Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

What Causes Numbness?

Numbness is the tingling sensation which can be experienced in any part of the body. There are many causes of this condition. In particular, certain medical conditions may be involved. Below is a list of the most common causes of numbness.

Peripheral Neuropathy - This condition involves a lot of other medical conditions that affect the health of the nerves. One example of this is multiple sclerosis (MS). In MS, the bones contract and the nerves are being cramped. As a result, numbness happens to affected areas. Diabetes is also involved in peripheral neuropathy as it does a certain level of damage to the nerve cells. If you want to prevent numbness caused by this condition, you should first address the underlying conditions.
Lower Back Injury - Lower back injuries are often associated with the spine. This particularly involves the tailbone or the coccyx. The nerves located on the tailbone are directly connected to your lower body parts such as our legs and feet. When the nerves in your lower back area are compressed, they may lose their sensation and in return you may also lose your sensation in the affected areas. You should consult an osteopath or an expert in order to treat your lower back injury. You should also get a good amount of rest to allow your body to recuperate.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - This is a condition wherein the outer coating of the nerves is gradually shedding. This outer coating is often referred to as the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is very important because it helps the nerves in relaying messages and impulses from different parts of the body to the spinal cord and finally to the brain. If the myelin sheath sheds, it will be harder for the nerves to relay messages. This condition may become serious because it may lead to permanent numbness or loss of sensation. What makes it more serious is the fact that it is not curable yet.
Celiac Disease - This condition is characterized by the intolerance of the body to gluten. Gluten is a type of protein that is often found in bread products. When you have this condition, your body will have a hard time taking in nutrients from the food that you eat and it may also affect your small intestines. As a result, your nerves will be affected and that will cause the numbness.
Peripheral Vascular Disease - This condition affects your blood vessels and your blood circulation. This often happens when blood does not flow freely to your legs. It is either because your arteries are hardened or blocked or because some blood vessels are restricting the blood from circulating smoothly. If your body parts do not get enough blood flow, this will lead to numbness which can often be experienced with pain and weakness.
When you feel numbness often, it is advisable to go to the hospital nearest to your house and have your doctor check your condition. This is essential in order to rule out serious

What Is HVLA?

Osteopathy has been used in the medical field for many years. Although it is quite young, a lot of medical experts see a lot of potential in this therapy. In fact, a lot of manipulation techniques have been developed which include the HVLA.
What is HVLA? HVLA stands for the high-velocity, low-amplitude. It is a kind of manipulation technique which is also known as the thrust technique. Many researchers believe that this technique is very promising because it has a lot of benefits particularly to the bones, muscles and nerves. According to some studies, it is very important in improving the reflexes of the muscles and the health of the ligaments. This is a technique that works best in preventing tissue damages when you suddenly stretch your body.
This treatment works this way. When you get a tissue injury, the osteopath will immediately give you HVLA thrust therapy in order to stretch your ligaments to prevent rupture and breakage. It stretches not only the ligaments on the joints but also the discs of the vertebral column. It prevents atrophy for both your bones and your muscles. This is done for the recovery of the joint motion - the health and reflexes.
Aside from HVLA, there are other manipulation techniques that osteopaths use in order to treat different injuries. Here are some of them.
Hands-on Contact - This technique is usually the beginning of all treatments. In order to diagnose the problem and suggest a treatment, physicians need to see and diagnose the patients hands-on. This means that osteopaths need to directly lay their hands on you.
Soft Tissue - In this technique, stretching and tractions are done. The physicians will also put pressure on the affected areas to relax the muscles and relive pain in the spine. This is usually done for disorders concerning the somatic nervous system.
Cranial - This osteopathy therapy is geared towards skull recovery. It mainly involves the brain. It makes use of the Cranial Rhythmic Impulse wherein manipulation of the brain muscles and nerves will be able to treat the person particularly disorders related to the spine.
Lymphatic Technique - This procedure aims to stimulate the lymphatic system. Researchers believe that when the lymphatic fluids of the body are flowing smoothly, this will aid in treating infections effectively. It is done by applying pressure on your chest and the lung area.
Muscle Energy - In this technique, the physician asks the patient to do a specific pose. Each pose aims to stimulate and treat certain muscles of the body. This is done in order to build the strength of the muscles and restore them.
Counter-strain - For this technique, the physician helps the person achieve the most comfortable pose. This is done in order for the physicians to be able to induce asymptomatic treatments. It is for people who are suffering from somatic dysfunctions.
It is very important to treat ligament, joint, muscle and nerve disorders immediately. HVLA and other manipulative treatments are important in order to achieve quick recovery. Always consult your osteopath to know the best course of action.

With Foot Pain, Can Orthotics Get Rid Of My Neuropathy?

Can orthotics get rid of my neuropathy?


Many people suffer from neuropathy, or an impingement of nerves located in the back, hips and legs. Neuropathy is characterized by a tingling and prickly sensation in the lower extremities, which is most commonly seen in the legs and feet. The individual may also experience a burning sensation or a numbness in these areas as a result of the condition.

While many forms of treatment are available for this condition, some may consider the use of orthotics for relief. But is this a viable treatment option?

What is orthotics?

Orthotics is the field of medicine that uses devices to help straighten or align a body part. The main areas of the body where orthotics are utilized is the back and feet.

Orthotic devices are worn externally and are meant to correct an area that is not functioning properly, such as a back that has become twisted due to the effects of scoliosis. They are also used to rehabilitate an area after a cast has been removed to allow sufficient time for the area to return to its intended positioning and to allow it to strengthen and stabilize.

Can the use of orthotics relieve neuropathy?

