Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Can We Really Trust Our Doctors?

If you're trying to improve your health or get treatment for a condition that you have, you are probably under the care and supervision of a trained physician. But does that physician have your best interest in mind with the prescriptions and the treatments that they have you undergo? And with the number of medical errors and the latest medical malpractice statistics, should we trust our doctors as much as we do?
Too Much Treatment
When visiting a doctor, one of the problems that many people encounter is that their doctor simply wants to prescribe a medication for their condition. While medications are often necessary, some say they are overused. For instance, one research study of diabetics at the University of California showed that most people with type 2 diabetes can reverse their condition with a few simple changes in their diet and lifestyle. But the medical profession does not stress that because medicine is big business. Unfortunately, they do not get reimbursed by insurance companies for helping their patients get well using natural methods. This is one of the medical errors that are often made in today's health industry - being more concerned about the bottom line than the health of a patient.
Medical Malpractice Statistics
Medical errors happen all the time with doctors. They are human, so they do make mistakes. And medical malpractice statistics show just how imperfect doctors can be when making a diagnosis. Did you know that about 225,000 people die each year from medical malpractice incidents? Also, more than 10,000 people die each year because of unnecessary surgeries. And in recent studies, more than 190,000 people in the United States are killed every year in hospitals from problems that could have been prevented in the first place.
Preventing Medical Errors
Fortunately, there are some ways that you can prevent medical errors and avoid becoming a statistic. For one thing, you should make sure that your doctor knows which medications you are on when they are prescribing treatment for you. You should also ask what the medicine treats so you know what to expect from taking it.
Medical errors affect millions of people each year, but they are often preventable. By talking with your doctor and clearing up any questions that you have about procedures and treatments, you can often avoid errors that can result in harming your body or causing death. Don't take chances with your life!

Saturday, June 30, 2012

How To Get The Best Results From Physiotherapy/Your Physiotherapist

Thinking of having physiotherapy? Many people hope that a bit of muscle tweaking will result in a miraculous cure. 7 out of 10 people can improve in just 5 sessions. However, physiotherapy will only work if they undertake the prescribed treatment. With an increase in age comes an increase in the likelihood of gaining a joint or muscle injury. For example a staggering 80% of people are affected by back injury at some point in their lives. It pays to know a bit about what physiotherapy involves and what to expect from it to get the most out of your physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy aims to restore the range of movements to injured muscles or joints. It can even be used to improve the efficiency of the heart, circulation and lungs. A physiotherapist will do this by recommending an exercise programme to strengthen the muscles. He or she may offer massage to relieve pain and deep muscle tension and in some case electrotherapy may be used.
Your physiotherapist will love you if you do the exercises. Surprisingly few people carry out the programme prescribed to them and this unfortunately gives physiotherapy a bad reputation. I began a series of physiotherapy exercise for a shoulder injury just over a year ago and noticed gradual improvement in just a matter of weeks. As an extra bonus my muscle tone in my arms improved and I even achieved muscle definition in my abs! To stay committed my regular time for the exercises was (and still is) first thing in the morning, when I come home from work and last thing at night. Physiotherapy exercises are not the most exciting movements in the world so I supplement my after-work exercises with a few minutes' of yoga as an extra treat.
Whilst at physiotherapy make sure you make the most of your session by bringing relevant letters from your GP or consultant and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Ladies, if the physiotherapist needs to see your back, wear a sports bra. Try to be as specific as you can about the type of pain or loss of movement you are experiencing. Take notes when the physiotherapist goes through the exercises so that you can that target group of muscles to work properly. Finally, obvious as it sounds, be on time and keep your appointments. Quite a few people don't and guess what? No improvement.
Be realistic about the change in your condition. You may not be 100% cured after half a dozen appointments but the exercises will strengthen your muscles, increase your mobility and keep most of the pain at bay. You may need to alter your general lifestyle - eat more healthily and take up more exercise if you are not already doing so. Be aware of any bad habits with your posture which could be underlying or highlighted by an injury - for example, do you slouch when standing or whilst sitting at the computer? Physiotherapy is a great opportunity to learn more about how you live in your body and if necessary to make changes to look after yourself.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

