The Use of Contraceptive Pills in Teen Girls

An incident involving unprotected sexual activity has the potential to forever change the lives of individuals. The statistics approximate that more and more teenagers frequently engage in casual sex. Although of late there has been awareness amongst teen girls to use effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid the risk of pregnancy. Young adults should understand that every act of unsafe sex can not only lead to pregnancy but can also lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For a free and confidential online consultation, you can visit a licensed online clinic. There are many misconceptions regarding pregnancy amongst teen girls. It is important to note that you can still become pregnant when:

You indulge in sex during periods

You do not reach an orgasm

You are engaged in sex for the first time

You experience irregular periods

You forget to take the contraceptive pill just for one day

Condom use is a popular way to prevent pregnancy and STIs, but any incident involving a condom to tear or slip can defeat the purpose of preventing accidental pregnancy. Young women can, in additional to condoms, take prescription birth control pills, which are nearly 100% effective in preventing a woman to fall pregnant. You can obtain a contraceptive pill from a medical professional or nearby family planning clinic, but make sure that you are above 18 years of age and a doctor has prescribed the treatment to you. Yasmin contraceptive pill is considered to be extremely popular in most parts of the world, owing to the general belief that is has the unique ability of keeping your weight in control. This is considered a benefit for many women, as generally some other contraceptive pills are known to cause unexpected weight gain.

It contains a synthetic oestrogen called ethinylestradiol and a synthetic progestogen called drospirenone. The synthetic oestrogen stops the ovaries from releasing an egg by tricking the body into thinking you have already ovulated. The synthetic progestogen causes the thickening of the cervical mucus and altering of the uterine lining. Ideally, you should start taking Yasmin on the first day of your period for getting an immediate protection against pregnancy. However, you can also start taking it until the fifth day of your period after using an additional barrier contraceptive for the next seven days.

Mini-pills, also known as progestogen-only pills, are a perfect substitute for women who cannot use pills which contain oestrogen. Such women are usually over 35 years of age, heavy smokers or are breastfeeding. This is because oestrogen can cause a few unpleasant side effects such as headaches and nausea. Cerazette mini-pill is the only pill which can be taken up to 12 hours late, making it extremely flexible. However, this pill is not considered safe for women who suffer from the following medical conditions: abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver diseases, migraines or a hereditary blood disorder. Certain medications can interfere in the working of Cerazette birth control such as bosentan aprepitant and nevirapine. Therefore before you are able to order Cerazette pill via an online registered health clinic, you should speak to a qualified doctor.

The Concept of Qi in Acupuncture

We acupuncture practitioners speak of "energy" flowing through the meridians. It is worth examining this concept further. The word "energy" is translated from Eastern literature from "qi" or "ki" but does not convey the real concept of the term. A better term is "life force". Bluntly speaking, if qi does not flow in the organism then the organism is in fact not alive. It is dead! Hence the suggested term is more appropriate, as if life force does not flow, life does not exist.

So, as life force flows along the meridians that can be charted on the human body. These charts have literally existed for thousands of years. They have mainly developed as people have used trial an error methods using sharpened implements on themselves and others to try to sort out various ailments. As men have a keen ability to invent and use abstract concepts, empirically based theories have developed around acupuncture. These help them to get a deeper understanding of different points along the meridians that help improve the flow of life force. The resulting improvement in health then feeds back into the theories, refining and improving their usefulness.

The meridians have now been divided into pairs and each pair being assigned to an element. There are five elements - Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. These elements have characteristics that effect our physiological, mental and emotional state. Constitutional weakness in at least one of these elements tend to exist in us and this give rise to various pathological states when the element is in distress. The acupuncture practitioner will diagnose the blockages and imbalance in the life force and treat the relevant points on the meridians. The resulting improvement will boost the natural healing ability of the body.

There are twelve main meridians that are named after the various body organs. These are shown with element associated with each pair.

Metal

Lung

Large Intestine

Water

Kidney

Bladder

Wood

Liver

Gall Bladder

Fire

Heart

Small Intestine

Pericardium

Triple Burner

Earth

Spleen

Stomach

The two other meridians are the Ren and Du and these are not related to the elements, or more accurately, their function will affect all five elements. Hence they are not listed under any particular one.

