You can substantially reduce headache caused by migraines within two hours with a single dose of 900-1000mg aspirin, according to researchers. Also vomiting and nausea symptoms are greatly reduced if 900mg of aspirin is taken together with 10mg of metoclopramide.
Researchers compared the differences in response rates for people taking aspirin alone or aspirin plus metoclopramide with those of people taking placebo or another active agent and found that 25% of people who took a single dose of 9000-1000mg aspirin had their headaches reduced from severe or moderate to no pain, compared to those who took the placebo. One in two people had the pain reduced to no worse than mild pain.
Aspirin plus metoclopramide was better at reducing symptoms of vomiting, nausea, photophobia and phenophobia than aspirin alone, although it didn’t produce a greater frequency of pain relief. Aspirin plus metoclopramide had a similar effect to 50mg of sumatriptan, a headache treatment, but a 100mg dose of sumatriptan was slighty better at delivering a pain free response within two hours.
“Aspirin plus metoclopramide will be a reasonable therapy for acute migraine attacks, but for many it will be insufficiently effective,” said the study leader Andrew Moore, who works in Pain Relief and the Department of Anaesthetics at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
It was revealed just recently that Propofol, a short-acting, intravenously administered sedative agent is what might have caused the cardiac arrest of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. But what is propofol and why is it used by Jackson? It was said that Jackson is always begging for pain killers and he was also suffering from insomnia. Perhaps the lifestyle of Jackson and his workaholic and perfectionist attitude is what caused him this setbacks and back attacks by his body.
Propofol (INN, marketed as Diprivan by AstraZeneca) is a short-acting, intravenously administered sedative agent. It has several uses in anesthesia and sedation, including induction of general anesthesia in adults and children, maintenance of general anesthesia, sedation for intubated, mechanically ventilated adults in the intensive care unit (ICU), sedation in procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy, and dental surgery; it is also commonly used in veterinary medicine. Propofol is approved for use in more than 50 countries, and generic versions are available.
Some of the known side effects of Propofol are aside from the hypotension (mainly through vasodilatation) and transient apnea following induction doses, one of propofol's most frequent side-effects is pain on injection, especially in smaller veins. This pain can be mitigated by pretreatment with lidocaine. Patients tend to show great variability in their response to propofol, at times showing profound sedation with small doses. A more serious but rare side-effect is dystonia. Mild myoclonic movements are common, as with other intravenous hypnotic agents. Propofol appears to be safe for use in porphyria, and has not been known to trigger malignant hyperpyrexia.
Another recently described rare, but serious, side-effect is propofol infusion syndrome. This potentially lethal metabolic derangement has been reported in critically-ill patients after a prolonged infusion of high-dose propofol in combination with catecholamines and/or corticosteroids.
So why did Jackson used Propofol? The potent drug suspected in Michael Jackson's death doesn't even offer the benefits of sleep as concluded by various specialists.
Koplik's spots: Little spots inside the mouth that are highly characteristic of the early phase of measles (rubeola). The spots look like a tiny grains of white sand, each surrounded by a red ring. They are found especially on the inside of the cheek (the buccal mucosa) opposite the 1st and 2nd upper molars. Named for the New York pediatrician Henry Koplik (1858-1927) who described them.
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Beside Constipation (laxative) , Genital herpes , Psoriasis vulgaris , Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea, dandruff) as mentioned before Aloe Vera is used for :
Cancer prevention There is early evidence that oral aloe may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Further study is needed in this area to clarify if it is aloe itself or other factors that may cause this benefit.
Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) There is weak evidence that treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers of the mouth with aloe gel may reduce pain and increase the amount of time between the appearance of new ulcers. Further study is needed before a firm recommendation can be made.
Diabetes (type 2) Study results are mixed. More research is needed to explore the effectiveness and safety of aloe in diabetics.
Dry skin Traditionally, aloe has been used as a moisturizer. Early low-quality studies suggest aloe may effectively reduce skin dryness. Higher quality studies are needed in this area.
HIV infection Without further human trials, the evidence cannot be considered convincing either in favor or against this use of aloe.
Lichen planus Limited study suggests that aloe may be a helpful, safe treatment for lichen planus, which is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lining of the mouth. Additional study is needed.