Unfortunately, no. Since neuropathy deals with nerves which are being pinched or damaged, wearing a confining orthopedic device would only aggravate the condition that much more. Since neuropathy requires blood flow and nerve circuitry to be restored, you need to focus on allowing less restriction for the affected area, and not more.

What can be done

One of the best ways to treat neuropathy is to start with your shoes. Wearing shoes which do not fit properly or are too tight will exacerbate the symptoms of neuropathy. Shoes that do not provide adequate support for the feet can also be an issue.

When you wear shoes that are too tight or fail to provide enough of the right kinds of support for the ball and heel, nerves become impaired and neuropathy symptoms will increase in intensity. Switching out your shoes helps to allow blood and nerve flow to be restored back to normal.

Sitting for long periods of time or sitting in chairs which do not provide adequate support can also increase the severity of symptoms.



Sunday, December 23, 2012

3 Bad Reasons for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a popular surgery, and many patients are happy with the results. However, there are some bad reasons to get this operation done. You should consider these and then decide if it is best for you to get this procedure performed.


If you see a nose that you like on a celebrity, you can let your doctor know. In fact, you can even bring in a picture of the person so your practitioner has an idea of what you want. However, you cannot expect the result to look exactly the same, nor will you look like the celebrity afterward. In fact, you should not get rhinoplasty if your main objective is to look exactly like someone else, since you will be disappointed.

Another reason not to get this surgery done is if you cannot take any time off work to heal. You can expect to not see the final results for several weeks, during which time you may be bruised or even have bandages on your nose. If you cannot stand being seen in public like this, you will need to take weeks off work and away from your daily routine. This is not possible for everyone, and you do not want to be surprised with this fact after you get the operation done. For this reason, make sure ahead of time you can manage the recovery period. Keep in mind that for most people, the results of the rhinoplasty are well worth the healing time.

In addition, you should not be getting the rhinoplasty for anyone but yourself. If you have always been fine with your nose, and suddenly a few friends claim you would look better after surgery, you might not have a good reason to get the surgery. Your friends do not have to go through the operation or recovery like you do, so it should not be up to them. Plus, they may change their minds later or tell you they were not serious. This is why you should get the surgery done for yourself only, since you will be looking at the results every day. As long as you have wanted a better nose for a while now, or even your whole life, you have a good chance of ending up happy with the results when you get the operation.

If you are considering rhinoplasty, you should make sure you indeed have some good reasons. Otherwise, you could end up regretting the decision. The good news is that many people who get the operation for the right reasons are satisfied with the outcome.



Sunday, December 16, 2012

Chiropractor Adjustment Side Effects

Though not all patients experience them, the side effects of chiropractic adjustments include soreness, a feeling of tiredness, and headaches. These side effects may present themselves within an hour of undergoing treatment, and they may last for as long as 24 hours after the chiropractic adjustment. It is normal for patients to experience some side effects after a chiropractic adjustment and such reactions are not cause for concern. Research has indicated that side effects are more likely to affect women, and that the side effects are more likely to affect a patient at the beginning of a series of treatment sessions when compared to patients at the end of a series of treatments.

Soreness

The most common side effect of chiropractic treatment is discomfort in the joints or muscles that were treated during the chiropractic alignment. Less frequently, patients will report an achy feeling in an area that was not directly manipulated during the adjustment. For many patients, the discomfort is quite mild and fades over the course of the next day. Some patients may prefer to treat the discomfort with ice packs or pain medication, but this is not necessary.

Fatigue

A percentage of patients that undergo a chiropractic alignment will experience increased fatigue in the hours after treatment. Patients that are worried about experiencing side effects after a chiropractic adjustment may want to schedule their appointments at the end of their workdays so they can take a nap if needed. Some patients report feeling fatigued after a session with the chiropractor, and then getting a renewed sense of energy. Either way, it is ideal for patients to be at home and have some free time to rest or work off any extra energy.

Patients that undergo a chiropractic adjustment, along with the use of massage or heat packs, may be particularly susceptible to fatigue after an adjustment. This is because massage and heat packs can make the patient more dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water before and after your chiropractic appointment may help reduce the feelings of sleepiness after surgery.

Headaches

If your chiropractic adjustment involved the muscles of the neck or realignment of the cervical portion of the spine, you may be more likely to experience a headache after treatment. The degree of pain is relatively low, and can be controlled with pain medication. Although headaches after chiropractic care are fairly common, they go away within a day.

Less Common Reactions

Less common reactions to chiropractic care include nausea and dizziness.

More serious side effects, such as stroke and bleeding have been reported.

Patients that are considering any type of medical care should research the potential risks and side effects of treatment. This includes the more natural, alternative methods of medicine, including chiropractic care. Being aware of the benefits and possible limitations of treatment can help you make a more educated decision with regard to treatment. If you feel that treatment of vertebral subluxations (vertebrae that have moved out of their optimal position) will improve your overall health and well being, contact a local chiropractic center to schedule an adjustment.



Back Pain and Cauda Equina Syndrome

Back pain is a health complaint that almost everyone has had at some point, whether they have felt it for a day or suffered it for several weeks. There are a myriad of statistics surrounding back pain, some claim that 9 out of 10 adults will suffer it at some point in their life while others claim that the proportion is 4 in 5 adults. Other statistics state that, in the United States, back pain is the fifth most common reason to visit a doctor. No matter which statistics are the most accurate, they all show that back pain is a concern for many people.

Pain in the back can be categorised in a number of ways. Often it is classified by the area that the pain is felt in - these categories are: neck pain, middle-back pain, lower-back pain and tailbone pain. The most common type that people are affected by is lower back pain. Alternately, the problem can be categorised by how long it lasts. Pain that lasts less than six weeks is known as 'acute', pain that lasts between six and twelve weeks is 'sub-acute', and 'chronic' pain is where it has lasted for longer than twelve weeks.

