Giardiasis The diagnosis of giardiasis is based on the following:

Medical history or physical exam. If they suggest symptoms of giardiasis, some doctors prescribe one type of treatment or recommend other tests including:

Stool tests

Antigen tests that detect proteins (antigens) of Giardia

Direct collection of samples from the intestine, which is made if the stool test is inconclusive. A sample from the small intestine is taken so it can be examined to see the parasite. This test is rarely done. Liquids from the upper small intestine (duodenal fluid) may also be examined under a microscope to see the parasite or is a test to identify parasite antigens. Duodenal fluid is collected by endoscopy.

Other tests that can diagnose giardiasis or other similar diseases will be performed if fiardiasis symptoms persist for a long period of time, especially if problems arise from malabsorption. These tests are done for examining the small intestine (upper gastrointestinal tract) or to take a tissue sample (biopsy) of the upper small intestine to isolate microorganisms that cause infection.

When outbreaks of giardiasis occur in nurseries or foster care will be a screening of those infected. Those infected have no symptoms but can transmit the disease to others.

Treatment

In some cases the symptoms of giardiasis disappear without any medical treatment. It is better to follow a treatment if the symptoms are present because it relieves discomfort and avoids spreading the infection. Some doctors recommend giardiasis treatment even though there are no giardiasis symptoms. This prevents spreading the disease and decreases the risk of chronic infection with this parasite. Treatment consists of administration of antiparasitic drugs (such as metronidazole or tinidazole) that kill the parasite. The recommended treatment depends on age, if additional treatments for giardiasis in history or pregnancy. Giardiasis treatment is started in the following condition:

• People who work in kindergartens and child care centers
• Affected people working with the preparation, handling and distribution of food
• Brief episodes of diarrhea that can cause dehydration and loss of absorption for nutrients in the intestine, which can aggravate associated health conditions
• Regular diarrhea episodes that occur over several months or longer (chronic giardiasis). Many cases get better eventually, but giardiasis treatment relieves symptoms and prevents the spread of infection to others.

Giardiasis

Note!

If no symptoms are present the starting the treatment decision is based on the current risk of transmitting the infection. You do not need treatment of an infection that produces no symptoms, although most doctors recommend treatment. Drug treatment may not be effective for all patients.

Giardiasis Home Treatment

In the case of exposure to giardiasis and present diarrhea, drug therapy may relieve symptoms immediately after they are administered. Adjuvant treatment is also necessary to treat the disease at home.

Treatment of giardiasis diarrheal episodes

You can avoid episodes of diarrhea and dehydration through the following measures:

• Calming the stomach by drinking only clear liquids until giardiasis symptoms improve. If diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, take small sips of rehydration drinks to prevent dehydration. A glass of water mixed with rehydration substances for each stool.
• As diarrhea usually helps recovering after a disease (especially one caused by a viral infection), avoid antidiarrheal medication for the first 6 hours. Diarrhea treatment will be started  in case of cramps and discomfort and other signs of illness such as fever
• Easy to eat and digest foods such as rice, bread and dry biscuits, banana and apple juice from the second day or earlier. Avoid spicy foods, other fruits, alcohol and coffee for 2 days and dairy products for 3 days after giardiasis symptoms disappear.
• Children with diarrheal episodes, especially those younger that 4 years, require attention to avoid dehydration. Children will be given small portions of food or liquids at short intervals. For older children, give half or a rehydration drink each hour accompanied by light food.
• Continue feeding or feeding your baby breast milk or breast formulas as long as possible. changing to soy milk for a short period of time can be very useful.
• Supplements are consumed in small sips along with rehydration drinks every few minutes. Do not drink carbonated, soft, fruit beverages. They usually contain too much sugar and not enough electrolytes, nutrients lost through diarrhea.

Digestive problems that occur after treatment of giardiasis

Some people with symptoms of giardiasis will notice a short-term milk intolerance and milk products (lactase deficiency). Their consumption produces similar symptoms as the giardia infection such as diarrhea, flatulence and cramps. Problems last more than a month after finishing the giardiasis treatment. If these symptoms occur during giardiasis treatment, avoid drinking milk or milk products for at least one month. Then gradually reintroduce them into your diet. Infants and children who suffered from giardia infection had poor growth compared to normal kids. It takes several weeks for them to recover to normal after the end of giardiasis treatment. Generally giardiasis does not cause any permanent problems in adults or children.

