About Me
With two rowdy kids and a workaholic husband, I definitely need some me time occasionally. Where do I head to? The massage parlor. The knots that gotten me all worked up are unwound and I can face the craziness again. Jumping Into The Fire: What You Can Expect From Participating In A Hot Flash Research Study
Despite all of the progress made in understanding female biology and physiology, so very little is known or understood about hot flashes. Doctors know that it has something to do with mid-life changes and menopause, but they do not know or understand much more than that. More clinical research is necessary, and if you are going through menopause and choose to participate, here is what you can expect. The Purpose of Clinical Studies on Hot Flashes Hot flashes are a part of menopause. What doctors and researchers want to know is why women experience hot flashes at all, and why women get them more frequently with the onset of menopause. The assumption is that the reduction of female hormones responsible for a woman’s fertility cycle indirectly affects her blood pressure. The increase in lipids and cholesterol in the female blood stream after menopause forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, which in turn, theoretically, is the cause for hot flashes. However, it does not explain why hot flashes are seemingly random, which is another factor under research. Additionally, some women experience hot flashes all their lives. Why some women experience them all the time and for most of their adult lives is also a research topic. If you experience either type of hot flash, researchers would like you to join their studies. Inducing Hot Flashes During Certain Studies Doctors and researchers are aware of the fact that hot flashes can be triggered. Caffeine and tobacco restrict blood vessels. After the caffeine or tobacco exits your system, the blood vessels relax, allowing a rush of blood through that in turn causes a hot flash. It is important to understand how these vices work on your body, as researchers may create a control group where hot flashes are induced. Information is then gathered from both groups to determine if hot flashes are strictly biological in origin or if they occur because of women’s daily habits, addictions, or environments. Testing Medications That May Reduce the Occurrence of Hot Flashes Another aspect of studying hot flashes via volunteers is studying how new medications can reduce or eliminate the severity of hot flashes. If your hot flashes are so frequent and so unbearable, this might be just the study for which to volunteer. You could get some momentary relief if you are part of the hot flash research study test group or you may think you experience relief as part of the placebo group. Either way, doctors and researchers can get a clearer picture of how and how often hot flashes occur and how to control...
read moreBirthing Center Basics For Expectant Mothers
Not every expectant mother wants to give birth in the clinical and impersonal environment of a large hospital. Many women prefer to deliver in more natural surroundings that are similar to the warm and personalized environment of their home. Fortunately, a good alternative to hospitals already exists: birthing centers. This article takes a closer look at the issues surrounding having your baby at one of these facilities. Less Restrictive Policies Birthing centers usually have policies that are focused on giving you as much comfort and freedom as possible. They offer women rooms that are generally more personalized and larger than the typical hospital room. Also, these facilities, unlike hospitals, tend to avoid policies that might restrict the number of visitors you may have in the room. In contrast to the average hospital, you will be able to move about freely at all times and wear whatever clothing you like as well. Natural Pain Relief Birthing centers focus on natural pain relief methods, which many pregnant women prefer. The pain management is overseen by a trained health care professional, who specializes in obstetrics, such as a midwife or obstetric nurse. These alternative techniques include such therapies as massage and breathing exercises, among others. One compelling advantage that natural methods have over narcotics is that they are less likely to have any negative side effects. Water Birth Some women feel that water births, where the baby is delivered in a shallow pool of water, are a better alternative to traditional deliveries. Some research supports this idea and some obstetricians and midwives belief that water births reduce the amount of stress on the mother, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Responding to this demand, many birthing centers have equipped their facilities with special tubs to accommodate water births. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone is a good candidate for a water birth, so consult your physician on this matter. Home Sooner Compared to hospitals, birthing centers generally require shorter stays. This allows you and your baby to return home as soon as possible. Because of the shorter stay at the facility, your total cost is usually lower than a hospital birth as well. Birthing centers are a unique alternative to the traditional hospital birth. Women who want to deliver their babies in a less austere setting may find this option very attractive. For more information about this interesting topic, seek the advice of your health care professional. (For more information on obstetrics, you can contact George L Stankevych...