As there are so many different types of back pain there are also many different causes. The most common types of pain in the back are as a result of strain or stress on the spine. Putting stress and strain on your back is more easily done than you might think. Poor posture, either when standing, driving or sitting, is a central cause of back problems. Other causes may be lifting something awkwardly or incorrectly, not doing a warm-up/cool down when exercising or sleeping on a bad or broken mattress. Back problems can often be work related, such as resulting from sitting badly in front of a computer monitor all day or neck strain from tension in the neck muscles from emotional or physical stress.

Back pain can differ between people; in many cases one person's back pain can be completely different from another's. Some people may suffer short piercing bursts of pain while others may have to endure a constant dull ache. Some may find that the pain stays in one place while others have pain that moves to different areas. A large proportion of back related problems are not caused by serious illness, and will usually get better within twelve weeks. Patients are often prescribed painkillers to deal with the pain but there are other methods that may help. Heat therapy has been shown to help with pain, such as a hot bath or a hot water bottle but a cold compress may work just as well. Massage and specific exercises and stretches are also often recommended.

There can be a more serious underlying problem, however, if you find that you are having other symptoms as well as the back pain. If you are suffering from a fever or have had unexplained weight loss as well as a long lasting back pain, it is important that you discuss this with your GP. Other important symptoms may include swelling in the back, numbness in your saddle area or loss of bladder control. Other forms of back pain that may indicate a more serious problem could involve progressive weakness in the legs, back pain sustained after a car accident or fall, or back pain in patients who have a history of cancer.

One of the most severe health problems that can be caused by a serious back problem is Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). This is a very rare, but very problematic, condition that usually results from direct trauma in the spine. The Cauda Equina is the bundle of nerves that are located in the base of the spinal cord that control lower limb sensation amongst other things. The Cauda Equina was named 'horse's tail' in Latin, by the anatomist Andreas Lazarius in the 17th century, because it appeared to resemble a horse's tail. Cauda Equina Syndrome is caused by the compression of these nerves and can cause long term health problems if it is not diagnosed or dealt with quickly enough.

Symptoms of CES can include loss of sensation in the legs, a numb sensation in the buttocks or bowel or bladder problems. The syndrome is often caused by compression or trauma to the Cauda Equina, for example through penetrative trauma, ballistic trauma, tumours or lesions, lumbar punctures, central disc prolapse or as a result of chronic spinal inflammatory conditions. CES can only be diagnosed through an MRI scan and once it has been diagnosed, immediate action should be taken. Medical negligence cases can arise from instances where there is a delay in diagnosis or treatment as the sufferer can end up with permanent damage to their health, such as problems with mobility or bladder/bowl dysfunction. CES is very rare, but should not be ignored if seemingly common back pain results in more serious symptoms.


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Cold Sore Prevention

Cold sores (or fever blisters) are extremely common, affecting most people by the age of 20. Between 70 percent and 90 percent of all people in the United States have been exposed to and carry the virus.

Many infected people will not even notice a sore and some may never have another. However, some people will get them more often. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the appearance, and to accelerate their healing.

Common Prevention Steps

A number of steps can reduce the spread of the virus as well as the severity and number of attacks - the most important of which is hand-washing.

The first step in preventing fiver blisters is to avoid the transmission of the virus. While most people are infected in childhood, some steps can still prevent the spread of the virus. These include:

* Avoid kissing and direct skin contact with infected individuals especially while blisters are present. The secretions from the blisters contain the virus and can be spread easily by physical contact.

* Avoid sharing items such as utensils, towels, lip balm or lipstick. Coming into contact with such items may spread the virus.

* Do not poke or squeeze the blisters and generally avoid touching the lesions entirely. When applying medication, do so with a cotton swab or other approved applicator, not with your fingers.

* Wash your hands carefully and often.

* Avoid touching other parts of your own body, as you may spread the virus to other body parts such as your eyes and genital area. This can lead to serious complications.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can trigger a cold sore outbreak. Avoiding or minimizing exposure to these factors can help reduce their appearance:

* Exposure to sunlight - Avoid the sun or use lip-balm which contains sunscreen to help reduce the chances of getting a cold sore.

* Stress is a common factor in causing cold sores to appear. Avoiding fatigue and stressful situations, getting enough rest, and generally leading a healthy lifestyle with a good diet can help reduce fever blisters.

* Physical injury or abrasion of the lips can also trigger the virus in some people. Avoid chapped lips by using lip balm or moisturizing creams. These may include aloe vera or other plant extracts. Lemon balm containing Melissa officinalis is recommended by some people who suffer from recurrent fever blisters.

People who suffer from recurrent cold sores often recommend other home remedies to help prevent or reduce the severity of eruptions. For example, dietary or nutritional supplements such as Siberian ginseng, flax seed oil, vitamin C and L-Lysine are sometimes recommended, though they remain scientifically unproven treatments for cold sores.



Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Dont Smoke If u Wanna Health Life

Is there any adventure or fun in smoking? Absolutely not! Don't be fooled by the fun packed advertisements of the cigarette making companies. There is no "taste", no "fun" and no "adventure" in smoking cigarettes. These are just the slogans of the cigarette making companies which are multiplying their profits at the cost of the precious human lives.


The greedy multi-national multi-billion dollar cigarette manufacturers are killing people quietly without being noticed by anyone. According to the WHO report, every 6.5 seconds a person in the world dies prematurely due to cancer, heart attack, respiratory or some other kind of tobacco related diseases. No doubt, the tobacco is the fourth most common risk factor for diseases worldwide.

