knee pain exercise

knee pain exercise

Please read the entire Knee Exercises page before attempting the exercises further down the page. If you are experiencing knee pain, ask your doctor or physical therapist what exercises are appropriate.
Exercises Can Prevent Injury
Strengthening the muscles that support the knee with knee exercises is most important in protecting your knees from injury and knee pain.
Weak or fatigued muscles cannot adequately support the knee joint or absorb shock before it gets to the knee and the extra stress placed upon the knee can cause injury to the structures of the knee. Strengthening exercises can make the muscles tight, so follow strength exercises with stretching exercises.
Stretching the muscles that support the knee with knee exercises is also important in preventing injury. Flexible muscles are not as easily injured as tight muscles. Tightness of muscles connected to the knee can also pull the knee out of alignment.
When doing stretching knee exercises, be careful to go slowly and not to overstretch. You do not want to tear a muscle.
You need to increase the duration of your knee exercises gradually to avoid overuse injuries and knee pain. Be patient. You will see results.
Strength must be built up gradually. When muscles, tendons or ligaments are stressed slightly beyond their limits, microscopic tears occur. This is normal, and as these tears heal the muscles actually become bigger, firmer and stronger. These microscopic tears must be given adequate time to heal or chronic problems can develop. Try not to exercise the same muscle groups two days in a row to give your body a chance to recover. Doing strengthening knee exercises three or four times a week is enough. Stretching knee exercises can be done more often.
The goal is to prevent injury and knee pain, not cause it.
Don’t ignore pain. Pain is your body’s way of protecting you from hurting yourself further. It is not unusual to experience mild stiffness and aching of the muscles that lasts up to a day after exercising. But hardly being able to move for a few days after exercising means you have overdone it. It’s difficult to know when to quit when you doing knee exercises. Often, the pain doesn't’ set in until a day or two later. It happens. If it does, you will have a greater understanding of your body’s limitations.
When you have overdone your knee exercises.
Rest is important for inflamed muscles/tendons. Applying ice wrapped in a cloth can help reduce inflammation and pain and speed up healing. See Treatment for Overuse Injuries. Knee pain should be completely gone before fully resuming your knee exercises program, however, lightly exercising the sore muscle may help decrease muscle soreness.
If you are currently experiencing knee pain and/or have a very limited range of motion, or are not sure which knee exercises are safe for you to do, see a physical therapist (physiotherapist). A doctor or physical therapist can assess your condition and give you a customized treatment / exercise plan.
Main Muscle Groups Affecting Knee Stability
Several muscle groups support the knee. The two main muscle groups that control knee movement and stability are the quadriceps and the hamstrings.
THE QUADRICEPS is a four-part powerful muscle that run along the front of the thigh and attach to the front of the shinbone, just below the knee. The quadriceps control the straightening of the knees and movement of the kneecap. The quadriceps is used to extend the leg, and is essential for standing up, walking upstairs, walking uphill, and running.
THE HAMSTRINGS are muscles that run make up the back of the thigh, and attach to the back of the shinbone, just below the knee. The hamstrings are used to bend the knee and are also needed when you are pushing against something.
Other Muscles Affecting Knee Stability
Other muscles that affect knee stability, to a lesser degree than the quadriceps and hamstrings are the calf muscles, the hip abductors located on the outer thigh, and the hip adductors located on the inner thigh. The body functions as a unit (remember - the hip bone's connected to the knee bone) and even muscles not near the knee can contribute to knee stability.
The iliotibial band (fibrous tissue on the outer thigh, extending front the hip to below the knee) also affects knee stability. The glutes (back of hip muscles / buttocks) inserts into the thigh bone and iliotibial band and also help stabilize the knee.
*It is important to do strengthening exercises for all the muscles that support the knee. For example, if you concentrate on strengthening exercises for the quads, and neglect strengthening exercises for the hamstrings a muscle imbalance can be created.
Imbalances in Muscles Supporting the Knee
A physical therapist (physiotherapist) can help determine if you have a muscle imbalance in the muscles supporting the knee and create a personalized exercise program.
Imbalance of the quadriceps is common, especially in women - The quadriceps is divided into 4 divisions. If the inner division if weak, the stronger outer division tends to pull the kneecap toward the outer side of the leg. Tightness of the quads can also pull the knee towards one side so stretching as well as strengthening of muscles that support the knee is important.
In some cases, the quadriceps is significantly stronger than the hamstrings. (The quadriceps should only be about 25% stronger than the hamstrings). This can cause weakness of the knee. If this is the case, concentrating on strengthening exercises for the hamstrings, and stretching exercises for the quadriceps are very helpful.

black hair care tips

black hair care tips

African-Black Hair Care Tips
A healthier lifestyle will result in healthier hair.
Massaging your scalp on a regular basis will stimulate oil production, which will help reduce the dryness of your hair.
Daily shampooing is not recommended, ethnic hair is dryer than other types of hair, shampooing strips away the oils from your hair so try shampooing once every 3 to 7 days instead.
If you engage in daily activities that cause you to sweat, it is recommended that you rinse your hair out with water and only use shampoo on occasion, but if you feel the need to use a mild shampoo, go ahead and do so.
Use a mild moisturizing shampoo with a low PH level when washing your hair.
Don't use a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, use a separate shampoo and conditioner, 2 in 1's aren't suited as well for dry hair.
When washing your hair rub only in one direction to avoid tangling.
Shower with warm water, hot water can dry and/or irritate the scalp.
Oil your scalp after shampooing, with your hair still moist, massage the oil into your scalp and brush out to the ends of your hair.
Use a conditioner when you shower, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle.
Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.
Don't rub your hair dry with a towel, instead blot the water out of your hair, when you rub, it'll cause your hair to tangle and you'll also risk breakage.
Limit your use of "hot" items on your hair such as blow dryers.
Use a wide toothed comb or pick to comb your hair. It makes it easier to comb if your hair is slightly moist so the comb can slide easier across your hair. Using a leave in conditioner will also make your hair easier to comb. If your hair is very wet, wait until it dries more, hair is most fragile when it is wet.
If you encounter a tough knot or tangle use your fingers to loosen it and then continue combing.
Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it, using a brush to detangle your hair will stretch your hair and may cause your hair to break off.
Use a soft boar hairbrush on your hair daily which will distribute the oil at the root of your hair and scalp to the rest of your hair. Dampen the brush slightly before brushing.
Get a hot oil treatment once a month which will remoisturize your scalp and hair.
Hair can get caught on cotton pillow cases and break when you are sleeping especially if you toss and turn a lot when you sleep. Using a satin or silk pillowcase where your hair will make it so that hair will slide across the pillowcase without getting caught.
An alternative to the silk pillowcase is to wear a silk or satin scarf over your hair before your sleep to prevent breakage.
Avoid hair products that contain alcohol which dry out your hair.

