Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Alternative on May 31st, 2011

Myrrh has rock star status around the world thanks to gold and frankincense. Egyptian, Hebrew, Aramaic, Indian, and Chinese texts have written about the magical qualities as well as the value of myrrh for centuries. The Egyptians used it for embalming; the Hebrews used it for incense; it was traded by camel caravans in Arabia, and the Chinese and Indians used it as medicine.

The New Testament as well as neo-paganism significance has kept myrrh in the minds of billions of people; it has never lost its ability to mystify cultures around the world.

Popular pharmaceutical uses for myrrh include toothpaste, mouthwash, and gargles because of its antiseptic qualities, but myrrh oil does much more than that when its energy moving abilities are recognized.

Myrrh essential oil has a special efficacy when it comes to heart, liver, and spleen functions, and it has the power to purge stagnant blood from the uterus. Over the years myrrh oil has been used in aromatherapy to alleviate arthritic, rheumatic, and circulatory issues and uterine tumors.

One of myrrh’s latest accomplishments is its ability to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, which opens a plethora of doors in terms of treating internal wellbeing. Myrrh oil is used in a variety of medical as well as cosmetic products so the list of internal and external uses for myrrh is a long one, especially when new products are considered.

The Egyptians recently developed an oral drug which contains myrrh that treats parasitic ailments, and in Italy researchers have discovered that myrrh can produce analgesic effects by interacting with opioid receptors.

One of the most important uses for myrrh essential oil is on older, mature skin. Dehydrated, traumatized, dry, and very distressed skin will react to an aromatherapy oil treatment using myrrh. Even chapped heels react to myrrh oil. The oil prevents skin degeneration so after a few treatments the skin is rejuvenated. Myrrh oil interacts with skin cells so the free radicals that destroy the cells are eliminated. Toxins damage skin cells and the result of that damage manifests as dry, chapped skin in some areas, and saggy, wrinkled skin in other areas.

Myrrh oil contains limonene, eugenol, a-pinene, cuminaldehyde, m-cresol, cadinene, heerabolene, formic acid, acetic acid, and other sesquiterpenes and acids. The combination of these chemical compounds gives myrrh oil antiseptic, astringent, anti-microbial, diuretic, antiphlogistic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, balsamic, diuretic, cicatrisant, fungicidal, tonic, and vulnerary therapeutic properties.

Myrrh oil research continues where the ancients left off so it is safe to say that myrrh is still worth as much as gold in terms of health and skin care.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Other on May 26th, 2011

Hematoma is the medical term for collection of blood under the skin, and in the muscle or inside an organ. Usually, the blood tends to collect when blood vessels rupture. A hematoma can occur in any part of the body, and therefore, there are many kinds of hematomas. The most serious kind is the one that develops inside the brain. Even within the brain, the hematomas can occur in any part of the brain, and based on the location of the hematoma, it is named.

Generally, a hematoma occurs when a person sustains a traumatic injury on the soft tissue of the body. It has been seen that people who have weak blood vessels are more prone to developing hematomas. The skin often gets discolored and may appear bluish or black in color. The site of the hematoma will be painful and inflamed. When a hematoma occurs in the brain, it may or may not causes symptoms. However, after a few days of sustaining the injury, the person may complain of headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, dilation of pupils, and drowsiness.

The treatment for hematoma is dependent on the type of hematoma, its size and its location. If the hematoma is superficial, then it may not require any treatment as it generally heals on its own in a few days time. To alleviate the pain, ice packs can be applied to injury site many times a day. This will also facilitate the healing process. In case the hematoma occurs in the leg, then ice pack will help, but the person should restrict the movement of the affected leg. Putting a compression bandage on the injury site will facilitate in the blood being resorbed by the body. In case the hematoma is large, then a surgical procedure would have to be conducted to drain out the blood. This is also true for hematomas that develop after an invasive surgery.

