Cialis – The Latest in ED Medicine

Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED affects an estimated 189 million men worldwide. Experts believe that 80 percent to 90 percent of ED cases are related to a physical or medical condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and prostate cancer treatment, while 10 percent to 20 percent are due to psychological causes. In many cases, however, both psychological and physical factors contribute to the condition.
Lilly ICOS LLC, a joint venture between ICOS Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company, developed Cialis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. ICOS Corporation, a biotechnology company headquartered in Bothell, Washington, is dedicated to bringing innovative therapeutics to patients. ICOS is working to develop treatments for serious unmet medical conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer and inflammatory diseases.
When an erection goes limp, you have PDE5 to thank . Specialized penis tissue produces a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in response to sexual stimulation. The more cGMP available, the more durable the erection. Cialis inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, preserving cGMP levels, therefore aiding erection viability and durability. Cialis (tadalafil), an oral treatment for erectile dysfunction, is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Tadalafil has the empirical formula C 22 H 19 N 3 O 4 representing a molecular weight of 389.41.
We all know that Cialis isn't the first oral treatment medicine for erectile dysfunction. It came after Viagra and Levitra. However both Viagra and Levitra works for up to 5-6 hours, while Cialis gives you 36 hours to enjoy sex. All three drugs should take about 30-40 minutes to take action. No longer does an erection or sexual activity have to be rushed. If you Expect to go to a Bar and meet a girl, you probably wouldn't want to take Viagra or Levitra and get a really hard erection after 40 minutes, because you don't know how things would go, Instead you can take Cialis before you go out, and you should be on the safe side of the erection, even if you decide to spend the night.
To conclude, Viagra and Levitra would probably be better to one certain sexual encounter with your wife, while Cialis is a better choice for a whole weekend of sex, or for a night at some pick-up bars, seeking random sex partners, without the certainty of Sex. For a comprehensive overview and comparison of all 3 drugs, as well as prices at selected pharmacies, you should visit www.compare-medicine.com.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Depression Are Not The Same Thing!

You may have noticed that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome /M.E. /Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome is a very misunderstood illness...
...and this is perhaps why there are so many myths about it.
Perhaps the most common myth about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that it is effectively a mental condition, and another name for depression.
But these two conditions are very different!
And when you label a condition incorrectly it can cause no end of problems when trying to diagnose and treat it. So it's extremely important to make the distinction between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome /M.E. /Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome and depression - because they are completely different illnesses.
Depression can be a **symptom** of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but there are many Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers out there who do **not** suffer from depression at all.
I, for example, used to suffer from depression when I was first diagnosed with Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/M.E.), but now I (thankfully) don't have depression anymore.
--------SIDE NOTE--------
My recovery from depression (whilst I had PVFS) was down to having psychotherapy. And I can safely say that it's THE BEST thing I've ever done.
If you're depressed, then I urgently recommend that you try a talking therapy of some sort.
I'd personally describe the whole process of going through psychotherapy as "reading a fascinating book" - where the topic is on 'yourself'.
To find out what it's like to go through psychotherapy /counselling, visit:
http://www.sleepydust.net/psychotherapy
If you're housebound, or just want to conserve your energy and don't want to travel to see a therapist, then why not try online counselling?
There are services out there that can give you counselling sessions via telephone, via email, or via 'Instant Messaging' (real-time chat sessions on your computer, where you type instead of talk).
--------SIDE NOTE--------
There are other differences between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome /Fibromyalgia and depression...
Research has shown that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers have an abnormality in their 'deep sleep' brainwave patterns. But, depression sufferers do not have this abnormality!
And in a recent study by scientists at the University of Alberta, it was found that there were significant differences in skin temperature and electrical activity in the skin, which sets Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers apart from depression sufferers (Pazderka-Robinson, H. Int. Jrnl. Of Psychophysiology Aug 2004).
What's more, depression sufferers tend to feel tired **all** the time, whereas Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers' exhaustion **increases** notably after mental or physical exertion.
There are also symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that are not shared by depression sufferers. Nasty flu-like symptoms, headaches, painful muscles and joints, Restless Legs Syndrome, and an increase in colds and viruses, are all just a few symptoms that can play a part in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
There you go - just a few of the differences between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and depression! So the next time someone mistakes your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ M.E. /Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome /Fibromyalgia for depression - you can set them right!
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2004. All Rights Reserved.

** Reprinting of the article above is welcome! **
The article above may be freely reproduced provided that:
(1) you include the following resource box; and (2) you only mail to a 100% opt-in list.
Here's the resource box to use if reprinting the article above:
Claire Williams is editor of sleepydust.net and has suffered from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 1995.
She created 'sleepydust.net' to help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia sufferers to deal with the condition - from handling their money worries, to recovering from their illness....
http://www.sleepydust.net
To subscribe to the newsletter in which this article was published, please go to:
http://www.sleepydust.net/ezine

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Are You Often Tired? Searching for a Cure?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is probably one of the most misunderstood diseases in existence today. Many doctors continue to doubt that CFS is even a real disease. Some doctors think CFS is no more than a psychological disorder, or an extended symptom of another disease. CFS is an insidious disease with no absolute connection or root cause being yet discovered. On top of that, there exist no constant biological determinants to open the way to objective measurements like brain scans or blood tests for conducting an absolute diagnosis of CFS. So clearly and frustratingly for those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, have great barriers stacked against them from the very beginning.
Surveys indicate that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome impacts more than four in every 1,000 Americans. According to a U.S. study, women suffered the highest rates of CFS. Individuals ages between 40 to 50, suffered CFS more often than any other age group. CFS affects both sexes of all ages, and across all ethnic and racial groups.
What are some of the most common symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The most identified and common symptoms of CFS are the following:
--A severe exhaustion lasting over six months and which doesn’t get better even after sleep.
--Periods of forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, or difficulty concentrating
--Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits.
--Joint pain without redness or swelling.
--Unrefreshing sleep, or unable to fall asleep
--Fatigue lasting more than 24 hours after exercise.
--Fatigue that significantly disables a person’s ability to behave and function regularly at work, at home, and in social events.
--When minimal exercise intensifies other CFS symptoms.
--Sensitivity to sunlight.
What Can I Do Right Now to Better Cope with CFS?
Here are a few steps you can begin implementing in your life for coping with CFS:
Tip #1: If you suspect but are not 100% certain that you have CFS, locate a clinic that treats CFS and request a diagnostic test to determine if you have CFS.
Tip 2: Eat a well-balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains. Try to eliminate as much as you can sugar and animal fat in your meals.
Tip #3: Exercise regularly everyday but do not over do it. Stay within your limits. How? If you cannot tolerate a whole hour of walking, jogging, or cycling without adverse consequences such as sleeping more than your usual, do less.
Tip #4: If you find yourself unable to sleep soundly, consider taking a safe natural remedy that treats insomnia.
Tip #5: If you feel depressed, discouraged, and even defeated because of chronic fatigue syndrome, consider taking a safe natural remedy that treats depression.
Tip #6: CFS patients suffer from a weak immune system. That is why they catch a cold or flu so easily. Supplement your diet with something that strengths your immune system.
Tip #7: Whenever you have time, educate yourself about CFS online and offline. Type in “chronic fatigue syndrome” in the search engine window and browse. The more you know about CFS, the better you’ll cope with this disease.
I personally have done battle with this enduring and merciless "beast." I can honestly confess that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an affliction not easily treated. I have learned a great deal through trials and errors what works and what doesn’t. Often I have wasted my hard-earned money on products that did nothing for me.
George Alarcon reveals at http://www.chronic-fatigue-aid.com his personal Chronic Fatigue story, how he fought and learned how to boost his energy level back to normal. He freely offers the suffering CFS patient a remarkably easy two-step formula for successfully fighting CFS. Under “More Help” at his site you’ll learn how to treat insomnia, depression, and a weak immune system

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Myth or Malady?

It is only in recent years that the medical profession has come to commonly recognize the condition of chronic fatigue syndrome but people who are afflicted by the condition have been only too aware of the debilitating effects for years.
There are still many doctors who question the validity of chronic fatigue syndrome and, among doctors who do believe the condition exists, there is still fierce debate over whether its origins are of a physical or psychological nature. This lack of unity in medical circles leads to great confusion among the public. There are still a lot of people who believe that sufferers of this condition are nothing more than malingerers. For the sufferers of this disease, this creates added stress and confusion.
The sufferers of this condition experience continuous physical tiredness. In fact, one of the first symptoms is an overwhelming, incapacitating tiredness but this is only one aspect of the disease. This may be accompanied by aching muscles. This often affects the lifestyle of the sufferer so much that they are unable to work or to take part in social activities. For some, they become totally incapacitated.
It is quite common for a normally healthy person who generally leads an active life, to one day wake up with what they believe is a case of influenza characterized by a sore throat, swollen glands, headache and fever. He or she is too tired to even get out of bed. Obviously, the first thoughts are that they have the flu but, when weeks pass without the symptoms going away, it is a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome.
A lot of people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome also experience severe mental tiredness which may be related to emotional turmoil that arises either from the condition itself or from the frustration sufferers can feel because of the physical exhaustion.
One of the complications that accompany this disease is that of serious cognitive problems. Processing and retention of information can become very difficult, creating even more emotional problems for the sufferer. Often, the sufferer finds it difficult to engage in a conversation as they struggle to focus on the words or to process those words. This problem also extends to written word as the sufferer may have to read the same sentence several times in order to process its meaning.
Memory loss, particularly short-term memory loss is common among sufferers of this illness. Many describe not being able to remember people’s names or the names for common things. They may also find it difficult to contribute to a conversation as they often forget words or what they are actually saying.
In the past, many people with chronic fatigue syndrome were diagnosed as having myalgic encephalomyelitis. Encephalomyelitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and that is not a characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome so the diagnosis was incorrect. Sometimes, chronic fatigue syndrome is referred to as postviral fatigue syndrome as it often follows viral infections.
The real cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown. What is known is that it generally follows a viral infection or, more often, a series of infections.
It is important for the sufferer to follow a healthy diet in order for the recovery from this condition. It is also important to look after the health of the mind as well as the body. Time and rest are the only real treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Copyright 2006 Anne Wolski

