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Foot Pain and High Heels: The Truth Behind the Heels

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By:Fred Salomon

We often hear women complaining about their aching feet after a long day of wearing high heels, but they keep on wearing these uncomfortable and painful shoes for the sake of beauty and fashion. Little do they know that they could be causing serious, long-term damage to their feet and lower body if they keep wearing this type of footwear on a daily basis.

The primary reason why wearing high heels can cause sharp foot pain is that human feet were not designed for high heels. Looking at the other perspective, high heels were not designed for comfort and pain-free walking either. People's feet were created to provide us with balance and strength while we walk or run. However, wearing high heels can change the structure and shape of the feet, which not only causes pain along the way, but may also inhibit proper functioning of feet over time.

Women experience pain when they wear high heels because their feet slide forward into the shoes, inevitably forcing their bodies to redistribute their weight while creating unnatural pressure points and disrupting the natural alignment of our body.

There are numerous causes for foot pain related to wearing high heels. Some of the most common ones are metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain), bunions, callous and corns, Achilles Tendonitis, hammertoe, and many others.

Metatarsalgia, the most common effect of wearing high heels for prolonged periods of time, occurs when one or more of the metatarsal heads become inflamed due to too much pressure. This ailment, which is also known as ball of foot pain, is a painful condition of the metatarsal area of the feet, which can be found below the toes.

People who suffer from this condition usually feel burning and tingling sensation on the ball of the foot. There is also an excessive accumulation of callous in the same region. Wearing high heels for long periods of time can worsen the situation.

Tips to Minimize Foot Pain When Wearing High Heels

-Buy shoes in the afternoon or at night allows a better fit.

- Save your high heels for special occasions instead of wearing them every day.

- Opt for high heels that have chunkier heels than stilettos.

- Buy leather shoes instead of synthetics.

- Stay away from pointed and extremely high heeled shoes.

- Wear orthotic insoles for high heels to correct foot mechanics and walk more comfortably.

- Stick to one height. Having many shoes of different heel heights can lead to inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

- Go for wider shoes instead of narrow ones.

- Always bring spare running or tennis shoes.

- Keep your feet and toenails clean all the time.

- Get regular foot massages to alleviate muscle soreness and improve circulation of blood.

- Do stretches before walking or before doing any strenuous physical activity.

- Seek medical attention if you feel constant pain in any part of your feet.

Wearing high heels seems like a euphemism to the ancient tradition of foot binding. Let us all remember, that more than beauty and fashion, health and comfort should always be more important.

About the Author:
Footminders orthotic insoles were developed by a group of podiatrists after years of research to correct posture and body biomechanics by providing longitudinal and metatarsal support. They greatly reduce over-pronation often caused by flat feet, and provide unmatched walking comfort.

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Overworked and Underexercised - The Fat Loss Catch 22

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By Caroline Radway

At the beginning of any fat loss programme, many people come to me feeling unfit and overweight but also low on energy and stressed. Exercise will increase your energy levels and reduce your stress levels, but at this very point in time, when you most need to reduce stress levels, the idea of taking on more tasks can seem daunting and likely only to increase stress levels further - it can become a catch 22, as you feel too stressed to fit everything in.

So how do you deal with this catch 22 situation? How do you make sure that adding an extra time commitment into your already busy life doesn't increase your stress levels even further?

Firstly, you need to take some time out of your busy life, and assess where you are and where you are going. Goal setting and analysing what you want from life as a whole can often make us see life from a slightly different perspective. A lot of the things we are busy doing are not the ones that we really want to be focusing on, or the things that are most important to us. It is this that makes us stressed - that nagging feeling that we are really busy, but not managing to do the important things.

You need to make the commitment to becoming healthier and remind yourself what the results will be - it's not purely about aesthetics and looking good, but it really is about being healthier and more energised. You need to prioritise your health in order to effectively deal with all that life throws at you and remind yourself that once you have made the time to fit in exercise, you will have more energy and be able to achieve more throughout the rest of the day.

Until your health and fitness is high enough on your priority list you will always find other things that get in the way. When you have fully accepted its importance you can then set about making time - as this is the key, time is not something that is just found!

Once you have acknowledged that you are going to make health and fitness a priority it is time to look into how you can create space in your life to fit it in. Are there things cluttering up your life? Are they all really that important? Could you spend 30 minutes less time on the internet or watching TV in the evenings and use that time to squeeze in a training session? Can you delegate certain tasks? We often feel that 'to get a job done properly I might as well do it myself' but sometimes we need to let it go, allow someone else to 'learn' to do it for us! It may not be perfect, but it will free you up some time!

Consciously looking at the way we respond to stressful situations can make a huge difference, too. Are you stressed because you are in a rush, or rushed because you are stressing? I practice a lot of yoga, and often have to remind myself when in traffic between clients that while a few good deep breaths won't make the traffic move any faster, or get me there any quicker, it certainly will make me calmer and the journey more enjoyable - I can't change the time I arrive by being stressed, but I can change the way I feel when I arrive!

Another important element is matching your exercise intensity to how you feel on a particular day. If you are truly frazzled, then a really intense session may just wear you out even further, so choose exercises that are more energising, or perform a strength training session with plenty of rest between sets, rather than an intense circuit style approach. There are days when I know that I need yoga, rather than anything else, in which case that is what I will do. My body and mind thanks me for it and I ensure I am ready and raring to go for my next intense training session.

This is not an excuse to slack off just because you can't be bothered, mind you, and you will often find that once you get started your energy levels increase! Just get started with your warm up and have a plan, but be prepared to alter it slightly if need be.

On the subject of recovery, you must make sure you get enough. With the correct training plan, you do not need to exercise for hours every day to get results. You are far better off training intensely for 3 hour long sessions a week (or 4-6 shorter sessions) than training for hours on end at a mind-numbingly boring level. This is perfect for the busy person in today's hectic world as you can rest and recover, safe in the knowledge that you are actually increasing the efficacy of your programme by recovering properly.

Exercise is a vital tool for reducing stress and increasing energy, so it is worth making the time to fit it in. You will soon wonder how you coped without it!

Caroline is a Personal Trainer, Yoga Teacher and Kettlebell Instructor based in the UK.

