Important Fiber Facts

Research has shown fiber to be powerful toward a healthy diet and lifestyle, but many people aren't taking this nutrient seriously.

Here are 9 important facts about fiber:

1. Fiber can actually help with overeating. All high
fiber foods will take longer to chew and digest,
making you feel satisfied longer.

2. Fiber fights diseases. A diet high in fiber can
help to prevent colon cancer and heart disease. High
fiber helps the body to eliminate cholesterol by
binding it in the digestive tract.

3. More fiber needs more water. In order to keep
fiber moving through your digestive tract, you'll
need to consume a lot of water. With your fiber, you'll
need eight or more glasses of water every day.

4. Grains offer the most fiber. Dietary fiber is
actually plant matter that we cannot digest. The best
sources are whole grains and concentrated grain
products.

5. Kids need fiber as well. Children that are older
than 2 years of age should consume a daily intake of
fiber. Kids are most receptive to fiber found in
fruits, vegetables, and even fortified breakfast
cereals.

6. Most popular foods don't have enough fiber. If
you like the more popular foods, you probably need
to increase your intake of fiber.

7. You can get enough fiber. If you eat more than
50 grams of fiber in a day, you can get diarrhea
and bloating, which can interfere with your body's
absorption of other key minerals.

8. Fiber cannot be cooked out. When you cook
your fruits and vegetables, don't worry about cooking
the fiber out, as it stays. The fiber found in
fruits and vegetables aren't just in the skin or
in the peel.

9. Getting the right amount of fiber in your diet
doesn't have to be hard. Even though you may think
so, getting the amount of fiber you need isn't very
hard to do. All you have to do is eat the right
foods and you'll be well on your way to a fiber
rich lifestyle.

Fiber is something you don't want to skip, as it is one of the key components to eating healthy.

Fiber can serve many different purposes, which are listed above. If you aren't getting enough fiber in your diet you should do something about it now instead of waiting until it is too late.

Charles

4th of July Cookout- Vegetarian Style

Fourth of July is quickly approaching. This is a time when many enjoy a holiday cookout. Whether you’re expecting vegetarian guests, you’ve just became vegetarian yourself, or you’d just like to add more meatless recipes to give some variety to your cookout menu, there are all kind of ways to prepare meatless options.

A clean and well lubricated grill is important for vegetarian style cookouts. This is because vegetarian foods are more fragile than meat and do not contain as much fat. You would not want your veggies sticking to the grill.

Traditionally, vegetables have been considered a side dish in most meals, but at a cookout they can take center stage as the entrée. Almost any kind of vegetable is great for grilling.

Complement your meal by serving them over pasta, rice or polenta. You can also make them into extraordinary sandwiches with a soy-based cheese and some freshly baked rolls or bread.

Cut the vegetables lengthwise into thin slices in the case of zucchini and eggplant, or into thick rings, in the case of onions, tomatoes and peppers. If you'd rather have your veggies in handy bite-size pieces for serving with pasta and the like, try using a special pan for the grill with small holes that keep the veggies from falling through the grill and being lost. And probably the easiest way to grill vegetables on the grill is shish-ka-bob style!

A veggie shish-ka-bob recipe that I came up with is arranged by putting a slice of yellow bell pepper, mushroom, chunk of potato, slice of onion, slice of carrot, slice of red bell pepper, slice of jalapeno, chunk of pineapple, chunk of potato, mushroom, slice of onion, slice of carrot, chuck of pineapple, slice of green bell pepper, slice of jalapeno. I then brush on a thin coat of honey, sprinkle on pepper spices and roast on the grill.

Don’t forget to balance out those grilled vegetables with some fresh fruit salads, perfectly chilled and juicy. Watermelon, strawberries, grapes, and citrus fruits all complement one another well in a delightful fruit salad prepared with non-dairy whipped cream.

Also use fruits to experiment with some fun smoothies and slushies for the kids – they’re fun and better for them than sugary sodas.

Charles

Homemade Organic Fungicides and Bug Repellants

If you are growing your own herbs for teas or spices or for natural home remedies, it is important to keep your plants healthy and protected from those little pests that like to destroy your hard work.

Since we are working toward keeping everything eco-friendly and healthy, that last thing we want to use on our plants are chemical sprays.

If you are going to use a commercial pesticide for your plants, ensure that it is organic in composition. If you want to stick to the format of home remedies and making things yourself, below are a few popular home concotions that will get the job done.

The following ingredients should be mixed in a spray bottle so that the solutions can be sprayed directly onto your plants to control fungus and disease:

Hydrogen Peroxide Spray: Mix 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.

Oil and Baking Soda Spray: 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of cooking oil mixed in a quart of warm water.

Listerine Spray: 1 teaspoon of Listerine mixed into a quart of warm water.

The above sprays should be applied to your plants every ten days. It will help with the disease and fungus problems.

To help control insects, use the following recipes:

Insects can be controlled with a solution of soap and cooking oil. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and a 1/4 teaspoon of cooking oil into a quart of warm water. Spray the underside and top of all the leaves. This will help stop most of the common pests that love to destroy your plants.

The spray should be applied every 10 days.

Insecticide Garlic Spray:

Ingredients: 1 Garlic Bulb, 2 Cups Water, 1 Gallon Water

To make take an entire garlic bulb and two cups of water and blend in blender. Mix at high speed for 1-2 minutes. Pour mixture into a container and set it aside for up to one day. Strain the liquid through a cheese cloth. Mix the liquid with one gallon of water. Apply liberally on top and bottom of leaves.

Tomato Leaf Insecticide:

Ingredients: 1 oz. tomato leaves; 1 quart water

Take one ounce of tomato leaves and add to one quart of water and blend thoroughly. Strain the resulting liquid and use to repel insects. This works well on white cabbage butterflies too.

There are hundreds of natural insecticides and fungicides that work just as well as their toxic chemical counterparts. So why use chemicals?


Charles

Drying Your Herbs

A simple process which takes us back in time is the technique our mothers and grandmothers used. They would use attic rafters or a back room on the north side of the house to dry their herbs. Their home was their work place and every possible space was used. All that was needed was an area with low light and an opened window for ventilation. Air conditioning, if available, was a bonus because it sped up the drying process by removing humidity.

Leaves should be dried while on the stems. Bundle your material and wrap a string around the bottom of the stems and then hang them upside down for drying. The bundles should be small for faster drying time and can be hung from rafters or on the wall using push pins. Large bundles take longer to dry and can collect a lot of dust or can become moldy.

Another method is to place the plant material loosely in a paper sack into which a good number of holes have been punched in the sides for ventilation. Tie the top with a string and hang to dry. This serves to keep the dust from the plant material and allows for something suitable for labeling.

Attach an identification tag on your materials that are drying so that you can identify them later. Some herbs can look the same once they have been dried.