read moreSenior Safety: Tips For Designing The Perfect Bathroom For Elderly Loved Ones
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that at least one of every three senior citizens at least 65 years of age take part in a fall each year. In addition, it is these falls that are the primary cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries among older individuals. When you think about it, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the home for older adults. If you have an elderly loved one who wants to maintain their independence at home, it is crucial that you take the steps to ensure their bathroom is senior-friendly. Here are a few tips: Adequate Lighting Older people don’t tend to sleep through the night. The bladder muscles weaken as you age, which can cause you to need to go to the bathroom more frequently, including at night. However, an elderly individual roaming around a dark house at night is an accident waiting to happen. Therefore, it is crucial that there is adequate lighting and that light switches are easy to reach. In addition, nightlights should be in the hallway to ensure that a loved one doesn’t fall on to the way to the bathroom. Non-Slip Surfaces The older you get, the less balance that you have. This already puts your loved one at a risk of falling, but when they have to deal with slippery surfaces, such as the bathtub, the risk is that much more. A non-slip mat should be placed in the shower to help with traction. In addition, a bath mat can be placed outside of the shower to step on afterward. This is particularly important for wood and tile floors. Curbless Showers and Walk-In Tubs One of the main issues with the traditional bathtub is that your loved one has to step up over the edge of the tub and down again to get into the tub. With a walk-in tub, the stepping is eliminated and you literally walk straight into the tub. There is a watertight door that ensures that water does not escape. For seniors who prefer showers over baths, a curbless shower adds convenience and accessibility in the bathroom. Instead of a foot or more, your loved one will only have to step over a three- or four-inch high lip. Bidets A bidet can be very beneficial for senior citizens. These work to eliminate any type of strain that you would normally need to turn to clean yourself after using the bathroom. Bidets have a warm water wash and a warm air dryer that takes care of the after-use hygiene. For those who do not want a separate bidet, there are toilet-mounted bidets that simply attach to the existing toilet. Some even feature heated seats. These things are just a few the numerous items that can be added to the bathroom to ensure the safety of your loved ones. For more information, talk to companies like ComForcare Home Care – York,...
read moreRipping Your Meniscus: Why It Hurts So Bad And New Procedures Which Can Speed Healing
When your doctor tells you that the injury to your knee is your meniscus, you may know that it is serious because it is a common sports injury. What you may not know is that you do not have to play sports to tear it or injure it, and that it is vital to the function of your knee. Without it, you cannot bend or flex your knee or rotate it in and out. If you are worried about how much pain surgery will inflict upon you, there are new techniques that will cause you less pain and help you heal faster. Menisci Tears, Symptoms, and the Results of Avoiding Medical Treatment Another fact that may surprise you is that you have more than one meniscus in each knee. This cartilage tissue connects your femur to your lower leg bones and holds your knee cap (or patella) onto the tops of these bones. Tearing one or more menisci causes your leg to pop in and out of place with each bend of the knee. Not only can you feel these “pops” but you can also hear them. If you ignore the pain and popping noises, eventually your knee cap begins to grind on the ends of the bones it sits over and you get arthritis, which is even more painful. Traditional Arthroscopic Surgery and New Techniques Arthroscopic surgery takes a small scope into the knee via an equally small incision. If the tear is not too bad, your surgeon can stitch the cartilage back together and retract the scope. If it is beyond repair, it is common to remove the damaged cartilage completely. Unfortunately, for patients that have badly damaged cartilage, it often means a complete knee replacement. Newer surgical techniques allow surgeons to fix your knee without cutting through layers of tissue and removing your knee cap completely. The surgeon gently reshapes the knee cap, which can become worn and jagged, into a bone which glides easily and smoothly again. Because of smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and the fact that you can keep your natural knee, you can heal faster and be walking without pain within a month, on average. Finding a Surgeon Whether you choose arthroscopic surgery for a simple meniscus repair or less invasive surgery to keep your knee and remove damaged cartilage, you still have to find a doctor. Newer techniques mean that it is more difficult to find someone with the training, and even more difficult to find a surgeon that takes your insurance. Contact your insurance provider to get the name and location of the nearest knee specialist like one from Framingham Orthopedic...
