Having a chronic illness doesn’t have to mean that it is dangerous or deadly, asthma, diabetes and arthritis are all classed as chronic conditions that can be kept under control with medication and supervision. Providing you take care and have the proper treatment, people with these conditions can lead a normal life and are healthy for the majority of time. Although the underlying condition won’t go away and is always there, it can be controlled successfully.

Many people who have conditions such as asthma don’t consider themselves as having a chronic condition as they feel relatively well most of the time and think of their illness as more of a condition. However, a few people are affected not only physically but also emotionally, socially and for some even financially. The severity of the way it affects you is based on the severity of your condition and the treatment involved in your particular condition. However you are affected by your condition it will take time to accept and adjust to your chronic illness.

There is a certain process that everyone will go through whatever their illness, this is known as the coping process. When first diagnosed with chronic illness the person may have many different feelings, anger, worry, confusion and vulnerability are some of the most common feelings. The next stage to the coping process is the want to know and learn everything they can about their illness, by gaining insight and knowledge into their condition it makes it less frightening and they feel more in control.

The third stage is developing confidence in the treatment they have been given for their condition. Realizing that their medication or treatment will help to relieve symptoms and attacks such as those associated with asthma and low blood sugar levels. Over time managing the condition becomes second nature and worry and fear drop off as the person becomes more confident with their self-management.

Everyone will go through the stages of coping at their own rate, recognizing the various feelings and thoughts as you go through different stages is important and are all part of the coping process. To help you get through the coping process you should remember these tips.

* Accept any feelings and thoughts – there are many emotions you may go through during the coping stage, it is important that you just let them come and go without giving them too much thought. Letting the feelings out by talking with someone can be a great release.
* Ask questions and play an active role in self-care – make sure that you know everything about your illness that you possibly can, the unknown can be frightening, but what we know we can deal with much better. Learn what you can do to help your condition and what to do during the bad times of it.
* Talk about your condition – remember other family members or loved ones will probably be going through similar feelings as you are after the diagnosis. Talk with family members and loved ones about your condition, don’t leave them out of the loop
* Keep a perspective – when first diagnosed it can be easy to let your illness take over your life and become the most important thing, keep things in perspective and carry on living your life just as you did before.

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Most health professionals recommend that you drink lots of fluids and that you take certain vitamins to help combat a cold. Most people like beverages such as hot tea or juices to help give their bodies a boost of vitamin C and vitamin A. Zinc is also a mineral that can be very helpful for combating a cold. Most people when under the weather have small appetites so it is important to make the most of what you eat. Chicken soup is an all time favorite with warm broth, vegetables and small pieces of poultry. Most people love to indulge on soups and other hot meals when combating a cold or minor ailment.

Another great food to eat are fresh fruits. Fruits contain energy and great vitamins. Fruits such as apples and oranges can help you combat a cold. So if you are under the weather consult with your physician and enjoy great foods to combat a cold.

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There are two main types of humidifiers. The first type hooks up to your central heating system and filters all the air in your home and adds moisture to your air when the heat is on. Most central humidifying systems cost a few hundred dollars and usually need filters each month or on a specific schedule so that the air that you breathe is free of allergens and impurities.

Room humidifiers are smaller units that filter the air and add moisture to your air easily and effectively. Most room humidifiers cost less than $75 and make a much more comfortable breathing environment. Many people that suffer from breathing problems such as allergies, dry throat and sinuses are satisfied with their humidifier for making conditions more comfortable. So if you are looking to breathe easier, look into purchasing a humidifier.

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If you have bad breath, then you know how embarrassing it can be. Many people that have bad breath brush two times each day and use mouth wash to no avail. If you are suffering from bad breath, here are a few tips. Make sure you stay away from smelly foods such as onions and garlic. It is also important to keep your mouth hydrated. A dry mouth is one of the leading causes of bad breath. If nothing seems to work, it is advisable that you speak with your dentist or physician; you may have a sinus infection or other ailment that is causing your bad breath.

