Archive for the 'Health & Fitness' Category

Jul 18 2008

A Disc Herniation Picture

Published by Todd Beartoes under Health & Fitness

by Todd Beartoes

Disc Herniation Picture - to an ordinary person the disc herniation picture will seem like Latin and Greek so let’s try to understand a written picture of what disc herniation is all about. In human anatomy the spine or vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae (bones) that are running along the human back connecting the skull to the pelvis. The vertebrae shield the nerves that come out from the brain and then further pass through the back and into the entire body.

Spinal discs are like soft pads between hard bones (vertebrae) that make up the entire spinal column. Spinal disks are filled with gelatinous or jellylike substance which provides a cushioning or shock absorber effect to the spinal column. Cervical (neck - portion behind skull) spine, thoracic (part of the back behind chest) spine, lumbar (lower back) spine and sacral spine (part connected to the pelvis and does not move) spine are the main segments of spinal column. Discs in lumbar spine are composed of a thick outer ring of cartilage (annulus) and an inner gel like substance (nucleus).

Disc Herniation: Pinched nerves, bulging disc, ruptured disc, radiculopathy, (radiculopathy refers to any disease that affects spinal nerves) sciatica and slipped disc are few other terms for herniated disc. As the disc degenerates, it is likely to herniate i.e. to say that the inner core extrudes back into the spinal canal.

The spinal disc becomes less elastic due to degeneration and the probability of a rapture increases. Just as when a disk raptures a portion of it would push outside the normal boundary and start bulging out from between the vertebrae. Due to the spinal nerves that are situated pretty close to the edge of the spinal discs the herniated disc poses a risk.

Symptoms of disc herniation: it’s considered to be the most common reason for pain occurring in the neck, lower back, arms and legs. Symptoms are electric shock like pain, tingling and numbness in the cervical and lumbar region, muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control is to be handled as medical emergency. Sciatica (is a condition when a sharp and shooting pain goes down from the buttocks to the back of one leg) it’s a visible sign of disc herniation.

Factors that cause herniated discs: a herniated disk condition may develop either due to an accident or because of repetitive strenuous activities of the back, sudden strain on the back or also can develop gradually due to ageing and degeneration of discs. In the past few years there have been more sports related spinal injuries and C - Spine (Cervical) injuries have caused disc herniation in both contact sports like football, hockey and wresting and also in non contact sports like skiing, diving, surfing and equestrian events.

Diagnosis and treatments of disc herniation: depending on a patient’s symptoms and condition, patients may be recommended spine x-ray, spine ct, spine MRI, and EMG in order to properly diagnose herniated disc. The non-surgical method of treatment may require rest and activity modification, physical therapy and hot and cold therapy, epidural steroid injections, oral steroid medications and NSAIDs (Non steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs).

Surgical Treatments are recommended and needed at times of siginificant neurological damages that cause loss of function and in conditions where non surgical treatments would be unsuccessful. Depending on the size and the location of the disk herniation, treatment via surgical methods may include microdisketomy or laminectomy. Arthroscopic surgery is the least invasive surgery that involves the use of an arthroscope (a type of endoscope) for examination and treatment of herniated discs.

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Jul 18 2008

Buy RX From a Generic Pharmacy and Save

Published by Worldwide Publishing under Medicine

by Worldwide Publishing

Being a savvy shopper, you’ll compare generic pharmacy prices and choose the medication that fits you best and costs the least.

Switching to generic drugs could save you up to 80 percent per prescription. Currently there is a flood of brand name drugs losing patent protection, generics are readily available.

If your medication hasn’t gone generic yet, you’re not out of luck. Ask your doctor if there is a similar generic drug in the same therapeutic class. The most common conditions - high cholesterol, depression, allergies, and biabetes - all have generics available.

RX-com.com Generic drugs, your one-stop destination for affordable high-quality medications. Generic drugs must meet the same standards of quality and safety as branded drugs.Order generic prescription drugs online from our US generic drug pharmacy and save on many popular and necessary medications.

