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Cures For Ovarian Cysts That WORK

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Did you know that there are many Cures for ovarian cysts that the drug companies do not want you to know?

Since most of the ovarian cysts are benign, least life-threatening and tend go away on their own, people are wary about taking them seriously. Also, in majority of cases, ‘ovarian cysts’ are nothing but functional cysts which develop at menstrual cycle’s end and get cleared up by themselves after the release of eggs in fallopian tubes. However, when ovarian cysts obstruct the supply of blood to the ovaries or are cancerous in nature, immediate medical attention in the form of surgery is the only option left before the patient. Surgical intervention is also required in removing certain types of cystadonema cysts that grow into large abdominal tumour, often weighing as much as 300 lbs or more. Chocolate cysts or endometrial cysts that are filled up with stale blood and are likely to rupture at any moment also require invasive surgery for protection and relief. But the burning question that remains unanswered concerns the effectiveness of surgery in curing the disease condition that is responsible for the cysts to occur or grow in size. It has been observed in most cases that cysts reappear even after their removal through surgical means.

Since prescription drugs also have very little or no effect on cysts, people often resort to alternative methods of treatment that include herbs, homeopathy, antioxidant supplements, etc as well as messy concoctions prepared from animal and plant extracts that are supposed to cure occurrence of ovarian cysts. Some even give up consuming red meat in the hope that this will eventually rid them of the evils of ovarian cysts. But alas, No conclusive evidence has yet been made available that such alternate medication can do any good in eliminating the cysts or halt the occurrence of cysts in the ovary.

Oral contraceptives as alternative therapy

However, women having family history of members reporting ovarian cysts are sometimes given oral contraceptives or ‘birth control pills’ as preventive measures in regard to ovarian cysts. Since these “pills” are nothing but condensed form of female hormones, estrogen and progesterone that exercise control over the female’s monthly cycle by preventing the ovaries from releasing the embryonic ‘egg’, the formation of ovarian cysts becomes remote. But then, the side effects of prolonged use of the “pill” can be perilous for many.

Cystectomy as alternative surgical method

Finding no other safe and effective means of getting rid of ovarian cysts, some prefer Cystectomy which was so long earmarked for treating bladder or gall bladder cancer. In fact, Cystectomy has been traditionally employed for removal of cyst-affected vital organs of the body but is now directed to removal of cysts from the ovary. This procedure is currently gaining popularity amongst many since it spares the ovary while removing the cysts. However, in the case of carcinoma of the ovary there is no other alternative but to remove the organ fully.

Holistic approach is the only way

Although most of the above methods are capable of eliminating the symptoms of discomfort, pain as well as other distressing physical conditions with short-term relief and a long-term rebounding effect, they can never cure the disease condition that prompts cysts to form in the ovary. As long as one consumes “pills” the cysts remain suppressed and the moment it is withdrawn, reappears again.

Experience, however, has taught humankind that a holistic approach towards controlling the ovarian cysts is the only cure left in its hands to deal with the stubborn ovarian cysts since it launches its attack at the base of the disease condition, going through all the stages till it is eliminated from the system for good. To cut a long story short, holistic approach includes regulation of the monthly periods, growth of healthy tissues within the reproductive system, intensification of fertility, diminishing the chances of miscarriage (which is vital in controlling ovarian cysts), removal of excess fat in the lower abdomen and elimination of chances for hysterectomy or ovarian surgery. All these is however, achieved through controlled diet, consumption of essential minerals, reduction in alcohol consumption and a healthy lifestyle.

Holistic approach has been planned, considering the fact that most of the chronic problems of female health, including polycystic ovary syndrome, and also ovarian cysts, are caused by a number of factors, and some of them are even environmental. Many of these factors are biochemical, nutritional, behavioural and also psychological. Knowing what the internal chemistry is and how it works is helpful because you can then make changes to get relief. Such alterations can even remote PCOS and ovarian cysts completely – that is if you go for holistic remedies.

Since holistic remedies treat the body as a whole and attempts to identify and treat all the contributing factors, ovarian cysts can be best resolved with this approach.

About the Author
Mary Parker is an author of the best-selling e-book, "Ovarian Cysts No More- The Secrets Of Curing Ovarian Cysts Holistically ". To Learn More About Her Unique 3-Step Holistic Ovarian Cysts Cure System Visit: Ovarian Cysts No More . For further information visit: Ovarian Cysts

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Aging Memory Loss - How to use Brain Aerobics to Build a Better Memory

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BY:Susan Nickerson, DC

Aging and memory loss – two things most of us think go hand-in-hand. But science tells us they do not. Memory loss is not a normal part of aging. In fact, actually there are ways to improve your memory as you age.

According to Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., President and Medical Director of the non-profit Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation or ARPF: “To achieve brain regeneration, I have discovered that you have to do more than just keep your brain healthy with nutritional therapy, physical exercise, stress management, and appropriate pharmacology. You also need to carefully nurture your brain with vigorous mental exercise, what I call brain aerobics”.

So what are brain aerobics — and how can they stop aging memory loss? Plus, how can you use these exercises to build a better memory?

We hear and think a lot about physical fitness, but frequently overlook mental exercise. For your optimal brain power, it’s important to exercise your mental muscles as well as your physical ones. A healthy mind and body relationship is the key to unlocking, activating, and sustaining brainpower during your entire lifespan.

Brain aerobics are vital to building and growing your mental muscles. But what exactly constitutes a brain aerobic exercise? To qualify as a brain aerobic exercise, it:

-- Needs to engage your attention
-- Must involve two or more of your senses
-- Must break a routine activity in an unexpected, nontrivial way

Here are some actual examples of simple brain aerobics you can use:

-- Volunteering
-- Singing songs
-- Memorizing lists
-- Learning a new language
-- Becoming computer literate
-- Discussing headlines and current events
-- Engaging in music, art, and other hobbies
-- Doing jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles

According to Dr. Dharma and the ARPF, everyone should spend at least 20 minutes — three times a week — doing mental exercises. Studies show that when people engage in moderate, pleasant forms of mental exercise, their knowledge, as well as the efficiency and the power of their brains, increases.

Now that you know what brain aerobics are, how can these exercises help stop aging memory loss and help you build a better memory?

Well, these mental activities, especially when combined with physical exercise like walking, may actually regrow brain cells. You are nurturing your brain’s health when you engage in mental activities like crossword puzzles and singing.

Because you can regenerate brain cells with brain aerobics, these exercises work for everyone — including people who are showing signs of memory loss. Rigorous mental activity can improve everyone’s mind and memory.

In fact, brain aerobics have been reported to lower your chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to a whopping seventy percent!

Brain aerobics are scientifically proven exercises that allow you to have fun, build a better memory — and stop aging memory loss.



For more free tips, suggestions, and advice on brain aerobics and other memory-building tools you can use now — visit the non-profit Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation or ARPF at http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/


Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_590036_17.html

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Pelvic Pain With Yeast Infection Is Not To Be Overlooked

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How wonderful the human body becomes to us when we think about all the threats that surround it. There are several negative factors that influence the human body, such as bacteria, diseases, or any other thing that could bring about infections. However, if the body is kept in good conditions, it is able to face and overcome these threats.

There is a variety of complications that can happen if the body is not taken care of. Hygiene is essential to keep skin healthy. Otherwise, bacteria obstruct the pores, and result in acne or other problems.

It is extremely important to keep equilibrium between good bacteria and Candida Albicans. If not, it may result in a yeast infection. There are many causes for the loss of balance, such as antibiotics, steroids, or birth control pills, or sexual intercourse. Sexual activity fluids can lead to vagina and vulva yeast infection.