Gum disease is another ailment that can cause your teeth to decay. Make sure that you brush your teeth and massage your gums each day. If your gums hurt make sure you visit a dentist and use a sensitive mouth wash to keep your gums maintained.

Water picks are a great device to use in order to floss your teeth. Many people have trouble flossing, however water picks can get in between your teeth better than most tooth brushes. So if you would like to practice good oral hygiene, follow the above suggestions.

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Hernia is an abnormal protrusion of internal organs through an abnormal opening in the wall of the cavity. A combination of increased pressure inside the body with weakness in the wall is responsible for this condition. In this condition internal organs or parts of organs are protruded out forming a swelling which will increase the size with coughing and lifting weight,and while passing stool and urine. In lying down position the swelling goes inside except in strangulated and irreducible hernia.

Causes:-

1, Weakness in the body wall:–

a) Congenital weakness.

b) Acquired weakness due to injuries,wasting of muscles,suppurative lesions in the wall and presence of weak natural openings,obesity,lack of exercise,repeated pregnancy.

c) Surgical operation with improper suturing or sepsis of operated site.

2) Increased pressure inside the body.

a) Chronic constipation.

b) Recurrent cough.

c) Weight lifting.

d) Stricture of urethra.

Common sites for hernia:–

Hernia can occure anywhere in the body. However there are some common sites for hernia. Due to the presence of hard bony covering chest wall is normally not affected. Hernia in the lower back is also rare due to spine and back muscles and tough ligaments and sheeths. The common site for hernia is abdominal wall. Compared to other parts the abdominal wall is weak due to the presence of some natural orifices. There are some areas wherein the abdominal muscles are weaker and thin and all these factors make a chance for herniation. The common sites for hernia are following.

a) Inguinal hernia:

Here the abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal (passage in the lower abdominal wall just above the inguinal ligament. It is seen on either side). This type is common in males. Initially the swelling comes only while straining and goes back while lying down. Later the large portion of intestine may come out which may not go back easily.

b) Femoral hernia:

This type of hernia is more in females. Here the abdominal contents pass through the femoral canal which is seen just below the junction between the thigh and lower abdominal wall(Inside the femoral triangle). The contents pass downwards and comes out through saphenous opening in the thigh and forms a swelling under the skin.

c) Umbilical hernia:

This is common in children. The umbilicus is the weaker part of the abdomen. The contents of the abdomen may protrude as a bulb like swelling while crying and defecating.

d) Incisional hernia:

These hernias are seen in operated sites. Due to improper suturing or sepsis the operated site becomes weak resulting in hernia.

e) Epigastric hernia:

Here the hearniation occures in the epigastrium. It is a rare type.

f) Lumbar hernia:

Here the hernia appear in the lumbar area on either side of the lumbar spine(in the lumbar triangle). This is also a rare type.

g) Obturator hernia:

This is a rare type of hernia. Here the contents pass through obturator foramen in the pelvic bone.

Complications of hernia:–

1) Strangulation:

If the hernial orifice is narrow the abdominal contents may not go back easily, and later the blood flow to the herniated tissues may be blocked due to constricition. This can cause death of protruded intestine.

2) Intestinal obstruction:

This occures when the whole portion of the intestine is protruded in to the hernial sac. The narrow hernial orifice will block the passage of bowels.

3) Infection and peritonitis:

If there is strangulation with death of a portion of intestine there will be spread of infection to the abdomen resulting in peritonitis.

Treatment of hernia:–

Initial treatment: In the initial stages of hernia the following steps may be useful

1) Use of hernia belt:

Special types of hernia belts are available for each type of heania. This will prevent the protrusion and will reduce pain.

2) Constipation,recurrent cough,urinary obstruction ect should be treated.

3) Fat reduction will increase the strength of abdominal wall.

4) Abdominal exercises to increase the muscle tone.

5) Take plenty of leafy vegetables, fruits and fibrous diet for easy bowel movements.

6) Try other systems like Homoeopathy,Herbal medicine and ect

If no relief by the above steps consult a general surgeon for surgical management.

Surgical treatment.

The following operations are done depending up on the type and nature of hernia.

