Finding Relief and a Cure For Heartburn

In the early stages of heartburn, finding some brief relief can be quite straight forward. Something as simple as a few sips or a glass of water may provide some short-term relief, but over time, these temporary alleviations may no longer work. The next step is to consider over the counter medication, but again over time with further episodes of heartburn, some people have found that even their effect may wane. Furthermore, there is the concern of side effects that some of these medications may have.

While relief for the discomfort of heartburn may be readily available, consideration must be given to the underlying cause of the condition. Over the counter medications will treat the symptoms, but stopping administering them can then cause a recurrence of the heartburn, showing us the root cause of the problem has not been addressed.

There is also much advice available other than resorting to medications in order to find short-term relief from heartburn. Prior to implementing any relief method though, it is important to understand just why they work.

Although milk has long been suggested as a relief for heartburn as it provides a buffer for the stomach against acid, the fats in milk can exacerbate the heartburn as well, and so only low-fat milk should be tried, although this relief again may only be temporary. Chewing gum has also been an option for relief due to the chewing simulating the production of saliva, although the gum should of course be sugar-free. The production of this saliva leads to an increase in swallowing, which in turn pushes the acids back to the stomach and helps neutralise them. As with milk though, the relief is temporary and chewing gum may not always be possible.

Foods that should be avoided by sufferers of heartburn include but are not limited to caffeine based drinks, alcohol, chocolate, high fat foods and citrus juices. At times it may be difficult to avoid eating these types of foods, but if an individual is susceptible to their effects, then unless these foods are limited, the heartburn is unlikely to be eased let alone stopped.

Additional short-term relief may be found by following advice such as wearing looser clothing, especially around the stomach area, or sleeping with the head of bed slightly elevated. Fortunately there is a step by step natural cure program available for the underlying cause of heartburn which has actually been clinically proven successful. The program was developed by a nutritionist and health consultant that guarantees, without the use of prescription medications or any surgical procedures, to permanently reverse the root cause of heartburn and acid reflux.

Heartburn sufferers can spend a lot of their life with this discomfort, not aware that they may be increasing the likelihood of longer term issues by not treating the underlying causes. With a cure available for these causes, the best time to start treating them is right now.

Craig Hale is a writer who specialises in helping people find their own good health too. Visit his latest website to review a clinically proven Heartburn Cure where he provides further information and advice on How To Cure Heartburn.

Discover How To Increase Your Height After Puberty

There are many people on the short side in life, and the foremost question in their mind is "can I grow taller after puberty?" When we reach puberty many different things happen in the human body because numerous hormones are in action to cause these changes to take place.

During these changes the body grows quickly and sometime after puberty the body stops growing. So to answer the question "can I grow taller after puberty," yes you can! It really is possible for the human body to grow a few more inches even if it has not grown in years!

When trying to increase height, the first thing you should focus on is your spinal column. The spinal column is one of the key factors that decides a person's height. Studies have shown that the spinal column is in charge of around 30 percent of your bodies overall height.

There are certain things that are required of anyone who desires to increase their height. Here are a few tips:

Stretching - This is one of the main solutions to your problem of being short. By doing certain stretches you could increase your height by a few inches. The proper stretches forces the spine to extend and get longer, thus increasing your height.

These stretching exercises also include hanging crunches, chin-ups, as well as pull-ups. By doing these exercises you will increase your height, but you must remember to do it on a consistent and daily basis.

Calcium - This is another main factor that you must give attention to. It is of vital importance that you consume more calcium in your daily diet if you desire to grow any taller.

Calcium deficiency has become a major problem in the world, we are just not getting the right amount on a daily basis. To get enough calcium make sure you drink enough milk or soy milk if your don't eat dairy products. You can also eat foods like cabbage, broccoli, nuts, beans, and many others. Some people also take calcium supplements, which I recommend if you know you are not getting enough.

Another unique way to increase your height is to improve your posture. You should be focused on keeping good posture all throughout the day, even while you're sitting.

Having good posture causes the backbone to stay straight, which will assist in adding inches to your stature. Poor posture puts strain on the backbone which will of course keep you from getting taller.

By following these simple steps, its possible for you to increase your height after puberty no matter how old you are!

Now that you know its possible for ANYONE to Grow Taller after puberty, do you want to know more of the absolute best and easiest ways to do it Click Here.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Way Out of Depression

For a depression patient, the choice for treatment may commonly be rounded up to antidepressants or psychotherapy. Most antidepressants may be beneficial for most patients but medical researchers say that psychotherapy poses lesser risks. However, the efficacies of both treatments depend upon the patient and his or her personal circumstances.

Psychotherapy, otherwise known as "talk therapy", is an option which helps depression patients understand the disorder and help them cope with their illness. It is an approach which equips the patient with useful knowledge and strategies on how to manage, if not overcome, stress, unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.

The goal of psychotherapy is to help the patients function well in society and be at a manageable behavior to live their lives in the most normal way possible. The National Institute of Mental Health says that sometimes psychotherapy alone may be the best treatment for a person, depending on the illness and its severity, and oftentimes combined with other medications.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of treatment that has repeatedly been shown to be among the most effective in reducing or eliminating anxiety disorders, the University of Houston, Department of Psychology states. CBT is a combination of cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy focuses on a person's thoughts and beliefs and their influence on a person's mood and actions.

It aligns the person's thinking to be more adaptive and healthy. Behavioral therapy concentrates on the patient's actions and aims to change unhealthy behavioral patterns. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, CBT has been found useful in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and psychotic disorders.

