Friday, August 3, 2012

Two common types of life insurance

            Making a good plan for your life is very essential. If you do not make any plan for your life, there will be uncontrollable things that you might need to face, and most of those things are bad things. This is why to get some life insurance quotes and buy a life insurance deal is considered as important these days. Life insurance is a kind of insurance that protects the owners by giving them some financial supports when they passed away. Some life insurance can also give the owner some money when the contract of the insurance is finished.
           
         The kind of life insurance that will give you money when you pass away is called as the whole life term insurance. This is one of the best ways that you can take if you want to make your family financially safe after you are not in this world anymore. Meanwhile, the insurance that you can use as an investment method is what we call as the term life insurance. This kind of life insurance usually will protect you for at least five year. If you can live more than five years, the money that you have been paying for the insurance will be returned to you in bigger amount. 

Most Useful Service from Payday Loans

If you are looking for the best service of loans, there are at least three reasons why you could consider payday loan service for your first priority. First is that this is the easiest loan service you could ever enjoy. With nothing more than providing the number your bank account and some payday slips, you could already get your money.

The second thing is that this service has one of the highest approval rates you could ever expect. This means, whenever you are applying for your loan, there is always better and bigger chance that you will get your application approved and thus your money granted.

The third best thing about this service is that it could deliver your money really very fast! Sometimes, you have to wait for another day after you start applying your loan. But, more often than not, you may get your money precisely at the same day of your applying for your loan! With these three biggest benefits you always get from this service, little wonder people always turn their attention to this payday service whenever they need some amount of money. Indeed, as one of your money problems’ solutions, this service could be considered as one of the best and most useful!

Some Important Factors that Affect Your Auto Insurance Choice

            There are several important factors that you should be concerned about when getting auto insurance. The first important factor is the insured party. This factor will be dealing with the individual who apply for the loan, whether it is personal, or family. You should know very well about it, so that it will be easier for you to find the best car insurance that suits your need. Besides, the auto insurance you get will be affected by the age and the gender, because auto insurance for elderly man will be different with auto insurance for teenage girl. Furthermore, someone with tickets or spotless record will also be important considerations in getting auto insurance. That is why you have to think about it very carefully.
            The second important factor that you should be concerned about is where you live. Yes, the place you live will affect the kind of auto insurance that you should choose. The different cities or states will have different auto insurance rates. Because of that, you should find information first what your city rate in order to help you to get the insurance easily. The third important factors that you should be concerned about is the insured vehicle. The kind of the vehicle that you want to insure will affect the kind of insurance you can get. To get to know more about these factors, you can visit carinsurancerates.com. 

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Poor Posture - Your Underestimated Nemesis

While you were growing up did adults ever nag you to "stand up straight!"? Chances are, it was annoying but they were right. The effects of bad posture should not be underestimated.
Bad posture not only slowly wears away your joints and ligaments leading to eventual orthopedic conditions & injuries but it can even cause trouble breathing, weight gain, lowered confidence and energy. But don't worry; it can all be avoided with a few small adjustments.
Good Posture Tips

A common misconception is that you should stand as straight as possible, which usually means you're overarching your back and that can actually cause more tension than slouching in some cases. You really just need to ensure everything is aligned correctly but don't force your back into an unnatural position. A good test is to stand against a wall with your bottom touching. If the back of your head naturally touches the wall as well you've got good posture. Your head, shoulders and hips will be in a straight line but your spine should still form its natural "S" shape. Here are a few tips more specific to bad posture prone situations:
  • Sitting (driving, working on the computer, etc)
  • Sit upright as if you had a string pulling you up.
  • Your bottom should touch the back of your seat.
  • Feet are flat on the floor. Don't cross legs, we know it's tempting - don't do it.
  • Don't lean forward to look closer at what you're watching/doing. This can seriously stress your neck muscles and lead to a lot of discomfort and even headaches!
  • A small pillow in the curve of your back can aid with comfort and keeping the natural curve of your spine.
  • Get up every 30 minutes or so and walk around if you can.
  • If you have injured your back in the past, wear a supportive back brace during strenuous activities.
Standing and walking
  • Walk heel to toe, pushing off the ground with the balls of your feet.
  • Position your feet shoulder length apart, shoulders slightly back in a relaxed position and suck in your stomach.
  • Take shorter, more frequent strides are idea as opposed to long strides.
  • Don't look at the ground; keep eyes straight ahead.
  • Tuck in your chin just a little to ensure your head and neck are both in line with your spine.
  • It almost goes without saying but comfortable shoes with a proper arch make a huge difference, especially if walking long distances.
Lifting & Bending - One of the biggest back injury culprits!
  • Always bend at the knees when you lift.
  • Make sure you lift with your legs, never your back.
  • Keep your feet shoulder width apart.
  • Position yourself close to the object you're lifting.
  • If you have to turn while lifting something, use your feet not your waist.
  • Tighten those stomach muscles!
Sleeping
  • Sleep on your back or on your side with your knees bent.
  • If sleeping on your side, put a pillow in between your legs to keep your spine straight throughout the night.
  • Don't sleep on your stomach.
  • Avoid thick pillows that will raise your head up too far.
It's not difficult to improve your posture; it just takes some conscious attention and consistency. The sooner you start, the better since it's much harder to reverse the negative effects of bad posture the older you are. Besides, the benefits are worth it.
Improved Posture Benefits
You might be surprised at how much improved posture benefits your body, health and mind. Here are just a few of the positive changes you'll see:
  • Improved organ function, especially digestion
  • Decreased joint injury and ligament stress
  • Lowers chances of arthritis and other orthopedic conditions and injuries
  • Stronger core
  • Facilitates breathing for increased energy, improved blood flow and a clearer mind
  • Try breathing slouching and breathing standing up straight - huge difference!
  • Relaxed muscles
  • Appear taller and thinner
  • Increased confidence
It won't happen overnight but it's well worth the positive

