Health Facts Matter

How to Get Rid of Acne through Castor Oil

Grace — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:27:14 +0000

The adolescent stage is probably one of the most trying times in life. This is the stage where physical, sexual and mental changes happen more frequently. One of these changes includes acne development. Admittedly, not all people who undergo adolescence suffer from acne. In fact, even as they grow older, they may not even have a single pimple experience. Not everyone is as lucky though.

These breakouts are embarrassing and should be treated immediately. Some attempt to use dermatological products and services in order to get rid of the unsightly blemishes while others use topical home remedy creams. Castor oil is included in the latter and it is an effective treatment to acne due to the properties that it possesses.

How can Castor Oil treat Acne:

Castor oil is extracted from the castor seeds (sometimes mistakenly called beans). Among the noteworthy properties of castor oil include being an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anti-oxidant and antibacterial. There are many health benefits of castor oil and the Food and Drugs Administration say that the oil is safe and effective for treating constipation, among others.

Since the oil is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, it can provide many benefits for the skin. Treating acne involves three major steps. First is by cleaning the face thoroughly so as to avoid clogging up pores with dirt. Second, the skin is neither dry nor flaky after using castor oil to clear it due to the moisturizing and nourishing elements of castor. Third will be the effect of the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil where existing acne can be minimized and treated while simultaneously preventing further breakouts.

However, one does not simply smear the face with castor oil. There are still steps to follow because smearing the oil will further clog the pores with dirt. The step-by-step process is as follows:

Prepare hot water and a basin.
Pour all the hot water in the basin and place the latter on top of a counter.
Wash the face to remove dirt from the epidermis level of the skin.
Grab a towel, place it over the head and cover the hot water basin with it.
The steam of the hot water will allow the pores to open.
A sterile towel should clean the face before you can apply the oil.
On a sterile cloth, place a small amount of castor oil.
Apply the oil on the face in circular motion and make sure to cover all areas especially those with acne.
Wait for about a minute or two and wash the face with warm water. You can use a mild soap to completely remove traces of the oil.
Wash with cold water as well so as to close the pores.

The process should be a nightly routine before you go to sleep. After about a week or so, you will be able to see the improvement on your inflammations.

What Causes Spotting In Pregnancy?

Grace — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:14:07 +0000

Although it is not normal to have spots, these have become very common during pregnancy. If you know you are pregnant and you notice spots or bleeding in the vagina, you should contact your doctor immediately to ensure that there is nothing wrong with the baby. Spotting is normal about ten days after conception, but it is highly unlikely that you will know you are pregnant at this early stage. This is because there will be bleeding after the fetus has attached itself to the lining of the uterus. Doctors refer to this as implantation bleeding.

If you develop a vaginal infection, this can also cause some light spots. If you have had a Pap test or an examination with the doctor during which you felt a little discomfort, you may notice a few spots in the days immediately after the tests. If there is a possibility of this happening, the doctor or nurse will probably tell you what to expect, so do not worry if you notice some bleeding. Blood, in this case, does not come from the uterus, but from the outside of the cervix.

Another situation that can lead to staining or bleeding is a kidney infection. If you have kidney stones, these could also cause you to bleed as well. Although both conditions are very painful and may even require that you take antibiotics, none of these will really harm the baby.

If you do not have one of the above, spots in the first trimester of pregnancy may be a sign of impending miscarriage which is why you should contact your doctor immediately. When problems are detected early, the doctor can help you take steps to ensure that you continue with your pregnancy. In some cases, bed rest for a short period of time, whether at home or in the hospital, will help stop the bleeding, and help get the pregnancy back on track. This may be the way your body is saying that you’re trying to do too much, and you, therefore, have to slow down. Pregnancy cramps can also happen along with spotting, so watch out for those.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, staining may also be serious because it may mean that you have a condition known as placenta previa. The doctor can make a thorough analysis, and let you undergo an ultrasound to determine the position of the placenta, and to ensure it has not detached itself from the uterus wall. You should also know what foods to avoid during pregnancy so you can lessen the chances of spotting after the first trimester of your pregnancy.

