Tuesday, May 28, 2013

If you are at risk for stroke, you should be sure to educate yourself on how to prevent it from happening. If someone you love has had a stroke, then you should know and understand that there are stroke recovery options that can lead to a full recovery in mild to medium cases. Even more severe cases can help a stroke victim to recover to some extent. The recovery time and extent depends on the person as well as the severity of the stroke. It would seem that people with positive outlooks and a determined nature tend to recovery faster and better.

Medications sometimes play some part in the prevention of recurring strokes as well as in the treatment. The most effective treatments, however, involve engaging the brain so it can recover and result in recovery. The averages in recovery are 10 percent recover almost completely, 25 percent retain some impairment, 40 percent wind up needing some special care, 10 percent must live out their remaining days in a long term facility and 15 percent die soon after a severe stroke. There is still much to learn about strokes and the brain, but many advances have been made in the field including more effective stroke treatment solutions.

There are various options for rehabilitation which include a rehabilitation facility, home therapy, outpatient therapy or long term therapy in a long term care facility. The end goal of rehabilitation for stroke patients is to give them back some form of improved function so they can be as independent as possible. It is meant to preserve the patient's dignity while motivating a stroke survivor to do the best they can to regain basic functions and skills that a stroke steals from them like walking, dressing themselves and even eating. Rehab must begin as soon as possible after a stroke. Usually, once a stroke patient is stable and able to leave the hospital, stroke recovery begins.

There is no time to wait to begin a stroke rehabilitation and recovery program. The rehab programs are designed around each individual patient for optimum recovery results. There are many programs available for stroke victims and their families. Support groups can help the patient cope by being around others who have suffered the same fate. Family support groups can help family members better understand the effects of strokes and how to cope with the stroke patient. It can be very frustrating for family members that are taking care of a stroke victim to understand how their loved one has trouble doing certain things that they were doing a matter of days ago or to cope with the fact that they may not remember something that recently happened. When stroke recovery rehab and techniques are done as soon as possible, the chances of a better recovery is increased.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Sadly, and for a number of reasons, gays and lesbians suffer disproportionately high levels of substance abuse and addiction within their communities. Not long ago gays had few options when looking for a drug rehab that would meet their needs with sensitivity and respect, and fortunately, that has since changed. Gay and lesbian alcoholics and addicts can now choose to recover with in a gay and lesbian exclusive rehab, or in a general rehab that demonstrates a sensitivity and awareness to the issues of the gay and lesbian communities.

So which is better, gay only or mixed drug rehab?

Research on the issue has shown that gay and lesbian addicts do just about as well in either, providing that their concerns are addressed and issues of sexuality are overtly covered in therapeutic sessions. Gay and lesbian addicts who have gone through the formal recovery process report that they want and need to have staff members address their sexuality as a factor in abuse and recovery, and not have to bring it up themselves.

Obviously, no one can recover in an environment that does not treat them with respect, and that does not treat their concerns as valid and legitimate. Any rehab under consideration needs to espouse an awareness of the unique challenges facing gays and lesbians in recovery, and also maintain a fervent atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance, not only from the staff, but also from all addicts participating in shared recovery.

Group therapy

A universal in recovery programs, group therapy can give a lot of insight and hope to addicts during the month of rehab; but for group therapy to really work, all have to participate honestly, and without holding back out of embarrassment or shyness.

This is essentially the deciding point over what type of rehab is right for you. If you are comfortable sharing openly your history, your challenges and your feelings in a group of mixed sexuality addicts in recovery, then you may benefit equally in a gay specific rehab, or in a tolerant mixed sexuality rehab.

If you cannot imagine open and honest admissions in a mixed sexuality peer recovery group, then you cannot hope to benefit equally outside of a gay specific rehab, and for you, gay only rehab is the far preferable place to recover. It's a new luxury to even have the choice, and you need to make a decision based on your personal comfort levels, and on what's most likely to give you the tools you'll need to stay sober.

Be sure to inquire as to the policies of tolerance of any rehab under consideration, as although many will accept you regardless, you do not want to squander your efforts, your time and your hope at a facility that pays lip service only to equality and fairness. Whatever rehab you choose, make sure that they walk the walk of tolerance, and don't only talk the talk while lusting after your admissions check.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Magnetic therapy is considered to be a type of alternative medicine, and is centered around the belief that magnets, when applied directly to the body, may stimulate the healing process. Proponents of this therapy believe that it can improve circulation, stimulate the immune system, and even promote relaxation.

