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Archive for March, 2009

How to Take Good Care of Your Under Sink Tank Filter

31 Mar



Water is a basic need and without it we wouldn’t be able to survive. We use it for our everyday life and most of all, it is what we drink. However, the environment has gone so dirty that rivers and our other sources of water for drinking are getting contaminated everyday. As you open your faucet to drink tap water, you will notice that the water is not as clear as before. You can see some particles on the water that proves its contamination. You see, the water pipes are not clean and safe. The very source of the water itself is not safe either. Because of this, gastrointestinal diseases are becoming rampant. We can’t rely on freshwater anymore but resort to purified water.

One of the common facilities in the house of most households nowadays is the under sink water filter. What exactly can it do? Under sink water filter is a kind of equipment that treats the tap water and purifies it before it reaches the kitchen sink making the water coming out of the faucet healthy to drink. You see, there are several particles that contaminate water one of is the sediment. The purpose of this under sink water filter is to filter the sediments and other chemicals in the water making it drinkable.

It is indeed very useful to have this filter at home besides it is very easy to install. However, maintaining the condition of the filter may not be easy because some things might arise later on without you knowing it. You would just be surprised that your water is not as healthy anymore. Because of this, you have to know how to take care of your filter.

Just like any other equipment, water filters need constant cleaning to prevent clogging. The water has to be cleaned at least once a month to monitor the sediments that are being filtered and also to check whether the kind of water flowing in your area is damaging the filter or not. If that happens, you might need to replace the filter tank right away to prevent sickness in the future.

The main purpose of the water filter is to trap the sediments and other chemicals in the water so it is just natural that the filter will clog later on. In this case, you have to check your water filter from time to time and when you think the filter is already dirty, change the filter screen of the tank. It is not necessary to buy a new tank as manufacturers usually provide filter screens for their products for long time use.

When you think the under sink water filter is already unusable, don’t push your luck. It is better to be safe than sorry. This water filter aims to protect the health of the people by blocking the chemicals but they also have their life span. Be aware of the products that you are buying for safety.

 
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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

Hidden Protection – Under Counter Water Filters

31 Mar



With the purchase of water filters these days, under counter water filters are one that have seen sales steadily climbing. With water being the single most important fluid for personal health, the need for a safe filter cannot be denied. Just pay closer attention to the health reports put out; contamination in water supplies is steadily rising, whether it is due to bacteria, iron, chlorine, or any other toxin that might spoil it.

Water filters are one of the easiest and most economical solutions to health worries. While there are different varieties available, the units that attach to your sink can be cumbersome and ugly and most would much rather have something that does the job without that blight. For others, especially those with young children, it may be that turning a filter on and off is more of a chore than it should be, especially when they are in a rush. Under counter water filters offer a great solution, delivering the same quality and purity you expect from any water filter.

Unlike faucet filters, under counter filters attach to the water pipes directly. This means there is no on and off switch to remember, the water coming through the tap will be automatically filtered before it begins to fill your waiting glass. If you take the time to have one installed under each counter, you will be safeguarding your entire family’s health.

How many times has your child come in from a hot day and gone to get a glass of water to cool off, or dunked his or her head in the sink to do the same? The average child is not concerned with his or her health, he or she isn’t going to think of flipping a switch, and he or she is just likely to take the shortest possible route to chilling down. The peace of mind offered through an under counter water filter means you will not have to hover over your child, it will give them a sense of independence while still protecting them from harmful toxins.

If you are looking to purchase an under counter water filter, make sure you choose one that comes with all the parts needed for installation, and that includes instructions. Most filters include all this but it is best to double check; you don’t want to climb under your sink and then realize you have to make another trip out for something that is missing from your kit. For those who do not have the patience to do the installation themselves, or just hate to follow instructions, calling in a professional might well be a good idea.

 
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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

7 Vitamins Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About

30 Mar



A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of health problems, including some forms of arthritis.

These organic nutrients are normal sourced through our intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Due to the following factors, it is not always possible to get our recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins:

1) Poor soil quality

2) Modern processing methods

3) Popularity of ‘Junk’ foods

As an alternative to getting your RDA through diet, many people now take vitamin supplements.

