High Blood Cholesterol: Information

Cholesterol is found in every cell in your body. This fat-like substance is an important component of cell membranes and a building block in the formation of some hormones. But your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Any cholesterol in your diet is extra — and it's up to no good.

When there's too much cholesterol in your blood, you may develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits make it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Your heart may not get as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs, which increases the risk of a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to your brain can cause a stroke.

But there's good news. High blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is largely preventable. A healthy diet, regular exercise and other lifestyle changes can go a long way toward reducing high cholesterol. Sometimes medication is needed, too.

Signs and symptoms

High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect high cholesterol.

Causes

Cholesterol is carried through your blood attached to proteins. The cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. The main types of lipoproteins are:

* Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, or "bad," cholesterol transports cholesterol throughout your body. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
* High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL, or "good," cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.

Various factors within your control — such as inactivity, obesity and an unhealthy diet — contribute to high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Factors beyond your control may play a role, too. For example, your genetic makeup may keep cells from removing LDL cholesterol from your blood efficiently or cause your liver to produce too much cholesterol.

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Dealing with Wrist Pain

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI - known in the US as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) is caused by a swelling of the tissue in or near the narrow passageway of the wrist, called the carpal tunnel. This swelling puts pressure on the median nerve, which causes the symptoms of pain, tingling, weakness or numbness associated with RSI.
Any repetitive hand movements, especially in awkward positions, that put direct pressure on the wrist can lead to RSI. This includes typing, using a mouse, operating machinery that vibrates, using a screwdriver, or participating in sports such as cycling.
However, many other factors increase the likelihood of developing RSI. Build-up of fluid (oedema) in the wrist is an indicator, which means that pregnant women or people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes are at greater risk. Women taking birth control pills or going through menopause are also thought to be at risk. People who have diseases or illnesses that can cause arm pain, swelling in the joints and soft tissues in the arm, or reduce the blood flow to the hands, including obesity, lupus or thyroid disease, should also be careful.
The preventative measures listed below are simply a matter of changing a few habits. If you are already experiencing pain that could be attributed to RSI, these tips (with the exception of number seven) will help alleviate the symptoms. However, if the pain is severe or lasts longer than two weeks, you should see a doctor immediately. Untreated RSI can cause permanent nerve damage.
1. Stop any activity that you think may be causing finger, hand, or wrist numbness or pain.
2. Spread pressure and motion evenly throughout your hand and wrist.
• Keep your wrists straight or only slightly bent. Avoid activities that bend or twist the wrists for long periods of time.
• Try not to hold objects in the same position for long periods of time.
• Gripping with only the thumb and index finger can stress the wrist. Use your whole hand to grasp an object.
• Reduce the speed and force of repetitive hand movements. Type (or click that mouse) with a soft touch.
• When working with tools that vibrate, such as drills or sanders, use specially designed gloves that support the wrist and have vibration-absorbent padding.
3. Take frequent breaks from repetitive activities to stretch your hands and wrists.
4. Use correct posture.
• For activities such as
typing, keep your forearms parallel to the floor or slightly lowered.
• Position your keyboard so that you do not have to reach up to it.
• When your forearms are hanging by your side, keep your shoulders relaxed, not raised.
• Your wrists should be in line with your arms, not twisted or bent for long periods of time.
• Make sure your fingers are lower than your wrists when typing.
• Position your work at waist height or slightly lower if you have to exert force.
5. Avoid using too much salt if you tend to retain fluid.
6. Train yourself to use techniques that will minimise stress in your hand or wrist. In daily routines or hobbies, consider activities in which you make repeated finger, hand or wrist movements.

7. Do exercises to increase your wrist flexibility and strength.
If you are already experiencing RSI symptoms, use the tips listed above to eliminate the pain before attempting to exercise your wrists.

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Natural Cure for Sinus Infection

Alternative medication for sinus infection is a great way to avoid some of the side effects that prescription treatments tend to offer. When taking a sinus infection homeopathic approach towards treating the symptoms of this painful and often energy-zapping condition, there are many different herbal and natural remedies to choose from. Below are a few to consider:

a) Ground Ivy: The leaves of this sinus infection herb can dry out the bronchi and sinuses when used in an infusion or tincture.

b) Goldenseal: The root of the goldenseal plant is a powerful astringent and coolant, which comes in a powder capsule form. Take one or two 200 mg capsules or create a tincture, where 1 ml is taken for three times per day.

c) Bayberry: Bayberry bark is known to stimulate the circulatory system and also possesses warming properties that helps with nasal discharge, pain, and sinus tenderness. The powder can be used as snuff, or used to create a tincture. Add 5ml of tincture to 20ml of emulsifying ointment to make a substance that can be used for sinus massage.

d) Long Pepper: It is the fruit of this herb that is useful in treating sinus headaches and infection brought on by allergies. You may use the fruit to create a milk infusion or choose the capsule form (1-2 200mg powder capsule per dose).

e) Colloidal Silver: Sinus infections respond to this safe and non-toxic approach that has been known to treat more than 500 illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

f) Apple Cider Vinegar: An apple cider vinegar sinus infection treatment can be used to thin out mucous. You should add the vinegar to large glasses of water and drink throughout the day.

g) Oregano: The wild oil of oregano can be used as an effective sinus infection treatment that possesses powerful anti-bacterial properties. The capsule form is considered best when taking two every 3-4 hours.


