Archive for May, 2008

by Cathy Shermann

If you are to treat the condition effectively, it is important to know signs and symptoms of anxiety panic disorder. Making the wrong diagnosis will lead you to its wrong treatment which will consequently be as harmful as leaving your real condition untreated.

Not The Heart – For people who have experienced it the first time, they are likely to think that they have gone through a heart attack. It is important to know the signs and symptoms so you don’t confuse it with having a heart attack, and instead end up not being treated properly for the right ailment.

What is the medical definition for the condition? Panic disorder is a medical term used to describe the psychiatric condition that is characterized by frequent or habitual panic attacks in combination with significant behavioral changes, of at least a month of continuing and enduring worrying about the concern and fear of having another panic attack.

What is a panic attack? Since panic disorder describes frequent panic attacks, then you should know what a panic attack is. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense anxiety that brings about feelings of fear, unease and discomfort. Its onset is generally abrupt, and could occur without any obvious triggers.

Symptoms of the Condition – Here are some signs and symptoms of a panic attack. Physically, the person may experience dizziness leading to panic, tightening of chest and throat, shortness of breath, choking, racing heart, tingle sensations, nausea, lightheadedness, crying, sweating, trembling or shaking, abdominal pains, hyperventilation, hot or cold flashes, exhaustion, physical limpness or weakness, and repeated tensing of muscles.

The Fear – Mentally, the individual experiences strong and/or frightening realizations of reality, loss of cognitive ability, loud internal dialogue, racing thoughts, obsessive worrying, nervousness and the overwhelming fear that something terrible is about to occur. Also, the person feels like he is “going crazy”, facing impending doom, and out of control. He feels anti-social and feels like he is being threatened by something, although there is nothing threatening around him. The sufferer also has feelings of death and dying.

There are, of course more signs and symptoms. Keep in mind that these sensations, as terrible and uncomfortable as they are, will pass. A panic attack is not medically dangerous, and is instead physically harmless. However, if you want to get rid of these sensations, then you have many options of treatment nowadays. You can get treated easily now. There are some books and programs that teach you techniques on how to cope and deal with a panic attack once you experience an episode. However, you can always choose to permanently get rid of the panic attack. You can do this by learning how to stop the fear of another panic attack. Since a panic disorder is accompanied with lasting worry, concern and fear of having another attack, then what you can do is stop the fear in its tracks. Learn how to stop fearing another panic attack.

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Gout Treatment

by Kathy Nelson

In most cases gout will normally, attack one joint only in the body but when it does it is often very sudden as well as being a very intense pain. In most cases, the most common part of the body that this ailment affects is the big toe (metatarsophalangeal). When it comes to gout treatment, there are certain things that the person suffering from this ailment are looking for it to do.

Gout treatment needs to deal with not only the pain but the inflammation or swelling of the joints. There are many medical solutions that seem to treat either the pain or the inflammation, treating both while also keeping the user lucid and active is the ideal solution.

The market for gout pain relief medication is growing rapidly as people diet causes more and more of us to suffer with gout. So many people eat on the run, eat rich food and don’t take in enough fluids that Gout is a growing medical problem.

When someone goes to their Dr looking for some Gout pain relief they are normally give some anti inflammatory drugs and sent away to see how they get on. If the pain continues then the Dr may try other options , all these treatments will be most effective when combined with a change in diet.

In most cases when prescribed a person is required to take the maximum dosage of NSAIDS until such time as the symptoms of the gout attack begin to subside. Then once they do, a person will be required to continue to take the medication prescribed for at least another 48 hours when both the inflammation and pain should no longer be present.

As well as the NSAIDS, another form of prescribed treatment for acute gout attacks is Colchicine. But unfortunately unlike the NSAIDS this form of treatment does not actually cure the problem instead what it does is reduces the inflammation caused by an attack and so it only relieves the inflammation or prevents an attack from occurring altogether.

Taking medication for Gout is not “one size fits all” , different people will benefit from different medication doses. Some people will have more pain relief if they just take massive doses at the time of their worst attacks, other people will take smaller doses monthly.

However, which gout treatment you use will be largely depend on your current health conditions along with which one you prefer. But before taking, your doctor will look closely at how acute the gout is before they make a final decision on the course of treatment for you.

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Kayak With a Friend in Tandem

by K.L. Amadio

Kayaking is an ever popular experience for adventure sports enthusiasts. Previously, kayaking was a singles endeavor, one person per boat. Now, pairs and even families can take advantage of tandem kayaks. Together, you can travel gorgeous oceans, still fresh-water lakes, roaring rapids or hidden tributaries in a tandem kayak.