Before the infection gets worse, it is important to recognize the symptoms in order to avoid pelvic pain with yeast infection. A lot of complications can be avoided if this infection is diagnosed early.

Symptoms That Indicate Yeast Infection

There are many symptoms associated with yeast infection, but pelvic pain is not always common of yeast infection. The most common symptoms are itching in the affected area, odor and discharge.

The vagina and vulva are itchy when there is a yeast infection. This is a common symptom that you are having an infection. When this happen, you should take note and see a doctor if necessary.

A common symptom related to this kind of infection is an outpour, which is white, made of little clumps, and very similar to ricotta cheese. The discharge can be yellow or clear, too.

The third and final symptom to look for is odor. The affected area smells like bread or beer in most cases.

How Serious Is Pelvic Pain With Yeast Infection?

The symptoms that have just been mentioned are important, but pelvic pain is the main symptom to worry about. Like in any other case of abnormalities, the person affected must always consult a physician, which is even more necessary if the pelvic pain comes with fever.

The last two factors associated with yeast infection that have just been mentioned show that something is wrong in the body; that is why it is crucial to consult a doctor who will give be able to decide which are the causes of the infection and supply the appropriate treatment.

To learn more about pelvic pain with yeast infection, please visit treat yeast infection.


Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_586586_17.html

Cindy Heller is a professional writer.

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What is an ACL Injury?

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By Rich James

One of the most common problems involving the knee joint is an anterior cruciate ligament tear. The anterior cruciate ligament (also called the ACL) is one of four ligaments that are critical to the stability of the knee joint. A ligament is made of tough fibrous material and functions to control excessive motion by limiting joint mobility. Of the four major ligaments of the knee, the ACL injury is the most common knee ligament injury.

You have some decisions to make about how to best treat your torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). One treatment choice isn't right for everyone. Your decision will be based on:

· The specific nature of your ACL injury
· How your ACL injury is affecting your lifestyle
· How your ACL injury is affecting the types of activities you participate in

How do you evaluate an ACL injury?
If your child's knee suddenly swells after an accident or injury, she may have a torn ACL or another serious knee problem.To help protect your child from more injuries that could hurt her growing bones and joints, it is important to get a thorough evaluation and proper treatment.
When you and your child come to our clinic, we will ask what happened before her knee began to swell and hurt. Next, we will examine your child's knee. To doctors trained in sports medicine, knees with ACL tears often feel loose.

Symptoms
Symptoms of a severe and sudden (acute) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury include:

· Feeling or hearing a "pop" in the knee at the time of injury.
· Sudden instability in the knee (the knee feels wobbly, buckles or gives out) after a jump or change in direction or after a direct blow to the side of the knee.
· Pain on the outside and back of the knee.
· Knee swelling within the first few hours of the injury. This may be a sign of bleeding inside the joint (hemarthrosis). Swelling that occurs suddenly is usually a sign of a serious knee injury.
· Limited knee movement because of swelling and/or pain.

Causes
Most ACL injuries happen during sports and fitness activities. The ligament may tear when you slow down suddenly to change direction or pivot with your foot firmly planted, twisting or overextending your knee. Sports that involve running, turning sharply, pivoting and jumping - especially basketball, soccer and volleyball - put the knee at risk. The ACL can also tear when the tibia is pushed forward below the femur, such as during a fall in downhill skiing. A football tackle or accident also can cause an ACL injury.

Prevention:
Use proper techniques when playing sports or exercising. Several women's collegiate sports programs have reduced ACL tears through a training program that teaches athletes how to minimize the stress they place on their ACL.

Although the issue is controversial, the use of knee braces during aggressive athletic activity, such as football, has not been shown to decrease the incidence of knee injuries and may give the player a false sense of security.

Read About Rheumatoid Arthritis pain relief Also read about Arthritis Treatment and Joint Pain Relief.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rich_James

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Cardiovascular Disease

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By: Betty Hart

The leading health problem in the world today is cardiovascular disease or heart disease. It claims more than one million lives every year. Because of the narrowing of blood vessels the heart is unable to maintain an adequate amount of blood circulation through the body. This inadequacy of the heart and blood vessels is called heart disease or cardiovascular disease. Heart Health is making sure that the heart and blood vessels have the necessary nutrients to keep them strong and working properly. The blood vessels have to be soft and plaque free.
There are different types of heart disease.

Coronary Heart Disease, is caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits along the innermost layer of coronary arteries. This thickening narrows the arteries and can lesson or eventually block the flow of blood to the heart.. Symptoms may include pain in the chest and /or heaviness, tightness and pressure. .

A heart attack happens when the heart muscle lacks oxygen. this occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the heart, robbing it of oxygen, and therefore robbing the rest of the body as well. most times this is caused by a build up of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the arteries.. If this lack of oxygen happens for a prolonged time , it damages or kills off the heart muscle cells in the area that was cut off , and this causes that area to malfunction. Symptoms may include 1.Severe chest pains, that may not recede even with rest 2.severe pressure and squeezing in the centre of the chest 3.pain in the shoulders ,neck, arms or the jaw 4.sweating, dizziness 5. nausea, and vomiting, and indigestion.

. Heart health contributes to health longevity because it affects not only the body but also the mind, and therefore has a long-term role in anti-aging.

Congestive heart failure is a condition in which your heart cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to meet the needs of other organs. Itmay result from high blood pressure, excessive sodium intake, heart valve disease, previous heart attack(s), and coronary artery disease, among others.

Symptoms may include:
1. Weight gain
2. Visible swelling of the legs and ankles .
3. Shortness of breath during rest or exercise
4. Fatigue
5. Loss of appetite and nausea
6 Persistent cough - often producing mucus or blood-tinged sputum.
Yet another type of cardiovascular disease can be the result of malfunctioning heart valves.

Heart valve disease is a malfunctioning of your heart valves, which are responsible for letting blood flow in and out of your heart. When your heart valves fail to open and close properly, your heart's capability to pump blood through your body may be severely disrupted, leading to heart failure. Heart valve disease may be due to damage from a previous heart attack or infection.

Symptoms may include:

1. Chest pain 2. Palpitations caused by irregular heartbeats 3. Migraine headaches
4. Fatigue 5 Dizziness 6 Shortness of breath

Angina is recurring chest pain or discomfort that happens when some part of your heart does not receive enough blood. Angina is a symptom of coronary heart disease.
Symptoms may include 1. pressing, squeezing, or crushing pain, usually in your chest under the breastbone. 2.pain in your arms, shoulders, jaw, neck, and/or back.
An episode of angina does not indicate that a heart attack is occurring, or that a heart attack is about to occur. Angina does indicate, however, that coronary heart disease is present and that some part of your heart is not receiving an adequate blood supply. If you have angina, you may have an increased risk of heart attack.

Doctors must diagnose correctly if one is to receive proper and beneficial treatment for heart disease. Some common methods for diagnosing heart disease are, electrocardiogram(EKG), where a set of sensory pads are placed on strategic areas of your chest and a record of the heart's beating patterns are recorded.

Another method is the Stress Electrocardiogram(Stress EKG), where one is put under physical stress , like running on a treadmill, where abnormalities in the beat of the heart are recorded. Angiocardiography is another method which is used to diagnose the condition of the arteries. A catheter is inserted into the artery and dye is released into the blood stream. Blockages and other abnormalities are discovered on a monitor, by observing the dye flowing through the arteries.

It is always best to have a heart check up every year as part of the normal annual check up regardless of age, as heart disease can strike at any time.