How to Check for Lice: Simple Tips to Get Rid of Lice

Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in human hair. If you want to know how to check for lice and how to eliminate them, we have compiled a list of the most proven techniques to manage an infestation. In this article we're going to share some tips on how to get rid of lice and nits from hair. Before we begin, let's first understand what a head louse is.
The human head louse is a true insect, in that it has three pairs of legs. It does not have wings, nor powerful legs for jumping--rather, it moves around by grabbing onto hair shafts with claw-like legs. The head louse has to feed every four to six hours, and does so by drawing minute amounts of blood from the scalp. A louse must remain in human hair to support its feeding habits, and cannot survive for more than 24 hours when it falls off from the head onto other surfaces. They are not found in pets and are not transmitted by any other agents apart from humans.
If you want to eradicate these pesky parasites, you must know how to look for lice. And this means understanding the symptoms of an infestation.
That bothersome itchy sensation on the scalp that comes from an infestation is due to a reaction with the saliva of the lice. How soon after an infestation the itchiness starts depends on an individual's skin sensitivity. In some cases, it may take weeks before the individual is aware of an itchy feeling and starts scratching the scalp.
Tip 1: For a lice infestation, mechanical or manual removal is the most preferred method. One of the most effective measures is vacuuming the hair. You will need a special attachment for the vacuum, which can be found in pet supply stores. This attachment should fit perfectly into the vacuum nozzle, and ensure that the person does not feel uncomfortable. Vacuuming is one of the fastest and safest ways to remove lice.
Tip 2: When checking for lice, an effective tool is a fine-tooth comb specially designed to catch and remove these parasites. These can be found in most local drug stores. You can also get special combs from pet stores, although they are sold as flea combs. These simple tools have very fine teeth that can catch lice and remove them from hair.
Tip 3: If you want to eradicate an infestation from your own hair, you should know how to check yourself for lice properly. Perhaps the most common method is just by feeling around different parts of the scalp. Make sure you cover the whole head, going slowly, through all of the hair. If you find a head louse, you can simply grab it with the index finger and thumb, and remove it. Another simple method to check for lice is to use tape. Applying tape to hair can also remove head lice.
Tip 4: A simple and proven way to check for lice is to part the hair into sections and then look at each section one at a time. This method makes the pests more exposed and easier to remove. After inspecting a section of hair, mark it with a clip or hair pin. This is a good way to find and get rid of lice from a child's head. This method works best with a magnifying glass under a bright light, especially for people who have light-colored hair.
Tip 5: A warm comb may also be used to check for lice. You can heat up a comb so that it feels pleasantly hot on the scalp, and pass it through hair. This will excite the lice and cause them to leave their usual hiding places in the bases of hair shafts, close to the scalp. You can use a regular comb or a special fine-toothed lice comb for this simple, effective method.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Can We Really Trust Our Doctors?

If you're trying to improve your health or get treatment for a condition that you have, you are probably under the care and supervision of a trained physician. But does that physician have your best interest in mind with the prescriptions and the treatments that they have you undergo? And with the number of medical errors and the latest medical malpractice statistics, should we trust our doctors as much as we do?
Too Much Treatment
When visiting a doctor, one of the problems that many people encounter is that their doctor simply wants to prescribe a medication for their condition. While medications are often necessary, some say they are overused. For instance, one research study of diabetics at the University of California showed that most people with type 2 diabetes can reverse their condition with a few simple changes in their diet and lifestyle. But the medical profession does not stress that because medicine is big business. Unfortunately, they do not get reimbursed by insurance companies for helping their patients get well using natural methods. This is one of the medical errors that are often made in today's health industry - being more concerned about the bottom line than the health of a patient.
Medical Malpractice Statistics
Medical errors happen all the time with doctors. They are human, so they do make mistakes. And medical malpractice statistics show just how imperfect doctors can be when making a diagnosis. Did you know that about 225,000 people die each year from medical malpractice incidents? Also, more than 10,000 people die each year because of unnecessary surgeries. And in recent studies, more than 190,000 people in the United States are killed every year in hospitals from problems that could have been prevented in the first place.
Preventing Medical Errors
Fortunately, there are some ways that you can prevent medical errors and avoid becoming a statistic. For one thing, you should make sure that your doctor knows which medications you are on when they are prescribing treatment for you. You should also ask what the medicine treats so you know what to expect from taking it.
Medical errors affect millions of people each year, but they are often preventable. By talking with your doctor and clearing up any questions that you have about procedures and treatments, you can often avoid errors that can result in harming your body or causing death. Don't take chances with your life!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