Medication Choices

Medication usually cures giardiasis in adults with a succes rate of 80% ato 95%. The remaining patients may not be cured after the first giardiasis treatment and need to repeat the same treatment with other drugs. If the symptoms and medical history suggest the diagnosis of giardiasis, some doctors prescribe drugs before a closer examination. This depends on whether they more family members were exposed to giardiasis or if there is risk of spreading the infection to other people.

• Metronidazole (Flagyl, Noritate)
• Tiniazol (Tindamax).

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix) is a disease in which malignant cells develop in the cervix. The cervix is the narrow end of the uterus. It has a small opening to the vagina, which allows passage of menstrual blood. Besides that fact that it allows passage of menstrual blood, the cervix acts as a barrier and has an important role in preventing uterine infections (preventing infection penetration into the uterus). The cervix plays an important role during birth, when opening, allowing the baby to be born. Cervical cancer the most common form of cancer in young women.

Cervical Cancer Causes

Cervical cancer is caused by cellular abnormalities that occur in the cervix. Initially, cellular outgrowth occurs in the cervix, and this is because the area is subject to constantly cyclical changes , depending on the period. In this physiological process, chances are that the cells suffer mutations , favoring the appearance of abnormal developed cells.

Human Papiloma Virus. There are more than 100 types of human papilloma virus, of which about 30 can be the cause of genital infections. While some viruses are responsible for genital warts, others can be blamed for the occurrence of cervical cancer or other genital cancers. Other types of HPV can cause warts in other parts of the body.

Some experts say that most women and men sexually active will contact the human papiloma virus at some point in their life. The most disturbing fact is that human papiloma virus infection most often does not cause symptoms. In most cases, however, the body has the ability to destroy the infection within two years of exposure to HPV.

Cervical Cencer Risk Factors

The following are considered risk factors for cervical cancer:

• Papilloma virus or HPV infection
• Smoking
• Chronic infection with Chlamydia
• Long term administration of oral contraceptives
• Multiple pregnancy
• Treatment with drugs containing diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• History of cervical cancer in the family.

Infection with human papilloma virus is the most important risk factor by far. There are over 80 identified strains of HPV . Human papilloma virus types 16 and 18 are responsible for cervical cancer in 70% of the cases. But not all women infected with the virus will develop cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Signs of cervical cancer may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding that occurred after intercourse
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain

In advanced cervical cancer, symptoms change as follows:

• Anemia due to uncontrollable blood loss
• Pelvic pain occurs, lower limb or lumbar pain
• Abnormal communication between the vagina and rectum, a condition called vaginal fistula. This is due the cancer expansion to the adjacent tissues.
• Weight loss (several pounds in a few weeks, months)

Once you start to experience these symptoms, the wisest thing to do is a gynecological exam:

• Peristant pelvic pain
• Heavy menstruation or prolonged menstruation
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Difficulty in urination
• Vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain that occurs suddenly and intense should never be overlooked

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

The Pap test is generally recommend to women older than 35 years, but for an early diagnosis, any woman, regardless of age, must do this test at least once a year (ideal – each 6 months). The Pap test, or in other words, cyto-vaginal exam, consists of microscopic analysis of cells from the vaginal secretion. This test can detect any changes in vaginal mucosa and can detect malignant (cancerous) changes and even different types of infections and diseases such as candida or trichomonas infection. Colposcopic guided biopsy and in some cases endocervical curettage seal the cervical cancer diagnosis.

Diagnosis of invasive lesions: visible (macroscopic) lesions of the cervix are biopsied ,possibly endocervical curettage is done and if the lesion extends into the cervical canal, microscopic examination of the excised material  sets the  malignancy diagnosis. After the malignancy confirmation, pre-therapeutic evaluation of the case is required along with other investigations: normal examinations (chest radiography, blood tests, ECG) and other complementary tests useful for assessing disease extension:

• Abdominal-pelvic computed tomography,
• Urography,
• Cystoscopy or possibly rectoscopy (examination of the rectum using an endoscope) if invasion of neighboring organs is suspected.