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Constipation During Pregnancy Is Common

Grace — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 07:42:13 +0000

It is very common for women to experience constipation during pregnancy. Sometimes, getting relief from this condition can be quite difficult.

The growing child in you limits what you can put in your body, but there are several measures pregnant women can take to prevent, control and reduce the discomfort of constipation during pregnancy.

There are many factors that cause constipation. Progesterone is one of the most important. The amount of progesterone increases considerably during pregnancy. Although this hormone causes the release of mucus, it can make it harder for food to pass through the digestive tract, and this can lead to constipation.

Furthermore, as the uterus is enlarged, it can press itself against the rectum, and this can cause constipation. An estimated 50 percent of pregnant women suffer from constipation during pregnancy.

Do not just lie down and bear the pain. There are several things you can do to relieve yourself of the discomfort of constipation during pregnancy. Staying well hydrated is important. Drink plenty of fluids day and night. That can make a huge difference.

Eating foods with a high amount of fiber is also useful. Since fruits and vegetables contain lots of fiber, you need to eat these every day. In addition, these contain nutrients and vitamins that are good for you and your baby. Other excellent sources of fiber include oatmeal, bran, coarse grains, and bran muffins.

Even while drinking liquids and eating a diet high in fiber, many pregnant women still get constipated. Many women fight this by including ginger in their diets. Ginger tea, ginger and ginger ale all help relieve bloating and constipation. It is as ginger aids digestion, and helps eliminate gas.

If you are overweight and pregnant, this can skyrocket your constipation problems. Regular exercise is also an excellent way to prevent constipation. However, you should keep in mind that you are pregnant. So, do not try too hard. A 30-minute walk or swimming three or four times a week is sufficient. You can also find many over-the-counter products that can help soften stools. However, talk to your doctor before using any of these. He may also be able to recommend certain supplements that are beneficial to you.

Iron is also important for fetal development. However, too much iron can also lead to constipation. If you’re one of those people for whom high doses of iron is a problem, talk to your doctor. He may be able to suggest ways for you to adjust your iron intake without affecting fetal growth. Constipation during pregnancy is a reality for many women. Drinking 10-20 glasses of water per day, having regular moderate exercise, and eating a diet high in fiber are very effective natural remedies against constipation. Ask your doctor; he should know if you have constipation problems and together you can control this common problem. Learn more at miracle maternity, where you can get answers to “how far pregnant am I” and more.

Natural Remedies for Swimming Pool Rashes

Grace — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:19:09 +0000

Ah, it’s summer once again. You can finally take out the colorful shorts, tank tops, bikinis, flip flops and the straw hat you have been dying to wear. It is time to have some fun under the sun with friends and family, just lounging with a good book and finally getting the tanned skin you want. However, after a long day of fun and entertainment, you come home and realize that you have patches of red on your skin. Upon closer inspection, you realize that they just might be the infamous swimming pool rash, otherwise known as the swimmer’s itch, hot tub rash or the chlorine rash. Unbeknownst to most people, this rash isn’t necessarily contracted from swimming pools alone. You can also get this from lakes, beaches, hot tub and rivers.

There are different reasons why a person may end up with a rash after a fun day of swimming. The rash may be caused by bacteria, most commonly the pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), which is rampant in whirlpools, spas and hot tubs. Rashes caused by the pseudomonas bacteria often manifest as a rash all over the body as well as blisters that is highly similar to chicken pox. The rash typically disappears after seven to ten days unless there are complications involved. Another reason for the rash may be parasites from mammals and birds, which is common if you’re fond of swimming in natural water sources such as oceans, rivers, lakes and ponds. The last but definitely not the least reason for a swimming pool rash is being exposed to superfluous amounts of chlorine, which is considered to be extremely irritating to the skin. While chlorine is an important component in hot tubs and swimming pools for antibacterial purposes, it may be lead to skin problems if it is too strong or if the person is exposed to it repeatedly. As a result, people may be prone to developing chlorine allergy, which can be difficult to treat.

While prevention is still better than cure in this case, it simply can’t be helped for other people to contract a rash. So here are a few natural home remedies you can use to soothe the redness and itchiness of the nasty rash.