It also says that CBT has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants for and is superior in preventing relapse. To undergo with this kind of treatment, the patient must be willing to expose his or her fears, worries and open up his problems. Some depression patients find it hard to articulate their emotions and are often closed up in their own shell, which is why most of them opt to have antidepressant prescriptions to be issued on their behalf.

Antidepressants like Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac have been placed in the center of controversy lately because of the side effects that they may potentially produce. Paxil side effects, for example, include birth defects, suicidal behavior, autism and breast cancer. Both options, antidepressants and psychotherapy, may be prescribed with an additional program of exercise or music therapy. These options are intended to be of maximum help to the patient involved.

Paroxetine drug Paxil was released by its manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline in 1992. This serves as treatment for depression and antidepressants may be beneficial. However, the US FDA issued a "black box" warning on Paxil against birth defects and suicidal behavior. Get information and updates on the Paxil side effects.

Cosmetic Surgery, Don't Cut Corners When It Comes to Safety

With more and more of us considering having plastic surgery, it's increasingly important to be aware that cut-price options are not all that they seem, with many top cosmetic surgeons stating that patients will get what they pay for, and cut prices may result in cutting corners which could lead to botched surgery.

With the on-going economic woes in the UK, many consumers may be tempted to shop around for cheap deals. In fact over the past few years there has been a proliferation of 'special offers', and unethical marketing such as parties with prizes including 'free boob jobs', together with the lure of cosmetic surgery holiday deals abroad.

Unfortunately as interest in undergoing cosmetic surgery continues to rise, so have instances of botched procedures, with many reputable UK surgeons commenting on rising demand for corrective cosmetic work.

The president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), Fazel Fatah recently stated: "At the start of the recession, well over a quarter of BAAPS surgeons had already noticed an alarming increase in patients presenting with problems from cut-price surgery deals abroad. At our Annual Meeting this year, one London hospital revealed they were having to perform corrective treatment every month on such cases, and warned the trend was on the rise posing an ever increasing burden on the NHS."

Undergoing cosmetic surgery, such as a breast augmentation, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or nose re-shaping (rhinoplasty), is a serious undertaking usually involving undergoing a general unaesthetic and an overnight stay in hospital. While cut prices may appear tempting, and some marketing may attempt to trivialise major procedures by bundling them with non-surgical treatments, the consumer needs to remain aware of the potential downsides of 'cheap' options.

Making an informed decision about cosmetic surgery is now more important than ever. Fortunately there are numerous ways to gather information and thoroughly research plastic surgery providers and procedures. Consumers are strongly advised to be clear about their expectations, and above all to choose their weight loss surgery provider very carefully.

One of the UK's leading providers of plastic surgery, Spire Healthcare, offers consumers the opportunity to find the answers to all their question at regular free information events, which are held throughout the UK. These events are an excellent chance to learn more about cosmetic surgery in an informal setting.

It's even possible to have a free mini consultation with an expert plastic surgeon. Consumers can also be reassured in the knowledge that all Spire surgeons are registered with the two governing associations regulating the cosmetic surgery industry in the UK, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).

Find out more about cosmetic surgery and breast reduction.

Night Time Skincare Routine, When You Are Really Too Tired To Bother

At the end of a busy day the last thing that many of us feel like doing, is bothering with a lengthy, time-consuming beauty routine. But it is important for the health of our skin, to properly cleanse and remove not only make up and the dead skin buildup from our bodies, but the pollution that has accumulated on our skin during the day.

The amount of clothing we wear depends on the season, but our face and neck, and often the chest area, is exposed to the atmosphere. Hopefully, we would have applied moisturiser in the morning, as well as a chemical free sunscreen if we were to spend any time in the sun, to protect our skin from the ravages of environmental pollution as well as radiation from the sun.

Often the creams we applied to the skin, although protecting, also serve as an ideal base for grit, grime and dirt to stick to. Removing the creams, make up and dirt from our skin before we retire allows the skin to breathe and assists with cellular renewal.

Once we get into a routine, proper cleansing of the face and neck each night, takes very little time, and we will be rewarded with a glowing, healthy skin. In fact, once you have become accustomed to going to bed with clean skin, you will find it difficult to avoid the routine.

If you don't use make up, one cleansing should be sufficient. But if you have applied make up which includes foundation, mascara and eye shadow as well as eyeliner, you will need to do a double cleanse. One to remove the make up, and the second to clean the skin of dead cells allowing for new, fresh, plump cells to come to the surface.

A good cleanser will remove the entire make up without the need for separate products for eye make up and facial skin. Apply the cream to the face and neck, taking a little extra time and care with the eyelashes. Massage the cream gently into the eyelashes, without pulling or tugging, as rough treatment will see the unnecessary loss of eyelashes. If you use waterproof mascara, this may take a little more effort.

Massage the cleanser into the skin, adding a little extra to remove lipstick, and remove with a warm, very wet face cloth. Rinse the cloth, and refill the basin with more water, repeat the cleansing, this time to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, as well as make up residue that may have been missed the first time round.

Some cosmetic manufacturers recommend the use of a toner after cleansing. This is an unnecessary step, designed to sell you more product. If the toner contains alcohol it will dehydrate the skin's surface.

A good quality moisturiser, and perhaps a serum for dehydrated skin, particularly if you work in an air-conditioned atmosphere, should be applied before you retire. Avoid heavy, greasy creams, particularly those containing mineral oil, petrolatum or paraffin wax, as they act like plastic wrap, preventing the skin from breathing or eliminating toxins. These ingredients may also be contaminated with carcinogens during manufacture, a twofold reason to avoid them.