1) Hertniotomy : In this operation the contents of hernial sac is pushed in to the abdomen and neck of the sac is ligated with transfixion ligature and the sac is cut off.

2) Herniorrhaphy: Here along with herniotomy the posterior wall is repaired.

3) Hernioplasty: This operation is done if herniotomy is not possible due to wide neck of the sac. Here the repair is done with the healp of non absorbable materials like tantalum gauze,polypropylene mesh or stainless steel mesh.

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Do a phone interview. Take time out to interview your prospective chiropractor. If the doctor is not available when you call, then arrange a time when you can speak to the doctor. Take note of the doctors communication skills, he should be comfortable to speak with and eager to answer your questions. You may want to ask:

What the doctor’s feelings are about how chiropractics differ from other health professions?

What does the doctor see as his responsibility when performing a competent diagnosis?

How does the doctor feel about referring patients to other specialists?

What kind of techniques does this doctor offer?

What kind of experiences has he had with other patients with similar conditions to you?

What are the doctor’s fees or does the doctor take your insurance, or in case you have an HMO, do you need a referral?

What is doctor’s location and what are his hours of operation?

Avoid a chiropractor who:

Considers his profession as being opposed to the medical profession.

Denies responsibility to diagnose and refer patients in a good manner.

Tries to sell you on his “miracle cures” or any other technique that only he knows how to do or has learned in some “school of thought.”

Insists you have x-rays done as a routine or requirement, or insist on having an EMG scan or other expensive test that is often not necessary.

Uses scare tactics or if he sounds like he’s making a sales pitch on you.

Has a dirty, littered or foul smell in his office.

Cold calls you to announce their presence in your area and tries to make you a free appointment.

All depending on the seriousness or extremity of your condition, you may need to see the chiropractor several times before your condition can be relieved. This is a good reason to choose a chiropractor that works within a reasonable driving distance with hours that suit your schedule. It’s important to have a chiropractor that you can rely on to get into fairly quickly without having to wait a month or so to get in.

On your first visit to the office, what is your general impression? Any doctor’s office should have a clean and professional appearance. The office staff should be able to treat you with the courtesy, respect and professionalism that are expected of a medical establishment. Many offices require you to fill out forms about your general medical history and the problem that brought you to them for the doctor to review with you during a private interview. You should be able to discuss your problem in detail, followed by having vital signs taken, and a number of other neurological and orthopedic tests. You should also have an analysis of your musculoskeletal system functions and structure, to determine if your problem is within the scope of chiropractics. If the doctor insists that other laboratory tests are necessary, ask why. He should be able to provide a clear and concise explanation that makes sense and that is easy for you to understand. The doctor should be able to explain your problem, treatment options and customize a treatment plan that you are able to understand. If he is unable to do this, then he is not the right doctor for you.

The length of treatment varies with each individual. Although your condition may resemble your best friends, it does not mean you will heal as quickly as she did. Everyone’s musculoskeletal system is different and responds differently to treatment. This is why it’s important to do your own research and interviews before settling with a chiropractor. Never let anyone pressure you into seeing a particular doctor.

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History of NLP
In 1970, Richard Bandler and John Grinder developed this unique program. They developed this program for human behavior modeling – a very powerful model of human knowledge and communication. NLP has been developed from research on the relationship between observable patterns of human activities, linguistics and neurology.

NLP is now being used to replicate various forms of human interaction including relationships, behavioral patterns, motivation, memory, and communication. This type of training can teach you how the brain works and also helps people who wish to capitalize the skill of communication with others. It is a perfect fit for people involved with performance coaching or counseling, mediation and negotiation, sales and marketing, management, human resources education and training and presentation.

Whatever we do imprints specific neurological patterns in our brain. That specific behavior or habit becomes fixed, once we repeat that thought or mental pattern regularly. If we repeat the same mental pattern for years together it seems natural, even though it may be unwanted and makes us unhappy. Take for example over-eating or smoking. Replacing the bad behavior of over eating or smoking with a new pattern, you may experience pleasure. You can achieve this by erasing the old thinking and behavioral pattern with new behavior.

