Sleep Anxiety Symptoms

Millions of Americans suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. Among these disorders, sleep anxiety is a common complaint. Worries and fears lead to insomnia, which leads to more worries and fears about lack of sleep, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety that can overwhelm a sufferer and lead to challenges in every aspect of life. The symptoms of sleep anxiety vary among patients, but the general features and coping techniques are remarkably similar.

Causes
Many people suffering from depression find themselves with anxiety-related sleep disorders. Anxiety and depression are at the root of many causes of sleep anxiety. Other causes can be medical or psychological. Medical causes of sleep anxiety include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, pain conditions, restless leg syndrome and gastrointestinal upsets. Psychological causes include excess stress, worry, depression, panic attacks, nightmares and obsessive thoughts.

Features
Sleep anxiety disorders are real but can mimic other diseases. Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), depression and fibromyalgia should be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis of sleep anxiety is made. Sleep anxiety can also be caused by a medical or psychological condition. Regardless of the cause, there are common symptoms of sleep anxiety. Sleep anxiety can result in accelerated heart rate, trembling and shaking, stomachache and nausea, panic, dizziness, tingling, headache, throat pressure, breathlessness and hyperventilation.

Effects
Sleep anxiety, when untreated, leads to chronic sleep problems that create a sense of chaos, leading to long-term issues related to sleep anxiety. Common effects of chronic sleep anxiety include increased anxiety and depression, fatigue and pain syndromes, memory loss, low concentration, reduced alertness, poor cognitive function, poor judgment and overall reduced quality of life.

Prevention/Solution
There are many treatments for sleep anxiety. Medication options include anti-anxiety drugs, beta-blockers and antidepressants. Psychological treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy in group or individual settings. Natural treatments for sleep anxiety include biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, and dietary and lifestyle changes. In addition, self-care for sleep anxiety includes going to bed and waking at the same time each day, sleeping in a dark and quiet room and avoiding mental and physical stimulation for a few hours before bed.

Considerations
When dealing with sleep anxiety, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Some medical treatments can actually cause sleep problems, leading to further sleep anxiety. This can be prevented by ruling out other disorders before treating sleep anxiety. It is also important to determine, whenever possible, the source of sleep anxiety, which can include generalized anxiety disorder, substance abuse, medical conditions, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The Best Ways to Feel Better With a Cold

A viral infection of your upper respiratory system, also known as a common cold or viral rhinitis, is usually harmless. More than one hundred different viruses can cause a cold, and therefore the symptoms differ. They can include sneezing, coughing, a sore throat, nasal congestion and a runny nose. There is no standard cure for a cold, but there are things you can do to help you feel your best while your symptoms wear off.

Decongestants, Antihistamines and Pain Medicine
Take medicine to ease cold symptoms. If you experience nasal congestion, an over-the-counter nasal decongestant opens your breathing passages and helps you breathe easier. Avoid using nasal decongestants longer than three days, because this can worsen your congestion. Use saline spray as an alternative. Nonprescription antihistamines can combat watery eyes and a runny nose. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease headaches and reduce fevers. Over-the-counter, multi-symptom medication is available for both daytime and nighttime use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the proper dosage and best medicine for your symptoms.

Cough and Sore Throat Medicine
Take an over-the counter cough medicine or cough syrup to reduce your cough, and loosen mucus so it is easier to cough up. Get a prescription-strength cough medicine from your doctor if commercial cough medicine is not effective. Suck on medicated throat lozenges to soothe the discomfort of a sore throat. Gargle with saltwater to ease your sore throat. Mix up to 1 tsp. of salt with 1 cup of warm water and gargle with the mixture.

Rest
Resting your body will help your recovery. Take time off from work, especially if you have a fever and experience heavy symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Exposing others to your cold can result in contamination. When in public, cover up your mouth and nose with a mask, to keep spreading of the virus to a minimum. When sleeping, turn on a humidifier to moisten the air and soothe your breathing passages. Avoid overheating the room and aim for a comfortable warm temperature.

Drink Liquids
Dehydration makes your cold symptoms worse. Drink plenty of fluids while sick because mucus production uses up fluids. Consume juices, warm teas, water, broth and warm water with lemon juice. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating chicken soup during your cold inhibits your body's response to inflammation. It also promotes the mobility of mucus through your nasal passages, thereby relieving congestion.

Echinacea, Zinc, and Vitamin C
Take echinacea as soon as you feel a cold coming on, or experience cold symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, this herb supports the immune system, and helps prevent or shorten the duration of the cold. Vitamin C, taken in the early stages of a cold, has a similar effect. Take vitamin C in tablet or liquid form, or through consumption of foods such as oranges, green peppers, strawberries and grapefruit. Although not proven, zinc may be a good cold remedy. Because zinc has side effects, such as stomach upset, mouth irritations and a metallic taste in your mouth, avoid taking it longer than five days.

Treatment Goals for Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of depression and hypomania or mixed episodes. Successful treatment for bipolar II disorder stabilizes mood with medication and teaches the patient skills and healthy activities to manage the illness.

Mood Stabilization with Medication
Antidepressants and mood stabilizing medications are used to treat bipolar II disorder. Antidepressants are used to alleviate depression, while mood stabilizers like Depakote and lithium prevent mood swings and mild mania symptoms.

Improving Self-Care
People who have been depressed often have difficulty practicing basic self-care, such as showering and eating regularly. Self-care often becomes easier once an effective medication, at the right dose, is administered.

Learning Coping Skills
People with bipolar II disorder sometimes have episodes of depression even when taking the appropriate medication. They can, however, learn coping skills to manage stress and depression symptoms. Relaxation techniques, art, keeping a journal and exercise are examples of healthy coping skills.

Challenging Distorted Thinking
Distorted thinking, also referred to as cognitive distortion, is common even among people who do not have a mental illness. Cognitive distortions can make managing bipolar II disorder more difficult. Some examples of cognitive distortions include all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization and fortune-telling (predicting worst-case scenarios).

Implementing a Healthy Lifestyle
Regular sleep routines and healthy diets are helpful for managing bipolar II disorder. Many find that exercise helps to control symptoms and reduce stress.

How to Manage Stress

Everyone experiences stress in their lives and we all react differently to different types of stress or stressful conditions. The more knowledge, tools and skills we have for understanding stress and the various coping strategies-the better the quality of our lives and our health. Stress can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). This article will give some tips and advice on how to manage stress.

Tips

1. Short-term (acute) stress is usually caused by a temporary situation or emotion that can be resolved quickly, for example, locking the car keys in the car or waiting in long lines. Although the stressful feelings can be very intense, they usually disappear after a short time.

