Posts Tagged ‘Health and Fitness’

For Chronic Back Pain try Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
by Jackson Beartoes

Neurontin (Gabapentin) for chronic back pain will work for most people.

Neurontin is excreted primarily through the kidneys in the body. It is not excreted through the liver like most other things. It has been used in pediatric patients from the ages 3-12 for therapy treatment of partial seizures.

In the 1990′s, the sale of Neurontin was approved as treatment for epileptic seizures. The FDA has approved this to treat epilepsy only when used with another drug for shingles pain. The recommended dosage is 3 times a day.

Gabapentin is indicated for the management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults. This medicine does not interact with other seizure medicines, so it can be used as an add on. It has not been approved to treat severe RLS (restless leg syndrome).

Neurontin is expensive for the treatment of chronic pain. This is one of the best selling drugs. The average cost is approximately $400 a month for 3200mg a day. The effects are very good even though it is an expensive drug to treat pain.

You can find Neurontin in breast milk which is the first oral medication approved by the FDA. The medicine has been used for off label uses and was prescribed for the medical condition epilepsy. One of the biggest selling points is that it has few side effects.

Neurontin does not produce any active or inactive metabolites and is not metabolized by the body. It can be taken with or without food orally. Neurontin is good for the nerve damage from chronic back pain and should not be used as pain management.

Pfizer is the manufacturer and this is its best selling drug. It is popular too. It is one of the 50 most prescribed medicines in the United States in 2003.

Neurontin is usually tried first because it is often better tolerated than other drugs. It has realatively mild side effects and passes through the body unmetabolized.

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Kick Stress’s Butt Naturally

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
by Floella McFee

Introduction: Homeopathic Philosophy

There has been an up-surge in herbal stress remedies in recent years. Everybody these days seems to suffer from stress. Nevertheless stress is a killer! Not to cause you any distress. Stress produces particular chemical reactions in the body, which, if left unchecked, can lead to everything from indigestion, to sexual dysfunction; from major depression to heart failure, and cancer. Whilst some might consult a medical professional to combat the onset of stress, others might sooner deal with through herbalism and homeopathy. The effectiveness of homeopathy is widely disputed by conventional science, but its philosophy is quite simple and rather runs along the lines of trying to boost the body’s systems of dealing with symptoms.

Herbs are Chemicals Too!

One of the more commonly cited reasons for turning to herbal remedies to combat stress is the belief that being based on natural compounds, side effects are less likely. What is not so commonly understood is that many of the properties that make herbal remedies so effective are why many of their constituent chemicals are used as the basis for conventional drugs. Valerian root, recommended as a sedative, is the basis of valium.

If They are Chemicals What Do They Do?

Like the synthetic drugs many herbal remedies aid in altering the chemical reactions throughout the body. Some act as sedatives and tranquillizers, whilst others are mood enhancers. Hops, for example, is commonly used to aid sleep; as is chamomile, but this can also be used to boost the immune system during periods of depression. Skull Cap, and strangely Cat Nip is used to calm the brain down. Whereas Rhodiola can be multifunctional: it’s classed as an adaptogenic herb and can be used in regulating the heart, as well as improving the serotonin levels and thus suppressing the depression causing chemicals in the brain. It’s also an aphrodisiac, perhaps something that may also improve the mood. St John’s Wort is a popular alternative to conventional anti-depressants, although it should be checked with a health professional before using, as adverse reactions are known to occur when taken with other medications.

Other uses For the Herbs

However, herbal stress remedies do not necessarily have to be ingested to be effective. Aromatherapy has always been a popular way to relax. Lavender oil, either burned or dropped in a bath is claimed by many to be soothing and calming. In the end, whatever herbal remedy is chosen, stress can also be combated by exercise, a good diet and time dedicated to switching off.

Conclusions

Herbal remedies have been used by humans for hundreds of years. Some of the treatments that we use today were based on natural materials. Herbal remedies are a very effective treatment for many conditions, including stress.

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Is A Residential Air Purfifier An Essential Item?