malarial fever

malarial fever

About Malaria
Malaria is a common infection in hot, tropical areas but can also occur (very rarely) in temperate climates.
It is caused by any of four single-celled parasites of the Plasmodium species, which are carried by mosquitoes infected from biting someone who already has the disease. Malaria is then transmitted to other people when infected mosquitoes bite them. Rarely, it is passed from person to person (from mother to child in "congenital malaria," or through blood transfusion, organ donation, or shared needles).
Worldwide, 300-500 million people are infected with malaria each year. Most cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 2 million people dying there each year. Malaria is rare in the United States, with only about 1,300 cases reported each year over the last 10 years. Most of these cases occurred in travelers, military personnel, and immigrants who had become infected by malaria parasites outside the United States.
Signs and Symptoms
A child with early symptoms of malaria may be irritable and drowsy, with poor appetite and trouble sleeping. These symptoms are usually followed by chills, then a fever with rapid breathing. The fever may either gradually increase over 1 to 2 days or may rise very suddenly to 105° Fahrenheit (40.6° Celsius) or above. Then, as fever ends and body temperature quickly returns to normal, the child has an intense episode of sweating.
The same pattern of symptoms — chills, fever, sweating — may repeat at intervals of 2 or 3 days, depending on which particular species of malaria parasite is causing the infection. Because the initial symptoms are not specific and can be mistaken for other diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose. In countries where the disease is seen a lot, it's not uncommon for doctors to treat people for malaria who have fever of no obvious cause without getting laboratory confirmation.
Additional Symptoms
Other symptoms of malaria include headache, nausea, aches and pains all over the body (especially the back and abdomen), and an abnormally large spleen. When malaria affects the brain, a child may have convulsions or lose consciousness. If malaria affects the kidneys, the amount of urine produced by the child may be abnormally low. In falciparum malaria, caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, the episode of fever and chills is especially intense, and this variety may be fatal in about 20% of cases.
Once malaria parasites enter the bloodstream, they travel to the liver and multiply. Every few days, thousands of parasites are released from the liver into the blood, where they destroy red blood cells. Some parasites also remain in the liver and continue to multiply, releasing more parasites into the blood every few days.
The incubation period for malaria is the time between the mosquito bite and the release of parasites from the liver. This varies, depending on which malaria parasite is causing the disease. In general, it can range from 10 days to a month.
With treatment, malaria can usually be cured in about 2 weeks. Without treatment, it can be fatal, especially in children who are poorly nourished.
Prevention
Health authorities try to prevent malaria by using mosquito-control programs aimed at killing mosquitoes that carry the disease. If you travel to an area of the world with a high risk for malaria, you can install window screens, use insect repellents, and place mosquito netting over beds. Insecticide-impregnated bed netting has successfully reduced the number of malarial deaths among African children.
Malaria Vaccines
Check with your doctor before visiting any tropical or subtropical area at high risk for malaria. Your doctor can give your family anti-malarial drugs to prevent the disease. Several malaria vaccines are currently being developed and tested across the world, but because the malaria parasite has a complicated life cycle, it is a difficult vaccine to develop.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose malaria by using special blood tests. A blood sample is sent to the laboratory and checked under a microscope for malaria parasites, which may be seen inside infected red blood cells.
Doctors treat malaria with anti-malarial drugs, such as chloroquine or quinine, given by mouth, by injection, or intravenously (into the veins). Depending on the type of parasite causing the malaria, a person can be treated as an outpatient over a few days or may require hospitalization with IV medication. Doctors also watch for signs of dehydration, convulsions, anemia, and other complications that can affect the brain, kidneys, or spleen. The patient may require fluids, blood transfusions, and breathing assistance.
Malaria is a leading cause of death worldwide. If diagnosed early and treated, it can be cured. However, many people who live in areas where malaria is common get repeated infections and never really recover between episodes of illness.

laser eye surgury

laser eye surgury

Since it's development in 1990, LASIK laser eye surgery has successfully improved the vision of millions of people worldwide. The popularity of LASIK can be attributed to the desire of people who want to end their dependency on glasses or contacts and the high success rate of the surgery. Most people who have had LASIK laser eye surgery are satisfied with the outcome and feel that their quality of life improved.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is one of many eye surgery options, but it is the most commonly performed laser vision correction procedure. In simple terms, a flap is cut in the top layer of the eye and folded back so a laser can reshape the surface of the eye and then the flap is put back and the eye heals.
New LASIK Technology
LASIK technology has continued to advance and evolve over the years, with better results and more options. The various options allow more people to qualify as acceptable candidates for refractive eye correction using laser technology. Laser eye surgery advancements and options include custom LASIK using Wavefront technology and blade-free LASIK utilizing an IntraLase laser.
The Cost of LASIK
There is not one "right" price for laser eye surgery. The cost of LASIK will vary as there are many factors which affect treatment, including the choice of surgeon, the equipment and quality of the laser system used, the quality of care given to each patient, vision prescription, and the type of procedures being performed. The price will even vary between geographical areas, with differing regional prices between New York and California.
Choosing a LASIK Doctor
One of the most important decisions is choosing the eye surgeon that will perform the surgery. An experienced and reputable doctor will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. To find a qualified doctor, try to get a recommendation from your primary eye doctor and talk to other people who have had eye surgery. Also, be wary of discount eye centers that offer rates much lower than other doctors - you usually get what you pay for - and you will most likely be sacrificing quality of care and treatment.

Cataract Treatment

Cataract Treatment

The standard cataract surgical procedure is typically performed in either a hospital or in an ambulatory surgery center. The most common form of cataract surgery today is a process called phacoemulsification. With the use of an operating microscope, your surgeon will make a very small incision in the surface of the eye in or near the cornea. A thin ultrasound probe is inserted into the eye that uses ultrasonic vibrations to dissolve (phacoemulsify) the clouded lens. These tiny fragmented pieces are then suctioned out through the same ultrasound probe. Once the cataract is removed, an artificial lens is placed into the same thin capsular bag that the cataract occupied. This intraocular lens is essential to help your eye focus after surgery.
There are three basic techniques for cataract surgery:
* Phacoemulsification: This is the most common form of cataract removal as explained above. In this most modern method, cataract surgery can usually be performed in less than 30 minutes and usually requires only minimal sedation and numbing drops, no stitches to close the wound, and no eye patch after surgery.
* Extracapsular cataract surgery: This procedure is used mainly for very advanced cataracts where the lens is too dense to dissolve into fragments (phacoemulsify) or in facilities that do not have phacoemulsification technology. This technique requires a larger incision so that the cataract can be removed in one piece without being fragmented inside the eye. An artificial lens is placed in the same capsular bag as with the phacoemulsification technique. This surgical technique requires a various number of sutures to close the larger wound, and visual recovery is often slower. Extracapsular cataract extraction usually requires an injection of numbing medication around the eye and an eye patch after surgery.
* Intracapsular cataract surgery: This surgical technique requires an even larger wound than extracapsular surgery, and the surgeon removes the entire lens and the surrounding capsule together. This technique requires the intraocular lens to be placed in a different location, in front of the iris. This method is rarely used today but can be still be useful in cases of significant trauma.

Remedy for Puffy Eyes

Remedy for Puffy Eyes

Two cool cucumber slices placed over your eyelids can constrict blood vessels because of their astringent properties. Lean head back and rest cucumbers on eyes and relax while they do their work.
Mix one teaspoon of salt in a pint of hot water; apply pads soaked in the saline solution on the puffy areas.
Two moistened caffeine tea bags will work the same way by reducing puffiness because caffeine constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling.
Try taking a few egg whites, stiffly beaten, with a drop of witch hazel and apply with a brush under the eyes to make the skin feel tighter and look less puffy.
A few egg whites, stiffly beaten, and applied with a brush to the face and under the eyes will make the skin feel tighter and look less puffy. Add a drop or two of witch hazel which also reduces swelling and will keep the egg whites from drying to rapidly.
Home remedies to get rid of puffy eyes.
You may also try increasing the amount of essential fatty acids in your diet, particularly those from flax seed oil and fish oils. Essential fatty acids can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, so it makes sense that supplementation may help reduce under eye puffiness as well.
Rinse your face in cold water when you wake up or when puffy eyes attack anytime of the day to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. This a great energizer.
Lie down for 15 minutes, preferably in a quiet room, with either a slice of raw potato or cucumber over your eyes, or cotton wool pads soaked in witch hazel (which reduces swelling) or iced water. Your eyes will sparkle and any puffiness will magically disappear!
Making sure you are drinking enough water will also reduce eye puffiness. When a person is dehydrated the body starts storing water as a defense system and this will add to puffiness around the eyes.
Some more remedies for puffy eyes
Take about 20 leaves of 'Afmod', boil them in water and allow them to cool down. Then strain them and after chilling them apply it on your eyes. This will help in diluting the color of your eyes.
Black rings Around the Eyes: If it is due to anemia, get your blood checked. At times due to poor digestion, lack of clean ambience, eating lot of starch and sugar apart from drinking excessive alcohol, cause this problem. You must have a lot of those vegetables which are rich in vitamin 'A'. Washing your eyes with chilled rose water, henna-water and the concoction of 'alder' flowers remove these dark rings. In case the 'alder flowers' be not available, you can replace them with rose flowers. Wash your eyes repeatedly with cold concoction thus prepared. This treatment will also help.