Another great idea for drying small amounts of material is to place it into a wicker style basket that has been lined with paper towels. The basket can be placed on a table out of direct sunlight. The material should be fluffed every now and then to prevent settling.

Once dried, leaves are easily removed by stripping them from the stems. Sometimes you may have to grind the stems along with the leaves, such as the case with thyme. It can be tedious to strip its tiny leaves, so the dried stems and leaves are both ground for use. Try it both ways and see which you prefer.

To harvest seeds, such as dill, place a paper bag over the seed head, then snip from the plant. You should attempt to get the seeds just before they have turned completely dark, and they are still attached to the plant. Once they begin falling, they go rather quickly. If a few seeds fall from the head when it is gently tapped, then it is time to harvest.

Another method of drying a lot of material at one time is to do it in an electric oven. If your oven can maintain a temperature between 80-90 deg. F, then you can dry your herbs on a cookie sheet. I do not prefer this method because of the cost involved of running an electric oven. But, if you need to dry a lot of material quickly, then this method may be for you. The herb is dry and ready for storage when the leaves crackle between your fingers.

Ideally, you should invest in a dehydrator if you plan to store a great many herbs. This is almost essential for roots. Cut the roots into small pieces, or sliced thin. It also makes the whole harvest ready for storage in a very short time. Try to get one that will operate without heat or has a thermostat.

After approximately one year, dried herbs begin to lose their potency and flavor, so they should be replaced by a fresh harvest every year. Some herbs can last longer than one year. Most herbs can be placed in plastic bags and fresh frozen. Basil will develop a dark color, but the taste will be unaffected.

Charles

Metabolic Syndrome Management

Body Composition and Markers of Metabolic Health Improvement from Internet-based Program

A cluster of risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease is known as Metabolic syndrome.

Abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance or intolerance to glucose are a few of these risk factor. As the rates of overweight and obesity increase, metabolic syndrome becomes more common.

In August 2009 a research was published in the Obesity and Weight Management journal confirming the effectiveness of a lifestyle changing program, which is hosted on the internet, that supports the improvement in cardiovascular and metabolic health.

The study consisted of a 12 week online intervention program that studied sixty individuals with metabolic syndrome. Tests were taken before, during and after the 12week program.

The Healthy for Life program was conducted, via the internet, and involved using standard weight loss tools, to include meal replacements, low-glycemic diets, behavioral change strategies, and self-monitoring.

USANA Health Sciences supplied the meal replacement shakes, pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements, and snack bars used in this program study.

Results of the intervention program:

1. Average weight loss- 5.4%
2. Fasting insulin reduced to 32.3%
3. Insulin sensitivity increased to 31.6%
4. Improvement on triglycerides, total cholesterol, and blood pressure
5. Nearly half the subjects no longer met the criteria for metabolic syndrome

This study shows that an internet-based lifestyle change program can and does result in meaningful weight loss, as well as, improved cardiovascular health in overweight people with metabolic syndrome.

The researchers noted that given the need for strategies to help large numbers of obese individuals achieve weight loss, these results are significant.

(Source: Wyatt, et al. Successful internet-based lifestyle change program on body weight and markers of metabolic health. Obesity and Weight Management 2009 August; 5(4): 150-153.)

Charles

Meal Replacement and Nutrition

Dietary supplements and fortified meal replacements help ensure nutritional adequacy during energy-restricted diets for weight loss.

Weight control strategies that are both safe and effective are needed to reduce the rate of the current obesity epidemic. A recent study compared the macronutrient and micronutrient levels in the foods chosen by women following two different weight reduction programs.

Ninety-six generally healthy overweight or obese women randomly placed into two treatment groups:

Traditional Food Group (TFG) or a Meal Replacement Group (MRG).

The MRG included the use of 1-2 meal replacement drinks or bars per day. Both groups aimed to restrict energy levels to approximately 1,300 calories per day.

After one year, weight loss was not significantly different between the groups, and both groups had macronutrient (Carbohydrate:Protein:Fat) ratios that were within the ranges recommended.

Both groups experienced an improved dietary pattern with respect to decreased saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, with increased total servings/day of fruits and vegetables. However, the TFG had a significantly lower dietary intake of several vitamins and minerals compared to the MRG and was at greater risk for inadequate intake.

Although both groups successfully lost weight while improving overall dietary adequacy, the group incorporating fortified meal replacements tended to have a more adequate essential nutrient intake compared to the group following a more traditional food group diet.

This study supports the need to incorporate fortified foods and/or dietary supplements while following an energy-restricted diet for weight loss.

(Source: Nutr J. 2007 Jun 25;6:12)

Charles

Aging Skin and Nutrients

Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women

Here is a study result from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted in 2007.

Using data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I), scientists examined associations between nutrient intakes and skin aging in 4,025 women between the ages of 40 and 74 years. Clinical examinations of the skin were conducted by dermatologists.

Skin-aging appearance was defined as having a wrinkled appearance, dryness associated with aging (senile dryness), and skin atrophy (shriveling or shrinking).

Higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance. Higher linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid) intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of senile dryness and skin atrophy.

A higher than average fat and carbohydrate intake also increased the likelihood of a wrinkled appearance and skin atrophy. These associations were independent of age, race, education, sunlight exposure, income, menopausal status, body mass index, supplement use, physical activity, and energy intake.

Elevated intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid and reduced intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better skin-aging appearance. Promoting healthy dietary behaviors may have added benefit for the appearance of skin in addition to other beneficial health outcomes in the population.

Resource: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 86, No. 4, 1225-1231, October 2007

Charles

Herbal Tea- Grow Your Own

When it comes to good herbal tea, the fresher the better. Herbal teas are better tasting and more potent when they are at their peak of freshness. Growing your own herbal tea ensures not only that you have the freshest tea available, but you control the growing, the fertilizing and making sure it is organic, meaning you are not using poisonous pesticides in your growing process.

Herbal teas are used in many ways from soothing sore throats to easing digestion, and not to forget relaxation. Herbal teas can be planted in a garden in your yard, in flower pots in the house, on window sills, on the porch. Just about any place you can put a planting pot, you can grow herbal tea.

Herbal tea can be grown from seed or you can purchase them as starter plants, which is a little more expensive, but makes growing faster. I would rather grow them from seed so that I have control on what is used in the process.

You need approximately 4-5 of each herbal tea plant in order to grow enough herbal tea to keep you in a good supply of tea. Growing is easy, just read and follow the instructions on the seed package. Herbal tea seeds can be purchased from several online stores. Just use you favorite web search engine and you can find several sources to purchase from.

When ever you fell the need for a cup of herbal tea, you can take it fresh from the plant as it is growing. When harvesting your tea, try to use it with two days for the best results for potency. If you have an over abundance of herbal tea at the end of the growing cycle or season, you can always harvest the tea and dry it for later use.