For more exercise, fat loss and kettlebell secrets and tips sign up to my mailing list (and claim your free report):

http://kettlebellebody.blogspot.com

http://www.kettlebellebody.com

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

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Growing New Brain Cells - And Wiring Them Up

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By Simon Evans

Not too long ago, scientists believed that adults couldn't grow new neurons in their brain. However, work over the last several years has debunked this myth. We now know that adults continue to grow new neurons throughout life, a process called neurogenesis. Yes, new growth slows down after middle age but it continues. However, there are things you can do to help keep a higher rate of new brain cell birth, which we'll get into in a minute.

Continuing to grow new brain cells can help in a couple of ways. First, cells are mostly born into a region called the hippocampus, which is crucial for learning and memory. Maintaining neurogenesis helps maintain memory function. Second, keeping those new neurons coming seems to help with depression. The hippocampus is also crucial for stress regulation and neurogenesis is a necessary part of the way anti-depressants work. So, new brain cell birth is important for cognitive and emotional functions. We have referred to these in the past as your IQ and your EQ.

It's also been known for some time that exercise increase the rate of neurogenesis. Many studies show that lab animals who are allowed to exercise increase the rate of new neurons born into their hippocampus, relative to those animals that don't get to exercise.

Although these studies are difficult to do in humans (for technical reasons) several studies suggest that the same thing is going on. In human trials that compare groups who exercise to control groups, the exercisers consistently show improved cognitive skills and increased function of specific brain areas, including the hippocampus.

A new study by Wu et al. published in the September 18th, 2008 edition of the Journal of Applied Physiology also shows that exercise may increase the connectivity of new neurons. It's not enough to make new neurons. You also have to wire them up to other neurons to get them fully integrated into brain circuits so they can do their thing.

On average, every neuron in your brain makes about 10,000 connections. It's no good if a neuron is just sitting there talking to itself. It must become part of a network to have real value. When you learn things, you actually increase the connectivity between neurons, and that's what's most important.

In fact, the number of connections in your brain is probably much more important than the number of brain cells when it comes to retaining cognitive function. The new study by Wu shows that exercise increases both. It increases the number of new neurons being born and the amount of branching that each new neuron forms.

Neurons are shaped kind of like trees. The more branches they have, the more connections they can make. In Wu's study, exercise increased the number and length of branches on new neurons.

Finally, the most important part of the new study looked at how exercise affects the rate of new brain cell growth and amount of branching as we age. Essentially, the researchers confirmed that the rate of neurogenesis declines as we age and that exercising in early middle age has a large affect on boosting the rate of new brain cell birth. Exercising in older age also increases neurogenesis, although to a lesser degree.

However, here is the interesting part. In their experiments, the sedentary rats had about the same length of neuron branches in middle age and in old age. But the exercising rats had much longer branches. In fact, the old exercisers had longer neuron branches than the younger sedentary rats. This is great news since many studies show that branch length and connectivity may be a better indicator of cognitive health than the number of new neurons born.

We know that life-long learning is one way to promote more neuron branching and connectivity. Now this new study shows that exercising can also do this for older aged adult brains.

The bottom line: physical exercise is a great way to keep your brain fit.

Reference: Journal of Applied Physiology (2008) 105:1585-1594

Dr. Simon Evans is a brain scientist at the University of Michigan interested in lifestyle approaches to brain health and fitness. He is the author of BrainFit for Life: A User's Guide to Life-Long Brain Health and Fitness. Visit his website at http://www.brainfitforlife.com

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

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Getting Real with Fake Breasts

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By: Christiene Bowden

When Christina Applegate discovered she had cancer in one of her breasts and results proved that regardless of chemotherapy and radiation treatments she would most likely have a recurrence, she did not hesitate to have both of her breasts removed. For most women, losing one or both breasts to cancer is not the preferred option, unless extremely necessary; but for Christina, who proved positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, which oncologists have ruled as the primary indicator for a more likely recurrence of cancer, the least favorable option became her ultimate solution.

Between life and breasts, which one would you choose?

Most women would grapple for an answer, at least for a moment, desperately praying for another option. It is a tough decision to make with the grim reminder that death from this disease could be the worst case scenario if it is not arrested at once. However, some women define themselves by their appearance and losing their breasts are equally tragic.

Good there is breast reconstruction.

Oncologists across the country do not rally behind mastectomy for every breast cancer patient however when tests reveal the presence of the BRCA1 gene, they do not hesitate to recommend it. Prophylactic mastectomy remains as the most reliable assurance that the patient would have at least a 95% chance against a recurrence.

Breast reconstruction involves the process of creating fake breasts, depending on the patient’s preference. Based on the article written by Miranda Hitti and published at WebMD Health News, breasts reconstruction may involve transplant of fat from the patient’s belly or other parts of her body to the chest where the breasts were. Another is to opt for either saline or silicone implants. Both have been tried and tested on patients who have undergone mastectomy and so far the results have been encouraging.

Fake breasts may not feel and look as good as natural breasts but between adjusting to a flat chest on a woman’s body or having to maintain a good appearance with fake ones, most women stricken with breast cancer would surely opt for the latter. They may not have been so lucky to keep their natural breasts longer than they have wanted, but somehow breast reconstruction allows them to nurture what is left: their confidence and self-esteem.

For this reason alone, who would not say "yes" to fake breasts?

Christiene Bowden invites you to check on iwearitwell, a one-of-a-kind online store that sells head wraps, comfort wear and coordinates for cancer-patients and those suffering from hair loss or alopecia. You may also register to iwearitwell'snewsletter for updates on cancer research, latest news and issues.

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

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Getting an Awareness of Shingles Signs and the Disease

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By: Trevor Price

Shingles disease is often known as Zoster or Herpes zoster. It's a condition in which painful blisters develop and show up on the skin. The root cause is the same virus that results in chicken pox. This virus is the "varicella zoster virus" or VZV. If you've had chicken pox as a child, then you are at a higher risk for developing shingles later in life.

This is because when a child contracts the chicken pox, he or she is left with a trace amount of varicella zoster virus. This virus lingers in the body for years until the immune system is ravaged by an autoimmune disorder, an immune deficiency, or the basic effects of aging. At that point, there is a stronger likelihood that VZV will return as shingles.

To find out more about the Shingles disorder, including how to identify the symptoms of the disease and prevent its spread, read on.

Shingles Symptoms and Signs

Common symptoms associated with Shingles includes a fever that generally lasts about four to five days. This may be accompanied by a headache. Patients will also experience a marked decline in their energy levels and possible digestive problems. Additionally, chills can accompany the aches and pains. Other than the itching and the rash and blisters that will eventually develop, the symptoms are very similar to the flu.