Treatment of Acne

Treatment of Acne

The key to getting rid of acne lesions and preventing new ones from forming lies in knowing that:
*Resolution takes time.
*What works for one person may not work for another.
*A dermatologist’s help may be required.
Resolution takes time.
Treatments that promise “fast,” miraculous” or “overnight” results often capture the attention of acne sufferers hoping for quick resolution. However, the fact remains that acne does not clear overnight. On average, 6 to 8 weeks are needed to see initial results. Once acne significantly improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from re-appearing. If acne does not improve in 6 to 8 weeks, treatment may need to be adjusted as not every acne treatment clears every case of acne.
What works for one person may not work for another.
What is an appropriate treatment for one person may not clear another’s acne because many factors affect resolution, including the cause(s) of the acne, a person’s skin type and the kind of acne lesions present.
A dermatologist’s help may be required.
With so many factors affecting clearance and a multitude of treatment options available (some only by prescription), a dermatologist’s help can make a difference. Before prescribing treatment, dermatologists consider several factors, including the severity of the acne, types of lesions present, co-existing conditions, as well as the patient’s age, skin type, lifestyle and motivation.
The knowledge gained from considering these factors allows dermatologists to create effective individualized therapy that will resolve the patient’s acne over time and prevent new lesions from forming.
Sometimes a dermatologist may combine two or more treatment options. A patient may be instructed to use one medication in the morning and the other at night. Or, two medications may be combined in one prescription medication. Due to possible side effects, over-the-counter medications should not be combined unless directed by a dermatologist or other medical practitioner.
Acne responds especially well to early treatment. Dermatologists recommend that acne be treated early to maximize effectiveness as well as help prevent scarring.

Benefits of Jogging

Benefits of Jogging

Jogging is one of the finest exercise programs, as it yields a lot of benefits. You can do it independently and it helps you build a good physique by stimulating your heart rate, relieving stress, toning your muscles and also prevents a number of aging problems. It increases your energy level and it brings a sense of discipline and is more result oriented than any other type of workout. It helps burn calories and stay fit.
There are a few disadvantages that jogging yields such as muscle or joint strains and injuries. It is advisable to meet a physician before beginning this workout. Firstly, you need to confirm if you have any other health problem that could cause you physical stress if you exercise too hard. It is really necessary to get a medical clearance if you are overweight, or have a family history of blood pressure and heart problems or if you are above the age of 60.
When you start jogging, follow a regular guideline. At the start do a warm up exercise, light stretching and determine a pace that is most comfortable for you. You can gradually increase your speed. Do not hunch your body and swing your arms naturally. Do not let them strain. When you happen to mount a hill lean slightly.
To avoid injuries increase your activity for only 1-2 minutes per day. After several weeks, review your progress and then increase or decrease the activity accordingly.
Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne.

Tips For Weight Lifting

Tips For Weight Lifting
Weight Lifting Tip 1

I hear so often about many workouts of people and thought I'd share mine. It has been great for me these last two months. I gained 10 lbs, lost 2% body fat and gained 1 inch + to every major muscle group. I'm a believer in a 3 day week. Working out M-TH, taking 3 days off. Monday is chest and shoulders, Tris day. This day involves, flat bench, followed by dumbell press, then hit incline, then flyes. Finish off with some pushups and dip. Next is shoulders- start with lateral raises, then shoulder twist with flex (awesome workout). Do some shoulder press, followed by reverse flys. Last is tris (my fav). Hit some pushdowns to start with, then go with nose breakers, and close grip bench press. Kickbacks add a nice touch, finishing with more pushdowns. You'll feel it the next day
Next day...Bis and Back.
Start with shrugs (barbell), then hit seated rows, followed by lat pulldowns, both machine and chinups, last, hit some bent over rows. For bis, I recommend the ez-curl bar standing, then do some preachers, followed by concentration curls and curls on the incline bench. Finish off with some hammer curls.
Last day is legs
I like to hit squats, lunges, hamstring curls, calf raises.
Remember proper form is crucial on all exercises, and a proper diet must be followed. I dont give my reps or sets, as I believe that is a personal thing that each person does on their own. Its my secret to success :) . Also, abs and stretching everyday

Weight Lifting Tip 2

I am gearing up for my first bodybuilding competition, and I had a problem with the width and definition of my Lats and other parts of my back. I have been seeing instantaneous results from first making sure I rotate a rowing motion with a pull-down motion. I have also seen results by burning out my back on my last set by super-setting 3 or 4 exercises of cables with 3 or 4 sets. For example, I will start on pulley rows, then move to the pec-deck machine and work my rear delts, then move to cable pull-downs and do negatives. I restI between 60 seconds and 120 seconds Each time I always do 10-20 reps on each exercise. This really gives me a great burn.
David Bogan

Weight Lifting Tip 2

Try this for your triceps - 3 sets of Lying Tricep Extensions adding 10 lbs. each set with a cambered bar do 12,10,& 8 reps. Next, 3 sets of Cable Pushdowns adding 1 plate each set for approximately 12,10,& 8 reps. Finish the tricep torture with Weighted Bench Dips for again 3 sets. Using the plate of your choice on the first set. And add the same size plate each successive set, I personally use 45 pounders. Again shooting for the same number of reps as on the other movements. You either wish that you never read this or you will absolutely love me. Enjoy!
Robert Jones

Excessive Gas

Excessive Gas

Gastrointestinal (GI) gas comes in two forms, that from the upper GI tract and that from the lower GI tract. Though the gases from each location are different in chemical composition, the path gas takes through the GI tract is really one of a continuum, being modified by the gut and bowel flora along the way. Only occasionally does excessive gas indicate significant disease, usually in clinically apparent scenarios. Most of the time it is associated with benign conditions.
Stomach gas usually arises from swallowing air during eating, particularly while eating quickly or gulping. Chewing gum and smoking can also increase stomach gas. The composition is mostly N2 and O2, the composition of air. Stomach gas may pass retrograde through the esophagus and mouth, leading to a belch or eructation. Alternatively it may pass into the small intestine, where gut bacteria begin to exert effects on nutrients as well as the gas itself. This changes the chemical composition of the gas.
In the small and large bowel, CO2, H2, and methane, in addition to N2 and O2, become the major constituents of intestinal gas. These arise from digestion of nutrients, bacterial fermentation of gut contents, and other chemical reactions that occur in the bowel lumen. These gases do not possess odor. The odor of flatus comes from components in much lesser concentrations, such as sulfur containing compounds, short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, and others.
Most of the time, excessive gas is related to dietary practices and specific foods. In certain situations flatus may be related to antibiotics, which alter the balance of bowel flora, malabsorption syndromes, bowel obstruction and bacterial overgrowth, other bowel infections, motility disorders, and psychiatric conditions. Abdominal distension is a common co-complaint of excessive gas even though studies indicate the amounts of intestinal gas are similar in those that do and do not complain of associated distension.
History
Determine the dietary practices of the patient:
* What foods are commonly eaten and which seem to be associated with excessive gas?
* How rapidly are meals eaten?
* Does the patient gulp food?
* Does the patient smoke or chew gum regularly?
* Is there associated acid reflux or emesis, indicating possible GERD or motility problems?
* In those patients who are lactose intolerant, dairy products often lead to exacerbation of symptoms along with abdominal cramping and bloating. A
* ssess for the possibility of malabsorption and/or inflammatory bowel disease.
* Are there abnormal bowel movements, foul or greasy stools that are difficult to flush, bloody bowel movements, weight loss, fevers, night sweats?
Ask about previous bowel procedures or surgeries:
* Could obstruction or adhesions be present?
What medications is the patient taking and are any associated with increased gas production?
Ask about camping in the past and drink mountain water since Giardia infections may present with excessive gas.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition of unclear etiology characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without organic cause
Physical Exam
Examine the abdomen and assess for bowel sounds, areas of tenderness, and mass lesions. If indicated, do an anal exam looking for fissures or fistulas indicative of Crohn’s disease. Assess the psychiatric state of the patient for the possibility of anxiety or depression.
Labs and Other Tests
If available and warranted, consider stool studies for occult blood, stool culture, fecal leukocytes, ova and parasites, or fecal fat (often present in malabsorption or pancreatic insufficiency) as indicated. If considering bowel obstruction, a flat and upright KUB is warranted.
Plan
Tailor treatment to the suspected cause.
* Encourage patients that gulp their food to slow down.
* Discontinue foods or drinks that aggravate symptoms as well as chewing gum and smoking.
* Simethicone is a popular treatment of excessive gas and bloating though it has not been proven to be of benefit.
* Lactose restriction or ingestion of lactase often provides benefit for lactose-intolerant persons.
* If acid reflux is present, consider antacids or H2-blockers.
* Consider discontinuing offending medications.
* If bacterial overgrowth or Giardia infection is suspected, a 2 week course of metronidazole can be tried.
* If inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption is suspected, a discussion with a gastroenterologist is indicated since the definitive diagnosis of these conditions involves endoscopy.
* Bowel obstruction should be discussed with a gastroenterologist or general surgeon with plans for possible medevac. If bowel obstruction is present, bowel decompression with a nasogastric tube should be performed.
* If anxiety, depression, or irritable bowel syndrome is the etiology, then reassurance, education, and other counseling are appropriate.
* In addition to dietary modification and behavioral therapy, several medical treatments have been used for irritable bowel syndrome including bulking agents, anti-cholinergic agents (dicyclomine, hyoscyamine), and anti-depressants.
This section provided by LT Arthur S. Pemberton, MC, USNR
Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited.
The listing of any non-Federal product in this CD is not an endorsement of the product itself, but simply an acknowledgement of the source.