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Jul 18 2008

6 Pack Abs Tone My Abdominals

Published by Mark Roberts under Muscle Building

by Mark Roberts

6 pack abs could be a reality. What most people do not realize that is if you have washboard abs with fat on top then no one will notice. It is a fact. It is said you can be in shape and still carry extra weight even though you could have a lot to gain by losing weight.

Many health problems could be alleviated by a weight loss program. Health problems that can be improved by loosing weight is cardiac or diabetes issues, sleep issues and just by loosing weight. You may also have ripped abs and may not be aware of it because they are hiding behind belly fat.

By reducing tummy fat ab muscles will appear more defined to you and others. This makes ripped abs more noticeable. By reducing fat and adding exercise and a good diet menu this could accelerate your weight loss from months to weeks.

Many people do not have what it takes to proceed successfully with a diet program because they are often too restrictive and exercising is a commitment. Always look at ways to reduce calories and reduce fat to eliminate weight gain.

The best way to lose weight is to reduce sugars, junk food, carbohydrates and calories. Consider actually eating more often during the day but much smaller meals. Drink lots of water to help fill the tummy and eliminate toxins.

The best way to lose weight its to reduce dietary fats. Purchase low fat versions of your prepared foods and even consider eating less of it. Eat more salads and uncooked vegetables and fruits. It it is processed consider preparing the food item itself.

You may already be aware of Body Mass Index or BMI Charts. This is a chart that may indicate that you are obese, ideal weight or under weight. It is a good guild line when trying to determine where you are as far as body types but can be a little off it you are extremely athletic because new research is indicating that it is not exactly accurate.

6 pack abs could continue to be a myth if you want to believe it to be but all it takes is a little determination and discipline. Reducing tummy fat displays washboard abs a little better. With some basic discipline and diet changes you could be showing off you six pack ads in weeks.

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Jul 18 2008

Hand Pain : Arthritis Causes and Symptoms

Published by Ray Lam under Health & Fitness

by Ray Lam

One of the most inconvenient of all types and forms of arthritis is when it occurs in your hands. It is incredible how much we use our hands for everything and having no pain in our hands is something we all simply take for granted.

The most common symptoms of hand arthritis are pain, swelling and reduced movement resulting in diminished grip and pinch strength. The doctor or physician will also examine all other joints to help aid the diagnosis of hand arthritis.

The doctor can also determine the severity of the hand arthritis by observing the clinical appearance of the hand. Further to this X-rays will be utilized to further identify the severity of hand arthritis by seeking potential bony outgrowths.

Physical therapy for hand arthritis has also proven to be very effective as a treatment option. There are specific exercises, which can help in loosening the stiffened joints caused by the hand arthritis. Steroids can also be injected locally into the affected area, however this is only a form of pain relief, and certainly not a long-term treatment option for hand arthritis.

Hand arthritis can be an extremely debilitating condition, however with proper diagnosis by your doctor or physician the symptoms can be effectively managed and rehabilitation can take place. Like most forms of arthritis early diagnosis is the key to aiding recovery in hand arthritis.

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Jul 18 2008

The truth about natural insect repellent

Published by Joseph Symond under Health & Fitness

by Joseph Symond

Bug season is upon us once again, and I felt it timely to comment on the growing number of supposedly ‘natural’ insect repelling products that seem to be popping up everywhere we look.

As a consumer, you will see many advertisements for natural repellents, and must be aware that there are many “marketing” companies looking for any way via which to squeeze your valuable dollar from you. They have no business being in the world of insect repellents, but due to the value of the market (approximately $1 billion in the USA alone), they cannot resist expanding their core business (which is usually consumer products, air fresheners or cleaning supplies) to now include repellents in an attempt to swindle a share of this valuable market.

US VS. THEM

GERANIOL: In 1999, the University of Florida (Gainesville) developed a “naturally derived” formula for repelling mosquitoes called “Geraniol”. It is a derivative of the Geranium flower and, when applied to the skin in its liquid form (exactly like DEET), was proven to repel mosquitoes for up to 4 hours. Geraniol is manufactured synthetically in a laboratory to avoid the high cost of extracting the 100% natural ingredient from the flower itself and to ensure that it is perfectly replicated each time. This eventually leads to “immunity” built up by mosquitoes as they commonly become immune to “man-made” repellents and pesticides in 3 to 4 life cycles.