Some benefits of magnetic therapy apply to what may be considered mental well being. It is believed to cause the brain to release hormones called endorphins, which are responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment. In addition, magnets may also help to stabilize the metabolic system, which can also significantly impact mood.

Though little scientific research exists to help verify the medical benefits of therapy, many people claim to have been helped by the treatments. Treatments can be applied in a variety of ways, by using magnetic wraps, mattress pads, and adhesives. In addition, some people wear magnetic jewelry and belts. They believe that keeping magnets in constant contact with their bodies will safeguard them from many health issues, and will enable them to have round the clock treatment.

During 2004, studies were conducted to attempt to determine the health benefits of therapy. Though there was no clear evidence that magnets could actually cure illnesses, they did seem to have a remarkable impact on pain. People involved in the study group suffered from arthritis, pelvic pain, and fibromyalgia. In all cases, participants reported a marked reduction in pain following the end of the 12 week study. This would seem to indicate that magnetic therapy could be a good alternative the drugs in the treatment of pain management.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

What is Alternative Therapy and why should Fibromyalgia sufferers be interested in it?

If you have Fibromyalgia, you probably have heard a lot of advice about how to treat it. Unfortunately, the mainstream medical community still does not understand much about this widespread disease. If you are not interested in using invasive medical techniques or medications, you may be interested in turning to alternative therapies. Alternative therapy is any form of treatment that is not based on conventional western medicine. Many of these therapies have been used successfully for thousands of years.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal condition that causes widespread pain all over the entire body. In addition to pain, the common symptoms of Fibromyalgia include tension headaches, fatigue due to sleep disorders, and stiffness. Many of these symptoms can be addressed through alternative therapies including massage therapy.

The Role of Massage Therapy in Treating Fibromyalgia

Massage is an ancient art that helps to relax the patient and decrease his or her stress levels. On a cellular level, massage stimulates the supply of oxygen to ailing muscular cells. While increasing the oxygen supply, it also helps to release any toxins that have built up in the area. The increase of oxygen and decrease of toxins help the Fibromyalgia patient with some of their pain and stiffness. Also, many people claim that an hour of massage is the muscular equivalent of about six hours of sleep so it can be helpful for fatigue as well. Most Fibromyalgia sufferers see the most effective results from massage when they combine it with low impact aerobic workouts.

The Importance of Regular and Frequent Massage Sessions

Many people treat massage as a frivolous purchase or as an occasional treat. This is fine, but people with Fibromyalgia may wish to access the benefits of massage more often. A single session with a massage therapist can help to relieve the pain that you are feeling right now. However, it will not help prevent pain that may arise in the future. If you schedule regular sessions with your massage therapist, you give them time to focus on your particular body and your unique needs. In the first few sessions, they will be able to relieve the pain in your problem areas. After that, they will move on to the rest of your body. While addressing your entire body, the massage therapist will help to prevent pain from arising in the future.

If you suffer from Fibromyalgia, you may be pleasantly surprised at the many benefits offered by alternative therapies. Massage and the power of touch can help to relieve many of the side effects associated with Fibromyalgia. Most massage therapists will be able to give you success stories of their past experiences working with individuals who suffer from Fibromyalgia.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Drug abusers are out of control. Drug abusers need help to get to detox and rehab. So why do family members wait for their loved ones to take themselves to rehab?

Often family members say, "He doesn't want help", or "She has to want it first".

But how do drug abusers or alcoholics get to wanting help? The first basic steps to getting them to accepting help are unknown or not taken by family members of drug abusers. Here are those missing steps to recovery.

Drug & alcohol abusers make issues about needing help and going to rehab. Getting an addicted loved one to accept help for problems with drugs is possible, if you know the steps to take. Working through conflicts with help speeds getting someone to recovery.

What is help?

Help is assistance, benefit, cooperation, aid, nurture, etc. Good help requires good control.

A person with ongoing drug or alcohol abuse issues has failed to help themselves. These losses can add up. Now they may believe help is not even possible. Failure = failed help.

First Five Steps To Drug & Alcohol Rehab That Works

First: are you offering Band-Aids instead of Intensive Care? If so, the seriousness of drug abuse and underlying actual problem has not been confronted and failure was inevitable.