Cervical Cancer Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage and evolution of cervical cancer lesions. In simple precancerous stages  abnormal tissue is destroyed by laser surgery, by refrigeration or electricity. In precancerous stage (severe dysplasia), surgery is needed (conization)- consists of removal of a portion of the cervix. In more advanced stages of cancer (invasive cancer), cancer treatment depends on the stage extension. Surgery, radiotherapy and possibly chemotherapy, alone or combined, depending on the situation will be required.

Motion Sickness

During boat rides on rough water or in the case of flights in turbulent atmosphere, abdominal discomfort may occur which is called motion sickness. Even if it does not create long-term problems, motion sickness can cause many troubles, especially to those who travel a lot. People can have motion sickness when travelling by cars, trains, airplanes, while riding carousels in amusement parks or while boating . Motion sickness is sometimes called bad flight sickness or sea sickness.

Video games, flight simulators, watching the microscope can also cause motion sickness, in these cases the eye perceives movement even though the body does not move . Children aged between 5 and 12 years, women and the elderly are more prone to motion sickness, while in children under 2 years it is more rare. There are no specific tests or other tests for motion sickness.

Motion Sickness Symptoms

Motion sickness can cause:

• Malaise (indisposition)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headaches
• Cold sweats, sweat that appears even if it is not very hot
• Pallor (pale skin).

Motion sickness symptoms usually disappear soon after cessation of movement. Sometimes it takes several days for the motion sickness symptoms to disappear. Some people may get used to the motion sickness during long journeys, such as during cruising. If the motion sickness symptoms still appear will be of low intensity. The motion sickness symptoms may recur when landing or getting on earth, for a short period of time. Motion sickness symptoms usually disappear within 3 days from end of the journey. If they do not disappear then medical aid is required. Nausea and vomiting may be caused by other diseases of the stomach (gastritis) or inner ear problems.

Motion Sickness Treatment And Remedies

The best way to treat motion sickness is to avoid movement that triggers the symptoms. If you can not avoid movement that triggers motion sickness symptoms, it is recommended for you to sit or lie on horizontaly, in a place where the movement does not feel so intense. When travelling by plane it is recommended  to sit near the wing, when travelling by boat, sit on deck and look in the horizon. You can use some drugs your doctor indicated to prevent or reduce motion sickness symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Many drugs are effective if taken before leaving on a long trip. These drugs have different effects. Some are sedatives and minimize the effect of movement, while others reduce nausea and vomiting. Drugs that may help prevent symptoms of motion sickness:

• Scopolamine patch (Transdermal purpose) or tablets (Scopace)
• Promethazine hydrochloride (Anergan, Phenergan)
• Antihistamines, including dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), dyphenhydramine (Benadryl), cyclizine (Marezine) buclizine (Bucladin-S Softabs) and meclizine (Antivert).

Some people use alternative methods to prevent motion sickness, such as using ginger or elastic stockings. There is little scientific evidence that these methods would be effective, but their use does not cause unwanted effects. Physical therapy can help people who have significant motion sickness problems. Physiotherapists will advise the person in rehearsing repeated movements in a controlled environment so that it will able to maintain balance during movement. There are no studies to prove effectiveness of this therapy.

Habits That Mistakenly Aren’t Thought Harmful

Different habits can protect us or increase the risk of cancer. In addition to food that is essential and can keep us away from this disease, be careful to habits that you have that can increase the risk of cancer! It is a general rule to eat many more vegetables and fruits  and reduce consumption of red meat, fried foods and fast food products, excess sugar, dairy and salt that sickens the body, smoking and alcohol not to mention.

This is the kind of lifestyle information that specialists rely on when they try to correct our habits and to ensure patients are safe from cancer. Moreover, in addition to diet to nourish the body and help it operate at full capacity, we need another ingredient in our lives and that is sport. Any physical activity is good if you have a  sedentary lifestyle.

