Acupuncture and Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by both physical and psychological symptoms that can be detrimental to one's normal daily functioning. Depressed individuals often suffer from poor sleeping habits, crying spells, anxiety, worry, poor memory, inability to concentrate, body aches, stomach disturbances and a lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed. In most cases, the treatment involves antidepressant and/or counselling.

So can Acupuncture help with low mood and depression? A recent study on acupuncture in the treatment of major depressive disorder shows that acupuncture could be a safe and effective treatment for depression, even when standard antidepressant medications aren't suitable, giving hope for the thousand of people suffering from depression every year.

Firstly, it is worth to note that Chinese medicine does not recognize depression as an illness as such. But it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual to restore balance within the person, addressing at the same time body, mind and emotions.

As a general rule, Chinese Medicine associate depression with Deficiency and 2 organs, the Heart (the organ associated with Joy) and the Spleen (the organ associated with being grounded and content, or its opposite worry). Quite often, there is also involvement of the Liver (the organ associated with stress) so not only people are feeling bad but they can also experience more stress!

Once the patterns (diagnosis) are determined, the acupuncturist can select a combination of points which are specific to that individual. The practitioner can also advise on dietary changes and lifestyle changes.

This can include gentle exercise such as yoga to help move the Qi in the body, finding an activity that the person finds pleasurable to nourish the Heart or ensuring that the person follows a simple, easy to digest diet to support the Spleen.

As a general rule, it is better to stick to a diet with few raw vegetable/fruits as they put more strain on the digestive system and ensure that about 20~30% of the diet is made of protein. Reducing the amount of wheat and dairy products can also be beneficial.

Because depression is usually associated with deficiency, avoiding excesses is best! So extremely strenuous exercises are out and so is going to bed after midnight. Alcohol should be avoided too.

Acupuncture Therapy and Healing Process

Acupuncture therapy has been around for more than three thousand years, tracing its roots to ancient China. Acupuncture is an effective technique of the oldest healing traditions in medicine and has gone through many studies before it was used to treat different ailments. This is done by balancing the body's harmonious wellbeing.

The acupuncture therapy has always been a very effective and fascinating healing method, which was introduced around the world. It's been 200 years that this therapy has effectively been used to treat chronic pain. However, over the last 3 decades, the popularity of this therapy has increased dramatically. Today, physicians, and health practitioners are recommending acupuncture pain relief therapy to patients in order to get treated for their back and neck pain.

The crux of the matter on which the whole treatment is dependent is a belief that the body has certain pathways that carry with it some sort of energy. When this energy flows continuously and uninterruptedly, it leads to good health.

Acupuncture treatment requires the use of several needles that are injected in the body in order to remove any blockages so that the energy flows without any interruption. This is done in order to achieve the vitality of the body.

The Acupuncture Therapy Process
Chronic pain is treated with the stimulation of central nervous system that helps to get rid of back and neck pain. According to a recent study, the body has two nerve fibers that benefit from the acupuncture treatment. These key fibers are 'A Delta' and 'C'.

The meridians in a human body are connected to three hundred pressure points. They get to the targeted organ and effects energy flow. Acupuncture treatment restores the energy flow and balances the functions of the body. Moreover, electrical stimulations are usually combined with acupuncture to produce better results.

Electro Acupuncture and Its Benefits
Acupoint is another name for electro acupuncture. In this form, needles that are electrically charged are used for the treatment of areas affected with chronic pain. The healing process is enhanced since the transfer of electric impulses is given to the body through the electrically charged needles. These needles are basically allied with a device that generates pulse according to the required frequency and intensity of electronic waves. The frequency and intensity are adjustable and can vary according to the disease.