read moreSenior Care Options: Choices For Mode Of Care
When your loved one starts to need more and more help to be able to live at home, it’s time to start looking at various options. Those options include living with family, residential care facility, or nursing home. Family Care With family care, either the loved one moves into the house of their family member, or vice versa. The family becomes the primary caregivers, with the possibility of assistance from a home healthcare service. However, this choice can be very stressful on all family involved. Not everyone is cut out to be a caregiver, and many people don’t really want to have their family members being that involved in their care. Residential Care Residential care is also often called assisted living. At a residential care center the person has their own room or set of rooms. They are able to have a spouse live with them. The person will be able to move in some of their own furnishings so that they feel more at home. The assisted living centers are much more homelike than a nursing home. They are geared towards people who don’t need to have a high level of assistance, especially medical assistance. The residents of these centers can get the daily assistance that they need, like showering and dressing help, as well as help with medication, without giving up all their independence. Residential care centers also have medical personnel on staff, so that any medical emergency can be handled immediately. Nursing Home Care A nursing home is set up to take care of a person who needs to have a lot of medical care. People who are physically unable to care for themselves, due to whatever reasons, can also get the care that they need. A nursing home is staffed full-time with medical personnel, as trained nursing assistants to help with tasks like getting people showered, dressed, into the bathroom, whatever necessary. Some nursing homes will specialize in patients who have dementia or Alzheimer’s, as those people need to have a level of care different to others. Those patients show a tendency to try to escape and so need to be safe. Those facilities use special IDs on their patients that can do things like keep facility doors from opening when the person gets too near. Just because there are so many choices, it doesn’t mean that anyone has to make one choice and have it be the only choice. For example. a person could start out living with family and then decide to go to assisted living. It just depends on everyone’s needs. To learn more, try contacting a company like ComForcare Home Care – Vancouver, WA with any questions you...
read moreRoot Canal Therapy Myths Corrected
Tooth damage can be a highly inconvenient and painful problem to need treating. Unfortunately, many patients are ill-informed when it comes to dental procedures, and this may make it difficult for them to make a sound choice for their treatment needs. This problem is further compounded when individuals give credibility to two common myths about this routine but often essential procedure. Myth: Root Canals Are Only Effective For Teeth With Severe Decay Cavities and tooth decay are among the most routine dental issues that your doctor will be asked to treat. While it is true that a root canal can save a severely decayed tooth from being extracted, this is not the only type of injury that this procedure can be used to treat. In fact, you can undergo a root canal whenever the pulp in the center of the tooth becomes severely damaged. Often, this damage can occur from a trauma to the tooth that results in cracks or chips. These weak points make it easier for bacteria to infect the soft tissue of the tooth. Luckily, a root canal can disinfect the tooth, and your dentist will be able to use a special filling to help restore the damaged tooth to its original size and shape. Myth: A Root Canal’s Results Are Only Temporary There is another commonly held belief that these procedures will only produce temporary relief for the patient. While it is true that some people will need to undergo multiple root canals, this most often stems from errors that the patient is making in their dental hygiene. Failing to properly brush and floss on a regular basis can allow bacteria to return to the soft tissue in and around the tooth. Interestingly, it is possible for these problems to start arising shortly after the procedure is completed. If a patient does not follow their doctor’s care instructions, they will be more likely to suffer from this problem. As a result, you should make it a point to strictly follow the cleaning and recovery recommendations made by your dentist, and this should help you mitigate the chances of ever needing another root canal on the same tooth. A root canal may be one of the best options for ensuring that you do not need to have a damaged tooth extracted. However, if you are ill-informed about this treatment procedure, you may be under the impression that some myths are true, but understanding that these two incorrect beliefs should be ignored will help you be a smarter and more informed dental patient. Talk to places like Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS, LLC for more...