If you are a smoker then think seriously for a moment and decide whether you are mentally OK. I very much doubt because you are spending money on the purchase of an item which is not only risking your life by unintentionally inviting numerous diseases to attack your body but also risking the lives of other people who are forced to inhale second hand smoke, which is more dangerous than smoking. If you smoke inside your house then you also risk the life of your spouse and children. Is it a wise decision to keep on smoking?

Say no to smoking, if you want to live a normal healthy life free from diseases. Why not take a bold decision NOW and quit smoking immediately! Are you prepared to do so?

Tobacco use is going to kill nearly 10 million people each year, mostly in their productive middle ages. It is estimated that 75% of these deaths will occur in the developing countries mainly due to the high number of smokers and lack of medical facilities available there.

Due to lack of knowledge and education, the number of smokers in the developing countries and poor households is increasing at an alarming rate. The warning written on the cigarette packets is mostly ignored by the illiterate smokers. It is sad that the average amount spent by poor households on tobacco is nearly the same as the amount spent on education. A recent study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has proved that the more people are educated, the less they smoke.



Stop Sweats

As many as one in 100 individuals across the UK suffer from severe excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis, according to the clinical paper Boni R. in Kreydon OP, Boni R, Burg G (eds); Hyperhidrosis and Botulinum Toxin in Dermatology. Many more people suffer from mild or moderate forms of the medical condition.

If you're one of those unlucky individuals afflicted with the embarrassing condition and are familiar with clammy handshake syndrome or underarm perspiration overload then don't get in a sweat about it! Thanks to an established treatment offered by SWEAT BREAKER, specialist in the provision of non-surgical procedures for excessive sweating, help is at hand to wipe out the problem.

Founded by respected consultant surgeon, Mr Adrian Richards, the company is committed to treating excessive sweating in localised areas including armpits, hands, feet, head and face. The straightforward procedure, in the form of Botox® injections, is highly effective and will keep excessive sweating under control. The virtually pain free process involves injecting a tiny amount of Botox® solution just under the skin, in approximately ten to 15 different sites, at 1cm intervals, using a very fine needle (the same type of needle that is used for premature babies). All in all, the treatment takes only 10 minutes, its effects last on average of seven months and results can be expected in a little as three days.

Botox® treatment has been used successfully for over 20 years and is backed by extensive clinical trials, with over 1400 medical research papers showing it to be safe. The treatment, which is administered by a highly trained medical practitioner, works by blocking the action of nerves that supply the eccrine glands, preventing them from producing sweat.

Prior to the treatment, a dedicated team of highly trained staff will talk you through the procedure whilst a medical practitioner will assess you in order to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.

"Hyperhidrosis is a genetic condition which blights many people's lives and often has a profound effect on self esteem and confidence levels," commented Mr Adrian Richards, MSc, FRCS (Plas) Consultant Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon. "Traditionally, the only solutions available for excessive sweating have included strong antiperspirant deodorants, topical applications of aluminium chloride and, in severe cases, invasive and extensive surgery such as curettage involving scraping out the eccrine glands - a mutilating, potentially dangerous and incredibly painful procedure with varying results. I am delighted to be in a position to offer sufferers a simple, safe, effective and proven non-surgical procedure that will eradicate the problems for months at a time."

Like it or not, we all have to sweat in order to maintain a regular body temperature. If your body is too hot, blood vessels dilate to let more blood reach the skin, where the blood cools. Then sweat glands produce more sweat, and that evaporates to cool the skin. But for many people, sweating doesn't just occur when the body overheats. Exercise, stressful situations, anxiety, even alcohol, or spicy food can trigger hyperhidrosis. In extreme cases, excessive sweating can occur regardless of an individual's situation or state-of-mind. What's more, concern over the condition breeds sweating.

What Have Water ?

Threats to our drinking water are increasing due to our aging water system infrastructure and increased pollutants invading our water sources. Because the source of our drinking water varies, the treatment it receives before coming to our tap also varies. For these reasons, we can no longer take the safety of our drinking water for granted.

Some of the more common natural sources of pollution include:

microorganisms; underlying rock; nitrates and nitrites; heavy metals found in underground rock that contains arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and selenium; and fluoride. Human Activities causing pollution include: bacteria and nitrates from human and animal wastes, septic tanks and large farms; heavy metals from mining construction, and older fruit orchards; fertilizers and pesticides; industrial products and wastes from local factories, industrial plants, gas stations, dry cleaners, leaking underground storage tanks, landfills and waste dumps; household wastes such as cleaning solvents, used motor oil, paint, paint thinner, pharmaceuticals (discarded medications flushed down the toilet); lead and copper; hormones passed into the system through waste.

Most of us are familiar with problems caused by ecoli in the water or problems caused by lead poisoning, but not much is heard about problems from hormones or medications that make their way back into our drinking water. In truth, little is known about the long term effects of pharmaceutical contamination.

Hormones fed through the system can create a variety of problems. A study done in the UK found that high concentrations of female hormones (from women using contraceptive pills) were changing the sex of approximately half of all male fish and possibly affected male fertility. Other studies have shown antidepressants can trigger premature spawning in shellfish while drugs designed to treat heart ailments block the ability of fish to repair damaged fins.

If a water supplier determines that drinking water has been contaminated, they are required to inform their customers of any violations within 24 hours. It should be noted that in 2001, one out of every four community water systems did not conduct testing or report the results of testing which could lead to problems that are undetected.

The EPA uses a generalized standard for measuring contamination of our water which can put some groups in jeopardy. Children and infants, the frail and elderly, and pregnant women and their unborn babies can face a greater risk to infection. Others who are undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV/AIDS, and transplant patients also faced an increased risk.

One contaminate that concerns me the most is nitrate. Nitrate is generally found in fertilizer and puts infants at immediate risk when it exceeds the national standard levels. An excess of nitrate in an infants system can cause "blue baby syndrome" which can be fatal without immediate medical attention. It has been recommended that infants, young children, nursing mothers, pregnant women and certain elderly people use extreme caution.