Tandem kayaks are sometimes called doubles because two people can enjoy the experience together. These tandem kayaks are great for beginners, especially if you are a little nervous about being alone in water. Pair up with a buddy and share a wonderful kayak journey.

There aren’t any regulations about who can be in a tandem kayak. In fact, kayakers take children, parents, friends and even family pets in the tandem kayak. One of the interesting things about a double is that the second passenger doesn’t have to raise a finger if they don’t want to. Maybe your second passenger is too young, too old or just not physically capable of paddling. That’s alright because they can just sit and enjoy the ride.

Tandem kayaks are wider so they are much more stable than single-man kayaks. This means that the additional person and you will still enjoy a safe kayaking experience.

Kayaking in tandem is a great option for families. Depending on the age of your children, very young kids can sit in an adult’s lap or two children can ride between Mom and Dad where they can enjoy the water and still stay under their watchful parent’s eyes.

Probably the biggest question while kayaking in tandem is “Who sits where?” Seating arrangements are important for a smooth and easy trek.

Consider weight and size of everyone in the party and try to divvy up as evenly as possible per boat. If the more experienced kayaker sits in the rear then he or she can properly direct the boat since the person seated in back steers. Sometimes, even the weight of paddle will determine seating arrangements; but remember that the greater weight should be kept to the rear seat.

The two people sitting in a tandem kayak should try to work as team. If the second person has not just come along for the ride and both are paddling, the tandem kayak will be much quicker. When paddling is done in unison, kayaking can be efficient. It’s the quickest way of kayaking as long as there isn’t too much clashing of paddles.

Tandem kayak with a partner and work together for a great ride.

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by Marcus Clarkson

Unfortunately, when it comes to Diabetes there is actually no cure for this condition it can only be treated and controlled. However, today there are both conventional and alternative treatments, which can be used in order to help keep the condition under control. Studies carried out in the USA have shown that the various different diabetes control natural treatments available can help to reduce the risk of complications arising by as much as 60 percent.

However, in this article, we look at just what some of these natural treatments are which can be used to control diabetes if you suffer from it. Certainly, there are many advantages to be gained from using natural rather than manmade products, the main of which is that they do not cause side effects. Where as with those made using chemicals can cause additional health problems to the person using them including such as skin allergies and dizziness.

Plus choosing to use natural treatments for controlling diabetes is actually far safer. As well as the cost of buying the natural treatments over the chemical ones is much cheaper, and they are far readily available as well. Now let us look at some of the natural treatments that you may want to consider trying.

1. Indian Kino (Pterocarpus Marsupium) contains a gum resin that is similar in looks to dried blood (commonly referred to as Dragon’s Blood). This particular herb has been used for centuries in Indian medicine for treating many different ailments but has been found to be extremely effectively in helping to treat diabetes.

2. Momordica Charantia or Bitter Melon is sometimes referred to as Balsam Pear and can be found in Asia, South America and Africa. Again as with Indian Kino, this has been used for many centuries as a way of treating diabetes. Both the fresh juice and extract that can be taken from the unripe fruit have been found to contain properties that help to lower blood sugar levels effectively.

3. Gurmar (Gymnema Sylvestre) is an herb, which helps the pancreas in the body to produce insulin, which those who suffer from Type 2 diabetes are unable to do. But along with this herb doing this it also contains properties that can help to also control and lower blood sugar in those suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

4. Garlic and Onion have been used for centuries in treating various ailments and it is the properties that these plants contain which have been found to be effective at controlling a person’s blood sugar when they suffer from diabetes.

As well as the diabetes control natural treatments, we have mentioned above there are other ones that you may want to consider trying. There are ones such as Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Blueberry Leaves and Bilberry which are all effective at helping to control this condition and which can be readily purchased at your local health store or online. But with any other treatment that you are considering using it is important that you discuss matters with your doctor first.

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A Guide to Antidepressants

by David B Smith

Many people often have misconceptions about what antidepressants can help do.

First of all, they are not quick fix pills; they don’t artificially bring on a feeling of bliss, euphoria, or unrealistic well-being. Nor do antidepressants insulate you from life, make you not care about vital things, or make you unmoved to sorrow or loss.

What antidepressants do is counteract depressed persons from declining into the blackest depths of depression when something goes amiss. They can still feel wounded, pain, and concern, but they feel these the way people normally do when they don’t have depression. They also can help depressives sleep better, boost their energy, and buildup their ability to concentrate.