When we rest, our body has the chance to renew tired, worn out cells. Our skin, in particular, benefits from a good nights rest, and by avoiding heavy creams, it has a chance to breathe. One of the best moisturiser our skin can use is by drinking plenty of filtered water during our day.

A few extra minutes caring for our skin at the end of our busy, hectic day, rewards the face we show the rest of the world. This in turn, ensures we look the best we can with a fresh, clean and clear complexion.

Karen Armitage has been in the beauty and hairdressing industry for almost 40 years. She was horrified to discover that 89% of ingredients used in cosmetics are not tested for safety by any independent governing body. For more information and free reports on what many be in your skin care products:
NoChemicalCosmetics
Choose Skin Care products certified organic to food standards.

Choosing the Best Bodybuilding Weights and Equipment

A properly defined as well as healthy body is one thing any individual is going to always be pleased to have. Should you discuss this with a fitness center you will find that people often live their lives attempting to make their body as fit as they possibly can. I've discovered that lots of people who do their best to attain perfection on their body will investigate where they can find and purchase the best exercise equipment while others take a long rest on their couch while watching a movie.

If you want a well-defined muscular body, you need to be very careful to buy the right kind of equipment to get the most bang for your buck as well as producing the best results in the shortest amount of time. This will show your dedication towards the task of building a better body since an individual truly wanting to develop a great body will take the time and cash required to buy just the right kind of bodybuilding equipment.

When looking for muscle building weights and exercise equipment you need to pay close attention to what exactly you are trying to achieve. Quite often a beginner or novice weight lifter will believe that by purchasing the most expensive weights or machines that look like a race car will be able to make their work simpler. They have the feeling that spending lots of money on this equipment will assist them in making their goal of getting a perfect body quicker. The number one thing to learn about muscle building is that you must have the proper Attitude about what it is that you are trying to achieve. All of the muscle building weights and equipment you get in the world will be useless if you don't possess the will and have the proper attitude to take advantage of what you have learned.

So where exactly should we start before investing our hard earned cash on muscle building weights and equipment?

Talk to a trainer in a gym - This is actually to keep you from hurting yourself in the learning phase and to insure your safety. Before purchasing weights and the bodybuilding equipment, you need to learn whether using certain kinds of weights could be harmful for you personally. By talking to an expert, you will also discover the proper ways to use the weights and the bodybuilding equipment that you have purchased.

Muscle Building may have a very important effect on your life, enhancing your wellbeing and mental stamina, and leading to you to definitely find better and healthier ways of living.

My Name is Mike Nunnery. I am a 62 year young retiree that loves bodybuilding. I recently retired from Emergency Management in the great state of Texas. I helped people that were affected by the results and aftermath of fires, floods and Hurricanes. Much of my time was spent in the out of doors either getting people out of harms way or helping them to restore their losses thru the insurance companys.
I do hope you enjoy my articles and will visit my website at http://bodybuilding2012.net

Effective Treatments For Whiteheads And Blackheads

Whiteheads are small white raised areas on the surface of one's skin. The are comprised of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria that become clogged inside the individual's pores. Blackheads are tiny dark spots that are also the result plugged pores.

Both blackheads and whiteheads are symptoms of acne, and typically appear most often on one's shoulders and face, although their presence may also occur on the torso, buttocks, legs or arms. Acne most often afflicts teenagers, although individuals of any age can suffer from the condition.

Treatment for blackheads and whiteheads is dependent upon the severity of the breakout. Such remedies usually include gels or lotions which are applied directly to the blemishes. These are generally referred to as topical acne treatments. Oral medication such as antibiotics may also be recommended if topical remedies prove ineffective. Acne often frustrates its victims and as previously mentioned, it can affect people of all ages. The presence of acne can cause one to feel self-conscious. However, treatment for whiteheads and blackheads is available, allowing one to regain his or her lost self-esteem.

Whiteheads and blackheads are types of acne, both of which involve pores that have become plugged with oil, dirt and bacteria. Blackheads often resembled a speck of dirt on the surface of one's skin. However, in reality the dirt and bacteria are located just below the skin's surface inside the pore. Whiteheads often contain a material that resembles pus, causing many individuals to squeeze them in order to remove this substance from their skin.

Cleansing

One of the simplest ways to deal with whiteheads and blackheads is a thorough daily cleansing of the face with a mild cleanser. This action will eliminate the presence of makeup, dirt, oil and dead cells. The fingertips should be used to massage the mild soap onto damp skin, which should then be rinsed thoroughly with warm water. Harsh scrubbing will only aggravate the condition.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Acne Remedies

If daily cleansing fails to alleviate one's symptoms, medicated creams may be necessary. Over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide will usually kill bacteria and eliminate blemishes. Creams containing salicylic acid will typically slough off dead cells and prevent the formation of new blemishes. Creams containing sulfur or esorcinol may also prove helpful. It generally takes several months before one can tell if an over-the-counter remedy has offered any long-term benefits.

Prescription Medications

If one is dealing with particularly stubborn acne, he or she may need a prescription treatment. Tretinoin is often recommended by dermatologists due to its ability to unclog pores. It is a Vitamin A derivative and speeds up the elimination of dead skin cells. If bacteria is the cause of one's acne, a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin or erythromycin are usually beneficial.

Proper Use of Medication

In many cases, acne medications require continual use to obtain optimum benefits. Certain prescriptions may be discontinued over time, but benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid should be used on a daily basis or blemishes may come back. Consistency is important with regard to the successful treatment of whiteheads and blackheads.

