Having someone in the family that is suffering from depression is like experiencing a tragedy in the family. Why? Its because of the fact that depression hurts everyone within the family unit. The family is the center point of society and when one member in a family experiences a health problem, the other members have to deal with the burden and offer their support. But when it comes to depression, the affected member can no longer bear the weight of his/her problem and the families support is not enough to resolve it. Hence, the affected individual experiences behavioural changes that affect the entire family. For this reason, it is important for the depressed family member to seek medical help as soon as the signs of depression manifest. How to overcome depression naturally may be possible if the depression experienced is just mild, but for severe cases of depression professional help is increasingly important. Depression can be found in many forms, it can be categorized as mild or severe and one such common type is the manic-depressive kind. Depression may be triggered by a lot of things such as the experience of a problem, stress, or loss or failure but some depressions can be because of an imbalance of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. This imbalance must be corrected by taking medications that are aimed to balance serotonin specifically. It is advised for a depressed person to seek medical help to ensure that he/she is getting the right treatment for the depression he/she is suffering. If depression is not treated, its effects can worsen in time and may become harder to manage. It brings the family down when a tragedy befalls it, and having a depressed family member is hard work. But this tragedy can be overcome by getting help for that affected person and lead to effective treatment from ... Read More

When you analyze the question “what is a stroke?”, you come up with the answer “it’s a heart attack in your head”. They are the same thing, affecting different parts of your body. Because of this similarity, I thought that this recent study was interesting… For years and years, cancer drug development lagged behind drugs for cardiovascular diseases. When you look at the number of new drugs under development, though, cancer drugs are now outweighing heart disease drugs by a ratio of 700:147 (new cancer drugs in the pipeline versus new heart disease drugs). Over the past, new heart drugs were introduced at a rate of 52:11 over cancer drugs (in the 1980’s) and in the 1990’s it changed to 74:38. Year to date, the ratio for cardiovascular to cancer has reversed to 3:13. The driving force behind this change is, of course, money. There is more money in cancer drugs mostly because they tend to be very specialized, versus very general in the cardiovascular arena. But this is what I found most interesting: The rate of “successful development of new cancer drugs outweigh cardiovascular drugs is 7% versus 3%”. This puzzled me, but in this Tuft’s University Study they explained that the bar for acceptability in cancer drugs (meaning unwanted side-effects) was much higher. We are willing to accept far greater risk in cancer drugs than we are with heart drugs. Even the FDA is in on the act, and they approve these drugs accordingly. Counter-intuitively, the success rate for development of cancer drugs is much lower than heart drugs (1.3-1.8% for cancer versus 4.9% for heart) but, because these drugs tend to target a smaller, more specific audience, they can garner higher prices and less (if any) competition. So the drug manufacturers and researchers have switched gears to go where the money is (even though heart disease affects more people, there is much more competition with treatment, and consequently lower prices). I don’t know what this holds out for the long term – we are still a ways off from declaring “victory” over heart disease and stroke. But I guess they’ve held the limelight long ... Read More

Chiropractic care is an alternative form of medicine that works to naturally adjust and correct the alignments of your body to free you from your bodily restrictions and pains. Through the use of skillful hands, chiropractors are able to work on your every muscle, tissue and ligament to ensure that they are in their proper and functional order. As the awareness on the many benefits of chiropractic treatment increase, we now see a rise in the number of practitioners across the American states. This is why we deemed it best to compile the best ways to look for a chiropractor in your area. Location An important consideration in choosing your chiropractor is the convenience or proximity of their location. Though this is not the be all and end all of your decision, it should still be factored in to ensure easier access during emergency situations as well as help you commit to your chiropractor appointments. License Though this should be common knowledge, the Chiropractor Tulsa website still adds that many patients today fail to check on the legitimacy and credentials of their chiropractor. Recommendations The power of word of mouth should also not be undermined. Oftentimes, the best gauge to evaluating a chiropractor’s service is through their past and current clients. By asking the people that you know or going online for customer reviews on Tulsa OK chiropractors, you can have a much better chance at meeting a reputable and efficient chiropractor in your area. Techniques Chiropractic care is an acquired skill and is not something that your chiropractor is born with. As such, it is necessary that you understand the kind of techniques and modalities that they use for their treatments. A good chiropractor should be one who will take into consideration your current health, physical condition as well as lifestyle in determining the most suitable chiropractic technique for ... Read More