The way antidepressants work is interesting. There are two chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, that have to do with the transmission of impulses between nerve cells in the brain and seem to be associated with depression. It would appear as if depressed people use up these chemicals at an accelerated rate than other people. Antidepressants help to conserve these chemicals, apparently leading to feelings of reduced anxiety, more security, increased self-worth, assertiveness, and resilience.

There are a assortment of types of antidepressants, but they fall into a number of straightfoward categories. These are tricyclics, MAOIs, and lithium, and the newer medications: hetereocyclics and Prozac and Prozac-related drugs.

Until rather recently, tricyclics were the standard treatment for depression. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptiline (Elacil), Vivactil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and Sinequan. Still in popular use today, 40 to 70 percent of depressed patients improve substantially with tricyclics.

Although they are quite helpful medications, there are a number of disadvantages to their use. They usually take several weeks of regular administration to be useful, which is difficult to handle when people are especially distressed. Also, it is reasonably easy to take a serious overdose. In general, tricyclics should only be used on a short-term basis. They are not addictive, but they must be used with care, especially with people who have cardiovascular disease.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors include Marplan, Parnate, and Nardil. They are a different class of drugs and cause a different reaction in the brain. These drugs are helpful from some people who do not respond to tricyclics. These drugs can have not nice side effects, but the main disadvantage of MAOIs is that they can also cause a stroke if certain foods containing the compound tyramine (cheese, red wine, pickles) are consumed while they are being used.

Lithium is generally the treatment of choice for bipolar disorder. In the correct dose, lithium reduces by about 50 percent the chances of another manic episode within a year. Mood swings become scarcer, shorter, and less dangerous. The success rate for lithium treatment is 70 percent, and 20 percent of people become symptom-free. It is generally seen as a maintenance drug. Once the patient is on Lithium, they are on it for life.

One of the most well-known drugs on the market today is Prozac. It has been followed into the marketplace by many other new antidepressant medications like Zoloft and Paxil, two near cousins, Effexor and Serzone, and some more distant cousins, notably Wellbutrin, Desyrel, and BuSpar.

Unlike tricyclics, which affect the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil affect only serotonin. Hence they are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, meaning that they stop or slow down the reabsorption of serotonin. Effexor and Serzone affect both serotonin and norepinephrine, and the others have more intricate effects. All, however, have been shown to be useful in the treatment of depression. The choice of which of these medications to use for a particular person has to do with their dosage and side-effect profile. Paxil, for example, seems to have a soothing effect on anxiety that Prozac lacks. Effexor has the reputation of being more energizing than Prozac.

Compared with tricyclics, the side effects of Prozac and its cousins are usually small. Tricyclics can give you dry mouth, make you constipated, and actually slow you down, whereas Prozac has none of these problems and gives you a little more energy. However, there are some side effects with the newer antidepressants which should be mentioned. Most notable among these is a reduction of interest in sex and trouble maintaining an erection. Although the male performance problems usually go away after a few weeks, many people on SSRIs report a continued diminished interest in sex, which can certainly add to marital problems.

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Herbal Remedies for Acne

by Richard May

In many cases acne will have been caused because a person’s sebaceous glands are actually producing too much oil (sebum). Because of this increased production the pores on the skin are likely to become blocked and then spots caused by bacteria begin to form. Often when a person visits their doctor they will be prescribed some anti-biotic medication in order to treat the condition. But a lot of people are now preferring to use herbal remedies for acne simply because they are less likely to cause unwanted side effects unlike more conventional treatments.

Below we take a look at a few of the different herbal remedies a person may want to consider trying in order to treat their acne. However it is important that before they do they actually discuss their plans with their doctor first.

1. Aloe Vera – This particular herb contains anti-inflammatory and immune stimulant properties. Plus the aloe gel also contains anti-bacterial and astringent properties both of which can help to fight the bacteria, which is causing the acne to erupt. To use this type of herbal remedy you need to apply the gel directly to the area of skin that is affected.

2. Calendula – Although not as popular as Aloe Vera or other herbal remedies for acne this is still an effective one. Not only does it help with healing damaged skin tissue but it contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well. Many people will apply this herb directly to the skin when it has been made into a cream or when it has been infused with water and then they wash their skin with it.

3. Lavender – This particular herb can help to reduce the inflammation that has been caused because of the prostaglandin inhibiting properties of it. Plus it has antiseptic properties which when the essential oil (mixed with a carrier fluid or water) is applied directly to the affected area will help to kill off the acne bacteria.

4. Tea Tree Oil – Of all the different types of herbal remedies available for treating acne this is one of the most popular. The main reason for this is that the herb contains good antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Again just like the lavender in order for this remedy to be effective it needs to be mixed with water or carrier fluid and then applied directly to the acne.

