Migraines - Not Your Ordinary Headache!

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Migraines - Not Your Ordinary Headache!

by Richard H Ealom

INTRODUCTION: Migraine is a disease, a headache is only a symptom. These headaches, with nausea and vomiting, normally start in childhood and tend to becomes less severe and frequent with age. They can happen any time of the day, though they often begins in the A.M.. The pain is caused by vasodilation in the cranial blood vessels (expansion of the blood vessels), while Headache pain is produced by vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels). The disease characteristics can include: Pain often on one side of the head with a pulsating or throbbing feeling, Moderate to intense pain affecting daily activities, Nausea or vomiting, Sensitivity to light or sound.

Attacks often last from four hours to three days, sometimes longer and visual disturbances or aura Exertion such as climbing stairs makes the headaches worse. Approximately 20% of people experience aura, the warning associated with migraine, prior to the headache pain. It is frequently mis-diagnosed as sinus headaches or tension-type headaches and affects up to 15% of the population. Migraines can produce a host of serious physical ailments including strokes, aneurysms, permanent loss of vision, severe dental problems, coma and even death. Sufferers experience not only excruciating pain, but social ostracism, job loss, disruption of personal relationships, and prejudices at work. These headaches seem to be caused in part by alterations in the level of a body chemical called serotonin and they are not the same in all persons.

SYMPTOMS: May include Moderate to severe pain on 1 or both sides of the head, Pulsating or throbbing pain, Pain that becomes worse with physical activity, Nausea with or without vomiting, Sensitivity to light or sound. Approximately 20% of these people experience what’s called an aura before the headache pain. Symptoms of an aura include flashes of light, zig zags, or blind spots in your vision or tingling in an arm or leg. With a Classic migraine, a person has these visual symptoms ten to thirty minutes before an attack: sees flashing lights or zigzag lines, has blind spots or loss of vision for a short time. With a routine migraine, a person does not have an aura, but does have the other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. Females also tend to report higher levels of pain, longer headache time, and more symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

TREATMENT: Treatment is separated into eliminating particular triggers, control of the specific attack, and long-term prevention. There are two basic ways to treat migraine headaches with medicines: prevent the attacks, or relieve the symptoms during the attacks. A lot of people use both forms of treatment. Other home treatment plans can help, such as doing relaxation techniques and using cold packs. In your headache diary (you should keep one), make a list of home treatment methods that work for you in various situations.

Alternative medical treatments with medications belonging to the class known as the Phenothiazines have proven useful as non-analgesic alternatives for treating severe headaches.

At present, there is no known cure for the disease, only treatments for the symptoms. Furthermore, such treatments are not yet totally effective and sufferers may show a diminished tolerance to a variety of medications, treatments, and pain management regimens. As always, talk with your doctor about what sets off your headaches and to help find the right treatment for you.

CONCLUSION: Migraine is a true neurological condition and frequently becomes worse in the first trimester of pregnancy, but many women are free of headaches later in their pregnancy. This affliction and epileptic seizure disorders are also interrelated. People who suffer from these headaches are often dismissed as neurotic complainers who are unable to handle stress. It is the 2nd most common type of headache syndrome in the US and is most often found in women, with a 3 to 1 female-to-male ratio. They can continue through the 30s and 40s.

Migraines afflict 28,000,000 Americans, with females suffering more frequently (17 percent) than males (6 percent). This type of headache is one of the most common problems found in emergency departments and doctor’s offices. Occurrence among women increases sharply up to age 40 years and then declines slowly. Headaches tend to occur in families, suggesting that genetic factors contribute to a persons susceptibility for the disease.

The National Headache Foundation recommends you talk to your MD about your headaches IF: you have several a month and each lasts for several hours or days, disrupts your home, work, or school life, you have nausea, vomiting, vision, or other sensory problems. Tests can be run to determine if you have migraine or not. Prior your appointment, write down: how frequently you have headaches, where the pain is, how long they last, when do they happen, such as during your menstrual cycle, other symptoms, such as nausea or blind spots, any family history of the condition. By just talking with your MD, you may be able to supply enough information to diagnose migraine.