10 Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

Scientific name: Lavendula Augustifolia. Lavender is perhaps the most well-known and least understood of the essential oils. Practically everyone knows that lavender is great for burns, but few understand that there are over 30 (some say 40) different species of lavender and that many of the lavender essential oils are not even lavender, they are lavenda essential oils (smell similar, very cheap to produce, and containing very few if any of the healing properties of true lavender). The best lavender essential oil is from true lavender plants (Lavendula Augustifolia, previously known as Lavendula Officinalis Vera {Vera optional}) grown at altitudes of 5,000 feet or higher. This is the truly universal oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial (being currently tested against MRSA), antimicrobial, hormone balancing, skin cell regenerating, diuretic, muscle feeding, histamine blocking, anti-fungal, and overall body tonic essential oil! A true, pure lavender essential oil will contain properties that will affect all ten of the body's systems and still be gentle enough to use with a newborn baby (remember to dilute appropriately 0-2 years 1 drop essential oil to 3 drops carrier oil, 2-3 years 50/50 dilution, 3+ no dilution needed), earning it the name of The Universal Oil.

1. The first oil to grab for any kind of burn. If the burned area is large and tender to the touch you may want to add 5-10 drops of Lavender to one ounce of purified water in a spray bottle, shake well (and often) and spray the burnt area.

2. Reduces scarring and assists in removing old scars. Simply apply to the affected area several times a day. If you are preventing a scar from forming you have the added bonus of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties!

3. Insect repellant and great for bites and stings. It soothes the wound, calms the emotions, reduces any inflammation, and has an antihistamine affect. (Note: if you have a known life-threatening allergy to stings please visit the emergency room, but go ahead and apply the Lavender oil on the way.) You can also use it in a sachet to repel bugs that may be hiding out in your dresser or closet.

4. Not only is Lavender great for all skin issues, it has the double benefit of addressing hormonal imbalance skin issues (not just acne, but any way the hormone imbalance may present itself, psoriasis, rashes, cold sores, even boils). While you are using it on your skin it is also prevents wrinkles, scars, and encourages skin cell regeneration!

5. Diffuse Lavender in a sick room, it relaxes both the patient and the caregiver, strengthens the immune system, and it cleanses the air. A great disinfectant, it was carried by soldiers and medics in World War I and II to use on wounds.

6. Assists in reducing the pain associated with migraine or tension headaches. Apply to the back of the neck, temples, and tops of the ears to relax the muscles and the emotions and thus reduce (or eliminate) the headache. Also great for emotional imbalances, mood swings, and depression that often accompany headaches.

7. A drop or two applied to the pulse points of the wrists can drop high blood pressure or calm someone who is overexcited. Great for use before visiting the doctor, not only will it protect you from any germs you may be exposed to, but it will also help calm any fears you may experience by being there. Also great to use before visiting the dentist. You can even apply it directly to a toothache and it will help relieve the pain there!

8. Great for insomnia! Add 5-8 drops to 1/4 cup Be Young Starflake Bath salts (highly crystalized bath salts that are great for absorbing essential oils), then add to a tub of water, soak for 20 minutes (or more), rinse off (because the soak will bring toxins out of the body and to the skin and you do not want to reabsorb them) and you will be ready for bed. Don't want to soak? Put a drop on the back of the neck, temples, and tops of the ears. Add 5-10 drops to one ounce of water in a spray bottle, shake well and often and lightly spray your pillow, bed linens, or just spray around the bedroom. This also works well as "Monster spray" to scare away the monsters who are keeping your little ones from sleeping. It will calm their emotions and allow them to relax and go to sleep.

9. Great for any respiratory challenges, clears mucus, calms spasms, even aids in stopping an asthma attack or in dealing with hay fever challenges. Take a whiff; apply to the chest and under the nose.

10. Marvelous for muscle aches and pains, it feeds the muscles by increasing nitric oxide in the body (a free radical, one of those marvelous chemical molecules produced during lightning storms that makes the world so fresh and alive afterwards); this enables the muscles to perform with more strength. Additionally, it reduces inflammation and muscle spasms.

Aromatherapy With Lighting a Candle

If you are a newcomer to aromatherapy and have searched the web for information, it can seem a daunting task to find a simplified breakdown of what aromatherapy really is. A search of aromatherapy books will produce millions of results. So how does one make sense of the plethora of information available?