Sinus Infection Prevention

When it comes to preventing a sinus infection, there are a few steps to take. To decrease the chances of developing an upper respiratory infection, you should avoid people who are dealing with colds or the flu. You should also receive your flu shot every year.

Washing your hands with soap and water as much as possible, especially before eating will help avoid the spread of infection. Sinus passages also stay clearer when using a humidifier; limiting alcohol and tobacco use; and avoiding polluted air.


What type of sinus infection do you have?

When the mucous membranes start to act up and cause you a great deal of discomfort, you are probably suffering from a sinus infection (also known as sinusitis). Besides feeling pretty crappy, it is the nose, throat, eyes, cheeks, and even your teeth, which may suffer during a sinus infection. Hopefully, you will experience an acute bout of the infection because long-term sinus problems (chronic sinus infection) can really slow you down and make things much harder to accomplish.


What is a Sinus Infection?

When an infection or inflammation affects the mucous membranes, sinusitis is the result. The affected areas of the face include the inside of the nose and the sinuses, which attacks around the eyes, cheeks and nose. When the mucous membranes become inflamed, swelling strikes, which blocks the normal drainage of fluid associated with the nose and throat. Pain and pressure occur, as well as a possible accumulation of bacteria and fungus [1].

There are two different kinds of sinus infections to consider:

a) Acute: This sinus infection is characterized by a sudden blow to the system, resulting in a wide-range of cold-like symptoms, which fade with time.

b) Chronic: This type of sinus infection lasts quite a bit longer, where sufferers exhibit sinusitis symptoms on a regular, longer basis.


Symptoms

As the sinuses become blocked during an infection, a wide range of symptoms that resemble a cold or flu will emerge. With sinusitis symptoms, the effects are longer and have a tendency to get worse after 7 days. They include:

a) Pain: Pain and pressure often occurs throughout the face during a sinus infection. The particular sinus that is affected at the time will determine where the pain lies.

b) Nose Symptoms: The nose may run or become stuffy during a sinus infection. People often have trouble breathing out of their noses.

c) Discharge: A discharge that is yellow or greenish in color may appear from the nose or in the back of the throat, which is called postnasal discharge.

d) Tenderness: Sinus infections have been known to create tenderness throughout the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead area.

e) Swelling: The eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead may swell during sinusitis.

f) Dental Pain: Sinus infections have been known to mimic the signs of a toothache.

g) Cold and Flu-Like Symptoms: A fever may appear during a sinus infection. An individual may also suffer from fatigue, nausea, sore throat, and coughing [2].


Causes of Sinus Infection

Sinus infections are instigated through an inflammation of the upper respiratory system. The nose, sinuses, throat, and pharynx all play a role in the development of this condition. The cause of the infection is quite often viral, but can also be caused by bacteria or fungus. Additional causes of sinus infection include:

a) Allergies: Allergies have been known to block the sinuses, which often leads to inflammation.

b) Deviated Nasal Septum: The septum is the wall located between the nostrils. When this becomes crooked (either during surgery or by injury), sinus passages may become restricted or blocked.

c) Nasal Polyps: Sometimes tissue growths can cause a nasal passage restriction.

d) Additional Medical Conditions: Individuals suffering from conditions, such as HIV, cystic fibrosis, or gastroesophageal reflux, have a higher chance of developing nasal blockage.

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Natural Remedies For Diabetes

The spread of diabetes in America

Diabetes is a condition that affects much more than just your sugar habit. In the United States, the disease is running rampant among adults and increasing amounts of children. The disease is so common, that the American Diabetes Association claims that more than 6 million people have diabetes and don’t even know it. The statistics are disturbing, but with early detection and treatment, the disease can be managed.

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes deals with the body’s response to blood glucose levels in regards to the production or utilization of insulin. The two main types of diabetes you or someone in your family may come in contact with, includes:

Type 1 Diabetes: Through the millions of diabetic patients in the United States, there is an estimated 5-10% that suffer from this form of the disease. While Type 1 can affect people of all ages, mostly children, adolescents and young adults develop this kind of diabetes. It is said that about one in every 500 children and adolescents in the United States already has or will have Type 1 diabetes in the future [1].

Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is chronic and hinders the way that the body metabolizes glucose (sugar). Through Type 2 diabetes, the body starts to reject the effects of insulin, which is a hormone needed for the regulation of sugar cell absorption. Some Type 2 diabetics might produce some insulin, but not enough to create a normal level of glucose [2]. When this condition is left untreated, life-threatening results may occur.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms associated with diabetes, and depending on the type you suffer from, you may experience one or more of the following:

a) Excessive Thirst and Increased Urination: One of the most telling signs of diabetes is an urgency to keep drinking fluids. As your kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb the amount of sugar that builds up in the body, increased urination occurs. Through all of this, dehydration sets in, leading you into a vicious cycle of quenching your thirst, and the need to release yourself in the process.

b) Flu-Like Symptoms: The fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite associated with the flu may also present itself with diabetes because your body is unable to utilize sugar in order to gain energy.