Ice it. Just wrap a few pieces of ice cubes on a towel and press it against the skin for roughly ten minutes or so. Ice helps constrict the blood vessels, which easily reduces the inflammation on the skin. This leads to lesser redness and itchiness or pain.
Use baking soda and water. Mix half a cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in it for roughly fifteen minutes and rinse with cold water.
Use anti inflammatory creams. You can make use of corticosteroid creams and anti-itch lotions such as calamine to help soothe the inflammation on the affected area.

Sometimes, when you’re enjoying the summer heat too much, it just seems inevitable to get a swimming pool rash. At least now, you have homemade remedies that can help you reduce the inflammation and get you back on a fun summer day with friends.

The Risk Of Searching For A Diabetes Cure

Grace — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:11:06 +0000

With an economic value that is expected to reach $500 billion in 2020, pharmaceutical companies have been racing to find a cure for diabetes, or at least a drug to control the disease that does not have life threatening side effects. In recent years pharmaceutical companies have come under fire for rushing diabetes drugs to market without properly studying their side effects.

For instance, Takeda, the manufacturer of the diabetes drug Actos, has been criticized for not properly alerting patients and health practitioners to an increased risk of kidney failure and cancer. Many an Actos lawsuit has been filed alleging the company put profit before patient safety.

On Jan. 23, 2011, alone three companies announced diabetes-related ventures.

First was the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which publicized the company’s move to establish a type 1 diabetes research and development center in Washington. The center will be in operation summer of this year.

Novo Norsdik is the maker and marketer of the recently approved type 2 diabetes drug Victoza (Liraglutide). Victoza, which received FDA’s approval in January 2010, was linked to thyroid cancer. It is the same diabetic drug cooking show host Paula Deen has been endorsing.

Victoza is an injection administered under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It is commonly administered, with or without food, on a daily basis. Side effects include headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, heartburn, sneezing, loss of appetite, runny nose, tiredness, burning sensation or difficulty when urinating, rash, unexplained body pain, cough, and vomiting.

Another pair in the race was healthcare consulting firm Scientia Advisors, which revealed strategic alliance with Joslin Diabetes Center, a diabetes research and clinical care center, to develop and market new products designed for cures of diabetes. Joslin has around 30 clinical sites in the country and two clinical sites outside the United States.

The said announcements came after U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) denied Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and AstraZeneca Plc a clearance to make experimental diabetes pill dapagliflozin available in the U.S. market.

On Jan. 19, 2012, FDA rejected application of makers of dapagliflozin over concern for bladder and breast cancer and liver impairment risks of the drug. This is not the first diabetes drug linked to bladder cancer. In 2011 an FDA study statistically linked Actos bladder cancer and the extended use of the drug.

Dapagliflozin is the first-of-its-kind diabetic therapy for hyperglycemia. It stood clinical trials and was proven to help patients lose weight and lower blood pressure. In clinical trials, however, 19 participants developed bladder and breast cancer. FDA said the drug also has potential for liver risks.

A study conducted on 20, 191 patients by Lahey Clinic Centre revealed that users of Actos and Avandia had 72 percent increased risk for congestive heart failure (CHF).

Health practitioners are hopeful that pharmaceutical companies and medical researcher will eventually develop a diabetic drug with the least side effects.

While drug companies are still on the search for cures of diabetes, numbers of people developing type 2 diabetes are growing. The World Health Organization (WHO) said there are at least 346 million people around the globe who have diabetes. Number for people with increased risk for the disease is at 1.7 billion.

In the U.S. alone, the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) pegged Americans with diabetes at 25.8 million in 2010, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. The figure included all age groups.

In 2009, average cost for a diabetic patient was at $11,700 contrasted to the $4,400 for the rest of the population.

Foods Rich in Vitamin K

Grace — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:46:09 +0000

Vitamin K is a naphthoquinone fat-soluble vitamin compound. The name Vitamin K is derived from the Danish word “koagulation”. This vitamin is needed for the production of proteins, coagulation factors, utilized for blood clotting process. Just imagine if you have vitamin K deficiency. Whenever you are deeply wounded or had undergone surgical procedures, you may bleed profusely and it might be fatal.