First, let's start with the definition of the word aromatherapy. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the broad definition is: the use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well-being. This definition seems so simple and straight forward. Yet for a word so simply defined there is such an abundance of information available on the subject. On Amazon.com alone, a search in books for aromatherapy returns 2,264 results. Why all this amazing information on a subject with such a simple definition? Whereas the definition of aromatherapy appears to be very simple, aromatherapy use and practice varies greatly and can become the subject of great debate.

There are professionals who practice aromatherapy. They are called aromatherapists. There are professional holistic medicine practitioners who suggest aromatherapy to their patients. Then there is an individual at home who lights their favorite fragrant candle and sits back to enjoy. Is this practicing aromatherapy? To many professionals and holistic medicine aficionado's the answer is no. And so the debate begins.

Going back to the Merriam-Webster's broad definition, the use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well-being, why then would burning a candle not be considered practicing aromatherapy? No one can dispute that the aroma of coffee brewing in the morning gives some people the feeling of "I can face this day" energy. No one can dispute that the aroma of bread baking in the oven gives some the people the "Oh, it is good to be home" relaxed feeling. These are examples of aromas enhancing a person's feeling of well-being. One could then conclude that there is no difference between that brewed coffee and an aromatic citrus sage candle filling a room with a soothing aroma that provides a sense of well-being.

A person can fully embrace the belief that aromatherapists and holistic practitioners are an important and integral part in helping to attain the greatest benefit from the therapeutic properties of aromatherapy and still believe that the simplicity of burning a candle or soaking in a warm tub with aromatic oils added to the water can also be beneficial.

Water Ionizers

An ionizer is a device used to produce ionized alkaline water perfectly safe to drink - it is even a better option than normal drinking water as liquids containing alkaline have minerals while normal drinking liquid has none and may even contain a little acid, therefore contributing to the amount of acid your body already has. The ionizing process includes the separation of the alkaline and acid substances in water.

How does an ionizer work?

Basically, the process only includes two steps, therefore, only doing two things to liquid: filter and ionize.

Once normal water from the tap enters the machine, the first thing that the machine will do is to filter it, thus, getting rid of any impurities present. Charcoal is used to filter the liquid as it is capable of eliminating bacteria, pesticides, germs, viruses, detergents, chemicals and other harmful substances.

What water ionizers don't take out are the alkalized minerals which is why these devices are so much better compared to the usual ones, like filters and distillers, because these produce fluids that get rid of everything including healthy minerals, therefore, giving their products an acidic pH level of 5.2 to 6, which is acidic enough to be used for car batteries and irons. This is something you don't want to be putting into your body, do you? The best water to drink is alkaline, with a pH level of 8 to 10, as these have healthy minerals such as calcium and magnesium which is needed by the body to function well.

Alkaline and Acidic Water

Water ionizers produce both alkaline and acidic liquids, separating them from one another, therefore, both can be used so neither will go to waste, but, they should not be used for the same purpose.

Alkaline for Internal Use

As previously mentioned, alkalized liquid is the ideal one to be used for drinking rather than acidic, one of the reasons being it is an antioxidant which is good for the body. It evens out pH levels of the body, therefore, reducing dangerous health risks from occurring such as certain illnesses and diseases like cancer and high blood pressure which is the effect that high acid levels have on the human body. Alkaline fluids can also strengthen bones and one's immune system due to the minerals it contains such as calcium and it also promotes better absorbing of nutrients into several organs in the body, therefore, increasing one's immune system. Alkaline water can also be used in cooking and preparing meals which will further enhance a person's health.

Acid for External Use

Acidic liquid can be used to disinfect certain items to get rid of and eliminate bacteria. It can also be used to disinfect certain wounds and cuts. When the level of acid is increased, it can then be used to clean dirt off roads, pathways, mirrors, countertops, bathtubs, shower areas, sinks, toilets and burns and stains from pots and pans used for cooking. Acidic liquid, in the form of soaps and shampoos, can be used to treat hair and facial problems such as pimples and dandruff.