2. Long-term (chronic) stress is constant, relentless pressure that can last for months or years. Many situations or conditions can cause chronic stress. Type A personalities or high-pressure lifestyles can be major factors in causing chronic stress. Some people get so used to the stress that they can't even recognize it anymore. Chronic stress predisposes people to higher risks of depression, mental illness, high blood pressure and various other medical conditions.

3. Manage your stress by identifying the sources, recognizing your reactions to the stress and changing your behavior. Taking stress management classes or rescheduling your work and personal lives can be a start to reducing stress. Having a supportive network of friends, family and professionals can also be useful in helping to reduce stress.

4. Learn and understand your reactions and behavior resulting from stress. It is so important to recognize your own stress profile and understand your body, mind and reactions to stress. The body reacts in certain physical ways to stress, for example, symptoms like stomach pain, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension and headaches are common complaints.

5. Identify the major stressors causing the problems. Knowing the stressors will help you find ways to manage stress. Feeling helpless is a sign of chronic stress. You may feel overwhelmed and fatigued and that you have no control over your life. If left unchecked it can lead to depression. Find ways to eliminate the stressors and talk with your doctor or a counselor to help you cope with your depression.

6. Changing your response to stress is a powerful tool for managing stress. Having realistic expectations and understanding what you can and can't do will help you let go of stressful ways of thinking and change your response to stress. Organization and planning ahead of time are ways to help manage stress. Flexibility and patience are keys to reducing stress. Also, putting everything in perspective wil help to reduce anxiety and sttress.

7. Reduce stress by incorporating physical activity such as exercising, walking, stretching and breathing techniques into your daily schedule. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing will also increase the quality of your life and be a helpful tool in managing stress by relieving tension and calming the mind so that you feel more centered and focused.

8. Taking time for yourself or a vacation is important for the mind, body and spirit. Make time for rest and recreation. Get enough of it and treat yourself. Have fun and laughter in your life. Humor is a great form of therapy to reduce stress and decrease the risk of illness and disease.

How to Treat a Pulled Hip Flexor

Your hip flexors serve an important purpose in regard to daily functions. They allow you to bend at the waist and lift your knees. Motions such as kicking, running and jumping are made possible by these tendons. Once diagnosed with a pulled hip flexor, there are steps that can be taken to help treat the injury and get you back to sports and other daily activities.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Elastic bandage
• Anti-inflammatory medications

Tips

1. Get plenty of rest. Rest will allow the tendon to heal and prevent further injury. Not allowing for a proper recovery time can further injure the tendon and may result in a tear. Typical recovery time for a hip flexor pull is anywhere from five days to several months, depending on severity.

2. Use ice to help reduce swelling and keep pain at bay. You should ice the area for 15 minutes at a time up to five times a day. Make sure not to apply ice to unprotected skin as this may cause irritation.

3. Consider using an elastic bandage to compress the area. This will further help to reduce swelling and help to stabilize the injured area. Keep the bandage tight enough to compress, but do not make it so tight that circulation is compromised.

4. Keep the area elevated. You can use pillows to accomplish this. This will help to keep fluids from pooling in the injured area and reduce swelling.

5. Take anti-inflammatory and pain medications as directed by your doctor. If the pain persists or gets worse your doctor should be contacted, so a new evaluation can occur.

How to Lose Belly Fat Through Yoga

It would be nice to do a few ab exercises and melt away the bothersome belly fat accumulated there, but unfortunately, you can't spot-reduce fat. To lose fat from around your middle, you have to take it off your entire body. Though yoga is low-impact and often associated with relaxation and stretching, it can be effective for helping trim your physique. The poses help strengthen, tone and lengthen your abdominal muscles, and reducing your stress levels with yoga can have a positive effect on belly fat, too.

Different Styles of Yoga
If you want to try yoga to lose belly fat -- and for reducing overall body fat -- you'll be faced with choosing which type of yoga to practice. The biggest difference between the dozens of styles of yoga is how they're practiced rather than the types of poses performed in them. Kundalini yoga focuses on activating energy through breathing techniques rather than on fitness. Gaiam Life explains that hatha yoga is a sort of catch-all term for any type of yoga that teaches poses. It's a fairly gentle style of yoga that won't necessarily get your heart rate up, but it is effective for lengthening your muscles, including the abs. While power and vinyasa styles of yoga may flow from one pose to another in different sequences each time, you'll do the same poses in the same order every time with Ashtanga yoga. It's a more demanding style of yoga that will work up a sweat, too, making it effective for burning calories to reduce body fat.

The De-Stressing Factor
Even though it centers on relaxation rather than challenging poses, restorative yoga may be the best form for reducing fat. An article published in the "American Journal of Managed Care" showed that women who practiced restorative yoga lost a total of 31 square centimeters over a six-month period. Additionally, the participants continued to reduce even after the researchers released them to practice yoga on their own. Restorative yoga is performed seated or reclining, and the poses are held for a longer duration, sometimes as long as seven minutes, so it doesn't fit the typical advice to get your heart rate up to burn fat. Researchers in the study found that restorative yoga is effective because of its ability to reduce stress. According to Harvard Health Publications, a hormone you produce when stressed, cortisol, is one cause of fat buildup around the abdomen. Researchers in the "American Journal" study, who presented their findings at 73rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Chicago, said that since restorative yoga reduces cortisol levels, it may lead to trimmer middles.

Yoga Poses for Abs
A number of yoga poses focus on the belly and core. Poses such as Bridge lengthen the abdominal muscles. The Boat, Plank and Upward Abdominal Lock strengthen and tone abs. Even your oblique muscles will benefit from poses such as Extended Side Angle, Triangle and Side Plank. Performing these and other ab poses as part of any regular yoga practice should successfully tone your abdominal muscles, but won't shed the top layer of belly fat. Only calorie-burning, stress reduction and dietary changes will help you lose the fat.

Frequency of Your Practice
"Yoga Journal" suggests that you practice yoga two to three times a week for at least an hour at a time. If you're performing Ashtanga yoga, it can serve as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and help fulfill the 150 minutes weekly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Depending upon how vigorous your yoga session is, even as little as 75 minutes per week can be beneficial if it gets your heart rate up to the point that your breathing is hard and fast, according to the CDC. If it's difficult for you to fit an entire hour of yoga in all at once, cut your sessions into easier-to-manage lengths. You'll benefit from 10, 15 or 20 minutes at a time of moderate to vigorous yoga.

Heart Disease And Back Pain Symptoms

Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease, heart attack and stroke can save your life. While chest pain is automatically associated with heart disease, there are other signs and symptoms that are less common, but no less serious. Sometimes one warning sign of heart disease can be back pain.