If the hematoma is present within the soft tissue of the brain, it is treated as a medical emergency. If the size of the hematoma is small, then the patient will be carefully monitored as the hematoma is often resorbed by the body without any medical treatment. However, if the hematoma does not disappear on its own in a few days time, then a small surgical procedure is necessary. The neurosurgeon will drill a small opening in the skull and suck out the accumulated blood through the hole. However, if the hematoma is located in the dura, then craniotomy is required where the skull is surgically opened to remove the accumulated blood.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Back Pain on May 26th, 2011

There are a wide variety of back pain treatments that have been developed over the years that work tremendously well at not only giving relief from suffering but also building a more healthy back that is pain free all the time. Many people suffer through back related pain when all they really need to do to find relief and treatment is a visit to their doctor, or a medical professional who specializes in back therapy. There is never a better time then the present to seek the help of a medical professional. It can be a debilitating condition that will affect your quality of life if you do nothing about it.

There are a variety of treatment options available for any number of pain causing back injuries that include pain medication, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. By getting the proper diagnosis a treatment plan consisting of one or a combination of therapies can be used to get relief.

Back pain medications, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments are the most common forms of treatment. For those who are suffering from extreme pain the first form of treatment will most likely be pain killers and/or muscle relaxants. These can consist of anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDS (ibuprofen), pain relievers such as acetaminophen or prescription opiates, or muscle relaxers. The idea is to control the pain so other forms of therapy can be done.

The next step after pain relief will probably be either physical therapy or a visit to the chiropractor. A good physical therapist or chiropractor will be able to not only help relieve the pain but also teach you how to prevent further back injuries and pain with exercises and stretching techniques.

Acupuncture can also be used for pain relief but it is not known to be a long term solution to back problems. This does not mean that acupuncture does not have its place as a back pain treatment but in most cases it will need to be combined with some form of physical therapy to help strengthen the back to avoid future injury.

Being able to take care of your back while at home or at work is also important. By being smart about taking care of your back you can avoid injuries that can aggravate your current back problems. Learning how to sit properly, lifting heavy weights using your legs, sleeping on a firm mattress, and avoiding other activities that aggravate your aching back are all good things to know.

Back pain is an indication of a mechanical problem that needs to be fixed. By addressing the physical problem with proper back pain treatment techniques you can not only banish pain but keep it from coming back.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Anxiety on May 22nd, 2011

If it’s gotten to the point that your panic attacks are happening frequently enough to interfere with your everyday life, it’s important that you seek professional help to find the remedies and/or treatments appropriate for you.

Although there are many self help techniques that can free you from panic attacks, it is important that you consider all options available.

When seeking advice on panic attacks remedies, it is important that you remember you are still the one in charge. Make sure that you carefully understand the pros and cons of the remedies presented to you. You need to feel comfortable that it is something you think will work for well for you.

Many panic attacks remedies that people find work best are multi-faceted. Meaning that they use several techniques that help keep their attacks in check.

Below are the 2 most common panic attacks remedies:

1. Antidepressants: The most often prescribed advice by doctors are antidepressants.

Most people think of antidepressants as being for people who suffer with depression. Sometimes panic attacks and depression go hand-in-hand. But you don’t have to have depression to take an antidepressant. They’ve been proven to help around 50-60% of people who have panic attacks only and no signs of depression.

Antidepressants are not a quick fix solution. They can take 2-4 weeks to kick in and work. Because of this, many people stop taking them after the first week because they feel they aren’t working.

There are many different types of antidepressants and it may take you and your doctor a few tries before you find the one that is best suited for you.

All antidepressants have side effects. Make sure you are thoroughly educated on what those side effects are so that you can know if they are helping or potentially harming you. Some people have also reported that their symptoms become worse after the first few days of taking the drug, before calming down again. If it becomes more than just a few days you need to let your doctor know immediately so that changes can be made right away.

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Under no circumstances should you abruptly stop taking antidepressants. Weaning yourself off them is a slow process and needs to be done under the close supervision of a doctor.

2. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): Some people want to avoid medicating themselves and try counseling.

Cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to work well because it first focuses on the root cause of your thoughts that are leading to your attacks. Then once the cause(s) is known, you learn how to change your behaviors and thoughts when you feel one building up.

Cognitive therapy is based on the theory that the way we think triggers panic attacks. Harmful or not beneficial thinking patterns are identified along with false beliefs or thoughts you may have.