c) Weight Loss or Gain: Changes in weight often occur through the presence of diabetes. Weight loss occurs because as you lose sugar through frequent urination, you will also lose calories. The other side of the weight issue is gaining extra pounds because cells become deprived of nutrients, leading to a feeling of constant hunger. As you eat more to compensate, an increase of fatty tissue develops [3].

d) Blurred Vision: The eyes show signs of diabetes as high levels of blood sugar rob eye lenses of much-needed fluid. When ignored, blood vessels become damaged and can lead to dark spots, flashing lights or rings. Serious cases may also lead to blindness.

e) Slow-Healing: High levels of blood sugar can affect the natural healing process and the body’s defense against infections. Diabetes may also cause bladder or vaginal infections in women.

f) Tingling Hands and Feet: Nerve damage may develop as a result of diabetes, which leads to a tingling or loss of sensation in the hands or feet. Sometimes, a burning pain may attack the hands, arms, legs, and feet.

g) Gum Problems: Diabetes may cause gums to become red, swollen, and tender.

Causes of Diabetes

The causes of this condition depend on what type of diabetes you are suffering from. With Type 1 diabetes, the body has little to no insulin because the immune system attacks the cells responsible for producing the hormone. It is believed that heredity; diet and nutrition all contribute to the development of Type 1. With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes some insulin, but either one or two issues arise: the muscles and body tissue may resist the presence of insulin or the pancreas simply doesn’t make enough. Researchers are unaware what makes the cells resistant to insulin, but weight, laziness, and fatty tissues contribute.

Diagnosis

A random blood sugar test and a fasting blood glucose test both determine whether or not a person has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Blood is drawn from the arm to test your glucose levels at any given time (random) or after an overnight fast. In addition to the two blood tests, Type 2 diabetes is also made known through a glucose challenge test (often used for pregnant women) or a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test.

Risk Factors

While the definite cause regarding Type 1 diabetes is not known, there are some details that increase the risk of developing the disease. This includes having a family member, such as a diabetic parent or sibling. People who are overweight, inactive, or depressed are more likely to suffer from Type 2 diabetes. Individuals over the age of 45 are also likely to develop the disease, but throughout the years, a higher number of children, adolescents and younger adults have been seen. Race also affects your chances of suffering from diabetes, where some ethnic groups are more prone to certain types than others.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes

Natural remedies allow individuals to find gentler, safer, and sometimes more effective treatment options for their condition. Below are a few natural approaches towards treating diabetes:

a) Fenugreek: This herb has been known to cut down sugar levels in urine by half. Making a decoction or taking 1 gram of powdered herb after meals treats mental confusion, weight loss, and excessive thirst.

b) Bilberry: The leaves of this herb are thought to increase the production of insulin when drinking an infusion before meals.

c) Goat’s Rue: The aerial parts of this herb react with the pancreas to encourage production of insulin. Preparing an infusion or tincture before meals can treat the symptoms of diabetes.

d) Mango: Boiling 15 fresh mango leaves in one glass of water will create a natural treatment for diabetes. After mixing the ingredients, leave the combination overnight. At the start of a new day, filter the water and drink first thing in the morning.

Diabetes Prevention

For many, diabetes is highly preventable. It really comes down to incorporating healthy habits and lifestyle changes to avoid the onset of this manageable, yet frustrating disease. Below you will find a few preventive measures to consider:

a) Lose Extra Pounds: Sometimes diabetes prevention is just as easy as keeping your weight to a healthy number. With every pound you lose, your health improves. Try making it a habit to eat better and exercise on a regular basis. When it comes to losing weight, avoiding fad diets is the healthiest approach towards preventing diabetes. Cooking foods with less fat, oil, and butter also help shed extra weight.

b) Fiber: Many reduce their risk of diabetes when they eat fiber-filled foods, which also decrease the chances of developing heart disease. Some of the foods to consider adding to your diet include vegetables, fruits, and other lean food items.

c) Whole Grains: When eating grains, it is the whole variety that contributes to the decrease in developing diabetes. A few eating habits to change include trading white bread for wheat, or consuming whole-grain pastas and cereals.

d) Increase Exercise: When you get the body moving around, not only is weight lost, but also the overall your overall health improves. Physical activity contributes to the lowering of blood sugar levels. Riding a bike, swimming laps, or walking for 30 minutes per day will increase your levels of exercise.

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Natural Cure For Menopause

Menopause: Stop the hot flashes naturally.

If your irritability, mood swings, hot flashes and fatigue are becoming a problem for domestic harmony, it’s time to pause and take stock of the situation. You’ve entered the phase of life that almost four thousand women daily do. You have reached menopause. Had it not been for these annoying and exasperating symptoms, you’d have gladly welcomed this freedom from PMS, menstruation and birth control issues. However, not all is lost. If you take the correct medication, you can still have a time of your life.

What is menopause?

