Health Information

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Archive for August, 2005

Do Your Products Contain Any of These Dangerous Chemicals?

Wednesday, August 31st, 2005

Go to your Bathroom and check RIGHT NOW!
I think you will be VERY SURPRISED…

These are some of the dangerous chemicals that people in our society are using every day and are not being told about how dangerous they are. You will want to avoid them to enjoy good health. They can cause cancer, nervous system damage, birth defects, and much more. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health listed 884 dangerous chemicals, and according to The Safe Shoppers Bible, 400 have been identified in human tissue. “The greater the exposure, the greater the risk!” This is a PARTIAL LIST of some of the most commonly used chemicals in the personal care industry. See if your shampoo, conditioner, soap, mouthwash, toothpaste, lotions, household cleaners, etc. contain any of the chemicals on the list. I can bet you the products you are currently using contain some, if not all, of the dangerous chemicals on this list below.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)- (Engine Degreaser! In many personal care products, and most shampoos). Well-known as a skin and scalp irritant, easily absorbed in eyes, brain, and liver … may have harmful long term effects, possible carcinogen, could retard healing … causes cataracts in adults and keeps children’s eyes from developing properly.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)- (in many personal care products and many shampoos) Both SLS and SLES are potential carcinogens and may form dioxane when interacting with other chemicals. Clinical studies show both of these chemicals causing hair loss.

Propylene Glycol- (Industrial Antifreeze! In many personal care products, and most shampoos and many conditioners). The Material Safety Date Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact … strong irritant, can cause hair loss, cataracts, liver abnormalities and kidney damage. This is called a “humectant” in cosmetics.

Aluminum- (in antiperspirants–deodorants, antacids, and antiseptics) Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cocomide DEA or DEA- (many products … up to 600) A known carcinogen.

Sodium Fluoride- (in toothpaste) Can cause death when ingested … lots of research … potential carcinogen.

Mineral Oil- Comes from crude oil (petroleum) used in the industry as a metal cutting fluid. May suffocate the skin by forming an oil film. Healthy skin needs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. This process should not be inhibited. Holding large amounts of moisture in the skin can “flood” the biology, and may result in immature, unhealthy, sensitive skin that dries out easily. Studies show those who work around this ingredient have a greater chance of being diagnosed with cancer.

Petroleum- Same properties as Mineral Oil. Industrially, it is used as a grease component.
Bentonite or Kaolin- (in cosmetics and facial masks) May suffocate the skin, stopping the release of toxins. Used by fire departments to suffocate forest fires.

Glycerin- When applied to the skin, it draws moisture from inside the skin, and holds it on the surface for a better “feel”. Dries the skin from the inside out. This can age you quickly.

Collagen- (skin care) May suffocate the skin. Most derived from cow hides and ground up chicken feet. Most products are useless.

Flavors/Fragrances (artificial)- Synthetic chemicals used to enhance aroma and taste in personal care products … some are potentially carcinogenic and may cause brain damage.

Colors (coal tar dyes)- (in cosmetics) May cause eye damage, potential carcinogen, can have lead and arsenic in the formation … possible link to lymphoma.

Laureth (ethoxylated), or PEG- (in soaps and shampoos) May contain Dioxane (potential carcinogen), estrogen mimic, endocrine disrupter.

Dioxins- Potential carcinogen, possible transfer of dioxin to product from container contamination and/or when SLS goes through the process of ethoxylation … This process makes the product more mild, but dioxin can form. Anytime you see a capital “E” in the product line, this process has taken place (possible link to Vietnam Veterans and cancer epidemic, due to dioxin in agent orange).

Bar Soaps- Made from animal fat and lye. May let bacteria feed and grow in it. May corrode & dry the skin.

Toluene- (in nail polish) Irritant to skin and respiratory tract. It may cause liver damage … endocrine disrupter … potential carcinogen and can cause birth defects.

Formaldehyde- (in many cosmetics and personal care products) A toxic irritant, known carcinogen (causes cancer), used as a preservative.

Benzoic or Benzyl- (in cosmetics) Potential carcinogen, endocrine disrupters, birth defects.

Fluorocarbons- (used a propellants in hairsprays and deodorants) May produce upper respiratory tract irritation.