The following list of vitamins are known to be especially beneficial to arthritis sufferers:

Vitamin B5 – When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They, and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling.

Vitamin B3 – This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries, increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders.

Vitamin B6 – Another B that reduces tissue swelling.

Vitamin B12 – This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production, nerve protection.

Vitamin C – This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving pain, and rids the body of free radicals.

Vitamin E – This is a strong antioxidant that protects joints from free radicals while increases joint flexibility.

Vitamin K – This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone matrix.

Vitamins combine with enzymes involved with tissue repair, cell production and our metabolism.

There are two types of vitamins:

Water Soluable – These vitamins ( B and C complex ) are not not stored in our body organs and usually pass through our bodies very quickly, in the form of urine. It is therefore important to have regular daily intakes of these vitamins.

Fat Soluable – Vitamins A, D, E and K stay in the body as they are stored in the liver.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

 
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Psoriasis In Children – What Does It Look Like In Children?

29 Mar



Psoriasis in children is less common in childhood unlike eczema. The exact knowledge and facts of Psoriasis in Children/childhood is not well known, and there is a difference between in reports and studies. Generally, up to 33% of patients with psoriasis report the start of disease before the age of 20. One big survey found that in 12 percent of adult patients the onset began before the age of 10, and in 25 percent, began between the ages of 10 and 19. A recent Australian survey reported the largest number of Psoriasis in Children ever, and approximately 25% of them the onset of this disease was before the age of two.

If psoriasis starts in childhood, the lesions are normally plaques–with raised, red scaly areas, however these can be thinner and less scaly than with adults. Plus Psoriasis in Children is reported to be itchier (pruritic) than in adults. Psoriasis in children is quite often started by infection, and guttate psoriasis is not uncommon. This type of psoriasis presents with multiple scaling and raised areas of skin that grow quickly on the body; however, it can disappear completely with no reoccurrence.

The good news is that psoriasis,normally will not affect your child’s health, growth or development. The majority of children with mild disease, together with the proper treatment can be well controlled and this limits the impact on their emotional and physical health. Children with a more severe, extensive or chronic forms of psoriasis, should realize that there are a number of new treatments being investigated, and that the future for effective control of psoriasis has never been brighter.

 
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Four Natural Supplements That Will Ease Back and Joint Pain

29 Mar



If you suffer from back or joint pain, taking supplements may be preferable to drugs. Supplements that are naturally found in the body are less likely to have side effects like brain fog or sleepiness. They’re also easier on your kidneys which have to process those drugs. Generally natural supplements are less expensive than drugs and, of course, available without a doctor’s prescription.

There are several natural substances you can use to ease back and joint pain:

Magnesium

If you want relatively quick relief to muscle and joint pain, magnesium is the first supplement to try. Magnesium is necessary for numerous body functions. It is used to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, regulate heart rhythm, and support the immune system. Magnesium also regulates blood sugar levels and blood pressure. For many people, a normal diet may not be enough for optimum magnesium levels so it’s wise to take a supplement. Also, medications such as diuretics and antibiotics may result in magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is used in analgesics before surgery to help the patient’s muscles relax. Take it right before going to bed, and it will help you have a good night’s sleep. In the morning you’ll awake with relaxed muscles. The only negative to magnesium is diarrhea can occur if you take more than the recommended dosage. This is a temporary effect, however, and will cease when you reduce the dosage. Magnesium is available in tablets, liquid, or powder. It is basically tasteless, so if you’re averse to pills, the liquid or power can be mixed into smoothies or tea.

Glucosamine Chondroitin

Like magnesium, glucosamine is found naturally in healthy cartilage. Early medical trials show it may be helpful in treating osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. It also shows promise for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Often glucosamine is combined with chondroitin which, again, is also found in healthy cartilage. They work synergistically to rebuild cartilage. It is common to find glucosamine chondroitin combined with MSM or calcium. Taking it will not provide quick pain relief, but it will aid in rebuilding joint tissue over time. As far as side effects, there are rare reports of abdominal pain, loss of appetite or nausea.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is odorless and tasteless. It is related to DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), an alternative treatment for arthritis. Like chondroitin, it is often combined with glucosamine. MSM is naturally found in cow’s milk, meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. While there is no dietary requirement for MSM, it is available in capsules, tablets, creams and lotions. Clinical trials have indicated that MSM is effective for osteoarthritis, but many people suffering from rrheumatoid arthritis have claimed it was helpful.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is found throughout the body as a component of connective tissue. Its main function is to cushion and lubricate. HA helps to support healthy skin, eyesight and joint function. Joints deficient of HA don’t move well and become stiff. Those taking the supplement report relatively quick relief to joint pain; however, it’s main benefit will be felt over time as it aids strengthening of connective and joint tissue.

