Vitiligo and Stigma

Vitiligo, the skin condition in which the skin loses pigment or melanocytes cells that give color to skin is not life threatening or painful. Despite being harmless and non- contagious, it becomes an emotional burden to people that caught this condition especially in countries where people have darken skin tone. To add to their miseries, these people are stigmatized as ignorant and illiterate people equate their skin condition with other diseases such as leprosy. If some young woman catches this skin condition in societies with darker skin tone, she herself becomes a stigma for her family. Even people have to migrate to some other places to avoid the stigmatization of the sufferer. Clinically, Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder in which the sufferer gets white macules or spots. If seen under a microscope, the people with Vitiligo show a total absence of pigment producing cells.

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No scientific evidence is present about the known causes of Vitiligo and same is the case with its treatment. There is no commonly used treatment to treat Vitiligo. Though Vitiligo does not pose any health complications to sufferers, it casts profound psychological burden on sufferers. This psychological burden is mainly due to stigma attached with the disease where this condition is considered as deviance.

Several researches have been conducted in the field of Vitiligo and stigma attached to it. The condition affects people to a different degree that suggests that psychological mechanisms that include sufferer’s way of processing information about him or herself, her or his social situation play a vital role in sufferer’s adjustment in the society. These reports also suggest that sufferer’s feel stigmatized that adds to their distress and feelings of disability.

Reportedly, Vitiligo affects at least 1% to 2% of the total world population. The skin disease is reported from across the globe irrespective of sex, race, and age. Vitiligo is more prominent in darker skin people because of contrast between the affected and unaffected skin. Due to this contrast it is presumed that Vitiligo prevails at a higher degree in countries where population is dark skinned. In such countries especially countries in South East Asia, Vitiligo is seen as a marked social stigma and even today people with Vitiligo do not get equal opportunities of social advancement and marriage.

As Vitiligo is a physical disorder, the white marks are considered dirty marks and thus a social deviance. Illiteracy and inherited attitudes just add to the social stigmatization as people think that the sufferers are responsible for these white patches. Several sufferers try to conceal their Vitiligo to avoid social stigmatization but this causes anxiety and its discloser brings pity to the sufferer from the society.

In around 50% cases of Vitiligo, people get it between the ages of 10 to 30, whereas few cases are reported people being born with Vitiligo. Vitiligo rarely affects the people of old age. It is suggested that families having history of thyroid disease, and diabetes may have a greater risk of developing Vitiligo into their coming generations.

People should remember that Vitiligo is a highly variable, unpredictable chronic disease process. There is however some degree of stability or low progression in the condition. It should also be remembered that by getting treatment for Vitiligo associated diseases such as thyroid diseases does not cure Vitiligo.

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Listen to Your Children

Sometimes, communicating with our youngster is difficult, especially when they are now teenagers. There are some activities that they do every day, such as in school, hanging out with friends; sometimes it’s so late at night before we see them. It is important that communication between children and parent are always practice at house or home.

Be sure to make a day that the family is together, there is always a time for talking and listening about the things they do every day.

Half of our life spends in school when we are a student right? So I think our children too. And parent also has other priorities such as going to work and office. But even those activities are we doing every day, it is important that there is a strong communications between parent and children. Always listen to what your children are talking about when they are spoken. Their feelings, opinions and views should always discuss.

There are some children grow up with depression because for some reason when they are children they don’t know whom they going to tell their problems, they think that there’s no person who is not listening to them.

Responding on their situations is important because you help them to express what they feel. To allow their emotions come up naturally. It is important to listen to them and give advice, because it helps them to be mature and helps them to overcome fear. Depression will resolve.

Some children tell their situation more on friends that to parent, although it’s ok but it’s always important that parent should know first because you as parents are the people who truly can understand what your children feels.

Good Communication and listening are important and a trait of becoming a successful in parenting. Listening from your children helps them to grow more and overcome fear at their stages

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Restless Leg Syndrome: Signs and Treatments

Sure, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) may sound like a funny name for a health condition, but the condition can be quite serious. Restless legs syndrome is a recognized neurological sleep disorder, and those who suffer from the disorder are plagued with irritated insomnia, which in turn can disrupt overall lifestyle and well-being. If you are curious as to whether or not your twitchy legs might be indicative of this relatively common (it affects about one in every ten people) disturbance, then this article is for you. Here are the signs and treatments of restless leg syndrome:

Sign and symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
It seems that symptoms of this condition are most prevalent at night, and when you are trying to sleep. If you find that odd sensations in your legs, such as itching, pricking, burning, tingling, twitching, and the desire to constantly shift positions, is making it hard for you to rest, then you might suffer from restless legs syndrome. RLS symptoms may subside if you get up and walk around, only to return as soon as you once again attempt to rest.

