Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
How You can be Helped with Toe Nail Problems
You may have a problem with your toe nails and may not be aware that you can be helped by a podiatrist.
What is a podiatrist? A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and prevent foot and ankle problems. He or she is a doctor, known to practice podiatric medicine. Most of us, like myself, may go trough life not needing a podiatrist, but for those who may need one, the following information is good to know.
The following are some symptoms and treatments for common toe nail problems:
An ingrown toe nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. This often occurs at either edge of the big toe. This can also occur in fingernails as well. Ingrown nails may be caused by improper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure on the toes.
There are various symptoms. Ingrown nails may cause pain at the tip of the toe or all the way to the base of the toe. There can be pain while walking. An ingrown toe nail can sometimes lead to an infection, just as it can when a person has an ingrown fingernail. This is why it is a good idea to do something about it as soon as you can. If it is infected, you might see puss or redness.
The treatment for ingrown nails is simple. If the nail isn’t infected, your podiatrist may trim the corner of it to help relieve the symptoms. The doctor may need to remove one side of the nail back to the cuticle. The base of the nail is then treated with a chemical to keep the ingrown part from growing back. If there is an infection, your doctor will order an antibiotic. To prevent pain, a local anesthetic may be used.
A common problem with toe nails is when nails may be too thick that an individual needs a podiatrist to do the trimming. A neighbor of mine has this problem. His toe nails are so thick, he cannot cut his own nails. He goes to a podiatrist about every two months or when his nails begin to get too long.
Abnormally thick nails or crumbling nails, as it is sometimes called, may be caused by injuries, pressure from shoes, fungal infections, or conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, or vascular disease. More often than not, the nail may loosen and fall off.
The thickened nail, however, may be more serious than you think. It is important to get an evaluation of this problem. As stated before, it could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. You should contact your podiatrist, to be on the safe side. He can check your medical history to see if there is an underlying reason. To check for a fungal infection, a culture may be done.
If the thick nail isn’t infected or if there no serious medical problem, your podiatrist may be able to thin it by trimming, filing, or grinding it.
A black-and blue nail is usually caused by an injury, however, if the nail is black and blue and there was no injury to the toe, you must contact a doctor immediately.
Why is it urgent to call immediately? This may be a symptom of broken blood vessels which causes the black and blue color.
Many nail problems can be averted by wearing the proper shoes and trimming your nails properly. To help avoid infection, keep your feet clean and dry. If you have diabetes, talk with your podiatrist.
Source: Personal experience and brochure on Common Nail Problems
What is a podiatrist? A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and prevent foot and ankle problems. He or she is a doctor, known to practice podiatric medicine. Most of us, like myself, may go trough life not needing a podiatrist, but for those who may need one, the following information is good to know.
The following are some symptoms and treatments for common toe nail problems:
An ingrown toe nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. This often occurs at either edge of the big toe. This can also occur in fingernails as well. Ingrown nails may be caused by improper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure on the toes.
There are various symptoms. Ingrown nails may cause pain at the tip of the toe or all the way to the base of the toe. There can be pain while walking. An ingrown toe nail can sometimes lead to an infection, just as it can when a person has an ingrown fingernail. This is why it is a good idea to do something about it as soon as you can. If it is infected, you might see puss or redness.
The treatment for ingrown nails is simple. If the nail isn’t infected, your podiatrist may trim the corner of it to help relieve the symptoms. The doctor may need to remove one side of the nail back to the cuticle. The base of the nail is then treated with a chemical to keep the ingrown part from growing back. If there is an infection, your doctor will order an antibiotic. To prevent pain, a local anesthetic may be used.
A common problem with toe nails is when nails may be too thick that an individual needs a podiatrist to do the trimming. A neighbor of mine has this problem. His toe nails are so thick, he cannot cut his own nails. He goes to a podiatrist about every two months or when his nails begin to get too long.
Abnormally thick nails or crumbling nails, as it is sometimes called, may be caused by injuries, pressure from shoes, fungal infections, or conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, or vascular disease. More often than not, the nail may loosen and fall off.
The thickened nail, however, may be more serious than you think. It is important to get an evaluation of this problem. As stated before, it could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. You should contact your podiatrist, to be on the safe side. He can check your medical history to see if there is an underlying reason. To check for a fungal infection, a culture may be done.