Skin burns Early evidence suggests that aloe may aid healing of mild to moderate skin burns. Further study is needed in this area.
Skin ulcers Early studies suggest aloe may help heal skin ulcers. High-quality studies comparing aloe alone with placebo are needed.
Ulcerative colitis (including inflammatory bowel disease) There is limited but promising research of the use of oral aloe vera in ulcerative colitis (UC), compared to placebo. It is not clear how aloe vera compares to other treatments used for UC.
Wound healing Study results of aloe on wound healing are mixed with some studies reporting positive results and others showing no benefit or potential worsening of the condition. Further study is needed, since wound healing is a popular use of topical aloe.
Radiation dermatitis Reports in the 1930s of topical aloe's beneficial effects on skin after radiation exposure lead to widespread use in skin products. Currently, aloe gel is sometimes recommended for skin irritation caused by prolonged exposure to radiation, although scientific evidence suggests a lack of benefit in this area.
Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been used as an oral laxative.
There is strong scientific evidence in support of the laxative properties of aloe latex, based on the well-established cathartic properties of anthroquinone glycosides (found in aloe latex). However, aloe's therapeutic value compared with other approaches to constipation remains unclear.
There is promising preliminary support from laboratory, animal, and human studies that topical aloe gel has immunomodulatory properties that may improve wound healing and skin inflammation.
Constipation (laxative) Dried latex from the inner lining of aloe leaves has been used traditionally as a laxative taken by mouth. Although few studies have been conducted to assess this effect of aloe in humans, the laxative properties of aloe components such as aloin are well supported by scientific evidence. A combination herbal remedy containing aloe was found to be an effective laxative, although it is not clear if this effect was due to aloe or to other ingredients in the product. Further study is needed to establish dosing and to compare the effectiveness and safety of aloe with other commonly used laxatives.
Genital herpes Limited evidence from human studies suggests that extract from Aloe vera in a hydrophilic cream may be an effective treatment of genital herpes in men (better than aloe gel or placebo). Additional research is needed in this area before a strong recommendation can be made.
Psoriasis vulgaris Early evidence suggests that an extract from aloe in a hydrophilic cream may be an effective treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Additional research is needed in this area before a strong recommendation can be made.
Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea, dandruff) Early study of aloe lotion suggests effectiveness for treating seborrheic dermatitis when applied to the skin. Further study is needed in this area before a strong recommendation can be made.
When should I start taking prenatal vitamins? It's best to start taking prenatal vitamins three months before conception. The baby's neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy — perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant.
How long should I take prenatal vitamins? It's best to take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy, preferably with water or juice — not milk or soda. Your health care provider may recommend taking prenatal vitamins while you're breast-feeding, too.
Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects? Some women feel queasy after taking prenatal vitamins. In other cases, the iron in prenatal vitamins contributes to constipation.
If prenatal vitamins seem to trigger nausea:
* Take your prenatal vitamin at night
* Take your prenatal vitamin with a snack
* Chew gum or suck on hard candy after taking your prenatal vitamin
If you're struggling with constipation:
* Drink plenty of water
* Include more fiber in your diet
* Include physical activity in your daily routine, as long as you have your health care provider's OK
* Ask your health care provider about using a stool softener
If these tips don't seem to help, ask your health care provider about other options. He or she may recommend another type of prenatal vitamin or separate folic acid, calcium and iron supplements.
Are prenatal vitamins really necessary during pregnancy? You bet! Prenatal vitamins are an important part of pregnancy nutrition. Here's why you need them, when to start taking them and more.
A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need — but even if you eat healthfully every day, you may fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps.
How are prenatal vitamins different from other vitamins? Most prenatal vitamins contain more folic acid, calcium and iron than do standard adult multivitamins. It's still important to eat nutritious foods, but prenatal vitamins can help ensure you're getting enough of these essential nutrients during pregnancy.
Here's why it matters:
Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. These defects are serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.
Calcium promotes strong bones and teeth for both mother and baby. Calcium also helps your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems run normally.
Iron supports the development of blood and muscle cells for both mother and baby. Iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells.