 
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Gout – Causes, Stages and Treatment For This Inflammatory Arthritis

28 Mar



What is Gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in response to a build-up of crystals that are deposited in joints, soft tissue or bone. The crystals are formed as a byproduct of purine breakdown that occur naturally in the body. About 5.1 million Americans are affected by gout. It affects men older than 40 more than women, although after menopause, both men and women are equally affected.

What Causes Gout?

Uric acid is a natural byproduct of purine breakdown which is then eliminated by our kidneys. Our bodies are not very efficient however in eliminating uric acid and thus a build-up occurs which is known as hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia is the precursor to gout although not everyone who has hyperuricemia will get gout for reasons that are not well understood. This uric acid leads to crystal formations that are deposited in joints, bones and soft tissue. These needle-like crystals can cause excruciating pain that is often likened to breaking a bone.

4 Stages of Gout

1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia

During this period, the person has no symptoms of gout but none-the-less, crystals are deposited and accumulate which then leads to a gout attack. Again, why this occurs in some people with hyperuricemia and not others is not well understood.

2. Acute gout attack

Left untreated, an acute attack resolves spontaneously in 3 to 10 days. It is believed that the inflammation and lower pH that occurs during the attack eventually causes the crystals to dissolve. In addition, some of the crystals become walled-off in tissue while other types of cells known as macrophages may elicit an anti-inflammatory response. Finally, specific proteins are thought to coat the crystals which also suppress inflammation. These processes lead to a resolution of symptoms within 3-10 days.

3. Intercritical period

This is the period between attacks. Generally, about 68% of people will experience another gout attack or flare within the first year, 78% within 2 years and 84% within 3 years. A small minority will never experience another gout attack. During this intercritical period the individual remains pain free despite the fact that damage to the underlying structures can still occur.

4. Advanced Gout

Over time, the persistence of crystals cause chronic low-level inflammation that leads to joint damage and build up of crystal deposits that are known as tophi. These deposits lead to joint erosion and deformities that are clearly evident on X-ray or MRI.

How is Gout Diagnosed?

The gold standard for diagnosis is to take a sample of joint fluid during an acute flare to analyze it for monosodium urate crystals. However this is not always practicable during a medical exam. If the joint is not aspirated, a very detailed history is taken, the affected joint is carefully examined and blood work is ordered because gout can mimic other diseases.That is why it is very important to see your provider during an acute attack.

How is Gout Treated?

During an acute flare, treatment focuses on eliminating pain and disability as quickly as possible. To this end several types of medications can be used. Since inflammation is an underlying condition, medications that target inflammation are often used.

Treatment of advanced gout focuses on reducing the level of uric acid since gout does not occur without hyperuricemia. The goal is to prevent erosive changes to bones, soft tissue and joint spaces that otherwise occur. Talk to your provider about treatment options that are best for you.

 
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How to Receive Your Healing

28 Mar



Since the days of the Old Testament, God has always wanted His people free from sickness and disease-cancer, arthritis, AIDS, heart trouble, even the common cold. And nothing more clearly reflects God’s will for our well-being than the earthly ministry of Jesus, who spent much of His time healing the sick.

That’s nice, you may be thinking, but that was 2,000 years ago. How do I get the “will of God” to manifest in my body today?

Well, first consider this: Believing that God can heal your body should be no different for you than believing He can forgive your sin. And yet, that truth becomes even more powerful when you realize that, not only can He forgive you and heal you-He already has!

God’s provision for the healing of your body and the forgiving of your sin are just two of the many benefits you received when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Your forgiveness and your healing were secured for you.