Work issues, couple life, financial difficulties and stress are more properly handled when the body receives its portion of movement, stimulating thus the formation of substances essential to proper functioning.

None of the routine medical tests must be neglected! Performed regularly they can prevent the appearance and evolution of many conditions that can endanger your health.

But what do you do when you manage to follow these basic rules, but there are other habits that you have and can become life threatening? Here are some bad habits that can endanger your health status.

Eating

Eating too many low-fat products (“low-fat”, “fat-free”). The products we find in stores and are labeled as low-fat or fat-free are actually very dangerous. To replace fat, refined carbohydrates and sugar is added, a rather simple procedure that can be the cause of fluctuations in insulin levels and inflammation that favors the appearance of pre-cancer. Choose fat rather that such products and be very careful how much you eat and you will not fall into the trap of eating more.

Not enough sleep. A recent study shows that people who tend to sleep less than six hours a night  are 50% more likely to develop colon polyps that can transform into colon cancer.

Not brushing your teeth regularly and flossing. If you do not pay attention to your teeth, the risk of cancer increases every day, according to a research conducted more recently. Deposits that remain between your teeth after using the toothbrush and toothpaste can strengthen, infiltrated in gums and may cause inflammation that can spread throughout the body. The study showed that women with gum disease have a 75% higher risk of breast cancer compared with those who do not have these type of problems.

Not sticking to the main meals. You must have a routine when it comes to eating. If the body has no food it becomes stressed, release stress hormones that affect insulin release and thus favoring the inflammatory processes.

Excess intake of dietary supplements, especially vitamin E. Many experts recommend them for daily dietary supplementation, but is not recommended to exaggerate with them. It seems that the problem occurs especially when the normal intake of vitamin E is exceeded. Vitamin E is useful due to its antioxidant properties, but in high doses it can destroy the DNA, leading to cancer. The recommended daily dose is 30 international units (IU), and if you want to supplement your diet with this vitamin, you can eat raw pistachios. 1-2 handfuls of raw pistachios provide the daily dose of vitamin E.

Sore Throat

Sore throat is defined as discomfort or a feeling of irritation in the neck that gets worse most times when swallowing. Pain is the main symptom seen in pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx or throat). Often, the terms of pharyngitis and sore throat are used interchangeably. Sore throat is often caused by a viral infection, flu or cold.  A sore throat triggered by a virus can self-heal with home care, however, if it is triggered by a bacterial infection, the sore throat may require antibiotic treatment. There may be other reasons for neck pain that may require complex care regimens.

Sore Throat Symptoms

Symptoms of a sore throat varies, depending on the cause. These may include:

• Discomfort or feeling of irritation or scratch in the throat
• Pain that worsens during swallowing or speech
• Difficulty when swallowing
• Sensation of dry throat
• Inflamed or painful glands
• Swelling and redness of the tonsils
• White spots or pus present in on the throat and tonsils
• Thick speech
• Pain when eating and eating refusal (especially seen in infants and young children).

Common infections that could be the basis for pain in the neck may have other associated signs and symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Sore Throat Causes

• Adenoiditis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Larynx cancer
• Cancer of the mouth
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Strep throat

Other causes of sore throat:

• Bacterial infection
• Chemical irritation (tear gas, smoke).
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Diphtheria
• Dry Air
• Diverse viral infections

Sore Throat Treatment

What treatments can be applied to eliminate the neck pain? Antibiotics for viral infections, proved ineffective are not recommended. Symptoms in this case will begin to disappear when the body triggers its self-defense system, usually 7-10 days will pass until recovery. To relieve sore throat pain and problems that it causes the following are recommended:

• Antipiretic drugs (that fight fever) – acetaminophen – Tylenol, ibuprofen, novocalmin.  Children under 12 can not be given aspirin (high chances to develop Reyes syndrome)
• Gargle with warm water and salt (1 / 4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup water).
• Adults and older children can use candy to relieve the burning sensation in the throat (eg Halls).
• High consumption of warm or cold liquids (avoid hot foods and liquids, as they can be able to irritate the throat worse), easily digestible foods and as more fluids.