Eventually, the patient will develop small and painful blisters on the skin. These will usually extend from the spine to the chest and are the most common and visible symptom of the malaise.

Why It's Important to Treat Shingles

Shingles and the VZV can directly affect the nervous system leading to issues and other medical problems throughout the body. It's critical to seek treatment swiftly before the disease progresses.

People at Risk for Developing Shingles

The people who have the highest risk levels for developing Shingles are those who had chicken pox as children. Primarily, the disease affects those over the age of 50 and is especially prevalent in persons suffering from any other condition that damages the immune system (like AIDS or cancer). Also, it can impact anyone taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Tips for Living With and Treating Shingles

Shingles are often contagious, so precautions should be taken to protect family members and others in close contact with the patient. When sores or blisters are present, they should be covered at all times, and bedding and clothing should be washed separately.

Another tip to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with Shingles disease is to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and try to stay in a cool, dry room as much as possible. Also, avoid scratching the rash. Finally, the best thing you can do is to strictly follow the regimen assigned to you by your doctor.

Shingles is not a disease to take lightly. If you or a loved one begins to show symptoms similar to those described above, you should take the time to have them diagnosed by a trusted physician and then avoid circumstances that make you less comfortable.

About the Author
For great information on recognizing disease symptoms - please visit diseasesymptomtips.com - a popular site to assist you in spotting early warning signs of diseases - such as Alzheimer's symptoms - types of arthritis - and many more!

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What Causes Plantar Warts?

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By Elisa Spencer

Plantar warts are considered to be one of the most common types of skin infections. Of all the different types of warts this type of warts is usually found at the bottom of the foot.

Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma viruses (HPV). There are more than 100 types of human papilloma virus. Some of these viruses may cause different types of warts such as warts on your hands, fingers or genital areas. The HPV causes plantar warts commonly found on the feet of the individual.

The HPV is contagious and it can spread from:

• Person to person
• Foot to foot of the same person
• The blood of a wart

In a few cases the HPV may die within a few years. Some die within the 1-year to the 2-year bracket. If this happens the warts will disappear completely.

The best habitat of the HPV is warm and moist environments.
Therefore it can easily be found in places such as:

• Shower floors
• Bathrooms
• Locker rooms
• Near swimming pools
• Gyms
• Shoes

It is important to take particular attention when you are barefooted in public places as these are the places where you can more easily get it.

Of course the more you go barefooted the more you are exposed to the HPV and so the more you increase the chances to develop plantar warts. Pay also particular attention if you have cuts or damaged skin.

Not everyone that gets HPV develops plantar warts. This depends mainly on the immunity system of the individual. As a general rule children and teenagers are more prone to develop plantar warts than adults if exposed to HPV.

Elisa Spencer has an extensive background in health, beauty and well being. Elisa will help you regain health and well-being, achieve a sense of balance and renew both your body and mind. Visit http://www.molewarttreatment.net/ for more information to learn how you can safely remove your warts with natural treatments and in the comfort of your home.

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

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Obviously people with Psoriasis deserve it!

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Paul Howard

For anybody that does not have the condition Psoriasis it would seem ludicrous to suggest that they deserve to suffer from this condition. However, during the study I conducted on the effects of Hypnotherapy upon Psoriasis, this is one of the core beliefs that I discovered a Psoriasis sufferer has.

What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition. There are nine types, each with unique signs and symptoms. Plaque Psoriasis is the most common type of Psoriasis and the only one so far that I have been able to affect. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which looks like patches of raised, reddish skin covered by opaque scales. These patches, or plaques, often form on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. However, the plaques can occur anywhere on the body.

Researchers believe that psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition. This means the condition is caused by faulty signals in the body's immune system. It is believed that psoriasis develops when the immune system tells the body to over-react and accelerate the growth of skin cells. Normally skin cells mature and are shed from the skin's surface every 28 to 30 days. When psoriasis develops, the skin cells mature in 3 to 6 days and move to the skin surface. Instead of being shed, the skin cells pile up, causing the visible lesions. It is my belief that by using Hypnotherapy what the client is able to do is to correct those faulty signals. There is good evidence to show that Hypnotherapy can have a significant effect on Psoriasis.

Psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin often itches, and it may crack and bleed. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult.

In my previous article "Psoriasis an angry man's game" I described the study, the results and another trait common to a Psoriasis client, anger. However in this article I want to discuss a common belief amongst Psoriasis clients and that is that "I'm not good enough". This is a common belief that virtually all Psoriasis clients, which I have worked with over the years, have. They believe, deep down at a sub-conscious level, for one reason or another, that they have done something wrong. This develops into a belief that "I'm not good enough", which is eventually translated into the belief that they deserve the condition. To an outsider looking in this would appear to be bizarre. However, consider the small child, say a five year old girl, whose parents split up and her daddy is suddenly taken away. What does that child think? It's a fair bet that she will be very upset and in trying to understand what has happened to her world, (given her limited understanding of the world and its complexities), she may feel that SHE has done something wrong, which is why daddy left. In turn, this leads to feelings of guilt and low self-worth. Hence, the "I'm not good enough" syndrome is born.

Psoriasis will often develop after an event like this. Of course it then follows on quite naturally for the child to link the two together to come to an even bigger fictitious belief that because she wasn't 'good enough' God, Father Christmas or whoever, gave her this horrible scaly, itchy skin. Now, most adults would of course dismiss this belief structure. However we are talking about a small child with very limited processing capability; to her it's a straightforward cause and effect, "I deserve it and here it is!"

Okay, so now this child has the belief, what happens as she grows? Does her self-worth improve? It's very unlikely! What would you expect to happen when she's at school doing PE with scales on her elbows or in her hair? Do you imagine the other children will understand and give her positive encouragement? Of course not! Names like scabby and snakeskin make her feel more ashamed and teach her to hide it away, dropping her self worth even lower. This will continue for the rest of her life unless someone steps in and tells her subconscious mind to "STOP" these destructive thought processes, and starts the reversal of the cycle so that the healing may begin.

Many people are unaware of the automatic functions of the subconscious mind. This simply means that if a process is repeated often enough, almost irrespective of the outcome, this 'thinking' develops into an automatic process. This is because the subconscious mind does not have a critical factor, which means that it does not interrogate behaviour or thinking to establish whether or not it is beneficial to the client.