Common causes of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Although a definitive cause for this syndrome is difficult to pin-point, it is generally accepted that an imbalance of the neurotransmitter dopamine may be to blame. Studies also tend to support the belief that restless legs syndrome is a genetic condition, as most people who suffer from RLS (about sixty percent, to be specific) also have relatives who suffer from RLS. Restless legs syndrome is most common amongst older adults and women – especially pregnant women – and may be triggered by common health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, and iron deficiency.

Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Fortunately, treating RLS begins with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes. Avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, sticking to a regular sleep routine, stretching your leg muscles regularly, exercising, supplementing your diet with iron, magnesium, vitamin B and folic acid, and practicing meditation and/or yoga can go a long way in relieving the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

However, if you find that these treatment methods don’t work, you may opt to consult with a doctor for prescription medication treatment. Common drugs used to alleviate the symptoms of restless legs syndrome include prescription painkillers (like codeine, Vicodin and Percocet), sleep medications, muscle relaxers, and even Parkinson’s drugs like pramipexole and ropinirole.

Restless legs syndrome can seriously interfere with your health and wellbeing. If you think you may suffer from RLS, then you should make appropriate lifestyle changes, and then speak with your physician about treatments.

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Right Natural Remedies Information

Some people are afraid of taking medicines or doing surgical method. Most people are interested more in finding natural remedies to get better. All of us experienced different pains such as toothache, headache, muscle pain, etc.

There are a lot of ways to find the natural remedies such as reading magazines, browsing information from the net, or watching television. The best way to search natural remedies for me is to join some forum. There are active users who shared listed natural remedies for people to use.

Read on what people say about natural remedies; find some people who talk about the positive and negative effect before you apply it to yourself.

Tips
If you have headache and you try to look it on the web or search engines, such as google, yahoo or bing. The best keyword for me I think is natural remedies for headache or natural remedies for migraine. Be specific on what you are looking for.

Alternative
Another way to search the best natural remedies is to talk with some friends or relative. I think those who are ahead of you such grandma and grandpa knows more about natural remedies because at their era usually they use natural herbal remedies.

Another way to get the best information is to read some testimonial value and scientific research. Try to find people who uses and experience those method before applying it to yourself to avoid the risk and negative results.

There are tons of information today on the web, just be careful on what you read and what you get because some are not true and correct.

Because of the unstoppable expensive drugs all over the market, today, the interest of how to find a natural remedy increased. People now seek for the best and affordable ways to improve better.

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7 Healthy Ways To Deal With Stress In Recovery

Recovering from addiction is a very transformative time in your life. As you become accustomed to a new and healthy lifestyle, you will face thoughts and emotions that you may have spent years numbing with drugs and alcohol.

Although the changes you are making to your lifestyle while in recovery are ultimately incredibly positive, you will no doubt face stress and unease during this time as well. Here are seven ways to help deal with stress during recovery.

1. Meditate
Meditation is an incredible tool for those in recovery because it allows you to become intensely aware of your thoughts and it trains your brain to recognize unhealthy thoughts as they arise and subsequently dismiss them. Meditation has also been shown to alleviate depression and anxiety.

2. Join a twelve step group
Twelve step groups are an integral part of many people’s recovery for a number of reasons, one of which is that interacting with other recovering addicts offers a chance to share experiences and put problems in perspective.

3. Journal
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can greatly diminish feelings of stress and anxiety. Many problems may seem much more manageable once they have been written down. Journaling also helps keep you aware of the reasons you may be feeling stress.

4. Exercise
Exercise is a highly effective activity for anyone experiencing feelings of stress. Exercise encourages production of endorphins, which naturally elevate mood and bring about a feeling of calm. Exercise is also a great way to feel more in touch with your body as you return to health.

5. Get a pet.
If you do not have a pet already, you may want to consider getting one. Animal companionship has been shown to reduce stress and help provide a general sense of happiness and elevated mood. Even if you cannot currently take on a pet because of your current living situation, you may be able to visit a local dog park or volunteer at a shelter.