Friday, June 13th, 2008
by Ray Lam

Residential air purifiers are becoming an increasingly popular accessory in many modern homes, but unlike many of the knick-knacks or other haberdashery you might use to add personality to your home, an air purifier cleaner is something that can add something extra. Or rather, remove it. Whether you are an allergy or asthma sufferer, or just sensitive to the many pollutants that fill our modern atmosphere, a residential air purifier can enrich your life by taking away those extra smells and particles from your home.

And there is a residential air purifier to suit every household’s needs. Invented as early as the nineteenth century, clean air purifiers have a long development behind them, with input from some of the world’s leading scientists, many of whom were allergy or asthma sufferers themselves, thus realising all to well the importance of a good air purifier cleaner. Residential air purifiers combine the best in modern science and technology to create a range of products that are enormously effective and that will blend into your home unobtrusively.

When shopping for a good residential air purifier for your home you want to make sure you do not buy the first one that you see. Try not to get too focused on what the sales person has to say. Yes, you can listen to them, but make sure you do your own diligent research before making a purchase as important as this one.

One of the main reasons why many people do not invest into a residential air purifier is because of the expense. Unfortunately there’s really no way to avoid the high cost of a residential air purifier. If you plan to get a good system they’re going to cost several hundred dollars, but are well worth the investment in the long run.

The residential air purifier market is pretty competitive, which means there are plenty of brands to choose from, and also several types of purifier. Furthermore, it also means that prices are always being driven down as new companies enter the market and new residential air purifier models are released.

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Sole F80 Review: Why The Sole F80 Treadmill Is Rated a Best Buy

Friday, June 13th, 2008
by Torri Tompson

I learned that the Sole F80 treadmill was the treadmill choice of upscale establishments like the Hilton Hotel chain. This intrigued me, so I took a look at the machine. I already knew that any piece of exercise equipment in a high-end establishment would be top of the line. Yet, I wanted to see for myself what made the Sole F80 so special.

When I first saw the machine, the word that came to my mind was: solid. The Sole F80 may not appear to have all of the bells and whistles of other machines, but it is a commercial-quality machine. And, looks can be deceiving. The Sole F80 has six workout programs, speed and incline controls on the arm rests, cooling fans and built in speakers for iPODS or MP3 players. Speed, time, incline, calories burned and distance are all shown throughout the workout, which means no button pushing during a workout to see your results!

As solid and durable as the machine is, the Sole F80 comes with an easy assist folding feature. This is ideal for someone who wants the machine in their home. I found the machine to be easy to push around and maneuver, too. This is great for someone who needs to put their treadmill in a closet or corner after a workout. My opinion is the Sole F80 is a space saver and it would make a great home treadmill for someone who is in the market for one.

I learned that the Sole F80 model was upgraded in 2008 and it now comes with a powerful 3.0 continuous duty motor. The motor is very quiet and the machine is very smooth. It can easily handle a person up to 350 pounds with bogging down or straining the motor. I should note that this machine is for someone who walks or jogs. Serious runners should probably look for a machine that has a little more horsepower.

Sole Fitness is known for its outstanding warranties. The warranty on the Sole F80 is well above par offering a lifetime warranty on the motor, frame and deck. The price of the Sole F80 is less than what I would have thought, considering the durability, features and warranty that comes with the machine. Add the $500 instant savings when you purchase the machine directly from Sole Fitness, and I see why the Sole F80 is the number one choice for the Hilton Hotel chain and others. It’s a great treadmill.

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Wrinkle Creams – The Basics

Friday, June 13th, 2008
by Geoff Hopkins

Every time you visit a cosmetic shop, the question which never fails to haunt you is “will this particular skin care product be really effective?” Online advertisements, in addition to television commercials have helped cosmetic companies in increasing their profits incredibly.

The problem is that what you are seeing is what they want you to see, and almost any product can be made appealing whether or not it works. However, there are some diamonds in the rough in the wrinkle cream market.

One of the biggest challenges is finding that diamond in the myriad of the rough that is the skin care market. But if you want that newer, younger looking skin you will put in the effort that you need to find out the effects of wrinkle creams.

The effects of wrinkle creams are visible only after a few weeks of their usage. One must not expect overnight results after using a skin care product. Wrinkles are not that easy to deal with; our skin requires two essential proteins viz. “Collagen” and “Elastin” for retaining its youth and glow.