Chronic Fatigue Can Be Caused By Your Computer

Did you know that spending long hours at your computer can put your health at serious risk? Most people does not even consider that possibility, but t does, Working at a desk is extremely hard on your body, and I would like to share this with you so maybe you can avoid some of the most common health risks. One of the most common one is: Chronic Fatigue.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Tired and troubled? Experiencing severe fatigue that lasts for months and go back over and over?
Feeling tired is common, and depression is a condition that everyone goes through from time to time. However, the chronic fatigue syndrome is not similar to the simple emotional ups and downs that we experience sometimes.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is medically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, post-viral fatigue syndrome. It targets the central nervous system. People who have this disorder usually complain of severe fatigue that is aggravated even by simple exertion. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not yet known, but some researches show that this might be incurable. Some cases disappear over time and some people use medications to relieve them of this disorder.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is medically defined as a severe chronic fatigue thats lasts six months or over but other medical conditions should have been ruled out before a diagnosis of CFS can be made. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be precipitated by an illness. It may be a cold, or a stomach upset, or may even begin after major stress. The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are headache, muscle pain, inability to concentrate, tenderness in the lymph nodes, and fatigue that will not go away or may recur over the next several months. Patients also suffer from headache, non refreshing sleep, sore throat, myalgia or muscle pain, and body malaise for over a day.
In the past, people call CFS “yuppie flu” because it usually occurred on well-educated, well-off middle-ages women. Doctors also noticed that this disorder often occurred in people from mostly English speaking countries all over the world. Women have a two to four times increased risk of getting the chronic fatigue syndrome than men.
The CDC or Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that over 500,000 people in the US have been diagnosed to have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Diagnosis of CHF is difficult because it has similar symptoms as the other illnesses. The physician will first evaluate your condition and ask questions to rule out other diseases that may have the same symptom. When everything has been eliminated, it is only then that the physician will come to a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
It is important that patients who are suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome learns how to manage their moods and know what to do whenever the disorder hits. Health providers suggest that people suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should try to always try to get adequate rest. Patient should also try to get a regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and trying to pace yourself whenever stress gets too much that you find it difficult to handle.
Patients will also benefit from medications to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The doctors usually prescribe a lower dose of anti-depressant because it might increase the level of fatigue of the patient or the frequency it occurs. But it also helps to reduce the pain of people with the disorder.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be mistaken with other illnesses which have the same presentation. These are fibromyalgia syndrome, neurasthenia, and chronic mononucleosis.
Other conditions that may also result in fatigue include thyroid problems especially hypothyroidism, eating disorders, autoimmune diseases, hormonal disorders, infections, narcolepsy, alcohol dependence, substance abuse, drug reactions, psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorders.
It is important to consult with a physician to evaluate the symptoms the patient is having and to make sure that the patient does not have any other organic or systemic diseases that might cause excessive long-standing fatigue. Some people also find it comforting to seek the help of other people like rehabilitation experts to fully understand the patient's condition. Some also talk to other patients who are undergoing the same condition.
There are other risks as you sit in front of that computer but it would be to much to write about in this article, so if you would like to learn more about other risks such as:

Eye strain
RSI (Repetitive Stress Syndrome)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Constant Head Aches
Dizziness
Breathing Problems
Difficulty Concentrating

You can learn all about this in the book: “The Painless PC”, which can be found at:
www.HealthCrow.com

Chronic Asthma Information

Not everyone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suffers from chronic asthma, but many individuals who experience emphysema or chronic bronchitis have asthma-like symptoms. Medical experts continue to debate whether chronic asthma should be classified as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, since asthma can be reversed.
Chronic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways; the term asthma is derived from an ancient Greek word which means panting. With chronic asthma, the inflammation leads to the narrowing of the airways, which can cause wheezing, breathlessness, and gasping for air.
Studies indicate that chronic asthma involves two stages: the hyper-reactive response and the inflammatory response. The hyper-reactive response in chronic asthma refers to the constriction of the airways in response to inhaled irritants, while the inflammatory stage involves the production of white blood cells in the airways.
During a chronic asthma attack, the muscle tissue in the walls of the bronchi experiences spasms, causing labored breathing. With chronic asthma, coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing occur almost everyday. In order to combat chronic asthma, several medications may be needed.
Some medical experts speculate that the persistent symptoms of chronic asthma indicate a food allergy. As a result, some doctors encourage those suffering from chronic asthma to revise their diets in order to reduce the incidence of flare-ups.
There are some other simple strategies one can follow in order to alleviate symptoms of chronic asthma. These include removing the cause of chronic asthma, treating the symptoms, or altering the host to be more tolerant of the causes.
If you've been diagnosed with chronic asthma, medical experts suggest stopping all smoking and banning cigarette smoke from the house. Chronic asthma patients should also stop the use of volatile chemicals, which may exacerbate one's symptoms. Ending contact with pets can also alleviate chronic asthma.
The aims of any treatment program for chronic asthma should include: avoiding the trigger factors for chronic asthma, eliminating symptoms, restoring normal lung function, reducing the incidence of severe attacks, and minimizing the side-effects of drugs.
Drug therapy for chronic asthma can fall into three categories. Chronic asthma can be attacked with preventors or anti-inflammatories; relievers, which provide acute relief of symptoms; and controllers, which provide a sustained bronchodilator action with a mild anti-inflammatory action.
It should be noted that there are some misconceptions about the treatment of chronic asthma. For instance, antihistamines do not appear to be an effective chronic asthma treatment strategy. Immunosuppressives such as methotrexate are rarely beneficial for chronic asthma, and acupuncture has a negligible effect.
The basic goals of educating those with chronic asthma include an ability to understand the nature of asthma, an understanding of different types of asthma medication, an understanding of prevention strategies, knowing the correct use of inhalers, and recognizing signs of worsening asthma.
Interestingly enough, chronic asthma is often misdiagnosed in the elderly. Also, older people are more susceptible to the side-effects of drugs used to treat chronic asthma. As a result, senior citizens need special prevention strategies for chronic asthma.

Chromium 6 - Our Guest from Hollywood

I am Dr Patrick Flanagan, and this is the latest edition of my Dr Health Secrets newsletter.
Lately I have written about toxins in our water and food supply. This installment is about a toxin that got a lot of attention in Hollywood. This newsletter is about chromium 6 and its effects on your body.
Hollywood, Hollywood, Here I Come...
My guest today in my focus on toxic water can easily say, and with confidence, that it owes all of its success and great notice to one little Hollywood movie.
Yes, that movie was year 2000's Erin Brockovich, starring the caustic chromium 6, and co-starring the fabulous Mrs. Julia Roberts. The film publicized the chromium 6 poisoning of Hinkley, California by the powerful and successful PG and E Corporation, which ultimately resulted in an Oscar win for Julia Roberts, and the highlighting of a growing concern over toxic chemical plants and their poisoning of public drinking water.
Chromium-6 is used in dyes, pigments, leather tanning, wood preserving, and chrome plating.
Chromium-6 is a by-product of metal plating and is classified as a carcinogen when inhaled as particles or fumes. When chromium-6 gets into water, the effects are equally as damaging.
Out of 1,591 National Priority List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1,036 were found to have chromium-6 in them.
Scientists as well as many health officials argue that no level of chromium 6 is safe for the human body. Water officials, however, argue that there is no scientific proof that any of these allegations are true. These “officials” say that there is not enough proof to verify that chromium-6 truly causes health problems, but a judge in Hinkley, CA readily disagreed.
This disagreement cost PG&E hundreds of millions of dollars, and cost a town pain, anguish, and devastating disease.
I am willing to stand behind hundreds of sick individuals much faster than I am willing to stand behind a state official that is required to make budget concessions as well as health decisions.
What’s The Verdict?
The health implications of chromium-6 run far and wide, and exposure, even in small amounts, can be deadly. Major corporations know the cost of cleanup, and even more importantly, they know the cost of lawsuit. What people don’t know won’t hurt them, but what they do know already has.
Health problems listed among those who have suffered from chromium-6 exposure include liver cancer, kidney failure, respiratory distress, circulatory problems, gastrointestinal ailments, reproductive problems, and other cancers of the brain and bodily organs.
Also cited as “lesser side- effects” were nosebleeds, headaches, benign tumors, hair loss, and many more. I have said it before and I will say it again; being bald with a bleeding nose while nursing a headache is not exactly my idea of “lesser side-effects.”
Light At The End of The Tunnel
Aside from educating millions of people on the hazards of chromium-6, Erin Brockovich also managed to scare scores of people into hospital rooms nationwide, searching and looking for any signs of toxic chemical exposure.
The fear is understandable, and it is much more real than many would care to think, but there are things that can be done to better the situation.
The best solution is get information about your local water supply (see RESOURCE BOX) and then to get a highly advanced water filter for your house. Quality filters can range in the thousands of dollars, but clean water is much cheaper and easier than medical problems later in your life. Nothing feels as good as a shower without chlorinated water!
Remember, the problem with drinking distilled water is that your body is designed to drink water with minerals in it. So try adding minerals to your water and see how you feel. And some mineralized bottled water sources are great, as long as they are rigorously tested as many premium bottled waters are.