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Laser Surgery Neck Tightening Thermage

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Laser Surgery Neck Tightening Thermage

by Lindelwa Maseko

Saggy necklines, creases and loose skin are all signs of advancing years and often the first to be noticed. Liposuction can help as a more prolonged form of treatment but temporary measures like scarves and high necklines can help in the short term. However, there are many alternatives to removing unwanted neck wrinkles, some more permanent than others.

A relatively simple process used to remove neck creases and wrinkles is Botox. Cosmetic injections of botulinum toxins or Botox paralyse face and neck muscles to make them look younger. Botox also acts as a muscle relaxant for people that suffer with muscle contractions. This type of muscle paralysis is used to reduce all types of lines, creases, wrinkles and saggy skin associated with age, taking years off you.

Facelift or Rhitydectomy is a popular cosmetic surgery where the skin on the face and neck is pulled back to remove wrinkles, sags, jowls etc to give a firm and youthful appearance to the face. Many areas of the face and neck ca be improved and made to look more youthful with a facelift as it removes much of the unwanted skin associated with age.

A chemical peel is the application of an acid to the skin to achieve a controlled burn to the top layers of skin. Chemical peels are used as another cosmetic procedure to improve the skins appearance. Now that we know about the damage caused by the sun, chemical peels have become more popular but they are also effective at improving the skin of individuals who suffer with acne and to help reduce the signs of aging. Although chemical peels are good at improving the appearance of skin and can be applied to almost any part of the body, they should not be thought of as a replacement for a facelift.

The marine collagen and Vyo-Serum patented system called Hydroderm reduces the visible signs of aging around the neck and face but making the skin taught and at the same time moisturizing it. The Vyo-Serum is full of tri-dimensional proteins which when applied; tightens the surface of the skin giving instant results. This is a natural approach to visibly reducing aging wrinkles and lines. Clinically proven to deliver the Collagen without needles, Hydroderm is proving to be a popular alternative. If you would like to see almost half of your neck and face wrinkles reduced in less than 21 days then Hydroderm is the treatment to use. The best thing about Hydroderm is it can be used at home.

If you are considering a medical therapy for your facial and neck wrinkles and fine lines, then there are plenty of alternatives on the market. Despite all the options available, not every treatment will suit you son carry out some checks before making a decision.

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Pregnancy After Tubal Reversal - What Are Your Chances?

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Pregnancy After Tubal Reversal - What Are Your Chances?

by Sandra Wilson

There are many factors which will need to be taken into consideration by a woman after tubal reversal surgery has been carried out and she is looking to conceive. Certainly for some women once the procedure has been done, they find they become pregnant quite quickly afterwards, but for others it will take some time. There are a number of different factors a woman will need to consider in relation to her pregnancy after tubal reversal actually being successful.

A woman’s age - As a woman grows older the chances of her conceiving become greatly reduced even if she hasn’t had tubal ligation. However for those women that have had tubal ligation and then choose to have the operation reversed, they may find it even more difficult to conceive no matter their age. Although the chances of a woman conceiving after having the tubal ligation reversed are greatly increased the younger they are.

Some facts and figures relating to how age affects conception rates is as follows. A woman still in her twenties will find she has about a 77% chance of getting pregnant. Older still at 35-39, the rate fall to only a 62% chance of getting pregnant. And of course, for a woman who has gone past the 40 milestone, her chances of conception are only 34%.

The next factor that plays a part in getting pregnant after a tubal ligation reversal procedure is how long the fallopian tubes were left from the original tube tying procedure. The more the doctor has to work with the better the chances are. Some will find they conceive quickly but others will take five years or more. The condition of the fallopian tubes, the length they were left and thus what the doctor has left to reconnect, and how well they are reconnected all play a part in how soon you can get pregnant and what your chances of getting pregnant are.