read moreWhen To Seek Out A Urogynecologist
A yearly visit to the gynecologist is something all women have to do. These trips are necessary for women to stay proactive about their health. But sometimes women experience problems that go outside the expertise of their regular gynecologist. Pelvic floor disorders, for example, need to be dealt with by a specialist. And that’s where a urogynecologist comes in. These doctors have additional training and expertise in female pelvic medicine, and are up to date on the newest and most effective procedures in this area. Read on to find out what disorders could cause you to seek out a urogynecologist. Incontinence: Incontinence is when you lose control over your bladder or bowel, which causes you to leak urine or feces. This is a very common problem amongst women, but few actually get help for it because of the embarrassment they feel. By seeking out a urogynecologist, the problem could be readily diagnosed and treated. Pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of your pelvic organs, such as your bladder or uterus, drop out of its normal position. This happens as a result of the pelvic muscles weakening from an event like surgery or childbirth. Most women are affected by this condition at some point in their lives. Overactive bladder: Overactive bladder occurs when you constantly feel the need to urinate due to a problem with your bladder storage function. Ignoring an overactive bladder can lead to urinary incontinence. Emptying disorder: At the opposite end of the spectrum, an emptying disorder is when you have difficulty urinating or moving bowels. This disorder results from a weak flow of urine and not emptying the bladder to completion. Pelvic pain: Pain in the pelvic region could range from mild discomfort to a burning feeling in your bladder to pain during intercourse. A urogynecologist will have the expertise to determine where the pain is coming from. While your regular gynecologist will be familiar with most of these disorders, they will most likely refer you to a urogynecologist because of their additional training. A urogynecologist will combine their gynecology and urology studies to effectively treat your condition. Most treatment options are usually non-surgical or non-invasive and can help cure or manage your disorder. Many women will have a pelvic floor disorder throughout her life and it’s important to follow up with the proper doctor to ensure that simple disorders don’t progress to something worse. To learn more, contact a company like Western Branch Center for Women with any questions you...
read moreOrthopedic Tips For Preventing Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are cracks in a bone. If you are engaged in physical activity and you often place strain on your ankle, you are more likely to experience a stress fracture. The stress fractures occur most often in the weight-bearing bones found in the ankle. If you are engaged in a sport that involves frequent jumping or running, you are especially vulnerable to a stress fracture. Don’t Over-train One of the best ways to avoid a stress fracture is to not over-train. When your muscles become tired, they are less able to absorb the shock that comes from impact. If you want to get the maximum benefit out of your workout, vary your workout in a way that reduces the extent to where you use a specific part of your body to avoid tiring out one area of your body too much. Any situation where you repeatedly strike your foot on the ground will make you highly likely to experience a stress fracture. Use Proper Techniques Another common cause of a stress fracture is how you train. If you do not use the right techniques designed by experts, you are more likely to experience a stress fracture. For example, if you do not run correctly, you will be placing strain on your ankle in a way that can cause stress fractures and tendonitis. The best way to learn a new workout is to consult with a fitness trainer. Get the Right Equipment Make sure you have the appropriate equipment for the workout you are performing. If you are running, make sure to wear running shoes. Also, make sure your shoes are in good condition and that they are the right size so they can provide adequate support. Even when not working out, be sure to wear the appropriate shoes because tripping and falling can lead to a stress fracture. The environment you workout in can increase the risk of a stress fracture. Be especially careful when running over uneven terrain or across a sandy beach. Running in place in water can be beneficial not only for the added resistance, but also with how water absorbs the shock and helps prevent stress fractures. If you’d like to live a long, healthy and active life, you will want to avoid stress fractures because they can take their toll. You will also want to get plenty of calcium and vitamin D because a deficiency can cause osteoporosis, which can also increase the risk of a stress fracture. Also, if you experience pain in your ankle that lasts for several days, you will want to see an orthopedic surgeon like Orthopaedic Associates Of...