Christopher Reeve To Have Promoted Basement Lab

Chrisopher Reeve has died. But his vision of a “Cure” has not. Mr. Reeve, who became a quadripilegic after a horse riding accident in 1995, was best known as advocate for stem cell research which promises cures for spinal cord injuries. Shortly before his death he had planned to get behind a little known biotech driven offshore By President Bush’s restrictions on stem cell research. The “Cure” didn’t reach Christopher Reeve in time. But a cure for the paralysis that plagued the star –and ultimately led to his death may be in the test tubes in a basement lab in a small carribean island.
People all over the world are mouning the actor and activist, but the scientists at Gen Cells Cures lab were particularly saddened by the news. No one except the Actor and Gerald Armstrong of Gen Cells Cures new about Mr. Reeve’s plans to get behind the research of the now disabled biotech. Spokesperson Gerald Armstrong had this to say. “Not only did President Bush restrict the research … there are no public funds for our research. All of our operations are completely shut down until we can locate private money. I cried when I heard the news, where do we go from here. Along with millions of other people I mourn Christopher Reeves passing and extend my sincere condolences to his family. I pray the world embraces Christopher Reeves family, as they grieve the loss of their husband, father and son.”
Chritopher Reeves taught people two words: Hope and Cures-- Without hope we have nothing. As for Cures… Gen Cells Cures will finish the work.
Article by Gerald Armstrong- scientist0707@yahoo.com
Gerald is the owner of Gen Cells Cures- http://www.msnusers.com/cures
Visit his group for information on cures for incurable diseases and aging.
You have my permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated

Christian Yoga?

Being? So what is the big deal?
Truthfully, many fundamentalists are all about division - keeping the masses divided, at war with each other, and preferably, in a “holy war.” They fear the unity of mankind, letting go of power, and world peace. They don’t want to loosen their grip on their followers, so they squeeze a little more.
So if a Christian group wants to practice “Son Salutations”, or “PraiseMoves,” give them a break. Yoga is practiced in sectarian atmospheres by a variety of different religions. Nobody has a monopoly on Yoga. Yoga is a complete health maintenance system for mind, body, and spirit.
There is a type of Yoga for everyone, and some people want a little more spiritual flavor than others. Since Yoga has been around for at least 5,000 years, there is a very big variety to choose from.
As for skeptics who “point the finger” at each other - “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone…” It might be best if we all practice a little more mindfulness, and loving kindness, before we decide to criticize things we don’t understand.
Yoga is “out of the bag.” It is no longer practiced by a particular group. Therefore, Yoga is a public treasure, and not a genie that we will confine to a bottle. No matter how many people try to patent, or copyright, Yoga, it will be practiced within every corner of the earth.
So, please read the article in Time magazine and enjoy it, but take the time to remain objective. Recognize motives and words for their hidden agenda. Most of all, remain in good relations with your fellow man.

Choosing Wheelchairs for Kids

Take a Team Approach Before Buying
No parent should try to choose a chair for their child all by themselves," says Chris Seiberlich. "It's not that they aren't qualified to make decisions, but there are too many to be made by any one person. You have to think about a huge spectrum of issues.
Seiberlich is a physical therapist at Children's Clinics for Rehabilitative Services in Tucson , Ariz. She and her partner, Kimberly Becerril, an occupational therapist, are discussing how to choose and properly fit a wheelchair.
"For instance," Becerril says, "one of the most fundamental issues in choosing a chair is transportation. How will the chair be moved from home to school? If the answer is in the back of a station wagon, then a power chair is out. Even with a van, a power chair is going to need a ramp, because it's too heavy to lift in. A lot of our kids would benefit from a power chair, but unless the transportation issue can be solved, it won't be the right choice."
Becerril knows a number of children who have power chairs who leave them at school, and use a manual chair at home.
"During the process of choosing a chair, we do a lot of transfer analysis," Seiberlich says. "We want to know who's going to be doing them (transfers), and we want the parents to demonstrate how they're doing them. We can suggest ways to make it easier, such as use of a transfer board, or a Hoyer lift in appropriate situations.
"Most parents who've never seen a board are surprised by what a difference they can make," she adds. "Still, if they are lifting the child and the chair several times a day, they are at a big risk for developing back problems. We had one mother with bruises all over her legs from constantly lifting the chair. Choosing a lighter chair, and one with some removable hardware, can make a big difference."
Seiberlich and Becerril note that they can't make all the decisions regarding the choice of a chair, either.
"We want the involvement of those people who see the child on a regular basis," Becerril says.
"That means the parents, of course, because they know the child best. But we also want the school involved, especially the teacher or therapist who sees the child daily functioning outside the home. The issues at school can be quite different from those at home."
Becerril says that they also want the chair supplier involved, to tell them what's available. "We'll describe the need, and the supplier can describe what they have to meet it. We can make mistakes if we do it ourselves, but if we have the whole team, we can cover all the bases."
Lifestyle and Environment
What's the right style of chair? While this will depend on individual needs and preferences, Becerril offers some important guidelines.
"Lots of kids want the sports frame look: It's got a low profile and looks great. However, these frames are rigid: they can't be folded, and they can't grow with the child. So we wouldn't recommend one of these at least until they are finished growing. Even then, the transportation issue remains a problem."
Seiberlich adds, "We also would never recommend a chair without removable armrests or footrests. One of our clients who got a chair with rigid footrests went from independent transfers to requiring two people to move him. Luckily, we were able to recycle the chair to someone for whom it made more sense."
When it's time to choose individual components, Seiberlich and Becerril want to hear about lifestyle, terrain and environment.
"We can choose the wheels based on how rough the ground is around the home," Seiberlich says. "Here in the desert, we recommend airless inserts. One good cactus spine and you've got a flat! Back East, we've got to consider the mud, the snow and the rain."
"We also want to know about the inside of the home: Will an otherwise ideal chair have trouble getting through narrow doorways? If so, and there's no money to redo the home, we've got to change our thinking," Becerril says.
Social and educational factors come into play here as well. "Is the chair appropriate for the school setting?" Seiberlich says. "For instance, does the height of the chair put the child above or below classmates? Can we make small changes to get it looking more streamlined, if that's what the child wants? If we can think of these things up front, it can save a lot of time and expense later on."
Growing With the Child
Both the X-shaped cross brace (black) and the front frame sections (blue) can be replaced as a child grows.
And expense is a huge issue: A manual wheelchair with custom seating can cost $5,000, while a power chair might be four times that. A really good cushion alone might be $300 or $400. Becerril notes that most of this is covered by insurance for many families. "And if you buy the right kind of chair, one that can grow with the child, that investment can last 10 or 12 years. This is the child's mobility, and his independence. It's important to get it right."
What does it mean for a chair to grow with the child? The idea may be new to those who think of the clunky "one-size-fits-all" sling back chairs as the only type there is. Most chairs today can be widened by changing the cross brace supports underneath, and lengthened by replacing the front frame sections that hold the leg supports.
"With this system, we can take a child from a very young age through the teen-age years with the same chair. We can grow a chair from a seat that measures 10 inches by 10 inches to one that is 18 by 18. While there is some expense along the way, it's still cheaper than replacing the chair. And the frames are warranted for life," Becerril says. "Make sure you choose a color you're not going to be sick of in a few years!"
Seating and Support
One of the most critical decisions regarding chair options, and one for which professional input is most crucial, is the choice of a seating cushion.
"The basis for good seating posture starts in the pelvis," Seiberlich says. "We're looking to distribute the weight over as big an area as possible, for support, for comfort and to prevent skin breakdown."
She notes that pressure sores, or decubitis, are a critical concern with prolonged seating. For those who aren't in the wheelchair for many hours at a time, a flat seat may be appropriate. For more prolonged use, or when stability in the chair becomes an issue, a high-quality foam cushion becomes preferable. Other alternatives include air-filled or gel-filled cushions.
"Children with scoliosis (curvature of the spine), whether or not it has been stabilized with spinal fusion, may have some left-right tilt in the pelvis," Seiberlich says. "In such cases, we can use the seating system to minimize the effects of the tilt. Some of the kids are still flexible, so by raising the lower side, we may be able to level out the pelvis. On the other hand, if the tilt is fixed, we'll support the higher side, so it takes up some of the weight. Distributing that weight is the key."
Scoliosis also figures into the choice of the back. "We can't always use a standard flat back or sling back. We may need a molded back to match up to the spinal curvature. Again, we're trying to get more surface contact to lessen pressure," Seiberlich says.
Lateral supports may be an important element as well. "If the child does not have the trunk strength to maintain their upright posture, we need to do it with laterals. Even with spinal fusion, they may need them to help prevent tipping."
Becerril notes that a "tilt-in-space" chair may be appropriate for someone with very little trunk strength. This type of chair maintains the sitting posture, but tilts back to relieve some of the anti-gravity work for a while, combating fatigue. Recliner chairs, which allow a prone position, are used more often for those unable to tolerate the normal angles of seated posture.
Final Fitting
Once the chair has been ordered, Becerril says, expect a couple months delay before it arrives. "Authorization takes time, and typically we're dealing with several different companies, and it's a custom product. Nothing related to wheelchairs ever happens quickly."
Once the chair arrives, the hands-on fitting process may take two to three hours, Becerril explains. "Things come up you can't foresee. Also, we want to show parents the signs of an improper fit. It's not something you do once and it's done: Kids grow fast, and their condition can change fast, so you need to monitor the fit constantly."
Seiberlich adds, "We always want parents to be checking for redness, because this indicates too much pressure. They need to check the buttocks, the back, the feet, and the back of the legs. Anywhere the chair is making contact, there's the potential for too much pressure."
She offers an important rule of thumb: "There should be no more than three fingers worth of space between the front of the seat and the back of the legs. With any more than this, the seat is not providing enough thigh support, and the chair may dig into the legs. It also makes sitting more difficult, as you don't get the same amount of surface holding you up. Also, you need to make sure that the footrests are low enough to get full contact for the whole thigh." There should be at least half an inch between the hips and the side of the chair. The laterals shouldn't be too tight, and shouldn't dig into the armpits.
"Parents can make these adjustments, if they know what to look for," Seiberlich says. "But we like to see the child in his chair at least once a year, especially if he's still growing. And anytime they think there's a problem they can't fix, we want them to come in."
Maintenance
In addition to monitoring the fit of the chair, Seiberlich stresses the importance of regular maintenance. "The chair should be washed regularly, using a spray cleaner. Most cushions are washable, or have washable covers. A thorough inspection of the whole chair once a week is a good idea: Check the brakes, look for loose hardware, and check the tires and seat."
Becerril points out that change in temperature can change the inflation pressure of tires and air-filled or gel-filled seats. Simple problems can easily be fixed at home. More involved ones can be taken care of by the vendor, who will almost always do maintenance for free.
Finally, Seiberlich returns to the transportation issue to stress an important safety rule.
"Chairs are generally not crash-tested, and the pelvic strap that keeps you in the seat is not as strong as a seat belt. We recommend that a child be on the car seat, strapped in using the car's seat and shoulder belts." If needed for lateral support, a chest harness can be used as well.