Friday, June 29, 2012

Health News: Medical Breakthroughs

Over the years, medical scientists have worked so hard to shed light to the most puzzling areas of health and medicine. These people spend most of their time doing research for the benefit of the humanity. If you are reading health news on a regular basis, you would understand how diligent these people are. Here are some of the breakthroughs in medical and health science that have a significant impact on our lives.
Disarming HIV
One of the most talked about breakthroughs today is the discovery of the Achilles Heel of the HIV. American and European scientists have found a way to disarm the virus and keep it from wreaking havoc in the immune system. The method involves extracting the cholesterol from the virus, a method that extinguishes its defenses. Without this cholesterol, the virus loses its weaponry and becomes open for the human immune system to destroy. HIV is known for disabling the adaptive response of the immune system. Since the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus, scientists have been finding a means to fight it. None so far has been so successful. Vaccines in the past were useless. But things might have changed now that a new way to weaken the virus has been discovered.
Aspirin for Cancer Prevention
It has been found out that taking small amounts of aspirin on a daily basis can curb risk of stroke and heart disease. We already know that. But recent studies indicate it can also decrease risk of cancer. Studies done in United Kingdom have been conducted to monitor subjects taking about 75-300 mg of aspirin a day. After three years, those taking aspirin had cancer risk reduced by approximately 25%. Then after 5 years, risk of cancer was reduced to 37%.
Studies indicate that daily intake of aspirin cuts down cancer risk by preventing metastasis. Nonetheless, there is another problem with aspirin intake. Doctors warn that regular intake of aspirin may cause stomach bleeding. Moreover, people who take aspirin daily are, ironically, at risk of hemorrhagic strokes.
Placebos as Drugs
Placebos are "empty" agents used in research to determine the true effects of drugs. This time they are used as treatment agents on their own. The power of placebos comes from suggestion-not from the placebos themselves. For instance, studies show that when people are told they are getting good exercise, they tend to lose more weight than those who are not told the same thing. There are already many studies that test the ability of placebo to treat disorders. Placebos do not contain active ingredients to target the illness. They work by changing the person's reaction to their illness.
Exercise to Defy Aging
People already know the benefits of exercise. Health news articles have discussed too much about exercise. Anyone can now say exercise relieves stress, improves cardiovascular health, enhances immunity, and so on. What we might have missed to note is that exercise promises to reverse aging. This assumption was made by scientists who studies laboratory mice subjected to exercise program. These mice had better muscles, hearts, kidneys, and brains than those that did not go through exercise program. Their hair was also shinier and thicker.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Sports Physical Appointments at a Walk In Clinic

Today's athletic physicals can be set up at a walk in clinic instead of a primary care physician's office. Kids tend to keep parents on their toes and everyone has a busy schedule. Who wants to hassle with trying to find a date and time that work for the doctor and your family? In some cases, there is no need to make an appointment when you can just drop in for the physical instead.
Reasons for a Sports Physical
You may see your child as physically fit and ready for soccer, basketball, or football. They eat well, maintain a healthy weight and have plenty of energy for their activities. In spite of your observations, a doctor still needs to examine your child and make sure that he or she is ready to participate in sports at school. They work much like a regular physical but the doctor may discuss the sport with the child and ask specific questions about it. For example, the doctor may want to stress the importance of a helmet and proper equipment to a child going out for football.
If there are any issues that could cause sports to be a problem, the doctor can identify them and work on a treatment. If there are any past medical concerns, the doctor can revisit those issues and check to see if any progress has been made. For most parents, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Seeing a doctor at the walk in clinic can give you peace of mind when you send your child out onto the field or court.
Procedure
In some cases, a walk in clinic will not require an appointment for a sports physical. A parent and child can drop by any time and wait to see a practitioner. The wait is usually not more than 20 minutes, so those with a difficult-to-accommodate schedule also find this to be the best option. If a parent has the ability to make an appointment, call the walk in clinic to see how that would work.
At the time of arrival, a medical history will be requested as well as any health insurance information. Be sure to have anything necessary to fill this form out readily available. For most people, this will not take much time and the parent takes the form back when meeting with the doctor.
If the school has provided a release form, be sure to bring this along as well. The doctor can sign off on the paper when the exam is complete, releasing the child to participate in sports at school. Often a walk in clinic will have a form that will suffice when it comes time to turn in the paperwork to the school. It outlines the child's health and allows them to join in on the activities.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Assisted Reproductive Technology With Infertility Remedies

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after a year of trying to do so. Although, a woman may be able to get pregnant for several times but cannot sustain it until the 9th month, she may also be suffering from some infertility problems.
Infertility cannot be at all times blamed on the woman. It can happen in both gender due to a variety of factors, such as age, genetics, and pre-existing medical condition. For men, infertility can happen due to varicocele or damage in the reproductive system.
According to survey, the number of couples who are suffering from infertility has increased these past few years. One factor that also contributes to infertility is the kind of food that people are eating nowadays. Depending on the severity, infertility can still be treated through a healthy lifestyle. However, some couples, whose infertility is caused by medical complications (i.e. endometriosis, tubal blockage, impotence, and PCOS), usually opt to undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART).
In-Vitro Fertilization
Also known as IVF, this is the most common form of ART used for women whose infertility is caused by a damaged fallopian tube and other severe factors. In the process, the patient should undergo an egg stimulation, wherein the doctor prescribes drugs (i.e. Clomid) to stimulate the production of eggs per month. After a few months of closed monitoring, the eggs are removed from the woman's ovaries to be fertilized in the laboratory together with the partner's semen. The gametes are placed in an incubator to allow fertilization to occur. After 3 to 5 days, the healthy embryos are then injected back to the woman's uterus.
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
This process is also known as Tubal Embryo Transfer, wherein the egg and sperm are fertilized in the laboratory. However, in ZIFT the zygote is injected back to the fallopian tube instead of the uterus so that it can naturally travel and implant itself in the uterus.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
This process is often used to treat male infertility and is also the best options for older couples who have failed IVF attempt. This process is done through a test tube wherein one sperm is directly injected into an egg to achieve fertilization. Once the zygote has matured, it is injected back to the woman's uterus or fallopian tube. Other infertility problems where ICSI can be used are as follows:
- Very low or zero sperm count
- High percentage of abnormally shaped sperms due to poor motility
- Erectile dysfunction and problems with ejaculation due to spinal cord injuries or diabetes

