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. Keeping Warm This Winter– All You Need To Know To Avoid Frostbite
With the weather becoming colder, you could become increasingly at risk for cold weather injuries to your hands and feet. One of the most common injuries in freezing weather is frostbite. If you are not careful, you can quickly suffer from frostbite in your hands and feet when exposed to freezing temperatures. Here are some things you need to know: How Does Frostbite Occur? Frostbite is basically when the tissue on your body becomes frozen when exposed to prolonged freezing weather. It is caused by decreased blood flow to your extremities, which affects how adequately heat is spread to the body. Some of the most commonly affected areas include the ears, hands, feet, nose, and cheeks. When you get frostbite, the cells on that part of the body die and can cause serious damage. What are Some Symptoms? The signs and symptoms of frostbite will vary from case to case. It will depend on the severity of the injury, but most people with this condition suffer from burning pain, numbness, tingling, and clear blisters that appear on the skin. If the condition becomes even more severe, you could lose complete sensation in the affected area. The skin could also begin to change color to a gray or pale yellow, indicating that the cells in that area are damaged. Are There Any Cures? Again, curing frostbite will largely depend on how severe the case is. In many cases, you can heal the area by quickly re-warming the part of the body by submersing it in warm water for a long period of time. If you think you have frostbite, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention as soon as you can in order to accurately diagnose the level of damage. There are some cases in which people lose appendages because they didn’t get help quickly enough. What can be done to Prevent Frostbite? Preventing frostbite is quite easy. First, you should always have the appropriate gear for whatever temperature you will be exposed to. If you know you are traveling to arctic temperatures, heavy down coats, pants, gloves, and hats should be worn at all times. You can also prevent frostbite by getting out of the cold on a regular basis. If you encounter an emergency and find yourself stuck in the cold weather, you can protect your hands and feet by wrapping them in any plastic bag you can find in order to keep the cold air and dampness away from your skin. Frostbite is especially hard on the feet, so it is important that you take very good care of your feet. Be sure to always wear thick socks and keep them dry as possible. Contact a podiatrist for more information about foot...
read more3 Things You Need To Know About Seeing An Allergy Doctor
If you have allergies you might be suffering a great deal. This is because allergies can range from mild seasonal allergies, to life threatening allergies to certain foods or pathogens. Here are some things you need to know about seeing an allergy doctor. 1. Don’t Delay Treatment It is alarming how many people wait to see an allergist. Many people wait for years in total discomfort before they actually get the help they need. There really is no need to suffer. Instead, if over-the-counter medications are not providing the relief you need, you should see an allergist, like one at Allergy Partners of Fredericksburg. They have treatments they can give you to manage the symptoms. In addition, they can give you helpful information about how to lessen the symptoms through lifestyle and environment. It should be mentioned that if you, or your child, suffer from any type of asthma it is essential you see an allergist. Asthma can be very serious and can even be fatal for some. There are great treatments available for people suffering with asthma, so you need not suffer. 2. Take Your Symptom Journal Another important thing is that you keep track of your symptoms. If you are dealing with strange seasonal allergies, food allergies, or even asthma, it is important you can chart when they are worse and what triggers the reactions. The easiest way to do this is to keep a symptom journal. You should be writing down when the symptoms start, including the amount of time after exposure you start to have the reaction, what caused the reaction, and any other information that might be pertinent. If the allergist can look through your symptoms journal, it will help them to determine what they are dealing with and what the best treatment will be. 3. The Appointment Could Be Uncomfortable Many allergists will do something called a scratch test to determine the allergies. These tests are very accurate, but they can be uncomfortable. When you get a scratch test the allergist will prick the skin and then drop some of the possible allergens on the exposed skin. If the skin becomes irritated they know you are having an allergic reaction. If there is no reaction, this allergen is not dangerous to you. After the scratch test you can expect some discomfort in the area until it heals. For some people this can take hours or even a day or two. By doing these things you can get the most out of your visit with the allergy...
read moreChoosing Between Standard And Wiley Protocol Hormonal Therapy For Hot Flashes
You have become interested in hormonal replacement therapy because of your debilitating hot flashes. Someone who has never experienced your level of discomfort during these episodes would have trouble understanding. You may deal with multiple, unpredictable instances of sudden overwhelming body heat and intense sweating, along with sensations of faintness and nausea. Consider some important information before deciding between standard hormonal therapy and the Wiley Protocol. Safety Issues With Traditional HRT The traditional medical way to relieve hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms of menopause is to take synthetic hormones. Estrogen is the primary hormone provided, having been derived from the urine of pregnant horses. A resulting blend of hormones is very effective at reducing menopausal symptoms, but it is linked with serious health problems. Women have increasingly avoided this therapy since studies indicated an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease. Those who find their menopausal symptoms to be particularly bothersome, however, may choose this therapy at least on a short-term basis. Hot flashes and symptoms such as insomnia and vaginal dryness can substantially decrease a woman’s quality of life. Animal Cruelty Issues With Traditional HRT Many women are uneasy about the way pregnant mares are treated in the effort to collect large amounts of their urine. The horses are confined to narrow stalls for most — if not all — of the day, where they constantly wear urine collection bags. They spend years going through pregnancy after pregnancy in this manner. The Wiley Protocol for Hot Flashes Rather than using synthetic hormones created from horse urine, the Wiley Protocol uses bioidentical estrogen hormones from plant sources. This is a more natural source of estrogen that is not as intense as the form derived from horses. The Wiley Protocol also includes a male hormone extracted from animal glands. A small amount of male hormone — such as testosterone — safely enhances the effects of the estrogen. It also may boost your sex drive, which may be appealing if menopause has had a negative impact in that area of your life. Making Your Decision Talk with your doctor about bioidentical hormone therapy and see whether he or she is willing to write you a prescription to purchase in a compounding pharmacy. Some doctors would rather stick with the traditional therapy, in which case you may need to find a physician with a more holistic point of view. It makes sense to try the more natural form of hormonal therapy and learn whether it works for you before deciding to move on to a stronger synthetic...