But while it is important to realize that healing indeed belongs to you as a believer, it is just as important to know how to apply God’s Word to your life so you can activate that healing…when you need it.

The following is a list of ways you can activate or implement the healing that already is yours. Study the scriptures listed and meditate on them. Then allow the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can apply them in your circumstances.

Believe the Word for Yourself. Proverbs 4:20-23; Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 13:15, 21:22

This is the highest form of faith. It may be difficult to believe God’s promises to you at first because the physical circumstances are probably screaming just the opposite of God’s Word at you. So train yourself to look at God’s Word, not at the evidence of your five physical senses. Hear the Word, receive it by faith, stand on it-you need no further evidence.

Pray the Prayer of Agreement or the Prayer of Binding and Loosing.
Matthew 16:17-19, 18:18-20

When two or three believers get together in Jesus’ Name, He is there too. And if they ask anything and agree in prayer, it is done.

Pray the Prayer of Faith. John 16:23; Mark 11:24; James 5:15

A very simple form of prayer involves more than just praying, “Heal me, Father.” The proper way to pray in faith is, “Father, in Jesus’ Name, I ask You for a manifestation of my healing. I believe I receive it now and I thank You for it.”

Watch how you pray, that your attitudes are straight. Make a point of praying in faith, speaking right words in prayer. And remember to believe you receive when you pray.

 
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The History of Chocolate Origins

26 Mar



Chocolate origins originate from all different parts of the worlds at different points in history. However, to start at the beginning, you have to first look at Central America’s Mayan and Olmecan civilizations.

As a matter of fact, chocolate origins stem from “cacao,” which is a word coming from the Olmecan civilization’s vocabulary over 3,000 years from the present. And Mayans believed that gods owned the cacao tree, which prompted the natives to offer the tree’s pods to the gods. This is why the Mayan’s regarded the cacao pod as a fertility symbol.

Chocolate origins have roots in the Aztecan culture as well. When Christopher Columbus went to the Caribbean for the fourth and last time in 1502, the locals gave him payment in the form of a bag of cacao seeds. But because Columbus had no idea if the seeds were valuable, he requested proof, so the Aztecs created a liquid concoction using the cacao seeds in order to show its worth. Even though he was still skeptical, Columbus took the seeds along on his return trip home.

The expansion of chocolate origins began to form when Hernan Cortes decided to travel to what was called the “New World.” Because Montezuma, the Aztec ruler, mistakenly believed him to be a reincarnated god, he offered Cortes a cacao plantation. Because the cacao crops on this plantation grew and thrived so well, he expanded cacao growth throughout the area.

When Christopher Columbus and Hernan Cortes made their way back home, chocolate origins began to circulate across the continent of Europe. Once there, sugar was added to the cacao drink so as to make it more appealing to Europeans and give it the sweet taste that chocolate is famous for. For many years, it was the drink of choice among wealthy, high status citizens. A decade later the French elite became enamored with the cacao drink. By the time it was known in England, the drink became taxed in order to keep it in high social circles.

The cacao plant was only consumed in liquid form until 1828. At that time, it was made into drink form by grinding cacao beans, fashioning it into thin paste, adding spices and sweetener, and allowing the cocoa butter to float up to the top. Powdered chocolate origins did not take place until Van Houten, a chemist from Holland, made a cacao bean press to release the beans’ cocoa butter. The powdered chocolate origins have similarities to modern cocoa powder.

Soon after, solid chocolate origins began. The press made by Van Houten was used to make solid, hard chocolate. After the butter and cocoa powder was separated, people figured out that they were able to melt down the butter by combining it with sugar and ground up cacao beans. Once done, the mixture was fashioned into a mold and turned into solid chocolate. In the 1900′s, bar chocolate origins in the United States appeared and everyone in the country fell in love with its rich, distinctive taste.

 
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Best Sleep Medication – Review

25 Mar



Waking up tired? Tossing and turning at night? Your not alone hundreds of thousands of people suffer from poor sleep everyday. Poor sleep affects their lives, work, and happiness. Fortunately there are effective sleep remedies and medications to help ease your self into a peaceful and refreshing nights sleep. Picking the best sleep medication that suits your needs is essential.

There are a few general categories for sleep aids and medication. Over the counter sleep aids, prescription sleep aids, and natural sleep aids.