Typical Heart Disease Symptoms
Chest pain or tightness is the most common symptom for a heart attack in both women and men. However, woman are more likely then men to have back pain in addition to, or in place of chest pain.

Considerations
Studies published in the British Medical Journal have found an association between back pain and heart disease. Back pain may be the result of atherosclerosis in arteries in the lower back. See the link below.

Other Heart Conditions
Pain in the middle of the back could be from an aortic aneurysm. In this situation the aneurysm occurs in the part of the aorta that passes through the chest.

Other Causes of Back Pain
You may experience pain in the back if you have inflammation or infection in the wall or lining of the heart muscle. This includes conditions such as pericarditis or endocarditis.

Pain Receptors
Whenever there is any kind of injury to the body, your body relays this to your brain through the use of pain receptors that are located as closely to the area as possible. When your heart muscle is injured pain receptors in the back may be activated to respond.

Substance Abuse Recovery Games

Using games in the mix of your substance abuse recovery program can help get patients engaged. Games can get recovery patients to open up when they've been otherwise intimidated or shut down during group sessions. Counselors can use games to get to know their patients. Games can also be used as alternative methods for delivering useful information.

Make Believe
Both adults and teens with substance abuse problems need to establish or re-establish goals for their lives. It may be even harder for adults to establish dreams. The loss of hope may be one of the reasons that they started using drugs in the first place. For one session, ask everyone in the group to pretend to be successful in a career field that they have always dreamed about. On a piece of paper, let them create the character by telling how people in that field talk, dress and how they live and interact with others. Ask volunteers to do a little role playing and tell the group what it took for them to find success. This will help them take those first steps into realizing they are in control of their lives.

Board Games
Researchers at the Institute of Behavioral Research at Texas Christian University developed a board game called Downward Spiral that explores the consequences of addiction. It takes a unique spin on Monopoly. However, every roll of the dice affects the player's health, friendships, family, self-esteem and finances. Just like real life, the players are trying to stay alive without losing everything.

Idea Ball
One of the toughest things for a recovering addict to do is face peer pressure, stress -- and learning how to deal with the uncertainties of life without drugs or alcohol. Play a brainstorming game to help group members identify ways to cope with peer pressure, withdrawals and stress. Pass a ball around the room. If the ball is thrown to you, say the first idea that comes to mind. Make a list on a blackboard or large sheet of construction paper. Both adults and teens will eventually come in contact with those old friends who may try to tempt them into using drugs again -- or the stresses of life could make them want to escape through drugs. This game is a fun way to uncover different ways to face these demons.

Word Association
Word association games may help uncover the subconscious triggers that are either holding back a patient's recovery or those emotional triggers that leave him craving for an escape through drugs. Identifying these triggers is the first step to helping the patient take control of their effect on him. The counselor can do this in a group or one-on-one. Make a list of words like "family, recovery, responsibility, stress, depression, fear." Present them to the patient either verbally or by using flashcards. The patient says the first thing that comes to mind. Record the patient's responses. After the quiz, discuss the patient's responses and try to help them uncover personal pain and regrets and wishes that could be the root cause of their addiction. You can also use flashcards with pictures on them to play this game.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of HIV for Women?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a member of the retrovirus family that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (otherwise known as AIDS). AIDS causes the body's immune systems to fail, which can lead to life-threatening infections. HIV infection can occur through exposure to contaminated blood or other bodily fluids. According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2008 was 33.4 million, and 2.7 million people were infected during that year alone. The majority of people who get HIV will develop signs of illness within five to 10 years, however, the time between infection and diagnosis can be as long as 15 years. If you are having signs or symptoms of HIV, you should see a doctor immediately.

Flu-like Symptoms
Some people experience flu-like symptoms four to eight weeks after initial infection from the virus. These symptoms can include fatigue, headache, fever and swollen glands. Headaches and fatigue are more common in women and can be stronger than in men.

Abdominal Pain
Women are more likely than men to have abdominal and pelvic pain as a symptom of HIV. In women, these pains can mimic "normal" pains (menstrual pains, for example). This makes it difficult to recognize such pains as symptoms of a larger problem.

Swollen Glands
Swollen glands/lymph nodes are not only an early symptom of HIV; they can also occur later. If swollen glands keep coming back or stay swollen for an extended period, see a doctor and get them checked out.

Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss that is hard or impossible to gain back is another symptom of HIV.

Psychological Symptoms
Psychological symptoms of HIV can include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances or insomnia and changes in body image.

Gynecological Symptoms
Gynecological symptoms of HIV in women can include an abnormal pap smear, genital ulcers, pelvic inflammatory disease (especially if it is difficult to treat), frequent bouts of vaginal yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis and severe herpes infections.

Other Physical Symptoms
Other physical symptoms of HIV can include frequent low-grade fevers, night sweats, persistent skin rashes, flaky skin, short-term memory loss, severe and persistent diarrhea, vomiting, severe headaches, unusual mouth blemishes, difficulty swallowing and seizures.

How to Get Better Sleep at Night

Do you toss and turn at night? Do you spend more time looking at the clock than you do at the inside of your eyelids? If so, you may have a problem with sleep that should be addressed. Sleep is not an optional activity and is needed for your body to recharge itself after a hard day of work. Lack of sleep can cause decreased concentration, irritability, decreased reaction time and daytime drowsiness. This article will give you tips on how to get better sleep at night.

Tips

1. Make sure that your bedroom is welcoming for sleep. If you have problems sleeping because of lighting, add dark curtains onto the windows. You can also try an eye mask to help keep bright lights out. If you have a television in your bedroom, make sure it is turned off before bed. Ear plugs can help tune out a snoring partner. Think about the temperature in your bedroom. Is it too hot or too cold? If so, adjust the temperature to a comfortable level.

2. Eat less before bed. You may be in for a long night if you go to sleep on a full stomach, which can increase chances for heartburn. Try not to eat within 2 and 3 hours before bed. Limit your use of caffeine, which can keep you awake and alert longer than you may desire. Also, reduce your use of nicotine before bed, as it is a stimulant and can keep you up at night.

3. Use your bed only for sleep and sex. When you do other tasks in your bed, it may become hard for you to allow yourself to rest there.

4. Daytime exercise can help you get better sleep at night. It is recommended that you exercise 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. All 30 minutes do not have to be done all at once. Your choice of exercise can vary. Just make sure that you are not exercising close to bedtime. Exercise raises your body temperature, which can hinder good sleep.