Low Libido in Women

Low Libido in Women

Low libido is more common in women than in men. In fact, over 40 percent of the women complain of lack of sex drive whereas men who suffer with sexual dysfunction are about 30 percent. But where does this difference come from? Why is this problem more common in women than in men?
The reason is that female libido is much more complex than male libido. While male libido is mainly physically rooted, female sex drive can be influenced by a number of factors both physical and emotional.
Fortunately for both genders, there are ways to treat this problem – men suffering with sexual dysfunction can take drugs like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, or natural male enhancement pills like ProSolution; and women complaining of low libido can take natural libido enhancement pills like HerSolution.
Causes of Low Libido in Women
A great variety of physical factors can cause women’s libido to diminish – illnesses, medications, physical changes, etc.
Physical causes:
* Illnesses.
A lot of illnesses can lead to low libido, such as kidney disease, neurological diseases, coronary artery disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, etc.
* Medications.
Many prescription medications are known to influence negatively sex drive, such as blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, chemotherapy drugs, etc.
* Alcohol and drug abuse.
Too much alcohol or taking street drugs can kill your libido.
* Obesity or Anorexia.
Women who are medically obese or suffer from anorexia (or are severely underweight) may be deficient in certain sex hormones and experience lack of sexual interest.
* Surgery.
Surgeries related to breasts or genitals can affect desire for sex.
* Fatigue.
Exhaustion can really suppress any interest in sex.
* Pain or discomfort during sex.
If a woman experiences pain during sex (dyspareunia) or is unable to achieve orgasm (anorgasmia), this may kill her desire for sex.
* Hormone changes.
Changes in hormone levels also change libido. This is particularly true for certain periods in a woman’s life:
o Pregnancy.
o Childbirth.
o Breast-feeding.
o Perimenopause and menopause.
Psychological causes:
* Depression.
* Stress.
* Anxiety.
* Poor body image and/or low self-esteem.
* Relationship issues.
* Past or current physical or emotional abuse.
* History of sexual abuse or rape.
* Latent lesbianism.
Whatever the cause of low libido is, the solution that has so far turned out to be most effective in enhancing women’s libido is herbal enhancement pills.

Treat Depression

Treat Depression

Introduction
This information will help you understand your choices, whether you choose to share in the decision-making process or to rely on your health professional's recommendation.
Key points in making your decision
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to take medications to treat depression, including the severity of the condition, whether you are taking medications for other medical conditions, and your feelings about taking medication. Consider the following when making your decision:
* If your symptoms are mild and not recurring, you can try lifestyle changes and professional counseling alone to reduce symptoms or resolve depression.
* Significant stress or changes in your life (such as divorce or being laid off from your job) can trigger depression (as opposed to temporary feelings of sadness or grief). See how to assess whether you might have depression.
* If you need medications to treat depression, you don't need to be ashamed about taking them. Depression is a medical condition, not a character flaw or weakness. The medications will not alter your personality.
* You can improve the quality of your life and your physical health by taking medications. Untreated depression has been linked to the development of other diseases such as stroke and coronary artery disease.
* If your condition gets worse while you are receiving professional counseling alone, medications can be added to your treatment. Adding medications to professional counseling for severe depression works better than counseling alone.
Medical Information
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes symptoms such as low energy, prolonged sadness or irritability, and lack of interest in daily activities. It is thought to be a result of chemical imbalance and may be triggered by certain environmental, genetic, or medical conditions.
Am I depressed?
The symptoms of depression include a loss of interest in daily activities or feeling sadness or hopelessness and at least four of the following symptoms:
* A change in eating patterns that causes either weight gain or weight loss
* Sleeping too much or not enough
* Feeling restless and unable to sit still or feeling that moving takes a great effort
* Feeling tired all the time
* Feeling unworthy or guilty without an obvious reason
* Having problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
* Thinking often about death or suicide
Am I depressed enough to take medications?
See how to assess whether you might have depression. It is possible that you have adapted to your ongoing symptoms of depression and may not realize that the quality of your life could be significantly better.
Will I have to take medication for the rest of my life?
Continuing to take medication after recovery reduces your risk of a recurrence of symptoms (relapse). 1 About half of those who experience one episode of depression will experience a relapse. Taking your medicine for at least 6 months after you feel better can help keep you from getting depressed again. If this is not the first time you have been depressed, your doctor may want you to take these medicines even longer. Medications must be tapered off and not stopped abruptly.
Will taking antidepressant medication change my personality?
Antidepressants can change how you feel and respond in certain situations, but they do not change who you are. You may feel more relaxed, more social, more assertive, or more outgoing when taking an antidepressant. Research indicates that these effects may be caused not only by the relief of depression but also by the direct effect of antidepressant drugs on brain chemistry.
What to expect if you do take medications to treat depression
If you have depression, determining the severity of your symptoms and how much they interfere with your daily living can help you decide whether to take medications. Antidepressants can help balance the chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) and reduce the intensity of your depressive symptoms.
You may start to feel better within 1 to 3 weeks of taking antidepressant medicine. But it can take as many as 6 to 8 weeks to see more improvement. If you have questions or concerns about your medicines, or if you do not notice any improvement by 3 weeks, talk to your doctor.
It is important to remember that people respond differently to antidepressant medications, and the first medication you try may or may not be effective in relieving your symptoms of depression. If the medication is not effective after several weeks, you may need to try another antidepressant.
Although medications have potential side effects, these side effects are usually temporary and go away within the first few weeks of therapy. If your depressive symptoms are worse than the possible side effects of the medications, you may benefit from taking medications to treat depression. Common side effects include:
* Nausea, loss of appetite, or diarrhea.
* Anxiety or irritability.
* Problems sleeping, or drowsiness.
* Loss of sexual desire or ability.
* Headaches or dizziness.
What to expect if you do not take medications to treat depression
If you determine that your symptoms are not interfering with your daily living and that your symptoms are less bothersome than the side effects of the medications, you may decide against taking medications to treat your depression. However, you should seek other treatment for depression, such as professional counseling. Untreated depression may get worse.
If you do not take medications to treat depression, continuing to monitor how much your symptoms interrupt your life and the lives of those around you can be helpful in your treatment. Professional counseling can help you deal with immediate problems and learn ways to better cope with future issues. Some people are able to overcome mild and sometimes moderate depression by seeking treatment other than medication.