Many time the same thoughts “run in a loop” before an attack. So once you can identify them, in many instances you can deal with them before they take over and grow into a full blown attack. Many times mantras and breathing techniques are used.

It is very important that you find an experienced therapist who has experience in panic disorders. This is not a short process so be prepared for a long haul of several months at the least of therapy.

A hybrid of antidepressants and therapy is often a combination that many people choose.

Posted by: admin in Back Pain on May 20th, 2011

Sciatica is now regarded as one of the most common reasons for absenteeism from work. Unfortunately, because of the difficulty in diagnosing this ailment, it is also viewed with certain scepticism upon your announcing you are a sufferer. To be honest, it is probably the easiest way to bunk off work or other duties, however, if you are a sufferer it can be a nightmare, a painful one at that.

Let’s start with a simple breakdown of this ailment. Sciatica is a condition of the spinal column where some object is pressing on the spinal nerve; in turn this creates various levels of pain within the lower back and buttock regions. More severe cases can have symptoms and pain progressing steadily down the legs, on occasions as far as the feet. Stated like this it doesn’t possibly sound too bad, however if anyone has ever had dental nerve trouble, then you can begin to understand the levels of pain that can occur.

Sciatica is not a medical condition by itself, but rather is caused as a by- product of something else. For example if you have a problem with a slipped disc, then this can cause sciatica with the disc resting on the nerve. In severe cases such as slipped discs, there are not a lot of home treatments available, and professional medical care is normally the only option.

However, sciatica treatments are readily available for many of the other causes of this affliction. The most general one is purely and simply rest. Don’t do anything at all strenuous and observe the protocols of sitting and standing, and getting up and down in a regimented movement. Another which I have found particularly useful over the years is lying on the floor with just a cushion for neck support. Simple but it works, and in all fairness as soon as I feel a twinge in my back, then I revert to this and it works. I must admit I have tried putting a flat board under my mattress, but to be fair it didn’t do anything whatsoever for me.

Another example of possible relief is heat treatments. Simple creams and lotions can be applied to the troublesome areas, and in a lot of cases this can be enough. Another is a corset or back support similar to a wrestler’s belt. Whilst they can be effective, in my experience the pain tends to return upon the cessation of wearing these and to be truthful, I only found these hide the problem rather than cure it. Acupuncture is another method people are using to overcome sciatica, having never tried it, phobia of needles, I can’t comment on it.

All in all, there are various methods available, but to be realistic they are nearly all short-term fixes. It seems that once sciatica begins, your methods of quick cures commence, turning into a vicious circle, albeit an expensive one at times. To prevent this, and I use this myself, you can formulate an exercise regime, worthwhile looking into for non sufferers too (you never know). Anyhow, if you would like further information on sciatica and how you can overcome it, I’ve put together a website with further information. Please feel free to take a look.
Inside the site I give a more detailed round up of sciatica, it’s causes and symptoms. I also advise on how you can treat this with a simple and effective treatment course.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Diseases on May 20th, 2011

Treatment for Candidiasis is applied to prevent further damage to your body. Home treatments are helpful for infants and adults, and can be carried out in different simple steps.

Candidiasis in the mouth is also known as oral thrush which commonly affects infants; however it can also occur in adults. This is a condition resulting from an overgrowth of Candida albicans, which naturally grow in the moist areas of your body.

Oral thrush in babies is common and usually caused by your baby’s exposure to various bacteria after birth, hence the baby’s immune system is not yet fully develop, thus they are vulnerable to acquire infections.

You must be alarmed if you notice a white to yellowish patch around your baby’s mouth, this is a symptom for candidiasis. If you are breastfeeding your child, you must stop, because the infection can lead to your nipple’s yeast infection.

Obviously it is not a good idea if you use harsh chemical solutions when you are feeding your baby. If you are in this case, you need a more natural and holistic cure for thrush.

Thrush infection in adults is usually caused by overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotic has the capacity to kill off naturally occurring bacteria allowing Candida to flourish.

If you are affected, you may notice a burning, sensitive tongue, redness, inflammation and the development of white patchy spots on the tongue and inside your mouth.

Thrush can be treated by natural home remedies.