6. Spend time with happy people.
In recovery, you separate yourself from the people and situations that are triggering you to use. As you rid yourself of unhealthy influences, you can begin to cultivate the relationships you have with happy people, which will put you in a more balanced mindset.

7. Be mindful of the things you have accomplished.
Recovery is a lifelong experience, and strides toward health are not always made at the pace that we would like them to move at. Rather than becoming discouraged by setbacks or what you view as endless obstacles ahead of you, try to stay focused on the things you have accomplished already.

Once a week, make a list of the things you did that week that were good for you and promoted your mental and physical health. You may even want to post this list somewhere you can see it often, like on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.
By taking the time to manage your stress, you will have a much less bumpy and much more enjoyable road to health.
Cindy Nichols is an an addiction specialist and treatment advisor and specializes in alcohol intervention programs at Recovery Now.

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How Ketogenic Diets Help Control Epilepsy

Approximately 1% of children in the United States have epilepsy, a condition characterized by repeated seizures. Although in most cases seizures can be controlled with medication, some children are unresponsive to medical intervention of this sort.


With few other treatment options available, some neurologists are turning to an old medical practice—dietary manipulation. While more commonly associated with a popular approach to weight loss, therapeutic ketogenic diets (those stimulating ketone production in the body) have also long been recognized as a method for controlling seizures in children with difficult-to-control epilepsy. First developed in the early 1900s, ketogenic diets were the standard treatment modality until antiseizure medications became widely available.

Ketogenic diets are intended to mimic starvation through dietary manipulation so that brain cells rely heavily on ketones instead of other energy-yielding substrates, such as glucose, for a source of energy. To deplete glycogen stores in the body, the child is first put on a 24-hour medically supervised fast, typically done
in the hospital. Without glucose to supply energy, the body turns to stored fat. Next, the child is fed a high-fat diet, providing approximately 80% of total calories from fat. In addition, carbohydrate-rich foods such as grains, fruits, and vegetables must be eliminated in order for the child to maintain a state of ketosis. Understandably,some parents have concerns about feeding their children a difficult and demanding diet consisting largely of high- fat foods such as eggs, cream, bacon, coconut oil, nuts, and cheese.

Doctors are not clear as to why a diet that mimics starvation helps prevent seizures in some children, although some theorize that forcing the brain to use ketones as an energy source makes areas of the brain more seizure-resistant. Nonetheless, the ketogenic diet has proved successful in some cases. Because it is such a dramatic change, however, this dietary plan must be implemented gradually. It also requires that parents work closely with a medical team that often includes a neurologist and a dietitian. Vitamin and mineral supplements are critical to ensure the child is adequately nourished. Because there is a potential that the diet can impair normal growth, the child’s height and weight are carefully monitored.Also, a very healthy option is to eat blueberries.

Ketogenesis, which occurs mostly in the liver, provides the body with an important source of energy during conditions of glucose insufficiency (such as starvation and diabetes). Only muscle, brain, and kidney tissue have the enzymes needed to metabolize ketones for energy. Nonetheless, ketones can spare the body from having to use amino acids to synthesize large amounts of glucose via gluconeogenesis. Although the use of ketones by the body has important survival implications, at times ketone production exceeds ketone use.
Clearly, maintaining a child on a ketogenic diet requires medical supervision. However, for the diet to be successful, it also takes parental involvement. Parents who use this approach to control seizures in their children recognize that it takes serious commitment and understanding to implement. It is not an easy diet plan to follow, but many parents feel that the benefits far outweigh the effort it takes to adhere to such a restrictive dietary plan.

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How To Get Up And Go This Autumn

It happens to us all what with the darker days and the chillier temperatures however, staying indoors and eating lots of warm grub isn't always the best remedy to enjoy the months of autumn.
In fact, the more we want to hibernate the stronger the desire to stay put takes hold and although we often need to get out for work or to go shopping the longer we can keep out of the house then the better it will be for energy, happiness and general levels of well-being.

Below are just a selection of tips to keep you happy and active this autumn and even if you're not feeling up for doing anything too strenuous then turning off the TV when you're indoors is always a great place to start on your road to get up and go.

Weekly routine
If you can make a few tweaks to your weekly routine to introduce some stretches or different things to do then all the better. Waking up a little earlier or visiting a museum, gallery or library every Wednesday after work are great habits to have and just because it's dark doesn't mean that the world has to stop. Find something new or just do something you enjoy, whatever it is, do it regularly and you'll have something to look forward to rather than another night in front of the box.