Lanolin- (in cosmetics and lotions) This lotion can cause allergic reactions and skin rash.

Talc- (in cosmetics and many personal care products) Chemically similar to asbestos. Talc has been shown to cause uteral and ovarian cancer.

“Did you know fluoride in your toothpaste could actually kill you and/or your children?” Children have died from swallowing toothpaste. That’s why there’s a warning label now. Check your toothpaste box. It probably says, “Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, contact a poison control center immediately!”

“Is it possible you are actually using Engine Degreaser or Garage Floor Cleaner to wash your hair and brush your teeth with?” You are if there’s Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate (SLS or SLES) in your shampoo and toothpaste because that’s exactly what those ingredients are! But it gets worse. SLS & SLES are carcinogenic, can cause children’s eyes to develop abnormally, cataracts and even hair loss! Also, check your bubble baths, shaving creams, facial/body cleansers and more for SLS or SLES.

“Could you be accidentally rubbing antifreeze and/or brake fluid all over your children and yourself?” You are if there is Propylene Glycol in your moisturizers, hair conditioners, wrinkle creams, baby wipes, lotions, etc. Look at a container of Prestone Antifreeze. It says “Propylene Glycol”. If your cat drinks it, it will die. So what’s it doing to you? Well, for one, it’s been proven to cause liver and kidney damage. Even though we put it on the skin, it gets into the body and blood. Just like a “nicotine patch” you put on the skin to stop smoking. It works by getting nicotine into the blood.

“Women… are you using products that actually age and wrinkle your skin (face & body) more rapidly?” You are if you’re using moisturizers that contain mineral oil, elastin, collagen, glycerin or petroleum (and also foundations that contain forms of clay). These ingredients have a high molecular weight. They suffocate the skin by keeping oxygen out and toxins in. Two ingredients in cosmetics, bentonite and kaolin, are actually used by fire departments to suffocate fires! Also, blush can contain talc, and eye mascara can contain coal tar… both can cause cancer! Talc is also in baby powders and other powders which are linked to ovarian cancer. Some eye shadows can cause cataracts and permanently impaired vision.

“Could the underarm deodorant you’re using be linked to Alzheimer’s disease & breast cancer?” It could if it has aluminum in it.

“Can the Mouthwash you’re using be linked to Oral/Throat Cancer?” Children die every month from drinking it.

“Are you using a mineral supplement that contains 5 toxic poisons?” (Arsenic, Mercury, Lead, Cadmium and Aluminum)

“Did you know that CBS recently did an entire news special on a cancer causing ingredient called DEA?” It’s in most every brand of shampoo, bubble bath, and shaving cream we’ve inspected… but it doesn’t have to be… So why is it there?

Also, Beware of These Misleading but Frequently Used Cosmetic Terms:

Hypoallergenic Products- Personal care products formulated with fewer ingredients that could trigger an “allergic response”. The prefix “hypo-“ means “less than”, and the word hypoallergenic tells the consumer that the manufacturer believes the product has fewer allergens than other products. There are no federal regulations or guidelines defining allergens. For the consumer, this term as applied to cosmetics or personal care products is Often Inconclusive.

Natural Cosmetics or Natural Personal Care Products- No artificial ingredients, pure, or from nature. There is NO LEGAL definition for “natural”, which is why you see it everywhere. A chemist’s definition of organic simply requires that the molecule contain carbon. There are no guidelines surrounding what can or cannot be inside a “natural” product. Most cosmetics and personal care products labeled “natural” still contain preservatives, coloring agents, and other ingredients that really are very unnatural. The term natural is more meaningful when accompanied by the words “safe” and “effective”. (Poison Ivy is natural).

Copyright 2006 HM
All Rights Reserved

Harry McDuffee

20 years Industry Experience (Network Marketing)

For Details & Free Reports Visit: claimyoursnow.com claimyoursnow.com

Acne Treatment - The Natural Way

Wednesday, August 31st, 2005

Acne is unarguably one of the oldest skin problems, cutting across borders, colors or traditions. Acne is not limited to one culture or race, neither is it more prevalent in one country. The popularity of acne has perhaps, created a ready market for the millions of pharmaceutical companies worldwide, who make a fortune out of our desire to achieve an acne-free skin.

Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide jump from one acne medication to another, without first taking the pains to determine what is the root cause of their acne breakout. The causes of acne varies from one individual to the other, so also, does the severity of the condition. First determining the cause of your acne will help a lot in finding the best medication.

Generally, acne is believed to be caused by hormonal disorders, overactive sebaceous glands, or bacterial infection; resulting in pimples, scars and skin discoloration. Though, in some severe cases of acne, the cause is more difficult to determine, or is a combination of any of these factors. However, this form of acne requires more drastic measures than are discussed here.

Moreover, because of the sensitivity of the skin, it has been shown that using synthetic or chemical based creams, lotions or other products to treat acne will not only result in adverse effects like reddening of the skin, irritation, rashes and dried skin, it can also permanently harm the skin, depending on the constituent of the cream.

Treating acne with natural products have always been the best alternative. Natural acne products don’t just treat the symptoms, they treat the root cause of the condition, resulting in a lasting solution. For instance, some natural acne medications contain vitamins A, B6 and C, along with minerals like Zinc. These vitamins and minerals will not only treat the acne, they also help you achieve a flawless skin.

Other useful herbal acne remedies include, rose hip oil, which clear acne blemishes, especially where excessive sun exposure is involved; facial masks with apple and honey; green tea; Ginger and milk or honey and cinnamon combination are all useful in treating acne. Also, herbs like basil and turmeric have been shown to be effective at treating acne.

However, it is important to say here, that, the market is full of acne products that claim to be 100% natural, promising instant acne relief. It is important that you do you research diligently, be sure what you are ordering is actually a natural acne product and that the constituents are actually effective at treating acne. Acne Ease is one natural acne product that I have tested and trusted.

Real Acne Help provides more information and resources about treating acne naturally.

The author has been a freelance writer for over three years. With a University degree in the Paramedics and vast knowledge and experience with several health and beauty topics, especially skin care. For more information visit the Acne Help Site realacnehelp.com realacnehelp.com or send a blank email to mailto:acnehelp@freeautobot.com acnehelp@freeautobot.com to receive the Free Acne Help Report in your mailbox.

Female Hair Loss Is It Real

Wednesday, August 31st, 2005

Female hair loss impacts about twenty five percent of women. That is 1 out of every 5 women suffer from thinning hair. But the news media and cosmetic conglomerates are rather silent on the issue of female hair loss. The advertising campaigns aimed at the female population are all about keeping the long flowing hair beautiful. Their is a very limited number of ads on TV which deal with female hair loss as it is not considered as beautiful.

Why Am I Going Bald

Men and women share a common cause for hair loss. The condition is called androgenetic alopecia. The condition is hereditary and maybe communicated from generation to generation. There are other possible causes that include thyroid trouble, pregnancy or other medical conditions that upset the balance of the hormones in the body.

Donning severe hairstyles that drag the hair can induce hair loss. These hairstyles cut off the blood flow to the hair follicles and cause the hairline to recede. There are certain medicines that can cause hair loss. Diuretics, anti-depressants and cancer chemotherapy agent can cause temporary hair loss. If you are diabetic and consume medication for this it is also recognized to cause female hair loss. You might have a unknown medical condition which could be the root cause of female hair loss.

You shouldn’t panic when you notice the first signs of thinning hair. However, you ought to take action to forestall more thinning of your hair. First, ascertain what is causing your hair loss, is it a new diet or some pills you have started to take, perhaps you changed your shampoo . The answer may be as easy as changing a prescription or your hairstyle. When, you have located the cause of hairloss than the treatment for female hair loss will be more efficient .

Treatments For Hairloss

If androgenetic alopecia is the cause for your female hair loss than treatment are available for it. One of those treatments boosts the blood flow to your hair follicles and is known as minoxidil (Rogaine). This is not a miracle cure but does propose hope to women with a hair loss condition. The same male hormone testosterone and dihydrotestosterone is the cause of the thinning hair. The trouble here is that the androgens that are responsible for hair growth are blocked .