Some people have even been instructed not to call a rehab center for a loved one suffering with an addiction. They somehow expect a miracle. Here's the truth: miracles occur in rehab and detox centers. Waiting for a miracle before rehab is waisting opportunities.

Intelligent planning and action will get you that miracle faster than idle hope.

Successful rehab centers' staff works with individuals to locate underlying and unhandled problems in living. Finding and handling actual problems is worth a great deal. When that is done, real help gets delivered and the cause of addiction ends. Confronting and being encouraged to deal with drug and alcohol abuse and real life requires extra help from others, new skills and abilities.

Second: Sometimes, the family needs to be brought on board, so that everyone is on the same playing field, helping the addict to recovery. By the way, enabling drug addicts by paying their debts and rent isn't help. Listening and learning more about intervention (bottom link) will move you forward in your understanding of addiction and intervention.

Third: Sometimes one has to start at the most basic level of understanding before getting the person to consider they have a problem and give a commitment to rehab. The easiest way to breach drug abuse with another is to suggest they really cut back or quit alcohol or drug use or read our web page or ask how much money they are spending on drugs & alcohol per week.

Do you see that your actions are being required here? These are action you take. Nowhere do I say, 'wait for the addict to ask for treatment or help'.

Forth: If they are willing to accept help today they will require assistance in getting to an effective drug detox and rehab program. You'll probably have to take them to rehab and help with admittance. Many of the detox and rehab centers I know of cost money and addicts and money aren't usually together for very long.

Fifth: If you've been struggling with an addict's denials, realize that you've been misapplying your intervention attempts. You are probably trying to do the job of a trained professional interventionist, and you haven't been getting the results required.

You Can Learn To Help Save An Addicted Loved One

Trained professional interventionists can successfully getting a person accepting help. But, if hiring a professional is not financially possible you will need to learn everything you can about intervention. We've solved that problem for you. I've worked with many interventionists and the process of getting someone to rehab is something YOU can lean.

So, help addicts get to recovery by assisting them to take their next steps. Insist they follow through with those efforts by finding detox and rehab programs that deliver up on what they promise. That means the rehab program produces results -- drug-free productive people who contribute to their families and society.

The first 5 steps to rehab require your assistance, then miracles can occur.

Complete Decongestive Therapy is the best lymphedema treatment that is available today. The aim of the treatment is to reduce the swelling and prevent the fluids from pooling in the affected limb. The procedure involves lymphatic massage, compression bandaging, skin care and exercise. If treatment is begun in the early phase, the condition can be reversed. Complete decongestive therapy is a time consuming process that is often uncomfortable and inconvenient. However, it is the only fool proof method which can provide relief to the patient.

Skin hygiene is extremely important to eliminate debris and bacteria that collects on the surface of the skin. Cleansing of skin is essential and regular inspection helps to spot any developing infections like cellulitis. Early treatment of the infection prevents sepsis and other complications that might follow. Keeping the weight under control helps lymphedema patients manage the condition better. It also helps to avoid wearing constricting jewelry or tight clothes so that there is no constriction to the limb. It is best to take extra care to avoid even minor injuries. Even if there is an injury, it must be taken care of, however minor it may seem.

The use of compression garments is considered fundamental in treating lymphedema. These garments must be worn by the patient continuously. At night, the garment can be removed but the affected body part must be kept elevated to encourage the circulation. The compression garment must be properly outfitted so that it gives the best compression. If it is loose, it cannot provide the compression necessary for lymphedema treatment and the fluids will start accumulating in the limb. Besides, an ill-fitting compression garment may cause skin irritation to the patient, which is not a good sign. To stimulate the flow of fluids, regular exercise is a must. Even otherwise, exercising promotes a feeling of well-being that goes a long way in helping the body to heal.

Lymphedema is usually not treated with surgery. Patients who have severe lymphedema that is hampering their daily activities may opt for surgery. In such instances, the volume of the affected limb is reduced with the help of surgery. This may be of assistance to improve the functioning of the extremity to perform the daily activity which would have been impossible otherwise. The surgical procedures may intervene to develop the impaired lymphatic drainage or remove the tissue buildup that hinders functionality.