Diet For Depression

Diet For Depression

Trying to find a diet to ease depression? Unfortunately, there’s no specific diet that works for depression. No studies have been done that indicate a particular eating plan can ease symptoms of clinical depression.
Still, while certain diets or foods may not ease depression (or put you instantly in a better mood), they may help as part of an overall treatment for depression. There's more and more research indicating that, in some ways, food and mood are connected.
How can my diet affect my depression?
Dietary changes can bring about changes in your brain structure, both chemically and physiologically. Those changes can improve mood and mental outlook. Here are 10 tips for eating if you or a loved one is recovering from clinical depression.
1. Eat a diet high in nutrients
Nutrients in foods support the body's repair, growth, and wellness. Nutrients we all need include vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and even a small amount of fat. A deficiency in any of these nutrients lead to our bodies not working at full capacity – and can even cause illness.
2. Fill your plate with essential antioxidants
Damaging molecules called free radicals are produced in our bodies during normal body functions – and these free radicals contribute to aging and dysfunction. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E combat the effects of free radicals. Antioxidants have been shown to tie up these free radicals and take away their destructive power.
Studies show that the brain is particularly at risk for free radical damage. Although there’s no way to stop free radicals completely, we can reduce their destructive effect on the body by eating foods high in powerful antioxidants, including:
* Sources of beta-carotene: apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, collards, peaches, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato.
* Sources of vitamin C: blueberries, broccoli, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, peppers, potatoes, strawberries, tomato.
* Sources of vitamin E: margarine, nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, wheat germ.
3. Eat “smart” carbs for a calming effect
The connection between carbohydrates and mood is linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin. We know that eating foods high in carbohydrates (breads, cereal, pasta) raises the level of serotonin in the brain. When serotonin levels rise, we feel a calming effect with less anxiety.
So don’t shun carbs – just make smart choices. Limit sugary foods and opt for smart carbs, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which all contribute healthy carbs as well as fiber.
4. Eat protein-rich foods to boost alertness
Foods rich in protein, like turkey, tuna, or chicken, are rich in an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine boosts levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This boost helps you feel alert and makes it easier to concentrate. Try to include a protein source in your diet several times a day, especially when you need to clear your mind and boost your energy.

Toothache Remedy

Toothache Remedy

1. Cloves in Toothache: Chew cloves or rub clove oil on the tooth. Chew a clove slowly with the aching tooth to release its juice and leave there for half an hour. Repeat 2-3 times. When applying clove oil you should be careful because too much of it can damage your teeth. Your pharmacist can give you a safe clove oil for your teeth.
2. Salt water gargle recipe for sore tooth: Mix 1 tablespoon of common salt with 1 cup of warm water. Take a mouthful of this water and move it around the aching tooth. Salt is an excellent astringent. so salt water disinfects the tooth. You can do gargle with this water to act as a salt water sore throat remedy. It is a good idea to do salt-water gargle in the morning and evening to prevent sore tooth and throat.
3. Garlic in Toothache: Peel and crush a clove of fresh garlic and mix it with peanut butter. Apply it to the aching tooth and keep it there for 5 minutes.
You can also use the garlic oil. Crush a clove of a garlic and wrap with a small piece of gauze and press hard until garlic releases its oil. Place the gauze on the tooth that is hurting for five minutes. Any longer and the garlic will burn the skin on inside of your mouth. Repeat 3-4 times with a gap of an hour.
4. Ice in Toothpain: It is best to numb the nerves in your tooth by using ice or ice pack to stop the pain. Just wrap 4-5 ice cubes in a towel (or take a ice pack) and place it on your face over the side of paining tooth.
5. Add some lime juice to asafetida (hing) spice powder. Soak a piece of cotton and hold it on the tooth and gum.
6. Burn some turmeric (haldi) spice sticks, make a fine powder and use as toothpowder.
7. Chew a ginger piece slowly with the aching tooth/teeth to release its juice and leave there for half an hour. Repeat 2-3 times.
8. Take a papaya leaf stick, scrape the bark, then sqeeze the juice out into the paining tooth. Repeat 2-3 times. After some time, the pain should disappear.
9. Drink the juice of 2-3 star fruit twice a day to get relief from the tooth pain.
10. Boil 5 gram of peppermint and a pinch of salt in 1 cup of water. Drink it to relieve toothache and other pains. You can use peppermint mouthwash.
11. Pour a few drops of Vanilla extract on the paining tooth.
12. Pour a few drops oil of oregano on the paining tooth or gum.
13. Gargle with a mouthwash.
14. Soak a cotton ball with 100 proof whiskey and place it on the tooth that is paining. Leave it there until all the whiskey comes out.
15. To use this treatment, take one real Crush one aspirin tablet and put the powder directly on the affected tooth for half an hour.
Helpful in Toothache
1. Do not put anything like a toothpick inside your tooth while it is paining.
2. Do not eat any sweets/desserts when your tooth is aching.
3. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or salt water frequently to kill the bacteria inside your mouth.
4. Heat can make a toothache feel better but do not apply a heat pad if the tooth is infected. It may spread the bacteria causing the increase in pain and result in a swollen face.
5. If you have a fever, go to your dentist as soon as possible.

Toothache

Toothache

Toothache home remedies is a commonly sought after information because tooth ache is a very common problem and can occur without a warning. Teeth are an amazing balance of form and function, aesthetic beauty and engineering. Good teeth are an important part of one's health and appearance.
Symptoms of Toothache
Toothache symptoms
A toothache may be sharp, throbbing, shooting, or constant. If the tooth is not properly treated, it will eventually have to be extracted.
Causes of Toothache
Toothache Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet
Tooth decay, consumption of soft drinks, refined carbohydrates and sugar
The main cause of toothache is tooth decay, which results from a faulty diet. Perhaps the greatest curse and cause of tooth decay is the consumption of candy, soft drinks, pastries, refined carbohydrates and sugar in all forms. Bacteria in the mouth breaks sugar down into acids, which combine with the calcium in the enamel to cause decay or erosion.
Home Remedies for Toothache
Toothache home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers
Remedies for Tooth ache using Garlic
Among the most effective home remedies for toothache is garlic. A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth. It will relieve the pain and, sometimes, may even cure it. A clove should also be chewed daily in the morning. It will make the cure teeth making it strong and healthy.
Toothache relief using Onion
Latest research has confirmed the bactericidal properties of onion. If a person consumes one raw onion every day by thorough mastication, he will be protected from host of tooth disorders. Chewing raw onion for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.
Remedies for Tooth ache using Lime
Lime, as a rich source of vitamin C, is useful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, and bleeding of the gums
Toothache cure using Wheat Grass
The juice of wheat grass acts as an excellent mouthwash for tooth decay and cures toothaches. Wheat grass can be chewed with beneficial results. It draws out toxins from the gums and thus checks bacterial growth.
Toothache cure using Asafoetida
The use of asafoetida has been found useful in curing toothache. It should be pestled in lemon Juice and slightly heated. A cotton swab should be soaked in this lotion and placed in the cavity of the tooth. It will relieve pain quickly.
Toothache relief using Bay Berry
A paste of the bark of bay berry should be made with vinegar. This paste, applied on the affected tooth, will relieve the toothache. It can also be applied beneficially on the gums for strengthening them.
Toothache home remedy using Clove
Another home remedy for toothache is in the use of clove, which reduces pain. It also helps decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. Clove oil, applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also relieves toothache.
Remedies for Toothache using Pepper
A mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt is an excellent dentrifice. Its daily use prevents dental cavities, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches. It cures the increased sensitiveness of the teeth. A pinch of pepper powder mixed with clove oil can be put on the cavities to alleviate the toothache.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening

After years of grinding, chomping, and chewing, your once-pearly whites may have seen better days. The gloss of lustrous white enamel has faded, exposing the natural yellow layer beneath. Add to that a lifetime's worth of pigments from coffee, tea, red wine, and soda that have gotten lodged in tiny cracks in your teeth. The result: that unattractive yellowish-brown tint that's made tooth whitening one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the United States.
Nearly all cosmetic dentists offer whitening treatments and the number of procedures they perform has jumped about 50 percent each year since 2005, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. More people are also turning to cosmetic enhancements beyond whitening, such as bonding and veneers, which can improve both the function and appearance of crooked, chipped, or worn-down teeth.
Cosmetic options abound. To decide which may be right for you, experts say, see a dentist for an evaluation.
WHITENING TOOTHPASTES. Supermarkets and pharmacies offer a dizzying array of whitening pastes for less than $10 a tube. Crest alone boasts seven varieties of toothpaste whiteners. Colgate has eight. And that's not even counting the number of different flavors (Caribbean cool, anyone?), gels, baking sodas, and 2-in-1 paste/mouthwashes that promise to brighten your smile. But do they really work?
It depends on the active ingredient," says Laura Kelly, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Only some brands contain a peroxide, and those that do have very low concentrations--usually 1 to 2 percent. That's enough to remove surface stains and give teeth a good outer cleaning but not enough to make tooth shades whiter. "They're more effective at maintaining your shine after you've undergone stronger in-office or at-home whitening treatments," says Kenton Ross, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry.
OVER-THE-COUNTER WHITENING PRODUCTS. The best-known OTC whiteners are strips--thin, cellophane-like tape that adheres directly to the teeth--and gel-filled trays, both falling in the $15-to-$50 range. The bleaching agent in these products can cause irritation or blotching if it comes in contact with the lips or gums, says Ross. To minimize that problem, manufacturers keep peroxide concentrations low, which means you should expect relatively slow, modest results.
IN-OFFICE WHITENING. You'll fetch the most dramatic improvement in the shortest time with bleaching procedures done at a dentist's office. But convenience and results come at a price--often between $500 and $1,000 and even more in major metropolitan areas.
Some products, including Zoom and BriteSmile, make use of a high-intensity blue light or laser that purportedly activates the highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution and speeds up the process, but it's debatable whether such flashy extras make a difference.
With minimal home follow-up care, in-office bleaching can last for up to five years. However, teeth are vulnerable to re-staining shortly after the procedure.
AT-HOME WHITENING. Those looking for in-office results at a lower price can use a dentist-supervised "at-home" treatment. Patients get a custom-fit tray and a whitening gel that's about a third as strong as the solutions used in offices.
Most at-home kits need to be worn once or twice a day, about an hour each time, and up to two weeks," says Ross. Costing $200 to $400, the kits work as well as or better than in-office treatments, according to Matis. In studies, he has found that at-home treatments outperform all tested in-office products.
The most common side effect of all whitening treatments--tooth sensitivity--will usually resolve within a day or two, says Ross. In rare instances, the discomfort can cause a dentist to cut short a treatment.
BONDING. Made of a pliable composite resin that hardens in place, bonding is a good option for small repairs like fixing chipped teeth, whitening a single tooth, closing gaps, or creating a straighter appearance. The bonding material, says Kelly, will "match the exact color shade of your tooth, blending into the natural structure." Because it's typically meant for touch-up jobs, it tends to cost less between $300 and $600 per tooth--than other cosmetic options, like crowns, bridges, and veneers. And unlike veneers, bonding is often covered by insurance, especially if it corrects a structural, rather than merely cosmetic, problem. But just as teeth can stain, so can bonding material.
VENEERS. Extreme cases of discoloration, or misaligned or worn-down teeth, may warrant veneers instead of whitening, crowns, or bonding. Usually made of porcelain, veneers are designed to mimic the bright white enamel and shape of healthy teeth and are cemented directly onto the surface of the teeth. They're more expensive than most other cosmetic options, costing $700 to more than $2,000 a tooth, but they last for decades with very little upkeep. And because they come with a stain-resistant coating, veneers, at least, will stay white forever.

Chest Pain

Chest Pain

Few symptoms are more alarming than chest pain. In the minds of many people, chest pain equals heart pain. And while many other conditions can cause chest pain, cardiac disease is so common – and so dangerous that the symptom of chest pain should never be dismissed out of hand as being insignificant.
The purpose of this article is to help you understand chest pain – what it feels like, what might be causing it, how it should be evaluated, and when to treat it as an emergency.
What is chest pain?
Chest pain” is an imprecise term. It is often used to describe any pain, pressure, squeezing, choking, numbness or any other discomfort in the chest, neck, or upper abdomen, and is often associated with pain in the jaw, head, or arms. It can last from less than a second to days or weeks, can occur frequently or rarely, and can occur sporadically or predictably. With such a broad definition, you can see why the term “chest pain” is itself of little help to doctors.
It is important to keep in mind that chest pain is merely a symptom, not a diagnosis. And because it can be a symptom of anything from a catastrophic to a trivial medical problem, when a person experiences chest pain it is important to try to characterize that pain as rapidly as possible as being either completely benign, or possibly significant.
What medical problems cause chest pain?
Chest pain is merely a symptom, not a diagnosis. Many medical problems can cause chest pain, and before the chest pain can be adequately treated, the actual underlying cause needs to be identified. The following is a list of the more common causes of chest pain, roughly in order of the frequency in which they are seen in the emergency room.

Causes of Chest Pain

Causes of Chest Pain

Chest pain has many possible causes, all of which deserve medical attention. The causes of chest pain fall into two major categories cardiac and noncardiac causes.
Cardiac causes
Heart attack. A heart attack is a result of a blood clot that's blocking blood flow to your heart muscle.
Angina. Atherosclerotic plaques, containing cholesterol and other substances, can build up in the arteries that carry blood to your heart, narrowing them and temporarily restricting blood flow to your heart, especially during times of exertion. Restricted blood flow to your heart can cause recurrent episodes of chest pain — angina pectoris, or angina (pronounced an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh).
Other cardiac causes. Other problems that can cause chest pain include inflammation of the sac surrounding your heart (pericarditis), a short-lived condition often related to a viral infection.
A rare, life-threatening condition called aortic dissection involves the main artery leading from your heart your aorta. If the inner layers of this blood vessel separate, forcing blood flow between them, the result is sudden and tearing chest and back pain. Aortic dissection can result from a sharp blow to your chest or develop as a complication of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Coronary spasm, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, can cause varying degrees of chest discomfort. In coronary spasm, coronary arteries — arteries that supply blood to the heart — go into spasm, temporarily closing down blood flow to the heart. Spasm of the coronary arteries may occur spontaneously or be triggered by a stimulant, such as nicotine or caffeine. Coronary artery spasm, which tends to cause episodes of chest pain, can occur with activity or at rest. It may coexist with coronary artery disease — a buildup of plaques in the coronary arteries.
Other possible heart-related conditions that can cause chest pain are metabolic syndrome and endothelial dysfunction.
Noncardiac causes
Many conditions unrelated to your heart can cause chest pain. These include:
Heartburn. Stomach acid that washes up from your stomach into the tube (esophagus) that runs from your throat to your stomach can cause heartburn — a painful, burning sensation behind your breastbone (sternum).
Panic attack. If you experience periods of intense fear accompanied by chest pain, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), profuse sweating and shortness of breath, you may be experiencing a panic attack — a form of anxiety.
Pleurisy. This sharp, localized chest pain that's made worse when you inhale or cough occurs when the membrane that lines your chest cavity and covers your lungs becomes inflamed. Pleurisy may result from a wide variety of underlying conditions, including pneumonia and, rarely, autoimmune conditions, such as lupus. An autoimmune disease is one in which your body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
Costochondritis. In this condition — also known as Tietze's syndrome — the cartilage of your rib cage, particularly the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone, becomes inflamed. The result is chest pain when you push on your sternum or on the ribs near your sternum.
Pulmonary embolism. This cause of chest pain occurs when a blood clot becomes lodged in a lung (pulmonary) artery, blocking blood flow to lung tissue. It's rare for this life-threatening condition to occur without preceding risk factors, such as recent surgery or immobilization.
Other lung conditions. A collapsed lung (pneumothorax), high blood pressure in the arteries carrying blood to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) and asthma also can produce chest pain.
Sore muscles. Chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia, can produce persistent muscle-related chest pain.
Injured ribs or pinched nerves. A bruised or broken rib, as well as a pinched nerve, can cause chest pain.
Swallowing disorders. Disorders of the esophagus, the tube that runs from your throat to your stomach, can make swallowing difficult and even painful. One type is esophageal spasm, a condition that affects a small group of people with chest pain. When people with this condition swallow, the muscles that normally move food down the esophagus are uncoordinated. This results in painful muscle spasms.
Another swallowing disorder that also affects a small group of people with chest pain is achalasia (ak-uh-LA-zhuh). In this condition, the valve in the lower esophagus doesn't open properly to allow food to enter your stomach. Instead, food backs up into the esophagus, causing pain.
Shingles. This infection of the nerves caused by the chickenpox virus can produce pain and a band of blisters from your back around to your chest wall.
Gallbladder or pancreas problems. Gallstones or inflammation of your gallbladder (cholecystitis) or pancreas can cause acute abdominal pain that radiates to your chest.
Cancer. Rarely, cancer involving the chest or cancer that has spread from another part of the body can cause chest pain.