For more information about the acne treatments that work, visit the Best Acne Treatment website.

Emotional Stress and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

There is a clear and direct connection between stress and autoimmune disorders such as Ankylosing Spondylitis. Painful or repressed emotions put stress on the body, but natural methods of stress relief can help reverse the pain and symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Recently, a client of mine who has Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) had an enlightening "aha" moment when she suddenly realized her autoimmune symptoms raged out of control whenever she had an argument with her adult son.

Until then she had never recognized stress as an issue for her AS pain and symptoms. Now she clearly gets it. She has come to realize that as her stress ramps up, so do the chronic pain and symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disorder similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This is a common for my clients, and I see it frequently. A considerable aspect of my work involves helping clients identify and eradicate the mental and emotional triggers that worsen the pain and symptoms of AS.

Think about it. When you suppress your guilt, anger, resentment, and other difficult emotions... can it make you sick?

The latest medical studies overwhelmingly conclude that yes, negative emotions do affect our health. Toxic emotions significantly compromise immune function, and mental stress weakens our built-in defenses against premature aging and disease.

Stress and stress-related illnesses account for over 90% of the issues that patients report to their doctors. This means that, in a very real sense, our thoughts and emotions hold the key to our physical health.

For example, medical studies conclude that stress can disrupt the normal function of the human digestive system. Mental and emotional stress can cause loss of appetite, ravenous eating binges, and alter the proper absorption and elimination of nutrients. Alleviating the mental and emotional stress that causes these problems will usually result in restoration of proper gastrointestinal function.

If you suffer from and inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other GI tract disorder, alarm bells should be sounding off in your head. Let me repeat: Reverse your stress and toxic emotions, and you'll restore proper gastrointestinal function.

Study after study proves that what we think and feel has a profound effect on our health. Here is the good news: Tests conclude that patients who expect positive results from their medical treatments are more likely to have them.

Stress relief helps to reverse the pain and symptoms related to autoimmune disorders including Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthiritis, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and many others.

About the author: I'm Peter Winslow, a Life Coach, Counselor and Trainer assisting you in reversing the pain and symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis and other illnesses.

I battled Ankylosing Spondylitis for more than ten years. Today I am completely free of all pain and symptoms.

With years of training and experience in the fields of health and healing, combined with my own recovery from AS, I am uniquely qualified to help you with your personal health issues and emotional challenges.

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona (AZ), assisting clients locally and worldwide.

Get your free report, What Your Doctor Hasn't Told You About AS at http://www.helpinghealing.com.

Herbal Remedies For Gastric Disorder

Gastric disorders often include gastritis, heartburn or reflux, dyspepsia or indigestion, hyper-acidity, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, etc. Most of them may cause pain, nausea, bloating, belching, vomiting, flatulence, headache and several other discomforts. While Inflammatory Bowel Disease and chronic ulcers should be treated by a doctor, most other gastric disorders can be treated with herbs. Herbal remedies for gastric disorders are the best as they are gentle and natural for the system. Some of them are briefly mentioned below.

Juices & Mixtures

Coconut water, juices of spinach, carrot, potato, aloe vera, cabbage, coriander (added to fresh buttermilk) and lemon are effective in treating gastric disorders. Asafetida mixed in cumin water, curd and buttermilk, rice gruel, a tablespoon of cinnamon water, and honey are also effective. So is probiotic yogurt.

Bitter Herbs

Bitter herbs are unrivaled stomach tonics, promoting digestive juices, peristalsis and the flow of bile. Chamomile is an excellent tonic for the liver and digestive system. Gentian, Centuary, Boldo, and Mugwort are bitter and immensely useful herbal remedies for gastric disorders.

Other Herbs

Ginger is a wonder medicine for any stomach related irritations and diseases. Ginger juice mixed with salt or honey, or ginger tea, can be very effective. Peppermint is another useful herb; its ability to calm cramping stomach and intestinal muscles makes it a superb treatment for indigestion. Other useful herbs are: Artichoke, Goldenseal, Marshmallow, Marigold and Bishop's Weed, Carom seed, Asparagus, Bell pepper, fennel, garlic, cardamom, Goldenseal, Bayberry and turmeric, ajwain, mint, lavender, rosemary, juniper, valerian, lemon balm, yarrow, slippery elm, aniseed, clove, Haritaki, (also known as Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Nishoth (Operculina terpethum), Mulathi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Marich (Piper nigrum), i.e., Pepper. Laxative herbs such as Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Rhubarb, and Buckthorn besides Aloe Vera resin, will greatly help heal the stomach and intestines. Antispasmodic herbs relieve cramping and spasms, and include Cramp Bark, Black Haw, Lady's Slipper (very rare and hence expensive).

Fruits

Apples and carrots contain malic acid and tartaric acid which help neutralize stomach acids. Papaya seeds and pineapples, blueberries, cherries and tomatoes and vegetables like squash and Cranberry can also fight gastric problems. Orange is another effective indigestion remedy. So are grapes.

Oil rubbing

Rubbing a carrier oil (i.e. Olive, Castor, Almond, or Grape Seed oil) into the stomach and massaging 1-3 drops of one of the essential oils supra into the stomach area, will also be effective.

Water

Water is the best medicine for all diseases. Water consumption must be sufficient to meet the requirements of the body.

Sherlock Danielly is well know for his knowledge in herbal remedies. He had written much article on herbal remedies for depression,herbal remedies for arthritis, herbal remedies for menopause, herbal remedies for constipation, gastritis cure etc.