As well as the herbal remedies that we have mentioned above there other natural ones that you may want to consider trying as well. There is walnut leaf, which has good astringent properties and is most effective when used as a wash on the skin. Whilst witch hazel is another effective treatment as it like many of the others contains both anti-bacterial and astringent properties.

However it is important to remember that using topical herbal remedies for acne will help to improve the skin on the outside. You also need to look closely at your dietary habits and lifestyle as these can actually be causing problems inside your body, which is further exacerbating the condition.

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by Cathy Shermann

If you want to know about panic disorder symptoms and treatments, then you’ve come to the right place. Panic attack disorder is not an uncommon condition. If you or someone you love has experienced a panic attack before for the first time, then now is the perfect moment to learn more about the condition, its symptoms, and how you can treat it.

There are some things you need to know beforehand, though. You should know more about panic disorder, and its accompanying condition, panic attacks. This is so you can fully grasp the idea of panic disorder symptoms and treatments.

What is it? Panic disorder is a medical term that is used to describe a psychiatric condition characterized by frequent and recurring panic attacks in combination with significant behavioral changes. It could also mean having experienced at least a month of lasting and unending worrying about the concern and fear of having another panic attack. What is a panic attack? Since panic disorder is characterized by frequent panic attacks, then you should also arm yourself with some knowledge about the condition. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of strong anxiety that brings about fear and discomfort. Its beginnings are usually abrupt, and could happen without any apparent and obvious triggers. When a person experiences a panic attack, he usually associates the feeling with having a nervous breakdown, heart attack, or even dying.

Signs and Symptoms – What are some symptoms of a panic attack? When a person experiences a panic attack, he may feel dizzy, nauseous, and short of breath. Some symptoms also include tightness in throat and chest, racing heart with tingles sensations, sweating, trembling and shaking, physical exhaustion and limpness, crying, hot/cold flashes, and stomach ache.

Disorienting Fear – The sufferer will also experience intense and frightening understandings of reality, loss of cognitive ability, and loud internal dialogue. Other symptoms also include nervousness, racing thoughts, obsessive worrying, and overwhelming fear that something awful will happen. The sufferer also feels out of control, anti-social, and threatened by something, even though nothing around him is threatening. He feels like he is “going crazy”, or even dying.

When it comes to treatment, there are already several options you can choose from to help you cope with the disorder. You can do breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and positive reaffirmations. But this will only guide you to getting over an episode. If you want to permanently get rid of your panic attack, you can seek other methods of treatment. Hint: Since panic disorder is accompanied with worrying and fearing another panic attack, the key is to stop fearing another panic attack. If you can learn how to stop fearing the coming of another attack, then you can break free from panic attacks.

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6 CELEBRITY SKIN SECRETS

by Dr. Grace Angel

1. DO NOT ABUSE ALCOHOL

It’s common knowledge that alcohol causes dehydration. “If you don’t take care of your skin before bedtime after drinking all night, you might as well go on a beach vacation for a week without sunscreen. You are totally damaging your skin if drink and fail to treat,” says one High School Musical starlet.

Liberal use and abuse of grandpa’s cough medicine decreases the body’s ability to produce collagen and over time reduces skin’s elasticity leading to wrinkles and dry, sagging skin.

2. STAY OUT OF THE SUN

This is just good common sense. But if you cannot avoid it, use a quality high spf sun protectant. “I use spf 50 on my neck and face; however, I do recommend spf 35 on your body. Doing this protects my vulnerable skin, but allows me to develop a nice brownish tan everywhere else,” suggests a former Mickey Mouse club member.

3. AVOID COFFEE

Caffeine is nature’s diuretic and coffee contains it in spades. It causes the body to get rid of necessary liquids and nutrients. Jesus-lovin’ Country music singers agree, “When I drink too much coffee, my teeth become noticeable stained and I can swear that the slight wrinkles around my eyes start developing into crow’s feet.”

4. CITRUS AND VEGETABLES ARE YOUR FRIENDS

Leafy greens like spinach have antioxidants that preserve skin health. Citrus like grapefruit and oranges contain vitamin C that increases collagen production. Boosting collagen production is important because it aids skin firmness and elasticity, which helps fight premature wrinkling and the effects of aging.

5. HAVE AT LEAST TEN GLASSES OF WATER

“Drinking water is one the most important things you can do for your skin. I drink ten glasses religiously now. Years ago, when I didn’t I noticed my skin would dry out, become gray and dull, and look vapid.”