Friday, June 8, 2012

Health, Training and Supplement FAQs

LADIES
Q: I want to lose weight and have never used supplements before. What should I use?
A: Adjusting what you eat plays a big role in weight management. Minimise carbohydrate intake and replace it with protein and good fats (nuts, fish oil, C.L.A., avocado, etc). You can incorporate basic supplements that can assist in speeding-up the fat loss process and makes it easier to achieve your results. Supplements can include:
  • Low Carbohydrate Protein Powder: Assists in fat loss as you can use it as a low calorie snack during the day (or at breakfast time). It's also recommended to be used after training to help with recovery.
  • C.L.A: This is an Omega 6, known as a "good fat". Research shows omega 6 assists in fat loss and with energy.
  • Green Tea: Green Tea is an excellent anti-oxidant and is also known for its fat-loss properties. Each cap equates to up to 5 cups of tea.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is the vitamin from the sun. Many people are deficient. Benefits of Vitamin D include improved health in mood (feel happier), immune system (minimise flu), hormone balance, bone, fat loss & more.
Q: I was told to use protein, but I don't want to get big. What can I use?
A: Protein powder is perfect for women looking to get leaner, lose weight and tone-up. You can use it as a snack, for breakfast and it's great for after training to help you recover. The trick is you must get a low carb/low sugar protein shake. They are low in calories and will not make you big. There are also lactose free, gluten free and vegan protein available, to suit all nutritional requirements and preferences.
Q: How should I use protein powder and should I use it on days I don't train?
A: We generally recommend protein powder is used immediately after training, plus you can use it as a snack between breakfast and lunch, or during lunch and dinner. And yes, you can use your protein powder even on days you don't train, in the same way advised above. Generally stick to a max of 3 serves a day. Eating whole foods is very important.
Q: I want to tone-up. I do spin/aerobic classes and use the cardio machines, but it doesn't feel like it is working. What should I do?
A: Try incorporate some resistance training i.e. weight training. Generally start with light weights, with high repetitions. Focus on full body workouts and focus on larger muscle groups like legs, chest and back. Smaller muscles such as biceps and triceps will, by default, get a good workout. Start with 2 x 40 minutes sessions a week and change up your exercises at least every 6 weeks.
If you are not sure how to use machines, get a couple sessions with a trainer to get you started.
Q: I don't sleep well at night. Any suggestions?
A: Generally we have found many of our clients train hard and sometimes feel a little wired. We generally recommend a magnesium supplement that will help relax you before bed. It's also great to assist in minimising stress and cramps during "that time of the month". In addition, minimise caffeine intake, especially later in the day.
Q: I have cravings for carbs/sweets/chocolate. Is there anything I can use to help?
A: Craving of carbohydrates or sugar is usually an indicator that your sugar levels are fluctuating. You can minimise cravings by:
  • Include protein in your breakfast, and lower you carbohydrates.
  • Eating regular high protein small meals. Every 3 hours is a good time.
  • Taking a small dose of fish oil with every main meal (this will balance sugar levels)
  • Try getting good sleep. Poor sleeping patterns release hormones that make your crave junk food
Q: Can I replace meals with protein shakes?
A: Although whole foods are recommended for main meals, a protein shake can be used as a replacement, especially when your alternative options are not very good, if you have no other food, or if you simply don't have time to eat (perfect for breakfast on the run).
Q: I eat a bowl of healthy cereal in the morning, a healthy sandwich at lunch but I'm still not losing weight. What am I doing wrong?
A: Unfortunately, the "healthy cereal" and "healthy sandwich", is probably not as healthy as you think. Cereals and breads are a big hit of carbohydrates (and a whole lot of energy), which is impossible to burn when sitting behind a desk all day, even if you do manage to fit in 1 hour at the gym. Basically, switch your meals to a high protein alternative such as eggs or a shake for breakfast, and a salad with chicken, beef or seafood for lunch - no bread. You will see some changes fairly quickly.
GENTS
Q: I want to get leaner and want to put on muscle. What should I use?
A: Making amendments to your eating (what you eat and when) will help greatly. Make sure you eat every 3-4 hours, and all meals should include some protein and good fats. Minimise carbohydrate intake during the day and simply use it during training. Supplements that can assist in achieving this include:
  • Low Carb Protein: Can be used as a snack during the day and after training for recovery.
  • Genr8 Vitargo-Pure Carbs: WE LOVE THIS PRODUCT. Mix this with the BCAAs and drink during training for improved strength and excellent recovery.
  • Kre-alkalyn: A form of creatine that assists with strength without water retention.
  • BCAAs (Xtend): Protect & grow muscle while improving recovery time.
Q: I don't sleep well at night. Can this be a problem?
A: Sleep-time is men's most important time for testosterone production, growth hormone release and recovery. If you aren't sleeping well, this can become a serious issue for not only your training but for your general health and mood. We recommend a good hit of magnesium before bed or a dedicated evening-recovery formula which would normally include a blend of magnesium and zinc. We can assess your situation further and recommend the right product.
Q: If my protein has amino acids in it already, do I still need to use BCAAs (branched chain amino acids)?
A: Yes. BCAAs is a blend of 3 amino acids (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine) which are recommended to be used during training so that your body minimises muscle breakdown. Protein powder is used after training to replenish the body with a full spectrum of amino acids to speed-up recover. The both offer the body varied amino acids, therefore it is recommended you use both BCAAs during and Protein Powder after training.
Q: I heard creatine is dangerous to use. Is this true?
A: No, unless of course, like anything else in life, you take a ridiculous amount of it. Always read the labels of all products you use and follow instructions accordingly.
Q: I want to put on weight. What should I use?
A: We would recommend using a high calorie protein and carbohydrate mix combined with creatine. You can also use BCAAs during training. Finally, make eating your hobby. You must eat, eat, eat.
Q: I'm trying to put on weight but I'm really struggling. I do weights and I also run a few times a week. What should I do?
A: Generally, we would recommend minimising too many cardio sessions and focus more on weight sessions and recovery. 3-4 heavy, low repetition weight session with the rest of the time focused on relaxing, sleeping, recovery and eating.
Q: Do you recommend me using testosterone boosters?
A: If you are over 25, then yes, testosterone boosters may assist you in progressing in your training. You may notice testosterone levels are low if you are feeling not as happy as normal, you notice more body fat storage, minimised sex drive and/or your body isn't feeling as hard as usual.
ENDURANCE ATHLETES
Q: I'm experiencing cramping and/or muscle spasms when I train. What should I use?
A: This is often an indication of very low levels of magnesium. We recommend using a combination of magnesium, electrolyte and carbohydrate formula such as Endura Rehydration formula. It can be used pre, during and/or post race.
Q: I'm training a lot and I'm feeling tired and sore. Should I use something for recovery?
A: Definitely. Using a good quality protein pre and post race will help your body recovery as it will feed your body a complete spectrum of amino acids. You can combine your Endura Rehydration formula into your protein to make a single recovery shake.
Q: I need some energy during my races, any recommendations on what I can use?
A: You can use a number of things including energy gels, chewable energy gummies, bars and drinks. There is a huge range of options, just try a variety and see which ones work best for you.
We recommend testing all products during training sessions leading-up to your race. Do not use for the first time on race day.
Whenever using any supplements or medication, always read the labels and use as directed. Use this as a guide only. See your doctor if any symptoms persist.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Bodybuilding Supplements: Should You Take Them To Build Muscle Mass?