Hypnotherapy is really the most direct and influential way of changing subconscious thinking; within therapy patterns thinking and behaviour can be improved to facilitate beneficial resolutions. Often this process is both surprising to, and effortless for, the client.

A belief in the benefits of Hypnotherapy is not necessary in order to change behaviour. Many clients that I have dealt with have either been unable to understand the link between the way we think and the way our body responds, or tend to think of 'hypnosis' as being something they have seen on television, which has no relevance to them. Hypnotherapy works independently and separately from a client's critical intellectual assessment, which often comes as a 'big surprise'.

ccupation: Hypnotherapist & Trainer
Paul Howard is a trainer and practising hypnotherapist at The Surrey Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy in Wallington, Surrey, UK. He specialises in Anxiety and Psoriasis. He can be contacted ve the website at www.sich.co.uk
http://www.sich.co.uk

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_687023_17.html

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Premature Ejaculation-5 facts about premature ejaculation.

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by Semi Nyha

Below are a few facts about premature ejaculation. There are many more factors involved these are a few basic ones.

1. Premature ejaculation is defined as ejaculation before the wishes of both sex partners. There really is no specified time limit for the duration of sex and reaching a climax So it's not a matter of how long the sex last, what's important is the satisfaction of all parties involved

2. Occasional instances of premature ejaculation might not be cause for concern, but, when the problem occurs in more than 50% of attempted sexual relations, a dysfunctional pattern usually exists and treatment may be appropriate.

3. Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual dysfunction in men younger than 40 years. It is highest among men 18-30, but also affects men ages 45-65. The condition occurs in virtually every age group.

4. Almost 90% of women who cheat blame poor performance by their mate for being unfaithful. Many females are unable to reach climax at all with vaginal intercourse no matter how prolonged. In this situation delayed orgasm from the female partner rather than premature ejaculation from the male may be the problem. In these cases it is a matter of point of view

5.Premature ejaculation can lead to psychological issues. The affected person can develop feelings of embarrassment and shame. This may lead to him becoming less confident and withdrawn. All these negative feelings might bring about antisocial behavior, over indulgence, drinking, fighting, and acting out to prove self worth.

Whichever way it's looked at premature ejaculation is not a simple issue. If left untreated it can lead to more serious related issues. Fortunately, today premature ejaculation is not a mystery; it can be diagnosed and treated with low cost and relative ease.

There are many resources available to address premature ejaculation; some are great while others may not be suitable. For a quality review and detailed information on several of the better choices check out my review at http://www.squidoo.com/treatprematureejaculation

About the Author

Semi Nyha has written extensively on the subject of premature ejaculation, its issues and available treatment options. It is a subject he takes a personal interest in. His blog at http://treatprematureejaculation.blogspot.com/ provides additional insight and information.

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Infertility-4 Things To Increase Your Pregnancy Chances

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by MIchelleH

Most people talk about things you should be doing to increase your fertility. What about the things you should be avoiding?

Such as stress. Most health professionals will agree that there is deep mind body connection within every human being. If you are always under a lot of stress then this may be lowering your chances of becoming pregnant.Dealing with the struggle of infertility is stressful enough. Add on the worry and work of everyday life and you could be an emotional wreck.

You need to be doing all that you can to avoid it or at least find a release. Something as simple as sitting quietly on a chair and practicing deep breathing can a have a tremendous effect helping you to relax.

Enrolling in a yoga class at your local community center may also be helpful. Everyone is different. Whatever relaxes you, do it!

Alcohol has also been shown to have an effect. In a Harvard study published in 1994 by The Journal of Public Health states that if a person has at least one alcoholic per day, they decrease their fertility by 50 percent. If you are having difficulty conceiving, you may want to lay off the alcohol for awhile.

Prescription medicines are another way that a couple can reduce their fertility and not realize it. Let your physician know that you are trying to conceive a child. They can make sure your medicines aren't an issue. As well as make any necessary changes.

Street drugs we all know are never good under any circumstances. Marijuana has been shown to disrupt the reproductive cycle. While cocaine has been shown to raise blood pressure which can cause several health problems.

You and your partner should make it a point to avoid all of these things. Hopefully increasing your fertility.

About the Author

Discover how a couple that had been trying to conceive for 10 years. Finally became the proud parents of two beautiful children naturally. Click here to learn more!

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Mesotherapy – Overall Wellness Treatment for the Body

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What is mesotherapy? This is a question you might ask if you have no knowledge of this body sculpting technique.

Mesotherapy is a technique for helping you attain the perfect body, lose weight and look and feel great. It involves receiving injections of customized cocktails of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and medication that your body needs for optimum health not to be confused with lipovite injections (http://www.vfhcinc.com/procedures.html). The needles are inserted just below the outer surface of your skin, which is called the mesoderm, hence the name of the treatment. The therapists use specialized equipment, such as injection guns to administer the treatment. These are electronic instruments with a sterilized needle on one end and an attached tube that holds the injection solution.

In order to benefit from mesotherapy, you cannot rely on the injections alone. You have to take part in the process as well by ensuring that you get plenty of exercise, follow a healthy diet and drink 8 glasses of water every day. At your first consultation, the therapist will describe the procedure and discuss your reasons for taking this therapy. If your goals are unrealistic, the therapist will let you know this so that you won’t be disappointed and you can alter your expectations for the treatment.

You do have to prepare for each session of the mesotherapy treatment, which is usually once a month. You do not have to abstain from eating or drinking because this is not an invasive medical procedure, it is more of a medical weight loss program (http://www.vfhcinc.com/medical.html). You should not wear any perfumes or makeup to the session because these may interfere with the effectiveness of the therapy. If you have a cold or symptoms of illness, you should reschedule your session for a later date.

There is a certain amount of discomfort associated with the after effects of mesotherapy injections. For example, you may have some bruising or soreness of the skin at the site of the injection. The therapist may recommend some over the counter medications that can help with this or you can use all-natural remedies, such as placing a cooled tea bag over the area or bathing the area in a solution of vinegar and water. Including larger portions of green leafy vegetables in your diet for a few days before the session will also help to cut down on the amount of bruising that develops. Ice packs are also helpful in reducing any redness or swelling.