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Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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Annanpolis Vein Care Tips: Treating Spider Veins

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By: Beth Munoz

So what are those windy purple marks on the legs, arms, chest, and even face? Many are often curious as to what causes the blood vessels of the body to weaken and lose their ability to function well over time. Is it the environment? Is it diet related? Is it related to fitness? All of these questions are important and they are all a part of the issue.

Spider veins are caused for multiple reasons and many find that they are dumbfounded as to how they have become a victim of poor vein function. Firstly, analysis of one’s diet and fitness routine would mean that nine times out of ten, patients suffering from vein dysfunction are not eating a healthy diet and are not physically active on a regular basis. These two components are extremely important. Furthermore, age does play a role and over time, the body will naturally lose its ability to maintain elasticity in various areas. Many patients will find that their body is simply aging and veins will naturally become more visible with time in everyone because the skin is not as supple and vein walls are not as strong. With this in mind, there is a certain amount of vascular dysfunction that cannot be prevented with time. There are a number of reasons for this and all of them pertain to the biological makeup of the human body. Furthermore, hormone levels change with time and many patients, in particular women, undergo hormonal changes later in life which can cause veins to become more prominent. Even pregnancy can put extra pressure on the body and veins, and thus results in spider veins. This is a normal part of pregnancy and the veins may reside over time after the body adjusts when the baby is born. Being overweight and inactive is a deadly combination for the heart and veins. Extra pressure can prove to be too much for the body and veins are the first to feel that added stress.

So if you are looking to prevent spider veins, get fit, get active, eat right, and do the best that you can to maintain a healthy weight and to eat well everyday, not just when “dieting”. Diets are not the key to health and actually, eating right all the time should be a lifestyle choice, and if not, the body will repay you will poor cardiovascular health. It is that simple. Also, when sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, the body can pool blood in certain areas and this can lead to extra stress on the veins. This extra stress can eventually weaken veins, so if your career involves standing or sitting, make a point to stretch, move around, walk and get active when you are not at work to help ward off any vein incompetency brought on by the pooling of blood. This may seem remedial but it is worth it to keep the body flowing. The key is to keep blood moving back to the heart from where it is in the body, to support proper heart function. If blood begins to pool or move backward, this is a sign that something is not right. People that are aware of their venous health are less likely to have problems because they know how important circulation is. And they also know how unsightly and painful vein dysfunction can be.

About the Author
More information on spider veins, varicose veins and an Annapolis vein doctor in your area is just a click away.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=273023&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

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Knee Brace Information & 2 Manual Tests To Determine The Stability Of Your ACL

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The Lachman Test - A popular manual ACL test.

Prior to ordering any tests, such as an MRI or an x-ray, a skilled examiner can often times detect an injury to your knee. One such manual test is the Lachman test. Named after John Lachman, M.D., the Lachman test is performed to test a person's ACL for stability. In specific, the goal of this particular test is to help determine if the ACL is torn, or intact.

To perform the Lachman test, the patient should be laying supine (on their back) with their knee in approximately 20-30 degrees of flexion. The leg that is being tested should also be externally rotated. The individual conducting the maneuver needs to place one hand on the patient's thigh, while the other hand needs to be placed behind the tibia, with one thumb placed on the tibial tuberosity. The examiner pulls anteriorly on the tibia to determine forward translation of the tibia on the femur. (The tibia is the larger of the two bones in the leg, while the femur is the thigh bone.) When pulling anteriorly on the tibia, an intact ACL should prevent forward translation movement of the tibia on the femur. This is known as a "firm endpoint". On the other hand, if the end point is "soft", and the tibia can move forward on the femur, then this suggests that the ACL is torn.

The Anterior Drawer Test

A second commonly used test, among several, to determine the stability of the ACL is the Anterior Drawer Test. In this test, the patientis lying supine (on their back) with their hips flexed to 45 degrees and their knee to 90 degrees. With their thumbs located on both sides of the patellar tendon, the examiner also grasps the tibia just below the knee joint. It is important to note that the hamstring muscle group must remain relaxed to help ensure a proper test. (The index fingers can be used, by the examiner, to test the hamstrings). Once the examiner is in position, the tibia is then drawn forward anteriorly. An ACL injury can be evinced when the examiner notes that one limb has noticeably more anterior tibial translation in comparison to the opposing limb.

If these tests are positive and the ACL is sprained, or can be torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, a knee brace can help provide meaningful stability, and can help reduce pain as well. These knee braces are widely used among sporting professionals with previous ACL injuries, and can aid individuals to help get moving again with confidence.

Reference : Starkey, C., & Ryan, J. (2003). The Knee. Orthopedic & Athletic Injury Evaluation Handbook (pp.106). F.A. Davis Company

About the Author

Dr. Brace Company was created by American Board Certified brace specialists. If you need help with increasing your stability and/or help reducing your knee pain visit us online. We are brace professionals, compared to 99 % of other companies online that sell braces. Visit us at http://www.drbraceco.com

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AroMed Vaporizer: Best Effects with no Side Effects At All

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By: Brain

There are many direct inhale vaporizers on the market place and the AroMed is one of them. Of all the direct inhale vaporizers such as VaporCannon or VaporTower, AroMed vaporizer is very much different from all them. It is an extremely precise hot-air vaporizer. By dint of this vaporizer, one can inhale any active herb or substance of any plant without any shade of doubt. The produced active vapor is without any damaging or toxic substances. This is because of the hot air and extra filter water. Both together make sure that unquestionable purity is maintained throughout the process of inhalation. Really, it gives one only best effects with no side effects at ll.

In this vaporizer, ultraviolet-free halogen light bulb has been used. It is controlled by the precise microprocessor. This energy saving bulb provided the required hot air to maintain the prerequisite purity. Dried or fresh plant substance, tinctures, or natural essential oils can be used with the AroMed. The source of the hot air has been placed above the desired material, be it plant material, tinctures, or essential oils and the like.

As, hot air source is put above the plant material, so the production or release of the active ingredients is possible only at the time of inhalation. One can fill the AroMed with more than 1 dose. What makes it even more interesting is that one can inhale it without in-between switch-offs and upwards of 90% of the active chemicals or substances can be taken in.

Advantages of the AroMed In a nutshell

• Only within a few moments or minute, one can get an instant relief
• In terms of effectiveness, this vaporizer is most effective one
• In this vaporizer, the possibility of the production of the harmful or toxic substance is nugatory. This is because; they are heated at an exact temperature which prevents them from burning, which, otherwise, could produce tars and carcinogenic substances.
• There is also an integrated water filter that cleans the vapors to be inhaled from the particles of the dust.
• There is a glass herb holder, by dint of which one watch the extraction when the vapor is inhaled.
• Within two minutes one can enjoy the maximum temperature of 235°C

Because of its ability to deliver active ingredients directly into the arterial blood stream through bronchial system, it is also known as “phyto-inhalator”.

Digital Vaporizer is one of the United States leading Volcano Vaporizer website. It's mission is to become the number one site for Herb Grinder searches.


Health-and-Fitness Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

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Psyllium Husk - A Component of Colon Cleansing

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By: Wong Darren

Psyllium husk is a white powdery substance taken as part of a daily colon cleansing program. It is obtained from the Psyllium plant, more specifically, the coating around the seed of the plant itself. Though these seeds can be used for other purposes, it is more commonly associated with colon cleansing regimens. It is functionally similar to fiber due to its make up of complex carbohydrate components.