If the thick nail isn’t infected or if there no serious medical problem, your podiatrist may be able to thin it by trimming, filing, or grinding it.
A black-and blue nail is usually caused by an injury, however, if the nail is black and blue and there was no injury to the toe, you must contact a doctor immediately.
Why is it urgent to call immediately? This may be a symptom of broken blood vessels which causes the black and blue color.
Many nail problems can be averted by wearing the proper shoes and trimming your nails properly. To help avoid infection, keep your feet clean and dry. If you have diabetes, talk with your podiatrist.
Source: Personal experience and brochure on Common Nail Problems
How to Save Your Sight if You Have Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease and if not taken care of properly, it can cause blindness. Glaucoma causes too much pressure in one or both eyes. The best way from preventing the pressure from getting worse is to take medication.
Eye pressure can be lowered by taking eye drops. This can be prescribed by a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist.
Laser procedures and surgery has also been used to lower eye pressure. Most people use medication, such as eye drops to lower the pressure. This will prevent the disease from getting worse, which eventually can cause blindness.
Unfortunately, some people do not realize the importance of taking medication when they are told they have glaucoma. They cannot believe that this disease can lead to blindness, and consequently they become negligent about taking this medication. They may take it once in awhile, not realizing that this is something to think about on a daily basis.
Many patients forget to take their drops when their usual everyday living schedule has changed. This can happen, for example, when they are on a trip.
The popular medication for reducing pressure is by using eye drops. On the down side, many older patients have difficulty putting drops in their eyes due to unsteady hands. Those who have arthritis, for example, sometimes have difficulty putting drops in their eyes due to the fact that their hands are not stable. In such cases, unless they can have someone put the drops in their eyes for them, they give up. They forget about doing it for that day, hoping they can do it the following day. These people do not realize that medication should be taken every day. In some cases, twice a day. They cannot believe the reality that glaucoma can lead to blindness if they do not follow directions and do not make visits to their doctor when required.
The good news is that if a person has difficulty putting drops in their eyes, or cannot get someone to put it in for them, there are devices that have been developed that can help putting drops in one’s eyes.
There are people who cannot afford the medication needed for glaucoma. If this is the case, a patient can ask for lower cost medications. As stated by David Friedman, MD, Guest Medical Editor of Gleams Publication, Some glaucoma medications are coming down in price as patents expire and more generics become available.
Financial assistance is available to qualified patients through programs such as Eye Care America. A call can be made at 1-800-391-EYES
For a complete list online, visit www.glaucoma.org/living/financial_assis.php
Source: Do it Right to Preserve Your Sight by David Friedman, MD, Guest Medical Editor of the publication Gleams, Glaucoma, Research Foundation, January 2010
Eye pressure can be lowered by taking eye drops. This can be prescribed by a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist.
Laser procedures and surgery has also been used to lower eye pressure. Most people use medication, such as eye drops to lower the pressure. This will prevent the disease from getting worse, which eventually can cause blindness.
Unfortunately, some people do not realize the importance of taking medication when they are told they have glaucoma. They cannot believe that this disease can lead to blindness, and consequently they become negligent about taking this medication. They may take it once in awhile, not realizing that this is something to think about on a daily basis.
Many patients forget to take their drops when their usual everyday living schedule has changed. This can happen, for example, when they are on a trip.
The popular medication for reducing pressure is by using eye drops. On the down side, many older patients have difficulty putting drops in their eyes due to unsteady hands. Those who have arthritis, for example, sometimes have difficulty putting drops in their eyes due to the fact that their hands are not stable. In such cases, unless they can have someone put the drops in their eyes for them, they give up. They forget about doing it for that day, hoping they can do it the following day. These people do not realize that medication should be taken every day. In some cases, twice a day. They cannot believe the reality that glaucoma can lead to blindness if they do not follow directions and do not make visits to their doctor when required.
The good news is that if a person has difficulty putting drops in their eyes, or cannot get someone to put it in for them, there are devices that have been developed that can help putting drops in one’s eyes.