Depending on your physical and medical condition, you have several options to choose from in mesotherapy treatments (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCeeHT_-lFY). Injuries, such as swelling of the joints or torn ligaments, for example, do not require as many treatments as do such conditions as alopecia. You can enjoy mesotherapy treatments to reduce stretch marks after giving birth or losing weight, to help reduce the pain associated with recovering from surgery and even to reduce the problem of constipation. Each one requires a different regimen of treatment.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 80, you can have mesotherapy. The therapist will review your medical history and take note of any prescription medications you may be taking. All this is necessary to ensure your health. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, mesotherapy is not an option for you.

About the Author
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in aesthetic medicine, beauty treatments, and mesotherapy. For more information on a medical weight loss program or lipovite injections, please visit http://www.vfhcinc.com/.

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Monitoring Symptoms And Recognizing When A Flare Is Starting

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By: Ricky Hussey

For asthma control to be ideal, it is important to recognize changes in symptoms. Your careful observations will help determine whether your child's asthma is becoming better or worse. Symptoms vary from child to child and may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, difficulty catching his breath, chest pain, or increased mucus in the chest. These symptoms may appear alone or in combination with one another.

You can monitor symptoms in two basic ways: by recognizing and tracking symptoms as they appear or by measuring breathing with a peak flow meter. The National Institutes of Health recognizes both methods as accurate. The choice depends on the child, family, and physician or nurse practitioner to determine what is best.

Symptom Recognition

This simply means identifying your child's asthma symptoms and noticing when and how they change. Is he coughing at night? Complaining of chest tightness? Breathing rapidly? Showing decreased tolerance for physical activity? Does he cough anytime he plays or laughs? Is he waking up at night with wheezing? If your child is a toddler, does he start coughing or wheezing after a temper tantrum? Or does your teenager develop shortness of breath when laughing?

You are probably the one who will recognize most symptoms. But if your child is school-age, he might be better able to recognize his own symptoms, like coughing at school or while playing sports. You are more likely to observe symptoms in a toddler, but you might also hear coughing at night in an adolescent.

Many families like to keep a daily diary to track symptoms and medicine use. The diary can be a notebook where a child's symptoms are written down in a table where the symptoms are listed and checked off as they occur. However you design a daily diary, keep it simple. It's helpful to note the date and time of day that symptoms appear in order to notice patterns. Take the diary to your child's medical appointments because your doctor or nurse practitioner will find it useful.

With young children, hints often appear to tip you off that symptoms may be starting. A very young child will not be able to tell you that his chest is tight or he's having shortness of breath. You'll probably notice that your child gets a little cranky or tired, or has a tickle in his throat, several hours or even a day before more noticeable asthma symptoms appear. Learn to recognize your child's early warning signs. If he's old enough to talk, encourage him to tell you if he's not feeling right, even if he can't explain exactly what the problem is.

Hgh facts, articles, and news on HGH,

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Cold Laser Therapy And Smoke Cessation

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By: Timothy Bogert

This purpose of this article is to describe the use of Low Level Laser Therapy or Photobiomodulation as described by the current FDA label or under the supervision of a medical professional in an off label manner to significantly reduce or eliminate the pain and discomfort associated with withdrawal symptoms that are experienced during the period of cessation from addictive substances including nicotine.


The therapy intervention devices to be used are handheld, non-invasive, red and infrared, low energy, non-heating therapeutic lasers (class 3b lasers). These lasers are low power lasers and have been determined non-significant risk devices and have been given pre market approval by the Department of Health & Human Services. Cessation Therapy incorporates the use of this device to apply low level laser light to specific points of the body for treatment of sympathetic dystrophy and adjunctive use in the temporary relief of the associative pain and discomfort related to the withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking.

The results of research studies that have been conducted in many diverse populations within the United States and Europe, over the past 20 years, have overwhelmingly established that there is a definite relationship between addiction and the elevation of serotonin, endorphin, nor epinephrine, dopamine and other endogenous opiate-like peptides during nicotine and other substance abuse.

Dopamine produces pleasure and a desire to repeat the behaviors that caused its presence. The increased levels of opiate-like peptides in the ventral tegmental region of the brain reinforce the addiction process. It has also been determined that elevated levels of these same chemicals are present during the ingestion of addictive substances such as the nicotine found in cigarettes, and that the absence of these chemicals during cessation (when an individual quits smoking or using products containing nicotine) are the main cause of withdrawal symptoms experienced by individuals who are trying to stop using the substance.

There have been many studies, most of which have been published in “Laser Therapy clinical practice and scientific background”, 2002. The conclusions are that Photobiomodulation is an effective method of safely introducing Photons of light to the body by means of low level lasers (or cold lasers). In the “Shear (859)” study the excitation of serotonin via laser light pulses, gave results that indicated “serotonin is photo chemically transformed as a consequence of four-photon absorption to a photoproduct that then emits in the visible region via two-photon excitation. A minimum bound for the two-photon emission action cross-section was observed at 830 nm.” This shows that serotonin levels significantly increase because of the introduction of photons to cellular tissue.

Additionally, low power or cold laser used in encephalin and endorphin synthesis in 1988 showed these levels drastically increased due to photon stimulation. It was determined in 1993 Honmura, A. et al. 13:463 that low level laser use releases not only endorphins
due to the ability to relieve pain in spite of the use of naloxone. Consequently, other endogenous opiate-like peptides are released as well.

The finding that serotonin and endorphins are present in acupuncture treatments is written in the study publications in the Journal of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, case report “Integrated approaches to Addiction” by Dr. Nash, R. MD.

By comparing the available data, it has become apparent that Photobiomodulation or cold laser therapy causes greater stimulation yielding higher levels of serotonin, endorphin and other endogenous opiate-like peptides, and also causes them to be manufactured for an extended period of time, more so than traditional acupuncture methods, the basis for this can be found in studies that suggest that the efficacy of acupuncture depends on an intense course of therapy.

It is apparent that these chemicals provide significant relief of the symptomatic dystrophy and other physiological effects of withdrawal symptoms. With these chemicals present the need to ingest addictive substances to generate them is non-existent and the withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and urges to ingest nicotine, body pain, headache, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and increased appetite are either dramatically reduced to manageable levels or completely eliminated.

Based on hundreds of clinical trials, Photobiomodulation by the use of a low level laser or cold laser has very few contra-indications, has proven to be safe in humans, will cause a long term release of these chemicals and is much more effective than other available methods of stimulation.