NLP Training Courses
Generally, NLP training process can be achieved through comprehensive educational courses, seminars, distance and online learning programs, and various workshops. Training can be offered for mental health practitioners and life coaches. It is usually provided to individuals of varied educational levels and also those who focused towards professional and/or personal development.

NLP training courses transform the weak belief systems and negative behavior of the students into useful resources. A typical programs teaches the students: how to positively reinforce yourself , how to develop overall well-being and personal confidence, how to use previous experiences to produce positive personal growth, how to gain control of emotions, how to communicate effectively, and how to handle preferences and generate resolutions. A NLP program helps an individual to master his mind and helps to substitute the dysfunctional and unwanted behavioral patterns and thinking with positive and more functional ones.

Even though a lot of NLP information has been presented, you will get the best idea about this type of program only after working with experienced NLP personnel.

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Many people don’t realize it, but they allow themselves to be exposed to dangers that can hurt their eyes and ears. If you are about to expose yourself, it is important that you have protection.

If you are in the sun or skiing, then it is important for you to wear sunglasses. There are many different types of sunglasses that protect your eyes from bright lights as well as UV rays. These types of light can damage your eyes either temporarily or permanently. If you use your computer often, make sure that your eyes are also given a rest. It is not healthy to stare at a computer screen or TV screen for hours on end.

Ears are important to protect as well. If you are going to a concert, make sure you bring protection. Many rock concerts are extremely loud and depending on where you sit, you can experience partial deafness. Before you walk into a concert, use ear plugs to protect your ears from very loud noises. The same thing is true, if you work with heavy machinery or fire a handgun, ear protection is important. If you listen to head phones, check your volume, you don’t want to blast noise directly into your ear canal. So if you are exposing yourself to dangers, protect your eyes and ears.

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There are many ways to keep cool, but the easiest and practical methods are avoiding direct sunlight, drinking enough fluids and having air conditioning. Unfortunately many elderly people don’t have enough money to run their air conditioning constantly or do not have air conditioning in their home.

If you don’t have air condition or if it doesn’t work well, make sure you get a fan, sit in a shaded part of your home and drink lots of fluids. Fluids such as water and juices are the best types of fluids. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages. This may cause you to be either dehydrated or your body to be more alert and work harder.

If you have to go out during the day, choose the morning hours and the late afternoon hours to shop or travel. During the afternoon, the temperature can rise 15 or even 20 degrees more than morning or late afternoon hours.

Another great way to keep cool is by taking a shower during the afternoon. Usually a shower will help feel cooler by the water on your skin evaporating. You can feel refreshed during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

If you are elderly have a friend or family member check in from time to time during the hottest days of the year to make sure you are healthy and comfortable.

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Spas are great places to go to enjoy giving your body and mind some well needed relaxation and attention. Spas have always been big in Europe, but just recently have been growing in popularity here in the states. For many people, spas are usually once or twice a year events. You might go to a spa for your birthday or for a gift for Valentines Day or your Anniversary. For most people that enjoy spas, you should make it much more than just a once a year routine.

There are so many spa treatments available, from relaxing massages, to mud baths and facials. No matter what treatment you choose, you will be sure to enjoy it and feel brand new. Many spas also have wonderful baths that contains special salts or oils. You can enjoy a sauna and Jacuzzi. Many women love to enjoy special massages, such as a back and neck massage or a foot massage.

Most spas are surprisingly affordable; however there are certain spas where the price is prohibitive. So no matter what your busy schedule or hectic lifestyle is, make room for a nice, relaxing day or week at the spa. It will make you feel brand new.

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Drinking water is one of the best ways to stay healthy for the long term. Water is extremely important for all necessary bodily functions. Whether you work out or sit on the couch all day, you need water for your circulatory system, your digestive system and every other important task that your body performs.

It is easy to consume the required amount of water each day. Make sure you start off your day with a glass of water or fresh juice. Right off the bat you are starting your day off right. More and more people are carrying around water bottles wherever they go. This is a great way to take a few sips of water whether in the car, on line at the bank or at your desk at work.