Before taking bodybuilding supplements, it is important to realise that they are not suddenly going to make you huge. That would just be wishful thinking.
Bodybuilding supplements will only help you if you are training and dieting correctly -- if you don't, you will just end up with expensive urine. To get the maximum benefit from body building or sports nutrition supplements, you need to use them as part of a well thought out programme.
When used correctly as part of a programme, they can enhance it by:
1. Adding an element of convenience: Using food supplements like Meal Replacement Powders and whey protein provide you with an efficient and fast way to get your necessary daily nutrients.
2. Increasing strength and decreasing recovery time: Using vitamin and amino acid supplements help to minimize the negative side effects of weight training and speed your recovery.
The Benefit of Convenience
Many people think that there is no need for anyone to take bodybuilding supplements. They are absolutely correct. There isn't. Before these came onto the market, bodybuilders were capable of building amazing physiques without the use of meal replacements, prohormones or creatine.
Many years ago there were no exercise machines. Physiques were developed using compound free weight exercises. These did a great job of increasing muscular size and developing strength, so not only can it be done, it can be done extremely well. However, there are factors to consider when deciding whether or not to include supplements in your regime, and one of these it time.
In our modern day lives, time is often at a premium. Many people today just do not have the time to to be constantly shopping and cooking. In fact many people find it difficult to cook on a regular basis at all. While it is quite true that a balanced diet will give you all the nutrition you should need, it is questionable as to how many people actually eat a properly balanced diet, let alone a diet that is optimised for body building.
For anyone who struggles to find the time to eat the required amount of regular whole food meals a day, supplements such as whey protein and meal replacement powders can fill the gap.
It is far easier to eat three real meals a day and back these up with three protein supplement meals. You then know you will be getting a quantifiable amount of essential protein making it easy to track your nutritional intake. For success it is pretty crucial to get the required amount of six daily meals and essential nutrients, and this is an easy way of doing it.
Mass diets typically require a very high daily protein intake, of over 300g per day. Just to give you example of how much that is, here are some examples of what 300g of protein is equal to:
Tuna -- 50 oz of canned tuna (the average can is 6-8oz.), which is 1,750 calories and 25g of fat
Chicken -- 38 oz of chicken breast (equals about seven 6oz breasts), which is 1,313 calories and 38g of saturated fat
Beef -- 43 oz of lean ground beef (about 2.7 pounds of meat), which is 3,214 calories and 215g of saturated fat
Eggs -- 50 large whole eggs, equals 3,750 calories and 250g of saturated fat
Egg whites -- 100 egg whites, equals 1,600 calories and almost no fat
Pure whey protein -- 15 scoops of EAS Precision Protein, equals 1,500 calories 7.5g of saturated fat
Of course it is possible do get this from just eating whole foods, but you would need to be careful about consuming excess amounts of saturated fats. The essential fats that you need are unsaturated fats. These are the fats that are liquid when at room temperature, such as sunflower oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil and safflower oil, not the fats that are animal based. Taking whey protein supplements will give you the necessary protein minus the fat.
Increased Strength and Decreased Recovery
It is recommended that as well as a whey protein supplement, a multi-vitamin as well as vitamin C, should betaken as well as glutamine. Anyone over the age of 18 can also take creatine.
The need for Multi-Vitamins
With weight training, the body needs an increased amount of minerals such as magnesium and selenium. A deficiency can cause muscle weakness and suppression of the immune system, muscle cramping and fatigue. Taking a multi-vitamin supplement is an easy way to ensure that you won't become deficient in these.
As the body is unable to eliminate excess iron, it is a good idea to take a multi-vitamin that does not include iron, unless you have been diagnosed with having an iron deficiency.Iron is also an oxidizing agent that can cause damage to the heart and arteries, and is a major risk factor in arteriosclerosis.
It is pretty easy to take in enough iron through diet alone. Foods rich in iron include, meat, fish and poultry and green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, is essential to prevent free radical damage, which is accelerated after the heavy trauma of weight training. It is also helps to repair connective tissue, in turn decreasing the amount of time you are sore.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that is naturally produced by our bodies, however much of the time when bodybuilding, our bodies require so much, that it can't create enough. Supplementing your diet with glutamine will increase your levels of glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, which helps to combat the stresses of exercise trauma, and prevent muscle protein breakdown.
Many people believe that it helps prevent the body from breaking down new muscle during sleep.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine's purpose is to supply our muscle with energy. It is also found in red meat, but you would have to eat an enormous amount of meat to get the same benefits as taking pure creatine powder. The benefits of creatine are well known, so I won't go into it here, other than to say that the major benefit from taking creatine is that it will increase your strength.
This will enable you to lift heavier weights, which will stimulate more muscle growth. If you take creatine and then stop, you will lose that extra fluid that creatine brings into your cells, but you will not lose the extra muscle creatine helped you to gain.
While bodybuilding supplements alone will not give you the body you desire, but they do provide convenience and enhancements that you wouldn't otherwise get. You need to make a decision as to whether you wish to include these in your programme, so don't fall for hype, understand what they won't do for you and what they will do for you.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Non-Sedative Anti-Histamine For People Suffering From Major Symptoms Of Allergy