The intent of Minoxidil is to resume your hair growth process. This is one of the most popular medicines for male baldness. But, Minoxidil (Rogaine) can be employed by females. It will cost you no more than $50 per month. This product has been widely applied by women for female hair loss and has been found to slow down and, in some cases, even revert hair loss.

The female hair loss pattern is completely different from that of men. Unlike men who get a receding hairline women usually get thinning hair all over their head. If the hair is thinning in patches, the condition may be stimulated by an autoimmune disorder that inflames the hair follicles. A dermatologist can treat alopecia areata with a simple anti-inflammatory drug.

The first step in dealing with female hair loss is to determine what is inducing it. When, you have determined the potential cause of female hair loss than make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist to get a cure

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Tamiflu - Can Influenza Virus Be Cured With Tamiflu Prescriptions?

Wednesday, August 31st, 2005

I will start of this article with the types of Influenza and how does Tamiflu act on these viruses, so you will be able to understand what the different types of Influenza are and how Tamiflu is going to cure you of the Influenza.

Types of Influenza

There are three types of Influenza. They are the type “A” Influenza, the type “B” Influenza and the type “C” Influenza. Type “A” Influenza is considered to be the most dangerous of the types as it can cause large epidemic and has done so in the past too. They affect a variety of animals and birds. They can cause damage to the human population too. Based on the surface proteins they are divided into different sub types. The surface proteins are of two types, they are called the hem agglutinin and Neuramidase. They are indicated by the “H” and the “N” alphabets respectively. The variations of their sub types are given in numerals. So we can say H1N1 is a hem agglutinin with variation 1 and Neuramidase with variation 1. There are a total number of sixteen variations in hem agglutinin. The number of variations in Neuramidase is nine.

Now consider the permutation combination of sixteen is to nine. You have that much number of viruses of the type “A” Influenza. Not all of the varieties are considered to be dangerous. Most of these variations cause diseases in certain species of animals. Of these there are only a few that can presently develop in human beings. They are the H1N1, H1N2 and the H1N3. The H5N1 strain is considered to be the most dangerous and it has affected a number of birds, animals and human beings. This strain is called the avian strain. Water ducks are considered the reservoir for hosting the virus. They spread the disease through their nasal secretions, saliva and feces. The avian flu is also of the two types. One of them is highly pathogenic and the other low pathogenic in nature.

The Influenza B and C are not dangerous and are only showing mild symptoms in human beings.

The viruses responsible for the flu are showing a small shift. This shift is called the drift. This drift can cause a mutation of the virus and develop a new mix of the genetic material which can become highly resistant to any drugs and at the same time will be able to latch on to humans from humans.

How Tamiflu acts

Tamiflu is the drug that one is prescribed with when one is having the Influenza. Tamiflu acts in a different way than other drugs act. They attack the virus at its roots and stop the virus from multiplying in the first phase. Then it goes on to kill the viruses in the body with the help of antibodies in the body. Taking Tamiflu in the first case should be taken within forty eight hours of the symptoms appearing. When taken like this it is highly effective. The course of the prescribed tablets should be taken. You will feel better when you have taken the course of tablets for a period of more than two days. You have to take the tablets for a minimum period of five days. That is ten tablets in whole. In case you have been exposed to the virus and you are not sure of the symptoms then also you can go in for the tablets. As a preventive measure you should take one tablet a day and continue to take it for seven days. When you are taking one tablet a day, remember to take the tablet at the same time everyday or this might reduce the effects of the tablets.

Tamiflu and Zanamivir are the only prescription tablets that can cure your Influenza of the type affected by the strain H5N1 as of now.

Learn more about human and avian flu viruses, and how tamifluforum.com Tamiflu can protect you and your family from possible death. This site also offers information on the flu viruses, symptoms, and how to prepare for the threat of a flu pandemic.