Another great idea is at every meal, try to drink two glasses of water. Not only will this help digestion but you will be consuming the required amount of water daily. So if you want to be healthy, drink water.

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Women’s Health: What is a Cervical Smear?
A cervical smear is a test used on women to tell if there are any changes in the health of the cervix. This is helpful to diagnose the early stages of cancer.

The cervix is located at the end of the uterus, and connects to the top of the vagina. There is a central canal that connects the vagina to the inside of the uterus, and it measures approximately 3cm square.

Women’s Health: Why Have a Cervical Smear?
The main reason to have a cervical smear is to monitor the health of the cervix, and to lower the number of women who contract cervical cancer. The smear is targeted to detect early strains of potentially cancerous cells. If caught in time, women’s health may not suffer terribly, and the growth of the cancer may not progress further. However, a cervical smear is just a screening process; it won’t detect all forms of cancer, all of the time.

Women’s Health: Who Needs a Cervical Smear?
Women who are sexually active, or who are 18 or older (whatever comes first) should take their health in their own hands and have regular cervical smears until the age of 70. A regular smear would be every three years for most women, depending on their health and the results of the last smear. Also, women who are not healthy should have annual smears, such as those with HIV. Women who have had a hysterectomy who have had abnormal pap smears in the past should get themselves checked every year by a health practitioner; there is still a risk of abnormal cell growth at the top of the vaginal canal.

Women’s Health: How is a Cervical Smear Done?
A cervical smear is only taken when women are in good health, and are not bleeding. Any blood that appears during the testing can skew the results unnecessarily.

The procedure is performed with women on their backs, and their legs held up in the air by a health practitioner or stirrups. A speculum is placed inside the vagina, so that the health practitioner can view women’s cervix closely. Then a brush-like instrument is placed over the cervix, and cells are wiped onto the brush, and then placed onto a glass slide for diagnosis.

Women’s cervical smears can be done by a health practitioner, such as a doctor or nurse. The procedure usually only takes a couple of minutes, at the most, and isn’t painful, although it may be a bit uncomfortable.

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For many business travelers, it can be very difficult to constantly travel back and forth from coast to coast or across to other continents. Not only do a lot people find a long air plane flight tiring, they also have difficulties adjusting to the time zone change.

Many flight personnel state that for every hour in time zone difference, it usually takes one full day to adjust. Using this model, if you visit California from New York, prepare to experience up to three days of jet lag. In order to combat jet lag it is important to rest well the night before the flight and once you land in your new destination. Don’t fight your body to stay up or go to bed when it isn’t ready. Your body will adjust; it may just take a few days.

It is also important to stay away from caffeine and alcoholic beverages. This may make your jet lag symptoms worse. Eat healthy foods and try to stick with fresh foods instead of fast food or processed food. While time is usually the best healer for jet lag, follow the above tips to lessen the effects.

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There are some natural cures for jellyfish stings that can be used on the spot when a sting occurs. First, the tentacles should be lifted off with a stick or other object so there are no more stings to the person removing the tentacles. Use clothing, towels, seaweed or anything else available. Don’t scrape them off as this could cause further stings. Second, rinse the sting area with seawater or vinegar. It is important to remember not to scrub at the wound because it can activate the nematocysts and cause more venom to be let out. If no vinegar is available, human urine can do the same thing. Preferably a man’s urine as it is considered sterile. You can use a woman’s urine but they are more prone to having a urinary tract infection which can cause bacteria to develop in the sting area. Do not wash with freshwater or put sun lotion or alcohol based liquid on the area. Alcohol was formerly recommended for help in stopping the sting, but actually stimulates them and increases pain. Do not rub at the wound or apply ice to it. The important thing is to get rid of the tentacles. Immobilize the area where the stingers are as any added movement can cause the venom to spread through the body. If the victim was stung on the arm, then keep that arm still to prevent spreading of the venom.

If after taking all steps and you still have stingers there are other ways to remove the stingers. Dust the area with flour or baking powder then scrape off with a dull back edge of a pocketknife or a butter knife. You also can use canned shaving cream or mud to coat the area then shave off any remaining stingers. The coatings will keep the nematocysts that haven’t been activated from delivering more toxins while getting rid of the tentacles. The important fact to remember is to get the tentacles off so the venom will not continue to drain into the body.