Blood Cancer Treatment

Blood Cancer Treatment

Treating Leukemia, or blood cancer, requires a specialist, like Dr. Delong Liu, M.D. PhD, at Westchester Oncology and Hematology Group.
Coming from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Mt. Sinai Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where Dr. Liu developed broad expertise in the management of leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, and bone marrow transplantation. Dr. Liu is an attending physician at Westchester Medical Center and Chief of Hematology at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center.
Dr. Liu's extensive research experience has made him a pioneer in a novel mini-transplant chemotherapy regimen designed to decrease side effects. Dr. Liu has extensive experience as principal investigator for a variety of clinical trials in leukemia, bone marrow transplantation, and alloimmunotherapy for renal cell cancer and selected solid tumors. In addition, he is in the forefront in the development in groundbreaking laboratory techniques to study blood stem cells, dendritic cells and lymphocytes.
Westchester Oncology and Hematology Group (WOHG) is a completely board-certified medical center. WOHG has been treating cancer patients for 25 years at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, which is New York Medical College's university hospital. Most of WOHG's clients are outpatients, which is why all of three of its offices are located near other medical services, so you won't have the hassle of driving all over town to get laboratory tests, medical consultations, and other diagnostics. In addition, their offices are relaxed and comfortable, with soothing waiting areas, expansive examination rooms, laboratory facilities, and specialized treatment suites for your therapy.
Don't wait to get the treatment you deserve. If you or a loved one need treatment for blood cancer, give Westchester Oncology and Hematology a call, today.

Blood Cancers

Blood Cancers Overview

The major forms of blood cancer are lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma. These cancers are formed either in the bone marrow or the lymphatic tissues of the body. They affect the way your body makes blood and provides immunity from other diseases.
Overall survival rates for people with blood cancer have doubled in the past 30 years because of more effective radiation and chemotherapy treatments. In 1960, only 4% of children diagnosed with childhood leukemia survived. Today, 79% are expected to live if they receive the best treatment available. Still, leukemia is the leading cause of death by disease in children.
Adults are more likely than children to get blood cancer, since the risk increases with age. It is estimated that about 138,000 Americans will be diagnosed in 2008 with one of the blood cancers, and about 53,000 will die of the disease. Lymphomas account for approximately 54% of new cases, leukemia about 30%, and myeloma about 14%. Less common forms of blood cancers account for about 2% of cases.
The actual causes of blood cancer are still unknown. Scientists are trying to identify when and why the body starts producing abnormal cells and how those cells begin invading the body's blood system. As these questions are answered, the information is used to improve prevention and treatment options.
The Blood and Lymphatic Systems
The three types of blood cancers all involve an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the blood and bone marrow. To understand what happens in blood cancer, it helps to know a little about the blood and lymphatic systems.
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all organs of the body, helps in healing and fights viruses, bacteria and other foreign material in the body. Blood is composed of:
* Plasma, the watery, yellowish fluid in which the blood cells are suspended and move through veins and arteries of the body
* Red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin, a body protein that carries oxygen to body tissues
* Platelets, the smallest cells that are responsible for clotting
* White blood cells (leukocytes), which protect the body from disease and infection
There are five main types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes. Lymphomas arise from lymphocytes, which are made in the lymph tissue, including the lymph glands, spleen, thymus, tonsils and bone marrow. Lymphocytes make up about 25% of all white blood cells. The number of lymphocytes circulating in the blood varies and can go either up or down when the body is fighting infection.
Lymph nodes are found along the lymphatic system, a network of thin tubes, similar to blood vessels, which branch into all parts of the body. The major external node clusters occur in the neck, armpit and groin. Lymph nodes become enlarged when you have a disease or infection. For instance, the lymph nodes in your neck may become swollen when you have a Strep throat or viral infection of your throat. Swollen lymph nodes are common and most often are not a sign of a serious problem. When lymph node swelling persists without any signs of infection, this could be caused by a more serious medical condition, such as lymphoma.
Leukemia may not result in swollen lymph nodes. Multiple myeloma almost never causes lymph node swelling unless there is also an infection present.
Leukemia and multiple myeloma starts in the bone marrow. Leukemia most commonly arises from abnormal lymphocytes or neutrophils. Myeloma originates from a cell line called plasma cells, which are formed in bone marrow.
Responses to treatment and survival rates for each of these cancers also vary greatly.
The risk of developing blood cancers generally increases with age. Males are more susceptible than females. Because its exact cause hasn't been discovered, there are no specific recommendations to prevent blood cancer, but you can follow general guidelines. Exposure to excessive radiation and hazardous chemicals should be limited. Studies show that benzene (found in unleaded gasoline), asbestos and pesticides may increase the risk of some blood cancers. When coming in close physical contact with benzene or other hazardous chemicals, take precautions by wearing protective clothing and gloves.
Advances in Treatments
The cure rate for leukemias and lymphomas today is remarkable considering that the prognosis of most blood cancers 30 years ago was dreadful. Chemotherapy is usually the cornerstone of treatment. Radiation therapy is used for localized disease or to shrink tumor bulk that is compressing a vital body structure. Bone marrow transplants are being done with increasing frequency across the country. Newer treatments, such as biological therapies, are discovered at an exciting pace, and many are already used routinely in combination with other therapies.
Bone marrow transplants. Used more frequently to treat lymphoma and leukemia, this procedure gives very high doses of chemotherapy or irradiation, which kills the cancer cells, but also healthy cells in the bone marrow. The patient is then given an infusion of stem cells from the bone marrow or peripheral blood. Bone marrow transplant has tremendous risks, including death, and tends to be more successful in younger patients and when the disease is in an early stage. Since bone marrow transplant for blood cancers is a specialized procedure, a transplant candidate should look for a hospital that has extensive experience treating his or her specific type of cancer and that performs bone marrow transplants regularly.
Biological therapy. Biological therapy uses special immune system cells and proteins to stimulate the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. Biological agents such as interferons, interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, tumor-necrosis factors and colony-stimulating factors are natural substances found in the body that help alter the way the immune system reacts to cancer. Researchers now are able to create reproductions of some of these biological agents in laboratories. These reproductions imitate the natural immune agents and are used to augment the anti-tumor immune response of the patient.