5. Start a bedtime ritual. Gradually slow down your activities before bed. Do quiet, calming activities such as taking a warm bath or reading a book. Meditation or prayer can help you relax so that you can get better sleep at night. As much as possible, try to go to bed at the same time every night and get up close to the same time each morning.

How to Recover From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a chronic condition--you will have to live with it throughout your life. It is possible, however, to recover from the initial shock and depression that often accompany a diagnosis of CFS. Finding therapies that relieve the systems and increase the time between occurrences of the disease can often change CFS from a totally disabling event to a manageable lifestyle.

Tips

1. Be wary of programs promising to cure CFS. There have been no serious studies undertaken to estimate recovery rates, but anecdotal evidence suggests that very few patients return to total pre-diagnosis activities. Groups which tout total recovery should be viewed with skepticism. Progress is most reliably made by devising an individual treatment plan in concert with a reputable physician.

2. Set reasonable goals for recovery. People who acknowledge the disease and work toward slow and steady progress are the most likely to recover some semblance of their former lives.

3. Network with other CFS patients at your hospital for both information and support. As a recently recognized disease, there is very little hard data for doctors to call on when discussing the ailment with CFS patients. One of the best ways to learn the course of the disease and treatment plans which may aid in your recovery is by speaking with other patients who have been dealing with it over a period of years.

4. Approach recovery as a two step process. The first step is rest, the second step is a slow testing of your limits. Upon diagnosis, take time to allow your body to recuperate. Many doctors feel that CFS has its origins in previous illnesses that have left the body unable to recover fully.

5. Treat the symptoms of the disease while your body gains strength. Once your body becomes stronger, start an exercise program and little by little stretch the boundaries of what you can do.

6. Remain disciplined even after your symptoms wane. Many people see a remission of CFS as a recovery. They often return to the same work, exercise and health practices which resulted in the onset of CFS. A reversion to the same lifestyle you had prior to your initial bout of CFS can quickly lead to a relapse.

Recreational Therapy and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Recreational therapy, or therapeutic recreation (TR), is a treatment type that utilizes recreational interests and activities to help patients with mental disorders, physical illness and disabilities to improve their ability to function independently and socially. A certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) works in community settings, mental hospitals, treatment centers and outpatient clinics. Therapeutic recreation is frequently a treatment used for stress disorders, including bipolar, anxiety and depression.

Stress Management
Therapeutic recreational activities may be a key treatment modality in helping individuals with bipolar disorder cope with stress and anxiety while improving relaxation techniques. Patients explore and develop self-nurturing and self-soothing skills. These techniques help the patient increase his ability to relax, reduce stress and cope with anxiety.

Self-awareness
Certified therapeutic recreation specialists engage patients in activities that improve self-esteem and offer leisure resources that they can use in their free time to increase communication skills and assertiveness. Recreational activities can help bipolar patients manage stress and nurture themselves so they need not depend on others for their happiness.

Health and Wellness
Part of the therapeutic recreation specialist's strategy for bipolar treatment seeks to engage the patient in active leisure activities that help the patient increase levels of energy. Exercise and activity help promote social engagement, teamwork, cooperation and the ability to self-regulate. Healthy exercise improves not only physical conditioning, but mental health and acuity.

Community Integration
Another facet of therapeutic recreational intervention with bipolar patients is exposing the client to the availability of community recreational resources. Treatment seeks to engage the patient in community activities as a participant, observer and supporter. Volunteer activities, hobby groups, retail recreational equipment suppliers and online recreational information resources all can help the patient improve engagement with the world around her. Finding friends and people with shared interests helps the individual with bipolar disorder build a social support structure outside of formal treatment facilities and professional aides.

Evaluation
Certified therapeutic recreation specialists use a variety of tools to evaluate clients, including interest inventories, personal recreational histories, aptitude and skills tests. Then the therapist works with patients prior to developing a recreation plan. The specialist is often part of a coordinated treatment plan that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses and other medical personnel. The recreation portion of the comprehensive treatment plan lays out goals and objectives that address the four chief issues: stress management, self-awareness, health and wellness, and community integration.

How to Treat the Flu

We are all susceptible to the flu. For most, it comes lurking once or twice a year, sucks the body of energy, empties the stomach, and leaves without so much as a "thank you." This year will be different. You can be ready when the nasty little bug comes calling with a nauseated feeling or an achy head.

Tips

1. Get to bed and stay there. The number one way to kick the stomach flu to the curb is to get plenty of rest. Contrary to popular belief, you can't get rid of sickness by running your body ragged.

2. Hide your stimulants and depressants. The flu will feed on cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol. Stay sober to soothe your stomach.

3. Drink up. Although nausea can leave you feeling too uneasy to ingest anything, hydration is essential when treating the flu. Drink water, clear soda or sports drinks. Sip at your beverage. Gulping down liquid will upset your stomach causing you to vomit, which will cause you to be dehydrated, which will put you right back where you started.

4. Treat heavy pains and aches with an over-the-counter dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The stomach flu will go away without any medication, but if the pain is keeping you from sleeping, it's a good idea to take a dose every 4 to 6 hours.

5. Wash your hands constantly. The flu will leave you much faster (and probably not come back) if you wash your hands frequently. No other action is better for the health of your body.

6. Eliminate stress. Stress on your body will almost certainly extend the period of aches, pains and an upset stomach. Skip work or school. Put aside obligations. Everyone gets sick, so everyone will understand the need for you to slow down for 24 to 48 hours.

How to Naturally Treat Migraines

Migraines are much more than just intense headaches. While headache pains are part of a migraine, there are other symptoms as well. These include nausea, dizziness and sensitivity to light. Some people who suffer from migraines even see little white lines in their fields of vision. Treating migraines is not so easy, but there are various natural techniques and alternative treatments that can ease the pain migraines cause.

Things You'll Need

• Butterbur
• Feverfew
• Riboflavin

Tips

1. See a doctor if you think you have migraines. He will help you understand exactly what might be causing yours in particular, since there are different origins of migraines.

2. Increase the amount of riboflavin in your diet. It has been known to ease the pain from migraines. You can either take riboflavin in pill or tablet form or eat more foods such as fish, leafy greens, milk, cheese and legumes.

3. Take some butterbur in one of its many forms, which include pill, liquid extract and tea. It is a natural herb used to treat migraines as well as allergies.

4. Take some feverfew as well. It is a small plant that is used to treat headaches, stomachaches and asthma.

5. See an acupuncturist for a natural alternative treatment. Acupuncture uses pressure points in the body to increase a person's health.

6. When you feel a migraine coming on, go into a dark and secluded room. This has been known to help many people who suffer from migraines.