About the Author
Laser Quit Smoking using Cold Laser Therapy with Tim Bogert, a certified laser technician and owner of Fresh Start Laser Therapy, Inc., serving the NJ and NY area, visit http://www.freshstartlaser.com

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Yoga and Stress Relief

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By: Susan Hutson

When it comes to physical exercise, some people thrive on the grunting and grinding of competitive sports. But not all exercise needs to be so extreme. Recently more and more people are discovering and thriving on the quieter body-mind workout provided by yoga…

Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice of physical, spiritual and mental exercise designed to promote relaxation, flexibility and wellness. Apart from the physical workout it gives by building strength, endurance, flexibility and opening muscles to improve one’s posture, it requires deep breathing and often guides people through periods of meditation.

Has the real philosophy behind yoga simply been eclipsed by our material focused culture? Can this ancient practice maintain deeper philosophical roots in our contemporary landscape of fast-food, want and desire? In fact, can we experience something like ‘happiness’ through Yoga?

Yoga transforms people without them expecting to be transformed. Whatever your initial motivations may have been to go to a yoga class, once you start practicing yoga, you can’t help but become more aware of how you live, what you eat, where your clothing comes from and how you treat the people in your life. And with this growing self-awareness also comes a sense of self-acceptance, and a movement towards balancing our innate competitive drive that so often drives us to a point of exhaustion. In fact there are only two possible outcomes when you override contentment with a competitive attitude in your yoga practice: either you get hurt, or you get injured and quit.

Though it seams particularly relevant in our present-day era of eighty-hour work-weeks and expansionism at any cost, this idea of finding balance through physical yoga is ancient. The fundamental purpose of yoga is to realize and experience the truth of who we are, and yoga teaches that happiness as an inherent component of our true identity.

We don’t always feel comfortable in our bodies. We don’t always feel content in our minds. And we often don’t feel connected and at home in the world. The different yoga practices are all meant to reveal our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal blockage that prevents us from experiencing our inner peace. A disciplined practice of yoga may allow our body to become stronger and supple, it is through transformation of mind and the opening of our heart that we can access happiness.

Of course, yoga is not simply a physical exercise, but a holistic philosophy of body, mind and spirit. Anyone with a stressful work life can benefit from its calm, meditative classes. Just an hour at the end of a long day can magically quiet the niggling voices and aggressive work attitude and bring a more positive outlook and refreshed mood.


BizyMoms is bringing quality expert information on many topics of high interest to the mom community. Visit BizyMoms' Expert Corner today for help and advice from skilled professionals. BizyMoms is proud to introduce Mary Desaulniers as an expert in Health and Fitness.

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Your GERD Diagnosis and the Procedures You Should Know About

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By: Kathryn Whittaker

If you’ve received a GERD diagnosis, you have likely considered many different kinds of treatment, depending on the severity of your condition and your overall health.

Among the procedures that you may have already experienced is an endoscopy. This is a procedure that uses a medical instrument made up of a flexible tube with a small video camera on the end (called a fiber-optic endoscope) to view the area down the throat, through the esophagus, and into the stomach.

By performing an endoscopy either to determine a GERD diagnosis or as a result of the diagnosis, your doctor may be able to find out why you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms and look into any potential abnormalities that may be suspected. Among the symptoms that usually lead a doctor to recommend an endoscopy are abdominal pain, difficulties swallowing, vomiting, gastro reflux, bleeding, or chest pain.

To prepare for an endoscopy, your doctor will recommend a number of steps to take beforehand along the lines of the following:

1. You’ll need to make sure that you have an empty stomach before having an endoscopy to allow a clear view of the stomach lining. This means that you probably won’t be able to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before the procedure.

2. Immediately before the procedure, you will be given medication to make you relaxed and sleepy. For this reason you’ll need to arrange for someone to collect you from the doctor’s office as you won’t be able to drive for the remainder of the day, and you will need someone to stay with you for a few hours afterward as you shouldn’t be left alone.

3. Before the fiber-optic endoscope is inserted, your throat will be sprayed with a medication that will prevent any discomfort and stop your gag reflex triggering. The numbness will usually wear off in thirty to forty minutes and your throat will return to normal again.

During the endoscopy, you’ll be asked to swallow once or twice to help insert the endoscope. This should only be mildly uncomfortable and then it will ease. None of this will interfere with your breathing. The entire procedure won’t take any longer than ten or twenty minutes. It may make you feel somewhat full in your abdomen as air is injected into your stomach to ensure a clear view of the tissues. At this time, a biopsy may be taken in case further examination is required. Again this shouldn’t cause any discomfort. Any abnormalities in your digestive tract will be photographed for documentation.

After the procedure, you’ll have some time to recover before being allowed to leave. For the next twenty-four hours, you may experience a mildly sore throat. Your doctor will advise you when you’re allowed to eat and drink. The results will be discussed with you after your recovery or in a follow-up appointment. Should you experience unusual or severe abdominal bleeding or pains after the procedure seek medical attention immediately.

Depending on the progress you make in bringing your GERD/acid reflux under control you may find you have to undergo numerous endoscopies. While unpleasant, and not to mention costly, repeated procedures shouldn’t adversely effect your health.

In order to avoid protracted and expensive ongoing treatment after your initial acid reflux or GERD diagnosis it’s advisable to take steps to treat the root cause of your symptoms. This can include medications as well as making some simple lifestyle and dietary adjustments.

About the Author
Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you treat symptoms once a GERD diagnosis has been confirmed. There's over 20,000 fellow acid reflux sufferers subscribed to Kathryn's newsletter why not join them and discover the cause of your acid reflux.

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Discover The Top 10 Most Effective Ways of Curing Acute Panic Attacks

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By: Drofwyt Iamal

All of us are prone to panic attacks. The degree of the attack varies from person to person and it becomes acute panic attack when it debilitates us from leading a normal life. In our day-to-day life all of us enter into intense feelings of fear and anxiety when we are faced with threatful situations. Whereas in case of acute panic attacks there is no apparent cause for our fear and that is what makes the situation worse. In normal situations, when the cause disappears with time, our fear and anxiety too vanishes whereas in the case of acute panic attacks there is no real cause and the fear is irrational so it stays with us as it is not founded on reason. There are a number of cures available for acute panic attacks and what we need to understand about these treatments is that, what works for one does not necessarily work for the other as each one is unique. So while selecting your treatment for acute panic attacks you must give yourself enough time to respond to the treatment.