Stay in control
If you're aware of what you're doing and feel comfortable that you've got your work/life balance right then good for you however, for many, sometimes the autumn provides the perfect excuse to let things go. Keep abreast of what you're eating and when you're eating i.e. try to cut down on snacks in between meals and eating after 7pm. Don't let the pre-party season get out of hand and limit your booze intake to a sensible amount rather than simply letting yourself get dazed and confused in a socialising spiral of despair.

Start something new
A great way to keep energy levels high in the autumn is to start a new project or join a new club. Learning something new is ideal for keeping your mind fresh and active no matter what the time of year and no sooner than you're researching, reading or doing whatever it is you fancy then those leaves falling from the trees will be of no consequence. Language lessons, a new sport or just getting round to a bit of DIY – autumn is the season to do so get out there and do it.

Autumnal picnics
Just because the days are getting shorter and the temperature is starting to drop doesn't mean that we have to stay inside all day or lay in bed all morning. Set your alarm clock even at the weekend and pack a picnic for a good old walk in the country. Autumn picnics are an awesome way to wrap up warm, save money and get outdoors with home-made bread, soup and sandwiches always the perfect antidote to the winter blues.

Friends for dinner
These days going to the pub or out for a meal can be quite an expensive experience and come the autumn sometimes the last thing we want to do is trudge out on a cold evening searching for solace from the dark. Best advice is to get a few friends over for dinner and bring the social world to your door. Cooking, drinking and generally enjoying each other's company is simply what autumns are made for and if you invite a group to you then no doubt they'll reciprocate in the future.

Plan events
Getting excited is what the autumn should be all about and from Christmas and the New Year to planning a party for your best mate, often when we plan ahead we don't have the time to dwell and wallow when the clocks go back. If you're on your own then plan your singles holidays, if you're with the family then why not plan a few weekends away? Before you know it the autumn will be flying by so you may want to hold onto it while you still can.

Reward yourself
Let's face it: getting outdoors during the autumn can often be a bit of a chore so once you feel that you've done enough on an autumnal day then why not reward yourself with something delicious. Slow cookers are certainly a great way to enjoy a day outdoors and then return to the smells of wholesome home-cooked food and even if you're just looking forward to a bit of mulled wine and cheese at the end of a lengthy autumnal walk then why not, you deserve it.

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Kim Kardashian's Baby Weight Loss

Kim Kardashian gave birth to her daughter a couple of months ago. The reality star gained about 50 pounds during her pregnancy. She said that she is determined to get rid of them. Kardashian has already lost 43 pounds and believes that she can lose the rest shortly. Other mothers who have given birth may want to follow Kardashian’s example as they try to lose weight.

Tips for Losing Weight after Pregnancy

The average woman gains between 20 to 40 pounds during pregnancy. Most women are eager to get back to their pre-pregnancy weights. Here are some tips that you may benefit from.

Avoid Dieting

Most women try dieting to help them lose the weight they gained during pregnancy. However, that may ironically ruin their weight loss efforts. Kardashian said that the Atkins diet has helped her, but she seems to be in the minority.

Melinda Johnson, a registered dietitian, said that most women lose weight more easily when they eat when they are hungry and try following a healthy diet. Make sure that you find a healthy diet that works for you.

Set Realistic Goals

You want to lose weight in a safe and sustainable manner. Kim Kardashian set pretty ambitious weight loss goals, but that doesn’t mean that her goals will work for you. You will need to understand your own body, schedule and limitations. You will also need to consider how busy you will be taking care of your baby.

You can be ambitious, but make sure that your goals are realistic so that you don’t get discouraged. You will be able to lose weight more easily if you stay positive.

Get Your Partner’s Support

Many people need to have positive influences and encouraging words to lose weight. Make sure that your partner understands that you want to lose weight. They will probably be more than happy to offer you the support that you need.

Stay Hydrated

Women who are trying to lose weight after pregnancy should try to stay as hydrated as possible. There are a number of ways that drinking plenty of water will help you lose weight. Water helps boost your metabolism and curb your appetite.

Many people believe they should drink 8 glasses of water every day. Many experts are still not sure whether that is necessary. Johnson and other experts suggest that you should base your hydration levels off the color of your urine. You are probably getting plenty of water if your urine is clear.

Stay Active

You will need to be more active to help shed your baby pounds. You don’t need to start training for a marathon. It is more important that you exercise consistently every week.