How To Get The Best Results From Physiotherapy/Your Physiotherapist

Thinking of having physiotherapy? Many people hope that a bit of muscle tweaking will result in a miraculous cure. 7 out of 10 people can improve in just 5 sessions. However, physiotherapy will only work if they undertake the prescribed treatment. With an increase in age comes an increase in the likelihood of gaining a joint or muscle injury. For example a staggering 80% of people are affected by back injury at some point in their lives. It pays to know a bit about what physiotherapy involves and what to expect from it to get the most out of your physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy aims to restore the range of movements to injured muscles or joints. It can even be used to improve the efficiency of the heart, circulation and lungs. A physiotherapist will do this by recommending an exercise programme to strengthen the muscles. He or she may offer massage to relieve pain and deep muscle tension and in some case electrotherapy may be used.
Your physiotherapist will love you if you do the exercises. Surprisingly few people carry out the programme prescribed to them and this unfortunately gives physiotherapy a bad reputation. I began a series of physiotherapy exercise for a shoulder injury just over a year ago and noticed gradual improvement in just a matter of weeks. As an extra bonus my muscle tone in my arms improved and I even achieved muscle definition in my abs! To stay committed my regular time for the exercises was (and still is) first thing in the morning, when I come home from work and last thing at night. Physiotherapy exercises are not the most exciting movements in the world so I supplement my after-work exercises with a few minutes' of yoga as an extra treat.
Whilst at physiotherapy make sure you make the most of your session by bringing relevant letters from your GP or consultant and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Ladies, if the physiotherapist needs to see your back, wear a sports bra. Try to be as specific as you can about the type of pain or loss of movement you are experiencing. Take notes when the physiotherapist goes through the exercises so that you can that target group of muscles to work properly. Finally, obvious as it sounds, be on time and keep your appointments. Quite a few people don't and guess what? No improvement.
Be realistic about the change in your condition. You may not be 100% cured after half a dozen appointments but the exercises will strengthen your muscles, increase your mobility and keep most of the pain at bay. You may need to alter your general lifestyle - eat more healthily and take up more exercise if you are not already doing so. Be aware of any bad habits with your posture which could be underlying or highlighted by an injury - for example, do you slouch when standing or whilst sitting at the computer? Physiotherapy is a great opportunity to learn more about how you live in your body and if necessary to make changes to look after yourself.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

How Can I Relieve My Arm Pain?

If you're experiencing arm pain, your life is probably being altered quite a bit. We use our arms all day, every day. This is especially true for people who do any kind of manual labor or work on computers at their job. Arm pain can hinder you in so many ways, even if you're a stay-at-home mother taking care of small children. This is why it's so important to get a pain in the arm correctly diagnosed and treated early on.
Arm Pain From Nerve Problems
When arm pain is related to a nerve problem, you'll typically find relief when the arm is elevated. This is because it takes the tension off the nerve plexus in the neck. If the pain has come on suddenly after you've injured yourself, you can also try some home remedies such as alternating heat and ice for a few hours. Some people also find that taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can help in the short term.
Can a Pain in the Arm Caused By A Spinal Misalignment?
A spinal alignment must also be evaluated to check for misalignment which may be pressing on nerves in the neck. This can be done by an experienced chiropractor or pain specialist. There are many techniques that both chiropractor's and physical therapists have to alleviate arm pain.
If you experience any numbness or tingling, you should also report those issues to your doctor. There may be certain tests that need to be done to ensure that you don't have any kind of a neurological issue going on. You may have also suffered nerve damage which can cause other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Testing for Arm Pain
When pain specialists evaluate you for your arm pain, they may do a series of different kinds of tests including x-rays. They will also test you for strength in your arm and compare it to the arm that doesn't experience pain. Pain specialists will sometimes do electro diagnostic studies which allow for non-surgical evaluation of muscles and nerve root disease.
Electro diagnostic studies are often done to assess the condition of the nerves in the spine, face and extremities. This would include the hands and feet. These studies are done as a part of a complete workup when someone experiences pain, weakness, tingling or numbness.
Even though it would seem logical that arm pain would originate from the arm itself, this isn't normally the case. Many times arm pain is related to a nerve problem in the neck or spine. The key is working with an experienced pain specialist who can do the proper testing to find the exact source of your pain. Then, they can come up with a complete treatment program that will address the core issue.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Chiropractic As A Means To Eliminate Nagging Headaches