Choosing Weight Loss Supplements Wisely

It really chaps my hide whenever I see those commercials on TV with a woman MD-wanna-be hawking the latest diet pill. These “play-doctors” are usually wearing white lab coats, like they’re on the way to perform surgery and just thought they’d take time out of their busy schedule to tell you about this “latest medical breakthrough”. Don’t be fooled…It's all spin, trying to make it appear as if this woman (or man, I’ve seen them, too) is an actual doctor telling you about this latest prescription medicine to solve your weight problem. They even have the nerve to sell it to you in a bottle that looks just like something you would pick up from your local pharmacy.
With obesity and all its related health problems becoming more and more common in the general population, people are becoming desperate to try a “magic pill” that will help them lose weight. As a result, there is a lot of potential harm you can do to yourself if you don’t choose your weight loss supplements wisely.
While many health and fitness experts will tell you flat out not to ever use any supplements-ever-research has shown that some can be used with success under the right conditions.
First, consider whether you are in fairly good health to try one of these weight loss herbs. Are you under a doctor’s care for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, depression or any other serious health problem? Taking any of these types of supplements can be very dangerous. Consult your doctor and get your other health problems under control before using any weight loss supplements.
Second, do your research on who is manufacturing the products. Are doctors involved in the process? What are their credentials? If you see that a doctor (or group of doctors) has been involved in the design and production of an herbal remedy for a health problem, understand that their professional reputation is on the line. Good doctors typically spend decades in medical schools and in clinical environments, practicing medicine. No one who has invested that much time and energy on their medical career is going to sacrifice their reputation for something they are not absolutely sure is going to work.
Third, read the label and research the ingredients. FDA guidelines for herbal supplements do not require standardized amounts. In some cases, you only need a trace amount of the herb in order to put the name on the label so look for the standardized claim on the bottle. That means the same amount is in every bottle. That can also give you a clue as to whether the price is right on a certain herbal compound. If it’s really cheap-or free-there’s usually a reason why;most likely, it’s because there’s very little of the active ingredient in the pill.
Also, look for the word “chelated” and “amino-acid-bound” which means that the minerals are absorbed by your body better and more effectively than the simple forms manufactured by other vitamin-mineral products.
Finally, you must realize that there is no such thing as a “magic weight loss pill”. You must follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order for these herbs to work the way you expect. Most good, quality weight loss supplements will enhance your weight loss efforts by increasing your metabolism and suppressing your appetite while you eat those good healthy veggies and take that 30 minute walk everyday. The definition of the word "supplement" is "to increas, extend, or improve something by adding something to it. The best weight loss supplements are not meant to replace, only to supplement, a healthy lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Multivitamin

Choosing the right multivitamin can be a difficult undertaking. With so many choices on the market, its important to know a little bit behind the scenes in order to make the right choice. So what do you look for in a multi-vitamin? Well, that varies depending on your needs, but to fulfill the basic purpose of a multi-vitamin, it needs to contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. By now your probably thinking, ok, well i thought all the "multivitamins" did include the essential recommended daily intake? If that's what you thought, sorry to break it to you, but your wrong. In order to fulfill your recommended daily intake you would need to take, on average, 10 multivitan pills a day! Who wants to swallow 10 pills a day, I knowIi dont, if your with me, then read on.
Pills are simply not able to contain the required amount of ingredients to meet the recommended daily intake within a single capsule. The reason being, a pill requires other essentials before the vitamins and minerals can even be added. The pill needs to be stable enough to be ingested, in order for the active ingredients to be absorbed. Up to 80% of a pill can be filler, certainly they cant fit the daily recommended intake in the other 20%. Another reason pills are in-sufficient is the fact that the pill itself inhibits the absorption of the active ingredients. This means you aren't even getting all of the vitamins and minerals that are in the pill.
With that said, dont fret, there is a viable alternative to taking pills as your multi-vitamin. High potency liquid vitamins are the answer. With liquid vitamins you get the best all around benefit. Liquid vitamins have almost no filler in them whatsoever, in turn, you get larger quantities of the essential vitamins. Not all liquid vitamins are made equal however, but generally speaking, they all out-do a pill. The best liquid vitamins will give you 100% of your recommended daily intake for 10+ different vitamins, as well as a mixture of various other vitamins and minerals. Liquid multi-vitamins should not only be packed with the vitamins you need, but also provide general nutrition. If you are a vegetarian, make sure to check the liquid multi-vitamin to see if its a 100% vegetarian formula, many are not.
To sum things up, there is really no reason to take a multi-vitamin pill. Liquid vitamins compare in price, and beat pills in every other department. Choose your multi-vitamin wisely, and you'll be on the path to a heatlhier, more vibrant you!

Choosing The Best Yeast Infection Remedy For Your Symptoms

You can always find the best yeast infection remedy. Yeast infection is kept under control by good bacteria found in our bodies. These good bacteria can be killed when antibiotics are used continuously. Your first remedy would be to stop taking antibiotics to save your good bacteria from dying, however you should consult your doctor prior to stopping any form of treatment. The use of antibacterial soaps may also kill good bacteria so swapping if for a different variety will be helpful.
Acidophillus is good bacteria. So if you are taking antibiotics, the second yeast infection remedy is to take three servings of acidophilus yogurt everyday. There are also some acidophilus supplements that may help with the production of acidophillus. Some of the over the counter acidophillus drugs available in drug stores are: Children's Acidophilus chewable tablets, Children’s Acidophilus Powder, Acidophilus caplets and Acidophilus Strawberry Liquid. If you continue with this treatment, after ten days or more, infection can be stopped.
If you continue taking your acidophilus yogurt soon as you notice any symptoms, it can be enough to cure a mild infection. You just have to ensure that you continue taking it until all the symptoms have completely gone. You should try this for a period of two weeks, if symptoms persist you should consult your doctor.
Some yeast medications include topical treatments, to be applied externally. The other type can be systematic which concentrates on your internal system. Usually, when a person believes they have a yeast infection because symptoms are present, the use of topical treatment is first used to treat the infection. But if a woman experiences yeast infection internally, topical treatments are not sufficient. Therefore, a physician should be consulted. Your doctor will prescribe more powerful drugs because the yeast infection is present internally.
If you are looking for the best yeast infection remedy, it is always advisable to consult your doctor to be sure that the medications you are taking are correct. Even if you think the medication your friend is taking is effective, it is important to understand that people have unique symptoms and the most effective treatment for you can be quite different.

Choosing the Best Wheelchair Cushion

The apt combination of chair and cushion will allow you to sit in a neutral and stable posture and to operate the chair safely. Cushions come in an assortment of depths and sizes which need to be accommodated by the size of wheelchair frame. Obviously, you need to make a decision which cushion is best for you before you can make a decision about which chair is best.
Cushion design is by no means an easy subject. There are many choices to make as you decide on the right one for you. To boot, let us be familiar with cushions. There are four basic types of cushions - foam, gel, air floatation, and urethane honeycomb. There are also designs and systems for more specialized needs.
Foam technology has come a long way. It now comes in a range of densities with varying degrees of memory, holding its shape as you sit, contributing to your stability. The new foams can adapt to any shape, and still provide even support, spreading pressure across the sitting surface. On the downside, foam wears out faster than other materials and loses its shape, but because of its lower price, this might not worry you.
Gel cushion designs endeavor to substitute the consistency of atrophied muscle tissue. Gel fluids are placed in pouches and usually attached to a foam base, so that the cushion matches to the pressures put on it. Unfortunately, gel cushions are much heavier than other types, which can cancel out some of the benefits of your lightweight wheelchair. Gel leaking can also happen.
Air floatation cushions, on the other hand, support the body entirely on air. Air cushions can be less stable for those who move around a lot in their chair, but recent designs offer either low profile or quadrant options that minimize this problem. The balloons used in air cushions can be pricked, of course, and leaks do occur, although a fairly heavy duty rubber is used. But patching them is easier than with the gel design. The biggest drawback to air cushions is that they require more maintenance.
Thermoplastic urethane honeycomb cushions are the most recent development in cushions. These cushions are able to distribute weight evenly but there is no risk of leaking gel or of an air bladder being punctured. The many open spaces in the beehive structure of the cushion allow air to travel more efficiently. Urethane honeycomb cushions are very light, absorb shock, and a low profile cushion can provide significant support.
The latest exploration regarding cushions is the use of an air pump to create alternating pressure to those with more severe disabilities who cannot perform their own weight shifts to relieve pressure. Sitting for a long period of time without relief from pressure causes the separation of muscle and fatty tissues, as a result, the delicate skin layer has closer contact with the bone causing more pressure on the skin. Lack of air circulation increases the temperature between you and the cushion. Moisture, on the other hand, is trapped against the skin. This may further cause sores.
An example of alternating pressure solution is the ErgoDynamic Seating System from ErgoAir in New Hampshire. It pumps air into and out of alternating portions of the cushion. Some of the alternating pressure products are heavier because they uses batteries and air pumps and like air floatation cushions, susceptible to puncture. Nonetheless, the technology for these innovative systems is likely to advance further in the future, as new materials and batteries are developed.