Prenatal vitamins may reduce the risk of low birth weight. Some research suggests that prenatal vitamins decrease the risk of low birth weight.
Do I need to be concerned about other nutrients? Standard prenatal vitamins don't include omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote a baby's brain development. If you're unable or choose not to eat fish or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, your health care provider may recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins.
Vitamin D is important as well — especially during the third trimester, when calcium demands increase. Most prenatal vitamins don't contain optimal amounts of vitamin D, however. In addition to your prenatal vitamin, drink vitamin D-fortified low-fat milk or other calcium-rich foods containing vitamin D. If you don't drink milk or eat calcium-rich foods, talk to your health care provider about calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Do prenatal vitamins require a prescription? Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. Some prenatal vitamins require a prescription, however. Your health care provider may recommend a specific brand of prenatal vitamins or leave the choice up to you.
In order to obtain financial help with diabetes medicine, it's important to have health insurance or to look into government-regulated programs. Learn about drug companies that will give medication at a discounted price with help from a licensed RN in this free video on diabetes medicine.
Glossitis is an abnormality of the tongue that results from inflammation.
Causes Changes in the appearance of the tongue may be a primary tongue disorder, or it may be a symptom of other disorders. Glossitis occurs when there is acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue. It causes the tongue to swell and change color. Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (papillae) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Also see geographic tongue.
The causes of glossitis include:
* Bacterial or viral infections (including oral herpes simplex) * Mechanical irritation or injury from burns, rough edges of teeth or dental appliances, or other trauma * Exposure to irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, or spices * Allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in candy, plastic in dentures or retainers, or certain blood-pressure medications (ACE inhibitors) * Disorders such as iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others
Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited.
Treatment: The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation. Treatment usually does not require hospitalization unless tongue swelling is severe.
Good oral hygiene is necessary, including thorough tooth brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least daily.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone may be given to reduce the inflammation of glossitis. For mild cases, topical applications (such as a prednisone mouth rinse that is not swallowed) may be recommended to avoid the side effects of swallowed or injected corticosteroids.
Antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed if the cause of glossitis is an infection. Anemia and nutritional deficiencies must be treated, often by dietary changes or other supplements. Avoid irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to minimize the discomfort.
Normal skin Skin care products should keep normal skin well moisturised without making it oily.
For facial skin, light oil in water-emulsions (cream containing more water than oil or lipids) are recommended during the day. During nighttime, an oil in water-emulsion containing more lipids may be beneficial.
For other body areas, oil in water-emulsions are also recommended.
Dry skin In dry skin, moisturisers are used to increase the amount of lipids (fatty substances) in the horny layer, to reduce water loss and to soothe the skin. Water in oil-emulsions (mixtures with more oil/ lipids than water) should be preferred. The lipid film smoothes the cragged skin surface and prevents a further loss of water from the epidermis. Water-binding ingredients such as urea, lactic acid and glycerin enhance the hydrating effect of moisturisers and are recommended in dry skin.
Besides lipids, so-called lipid precursors are also recommended, as they are transformed into lipids in the skin. Lactic acid is such a lipid precursor, which is turned into ceramide (a special lipid or fatty substance of the epidermis).
Oil in water-emulsions may lead to an augmented water loss through evaporation and are therefore not recommended in this skin type, although they are often easier to apply than ointments.
Oily skin Light oil in water-emulsions (more water than oil/ lipids) or oil-free fluids should be used. Products labeled “non-comedogenic” are recommended, as these products are less likely to cause comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) in persons with oily skin.
Water in oil-emulsions (containing more oils/ lipids than water) or rich ointments should be avoided in this skin type.
Combination skin Combination skin demands special care, and it is often necessary to use two different moisturising products. The dry skin parts need water in oil-emulsions (more oil/ lipids than water) rich in lipids, whereas only oil in water-emulsions (more water than oil/ lipids) should be applied on the oily parts to prevent the clogging of pores and comedones.
Sensitive skin
In sensitive skin, the application of only few cosmetic products is recommended. These products should preferrably contain as few ingredients as possible. Cosmetic products containing potentially irritating or allergenic substances such as propylene glycol, derivates of cinnamon acid, formaldehyde, retinoids, salicylic acid and sodium laurylsulfate should be avoided as far as possible.