Other substances have been used to reduce the pain of jellyfish stings. Meat tenderizer, sugar, plant juices and baking soda have all been used with varying degrees of success. You can minimize pain with topical ointments with ingredients such as benzocaine.

Flushing the eye with at least one gallon of freshwater should treat eye stings. Mouth stings can be treated by diluted vinegar. Mix this treatment by adding one part vinegar to three parts of water unless there is swelling or difficulty in breathing.

The best thing would be to avoid jellyfish tentacles whenever possible. These tentacles can be very long and trail a long way from the main body. Stay as far away from them as possible. After storms damaged tentacles can be washed ashore and these too can cause severe stinging. Jellyfish washed ashore after a storm might be dead but the tentacles are still able to inflict stings. If you are going to explore the ocean after a sever storm, you should seriously consider wearing a diver’s wet suit for protection.

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Fresh air is extremely important. Many people develop allergies, asthma or worse due to the poor quality of air and possible chemicals around them. If you would like to get some fresh air, here are some tips.

If you live in a big city make sure that you buy an air filter or air ionizer. These devices help clean the air, while it usually removes lots of impurities, it is not the perfect solution. Many people that live in big cities or are trapped all day in their home or office building, should visit the great outdoors during the weekend or even after work. Clean park air or air from the mountains will not only contain better quality air, but usually invigorates your body and soul. So if you would like to feel better physically and mentally, make sure to get as much fresh air as possible.

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There are plenty of over the counter remedies for such ailments as allergies, acne, the flu and the common cold. While these remedies aren’t prescription strength, they can help a person with a mild ailment to recover faster or treat their condition fast and easy.

It is extremely important to note, that you should follow the directions on any over the counter remedy and you should consult your pharmacist or physician if you have any questions about a specific ailment or over the counter product.

Over the counter products that are extremely popular are Claritin for treating allergies, and acne products that treat acne breakouts. You can also find products that can lessen the length and severity of the flu. Most over the counter remedies are affordable and easy to administer. So, no matter what kind of mild ailment you have, look into over the counter remedies to help treat them.

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Professor Youmans says: “It is evident that, so far from being the conservator of health, alcohol is an active and powerful cause of disease, interfering, as it does, with the respiration, the circulation and the nutrition; now, is any other result possible?”

Dr. F.R. Lees says: “That alcohol should contribute to the fattening process under certain conditions, and produce in drinkers fatty degeneration of the blood, follows, as a matter of course, since, on the one hand, we have an agent that retains waste matter by lowering the nutritive and excretory functions, and on the other, a direct poisoner of the vesicles of the vital stream.”

Dr. Henry Monroe says: “There is no kind of tissue, whether healthy or morbid, that may not undergo fatty degeneration; and there is no organic disease so troublesome to the medical man, or so difficult of cure. If, by the aid of the microscope, we examine a very fine section of muscle taken from a person in good health, we find the muscles firm, elastic and of a bright red color, made up of parallel fibres, with beautiful crossings or striae; but, if we similarly examine the muscle of a man who leads an idle, sedentary life, and indulges in intoxicating drinks, we detect, at once, a pale, flabby, inelastic, oily appearance. Alcoholic narcotization appears to produce this peculiar conditions of the tissues more than any other agent with which we are acquainted. ‘Three-quarters of the chronic illness which the medical man has to treat,’ says Dr. Chambers, ‘are occasioned by this disease.’ The eminent French analytical chemist, Lecanu, found as much as one hundred and seventeen parts of fat in one thousand parts of a drunkard’s blood, the highest estimate of the quantity in health being eight and one-quarter parts, while the ordinary quantity is not more than two or three parts, so that the blood of the drunkard contains forty times in excess of the ordinary quantity.”

Dr. Hammond, who has written, in partial defense of alcohol as containing a food power, says: “When I say that it, of all other causes, is most prolific in exciting derangements of the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves, I make a statement which my own experience shows to be correct.”