Choosing a Handheld Massager for Relief from Back Pain

Handheld Massager reminds us of the fact that massage is one of the oldest forms of healing. In olden times, muscular pains and strains were treated with different oils by expert masseurs. The Chinese, Indians and Persians are known to have used this healing form for ages, and massage is still used in these cultures most prolifically. In today’s context, it can be said that massage is one of the most popular forms of therapies for chronic conditions like lower back pain, joint and muscular pains. Massage also helps alleviate mental stress and depression. To make things convenient, Handheld Massager are doing the job that a masseur does.
According to a number of researches on alternative therapies, massage therapy does help effectively in back pains. Massage is a great stiffness and pain reliever. The Handheld Massager is your personal masseur, which acts on your commands. These devices are designed to work on the effected part efficiently because of a flexible head. Modern massager can easily fit into the contours of the body to perform an effective job. You can activate the vibrator for the massage, and may also switch on the heat to provide extra relief. These devices come with an assortment of attachments to suit different requirements.
Check your store for different Handheld Massager styles and features. You may determine first, what you need the massager for. Some Handheld Massager come with advanced features including programmable custom massage styles. You can opt for a device that comes with a number of strength-levels, to help you adjust the massage strength according to your need. If your back pain condition is acute, you may like to use a lower strength setting. You could even program your massager at different massage intervals. Look for a massager with a conveniently placed control panel that is easy to operate.
Handheld Massager with heat functions are helpful in case of conditions that require deep heat treatment for sore muscles. Do not compromise on quality, as a branded massager will serve you better. Electrical devices can go bad; so make sure to check the warranty clause well.

Choosing A Good Hair Restoration Clinic

Choosing a good hair restoration clinic is no doubt the most difficult task for any one deciding to go for a hair transplant. With thousands of (http://www.hairrestorationadvice.com/choosing-hair-restoration-clinics/find-a-good-hair-transplant-clinic.shtml hair transplant centers)/ hair transplant clinics mushrooming all over USA it is in fact quite confusing to track down a good hair transplant center.
The following article provides you with a good lead on how to go about choosing the right hair transplant center with a well regarded (http://www.hairrestorationadvice.com/hair-restoration-interview/index.shtml) hair transplant surgeon performing the hair restoration surgery and with (http://www.hairrestorationadvice.com/choosing-hair-restoration-clinics/hair-transplant-restoration-costs.shtml) affordable hair replacement.
Questions to consider when choosing your prospective hair transplant surgeon and clinic
Before and during your contact with your prospective (http://www.hairrestorationadvice.com/hair-restoration-interview/index.shtml) hair transplant surgeon and clinic, you need to look for signs and signals that this surgeon and clinic is capable of providing you with a quality result – a natural looking hair transplant. Unfortunately there are a number of clinics and surgeons out there that do poor quality work. Before, during and after the clinic interview there are some questions to ask yourself privately to try and reduce the risk of getting a hair transplant from a cowboy surgeon.
How did you find out about the clinic and the surgeon? In the yellow pages or by personal recommendation? A personal recommendation by someone who has already had a transplant from the clinic / surgeon you are considering is best. If you don’t have a friend or colleague who can give you a recommendation, it’s okay to start with an advertisement or even the yellow pages, but you need to do more footwork to find out whether the surgeon / clinic is good.
• How long has the clinic / surgeon been in business? If the clinic / surgeon has been around for a few years it suggests they must have a regular stream of (presumably satisfied) customers to stay in business.
• What reputation does the surgeon / clinic have? These days with the availability of powerful search engines on the internet it is fairly easy to find out other peoples’ opinions of the clinic / surgeon involved. Just type in their name and see what comes up.
• What reputation does the clinic / surgeon have in the business and legal arena? You could check with the better business bureau or equivalent in your area and check for any lawsuits brought against the clinic / surgeon. Often this can be done online. Contact your state medical board to see if any complaints have been filed against your hair transplant doctor or hair transplant clinic.
• What qualifications does the surgeon have? Is he/she a member of a professional organization specifically for the hair transplant profession? There are a few professional organizations (eg. In North America - The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS)) that attempt to improve hair transplant standards and ensure members do quality work. Membership of these organizations is not a guarantee that the surgeon is good, but it helps.
• In your contact with the clinic what is your general impression? Is the clinic in its own physical location or is it run from the back office of a general practice? Many hair transplant and cosmetic surgery clinics are in standalone buildings, others may be attached to larger dermatology clinics, each of which is valid. But some “clinics” are run by renting time in a surgery to do the operation and the only physical location may be a rented office not connected to a medical establishment. These small operations with a limited or no permanent location give cause for concern. They are harder to monitor and more difficult to contact if things go wrong.
• What is your impression in the interview? Does the surgeon sounds like he / she knows what they are talking about? Do they show pictures of their own work? Do they explain the risks as well as the benefits of hair transplantation?
• Do you feel some personal compatibility with the surgeon? You will be having a relatively intimate, albeit professional, relationship with this individual over a period of time if you have multiple hair transplant sessions. You need to feel comfortable with who you are dealing with.
• How pressured do you feel to sign up for the hair transplant? If you feel unduly pressured it is better to walk away. Give yourself time to think about it. You can always sign up later or find a different clinic. Clinics and surgeons that push hard to get you to sign up may be losing sight of their professional conduct requirements – to put the patient before profit.
• Prior to the surgery, did you actually meet with the surgeon who will oversee the transplant? Or did you just interview with a representative consultant, a nurse, or a technician? You should expect to see the surgeon at least once prior to the actual surgery. If you don’t see the surgeon before the procedure, or get only limited information, walk away from this clinic.
• Who will actually conduct the surgical procedure? It is not necessarily going to be the surgeon who will conduct the procedure form start to finish. Hair transplants usually involve quite a lot of people. If the surgeon is not going to be present and the procedure is to be done entirely by nurses or technicians, this is cause for concern.
• Is your hair transplant surgeon's practice dedicated solely to surgical hair restoration? And if not, what percentage of his/her practice is? How many hair transplant operations does the surgeon conduct in a week/month/year? Some clinics and surgeons are exclusively focused on hair transplantation, they do nothing else. This is another indicator that the clinic and surgeon have extensive experience in hair transplantation.

Choose Your Cover: Finding Effective Sun Protection

With all of us feverishly trying to keep up with the latest fads Hollywood exports, finally there is a fashion tip that will truly enhance our lives.
Recently, Tom Cruise’s former sidekick Nicole Kidman was quoted by the Associated Press as saying: “I wish that I hadn’t been born with red hair and fair skin” as she is concerned about the amount sun exposure and its direct link to an increased risk for skin cancer. She should know, too. After all, she hails from Australia where skin cancer is an exploding epidemic.
Subsequently, Australia is the leading the world in heightening the quality of skin cancer prevention education and proactive sun safety behavior. Truth be told, skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer. Americans are no exception to the rule either! Every hour someone in the United States dies from skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (www.AAD.org). Perhaps, Kidman’s example will encourage the propagation of a new fashion wave - sun protective clothing (www.SunSavvy.net).
Whereas, sun protective clothing (also known as ultraviolet radiation protective clothing; or “UVR”) is widely used in Australia, Europe, and South Africa, it is still relatively unknown here in the U.S. Sun protective clothing, however, is a highly effective option for individuals to protect themselves from the harmful affects of UV-rays all day, every day.
If you consider that the average white 100% cotton t-shirt is equivalent to only a SPF 6 (which provides about 14% worth of sun protection), clearly there is a need for light-weight, functional, stylish, economical, clothing that also provides exceptional protection from over-exposure to the sun.
On the other hand, sun protective clothing blocks out more than 97.5% of UV rays (which is an equivalent to a SPF 30 sunscreen). This is considered by the Skin Cancer Foundation to be “the best of the best” as it were when it comes to effective sun protection. If you consider that a SPF 20 sunscreen is allowing only five out of every 100 UV protons to reach your skin; it is 95% protective, than sun protective clothing is quite simply the most revolutionary new product available on the market today for those looking for a viable, yet extremely effective, way to protect themselves and their loved ones from sun damage.
Dermatologist-oncologist, Sancy A. Leachman of the Tom C. Mathews Jr. Familial Melanoma Research Clinic at The Huntsman Cancer Institute (www.HuntsmanCancer.org) recommends that everyone use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 for daily, year-round use; SPF 30 is recommended if we are outdoors between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when UV rays are most intense.
SPF 30 sunscreen is also highly recommended for those of us who possess multiple risk factors for skin cancer such as blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes, fair or sensitive skin, many atypical moles, and even family history of skin cancer – like Nicole Kidman. Wearing sun protective clothing, coupled with proper year-round use of sunscreens, is the quite simply the best protection available, Sancy says. And her colleagues in the field of dermatological medicine agree.
“Appropriate sun apparel should offer effective protection against both short term and long term photo damage [such as wrinkling, skin cancer, and even cataracts],” says Dr. J.M. Mentor, who also teaches dermatology at the Morehouse School of Medicine (www.MSM.edu). In other words, effective sun safety apparel ought to protect against both UV-B and UV-A rays, and sun protective products such as those specially manufactured by Stingray in Australia, do exactly that.
Stingray is the original sun protection clothing company to specialize in UV protection swimwear and daily attire for children and adults. “As a result of listening to the needs of our many customers, we are able to deliver products that take the ‘sting out of the sun’s rays,’” says Wendy Lister, Managing Director of Stingray. “[People] are now getting the best possible UV protection.” Those living at high altitudes or near the equator, have the highest risk in for skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Glen and Liisa Tomson, both natives of South Africa, know first-hand the devastating toll sun damage can take on our health. As such, they have recently partnered up with The Cancer Crusaders Organization (www.CancerCrusaders.org) in a five-year international skin cancer prevention education campaign called “Only Skin Deep?” This program aims to actively engage parents and young adults in the fight against the world’s most common, yet preventable, cancer.
“We see a great and pressing need for increased awareness and education here in the U.S.,” says Glen Tomson. “Too many times my wife and I will be at the pool, and see all these children running around sun burnt. Often, we’ll offer shade [clothing] and sunscreen to the parents so they can better protect their children.” Glen and Liisa, in addition to being entrepreneurs and experts, are parents and realize the importance of instilling the practice of sunscreen usage and the wearing of sun protective clothing at a young age so as to develop a lifelong habit of sun safety behavior.
In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that sustaining just one severe “blistering” sunburn before age 18 increases one’s likeliness of a future skin cancer diagnosis by an estimated 60%. In other words, 80% of one’s lifetime skin damage occurs in the first 18 years of life. This is of particular concern the mountain states where high elevation exposes us to more intense UV irradiation.
Dr. Leachman illustrates it best by saying, “Someone standing on the summit of Mt. Timpanogos [Utah] will burn 66-to-77 times faster than someone standing on a beach in Los Angeles [California].” Lechman adds, “Skin cancer incidence is increasing at an alarming rate here in the United States, so it is important that we all take proper precautions to protect ourselves.”
The AAD solidifies Leachman’s remarks, reporting 1.3-million Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer this year. The risk is real,” Leachman says. “There is a real need for people to take necessary precautions and to teach patients how to advocate for themselves [in reducing their risk for skin cancer].”