Vitamin E, as skin care experts believe, is vital for the health of our skin. Our skin also gets damaged due to pollutants and ultraviolet sunrays. Some people have very sensitive skin. Such people must use only those skin care products which do not produce any side effects on the skin.

After a month or so, you will notice the effects of the wrinkle cream because your skin’s condition will start to improve. If you want to increase the effectiveness of the remedy you choose, it would be wise to speak with a dermatologist or skin care specialist.

Fighting the effects of age can be a tough battle, but wrinkle creams can be effective weapons. There are plenty to choose from and can be found in mall kiosks, magazines, and online advertisements. Just make sure that you do not fall into the trap of creative marketing.

In time, wrinkle creams will have a positive effect on your skin. Keep in mind that it takes time both to research the best choice for you and to see positive results.

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The secret to having your sweets and dieting to.

Friday, June 13th, 2008
by Scott Nelson

Sugar candy (hard candy to many) is a favorite world wide with people of all ages. I call this world group of candy fanatics the “Mob”. Each individual “Mob” member has their favorite flavor or type and rarely will you find any one who doesn’t like at least multiple flavors or types.

The famous sugar candy aka “hard candy” in all its thousands and thousands of glorious forms, is made from thick solution of sugar water which is then made tasty and attractive by adding various flavors and colors. In many countries, these candies are sometimes made into ice pop candies by freezing them. (That is not as common in the US but it sure needs to be!!)

The actual widely used term “candy” covers a wide term which includes chocolates, toffees, chocolate based candy bars, chewing gums, liquorice and anything else that you can think of which tastes good and sweet. Many people traditionally refer to candy as confectionery or sweets.

I doubt we in the mob care so much about what you call it. The mobsters love the way it tastes, we have our absolute favorites, and we try to avoid the guilt of that love.

Here’s a way to have your sweets and not have the guilt. It may be hard to believe, but not all sweets are actually the same if you are looking to diet. Many of the mob members are also health and weight conscious.

Think about the old fashioned simple lollipop. A lollipop is sugar candy with a little stick to hold it. When you compare a lollipop to a rich chocolate, nougat, or caramel treat, there is no contest which one is better for your waistline.

It is more or less similar size and mass related. In other words, you probably eat way less food with a little hard candy, but still get the total sweet satisfaction you crave. A great example is the simple Dum Dum lollipop. They usually come in the variety bag with root beer, grape, cherry, watermelon and other assorted flavors. This simple and tiny little lollipop has experienced steady impressive sales for as long as I can remember. A Dum Dum or any other hard candy on a stick creation, can always be made in a way that diminishes sugar without ruining taste. The overall calorie load is limited by size.

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What Is A Juicer?

Friday, June 13th, 2008
by Rick Dupont

Today, more people are conscious of their health. This is can been seen as people are exercising more, watching their weight and especially watching what foods they eat.

Some of these dietary changes include individuals eating more fiber, less red meat, limiting foods that cause high cholesterol, etc.

In addition, people are eating more naturally. One of those natural food groups is fruit and people have found the juicer a easy way of benefiting from them

Therefore, it is important to understand what this product is and how to obtain the benefits

Whats A Juicer?

A juicer is a kitchen appliance designed with one specific purpose in mind. That one specific purpose is to extract the liquid from fruits.

A Juicer is similar in appearance to a blender. However, unlike the blender, which blends ingredients together, a juicer operates differently.

Additionally, there are two types of juicers. Type one is called a masticating juicer. Masticating simply means to chew. This appliance minces up the fruit. The end product is a type of pureed product such as butter or a spread.

The other type is called a centrifugal juicer it operates in a manner similar that of a laboratory centrifuge. The blades within the juicer operate at a high-speed and extract the pulp. The pulp is captured and collected in a waste container attached to the appliance.

Benefits

The benefits of a juicer allow the individual to receive their recommended daily intake of fruit. This process of removing the fiber from the fruit allows for the ingestion of the beneficial substances found in fruit without the filling feeling of eating the fiber.