Wearing Lead Aprons For X-Ray Protection

Medical diagnosis and the treatment of patients often require the use of equipment that emits X-rays to produce radiographs of areas of the patient's body otherwise only accessible through surgery. X-rays and radiographs can be used to look into recesses of the lungs, the heart and the bowels, to examine soft tissues for the presence of foreign materials or to determine if a bone is fractured. Dentists use these films to judge the health of teeth. They sometimes must be taken before other diagnostic procedures, such as surgical biopsies or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests, can proceed.

Frequent or prolonged exposure to the radiological materials that produce X-rays is a risk both for patients and for medical professionals. Radiation exposure can cause damage to the cells of the body, especially the reproductive organs, if used incorrectly. Side-effects can continue years after exposure. One solution to this problem is the use of lead aprons, often referred to as X-ray aprons.

Lead stops radiation, and the traditional X-ray apron contains layers of lead mixed with other prohibitive metals and is separated by layers of sewn nylon and other synthetic fabrics. An apron containing lead must ensure there is no contact between human skin and the lead, because lead exposure itself can be a health hazard. There are many varied styles, but the most common aprons drape the front of the body from the shoulders on down, protecting the abdomen, chest and the reproductive areas from harm. Some aprons are smaller, intended to cover only a specific part of the body. Often for chest X-rays, the patient will be covered by a small apron that shields only the reproductive regions.

In addition to the patient, medical professionals should also wear lead aprons when performing radiological procedures. Sometimes patients may require physical support in order to properly place the body part to be X-rayed. X-raying children may also require staff to be near the child to assist and comfort. The staff doing so in both situations should be covered with an X-ray apron.

Some medical professionals whose entire day is spent near radiological sources may decide to wear radiation protection continually, a good idea because of the health danger from prolonged exposure even to minimal doses of radiation. There are different styles and materials available for radiation protection. Alternative garment technologies offer lighter-weight composite materials that block radiation just as well as pure lead.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about radiation protection, please visit http://www.burmed.com

Pimples on the Face

Acne and pimples are very common on the face and especially if you are going through puberty.

What exactly is acne?

What are acne and pimples? This may be a question you have pondered to yourself a time or two. Acne is a condition of the skin where bumps will show up. Sometimes these bumps are different in different people. Usually these bumps are either blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, otherwise known as cysts. Thank God that pimples only hang around through most people's teenage years.

The most common kind of acne breakout is called acne vulgaris. This name does sound terrible, but it isn't nearly as bad as it may sound.

The hair follicles in your skin contain sebaceous glands that produce oil. This oil is called sebum and it helps lubricate your skin and hair. Hormones can stimulate these sebaceous glands to make more sebum. When this happens, breakouts of pimples and acne can occur. When the wall of the pore opens it can let in dirt and bacteria and get clogged, this is a pimple.

If the pores then get clogged up but stay open, this is called a blackhead. If a clogged pore opens too deep in the skin it can cause what is called a nodule, and this is very painful.

Things to do to prevent acne:

* Wash and cleanse your face regularly and every night before bedtime
* Try your best to keep hair spray and hair gels away from your face. These products often contain oils.
* If you exercise, be sure to cleanse your face afterward. Sweat can cause you to have clogged pores and acne.
* Look for skin lotions and products that are noncomedogenic. This means that they won't clog your pores.
* Also some people benefit from over the counter acne medications to help with their breakouts.
* Many people have acne so seriously, that they have to visit a dermatologist for treatment. Sometimes you may need to have a prescription medication prescribed for severe cases.

Eating nutritiously and taking good care of your body can in turn help your skin to be healthy and radiant. If you take the time to do these important things for your skin, you will notice less breakouts and a clear and more vibrant complexion. Many people ignore their skin thinking it isn't important, but the epidermis is the largest organ in the body. Be sure to take good care of yours.

Find more information on pimples on face and treatment for acne.

Effective And Simple Asthma Home Remedies

Asthma is a respiratory disease that makes breathing difficult, particularly while exhaling. Pollens, allergens, irritants and bacteria can prompt an asthmatic attack. These include diet that causes allergy and environmental factors such as dust, dampness, smoke etc. Asthma home remedies can prove to be very useful and help to prevent an asthma attack.

Here are few effective and simple asthma home remedies that can provide the much needed relief from the symptoms of asthma attacks:

Lemon and Water:

Lemon and water are known to restrain purifying properties. Water flushes out the toxic substances and purifies the blood, whereas lemon or lime has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and expectorant agents that can easily break-down mucus.

Figs:

Fig, a fruit that helps to heal many illnesses, is also beneficial in asthma. Figs make the patient feel comfortable by depleting the phlegm. Clean 2-3 figs thoroughly with lukewarm water and soak in water overnight and have it first thing in the morning.

Bananas:

Bananas provide fast remedy for serious attacks. Heat a ripe banana in the microwave or on the stove, sprinkle black pepper powder on it and eat. This will open the air ways temporarily and allow free-flow of air which will help to subside the pain from an asthma attack. Though it is only a short term treatment; bananas offer one of the best asthma home remedies for instant relief.

Garlic:

Garlic contains natural anti-inflammatory agents that aid in treating asthma. It also reduces the quantity of mucous generated in the bronchial tubes. 1-2 garlic cloves can be chewed daily or garlic juice can be added to other vegetable juices and consumed.