To dry the herbal tea, tie a small bundle of stalks or stems together and then hang them upside down in an area away from moisture. When the material is dry and has a crispy texture, you can then store the herbal tea in an air tight container.

Some herbal tea plants bloom every season after they have been planted (perennial). For these plants do not cut the stalks too low or they may not bloom or grow next season. Once the tea is dried and properly stored, it should last for about two years.

Good Herbal Teas To Grow:

Lavender- helps you relax, boosts immunity and is anti-bacterial
Chamomile- helps you relax, aids digestion, and is anti-inflammatory (German species)
Calendula- helps the lymph system and is anti-inflammatory
Hops- helps you relax and aids in digestion
Mint- helps with headaches, digestion and sinusitis
Passionflower- helps you relax and calms the nerves
Lemon Verbena- helps with sleep, concentration and digestion
Rosemary- helps upper respiratory problems and sore throats; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Marjoram- helps upper respiratory problems and sore throats; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Basil- helps upper respiratory problems and sore throats; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Thyme- helps upper respiratory problems and sore throats; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Herbal teas can be mixed together to produce exotic flavors and healthful uses. For example, you can combine chamomile, passionflower and lavender for a calming nightime blend.

Sip your way to good health!

Charles

Herbs That Interact With Other Medications

Here is a partially listing of herbs that react to certain medications. Make sure you check out the herb remedies that you are wanting to try to ensure they will not react or effect the medicines that you may currently be taking.

Herb	Interaction
Bearberry	Reduce absorption of drugs
Bilberry	Counteract short-acting blood thinners
	Bromelain
	Anticoagulants
	Tetracycline
	Thrombocytic aggregation inhibitors
Buckthorn bark	Antiarrythmic agents
	Cardiac glycosides
	Corticosteroids
	Increase action of Licorice root
	Thiazide diuretics
Cascara Sagrada bark	Antiarrythmic agents
	Cardiac glycosides
	Corticosteroids
	Increase action of Licorice root
	Thiazide diuretics
Chaste Tree fruit	Dopamine-receptor antagonists
Cola nut	Caffeine-containing beverages
	Psychoanaleptic drugs
Echinacea	Counteract immuno-suppressive drugs
Ephedra	Cardiac glycosides
	Guanethidine
	Halothane
	MAO inhibitors
	Oxytocin
	Secale alkaloid derivatives
	Exacerbate other stimulants
Flaxseed	May delay absorption of drug if taken at same time
Garlic	May increase action of blood thinning drugs
Ginkgo Biloba	May increase action of blood thinning drugs
Ginseng	Increase working of other stimulants
Goldenseal	Counteract short-acting blood thinners
Green Tea	Reduce absorption of drugs
Kava Kava root	Alcohol
	Barbiturates
	Psychopharmacological agents
Licorice root	Chronic use can cause potassium loss
	Digitalis glycosides
	Thiazide diuretics
Oak bark	Alkaline drugs
	Alkaloids
Psyllium husks	May delay absorption of drug if taken at same time
Raspberry leaves	Reduce absorption of drugs
Senna leaf	Antiarrythmic agents
	Cardiac glycosides
	Corticosteroids
	Increase action of Licorice root
	Thiazide diuretics
Senna pod	Antiarrythmic agents
	Cardiac glycosides
	Corticosteroids
	Increase action of Licorice root
	Thiazide diuretics
St John's Wort	Increase effects of antidepressants and narcotics
Uva Ursi leaf	Urine-acidifying agents
Valerian	Increase effect of sedatives
Witch hazel	Reduce absorption of drugs
Yeast, Brewer's	MAO inhibitors

As we progress through this journey to health and knowledge, I will add more to this list as the information is obtained. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy.

Charles

Homemade Natural Face Cream

Here is an excellent home recipe for face cream.

Equipment Needed:

Small pan or skillet
Measuring cup and spoons
Blender
Wooden spoon
Rubber spatula
Amber storage jar
Labels

Ingredients Needed:

2/3 cup rosewater, orangewater or distilled water (don't use tap water)
1/3 cup aloe vera gel (can substitute with comfrey root tea)
Essential oil (such as coriander)
Vitamin A or E (if desired)

Oils Needed:

3/4 cup apricot or almond oil
1/3 cup cocoa butter
1 teaspoon anhydrous lanolin
2 tablespoons liquid lecithin
1/2 oz. grated beeswax

Directions:

Without burning, melt the wax and oils together. Set aside and allow to cool. Cut and peel the aloe vera until you have 1/3 cup, then whip this in the blender. Add the rosewater, orangewater, or distilled water that you decided to use to the whipped aloe and then blend.

Pour the oil mixture into the measuring cup and turn on the blender to its highest setting. Slowly drizzle the oil mixture into the top of the blender. The consistency will change quickly. It will thicken suddenly and you should hear a "glug, glug" sound. This indicates it is done. Spoon the mixture into the amber glass jar and you are finished.

Fill out and apply the lable to the jar with the date and what is in the jar for later indentification.

Note: If you add any herbs to this mixture you should add 5 drops of Benzoin tincture as a preservative or keep the cream refrigerated.

Charles

Emergency Replacement For Antibiotics

In this post I felt the need to discuss alternatives to antibiotics. With the current economic fears and the drastic changes occurring within the United States and other global concerns, as well as possible pandemics, the availability of antibiotics many not be readily available.

If a pandemic or other catastrophe were to force the wide spread shut down of the power grid, financial system, or the like, resulting in several months with no power or chaos- the likelihood that the supply of antibiotics would slowly dwindle away.

What do you do then when you or a family member develops a serious infection? If you planned ahead and did have a small supply of antibiotics like inject able penicillin, how long do you think it will last if you cannot keep it cold due to power outages or having to quickly leave your home for some unforeseen reason.

I have listed three alternatives that can be used as emergency antibiotics. These items can be purchased readymade with a long shelf life and should be put in your emergency home medical kit.

These items can be made under emergency conditions at home, but I recommend buying them readymade so that you know you are using the proper dosages. If you plan on learning to make them yourself, I suggest you do a lot of research and make good notes that can be followed when the time comes to make them.

Here are the three alternative remedies for antibiotics:

1. Cat's Claw Extract or Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa)- has antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in the treatment of, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, bursitis, genital herpes, herpes zoster, ulcers, candidiasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, PMS, menstrual irregularities, gastric ulcers, gonorrhea, hemorrhoids, gastritis, colitis,
diverticulitis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and stimulating immune function.

Dosage: 7-10 drops, 3 times day. For chronic use may increase to 15 drops, 5 times a day.

2. Venus Fly-Trap Extract- (Dionaea Muscipula) is a species of carnivorous plants that contains a powerful immune modulator "naphthoquinone plumbagin". Published scientific research indicates that plumbagins used in low doses are potent stimulators of macrophage activity, anti-mutagenic, elevates HDL, the good cholesterol, and prevented bacterial resistance to antibiotics in animal studies. Metabolic effects: - increases or normalizes body temperature (anecdotal reports).