Home Remedies for Infants

• Diet

Your diet can usually cause yeast overgrowth, leading to thrush. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you must add quantity of dark leafy greens vegetables and fruits in your diet. You must get rid of deep fried foods, refined sugars, starch and other processed foods like thrush yeast feeds on sugar and carbohydrates. You have to make diet modifications and have a healthier, yeast free diet.

• Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar and yeast are not compatible. It is a very good remedy to cure thrush. Try to touch lightly few drops of apple cider vinegar around your nipples after feeding and allow your breasts to air dry, especially in the sunlight. Sunlight inhibits thrush formation.

Home Remedies for Adults

• Diet

Eating natural yogurt with live cultures can help reduce the symptoms of your oral thrush. It will be beneficial to swish the yogurt around your mouth to ensure that the yogurt gets to all of your mouth tissues.

You may also use one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar added to a half cup of water and use it as your mouthwash. However, if you drink the solution, it may bring you added health benefits as apple cider vinegar is known to contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants helpful for its ability to combat Candida infections and support your immune system. You may repeat this method once or twice a day.

• Herbal Remedies

The following oils have anti-infective properties which will aid in treating adult mouth thrush:

1. Tea tree oil
2. Oregano oil
3. Lavender oil
4. Clove oil

You may add few drops from any of these oils to your toothbrush before brushing. It may also be added to your mouthwash. You must swish the solution very well around your mouth two to three times a day.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Hypertension on May 18th, 2011

There are many factors contributing to raised blood pressure; e.g. diet, lifestyle, stress or lack of exercise. Hypertension, if left untreated, can result in serious medical conditions such as heart attack, kidney failure or stroke. Many people have begun to turn to natural remedies and cures for high blood pressure. While conventional medicines often do not address the root causes, natural remedies treat both its symptoms and the underlying causes. Let’s examine the most effective ones in greater detail.

Herbal remedies

Herbs frequently used to control and regulate blood pressure levels include hawthorn, passionflower, guelder rose (also known as water elder, European cranberry bush, cramp bark or snowball tree) and ginkgo. They are often the base for ready-made herbal remedies. All of them have the ability to lower blood pressure and act as a tonic for the heart.

You can grow them in your garden, buy them individually or as a ready-made mix from herbal suppliers and online. If you buy them, always source your herbal remedies from a reputable company to ensure maximum safety and efficacy.

You can create a mix for raised blood pressure from

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  • 30ml of hawthorn tincture (strength 1:2, i.e. one part of plant material and two parts of alcohol),
  • 20ml of yarrow and 30ml of lime flower tincture (both strength 1:5) and
  • 20ml of valerian tincture (strength 1:1).

Making tinctures is not difficult but if you don’t want to do that it is possible to buy them ready-made. To make the mix, pour the tinctures together into a dark glass bottle and store at room temperature. The mix can be used for up to a year.

For treatment, take 5ml diluted in water, 2-3 times day. In addition to the mix you can take 1-2 fresh cloves of garlic or 5g of garlic powder in capsules, once or twice a day. Be aware that hawthorn is not always compatible with conventional hypertension medication and yarrow should not be taken by pregnant women, and with caution if you are allergic to the plants in the daisy and sunflower families. Garlic may interact with prescription blood-thinning drugs and aspirin. Do not take large doses of garlic for prolonged periods of time or when pregnant or breastfeeding and in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

Diet and lifestyle

Changing your diet is an important part of lowering high blood pressure. A diet that helps to reduce blood pressure consists of vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, beans, nuts and a limited amount of salt. Fish oil, folic acid, calcium and magnesium supplements have been shown to be beneficial for reducing blood pressure as have mind-body practices, particularly autogenic training, biofeedback, yoga and aerobics.

Herbal treatment for hypertension can last from six months to two years, after which you should see a sustained improvement in your blood pressure readings. The best results are achieved when you use natural remedies consistently and follow the recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle. If you are currently taking prescription medicines for hypertension, it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes or additions to your medication. During treatment you should also have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in News on May 17th, 2011

100 jobs to be created in Roscommon

More than 100 jobs are to be created in Roscommon with the expansion of the US medical devices company, Harmac.