Honey:

Honey effectively boosts the immune systems of the body which aids to treat and avoid asthma attacks. During an asthma attack, one can breathe in the vapors of honey by placing the jar under the nose. Alternatively, consuming a teaspoon of honey 3-4 times a day can alleviate the problem of asthma. It can also be added to a beverage.

Coffee:

The caffeine content in coffee works like the over the counter medicines, which aids to open the air passages of an asthma patient. Consuming 1-2 cups of coffee can reduce the asthma symptoms such as breathlessness and wheezing.

Mustard Oil and Camphor:

Rub the mixture of mustard oil and camphor on the chest if before going to sleep or if you experience breathing problems. Mustard oil infiltrates the skin and breaks down the phlegm which helps to ease asthma attacks. This mixture should not be taken internally. This is one of the most soothing asthma home remedies.

Other Home Remedies:

Additional effectual asthma home remedies comprise of bishop's weed which acts like an expectorant. Indian gooseberry that fortifies the immunity power, bitter gourd root that sustains antiviral properties and drumstick leaves which contain antibacterial properties. All of these are highly rich in vitamin C and can be used to treat asthma attacks.

Other Preventive Methods:

Avoid excessive eating before going to sleep as it may prompt an asthma attack. Try as eat at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Steer clear of cigarette smoke or second hand smoke as well as smoke from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Wrap a scarf or wear a face mask if the weather is cold. Refrain from breathing in the cold air that is discharged from the freezer. Avoid keeping animals with fur as pet.

Keep The Home Clean:

Change the air conditioner and furnace filters each month to prevent recirculation of dust. Opt for latex pillows that are allergy-free rather than feather pillows. Additionally, use dust-resistant covers on mattresses and furniture. Keep your home neat and clean to minimize the chances of an asthma attack.

These were some of the effectual asthma home remedies that can be employed to obtain relief from asthma. Apart from these remedies, make a note of the factors like allergens, foods etc that triggers your asthma symptoms and aggravates the illness and try to evade them. Asthma attacks are extremely uncomfortable, but with few simple asthma home remedies and safety measures; you can easily keep asthma attacks at bay.

John Handson is a physician,he is specialized in asthma home remedies, he teaches folks the best treatment for asthma to raise health condition by handling asthma.

Concentrative and Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Relief

The ancient practice of meditation is believed to have originated more than 5000 years ago, when hunters and gatherers were thought to achieve enlightenment by staring into the flames of their fires. A more modern history of meditation dates to 500B.C. when the Buddha spread his forms of meditation from India to other Asian countries. These teachings were passed on verbally until monks transcribed the principles shortly after his death. Buddha illustrated the formula for salvation being fourfold: rules of morality, contemplative concentration, knowledge and liberation. Meditation is certainly a part of this path to redemption. Also included in the teachings were the foundations of the beliefs of modern Buddhism. Today, people of all religions enjoy the practice of meditation and experience great benefits from it, such as stress relief. There are hundreds of types of meditation found in various forms across many cultures. In the West, we think of meditation as falling into one of two categories:

Concentrative Meditation- Choosing to focus on the breath, a mental image, a physical object, or a word or phrase.

When focusing on breathing, it is important to find a rhythm in your breaths. Use a counting system for inhaling and exhaling. For example, you can breathe in deeply, counting to four, and then exhale, counting to four. Soon your attention will be focused on each breath and you will begin to relax.

When focusing on a mental image, choose something that makes you feel relaxed, like lying on a beach with waves gently rolling up to your feet. Picture yourself on the beach and draw all of your attention to that soothing experience.

A word or a phrase, for example Hamsa, is thought of or spoken while meditating. To use Hamsa, it is common to break up the word while breathing in and out. While inhaling you say 'ham' and while exhaling you say 'sa.' By repeating this for several minutes and focusing on the words, you move into a more relaxed state.

An object, such as a water fountain, is the focus of your attention. Place all of your attention on the water that gently and continuously flows from a water fountain and begin to slow down your thoughts, leaving you in a state of calm.

Mindfulness Meditation- The point of focus is how you are feeling from moment to moment. It is the non-reactive monitoring of experience in the present moment. You gently observe what is going on in your mind, acknowledging all that passes through, without judgement.

Concentrative meditation is like a telephoto view of something and mindfulness meditation is a wide-angle view. Using a beach example, in concentrative meditation you focus on a grain of sand, while in mindfulness meditation you experience the entire beach. This detached awareness allows you to get closer to nature and to life.

Meditation means 'contemplation' and is considered an exercise of the mind. When meditating, the goal is to get beyond the 'thinking mind' into a deeper, more relaxed state. It is also designed to increase self-awareness. You can meditate anywhere from 5-30 minutes one to two times per day in order to achieve an increased sense of serenity and relaxation. A benefit of meditation is physical and psychological stress relief. If practiced regularly, over time meditation allows you to feel generally more content and happy, less easily upset and less frustrated over daily problems. It is recommended that you meditate in a seated position, with your back straight and head aligned with your spine.

Whether choosing to use concentrative meditation, mindfulness meditation, or both, successfully managing daily stressors leaves you with a feeling of control over your life. You are then less likely to feel overwhelmed or in a prolonged state of feeling stressed. Meditation is an easy method to use for the great reward of stress relief.

Cecelia Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the area of mental health disorders and mental well-being. Please visit her website: http://www.allsolarfountain.com to find out more about Solar Water Fountains and their connection to stress relief.