Most individuals complain of some degree of pain or discomfort on a regular basis throughout their adult lives, whether it is headaches, neck pain, toothaches, joint pains, or muscle aches. Chronic pain commonly leads to psychological distress including anxiety and depression. Below you will find listed a number of facts that many people overlook when thinking about the experience of pain, including how common it actually is: About 20% of the total population who suffers from pain have it regularly and about 70% of those have sought professional help. Pain does not usually simply go away as you age. Steps must be taken to identify the causes of your pain and counteract them. Women experience chronic pain more frequently than men. Most people currently suffering from chronic pain will have already had this experience for more than three years. Back pain is the most commonly reported type of pain, and is one of the most common reasons for people to miss work. However, there are healthy ways that you can learn to manage pain and prevent it from progressing into more severe conditions. If you are one of those people who suffers mild pain, then the tips below may be of assistance. The first thing that you can do is to try out herbal alternatives. These are very safe and often free from side effects, but are usually only effective for mild and transient aches and pains. The use of over-the-counter pain medications like NSAIDs can help reduce pain temporarily. Good exercise and stretching, such as yoga, tai chi, or weight training can be attempted depending on your current degree of physical vitality. If you are suffering from chronic, severe pain, then you should visit your physician and ask about some of the advanced pain management techniques that may be available to you. These include: Small doses of steroids may be given for the alleviation of severe, short-term pain. For fast relief of severe pain, doctors might give opioid medications. Spinal decompression, or in less severe cases, at-home spinal inversion therapy may be prescribed. Physical therapy can be immensely helpful in building up the correct muscular support to alleviate undue strain on your joints, connectors, and other muscle ... Read More

A lot of people are afraid of dental checkups because they do not have full information about the process and effects. In reality, going to the dentist can be a very fulfilling experience and you can get rid of the normal aches and pains plus give your mouth added beauty and symmetry. Sedation dentistry is another part of the concept that eases patients to give them a more enjoyable experience. Knowing more about the process and materials will keep your fears at bay and even give you a chance to compare things before you begin. Description of the Term Sedation dentistry is defined as the use of pharmacological materials and agents that will help ease and relax patients before and during any dental appointment. The pharmacological agents are generally involved in a class of drugs known as sedatives. These work by depressing the central nervous system, especially the areas that are involved in conscious awareness. There are different levels of depression of the central nervous system. Every one links to a kind of relaxation that can be categorized as mild, moderate or deep. Generally, mild or minimal sedation is described as reducing the anxiety of the patient, with the patient responding well to physical and verbal stimuli. Moderate sedation is described as putting the patient into a relaxed state, responding well to intentional stimuli. Deep sedation is described as putting the patient into a sedated mood, wherein he does not show any conscious signs and will be unresponsive to stimuli. The Routes Sedation via pharmacologic means can be acquired through two general routes. The enteral route is described as the absorption of medication along the enteric membranes which go along the alimentary canal starting from the oral cavity, via the digestive tract and ending in the rectum. The route involves medications that can be swallowed, inserted through the rectum or absorbed via the oral cavity mucosa. The parenteral route includes provision of sedative mediations aside from absorption via the enteric membranes. This involves processes outside the alimentary canal. The methods also include intramuscular, intravenous, inhalation, submucosal administration and more. More Definitions Sedation dentistry is incorporated by dentists to give patients a worry-free and relaxing dental experience. Individuals who are too scared or worried to go to the dentist because of the pain, aches and other problems can go through various processes, without any trouble. They can get rid of the normal worries also known as dental phobia. The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation was formed to make sure that dental patients always have a comfortable and safe time visiting. According to statistics about 30% of the population stays away from dentists because of fear and dental phobia. This can be a problem as oral health and hygiene can be compromised greatly. About Sedation Sedation is described as a procedure that eases and calms patients via the use of sedatives. Sedative drugs include depressants, nitrous oxide, tranquilizers and many more, and can be given through different methods. The most used method years ago was through IV or intravenous route, wherein sedatives are administered by injecting into the blood vessels of the arm. Currently, there are even less invasive and painful ways to administer the medications, such as inhaling nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Oral sedation dentistry is the most common method today in the United States and Canada. This gets rid of the common fear of needles by most patients. Some patients do not even remember certain parts of the procedure and goes home without any fear and worry. This paves the way to more visits to the dentist. In some cases, local anesthesia can be given to patients. This eases or eliminates pain for special techniques and procedures. Shamblott Family Dentistry is an Eden Prairie Dentist serving the Twin Cities Metro ... Read More