Mature skin Most people over 60 years of age have dry skin. Persons with normal skin often develop dry skin when they reach their forties or fifties, in persons with oily skin, this shift to dry skin may occur even later.
In dry skin, moisturisers are used to increase the amount of lipids (fatty substances) in the horny layer, to reduce water loss and to soothe the skin. Water in oil-emulsions (mixtures with more oil/ lipids than water) should be preferred. The lipid film smoothes the cragged skin surface and prevents a further loss of water from the epidermis. Water-binding ingredients such as urea, lactic acid and glycerin enhance the hydrating effect of moisturisers and are recommended in dry skin.
Besides lipids, so-called lipid precursors are also recommended, as they are transformed into lipids in the skin. Lactic acid is such a lipid precursor, which is turned into ceramide (a special lipid or fatty substance of the epidermis).
Health risks of chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco
While the available evidence shows that smokeless tobacco may be less dangerous than cigarettes are, long-term use of chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products can cause serious health problems. That's because they can contain about 30 cancer-causing substances. Like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco also contains nicotine, which can cause you to become addicted. Here's a look at some of the health problems related to smokeless tobacco:
Addiction Because smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, you can get addicted, just as you can with cigarettes and other tobacco products. Your body may actually absorb more nicotine from chewing tobacco or snuff than it does from a cigarette. Just as with smoking, withdrawal from smokeless tobacco causes signs and symptoms such as intense cravings, increased appetite, irritability and depressed mood. Also, over time, you develop a tolerance for the nicotine in chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products, and you need more to feel the desired effects. This may lead you to dangerous habits — using brands with more nicotine, using more often, leaving chew in your mouth overnight and swallowing tobacco juices.
Cancer Your risk of certain types of cancer increases if you use chewing tobacco or other types of smokeless tobacco. This includes esophageal cancer and various types of oral cancer, including cancers of your mouth, throat, cheek, gums, lips and tongue. Surgery to remove cancer from any of these areas can leave your jaw, chin, neck or face disfigured, and the cancer may be life-threatening. You also face increased risks related to pancreatic cancer and kidney cancer.
Cavities Chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco cause tooth decay. That's because chewing tobacco contains high amounts of sugar, which contributes to cavities. Chewing tobacco also contains coarse particles that can irritate your gums and scratch away at the enamel on your teeth, making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
Gum disease The sugar and irritants in chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth in the area of your mouth where you place the chew. Over time you can develop gum disease (gingivitis), which can lead to periodontitis and tooth loss. And like cigarettes, chewing tobacco and other smokeless products can stain your teeth and cause bad breath.
Heart disease Smokeless tobacco increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Some evidence suggests that long-term use of smokeless tobacco increases your risk of dying of certain types of heart disease and stroke.
Precancerous mouth lesions Smokeless tobacco increases your risk of developing small white patches called leukoplakia (loo-ko-PLAY-kee-uh) inside your mouth where the chew is most often placed. These mouth lesions are precancerous — meaning that the lesions could one day become cancer. If you stop using smokeless tobacco products, the lesions usually go away within a few months.
Quitting chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco If you use chewing tobacco or other forms of smokeless tobacco, quit. Now that you know the dangers associated with it, you have extra motivation to stop using smokeless tobacco. And if you're trying to stop using cigarettes, don't switch to smokeless tobacco instead. While smokeless tobacco may be safer than cigarettes, smokeless tobacco hasn't been shown to help you stop smoking. In fact, you may end up using both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
Get the facts about chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco. They're more harmful and addictive than you might think.
You can call chewing tobacco by whatever name you want — smokeless tobacco, spit tobacco, chew, snuff, pinch or dip — but don't call it harmless. Whether you use chewing tobacco or other types of smokeless tobacco because you like it or because you think smokeless is safer than cigarettes, be forewarned — chewing tobacco can cause serious health problems.
Chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco
Chewing tobacco is a common type of smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco products consist of tobacco or a tobacco blend that's chewed, sucked on or sniffed, rather than smoked.