Dosage: (Shake well before using) Mix 15-30 drops in warm water and take this tea 1-3times daily

3. Colloidal Silver liquid. (The natural alternative to antibiotics.) Colloidal silver is micro-sized particles of pure 99.99% silver suspended in a distilled water solution. Colloidal Silver can be made at home using Colloidal Silver generators.

Basically this consists of running a current of electricity through two 99.99% pure silver wires which cause micro silver particles to be suspended within the water.

Colloidal silver must be used sparingly. If you use too much over a long period of time, or use solution where the silver particles are larger than they are supposed to be, you could develop what is called "Argyria". This is where your skin turns bluish or grayish, but is not usually fatal.

There are many critics in favor of colloidal silver and many against. Do your research and decide what the benefits are for you. Cayenne pepper remedies are sometimes used in conjunction with colloidal silver for treatment of the really tough stuff.

The testimonies I have read of people in favor of colloidal silver were overwhelming.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon 2 to 3 times a day sublingually. For acute situations take 1 teaspoon 4 times per day.

May be applied to minor cuts, rashes, athlete's foot, sunburn and other skin conditions. The reference dose, published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1991, which recommends the estimated daily exposure which is unlikely to incur an appreciable risk of deleterious effects during a lifetime, is 5 µg/kg/d; meaning 5 microgram of silver per kilo of weight per person each day – about 1 liter of 10 ppm colloidal silver per month for a 66 kg person.

Charles

Emergency Medical Survival Kit - What You Must Have to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Global economic collapse that could leave billions of people without access to adequate medical care for a year or longer is a terrifying specter on the horizon, say experts, but you can protect yourself from a health disaster with an inexpensive medical survival kit that includes the items we recommend below:

1. Five or more gallons of fresh distilled water, bottled, for flushing wounds and other sterile purposes in emergencies.

Una de Gato (cats claw): jungle herb for 100 or more health challenges will come in handy after economic and social collapse.

2. Bandages, gauze, sharp scissors, tweezers, throw-away scalpels, disposable gloves, adhesive bandages, needle and sterile thread and other rudimentary medical and surgical tools.

3. Several bottles of rubbing alcohol.

4. A years supply of aspirin or any other pain reliever of your choosing, prescription if you can get it, over-the-counter if you cant. Herbal stress relievers such as Rescue Remedy and no-stress capsules can help with anxiety generally, as related to the economic crash, and specifically as related to trauma or injury.

5. Several 8-oz. bottles of colloidal silver liquids (in dark color glass bottles) that can be used in lieu of or in addition to prescription antibiotics for dental and systemic infections. Potent trace-mineral wound sprays derived from purified sea salts have a long shelf-life and will come in handy for direct application as needed.

6. A supply of anti-bacterial, immune-supporting herbs to defend against bacterial outbreaks and epidemics or, if it should happen, a terror attack against the U.S. For sheer affordability, as we gave judged in ou rlong experience with herbals, Venus Flytrap Extracts and Cat's Claw products are excellent choices.

7. A supply of any good anti-viral formulation that contains licorice root, goldenseal root extract, and St. Johns wort extract for additional support against viral outbreaks.

Many people already have these herbs on their medicine shelf already. Survivalists, for example, almost certainly have them stashed away, as do herbalists and people who prefer natural medications over synthetic pharmaceuticals.

8. Toilet paper - and lots of it. Not necessarily a medical need, but important for people who are used to it. Considered a joke by some, survivalists have long made it clear that TP, like ammunition for guns, will become extraordinarily valuable during an economic meltdown.

The Department of Homeland Security and other authorities include the items below for the most comprehensive possible kit to meet any emergency:

Dressings ( sterile , applied directly to wound ):

Pads

Sterile eye pads

Sterile gauze pads

Sterile non-adherent pads

Burn dressing (sterile pad soaked in a cooling gel)

Bandages:

Gauze roller bandages - absorbent, breathable, and often elastic

Elastic bandages - used for sprains, and pressure bandages

Adhesive, elastic roller bandages - very effective pressure bandages or durable, waterproof bandaging

Triangular bandages - used as slings, tourniquets, to tie splints, and many other uses

Adhesive bandages (band-aids, sticking plasters )

Straight adhesive bandages

Moleskin for blister treatment

Butterfly (knuckle) bandages and wound closure strips

Instruments:

Adhesive tape , hypoallergenic

Trauma shears , for cutting clothing and general use

Tweezers

Lighter , for sterilizing tweezers or pliers etc

20-cc syringe with catheter tip for wound irrigation with sterile saline solution

Rubber suction bulb, for clearing the airway of an unconscious patient

Equipment:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gloves , disposable non- latex

CPR mask or other breathing barrier such as a face shield

Scissors

Eye cup or small plastic cup

Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs)

Instant-acting chemical cold packs

Sterile eye wash (commonly saline)

Sterile saline (used for cleaning wounds where clean tap water is not available, but note that even clean tap water should be converted to normal saline by adding salt)

Swabs, sterile non-woven

Space blanket (lightweight plastic foil blanket, also known as emergency blanket)
Alcohol rub (hand sanitizer) or antiseptic hand wipes

Thermometer

Penlight (with extra batteries)

Medication:

Antiseptics / antimicrobial

Povidone iodine wipes (use for first-aid disputed)

Benzalkonium Chloride (use for first-aid disputed)

Alcohol pads - used to prep unbroken skin for injections etc. or to disinfect equipment such as thermometers.

Antibiotic pills (use for first-aid disputed)

Antibiotic ointment - single, double, or triple antibiotic ointment in petroleum jelly base

Antiseptic/anesthetic ointment, fluid or spray, for example Lidocaine

Anti-fungal cream

Anti-itch ointment

Hydrocortisone cream

Calamine lotion

Painkillers / fever reducers:

Acetaminophen

Ibuprofen - anti-inflammatory, often more effective than acetaminophen.

Aspirin

Anti diarrhea medication such as Loperamide Immodium

Oral rehydration salt

Antihistamine

diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl)

Aloe vera gel - used for a wide variety of skin problems, including burns, sunburns, itching, and dry skin; used as a substitute for triple-antibiotic gel to keep a wound moist and prevent bandages from sticking

Burn gel - a water-based gel that acts as a cooling agent and often includes a mild anesthetic such as lidocaine and, sometimes, an antiseptic such as tea tree oil

Epinephrine auto-injector (brand name Epipen) - often included in kits for wilderness use and in places such as summer camps, to treat anaphylactic shock.

Poison treatments:

Activated charcoal

Syrup of ipecac

QuikClot is a hemostatic agent sometimes included in first aid kits, especially military kits, to control severe bleeding.

Tincture of benzoin improves tape adhesion to skin, toughens cracked skin.