Hot Stone Treatments

Tuesday, August 30th, 2005

There are several forms of hot stone massage offered at most spas. The types range from general massage to massage of specific areas. Hot stone massages are believed to promote relaxation, improve circulation, increase bodily energy, and provide deeper massage than traditional massage techniques. This article explains the different hot stone massage treatments:

General Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage technique that uses smooth, warmed basalt (volcano rock). It is said to be a deeply relaxing form of massage, and the heat from the rocks is said to help release muscle tension. Before the massage begins, the therapist warms the rocks in warm water. The technique uses the same basic strokes as a Swedish massage; however, basalt stones are substituted for the use of fingers. As the stones cool, the massage therapist replaces them with warm stones. Additionally, the massage therapist may lay warm stones on you as a means of increasing the flow of energy in your body.

Hot Stone Foot Massage

Hot stone foot massages use the same basalt stones and techniques as a general hot stone massage. The heat in the stones is said to be very relaxing, and it improves blood flow circulation in your feet and legs.

Hot Stone Back Massage

Hot stone back massage uses the same techniques and has the same effects as a general hot stone massage. The difference is that a general hot stone massage focuses on the entire body where a hot stone back massage focuses primarily on your back. Hot stone back massages are said to be more relaxing that typical Swedish massages because the heat from the stones allows the therapist to massage deeper with less pressure.

Hot Stone Prone Massage

A hot stone prone massage is similar to a general full body hot stone massage, but hot stone prone massages target specific areas and muscles rather than focusing on the whole body. Generally, a hot stone prone massage therapist focuses on your feet, legs, gluteus muscles, back of arms, entire back, and neck.

Hot Stone Facial Massage

Hot stone facial massages use traditional Asian stones, or yen stones, that are smooth, round, donut-shaped stones. Basalt stones are not typically used in hot face massages because their surface is too coarse and can cause micro-scratches on the delicate tissues of the face. Heating pads are generally used to heat the yen stones, as opposed to the water-heating technique used in general hot stone massage. Hot stone facial massage is said to be very relaxing, and, in addition, it stimulates the nervous system. A stimulated nervous system increases blood and lymph circulation, restoring damaged skin cells and improving facial appearance.

Kerela: God’s Own City For Ailments Like Acne

Tuesday, August 30th, 2005

Kerala is the land of Ayurveda. It is also the land of rejuvenation centers. The procedures adopted in rejuvenation have the capacity to beat back the aging process, why create blockades for the Lord of Death itself. The treatment takes care of all the major and minor ailments related to the body equipment. Here you get excellent care for your acne, to solve the problem once and for all. When inner impurities in the body are no more, where is the scope for external impurities like acne?

The best part of the starred hotels here in Kerala is that they have perfect arrangements to provide you with starred health facilities. So, you find the heaviest medical tourism in this part of the country. There is a strong reason for this. You get food for the soul, food for the mind, food for the body. Every famous hotel has an inbuilt health center. You can’t call it a hospital. The atmosphere and aroma within the treatment center is entirely different. It is healthy and divine and amidst right types of vibrations. You get accommodation, at moderate rates.

The casino groups of hotels are well known for the high quality Ayurvedic Treatment they provide. Their chains of Hotels are spread all over the land of coconut. Specifically they are Coconut Lagoon (Kumarakom), Spice Village (Periyar), Casino Hotel (Cochin), Bangaram Islzand Resort (Lakhshadweep Islands), Spice Cost Cruises (Puthenagadi), Anjalui Hotel (Kottayam), The Brunton Boat Yard (Cochin) and The Marari Beach (Mararikulam).

In Kerala, there are many hideaways, far from mass tourism. The glory of the Nature remains still undisturbed in these places. Some of the fascinating haunts look at their primordial best. You get one of the finest body toning therapies, practiced since 5000 years. These herbal preparations strengthen the immune system of the body, so that skin irritants like acne do not occur at all. The treatment is free from side effects. They have arrangements here to teach you yoga asanas. You are also taught meditation, under the guidance of an expert teacher.

Some of the treatments available for the medical tourists in Kerala make a fancy reading. Sanjeevanam Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy for example! Do you wish to have a complete overhaul of your body mechanism? This treatment is meant for that! It improves complexion and skin texture, reduces unwanted fat, takes care of obesity, resistance capacity to diseases is increased, provides relief in stress, takes care of fatigue and strain, and the aging process is slowed down, if not reversed.

You get many a beauty therapies to take care of the pimples, sagging of the skin, wrinkles acne, and hair fall. The special medicated oils nourish and cleanse the skin tissues and your complexion glows, after taking this treatment.