If you are someone who is looking for ways to eliminate nagging headaches, then you are not alone. According to statistics, 90 percent of the world's population suffers from a headache at least once per year and 1 percent of them are serious cases. The findings show that women are three times more likely to develop headaches compared to men. The number of headache incidence seems to depend upon the area where people live. Furthermore, around 12 percent to 18 percent of the world's population is suffering from migraine. As a result, there are many scientific research and studies that are made to fight headache. Good thing we are not left alone because we can visit a chiropractor to alleviate or eliminate headache and its accompanying symptoms.
Chiropractic is a system of diagnosing, treating, and managing of disorders of the body, most especially of the nervous and musculoskeletal system. It is a natural way of healing without using invasive procedures and medication. Chiropractic uses a hands-on and holistic approach. This means that it addresses the root cause of a disease rather than just the effects. Chiropractic is one of the fastest growing medical industries in the world today. It is currently the third largest medical profession. Because of its unique treatment methods and management procedures, more and more people are turning to chiropractic.
In order to effectively eliminate nagging headaches, it should first be understood. A headache is also known as cephalalgia and it refers to the pain that occurs in the region of the head down to the neck. It can be an early sign of a disease process or it can be an accompanying symptom of other illness. The pain does not originate in the brain itself because it does not have pain receptors. It is more likely that the pain originate from the adjacent structures of the brain.
There are an estimated 200 types of headache. Most of it is harmless but there are some that are life threatening. In general, there are two types of headache, the primary and secondary headache. Primary headache originate anywhere in the head and neck while secondary headache originate in the region outside the head and neck.
You can visit a chiropractic clinic if you want to effectively and safely eliminate nagging headaches. A chiropractor can help you by accurately diagnosing your headache and see what the causes of the pain are. According to the findings, the chiropractor will now do the necessary course of treatment. One of the most popular treatment methods of chiropractic that can be used to address headache is spinal manipulation. The chiropractor will ask you to lie down in a prone position then he will maneuver the spinal bones and joints to re-establish proper alignment and position. As a result, the nervous system can now work efficiently and headache can be avoided if not lessened.
These are just some of the things that you need to know how chiropractic can help you with your health problems. With the proper diagnosis and management methods, you are on your way to eliminate nagging headaches.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Drug Rehab: How Long Does It Take?

Time is our most precious asset, and addicts seeking drug rehab need to know how long it will take to get back on their feet. Unfortunately, drug rehab programs vary in length according to the severity of the addiction, as well as a person's particular life circumstances. While people who use less-addictive substances may require only month-long treatments, addicts with severe physical and psychological dependencies may need nearly a year of combined therapies. Different addicts will also require varying levels of continued recovery efforts after clinical treatment. Here is some in-depth information on the length of some of the most effective drug rehab programs.
Detoxification
People who abuse narcotics, opiates, and other highly-addictive drugs almost always have to detoxify before they can begin their longer-term therapies. Detox is a simple process of drug deprivation that weans people of their physical dependencies on drugs and allows them to productively engage their treatments. It typically takes five to fourteen days, during which addicts can expect to receive specialized counseling and occasional medications to help deal with their withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Treatment
Residential inpatient treatment is the most common drug rehab program for people seeking treatment for the first time. Programs typically last thirty, sixty, or ninety days, and patients are required to live full-time at their treatment facilities as they receive fifty or more hours of therapy per week. While people who abuse marijuana or other psychedelic drugs may achieve great results with shorter inpatient stays, the three-month plan is typically required for heroin, meth, or cocaine addicts to make lasting changes.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Some people who complete inpatient treatment need additional therapy to help them gradually transition back into society. Partial hospitalization programs allow patients to attend therapies during the daytime, but they are free to return home at night under the supervision of clinic staff. These treatment plans also tend to last one, two, or three months. However, that time is an addition to the length of initial inpatient treatment. Altogether, some addicts may spend six months in clinical rehabilitation before they become fully independent again.
Outpatient Treatment
Addicts who relapse for short periods of time can often get back on track with less-involved rehabilitation programs. Working professionals with milder addictions also require treatment plans that leave them plenty of time to pursue their careers. In either case, outpatient rehab is an ideal choice. These programs still last thirty to ninety days, but they only require a few hours of clinical attendance per day.
Continued Therapy
Even after completing months of clinical rehab, many addicts will seek extra therapy and support to help fight their continued cravings. Some clinics will offer additional counseling for months after initial treatment. Addicts may also attend community groups for years or even decades after getting clean. The accountability these groups provide often means the difference between maintaining recovery and suffering relapse.
Special Situations
There are cases in which clinical rehab programs last much longer than three months. For people who suffer several relapses within a year or less, twelve-month outpatient programs are sometimes required. Also, some addicts receive methadone maintenance treatment - a therapy designed to gradually wean people off of heroin through substitution of a less-dangerous opiate. These treatments can also take up to a year, and they are crucial for some heroin addicts' long-term recoveries.
A Lifetime of Effort
No matter how long clinical therapies last, recovery is a lifelong effort. Some people may have to work harder than others to maintain sobriety, but addiction never really goes away. Cravings can always occur, and addicts must be ready to face new challenges throughout the rests of their lives.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug problem, you need to take action before it's too late. Call a professional drug rehab center for a no-obligation consultation with a dedicated addiction specialist. They can help you get your life back on track starting right now. Don't wait a moment longer - call now.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Using Natural Anxiety Remedies Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Life