The Psyllium husks are placed inside capsules. These are then used as dietary supplements during the colon cleansing procedure itself. In other forms, it is processed into a powdery substance for easy use. The benefits of P. husks are numerous. The main benefit is with regards to effective colon cleansing. It prevents instances of constipation as well as improving the overall health of the colon itself. It improves the bowel movements as the fiber located in the P. husk acts similarly to a laxative. Many laxative products contain a modest amount of P. husk.

Psyllium husk is extremely effective in solving bowel related problems. The husk increases in size once it comes into contact with water. This improves the absorption capabilities of the husk, is some cases absorbing up to 16 times its own weight. The P. husk forms a protective layer in the colon that keeps bowels at a regular level. This helps make bowel movements easier. Another good effect is that the toxins located in the bowels are more easily absorbed. This means that they are flushed away with relative ease compared to normal unaided manner.

The substance also induces peristalsis. This is a process wherein muscle contractions in the body aids in moving food along the system. This allows the product to fight against the occurrences of constipation.

There are many other positive effects. The presence of carbohydrates in the substance fights off diarrhea. It is also noted to have anti inflammatory effects, which can help control lipids. This is helpful for those suffering from diabetes. Other notables effects include: easing of hemorrhoids, improved weight control, improved cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and removal of mucoid plaques which can be found in unhealthy colon.

Psyllium is typically consumed by mixing it with water. In other cases, it can also be combined with other products such as activated charcoal or bentonite clay as part of a colon cleansing regimen.

To ensure the effectiveness of the Psyllium husk, here are some guidelines in taking it. Consuming the P. husk with liquid is highly advisable. Without liquid, it can cause digestive problems that can complicate matters. It doesn’t need to be water as it can be mixed with a variety of foods. Some other options include soups, milk, juices, and shakes.

The intake of liquids is not limited to the consumption of the P. husk. It is also important to consume plenty of liquids afterwards. This is to prevent dehydration. In some people, especially those who take it for the first time, it can be somewhat difficult to swallow. But taking it with a glass of water is the best way.

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How to Increase Your Energy Levels by 300%

By Gabriela Rosa

Do you feel you are performing at your best? Do you spring out of bed in the morning, excited and ready for the opportunities your day presents?

Imagine for a moment you are the proud owner of a champion, thorough bred horse worth in excess of one million dollars.

As the owner of this prized purebred, would you let him stay up half the night, drink coffee and booze, smoke cigarettes and eat junk food? What about your $10 dog? Your $5 cat?

You see, most people treat their own bodies with less care than they would treat a $5 cat. If you did own a horse worth one million dollars, you would hire a nutritionist to make sure his diet was exactly right, you would also ensure he was getting his regular massages and spine alignment treatments; the best supplementation; you would have the best trainer in the country; an air-conditioned barn in the summer time, a steam-heated one in the winter time a million dollar investment. And here you have this BILLION dollar body.

When Was Your Last 100,000km Service?
The problem is that we expect our body will just do what it is supposed to do no matter what kind of treatment it receives. We often take better care of our car ensuring it gets regular service, appropriate maintenance and oil changes in the necessary intervals, but when it comes to our own bodies, the service is usually below par.

Our bodies have amazing coping, self-correcting mechanisms. It is able to handle, quite literally, long-term abuse, without much complaint for long periods. It waits patiently to be treated well with only slow and gradual decline in health and vitality, until the day it decides: That's it, I've had enough!--only then we start paying attention.

The First Sign, Help Is Needed!
The first aspect of our health that starts to signal a need for 'help' relates to our general wellbeing and vitality: Our energy levels. We often misinterpret the body's needs or simply ignore them--what the body really is asking for when it lacks energy is for us to take care: sleep more, eat well, exercise, re-hydrate. But instead of that we end up giving it lots of coffee, energy drinks, sugar and telling ourselves to 'snap out of it' as we go on abusing it. That is not a smart long-term strategy. In fact, it only leads to one thing: Disease.

How Do I Make It All Better?
The solution is to STOP and go back to basics. However, before you change anything it is vital to assess where you are at and where you would like to be. In my practice we have some fancy machines to do that, we also take our patients through very comprehensive and detailed assessments to ensure we are both clear about the starting point (a baseline is paramount), however one of the tools we use which is available to you right now is a simple question:--What are you energy levels on a scale of 0-10 10=excellent)? Once you have the answer to this question you can start implementing the following suggestions to substantially increase your energy levels. In fact, a 300% energy increase is very realistic. When a person is operating at 2/10 and for the time, that is their 100%, it doesn't take long, when applying the tips below to increase levels to a generous and vibrant 8/10. Keep going and you will ACE it!

Practical Steps For Energy Maximization
Once you know where you are at, you can measure your progress as you go along. Here are 7 tips that will transform your energy levels and vitality within one week of diligent application. The catch is that you need to keep your practice up for at least 28 days to see the full benefit of your new investment in yourself.

1. Clean Up Your Diet
Let go of all junk. Base your meals on fresh, organic, seasonal produce (fruits and vegetables) and good quality protein (e.g. eggs, quark, chicken, beef, lamb, kangaroo, venison etc). The less unprocessed your foods the better. Avoid canned and pre-prepared meals.

2. Have Protein For Breakfast
If you could only do ONE thing on this list--this would have to be it. Eating good quality protein for breakfast is one of the only things that will ensure you do not get any energy slumps in the afternoon. So try poached or boiled eggs; fruit smoothie with quark; fruit with cottage cheese or quark; toast with sardines or (flaked) grilled salmon.

3. Eat Every 3 Hours
This will ensure your energy is leveled during the day. Ensuring your moods, focus, concentration are all optimum. This is easier than you think. Just divide up what you would normally eat in one sitting for a meal into two. Your digestive system will have an easier job and your energy levels will skyrocket.

4. What To Drink And What Not To Drink?
When cells become dehydrated, they don't perform the metabolic processed necessary to ensure proper detoxification and optimum energy. So ensuring you have a large 2L bottle with you or a jug on your desk--knowing that by the end of the day the whole thing needs to be finished will be your best way forward. Also ensure your have a good quality water filter for this purpose; toxins found in unfiltered or poorly filtered water will damage your health. You want to make sure your filter is as fine as 1 micron or more.

In addition, be sure to avoid (or at least drastically cut down on the consumption of) coffee and alcohol, as well as sugary and energy drinks including undiluted fruit juices. These substances dramatically disturb your blood sugar levels and energy balance. Cofee and alcohol are also very dehydrating, also depleting the body of essential nutrients necessary to ensure optimum energy.

5. Get Enough And Quality Sleep
If your body is not resting sufficiently at night--no matter what you do during the day, your energy levels will not improve. Start by planning your life around getting enough sleep, not the other way around. Budget for 7-9 hours of sleep time each night. If you are having problems, sleeping you will see that by implementing all the previous suggestions this should improve. Alternatively, seek help; there are many effective natural tools you can implement for a better night's sleep.

6. Exercise & Nutritional support
Being active is the best way to balance your blood sugar levels. Also when you exercise your body releases endorphins which are feel good chemicals that also boost your energy levels. There are so many benefits to exercise, if you are not doing it,you are missing out! Aim to do something for at least 40 minutes, no less 4 days per week. Build up to this slowly if necessary--but just get out there!

7. Spinal Alignment & Nutritional Support
It is all very well to want to build a house, but if you are missing key building materials, it is not going to happen--no matter how much you want it. This is the role of nutrients in the body. Unfortunately when the body becomes depleted, diet alone is not sufficient to correct the problem. Each individual has different requirement and an assessment of your needs, as well as what other supplements or medicines you are currently taking is really important before embarking on any new supplementation. Resolving depleted or deficient states in your body can make a world of difference to your energy levels!