Families using well water as their primary water source are not subject to regulation by the EPA and therefore face a considerably greater risk. Although a water filtration system can be helpful, many serious problems can only be found by testing and go unnoticed.

What can you do about it? Using a home water filtration system can help, but you will need to do your homework. There are many different types of filtration systems available and each has it's advantages and disadvantages. In June of 1998, CNN published an article referencing a study done by The Center for Environmental Health which used 16 different brands of water filtration systems which showed that six brands produced water that exceeded the limit for lead, with two (one made by Franke Inc. of Pennsylvania and Omni Corporation of Indiana) generated water with readings substantially higher than the limit.



Treat Depression Natyrally

Have you ever noticed how commercials for antidepressants spend more time talking about the potential side effects of their drugs than the alleged benefits? And it's not just one or two specific drugs, either. Every single one on the air rambles on about serious side effects. How in the world are you supposed to trust an antidepressant will make you feel better if its potential side effects include "feelings of hopeless" or "thoughts of suicide?" Aren't those the very things you're trying to avoid? Turning to antidepressants manufactured in a lab is the conventional solution to a complex problem. It's a lot like trying to nail a thumbtack into a wall with a sledgehammer because the treatment isn't customized to the patient's unique needs, and going that route can lead to a lot of unintended consequences. If you're concerned about your depression but skeptical about the conventional approach, you may feel like you don't have anywhere else to turn. Fortunately, you have other options at your disposal! Instead of accepting the big hit to your pocketbook and a dizzying array of potential side effects, you can treat your depression with all-natural solutions. Natural treatments for depression have been around for thousands of years. This approach is relatively inexpensive, effective, and absent of any negative side effects. It is also highly customizable, meaning that you have the option to expand or limit the scope of treatment to best suit your body's unique depression symptoms. Natural treatments are well suited to treat depression because the causes of the condition aren't fully understood. To this day, scientists and researchers haven't been able to pinpoint one particular reason why one person is depressed and another isn't. A whole combination of factors, including past abuse, use of certain medications, genetics, conflict, loss, major life events, and substance abuse are to blame. Because you face such a complicated condition, overhauling your life to become healthier (instead of relying on a magic pill) is your best bet to eliminate your depression for good. If you're ready to jump in with this holistic approach, here are some things you can do to get started with your natural treatments: Add natural supplements to your diet. Hands down, this is the most straightforward step you can take to start seeing massive results. For moderate cases of depression, adding the supplements listed below might be all you need to start feeling better soon: · DHEA · DHA · SAMe · Flaxseed Oil · Vitamin B · Vitamin D Overhaul your diet. Now that you've taken care of your supplements, the next step is to evaluate your current diet and make some changes, if necessary. First and foremost, cut out as many processed foods as possible. Then replace sugars and grains, which cause cravings and can throw your blood sugar out of whack, with vegetables and healthy sources of protein. Implement an exercise regimen. If you aren't getting any regular exercise, you need to make this change. You don't have to start going to the gym everyday... or even at all! You just need to start doing a low form of cardiovascular activity. Walking a mile or two a day is a great way to get your endorphins (natural chemicals in your body that lift your mood) going. A bonus if you do your exercise outdoors is the sunlight will provide you with a healthy dose of vitamin d, which also helps your mood. Don't feel like you need to try all of these things at once; the beauty of learning how to treat depression naturally is the flexibility natural treatment offers. You can try new things one at a time until you find what works for you, and all of these steps are completely safe. Even simple lifestyle changes can go a long way, and the best part is you will reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle along with a decrease in depression.

Mental Health

I have recently set up a new practice as a Psychotherapist which led to a discussion with my partner in the practice as to our fees. This in turn led to thoughts about how to value our work. My partner had listened to webinar on marketing that had discussed different types of customers and the importance of targeting one's business to a particular type of client. After this we decided that we were not targeting the budget segment but were most interested in the quality segment. The webinar was a marketing exercise for a marketing workshop that I subsequently attended. At this marketing workshop there was a section on valuing your work. As someone who grew up in a country that had universal health care I had certain beliefs about paying for health services. In my current country (Australia) there were for many years many health services with no fees. These were reinforced when I worked in a public hospital associated clinic where most services were provided without fee. Moving into private practice involved challenging my beliefs. The workshop presenter suggested that most psychologists do not value their services very highly. My thoughts are that for me this was due to these types of formative influences and my own issues around self esteem and self sacrifice. I follow the Schema Therapy model where there are two 'schemas' associated with self esteem, defectiveness and failure. Defectiveness operates at more of an unconscious level whereas people tend to be very aware of their beliefs that they are a failure. I think both of these are a challenge for me and although I have considerable insight into them they still have considerable influence on my feelings and behaviour. Most people in caring professions have a pattern of self sacrifice where they place their needs secondary to their clients. In order to be able to care for others one needs to take care of oneself. If I am tired I do not provide quality therapy. There was some discussion in the workshop of personal factors such as self esteem and self sacrifice and then another exercise. The exercise consisted of thinking about a client with a specific issue and imaging being that client and what their answer would be to "How much would you pay to make this problem go away?" There was discussion of the costs to the client of the problem and then the costs to others in that person's life including their employer or business. A day off work can be critical to some businesses and therefore quite expensive when missed.

Wanna Softy Skin ??