If the sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection your doctor will prescribe antibiotics – penicillin treatment for 10 days (later research showed that treatment for 5-7 days does not give positive results, there is a risk of complications and unwanted re-infection).

In case of allergy to penicillin erythromycin is prescribed. Although improvement occurs in the first days of antibiotic treatment it is very important to completely finish the treatment in order to prevent rheumatic fever. Approximately 15% of patients relapse and a second course of antibiotics are needed. Strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis) is contagious and patient should be isolated. Children can return to school if fever was not present in the last 24 hours and had at least 2 days of antibiotic treatment.

If the sore throat is caused by different types of bacteria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to destroy the bacterial flora.  Any antibiotic has to be followed until the end to prevent reinfection and complications. In the case of infectious mononucleosis your doctor will recommend avoiding long and heavy physical activity. Symptoms can last in some cases more than 4 weeks.

Peripheral Arterial

Among the consequences of high cholesterol levels, are not only sealing of heart blood vessels but also legs damage. In this situation peripheral arterial disease is very likely to develop. After five years, 20% of people with peripheral arterial disease will suffer a heart attack. Atherosclerosis, a process in which excess bad cholesterol (LDL) is deposited on artery walls, is frequently associated with heart attack but also with peripheral arterial disease. The condition occurs mostly blood circulating in the arms and legs becomes obstructed.Most of the times lower limbs are affected by this condition. The main symptoms are: local leg cramps, pain and difficulty when walking.
Atherosclerosis can cause narrowing and hardening of any artery in the body. When this happen, peripheral arterial disease in your arms, legs and pelvis causes lack of oxygen-rich blood supply. Smokers are prone to develop peripheral arterial disease.

Peripheral Arterial

Peripheral arterial disease involves narrowing or blocked arteries, resulting in diminished blood flow to the lower and upper limbs. During walking or physical activity, muscles do not receive enough blood and painful leg cramps occur.

 Peripheral Arterial Disease Causes

The most common cause is the accumulation of plaque inside arteries, plaques are made of extra cholesterol, calcium and other blood materials. Over time, the plaques build up inside arteries, including those that supply blood to the legs. If plaque builds up in arteries, blood flow will be obstructed and the flow will be reduced. Each part of a person’s body needs oxygen-rich blood and plaques prevents blood supply to the muscles and other tissues located in the lower body. The process of formation and concentration of plaque occurs simultaneously throughout the body and the main result is the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Obstruction of blood supply will not only manifest in the legs but also in the heart and brain, increasing the chances of developing a heart attack or stroke.

Plaque builds gradually during life and often symptoms do not appear until the age of 65. High cholesterol, hypertension, smoking are risk factors for atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease. The good news is that the disease can be treated.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Symptoms

• Leg pain – a common symptom of periphery artery disease is claudication: leg pain or discomfort that occurs due to clogged arteries and lack of blood supply to the legs to support their effort. Some people feel their feet very heavy or tired or a burning sensation. Pain may be located in any part of the leg, the thigh or the buttock and may include one or both legs. Symptom triggers are long distance walks without rest.