You can lose a lot of weight merely by going for a brisk walk a few times a week to start losing weight. According to James M. Pivarnik, a professor of kinesiology, you should try to get at least two and a half hours of exercise every week. This is one of the most important things you can do to lose weight more effectively.

Kalen writes tips about safe and healthy weight loss tips. He believes people should work with responsible professionals such as these.

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OxyElite Recalled

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Food and Drug Administration Sunday announced the recall of a dietary supplement called OxyElite Pro, marketed as a weight loss aid, due to multiple reports of liver damage and one death.

The action follows two FDA warnings to the Dallas-based manufacturer of the supplements, USPlabs LLC. The first, in October, stated that the supplements are considered adulterated because they contain a substance called aegeline, which “lacks a history of use or other evidence of safety.” The agency called for the company to immediately cease distribution of the products.

“We took this step to ensure that adulterated and harmful products do not reach the American public,” said Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine Michael R. Taylor in the news release. “We will continue to work with our state, industry and regulatory partners to prevent such products from reaching the public.”

Last week, FDA notified the company of a link between the supplements and cases of liver disease. The Hawaii Department of Health submitted medical records of 46 patients with liver illnesses to the FDA and more than half — 27 patients — had taken OxyElite Pro supplements. Of these patients, one died, one required a liver transplant, and others are awaiting transplants.

As of Oct. 31, a total of 56 cases have been identified nationwide. Among these cases, 22 people have been hospitalized, two people have received liver transplants, and one person has died, according to the FDA.
Products included in the recall are the OxyElite Pro Super Thermo capsules, OxyElite Pro Ultra-Intense Thermo capsules and OxyElite Pro Super Thermo Powder. You can see a full list of product numbers here.
The FDA continues to advise consumers not to use any products labeled OxyElite Pro, or VERSA- 1, another USPlabs product that contains aegeline.

If you think you’ve become ill from taking a supplement, contact your doctor. Health care providers can contact the FDA’s MedWatch program online or by calling 1-800-332-1088.

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Wedding Preparation: Is It Stressful?

Every women and men are dreaming of extravagance wedding. This is a big day for every couple who love each other very much. But before the big day comes, of course groom and bride has different tasks to do. In order to complete the wedding celebration, there are many task and responsibilities that they will comply.

Sometimes preparation for this wedding celebration can be a stressful one because you will plan it one by one, from venue, visitors, food to eat or who will be the best man and brides made to your wedding. In order to avoid stress, I think proper preparation is important.

For me to plan a wedding celebration twelve months before the wedding is good. If you prepare a wedding near the date that you pick, you will run out of time of picking venue, food, wedding dress etc. It is important that the time is long enough for you to prepare for your big event.

These are some of the task that I think you should take down in order to do the celebration:

1. Establish a wedding Budget.
2. Take down a visitors list.
3. Pick a Venue or church
4. Choosing the right wedding dress for groom, bride, bridesmade, bestman, etc.
5. Wedding Accessories
6. List the right food to eat
7. Invitations
8. Select the best photographer
9. Choose a date for the wedding rehearsal
10. Wedding Cake
11. Souvenir Items
12. Honeymoon Venue
13. Makeup Artist

Preparation for wedding is easy but can be stressful one. Sometimes we make stress not just because of the time but also in budget. For me it’s not about how expensive your wedding, the most important is you do prefer well your wedding celebration.

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Technique For Removal of Acoustic Neuromas Tumors

New technology has made it possible to remove acoustic neuromas tumors with minimally invasive techniques. Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannoma) are benign or non-cancerous tumors growing on the nerve connecting the ear to the brain. The tumor presses against this nerve which is responsible for hearing and balance.

There are several new and older technologies that allow patients to receive treatment and be discharged in as little as 48 hours. The most common procedures and approaches include: Endoscopic endonasal approach, endoscopic approach, translabyrinthine approach and gamma knife. Each approach will be discussed in brief.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach
The Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) removes tumors and lesions by entering the nasal passages. The approach involves a team of neurosurgeons, ophthalmic surgeons, otolaryngologists and spine surgeons to successfully complete the surgery. This minimally invasive technique uses the endoscope to illuminate the tumor and leading edge instruments for dissection and tumor removal. This method is preferred because patients experience no facial incisions, fewer side effects, less trauma to brain and critical nerves and shorter recovery times.