Geraniol also has a terrible smell associated with it and, as a result of growing complaints from consumers, additional ingredients such as mint or citronella are often added to Geraniol products to mask the pungent Geraniol scent.

Today, as more and more consumers seek out natural products to protect themselves, their families and their pets from the threat of disease carrying insects, a number of “marketing” companies have entered into agreements with the University of Florida to use Geraniol as the foundation of their range of “natural”insect repellents.

Despite the fact that Geraniol has only been tested to work in liquid form for up to 4 hours, these companies are selling 120 hour wristbands, patches, candles, tablecloths and more using Geraniol (with mint or citronella to mask the odor) and claiming that these products work to repel mosquitoes and other insects. You will see these products heavily marketed on television and elsewhere, but never in mainstream retail stores (i.e. Wal-Mart) where the guarantee of high returns from unsatisfied customers is too risky.

Don’t be misled.

BUG BAM: Personally developed by Joseph M. Symond first in 1998 and then reformulated in 2005, the Bug Bam formula is truly 100% natural, using only 100% natural essential oils. Joseph personally worked with perfumers, scientists and others to develop the perfect combination of efficacy and appealing scent. As a result,the Bug Bam formula has been scientifically proven time and again (by the top laboratories in both Australia and the USA) to work in both liquid AND solid forms, making it THE most effective natural repellent available on the market today. Not only does it work, but it is safe for all ages, lasts for up to 100 hours and smells GREAT by comparison to anything else on the market.

Playing on the fact that masking our scent from flying, biting insects keeps them away, Bug Bam’s formula in liquid OR solid form releases a (pleasant) scent that is strong enough to hide the user from mosquitoes and other flying, biting insects. And because the Bug Bam formula actually does come from “live” plants and not a lab, every batch we make has a slight difference to the last due to soil, air, water and climate changes before harvesting. This makes it very hard if not impossible for mosquitoes to adapt to.

Bug Bam is THE ONLY company in the world that can boast a scientifically tested and proven range of 100% natural indoor and outdoor repellent products that are safe, effective and do not require sprays, batteries, smoke, flames, butane or a power source of any kind.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Play it smart. Protect yourself from more than just bugs and ask for evidence supporting a products efficacy. If a company is selling a repellent wristband, candle, fan, patch, tablecloth or other item, ask them for testing data that supports their formula working in THAT product. And ask if this is their core business. If all they can provide you with is an outdated lab report or data showing that (someone else) formula works in a liquid or spray form only, and they are asking you to buy their product using that formula in a solid form (such as a wristband), TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE and purchase something that has actually been proven to work!

We pride ourselves on the fact that BUGS ARE OUR BUSINESS 24/7. Bug Bam is all we do and it is not a side business for us. Because of companies offering inferior products, Bug Bam has been forced to prove itself time and time again and, despite the great expense of doing so, our products come through with flying colors.

It is important for us to be honest and factual to you, the consumer, if we expect to gain your business and, most importantly your trust. When it comes to protecting yourself and your family, and you want to use something TRULY natural and effective, try BUG BAM!. Because Mosquitoes Suck

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Jul 18 2008

The Only Effective Natural Cure For Candidiasis

Published by Linda Allen under Health & Fitness

by Linda Allen

Does candidiasis have any natural cures? This question is often asked by people because they do not know the answer. Natural cures for candidiasis now exist and people who suffer from this problem can now adopt a holistic approach to resolve all related issues. This approach replaces the less effective prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

Why the conventional approach does not work ?

Classical medicine considers that inflammation; discharge and rashes are the issues to be dealt with and therefore only focuses on this. Conventional methods only treat the external manifestations of the problem.