Fexofenadine HCL is a non-sedative antihistamine that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treating of chronic idiopathic urticaria, and seasonal allergic symptoms. It is a prescription medication originally, but has become available over-the-counter in March 2011 for the treatment of seasonal allergies and hives.
How it works: Fexofenadine HCL is a histamine H1-receptor blocker, thereby blocking the effects of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical substance that causes allergies such as itching, sneezing and irritation. By blocking the actions of histamine, Fexofenadine HCL relieves various allergic symptoms in the body.
Medication dosage: Fexofenadine HCL comes in three dosage forms: oral tablets (30, 60, and 180 mg), oral suspensions (6mg per ml), and orally disintegrating tablets 30 mg(ODT's). The medicine is commonly taken by mouth, 1-2 times daily depending on the condition being treated. Oral tablet dosage forms shouldn't be taken with fruit juices.
Unwanted side effects: Like any other medication, Fexofenadine possess certain side effects in the body. But, not everyone who takes the drug suffers from these side effects. Popular side effects may include headache, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea, cough, respiratory tract infections, ear infections, back pain, dizziness, drowsiness, pain in the arms and legs, and indigestion. Rare side effects can include allergies, painful periods, breathing difficulty, and insomnia. Certain side effects are mild and need no treatment at all. However, when it becomes bothersome, it must be reported to the medical doctor quickly.
Precautions before you take Fexofenadine: People troubled with kidney diseases, and women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should notify their doctor before taking Fexofenadine. The drug may also interact with certain medications, it is therefore advisable to tell the heath care provider before taking this medication. Any difficulty encountered by the patient after using Fexofenadine also need to be reported to the medical doctor.
Who shouldn't take Fexofenadine Hcl? Always check with your doctor whether Fexofenadine medication is suitable for you. In addition, prior to the administration of this drug your full medical history should be disclosed to the doctor. This is because this medication might not be ideal for: - Patients with kidney concerns - Patients suffering from liver disorders - Patients with previous or current heart condition - Seniors or children younger than 12 years
Final thoughts: Fexofenadine is an anti-histamine used in the treating of seasonal allergic symptoms and urticaria. Like other anti-histamine, Fexofenadine HCL does not cause any sedative action in the individual. Although, Fexofenadine is known as very safe and effective in the treatment of allergies, it has to be used with caution by seniors, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with certain health conditions

Thursday, May 24, 2012

A Drug Dosage For Managing Pain

Oxycodone is an opiate analgesic used in the treatment of mild to serious pain. It is available in various dosage forms like tablets, capsules, extended release tablets, and liquid concentrate solution. The available doses of Oxycodone may vary from 10 mg to 160 mg. The controlled-release preparation of Oxycodone will come in 10, 12, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, and 180 mg of oral preparation. But, high doses of Oxycodone more than 80 mg of daily dose or 40 mg of single dose are prescribed just for opioid tolerant people.
Usual Oxycodone dosage for pain:
Adult dose: Oxycodone immediate release preparation is found to be very good at treating pain with an initial dosage of 5 mg to 15 mg taken orally every 4 to 6 hours. 10 to 30 mg of Oxycodone is used every 4 hrs as maintenance dose, and doses greater than 30 mg must be sued with careful attention.
Oxycodone controlled-release preparation is used in an initial dose of 10 mg taken every 12 hrs. For terminally ill patients like cancer patients, a maintenance dose of 20 to 640 mg of Oxycodone is used per day. The normal dose of controlled release preparation is 105 mg every day.
Geriatric dose: 2.5 mg of immediate release Oxycodone should be taken orally every Six hours to control pain. This dose of 2.5 mg is raised gradually for maintenance of pain, but quantities above 30 mg should be used in careful attention.
For cancer affected individuals, Oxycodone controlled release preparation is used in a dosage of 20 to 640 mg daily to manage pain. Patients who are suffering from uncontrolled pain can use quick release Oxycodone, to supplement Oxycodone controlled-release
Pediatric dose: For children above 12 month and less than 50 kg, 0.05 to 0.15 mg/kg/dose of Oxycodone is taken every 4 to 6 hours. For kids above 1 year and greater than or equal to 50 kg weight, a primary dose of 5 mg is taken every 6 hrs, and then the dose may be raised up to 10 mg every 3 to 4 hours.
Oxycodone overdose: Oxycodone is a habit-forming drug, then it should be taken as directed by the doctor. Controlled release tablets must be swallowed as such. It shouldn't be crushed or chewed or split, which might cause the drug to get absorbed into the body too quickly, leading to drug overdose or death.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