Simple Steps to Boost Your Immune System to Help Prevent the Cold and Flu

Have you ever noticed people who tend to get sick all the time? This can be especially true in the work place. For example, at my job, we have to clock in and out using a finger scanner. Everyone in the office shares this time clock. That means, I have to touch the same finger scanning pad that tons of other people have touched.

Keep in mind that some people may have a cold or flu. Even worse, some people do not wash their hands after using the restroom. It's sad but true. Sharing a time clock is just one example of spreading a cold or flu virus. Think about other things that you share:

    Telephones
    Door knobs
    Computer equipment

When someone has a cold, chances are it will spread throughout the entire company. If you don't want to catch the cold or flu, then strengthening your immune system may be of importance to you. It doesn't have to be difficult to do. Some simple steps may be all you need to help prevent the common cold. Here are some basic steps that can take you a long way when done on a regular basis.

    Wash your hands often - In the workplace, this is especially important. Wash your hands after touching things such as time clocks, door knobs, etc. It's not possible to wash your hands all the time but when you find the chance, do it.
    Take your vitamins - It's difficult to eat a balanced diet when you're busy. A good multivitamin can help supplement what we lack in our diet. For example, vitamin E is known as an immune system enhancer.
    Exercise - Moderate exercise can help boost the immune system. You don't need to burn yourself out. Walking at a good pace on a regular basis is great exercise.

Considering healthier options overall can also help. A good idea would be to eat healthier as well. Cutting back on fast-food options and opting for whole foods can make a huge difference. You may even notice that you lose excess weight over time.

Another option that some health conscious individuals use is detoxing. A detox is simply cleaning the body of toxins over a period of 3-7 days. The most popular detoxes consist of herbal supplements. There are various types so it's best to become educated on the process before attempting a detox on your own.

Getting The Support You Need

There are many different types of hernias that a person may have. There are the rare hernias and then some that only babies suffer from. Others are quite common and adults as well as children can suffer from those. The inguinal hernia is perhaps one of the more common forms of hernias and typically men suffer from this type of hernia. In order to alleviate some of the pain or discomfort that comes along with it, many people opt to wear hernia belts or hernia briefs.

An inguinal hernia creates a bulge in the groin area or the lower abdomen and is caused when certain parts of the abdomen and the intestine are bursting through a weakened area located inside the abdominal wall. Treatment for this category of hernia is surgery in order to place those parts that come out back inside where they belong and to repair the opening or the weakened area. Despite the seemingly immediacy of the description, this surgery does not have to be performed immediately, if at all. There is an option that is available to you and they are called hernia belts.

Hernia belts are a type of fastener that you can wear, which will help to reduce your hernia. Please note that this belt is only suitable for people that have a small hernia that can be pushed back easily. You cannot self-diagnose yourself. You will need to see a doctor and discuss this option. They will then advise you on whether or not you have to have surgery or you can opt for this belt. However, if an operation is your best option this belt can be used before the surgery in order to carry on daily tasks that may be causing you pain.

Hernia briefs are yet another resource that hernia sufferers can use to deal with any pain and discomfort associated with the hernia. As the name suggests, this is a type of underwear that is similar to a hernia belt, in terms of efficacy. There are some cases where the brief may provide better protection to the wearer. Because it is designed in the shape of underwear and also because of the materials used, the brief provides just enough pressure to keep the hernia from protruding even further or even shifting when walking or moving about. If you are an active individual, you may even be able to still do moderate jogging or speed walks without causing any further damage. This is due to the built in support panels that prevent protruding during physical activity and provide just the right amount of pressure to stop any shifting. There are even some designs that allow for the support panels to be removed, if necessary, which is great for the inguinal hernia. Unlike a hernia belt, the brief is less bulky. It is strong, offers great support and can fit nicely underneath clothes.

How Taking Care Of Your Health At Home?

Being healthy has always been of utmost importance but nowadays there is more emphasis than ever before and all you need to do is switch on your TV to see people telling you to go sign up to your local gym or go and buy some expensive workout equipment.