How Nicotine Dangers Your Health

Chemicals derived from second hand smoking are hazardous to human health. It was not until reports revealed that second hand smoke was hazardous that smoking bans in public places occurred to make a solid statement. A warning that second hand smokes either from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is harmful to your health. Further studies indicated children exposed to second hand smoke are detrimental. These children tend to have more respiratory problems and pneumonia. They are also more likely to develop birth defects and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Second hand smoking occurs when tobacco is burned. The smoke is exposed to those surrounding it, which can be children, pregnant women, pets, and other adults. The smoke also penetrates areas like clothing and furniture. Ventilation does not reduce the concentration of the chemicals in the smoke. Smoking in hallways, other rooms, or at a short distance does not eliminate the smoke either. Smoking fumes still prevail in clothing and furniture whether someone is smoking or not. Furthermore, the fumes from smoking still travels from one room to another. The burning of nicotine, the main ingredient, and other chemicals in tobacco are hazardous to everyone surrounding it.

Nicotine has many hazardous chemicals associated with the burning of tobacco. The Office of the Surgeon General from the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services listed in January 4, 2007 the harmful chemicals found in second hand smoking. It contains hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, butane, toluene, and ammonia. These toxic gases are deadly at even the lowest concentrations. It also has arsenic, lead, chromium, and cadmium. It also includes chemicals such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), N-nitrosamines, aromatic amines, aldehydes, volatile organic compounds, and inorganic compounds.

Nicotine has a molecular formula of C10N14H2, a molecular weight of 162.23, and the organic nomenclature of 3-[(2S)-1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl]pyridine. It is naturally found in the dried leaves of Nicotiana tabacum and N. rustica plants. It is a colorless, pale yellow, oily solution. It is brown when exposed to air or light. It is soluble in organic solvents. Nicotine has also been found in insecticides such as Black Leaf 40, which was discontinued in 1992. The breakdown process of nicotine-derived chemicals occurs within seconds in the body. First, it can be absorbed through the epidermal layer or the olfactory sensors. Once in the body, it flows to the blood stream and eventually the brain. In the brain, nicotine molecules act as sensor-binding molecules that adhere to specific receptors located in the synaptic membrane. The binding of nicotine to nicotinic receptors activates the Ca2+ potential channel, increasing the concentration of this divalent molecule in the cytosol. Concentration increments trigger the release of acetylcholine in synaptic vesicles. The dissociation of the synaptic vesicles hence promotes release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholine, one of the well-studied neurotransmitters, is an excitatory transmitter. An increase in acetylcholine is an increase in stimulatory molecules, which can lead to dependency of this process. A reduction in smoking and hence nicotine consumption can help improve human health.

Barbara Mascareno has science degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry and has tutored under the NCLB program.

Mediterranean Diet Health Benefits

The Mediterranean diet has many health benefits. Wondering researchers have spent years trying to discover why. Although many regions have adopted a much more westernized diet habit which has resulted in a mounting obesity issue, communities that still follow the traditional Mediterranean diet continue to experience health which is the envy of the western world.

The Mediterranean diet consists primarily of fresh, healthy plant food like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, olives, fish and seafood. They combine this with reduced amounts of red meat and dairy products.

The Mediterranean diet is more nutritious because foods are less processed. Processing food, and even cooking it, deprives it of nutrients. But in a traditional Mediterranean diet, most foods are eaten raw or lightly cooked. When red meat is served it is usually trimmed of excess fat. The overall diet provides plentiful fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, protein and essential fatty acids required by the body to maintain health and prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

Another notable aspect of the traditional Mediterranean diet is that not every meal contains animal flesh (i.e. meat or fish). There are commonly days with no animal flesh being consumed at all. On these days, the protein portion of the meal is derived from things like beans, nuts, seeds and eggs. Although eggs are still animal products, recent research indicates that eggs do NOT increase blood cholesterol as scientists and doctors used to believe. Another modern day alternative to meat is tofu which comes from soy beans. While this is not a part of the diet, it would certainly be a worthwhile addition to it.

All of these things result in the Mediterranean diet being high in monounsaturated fatty acids, otherwise known as M.U.F.As which are healthy fats. Diets containing M.U.F.As (and polyunsaturated fats, or P.U.F.As) rather than saturated and trans fats, tend to provide certain health benefits including reduced risk of:

• Heart disease
• High Cholesterol
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Type II Diabetes
• Parkinson's Disease
• Alzheimer's
• Depression
• Metabolic syndrome

Lets take a closer look at these.

Reduced risk of heart disease and high Cholesterol

High levels of saturated fats result in increased cholesterol in the bloodstream. Over time, the cholesterol attaches to the walls of arteries causing a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to blockages, heart attacks and heart disease. Quite clearly, the reduced amount of saturated fat in traditional Mediterranean diets results in lower cholesterol levels. In some cases, high cholesterol is hereditary and is caused by the liver producing too much. A healthy diet containing high amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids is proven to actively combat this issue and can have a significant lowering effect on cholesterol levels.

Reduced risk of Stroke

A Columbia University Medical Center study in which researchers followed 712 participants over a six year period discovered that participants who followed a moderate Mediterranean diet were 21% less likely to experience a stroke. Participants who followed a strict diet were 36% less likely to experience a stroke.

Reduced risk of cancer

According to a study by the Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: "There is a 'probable' protective role of the Mediterranean diet toward cancer in general." A National Cancer institute study of 500,000 people found that people who consumed more than 4 oz (113g) of red meat daily were 30% more likely to die from ANY cause over 10 years than those who consumed less. Sausages and processed meats increased the risk even more.