A Comparison Of The 2 Drugs Used For The Treatment Of Pain

Oxycodone hydrochloride is an opioid analgesic used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It's present in several pain relieving medications along with other ingredients and also by itself. Although, Oxycodone and Oxycontin have the same active component and have more or less similar name, they just have a host of differences. The primary differences are quite essential to comprehend, which includes the difference in potency, indications and general safety.
Ingredients: Oxycontin is a time-released preparation, where Oxycodone hydrochloride is available by itself in high concentration. However, Oxycodone is an immediate release form that combines Oxycodone HCL with other ingredients and treats pain for a short term period.
The prescription drug label indicates clearly whether the drug is pure Oxycodone HCL or Oxycodone along with other ingredients. When the label reads "Oxycodone", then the formulation contains only the narcotic pain killer. But, if it reads "Oxycodone/APAP", then it's the narcotic pain killer combined with a NSAID Acetaminophen.
Difference in potency: Prescription medications that contain Oxycodone and other ingredients usually contain 2.5 to 10 milligrams of the narcotic pain killer, Oxycodone HCL. These medicines are often prescribed for short term pain management, in mild to moderate pain conditions after minor surgeries or procedures.
Oxycontin time-release formulations range more widely in the strength of its active ingredient. The instant release form may contain only 5 mg of the Oxycodone HCL, but the controlled release form could have quantity ranging from 20 mg, 40 mg and even 80 mg of the narcotic pain reliever, that delivers the active ingredient in to the system very slowly and gradually for a period of around 12 hours. Oxycontin is usually used to treat mild to significant pain conditions caused by significant injuries, cancer pain, and back injury.
Different trade names: Oxycontin is the trade name for pure Oxycodone preparations. But, Oxycodone formulations with other active ingredients come in other names like Percocet, Percodan, and Endocet.
Precautions: Both Oxycodone and Oxycontin can be habit-forming, and also have high chances for drug abuse among its users. Hence, it should be taken as prescribed by the medical doctor. Oxycontin is a time-released formulation that contains high doses of Oxycodone HCL, which should be crushed or chewed or split while taking or otherwise it could become fatal.
Discuss With Your Doctor The strong effects of Oxycontin and Oxycodone could be harmful to one's health. Those who take these prescription medications should follow their doctor's suggestions. They should take the medications only when necessary, specially when there's significant pain. Extreme caution is vital for people who are prescribed to take Oxycontin and Oxycodone. The effects of addiction can jeopardize the health, and it might also lead to extremely serious consequences. Before addiction occurs, you should realize the symptoms to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Anti-HIV Drug

Norvir belongs to the class of drugs called protease inhibitors. It is a prescription medication and is always used in combination with other medications in the treatment of HIV infection. Norvir is recognized to raise the effects of other HIV medicines by increasing their levels in the blood and making them more effective.
Norvir cannot cure AIDS, instead slows down the expansion or reproduction of the human immunodeficiency virus, when used with other medications. It gives no help to cells that are already infected by the virus, but prevent the virus from infecting healthy cells. Thus it helps to reduce the destruction of the body's immune system. Yet, the sufferer may still experience certain symptoms and complications, such as infections even when on Norvir.
How it works: The protease inhibitor, Norvir works by blocking the actions of protease enzymes, which is important for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to grow. HIV is the virus that is responsible for the development of a disease called, AIDS (Acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome), where the T cells are destroyed thus reducing the body's ability to fight against infections.
Norvir dosage: Norvir dosage is determined by a number of factors, such as age, body weight, medical condition being treated as well as other medications currently in use. However, normally the recommended adult dose of Norvir is 600 mg 2 times a day. For youngsters between 2 and 16 years, the dosage will depend on their body size. The physician may begin with a lower dose and then increase it to the advised dose to minimize its side effects and other adverse reactions.
Norvir and the Pregnant HIV Carrier: The FDA designated Norvir as pregnancy B drug. It only means that studies conducted in rabbits and rats showed some decreased body weight of the fetus, early resorption, and delays in ossification. The drug must only be given in times of pregnancy when it is more beneficial than risky. It is, however, recommended using it in lower dosage for expectant women with HIV.
Conclusion: Norvir is a prescription drug which is often used along with other anti-HIV medications in the treatment of AIDS. Even though it does not provide any cure to the disease, it inhibits the expansion and multiplication of the virus, so preventing it from affecting healthy cells in the body. It should be taken continuously as prescribed by the physician. If stopped, the virus may develop resistance to the drug, thus making it hard to treat.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Information On A Drug And Its Uses For The Treatment Of Pain And Inflammation

What is Naproxen? Naproxen belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which works by lowering the hormones that triggers pain and inflammation in the body.
It was originally marketed as prescription medication, however Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the year 1994 approved it's use as an over-the-counter medication. It's available in two forms, Naproxen and Naproxen sodium in the form of regular tablets and capsules, enteric coated naproxen tablets, as well as available in the form of suspension.
How it works: Naproxen works by inhibiting the actions caused by certain enzymes in the body called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormones that cause pain and inflammation in the body. Via stopping the body's production of prostaglandins, naproxen alleviates symptoms of pain, inflammation, and fever.
Naproxen uses: Naproxen is probably the most typically used over-the-counter medication for the treatment of pain and inflammation. It used to treat symptoms of pain, inflammation, stiffness, and fever that is triggered by varying medical conditions such as arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, tendinitis, and menstrual cramps. It also treats conditions of general pain like back pain, knee pain, and foot pain.
Additional information about Naproxen: Naproxen should be used with caution in certain conditions. It may cause life threatening consequences when used in patients just before or after a by-pass surgery. Naproxen increases the risk of heart and circulatory problems, especially when taken for an extended time period. Gastrointestinal problems may occur which sometime becomes fatal, while taking Naproxen.
The use of alcohol while taking Naproxen must be avoided as it may enhance the risk of stomach bleeding. Naproxen makes the skin very sensitive, and thus raising the risk of getting sunburn when exposed to sunlight.
Even though it is available over-the-counter, first time users should consult their medical doctor about the exact dosage, prior to taking it.
This drug may cause dizziness when rising from a sitting or lying position. With the rise of the bed should first to hang up and stay in this position a few minutes, then smoothly rise. When lifting the chair should get up slowly and for a time to stand up beside the chair until you are sure you won't feel dizzy.
In summary: Naproxen is an over-the-counter medication used in the treating of pain and inflammation. Even though available without a prescription, high doses of Naproxen are obtained only through doctor's prescription. Other than its use described, it is also used off-label to treat many other medical conditions.