Do you cringe at the thought of your dried, scaly, older skin? Do you remember the days of radiant beauty? Well, now you can restore your skin from the brink of destruction. Obagi Blue Peel is guaranteed to purify and de-toxify your skin, restoring it to its original glow. It takes away unhealthy pigmentation and marks on the skin and fixes skin that has been damaged by the environment. When looking for a treatment that removes old, tarnished skin, you need look no further. Obagi Blue Peel is the answer for you. Within an hour of using this product, your skin will begin to be restored from its previous condition to a wondrous, new glow that will make you look like you have lost many years from your life. Within three days or less, your skin will have peeled and you will feel like a new person. Getting the Treatment Done at the Dermatologist is Advisable When you go in for a treatment, it will be done right in your Dermatologist's office. There will be no need for you to travel far away but your own skin doctor will take care of you. You can also purchase it for a do-it-yourself treatment at home. However, this is not recommended and would be best avoided. Possible Side Effects As with any chemical peel, there are possible side effects though none of these are serious. Obagi Blue Peel is considered one of the safest treatments that are available today. However, if improperly used it can cause scarring to the tissue on your face and neck and there is also a slight possibly of contracting a viral or bacterial outbreak. As with all medicines, use caution and talk to your doctor before use. Make sure that there are no additives that you may be allergic to. Expectations After the application, your face will begin to rejuvenate and appear younger within a few days. If you do not get the desired affect after your first application, you can get one or two more within the next six months after your first peel. It is proven to last for many years; however, those who have had treatments should continue using Obagi Nu-Derm every couple of weeks to keep their skin healthy and strong. If you wish to have younger looking skin, Obagi Blue Peel comes highly recommended and is guaranteed to continue working for years to come. Your skin deserves to be treated with kindness and should be pampered. If you have lines or unsightly marks, this is the perfect solution for you.

Wanna Look Pretty Look This Post

Do you love looking at yourself when you wake up early in the morning from a good night sleep? If not, may be its time to take notice of some very cool and helpful beauty tips that would solve all your beauty problems and make you look beautiful and vibrant. Here are a few beauty advice and tips that are listed below: 1. Drink lots of water: water, as they say, is an elixir of life and as such should be consumed in large quantities so as to contribute towards healthy and glowing skin. Drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday helps to flush out harmful toxins and keeps the body supple and beautiful. 2. Throw away that old and expired make up kit: using old and expired make up or cosmetics can cause a number of skin problems like acne, pimples and rashes. Therefore, it is suggested that you replace your make up with new ones every few months. 3. Discard mascaras that are not waterproof: waterproof mascaras help in adding volume to your lashes without causing them to droop with weight. Hence, it is better to use only waterproof mascaras and not invest too much money on those brands that seem too heavy. Also, refrain from buying such mascaras that cause your lids from weighing down and entering the eye area. Such liquids can cause infections and can harm the eyes. 4. Always use a soft towel after shampooing: it is quite common for women to use rough towels to dry their wet hair. Beware! Never use a towel on wet hair since wet hair tends to break easily and as such, shouldn't be touched at all. Leave your hair to dry a bit, thereafter use a towel and gently rub over your hair. 5. Make hearts melt with that perfect set of shining teeth: yellow and stained teeth are a complete turn off for anyone. Hence, in order to look beautiful, it is suggested that one should take care of his or her teeth on a regular basis. Among the many beauty tips, dental care and hygiene is one of the most talked about topics. Always make sure to brush regularly, at least three to four times a day. Using floss also helps in removing tartar. For flaunting that perfects set of teeth, one should visit his dentist every six months to get teeth cleaned and scaled. 6. Ample consumption of honey and gooseberry: gooseberries help in fighting off skin problems like acne, pimples and wrinkles. Also, consuming the gooseberry juice with a dash of honey is beneficial in fighting off diseases. Indians are known to consume gooseberry pickles and 'murrabbas' or jellies, since these help the body to stay youthful and slim. 7. Eating almonds for a supple skin: almonds are rich sources of vitamin A and help your skin to remain youthful and glowing. Eating at least 4 to 5 almonds a day helps you stay beautiful. Many beauticians offer beauty tips, most of which talk about the benefits of almonds. Following these above mentioned beauty tips would surely help you attain a fabulously beautiful body and mind. Go for it!

How To Lose Your Weight

One of the biggest issues that weight loss seekers face is that they simply cannot stick with a diet that continues to deprive them of their favorite foods for weeks and months on end. This invariably leads to failure in the long run, but is there anything we can do about it? Simply put - you can, yes! If you deprive yourself of all of the foods that you love you will not be in business for long. In fact, you may find it more difficult to lose weight consistently using this practice. However, there is an alternative, and I am going to quickly run you through it right now. Lets take a look. First off, lets quickly consider the hormone at the centre of all of this - leptin. Leptin is basically the overlord of fat loss hormones and, if you are looking to lose weight in a consistent way, it is crucial that you try to maintain a decent concentration of this hormone in your body. The concentration currently in your body will be affected by 2 major things: 1 - Your bodyfat levels 2 - The amount of calories you eat So if you are overweight and eat a lot, you'll have lots of leptin rushing around your system. The reason for this is because the body will want you to lose weight to maintain your health. Now, when you begin to lower your intake of calories (on a diet) you levels of leptin will drop. You will also be buring fat, meaning that your levels will drop even further. When your leptin levels drop like this, it will become harder and harder for you to keep on losing weight. So whats the answer? What we need to do is make sure we bring our leptin levels back up. Thankfully, this can be done fast - while it may take 6 or so days for your leptin levels to go down by about 50%, it only takes about half a day to a day for these levels to get back up again. The way in which we bring these levels back up will be music to the ears of any deprivation dieter! The solution is simply to eat. Lots! Indulge in your forbidden diet foods and you'll see your calorie levels, and leptin levels, spike. Do this for an entire day, over about 12 hours, and you will be able to benefit for the rest of the week by putting your body back into a fat burning zone, brough about by the re-appearance of the leptin. Not only will this give you a break from your diet but it will also keep you focused and motivated as well. So, you see, you don't have to worry about depriving yourself forver. All you need to do is be strict through the week, and then pick a day every so often where you will be able to 'cheat' your way to success. Brilliant!