Advanced first aid manual

Strong backpack to hold all the supplies.

There are many different ways to compile an emergency medical kit. By doing a little studing and research, you may find several other alternatives or extra additions that can be added to this kit.

The most important point here is the need to have an emergency medical kit, one which is portable, in case you need to bug out (leave home).

For excellent information on bugout bags and kit information can be found at
www.urbansurvivalskills.com. The webmaster is a retired special forces soldier and an expert on survival topics.


Charles

Appetite Suppressants and Your Health

It is so easy, when you wish to lose a couple of unwanted pounds to simply pop an appetite suppressant. These weight-loss supplements can normally be bought over the counter without a prescription, or those which are only obtainable with a prescription.

General information on appetite suppressants

Although appetite suppressants may help you lose weight by suppressing your normal desire to eat, they carry a certain amount of health risks. It is strange that people will look at the side effects of prescription drugs when scripted for illness or disease, but will merrily disregard the fine print on the packing slips of the suppressants.

The reason for this rationale might be the fact that some people still think that appetite suppressant pills are not detrimental to your health. The unfortunately truth is that countless people have found out the truth behind this easy way of weight loss.

Some side effects of appetite suppressants

Dry mouth, addiction, euphoria, psychotic reactions, hyper excitability, agitation, fatigue, sleep disturbances, insomnia, anorexia, altered metabolism, hyper salivation, organ disorders, diarrhea, hair loss, depression, nightmares, cardio arrhythmia, shivers, anemia, fluid retention, impotency, dizziness, frequent urination, conjunctivitis, stomach pain, itchiness, pulmonary hypertension, headache, sweats, thirst, muscle weakness, tremors, anxiety, restlessness, heart palpitations, angina, skin rash, blurred vision.

It is very clear that anyone taking appetite suppressants, other than healthy herbal remedies, should think twice.

Losing weight

Although it may take more time to lose weight naturally, your health will not be compromised and you will not be affected by the constant yo-yo effect of losing and gaining weight. When losing weight at a constant and lesser rate, the body has more time to adjust to the lighter you, and you will look less haggard than those that went on weight loss sprees and losing too much weight too fast.

It may sound great to lose ten or more pounds a week, but this is far too much unless you are severely overweight. Crash diets can remove the bulk of excess weight, yet very seldom will they help you lose the last couple of unwanted pounds, as the body will fight this unnatural rate of losing body mass.

With this, the last couple of excess pounds, a more moderate weight loss is called for, which unfortunately will call for some sacrifice and work.

We unfortunately live in a society where people do not want to take responsibility for their own actions, where other people and companies are sued for the fact that they cannot control their own obese eating habits.

But in real life the truth still remains that you will not have a perfect body unless you are prepared to put work into your body and to watch your diet.

Natural appetite suppressant

Some herbs can help to curb your appetite, and will do so with fewer side effects and in a far more natural way. A natural folk remedy to lose weight is apple cider vinegar. One teaspoon is taken in half a glass of water 30 minutes before meals and is followed by another half a glass of clear water to rinse the vinegar from your teeth, as the vinegar could affect your teeth.

If you are suffering from a stomach ulcer you will not be able to take the apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach, and will then have to take it after eating.

To lose weight you will need to curb your food intake and start a healthy exercise program.

Good Luck!

Charles

Homocysteine Levels

What are Normal Homocysteine Levels?
by: Dr. Ray Strand

The medical literature has shown us that a homocysteine level below 6.5 micromols/L is a safe level. As the homocysteine level rises above this level the risk of cardiovascular disease will increase.

The higher these levels the greater your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Most labs report a normal homocysteine should be in the range of 5 to 12 or even 15 micromols/L. If your homocysteine level is above 12 micromols/L, you are in serious trouble.

There are now even studies that show that individuals with elevated homocysteine levels are also at greater risk of developing several different kinds of cancers and even Alzheimer’s dementia.

The main point you must remember that the lower your homocysteine level the better. You certainly would want to see your homocysteine level below 6.5. The lower the better is the key when it comes to homocysteine levels.


Treating Elevated Homocysteine Levels

When I encounter patients with elevated homocysteine levels above 10 or 12 micromols/L, I encourage them to start high quality, complete and balanced nutritional supplements that contain at least 1,000 mcg of folic acid, 100-200 mcg of vitamin B12, and at least 50 mg of vitamin B6.

If my patients are already taking this level of these B vitamins and their homocysteine levels are still elevated, I will add Betaine or Trimethylglycine (TMG). I will gradually increase the dose from 1 gram to even 6 grams in order to get their homocysteine levels at least below 8 micromols/L and hopefully below 6.5 micromols/L.

Some physicians who understand the seriousness of elevated homocysteine levels will sometimes prescribe very high doses of B vitamins. I have not had that much success with this approach. However, I don’t mind increasing the B vitamins as long as they also are adding significant levels of Betaine (TMG).

You should have your mocysteine rechecked after 2 to 3 months on either B vitamins or Betaine to be sure your homocysteine level has come down into that safe range. If not, you need to add more Betaine (TMG) up to 6 grams daily in order to reach that goal.

(Source: Dr. Ray Strand, expert on Nutritional Medicine.)

Charles

The Path To Fitness And Health

Walking towards health and fitness is not really the hard arduous job that everybody seem to think it is. When you really think about it, the hard part is often the start. Afterwards, everything else will be easier once you really get the hang of it. All it takes is discipline and commitment.

Below are some tips on how to get a head start on your road to health and fitness. Read each one and you’ll realize that it is actually easier to undertake. You just need to take the first few steps.

1. Start small If your favorite dish is something that your doctor asked you to avoid, there is no sense in skipping it altogether and then binging on the dish when you can’t take the abstinence anymore. Take moderate steps towards the goal.

If you eat the dish everyday, try to cut down on your consumption and make it just three times a week. IF you have managed that, cut down further and make it once a week. That way, you are able to still enjoy the food and not increase your craving for it.

2. Plan modestly Set goals for yourself but that does not mean that you have to kill yourself to get it and when you don’t you’ll also kill yourself. Setting too high goals will often only lead to disappointment and frustration. When you plan, make sure that you can do it. How will you know?

Be realistic. You know what you are capable of. It is better to set goals for yourself that you know you can do. Accomplishing them will give you a sense of achievement that will make you more confident and more willing to continue with your task.

3. Have a buddy Sharing the aches and pains as well as the joys of accomplishment with a buddy will help make the process easier and more bearable. In fact, people with a buddy when doing a self-improvement project are better able to stick with their plans than those who are doing the projects alone.

This is because when you have a buddy with you, he or she acts as a support system that will help keep you on track and prevent you from giving up. Besides having a friend with you experiencing the same things makes the process more fun and more enjoyable.