According to the Institute of Medicine, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for men is 120 micrograms and 90 micrograms for women. Vitamin k is indeed vital and must be included in our diet. Blood coagulation, cardiovascular and bone health are just some of the aspects that serve as answer for those who might be wondering what is vitamin k good for.

Since vitamin K maybe found in plants, also known as phylloquinone, one of its rich sources can be found in green leafy vegetables. Eggs, meats, and fruits are also some of the examples of vitamin k rich foods. If you want to have an adequate intake of this vitamin, you must include them in your daily meals. The fact that green leafy vegetables contain the highest amount of vitamin K was actually revealed by the USDA National Nutrient Database. Moreover, 150 micrograms of vitamin K can be found with only one cup serving of beet, mustard, dandelion greens, kale, and spinach. As for cooked broccoli, it contains about 180 micrograms in just one cup. Those who are so-called “vegetable salad” lovers would definitely benefit from it.

Another source of vitamin K can also be obtained from the vegetables under the Brassicaceae family plant. The following are cabbage and brussels. Green cabbage contains about 160 micrograms of vitamin K while brussels contain 300 micrograms of this vitamin per one cup. One must not also forget the okra and the asparagus as they are also good sources of vitamin k. A cup of okra can provide you with 90 micrograms and 145 micrograms for the latter.

Are you a fruit lover? We have good news then. For those who love prunes, one cup per serving will provide you with 65 micrograms of vitamin k. Eating prunes will not only render you with this essential vitamin, but will also help you for achieving regular bowel movements. As for medium sized kiwi and blackberries, it can provide you with 30 micrograms. Lastly, one cup of blueberries contains approximately 45 micrograms of vitamin K.

So before going to groceries or market, make sure that you have these food included in your list. Not only will they provide you with necessary vitamins, but also will help you maintain a healthy diet.

Get Real Information Of How Hoodia Works

Grace — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:36:08 +0000

There is a reason why doctors and nutritionists alike encourage us nonstop to eat more of this food and less of that. Science has made it easy for us to figure out which foods contain the nutrients that our bodies need. However, these healthy foods are in constant competition with other products that appeal more to our taste buds but which contain significantly fewer vitamins and minerals, and what’s more, these unhealthier foods also give too much fats and calories to ever be considered safe for frequent consumption. This battle between healthy versus fattening is never-ending and has led to the demand for appetite suppressant foods that can lower our cravings for eating more than we really need.

Hoodia gordonii products are one of the most popular appetite suppressants available. Almost all hoodia items advertise themselves as containing real hoodia extract that comes from the plant, which is located in only a few places in the deserts of Africa. As a matter of fact, hoodia gordonii is actually classified as an endangered plant because of the high demand of hoodia products, and this has created a wave of homeopathic hoodia items that contain too little hoodia gordonii extract to provide any appetite suppressant benefit. This means that if you want to try hoodia products, you should make sure they contain enough extracts of the plant to give results to your body, and you can do so by getting them checked with your doctor.

Another benefit you can get from asking your doctor to verify hoodia products is the added protection you get from having them checked by medical professionals. Hoodia gordonii is supposed to contain a compound called P57 that causes the appetite suppression. However, giant corporations like Pfizer and Unilever have refused to create their own brand of hoodia products due to less than satisfactory results they got from trying to isolate and synthesize P57, and in fact some reports also state that regular consumption of hoodia products can lead to negative results like liver problems. And since only smaller companies with less access to the latest technology have released hoodia products, you should think twice before trying any hoodia item right away.

The hoodia plant in itself is also not a good source of nutrients, and it’s not comparable in any way to leafy green vegetables with their high vitamin content or even dairy products rich in vitamin B12, and in fact you may be better off taking a multivitamin pill or a B12 injection for better health. Hoodia products should be regarded with caution, and no matter how eager you are to start losing weight, always check with your doctor any hoodia item before trying it out.

Create an Airbrush Finish Through Make Up Brush Selection

Grace — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:41:05 +0000

For many of us makeup application has probably developed from crude beginnings, from a process of trial and error and rarely do we spend time on getting our application perfect with brushes preferring to use our fingers instead.