Harold W. Harper M.D. and W.L. Asher, M.D. of The American Society of Bariatric Physicians Research Council in Colorado conducted a study on 20 patients who were given HCG hormone paired with lower calorie diets of 500-800 calories everyday as a part of the HCG diet. These 20 women were compared with women in other group that were only given placebo. The result of this study, which was published in Vol. 26, pp.211-218 of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed that the women in the first group that received actual HCG lost considerably more weight. The average weight loss per dose of HCG was higher in these women. Moreover, they also lost bigger percent of their initial weight. The results regarding feeling good to excellent and reports of little or no hunger was much better in the HCG group compared to the placebo group. The doctors who carried out the study conducted additional research about the HCG influence to help people to reduce weight, minimize appetite and observe better sense of well being during the diet. Various HCG diet studies were conducted and the methods used and the results obtained are available for any person to take a look at them. An average of 20,000 telephone calls and 15,000 emails per month is received by our diet support team from dieters who wish to know tips, instructions and recipes or who want to order more HCG products or report their weight loss progress. Hence we have our own sufficient proof to know the best hcg drops on the market. The summaries of the study like the one mentioned above support our dieter’s testimonies over a period of time. HCG diet drops are very useful in aiding weight loss and controlling cravings and appetite. The HCG drops enables serious dieters to attain their weight loss goals without compromising their health and wellness compared to a very strict diet plan which is almost unrealistic and unhealthy. This is a major contributing factor to the success of HCG 1234 dieter’s capacity to shed weight and make considerable changes in the life style including choices of foods and sizes of portion, level of physical activity, and an improved life quality which greatly affects careers, relationships and ... Read More

If you think of the word spa it conjures up a world of sensual delights, where heady lingering fragrances permeate the air and skilled therapists are on hand to guide your body back into harmony  and balance through a medley of massages and treatments, enhanced by the use of exotic blends of ointments, rare herbs, fragrant oils and precious spices. All of this and more you can expect to find at the opulent Raj inspired destination Spa, known as Ananda which was recently voted the best spa in the world by the Travel and leisure magazine. What sets Ananda apart from the rest is its absolutely magical setting in the foothills of the Himalayas, set in 100 acres of grounds guests are treated to luxury accommodation and unparallel views of the river Ganges, which is further complimented by an extensive spa menu of over 80 treatments. Ananda’s exotic range of therapies draws from the wisdom of the world’s most ancient of healing and beauty therapies, that are combined with the sophistication of modern spa techniques. The menu of treatments still keep their roots firmly planted in Ayurvedic medicine but its also combined with a global fusion of therapies from herbal Thai spa treatments to Shiatsu massage, through to Hawaiian body wraps and Indonesian facials that are all designed with one aim in mind, to completely relax and rejuvenate the mind body and soul. Yoga is at the heart of the Ananda wellness program and offers the ideal location for this practice set amongst the lush Himalayan Sal forest, this really is the place to experience the true spirit of Yoga. Ultimately the Ananda spa experience is a deeply spiritual one where every aspect of your stay is catered for, it is a truly wonderful experience of a life time where you can go to pay homage to nature that is truly at its most ... Read More

Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine that is chronic. The colon is part of the body’s digestive system—a system where waste material is stored. Those who have ulcerative colitis have symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. It is not known what causes ulcerative colitis; however, some feel that this condition is inherited and that one’s diet has something to do with getting and treating the disease. There are some nutritionists who feel that eating a healthy diet can help lessen the effects of this disease. In addition, there are certain foods that one should avoid if they have ulcerative colitis. Fiber is good for the body but for those who have this condition, fiber should be limited to 2 grams per serving. Also, for those who suffer from this condition, they should not eat raw fruits, except for melons and bananas. When wanting to eat vegetables, you need to cut the vegetables with the edge of a fork. Vegetables should be cooked thoroughly before eating. In addition, spices, sweets and fats should be avoided. They make this condition worse. Also, chocolate and artificial sweeteners can aggravate ulcerative colitis. Proteins are often helpful with this condition. Good sources of protein are peanut butter, soy, poultry and eggs. It is important with this condition to drink plenty of fluids; however, there are some fluids that can cause problems and should be avoided such as caffeine, juices with added sugar, soft drinks with sugar or caffeine, milk and alcohol. Water works the best and is pure. Because this condition can bring on a deficiency in nutrition, you may want to consider nutritional supplements such as folic acid, probiotics such as yogurt, vitamin D and calcium supplements and Omega-3 fatty acids. Some have found that having ulcerative colitis may cause one’s calcium levels in their blood to be lowered due to blood loss; therefore, one may need to increase their calcium. Of course, before taking any dietary supplement, a physician should be consulted. Some who have this condition may want to consider surgery to have their colons removed due to the loss of blood. However, before considering surgery, medical treatment should be tried, as well as being careful with one’s ... Read More