7. Continue to see a doctor if your migraine problems persist.

The Early Symptoms of Diabetes

The early symptoms of diabetes can be easily overlooked because many of them are mild or can be attributed to other health issues. If you are experiencing or have experienced one or more of the following symptoms, you should ask your doctor about testing for diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious health issues, including coma, blindness and death.

Increased Thirst/Hunger
An increase in thirst or hunger is an early symptom of diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hunger and thirst are symptoms related to a decrease of insulin in the body. When the body's muscles and organs cannot process blood sugar into energy without insulin, the body believe it needs more food. The lack of insulin leads to increased sugar in the blood, which leads to excessive thirst.

Fatigue
The body's muscles and organs' ability to use blood sugar for energy is hindered because of a lack of insulin. Without the energy normally provided by blood sugar, a person with diabetes will tire more quickly and feel run down.

Unintended Weight Loss
The inability of the body to properly process blood sugar into energy leads to another early symptom of diabetes--unintended weight loss. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, without energy from blood sugar, the body begins to process fat and muscle tissue into energy. This can lead to weight loss unrelated to changes in activity or diet.

Increased Urination
The increase of blood sugar because of the lack of insulin is also the culprit for increased urination. In an effort to rid the body of excessive sugar, the work harder, increasing the need to urinate.

Blurry Vision
The excessive blood sugar levels can cause the eye's lens to swell and change shape, which can lead to blurry vision. Correcting blood sugar levels will eliminate this symptom. There are several reasons a person with diabetes may have blurry vision. However, most of these issues are related to long-term complications of diabetes and are not considered an early symptom.

Fun Psychology Experiment Ideas

Psychology is fun for students, especially when they learn through hands-on activities, such as experiments. Teachers can find many examples of classroom activities and psychological experiments appropriate for the classroom in teachers' manuals for specific textbooks and on websites.

Prisoner's Dilemma Game
The "Prisoner's Dilemma Game" shows cooperation and competition. Start by describing a situation where two arrested people are separated immediately. The arresting officers tell each prisoner that if he confesses, he will get a reduced punishment. If both prisoners confess, their punishments will be longer. If neither prisoner confesses (they cooperate), both prisoners will receive short punishments. Place people into groups with three members: two game players and the middle person as scorekeeper. During ten trials, players do not speak as they give the scorekeeper a paper saying they will confess or not. Use points in place of punishment. One possibility is when a person confesses and her partner does not, give confessor 10 points and partner minus 5. If both confess, each receives 2 points. If both cooperate (neither confesses), each receives 5 points.

Fundamental Attribution Error
Have paired people interview each other to find out what the other person is like. After a few moments, give them a questionnaire about the other person. Devise a questionnaire with 10 or 12 characteristics, being sure they are positive or neutral, for example "quiet" or "talkative" or "depends on situation." When they have completed the questionnaire about their partners, have them respond to the same questionnaire about themselves. Then ask all participants to count the number of times they marked "depends on situation" for their partner and themselves. People are more likely to choose "depends on situation" for themselves than for others -- the Fundamental Attribution Error -- attributing their behavior to the situation and the behavior of other people to their personality.

In-groups and Out-groups
You can show the ease with which in-groups and out-groups form by putting people into two groups. The basis for inclusion in the group should be something simple such as who is wearing jeans and who is wearing other types of clothing. Seat the members of the two groups (jeans wearers and non-jeans wearers) together and tell them to discuss why the other group is dressed differently. After the discussion continues, people have a tendency to find more derogatory reasons for the worn clothes -- producing an in-group and out-group.

False Consensus Effect
Develop a short questionnaire with simple questions, such as, "I think the government should spend less money on security and more on helping the homeless." The questionnaire should be short and one that can be answered quickly. After people answer the questionnaires by themselves, ask them to guess the number of others in their group who have the same opinion on each question. Then ask participants to raise their hands to indicate their responses on the questions. People have a tendency to overestimate how many others have the same opinion they do. The False Consensus Effect demonstrates the idea that people think those who are similar to themselves also have similar attitudes.

How to Prevent Obesity

Prevention is they key to any health-related issue. Recognizing symptoms of a problem before it actually becomes a problem defines prevention. There are simple ways to recognize if your body and health are deteriorating. Most health related issues can be prevented and obesity is no exception.

Things You'll Need

*Medical physical
*Scale for the home
*Water bottle
*FDA food pyramid

Prevent Obesity

1. Stay active. The most common way to prevent obesity is to live an active lifestyle. Simple activities, such as taking the stairs or walking to the store, can help tremendously. Many people also enjoy going to the gym. A local health club membership can be a wonderful way to stay active and socialize with other like-minded individuals.

2. Eat healthy. The FDA recommends that the average person consume 2,000 calories per day in foods such as dairy, meats, breads, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Tailoring your diet to meet these FDA standards is the most effective way to prevent obesity.

3. Watch your weight. You should weigh yourself once a week to monitor your health. If you notice that you are starting to gain some weight, you should take appropriate measures to lose that weight. Investing in a scale for the home is recommended.

4. Drink water. Many times people will mistake dehydration for hunger signals in the body. The FDA recommends drinking eight to 10 glasses of water per day. Water cleanses and detoxifies all the impurities in your system.

5. Get a physical at least once a year. Doctors advise that adults receive a medical physical on a yearly basis to prevent any health complications. By catching any early complications, your doctor can treat you accordingly.

6. Keep junk food out of your house. The lure of sweet junk food can sometimes be too much to bear and you may succumb to the temptation. Be smart and don't buy it at all!

7. Only eat when you are hungry. Studies have shown that those who are naturally thin only eat when they are hungry. Only eating when your body signals you to eat can be a great way to prevent obesity.

How Does the Human Body Maintain Homeostasis?

The human body is an exquisite machine, partly because it maintains functionality in a variety of environments. Humans can thrive in conditions ranging from the arctic to the equator, and with a variety of diets and lifestyles. Part of the reason for this adaptability is the body's ability to maintain homeostasis.

Homeostasis is a fancy word meaning "equilibrium," and it entails many interwoven variables that are amazing to consider. Temperature is among the most straightforward of these. The body sweats to keep cool and shivers to stay warm. But the human body is masterful at balancing many other factors. Most are subtler, involving the regulation of hormones and other bodily chemicals. All of the body's systems self-regulate using an intricate coordination of three principle roles: signal reception, centralized control and action.