Another key aspect of energy is spinal your spine health and alignment--this also hinges on appropriate nutritional markers, however ensuring proper blood flow to tissues, and key body parts such as the brain is essential for energy and for this you just cannot go passed a good chiropractor or osteopath.

Keep these up and your billion dollar asset will reward you with bountiful energy, remarkable vitality and robust wellbeing. What more could you want?

Leading naturopath and natural fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa publishes the two celebrated Natural Fertility Booster and Natural Health Booster ezines with 1,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to optimise your health and fertility, get your FREE tips today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriela_Rosa

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How to Treat MRSA and Staph Infections

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By: Frank Buonanotte

Amid the growing concerns for this life-threatening condition, researchers discovery that MRSA cannot develop a resistance to Manuka Honey the way it has been able to with antibiotics.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics, such as methicillin and other common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection, such as towels or used bandages. If entered into the blood stream, MRSA infections can become fatal.

When treating MRSA, taking antibiotics is not enough to destroy the bacterium or heal a Staph infection. Even though some medicines may help the boil to go away, the germ is still all around you, and you will most likely get it again if proper prevention measures are not followed. This dilemma has doctors and other medical professionals scurrying for an alternative to antibiotics.

Why don't antibiotics work? Antibiotics are medicines that help to fight bacterial infections. However, bacteria have the ability to mutate and become resistant to elements attempting to destroy them, such as antibiotics. Bacteria quickly develop new traits through mutations that help protect them against antibiotics. The mutated organisms survive and reproduce, passing along the mutation to their offspring. Eventually, antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria will outnumber the non-resistant ones under the constant pressure of antibiotic use.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections. The bacteria survive and continue to multiply causing more harm. In more simple terms, when a bacteria becomes resistant to an antibiotic, it means that it has come up with a way to keep the antibiotic from working against it. It has been noted that more than 70% of the bacteria that cause infections are resistant to at least one antibiotic used to treat them.

What's the solution? Manuka Honey has the ability to destroy bacteria by drawing moisture out of the bacterial cells, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive. This is different than the way antibiotics kill bacteria. There has been countless clinical studies that have proven Manuka Honey's ability to completely wipe out the superbugs associated with MRSA-related Staph infections. As a result, Manuka Honey is now being used in wound dressings as a powerful antibacterial agent. To date, there have been no reported cases of any bacteria being able to develop a resistance to Manuka Honey.

What is Manuka Honey? There is a unique type of plant that is indigenous to New Zealand and certain parts of Australia called the Manuka Tree (Leptospermum scoparium). Honeybees gather the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka Tree and take it back to their hives where they add enzymes to it to form honey. It is this unique nectar that possess special antibacterial properties which makes Manuka Honey different than other types of honey.

This medical grade honey is now being used in wound care products as a healing agent. Honeymark is a manufacturer of skin care products that utilizes Active Manuka Honey as a main ingredient. Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion is an effective topical solution when treating MRSA. In addition to Active Manuka Honey, this product also contains Benzalkonium Chloride which is an FDA approved antiseptic. The chloride is, in essence, salt which has the ability to absorb moisture, similar to the way Manuka Honey does. Anyone who has ever poured salt over a slug has watched the slug shrivel up and die. The same thing happens to bacteria when it comes in contact with chloride.

"Honeymark has taken the sticky mess out of using plain Manuka Honey on the skin," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Our First Aid Antiseptic Lotion contains UMF Active Manuka Honey which has the ability to diffuse into the depth of tissue, healing wounds below the surface of the skin. This has become our best selling product because of its ability to effectively heal Staph infections."

For more information or to purchase Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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Home remedies for Hair Loss

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By: Dr Rony

When you speak of hair loss in the terms of causes of, remedies and treatments for this particular condition that is sex and age indiscriminative considering that men, women and children suffer from it, becomes a bit of a touchy and extensive argument to bring across the road.

This is the reason why hair loss is very person specific in that while you may suffer hair loss because of the all known heredity or from being administered chemotherapy treatments or even stress induced, the causes of can be exceeding different from person to person, ergo the treatment methods tend to be as numerous as the causes.

The thing is to be while the treatments and medications may be numerous, these treatments especially or more specifically the drugs and topical types are loaded with synthesized ingredients with side effects that range from a slight itching discomfort to the level of hospitalization. Because of this people nowadays whether man or woman or children tend to stray towards herbal hair loss solutions. Herbal hair loss solutions not only downplay the side effect of problem that its neighbors prescription drugs promote, they are generally just safer to use. What should also be duly noted, whether there is still a shade of grey when you speak of the causes of hair loss, just the idea of heredity is a major indication of the chance that you might and/or will suffer from hair loss. Also as already stated above there are numerous causes of hair loss but you can have faith because there are several other herbal hair loss products that deal with those other factors.

Herbal hair loss in the Chinese way . The Chinese have always been known to have an intractable quantity of natural medicines and for hair loss there is no difference, the most acknowledged of these supplements is Shou Wu Pian. This is a herbal remedy that lays claim to do the fact it can thicken hair with the added effects of simultaneously dealing with symptoms such as chronic deficiencies of liver blood and aching joints due to weak kidneys. At the same time there is a pill called Alopecia Areata, claiming to nourish and invigorate the roots of the hair.

Green Tea

Yes, herbal tea in form of herbal tea can also be used as a hair loss inhibitor. As many people already know about herbal tea is already used to solve and remedy several other health problems and hair loss is no different. It is already known to be that the key to slowing down and stopping hair loss to impede the secretion of DHT, which is enzyme thought to be the cause of hair loss. Well green tea contains within it catechins, which also inhibit to DHT.

Read more about Herbal Hair Loss Remedies and Herbal Health Care

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Is Reflexology For You?

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By: Andrew Tomkinson

Reflexology is thought to have originated in China a few thousand years ago and it was also used by the ancient Egyptians. It was brought to Western society by an American Doctor called William Fitzgerald. What he did was to apply ten zones to the surface of the body and these zones were regarded as paths along which a persons 'vital energy' flowed, ending at the hands or feet. Therefore when pain was experienced in one part of the body, it could be relieved by applying pressure somewhere else in the same zone.

The uses of reflexology are numerous. It is especially effective for the relief of pain (headaches, back pain and toothache), treatment of digestive disorders, stress and tension, colds and influenza, asthma, arthritis and many more. It is also possible to predict a potential illness and either give preventive therapy or suggest that specialist advice be sought. The massaging action of reflexology creates a soothing effect that increases blood flow. This action benefits the whole body.

No form of medication is used in the practice of Reflexology. A person's vital energy is thought to follow certain routes along the body, connecting every gland or organ with a pressure point at the hands, feet or at another part of the body. When the available routes are blocked and a tenderness on the body points to such a blockage, this is an indication that there is an ailment somewhere else in the body. These routes can be cleared by the massaging of particular reflex points thus restoring the energy flow and healing any damage.

Reflex massage causes a soothing effect that results in muscular and nervous relief. For example the pressure of a finger applied to a particular point may create a sensation elsewhere in the body which will indicate a connection between the two points. This is the basis of Reflexology and although pain may not be eliminated immediately, continued massage will usually have a beneficial effect.

On a warning note, there are certain conditions where Reflexology is not appropriate. These include diabetes, heart conditions, osteoporosis, disorders of the thyroid gland and phlebitis. It may also not be suitable for pregnant women.

The recommended way to undergo Reflexology is by a trained therapist who will usually massage all of the reflex areas. Although there have been very few large scale clinical trials to ascertain the efficiency of Reflexology, it is generally thought that it does little harm but much benefit.