Even in the first century B.C., Publilius Syrus could recognize, "There are some remedies worse than the disease." Of course, Publilius Syrus lived at a time when many illnesses were treated with a regimen of starvation diet, humid air and bleeding! Just the thought of common medical protocol would be enough to leave someone searching for some natural anxiety remedies.
Anxiety can disrupt your life and impede your ability to function. But, even some people who appear to be functioning "just fine," while dealing with generalized anxiety disorder, can benefit from some natural remedies for anxiety.
If you deal with feelings of compulsive worry and the physical symptoms that accompany anxiety, you don't need to suffer in silence. There are some simple changes that could make a big difference in you anxiety levels.
Sweat Equity--Exercise
You've got to love any natural anxiety remedy whose only side effects are feeling better and having firmer thighs! You don't have to start training for an Ironman competition to feel the benefits of exercise.
USA Today published an article on the effects of exercise on anxiety and depression. The benefits of exercise on anxiety seem to last well beyond the workout.
Chew on This--Diet
Natural anxiety remedies come in many forms. Some of the best come in the form of fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet ensures that you are getting the nutrients needed for healthy brain and nervous system function. It also means that if you are eating healthy foods, you have less time to eat a steady diet of junk food, which can increase sluggishness.
I'll "B" There for You--Supplements
There are many vitamins and herbal supplements that are used as natural remedies. One of the most beneficial supplements for anxiety may surprise you. The lowly B-vitamin complex should be elevated to a new level when it comes to offering anxiety relief.
Studies have shown a link between vitamin B deficiencies and depression and anxiety. B-vitamins are not stored in the body, so you will need to make this natural anxiety remedy a part of your daily schedule.
Relaxation Inspiration
There can be something comforting about deliberate relaxation rituals. Try setting aside a few minutes, several times a day to relax.
If you normally have time to gulp a cup of coffee and shove a donut in your mouth, while trying to meet a deadline, then you have time for a cup of herbal tea and a few moments of deep breathing. Chamomile is one of the oldest known anxiety remedies. Chamomile tea may be just the thing to give you a momentary calm.
At some point, you are going to wash yourself. Instead of a rushed shower, carve out a few more minutes and enjoy a warm bath with some soft music and scented candles.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Leg Pain Symptoms

The broad range of leg pain symptoms can be as extensive as the types of injuries that can create them. Given this laundry list of symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the origin of the pain and how extensive the level of damage actually is.
Pain in the leg can manifest as a dull, throbbing discomfort all the way to excruciating and almost unbearable. Pain can even show as a burning or itching sensation. The pain can be constant or intermittent in occurrence and can even be brought on, or it's level intensified, by certain actions and movements.
Although pain in the leg occurs frequently, many individuals choose to ignore the pain, believing instead that it is a normal part of life. But when we feel pain in our legs, it is our body trying to tell us that something is not right.
Origins of Pain in the Leg
Pain can originate from too much walking or standing, specific movements, not enough movement, sitting for too long of a period and even the types of shoes that you wear. These types are called non-traumatic leg pain. They occur because of our lifestyle and are not due to a single, defining instance.
But pain can also come from an injury or trauma. Automobile accidents, falls and sports injuries are the most common. These injuries can be very severe and, in some cases, even life-threatening. Sometimes, we might not even be aware that we have injured ourselves, which is why we should rely on leg pain to tell us.
What Your Leg Pain Is Telling You
Since some pain in the leg has the ability to be felt in other areas, it is important that any leg pain be dealt with immediately. Believing that leg pain is a natural part of growing older or increased activity might be true, to an extent, but it is still not reason enough to ignore it.
Some leg pain could be caused by restricted blood flow or nerve damage. Left unattended, the level of damage will only increase. Now, the individual not only has the original pain the leg to deal with, but any residual effects, as well. Nerve damage can be an example of a secondary condition brought on by certain types of pain in the leg.
The Time For Treatment Is Now
Pain in the leg should never be ignored, no matter how insignificant you believe it to be. Based on an examination and detailed history, a pain specialist can determine the origin of your leg pain and the best course of action to take. Don't let a pain in the leg escalate into a debilitating condition. Treat it early and stop the damage before it has a chance to stop you.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Are You Suffering From A Shoulder Injury? Ten Things You Should Know About A Rotator Cuff Tea