All of the body's systems work together to maintain balance in the body, but various systems do have specific roles. Two of the most important systems for maintaining homeostasis are the nervous and endocrine systems. Basic bodily functions such as heart rate and breathing may be stimulated or slowed under neural control. The nervous system helps regulate breathing and the urinary and digestive systems, and it interacts with the endocrine system. For example, part of the brain triggers the pituitary gland to release metabolic hormones in response to changing caloric demands. Hormones also help adjust the body's balance of fluids and electrolytes, among other key roles in all the body's systems. Less energetically expensive, but no less important, roles in the maintenance of homeostasis include the lymphatic system's ability to fight infection, the respiratory system's maintenance of oxygen and proper pH levels, and the urinary system's removal of toxins from the blood.

The human body fends off many challenges to its maintenance of balance. A diet that lacks the right nutrients in the right amounts will induce the body to compensate or become sick. Exposure to drugs, alcohol and other toxins kick the excretory functions into high gear, lest these substances accumulate and damage the body's cells. Stress and depression can challenge the respiratory, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, and thereby weaken their respective abilities to maintain homeostasis. And insufficient sleep can work all of the body's systems too hard, impairing the body's balance. So, while the human body is an amazing entity with exquisite abilities to counterbalance insults, healthy lifestyles and choices can go a long way to help.

How to Treat Sleep Disorders Without Medication

Sleep disorders can be caused by any number of factors. Sleep specialists are not 100 percent sure about what causes certain forms of hypersomnia. Insomnia is similarly puzzling. Here are natural ways to help treat sleep disorders without sedatives or stimulants.

Things You'll Need

• Pillow
• Bed
• Silk mask (optional)

Tips

1. Do not read, watch TV or work in the bedroom if you suffer from insomina. The bedroom should be reserved for sleeping and sex. This will help to keep you from associating the bed with work or other things that distract you.

2. Install shades or curtains, cover your alarm clock or turn the LED display away from the bed to control the light and noise in the room at night. If light is still a problem, consider wearing a light, comfortable sleeping mask.

3. Learn your body's natural rhythms. If you naturally fall asleep at 11:30 p.m., try to adjust your schedule to wake at about 7:30 a.m. the following morning. This way, you can establish a routine based on your body.

4. Don't eat a large meal too close to bedtime. Your body will have to expend energy to digest a large meal and this can wake you up or disturb sleep.

5. Don't drink or consume sugar or caffeine late in the day. Some people have to cut off sugar and caffeine around 3 p.m. in order to get to sleep easily.

6. Don't exercise too close to bedtime. Exercise releases endorphins that energize you and a workout two to three hours before bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle. If you have to exercise, try a gentle walk or some soothing, relaxing yoga to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Hypersomniacs: Get Tested Then Get Rested

1. Find out what's wrong. Sleep apnea is the disorder created by a lack of oxygen reaching the brain during sleep. If your brain and blood do not receive enough oxygen at night, they will shut down during the day. If you stop breathing, or snore heavily at night and suffer from daytime sleepiness, you may consider asking your physician about a sleep study. Treatment for sleep apnea includes wearing an oxygen mask at night to help with alertness in the short run, combined with a long term plan to lose weight and do yoga or some other form of mind-body fitness to improve breathing efficiency.

2. Undergo a sleep study. Narcolepsy is a complex combination of symptoms typified by REM intrusion, cataplexy and automatic behavior. A sleep study will verify that night-time oxygen levels are sufficient (ruling out sleep apnea), and will monitor REM brain waves to see if cycles fit the regular narcoleptic symptoms.Treatments for narcolepsy frequently include stimulant medication. To try to treat your narcolepsy naturally. Practice yoga and exercise regularly, take naps during the day if you need them, try to eat a balanced diet that is higher in protein than it is in carbohydrates.

3. Figure out the problem. Idiopathic hyper-somnia occurs when neither sleep apnea nor narcolepsy are present in a patient undergoing a sleep study, but the primary symptom, excessive daytime sleepiness, still exists. Treatments for hyper-somnia frequently include stimulant medication. To try to treat yourself naturally. Practice yoga and exercise regularly, take naps during the day if you need them, try to eat a balanced diet that is higher in protein than it is in carbohydrates. Also, get yourself tested for food allergies, digestive enzyme treatment or other metabolic disorders such as celiac disease. Often, the inability to absorb nutrients from food can result in sleepiness.

10 Stress Management Techniques

Help Guide explains that the ultimate goal when fighting stress is to lead a balanced life. Try to identify the causes of stress in your life, and utilize a variety of techniques to combat them. Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, warns that if your own stress management techniques don't work for you, seek out a professional who can help you cope.

Physical Activity
According to Medline Plus, physical activity is a good way to fight the feelings associated with stress. Plan your schedule to fit in at least 20 minutes of activity, three times a week. The type of physical activity does not matter, as long as you're moving around. Try teaming up with a buddy for additional motivation.

Healthy Diet
Stress can be related to an improper diet, so healthy eating and nutrition is key to combating stress. Medline Plus recommends increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, while focusing on controlled portion sizes.

Socialization
Medline Plus advises socializing to combat stress. Stress can sometimes lead you to want to avoid your friends. However, interacting with friends and family can boost your mood and take your mind off of anything that causes stress.

Avoid Stress
According to Help Guide, one of the best ways to control your stress level is to avoid known stress-inducing situations. Avoid people who cause you stress. Additionally, avoid places that may stress you out. For example, if crowds stress you out, avoid the mall or amusement parks. Also, avoid discussing topics that cause you stress. If political debates bother you, don't engage in them.

Be Willing to Adjust
Help Guide explains that you need to be willing to adjust to situations to combat potential stress. Be willing to compromise instead of fighting for your own way. However, if necessary, be more assertive and stand up for yourself and your opinions. Don't let yourself be walked all over, as that can lead to an excess of stress.

Look at the Bigger Picture
Help Guide also recommends looking at the bigger picture, as focusing on smaller, specific situations can often lead to negative thinking. Focus on the positive and try to find the silver lining in every situation. Positive thinking can go a long way in fighting stress.

Acceptance
Sometimes it is important to just accept the things you cannot change, according to Help Guide. Not everything in life can be controlled, and attempting to do so will only result in undue stress. Additionally, Help Guide suggests learning to forgive as a way to cope with stress. Holding grudges can be tiresome and upsetting; forgive people and move on.

Be Healthy
In addition to physical activity and overall nutrition, Help Guide suggests maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. This means that you should limit drinking, quit smoking and avoid drugs. Unhealthy habits can cause illnesses that can increase stress levels; try to be healthy to decrease stress.

Learn to Say "No"
Over-committing to too many things is a fairly common cause of stress. Learn to say no; only take on as many activities as you can fit into your schedule, while still making time for yourself. Cut down on the number of things you put on your to do list. Forcing yourself to do too many things will only make you feel run down and stressed out.