When a woman reaches her mid-thirties, hormone production in her ovaries declines. This continues in the forties too, when hormone levels may fluctuate. However, by the fifties, periods usually end completely. This causes a host of bodily changes that affects a woman physically, as well as, mentally in varying degrees.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Fluctuating hormone levels bring with it symptoms and problems that almost drives women up the wall. These symptoms generally include:

a. Hot flashes: Hot flashes usually occur for at least one year and up to five years before cessation of menstruation. These can annoy and disrupt your sleep and daily life. A hot flash induces increasing warmness, beginning in the chest and rising to your head. Hot flashes most commonly occur at night and can last from a few seconds to up to an hour.

b. Vaginal dryness: Decreasing hormones may result in vaginal dryness, which may compel you to use vaginal lubricant to keep your sex life active with minimal discomfort. However, in serious cases an estrogen cream may be recommended by your physician.

c. Other symptoms: Other symptoms may include difficulty in concentrating, headaches, fatigue, night sweats, depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, incontinence, and the like. This condition may also lead to osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Some women are known to gain weight too, especially around the waist.

Natural remedies menopause

Although, the most popular treatment for menopause is the Hormone Replacement Therapy, there are certain risks, like cancer, associated with it. If you don’t want to put your life on line by this line of treatment, there is a world of natural herbal remedies waiting to be explored! Let’s see what these menopause natural remedies are:

a. Diet: Your diet is important in controlling menopause natural remedy symptoms. Since, at this stage the body requires estrogens, the female hormone, increase the consumption of foods containing phytoestrogens, like soy, grains, oats, wheat, brown rice, tofu, almonds, cashews, fresh fruits and vegetables. However, cut down on caffeine, carbonated beverages, sugar, commercially raised meats, including beef, pork and chicken.

b. Exercise: It reduces the severity of menopausal symptoms. It also relieves stress, and often improves depression and anxiety symptoms. Routine exercise improves bone mass, as well.

c. Herbs: Herbs like black cohosh, dong quai, evening primrose oil, ginseng and vitex agnus castus can help many women manage menopause symptoms most effectively.

d. Red clover isoflavone: Promensil, containing red clover isoflavone, is an effective natural remedy for menopause hot flashes. This dietary supplement is available over-the-counter, without a prescription, at any retail grocery, drug and health food stores. It decreases the number of hot flashes and night sweats.

e. ‘Good’ bacteria:Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus are the ‘good’ bacteria in our intestines. They help in metabolism and utilization of estrogen during menopause. Good bacteria can be found in various nutritional formulas in the market.

f. Ayurveda: This ancient Indian science of holistic healing considers menopause as an ‘out of balance’ condition. It demands a lifestyle change, in which, you’d need to increase warm food and drinks, regular meals, early bedtime, oil massage, meditation, yoga, walking and spices, such as fennel and cumin.

Remember, the symptoms of menopause may vary from woman to woman. So, adopt whichever natural cure works best for you, but not without consulting your physician.

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Natural Cure For Acne

Use natural apple cider vinegarBragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (not the kind in grocery stores) to clear up acne. Start by using a dilution of one part apple cider vinegar to three parts water for a week. Next, make a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water and use this for a week. You may want to continue with this strength. Some people will go on to use the apple cider vinegar straight, undiluted, but straight vinegar may be irritating to others. Apply the vinegar mixture to pimples with a cotton ball. This clears up the acne and helps to get rid of the red marks from past break-outs.

Teenagers can use diluted natural apple cider vinegarBragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (one part vinegar to three parts water) daily at the first sign of bumps to eliminate them before they become break-outs. This dilution is mild enough for most anyone's face, young or old. But, it should not be used on a man's face after shaving - using it before shaving will prevent stinging.

Natural apple cider vinegarBragg's Apple Cider Vinegar also comes in tablet form so you can easily gets its goodness inside your body as well as using the liquid directly on acne and scars.

From earthclinic.com...
Angelina has found that applying natural apple cider vinegarBragg's Apple Cider Vinegar to her face four or more times per day has cured her of a "very bad complexion." She applies it straight and says that, while it burns her skin a bit, it "works like a miracle!"

Cheryl says that her daughter developed a case of moderate acne. After trying a number of different things for over a year which helped very little or not at all, she started drinking two tablespoons of natural apple cider vinegarBragg's Apple Cider Vinegar three times a day and applying it topically once at night. She has been acne free for two months. It took about three weeks to clear up.

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Natural cures For Ear Infection

For the pain, put a cup of salt in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. Use coarse salt and dump it into a thick sock. The sock is to prevent burns. Apply the sock to the painful ear and it draws fluid out of the ear.

Get a washcloth full of hot water and wring it out. Hold this onto the ear until it cools. The moist heat will increase the circulation in the ear, thereby reducing the swelling and pain.

For the infection, put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear, one ear at a time. Keep the solution in for 10 minutes or until the bubbling stops.

Note: Do not put liquids into your ears if you have a ruptured ear drum.

OR

Start with 1 tablespoon of Pure Almond Carrier Oilalmond oil and add 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oillavender essential oil, 2 drops of Chamomile Essential Oilchamomile essential oil, and 3 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oiltea tree essential oil. Mix this well, then warm the mixture. OR, another good mixture would be to start with 1 tablespoon of Pure Almond Carrier Oilalmond oil and add 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oillavender essential oil, 3 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oiltea tree essential oil, and 2 drops of Thyme Essential Oilthyme essential oil.