The elements are also associated with the seasons as the meridian's energy characteristics vary with the changes in the surrounding natural environment. This means that the constitutionally weak element will, if distressed, will cause the person to experience problems with their health and well-being during the seasonal change. Here are the correspondences:

Metal - Autumn

Water - Winter

Wood - Spring

Fire - Summer (Early Summer)

Earth - Late Summer

Is Acupuncture "Only" a Placebo Effect?

What is the placebo effect?

Yes, what really is this placebo? Just consider, this effect says that we humans can get better without any real outside intervention, be it medicine, injections, surgery or whatever. Wow this is an amazing ability, I would say - wouldn't you? Many research studies have been carried out that show that this effect is a genuine human trait. But the effect is not consistent. Otherwise we would not need the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical and health industry. Just get this effect to cure all our health issues and dismantle all industries associated with medicine. No, we cannot call on this ability to cure all our ills, unfortunately. And its effectiveness is so variable and uncertain that we would not want to rely on it much. Is it really this almost totally random phenomena or is there a chance that we can harness its awesome potential?

Lets consider acupuncture

As an acupuncture practitioner for more than fifteen years, I believe that the placebo effect can be utilized in a much more methodical way. The practice of acupuncture is shrouded in mystery because Western medicine have not been able to explain it "scientifically". Yet they cannot deny its powerful ability of relieving symptoms, especially when the patient does not respond to conventional drugs or surgery. So what if acupuncture can call upon and amplify the placebo effect in a more controlled way? I believe that controlling the placebo capability is one of the ways that acupuncture works. It is a system that has been in use for over 2000 years so its methods have undergone refinement for much longer than Western medicine has. And its trials have been carried out in real world situation on a vast scale (consider the population of China alone). As a practitioner, I have been able to help hundreds of people with "intractable" conditions where normal medicine has been ineffective. Of course, conventional medical intervention is still necessary in many cases but there is room for both to cover the complete spectrum of ailments in the modern world.

Beyond the placebo

OK, there are cases where the "placebo effect" cannot explain completely how acupuncture works. Research in acupuncture is almost impossible in a way. This is because the human body is full of channels and points that are outside the accepted official ones used in acupuncture. So in tests where "sham" acupuncture is used to compare with the genuine one, the sham points used might inadvertently be one of these uncharted points that will have an effect on the energy system. Yet these studies have shown that real acupuncture gives better results than "sham" acupuncture. This shows that there is something beyond the placebo effect at work in a real acupuncture treatment. Otherwise both methods will yield similar results. And I suspect that different practitioners will get different results. So there is something happening when having an acupuncture treatment - an additional factor beyond harnessing the placebo ability of the patient. This is clearly seen where treating animals where the "patient" gets better yet is not likely to be affected by any placebo consideration.

How To Get Rid Of Acne Naturally - Three Powerful Tips To Cure Acne Quickly And Naturally

Acne is a condition that not only causes physical pain but is also known to be a cause of emotional problems like lack of confidence, hyper anxiety, and uneasiness in social gathering.

Till now the actual cause of acne is unknown but various studies prove that bad eating habits, poor skin care, and poor lifestyle are the root cause of lifelong acne.

Previously it was believed that acne is a condition that is caused in teenage due to hormonal changes but nowhere days it is not very uncommon to see people suffering from chronic acne in late 30' 40's and sometimes even 50's.

So if you have crossed your teenage and still suffer from acne then this is a signal that something is not right and you must take corrective action:

Here are 3 powerful tips to get rid of acne naturally and quickly:

1. Eat Fiber rich food- Due to current lifestyle and work culture everybody is in a hurry and consumption of fast food like noodles, burgers, pizza etc has increase tremendously, but as much as they taste good the effect they have on our digestive system is frightening.

When these foods are consumed on a regular basis our body can't get rid of the waste fully and it gets stuck in our system causing it to not work properly which results in acne and all other issues. This is where eating fiber rich food comes into focus since our body can't digest the fiber presents in fruits and vegetable it has to get rid of it so will get rid as waster and with that the stuck food also comes out. This helps restore our body's digestive mechanism and helps in getting a healthier skin and body.