Our neck and shoulders are composed of different muscles, veins, arteries, bones and connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons. We always feel pain in our neck and shoulders because we always use them. There are many causes of neck and shoulder pain. We will talk about it below including the remedies you can do to feel relief. What are the causes of shoulder and neck joint pain? • Injury: This is the most typical cause of neck and shoulder pain. When you get injured, your neck and shoulders will be traumatized. That is why when you do something, you will feel pain. • Structural stress: Your posture can give stress to your neck and shoulders and that is why you have pain in those areas. • Bones and Joints: It can also be your bones and joints are the cause of the pain you feel. There are cases that someone is born with an abnormal bone and joint structure and it causes them pain. • Diseases: You can feel pain in your neck and shoulders if there are already certain diseases affecting those areas and the pain that you feel is just one of its symptoms. • Muscle Strain: Your muscles can be strained from different activities that you do or it could be from an injury. This will also cause you pain. How can it be diagnosed? Physical and history examination can be done by the doctor to diagnose this, but he can also do some tests like X-Ray, CT scan, ECG, Blood Tests and MRI. How can you get treated? If you only have mild pains in your neck and shoulders, you can do other treatments that can be done at home like resting, application of ice, the application of heat after a week, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers and anti inflammatory supplements. After you do these treatments you should prevent yourself from doing activities that will require you to use your neck and/or shoulders because it can cause you neck joint pain. You should also maintain a good posture and have your injuries checked if there are any because it might be the cause of the ... Read More

There’s a lot of supplements out there these days. It seems like every time you turn around there’s another big finding, another big health claim and another new supplement you should be taking. This article looks at some popular supplements and how effective they really are. 1. Antioxidants Although the evidence behind them isn’t conclusive, it’s generally accepted that antioxidants can’t hurt. We know that oxidative stress is a big part of the aging process, so it’s quite possible that antioxidants can help out. Where we run into problems is when we disregard other aspects of our food or supplements as long as we’re getting antioxidants. For example, we might pick up a Sobe Green Tea for the antioxidants, but ignore the fact that the second ingredient (the first is water) is high fructose corn syrup. 2. Fiber In food fiber is great stuff. There’s research suggesting that fiber for weight loss might actually work, and that fiber might interfere with some harmful processes like rapid absorption of sugar. Fiber supplements, however, are yet to be proven to be as effective as fiber within your food. Think of fiber in food vs fiber in supplement form like a basketball with air in it vs one with air around it. It just doesn’t work the same way. 3. Vitamin C Vitamin C is important, but its effects have been blown out of proportion. With popular supplements like Emergen-C we’ve been lead to believe that high doses of vitamin C will stop sickness in its tracks and keep us healthy. Unfortunately that’s not the case. In fact, you may want to worry more about taking too much (if you’re supplementing it), as highlighted in the article Can You Overdose on Vitamin C? 4. Calcium Since we were kids we were brought up thinking that calcium equals strong bones. While calcium does play a role, it’s far from the whole picture. A 2010 study found that people supplementing calcium saw no decrease in bone fractures. This is most likely because vitamin D regulates calcium absorption so additional calcium can’t be utilized without vitamin D. It is recommended to take vitamin D and magnesium if you supplement calcium. 5. Omega 3s Much like antioxidants, Omega-3s get thrown into everything so manufacturers can claim health benefits. In general, higher omega-3 intake is most likely a good thing, but low quality sources won’t do you much good and most products lead more damage than benefit because of all the other junk that goes along with it. Stick to whole food and high-quality fish oils for your Omega-3 intake. Health and wellness resources: Diets that work – Clean eating – Fat burning foods – Weight loss tips – How to lose belly fat – Reduce weight naturally – Quickest way to lose weight – Low calorie recipes – Lose weight in 2 weeks – Best exercise to lose weight – Tips to lose weight Business and insurance resources: Over 50 life insurance – Commercial insurance – Redundancy insurance – Building insurance – No exam life insurance – Life insurance over 50 – Private medical insurance   Travel resources: A2B transfers – Cancellation holidays – Vacation packages – Broadway travel – Travel insurance over 70 – Global late deals – Holiday insurance – Holiday villas – Travel insurance for pre existing medical ... Read More