There are people who cannot afford the medication needed for glaucoma. If this is the case, a patient can ask for lower cost medications. As stated by David Friedman, MD, Guest Medical Editor of Gleams Publication, Some glaucoma medications are coming down in price as patents expire and more generics become available.
Financial assistance is available to qualified patients through programs such as Eye Care America. A call can be made at 1-800-391-EYES
For a complete list online, visit www.glaucoma.org/living/financial_assis.php
Source: Do it Right to Preserve Your Sight by David Friedman, MD, Guest Medical Editor of the publication Gleams, Glaucoma, Research Foundation, January 2010
Eating Oatmeal the Healthy Way
I eat oatmeal for breakfast almost every day of the week. I not only eat this cereal because it is considered to be a good health food, but because I like the soft, crunchy flavor that I do not find in other cooked cereals.
Due to the fact that most mornings I have to rush to get to work, I buy the instant oatmeal package. I follow the directions on the package, sometimes adding more or less milk or water that is indicated in the directions.
Because I eat this cereal several times a week, I like adding a variety of different types of fruit to make it more interesting.
To add more excitement and to make it more healthful than it already is, I add different fruits each day. Many times I will just cut up a banana and add a little milk and sugar. Sometimes I will add a little cream instead of milk, but not often, since it has too much fat.
Other times, I will add strawberries along with the bananas, or I’ll add strawberries without the bananas along with the milk and sugar. Cinnamon can also be added with the sugar. You can add peaches and cream instead of peaches and milk.
There are days when I sprinkle bran flakes or corn flakes on the cereal. I love the hard crunchy flavor that it adds to the oatmeal. Along with the corn flakes or bran flakes, I can add the fruit or just forget about the fruit. Bran flakes is also another health food due to the fact it contains a great deal of fiber.
Each day I vary the way I eat oatmeal. You too, can do the same. By using your imagination, you can add only one fruit to the cereal, or have as many varieties that you can think of. Blueberries and blackberries are good because they are the source of healthy vitamins.
Since I like my oatmeal to be a little on the loose side, I add more milk or water than the directions call for. This is up to each individual’s taste.
Because I like oatmeal for it’s taste, quickness to make, and the variety of ways I can add to this cereal, I also like it because I know it is healthy for us. Oatmeal is known to be one of the healthiest cereals due to the fact that it has a great deal of fiber in its content.
Fiber is known to be a good source for lowering cholesterol. According to the American Health Association, oatmeal meets this association’s food criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol for healthy people over age two.
Oatmeal has no saturated fat and no cholesterol. It is also considered to be a good source of calcium, iron, and 7 other essential vitamins and minerals. It is a whole grain food, containing soluble fiber which doctors say can lower bad cholesterol and therefore keep the arteries clean, which keeps the body and heart healthy.
Due to the fact that most mornings I have to rush to get to work, I buy the instant oatmeal package. I follow the directions on the package, sometimes adding more or less milk or water that is indicated in the directions.
Because I eat this cereal several times a week, I like adding a variety of different types of fruit to make it more interesting.
To add more excitement and to make it more healthful than it already is, I add different fruits each day. Many times I will just cut up a banana and add a little milk and sugar. Sometimes I will add a little cream instead of milk, but not often, since it has too much fat.
Other times, I will add strawberries along with the bananas, or I’ll add strawberries without the bananas along with the milk and sugar. Cinnamon can also be added with the sugar. You can add peaches and cream instead of peaches and milk.
There are days when I sprinkle bran flakes or corn flakes on the cereal. I love the hard crunchy flavor that it adds to the oatmeal. Along with the corn flakes or bran flakes, I can add the fruit or just forget about the fruit. Bran flakes is also another health food due to the fact it contains a great deal of fiber.
Each day I vary the way I eat oatmeal. You too, can do the same. By using your imagination, you can add only one fruit to the cereal, or have as many varieties that you can think of. Blueberries and blackberries are good because they are the source of healthy vitamins.
Since I like my oatmeal to be a little on the loose side, I add more milk or water than the directions call for. This is up to each individual’s taste.
Because I like oatmeal for it’s taste, quickness to make, and the variety of ways I can add to this cereal, I also like it because I know it is healthy for us. Oatmeal is known to be one of the healthiest cereals due to the fact that it has a great deal of fiber in its content.