If this Article has been of interest to you please visit my Web Site.http://www.fitnesshealthnutrition.org

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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Surviving Flu Pandemics - Questions To Ask - Answers To Know

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The urgency and reality of a flu pandemic has certainly been explained to us through media, government and our own medical establishment. Is the Avian Flu threat a “real” threat? No one really knows. Many say that it is just hype and maybe so. But it’s always wise to have a plan and to be prepared, no matter what. And it may not be very wise to take a gamble with health by throwing caution to the wind. We have put together SURVIVING FLU PANDEMICS: PLAN - PREPARE - PREVENT hoping to instill calm and prevent paranoia and panic. Education is empowering and is always the first step toward planning and preparedness. Living in fear does not allow a person to make good decisions. Our desire is to provide natural solutions (ones that will not harm health or well-being) that can be implemented right now.

According to Dr. Loretta Lanphier, "Vaccinations are not the answer. We must understand that the body has self-healing mechanisms—even against Avian Flu. The flu does not have to be feared or worried about as long as it is understood that natural methods can be implemented successfully for safe and natural healing and that planning, preparation and prevention are of vital importance.”

”This is one of the best e-books that I have read in a long time. It has eased my fears and concerns while teaching me how to be prepared. I believe that preparation keeps us from any type of panic and allows us to be in control—not the government.” - Carl from New York, NY

“Great job on a book that everyone needs in their library. The “Is Your Immune System Compromised” Test is well worth the price of the book. I never thought about what really constitutes a compromised or unhealthy immune system.” - Jeff from Dallas, TX

I am recommending this book to everyone!. I can see where this book may be used for absolutely any type of pandemic or emergency situation—even earthquakes! The information is concise, well-organized and includes many suggestions that I had never thought of before. I love the natural recipes that are given for healing and cleansing. Thanks for imparting this much-needed knowledge. - Janelle from San Francisco, CA

The body has self-healing mechanisms, yes, even against a virus like the Avian Flu. In order for these self-healing mechanisms to work at their proper capacity, the body must be healthy and the immune system functioning the way it is designed to function. Currently our concern is not so much with the actual Avian Flu virus but the condition of most people’s body. Most are toxic, acidic, dehydrated, oxygen-deficient, poor lymphatic system drainage and clogged with many years of built-up, old fecal matter. Add to this the fact that between 40-50% of all Americans are taking at least one or more prescription medication, we have a volatile situation that keeps the immune system from functioning at a healthy rate, thus sabotaging the body's self-healing mechanisms.

About Oasis Advanced Wellness - http://www.oasisadvancedwellness.com

Founded by CEO/President Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, Oasis Advanced Wellness provides hi-tech natural solutions for women and men's total health and well-being through the use of advanced natural health programs, up-to-date education, organic hi-tech supplementation and private consulting. Our main specialty is to provide health-giving answers which we accomplish from a "whole-body" approach. We also provide nutritional balancing for all health concerns. We search for products that work, not products that are fads but ones that will actually help the body to heal itself. Our main focus is health and to offer what conventional medicine doesn’t—personalized health programs, supplementation and life-style answers addressing all the areas of life. We are solution minded and will work toward that end.

About The Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in The Woodlands, Texas and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Dr. Lanphier has done extensive research in health science, nutrition, natural medicine, endocrine system, weight loss, herbology, alternative cancer treatments, the cancer/disease industry and is also involved in researching new alternative disease treatments, products and hi-tech supplements. A teacher and educator, she counsels Oasis Advanced Wellness clients on the aspects of getting the body healthy and keeping the body healthy. A published author, Dr. Lanphier has written many articles about natural health along with 4 e-books. She is also Editor of the popular natural health e-zine, Advanced Health & Wellness and Executive Editor of the worldwide Internet monthly newsletter Alternative Health & Healing. As a cancer survivor using natural medicine, she is able to relate extensively, both as a patient and a practitioner, to clients suffering from disease. Dr. Lanphier is dedicated to helping people create lasting changes in their health and enhancing well-being through whole body nutritional balancing. http://www.oasisadvancedwellness.com

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Everything You've Always Wanted To Know About HIPAA And FERPA

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Consider this question. Say the mother of a 22-year old student that you have treated requests to see her daughter’s medical records. The Bursar’s office confirms that the student is listed as a dependent for tax purposes. There seems to be no urgent reason for such a release and the student does not wish to give her mother access. How would you protect the privacy of her information?

Situations such as this one that require knowledge of privacy laws to resolve successfully are all too common in the average student health center, yet the acronyms HIPAA and FERPA tend to strike fear into the hearts of the staunchest of college health professionals. So much has been written anecdotally on the subject of how complicated and unspecific these laws are that some may be surprised to find that according to legal professionals, the intersections between the laws are generally clear-cut. This article aims to explain which laws apply to you and what you can do to avoid the headaches that ensue from a conflict between your principles as a care provider and the law.

Six golden rules of privacy law

* FERPA never applies to non-students
* FERPA only applies when the student’s medical records are released
* HIPAA doesn’t apply to records covered by FERPA or to student “treatment records”
* Even if you treat non-students, you’re not bound by HIPAA unless you perform electronic transactions.
* Student health and counseling centers that do perform electronic transactions for non-students only have to abide by HIPAA for those transactions.
* State laws are applicable whether or not other federal laws apply

This is how these rules break down.

RULE 1: FERPA never applies to non-students

RULE 2: FERPA only applies when the student’s medical records are released

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the older of the two federal privacy laws. Enacted in 1974, one aspect of its governance is the privacy of educational records. There is a popular myth circulating that student medical records fall under the FERPA’s umbrella term “educational records”. In fact, FERPA specifically excludes the treatment records of students in higher education from its definition of educational records (see USC 20, 1232g for a complete definition). It also excludes employees of an educational institution if they are not students. FERPA does come into play, but only if the records are released to someone outside the health center, whether that is the student, their parents, their professors, or another health provider outside the university, at which point they become “educational records” rather than treatment records.

It is important to note that it is not the request for the release that brings FERPA into effect. Many student health professionals believe that if a request to see the records is made that is in accordance with FERPA guidelines, they have to release them or be in violation of FERPA. Not so, says Kristine Dunne, BA, EdM, JD, an associate at the Washington, D.C. office of law firm Arent Fox, LLC.

“It's the release of the records that triggers FERPA,” she explains. “There are no rights extended under FERPA to those medical records until such time as they have been made available to someone other than the treating health professionals, at which point the FERPA protections of student records kick in.”

Applying this to the example at the beginning of the article, if state law doesn’t require you to release the student’s unreleased medical records to her mother, you are under no legal obligation to do so without a court order. Similarly, even if you think a professor may have a “legitimate educational interest” in requesting a student’s unreleased medical records, you still don’t have to release them.

FERPA is just one part of the puzzle, however. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is another relevant law that seeks to be the national privacy standard in health care. It was updated in 2003 to take into account the trend toward automation and electronic record-keeping. These privacy guidelines have been well publicized and generally uphold the kind of patient confidentiality that most health care providers are comfortable with and there has therefore been a widespread trend in health centers to apply these standards to student medical records, even if they are not legally required. It is important to realize, however, that while its principles of privacy and confidentiality are excellent, in most cases, compliance is not required by law.

RULE 3: HIPAA doesn’t apply to records covered by FERPA or to student medical records which are made, maintained, or used only in connection with the provision of treatment to the student, and are not available to anyone other than persons providing such treatment.

RULE 4: Even if you treat non-students, you’re not bound by HIPAA unless you transmit health care information in electronic form in connection with the submission of claims for payment.