2. Exercise regularly- Believe it or not, exercise does play an important role in having a healthy skin and a healthy body. Acne is not caused by single condition it is the cumulative results of body's way to get rid of toxins and as skin is the largest organ, it is often used by toxin removal mechanism to get rid of toxins in the form acne. So before the body opts for this we must allow it to get rid of toxins using exercises like natural walks, meditation and regular stretching.

3. Tea Tree oil face wash- Tea tree oil has natural qualities that help shrinking acne and prevents them for reoccurring, you can easily find a face wash with tea tree oil in your near shopping mart or online.

Types of Acne - What Type Do You Have?

More than half of the population deals with acne at some point in their life. That's a lot of people struggling with the same condition. Except that there are different types of acne. Understanding your type of acne can help you not only treat it but also get rid of it. You can live acne free.

1. Do you have blackheads? Blackheads are what happens when you have a partially clogged pore. If you have blackheads then you likely have mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

2. Do you have whiteheads? Whiteheads occur when you have a completely blocked pore. If you experience whiteheads then you likely have mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

3. Do you have small red bumps? Papules or small red bumps occur when the underlying tissue is irritated. You can experience papules if you have acne vulgaris or Rosacea.

4. Do you have pustules? A pustule is a red inflamed bump or blemish that has a yellow or whitish center. This is standard, albeit irritating and frustrating, acne vulgaris. Do not pick or squeeze!

5. Do you have red areas on your cheeks, chin, nose and/or forehead? Do the red areas become more irritated or flushed when you get hot, are exposed to sunshine or eat certain foods? If so, you have Rosacea. It's important to know that you can have acne vulgaris and Rosacea simultaneously. It happens often.

6. Do you get large cysts or nodules under your skin? If so then you have a more severe type of acne. It's often called nodular or cystic acne. Treatment is generally different for severe acne than mild or moderate acne.

7. Do you have numerous acne lesions that are cyst like in nature and connected? Are you male? Is the acne on your face, back, arms and buttocks? If so you likely have a rare form of acne found in men called Congoblata. It's treated with Accutane and can leave deep scars.

8. Do you have the above symptoms and have the occurred rapidly following a fever? If so then you likely have Acne Fulminans. It's also treated with Accutane and/or oral steroids.

9. Have you been on antibiotics for an extended duration? Do you have both pustules and cysts? If so then you may have Gram-Negative Folliculitis. This type of acne is caused by an extended stint on antibiotics. Treatment can be tricky.

Acne is common and most likely you're experiencing mild to moderate acne vulgaris. It's treated effectively through a number of lifestyle changes and acne medications. Most often over the counter acne cleaners and lotions can both clear up your skin and prevent future breakouts. If you have a more severe type of acne consider visiting a professional for help.

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash For Breakouts

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash is supported by dermatologists for cleaning the face and getting rid of blackheads. The residue-free formula has active ingredients that fight blackheads and other forms of bacteria that causes acne. Furthermore, this product consists of plant extracts which aid in moisturizing and healing skin.

The Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash comes in two types of scent. The formula scent is the original formula that has a refreshing smell with orange pigment. The second scent of this cleanser is pink grapefruit, which is extracted from real grapefruit. Additionally, this grapefruit formula contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that heals skin, fights aging and guards against cancer-causing agents.

The benefits of using this Neutrogena product include no residue build up. Residue left behind on the skin from facial cleaning products can actually cause breakouts and blackheads. Additionally, this product contains no oil, so no greasy film left behind. The non-comedogenic formula guarantees that this facial product will not clog the pores on the face.

The potent ingredient in this cleansing product is salicylic acid, an agent that comprises 2 percent of each product. This quantity of acid is sufficient to destroy facial bacteria and prevent growth of bacteria. Salicylic acid is an efficient treatment for eliminating blackheads, the small hole that have become fill with debris and dirt. Salicylic acid penetrates the pores and softens the debris and pushes the dirt out of the skin.

This facial cleanser also includes aloe extract and chamomile extract to help soothe the skin after washing. Aloe is known to hydrate cracked and dry skin, as well as replenish the suppleness of the facial skin. Aloe is a natural anti-aging lotion for the skin. Chamomile extract naturally reduces inflammation and support cell regeneration. Additionally, it is helpful to reduce rashes, pimples, age spots and discoloration.