Over the counter sleep aids offer a moderate expense for little or no sleep help. These usually contain anti-histamines in them which cause you to become drowsy or drugged up depending on how you view it. They often help moderate cases but lose effectiveness fast and leave the user with undesirable side effects. With these sleep aids the user will wake up the next morning feeling a slight to moderate hangover. Critical thinking is often impaired and in addition they make you feel drowsy the next day.

Prescription sleep aids offer a complete chemical cocktail to induce sleep. They often have moderate results for an expensive price. In addition like over the counter medication these prescriptions often leave you hung over the next day. You can also gain a strong tolerance to these pills. That means you’ll need to take more medication for the same effect.

Natural sleep aids are probably the safest way to combat sleeping problems. Natural sleep aids usually contain herbal supplements like melatonin known to naturally make you more relaxed and lull you into sleep. Sometimes these supplements offer other ingredients which try to relieve stress and anxiety in the user which can often be the cause for poor sleep.

 
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Flu Like Symptoms and PMS – Comparing Flu Like Symptoms and PMS

24 Mar



It is absolutely mind-boggling that something like mood swings can be a symptom of a whole host of health conditions. For this reason, Flu like symptoms and PMS symptoms will be reviewed and compared. We will briefly discuss treatments for both as well.

It should be noted that not every person will have the same symptoms nor will they have same intensity of symptoms as others.

Flu Symptoms

Not all of the symptoms of the flu appear in each case. Symptoms of the flu include a stuffy nose and chest discomfort and coughing. Coughing can be mild to moderate and occurs quite commonly. Coughing and chest discomfort and a sore throat are considered severe and considered fairly common as well. Fever over 99 degrees up to 102 F. Headaches are common with the flu. Fatigue and weakness are common with the flu and can last up to three weeks. Extreme exhaustion may occur early and be present through the duration of the flu.

PMS Symptoms

PMS – premenstrual syndrome can be attributed to either of two causes. Low levels of Serotonin. Mood swings, fatigue irritability, and anxiety and depression may occur.
Food cravings may be experienced and your appetite could be affected. Anger and aggressive behavior as well as concentration and sleep problems may happen.

PMS symptoms may also be related to hormone levels that can trigger headaches including migraines. Sore breasts, back pain and weight gain are also symptoms of PMS. Feeling bloated may also be experienced. There are many more ‘complaints’ that can be associated with PMS.

Flu like Symptoms and PMS

Both the flu and PMS have headaches, fatigue, and body aches as part of their symptoms. Irritability, anxiety, and depression may appear in both as well. In the flu though, the symptoms are likely to be milder if they occur.

Treatments

Flu treatments may include flu vaccines, antiviral medications, and antibiotics. There are over the counter treatments that can be used to treat the flu. There are non-medical treatments for the flu that can both prevent and treat the flu: these include washing your hands especially after you sneeze or cough and using a tissue. The tissue will collect the germs from a sneeze or cough and can be disposed of immediately.

PMS treatments include prescription medications to treat PMS and PMDD (premenstrual dysphonic disorder). Anti-depressants have been used in treating PMS and even out mood swings. Pain relievers and other over the counter treatments are available.

PMS/PMDD can be treated also with natural products such as herbal supplements. Herbal remedies for PMS of a higher quality are rigorously tested. At the molecular level the metabolic paths of the ingredients are examined. Also observed during testing are the interactions of the ingredients. They are also manufactured according to pharmaceutical grade standards. This helps to guarantee that the ingredients listed on the product label are actually in the supplements.

Their purity, safety and effectiveness are ensured by these processes. The quality of each capsule/tablet is the same for each dose. This helps to enhance the effectiveness of the supplements. Some of the herbs known to benefit PMS include Black Cohosh, Chasteberry, and Red Clover among others. Chasteberry is also a natural anti-inflammatory.

Conclusion

Flu like symptoms and PMS symptoms are very similar including headaches, exhaustion, and irritability. The flu is treated with anti-virals, antibiotics, over the counter treatments, and non-medical options. PMS is treated with anti-depressants, pain relievers, over the counter medications, and possibly herbal supplements. The flu may also be able to be treated with herbal supplements.

 
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