A Rotator cuff tear is a very common shoulder injury. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), nearly 2 million people in the United States visit doctors each year due to pain in the rotator cuff. Many seek out treatment from board certified orthopaedic surgeons since they are specifically trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of shoulder injuries.
Rotator cuff tears involve a tear or a partial tear on one of the tendons that make up the four rotator cuff muscles (infraspinatus, subscapularis, supraspinatus, teres minor). While some people do not experience discomfort, others find them very painful. Additionally, they can sometimes limit range of motion and cause weakness during lifting or rotation of the arm. This can make every day activities like carrying or reaching for things, brushing your hair, or even getting dressed, difficult.
Rotator cuff tears are caused by a variety of things including normal age-related degeneration. Accidents or sports injuries can also cause them, as can arm activities, particularly those that are repetitive and above the head, like pitching a baseball, swimming or painting. Pulling or lifting on something too heavy is also a risk factor.
For those interested in injury prevention, strength-building exercises that help to maintain flexibility in the shoulders are recommended. Improving posture is beneficial and it is important to strengthen the muscles in the front and back of the shoulder, and by the shoulder blades. There are a variety of special shoulder stretches that can be particularly helpful in preventing them, especially if done on a regular basis.
If you are interested in finding out more about this common shoulder injury, here are ten things you should know.
  1. Rotator cuffs tear more easily as we get older.

  2. Once torn it does not typically heal on its own.

  3. When cuff tears become over 3 to 4 centimeters in length, even after they are surgically repaired, they have a very high re-rupture rate.

  4. Chronic tears can result in a special type of arthritis in the shoulder called rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

  5. They can be repaired by orthopaedic surgeons arthroscopically.

  6. Smaller tears heal better after surgery.

  7. After age 70 most rotator cuff tears are present in approximately half of the population and they are asymptomatic, that is patients do not know they even have one. Most 70 plus year old patients that have them do well without having surgery.

  8. A cortisone injection can help stop pain and improve range of motion in patients over age 70 with rotator cuff tears.

  9. Most younger patients under 60 years of age will experience symptoms if they have one.

  10. Smoking can significantly reduce the rate of healing of a rotator cuff tear after surgery.
Rotator cuff tears are common, especially over the life course. Learning about prevention, along with the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and recommended rehabilitation associated with them is helpful so that you have all of the information you need in case you experience this common injury.
Shoulder pain is extremely common and can have a lot of different causes. If you think you might currently have a rotator cuff tear, it is always advisable to seek out the advice of a trained medical professional. Board certified orthopaedic surgeons are often skilled at diagnosing and treating a wide range of injuries affecting the structures of the musculoskeletal system including shoulder injuries.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Natural Treatment for Laryngitis

Laryngitis means inflammation of the larynx or voice box. The larynx is constructed in such a way that it prevents the entrance of food and liquid into the respiratory tract during swallowing, while respiration goes on unhampered. The most important function of the larynx is ventilatory.
Laryngitis occurs due to an infection or overuse of the vocal cords.
The chief symptoms of laryngitis are hoarseness of the voice, stridor (a harsh sound produced while breathing) and difficulty in breathing. Laryngitis may be acute or chronic in nature.
Allopathic treatments for Laryngitis include anti-inflammatory drugs. They may include NSAIDS.
Signs and Symptoms of Laryngitis
In Laryngitis, the mucus membrane of the larynx is swollen and congested. It is coated with mucus or occasionally pus beads. The epiglottis and vocal cords, which are normally pale, appear red.
Other Symptoms include:
-- Hoarseness of the voice: The voice is at first hoarse and then reduced to a whisper
-- Irritating cough
-- Malaise
-- Pain on swallowing
-- Tickling sensation in the throat
-- Constant need to clear the throat
Conventional Therapy
The treatment of laryngitis depends on the cause. Allowing the vocal cords to rest is the mainstay of treatment. The following measures help faster recovery:
-- Adequate rest in a warm ventilated room
-- Inhalation of warm moist air
-- Avoiding irritants like smoking or alcohol
-- Administration of cough linctus
Laryngitis and Natural Remedies
Natural medicinal systems have met with much success in treating laryngitis. This is mainly because aside from providing symptomatic relief, they address the reason why your body is susceptible to repeated bouts of laryngitis. Homeopathy, for example, looks to your constitution to strengthen your immunity against laryngitis.
The resonance homeopathic remedies and advanced biotechnology Laryngitis therapies like Throat 200, Immunity CM, VCA Pro C Ascorbate, C5 Anti Inflammation Formula, Monolaurin will not only give you the relief you want safely, but also ensure that your battle with chronic laryngitis ends once and for all? The natural anti-inflammatory and mucolytic ingredients help reduce the swelling of your vocal cords. Also these remedies provide specific and necessary nutrition to your cells and remind your body of optimal or pathogenic function, thereby coaxing it to adapt and reach homeostasis.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Egg Donation Trends Worldwide