Cholesterol Control

Newspapers have reported on the drawbacks of having a diet high in fat. High-fat diet has been linked to high cholesterol and ultimately to heart attacks. Hence, people have started avoiding beef and eggs. But cholesterol is not bad. Our body needs it to protect nerves and build new cells and hormones. It is only when we include foods like pizzas, burgers, ice creams, steaks or any food containing animal product that the problem starts. Excess cholesterol settles along the walls of the arteries and can clog them thus, restricting blood flow. This gives rise to angina, heart attack or stroke. It has also been shown that high cholesterol leads to gallstones. There are two types of cholesterol called good cholesterol or HDL and bad cholesterol or LDL. LDL is the cholesterol that clogs the arteries and should be lower while HDL scours the artery walls and removes the harmful LDL and should be higher.
Doctors recommend reducing and avoiding high-fat diets containing meat, eggs and dairy products. But you can use the following home remedies for treatment:
• Increase the intake of Vitamin E: It is advised to increase your intake of Vitamin E to 400 international units to prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol where the cholesterol hardens into the arterial plaque thus giving rise to heart attack. It also raises the level of HDL. You can include Vitamin E as dietary sources or include vegetable oils, nuts or grains in your diet.
• Eat your breakfast: People who skip the breakfast have higher cholesterol levels than those who have breakfast everyday. This is because they tend to eat unhealthy foods which are high in fats.
• Eat small meals frequently: Large meals have been shown to release a large amount of insulin, which in turn stimulates the production of the enzymes that increases cholesterol production by the liver. But eating small frequent meals without increasing the total calories will limit the insulin production and thus controls the cholesterol and in turn heart diseases.
• Add Vitamin C to your diet: Though other vitamins and minerals play an important role in the cholesterol production, Vitamin C is the most crucial vitamin for cholesterol control. It increases HDL levels and is very beneficial if you get it from fruits and vegetables, since they have a special fibre called pectin. It surrounds the cholesterol and flushes it out of the digestive system before it gets into the blood. Include fruits like citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, apples and spinach which are rich in vitamin C and pectin.
• Increase garlic intake: Taking seven cloves of garlic a day will reduce cholesterol levels significantly. If you cannot stand the normal garlic, then you can opt for odorless garlic pills, which are available in local health stores.
• Skip decaf: Avoid decaffeinated coffee since it has been shown to raise LDL levels. This is because the beans used for decaf are far stronger than the normal beans.
• Munch grapes: Grapes and their products have a compound which lowers cholesterol significantly. So you can increase your intake of grapes, grape juice and wine to decrease your cholesterol level.
• Have grapefruit: Grapefruit contains pectin which reduces cholesterol significantly. Hence, people who consume grapefruits show a marked decline of cholesterol over 7 percent after two months of consumption.
• Eat beans: Lima beans, kidney beans, navy beans, soybeans and other legumes have been shown to lower cholesterol as they have a high amount of pectin. Research has shown that people who consume about 11/2 cup of cooked beans a day have decreased their cholesterol levels by 20 percent within three weeks.
• Splurge on carrots: Carrots have plenty of pectin, the most useful type of fibre for lowering cholesterol. Having about 2 to 3 carrots a day will reduce cholesterol levels by 10 to 20 percent.

Cholesterol, An Insight: Good Cholesterol and Bad Cholesterol

What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is an important part of cell membranes and is important to the structure and function of all of your body's cells. Liver makes about 80% of the cholesterol for your body. Animal products are the source for the rest of the 20% of cholesterol of the body.
First let get familiar with some widely used scientific terms. Cholesterol can either be good or cholesterol or bad cholesterol depending upon its usage and effects. Now, cholesterol is transferred in the body along with a protein. This cholesterol-protein package is called Lipoprotein. Good cholesterol is basically high-density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol which cleans up low density lipoprotein (LDL) from blood vessels. LDL is referred to as bad cholesterol as it combines with other substances to form plaques in blood vessels which are responsible for blockage in the blood vessels.
High amount of Cholesterol in your blood vessels shoots up your risk of cardiovascular disease. When the level of this waxy, fatty substance and triglycerides(blood fat) increases considerable, you get more likely to develop plaques in your blood vessels which furthers narrows the arteries slowly and gradually. Hence you are at larger risk to various heart-related diseases.
Do's And Dont's
. Go in for fibrous foods such as salads, fruits, soya milk, oats, soya flour etc
. Eat Omega-3 fatty acids mainly in fish such as salmon, mackerel etc
. Choose best fats for yourself such as olive oil.
. Don't take too much of flour, rice , lard, nuts etc
. Also avoid animal products like red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, butter, cheese etc
. Avoid oils like coconut, palm or any other tropical oils.
. Keep date with your gym or exercise schedule and do visit a doctor for perfect guidance.

Cholesterol: A Guide To High And Low Foods!

The excess accumulation of cholesterol can lead to a stroke or heart attack. This happens because the build-up of excess cholesterol begins to clog the blood vessels leading to arteriosclerosis. It is believed that the overall incidence of strokes and heart attacks could be reduced by as much as 50% if Americans could reduce their cholesterol level by 25%. In fact, for every 1% of lowered blood cholesterol, the chances of having a heart attack are reduced by 2%.
However, all cholesterol is not bad, as most know by now. There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL helps to remove excess fats from your blood while high LDL is known to lead to a higher incidence of strokes and heart attacks.
So the question is how can we follow a diet that helps us reduce LDL while still gaining the benefits of HDL? Below you will find a list of foods to avoid and foods you should eat in order to reduce overall cholesterol levels.
Food To Avoid
Eggs – Eggs have very high levels of LDL. (Note that the white of an egg is not bad for you.)
Fats and Oils – Fried foods, hydrogenated oils and excess amount of other oils are all considered to be very high in LDL.
Sugar Products – Most sugar products will increase LDL almost exclusively. Avoid them.
Meat Products – All meat products have very high levels of HDL and should be avoided.
Shell Fish – Though overall fish are healthy and help to reduce cholesterol this is not the case with shellfish. Crabs, shrimp (prawns), lobster and other such foods are very high in LDL.
Dairy Products – All dairy products have high levels of LDL. It is recommended that you use non-fat dairy products instead.
Fast Foods – Most, if not all fast foods are very high in fat content and increase LDL.
FOODS TO EAT
Low-Fat / Non-Fat Dairy Products – Low fat or no-fat dairy products are much better options than their normal counterparts but make sure you know the actual fat content of the item.
Non-Shell Fish – All fish are high in Omega-3 and as a result they actually help lower cholesterol.
Soy Products – Soy products high in protein are good for reducing cholesterol.
Nuts – Nuts such as walnut, almond, pecan and peanut all help to reduce cholesterol if they are eaten in their natural form.

Cholesterol – What Is It and Are You At Risk?