Two drops of this warm mixture can be put inside an infected ear three times a day (if the eardrum has never been punctured or perforated). A secondary method to further ease the pain and pressure, rub some of this mixture onto the inside and outside of the ear itself and on the affected side of the neck (the area of the lymph nodes). An even faster secondary method to relieve the pain and pressure is to get the mixture hot, add a few drops of this mixture to a little hot water, dip in a clean cloth, and use the cloth as a compress. Be careful that it is not hot enough to burn.

Note: 1) Red thyme pure essential oil is not suitable for children, epileptics or those who are prone to high blood pressure. 2) Thyme essential oil can induce a miscarriage or harm a fetus when taken internally and possibly when applied externally.


For a person who has had (ever) a perforated or punctured eardrum, follow the above procedures without adding drops inside the ear canal to achieve much of the healing and pain relief.

People that get a lot of ear infections might actually be allergic to dairy products, egg whites, wheat, peanuts or soy. Or, their intake of fatty foods may be too high.

To use these methods with babies, put one drop of the mixture into 1/4 cup of water for diluted strength, and use the diluted mixture as ear drops or for massaging.

Chewing gum that contains Xylitol (like Biotene Dry Mouth Gum, Arm & Hammer Dental Care Sugar Free Baking Soda Gum, or Altoids Chewing Gum) helps fight bacteria, cavities, plaque and gum disease, and helps whiten teeth. Gum chewing may help relieve pressure in the ear, and the pain from the pressure. Chewing Xylitol gum regularly has been shown to prevent inner ear infections by keeping the bacteria in the mouth from moving up into the nose and ears.

Recurring ear infections may be due to the overuse of antibiotics causing an overgrowth of candida (yeast). That is because the antibiotics kill also kill some good things in our body meant to keep out the bad things. The candida can cause a whole list of problems. In children it usually shows up as diaper rash (in women it is yeast infections), recurrent ear infections, asthma, and a host of other problems. Cutting out sugars and refined carbohydrates from the diet would help a lot, although this is not so easy with kids. So, replace the intestinal flora (a good thing) that was killed by the antibiotics. You do this with acidophilus, which comes in many forms: Acidophilus Tabletsacidophilus tablets, Children's Chewable Acidophilus Tabletschewable acidophilus, Acidophilus Strawberry Liquid, and Children's Acidophilus Powder.

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Natural Cures For Heart Attack

Natural Ways to Live Through a Heart Attack - More Than Home Remedies
Coughing vigorously when you think you're having a heart attack may save your life.

"Coughing creates a pumping action that can push blood through the body and to the brain, thereby keeping you going until medical help arrives, according to the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine."

"However, when and how you cough is important. It should start with a single cough every one to two seconds in bouts of five coughs." If possible, a deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough should be deep and long.

But, call 911 right away also to be sure that rescue workers get to you as quickly as possible. You don't have to be able to speak to get help from a 911 operator, they can get your address on their own to send help.

Most doctors agree that you should also chew (not swallow) one regular-strength aspirin if you think you are having a heart attack. (1- They don't say Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen or Naproxen, just aspirin. Read the box to be sure. 2- Don't do this if you are allergic to aspirin.) Chewing an aspirin will help save your life, but you still need to call 911 and receive medical help right away.

Doctors also say that taking one low-dose aspirin a day could prevent a heart attack. But, this has to be discussed with your doctor. Aspirin reduces the ability of your blood to clot when you are injured, can cause internal bleeding, and can be very harmful if you are already taking medication that prevents your blood from clotting. This therapy is not for everyone.

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Conditions Lung Cancer

Abnormal cell growth in either one or both of the lungs is the simple answer to the question, "What is lung cancer?" In healthy individuals, the cells within the lungs go about their business duplicating at a normal rate and turning into more and more lung tissues. The lungs continue to function properly and all is well.

But in damaged lungs, this rate of cell duplication becomes uncharacteristically fast yet new lung tissue fails to develop. These damaged (cancerous) cells begin to clump together and ultimately turn into cancerous tumors. Eventually, the tumors begin to interfere with the impacted lung's ability to function normally and that is when the full impact of the disease known as lung cancer begins to be noticed.

Quick Tips

Don't Have Time to Wash Your Hair? Blot your scalp with an oil-absorbing sheet, sprinkle some baby powder on your hair brush and comb your hair. This will remove the grease and give you a clean look.

Interestingly, although it usually takes many years for lung cancer to develop, the cells begin to take on abnormal characteristics almost immediately upon being exposed to cigarette smoke or the other environmental contaminants that can cause trouble in the lungs such as radon, asbestos, coal, air pollution, and even second-hand smoke.

Lung cancer can strike anyone regardless of gender, age or race. Even though it is more likely to strike those who are or who have been a smoker, lung cancer can develop in those who have never taken up this habit. Lung cancer in non-smokers is very rare, occurring in only about 10% of the cases, meaning that in almost 90% of the lung cancer cases, cigarette smoking is the instigator. Why is that so?