Peripheral Arterial

• Cramps during the night – During sleep, people with periphery artery disease may exeprience muscle cramps or spasms, usually located in the heel, foot or toes. Pain can be relieved by swinging the leg at the edge of the bed or chair, allowing gravity restore some blood flow in the legs.
• Changes in skin and nails – Peripheral arterial disease can cause changes in leg nails and skin. Due to the fact that feet are not irrigated with normal blood flow, the feet will suffer from hair loss. The skin may become glossy and feet nails may thicken or grow more slowly. All these events occur together, usually
• Unusual color of the skin – One of the specific symptoms of peripheral arterial disease is changes in skin color of the legs, which may become whitish. However after the leg is swinging on the edge of a chair, the skin will become red or purple because the body dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to the legs. In some cases, feet or toes become pale or blue from the lack of circulation.
• Cold Feet – The feet cold to the touch may indicate the presence of peripheral arterial disease. Even if this is not the best sign or symptom of peripheral arterial disease, it should be noted by the physician.
• Wounds that will not heal – In people suffering from peripheral arterial disease this indicates an advanced stage, reduction of the circulation can cause difficulty in healing ulcers of the legs. Known as ischemic ulcers, they should be treated quickly. The color may be brown or black and often painful.
• Erectile dysfunction – This is not a common symptom of peripheral arterial disease, but it is present in some cases. If the internal iliac arteries that supply the necessary blood for a normal erection are blocked, the result can be erectile dysfunction.
• Numbness or weakness of the legs – If a person feels his legs numb or weak while resting, it could be a sign of the peripheral arterial disease.
• Atrophy of calf muscles – In advanced stages of peripheral arterial disease, the leg muscles may present atrophy or calf size may diminish.
• Tissue death – In most people the peripheral arterial disease symptoms are mild and tolerable, but a small fraction of patients may experience extreme symptoms. In advanced stages of peripheral arterial disease tissue death and even gangrene can occur.

Otitis Externa

External ear infections (otitis externa) are caused by fungal, viral or bacterial infections. This type of infection is often present in people practicing sports like swimming as it is commonly associated with moisture in the external auditory canal. Left untreated, otitis externa can be life-threatening. Under normal conditions, ear wax (cerumen) repels water on the surface of the external ear canal. Wax helps maintaining a suitable pH to inhibit bacterial growth in the ear. If this is altered, infection may occur. A fungal infection, viral or bacterial can be the cause of otitis externa. Bacterial infectins are the most common cause.

Otitis Externa

Otitis Externa Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of otitis externa include ear pain, yellowish green liquid discharge from the ear cannal,  foul-smelling and hearing loss. External ear infection (otitis externa) causes irritation and inflammation of the external ear canal. It can occur at any age but most commonly affects young adults.

Otitis Externa Risk Factors

Factors that stimulate bacterial growth

• Excessive moisture in the external ear canal. Repeated exposure to water can lead to loss of ear wax. Unprotected skin retains moisture in the external ear canal and causes irritation. Normal pH balance is also disturbed, allowing the growth of the bacteria. Using hearing aids can also promote the accumulation of moisture in the external ear canal;
• Damage or skin irritation of the external auditory canal. Scratching the ear canal or removing wax with makeshift items such as barrettes or clips, can damage skin, thus providing the bacteria a gateway. Efforts to clean the ear cannal with wool sticks, is not recommended, contrary to expectations, due to excess wax and dirt that is forced deeper into the ear canal.
• Chronic skin diseases or allergies. Skin diseases such as eczema or seborrhea may provide bacteria an entry point. Hair dye allergies or sprays can irritate skin and cause infections. Sometimes the infection can be very severe and aggressive, this happens more often in people with diabetes, especially in the elderly. Those with weakened immune systems are also at risk to develop this type of infection. The infection usually starts as an external otitis but at some point, the bacteria can spread from the ear canal skin to the surrounding tissues, including cartilage and bone. Nerve damage can occur that can even lead to facial paralysis.

Otitis Externa

 Otitis Externa Diagnosis

If you notice pain in the ear canal or fluid leaking  (yellowish or yellow-green), contact your  doctor. If the fluid or inflammation blacks the canal you can lose your hearing. Your doctor may use an instrument called an otoscope to examine the external auditory canal. If pus is present, a sample for laboratory analysis is taken. Most external ear infections are troublesome, but if treated properly, are not a threat to general health. Severe external otitis may spread to surrounding tissues and may affect the underlying bone and cartilage. Left untreated, this may be life threatening.

Oitits Txterna Treatment

If you suspect that you have otitis externa, you can take some steps before consulting a doctor. Applying a not very warm cushion on the ear  could help. After the diagnosis, your doctor will clean the ear canal with a suction device or a cotton-tipped probe. This maneuver helps alleviate pain. Often, doctors prescribe ear drops containing corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, and an antibiotic to control infection. If you have pain, your doctor may prescribe a painkiller. Make sure water does not enter the ear during treatment, usually 7-10 days. If the infection does not improve after 3-4 days, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic.