Cholesterol is a fatty lipid, steroid and an alcohol found in the body tissues and blood plasma of vertebrates. It is the essential part of the outer membranes of human body cells, and it circulates in the blood.
Cholesterol in the human body comes from two major sources. About three-quarters of the body’s total cholesterol is produced within the body, while only one-quarter comes from cholesterol in food.
Higher concentrations of cholesterol are present in body tissues which have more densely packed membranes – i.e. the liver, spinal cord, brain, atheroma, adrenal glands and reproductive organs.
The liver is the most important site of cholesterol biosynthesis. It is secreted from the liver in the form of an acidic secretion known as ‘bile’.
Diets rich in animal fats, meat, poultry, fish, oils, egg yolks and dairy products are a rich source of dietary cholesterol. Organ meats, such as liver and kidney, are extremely rich in cholesterol content, but foods of plant origin contain no cholesterol.
High cholesterol levels in the bloodstream can influence the pathogenesis of certain conditions. Recent studies have revealed that the abundance of protein complexes called lipoproteins, are responsible for the cholesterol build-up in the blood vessels.
Cholesterol gets attached to these lipoproteins. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries cholesterol out of the bloodstream for excretion, while the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries it back into the system for use by various body cells.
LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol, because elevated levels of it are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL deposits cholesterol on the artery walls which leads to the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Over time, cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.
The levels of both HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol may also determine risk for heart disease; however current medical opinion is that the ratio of HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol is much more important than the level of cholesterol.
Methods to control your cholesterol levels:
Lower your consumption of foods containing saturated fats - fried fast foods, butter, cream, cheese, and fat on meat - to help reduce cholesterol. Add more plant foods to your diet – vegetable oils, nuts, legumes, breads, cereal grains, fruits and vegetables. A low cholesterol diet, combined with regular exercise is the best way to lower cholesterol levels.
Medications can also help lower cholesterol levels. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, ‘Statins’, such as lovastatin (Mevacor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are the most effective and widely used medications to lower LDL cholesterol. Other medications include nicotinic acid (niacin), fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), resins such as cholestyramine (Questran), and ezetimibe, Zetia. These medications should be taken after consulting the experts.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol, what is it? Cholesterol is a fat; well really a lipid but they are like fats. They are carried round our bloodstream and tend to be in two types, High density and low density. These are known as lipoproteins and are classed as HDL’s and LDL’s. Both these are part of your cholesterol.
Cholesterol which consists of HDL’s, try to break up fat in the bloodstream and move this to the liver to be dealt with, whereas LDL’s are the ones responsibly for clogging up your arteries and this leads to complicated health issues. For this reason it is important to ensure that you have a low level of the bad Cholesterol in your bloodstream. Whilst our bodies naturally produce Cholesterol one of the major factors in the levels of Cholesterol in our bodies is due to our diet. In other words a lot of the issues with Cholesterol are due to what you eat.
I am not planning on getting into an in-depth discussion on the range of values of Cholesterol which is best for your body, as this can vary between people. A younger person who has an acceptable level of Cholesterol but has family members who have had heart attacks when young may be classed as more at risk than a much older person who has a higher Cholesterol level depending on their fitness level and family history. There is no set rule when it comes to Cholesterol levels and advice should always be sought from your physician if you are worried about your Cholesterol levels.
What can you do about it?
One thing you have to remember is that a normal healthy body will produce all the Cholesterol that it needs without you adding to it through diet. Cholesterol is added to the body in many foods but the one major area to look at is fat intake. Unfortunately fat is in most products. There isn’t very much fat in the donut you eat, but think about what it’s been cooked in. all that fat has been absorbed during the cooking process and this can contribute to your Cholesterol level being raised. There are 3 types of fats and these are, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat, but what are they and how can they affect your Cholesterol levels.
Saturated fats are those which are usually animal based and tend to become solid at room temperature. Butter and lard are the classic examples but cream in milk is also a saturated fat. Yes I know it's not a solid but it is still a saturated fat and helps to raise Cholesterol levels. Another one is palm oil and this is widely used in pastries and cakes so watch out.
Monounsaturated fats are found in certain raw products the best known being olive oil. This is high in monounsaturated fat and has a high density of lipoproteins. Tests have indicated that people who regularly consume this type of fat tend to have lower Cholesterol levels than people who consume a lot of saturated fat. Indeed the Mediterranean countries, in particular Italy, consume a great deal of olive oil and their Cholesterols levels tend to be at lower levels than the US.
The remaining fats are polyunsaturated fats and these tend to be produced from vegetables, nuts and seeds. These have been combined with dairy products to produce products such as margarine and this was thought to be much healthier than products containing saturated fats when considering health issues surrounding Cholesterol. However, recent research has shown that the manufacturing process can cause the fats to become saturated and so they may not be as healthy as first though.
Your Target
So what is your target if you are concerned about your Cholesterol level? A regular checkup with your physician is one thing but you need to help them to help you. Watch what you eat. Always read the label first before you buy your food. Look for products containing fats other than saturated fat, or fats with HDL’s as these help to lower Cholesterol levels. You can also help your Cholesterol level by lowering your fat intake, the less you take in the less your body has to deal with which has to be a good thing. Obesity is also a problem and exercise also helps to lower Cholesterol. This also helps with weight problems in any case and has to be a good thing, but don’t overdo it at first, take it gently. Coffee drinking and a high intake of sugars are also not very good for lowering Cholesterol. Sorry, but it looks like most of the things we all enjoy, including me, are not very good for our Cholesterol levels.

Chocolate and Heart Health – Fact or Fallacy?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if chocolate and heart health went hand in hand. However, there is so much information lately about the health benefits of chocolate that it is only natural that people get confused.
It is true, that if people only ate pure cocoa, then there might be heart health benefits. The problem is that most people eat processed chocolate bars containing sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dairy cream not to mention other “baddies” contained in some of those tasty fillings. Some of these added ingredients can clog up arteries and create havoc to your waistline.
That said, you might be surprised to find out that chocolate isn’t as bad as it was once thought. The fat content in chocolate, derived from cocoa butter contained in premium grade dark chocolate, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat – not so good. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk of developing heart disease.
Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol; neither raising nor lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. Therefore, if we base our chocolate eating habits on latest research, the fat issue isn’t so worrying.
Beware milk chocolate may not be so heart healthy
When we eat milk chocolate or lower grade chocolate, part of the total fat content comes from milk fat or various other types of fat contained in the processed chocolate, and not from the pure cocoa, which do adversely affect cholesterol levels.
Despite all the good news on cocoa not raising LDL cholesterol, even dark chocolate is a very calorie-dense food, so while the fat content may not invite heart disease or clogging of the arteries, its regular consumption will add a lot of extra calories to someone's daily total. In fact, many chocolate bars list sugar as the number one ingredient. And as we all know lots of white refined sugar is not going to help you keep your waistline nice and slim. Remember obesity is a serious risk factor for developing heart disease.
Concerning cholesterol, new and yet-to-be-published studies are showing that some antioxidants contained in chocolate, in particular dark chocolate and cocoa powder, may actually increase "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 10 percent.
In the studies, the selected people ate 22 grams of cocoa powder and 16 grams of dark chocolate every day The result: Their "bad" (LDL) cholesterol was less susceptible to oxidation, a process that normally leads to artery-clogging plaques. While many people take vitamins and other antioxidants to help prevent plaque development, the study shows that cocoa could help.
In summary, whether chocolate and heart health do walk hand in hand is still an open topic, however, in moderation it won’t do your heart any harm, however, watch those calories. Most of all, enjoy it cause it tastes so good!
For more information about heart health and living your life to the full come across and visit www.allabout-heart-disease.com

Chlamydia (Kla-Mid-Dee-Ah)

Chlamydia (Kla-Mid-Dee-Ah) is the commonest and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK.
The most important thing to know about Chlamydia is that any one who is having sex is vulnerable. You only need to have unprotected sex with one person who has the infection to catch it; but of course, the more partners you have, the more likely you are to be infected. During 2001, there were more than 71,000 new reported cases, the highest level ever and a 10 % rise from 2000.
According to Public Health laboratory Service figures it is estimated that one in ten under 25 year olds now have the infection.
If you are over 25 and have had two partners within a year, or recently changed partners your risk increases.
One of the most alarming problems with Chlamydia is that it is asymptomatic; that is to say most people don’t know that they have it in the early stages. This means that it is very easily passed on without people knowing. Some warning signs could be:

Discharge
Pain or burning when urinating
Inflammation of the penis or vagina
Pain in the lower part of the body
Heavy periods or irregular bleeding
Testicular pain

It can be passed on through:

Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner.
Sharing sex toys
Passed from mother to baby at birth.

If it is left untreated for long enough it can cause serious damage such as problems with fertility including:

Blocked fallopian tubes (resulting in infertility)
Miscarriage or premature birth
Ectopic pregnancy

Help and Support
Chlamydia will not go away on it’s own. However it can be simply and successfully treated with antibiotics.
If you think you have been at risk you can either talk to your GP and ask specifically for a test, or you can contact a sexual health clinic. These are also known as Genito-Urinary Medicine (GU) clinics, and are usually found at a large hospital. The clinics are free and confidential. Anyone can go; your doctor does not need to refer you.
You can find your nearest one in the phone book. Or by calling:
NHS Direct 0845 4647.
Sexual health help-line is available seven days a week 24 hours a day
Call: 0800 567 123

Chiropractors: They're on My Team!

Whenever I see the title "men's health", it conjures up a couple of images in my mind, and as far as most of the articles I see on the subject, they fall into one of two distinct and very different categories. It's either a sort of bodybuilding bust-your-buns biceps and washboard abs type deal with the fake tan and the body oil and the ubiquitous smile or it's the serious senior, Alan Alda persona doctor advising on the necessity of enduring an examination with a latex glove and all the guilt you have to endure if you don't.
Who needs to be reminded that there is something slowly going wrong with you inside and it's your duty to identify it and do something about it? Hey, leave me alone, I'm feeling pretty good and who wants to rush to diagnosis? And as I said, the other extreme is the in-your-face body that only took thirty hours a week at the gym for the last three years and a basin-load of creatine to realise. I don't think there is much point in writing about "pumping iron" workouts, when every gym in the land will counsel you on how to get those pecs bulging like they're on steroids.
No, for me men's health is sort of like the Cresta Run or the Luge at the Olympics, you hurtle down an icy slope flat on your back and try to steer clear of the sides; that's the part that I think is like men's health, try to steer clear of the sides and slip on through to the finish in one piece.
Anyway, here is my content part as opposed to my comment part: Chiropractors. They are a staple in my team to get through to the end and they can help you and me make it to the finish line in much better shape than we would without them. But, heavens, you would not believe the number of guys I run across complaining about some part of their body and how incapacitated they are and how they can't do so many of the usual things and then, when I suggest that a chiropractor could fix that problem in about fifteen minutes flat, they shy away shaking their heads, "oh no my brother-in-law was screwed up by a chiro" or, "no I don't trust them " or simply, "no I've been through this before, it only lasts about four weeks", hey, oh great, only four weeks!!
So I incorporate a regular chiropractic adjustment every five to six weeks into my schedule, just to keep my spine limber and supple and no I'm not going to him because I have a problem, but maybe that's why I don't have a problem. So with the medical professionals it's sort of like having a team of specialists, each one taking care of a particular aspect of your overall health. And, seriously here, I genuinely feel that chiropractic care is a plus especially for anyone with athletic aspirations; these guys are not just for the sore backs, they can be a definite asset in your athletic arsenal. Funny thing is that if they deal mostly with athletes, I think they seem to call them Sports Kinesiologists; much more palatable to the athlete and sounds so much more "formula one" type stuff, right?
So consider getting yourself organized with a good chiropractor and see how it goes, I bet you will not believe the kinds of problems you might get solved by a chiropractic adjustment; again it's not just about sore backs and slipped discs. I certainly put them high on my list, and when I may have overdone it a bit here and there, it does impart a certain amount of confidence knowing that there's a pretty good chance that my chiropractor can respond to my slightly irreverent request, "OK, now put me back in the game, doc." Some even have a sense of humour: I was complaining to mine the other day about getting older and he just said, rather wryly, "hey, the alternative is not so hot either!"