Relax
Help Guide suggests finding a hobby or activity that you enjoy that will allow you to release stress and enjoy yourself. Read a book every week, join a yoga class, get a massage, take a bath, go for a walk, or play with a pet. Whatever you do, just make sure it's enjoyable and relaxing.

Depression, Anger and Rage Symptoms

Depression is a condition can affect anyone at any time in their lives. Depression goes beyond the usual emotional ups and downs that are a normal part of life. Left untreated or undiagnosed, severe depression can drive people to suicide. Other common psychological disorders related to depression are related to anger management and fits of rage. To treat these conditions, it's important to know the symptoms to diagnose them.

Misconceptions
Depression is not, as is a common misconception, a sign of personal weakness--it isn't something you can just "get over." A common cause of depression is chemical imbalances in the brain or physical anomalies, but there are emotional components to depression. Negative thinking is not a cause of depression, as is commonly thought. Depression causes irrational degrees of negative thinking, but can be dealt with by the use of cognitive therapy.

Common Depression Symptoms
A sad, angry, or hopeless mood that persists over a long period is the most common and noticeable symptom of depression. Other mental symptoms include the inability to concentrate on tasks, withdrawal from friends or social situations and poor memory. However, depression can affect the body as well. Loss or increase in appetite, which causes either weight loss or weight gain, is commonly reported. Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia--inability to sleep--and hypersomnia--oversleeping--are the two most common sleep-related symptoms of depression.

Anger Management Problems
For those who are depressed, anger management is often a problem. There are two types of anger: passive and aggressive. Passive anger is directed inward, with behaviors such as excessive apologizing, self-blame, manipulation and lack of assertive confrontation of issues. Aggressive behavior is directed outward, either excessively or not at the cause of the anger. Shouting, threats or physical violence can occur toward people or objects. In extreme cases, people with anger-management issues can fall into a fit of rage.

What is Rage?
Anger, according to the book "Understanding Anger Disorders," by Raymond DiGiuseppe and Raymond Tafrate, consists of a spectrum of emotions. Annoyance is the mildest form of anger, and rage is the most intense. It's a remnant of early evolution--the fight-or-flight response that enables us to deal with threats. People in a state of rage become physically violent, and are unable to be calmed until the source of anger is no longer present or the person is incapacitated. Rage is a primal reaction, considered to be an emergency state. People who have feelings of rage on a regular basis tend to be depressed as well. When feelings of rage are repressed, they can cause stress on the heart.

Prevention/Solution
Depression, anger and rage symptoms are treatable. Depression can be medicated to treat the chemical imbalances present in the brain, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used as a teaching tool to deal with the negative thought processes. Anger management classes teach healthy anger responses such as breathing exercises, meditation and communication exercises.

Safe Weight Loss Pills for Teenagers

There is no magic pill that once taken will cause you to lose weight. The safest diet pills for teenagers are those that work alongside a healthy meal and exercise plan. Always consult your doctor before taking any diet pill or supplement as they may affect teenagers differently. Options to consider are green tea extract, 100 percent Hoodia products, and prescription medicines. Research and physician involvement are best bets when selecting diet pills that are safe for teen use.

Green Tea Extract
Green tea extracts are a healthy option to use as a diet aid. They have a high anti-oxidant level that promotes good health and caffeine that can increase metabolism. A higher metabolism can help the body burn more calories. Green tea also increases energy levels, which can improve stamina and willingness for physical exercise. There are many products on the market that contain green tea extract. It is important to consult a physician and/or pharmacist to determine which product best suits your needs. As this diet pill does contain caffeine, if you have a low tolerance or issue with caffeine consumption, then it is probably best to find an alternative diet aid.

Pure Hoodia Gordonii
Currently any diet product containing Hoodia seems to be popular with dieters across the nation. Hoodia gordonii is actually a cactus found in Africa. Once in pill form it works as an appetite suppressant that can deter you from eating high- calorie snacks between meals. There are no known side effects, but make sure that you read the ingredient list carefully before purchasing any product that claims to contain Hoodia. If the product does not list 100 percent hoodia gordonii as the main ingredient, do not buy it. There are numerous products available that claim to contain Hoodia but in fact have little to almost zero amounts of Hoodia in their composition.

Prescription Pills
Prescription diet pills are reserved only for those individuals with severe obesity that is significantly impairing their health and well-being. One such pill, Xenical, is a fat absorption inhibitor. It prevents your body from breaking down fat derived from meals. The fat is then released from the body in a bowel movement. As prescription pills are only given to individuals with severe weight issues, the side effects are more serious and can include addiction, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and anxiety issues. For teens with obesity-related health problems, this may be a great method to relieve and treat some of those issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Eating Disorder

A compulsive eating disorder, also known as binge eating, is the consumption of huge amounts of food and the inability to stop such behavior. Compulsive eating disorder is the most common of the eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia. Health experts believe that compulsive eating disorder may be caused by physical, emotional or sexual abuse, depression and an obsession with dieting and body image (body dysmorphia). Certain signs and symptoms may reveal if someone has a binge eating disorder.

Excessive Food Amounts
Someone with a compulsive eating disorder will eat a large amount of food at one sitting. They will eat quickly, stuffing food into their mouths as fast as possible. Secretly stashing food away is also a sign of compulsive eating. The compulsive eater may collect empty food containers and hoard them away. They eat until they are past being full and may become nauseous. Hunger has nothing to do with the compulsive eater. They eat whether they are hungry or not. Most compulsive eaters are overweight as they do not purge the food they eat, but some binge eaters may have a normal weight.

Depression
A person may experience distress during and after compulsive eating. Bouts of depression may surface and lead to more binge eating. She may feel guilty or disgusted with herself for the lack of self-control when eating. She may want to eat alone because she is ashamed of the way she eats and how much she eats.

Obsession
Someone with a compulsive eating disorder obsesses about food. They will think about food constantly, anticipating the next meal and what will be consumed. This is an unhealthy obsession that the sufferer feels powerless to control. Food dominates their life, and they feel they cannot escape it.

Illness
People with a compulsive eating disorder may develop diseases and complications from their unhealthy lifestyle, including diabetes, gall bladder attacks, high blood pressure, intestinal problems, heart disease, panic attacks and sleep apnea. If you or someone you know suffers from a compulsive eating disorder, seek out medical help. A physician can prescribe medications, and there are excellent organizations available for therapeutic modalities, including OA (Overeaters Anonymous).