Specifically, however, the benefits derived from the consumption of the daily dosage of fruit, is the natural chemicals found in these items. These natural chemicals, found in these natural products, have been proven to a rich source of antioxidants and essential minerals, which have been shown to be effective in combating cancer within the body. Those parts of the body that have benefited from cancer prevention through the use of the juice include the lungs, stomach, ovaries, etc.

Another primary benefit of using a juicer can be attributed to the loss or sustaining of an individual’s weight. This is to due to the fact that when a juicer is used to process fruit a significant amount of calories found in this products is removed through the loss of fiber. This obvious reduction in calories will help an individual to either lose weight or sustain their weight at their current level.

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You decide: Is there such thing as the best wrinkle cream

Friday, June 13th, 2008
by Geoff Hopkins

Since time immemorial, women have been worshipped for their beauty. Who does not know about the famous Cleopatra whose beauty was considered divine? Women are blessed with curvaceous bodies and beautiful faces. But sometimes the beauty of a woman’s face tends to fade away, thanks to those ugly wrinkles.

There are hundreds of thousands of cosmetics which women use. But anti aging skin care products are more popular than all other types of skin care products. The ability of human beings to invent new things is really exceptional. The invention of wrinkle creams is worth appreciation.

Aging is most definitely natures curse upon women. As women age- they gain lines to prove it, it’s like the rings of a tree, a few more we gain for each year. Wrinkles are something no one gets excited about. We consider anti-aging and anti wrinkle products but realize that it could get expensive and it may not even work.

Is there even a potential that the “best” wrinkle cream can even be determined? I personally think that it varies from woman to woman. Just as your body chemistry is different from your friend’s so is your skin. The products that work for her might not work for you and visa versa.

Advertisements are designed to mislead, tempt and steer us to purchase this product or that one, but none of these products come with a guarantee and there is a chance that they might not be right for you. One good idea for deciding what wrinkle cream to purchase is to check into online forums, web reviews and fashion magazines for reviews written by other women with skin types similar to your own.

You can also talk to a certified skin care expert (better known as ‘dermatologist’) in order to find out the nature/type of your skin. In general, the facial skin is of three types- dry, normal and oily. Needless to say, each skin-type responds to different skin care products. A wrinkle cream which is too greasy in texture would never benefit a woman who has an oily skin.

Trying out herbal and organic anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products might also be something you want to check into. The excessive use of chemicals is a negative for your skin. It’s also important to know and remember that just like most medications, it takes wrinkle cream about a month to truly control your wrinkles.

Women are constantly having to think about thinks such as marinating their beauty and keeping their faces wrinkle free, and that’s in addition to everything else we have going on in our lives. So is it possible to recommend the “best” wrinkle cream, not really, but we can say that there is a best wrinkle cream for you!

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Are Men Also Susceptible to Yeast Infections?

Friday, June 13th, 2008
by Larry Do

Yeast infection cannot be accused of gender discrimination – it can and does attack men and women with equal vigor. All that it requires is a warm and moist environment with preferably little or no air circulation. Since female anatomy has more such areas which are conducive to growth of a yeast colony, it is generally perceived that only women are vulnerable to these infections. But this is only a widely held misconception and has no real scientific base.

Perhaps this misconception that yeast infection is a “female” disease prevents men to come out in the open and admit that they have indeed been infected and this makes it even more difficult for them to get rid of it and be cured completely. The symptoms and cure are, obviously, exactly the same for men and women.

I have a word of advice here for my male friends. If you are afflicted by athlete’s foot you don’t hide it, do you? Then why should you try to hide a yeast infection? It is simply just one other type of fungal infection. Be reasonable and take steps to banish it instead of hiding it and letting it multiply unabated.

So, the first thing to do when you get infected is to admit it and discuss openly with your wife or girlfriend. Many a times this infection gets transmitted to you from your female friend so it would be very prudent to get both of you checked up by a doctor and if required start treatment simultaneously for both of you.

Just as it is necessary for women, men should also start taking large portions of yogurt with their normal lunch or dinner and use any over-the-counter antifungal cream for local application. Maintenance of proper hygiene is also absolutely necessary and fresh underwear everyday is a must to get well quickly. If you happen to be involved in activities which cause heavy perspiration you may require multiple changes of underwear since the affected area should be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent growth of yeast and reduction of itching, inflammation, rash and a burning sensation which invariably accompany a yeast infection.