read more2 Vital Tests You Need To Do During Your Third Trimester Of Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, then there are a couple of vital tests you need to do when you enter your third trimester of pregnancy. These tests can protect you and your baby from danger before and during delivery. Glucose Test The first test you need to do is the glucose test. This test is designed to see if you have developed gestational diabetes, which can cause your baby to grow extra large if your body cannot properly handle the blood sugar. You can also have complications during the last trimester, and your baby may need to be delivered early. To do this test, you simply have to go to the hospital with an order from your doctor. You will then drink a bottle of sugary glucose, and you have to drink it quickly for the test to be effective. After drinking the liquid and letting it run through your system for a few minutes, a nurse will take your blood to test the sugar levels. If your levels are fine, then no further work is needed. If you are on the border, you can do another glucose test to see if it is really something to be concerned about. Blood Test Second, you also need to do a blood test to find out if you are Rh negative. If you are positive, then you do not have to do anything else. If you are negative, however, then this can be a danger to your baby and to future pregnancies. The reason is that if your baby has a positive blood type and some of his or her blood mixes with yours at any point during the last trimester or delivery, then your body will recognize the blood as being foreign. When this happens, your body can produce antibodies that can attack the baby or build up a tolerance to the positive blood type. In order to prevent this problem, you will receive a rhogam shot at the hospital in your third trimester. The shot only takes a few seconds, and you should not have many side effects. The shot will counteract any problems that could occur if some of the baby’s blood mixes with your blood. When you get pregnant in the future, your body will not try to get rid of the baby if you have had a rhogam shot, so it is vital to make sure that you do not skip out on this. By doing these 2 tests, you can protect yourself and your baby from complications that could occur during the third trimester and during delivery. Talk to places like Ogeechee OB-GYN for more...
read moreHow To Provide Immediate First Aid For A Separated Shoulder
The slip and fall season is here. Every year, over a million people will visit an emergency room because they were injured by slipping on things like ice and wet floors. A person who falls will typically stretch out their arms to protect themselves from hitting the ground hard, and this can result in a separated or dislocated shoulder. You can do a few things to keep the shoulder injury from getting worse and relieve some of the pain the person is feeling. Here is how you can treat an injured shoulder. Check Pulse Check the radial pulse on the victim. The radial artery is located on the lateral side of your wrist just below your thumb. Use your index and middle fingers to press down on the radial artery (don’t use your thumb – the thumb has its own pulse, and it is very hard to tell the difference between the pulse from your thumb and the pulse on the victim’s wrist). You are checking the radial pulse to make sure the injury hasn’t cut off the blood flow to the arm. If you don’t find a pulse, you could have a true medical emergency on your hands and you should call 911 right away to take victim to the nearest emergency room. Immobilize Shoulder You should stabilize the arm and shoulder to prevent further damage from happening. You will need to create a sling to rest the arm in. A sling can be made out of a scarf. Wrap the scarf around the arm and tie both ends together around the back of the victim’s neck. You should also try to hold the shoulder in place close to the body. If need be, open the victim’s coat, place the arm inside the coat and zipper it back up. Use Ice Pack snow and ice into a bag, towel, or a pull over winter cap. Place the ice or snow on the injured shoulder. The cold will help to reduce the swelling and pain. Pain Medication Don’t give pain medication right away. The doctor will need to determine the extent of damage to the shoulder to prescribe the right treatment. One way they do this is by assessing the pain the victim is experiencing when the doctor examines their shoulder. Pain medication limits the amount of pain a victim is feeling and it can mask the amount of damage that has happened to the shoulder. Get Medical Help You should take the victim to the doctor’s office or emergency room to have them examined by a trained physician once you have immobilized the shoulder. For treatment after the emergency, visit Orthopaedic Associates Of...
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