Neutrogena instructs consumers to use this product a minimum of two times daily to eliminate bacteria and dirt. For application purposes, the consumer should rinse their face with warm water and place a quarter size quantity of product in the hand. The consumer mixes water with the product and lathers mixture. The mixture should be gently massaged onto the face and then rinsed away.

In summary, Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash is blemish-fighting cleanser that prevent blackheads and other forms of acne. The product assists in soothing the face without dehydrating the skin. Applying this formula two times a day destroys bacteria that would cause pimples, blackheads and other blemishes that can cause distress and a poor complexion.

health

health

How to Get Your Child To Try New Foods

On the one hand, every child will at some point start being whimsical and picky with his/her food; this is the result of their changing metabolism and growing rate, but also because they want to assert their independence. On the other hand, parents' duty is to make sure that their child gets all his/her vitamins and proteins, and will stop at nothing in their quest. When parents and children are at war with each other, the odds can flip on either side: the child eats only what he/she wants or the parents find some creative ways of tricking him/her into eating healthy without knowing it.

Many parents opt for the second conflict resolution strategy for obvious reasons, and although it can be a success with some children, others will not fall for it. Let's have a look at some of the wisest ways of teaching your child that trying new foods is both fun and healthy.

· Offer options and make meal time fun.

The first rule to encouraging diversity is to offer options. For example, you can make two dishes and have the child pick which he/she wants to eat, in this way he/she will feel empowered and not trapped into doing something. Or better yet, have the child choose ingredients from each in order to make her/his custom plate. Remember that you can also allure your child into eating healthy by playing creatively with the colors, by arranging funny food displays or just by mixing a favorite dish with some new ingredients.

· Disguise vegetables.

With a picky eater, vegetables are probably the hardest ingredient to swallow and will often end up on the floor. But if you try to puree and add them to the main course, chances are that children will not tell the difference and eat them anyway. If the child enjoys eating fruits, there is nothing easier than throwing in some carrots in his/her daily dose of homemade fruit juice.

· Get children involved in the cooking process.

Besides being fun one-on-one quality time, having your child help you with preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner will also teach him/her about responsibility and diversity. A child, who has actively participated in the cooking process, will in the end be curious to taste the outcome because of all the effort and time invested into it. In this way, he/she can better appreciate the food and actually enjoy it more.

· Avoid forcing them into eating, instead apply corresponding punishment.

Just as with any other misbehavior, refusing to eat should be follow by disciplinary consequences. Having a mild punishment (i.e. no more TV time) prepared whenever this happens is better that resorting to ultimatums like "You are not allowed to go to your room until you finish everything on your plate!". In time the child will try to avoid the punishment and will prefer conforming to your requests.

Tips on How to Build Muscle and Lose Fat For Men

Building muscle and losing fat at the same time, in theory, won't happen. It is a dream for a lot of men carrying extra fat dreaming of building muscle and losing fat. To burn body fat you need to eat less and to add muscle you have to eat more, so it can seem downright impossible to have these two goals.

In general, there are several situations where you can build muscle while losing fat WITHOUT creating that caloric deficit that is otherwise crucial for fat loss...

1. You're weak and not strong enough but you wish to build muscle and make yourself look strong. Strength is directly related to muscle size. If you are average and only want to lose some fat on your belly for example, then you will gain muscle fast as you don't need to burn extra fat here and there from your body. You can go to a GYM and do weightlifting to gain muscle on your arms. You can do push-ups to gain muscles on your arms. By gaining strength on GYM excises, as a result, your body fat percentage will decrease and you'll look leaner at the same weight.

This is why so many weightlifting GYM goers have built muscle while losing fat with ease. They gained strength fast, built muscle as a result, and thus their body fat went down. This is called "newbie gains". It's pretty hard for a guy who has already had a good foundation of strength to build muscle while losing fat.

2. You've been well trained before. Science and technology are now backing up what GYM goers have been saying for a long time: it's easier to regain muscle than building it from scratch. If you have been trained and quit for a while and then resumed months/years later, you'll regain muscle faster than you first built it and are more likely to lose fat in the process.