Female Bladder Problems

Female Bladder Problems

You need to do some research to find out what you need to know. Having a female bladder problem can be embarrassing. However, it doesn't have to stop you from living a full life. Information is power when it comes to any kind of problem.
What is a bladder problem? This is when you have sudden urge to go to the bathroom and you are leaking urine and having frequent urination urges. These are all forms of what is known as a urinary incontinence. What this means is that you have a lack of bladder control. There are many things that can cause this. However, the most common cause is a gradual weakening of the pelvic nerves. There are a couple of different kinds of incontinence.
Stress incontinence is when there is a weakening of the pelvic floor, which will result in pressure (or stress) on a bladder that was fully functional before. You can be laughing, sneezing, coughing and the next thing you know your underwear is wet. This happens with greater regularity in women after menopause.
Urge incontinence or overactive bladder also known as OAB is a sudden, uncontrollable need to go to the bathroom. It doesn't matter how long ago it was that you last went. It could have been just 15 minutes ago. It is caused by the uncontrolled contractions of the bladder muscle also known as the detrusor. This occurs when the communication between the bladder and the brain is not right. This type of bladder problem happens because of inflammation of the bladder lining, infection, and injury, natural atrophy (this happens as you get older) and other reasons.
Sometimes you can have a combination of the two above bladder problem types, which is then considered to be a mixed incontinence.
Overflow incontinence is when you can't get rid of all of the urine that is in your bladder due to a muscle tone that is weak or there is some type of blockage. The symptoms for this can include dribbling, urgency, hesitancy, straining, a weak urine stream or low urine production even though you feel like your bladder is full. This problem is more common in men but it can happen in women.
The first step you will need to take when you have some type of bladder problem is to seek the advice of your physician. If your problem stems from a bladder infection then he will prescribe an antibiotic.
Bladder infections will rarely go away on its own and can lead to more serious problems with the urethra, bladder, and the kidneys. Your physician will also need to rule out any more serious problems prior to starting any type of home remedy.
The Kegel exercises is a good way to strength the pelvic muscles to help with female bladder problem. Read my article on Adult Bladder Control Problem to get a detail description on the Kegel exercise.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Bladder Control Problems

Bladder Control Problems

People who have bladder control problems have trouble stopping the flow of urine from the bladder. They are said to have urinary incontinence. Incontinence is uncontrollable leaking of urine from the bladder. Although urinary incontinence is a common problem, it is never normal.
Incontinence is both a health problem and a social problem.
* Most people with incontinence suffer social embarrassment. Many become depressed and limit their activities away from home, often becoming socially isolated and lonely.
* Physical conditions linked to incontinence include infection, skin irritations and infections, falls, fractures, and sleep disturbances.
* Many people with incontinence are too embarrassed to talk to their health care provider about it. They "cope" or "just learn to live with it." This is changing gradually as people realize that help is available.
* Approximately 15-30% of elderly people who live at home are affected by urinary incontinence. Another 40% of elderly persons who live in nursing homes are affected. Incontinence is a major reason for people going into nursing homes. However, it is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
Here is a brief description of the urinary system and the process of urination (micturition):
* The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
* The kidneys filter water and waste from the blood. They excrete urine, which passes via the ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores urine until you urinate.
* The kidneys typically excrete about 1 to 1-1/2 quarts (1000-1500 mL) of urine in 24 hours.
* The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ. The bladder wall includes a smooth muscle known as the detrusor muscle. The bladder's size, shape, position, and relation to other organs vary with age and the amount of urine stored.
* The urethra is a narrow tube connecting the bladder with the opening when the urine comes out of the body. Surrounding the urethra are sphincter muscles, which partly control release of urine from the bladder and from the body.
* Although the bladder is able to hold about 600 mL of urine, the urge to urinate develops once the bladder contains 300 mL. As the bladder starts to stretch, nerves in the bladder and surrounding area send messages to the brain, via the spinal cord, telling it that the bladder is filling. The brain sends back the urge to urinate.
* Although you normally make the choice when to urinate, once you decide to do so the nervous system takes over and the process becomes automatic. The detrusor contracts and the sphincters relax to allow urine to flow. When the bladder is empty, the sphincters contract and the detrusor relaxes.
* You can stop or hold off urination by contracting (squeezing) the external sphincter, which causes relaxation of the detrusor. Urine is stored, and the urge to urinate is temporarily stopped.
* As you continue to produce urine, however, the messages to and from the brain get more urgent, and the urge to urinate becomes even stronger.
Urinary incontinence is believed to affect at least 13 million people in the United States.
* That number may even be higher, and it is expected to increase sharply with the aging of the baby boomers.
* Incontinence affects both sexes and all ages but is most common in older people.
* Incontinence is much more common in women than in men. Most men with incontinence are older and suffer from some type of prostate disease.
The good news about urinary incontinence is that it is treatable. A great majority of people with bladder control problems can be helped by treatments that are available now. If incontinence cannot be cured, it can at least be controlled.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Most low back pain is triggered by some combination of overuse, muscle strain, and injury to the muscles, ligaments, and discs that support the spine. Many experts believe that over time muscle strain can lead to an overall imbalance in the spinal structure. This leads to a constant tension on the muscles, ligaments, bones, and discs, making the back more prone to injury or reinjury.
The causes of pain in the low back, or lumbosacral region, tend to add on to one another. For example, after straining muscles, you are likely to walk or move in different ways to avoid pain or to use muscles that aren't sore. That can cause you to strain other muscles that don't usually move that way.
The most common causes of low back pain are:
* Injury or overuse of muscles, ligaments, facet joints, and the sacroiliac joints.
* Pressure on nerve roots in the spinal canal. Nerve root compression can be caused by:
o A herniated disc, often brought on by repeated vibration or motion (as during machine use or sport activity, or when lifting improperly), or by a sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back.
o Osteoarthritis (joint degeneration), which typically develops with age. When osteoarthritis affects the small facet joints in the spine, it can lead to back pain. Osteoarthritis in other joints, such as the hips, can cause you to limp or to change the way you walk. This can also lead to back pain.
o Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, vertebra defects that can allow a vertebra to slide over another when aggravated by certain activities.
o Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, which typically develops with age.
o Fractures of the vertebrae caused by significant force, such as from an auto or bicycle accident, a direct blow to the spine, or compressing the spine by falling onto the buttocks or head.
o Spinal deformities, including curvature problems such as severe scoliosis or kyphosis.
* Compression fractures. Compression fractures are more common among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, or in men or women after long-term corticosteroid use. In a person with osteoporosis, even a small amount of force put on the spine, as from a sneeze, may cause a compression fracture.
Less common spinal conditions that can cause low back pain include:
* Ankylosing spondylitis, which is a form of joint inflammation (arthritis) that most often affects the spine.
* Bacterial infection. Bacteria are usually carried to the spine through the bloodstream from an infection somewhere else in the body or from IV drug use. But bacteria can enter the spine directly during surgery or injection treatments, or as the result of injury. Back pain may be the result of an infection in the bone (osteomyelitis), in the spinal discs, or in the spinal cord.
* Spinal tumors, or growths that develop on the bones and ligaments of the spine, on the spinal cord, or on nerve roots.
* Paget's disease, which causes abnormal bone growth most often affecting the pelvis, spine, skull, chest, and legs.
* Scheuermann's disease, in which one or more of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) develop wedge-shaped deformities. This causes curvature of the spine (rounding of the back, or kyphosis), most commonly in the chest region.
Other medical conditions that can cause pain that may be similar to low back pain include:
* Pelvic inflammatory disease.
* Aortic aneurysm.
* Peptic ulcers.
* Gallbladder disease.
* Pancreatitis.
* Urinary disorders such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections.
* Prostate disease.
Your state of mind also has an effect on your level of pain and whether it becomes long-lasting (chronic). People who are depressed, under stress, unhappy in their work, or seeking money for an injury are more likely to have chronic back pain.