The primary purpose of the lungs is to breathe in air. The lungs remove the oxygen from this air and push it out into the blood where it can travel around the body as needed. Because the air we breathe is not always pure - it's filled with dust, dirt, and other types of pollutants - the upper part of the lung system was designed to clean it before allowing it to enter deeper into the lungs. In the case of smokers, the carcinogens in cigarette smoke can break down the lung's cleansing capabilities and as a result, dirty air and the contaminants within cigarette smoke continue to freely enter into the lungs. It is the absence of this cleansing capability that ultimately causes the cells inside the lungs to function abnormally.

Besides being the
#1 cause of cancer death in the United States, lung cancer is unfortunately so far a disease that has no cure. In fact, by the time lung cancer is discovered, few people will survive the first year after diagnosis.

Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are the two types of lung cancer that can develop. Eighty percent of the lung cancer cases are the slower-moving non-small cell type. The problem with this type of lung cancer is that it often spreads to other parts of the body. Sophisticated lung scans are generally the way most tumors are detected, but unfortunately, such scans are not part of routine medical care. That's probably why most lung cancer goes undiagnosed for so long.

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Eating Disorder Treatments

Eating disorders are the diseases caused due to the abnormal eating behavior of an individual. Many people suffer from such eating disorders. They indulge in eating more and more food, which is considered abnormal. A normal person cannot have the amount of food, a person suffering from an eating disorder can have.

Such abnormal patterns of food are not a result of increased hunger. Person having eating disorders have other problems. These problems are related to their lifestyle. Eating disorders are a sign of a problematic time in a person's life. People eat more food to suppress extreme emotions and depression.

There are also different types of eating disorders. Some types of eating disorders are: anorexia, compulsive eating, binge eating disorder and bulimia. These eating disorders are completely curable. You have to detect them on time and seek a medical advice. Treatment may takes a long time. But if the patient is given good support by his family and friends, he can fully overcome the disease.


There are certain misconception about eating disorders. One common misconception is that the males who have any eating disorder are considered to be gay. The fact is that sex has nothing to do with eating disorders. Secondly, if a man has one eating disorder, he cannot have another. Whereas, many people have multiple eating disorders.

The most common misbelieve is that teenage girls are more prone to eating disorders. It is a fact that you can have an eating disorder during your teenage years but anyone, be it children, young girls, and boys, can develop an eating disorder.

If someone around you seems to be suffering with eating disorders, help them. Such people become emotionally very weak and use food as a way to relieve themselves. Emotional support is the most important thing to treat these individuals.

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How To Choose Best Skin Care Product ?

There is really nothing like a best skin care product. There really cannot be any thing like "The best skin care product", because skin care products work differently for different people (based on the skin type to some extent). A product that is the "best skin product" for one person might end up being the worst for another person. So, a more logical question to ask would be " What is the best skin care product for my type of skin?".

Types of Skin:

There are five major types of skin. Understanding your skin type is the best approach to your personal skin care.

1- Normal Skin :
It is the type of skin that we’d all love to have. This is the “healthy” type of skin. This type is the not too oily, not too dry type, characterized by few blemishes, generally firm and smooth with small pores. When you pull the skin away from the bony structure, it springs back to normal position. Lines and wrinkles are appropriate for age.

2- Dry Skin :
Due to environmental exposure to harsh elements and very often lack of water skin may flake off and feel tight in your face. It may lack natural oils, may look rather flaky with small pores, blemishes and blackheads. Without adequate moisture, dry skin can easily become chapped. As dry skin ages, it’s more likely than other types to become wrinkly.

3- Oily Skin :
Skin may look oily and coarse, may have recurring blackheads, acne and large pores. The texture of skin is thick; the touch is often sticky. This type is usually youthful- looking due to the presence of oil on the skin. Often, individuals with oily skin have a tendency to develop acne in their teen and middle years, and overgrown oil glands, or sebaceous hyperplasia, in the middle and late years.

4- Combination Skin :
It varies according to your skin type. This is the Jekyll and Hyde type of skin, often with split personality. This type may be characterized as oily on the T-zone (the area that stretches from the forehead down to the nose and chin), and dry to normal on the cheeks and around the eye area.

5- Sensitive Skin :
People with sensitive skin are the most prone to allergies, rash, sting, and burns. This type of skin gets irritated easily and can go very red and blotchy. This type will have a lot more trouble to environmental factors and tends to be very sensitive to cosmetics.

It is only through experiment (and awareness) that you can find the "Best skin care product( for you) product". Know your skin and take care of it.
It is your glory to being healthy and beautiful.

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Blood Circulation and its effect on our health

Our body circulatory system have 3 parts: pulmonary circulation (lungs), coronary circulation (heart), and systemic circulation (the rest). This system mainly involves the heart, the lungs and the blood vessels. The lungs provide oxygen for the heart to pump to the rest of our body. This is done through blood circulation, the blood carries the oxygen from the lungs to the heart.

The heart then pumps the blood full of oxygen to all of our body cells. Nutrients are also carried in the blood to these cells. Our body cells and tissues will die if they do not receive blood.

The blood always circulates throughout our body, in arteries, capillaries and veins. It moves in the arteries away from the heart, to other parts of the body. As the arteries gets smaller as the blood travels away from the heart, they become capillaries. It is from here that oxygen is supplied to the tissues and in turn, takes away the waste and carbon dioxide.