So, your Kerala trip is a success. You have totally defeated acne and other skin ailments for the first time, with some extraordinary natural treatments.

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5 Super Effective Tips To Kill Depression

Tuesday, August 30th, 2005

Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives. We get sad when we fail in our exams, when we’re rejected by the person we love, or when someone very close to us passes away. Depression, however, could be more fatal than just plain loneliness. It could render life-long consequences that could ruin your self-esteem, health, and well-being.

Here are some superb tips to conquer the melancholy mood and get the most bliss out of your daily activities.

1) Get Enough Light and Sunshine.

Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the secretion of the hormone melatonin, which could trigger a dispirited mood and a lethargic condition.

Melatonin is only produced in the dark. It lowers the body temperature and makes you feel sluggish. If you are always cooped up in your room (with the curtains closed), it would be difficult to restrain yourself from staying in bed.

This is the reason why many people are suffering from depression much more often in winter than in the other seasons. It’s because the nights are longer.

If you can’t afford to get some sunshine, you can always lighten up your room with brighter lights. Have lunch outside the office. Take frequent walks instead of driving your car over short distances.

2) Get Busy. Get Inspired.

You’ll be more likely to overcome any feeling of depression if you are too busy to notice it. Live a life full of inspired activities.

Do the things you love. If you’re a little short on cash, you could engage in simple stuffs like taking a leisurely stroll in the park, playing sports, reading books, or engaging in any activity that you have passion for and would love to pursue.

Set a goal - a meaningful purpose in life. No matter how difficult or discouraging life can be, remain firm and have an unshakable belief that you are capable of doing anything you desire. With this kind of positive attitude, you will attain a cheerful disposition to beat the blues.

3) Take a Break.

I mean it.

Listen to soothing music. Soak in a nice warm bath. Ask one of your close friends to massage you. Take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around. In other words, have fun.

4) Eat Right and Stay Fit.

Avoid foods with lots of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Sugar and caffeine may give you a brief moment of energy; but they would later bring about anxiety , tension, and internal problems. Alcohol is a depressant. Many people would drink alcohol to “forget their problems.” They’re just aggravating their conditions in the process.

Exercising regularly is a vital depression buster because it allows your body to produce more endorphins than usual. Endorphins are sometimes called “the happy chemicals” because of their stress-reducing and happiness-inducing properties.

5) Get a Social Life.

No man is an island. Your circle of friends are there to give you moral support. Spending time and engaging in worthwhile activities with them could give you a very satisfying feeling. Nothing feels better than having group support.

Never underestimate the power of touch. Doesn’t it feel so good when someone pats you on the back and gives you words of encouragement during your most challenging times? Hug or embrace someone today. You’ll never know when you have saved another life.

Get intimate. Establish close ties with your family and friends. The love and care expressed by others could tremendously boost your immune system and fend off illnesses. Best of all, you’ll live a more secured and happy life.

Want more help with Depression? Read This Online Self Help EBook: ” sasezpublications.com/reports/81/how-to-manage-and-conquer-depression/ How to Manage and Conquer Depression”

The Mania of Bipolar Disorder: What Goes Up. . .

Tuesday, August 30th, 2005

Depression gets a lot of press, in books, articles, on talk shows. On the other hand, mania gets very little attention. In the various books dealing with bipolar disorder, there are lines, sometimes paragraphs, and very rarely, a few pages devoted to dealing with someone who is manic. Furthermore, much of what is written is counsel about hospitalization.

However, in this day and age, it can be very difficult to hospitalize anyone, particularly someone who is as clever and persuasive as a manic person can be. What, then, is a caring person to do, when someone important to him or her is in the full swing of a manic episode?

Dealing with a person who is manic is confusing at best. He or she is constantly testing everybody’s limits, manipulating others’ self-esteem, exploiting others’ vulnerabilities, and projecting responsibility.

The people who love that person can get heaved off balance. They need resources for ballast. While the manic person is flying high, so full, so convincing, so strong, it does not seem possible that he or she will ever crash, especially if it goes on and on. However, eventually the mania will run itself out, and what almost always follows is a deep and dark depression. This is when the potential for suicide increases dramatically and is also when the support person will need a great reserve of strength.