Endoscopic Approach
This minimally invasive approach involves drilling a hole this size of a dime in the mastoid bone of the skull. The endoscopic approach may be combined with a small tube called the Neuroendoport to guide the endoscope to the tumor. The two devices together allow surgeons to capture excellent images of the tumor thanks to the powerful endoscope light source. The tumor can be removed, and the patient can return home in 48 hours. Faster recovery times are possible because the brain is not pushed, retracted or manipulated.

Endoscopic approach is effective because it provides accurate information about the location of the tumor relevant to adjacent structures. When surgeons accurately identify the facial and cochlear nerves, complete tumor removal is possible. The technique has not been proven to preserve hearing any more than any other procedure, but it is one the most effective methods for removing tumors completely.

In one study, 82 percent of the patients with some hearing prior to the surgery maintained the same level of hearing or better after the surgery. One hundred percent of the patients maintained facial nerve function with no paralysis.

Translabyrinthe Approach
The translabyrinthe approach is effective on large tumors. The method is often combined with retrosigmoid subtemporal craniotomy to avoid damage to healthy tissue and to the facial nerve. A hole is drilled through the mastoid and labyrinth or inner ear. The tumor can be removed once access to the posterior fossa is gained.

Gamma Knife
Gamma knife is used when patients are resistant to surgery. The treatment is also the first option when the tumor is not causing “mass effect.” When tumors are small, this method is more likely to preserve hearing. This form of treatment radiates the tumor and obliterates the mass.

Ask Your Neurologist About the Latest Techniques
Though these are not the only techniques used for acoustic neuroma tumors, the techniques are some of the most innovative and effective. Patients considering acoustic neuroma surgery should contact their physician or surgeons to determine the best technique.

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Allergies and Asthma: Must Know Facts

Comedian Robin Williams once said that “spring is nature’s way of saying Let’s Party!” However, if you or someone in your family suffers from seasonal allergies, it could seem like the only chance you get to socialize with others is in the waiting area at your family physician’s office.

Instead of the usual small talk and other banter you hear at normal social events, you are bound to hear a healthy amount of “Gesundheit”s and “bless you”s, or maybe even a “salud” or two. And even if your doctor prescribes medicine to eliminate your symptoms, it still doesn't eliminate the fact that your home could be filled with allergens.

Drying Out Seasonal Allergens
Removing mold from your home will go a long way towards reducing allergy symptoms. Although it’s not always possible to remove allergens from your home, mold is easier to avoid than most would think. Because of the moisture in your bathroom from people taking showers or baths and the fact that a toilet filled with water is in the room all the time, consider some kind of exhaust fan or other ventilation.
Basements are notorious for leaks, especially in the spring when melting snows and extra rainfall saturates the ground. In addition to sealing up cracks and using non-carpeted floor coverings like ceramic tile, cork, or linoleum, place a dehumidifier in the basement to help dry up the moisture. An air purifier is also a great idea because it pulls pollen, pet dander, and dust, and other particles from the air.

Turning Allergy Season into Neat Freak Season 
 If you’re obsessive about cleaning then you are your family’s best asset during seasonal allergy season. If you can’t remove the carpeting inside your home – for example, if your home is a rental – then consider investing in a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration. The importance of HEPA filtration is that it’s designed to capture some of the most minuscule particles that cause some of the worst allergy symptoms. Here are some other cleaning tips to consider for eliminating allergens from your home.

Wash bedding linens. Yes, you already do this but now you need to wash them a bit more frequently. And regardless of how nice your sheets smell after hanging on a clothesline and drying from the sun’s warmth, it’s not really worth the amount of pollen you bring into your home and subsequently breathe in while you sleep. 

Clean furniture. In addition to dusting down wood furniture with furniture polish, vacuum upholstered furniture. If necessary, send cushion covers out to be dry cleaned. It’s a huge step towards removing mildew, dust, pollen, and pet dander from your home.

Eliminate curtains. Just stick with mini-blinds or some other type of shade-style window treatment. When cleaning windows, don’t forget to wipe dust from the sills.

Speaking of windows, it’s necessary to keep them closed as much as possible from just before midnight to just after lunch. That’s because most pollen product begins just before dawn – before many of us are even awake – and doesn't end until mid-morning. Saving open windows for sunny afternoons and brisk evenings will help cut down on the amount of pollen that enters your home, but keeping them closed altogether is even better. It could even save on the amount of hay fever treatments you’re subject to during the season.