The returning blood circulation then enters the right side of the heart and moves on to the lungs, where carbon dioxide is deposited. It then picks up more oxygen and returns to the left side of the heart. The whole process is repeated as the heart pumps the blood again.

So, how do blood circulation affects our health? In many ways, in fact, the circulation affects the whole body and its functions, and is a basic precondition to maintain good health. Below are some cases of the effects of blood circulation.

Brain
In this circulatory system, about 20% of the blood pumped from our heart goes to the brain, which only represents 2% of our body's weight.
Good Blood Circulation gives:

* Good memory and concentration
* Good coordination of body parts
* Quick response to stimulation

Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Headache
* Feeling faint and dizziness
* Reduced or poor mental clarity - forget names easily
* Poor comprehension of figures


Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Dementia
o Short term memory loss, inability to think through problems, confusion, paranoia, bizarre behaviour
* Stroke
o Long term build up of cholesterol in the brain's blood vessels may narrow the blood vessels and hence, disrupt blood flow.
o When the blood vessels in the brain are blocked or rupture due to increased pressure, a person is said to suffer from stroke.
o Stroke victims may suffer paralysis, impaired speech, or even death.



Heart Muscles
Good Blood Circulation gives:

* Good energy and stamina
* Regular and normal heart rate

Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Shortness of breath
o Breathing difficulty is a common symptom of inadequate blood flow to the heart
* Feeling faint and dizziness
* Fatigue
o Easily feels tired when performing physical activities such as jogging

Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Angina
o Chest pains due to poor circulation to the heart
* Heart attack
o Fatty materials build up gradually in the heart's blood vessels, narrowing the path and obstructs blood flow. Eventually, this triggers a heart attack.
o Heart failure have a high risk of death, while a mild or moderate heart attack may gradually cause heart failure months or years after the heart attack.



Liver
Our liver performs many vital functions, which includes:

* Metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein
* Removal of worn-out cells, drugs and toxins
* Storage for glycogen, vitamins and minerals
* Activating Vitamin D

Good Blood Circulation gives:

* Good energy and stamina
* Few or no allergies
* Smooth and healthy skin
* Normal glucose level

Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Poor appetite and weight loss
* Itchy skin

Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Lethargy
* Jaundice



Kidneys
Our kidneys

* Eliminate excess water, urea, uric acid and other waste materials
* Regulate the blood pressure, blood pH and blood volume
* Help synthesize and secrete hormones

Good Blood Circulation gives:

* Good energy and stamina
* Little or no incidence of water retention
* Normal blood pressure and heart rate

Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Build-up of waste and water in your body
o Symptoms: Swelling of face, hands, ankles or feet
* Fatigue
* Rapid heart rate and light-headedness

Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Kidney failure



Legs/Hands
Good Blood Circulation gives:

* Warm feet and hands
* Low incidence of foot ulcer
* Quick healing of all wounds


Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Cold hands and feet, may feel numb

Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Varicose veins
* Poor healing of wounds
* Cyanosis
o Skin looks blue due to lack of oxygen supply to body parts



Reproductive Organs
Good Blood Circulation gives:

* Normal sex drive
* Hormonal balance
* Enhanced vitality

Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Low libido

Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:

* Impotency

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Fats and Fibers in your Food Determine your Blood Glucose Level

Blood sugar is a measure of how much glucose (the cell-utilized end product of all carbohydrates) is in our blood, it is determined by how much glucose is introduced into blood externally or internally. Then what is the relation between fats, fibers and blood glucose?

Unless you ingest native food like table sugar or butter, almost all foods are naturally or artificially blends of the macro-nutrients- carbohydrates, proteins, and fats- and by virtue, how fast these foods deliver glucose is determined by their carbohydrate content, how complexed is the food, and finally how fast the stomach extracts glucose to be delivered to the blood

Glycemic Index measures how much glucose is produced from a certain food INSIDE the stomach compared to table sugar as the standard highest glucose producing food. Examples of foods having high glycemic index are sugars, refined grains made from flour, fruits and root vegetables. Glycemic index was formerly used to measure how high that food raises blood sugar, as table sugar raises blood glucose very fast, but when we compare it to Carrots that has a considerable glycemic index, we find that Carrots raises blood glucose far slower than sugar.

Foods with high content of fibers like Vegetables and fruits takes sometime to deliver its content of glucose.The high-fat meal slows the gastric emptying and slows the delivery of glucose into the blood stream, and this is clinically tested and proven. These findings led the nutrition scientists to develop a new measure to rank foods regarding their blood glucose raising effect called Glycemic Load, which tells you how fast a food raises blood glucose levels.

Implementing the glycemic load gives us a clear picture of how great and fast our blood glucose level would be after eating a certain food.
Carrots has GI of 47 and a GL of 10.
Potatoes has a GI of 57 and a GL of 45.
Air-popped popcorn, has a glycemic index of 72, and a GL of 8.
Macaroni has a GI OF 23, and a GL of 47.

If you add a tablespoonful of oil (e.g. Olive,Canola...) to your favored plate of green salad to make a snack, it would make you feel satiety while you are eating a very healthy food according to all health recommendations.
In general, Use your own common sense and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other seeds. Avoid the refined carbohydrates... foods made with extracted sugars, flour, white rice or milled corn products.