Conventional medication may even disturb the balance of friendly bacteria resident in the intestine and the vagina and “mistakenly” attack them. If this occurs then this represents a worsening of the overall situation. In addition, the doctor that you consult may prescribe other antibiotics and drugs to restrict growth of Candida Albicans, however other strains of Candida will remain unaffected.

Medicaments like this and conventional medicine are just short-term tactics at the best of times. They do nothing to prevent the more fundamental recurring aspects that over time become both chronic and debilitating. The causative elements are not recognized by conventional medicine and by neglecting them the relative size of the problem can double or more.

What is the ideal solution?

Outside of these restrictive parameters is where the optimal answer can be found. Changes in nutrition, in lifestyle and even environment are on the list of ways to help solve this problem by adopting a holistic approach. Natural cures for candidiasis are now becoming more and more well known, as people gain confidence and pass the news on to friends and family.

A clean-out of the whole system and regaining the inner equilibrium are what the holistic approach puts in place and stabilizes. This maintenance of the correct conditions in the intestinal tract also helps avoid attacks by Candida. Candida over-multiplication can have a profound negative effect on your immune system and the holistic method therefore makes it a priority to bolster the strength of the immune system of the patient.

Various diet supplements may well be positive contributors to a reversal of the effects of Candida and often form part of the holistic treatment. If you suffer from other noticeable symptoms such as tiredness or rashes, this may be an indication of even more grave menaces and you should immediately investigate a holistic approach to eliminating these different problems that are the result of yeast infection by Candida.

Natural candidiasis cures bring their benefits in a number of different ways and are the most effective solution to bring relief and prevent the problem from happening again.

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Jul 18 2008

What Must You Know About Facial Skin Care

Published by Suzy Hughes under Beauty

by Suzy Hughes

Our face is the most important part of our body when it comes to the topic of skin care. This is because it is the face that is what people are looking at first, and it is also the face that has the most delicate skin on the body is. Due to this facial skin care is an extremely important issue regardless of their age, thus should also one that should be taken seriously by everyone.

There are many people who have mistakenly assume that they do not have to worry so much about facial skin care because they are still young and they are not even in their thirties or forties, but this assumption is totally not true. In fact, facial skin care products should be used before you reach old age because by doing so your skin will last longer and look much better in the end.

The Best and Effective Products

Since there are so many different skin care products sold in the market these days so no doubt why one would feel lost by the selection staring back at them. Having said that there are specially a few products which are worth looking at, and they are going to be discussed in more detail here.

One of the best known facial skin care products which has been found working effectively in cleansing the skin without stripping it or leaving it feeling dry is the Natria Nourishing Cleansing Lotion. It is well received because not only it cleans your skin but it also moisturizes your skin without leaving the surface of the skin oily.

The Anti Wrinkle 55 facial skin care product is also great, and is designed to remove fine lines and wrinkles from the face. It is considered as being one of the best wrinkle creams available today, and has even been compared to Botox because of the dramatic results that it brings.

It works to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, slow or reverse premature facial skin aging, hydrate the skin, penetrate deep to relax and moisturize, and contains all clinically proven active ingredients.

It provides super hydration to the skin but without leaving oil or grime, and the best part of all is that it continues working all throughout the day. It has even been featured in world renowned magazines such as Allure, Vogue and on NBC.

Of course you should not buy facial skin care products just because your friends like it or it has been featured in a magazine. There are many other choices of facial skin care products to choose from, but choose one that is suitable for your skin type so that you can have the results that you are hoping for.

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Jul 18 2008

Massage Therapy to Better Your Health: Massage Chairs Can Help!

Published by James Knolan under Exercise

by James Knolan

We know we need to take good care of our bodies. We also know that having good health should be a higher priority. We get so busy, we just do not have time for everything. Out goes the window our long term health. We accumulate stress throughout the day and need a way to release it. Since ancient times, massage therapy was the answer to releasing stress and relaxing. Time at the day spa would be nice, if only I had the time. This is where a massage chair can help.

The premier massage chair brands build in an arsenal of advanced massage therapies. How can a massage chair help me? Massage chairs recliners are capable of performing full body massages. Need attention to your shoulders, push the button. Lower back got you down, push the button. Do your feet ache? push the button. Relief from aches, pains and discomfort are only a push of a button away.