HIPAA’s definition of protected health information (PHI) specifically excludes education records covered by FERPA and the treatment records of students in higher education as defined above. Dunne explains that the goal of this exclusion is simplification.

“If student medical records were subject to HIPAA, there would be two completely different schemes – up until the health center released the record, it would be governed by HIPAA, and when it had been released it would be governed by FERPA,” she says.

This was apparently considered unworkable by Congress, hence the blanket exception that HIPAA makes for any kind of student medical records. However, many student health and counseling centers also treat non-students, and this is where it starts to get a little bit trickier. To be considered a “covered entity” (i.e., bound by HIPAA), your health center must electronically transmit health information in connection with a “HIPAA transaction”. More detailed information on what constitutes a HIPAA transaction can be found in this primer released by The American Council on Education, but essentially it is any administrative or financial task carried out in the course of health care that transmits PHI. If you don’t perform electronic transactions, you don’t have to comply with HIPAA.

RULE 5: Student health and counseling centers that do perform electronic transactions for non-students only have to abide by HIPAA for those transactions.

Usually, every transaction of “covered entities” has to be bound by HIPAA standards, even if they are not all electronic transactions. However, because of the intersection with FERPA, these health centers are able to be bound by HIPAA just for the non-student transactions.

RULE 6: State laws are applicable whether or not other federal laws apply

With all the fuss about HIPAA and FERPA, don’t forget about your state’s laws concerning privacy. In some cases, state laws are the only ones that will apply to student medical records, but even where HIPAA or FERPA apply, state law is still relevant. Despite the fact that HIPAA is a federal law, it bows to state law in those cases where state law is more stringent. Arent Fox Associate Richard Liner, BA, JD, MPH, elaborates:

“HIPAA has an enormous pre-emption problem because it sets a floor and not a ceiling for health care privacy. Congress only established a minimum for protecting patient information. If a state’s laws or regulations are more stringent than HIPAA in their protection of patient health information, then covered entities must follow state requirements.”

This may conjure up ideas of conflicting laws, but Arent Fox counsels that generally, state laws are more specific and will very rarely conflict directly with HIPAA or FERPA. If more than one law is applicable, generally the more stringent requirements will apply. When in doubt, consult counsel before taking action.

Knowing the theory is one thing, but applying it can be a lot more complicated. FERPA requires the student to give written, dated permission before his or her student records information is released – even to other health care providers outside the university, which is a source of frustration for many. But the same information can be released, unauthorized, to school officials who have a “legitimate educational interest”. Similarly, FERPA allows unauthorized disclosure in an emergency, if it is “necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons”. Dunne counsels to rely on common sense to interpret these terms, and to consult counsel early in the process. No law can specifically cover every eventuality; the burden of responsibility and interpretation must, through necessity, rest on the care provider.

This responsibility weighs all the more heavy because schools are concerned about penalties for breaching FERPA. If the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) found a pattern of violations of FERPA with no obvious attempts to follow the guidelines, it could result in a removal of federal funding. However, it is important to know that individuals cannot be prosecuted for a FERPA breach and individual students cannot sue for damages for such a breach. Schools should carefully develop, implement and maintain compliance oversight with regard to these important privacy laws in order to prevent unlawful release of student records. Likewise, if your school treats non-students, files electronic claims and is bound by HIPAA for those transactions, you should make sure that HIPAA protections are implemented, even though a HIPAA violation may not – for now – result in a fine being imposed. Liner explains:

“In the vast majority of cases where there’s found to be a violation of HIPAA, there is what’s called an ‘administrative resolution’, which generally means the mistake wasn’t intentional and the organization voluntarily agrees to take appropriate remedial action.”

No civil fines for violations of HIPAA have been imposed so far, although Liner warns that is likely to soon change.

Although information on the triumvirate of privacy laws has always been available to those who know where to look for it, there is also a wealth of partial and incorrect information available on the Internet that has muddied the waters for those health professionals attempting to do a little research on the laws that apply to them. Dunne and Liner counsel that you should speak to a professional who knows the law in your state and the ins and outs of FERPA and HIPAA if you are worried about misinterpretation of the law. Even if you know the basics, state laws vary greatly and knowing the details of how the three laws intersect will allow you the greatest leeway to interpret them in a way that is consistent with your ethics.

“It is complicated,” sympathizes Liner. “Talk to the privacy officer within the university, if there is one. There are also a few government Web sites that are really good in terms of user-friendly guidance to help people navigate through the more basic pitfalls.” For instance, the Office of Civil Rights, the enforcement agency for the HIPAA privacy standards, offers tremendously helpful information and FAQs on its Web site.

“Consult with your legal counsel to ensure you’re interpreting and applying the law correctly,” adds Dunne. “And be clear to those who use student health center services, especially students, about the laws that apply.”

About The Author

Kristine Dunne, BA, EdM, JD and Richard Liner, BA, JD, MPH, Associates of the Washington, D.C. office of law firm Arent Fox, LLC. This article appeared previously in NuesoftXpress ( http://www.nuesoftxpress.com )

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Glutamine for Muscle and Immune Health

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by: Tony Schwartz


Glutamine, also referred to as l-glutamine, is a conditionally-essential amino acid. This means that while glutamine is not considered an essential amino acid, under conditions of extreme stress such as a traumatic injury to the body, glutamine becomes essential.

Glutamine seems to be particularly important in the digestive, immune, and muscular systems. In fact, it is the most abundant amino acid in human muscle tissue. For this reason supplement companies have focused on offering glutamine pills and powders to supplement users.

The thought is that if glutamine is so prevalent in human muscle tissue that more glutamine will help us to build more muscle. To do this most supplement companies recommend a dose of 5-10 grams of glutamine.

It has also been hypothesized that glutamine will increase growth hormone levels. Although never sufficiently proven, supplement companies recommend a dose of 2-5 grams of glutamine before bed for this purpose.

From my work with athletes I have found a few interesting things with glutamine. The first is that it does seem to have a positive effect on the immune system. If an athlete is going through a stressful time (big competitions or an especially rigorous training cycle) it is very common for the athlete to get sick due to a weakened immune system. By adding in supplemental glutamine I have found that the athlete is much less likely to get sick.

This immune system boost is not as cool-sounding as increasing growth hormones levels, but just think of what getting sick does to your training. You will easily lose at least a few days of productive training, if not more. If supplemental glutamine gives you the ability to train hard for a few extra days then it makes it one of the best muscle building supplements in my book.

In addition to the immune system boosting properties, I have found that glutamine is one of the best muscle building supplements for speeding recovery after intense weight training. The trick is that the dose has to be high enough. I suggest at least 20 grams in your post-workout shake, and as high as 40 grams depending on your individual needs.

The problem is that most combination products only contain a few grams of glutamine along with a few grams of some other substances. What you end up with is a supplement that looks good because it has 100 different compounds in it. But the problem is that none of these compounds are at the correct dosage.

To avoid this I recommend purchasing a stand-alone glutamine powder. That way you are only paying for the important ingredient and you know you are getting the correct dosage.

As always, please remember that glutamine is just a supplement. Adding in 20 grams after your workout won't add pounds of muscle instantly. It must be combined with a properly designed training and nutrition program in order to work to its fullest potential.

Get more information on the best muscle building supplements and a FREE muscle building report on “The 13 Reasons You Suck at Gaining Muscle."

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Raw Milk Benefits - What Are the Health Benefits of Raw Milk?