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Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure

If you find someone flushing in your presence, don't get any wrong notions, he or she might very well be displaying the symptoms of high blood pressure! High blood pressure, more commonly referred to as hypertension, can take your life. Thus, it's a serious enough condition to sit up and take note. An estimated over fifty million people in the US alone are afflicted with this silent killer.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries, veins, and the chambers of the heart, as it is pumped through the body. High blood pressure occurs when the exertion of this force increases. Over time, this can begin to damage the lining of the blood vessels and may even lead to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. It ultimately results in heart attack, stroke and other serious conditions.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Common symptoms associated with high blood pressure are flushed face, headache, dizziness, nervousness, restlessness, fatigue and weakness, difficulty in breathing, bleeding from the nose, insomnia, intestinal complaints, emotional instability, and the like. And these innocuous looking symptoms can lead to complications, such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.


What are the causes of high blood pressure?

The number one cause for high blood pressure is heredity, but there is usually more than one factor involved. Amongst the environmental factors are diet, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, diabetes, stress, obesity, and so on. Some nutritionists indicate lack of potassium and magnesium in the diet, especially in relation to salt intake, as the cause for this condition. Contamination from heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium is also known to be a cause. Of course, lifestyle factors, such as coffee and alcohol consumption, and smoking also play a role.

What are the high blood pressure natural remedies?

High blood pressure can damage many organs in the body and increase the risk of stroke, brain hemorrhage, heart attack and kidney failure at an early age. High blood pressure can be controlled. You only need to bring some discipline into your lives! In most mild cases, dietary and lifestyle changes can normalize blood pressure. However, have a look at what the natural remedies for lowering blood pressure are:

a. Minerals: Ensure adequate intake of minerals by eating potassium-rich foods, like asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, potatoes, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapefruit, nectarines, oranges and squash. For magnesium, eat wheat germ, rice, nuts, potatoes, bananas, molasses, soy, kidney and lima beans.

b. Garlic: Studies indicate that garlic appears to lower the blood pressure by five to ten percent. It also lowers cholesterol, reduces triglyceride levels, discourages clot formation, and promotes blood circulation.

c. Hawthorn: Hawthorn or Crataegus oxycantha is a well known heart herbal tonic. It's known to decrease the blood pressure and the heart rate and increase heart muscle contraction and blood flow to the heart muscle. However, its full effect takes several weeks or months to develop.

d. Ayurvedic medicine: The ancient Indian medical science of Ayurveda pins the blame of high blood pressure on each person's dosha or constitution. Those with pitta or kapha type of constitution are more prone to it. It treats high blood pressure the natural way by introducing a low salt and fat diet, yoga, breathing exercises, and the like.

e. Traditional Chinese medicine: According to traditional Chinese medicine, the problems in circulation of energy in the body are the cause of high blood pressure. A combination of acupuncture and herbs can balance this energy flow.

High blood pressure is dangerous. Prevent it by making lifestyle changes, like regular exercise, stress management, breathing exercises, and the like. But, if you do get afflicted with it, take the help of natural remedies. They are safe, effective and without side effects. However, don't forget to take your physician's advice first.

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Honey, Other Foods for Abscesses and Boils

Honey alone or with other ingredients has been used to treat abscesses sand boils for thousands of years. Honey can be applied alone on the skin and there are now preparations that contain honey as one of their ingredients, or mixed with other foods to make some dermatological applications.

In case honey is made into paste, you can follow this procedure:
# Apply the paste to a clean lint and place over the affected area.
# Hold in place with a plaster or bandage.
# Change the dressing twice a day.

Here are some recipes :

1- Honey + Fenugreek

Fenugreek 1/2 oz
Honey 1 Tablespoonful
Water 1/2 Cup

# Soak the fenugreek seeds in water until it absorbs most of the water
# Put the vessel containing fenugreek paste in a boiling water bath ( another vessel containing boiling water put on a flame) for about 10 minutes until a soft consistency with a dark color is obtained.You can beat it to ease the process.
# Mix the resultant paste with honey and use it as a poultice repeatedly.
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2- Honey + Cheese

White unprocessed cheese 1 oz
Honey 1 Tablespoonful

# Dry the cheese until can be powdered.
# Mix the powdered cheese with honey and apply to the affected area asrecommended.
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3- Honey + Egg Yolk

Egg Yolk 1
Honey 1 Tablespoonful

# Blend the honey and egg yolk to make a thin paste.
# Apply the paste to a clean lint and place over the affected area.
# Hold in place with a plaster or a bandage.
# Change the dressing twice a day.
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4- Honey +Lupins :

Lupins (pea family) 1 oz
Vinegar 1 Tablespoonful
Honey 1 Tablespoonful

# Make Lupins into powder.
# Heat the lupins powder with vinegar and honey to form a paste.
# Apply the paste to a clean lint and place over the affected area.
# Hold in place with a plaster or bandage.
# Change the dressing twice a day.
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5- Honey + Flower :
Honey 1 oz
Flower 1 Tablespoon


# Mix to make a paste and apply as recommended.

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