4. Have discipline This is one of the few things that will make or break your plans to finally live a healthy lifestyle. In order to really stick to the plan, you need to develop self-discipline especially when it involves things that you really want to do or things that you are used to doing.

Temptations along the way will be many and you need to be prepared to face all that!

5. Do it for yourself A lot of people start to live a life of health and fitness when they are trying to get a new guy to notice them or when they want to impress a lover.

Although these are valid reasons, sometimes, they are not enough to see you through the entire process. It is better that you do it for yourself because you want a healthier and better you than do it for other people’s approval. After all, the only approval that you will ever need is your own.


Charles

Why Muscles Get Sore

People begin to complain more of pain in their joints and muscles as they grow older. Simple chores like bending over to pick up the morning news paper make them wince as they seem to stiffen up with age.

Such pain can grip so fiercely that they are sure it begins deep in their bones. According to a Johns Hopkins Medical School research, the real cause of soreness and stiffness is not in the joints or bones, but actually in the muscles and connective tissues that move the joints.

The frictional resistance generated by the two rubbing surfaces of bones in the joints is negligible, even in joints damaged by arthritis.

Flexibility is the medical term used to describe the range of a joint’s motion from full movement in one direction to full movement in the other. The greater the range of movement, the more flexible the joint.

If you bend forward at the hips and touch your toes with your fingertips, you have good flexibility, or range of motion of the hip joints. But can you bend over easily with a minimal expenditure of energy and force? The exertion required to flex a joint is just as important as its range of possible motion.

Different factors limit the flexibility and ease of movement in different joints and muscles. In the elbow and knee, the bony structure itself sets a definite limit. In other joints, such as the ankle, hip, and back, the soft tissue—muscle and connective tissue—limit the motion range.

The problem of inflexible joints and muscles is similar to the difficulty of opening and closing a gate because of a rarely used and rusty hinge that has become balky.

Hence, if people do not regularly move their muscles and joints through their full ranges of motion, they lose some of their potential. That is why when these people will try to move a joint after a long period of inactivity, they feel pain, and that discourages further use.

What happens next is that the muscles become shortened with prolonged disuse and produces spasms and cramps that can be irritating and extremely painful. The immobilization of muscles, as researchers have demonstrated with laboratory animals, brings about biochemical changes in the tissue.

Here are some other factors trigger sore muscles:

1. Too much exercise

Have you always believed on the saying, “No pain, no gain?” If you do, then, it is not so surprising if you have already experienced sore muscles. The problem with most people is that they exercise too much thinking that it is the fastest and the surest way to lose weight. Until they ache, they tend to ignore their muscles and connective tissue, even though they are what quite literally holds the body together.

2. Immobility

Sore muscles or muscle pain can be excruciating, owing to the body’s reaction to a cramp or ache. In this reaction, called the splinting reflex, the body automatically immobilizes a sore muscle by making it contract. Thus, a sore muscle can set off a vicious cycle pain.

First, an unused muscle becomes sore from exercise or being held in an unusual position. The body then responds with the splinting reflex, shortening the connective tissue around the muscle.

This cause more pain, and eventually the whole area is aching. One of the most common sites for this problem is the lower back.

3. Aging and inactivity

Connective tissue binds muscle to bone by tendons, binds bone to bone by ligaments, and covers and unites muscles with sheaths called fasciae. With age, the tendons, ligaments, and fasciae become less extensible. The tendons, with their densely packed fibers, are the most difficult to stretch.

The easiest are the fasciae. But if they are not stretched to improve joint mobility, the fasciae shorten, placing undue pressure on the nerve pathways in the muscle fasciae. Many aches and pains are the result of nerve impulses traveling along these pressured pathways.

4. Spasm theory

In the physiology laboratory at the University of Southern California, some people have set out to learn more about this cycle of pain.

Using some device, they measured electrical activity in the muscles. The researchers knew that normal, well-relaxed muscles produce no electrical activity, whereas, muscles that are not fully relaxed show considerable activity.

In one experiment, the researchers measured these electrical signals in the muscles of persons with athletic injuries, first with the muscle immobilized, and then, after the muscle had been stretched.

In almost every case, exercises that stretched or lengthened the muscle diminished electrical activity and relieved pain, either totally or partially.

These experiments led to the “spasm theory,” an explanation of the development and persistence of muscle pain in the absence of any obvious cause, such as traumatic injury.

According to this theory, a muscle that is overworked or used in a strange position becomes fatigued and as a result, sore muscles. Hence, it is extremely important to know the limitations and capacity of the muscles in order to
avoid sore muscles. This goes to show that there is no truth in the saying, “No pain, no gain.”

What matters most is on how people stay fit by exercising regularly at a normal range than once rarely but on a rigid routine.

A good stretching and warm up and cool down routine is important to an effective exercise program.

Charles

Caring For Dry Skin

It is hard to ignore dry skin. Dry skin gives one a bad appearance as the upper layer of skin show signs of cracking. Some of the main causes of dry skin are: too much exfoliation, dry climate and treatment of other skin problems.

Dry skin could just be the inherent of one's nature. Whatever the causes are, caring for dry skin is important and easy to accomplish.

Dry skin care starts with moisturisers, the most effective remedy for dry skin. Generally, moisturisers are classified under two categories based on the way they treat dry skin.

Category 1- includes moisturisers that provide dry skin care just by preserving the moisture within the skin. Vaseline would be one example of this. These moisturisers are inexpensive and are readily available, even at grocery stores.

Category 2- includes moisturisers that work by drawing moisture from the environment and supplying it to the skin. This is a very effective way of dry skin care in humid conditions. The moisturisers that provide this type of care are called humectants. For proper dry skin care, you must use a non-greasy type of moisturiser. Humectants fall into this category. The ingredients of humectants include propylene glycol, urea, glycerine, hyaluronic acid.

Dry skin care is not just about using moisturisers, it is also about using them properly. The best skin care procedure would be to cleanse the skin before applying the moisturiser. You can make the application more effective by applying the moisturiser while the skin is still damp after the cleansing. Make sure that you use soap-free products, especially on your face, neck and arms.

Exfoliating helps in dry skin care by removing dead skin cells. However, don’t exfoliate too hard. Skin care products should also provide some type of sun protection. Avoid too much sun exposure. Use a good sunscreen lotion before going out. A lot of moisturisers provide sun protection too, along with dry skin care.

There are natural skin products that provide dry skin care in a natural way without the use of synthetic chemicals. These skin care products supply lipid enhancements to the skin, hence enabling moisture retention within the skin.

Another important factor for skin care is the temperature of the water you use for showering or for washing your face. Use warm water, as water that is too hot or too cold can cause dryness.

Dry skin care is also about being gentle with your skin. You should avoid harsh detergents and alcohol based cleansers. Also, after a face wash, do not rub your towel on your face, just pat gently to soak the water off.

Dry skin care is really simple for anyone who is willing to take it seriously.

Don't forget to wash behind the ears!