Muscle has memory. If the program is taken properly, the muscle will be rebuilt, once the muscle is there, the strength will come back and will go forever at the same time. Men will look stronger than before.

3. You're a generic Freak. Some guys are born with magic metabolism and hardly gain any fat when building muscle. They have an athletic build although they don't go to a Gym often - usually mesomorphs. They hardly finish one round of push-ups or weight lifts and their body can burn fat easily to keep them looking fit. There are not too many men like this, most of them still need a program to burn fat first then build muscle.

4. You're Using drugs - Steroids. Some men go with drugs such as Steroids. They eat junk food always when they attend Gym programs. However you never see them put on extra weight. Why? The answer is simple - drug taker. Men use drugs to keep themselves fit. Actually those men are lacking confidence, inconsistency and motivation. They never learned how to stay smart and eat in the right way. If one day they stop taking drugs, extra fat grows very fast and they are never healthy. Wise suggestions for those men - Stop taking drugs, attend a healthy Gym program and control your fat and keep your life healthy.

Cost Factors Affecting The Final Amount Spent On Mole Removal Procedures

There are several factors that are likely to determine the expense you incur in getting a mole removal procedure carried out (within a medical clinic). It is largely on account of these factors, which we will be examining shortly, that we end up with a situation where people who have skin moles removed in different clinics end up paying substantially different sums of money for the procedures. Even the timing of the mole removal procedures could also end up making a difference in the final amount or cost that would be paid by those who are undergoing the mole removal procedures. It does not even matter that the person who conducted the mole removal procedure was one and the same, or that the procedure was exactly the same, and the procedures were performed on the same clinic or medical facility. Health care expenses and costs may run high but, if it were up to many people, it would not matter much since health is not something you should pinch pennies for. However, keep in mind that not everyone has the capacity to readily spend cash on heath care. Some do not even have a health insurance coverage to protect them. Many of these people would be highly interested in finding out about cost-related issues when it comes to medical treatments and procedures.

One thing you have to consider that could have a great impact on the final cost you will have to pay for the procedure would be the profile of the medical professional who will perform the said procedure. Between a dermatologist who specializes in skin care and skin treatments and a general medical practitioner, it is most likely that you would be paying less for the services of the latter. There are instances, too, that the skin moles are of such a nature that cannot be handled by a mere general medical practitioner. It could also be that an oncologist would be preferred, especially if you found out that you are dealing with cancerous skin moles. Expect to have to pay higher costs if you choose special consultants to work on your skin moles condition instead of the general medical practitioners.

Even the profile of the specific medical facility or clinic would have an impact on the cost that will be incurred by the person who will go there to have their moles removed. If you make comparisons of the cost that you will incur in having your moles removed in a government-subsidized medical facility and a privately-owned or commercial medical facility or clinic, you will find that the latter will be charging you a lot more than the former.

And then there is the mole condition and the type of procedure that will be performed to get rid of them. Expect the overall cost to be affected by the type of the mole, the risks involved, and the exact sort of treatment. Simple put, there are some procedures for removal of skin moles that end up being very involving and time consuming. You will also find other procedures that are more straightforward. Your final choice of a mole removal procedure could depend largely on the assessment of the doctors of your moles. You may end up spending a lot more than you expected if it turns out that the moles have to be removed using more complicated procedures.

Pain After Spinal Fusion May Indicate Hardware Failure

There are many potential causes of back pain after a spinal fusion surgery. The spine is a highly dynamic mechanism, and the attempt to make one or more of its segments into a rigid unit may not yield perfect results.

Spinal fusion is done to eliminate painful motion from an unstable segment of the spine. During the procedure, a piece of bone graft or similar material is applied between two vertebrae, and the segment is secured with rods and pedicle screws. Ideally, the hardware used provides enough stability to allow the bone graft to slowly fuse to each vertebra, thereby joining them into one rigid segment.

A number of things can go wrong during and after surgery. First, the hardware may be implanted in such away that it interferes with nerves and muscles around the spine. Even though surgeons have extensive knowledge of spinal structures, the area is complex enough that even an adept surgeon may place a screw or rod in a position to cause pain. It is also possible that the fusion never takes place; this could be due to excess motion of the segment post-surgery. Hardware may break or migrate during the healing process, creating pain and increasing the risk of failed fusion.