Monday, April 30, 2012

What to Look For In an Online Universal Precautions Training: 7 Points

The various rules and regulations for the health sector are all framed by the Department of Health. Caring for the patients and treating them is definitely your primary goal as employees in the health care sector. However while doing so, you must not put your health on the line. With so many employees becoming sick due to spread of infection in a hospital, this became a key issue for the health department. A set of precautionary measures were put in place keeping your health in mind. This set of precautionary measures is known as universal precautions and must be followed by every health care employee in the United States of America.
These universal precautions go further beyond standard precautions as they prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens like HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) and HCV (Hepatitis C Virus). You must practice these precautions every time you deal with a patient in your health care organization. Here all blood and human body fluids are handled with the utmost precaution assuming they are infected.
With the rate of infections in hospitals and clinics increasing day by day, universal precautions have got a new meaning. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, housekeeping staff, etc. are all required to do this training. Now online training has gained reputation for being the easiest, fastest and most economical training method.
Classroom-based training is less popular as it may be difficult for you to take time out of your busy schedule to attend classes.
Seven points you should look for in an online universal precautions training course as follows.
• Make sure the course you join is recognized and accredited by the United States Department of Health. A certificate from a non-recognized agency is not valid. You must receive a proper certification on completion of the training.
• The course must provide you the study materials. The language should be easy to read and understand. You should also receive certain study materials at the end of the course for your future reference.
• The training must be available to you online round the clock. This will make it easier for you as you can do it in your own time when you are free. You don't need to take leave from work specially to complete your universal precautions training.
• There must not be any limitations for you to log in to the course from anywhere and anytime.
• Ensure that you check to see the contents of the course before joining. The course contents should be of the best quality. All the material must be in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Health.
• The course must include case studies that are based on actual life incidences and experiences. In the future this will help you deal with such situations in a better way.
• You should have an exam at the end of the training as a review. On the basis of your score you will be awarded a certificate.
As your health is of great value, you must undertake this training in order to be able to better follow safety measures while handling infected substances. If you are healthy, you will be able to care for your patients in a better way.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Safety Kits for Your Personal Protection Against Bloodborne Pathogens: 7 Kinds

Employees of hospitals, clinics, laboratories and housekeeping are at high risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens as they deal regularly with contaminated blood and human body fluids. Exposure to these bloodborne pathogens can lead to dangerous diseases like HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and Hepatitis B and C.
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard was given by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1991. The Needlestick Satety and Prevention Act was enacted in 2001 and in the same year OSHA revised its standards. The new Bloodborne Pathogens Standards specifies the need for employers to get safer and better needle devices keeping your health and safety in mind. The new standards also stipulate the maintenance of a log book recording injuries resulting from contaminated needles.
It is very important that you keep your health and safety a priority. For this you need safety protection kits to protect you from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. There are a number of personal protection safety kits available in the market today.
• Clean up kit: This is a cleanup kit with sixteen pieces of equipment for cleaning fluid spills. It includes a small disposable tray that you can store in a first aid box or drawer. All the contents in the kid are disposable after one use.
• Body fluid Spill kit: It contains twenty three pieces of biohazard clean up equipment. This kit meets will all the OSHA requirements and includes numerous biohazards and garment disposal bags.
• Safety kit with CPR shield: This includes a cleanup kit for fluid spills and CPR shields to be used while administering CPR to an ill or injured patient. The shield is worn to avoid exposure to infections while treating the patient. This kit also meets all the OSHA regulations.
• Safety Response kit: This is available in different sizes of 10, 16 and 24 unit sizes. The contents of this kit include equipment to clean fluid spills containing bloodborne pathogens. It also contains personal protection gear like gowns, masks and shoe covers to guard your health.
• Biohazard bags: Proper disposal of soiled garments and contaminated equipment is very important. These biohazard bags are colored orange to differentiate them from other contents of a kit. All your contaminated items can be collected here and then sent off to be disposed off.
• Antiseptic Solutions: These solutions are used to spray the environment to keep the work area clean and free from contamination. Most of these antiseptic solutions provide protection against salmonella, herpes, staphylococcus, hepatitis and HIV infections.
• Sharps containers: OSHA mandates all health care facilities and clinics to have sharps containers in all work areas dealing with blood and body fluids. These containers are used for the correct disposal of needles and sharp instruments to prevent injuries with contaminated needles. These containers have locks to prevent anyone removing used needles from inside them.
It is a bit alarming to work with blood and other body fluid samples that may be infected with bloodborne pathogens. However, a few precautionary measures taken by you can prevent any accidents from taking place. It is very important that you do everything to keep your health protected. Taking adequate safety measures not only protects you but also your colleagues working around you.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I'm Grateful Today

We have to change the way that we look at our lives. We have gotten to the place where we expect things, rather create things. Life is what we make it, and if we are going to enjoy life, we need to appreciate the opportunity that we've been given to experience it. Life is full of lessons and pleasures, and taking advantage of the lessons will lead to pleasures.
Every day that we can get up, we need to say I want to thank you for the opportunity, for a much worse experience would be not getting up. Worse yet not waking up. Therefore the ability to experience another day, good or bad is a blessing. Everybody has something to be thankful for, and once you start finding and appreciating those things, you'll be a much happier person.
There are positive things in everyone's life, and it's necessary to build on those things. At least it makes more sense than building on negative things, A good practice is to take every negative event that occurs and acknowledge that it occurred, figure out the lesson it taught you, find a way to prevent from occurring again and move, especially since it's already over.
It is so easy to create a positive environment, and it should be one of the first things on your agenda everyday. Sunshine is a good start and it's loaded with vitamin D. Play enlightening music and don't forget daily prayers. Find positive thoughts to read that will help set the mood of the day. Take a short walk to get the creative juices flowing. Have a good healthful breakfast and please to remember to put a smile on your face. Greet everyone you meet, by name if possible, but be pleasant and watch the mood around you get better.
Compliment people in the office as you greet them,and try to set the tone for pleasantness in the office. Talk to people rather than at them and try to find ways to be helpful. Practice stress relief techniques. If possible temporarily remove yourself from stressful situations before you react. If it's not possible, take a few deep breaths and think before you speak.
Find as many good things as you can to focus on. It's really not hard to find good things if you look. You can even find some negative things and make positives out of them. Happiness is something that you definitely control, and it all starts with being grateful. The real key is changing how you react to things that you are not happy with.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Something You Should Know About Prostate Problems