People try various new methods to manage this ailment which is a lifelong companion for those diagnosed with it. Some herbal extracts are said to reduce inflammation or improve lymphatic flow. Homeopathy is another alternative therapy that some patients advocate. Liposuction, magnetic therapy, acupuncture, Kinesiology, light beam generator therapy and laser treatments are some alternative lymphedema treatment methods that patients try out in their search for a cure for lymphedema.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

It's often said that while women go through menopause, men go through a mid life crisis. It might be a line that works in movies but it's practically unfounded. The notion that women go through a physiological change after a certain age while for men it's more existential, doesn't hold ground. Because men too suffer from a syndrome called Male Menopause or Andropause, which is lack of testosterone and DHEA in men. Hence Hormone Replacement Therapy works for both men and women.

Deficiencies in endogenous hormones affect both men and women. That's why Hormone Replacement Therapy, which has traditionally been considered as a treatment for women, is beneficial to men as well.

In this method bio identical hormones are administered to you to make up for the deficiency of those in your body. It's a non-invasive treatment as it's in the form of pills, gels or patches. Even the tests are simple and based on urine, blood and saliva samples.

However it's advisable to start with the treatment after consultation with a specialist physician. You will start seeing results within two months and feel a spark coming back into your life as your spirits are lifted.

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for women:

  • It will reduce occurrences of hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Menopausal symptoms will be reduced and you will be able to deal with them better.
  • Mood swings, anxiety and chances of depression will be reduced.
  • There is a lesser risk of Osteoporosis and heart related diseases.
  • You will feel less tired and more energetic.
  • Memory lapses will be reduced; as blood flow in your body is improved you will be more alert.
  • You will lose weight because calories get burned faster. It will make you feel naturally fitter.

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for men:

  • Erectile dysfunction or reduced sex drives are common symptoms of male menopause. Chances of that happening will be drastically reduced.
  • If you suffer from disturbed sleep you can feel less than your best the next day. After the treatment you will be able to sleep better.
  • There is a lesser risk of heart diseases and depression.
  • You will feel less irritable and fatigued all the time. You can concentrate better as well.

Remember in this case, what's good for women is good for men too.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Undertaking drug and alcohol abuse treatment can seem scary but can mark the beginning a new, healthier life. It is important to understand what to expect from the treatment you will receive so you can get the most out of the procedure.

The first step in drug and alcohol abuse treatment is you need to detox yourself or prepare for in-house detoxification. Most rehab centers today ask that you go through the detoxification process-the procedure where you rid your body the substances you are abusing-prior to entering a rehab program. However, if you feel uneasy about the detoxification process, you may wish to pay for a center that will help you through the withdrawal process because it is one of the scariest aspects of a treatment program. If you do decide to detox on your own, be sure to consult with a doctor so you do not do more harm to your body.

Next, you will be educated on how the substance you currently are abusing affects your body and mind. You will need to start looking at your life and your addiction in an honest light-one of the first steps in the recovery process. You will learn about the nature of addiction and how you can break out of the cycle and live a clean, sober lifestyle. This step is particularly important because it gives you the knowledge and tools to overcome an extremely difficult situation. The more you understand your condition and the repercussions of continuing this lifestyle, the more likely you will be to learn how to overcome your addiction and get the most out of your drug and alcohol abuse treatment.

While you are learning about what drug and alcohol abuse treatment can do for you, the facility will provide you with individual and group counseling to understand the reasons behind why you have made the choices in your life and how you can overcome your condition. This step is perhaps the most important aspect of substance abuse treatment because it helps you recondition your mind and gain the tools necessary to stay committed to a sober lifestyle.

Undertaking the first steps toward receiving drug and alcohol abuse treatment is an intimidating process but can be some of the most important decisions you make about your health. Remember, starting a new life free from addiction is something to be proud of because it takes a courageous person to change a life.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Mercury Toxicity- Are you at risk?

Heavy metals are ubiquitous substances, especially in industrialized countries. There are 16 heavy metals physicians routinely test. More than 1900 autoimmune diseases are now linked to heavy metal toxicity. Autoimmune diseases, immune dysfunction syndromes and treatment resistant conditions are linked to this type of chronic poisoning. A recent in a peer reviewed medical journal identifies men with mercury toxicity as being over two times as likely to have a heart attack than those with normal (non-toxic) levels. Chronic heavy metal toxicity and its treatment has been the subject of much controversy in the medical and dental communities and still is to this day. There are studies offered up by both sides of how significant or insignificant this is to human health. The American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) which celebrates it's 25th year anniversary this year is the leading American medical society for the study of heavy metal toxicity and its treatments (principally Chelation Therapy). As a member, I attended their annual meeting in November, 2002 in Phoenix and was convinced by the evidence presented based on international medical literature and data to consider this therapy in my private practice.