It's important to be aware that pain after surgery could indicate a hardware problem. If pain occurs soon after surgery (after the initial post-operative pain subsides), it is possible that either the placement of hardware is the problem or that hardware has migrated. Sometimes after a fusion procedure, the rod moves out of place before the fusion sets up or scar tissue forms to secure it. In either case you may feel localized pain and tenderness when the skin over the rod is touched. You may also have signs of nerve interference (shooting pain, numbness, and/or weakness along a nerve path).

Over time, metal fatigue can cause the rods or screws to fracture. This can lead to nerve pain and muscle spasms, since the fragmented implant may be interfering with a muscle's movement.

Pain caused by hardware can only be resolved by removing the hardware in a surgical procedure.

Lonstein et. al. performed a study assessing the complications associated with pedicle screws used in 915 spinal fusions performed between 1984 and 1993. They found that late-onset pain required the removal of hardware from those who received 24.3% of the original procedures. 20% of those who had hardware removed were found to have pseudarthrosis, or failed fusion. In the other 80% of cases, then, it is possible that hardware was the main cause of pain. 

The study above is rather old, but new studies into the complications associated with spinal fusion surgery are lacking. The rate of spinal fusion procedures has increased 250% since the mid-90's with the greatest increase in the Medicare population. This has raised concerns that surgeons are performing unnecessary surgeries for the kickbacks they receive from hardware manufacturers.

Though spinal fusion boasts of a 95% or greater success rate, it is important to remember that this rate doesn't take into account a number of complications that may result. If you're feeling pain after spinal fusion, request imaging tests to see if your hardware is out of place or fractured.

Ways to Deal With Autism Kids

The category of autism spectrum disorders includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, Rett syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder. Autism, however, is quite different from the other conditions as it comprises all the symptoms that others only partly display.

For the parent who has noticed that his or her child is different from other children of the same age, whether at a cognitive, emotional or behavioral level, the first step is learning as much as possible about autism and how it manifests, and the second is getting an official diagnosis. Also, autism is a lifelong condition that requires special therapy and treatment, so the sooner this issue is tackled, decisions are made and the training program starts, the better are the chances for an autistic child to acquire the abilities and knowledge needed for a normal social functioning.

Once the parents know what they are up against, whether autism or another autism spectrum disorder, there are several things of vital concern that need to be understood. One of these is for them to accept that the child's condition is not their fault, that there is nothing they could have done to prevent it and that the only way to approach such a situation is with clarity, determination and full dedication. Another important thing parents with autistic children should know is that they can be actively involved in therapy sessions by watching, learning and applying cognitive behavioral methods on a daily basis, thus reinforcing positive behavior. They can also opt for school-based programs especially designed for children with such a condition.

Under no circumstances should parents give up the behavioral therapy sessions, especially if the child has made noticeable progress. Their attitude towards dealing with this condition needs to be consistent and their daily routines carefully planned so as to include time to play, to find effective ways of communication and to prevent repetitive, unwanted behavior. Parents need to invest time and energy into helping their child as best they can.

For those parents who have reached a point where they feel like their child has not made any progress, who feel helpless, depressed or desperate, there are support groups and family therapy to help them cope with the situation. Having a child with autism poses challenges that parents are not always prepared to handle, but with the right treatment, plan, unconditional love and support progress can be a reality. It is hardship but as parents, never give up in anyway.

Seasonal Asthma Symptoms

Seasonal asthma refers to the condition which is characterized by the inflammation and constriction of the airways that is caused in the presence of airborne allergies, for example such as pollen in spring season. This type of asthma tends to show up in a seasonal cycle as a response to increasing levels of a number of airborne allergens as seasons keep changing.

However, the severity of the symptoms of seasonal asthma is variable. The normal asthma already takes a toll on people with its tricky nature that dealing with allergies due to seasonal changes simply acts like the last straw. Generally, allergies are an overreaction to normal substances that doesn't trouble most people. Our immune system has a strong effect on how a person handles one's indoor and outdoor activities. In case of being over-sensitive to certain allergens, the immune system can build up a swelling in the lungs and shut out the air that one needs to breathe in.