Charles

Fighting Kidney Stones- the natural way

People suffering from kidney stones increase every year. This is a result of living an unhealthy lifestyle leading to the painful condition.

Kidney stones are pieces of waste material formed within the kidney and is the most common problem faced by many people who have kidney problems. The stones can be one or many and are hard like rock and can be very painful for the unlucky person that develope them.

But, unlike the real stones, kidney stones can be dissolved once they are diagnosed early.

Many experts say that the easiest way of dealing with kidney stones is to flush them out from the bpdy. This can be achieve through medication or by a simple medical procedure, although it is always best to do it the natural way.

Drinking tea is one of the natural ways of dissolving kidney stones and flushing it out from the system. Throughout the ages, tea has been providing people with a lot of benefits. And one of which is helping the body's system to flush out waste products that could bring health complications.

People who have suffered from kidney stones would agree that tea—those that contain Chinese herbs such as plantain leaf, meadowsweet, Joe-pye weed, and sarsaparilla, can help dissolve kidney stones because these contain natural properties, which are good in eliminating excess uric acid in the body.

China uses the mentioned herbs, in the form of tea, to treat kidney stones. Combined with other herbs such as corn silk, wild yam root, hydrangea root, yarrow leaf, and cramp bark, tea preparation can be an effective means of dissolving small kidney stones.

It takes time to prepare the tea in order to make it more effective and potent. This is done to ensure that all the natural properties will be intact. Many people attest to how great the tea preparation works, but its effectiveness may not work for everyone especially to those who bleed easily.

Another method of dissolving kidney stones the natural way is through diuretic tea. For this type of tea, you can choose either dandelion or corn silk. Many people say that these herbs are the two most popular choices of diuretic that can produce early results.

When combined with other herbs such as fennel seed, nettle leaf, and oat straw, diuretic tea can be more effective in dissolving even medium-sized kidney stones.

Preparation for a diuretic tea:

You need the ½ teaspoon of each mentioned herb and a quart of water that is boiling. Once it has reached it boiling point, cover the pot and set it aside for about 30 minutes. Before drinking it twice daily (one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening) filter it first.

If you are not the type of using herbs as a natural means of fighting kidney stones, there are other ways such as:

- drinking at least 8 glasses of water to flush out body waste

- taking in lemonade preparation to delay the development of stones

- eat foods that are rich in fiber but low in protein, calcium, and salt because these three are the primary causes of kidney stones

- engaging on a regular physical exercise because lack of movements in sedentary living can lead you faster to the formation kidney stones.

Once you have experienced the pain of having kidney stones, you will not want to go through it again.

Take care of yourself!

Charles

Healthy Kimchi Recipe

Here is a Korean side dish for you spicy dish lovers. It is a healthy addition to complement a healthy meal.

Ingredients:

- 2 whole Napa Cabbage
- 1 Cup of Salt
-10 Cups of Water
- 7 Tbsp of Anchovy Sauce or Fish Sauce (substitute 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce if you don't like fish)
- 1 1/4 Cup of Crushed Red Pepper Powder (from Korean Store)
- 8 Pieces of Green Onion
- 1/2 of a Radish
- 1 Whole Garlic
- 1 Piece of Ginger
- 1/2 of an Onion
- 1/2 of an Apple
- 1/2 of an Apple Pear
- 4 Tbsp of Sugar

- Slice Napa Cabbage into bite size pieces and put into a large bowl.
- Mix water and salt together and pour over cabbage.
- Let the cabbage sit for 2 hours.
- In a blender, combine the garlic, onion, apple, apple pear, and ginger together. Puree.
- Julienne the Radish and thinly slice the Green Onions.
- After 2 hours rinse the cabbage in cold water about 3 times.
- Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl. (Rubber gloves recommended)
- Store the kimchi in room temperature over night and then keep in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Charles

Are Wisdom Teeth Important?

Are Wisdom Teeth Important? Why They May Need To Be Removed

Wisdom teeth are the last molars that erupt through the gums in the back of the jaw. This usually happens around the age of 20, when one acquires some degree of wisdom, and that's why they are named as such. Many times wisdom teeth are removed because the jaw is so crowded they cannot come in straight, or they get impacted.

Impacted wisdom teeth get trapped in the jaw and cannot emerge through the skin. In some cases, there are no symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth so there is no need for treatment. Other people have uneventful eruptions and are able to keep their wisdom teeth for life.

As long as the wisdom teeth are healthy, positioned so they can be cleaned properly, and are aligned so no biting problems develop, then removal is not necessary.

However, because of the high percentage of wisdom teeth that need to be removed, some dentists recommend routinely removing wisdom teeth while a child is young and better able to tolerate the surgery.

As the child matures and the teeth become more firmly rooted into the jaw and removal carries a higher risk of complications.

Signs that there are problems with wisdom teeth include jaw swelling, jaw pain, bad breath, gum tenderness, swollen gums, red gums, bad taste when biting down, persistent headache, and persistent jaw ache. Emerging wisdom teeth can even push other teeth out of alignment and change the position of the teeth as well as cause increased sensitivity.

A dentist can determine the condition of wisdom teeth by performing an oral examination and looking at x-rays. He may decide to remove the teeth to treat symptoms and relieve pain or the dentist may want to remove the teeth to prevent future problems.

Complications that could arise from wisdom teeth that are not removed include tooth decay that results from inability to reach all surfaces when brushing, progressive crowding of the other teeth, and gum disease.

Food and germs often get trapped in the area around wisdom teeth and this leads to mild gum disease (gingivitis) or more serious gum disease (periodontitis). In addition to that, cysts may develop inside the jawbone that damage the teeth, bone, and nerves and requires major surgery to correct.

The dentist may choose to take a watchful waiting approach to impacted wisdom teeth if the symptoms are not severe. When pain or complications are present, extraction is usually performed.

This is typically done by an oral surgeon in his dental office but more complicated impactions may require a hospital operating room and the use of general anesthesia. During the surgery, the teeth and roots are removed. In some cases, portions of the jawbone may need to be removed also.

Recovery from surgery is usually uneventful and takes just a few days. Pain medication may be indicated for the first twenty four hours and soft foods should be eaten for several days. Dry socket is a possible complication. This happens when a clot becomes dislodged and the bone is exposed. This is a painful condition and requires follow up care by a dentist.

The wisdom teeth are not essential and removing them does not affect the ability to chew or cause misalignment of the other teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly common dental procedure that has a low risk of complications.


Charles

What Causes Athletes Feet?

The Cause And Treatment of Tinea Pedis.

Athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by a fungus. It usually grows in the moist spaces between the toes but can grow in other areas as well. Another name for athletes' feet is tinea pedis; this fungus is closely related to those that cause jock itch and ringworm.