The problem is that it can get expensive very quickly and with our busy lifestyles, it can be hard to squeeze everything in. Paying monthly gym membership fees and constantly splashing out on exercise machines and special supplements adds up very quickly, so why not make a large saving and simply look after your health at home?

There are a number of websites across the internet that sell health ebooks, effective diet plans and exercise routines. These can be purchased very cheaply with a one-off payment and then you can put these into effect as often as you want from the comfort of your own home without any additional cost.

Being healthy at home is simpler than you think. It firstly starts with diet. Follow a balanced diet, with approximately 2000 calories per day for a female and 2500 calories per day for a male, will help you to maintain a healthy weight while absorbing all the nutrition that you need to keep in tip-top condition. Simple diet plans can be purchased very cheaply that will help you advise what foods and requirements you specifically require depending on your age and amount of activity.

Exercise is important but you do not need any expensive equipment to keep healthy. Walking just 30 minutes per day can be enough to make a big difference and if you then combine this with some simple exercises such as sit-ups and press-ups can keep muscles tones and joints healthy while also helping to maintain a good cardiovascular system which will help keep your heart healthy.

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to staying healthy at home is one simple word; Variation. Having the odd snack or treat every now and then is fine and taking a day or two off of exercise here and there will not cause any damage either. As long as you vary your diet, vary your routines and have everything in moderation, you can prolong your life and keep yourself healthy with a lot less effort and expense than you think.

Try picking up some simple diet programs and basic exercise routines and then follow them as much as you can. Following a diet program 6 days a week and having one day for treats works great. With an exercise routine, try following it between two to four times per week and give yourself at least three days off. This way nothing will become too boring and you can easily incorporate it into your daily life at home.

Getting Rid of a Cold Using Home Remedies

The common cold is a major concern for people from all over the world and hence the need to look at different kinds of cold remedies. The average person will get between 2 and 4 colds in a year. It can also manifest together with a cough which with time can cause chest pains and a general discomfort. There are a number of remedies including medications, over-the-counter pills and medications. Most people prefer natural remedies to avoid the side effects of medications.

The most common signs of a cold include but not limited to runny nose, nasal congestion, mild or strong head ache, sneezing, coughing, fever watery eyes, and congestion. You should note that a good diet is vital to support the remedies.

Below are some of the proven cold remedies:

Zinc lozenges

Zinc is a vital mineral needed by over 300 body enzymes. It's abundant in foods like seafood, eggs, liver, and meat. Zinc can be gotten as lozenges in health shops. Research has indicated a high efficiency among those who took zinc 24 hrs after initial signs of the cold. It also impairs the ability of the virus to multiply.

Vitamin D

Of all people, those found with higher vitamin D levels are less susceptible to catching the cold. Apart from that, it's a common ingredient among remedies for colds.

Astralagus

A traditional Chinese root, astralagus has been proven to increase immunity to contracting colds and flu. It doubles up as an anti viral and anti oxidant that will provide relief to those with heart conditions. Health stores stock it in capsule and tea form. It also prevents colds before they occur. It also increases efficacy of other medication

Garlic

Popular home cure for a wide range of issues. It can be taken in soup, chewed or made as garlic juice. Its compound allicin has antiviral and fungal properties. Potency is at a maximum when the garlic is raw and fresh.

Vitamin C

It's a very popular cold remedy. It also protects from colds and ensures severity; occurrence and duration of colds are reduced dramatically. It should however be used in moderation as large amounts can cause diarrhea.

Honey

Probably the most used across various cultures around the world. Research has shown it reduces coughs among kids significantly and assists them to sleep well. It carries anti oxidant and antiseptic properties. It may however be unsafe in kids younger than a year old.

Echinacea

It's a very popular herb touted by herbalists as having the ability to cure and prevent colds. The suggested dosage is taking after every 3 hours for several days to alleviate all the symptoms.