So, when an asthmatic patient has allergies, one can experience more frequent attacks in spring and fall seasons. This can make the symptoms of the already active asthma go out of control. Depending on one's immunity strength, it can be subtle or life-threatening. So, better late than never; one should keep tabs upon the early signs so that they can be treated well in time.

Here are some common symptoms of seasonal asthmathat are frequently seen. These are the classic symptoms that basically characterize this special respiratory disorder. They are:

1. Frequent coughing 

2. Increased mucus production 

3. Feeling of chest tightness 

4. Shortness of breath 

5. Rapid breathing

If the patient suffers from some kind of allergy, the symptoms such as watery, red eyes, sneezing and runny nose can also be seen. It is recommended that if at all the situation goes out of hand, one must seek medical help. With the doctor's help, one can regularly follow the prescribed medication or even refer to a known allergist that can help the patient to figure out one's asthma triggers.

What is both funny and morbid about these symptoms of seasonal asthma is that they can get aggravate even before the patient realizes it. One may feel that their situation is way under control, but the patient may never know when they turn the tables. So, it's advised that whenever one finds it difficult to breathe properly, they should stop all their work and rush to visit their doctor.

Here are some signs one should watch out for when calling their doctor:

1. Persistence of shortness of breath even after following medication 

2. Change in the skin color of the patient 

3. Chest pain 

4. Difficulty in breathing that disturbs the task at hand

Therefore, it's essential for one to keep self-monitoring oneself so that the symptoms of seasonal asthma can be controlled well in time. With changes in the seasons, one should get more alert and prepared to face the allergies with precautions.

Essential Oils Starter Kit

If you're new to essential oils and aromatherapy, you can start your home or professional practice slowly; that way you can get used to how to use and blend the oils and begin to use them more frequently for health, therapeutic and household purposes. There are a few different oils that are considered "starter oils" due to their versatility and ease of use. The below oils should definitely be in your essential oils starter kit!

Lavender Oil is said to be the most versatile of all essential oils. It works as an anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, natural sedative and a top antiseptic. It is helpful for several skin conditions and is well-known for its relaxing effects. A few drops of lavender oil can be blended with any carrier oil and used on the skin, in a bath or around the house.

Peppermint Oil is known for its strong, clean, fresh, minty aroma. It is highly regarded for soothing digestive and improving gastric issues. A drop of peppermint oil can be added to your tea or combined with a carrier oil and used on the skin or added to a bath.

Lemon Oil has antiseptic like properties and contains substances that help improve immune system function. It has been said to improve vision and acts as a skin cleanser. Add a drop to a carrier oil and massage onto the face or hands.

Eucalyptus Oil is helpful for sinus problems, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sore throat and mouth infections. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to some bath salts and soak a virus way. You can also combine with a carrier oil and massage the bottom of your feet for quick anti-bacterial protection.

Tea Tree Oil has countless healing characteristics, including anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. It is helpful for the skin, digestive system and several other health issues. Ever have a problem with pimples? A drop of neat tea tree oil applied to a pimple will do amazing wonders!

Rosemary Oil can be used for hair care, as a mouth rinse and as a natural pain reliever. Again, a few drops added to a carrier oil, shampoo or tea is a great way to use this essential oil.

As you can see, there are several very versatile essential oils that have amazing health benefits. All of the ones listed here would be great additions to an essential oils starter kit, but there is a long list of others that are also good for beginners. Don't forget to learn the proper amounts to use and how to dilute them with a carrier oil so you don't irritate your skin. If you don't have success with one oil, that's okay, go down the list and try another!

Why Do We Get Joint Pain In Our Fingers?

There are many reasons why you can experience joint pain in your fingers. It could be due to an over extension, trauma or repetitive strain injury. However more and more people are getting joint pain because of rheumatoid arthritis.


Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system malfunctioning. It can attack the cartilage lining of bone and socket and the synovium fluid, which lubricates the joints. This causes inflammation and swelling of the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not caused by wear and tear or old age as that's more associated with the condition osteoarthritis.

A Faulty Immune System

As the joints become inflamed the immune system reacts by causing more inflammation as to try and heal the damage. If this vicious cycle of inflammation and swelling is not interrupted it can lead to joint damage and even joint deformity.