Fiber is known to be a good source for lowering cholesterol. According to the American Health Association, oatmeal meets this association’s food criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol for healthy people over age two.
Oatmeal has no saturated fat and no cholesterol. It is also considered to be a good source of calcium, iron, and 7 other essential vitamins and minerals. It is a whole grain food, containing soluble fiber which doctors say can lower bad cholesterol and therefore keep the arteries clean, which keeps the body and heart healthy.
Fish Oil is Good for the Mind
In recent years, more and more people are becoming aware of memory loss due to the fact that people are living longer. Also, it is a fact that dementia and Alzheimer’s is recognized to be more prevalent at a younger age.
Due to the fact that there have been family members who have suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s, I have become aware of how people can improve their memory by doing special exercises for the brain. I’m also learning that fish oil can be an asset to one’s mental health as well as physical well being.
When I told my doctor that my memory is not as sharp as it had been in the past, she told me to try taking Omega-3 which is a fish oil which comes in a bottle in pill form instead of from a fish.
Since fish oil has become a topic of interest to me, I not only take two of those golden pills a day, but I have also spent some time reading up on the subject of fish oil and Omega-3.
The most important element in fish oil, which we obtain from fish, is what is known as EPA and DHA. These two elements are good for the brain and the nervous system. It not only helps the brain to function more efficiently but it is also helpful for the emotions of an individual. It is good for moods, memory, and protects the health of brain and nerve cells
Due to the latest news in regards to the fact that there is too much toxin, such as mercury in the ocean, it is considered to be safer to get our fish oil from Omega-3.
It is stated in the pamphlet, “Omega 3 for Your Health Series,” that the majority of Americans do not consume the minimum amount of EPA and DHA required to maintain health and prevent deficiency in the brain cells and nervous system. Deficiencies of EPA and DHA have been connected to emotional, mental, and psychiatric disorders such as memory loss, depression, anxiety, attention and learning disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
In childhood, fish oil has been shown to improve anxiety, attention, and cognitive problems in children with learning difficulties and ADHD related symptoms.
In adulthood, fish oil has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder.
In older adults, EPA and DHA can slow the memory impairment and cognitive decline associated with aging.
It makes sense to me that if there is a deficiency of EPA and DHA which is found in fish oil, then this may be the reason why many adults as they get older, have memory loss.
Source: Health pamphlet on Fish oil and from my own experience
Due to the fact that there have been family members who have suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s, I have become aware of how people can improve their memory by doing special exercises for the brain. I’m also learning that fish oil can be an asset to one’s mental health as well as physical well being.
When I told my doctor that my memory is not as sharp as it had been in the past, she told me to try taking Omega-3 which is a fish oil which comes in a bottle in pill form instead of from a fish.
Since fish oil has become a topic of interest to me, I not only take two of those golden pills a day, but I have also spent some time reading up on the subject of fish oil and Omega-3.
The most important element in fish oil, which we obtain from fish, is what is known as EPA and DHA. These two elements are good for the brain and the nervous system. It not only helps the brain to function more efficiently but it is also helpful for the emotions of an individual. It is good for moods, memory, and protects the health of brain and nerve cells
Due to the latest news in regards to the fact that there is too much toxin, such as mercury in the ocean, it is considered to be safer to get our fish oil from Omega-3.
It is stated in the pamphlet, “Omega 3 for Your Health Series,” that the majority of Americans do not consume the minimum amount of EPA and DHA required to maintain health and prevent deficiency in the brain cells and nervous system. Deficiencies of EPA and DHA have been connected to emotional, mental, and psychiatric disorders such as memory loss, depression, anxiety, attention and learning disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
In childhood, fish oil has been shown to improve anxiety, attention, and cognitive problems in children with learning difficulties and ADHD related symptoms.
In adulthood, fish oil has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder.
In older adults, EPA and DHA can slow the memory impairment and cognitive decline associated with aging.
It makes sense to me that if there is a deficiency of EPA and DHA which is found in fish oil, then this may be the reason why many adults as they get older, have memory loss.