Under normal circumstances this infection starts receding within two days and within a week you should be completely cured. Just remember it is a normal bodily function which has gone as little out of control. It can be brought back within normal limits very easily and there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about it.

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Why am I sweating so Much?

Friday, June 13th, 2008
by Victor Lorentzo

A question that often occurs in some peoples mind is: Why am I sweating so much? Suffering from excessive sweating is a situation that millions of Americans and people world wide are suffering from on a daily basis.

It is estimated that between eight or ten million Americans suffer from excessive sweating. The problem is also a growing concern and more and more people start to see how bad it can influence their lives.

There are several reasons for why the sweat problem is growing. One is the lack of research in the area. Excessive sweating is not looked at as a serious problem enough to do research on.

The second biggest issue is our lifestyle. The food we eat has a lot to do with it as well as the lack of activity in a normal American person’s life. The lack of activity and the excessive fat, sugar and salt we eat on a regular basis increase the level of fat and it gets harder for the heart to pump our blood around.

One of the jobs of our sweat glands is to keep the body clean and remove toxins and bacteria that lives and feeds of our bodies. Many hygiene products include ingredients that contain or cause these things to stay on our bodies. Is the soap and deodorant you use actually the reason why you sweat so much?

If we want to reduce the level of sweating we experience every day it is necessary to look at alternative methods for hygiene as well as our diet and our activity level. By getting rid of the bacteria and toxins stored on our bodies and allowing the blood to flow smoother through our bodies we are closer to a more sweat free lifestyle.

Getting past excessive sweating is a gift. You will start to become more social and start to seek settings where before you were afraid that somebody will be noticing you’re sweating. All the sweat worries will be gone and you will be able to get more out of life.

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A Guide To Birdhouses

Thursday, June 12th, 2008
by Chris Channing

There are many different types of birds that are accustomed to different environments. Because this is true, not any single birdhouse will be able to accommodate every bird in a certain region. If an avid bird watcher wants to house a specific bird, it then becomes necessary to learn the intricacies of bird housing.

Just like some humans prefer to live in a congregation (although for sometimes different purposes), birds will often nest with others of their species instead of opting for the general birdhouse. If that is the case, a birdhouse that has multiple compartments for a small flock of birds is necessary. The result often looks like an apartment complex in the sky, and can be a real joy for bird lovers to view.

Some birds will only take residence in a birdhouse if the hole into the residence is small enough. This is true in the case of the swallow family of birds, who need a hole no bigger than an inch and half or predators will come into the birdhouse and cause mayhem. To appeal to a swallow, a birdhouse must be anywhere from an inch to an inch and a half and no more, or they will try to find safer living arrangements.

For bird watchers that like to see a wide variety of birds each year, the average birdhouse is a good idea in purchasing and maintaining. The average birdhouse is a simple single compartment birdhouse with a normal hole and often comes with a feeder. Following these specifications will allow many types of birds to live in the birdhouse- meaning there is a better chance of bird watchers being satisfied in the sport of bird watching.

Other types of birds will need a large space in which to build their own nest in. Just like the woodpecker, the Great Crested Flycatcher will be able to make use of most conventional birdhouses. But this bird will attempt to make its own nest in the birdhouse- meaning it should be slightly larger than the average birdhouse most are accustomed to. It’s important to include an easy way of cleaning the birdhouse when making them.

Many types of birds are perfectly fine with making a conventional nest in a tree or bush- and bird watchers don’t necessarily need to provide special housing just to enjoy a good view of nature. But in the case of bird watchers who enjoy up close action, and views of specific birds, setting out the right birdhouse can mean all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Bird watching can be a very enjoyable sport for the elderly, or for anyone with a good appreciation of nature. Whatever the case, putting out the correct birdhouse in order to see a certain type of species of bird will be necessary for bird watchers to get maximum effect from nature. If all else fails, buying a birdhouse from the hardware department of many general stores can make the process much simpler in design and in terms of effort.

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