Unfortunately, however, by the time the manic person crashes into depression, the family member is exhausted and lost, and may miss making appropriate decisions in response to their loved one. From a one-down position, powerless in the face of their loved one’s mania, they are suddenly thrust into a position of needing to respond with direction and authority to their loved one’s depressed passivity.

The resulting feelings of impotence, guilt, confusion, and self-blame can only weaken a caring person and make that person more susceptible to the impaired reasoning and countless accusations of the person who is manic. What follows are some thoughts and recommendations for how to survive the manic episode of a loved one.

1. A person who is manic can be quite persuasive especially about his belief that there’s nothing wrong with him. You may find yourself with dangerous doubts about whether your loved one is sick at all. Remember that this is an illness, one with potentially fatal consequences

2. You must be solid within yourself and confident in the knowledge that you are dealing with someone who, although seeming in control, although insisting he has total command of himself, is in actuality quite out of control, if not of his present situation, then of the direction his situation is likely to take him. Remember that his judgment is impaired about what is best for him.

This can feel very disloyal, yet is probably the kindest, most responsible attitude you can have. With this attitude, when it becomes necessary, when your loved one plummets, you will be able to assume the responsibility needed. Believing him, trusting that he knows what is best for himself is like trusting a five-year-old to know that playing in the street is dangerous and can get him killed.

3. If you give in to your doubts, you may be drawn into your person’s reality, which can only lead to your feeling more crazy and self-doubting. It is vital to remain shielded as best you can against such feelings. Knowledge and awareness are the best tools, along with professional guidance and support from people who care about you and understand what you’re going through.

4. Do not try to deal with mania by yourself.

5. Find a psychiatrist who knows mood disorders, and form a strong alliance with that person.

6. Join a group for people dealing with the mania of someone they love. If your spouse or partner has bipolar disorder, find a group for couples who have dealt with the mania of one of them.

10. Read, go to lectures, and study bipolar disorder. Become a member of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) and receive their mailings.

Judy Eron is a licensed clinical social worker and the author of the recent book, WHAT GOES UP. . .Surviving the Manic Episode of a Loved One.
She is a national speaker on the subject of dealing with the mania of bipolar disorder.
judyeron.com judyeron.com

Workaholic, Take Action When You Have Stomach Ulcer Symptom

Monday, August 29th, 2005

It’s another day at work. Another busy, with your schedules filled with meetings, report deadlines and projects to run. And so plunge yourself to work again, forgetting about time, forgetting about rest. Suddenly, your stomach hurt. Does the pain ever wake you up at night? Do you vomit undigested food or blood? If you can answer yes to these questions or have experienced other symptoms associated with stomach discomfort, you may be suffering from stomach ulcers. These can be caused by various things, such as taking too much anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin. Ulcers can also develop from improper eating habit such as eating too much spicy food or excessive caffeine or alcohol intake. For workaholic like you, stress is usually the key to the development or aggravation of ulcers.

This condition is usually caused by H-pylon bacteria. Taking Pepto Bismol or another antacid product before or after eating may reduce stomach acid and can help prevent the formation of ulcers. The doctor may prescribe a triple-treatment of antibiotics to destroy the bacteria responsible for your ulcers. Antibiotic treatment is quite effective and can permanently cure stomach ulcer, which is quite a good thing to know.

But some people just do not like to take medicine and rely on methods such as drinking milk. Milk can neutralize or buffer stomach acid because of their alkalinity, but should be avoided in larger quantities because they delay the healing of ulcers, as milk protein tends to promote increased gastric acid secretions.

So if you really want to use other methods to cure stomach ulcer, here are some natural methods in healing stomach ulcer. You can consume a diet rich in fiber, especially insoluble fiber. Try eating lots of cabbage which is a good source of insoluble fiber. Doctors recommend eating at least one serving of steamed cabbage once a day for about two weeks. Apart from rich in fiber, cabbage contains an amino acid, glutamine that has been shown, in some research, to promote the healing of ulcers.