Next factor is how long ago did you have the original tubal ligation procedure? It is an unfortunate fact but the longer it has been the more likely there has been some damage done to the tubes and thus lowering your chances of the reversal surgery being successful. Time just plays a big role in reversing the original procedure with several of the factors and this is one more. But that does not mean it is impossible. It just means your chances are less than someone who had it done more recently.

One thing your fertility specialist may ask you to consider is IVF, in vitro fertilization. Is that going to be better for you than a tubal reversal? Several studies have shown that woman undergoing the surgery are more successful in conception than women who choose IVF.

In fact in one study carried out by Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, http://www.tubal-reversal.net, they found that more of their patients who under went tubal reversal surgery rather than IVF treatment were able to conceive more easily. Also the number of live births occurred after the woman became pregnant following tubal reversal were much higher than with IVF treatment. Also because this procedure only takes on average an hour to complete the woman can attend the clinic as an out patient and this in turn lowers the cost of even further and is far less expensive than IVF treatment.

By taking into consideration the factors above a woman will be able to make a more informed decision as to whether this type of procedure is right for her or not. It is important to remember however that pregnancy after tubal reversal surgery may not always happen immediately and it will take time before a woman is able to conceive.

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Losing Pregnancy Weight - The 4 Key Steps to Lose It

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Losing Pregnancy Weight - The 4 Key Steps to Lose It

by Teresa Brown

Is image everything in today’s society? Image represents money and power. Image represents status and privilege. Image represents youth and beauty. It can represent many things but for the Mom who is looking to lose weight after giving birth, striving to fit into a Hollywood image can keep her down in the dumps with a good dose of self-loathing. Losing pregnancy weight is about going beyond the “image” and embracing wellness.

We gain and lose weight throughout our lives. This is due to the fact that our eating habits are regulated by a variety of factors such as our moods, stresses, cultural and family history, lifestyle and schedules to name a few. Some of these factors can have a strong influence on how you perceive food and hence how it affects your ability to lose weight after giving birth. The best way to address weight management is to do so in the most holistic way possible.

1. Go for a lifestyle program.

A good lifestyle program will take into account the physical, behavioral and psychological components of weight management. Therefore, it will be better able to equip you with the necessary tools to achieve permanent weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. It is continuous because it will address your ever-changing needs as you make the gradual transition towards health and fitness. There are Mom-based lifestyle programs available that are both convenient and practical for you to trim your tummy and get healthy.

2. Do exercises that maximize fat burning.

You can speed up the weight loss process to lose pregnancy weight fast by choosing a workout program that can burn the baby fat in the most efficient way possible. To do this, you will need to incorporate resistance training into your workout. It’s quick do and easy to learn.

Studies show that resistance training done at maximum effort and in short intervals will increase your resting metabolism and burn more fat for the long term compared to a cardio workout. Therefore, burning the baby fat does not require you to waste huge chunks of time at the gym doing cardio. You can do it all in a few minutes at home.

3. Fuel your body with foods high in fiber and high in protein.

There is no silver bullet when it comes to the perfect diet to lose your tummy. However, there are foods that you can incorporate into your daily diet that will be beneficial for your body. An integral part of getting lean and fit is eating right. There are foods that can help you minimize fat storage and maximize the energy used to digest them. These are called fat burning foods.

Foods high in fiber and protein such as bran and wild salmon are said to be “fat burning foods” because your body expends more energy to digest them, than the calories they provide in return. These foods also aid in providing your body with the necessary nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are required for proper body function. Remember: the less processed the food, the better it is for your body.

4. Include the Family.

No woman is an island. Thus, when faced with the challenge of losing pregnancy weight, you can recruit members of your family to help and join you in the change to a healthier lifestyle. You can educate them with your knowledge of fitness and encourage more family time to be spent doing more physical activities. Eating right can extend to your family meals with a healthier menu for your family. A health conscious Mom makes for a health conscious family.

Image is irrelevant when it comes to a better quality of life. Image is irrelevant when it comes to defining who you are as a Mother and unique individual. Image is irrelevant when it comes to needing to feel and look great. What is important is connecting with whom you are and spending time with your loved ones. And living a healthy lifestyle is time well spent.