6. USE A NIGHT CREAM THAT CONTAINS RETINOL, VITAMIN C, & PEPTIDES

A night cream is the most important step of your beauty routine. Night cream with proven age-fighting compounds like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides will help reduce the environment’s and nature’s effect on your skin. “Using a night cream has helped me preserve my youth. Young boys always approach me at the gym and at clubs thinking I am some 25 year old starlet. I guess they haven’t seen my films from the early 1980s and wouldn’t guess I’m 45,” laughs a member of Hollywood royalty who wisely decided to comment anonymously.

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Panic Attack Cure: Curing Permanently

by Cathy Shermann

It is now easier to find a panic attack cure today than it was a few years back. Now, there are more venues and forms of permanently treating it. There are programs, techniques, books, and treatment that promise relief from panic attacks. However, oftentimes it is ineffective, temporary, or just plain coping strategies. It just tells you what to do to get over a panic episode rather than preventing one from happening again. But, what if you could actually get rid of panic attacks permanently? Read on this article and find out how.

Latest Methods – There is a promising new panic attack cure present in the market today. You can learn more about this in a particular e-book. Here’s just an overview of panic attacks in general, and how the technique works.

Panic Attack

What is a panic attack? It is a sudden episode of intense anxiety that brings about physiological arousal, fear, and discomfort. Its onset is usually abrupt and can last for 10-15 minutes. It could occur without any known, obvious triggers. When a person experiences a panic attack, he feels that he is losing control, or is experiencing a heart attack, nervous breakdown, or is even dying.

Symptoms

Spotting the Condition – There are symptoms of a panic attack. Some of its symptoms include dizziness leading to panic, tightness in chest and throat, shortness of breath, racing heart with tingle sensations, obsessive worries and unwanted thoughts, and the overwhelming fear that something horrible is about to take place. Other observable signs would be sweating, trembling, nausea, abdominal pains or cramps, chills or hot flashes, and fatigue and exhaustion, among others.

How You Can Permanently Get Rid of It

Yes, panic attack can be cured permanently. Rather than just learn how to get over a panic episode the next time it strikes, why don’t you stop it before it does? There’s a new e-book around the corner that boasts of fully eliminating panic attacks following a very simple line of thought.

It’s very important to think of healthy thoughts. It believes that if you stop fearing the onset of another panic attack, then you can get rid of them fully.

The best way is to stop fearing the next attack. Although it is a very simple thought, it is highly effective and many people have been witnesses to this. There are testimonials from satisfied users that tell you an idea of how it changed their lives for the better.

Learn how to the condition with the latest methods!

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by Rashel Dan

Stretch marks, or what is commonly known to dermatologists as striae, is one of the ugliest condition that the skin can develop. Usually, it develops when the body grows quickly, such as the case with gaining weight. The stretch marks are formed when the dermis cannot catch up or deal with the stretching, meaning its elasticity is not flexible enough to cope with the stretching. The dermis tears and wherever the skin has reddened is the area most likely that stretch marks will occur. If not prevented earlier, one has to the option of removing stretch marks by surgery.

Going Under The Laser

Laser surgery is, as of the moment, the only medical procedures that do not involve you taking any prescription medicines. This is similar to the laser surgery that is used to remove tattoos. It works by “cleaning and repairing” the dermis which is a layer just underneath your skin and where all the stretch marks form.

Painless – Laser treatment has become a very popular and painless way to get rid of stretch marks especially for women who have just had kids. Of course, this is a procedure that is not advisable for women who are still pregnant.

Why Use Laser Treatment?

Since laser surgery is a relatively new method for treatment, a lot of people might be skeptical of the procedure. But this surgery process is very safe and it is also quick.

The Process – A full procedure will only involve a few sittings on the patient’s part. Also, this is a very cost-effective way to get rid of stretch marks. The best thing about it is that removing stretch marks by surgery involving a laser means getting rid of them forever. You will not have to worry about any side effects as there are none.

It’s Really Inexpensive?

The Cost – The laser surgery procedure is certainly not cheap but it is a lot cheaper than it used to be a few years back. Also, you can count on the fact that there have been major improvements to the procedure since then. The price you pay will depend on the extent of surgery that you want or need. So the more stretch marks you have, the more chances that you will have more than just a couple of sittings to go through the process completely.

Is It Safe?

Laser surgery done by the right person is 100% safe. You cannot do this procedure on yourself unless you too are a professional. But the specialists who can operate the machines and have medical degrees can assure you absolute success and zero side effects. There are many unregistered clinics who also offer this treatment and sometimes for a lower price but you cannot trust those places if they do no have the license to operate.

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