Ginseng

There is a variety of ginseng for sale but the North American type has gotten a good reputation when it comes to healing and preventing colds. It has been noted that it could reduce the effect of medications like blood thinners, anti-psychotics and diabetes medications. People with hormone related conditions are advised to steer clear of Ginseng

Ginger

Its one of the most popular remedies for colds throughout the world. It treats runny noses, coughs, white tongue aches and general body aches. It can be brewed into a tea which is a popular cold management home remedy. You can add honey and lemon to soothe the throat. some people report disturbances like heartburn when used excessively so practice some moderation.

Elder berry

It has a long history in treating flu, colds and sinus infections. Its extracts have indicated ability to fight viruses. Its compounds strengthen the immune system while blocking flu infection at the same time. It is distributed as juice capsules or a syrup.

Eucalyptus steam inhale

Eucalyptus oil in boiling water provides steam that can help calm flu and cold symptoms. Cover your head with the steam under a blanket to reap the full benefits.

Lemon

Boil a glass of water and put in a fresh lemon. Lemon contains medicinal qualities and it can help you to get rid of cold.

Papules Removal and Possible Pain

When it comes to any changes in or on your body, it is important to immediately seek medical attention. You don't have to rush to the emergency room unless you are in persistent pain, experiencing strained breathing, prolonged bleeding, or impaired function in some way. Penile papules do not cause any of these symptoms; as a matter of fact, it is more unattractive than anything and causes no threat to any function or status of your overall health. So what you'll discover immediately is that your condition requires the assistance of a licensed and certified dermatologist with extensive experience in pearly penile papules removal.

You want to rid your body of these strange bumps, but you find yourself with a lot of questions which include but are not limited to: What will the pain of removal be like? Will the doctor numb the area so I won't feel the procedure? Do I have to go under general anesthesia? Will I be able to use the restroom or participate in intimate moments with my partner after the procedure? The comforting answers are twofold. First, your chosen doctor will be able to provide skilled removal that leaves your body with minimal scaring. Second, the pain, discomfort and disturbance to your normal life will only be impacted temporarily, especially in comparison to living the rest of your life with the presence or threat of penile papules.

Although you may have experienced some soreness during sexual contact or while wearing particularly tight clothing that has rubbed against your condition, the most painful aspects of your pearly penile papules removal process will be during your recovery stage. Once the local anesthesia wears off, you will be left with the ting of your method of removal. You can choose to use a laser, electric current, or a scraping method each providing, to be honest, some level of pain but lasting varying amounts of time. The more 'invasive' the procedure you choose, such as the scraping method, will take up to a month to heal and cause the most pain. Therefore, you should definitely spend a great amount of time consulting with your doctor about the degree of your condition. The choice of pearly penile papules removal method will be dependent upon that and of course the doctor's expertise. As long as you choose the doctor that you feel the most comfortable with during consultation your removal process will be in excellent hands.

Healthy Eating But Cheap

In these tough financial times, it's important to learn how much it costs to eat clean healthy food. Healthy food should always be a priority, but if times are tough and you can't afford your local organic shop then it can be easy to slip into bad eating habits. The truth is, now is the best time to eat well, as you don't want to be catching a cold or getting sick and having to pay for doctor's appointments or medication.

Fruit & Vegetables

1. Shop at a market if you're not doing it already. For $10 you can buy a week's worth of vegetables. Cook your food in larger batches so you don't waste any food that gets old at the bottom of the fridge.

2. Buy food that is in season. Food that is not in season ALWAYS costs more. If you don't know when each fruit or veggie comes in season then shop at a market or your local green grocer as they will only stock the fresh stuff. For this reason you should avoid supermarkets as much as possible.

3. Frozen vegetables are a good option to keep in your freezer for when you run out of fresh food. They don't taste as good as fresh, but they are fine when used in cooking.

4. Vegetables that I have found to be the cheapest and go a long way are cabbage, onion and potato. These are so versatile, and if you vary your herbs and spices you will get a great range of tasty meals.