However insider spa and beauty tips are all about getting application right through the right brush selection, which will help to create an air brushed finish and a beautifully made up face. This article takes you through the basics of brush selection, so you have the confidence to apply your makeup the professional way:

Blusher Brush: For applying any powder based cosmetic the bristles should be made of a natural hair, so that they are gentle against the surface of your skin. With a blusher brush the edges of the brush should be rounded for easy application, especially when trying to get the consistency just right on the apples of your cheeks.

Contouring Brush: Again this bristles will usually be made from natural hair and be quite firm to touch. Contouring brushes characteristically have a tapered head, which allows you to apply your contouring blush in the exact right place.

Bronzer Brush: This brush is very tightly packed and has a short round end. It is used to push the bronzer into the skin, rather than giving the appearance of just sitting on top, helping to create a natural looking finish.

Foundation Brush. The best make up brushes used to apply a wet base are synthetic, because natural bristles will absorb to much product. The foundation brush has a flat edge which can be laid close to the surface of the skin as possible, helping to create a smooth application, this will ensure your base gets applied evenly and gets into any corners.

Concealer brush: Made from synthetic fibers with a rounded head, this brush is usually a lot smaller then the foundation brush so it can get to those hard to reach areas.

Eye shadow brush: Bristles are densely packed in the brushes for the eyes so that they appear quite firm, it is flat with a rounded head so that it can be easily manipulated to blend eyeshadow over the lid.

Eyeshadow blending brush: This has a dome head and longer bristles. It is soft and fluffy and is used for blending eye shadows together and for softening edges. It can also be used for applying powder under the eyes to set concealer.

Slanted Eyebrow brush: This brush is used to fill and enhance the eyebrows with powder.

Eyeliner Brush: This is much smaller then any of the other brushes and is used to smudge eyeshadow into eyeliner, or to apply loose pigment with precision as close to the root of the lashes as possible.

To finish you need to be sure that you blend everything in well so that it looks as natural as possible. A blending brush will help you to achieve this, which is used for buffing foundation into an airbrush finish, helping your finished application will look as flawless as possible.

How To Handle Lisinopril And Dry Cough

Grace — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:34:06 +0000

If you do a survey of people taking Lisinopril as a way of controlling high blood pressure or hypertension and certain heart ailments, you may find that developing a persistent dry cough ranks high as one of the most common side effects. A dry cough can get very irritating to have to deal with everyday and although it’s definitely not as dangerous as other known Lisinopril side effects like chronic diarrhea, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and liver problems, it gives very little comfort to tell someone this, especially when the cough becomes really stubborn. Most doctors will advise their patients to bear the cough as well as they can, since the benefits of Lisinopril on the body is usually far more important than having a cough as a side effect.

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor drug taken to keep the blood vessels from constricting or narrowing too much and is one of the most popular medications for controlling hypertension and to help those having gone through or are suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Most people taking Lisinopril regularly are lucky enough not to experience any kind of side effect, but for the unlucky few, even a very low Lisinopril dosage can lead to severe side effects, or at least the common dry cough. Until today there are no clear statistics on the percentage of people developing the cough when taking Lisinopril, or exactly how Lisinopril causes it.

Much like the relationship between Methotrexate arthritis, Lisinopril can keep hypertension under control, but if the dry cough gives you problems like difficulty speaking, sore throat from the constant throat clearing, and sleep problems because of the chronic condition, talk to your doctor about how you can best manage the condition. Taking cough syrup and other medications can work, but be careful of risking drug interactions with Lisinopril, which is known to react negatively with several other medications. The cough is also known to disappear on its own as soon as Lisinopril therapy is stopped, but you should only stop taking Lisinopril with the consent of your doctor. High blood pressure and heart disease are far more fatal conditions than a dry cough, no matter how irritating it is, so talk with your doctor on other ways you can make the cough better. In some cases, switching to a different ACE inhibitor may help, or lowering the Lisinopril dose for a while can get rid of the cough for good.

