic areas whenever possible to prevent tripping. If there is no avoiding an exposed extension cord, make sure it’s taped down securely or has a rubberized shield.

– Never stand on a desk or chair to change light bulbs or to retrieve items from high places. Use a proper footstool.

– Keep walkways around cubicles free from stacked boxes, waste paper baskets and general clutter.

In An Industrial Setting

– Clean up spills at once, whether they are hazardous or not. Even a simple spilled soda can cause serious injury when someone slips and falls.

– Keep all idle tools and machinery in the “off” position and unplugged as well. Make sure to turn tools off before unplugging to avoid electrical sparks.

– Do not ever run. People moving in a hurry are harder for others to see in time to avoid an accident.

– Work with adequate light at all times.

– Any kind of walkway having a grade should have non-skid surfaces.

– Employees should have shoes with non-skid soles. Depending on the work environment, steel-toed boots and footwear with other specific protective features should be mandatory.

– Any employee working outside any time of the day or not should be required to wear reflective safety vests for maximum visibility.

– Employers should make sure that each and every worker is wearing protective safety goggles, should the work situation warrant it. There is never a good excuse for not wearing protective eyewear: there are many styles to choose from, and there are even types meant to be worn over prescription glasses.

– Hearing protection is just as important as vision protection. Many industrial workplaces, such as those with heavy machinery, are high risk environments for hearing loss. Insist that workers comply by wearing protective wear.

– Of course, hard hats should be mandatory wear in workplaces where falling debris is a possibility. Adopt a zero tolerance policy toward non-complying employees.

Nothing can replace good common sense when it comes to safety in the work place, but employers should hold meetings as often as necessary to reemphasize workplace rules and to remind workers that their safety is of the utmost concern.

For the best in safety vest selection and a high quality assortment of other protective work gear, contact the professionals at Star Safety (http://starsafetytrading.com). Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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There are two main types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Of these two types, SCLC represents around 20%. It is often nicknamed oat cell carcinoma due to the oat like appearance of the small cells of the lungs. SCLC develops when these small cells start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way and eventually become malignant (cancerous). Since this cancer affects the lungs this is the area where most of the symptoms manifest. In this article I will be discussing three of the most common small cell lung cancer symptoms.

1) A PERSISTENT COUGH:- If you notice you have a cough that does not seem to go away it could be a sign of SCLC. A lot of coughs will have no other symptoms than a dry, hoarse, itchy feeling in the throat. However, some coughs result in phlegm and blood coming up. Other coughs can even cause pain. You should inform your doctor if you notice any type of persistent cough and if any phlegm or blood comes up you should inform them right away. The cough may be down to something much less serious but it may also be an early warning sign of SCLC. Your doctor will be able to perform a number of tests and give you a professional diagnosis.

2) BREATHLESSNESS:- Feeling breathless for no apparent reason is another potential small cell lung cancer symptom. This can often lead to you feeling tired and lacking in energy whilst performing every day tasks such as walking down the street. Regardless of whether the breathlessness comes on gradually or suddenly it should be treated with suspicion. If you notice yourself becoming short of breath for no logical reason go see your doctor and explain your concerns. They will then be able to identify the cause of the breathlessness and determine if it is linked to SCLC.

3) CHEST PAIN:- Chest pain is a very serious symptom which is linked with a number of conditions including SCLC. The chest pain may be caused by coughing or deep breathing. However, you may also experience constant or spontaneous chest pain. Any type of chest pain should be treated with extreme caution and you should go see your doctor right away. They will then be able to perform a number of tests to identify the cause.

Many of the symptoms of small cell lung cancer are linked to the chest. Although the above symptoms are not exclusive to SCLC, they do usually act as early warning signs. If you notice any of the symptoms discussed above you should inform your doctor right away. They will be able to investigate any suspicious coughs or spontaneous chest pains and determine if they are linked to SCLC. This type of cancer is much more treatable in the early stages so it makes sense to act on any potential symptoms early and go see your doctor.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Small cell lung cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about small cell lung cancer by visiting http://blog.freefitnesstips.co.uk/small-cell-lung-cancer-explained.html

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The appearance of wrinkles on our face has us frantically searching for aging skin treatment. Thankfully today there is not a few but hundreds of anti-aging treatments. Some are expensive but most of them are quite affordable. To find the right treatment for your aging skin, you should first understand why we get these unsightly lines on the skin.

Causes Of Aging

Presence of wrinkles on your face and body indicates that your skin is losing its elasticity and that the connective tissues that contain collagen are degenerating. Skin aging is due to age as in most cases. It is also caused by overexposure to the sun, smoking, poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep. Not drinking enough water could also cause wrinkles on your face.

When the first sign of aging appears, many people start looking for lotions, creams, and cosmetic procedures to help them get rid of those fine lines. They forget or are simply unaware that aging skin treatment is not about just applying particular cream on face and body.

Taking Proper Care Of Yourself

For an anti-aging skin care to work you need to first and foremost take proper care of your body.

-When stepping out, make sure that you are wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen not only helps prevent sunburn, but also reduces signs of mature skin such as age spots and wrinkles. Sunscreen containing SPF 15 is what most dermatologists recommend.

-Avoid tanning and artificial tanning beds. Tanning is absolutely fatal for your skin.

-Drink atleast 6-8 glasses of water to keep your skin hydrated. A hydrated skin looks healthy. If you are not drinking enough water, your wrinkle skin care treatment will not help you.

-Get enough sleep to keep those wrinkles at bay. And if you have already got some wrinkles, sleeping would help reduce their intensity. Now do not go and sleep the whole day. Eight hours of sleep in a day is enough to rejuvenate the body.

-Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. According to doctors, vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants. You need antioxidants to fight off free radicals, which are a major contributor to aging and diseases. So even if you do not like broccoli, you should eat it because it keeps the wrinkles away.

-Lead a healthy lifestyle. This means that you should not smoke and also avoid alcohol.

-Exercise regularly and keep stress at bay.

Following these tips will keep you healthy and less prone to wrinkles. If you already have wrinkles, then you should follow these tips along with your aging skin treatment.

Talking about aging skin care, there is no shortage of options. You can go for anti-aging skin creams. However, first make sure that you know your skin type and the cause(s) of your aging skin. Creams containing natural ingredients are much more effective than chemical creams. Moreover, natural creams have no side-effects.

Besides creams and lotions, you can opt for Botox treatment to get rid of your fine lines. Micro-dermabrasion, wrinkle filler injections, cosmetic surgery, chemical peel, radio frequency and face-lift are some of the other aging skin treatments that you could consider. However, make sure that you speak to a dermatologist before you make that final decision. Understand the pros and cons of each treatment to make the right decision.

Overall, it is important to understand that the aging skin treatment that you have chosen will only work if you take proper care of yourself and we know how to do that.

Those of us with mature skin know what a battle it can be to keep our skin looking its best. For tips and advice on caring for aging skin, visit us at http://www.agingskintips.com

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