Here are top 10 ways of treating your acute panic attacks listed in no specific order of importance:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the best cures or therapies for acute panic attacks. This is most widely accepted and used treatment for acute panic attacks.

2. Panic Away – This is in the form of an EBook that will help you work with your acute panic attacks. This system was developed by Joe Barry who suffered from panic attacks himself.

3. Ease Out of Fear – This is developed by Mark Pasay and this system will help you in handling your acute panic attacks by spending just three minutes every day.

4. Lucinda Bassett’s Attacking Anxiety and Depression – This is program brings to you a complete guide on how to cope with acute panic attacks through its exhaustive materials including 16 audio cassettes, 3 DVDs, a 250 page book and 16 ready reference cards.

5. Psychotherapy helps you in minimizing the intensity of the symptoms and it clears the disorder as well.

6. The Linden Method – This is yet another effective program and over 100,000 people have been benefited by this method.

7. If you want to try medications, the drugs approved by Food and Drug Administration for acute panic disorder include Sertraline, Paroxetine and Clonazepam.

8. The Easy Calm – This program was developed by Jon Mercer and this is a 10 part video series that you can download to your computer. Jon Mercer suffered from acute panic attacks and he has developed a powerful system to help people who suffer from the same condition.

9. Pure Calm – This is a natural drug remedy developed by one of the leading clinical psychologists for Native Remedies and this does not have any harmful side effects. This can be used by both adults and children as they do not have any negative side effects.

10. Holo Think – This brings meditational sound tracks that help you cope with acute panic attacks. These audio tracks relax your brain through binaural beats.

Our website is dedicated to helping you discover effective ways of curing acute panic attacks. Visit us today to discover more effective ways of curing acute panic attacks and receive a FREE report titled: "Code Red: Kill Panic! Annihilate Anxiety!! Now!!!"

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Dizziness - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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by Bryan lee

Dizziness is a term used to describe when you are feeling woozy, or faint. Vertigo, a symptom of dizziness, is the feeling that the room is spinning around you. When people experience dizziness, it may be a symptom showing the balance mechanism in your inner ear is not working properly.

What causes dizziness?

Circulation: If your brain does not get enough blood flow, you feel lightheaded. Almost everyone has experienced this on occasion when standing up quickly from a lying down position. But some people have light-headedness from poor circulation on a frequent or chronic basis. This could be caused by arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, and it is commonly seen in patients who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high levels of blood fats (cholesterol). It is sometimes seen in patients with inadequate cardiac (heart) function, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or anemia (low iron). Certain drugs also decrease the blood flow to the brain, especially stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine.

Vertigo refers to the sensation of being in a spinning environment. At rest, continuous and balanced signals from the peripheral vestibular system keep the eyes stationary via connections in the brain. When the head moves, a physiological imbalance in the signals leads to small movements of the eyes that keep vision optimal. When a sudden abnormality in the balance of the signals occurs, the result is a pattern of eye movements referred to as nystagmus.

The most common causes of vertigo are benign positional vertigo and labyrinthitis. Benign positional vertigo is vertigo that happens when you change the position of your head. Labyrinthitis usually follows a cold or flu and is caused by a viral infection of the inner ear. Meniere's disease is another common inner ear problem. It causes vertigo, loss of balance, and ringing in the ears.

Much less commonly, vertigo or feeling unsteady is a sign of stroke, multiple sclerosis, seizures, a brain tumor, or a bleed in your brain. In such conditions, other symptoms usually accompany the vertigo or imbalance.

Dizziness Symptoms

Extremities (arms and legs): tingling, weakness, clumsiness or weakness, fast, slow, or irregular pulses

Chest: pain (tightness, squeezing, burning, or pressure), shortness of breath, palpitations, jaw pain

Dizziness: Treatment

Treatment is determined by the underlying cause. If an individual has a cold or influenza, a few days of bed rest is usually adequate to resolve dizziness. Other causes of dizziness, such as mild vestibular system damage, may resolve without medical treatment.

If dizziness continues, drug therapy may prove helpful. Because circulatory problems often cause dizziness, medication may be prescribed to control blood pressure or to treat arteriosclerosis. Sedatives may be useful to relieve the tension that can trigger or aggravate dizziness. Low blood sugar associated with diabetes sometimes causes dizziness and is treated by controlling blood sugar levels. An individual may be asked to avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and any substances that cause allergic reactions. A low-salt diet may also help some people.

About the Author

Visit Natural Remedies. Do not forget to visit Nano Breast Cream for Breast Enlargement and Breast Spray for Breast Enhancement

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Complications Arising From the Continual Use of Pain Relieving Medications

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By: Gerard Malouf Solicitor

As a result of injuries sustained in work accident or motor vehicle claim accidents or other injuries sustained, it is common for doctors to prescribe apart from other forms of treatment, medications for pain relief. These can be non-steroid or anti-inflammatories and stronger types of pain relieving medication. Often, such medication is used on a long term basis, and it is in these instances where complications can arise. The type of problems in the gastrointestinal tract is in part related to the long term ingestion of tablets related to

1. pain relief
2. relief of stress
3. relief of symptoms of diorreia

Often the ingestion of medications has been for months or even years for the relief of pain or in such instances to assist in the management of depression and stress following an injury.

In relation to the type of symptoms one would develop these can be listed as follows:

1. pain in the upper part of the abdomen just below the rib cage, possibly with some radiation through to the back and possibly radiating to the left or right side.

2. nausea with or without the ingestion of food

3. vomiting which may or may not be accompanied by specks of blood

4. pain accompanied by burning sensation in the upper abdomen, possibly aggravated by food

5. the need to take antacid liquids or tablets usually recommended by the patients GP

6. multiple visits to the GP because of the pain in the abdomen

7. diorreia aggravated by food and accompanied by bleeding, fresh blood or dark blood in the stool

8. pain in the abdomen aggravated by the ingestion of food

9. change of lifestyle due to severe pain

10. loss of appetite

11. change of work and social activity because of change of bowel function including diorreia

12. waking at night because of abdomen pain

13. history of duodenal or gastric ulcer

All the above symptoms can reasonably be related to the long term ingestion of medication for the relief of pain. Gerard Malouf and Partners in investigating and preparing claims on behalf of their clients, specifically look at these types of symptoms to determine whether it would be appropriate in the circumstances to ensure that our clients are also examined by one of our independent and specialised gastroenterological specialist’s.