What do the studies say about massage therapy? Massage therapy is effective in helping the following: relax muscles; reduce heart rate: increase blood flow and lymph flow; reduce stress; and improve range of motion of joints. Massage therapy is not just about something that feels good. It is about releasing the building up of stress. Remember stess is cumulative and constantly builds. Massage therapy is about periodic treatment. Diet and exercise are not one time events and neither is massage therapy.

One of the great challenges in life is time. This is why massage therapy is not a greater part of our total health routine. A massage chair helps to save time. How does it do it. It is always available 24/7 and in the convenience of my home. I do not have to make an appointment. I do not have to drive to and from the day spa. I just walk a few feet, sit down and let this tireless mechanical masseuse release those built up pressures.

One of the big time savers, not that I want to rush your massage, is how a massage chair delivers the massage versus a therapist. The typical massage therapist starts you on your back, works up and down your back. Works down one leg and then the other. Flips you over and then continues on to one leg and then the other. Next, one arms and then the other. The therapist covers 5 major areas in 50 minutes. This is roughly 10 minutes per area.

The massage chair works in paralell. All 5 areas are receiving specialized massages at the same time. The total time of massage with a massage chair is just 10 minutes. There is a significant time reduction with a massage chair to deliver the same coverage of massgae therapy. The massage chair can effectively massage the back, both legs and arms at the same time. Each area is getting massaged all at the same time. This is a lot of massage therapy at one time. But in essence, 10 minutes in the massage chair is equivalent to a 50 minute massage.

What is the most important way a massage chair can help you? Simple, the massage recliner is always available for you when you need it. Having a massage chair at home is an easy way to integrate massage therapy into your daily routine. Massage therapy is most effective when received on a continuous, periodic basis. Stress is built up in the body on a continuous basis with everyday life and needs to be relieved on a continuous basis. Having a massage chair recliner allows you to select from a variety of massage types and focus on trouble areas. Take some time to integrate massage therapy into your total health routine with a massage chair recliner.

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Jul 18 2008

Stop Drinking Tips - The Slow Poison

Published by David Peters under Health & Fitness

by David Peters

The modern way of life brings along with innumerable tensions, be it the mounting levels of stress at the workplace, or the taut strains of social relationships. Consequently, it is not uncommon to find an ever increasing section of society, resorting to as a means of alleviating their stress and thus falling prey to the devastating disease called alcoholism. But their stress-handling mechanism, more often than not, backfires as a majority of these individuals are unaware of the unending cycle of depression they are trapping themselves in. This is because alcohol, by nature, is a depressant. And hence, the more you drink, the deeper you entrench yourself in the very depression you are trying to escape, as to rid yourself of the misery alcohol is causing, you drink even more. And this excessive amount of alcohol that you consume causes severe and often irreparable damage to your body, which can even result in death.

Alcohol begins its journey through your body from the esophagus, from where it passes to your stomach, from where it is assimilated into your bloodstream. This blood is then directed to your liver, where it is broken down into several other chemicals, which in turn are converted into carbon dioxide and water which your system can excrete. This is a long and complicated process which takes your liver a certain amount of time to complete, and if you try to rush it by drinking more alcohol than your liver is capable of converting, the levels of alcohol in your bloodstream can rise to dangerous levels.

The liver is the first to face the wrath which alcohol lashes out on your body. Alcohol makes your liver store excessive amounts of fat, which, if disregarded, can culminate in Alcohol Hepatitis. Although this condition can be averted by simply cutting down on your intake of alcohol at the early stages, it is relatively difficult to do so as Hepatitis does not boast of any typical traits which can be accorded to it. However, if you allow the inflammation of your liver to become chronic, your liver will begin to produce surplus amounts of bilirubin which results in jaundice and ultimately liver failure. Your alcohol abuse can also lead to the formation of scar tissue in your liver, which damages the healthy cells and prevents new ones from taking their place. Thus, your liver grows weaker and finally gives up on you, a condition which is known as Cirrhosis. This disease many take years to progress to its advanced stages and usually does not display any major symptoms before the disease is at its most crucial phases.