Source: Health pamphlet on Fish oil and from my own experience
Different Types of Depression
Different Types of Depression
Are Support Groups Good for you
There are several types of depression that occur both in women and men. The most common are what’s known as major depressive disorder and minor depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression is a combination of symptoms. People with major depressive disorder have difficulty functioning. Having been associated with certain people who have had symptoms of major depressive disorder, it is a very sad thing to witness.
These people are sometimes so depressed, they can hardly get out of bed. They cannot do the normal daily activities that most of us are accustomed to doing. Some of them are suicidal, according to the people I have witnessed. It is said that this type of depression may occur only once in a person’s lifetime. However, it is known that it can recur throughout a person’s lifetime.
Minor depressive disorder can last two years or longer. This type of depression may not be as disabling as major depressive disorder, but it prevents a person from functioning normally and keeps that person from leading a happy life.
Psychotic depression occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis such as schizophrenia.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD seems fairly common. It is characterized by being depressed during the winter months when it is dark and gloomy. This type of depression generally disappears when Spring and Summer weather appears.
Sad has been known to be effectively treated by what is known as Light Therapy. However, many of those with SAD do not respond to Light Therapy alone. These people may also need a combination of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy.
There are people who are known to be depressed caused by the loss of a loved one. The loved one can be a mate, a child, or a death of anyone who played an important role in a person’s life.
These people handle their depression differently. Some, may go on with their every day living fairly normally, perhaps feeling a little empty, in spite of their depression. We may refer to these people as strong, however they still are suffering from their loss.
There is a good side to some types of depression:
There are others, who have lost a loved one, whom I have known, who join a support group. This type of group is helpful because everyone in the group has a commonality. They all have lost someone who has been dear to them. Although there may be an enormous differences in personalities, each person is connected to one another by their empathy they have for each other.
I have met people who have joined a support group, and because they are able to talk to one another so feely about their feelings, feel relieved, after several months of this type of group therapy.
Moreover, I have also met a few people who have met a new mate in their therapy group. They have something in common when they can share their feelings of loss. These people seem very happy after they meet someone new to love.
The people I have known who went to a support group due to a loss of a loved one found such a group through their church or temple.
Are Support Groups Good for you
There are several types of depression that occur both in women and men. The most common are what’s known as major depressive disorder and minor depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression is a combination of symptoms. People with major depressive disorder have difficulty functioning. Having been associated with certain people who have had symptoms of major depressive disorder, it is a very sad thing to witness.
These people are sometimes so depressed, they can hardly get out of bed. They cannot do the normal daily activities that most of us are accustomed to doing. Some of them are suicidal, according to the people I have witnessed. It is said that this type of depression may occur only once in a person’s lifetime. However, it is known that it can recur throughout a person’s lifetime.
Minor depressive disorder can last two years or longer. This type of depression may not be as disabling as major depressive disorder, but it prevents a person from functioning normally and keeps that person from leading a happy life.
Psychotic depression occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis such as schizophrenia.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD seems fairly common. It is characterized by being depressed during the winter months when it is dark and gloomy. This type of depression generally disappears when Spring and Summer weather appears.
Sad has been known to be effectively treated by what is known as Light Therapy. However, many of those with SAD do not respond to Light Therapy alone. These people may also need a combination of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy.
There are people who are known to be depressed caused by the loss of a loved one. The loved one can be a mate, a child, or a death of anyone who played an important role in a person’s life.
These people handle their depression differently. Some, may go on with their every day living fairly normally, perhaps feeling a little empty, in spite of their depression. We may refer to these people as strong, however they still are suffering from their loss.
There is a good side to some types of depression:
There are others, who have lost a loved one, whom I have known, who join a support group. This type of group is helpful because everyone in the group has a commonality. They all have lost someone who has been dear to them. Although there may be an enormous differences in personalities, each person is connected to one another by their empathy they have for each other.
I have met people who have joined a support group, and because they are able to talk to one another so feely about their feelings, feel relieved, after several months of this type of group therapy.
Moreover, I have also met a few people who have met a new mate in their therapy group. They have something in common when they can share their feelings of loss. These people seem very happy after they meet someone new to love.
The people I have known who went to a support group due to a loss of a loved one found such a group through their church or temple.
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Learn the Differences Between Allergies and Cold Symptoms 