Different ethnicities, race groups and religious groups all feel independently that the group to which they belong has stronger views about the highly sensitive topic of egg donation. The reality is that egg donation is very personal and the exploration of such treatment is ultimately based on the individual's own circumstances. The uniqueness of the decisions are influenced by people's own prominent histories and the influence of the associated culture.
Typically, Caucasian South Africans tend to take longer to accept the fact of requiring donor eggs to conceive. Although the trend of advanced fertility treatments is growing, proceeding with an egg donor remains a highly private decision. The general public remain in awe and interest of concepts such as egg donation, which always requires further explanation, to ensure everyone fully understands that the topic is human egg donation of the female.
In Africa, cultures amongst the Black Africans are that of fertility and the bearing of children is almost a given. As infertility neither discriminates against race nor culture, a certain proportion of woman from all groups will fall victim to infertility. Black woman have always given a fixed decision that the donor egg conception will remain highly private without even grandparents knowing about the egg donor. The ability to find an egg donor of the same ethnic group enables these hopeful parents to have the promise of a similar child to the physical traits of the commissioning parents and restore hope from a potential ostracised situation of being barren and the only family without children. Black families have typically borne many children in one household, so whilst it cannot be said that one woman's pain of infertility is greater than another, it could be argued that the stakes are higher if associated families have conceived several children and one struggling lady is battling to have a mere one child.
Black recipients tend to make decisions quicker about their egg donor. South Africa is also a haven for egg donation treatments for neighbouring African states, such as Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Nigeria who share some of the African cultures of conceiving and having many children.
A new African commissioning parent shared his story that he was raised in an environment where his genetic mother was actually his sister. He only become aware of this in his late teens, which left him somewhat deceived. His grandmother (mother of his genetic mother) assumed the role and responsibility of mother in the home. He personally had to resolve extensive personal conflicts about the concept of an anonymous egg donor. After understanding that an egg donor is not a mother and really a donor, he was able to distinguish between mother and egg donor. With this newfound realisation, he has realised that conception with an anonymous egg donor is not repeating his own deception of not having the truth about the genetic mother. His is a choice, whereas his family situation manifested as a result of an unplanned situation.
Although Australian and British recipients travelling to South Africa have to incur more costs relative to the travel investment for such fertility treatments abroad, there tends to be a greater initial acceptance. There appears to be a quicker turnaround in terms of decision making and confirming the preferred donor. This may be that there is an inherent understanding that further planning is required to facilitate and arrange such an international trip. A further possible consideration is that Australians and UK recipients have possibly explored other international egg donation options, whereas South Africans tend to explore national rather than international scenarios.
Accordingly, each individual is guided by their own personal history in terms of decision making around the selection of the egg donor, the promptness hereof and other supporting decisions, such as aspects of importance in the egg donor as well as maintaining the confidentiality of the donor egg role in the conception.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Face Lift - What To Ask Before You Get This Treatment

If you are considering getting a face lift, you should think about a few facts first. For example, you need to make sure this is really what you need to get the results you are looking for. You should also ensure you can afford the procedure. Plus, you should make sure you are ready for the recovery period. If you are sure of all these facts, you should schedule an appointment with a local surgery center.
While most people can benefit from a face lift, not everyone needs one to improve their facial skin. If you have not yet tried creams and lotions on the market, specifically marketed toward people looking to improve their facial skin, you should give them a try first. Look at reviews to find the best product, and if it does not work, you should talk to your doctor about procedures that can help. He or she might suggest dermal fillers or other noninvasive treatment. Of course, if you want noticeable, impressive results, you may be encouraged to get a face lift, but you need to check out all the possibilities first.
If you think this is the best option for you, make sure you can afford the treatment. If you do not have all the money in your bank account, you should find out if your local surgery center offers financing. This allows you to pay off the total gradually, usually with no interest. This may be a better option than using a credit card to pay, unless you have zero interest on your card. If none of these options are available to you, it is not uncommon for some people to take out a personal loan for plastic surgery, so consider this possibility if you really want results.
Finally, keep in mind that you will not see the final outcome of your face lift for a few months. During that time, you will need to recover, as your facial skin needs time to heal. This means you should not schedule the operation just before a major event that you want to look good at. Instead, try scheduling it at least six months ahead of time to account for increased recovery needs or temporary setbacks after surgery. Also, make sure you will be able to take some time off work for the surgery and recovery period.
You will need to have an initial meeting with your surgeon before you commit to face lift. During that meeting, you can find out about these details so you know for sure that you want the surgery. This will ensure that you are ready.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Take Advantage of Teeth Whitening Services