5. Fruit is often more expensive than vegetables and generally doesn't fill you up so much. If you are counting your pennies then I suggest forgoing fruit. Vegetables generally have a higher nutritional value so you won't be missing out on much.

Meat

1. My number one tip here is to shop at a farmers market. They are EVERYWHERE here in Melbourne - from Collingwood to Hurstbridge, you can find a farmers market near you. The markets tend to travel so some market locations are monthly, while others are bi monthly or weekly. Search online for a farmers market near you so you can plan in advance when to go.

2. Make friends with your local butcher. The meat is better quality than the supermarket and often cheaper too. Buy larger quantities to cook up a big batch of something, which can be portioned and frozen for future meals. You can also bulk up your meals with potatoes, onion, capsicum and other cheap vegetables.

3. If you have a fishing rod, consider catching a meal or two.

4. Meat is not a cheap source of protein so if times are tough then you should consider vegetarian sources of protein.

Ways to Stop Excessive Sweating

If you are someone who has to deal with the condition of sweating too much, you understand what an unpleasant condition this is. Having to face the embarrassment of all that extra moisture that can come upon you suddenly is not an enjoyable experience for anyone. Happily, there are ways that you can combat this condition, which is also known as hyperhidrosis.

The first and easiest thing that you can do is invest in some very powerful antiperspirant. While deodorant minimizes the odor that your bodily emissions will cause, you will continue to sweat if you merely apply deodorant. However, if you use antiperspirant, you might be able to stop the sweating from happening altogether. This depends on just how much you sweat, since such products are not equipped to combat extremely high levels of perspiration. Still, if you are on the borderline, it may be enough, and even if it isn't, it might at least cut down on the moisture.

If you don't sweat primarily through your underarms, antiperspirant is not going to be much help. You might be a good candidate to consider taking a pill to curb your sweating. These medications, which are known as anticholinergics, can be very helpful to people with pervasive perspiration problems. However, they also come with side effects, and these can be so harmful that many doctors are hesitant to prescribe them, especially in mild cases.

Some patients have success with a procedure known as iontophoresis, which involves electric currents and lasts about 20 minutes. It is not a dangerous procedure, but it requires multiple sessions, and usually, these sessions only alleviate the symptoms rather than providing a permanent solution. Another possibility it getting Botox injections in the armpits. This can be useful, but it doesn't always provide substantial benefits, and it has more drawbacks than other methods. The process of getting the injections is painful, and it needs to be repeated several times in order to take effect. Additionally, there is a risk of infection.

Some people have discovered natural remedies for dealing with excessive sweating. For instance, baking soda is naturally absorbent and can alleviate the problems if applied to the underarms, particularly in combination with cornstarch. Other folk remedies can be found online if you do a little investigating, and while most are not permanent, they can provide temporary relief.

Another thing that you can do is wear protective layers such as underarm pads. This will not stop the sweating from occurring, but it may be able to stop its effects from being visible to casual observers. Additionally, you might try to preventative measure of avoiding situations that you know trigger the sweating. For instance, if it is stress-induced, try to avoid stressful situations as much as you can.

Coping With Cankers

The canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, or apthous stomatitis, is a widespread oral condition, experienced by 10% of the world's population. It is very easy to detect a cold sore in the mouth. Usually, the pain alone is a convincing indicator, and the ordeal of eating, drinking and talking with a mouth ulcer is known to many people.

Firstly, canker sores are open sores that tend to appear in the soft tissues of the inside of the mouth. These tissues usually belong to the base of the gums, the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the inner surfaces of the lips. A canker is identified by small tears in the mucous membranes of these tissues. The swelling of these tissues is also a common symptom. A cankers contact with food or fluids often results in painful stinging and burning sensations.

Cankers are usually solitary, although it is possible for small clusters to also develop. On sight, they appear as shallow open wounds, yellow or white in color. They are often surrounded by a border, or "halo" of swollen, red, irritated flesh.