Reduced risk of Diabetes

Consumption of complex carbohydrates and high fiber foods reduces the Glycemic Index of foods and low GI foods prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. So a low GI diet such as the Mediterranean diet tends to prevent diabetes... See the section on Metabolic syndrome below

Reduced risk of Parkinson's & Alzheimer's

Some studies indicate that people who adhere to the Mediterranean diet have lower rates of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Researchers are unsure why this is the case but they believe that healthy food choices improving cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood vessel health may be the cause.

Reduced risk of Depression

British Researchers studied depression and diet in more than 3,000 middle-aged office workers for five years. Their findings indicated that people who ate a diet high in processed meat, chocolate, sugar, fried food, refined cereals and high-fat dairy products were more likely to suffer depression. But people who ate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish similar to a Mediterranean diet were less likely to suffer depression. Their findings support other research that has found that healthy diets can protect against disease.

Reduced risk of Metabolic syndrome

Many overweight and obese people suffer from a condition called Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions - high blood pressure, a abnormal blood sugar levels, excessive body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels - that occur together. These increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. People on the Mediterranean diet have been found to be less likely to be overweight, thus reducing incidence of this condition.

So, as you can see, adopting a traditional Mediterranean diet has many worthwhile health benefits. It has even been found to reverse many chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, angina and even improving mobility in people who suffer from arthritis. So maybe it's time you tried this delicious, healthy diet!

Julia Bell is a student of nutrition dedicated to helping people overcome obesity. Obesity is the number one health issue of the twenty first century. Learn how to live a healthier life by maintaining healthy weight and exercise habits through her weight loss blog at http://www.bestwaytoloseweight4u.com

For more information on the dietary habits of Mediterranean countries visit Mediterranean Diet

The Flu Versus The Common Cold: What's The Difference?

There are still unanswered questions in the world of medicine. Even everyday diseases like the common cold and the flu, are still under constant scrutiny. The differences between the cold and flu virus are distinct, and simple enough for the average person to identify.

In order to identify either, a little background should be known about them. The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, yet, they attack in different ways. The common cold is caused by rhinoviruses or coronaviruses. These viruses are caused by bacteria and can be assisted by up to 200 different viruses. This is the main reason why the common cold cannot be vaccinated. This may sound bad but, it is a much weaker virus than its counterpart, the flu.

The flu is caused by one virus, influenza. Once influenza enters the body, it duplicates itself, binds the cells, and sends them a message to distribute the virus. The flu can be compared to a football team in a sense. The flu assumes the position of the quarterback in the huddle. The quarterback huddles with the team, in this case the cells, and tells them what plays to run. That is the reason why certain strands the flu could be detected and vaccinated.

The flu is more serious disease because it causes the lungs to swell and weakens the immune system. This makes the body vulnerable to more serious diseases like pneumonia. It can also trigger other illnesses for people who have asthma and diabetes.

Influenza can last a few weeks, while the common cold fizzles out in a few days. Some symptoms of a cold may be a stuffy nose, headache, and minor body aches. When someone has the flu, those symptoms will be intensified and the body will be extremely fatigued,have a high fever, and respiratory congestion. For the common cold, a doctor's visit is not necessary. In contrast, the average flu sufferer may be opened to more serious diseases if a doctor is not visited. The toll the flu takes on the immune system can cause anyone to worry.

Even though antibiotics can be taken in either case, they are not always helpful. Though, antibiotics are known to remedy some of the sub-viruses caught with the common cold, they do not combat the flu or the common cold directly.

The two diseases are extremely different. Hopefully, some insight received on the two viruses by reading this article.

Do You Have Bad Vision? An Optometrist Can Help

The sense of sight holds a very vital position in the life of a person. It enables us to perceive the visual aspects of our everyday activities. So it is very important that our eyesight should always be accurate or at least in a healthy form.

An Optometrist is a healthcare professional whose job is to treat your eyesight errors and maintain proper functioning of your visual capacities.

Nature of work

Optometrist should not be confused with an optician whose ability is of a more primitive nature.

The job of an Optometrist is basically concerned with eyes, visual systems, vision and their related structures. They acquire skills which enable them to prescribe or fit lenses concerned with vision improvement and also they treat various diseases of eyes. They can practice oral medications like antibiotics on patients and can also administer injections. Some can even perform laser surgery. The scope of their practice varies from country to country for example the state Optometry board of Oklahoma even allows certified Optometrists to perform surgery related with anterior segment of eyes.In most cases Optometrists work in coordination with the Ophthalmologists.

They also provide pre and post operative care to patients.

There are numerous jobs available for Optometrists in hospitals, health agencies and they can also establish their own private setups. American Optometry Association can help you with career advice.

Education Requirements

After completing four years of college you have to get admitted in a professional Optometry school where a four years degree of Doctor of Optometry (O.D) program is offered. After that you can specialize in pediatrics (children) or geriatric (elderly) associated fields depending upon your interest. Optometrists who acquire additional experience and education can also move towards teaching or research associated work.

Employment and Salary

In view of the increasing old population and rapid baby- boom generation expenditure it is expected that the demand for Optometrists is likely to increase.The growing number of health care institutions will provide more job opportunities and work for Optometrists. In 2004 the yearly income of Optometrists was estimated to be $ 88,140 including paid vacations and other benefits.

Significant points.

• Graduation from a professional college of optometry and license from state board is required.
• A basic knowledge of Biology, Mathematics and Physics is essential for passing the entrance test.
• If you need more information you can contact American optometry Association.

Scope

• The vision care needs are increasing and so is the requirement of trained eye care professionals so a great increase in employment is expected
• Excellent increase in job opportunities is expected