If you are tired of wasting money on countless whitening toothpastes, maybe it is time that you went to the dentist to get your teeth whitened. Even though there are many different tooth pastes, whitening strips and gums that claim to brighten the shade of your smile, you will never find a product that gives you the same results in as little time as you can at your dentist's office.
There are a few different ways you can lighten your teeth. If you are a heavy smoker or coffee drinker, you may find that this is a great way for you to disguise the stains that are being left on your teeth. No one has to know that you need large amounts of caffeine to function or that you have a penchant for drinks and foods that stain your teeth. All they need to know is that no matter what goes into your mouth, your teeth always end up looking bright and white.
Getting your teeth bleached is something that is not suited for everyone. If you happen to suffer from sensitive gums, you may want to inquire about alternatives to brighten your smile, since the chemicals have been linked to causing some sensitivity issues. Out of all the ways your dentist can improve the appearance of your smile, dental bleaching is the easiest, most convenient and most affordable. It is minimally invasive so there is no need to worry about any pain or operations.
If you are ready to get your teeth bleached, there are a few things you should know before you sign up for a teeth whitening procedure. First, depending on the severity of your dental stains, you may not see immediate results after your first teeth whitening session. Although the treatment tends to work best on teeth that have yellow to light brown colored stains, stains that are more embedded in the tooth's structure and much darker can be lightened with more treatments over time. If you discuss what your expectations are with your dentist, they will be able to provide you with a more realistic timeline of what to expect for results.
Teeth whitening that are done in the dental office can be done two different ways. The first and more intensive method uses a laser and a special bleach mixture to brighten the color of your teeth. First, some protective materials are applied to your gums to help protect them during the procedure. Next a bleaching mixture is applied to the teeth. Then the laser is applied to the teeth and the intensity of the energy activates the cleansing power of the solution on that is on your teeth. This procedure can last up to two hours.
Another more traditional method of whitening is by applying a bleaching paste to the teeth and using a special toothbrush to scrub them clean. This method is often used on younger patients and generally can be completed in less than 45 minutes.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhancing Halloween to New Levels

The costumes, accessories, candy, and parties that occur on Halloween make up a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States. Last year, the Halloween Industry Association-yes, there is even a trade association for this industry-reported that all things Halloween is worth upwards of $6 billion. Avid Halloween participants go to great lengths months before October to assemble the best costume for the year. As such, many Halloween lovers even alter their physical appearance in time for October 31st. Some of these alterations involve undergoing plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry procedures, optometry exams, and altering hairstyles.
Those who undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures have gone as far as permanently installing Dracula-like fangs, while others have simply received a cosmetic enhancement so that they can more easily wear false dentures for Halloween. Others have received molds and various caps to make their costumes look more gruesome and terrifying for the Halloween season. Other Halloween fans have gone to optometrists in order to receive prescriptions for special contact lenses that can change the appearance of the eye or black out the white area around the eye ball completely. These special contacts are call 'black sclera' and are truly some of the spookiest accessories one can find.
Others choose to dramatically alter their hair style, either by changing colors, moving a hair or scalp line, or removing hair altogether. Depending on the costume, dramatically altering the hairstyle can be an integral part of the perfect Halloween costume. As this Halloween season is sure to grow well over the $6 billion industry goal, Halloween-goers are sure to run into some truly loyal and devoted characters that have undergone some form of physical alteration to enhance their costume and overall persona.
For those ardent Halloween loyalists looking for a physical alteration to better their costume, make appointments early as there is sure to be a long wait. Whether resolute Halloween fans are headed to a specialized dentist, plastic surgeon, or hair stylist, planning well ahead of next Halloween is a wise decision that will ensure a costume comes out in its fullest. Dentists will surely have a long wait this season, but whichever the procedure, these avid Halloween fans are not afraid to visit an office that specializes in cosmetic dentistry in preparation for All Hallows' Eve.
For those who go all out for the Halloween season, it would be a good idea to begin looking for costumes, accessories, and booking appointments months before October. Ardent fans will have already planned out their costume and theme, but for those slow on the ball, getting started early will help achieve the best costume that fits one's specific style and budget. By getting started early, Halloween lovers will beat the lines to the dentist and eye doctor, as well as the long lines that will accumulate once the temporary Halloween costume shops begin to pop up in September.