Chiropractic Medical Necessity: The Reviewer Perspective

Third party payers demand documentation to substantiate the medical necessity of a chiropractic treatment. This documentation should support care by providing evidence that a treatment was necessary for relief from a condition and to alleviate a patient’s symptoms. When a third party payer requests records, there are necessary documents and information that must be included for review. These include a patient’s past and present history, consultation form, chart notes and any required x-rays.
The patient’s past and present history are needed. These must explain why the patient sought chiropractic care, the nature of the complaints, the duration of the complaints and whether the patient was involved in a traumatic event. The documentation should explain if the patient has exhibited the same or similar complaints previously, whether there is a family history of illness or injury and if there are contraindications to chiropractic care.
It is important that the chiropractor include a consultation form. This reiterates the reasons the patient sought chiropractic care. The form should explain any previous medical and chiropractic treatment, as well as any prior examinations and test results, if known. This indicates whether patient’s condition is acute or chronic and what treatment, has been provided to the patient, along with the prior treatments outcome. Diagnoses are necessary.
The initial examination findings are important. These findings should describe range of motion, orthopedic and neurological, chiropractic palpation and postural abnormalities. If treatment proceeds beyond a brief course of care, progress examination findings are necessary to show progress between objective examinations.
Although x-rays can be integral in formulating a chiropractic diagnosis and treatment plan, they are not necessary for each patient. An unexplained complaint of long standing, trauma, and age, along with the consultation and examination findings and clinical experience, will determine the need for x-rays.
A patient’s chart notes are vital to assess the necessity of chiropractic care and critical to the review process. They show how the patient has improved or not, whether the objective findings (at least, range of motion, palpation and postural) reveal that the patient is improving. Chart notes also show how a patient’s response to treatment, the reasonableness of care and the treatment plan presented. If a home program was instituted, they tell whether the patient is taking charge of his or her own healthcare and if it appears that the patient’s condition is progressing or being alleviated.

Children’s Vitamins

Many parents are concerned that their children do not consume the proper foods they need to stay strong and healthy. The truth is children can be picky eaters. Some children will go through stages where they will refuse to eat anything other than a favorite food, while other children will try new foods, but do not take to them.
Children’s vitamins are available to parents who want to ensure their children are receiving the necessary nutrients he or she needs to grow strong and healthy. Even parents who have children who eat well are supplementing their children’s diet with vitamins. The fact is the earth’s soil is rapidly being depleted of nutrients, and the rigors of food processing also leaves many foods deficient in vitamins and minerals.
Children’s vitamins are packaged in such a way that they are attractive to children. Most children’s vitamins come in colorful and fun shapes. Many manufacturers of children’s vitamins are packaging their vitamins in lollipop, gum ball and gummy bear varieties. Because these vitamins resemble candy, it is important that you keep them away from a child’s reach and that you monitor their intake. If you find your child has taken extra vitamins, you should consult their pediatrician or your local poison control center.
There are instances when a pediatrician will prescribe vitamins for a child. If a child has a vitamin deficiency, does not have access to fluoridated water, or has anemia or other illness or disease, vitamin supplements may be prescribed for a child. However, in general, many pediatricians believe that children do not need vitamin supplements if they are being fed properly. They feel that children can receive all the vitamins and minerals they need if they eat according to the Food Pyramid. Consult with your child’s pediatrician before starting them on a vitamin.
Vitamins are supplements and not replacements. Children’s vitamin supplements should never be looked upon as a replacement for healthy eating. Encourage your child to eat the foods they need, and do things to make nutrition fun and flavorful for them. For instance, letting children add grated cheese to their vegetables will make some children more interested in eating them. Allowing a child to drink calcium fortified orange juice over milk works well for a child who does not like milk. Let your child participate in making a vegetable pizza, or let them pick out fruit at a market and place it in their own special area at home. All of these tips can go a long way in helping a picky eaters overcome their fears so they consume the vitamins they need.

Children Get Constipated, Too

Do you notice your child putting off going to the bathroom because he/she is busy doing more important things? Do you notice avoidance of the bathroom for fear of a painful bowel movement? Is your child not experiencing daily bowel movements? These actions may be signals of constipation.
Parents often hope their worries about their children's bathroom habits will end with the final diaper. But successful toilet training doesn't prevent occasional troubles with bowel movements. Constipation is among the most common but should never be considered normal.
Unfortunately most of the medical literature defines childhood constipation as not the frequency of bowel movements but the hardness of the stool. According to the Physicians’ Manual for Patients, “Daily bowel movements are not essential to health.” Parents are told that as long as the child is having three bowel movements a week AND they are soft that this is totally normal. Not so! Just as we eat three meals per day, a child should be experiencing between 1 to 3 bowel movements per day. Food should never be sitting in the digestive track longer than 24 hours. Ideally, everyone should have comfortable, unforced bowel movements 20-30 minutes after every meal.
Because the discussion of bowel movements between child and parent usually brings out total dread in parents, it is often ignored and assumed that the child is experiencing bowel movements each day. Many of us remember cringing when a grandparent asked us “Have you had a bowel movement today?” The cringe was not necessarily because of the question but because it was usually asked very loudly at the dinner table! You see, in their generation this was considered a very important function for good health. Somewhere along the line we have stopped looking at this as an important clue in overall health. Digestive track health is considered by many to be the most important function in keeping the body healthy.
Causes Of Childhood Constipation

Diet & Nutrition - Not eating enough foods with fiber; Dehydration; Consuming a lot of sugar and desserts; Milk and dairy products; Food Allergies; Acid forming foods (meat).
Lack of Exercise – With the popularity of computer games and TV many children are leading a very sedentary lifestyle.
Emotion Upsets & Anxiety – Fear, grief, worry and frustration have all been known to affect the digestive tract.
Holding stools – This means the child has the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement, but ignores the urge. Reasons such as not wanting to take the time to go to the bathroom, unfamiliar bathrooms or pain in passing a stool are very common.
Prescription Drugs - Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Temaril or Benadryl), found in nonprescription cold medications; Antidiarrheal medications; Antispasmodics, such as atropine and scopolamine; Narcotics, such as codeine and hydrocodone; Chemotherapy; Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine and valproic acid; Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline hydrochloride or doxepin hydrochloride; Iron supplements.
Other less common causes of constipation are depression, attention deficit disorders, and sexual abuse.

Constipation Symptoms

Less than 1 bowel movement per day.
Stools that are hard and difficult to pass.
Headaches, fatigue and/or depression.
Encopresis, or accidental fecal soiling. Often if a hard stool is present in the rectum, liquid feces can leak around the hard stool and pass out the anus without the child’s control. This can happen many times during the day. The child cannot do anything to prevent or withhold it.
Abdominal pain near or around the navel.
Bed-wetting.
Decreased appetite and nausea.

Prevention

Diet—The most important thing is to increase fluid intake. However, some children get into the habit of only drinking sodas to satisfy their thirst. Most children are dehydrated from sugary drinks and from not taking the time out to quench thirst. Offer clean, pure water. A child should be drinking half of his/her body weight in water each day. Include servings of fresh, organic fruit and vegetables. Teach your child to eat raw as much as possible. Make 50% of each meal fresh, raw, unprocessed foods. Include whole grains, nuts and seeds in the diet. Limit white flour, chocolate, sugar, dairy and milk products. Train your child to eat slowly and moderately. Provide a relaxing environment while eating. Take a probiotic supplement daily to facilitate the growth of “friendly bacteria” in the colon.
Bowel habit training—Your child should be taught not to wait to have a bowel movement. To establish a regular bowel habit, ask your child to sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes at about the same time each day, preferably after a meal. Make sure your child can place his or her feet firmly on the floor while sitting on the toilet. If this is not possible, put a footstool in front of the toilet. While your child is sitting on the toilet, you might let your child read a storybook or listen to the radio. Educate your child, at an early age, on the importance of good bowel habits. Let them know that this is not something to be embarrassed about but a normal and very necessary function for good health.
Exercise—Make sure that your child is getting enough exercise. Children spend way too much time in front of computers and TV. Encourage outside activities as much as possible. Physical activity speeds the movement of waste through the digestive tract.
Stress—Yes, children experience stress! Children are some of the busiest people I know. Stress causes the body to break down and constipation can be a result. Talk with and spend time with your children. Teach them how to relax and to be calm. Encourage them, support them and speak encouraging words to them. Teach them how to handle difficult situations, to be happy and to communicate their problems. Most important—model this behavior in front of them.
Keep The Bowel Clean—Keeping the bowel clean is a great preventative step and very necessary in keeping the body in good health. For complete cleansing of the digestive tract we recommend a product called Oxy Powder. Oxy Powder is a safe and natural way to cleanse the whole digestive track while also providing the body with oxygen. Consult your healthcare practitioner for dosages appropriate for children.
Chiropractic Adjustments – Helps prompt bowel movements. The waves that move material through the colon occur as a result of nerve excitement that originates at the spinal nerves. Adjustments also help normalize the action of the ileocecal valve, the valve that separates the large from the small intestine.

Constipation can undermine the whole body and it is now known that irregular bowel movements are directly related to serious health conditions. Constipation does not have to be a problem if you will practice prevention with your children and implement the suggestions found in this article. Regular bowel movements are an important mechanism for removing toxins from the body and thus keeping the body healthy. Remember: Prevention is always the key. As always, if severe symptoms persist, do not hesitate to see your healthcare professional.