Closer to home, a subject of mine was not having the expected results with intense nutritional therapeutics and traditional medication (of which she was taking many pharmaceuticals). She continued to express immune dysfunction and a myriad of symptoms until it was discovered the cause of her resistance. Mercury toxicity. This article will focus on Mercury.

Industry contributes tons of mercury to our environment yearly. For example, coal power plants are responsible for 35% of the load dumped into our environment, medical waste incineration is responsible for 30%, and then there are sources, such as dental amalgams (~50% of a silver dental amalgam is actually mercury [Hg]). Another source is Thimerisol, a mercury based preservative found in vaccines, injectables and contact lens solutions. The water we drink is a potential for taking in this toxin as is the fish we eat. Larger fish, such as swordfish and shark are greater repositories for mercury. Still salmon, tuna, mackerel and bass have been shown to have levels higher than 1.0 parts per billion (ppb) deemed the limit by the FDA. To paint a clearer picture, 1.0 ppb of mercury is still 20,000 molecules of mercury present in each cell.

How does this happen? Mercury is released into the atmosphere as a vapor from industry which can travel miles until it comes down to earth in precipitation (rain) and enters our water and soil. Subsequently, the inorganic mercury is transformed by bacteria into an organic methyl-mercury, which is lipid soluble and freely passes through cell membranes, across the blood-brain barrier and placenta contaminating many body organs. Storing itself in our fat cells and especially our brains. If you have mercury amalgams, then mercury vapor is released by eating, drinking hot liquids or even brushing your teeth. These vapors are inhaled into our lungs and enter the body by that rout as well as by being swallowed. Obviously, those that are immunized with Thimerisol containing vaccines are being exposed from that source. A world environmental travesty is the over use of mercury containing anti-fungals in Africa's agriculture industry, which releases 100 tons of mercury laden fungacidals a year that vaporize and travels across the atmosphere in oceanographic weather patterns and will eventually find it way to U.S. soil.

What are symptoms of mercury toxicity? Some major symptoms include headaches, body pain, numbness, tingling, trouble with memory, trouble with concentration, gait and balance disturbance, various endocrine abnormalities and gastrointestinal disturbances. Also included are a number of autoimmune and immune dysfunction disorders, such as Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, IBS, Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus. Also on the list are CFIDS, Fibromyalgia, ALS, endometriosis and RSD.

How do I get tested? A very simple screening examination is made by the use of hair. Hair and nails are repositories for mercury (and other heavy metals) and is a relatively inexpensive screening tool. To have 16 heavy metals along with good elements analyzed, it will cost approximately $160. If there are high levels of mercury noted on hair analysis, then a chelation challenge or provocation test is ordered. This is where a chelation agent (a substance that pulls heavy metals out of your body) is given in a single dose and a 6-hour urine is collected. The chelating agent (usually DMSA) pulls mercury, for example, out of your cells and excretes them in your urine. DMSA, while FDA approved for lead detoxification, has an "off label" use for mercury detox. There are other agents like DMPS and D-Penicillamine that are used as well.

So if I have a high level what next? If the provocation test is positive, then a course of pulsed chelation sessions is prescribed to rid the body of the heavy metal. Unfortunately, mercury has a half-life of between 20 and 30 years, and mercury deposits quicker than the body can get rid of it on its own. Therefore, chelation therapy is necessary to treat this type of poisoning. Periodically, challenges are performed to follow progress. Other steps are to seek the source of contamination and avoid it, remove old mercury amalgams and replace them with non-toxic porcelain fillings and be cautious with which fish and seafood you consume. Vitamin C in high doses is useful alone or in combination with DMSA in chelating out mercury. Other nutritional recommendations are to replace sulfhydryl group containing amino acids and glutathione, since methyl-mercury has a high affinity for these compounds (the liver actually secretes small amounts of mercury via bile into the feces), so folks with liver disease are hindered in their ability to excrete even small amounts of mercury.

If you have concerns about heavy metal toxicity or mercury toxicity, seek guidance and a program from a physician with experience in chronic poisoning detoxification.

(c) 2004

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