More than 100 jobs are to be created in Roscommon with the expansion of US medical devices company Harmac.

The company already employs over 180 people at its Irish base in in Castlerea.

Harmac has been in operation in Castlerea since 1998.

Today’s jobs announcement marks significant expansion plans by the company with the facility being extended by 10,000sq.ft.

Recruitment is already under way for 100 new jobs, which will be filled over the next five years.

The Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation said he hoped that today’s announcement could be replicated around the country in the coming years.

Richard Bruton said last week’s jobs initiative was a first step in developing ambitious plans to grow the economy and create jobs.

IDA chief executive Barry O’Leary said the expansion of Harmac would build on the strong medical device cluster in the Midlands Gateway.

Whiny IMF head finally agrees to medical exam; set for arraignment today

The IMF chief who allegedly sodomized a Manhattan hotel maid proved the height of pompous arrogance yesterday, throwing a fit over a battle on his bail — which left him parked on a wooden bench in an East Harlem station house the whole day, sources said.

Leading French presidential contender and accused sex attacker Dominique Strauss-Kahn, 63, was finally led out of the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit at around 11 p.m. in handcuffs, scowling and red-faced.

Sporting a long navy-blue coat and an open collar, he refused to acknowledge reporters as he was placed in the back of a police car and whisked off to Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn.

Sources said he was taken out of the police station house only after finally agreeing to a medical exam — and only after cops had moved to obtain a warrant to gather potential DNA evidence.

Clues they’re looking for include possible DNA from his alleged victim that might be found in scratches on his body.

He had been set for arraignment last night, but one of his lawyers, Bill Taylor, at a hastily called press conference outside Manhattan Criminal Court, said:

“Our client willingly consented to a scientific and forensic examination . . . at the request of the government. It’s being done. In light of the hour, we’ve agreed to postpone the arraignment until [this morning], and we expect to be in court with him.”

Asked how Strauss-Kahn was doing, Taylor replied, “He’s tired, but he’s fine.”

Strauss-Kahn, 63, is accused of sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a maid at the Sofitel hotel near Times Square Saturday afternoon as she tried to clean his room.

Another one of his high-powered lawyers, Ben Brafman, said Strauss-Kahn “intends to vigorously defend these charges, and he denies any wrongdoing.”

Earlier in the day, Strauss-Kahn was outraged that he wasn’t getting the VIP treatment he’s accustomed to as the jet-setting head of the International Monetary Fund and darling of the French left, a police source told The Post.

Cops “are not thrilled by the French idiot, or his attorney,” Brafman, the source said.

Strauss-Kahn, one of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful moneymen, had been forced to cool his heels in the lockup of the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit in East Harlem as Brafman and celebrity bondsman Ira Judelson faced off with the Manhattan DA’s Office over a bail package, sources said.

The dingy digs, where prisoners are allotted $1.80 per meal, were a far cry from the $3,000-a-night luxury suite that Strauss-Kahn had been enjoying at the Sofitel New York only a day earlier.

The whiny fat cat had to tough it out after an assistant district attorney backtracked after initially offering the suspected sex fiend $250,000 bail — on the direct order of the prosecutor’s boss, Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr., sources said.

As of last night, Vance was seeking bail of up to $2 million, plus the stipulation that Strauss-Kahn wear an ankle bracelet. His passport has already been confiscated.

“The concern of the DA’s office is there is no extradition treaty with France, and this guy could pull a Polanski,” the source said, referring to director Roman Polanski, who faced a child-sex rap in California in 1977 and remained on the lam in France for more than 30 years.

Strauss-Kahn, a leading Socialist who was expected to challenge French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the 2012 election, faces charges of attempted rape, criminal sexual assault and unlawful imprisonment. He could land up to 20 years in prison, if convicted.

In an ironic twist, Strauss-Kahn may have inadvertently helped cops capture him before he fled the country.

After the alleged assault Saturday, Strauss-Kahn was so desperate to flee that he left his cellphone in the hotel room, officials said.

He also gave away his location, calling the hotel to tell management that he had left behind his phone and that he was at JFK Airport.