Better Health

Living healthy is essential to help you to live freely and enjoy every moment of your life. The world is going towards natural and organic means to achieve better and enduring results that keep you fit and healthy. It is very important to consider the health as a primary aspect. This includes the perfect body metabolism and controlling various activities for overall betterment. Some of the most vital aspects you should consider are: Nutrition - A proper diet ensures proper nutrition of the body. Understanding the nutrition facts and nutrition data is important. A nutrition guide can help you to understand the food nutrition process and its benefits. Proper nutrition is the key to good health. Some processes are devised to ensure highly scalable benefits of nutrition. These are nutrition weight loss, bodybuilding nutrition, and many other aspects where the nutritional capacities are used for extra gain. Omega 3 - Benefits of Omega 3 are directly related to brain. Benefits of taking Omega 3 helps to improve brain functions and help to reduce the aging of the brain. Best Omega 3 supplement consists of Omega 3 foods and Omega 3 oil. It is always a good initiative to begin with Omega 3 supplement after proper consultation with your doctor for sharp memory and perfect healthy living. Quit Smoking - Tobacco addiction is very harmful and is hard to get rid of. However, a professional quit smoking program can offer substantial help for quitting smoking for once and for all. The best way to quit smoking begins with determination and by adopting some good methods to quit smoking naturally. Quit smoking help is available for you, all you need to do is to reach and grab the help to quit smoking. Stress management - Stress relief is the most desired aspect in the daily rush and work pressure for most of us. It is possible to reduce stress if you opt for stress reduction methods and strategies under proper guidance. Managing stress in an appropriate manner helps to maintain a healthy living. Weight Loss - Increased weight or body mass index ratio is a sure shot invitation to various unwanted health problems. Weight loss information is available to describe various solutions. However, extreme weight loss should be avoided as it may result in health hazards.

Stop Pain Of Back

Suffering with back pain makes life a struggle and there are multiple causes of the pain. For many, it's the aging of the body. As we increase in age, our body loses it's ability to heal and heal fast, so people tend to experience greater pain and for longer periods of time. It's annoying because it interferes with all aspects of life and makes it that much harder to get around. If the issue is prevalent among so many people, then what are they doing to get help? Well, most people who suffer with back pain are receiving treatment from a chiropractor. Either they knew that a chiropractor could help or they received a tip from a close friend or family member. Whoever told them to see a chiropractor was right. Chiropractic treatment is exactly what you need. Chiropractic treatment targets the area of pain directly and works to alleviate pain within 24 to 48 hours after having treatment. Treatment is conducted using several stretching and adjusting methods. Force is applied, but do not be scared of the word "force." It does not cause more pain than you are currently experiencing and the force is needed to correct the current issue. This particular force opens channels for nerves to function properly throughout the spine. Nerves are what send messages to your brain, and in this case, they send the message that something hurts and you feel pain. When those channels are opened, nerves send a different message. They send a message of healing and relief. Not only is it about current relief, but it's also about preventative care. Once the current issue is resolved, the long-term issue must be corrected through several care programs. These programs range from routine adjustments by the chiropractor, a healthy and balance diet, exercise, and good posture. When you eliminate the long-term issue is when you receive true relief. So, don't stop just with current care and a quick fix. Make sure you stick with it to cure the entire problem and get back to a healthy life. Everyone desires relief, right? So if a chiropractor can promise relief from back pain, why not get the treatment you need? See why so many people are getting chiropractic treatment and how it helps them to live a comfortable life. Don't give up anything you enjoy in life because of back pain. Stop the issue with force!