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Identifying Yeast Infection

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Identifying Yeast Infection

by Tom Valian

Yeast infections are a very common condition these days, though they are more common in women than in men. This is because the structure of the female genitalia promotes yeast growth. Yeast infections most commonly manifest themselves as:

1.Itching

2.A burning sensation

3.Pain while urinating

4.A discharge that looks like cottage cheese

5.Discomfort during sexual intercourse (Sometimes a bloody discharge will also accompany this pain).

Yeast infections, as is obvious by the name, are caused by overgrowth of yeast. Specifically, the growth of yeast belonging to the candida family of yeasts is responsible for most of the yeast infections. There are two primary causes for the overgrowth of yeast:

1. Lack of resistance from bacteria.

Conditions that favor growth of yeast.

Bacterial resistance is usually eliminated due to use of anti-biotics, use of harsh anti-bacterial soaps, and due to use of anti-bacterial agents in pads.

Diets that are heavily saturated with sugar and fat, especially sugar, promote yeast infections, and can easily lead to more and more severe yeast infections. This is because yeast grows on sugar much more than bacteria do.

The body’s natural defenses, bacteria, and yeast are always engaged in a three-way battle, and this keeps the bacteria and the yeast growth in check. However, removing bacteria can easily lead to a yeast infection, while removing yeast can lead to a bacteria infection. As such, with every anti-biotic course that you take, make sure to also take some anti-yeast or anti-fungal agents.

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IBS - Are Your Bowels Irritable?

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IBS - Are Your Bowels Irritable?

by Richard H Ealom

INTRODUCTION: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort accompanied by changes in bowel function, diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both, typically over months or years. It happens predominantly in women, with females representing over 70% of sufferers and can cause cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Irritable Bowel Syndrome doesn’t damage the bowel or lead to other health problems. It has no known cure, but you can do things to ease the symptoms.

SYNDROME: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term (chronic) but controllable condition. No single kind of treatment works best for everyone. It is a “syndrome,” meaning a group of symptoms. As noted, IBS is characterized by its symptoms such as continuous or recurrent lower abdominal pain or cramping (from mild to excruciating) in association with changed bowel motility (diarrhea, constipation, or both).

It’s important that the following diseases are excluded before you accept a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome: Colon and carcinoid cancer, Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis), Bowel obstructions, Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis, Gallstones, Food allergies, Celiac (a genetic, autoimmune disorder resulting in gluten intolerance), Bacterial infections and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Parasites in the intestines, Endometriosis, Ovarian cancer.

SYMPTOMS: Signs that cumulatively support the diagnosis of IBS: unusual stool frequency (may be defined as greater than 3 bowel movements daily or less than 3 bowel movements weekly), abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/watery stool), abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or incomplete evacuation feeling), passage of mucus, bloating or feeling of abdominal distension.

You and your doctor will need to work together to determine what may be causing your symptoms. It may be necessary for you to change your lifestyle to best deal with your symptoms and still carry on with your daily activities.

TREATMENT: Is dependent on the types of symptoms you have and their severity, as well as how they affect your daily activities, and will likely involve changes to your lifestyle. It is neccessary that you work closely with your physician to create a course of treatment that will meet your needs.

Let your health professional know if parts of your treatment are not helping your symptoms. Your doctor will give you the best treatments for your particular symptoms and encourage you to manage stress and make changes to your diet. Unfortunately, many people suffer from IBS for a long time before seeking medical treatment.

CONCLUSION: IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool. It can cause a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. It is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination.

Irritable bowel syndrome is running rampant because traditional medicine has no diagnosis for it. For some persons who have it, certain foods may trigger symptoms. If you suffer from this condition you may already know that fat can irritate your problem. A diagnosis of Irritable bowel syndrome has been reported by 10 to 20% of adults in the USA, and symptoms are responsible for over 3,000,000 yearly visits to doctors.

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