Alcohol is also a primary villain in the development of heart disease. Heavy drinking, over a period of time, damages the heart and leads to high blood pressure and even stroke. Further, alcoholism is also known to cause Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy, where your heart becomes weakened and enlarged on account of your prolonged alcohol abuse. Excessive intake of alcohol also increases the triglyceride levels, making you more vulnerable to heart disease.

Sustained abuse of alcohol also results in Alcohol Dementia, where your drinking patterns inflict severe damage on your nervous system, negatively influencing your memory, learning abilities and reasoning. With time, you may even begin to experience lapses in your memory which many alcoholics try to cover up with elaborate tales, which is called Korsakoff Psychosis which can even result in paranoia. The alcoholic may also experience difficulties with his basic cognitive functions like reasoning and problem solving which impairs his social and personal interactions.

Prolonged abuse of alcohol also affects the pancreas, causing a severe inflammation which is called Pancreatitis, a condition which may also lead to him contracting Diabetes. Also, the high calorific content of most alcoholic drinks makes the victim susceptible to obesity and high blood pressure. A victim of alcoholism may also be undernourished as alcohol wears out the inner lining of the stomach and thus interferes in the absorption of many essential nutrients, while also impairing the individual’s appetite. Alcohol is also directly responsible for the growth of cancerous tissue in the mouth, liver, colon and gullet while also causing erectile dysfunction in males and putting female alcoholics at an acute risk of developing complications during pregnancy.

Although moderate quantities of alcohol can be absorbed by your body and even aid it in the prevention of heart disease, drinking more than three times a day will drastically turn the tables. Hence, as the adage goes, “If you haven’t begun to drink, don’t start.” Indeed, there are several other ways by which you can lower your risk of heart disease like regular exercise and a moderate diet. Remember, one of the most deceptive of all the symptoms of alcoholism, is the victim’s inability to recognize his own addiction. And many of the physical manifestations lie latent until only severe measures have to be called for The next time you raise a toast, pause a minute to contemplate over the tremendous damage you are causing your body with every excessive drink that you take and think about whether those nights of drunken stupor are indeed worth risking your life for

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Jul 18 2008

Allergy Treatments For Everyone

Published by Dorothy Medlum under Health & Fitness

by Dorothy Medlum

Are Your Allergies Seriously Affecting Your Life? It’s Time To Seek Out Some Sort Of Allergy Treatment

Sometimes, when you have allergies, they can seriously affect your life for the worst. By constantly having bouts of sneezing and coughing or getting migraines and stomach aches not only can your professional life be affected by your personal life as well.

People with allergies sometimes just feel plain miserable. The main reason being, they don’t know what their allergy is and therefore; they don’t know what to do for it. How do these people find an allergy treatment?

The best way to find out exactly what is going on with the allergy problems and what can be done for them is through the allergist.

An Allergist Has the Answers

When you are allergic to something, it isn’t always easy to know exactly what your allergy may be. For example, if you get a headache every morning after breakfast, chances are something in your daily breakfast is the culprit.

If you constantly have a reaction after breakfast, and you drink orange juice every morning, then you may be allergic to citrus. Only your allergist will know for sure what your allergy is. Your allergist can do several tests on you by injecting your skin with several substances. When red or inflamed skin results, then an allergy is present.

This is the best way for you to find out exactly what you are allergic to and then begin a regime of treatments suggested by your allergist to help you.

Allergy treatments vary, of course, by what you are allergic to. Your doctor is most likely familiar with various types of allergy treatments. Treatments can be over the counter or prescription strength. Either may help to alleviate your symptoms completely, or lessens the severity so that you may return to a normal lifestyle again.

Broke and don’t have the money for an allergist? There is always the use of the Internet. By conducting some research, you should be able to find out more about your allergies and the symptoms. This knowledge will help you to know if you can find something that you will take to better yourself. A word of Caution: Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning any new treatments. Your life is worthy of living well.

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