Some extreme cases of apthous ulcers are preceded by specific symptoms. For instance, should they develop on the gums, swelling in the lymph glands below the jaw may prevail. Other symptoms, such as sensitive teeth or toothache-type sensations, can be precursors to a canker sore outbreak. Even fevers are possible indicators of bad canker afflictions.

These sores are usually caused by trauma to the mouth, originating from orthodontic equipment, accidental biting, and sports accidents. However, vitamin deficiencies, SLS toothpastes, hormonal fluctuations, and even quitting smoking have all been linked to the formation of canker sores.

The good news is that they do not last for too long. Two weeks is the maximum amount of time in the development and healing of a canker sore, and the duration period is subjective to the individual's health. It is, therefore, possible to simply "deal" with the pain without seeking treatment.

If the experience proves too painful to bear, there are many treatments available to accelerate the healing process, as well as to curb the pain of the open sore. Most people use remedies found in pharmacies, such as anesthetic creams and gels. Alternatively, many home remedies have proven to be just as effective. Salt water solutions, and hydrogen peroxide solutions, for example, soothe the canker sore and also protect it from other secondary bacterial infections.

It is important to note the differences between a canker and a cold sore. Often, people tend to confuse the two. In asking the question "are canker sores contagious?" they've assisted in generating the myth that cankers actually are contagious. They are not. Cold sores, which are viral infections, are contagious and must be treated accordingly. Apthous Ulcers, however painful, remain isolated to the person suffering them. One way to easily distinguish a canker core from a cold sore is the location of the sore itself. Cankers only affect the internal tissues of the mouth. Cold sores, on the other hand, appear on the surface tissues of the mouth, and can even infect the skin near the chin and nose. Mouth sores are very painful but with some patience and the proper remedies they can be overcome.

Five Ways in Which Environmental Management Can Help in Infection Control

Nosocomial infections are those that typically manifest themselves in a hospital setup. Such kinds of infection can spread in many different ways. That is where infection control comes in which is responsible to put in place various procedures and safeguards to minimize the risk of spreading diseases. Such controls have to work on several fronts, and though in the center of it all are patients, environmental management too is important.

The 5 ways mentioned below revolve around managing the hospital environment to check infection.

• Proper Ventilation: Suitable ventilation systems are of utmost importance whether it is a general area or a surgery room. The higher risk areas of a facility for transplants, operation and critical care must have filtration units for providing clean or ultra air depending on the room and the criticality of the procedures involved. If the patients' room or any general area is air-conditioned then the filters must be cleaned regularly. If instead of air-conditioning there are fans then its flow should be directed towards the nearest window and never towards other rooms or corridors. Also the use of fans must be avoided where the risk of airborne pathogens is high. A hospital's ventilation should be such that reduces the possibility of contamination and all the systems must be checked and maintained on a regular basis by the relevant personnel.

• Safe Water: Drinking water must be boiled or dispensed through purifiers. Also the dispensers for storing water must be completely sealed off against any kind of contact with hands or other materials, also the glasses must be disposable. In addition the tanks containing water for washing should be cleaned and monitored to keep any kind of contamination at bay.

• Maintaining Cleanliness: Cleanliness of the hospital is a fairly basic but important measure for infection control. While administrative sections of the facility can be cleaned like your house, the areas consisting of patients should be cleaned not by sweeping but with a mop soaked in a solution of hot water and detergent. A disinfectant may be added for certain specialized areas. Also any spills of body or fluids must be cleaned off immediately.

• Managing Waste: Waste generated by the hospital can literally be a reservoir for infection and must be handled accordingly. Such waste must be carefully segregated and stored in the proper container or bags which should be suitably marked. Their storage areas must have sufficient warning signs too. From here the waste can be sent to the incinerator and transported as per the requirements. Also remember that the personnel handling such waste must wear protective gear at all times.

• Laundry Services: Used laundry must be deposited in bags marked for the purpose, especially those that are contaminated by body fluids. Such laundry must be carefully transported with minimum agitation and ideally washed in washers with detergent and water at high temperatures, and then dried off in heavy duty driers.