Jal Neti – Nasal Cleaning for Sinus Problems

Exercising Your Way Through Knee Pain Relief

Grace — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:34:06 +0000

Knee pain is a common affliction that affects millions of individuals yearly. It can be triggered by an a number of different factors which include sustaining a recent injury, over stressing the knees with too many physical activities, as well as a slew of medical conditions such as gout, arthritis, and infections.

For those suffering from nagging sports related knee pains, or the recent victim of an accident or fall that has impaired their capacity to move, knee exercises are the easiest, safest, and most affordable solution to your problem.

As you place tension and stress on your lower limbs each day, it is necessary that you make sure that your knees can hold out. Knee calisthenics have a way of boosting the strength of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that give you the agility and flexibility to move with ease.

Strengthening your knees through any of these simple yet highly effective stretching exercises can ensure that you will be ready to run, sprint, and jump anytime of the day.

Knee Stretches

Tightly wound and weak muscles can easily give in to pulls and injury. This is why it is necessary to properly stretch and give the muscles that support your knee a work out to make sure that they are strong enough to resist injury or trauma.

1. Heel Slide Extension – with your back on the ground, angle your left knee towards a bent position while the foot rests firmly on the floor. Gradually slide the heel outwards and hold for 10 seconds before resuming your original position. Repeat at least 10 times alternating on each leg.

2. Hamstring Extension – resume an upright position and place one foot in front of the other with the toe raised upwards. With your balance in check, gradually bend the back knee all the way to your hip until it is completely stretched. Hold, release and repeat switching between each knee.

3. Seated Chair Extension – use two chairs and place them across each other. Take a seat on one of the chairs and rest your foot on the other one and see to it that your knees are slightly elevated. Carefully press on your knees moving them close to the floor. Hold for a few seconds, release and repeat.

4. Knee Flex Extension – while seated, take out a long bath towel and circle it around your foot. Slowly tug on the towel until your bent knees are raised off the floor. Switch between each leg and repeat five times.

Knee Strengthening Exercises

As your knees absorb the shock of each step and momentum change, it is vital that you talk to your doctor about incorporating these simple fitness routines into your workout. They will strengthen the muscles connected to your knees while improving your overall balance and flexibility. In addition to the exercises below, there are custom made orthotics for plantar fasciitis and knee pain. What few people understand is that the common causes of heel pain can lead your body into making minor adjustments that then begin to affect your knees. When you speak with your doctor about new knee strengthening exercises it is a good idea to also bring up the possibility of supports or orthotics to re-align your feet and improve the entire support network for your knees. Now on to the exercises:

1. Wall Slides – with your back firmly against the wall, slowly slide down until you reach a comfortable seated position. Hold this position for a few seconds before sliding back up. Repeat at least ten times.

2. Hamstring Curl – Stand against a wall and make sure that your thighs are in direct contact with the surface. Bend one of your knees upwards as far as you can go. Hold for a few seconds before swapping with the other knee. If you have ankle weights at home, you can try to use them to add extra tension to your exercise routine.

3. Step – Ups – using a low bench or 2-feet high step, stand up firmly onto it and step down. Go back up and down in a rhythmic motion. Start with only a few turns and gradually progress as you begin to get stronger. For better results, do some arm pumping while stepping up and down for a full body workout.

4. Leg Raise – sit on a chair and extend one of your legs out. Keep this position for roughly 60 seconds before gradually lowering the elevated leg by bending the knee. Hold midway for half a minute before resuming your old post.

5. Abductor Raise – lie on the ground with your body tilted to the side supported by your elbow and with one leg bent and the other in a straight line. Work on your top leg by slowly lifting it up until you feel your lower limbs stretch. Hold for 10 seconds before pulling it back down.

6. Biking – whether on a mobile or stationary bike, biking is an excellent way of strengthening the quads, hamstrings, and knees while extending your range of movements. When using a stationary bike, see to it that your knee is at a 15 degree angle.

A good combo of knee stretching and strengthening exercises should be done daily. For rookies, start out small until you adjust to the new routine and slowly add additional repetitions or ankle weights as your strength improves.

While you may start out with a bit of difficulty, always keep in mind that slow and steady will lead to a lifetime of mobility and pain free steps.