Athlete's foot can be mild or severe and the symptoms vary from person to person. The symptoms include itching, burning, stinging, formation of blisters, cracking of the skin, peeling, dry skin, and thickened or discolored toenails. The symptoms that afflict the skin can appear in between the toes, on the soles of the feet and on the sides of the foot.

Athlete's foot is spread from person to person and from objects to people. It thrives in warm moist conditions. This fungal infection may be prevented by keeping the feet dry and allowing air circulation to the feet as much as possible by going without socks and wearing open toed sandals.

Socks should be changed regularly, at least twice a day for people with sweaty feet. It is also recommended to alternate shoes so they have plenty of time to dry out in between uses.

When in public places, wear flip-flops or other waterproof sandals so feet don't come in contact with surfaces in pools and showers. Don't borrow shoes from anyone else and use fungal powder on a regular basis. Some herbs might be beneficial in treating athletes' feet as well.

Garlic is a known antifungal antiseptic. The feet can be soaked in a basin of water with added crushed garlic cloves in order to relieve itching and burning. In addition, garlic infused oil can be made by soaking crushed garlic in olive oil for a few days and then applying the oil to the feet.

Ginger is another well known antifungal herb. Prepare a solution by adding chopped ginger to a cup of boiling water. When the solution has cooled, apply it to the feet twice daily.

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic that can be used to treat athlete's foot. Dilute tea tree oil with olive oil and apply to the feet three times daily. Tea tree oil is for external use only and should not be ingested.

Echinacea is well respected as an immune system enhancer and antifungal agent. This herb can be ingested in pill form or by tincture. Follow dosage directions on the label.

Turmeric is coming into wide use as an antifungal agent. This can be taken in supplement form or by applying the tincture directly to the affected area on the feet. Herbal powders are also recommended for treating athlete's feet.

These powders have antifungal properties and also work to combat moisture and make the skin a less desirable growing medium for fungus.

Keep those peeps clean!

Charles

What Is A Migraine Headache?

A migraine is a severe, crippling headache that lasts for hours or days at a time. These headaches are a chronic medical condition for which there is no known cure but effective treatment can keep the symptoms at bay.

There are two types of migraines, those with an aura (common migraines) and those without an aura (classic migraines).

People that suffer from migraines with an aura will commonly see visual disturbances about a half an hour before the headache begins. These could take the form of shooting stars, blind sots, or zigzag lines. Other may have certain smells or cravings when an attack is impending.

When the migraine headache strikes, it often starts on one side of the head and may spread to the other side. The patient feels intense throbbing pain that is most severe around the temples. Other symptoms can accompany the headache like nausea, fatigue, irritability, numbness, weakness, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and noises.

Although the exact cause of migraines still is not known, it is thought that the pain is caused by a restriction of blood vessels in the brain caused by dilation that floods the brain with blood and causes headache pain. Certain foods seem to trigger this reaction. These foods are alcoholic drinks, MSG, meat with nitrates like lunch meat, fermented foods, aged cheese, nuts, and chocolate.

Diagnosis of migraines headache relies on history of symptoms and diagnostic tests given to rule out other medical conditions. A CT scan can rule out tumors and infections. An MRI might be done to look for strokes, aneurysms, tumors, and problems with the blood vessels in the brain. A spinal tap might be done if the doctor suspects the headaches are caused by meningitis or other infection.

There are prescription medications on the market to help treat migraine headaches. Because headaches occur at random times, drugs are most commonly prescribed to treat an attack that is underway. However, patients that have attacks twice a month or more may take medication to help prevent attacks from happening.

In addition, lifestyle changes can help treat migraine headaches. The patient must identify his triggers and avoid them in order to ward off headaches. In addition, he should get plenty of sleep, avoid smoking, get regular exercise, and practice stress reduction.

Some herbs have been used to treat migraines as well. Studies have been done with butterbur and they have found this herb may reduce the duration and frequency of attacks. However, there is some concern about taking this herb on a long term basis due to its affect on the liver.

Feverfew is a traditional herbal treatment for headaches in general and some advocate its use for migraines as well. Results from clinical studies have been mixed but one study showed people taking feverfew had a reduction in frequency and severity of symptoms. This herb must be taken with caution as it may cause increased risk of bleeding particularly when combined with other blood thinners.

Other herbs have been recommended for treating migraines although there are no clinical studies to substantiate these claims. Some of these include devil's claw, ginger, and willow bark. Medical advice should be sought before taking herbs for migraines especially if prescription medications are taken along with them.

Charles

Lower Your Blood Pressure and Heighten Your Life Expectancy

High blood pressure, or hypertension to give its proper name, is a condition that affects millions of people. Some people may not even be aware that they have it, and this in itself is one of the most dangerous aspects, because if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can and will cause problems in later life.

It can cause your health to be seriously debilitated, but most importantly, high blood pressure will cause damage to your vital organs, the heart in particular, leading to strokes, angina, and heart attack.

There is a direct correlation between how hard the heart has to work to pump blood around your body, and to the elasticity of your veins and arteries. As we grow older, our veins and arteries loose much of their elasticity, and harden, making it more difficult for the heart to work to pump blood through them, and thus creating hypertension.

This is one of the main reasons that the incidence of high blood pressure increases with age. Another contributory factor is high levels of cholesterol which causes our veins to "fur up" once again making the heart work harder.

It may seem somewhat strange when one considers that one in five of us suffer from high blood pressure, but that in 90% of cases, the actual cause is unknown. In the remaining 10% of cases, the cause can be any one of number of factors that include being overweight, smoking, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, lack of regular exercise, eating too much salt, and having kidney disease.

It is also known that high blood pressure can be passed on through family genes, and that lifestyle, and stress in particular can contribute to experiencing hypertension.

However the good news is that hypertension, once diagnosed, can be controlled. It can be managed through a variety of remedies including a carefully controlled diet, lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and medications, either prescription drugs or natural herbal remedies.

From a personal point of view, if you have high blood pressure there are a number of things that you can do to alleviate the condition. Eating a healthy well balanced diet is very important, taking particular care to minimize your salt intake and eat plenty of green leafy vegetables.

Cut down on alcohol, or better still cut it out all together, and try to avoid too much stress both in your work environment and in the home too. Taking regular exercise is another proven way of relieving high blood pressure.

In terms of medications, there are a number of prescriptive medications, but unfortunately many of these have undesirable side effects. Natural herbal remedies are to be preferred, because they are indeed Mother Nature's gifts, and therefore will not cause any unpleasant side effects.

These include Arjuna, which promotes good, strong heart health, Guggul, which is proven to lower levels of cholesterol, and Garlic, which tests have indicated may help to lower cholesterol, can prevent blood clots from forming, (a major cause of stroke and heart attack), as well as being highly regarded for promoting heart health in general.

High blood pressure is very much a disease of the 21st century. By following the simple guidelines outlined above, you can manage hypertension and increase your life expectancy into the bargain.

Charles