read more3 Care Options For Your Elderly Parent
When your parent is no longer able to care for themselves, and live in their own home, it is crucial that you find a location that is safe for them. Depending on their level of disability, there are going to be different care options for them. You want to make sure that you choose a care option that they are comfortable with (if they are mentally able to convey this to you), as well as a location that you feel will take the absolute best care of them. This article will discuss 3 care options for your elderly parent. 1. Live In Your Home Under Your Care If your parent is only mildly disabled, then you may be able to care for them on your own. You can give them their necessary medications, and assist them with things like bathing, going to the restroom, eating, hygiene needs, etc. You can also take them to their regular doctor’s appointments, and any other medical appointment or treatments that they may have. This will allow you to keep a close eye on them, and you will know that they are getting excellent care because you are the one caring for them. 2. In Home Care If you would like your parent to live with you, but they are too severely disabled or medically ill for you to care for on your own, you can hire a nurse to perform in home care. An in-home care nurse will either live with you round the clock, or you will have different nurses that work different shifts. These nurses are trained to be able to meet the needs of your parent, and will make sure that they are well taken care of. It can also be a good idea to hire someone to perform in home care if you simply do not have the time to meet all of your parent’s basic needs without help. 3. Nursing Home Another option is to take your parents to a nursing home. This is a home where they will be cared for around the clock by nurses and doctors who know their condition and how to best treat it to give them the highest quality of life. Nursing homes will also provide your parent with a room of their own, as well as different opportunities for socialization. You will be able to visit your parent in the nursing home whenever you would like, which can help make this transition easier for...
read more5 Things Travelers Need To Know About Rabies Vaccines
Travelers often need to get a lot of vaccinations before they can safely travel to another country. If you plan to travel internationally, you may need to get a rabies vaccine first. Here’s what you need to know. What is rabies? Rabies is a viral disease that animals can spread to humans. In its early stages, the disease causes fever, pain, and tingling throughout the body. In the later stages, the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. At this stage, some people become hyperactive and scared of water, while others suffer from spreading paralysis. Rabies is almost always fatal. How do you get rabies? Rabies is transmitted through saliva. If an infected animal bites or scratches you, you will be exposed to the virus. Dogs are the main transmitters of rabies, but you can sometimes get it from other animals, too. Bats can also carry rabies, as can a wide variety of other wildlife. Assume that every animal you encounter could have rabies, and try to keep your distance. Are some countries more dangerous than others? Travelers can get rabies nearly anywhere in the world, but some travel destinations are riskier than others. The risk of rabies in the United States is low, so domestic travelers don’t need to worry too much. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Western Europe are also considered low risk by the World Health Organization. If your travels take you outside of these low risk areas, you need to get a rabies vaccine before your trip. Central and South America, Africa, and Asia are all high risk areas. Do some travelers have a higher risk of getting rabies? Anyone who plans to travel to a high risk area needs to get a rabies vaccine before they go, but some travelers are in more danger than others. If you like to do a lot of outdoor activities while traveling, like hiking, camping, or backpacking, you have a higher risk of getting rabies than less adventurous travelers. How many doses are required? You need to get three doses of pre-exposure rabies vaccination for it to be effective. The shot will be given in your arm. After getting the first shot, you will have to wait 7 days before you can get the second one. The third shot will be given either 21 or 28 days after the first shot. Rabies is a deadly disease, but you can prevent it by being immunized before your next...
read moreFour Things You Can Learn From Your Physical Therapist
You may think that the physical therapist is just another medical professional you are sent to due to some sort of ailment, but this person is more than just another information spouting sponsor of the medical industry. Physical therapists go through rigorous training and education to stand before you and tell you more about how your body works. They are so skilled in their professional that they hold valuable insight into ways you can change your habits to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Here are four things you can learn from your physical therapist. Wear the Right Shoes The next time you are in physical therapy, take a look at the shoes the therapist is wearing. You will most likely never see a physical therapist come to work in a pair of heels or other uncomfortable shoes. This is because any of them will tell you that the shoes you wear on your feet can have a direct impact on your overall posture, stance, and body as a whole. Stretching If you get the chance to hang round a medical rehabilitation facility for an extended period of time, you will see that physical therapists really do practice what they preach. You may spy them taking a few minutes to stretch or consistently taking breaks to use equipment. Every Human Body is Different Physical therapists may start out with the same evaluations and routines to initially become familiar with a patient, but most patients are treated on an individualized basis according to their needs. This is because no two people are the same. When you understand this, it is easy to see how there is so much misinformation spread about common ailments and concerns amongst the general public. Positive Interaction is Important to Well-Being Ever noticed that your visit to the physical therapist leaves you feeling a little more upbeat in spite of your ailments? This is because physical therapists follow a strict adherence to the unwritten rules of keeping patients happy. People who are happy and upbeat will feel better about their treatment in a lot of cases. There is a lot to be learned from this professional attitude that would apply to everyday life. You may huff and scoff that you have to visit a physical therapist for a few weeks when you are injured or in pain, but you really should take some time to appreciate the experience. Physical therapy can provide you with great benefits. Furthermore, if you pay close attention, there may even be a few things you learn from the physical therapist in the...
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