At this point in time there is no confirmed cause that makes the immune system do this. However, there are a number of possibilities that include genes which are more susceptible to disease, food allergies and lifestyle factors could also trigger an attack. For example, smoking can increase the production of enzymes that inflame the joints.

At the moment there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, however treatment, medication, and therapy has progressed to the point that the condition can be well managed so that sufferers can live a normal a lifestyle as possible.

The Potential Dangers Of Conventional Treatment

The conventional way to treat finger joint pain resulting from rheumatoid arthritis is to take a combination of medications. The aim of these drugs is to control and reduce the swelling and pain.

These anti-inflammatory drugs fall into two categories - non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDS) and cortisone based drugs. These can be taken orally or injected directly into the joints.

Although these types of drugs provide relief they should not be considered as a long term treatment. This will also be stated on the labelling of these drugs. The reason is because of the side effects these drugs can produce, which can range from gastric ulcers to even kidney failure.

As well as anti-inflammatory drugs many people with rheumatoid arthritis use non prescriptive pain killers, however their long term use can also damage the lining of the stomach as well as build up the levels of toxicity in the body.

Natural Alternatives Without The Nasty Side Effects

Fortunately, there are natural highly effective alternatives that do not cause the serious and life threatening side effects these chemical based drugs can cause.

Over the last 20 years there have been several studies about how the diet you eat can cause and affect joint pain in your fingers. Many of the processed foods eaten today are very low in nutrients and vitamins that are vital for supporting your immune system.

Furthermore, the modernisation and large production of food requires the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers that contaminate the food. For example, nitrate a common food preservative can cause flare-ups in certain people with rheumatoid arthritis.

There are also foods that can help relieve the pain, swelling and also control the immune systems production of enzymes that cause inflammation in the joints.

Brow Lift Procedure: Differences Between Men and Women

Elevation of the brow can be performed surgically using several techniques. A few of the variables that need to be considered in choosing the particular surgical approach for brow elevation are the sex of the patient due to the potential for male pattern baldness, the height of the hairline, and whether or not all parts of the brow need elevation. I prefer to use the endoscopic approach to brow lifting particularly in females with a low or normal hairline. The endoscopic approach is performed by placing 3 to 5 small incisions into the hair bearing scalp and elevating the forehead scalp including the brow beneath the skin so that there are no visible surgical incisions. Endoscopes help the surgeon identify the important muscles, nerves, and vessels which need to be protected or dissected in order to complete the browlift.

In women with a higher hairline, I would suggest using a larger incision in the front of the scalp called a pretrichal incision. The pretrichal incision follows the frontal hairline and the incision is camouflaged in the small hairs of the front of the hairline. Once the incision is made, the brow is elevated by elevating all of the skin and muscle of the forehead, along with the eyebrow. The incision allows non hair bearing skin of the forehead to be removed when elevating the eyebrow without elevating what is usually an already elevated hairline.

In men, the approach to brow lifting needs to be tailored with the knowledge that the incisions that are used in women will likely become visible in men once the males hair begins to thin. In men, I use either an approach where the incision is placed only in the temple where the hair is last to go, or an incision that is hidden in the upper eyelid called a transblepharoplasty browlift.

Once the surgical approach has been decided upon, it is important that the brow is appropriately designed so that it looks aesthetically pleasing on the patient. Female patients tend to have an eyebrow that is thicker in the portion closest to the nose and tapers at the portion closest to the ear. The height of the female eyebrow is at the level of the orbital bony rim at the portion closest to the nose, then subtlety elevates to a gentle peak above the orbital bone to the outside of a line that would be equal to the position of the pupil when looking straight on. Male eyebrows tend to also be thicker towards the nose and thinner towards the ear; however, the height of the male eyebrow is less exaggerated than in females and looks best either at or just above the orbital bone.

There is no specific preparation which you will need to undertake prior to your browlift surgery. If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin and Advil as well as aspirin to avoid bruising and excessive bleeding. Finally, if you are taking vitamins and supplements it is probably a good idea to stop them two weeks ahead of time as many supplements have been linked to bleeding post operatively.