Prevention

Gently dry your ears with a hair dryer or a towel after bathing or swimming because moisture can expose the external ear canal to infection. Avoid excessive cleaning of the ear canal. Remove only what is found outside the opening. Cover with cotton the hearing cannal or something similar when applying paint or hair spray.

Osteoarthritis

A healthy cartilage allows bones to move, thus achieving limb movements. The role of cartilages is to attenuate and absorb shocks during movement. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage surface may crack, which causes pain, swelling and loss of joint mobility. In time the cartilages can deform. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common form of adult physical damage. Although, generally elderly are the most affected, young people can also suffer from osteoarthritis after an accident that affects the joints. In fact, more than half of the population aged over 65 years have osteoarthritis modifications that can be seen on X-rays.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects each person differently, some progressing rapidly, and in other cases the symptoms are mild. Since nobody knows exactly what the exact causes of this disease, but suspect a combination of factors including obesity, aging, sports injuries and joint damage.

Osteoarthritis, by limiting physical activity due to the pain and reduced mobility of joints causes depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, absence from work and impaired family relationships. Despite these shortcomings, however, those affected can lead a relatively normal life with the correct medication and special exercise. Educating patients and support programs are also very helpful.

When cartilage is destroyed due to chemical changes and you suffer from osteoarthritis which virtually means bone rubbing on bone, you definitely need to know some easy remedies. The occurrence of osteoarthritis affects the quality of life seriously, but there are simple remedies to improve your status and achieve pain relief.

Losing weight – the best remedy is early weight loss and maintaining its normal parameters to prevent pressure on the knee especially due weight.

Exercise – physical activity is essential for people with osteoarthritis, regardless if it consists of walking short distances, or swimming. People think that exercise may worsen their condition but this feeling is false, physical activity can help relieve osteoarthritis pain. Programs should include exercises of walking, swimming, cycling, until the introduction of isometric and isotonic exercise type.

Electricity – electricity is often used by therapists to soothe pain and swelling of joints. This method involves placing electrodes around the joint and providing electromagnetic pulses through the skin (transcutaneous electrostimulation). Electroacupuncture is another method to improve the condition of patients with osteoarthritis, in which the therapist uses needles and acupuncture points, and electrodes attached to an electrical charge to pass through these pins. Both methods can provide pain relief and joint stiffness prevention

Acupuncture – several studies show that acupuncture may be helpful for people suffering from Osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine – There is some evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis pain, but glucosamine sulfate is beneficial and glucosamine hydrochloride not.

Chondroitin – research has shown that this supplement combined with glocosamine showed promising results for sufferers of osteoarthritis, with no side effects.

Chiropractic therapy – this therapy does not help especially patients suffering form osteoarthritis, but is very useful in treating muscle spasms, for example back pain, chiropractic therapy can help eliminate pain, easing muscle spasms. Heat and cold remedies can also be very useful to alleviate these spasms that are not only painful but can interfere with sleep.

Inform Yourself !  This is not a therapy nor a cure, but information related to arthritis is a powerful weapon against it. It is crucial that a patient understands what osteoarthritis is and what are its limits. Also finding a good  doctor, a specialist that can properly inform you regarding this disease and especially how to handle it is crucial.

Teeth Whitening

Home teeth whitening methods have some advantages as follows:

Long tem results. Doctors say the only way to maintain white teeth is repeated use of home bleaching products, at an interval of 4-6 months. In addition, people with a high degree of yellowing of the teeth or teeth which were affected by certain substances such as tetracycline, home whitening kits should be used for a longer duration, up to 1 year.

Wide  range of products. Currently on the market there are numerous options available for home whitening kits, such as strips or liquids that can be applied directly to the tooth enamel surface (mineralized part of the teeth) with many other accessories.

Conveniently. Whether the action of the products the patient uses, teeth whitening can be done any time of the day or night.

Portability. Teeth whitening products can be used when you are at work or in the car on the way to destination.\

Prices for home whitening kits are generally smaller than a dentist whitening.