Solutions For Plateus

Hey everyone, today this article provides an explanation on how to avoid plateauing when training for a triathlon. I can remember many times in my life that I would work out on a consistent basis but then eventually I would just flatten out and my results weren't showing. It happened when I would go running and my maximum distance wasn't going up and also when I was lifting weights and the amount I could lift was just staying the same. It got to a point where I was so frustrated that I wanted to quit because one of the main reasons I work out is to get results. There are a couple parts of exercising that many people don't know about and this lack of knowledge can lead to this "stand-still" that I came to. Rest: First I would like to talk about resting. I talk about this a couple times in my blog because it is SO IMPORTANT. Many people think that the more you workout, the better it is for you. This can potentially hurt your body if you don't allow it ample time to heal and let the muscles repair. Muscles repair themselves when you sleep mostly so getting a good night sleep can be essential. Rest can also allow you to work even harder when you are exercising which can help your results in the future. Give your body a break and don't overwork yourself too much! Diet: I have heard many times in my life that you can work out 7 days a week, but if you don't provide your body with the essential nutrients and put bad things into your body, the results wont come. When you run you are burning carbs and after lifting your body uses protein to rebuild your muscles. Your body needs certain nutrients to refuel and fuel itself and if you are not providing your body with them than you will stay the same or possible make yourself even worse. Eating healthy has so many benefits that it should not be looked over. If you are going to dedicate so much time into working out, don't just tarnish all your hard work because you have that craving for ice cream and fast food. Give your body what it needs and deserves and it will start to change for the better! Switch up your routine: This point is something that I struggled with the most. For two years I was going to the gym and doing the same routine over and over and over. My body became so accustomed to the routine that it only allowed me to lift the same amount of weight each time. Are bodies are smarter than you think! You have to confuse your body so it doesn't get too used to certain exercises and a way you can do this is by switching up your routine. Don't have the same schedule every week and only work certain muscles certain days. Go swimming instead of running so you can use muscles that you don't usually use. Use a different machine that you haven't used before so your body doesn't use the same muscles it always does and then you can work your other muscles. Results will start to come and slowly but surely you will be able to lift more and more weight. We spend too much time on our bodies to be stuck with the same results over and over. Prioritize: This is an area where I struggled with for a while. I wanted to stay lean while building muscle and because of that my results were completely slowed. I would lift weights but then I would do a bunch of cardio that would burn all the nutrients that my muscles needed. My body was deprived of what it needed to repair because I would run so often. You need to decide what you really want and make a balanced routine that wont stunt the growth of what your goals are. Sports: This has a little to do with switching up your routine. For me in college, there are always opportunities for me to partake in activities such as basketball, tennis, and baseball, among other things. These sports may seen like fun to me, but at the same time I am burning calories and using muscles that I don't usually use. By doing something that I enjoy doing with friends I can make it into a workout where I am helping my body while at the same time helping my mind. Find something that you are interested in and that you enjoy, there are so many options. Maybe go randomly take a kid boxing class or a water aerobics class. Any physical activity is good activity! The small things: Even simple things can work towards your overall progress. Instead of taking the elevator to your office or your home, take the stairs. Instead of driving to the store take a run or a bike ride. All these little opportunities to exercise are commonly overlooked but they can be turned into something positive. These shorts but frequent trips can ad up in the long run and can help you achieve the goals that you have been waiting for! These few couples are just some things you can keep in mind when you are training. It happened in my life so many times when I would put so much time into my workouts but I would overexert myself to the point where results were never going to happen. You don't have to dread going to the gym every day if you find something that you enjoy doing and don't think of is as working out. Stay focused and don't give up when you don't get the results you want right off the bat. Each time I would workout, I would wake up in the morning and expect to see something different in the mirror but I didn't realize a very important thing, results don't happen over night! Stick with it and don't get frustrated. If you treat your body with respect and give it what it needs while maintaining a solid workout routine, results will come!

Quit Smoking

Hypnotherapy has long been proven to be an effective cure for a variety of health problems. It is a common treatment for psychiatric conditions such as phobias, anxiety, and panic disorders. It is also quite helpful in overcoming bad habits, as in the case of smokers, alcoholics, and drug abusers. It has the ability to improve a person's mental and overall health by positively affecting his self-esteem, determination, temper, and mood. This wondrous effect of hypnosis is changing lives for the better all over the world. It has helped individuals realize their full human potential hence giving them better control over their lives. If you wish to live a long, healthy life, you must once and for all get rid of any habits that can put you in a bad shape. Or if you're struggling with a bad habit, you may want to see a therapist and learn about the various hypnotherapy methods that can work for you. With their patient's best interest at heart, these professionals can provide all the support and security you will need while on treatment. With the use of modern and traditional hypnosis techniques, you will eventually learn to balance your internal energy and alter your mental programming. It goes without saying that hypnosis is at the very core of hypnotherapy. It's an ordinary human experience that we undergo on a daily basis, which when properly utilized, can have extraordinary effects. Nowadays, it has become especially popular for its efficiency against nicotine addiction. Upon the completion of the treatment, the patient will have lost all desire to smoke. In certain cases, the patient's outlook on smoking will be changed so drastically that he won't only lose his appetite for cigarettes, he may actually dread them - and well, those pesky little sticks deserve no less. So, good riddance and good health! During the treatment, the patient is put under a controlled state of mind. This allows the therapist to tap into the subconscious and implant suggestions for the subject to willingly follow. Over the course of the treatment, the patient will gradually realize his power and control over his bad habit, also gradually making it easy to quit. Before he knows it, it's been a month since the last time he smoked. What's even more amazing is that that's all it takes: by simply surviving the first month, a patient can actually rid himself of smoking for good!

Why Men Should Wear Stockings Compression ??

Compression stockings are worn over the legs. They provide pressure and support that helps to maintain good circulation and reduce swelling. The socks also provide support for the muscles and tendons in the joints. Men often become aware of these garments because of an injury or medical problem. The reality is that there are many situations where men benefit from wearing compression stockings on a daily basis. People who have certain pre-existing medical conditions should consult a doctor before using the socks on a long-term basis to ensure that they don't interfere with other treatments or medications. Regular Inactivity A very common reason that men should consider wearing compression stockings is inactivity. Inactivity is several hours every day when the legs and feet are in a static position because of a job or travel. The inactivity causes the blood in the body to start to settle in the veins of the legs. This prevents the blood from traveling back to the heart to be resupplied with oxygen that is needed by the organs and tissue in the body. Months or years of daily inactivity could result in problems like varicose veins, painful swelling and other issues. Compression stockings help to prevent inactivity from having serious side effects by forcing the blood out of the legs and back into normal circulation. Circulatory Conditions Men who have certain types of conditions such as diabetes can find relief during the day by wearing compression stockings. Any condition that results in edema of the legs or other types of inflammation will respond to the increase in pressure. Fluids that are collecting in the veins or tissue in the leg will be forced upwards because of the garments. This reduces the actual swelling, improves circulation and allows the body to function normally. The compression stockings also keep the legs free from swelling when used every day. The garments should be only one part of a larger treatment plan for chronic conditions. Intense Exercise Men who are performing intense exercise or playing very demanding sports can benefit from compression stockings. Just as the garments improve circulation during periods of inactivity, they also improve blood flow during physical activities. The increased circulation keeps the muscles oxygenated and removes waste substances that could cause cramping or pain. This is useful for men who are biking or running for many hours at a time. Compression stockings are also useful during recovery. They help to reduce swelling and inflammation that occur in the muscles once the activity has stopped. The pressure reduces pain and allows the area to recover faster.