The Most Effective Weight Loss Pills for Women

Many women struggle with losing weight and are continually searching for the next “big” thing in weight loss. Weight loss pills geared especially for women can be effective in helping a woman lose unwanted pounds. However, the market is saturated with both over-the-counter and prescription weight loss medication. Women need to be educated consumers when shopping for the most effective weight loss pill. Depending on your particular metabolism, the effects of certain pills will vary from one individual to another.

Over-The-Counter Weight Loss Pills
There is an overabundance of over-the-counter weight loss pills, so a woman would be wise to know as much about the product as she can prior to purchasing it. One of the newest pills on the market, Alli, also known as Orlistat, was originally a prescription medication that the Federal Drug Administration approved as an over-the counter pill. As with almost all weight loss pills, Alli is the most effective when it is used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise. Alli is a fat blocker and helps prevent the absorption of fat into the body. It is essential to eat a low-fat diet when taking Alli in order to prevent unpleasant side effects. If taken properly, Alli has proven to be an effective tool in the battle to lose weight.

Prescription Weight Loss Pills
Prescription weight loss medication can only be taken when prescribed and recommended by a doctor. Usually, when a weight loss medication is prescribed, the patient’s weight is threatening her health and she has been unsuccessful losing weight strictly with diet and exercise. Prescription medications may have extreme side effects and the woman must be under a doctor’s supervision when taking this type of weight loss pill. Though there are risks involved when taking any type of prescription medication, the advantages may outweigh the dangers if they can help an obese woman lose weight. Prescription appetite suppressants include Adipex or Phentermine. Another powerful prescription medication known as Acomplia is a receptive blocker, which blocks certain receptors in the brain that make people hungry.

Natural Weight Loss Supplements
Natural weight loss supplements can prove to be extremely effective in aiding in weight loss. However, the majority of natural supplements are not approved by the FDA. Therefore, women should exercise caution when using these types of supplements. Some natural aids to losing weight include the inclusion of fiber in one’s diet. Additionally, a variety of natural remedies, specifically green tea, which is known for its fat-burning properties and powerful antioxidants, is now being touted as an excellent way to rev up one’s metabolism.

Diet and Exercise
Women must remember that there is no magic cure in the quest to lose weight. Pills alone cannot take off those unwanted pounds. It is necessary to change one’s behavior and lifestyle by incorporating a healthy way of eating as well as regular exercise. Integrating weight loss pills or supplements is a great way to kick-start a weight loss program. However, for long-term results, the best way to lose weight and keep it off is learning how to eat fresh and healthy foods and incorporating exercise as part of your daily lifestyle.

Considerations
Prescription weight loss medication should only be used for the severely obese who are facing multiple health issues due to their weight. Both over-the-counter pills and prescription weight loss medications have a long list of dangerous side effects and this should be taken into consideration before starting any weight loss program. No matter how much weight you wish to lose, you should also consult with your physician prior to taking any type of weight loss aid.

Scoliosis Traction Treatment

Scoliosis can be a minor or major condition. It means the spine is curved sideways. The severity of it is determined by how much curve exists and its effects on your movement. The condition can affect quality of life. One treatment option is traction exerted on the spine to correct the curvature. There are several ways to provide the traction.

Scoliosis Types
Scoliosis can be structural or functional. If structural, it has probably existed since childhood. Those with muscular deformities from certain conditions like cerebral palsy are often diagnosed with scoliosis too. Functional scoliosis can develop due to muscle imbalances, repetitive movements, and poor core strength, according to the Scoliosis Research Society. You can have juvenile or adult scoliosis.

Scoliosis Treatments
There are a variety of treatments for scoliosis that depend on its severity, the patient's age, and occupation. Bracing, traction, surgery, exercises, electrical muscle stimulation, chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy are some of the most frequently-prescribed treatment options.

Traction Types
Traction treatments may use a traction chair, halo-gravity traction, a table, and even traction techniques performed by a trained therapist or by the patient himself. Which technique is best for treatment depends on many factors and requires a thorough medical consultation to determine.

Traction Chair
The traction chair is a specific piece of equipment used in physical therapy clinics and at home, if prescribed. The chair attempts to correct the scoliosis in all three dimensions. This involves cervical decompression along with traction laterally for the thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine. It is passive and not painful for the patient, according to the Scoliosis Correction Center.

Halo-Gravity Traction
Halo-gravity traction is a method reserved for severe scoliosis cases especially when kyphosis (rounded upper back) is involved. A metal halo is around the head with attachments to the head and neck. Dr. Lawrence Lenke states that halo-gravity traction is a safe alternative that allows patients to be out of bed, exercising and socializing.

How to Treat Anorexia

To stop the destructive and deadly behaviors of anorexia nervosa, treatment may be required via inpatient or outpatient services. More severe cases will require inpatient medical help, during which the person is hospitalized for a length of time. In more manageable cases, outpatient services may be utilized, meaning hospital care is received without overnight or long-term stays.

To stop the destructive and deadly behaviors of anorexia nervosa, treatment may be required via inpatient or outpatient services. More severe cases will require inpatient medical help, during which the person is hospitalized for a length of time. In more manageable cases, outpatient services may be utilized, meaning hospital care is received without overnight or long-term stays.

Things You'll Need

• Eating-disorder experts

Treat Anorexia at the Outpatient Level

1. Work with a team of qualified eating-disorder experts. This team should include an internist, nutritionist and therapist.

2. Restrict stress-inducing activities. You need a calm, easygoing environment that enables you to focus on your health and well being. Take steps to reduce the stresses of school or work.

3. Consistently take any prescribed medicines. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed to help control the catalysts for anorexic behavior, as well as the resulting emotions.

4. Accept setbacks. Most anorexics will experience one or more relapses over a course of several years. Remember to call for medical help when necessary.

Seek Inpatient-Level Treatment for a Loved One

1. nsist on hospital care when the patient will not consume sufficient amounts of nutrients at home. At this level of the disease, major organ systems are being threatened. Tube feeding may be necessary in order to sustain life.

2. Prepare for the financial burden. Inpatient care comes with a high price tag and the length of stay necessary is often unknown until progress is seen.

3. Talk to your insurance company. Hospitalization costs may be covered. However, you might want to consider adjusting your deductible to increase coverage.

4. Make proper living arrangements. If you are the parent of an anorexic child, you may be advised to set up housing close to the hospital. Travel may be necessary to reach the best care.

5. Opt for treatment centers that focus solely on eating disorders. Some hospitals will mix specialties and treat other addictions, like drug abuse or alcoholism.

6. Accept the reality of the situation. It is often necessary to force-feed, medicate and confine severely ill anorexics in order to save their lives.