Under the relevant legislation, whether it be the Motor Accident Compensation Act of the Workers Compensation both forms of legislation determine the level of impairment based on a percentage which is calculated by the doctors to determine percentage of Whole Person Impairment relating to AMA 4th Edition (Motor Vehicle Accident Claims), and AMA 5th Edition (Workers Compensation Claims).

A gastroenterologist providing a report in relation to commenting on these symptoms is also able to allocate a significant degree of Whole Person Impairment percentage to the injury which will assist in getting it over the relevant thresholds whether they be under the Motor Accident Compensation Act or the Workers Compensation Act. Once over these thresholds, significant compensation is then attributable to the injury.

About the Author
Gerard has been a legal practitioner and an Accredited Personal Injury/Negligence specialist for over 25 years. Contact Gerard for more information in relation to your injury compensation claim.

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Do You Need to Worry About BPA in Plastic Bottles?

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By Kirsten Whittaker

A recent study released by the Journal of the American Medical Association raises a concern about the chemical bisphenol-A, (BPA) in plastic bottles, metal cans and various food packaging, as well as in all those eco-friendly reusable water bottles we're all carrying around.

Based on a health survey, the study found that those who had higher amounts of BPA in their urine were more likely to report having heart disease and diabetes. Of course the research presents no information that says the BPA caused these conditions, and the study authors agree that you can't rule out the possibility that people who already have heart disease or diabetes are more vulnerable to having BPA show up in their samples.

True to form, NBC's Today Show aired a report earlier this year that glossed over the facts and highlighted a fearful danger - needlessly worrying millions of us who've fed our children from clear plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, who've tried not to add to the world's pollution by switching to re-useable water bottles.

The story had us turning over our plastic containers in search of numbers (resin ID codes #3, #6 and #7) that it turns out, don't have anything to do with a product being made from BPA, the chemical bad guy of the piece.

The "Consumer Alert" (inaccurately) said:

- There is no safe level of BPA, when in fact the chemical has been studied for many years and found to be safe, especially considering that the levels we ingest are thousands of times lower than the rats that have been studied.

- Plastics containing BPA aren't safe in the microwave, yet a Dutch study that focused on BPA migration after microwaving found no evidence of any such thing.

- Codes on the bottom of a container can tell you if it's safe. Wrong! These resin ID codes are intended to aid in recycling facilities, and have nothing to do with identifying bottles that have BPA. Any item intended to be used for food must pass tough FDA guidelines before its ever allowed on the market.

All this flies in the face of 40 years of science, according to a statement released by the American Chemistry Council a few days after the Today segment aired. Another thoughtful piece by Gilbert Ross, M.D. of the American Council On Science And Health (who also appeared, very briefly in the report) came out and called the Today report what it is - junk science.

Not only that, the in-studio guest, Dr. Leo Trasande of Mount Sinai Medical Center was given ample time during the six minute long segment to convey his message, while Dr. Ross had only 6 seconds to tell viewers that, "The toxic effects found on rats were done at thousands of times higher than we are exposed to in the environment."

Not so "fair and balanced" now is it?

The media mis-information comes as the result of a report by the National Toxicology Program that was a follow up from an expert panel review completed in 2007. Both the expert panel and the NTP reports similarly concluded a low-rate risk, or negligible concern, for adults and some concern for infants and children.

"That is the third-lowest ranking on NTP's five-level scale. Yet the media has mischaracterized the conclusions as suggesting a new direction is being given by NTP about the use of BPA. This is inaccurate," says Sharon Kneiss, vice president of the products division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

Until the science is sorted out, there is no way to tell if a bottle you're using is made with BPA. If you're especially concerned, you might want to avoid warming or microwaving food or beverages in plastic containers until more research on the leaking of the chemical can be completed.

In the meantime the FDA is having a second scientific panel give an opinion on the safety of BPA in plastic bottles and other packaging, though the agency has confidence in its own research, more carefully designed and thorough than the human studies that seem to be causing all the concern.

Over 14,000 people have joined Kirsten's popular (and sometimes controversial) Daily Health Bulletin, so why not join them and stay up to date with the latest in BPA Plastic Bottle safety and general health news daily.

You'll also get 5 comprehensive health reports for free when you join - giving you all the information you need to treat common ailments, lose weight, look younger and feel healthier.

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

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Placebo Study Results are Everyone's fault

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by: John Tech

A recent study by BMJ showed that approximately half of U.S. doctors frequently use a placebo. This made mainstream headlines and has spawned much debate among healthcare providers about the results. This number seems staggering at first. The survey was a mailed questionnaire that was sent to 1200 internists and rheumatologists in the U.S. A little more than half responded to the survey, and about half of those indicated that they had indeed used a placebo to treat a patient. Nearly two-thirds indicated that it was ethical to use a placebo.

A little closer inspection of the mind-blowing headline showed that there were several levels of placebo. Many indicated that they had used vitamins or over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin. Only a few indicated that they had actually used a sugar pill or saline, the typical interpretation of a placebo. But more than a handful of doctors indicated that they used antibiotics or sedatives to treat a medical condition for which they couldnt identify or resolve using the traditional treatments.

This dangerous statistic is especially scary because scientists are convinced that use of antibiotics leads to mutations that are more resistant to antibiotics. We may need additional clinical studies on this, but generally this is an understood fact. This fear of a superbug has often led to patient frustration and dissatisfaction, as they ask for antibiotics when they have a common cold or flu. Patients then shop for doctors who ignore these warnings and prescribe antibiotics for conditions in which they should not receive the medicine.

That over 13 percent of doctors are taking this risk to satisfy their patients is alarming. The fact that we as patients are so convinced of the success of the antibiotics that dont work other than as a placebo is more alarming. In short, the reason that this placebo study is alarming isnt that half of doctors are using placebos. It is that these doctors are supporting a behavior that is dangerous to our overall good. It is time that all doctors look in the mirror and decide to not prescribe antibiotics that arent indicated. It is time that patients are educated properly and start listening to the other 87 percent of doctors who refuse (or dont admit) to prescribing antibiotics that dont match the condition.

This is yet another reason we should institute a national electronic health records system (http://www.chartlogic.com) to identify these behaviors and take action to prevent individuals from causing larger health care issues.

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