Prostate problems strike most men over the age of 50. The American Urological Association states that over 90% of all men will develop some kind of prostate problem during their lifetime. Of these, the most common prostate problems are:
-- Prostatitis - caused by an inflammation
-- Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate
-- Prostate cancer
Inflammation In Prostate May Be Silent
Examination of prostate tissue from routine autopsies indicate 75-80% incidence of chronic inflammation in these cases. While inflamed prostate may not be painful in itself, it can lead to prostate enlargement and unpleasant symptoms because of an increased pressure on the urethra.
These symptoms produce increased urgency or difficulty to urinate, problems in emptying the bladder, sleep disturbances because of frequent nighttime urination, weak or sporadic stream of urine, dribbling at the end of urination and emotional distress.
Because of the side effects of treatment for BPH which can be worse than its symptoms, most doctors do not suggest treatment for the condition. But if left untreated prostate problems could become much worse and eventually require uncomfortable prostate biopsies, radiation or microwave treatments. It can even require debilitating and potentially serious surgery.
Over 400,000 men in the United States undergo prostate surgery each year. Moreover, prostate problems can lead to dangerous complications, including bladder and kidney infections.
What Causes Prostate Inflammation
Prostate inflammation is idiopathic, which means cause unknown. Some probable causes include:
-- Infection with sexually transmitted agents or non-sexually transmitted bacteria or virus;
-- Cell injury triggered by chemical and physical trauma from urine reflux;
-- Prostatic stone formation;
-- Retrograde movement of sperm cells into the prostate;
-- Hormonal (estrogen) variations and/or exposures;
-- Dietary factors such as increased consumption of red meat and animal fats.
Inflammation Increases The Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) is a lesion that frequently occurs in the prostate. PIA is connected to prostate cancer since inflammation produces increased cell death and DNA damage in regenerated cells.
Many population-based investigations confirm the link between inflammation and prostate cancer. Furthermore, these studies also discovered that men who took inflammation-reducing medications or followed dietary patterns that were less likely to promote inflammation are at lower risk of prostate cancer.
Inflammation Promotes Metastasis Of Prostate Cancer And Treatment Resistance
Studies consistently show that inflammation associated with the progression of tumors plays a crucial role in the metastasis of prostate cancer. Tumor cells produce a variety of substances that trigger inflammatory cells to break into tumor tissues. Once this happens, the tumor tissues release inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and growth factors which are responsible for tissue disruption, invasive potential of tumor cells, growth of new blood vessels that feed tumor cells, and finally tumor metastasis.
There are no effective treatments for metastatic prostate cancer. Since resistance to chemotherapy has been linked with increased inflammatory responses in metastatic tumors, studies are carried out to investigate whether anti-inflammatory treatments could improve metastatic tumors and bring down treatment resistance.
Natural Anti-inflammatory Remedies For Prostate Health
Anti-inflammatory herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory conditions. Turmeric, Gingo biloba, Saw palmetto, Scute, Coptis, and Lovage are commonly used anti-inflammatory herbs in prostate remedies.
Anti-inflammatory remedies work as detox cleanser to remove noxious stimuli, i.e., inflammatory cells and their metabolites and debris. After effective removal of the inflammatory substances, the enlarged or inflamed prostate gland may begin to shrink.
Anti-inflammatory remedies may provide the following benefits:
-- Remove irritable stimuli that promote DNA damage and gene mutation in the prostate;
-- Help ease urinary tract relaxation and reduce urine reflux;
-- Maintain a healthy hormone balance;
-- Supply natural antioxidants to the prostate and help to restore a normal microenvironment.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

How to Check for Lice: Simple Tips to Get Rid of Lice

Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in human hair. If you want to know how to check for lice and how to eliminate them, we have compiled a list of the most proven techniques to manage an infestation. In this article we're going to share some tips on how to get rid of lice and nits from hair. Before we begin, let's first understand what a head louse is.
The human head louse is a true insect, in that it has three pairs of legs. It does not have wings, nor powerful legs for jumping--rather, it moves around by grabbing onto hair shafts with claw-like legs. The head louse has to feed every four to six hours, and does so by drawing minute amounts of blood from the scalp. A louse must remain in human hair to support its feeding habits, and cannot survive for more than 24 hours when it falls off from the head onto other surfaces. They are not found in pets and are not transmitted by any other agents apart from humans.
If you want to eradicate these pesky parasites, you must know how to look for lice. And this means understanding the symptoms of an infestation.
That bothersome itchy sensation on the scalp that comes from an infestation is due to a reaction with the saliva of the lice. How soon after an infestation the itchiness starts depends on an individual's skin sensitivity. In some cases, it may take weeks before the individual is aware of an itchy feeling and starts scratching the scalp.
Tip 1: For a lice infestation, mechanical or manual removal is the most preferred method. One of the most effective measures is vacuuming the hair. You will need a special attachment for the vacuum, which can be found in pet supply stores. This attachment should fit perfectly into the vacuum nozzle, and ensure that the person does not feel uncomfortable. Vacuuming is one of the fastest and safest ways to remove lice.
Tip 2: When checking for lice, an effective tool is a fine-tooth comb specially designed to catch and remove these parasites. These can be found in most local drug stores. You can also get special combs from pet stores, although they are sold as flea combs. These simple tools have very fine teeth that can catch lice and remove them from hair.
Tip 3: If you want to eradicate an infestation from your own hair, you should know how to check yourself for lice properly. Perhaps the most common method is just by feeling around different parts of the scalp. Make sure you cover the whole head, going slowly, through all of the hair. If you find a head louse, you can simply grab it with the index finger and thumb, and remove it. Another simple method to check for lice is to use tape. Applying tape to hair can also remove head lice.
Tip 4: A simple and proven way to check for lice is to part the hair into sections and then look at each section one at a time. This method makes the pests more exposed and easier to remove. After inspecting a section of hair, mark it with a clip or hair pin. This is a good way to find and get rid of lice from a child's head. This method works best with a magnifying glass under a bright light, especially for people who have light-colored hair.
Tip 5: A warm comb may also be used to check for lice. You can heat up a comb so that it feels pleasantly hot on the scalp, and pass it through hair. This will excite the lice and cause them to leave their usual hiding places in the bases of hair shafts, close to the scalp. You can use a regular comb or a special fine-toothed lice comb for this simple, effective method.