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by: Raven Miller (0) Unverified Account
http://www.rawmilktruth.com

First, what is raw milk, anyway? It is very basically milk straight from the cow or goat, not pasteurized, not homogenized. The milk you buy in the grocery store has been heated (pasteurized) and sometimes heated even further (ultra pasteurized) to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, this also kills the friendly bacteria and other nutrients and enzymes that would naturally be in the milk.

Now, why should you drink it? Is it safe? If you obtain your raw milk from a healthy grass-fed cow it is very safe to drink. Think about what people drank hundreds of years ago. They would never think to heat up their milk, just drank it straight from the cow.

The benefits are numerous. First, raw milk is very rich in enzymes and actually contains all of the 22 essential amino acids. This includes phosphate, which is important for the absorption of calcium. And forget about all the synthetic calcium supplements out there, raw milk is truly the best source of calcium available.

It is also a great source of vitamins, in particular vitamin B12, which is an important vitamin that is hard to find in non-meat sources. It also contains the enzyme IgG and vitamins A, B, and C.

Research shows that raw milk contains enzymes and antibodies that actually render milk less susceptible to bacteria. Lipase is also present which aids in the digestion of fats.

Raw milk contains CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid, which has been noted to fight cancer.

But with all these benefits, does it actually taste good? It does. In fact, it tastes wonderful, much better than store-bought milk. Even if you don't care for the taste of the stuff in the stores, you may find that you enjoy the taste of raw milk. It's creamier and fresher tasting. And, although some people have digestive issues with the store-bought kind, that won't happen with raw milk. With all the benefits, why not find a local farm and start enjoying this very healthful and nutritious food.

Raw milk benefits are stupendous, and more and more people are jumping on the bandwagon. Find out more information and learn about raw milk at http://www.rawmilktruth.com.

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Caution: Shoulder Work Ahead!

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The shoulders are an important muscle group. They give the body balance and proportion. Well-developed shoulders provide the upper body width, they make the waist appear smaller, and it's aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Creating well-developed and balanced shoulders can be a daunting task. It requires focus, determination, and consistency.

Compound Movements

The mass builder in shoulder exercises are any overhead pressing movement. This can come in the form of barbells, dumbbells, machines, and even cables.

Keep in mind that free weights allow all the muscles and stabilizers to be utilized, and the barbell will be the best overall shoulder builder. However, your body can adapt to an exercise, so it's best to change your pressing methods from time to time to prevent staleness.

Overhead presses target all of the heads of the deltoid simultaneously. The important thing when pressing is to press from the front. Rear shoulder presses are unnatural, especially with a lot of weight. You could possibly injure yourself.

Another aspect not tapped on to very much is that to effectively target the deltoid, you really only need a partial movement. When pressing, once your upper arms (from your elbow to your shoulder) are parallel to the floor, the movement is finished. Going pass this point will be involving the traps more and not the shoulders.

If you want to train traps, then that's fine, give them an exercise of their own. If you want to build dramatic deltoids, focus on the proper form.

Shoulder training for size and strength can be difficult and many give up far too early in their endeavor. The shoulder is composed of many fibers, and a lot of slow twitch fibers. With this in mind, be sure to focus on endurance training in the beginning months of your shoulder development.

Start with about 4 sets of 20 repetitions. When you feel you can master this easily, increase the poundage slightly and lower the reps to 15. Keep progressing in this manner until you are lifting heavy poundage in the 6-8 rep range. When you hit heavier weight and less reps, you can drop down to 3 sets.

Once you have mastered heavy shoulder training, be sure to alternate it with the endurance training for variety and shock.

Adding Symmetry

Now that you have the shoulder packing mass training down, let's shape those deltoids to make them more impressive.

Lateral deltoid work will add more symmetry to your prize winning shoulders. This is necessary to create proportion and the complete package. Without tailored deltoids, your physique could look like a giant blob. Build your shoulders and sculpt them.

Lateral raises are best for bringing out shoulder symmetry. This can be a difficult exercise in the beginning, but keep working at it to build your shoulder endurance and strength.

Don't begin too heavy with this exercise, it's a delicate movement and can cause injury if you go through the motion haphazardly. Start the training as stated above, with high reps and light to moderate poundage and gradually build on it.

When using dumbbells for the lateral raises you should begin with the dumbbells about a fist space away from your thighs. This puts more stress on the lateral head of the deltoids. Each repetition should begin at this point, stop when the arms are straight out and parallel to the floor, and end at the starting point, about a fist space away from your thighs. A slight forward lean will isolate the lateral deltoids even more. Keep in mind this is a slight lean and not exaggerated.

You can also do lateral raises with cables. This movement can be preformed from the front or from behind you. Do one arm at a time and begin in the stretched position. When executing the movement, stop when your arm is parallel to the floor. Going pass your shoulder height or cheating will recruit the traps. As previously stated, keep the focus on the shoulders, not the traps. The end of the repetition is once again in the stretched position.

Front Deltoids

Many people neglect to work the anterior shoulder area, thinking it gets enough work from flat and incline chest presses. Although the anterior shoulder does get targeted in some chest training, it's hardly enough to actually build the anterior deltoids adequately.

Anterior deltoid training is necessary and should be a part of your shoulder training to build well-developed and proportioned shoulders. The most common front shoulder exercises that isolate the area are front raises and the Arnold Presses.

Even though you may be doing these exercises, you could possibly perform them better. For instance, when doing front raises, how are you doing them? Perhaps over handed and standing erect? How about using a plate or a barbell? While all this is common, and could be effective, you can achieve far greater results be modifying this just a bit.

First, the shoulder area is detailed and you must get detailed with training it. For the dumbbell front raises, lean into the movement so you can get the front deltoid to contract fully. You can easily do this by grabbing something stable to hold on to. Lean into the movement about 25 degrees. As you raise the dumbbell, keep your arm straight and bring it up in it's alignment to the body. Don't cross your arm over or away from the movement's natural flow, but allow it to follow its natural path. As with any shoulder exercise, keep the movement limited to the shoulder. The movement is finished when your arm is parallel to the floor.

To add more detail to this movement, try a hammer grip, where your thumbs are facing upward. Simply changing hand positions will really put stress in the front shoulders.

As with all shoulder exercises, begin with light weight and increase reps to build your joints first. When you have strong joints, move on to adding more weight and decrease the reps.

Rear Deltoids

The back of the shoulder is sometimes neglected in training. People sometimes skip over it, training it more on back day. This can work for some people, but I find I get a much better shoulder workout by training the rear deltoids on shoulder day.

The mass builder for the back of the shoulders is the bent-over barbell row to the collarbone. This is pretty much the granddaddy of rear deltoid training. It's very powerful and can put on some good mass in that area.

To execute this movement, simply grab a barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing downward). Be sure your arms are a little wider than shoulder-width apart, but don't over-exaggerate. Pull the bar toward your collar bone and contract the shoulder blades together. When you release, be sure to get the full stretch at the bottom of the movement.

Another rear deltoid exercise many people do is the conventional bent-over lateral raises, which are very effective. This is where you bend over with a dumbbell in each hand, raising each one from the side and contract the shoulder blades together. I'm sure most of you are familiar with this. If you want to spice it up and really bring those rear shoulder muscles into action, try rotating your hand grip on the dumbbells. Rather than having a pronated grip use a supinated grip (palms facing upward). You can really feel the effects with this small hand rotation.

Copyright (c) 2008 Karen Sessions

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Karen Sessions has been in the fitness industry since 1988. She is a nationally qualified bodybuilder and holds two personal training certifications. She has written 6 ebooks on fitness and has helped hundreds of clients transform their bodies. http://www.Iron-Dolls.com
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