Home Teeth Whitening

Home teeth whitening kits, purchased from dental offices

According to specialists in this field, in terms of tooth whitening, the best results are obtained by using kits purchased from dental offices for extended periods of time. These kits contain bleaching substances with higher percentage of peroxide.

Teeth Whitening

Home teeth whitening strips

Home tooth whitening strips are flexible membranes covered with bleaching substances that have the ability to fold after the shape of the teeth. Advantages of these whitening strips is that they are not visible and therefore can be used as you are at work or shopping. However whitening strips can not white between the teeth and are ineffective for cracked teeth. Moreover, when using these strips, saliva can come easily in contact with the whitening substance.

Liquids for tooth whitening

Liquid substances applied with a brush on the teeth, is a fast alternative for teeth whitening. These substances can be used after meals or at any other time of day.

Teeth whitening toothpaste

Technically all toothpaste have a whitening effect, due to the removal capacity of the plaque and food debris. However, only few products in this range contain abrasives and in higher concentrations.

Peroxide-based toothpaste

In terms of peroxide based toothpaste, the bleaching agent concentration is extremely low, because it comes in contact with the entire oral cavity during brushing.

Abrasive toothpaste

Most toothpaste contain abrasives such as silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate and baking powder. Whitening toothpaste has however, a higher concentration of these abrasive substances. The paradoxical effect in terms of these substances is that they can cause spots or a dull appearance of the dental crowns and veneers, if  are used for long periods of time.

Whitening floss

Flossing for long periods, has the ability to remove stains from your teeth.

Migraine

Doctors recognize several types of headaches such as hypertension type, migraine headaches, menstrual migraines, rebound headaches and cluster headaches, the most severe type. To determine what is the type of your headache, it is important to keep a “diary” of symptoms for at least 2 or 3 weeks. That headache triggers may include hormonal changes just before menstruation, certain foods, alcohol, weather changes and stress.

Migraine

Headaches

Headaches are annoying and most people experience them occasionally, but headaches may occur daily because due to the state of tension that can occur throughout the day for various reasons.

Headaches causes:

• Stress
• Deprivation
• Those who work with their head or neck in an unnatural position for long periods
• Eye fatigue
• Noisy environment (or too bright lighting)
• Skipping a meal
• Underlying these headaches anxiety or depression can be present leading in time to chronic headaches.

Main symptoms:

• Pressure or tightening pain in the forehead, temples, behind the head and neck, specifically the neck.
• The pain is constant rather than throbbing and on both sides of the head

Preventive measures: do not deprive yourself from sleep, do not skip meals, exercise regularly and eliminate stress.

Migraines

Causes

The biological cause of migraines is not completely clear, but the theory is that chemical imbalances in the brain, inflammation of blood vessels, nearby irritated nerves that carry pain signals. It is known, however, that susceptibility to migraine is usually genetic.It includes triggering hormones, stress, weather changes, lack of sleep, changes in altitude levels, ingestion of chocolate, food additives, alcohol (especially red wine ), and excess caffeine.

The main symptoms of a migraine : throbbing pain, which often begins on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting and is made worse by bright light, noise, or physical activity. Untreated, the pain can last from four hours to three days.

Menstruation Migraine

Causes

Lower estrogen levels at the beginning of menstruation. The exact mechanism is unclear, but hormonal fluctuations seem to be the key, because menstrual migraines often disappear during pregnancy, when estrogen levels are high, but stable, and after menopause, when are consistently low.

The main symptoms are: pain with the same characteristic as seen in other headaches.

Preventive measures: You can try to stop menstrual migraines by maintaining your body, balance the estrogen.

Migraines Remedies

In addition to the medical treatment, you can turn to acupuncture, massage, electric stimulation of the skin, phytotherapy and homeopathy.

• Basil: used as an infusion of 5 grams of plant to a cup of water. Consume after a meal.
  and leaves in a liter of white wine) 1-3 tablespoons recommended day.
• Bryonia: one of the most important means in fighting migraines, especially those with characteristic worsening at the slightest movement (movement of the eyeball)
• Yarrow tea, a cup or two a day, hawthorn tea, both with a role in improving blood circulation to the brain blood vessels.