Next most important step is to change your lifestyle habits. This is the most effective way to prevent stomach ulcer from recurring. Firstly, stop taking those food that can cause you discomfort, for instance coffee and spicy foods. Coffee may help to keep you awake during work but drinking 4 to 5 cups a day is harmful to your stomach. If it is hard to quit, try gradually reducing your use or consumption of such things until they are easier to cut out of your life entirely. Check with a nutrition specialist or your doctor for recommendations about the foods to avoid and those you can eat to help control this condition. In addition, start eating several small meals each day, as opposed to eating two or three large meals. Smaller meals translate to better control of acid buildup at each meal and therefore, more frequent ulcer relief as most ulcer pain subsides for a few hours following a meal.

Stop being a workaholic! Too much stress in work is bad for your health, and makes you an unhappy person too. Take steps to reduce stress from your life. Relax! Do not be too hard on yourself. Try keeping a diary for writing about negative thoughts before they cause harm. Exercising regularly not only keeps you fit, it is another great way to reduce the effects of stress and helps to keep you fresh and awake at all times. Now you got a reason to drink less coffee to stay alert at work. Your doctor can also suggest an exercise plan that will fit with your lifestyle and overall health. If you are experiencing stress and find it hard to cope with it, you can also try some relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation because they can help the healing of ulcers in individuals whose ulcers are caused by stress.

Getting stomach ulcer is painful and may affect our daily life, especially work. So when you have stomach ulcer symptoms such as rectal bleeding, chronic indigestion, difficulty in swallowing food, or incessant burping, it is time to look into it before it gets worse. Natural remedies can treat the symptoms of ulcers but not cure them. But be aware also that ulcer can sometimes lead to greater health risks, and that you still need to see a health care provider about this issue. You can discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor and let your doctor know that you would like to try them out first before heading straight for medication.

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Campaigning For a Smoke-Free Life

Monday, August 29th, 2005

With all the ill and murderous effects of smoking, it is not a wonder that many have pushed through the regulation, if not entire prohibition, of cigarette/tobacco smoking. Because of mounting concern about the consequences of smoking, especially from parents, various anti smoking campaigns have been formed.

Smoking is not merely a personal concern, and anti smoking campaigns are proofs of that. They are meant to raise social awareness of the damages of smoking – after all, smoking does not only affect the one who takes the drag, but also those around him. It is therefore not surprising that leaders of various faiths have united together against the common evil that is smoking – like Faith United Against Tobacco, a nationwide campaign launched by multiple religious denominations and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Religious leaders have long played a critical part if addressing the nation’s social challenges like the protection of children and other vulnerable people. It is therefore natural that they aid in the reduction of tobacco use – after all, smoking is the one of the primary leading cause of preventable diseases and death around the world. The faithful can be a powerful force to reckon with in reducing the horrible toll of tobacco.

More than 20 national religious leaders had sent letters to all U.S. Senate and House of Representatives candidates, urging them to support legislations that will authorize the regulation of tobacco products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Since then, the faith leaders have not stopped working rigorously and zealously in the anti smoking campaign.

The government does not work less in its anti smoking campaign, though. States, like New York, spends millions of dollars on anti smoking initiatives and aggressive implementations of laws framed for regulation of cigarette smoking and selling. New York State spends their tobacco settlement money on provision of health care access to the uninsured, provision of lower cost prescription drugs to senior citizens, and aggressive tobacco control program.

Sale of cigarette look-alikes to teens is prohibited by the law of New York. They have also imposed stiffer fines to those who are found to be selling tobacco products to teens, with punishments ranging from a $3oo fine to actual revocation of permanent license. The law also required the publication of the names and addresses of businesses engaging in illegal tobacco product sales on local newspapers. Tobacco tax was also increased as a deterrent to youngsters who want to give smoking a try.

The teens are also prime movers behind anti smoking campaigns, like the Truth. com. More than a hundred teenagers helped out in shaping the advertisements of the biggest anti smoking campaign in U.S. – the ads are part of a $1.5 billion five-year campaign being paid by tobacco companies themselves as part of the $200 billion plus tobacco settlement.

This anti smoking campaign is handled by the American Legacy Foundation. To get its message across, the Truth.com uses the print media, television, and the web.

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