Another eminent physician says of alcohol: “It substitutes suppuration for growth. It helps time to produce the effects of age; and, in a word, is the genius of degeneration.”

Dr. Monroe, from whom “Alcohol, taken in small quantities, or largely diluted, as in the form of beer, causes the stomach gradually to lose its tone, and makes it dependent upon artificial stimulus. Atony, or want of tone of the stomach, gradually supervenes, and incurable disorder of health results. Should a dose of alcoholic drink be taken daily, the heart will very often become hypertrophied, or enlarged throughout. Indeed, it is painful to witness how many persons are actually laboring under disease of the heart, owing chiefly to the use of alcoholic liquors.”

Dr. T.K. Chambers, physician to the Prince of Wales, says: “Alcohol is really the most ungenerous diet there is. It impoverishes the blood, and there is no surer road to that degeneration of muscular fibre so much to be feared; and in heart disease it is more especially hurtful, by quickening the beat, causing capillary congestion and irregular circulation, and thus mechanically inducing dilatation.”

Sir Henry Thompson, a distinguished surgeon, says: “Don’t take your daily wine under any pretext of its doing you good. Take it frankly as a luxury one which must be paid for, by some persons very lightly, by some at a high price, but always to be paid for. And, mostly, some loss of health, or of mental power, or of calmness of temper, or of judgment, is the price.”

Dr. Charles Jewett says: “The late Prof. Parks, of England, in his great work on Hygiene, has effectually disposed of the notion, long and very generally entertained, that alcohol is a valuable prophylactic where a bad climate, bad water and other conditions unfavorable to health, exist; and an unfortunate experiment with the article, in the Union army, on the banks of the Chickahominy, in the year 1863, proved conclusively that, instead of guarding the human constitution against the influence of agencies hostile to health, its use gives to them additional force. The medical history of the British army in India teaches the same lesson.”

But why present farther testimony? Is not the evidence complete? To the man who values good health; who would not lay the foundation for disease and suffering in his later years, we need not offer a single additional argument in favor of entire abstinence from alcoholic drinks. He will eschew them as poisons.

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These membranes are the filters of the body. “In their absence there could be no building of structure, no solidification of tissue, nor organic mechanism. Passive themselves, they, nevertheless, separate all structures into their respective positions and adaptations.”

Membranous deteriorations.

In order to make perfectly clear to your mind the action and use of these membranous expansions, and the way in which alcohol deteriorates them, and obstructs their work, we quote again from Dr. Richardson:

“The animal receives from the vegetable world and from the earth the food and drink it requires for its sustenance and motion. It receives colloidal food for its muscles: combustible food for its motion; water for the solution of its various parts; salt for constructive and other physical purposes. These have all to be arranged in the body; and they are arranged by means of the membranous envelopes. Through these membranes nothing can pass that is not, for the time, in a state of aqueous solution, like water or soluble salts. Water passes freely through them, salts pass freely through them, but the constructive matter of the active parts that is colloidal does not pass; it is retained in them until it is chemically decomposed into the soluble type of matter. When we take for our food a portion of animal flesh, it is first resolved, in digestion, into a soluble fluid before it can be absorbed; in the blood it is resolved into the fluid colloidal condition; in the solids it is laid down within the membranes into new structure, and when it has played its part, it is digested again, if I may so say, into a crystalloidal soluble substance, ready to be carried away and replaced by addition of new matter, then it is dialysed or passed through, the membranes into the blood, and is disposed of in the excretions.

“See, then, what an all-important part these membranous structures play in the animal life. Upon their integrity all the silent work of the building up of the body depends. If these membranes are rendered too porous, and let out the colloidal fluids of the blood the albumen, for example the body so circumstanced, dies; dies as if it were slowly bled to death. If, on the contrary, they become condensed or thickened, or loaded with foreign material, then they fail to allow the natural fluids to pass through them. They fail to dialyse, and the result is, either an accumulation of the fluid in a closed cavity, or contraction of the substance inclosed within the membrane, or dryness of membrane in surfaces that ought to be freely lubricated and kept apart. In old age we see the effects of modification of membrane naturally induced; we see the fixed joint, the shrunken and feeble muscle, the dimmed eye, the deaf ear, the enfeebled nervous function.