Stay Hydrated but Not Humid 
One of the best tips for fighting off allergy and asthma symptoms, and even the first signs of sinusitis or a cold, is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. If you must drink something flavored, drink juice or something else that’s loaded with vitamins – especially vitamin C. Stay away from soda, coffee, and anything else that’s bogged down with empty calories and caffeine.

One time an acquaintance gave my family some terrible advice. They suggested we use a humidifier at night, claiming that we’d wake up breathing free and clear of any allergy and asthma symptoms. It was the worst advice ever! Not only did we wake up in worse health requiring the entire family to visit the doctor’s office, but we also had the added problem that the humidifier encouraged mold growth underneath the carpet in our hallway. We've since replaced that carpeting with hardwood laminate flooring, but it was a real nightmare.

Screening Your Home for Allergies 
If all else fails, considering hiring an environmental solutions company to screen your home for allergens. Once they let you know which allergens have invaded your home you will better know how to remove them. Pollen isn't the only culprit. Pets bring in fleas during the warmer months. Did you know people can be allergic to fleas? Thanks to a stray kitten that showed up on our doorstep and was too cute not to bring in the house, my family now knows all about flea allergy dermatitis. The itching and rash we attributed to pollen or perhaps the cat itself was really a reaction to the fleas. You will want to start by eliminating dust mites which can also cause a lot of problems.

If you suspect that you suffer from some kind of a seasonal allergy, then it’s best to consult your family physician. In addition to giving you a correct diagnosis, your doctor has your complete medical history and knows what medicines to diagnose to fix the problem. This is important because some over-the-counter products conflict with conditions such as heart and thyroid problems, diabetes, or with other medications you’re taking.

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Sensitive Teeth - Causes and Remedies

If your child is unusually reticent about brushing and is not showing keenness to take anything hot or cold, then it is time for you to take him to the dentist for a closer examination of their teeth. Many children may be unable to express the feeling of sensitive teeth clearly and as a young mother, you need to watch the eating habits of your kids to understand whether they have any dental related issue.

So what is the condition of sensitive teeth?
First of all, this is not a condition that affects only children. Many grownups face this condition at different stages in their life. It is not necessary however that everybody should come across this problem either.
Essentially, the condition is caused due to any hot, cold food or drink and even air hitting the exposed dentine of your teeth. This is that part which is well protected by enamel but over time and sometimes even when you are a kid, this part becomes exposed due to using an abrasive toothpaste and due to faulty brushing habits.

The tooth structure is such that the enamel coating is pretty thin near the gum line. Dentine consists of many tubules that connect to the nerves that traverse the inside of the teeth. When dentine becomes exposed at the gum line, the nerves are stimulated, leading to that feeling of pain and sensitiveness.

Other causes for sensitive teeth
Accumulation of bacteria and the resultant production of acids may also cause the dentine to become exposed. Problems like gum recession, any disease of the gums, the habit of grinding the teeth when sleeping (also referred to as bruxism) are other pertinent factors that can cause sensitive teeth. At times, an improperly conducted teeth whitening process can also lead to sensitive teeth.

What can you do about it, or what is the remedy for sensitive teeth?
The first thing to do is to avoid anything abrasive. Go for a soft toothbrush and avoid mouth washes that have alcohol in them. Follow a different technique of tooth brushing. Sensitive teeth can also be tackled through special desensitizing toothpastes. These work by ensuring that the nerves that are connected to the tubules of the dentine do not get stimulated and therefore the shooting pain associated with such stimulation is totally nullified. People using such toothpastes have been able to consume hot and cold food comfortably within a couple of days of usage. These pastes are best used by applying them with your fingers rather than with the toothbrush. You need to apply them on the sore spots and you can keep using them till you get the desired level of comfort.

Use fluoride mouthwashes
Another way of dealing with sensitive teeth is to make use of high fluoride mouthwashes. Swishing the mouthwash such that it enters all possible areas within your mouth will ensure that the fluoride can act on the exposed dentine. Use these mouthwashes after brushing and especially before going to bed so that the total benefits can be derived out of the mouthwash. Do not rinse after using the mouthwash.

The problem of bruxism can be tackled through the use of a custom made mouth guard to be worn during night time. This will stop you from grinding your teeth in your sleep.

If you fell some pain when you eat hot and cold food, you are probably suffering of sensitive teeth. There are habits and treatments for this condition that will help you to minimize the painful feeling.

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