So when the incident was reported and cops went looking for Strauss-Kahn, the hotel was able to direct authorities to the airport, where he was pulled off a plane just before it departed for Paris at 4:40 p.m.

Cops brought his accuser to the East Harlem precinct house yesterday so she could identify Strauss-Kahn in a lineup, which she did, sources said.

Investigators also took swabs of DNA from the maid and the hotel room where Strauss-Kahn allegedly forced her to perform oral sex on him and tried to rape her.

Co-workers and acquaintances yesterday described the maid, a 32-year-old Bronx resident, as a hardworking African immigrant with a husband and at least one child, a 16-year-old daughter. Her name is being withheld by The Post because of the nature of the alleged crime.

“She’s a good person, very nice, very friendly. She’s in shock,” said another Sofitel maid.

“The office said, ‘Don’t ask her too much because she’s sad. Give her a hug,’ ” the co-worker added.

The hotel said in a statement that Strauss-Kahn’s accuser has worked there three years and that her performance “satisfactory.”

The Sofitel maid told cops she entered the aging lothario’s 28th-floor suite at the West 44th Street hotel at about noon Saturday. She said she’d been told to clean the room, No. 2805-06, and thought it was empty.

But Strauss-Kahn was in the bathroom and came out naked, found her in the bedroom cleaning and pushed her on the bed and assaulted her, she claimed.

She escaped into the suite’s hallway, where he then “takes down her panties and sexually assaults her” again, a police source said yesterday.

Police said Strauss-Kahn does not have diplomatic immunity, but Reuters reported that he might have limited immunity — but only for charges related to his job at the helm of the IMF.

The money big has been married to New York-born French journalist and millionaire heiress Anne Sinclair, 63, since 1991. She was at the couple’s $4 million Paris apartment when the alleged attack took place, and was believed to be jetting to New York yesterday.

The couple also has home in tony Potomac, Md., near the IMF’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

Yesterday, Sinclair insisted that she doesn’t “believe for a second the accusations against my husband.”

“I don’t doubt that his innocence will be established,” she said in a statement.

Comatose Giants fan expected at SF General Hospital on Monday

The Giants fan who has been comatose since a March attack outside Dodger Stadium is expected to be transported from a Los Angeles hospital to a San Francisco hospital Monday, according to hospital officials.

Bryan Stow, 42, a Santa Clara County emergency medical technician, will be transferred from Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center to San Francisco General Hospital & Trauma Center.

Stow is flying out of Los Angeles International Airport. He will be taken from San Francisco International Airport to SF General in an ambulance, SFGH spokeswoman Rachael Kagan said.

Los Angeles County-USC Medical officials confirmed Stow is scheduled to transfer hospitals Monday. But because Stow is critically ill, there is a possibility his arrival to San Francisco could be delayed, Kagan said.

At SF General, Dr. Geoff Manley, chief of neurosurgery, will monitor Stow, who remains in critical condition, Kagan said.

Stow was put into a medically induced coma at Los Angeles County-USC Medical after an Opening Day game attack March 31 when two suspects beat him outside the stadium, according to police and hospital officials.

On May 1, Los Angeles County-USC Medical doctors stopped the medication that was keeping Stow comatose, but he hasn’t woken up. According to his family’s blog, Stow opened his eyes Friday but could not focus them.

“Not sure if it’s involuntary, but it’s another ‘we’ll take it’ moment,” his family wrote.

Stow’s family is excited about his move to San Francisco but expressed sadness about leaving their new Los Angeles community, as written on their blog.

“All our friends at the hospital, the nurses, his doctors and the people of [Los Angeles] who have been AMAZING … we are SO sad to be leaving you all,” they wrote Friday.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Pain Management on May 14th, 2011

Knee injuries can be serious trouble for athletes, especially young athletes who have dreams of a career in professional sports. Some knee injuries can hurt an athlete for life, which is why prevention of knee injuries is one of the best steps athletes can take to keep themselves in the game. Some of the most common types of knee injuries include:

  • Sprains: The stretching or tearing of a ligament. A severe sprain can be as bad as a complete tear of one or more ligaments. Symptoms of a sprain include a “popping” sound at the time of injury, pain from within the knee, swelling, feeling as though a knee is going to “give way”, or buckle under the full weight of the person’s body.
  • Strains: A strain describes the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Symptoms of a strain are similar to those of a sprain and include bruising around the injured knee.
  • Tendinitis: The inflammation or irritation of a tendon normally caused by overuse. Pain and tenderness to the knee are common symptoms of tendinitis.
  • Meniscus Tears: Common in sports that require sudden changes in speed, this type of injury usually accompanies severe sprains. Tenderness and swelling are likely to be experienced after a tear.
  • Dislocations: The kneecap can become dislocated from the knee if struck with the right amount of force. The knee cap may or may not return to its original location without the intervention of a doctor, but it’s always best to have a possible dislocation examined professionally.
  • Fractures: A crack or break in the bones of the knee.

With so many risks to the knees, it might seem impossible to plan for and prevent every type of injury, but in reality, proper conditioning and training techniques can greatly reduce the risk of knee injuries by strengthening the knees and the parts of the leg around them.


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To reduce the risk of knee injuries, remember to always warm up and cool down properly before starting any physical activity. It is better to work up slowly to a physical activity so that your body has time to adjust to the task at hand. Think of the parts of the knee as the breaking system on a car. To prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the breaking system, care should be taken to keep stops smooth and controlled, as opposed to sudden and sharp.

Athletes who only play one sport should remember to stay active in their off time, even if they don’t train as hard as they would during active seasons. Keeping physical activity a year round event will maintain balance, coordination, muscle, and strength. When any of these begin to suffer or deteriorate, physical injuries become more likely.

Part of the problem with treating athletic injuries, especially for parents who are raising athletes, is dealing with the athlete’s ego. Many injuries are made worse because of an athlete’s inability to recognize their own limits. Athletes should be encouraged to report any persistent pain they feel to their doctors so that more serious injuries can be prevented. By teaching the athlete to recognize potential injuries on their own, they will be more likely to take fewer unnecessary risks with their athletic futures.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Depression on May 12th, 2011

When a person is diagnosed with depression the most common treatment solutions include medication and therapy. While these treatments do offer help for those suffering with depression, many doctors are considering the incorporation of exercise within their treatment plan.

There are several ways in which exercise can help a person suffering from depression. While it is important to note that if you are diagnosed with depression or think that you have depression be sure that you discuss any treatment options with a qualified expert.

The following are some reasons how exercise can provide assistance to someone who is suffering from depression:

Endorphins:

When a person goes through any form of physical activity this compound is released within the body. Endorphins act as a painkiller so the main reason that the body releases this compound is to counteract the pounding that a body takes during physical activity. However, there are side effects of endorphins that can help someone with depression. This compound can also provide a euphoric feeling. This feeling can help people achieve a positive outlook and a general happy state.

As noted above, the main purpose of endorphins is to act as a painkiller. This is primarily meant for the impact of physical activity, but this effect can also help people who are dealing with chronic pain or other ailments. This pain may lead to depression, so a relief from the pain can help with treatment.

Group exercise and/or working out with a friend:

By exercising with some friends, or even within a group of strangers, adds a lot of positive social experiences. This social interaction is great therapy for anyone suffering from depression. Also, working out with other people is an excellent way to maintain a workout program. It is harder for a person to quit an exercise program if they know that there are other people counting on them being there.

Sleep improvement:

Exercise helps people achieve regular and better sleep. This is simply due to the demands put on the body. Poor sleep is linked to depression, so achieving better sleep is another great way in which exercise can help as treatment against depression.

Any exercise can help:

Many people are afraid to start a new workout routine because they figure that they cannot handle the rigorous physical activity. Or, they may think that they just don’t have the time. However, any activity can help. Start by just walking around the block a few times. This does not involve strenuous activity and can be done in a short amount of time. Over time, you will find yourself walking farther and faster. Eventually, that walk may turn into a jog.

Although it is a growing phenomenon, many doctors are not prescribing physical activity as depression treatment. Do not let this deter you. Bring it up with your doctor and as long as it is not forbidden, start with some light walking or jogging. You may be surprised by how much some exercise can affect depression.

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