“It may possibly seem, at first sight, that I am leading immediately away from the subject of the secondary action of alcohol. It is not so. I am leading directly to it. Upon all these membranous structures alcohol exerts a direct perversion of action. It produces in them a thickening, a shrinking and an inactivity that reduces their functional power. That they may work rapidly and equally, they require to be at all times charged with water to saturation. If, into contact with them, any agent is brought that deprives them of water, then is their work interfered with; they cease to separate the saline constituents properly; and, if the evil that is thus started, be allowed to continue, they contract upon their contained matter in whatever organ it may be situated, and condense it.

“In brief, under the prolonged influence of alcohol those changes which take place from it in the blood corpuscles, extend to the other organic parts, involving them in structural deteriorations, which are always dangerous, and are often ultimately fatal.”

Related posts:

1. Action Of Alcohol On Internal Organs.
2. How Alcohol Retards Digestion
3. How Alcohol Affects The Brain

So what are the symptoms of SAD? And what if anything can be done about it to enable you to survive the winter blues? The symptoms vary from person to person with it affecting some more than others; however the symptoms listed below are the most common with just the severity changing.

* Having problems with sleep is the most common, this usually is sleeping more than normal but not feeling refreshed no matter how long you slept. The feeling of not wanting to get out of bed and also needing to take a nap during the day is also common.

* Many people overeat during the winter months with a particular craving for carbohydrates; this of course leads to piling on weight.

* Depression very often sets in with the darker and colder days and nights.

* Despair and misery often affects the person with feelings of being “out of sorts” to feeling sad and tearful for what seems to be the smallest things.

* Social problems and problems with relationships can also creep in, you find yourself snapping at your partner, being annoyed by them and avoiding going out with friends.

* A feeling of lethargy and everything becomes an effort, you find yourself becoming increasingly tired.

* During this period of time you find yourself catching colds and other illnesses more easily; this is due to lowered resistance to infection.

* Behavioral problems can occur particularly in younger people.

The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder will usually start to occur from around September and can last until around April, but symptoms will of course peak during the darkest and coldest months.

It is thought the reason behind SAD is the lack of bright light during the winter months, which although the exact reasons why this happens is unknown, it is thought that bright light does affect the brain chemistry. With the knowledge that bright light or the lack of it does have this effect; the treatment used for those who are severely affected by SAD is to be in bright light for periods of time during the winter months. Vacationing in a brighter climate during the winter or purchasing a light box can achieve this.

Light boxes have been designed to have suitable bright lighting that is of 2500 lux at least, where lux is the measurement for brightness. To put this into perspective a normal living area is around 100 lux, the light however doesn’t have to a special daylight, full spectrum light or color matching light. If you are severely affected by SAD then there are many websites which can give you specific information on how light therapy can help you overcome the winter blues and where to purchase light boxes from.

Related posts:

1. The Differences between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
2. Staying Healthy Against the Winter Flu
3. Seasonal Affective Disorder

The winter flu can have terrible effects on your body. While many people try to stay healthy, they still contact the flu. If you want to prepare yourself against the winter flu, there are a few things that you can do.

Look into getting a flu shot. Because the flu is a virus, you can become vaccinated against this years strain of the flu. While the vaccination does not guarantee you that you will not get the flu, many times it lowers your risks and severity of getting the winter flu. The vaccination is available at most doctor’s office and pharmacists each year.

Wash your hands regularly. Many people find that they contract the flu from hand to mouth contact. If you touch items during the day, such as on a train or bus rail, wash your hands often and before you touch your mouth.

There are also medications that can help lower the severity of the flu. These products require a prescription, so ask your doctor if this product is right for you. You can also make sure that you are eating healthy and that your immune system is strong. So if you want to increase your chances of avoiding the winter flu, follow the above tips.

Related posts:

1. Surviving the winter blues
2. The Common Cold
3. Healthy Ways to Prepare Food