There are many types of smokeless tobacco products around the world. In the United States, the main types of smokeless tobacco are:
* Chewing tobacco. This consists of loose tobacco leaves that are sweetened and packaged in pouches. You put a wad of the tobacco between your cheek and gum and hold it there, sometimes for hours at a time. It's also called chew and chaw. Usually you spit out the tobacco juices, but if you're more addicted, you tend to swallow some of the juices.
* Plug. This is chewing tobacco that has been pressed into a brick shape, often with the help of syrup, such as molasses, which also sweetens the tobacco. You cut off or bite off a piece of the plug and hold it between your cheek and gum. You spit out the tobacco juices.
* Twist. This is flavored chewing tobacco that has been braided and twisted into rope-like strands. You hold it between your cheek and gum and spit out the tobacco juices.
* Snuff. This is finely ground or shredded tobacco leaves. It's available in dry or moist forms and is packaged in tins or tea bag-like pouches. A pinch of snuff is placed between the lower lip and gum or cheek and gum. Dry forms of snuff can be sniffed into the nose. Using snuff is also called dipping. You normally spit out the tobacco juices, but as with chewing tobacco, if you're more addicted you tend to swallow the juices instead.
* Snus. Snus (pronounced snoos) is a newer smokeless, spitless tobacco product that originated in Sweden. It comes in a pouch that you stick between your upper lip and gum. You leave it there for about a half-hour without having to spit, then discard it.
* Dissolvable tobacco products. These are pieces of compressed powdered tobacco, similar to small hard candies. They dissolve in your mouth, requiring no spitting of tobacco juices. They're sometimes called tobacco lozenges, but they're not the same as the nicotine lozenges used to help you quit smoking.
Your baby is ready to be born - but there can still be problems with delivery. A breech birth, macrosomia, or cord prolapse can all require an emergency c-section. Be prepared for potential delivery problems in advance, by watching this video.
The mother's body can be the source of delivery complications like placenta previa or uterine rupture. If delivery problems do occur, your doctor can usually help you manage these childbirth complications with medication or an emergency cesarean section.
Jogging is considered the perfect exercise because it’s simple and it only requires the right shoes. Now, a group of runners claim that they don’t need any shoes because running barefoot is healthier.
The runners say barefoot running was practiced since antiquity and that members of some tribes in Mexico used to run hundreds of miles with just sandals on their feet without suffering any injuries. Those sandals inspired the runners to create minimal footwear which is practically a glove for the foot.
Supporters of this idea say barefoot running is changing the way the foot touches the ground and moves the impact from the heel farther forward on the foot. This reduces the impact on the foot, which is three times the body weight of the runner when wearing shoes.
Not everybody agrees though. Some voices claim that those who run long distances should strike on the rear of the foot because it puts less pressure on the Achilles tendon. Striking on the forefoot is recommended only for running short distances where a higher speed is achieved.
Cardiovascular diseases occur as a result of risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity or smoking. Bellow you will find a range of foods and drinks which will help your heart function normally and help you avoid cardiovascular diseases.
Morning tea is very important for your heart’s health. Sage, rosemary and thyme have lots of antioxidant proprieties and protect you from the risk of developing diabetes, stroke or hypertension.
Cherries and blueberries are recommended for your heart because of their magnesium content and antioxidant proprieties which maintain normal cholesterol and blood sugar values. A glass of red wine before bedtime improves blood circulation and does wonders for your heart. Try not to exceed one drink a day because too much alcohol hurts the heart.
Salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which assure a normal heart rhythm and protect you against stroke. So does extra virgin olive oil which can successfully replace sunflower oil.
Hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts are rich in fiber, contain large amounts of vitamin E and reduce the risk of stroke. Tofu helps you to normalize the amount of triglycerides, avoid a load of artery-clogging saturated fat and may be considered the perfect food for your heart.
Oranges are the most recommended fruits for improving your cardiac activity. So do green vegetables, rich in potassium and magnesium, which help to normalize cholesterol.
Yogurt provides the calcium requirements for your heart through a careful control of blood pressure. Coffee, if consumed only in the morning and in small quantities, is a good energizer for your heart. Also chili pepper helps your heart by preventing a spike in insulin levels after a meal.
To eliminate cardiovascular diseases risk factors you should limit salt consumption, coffee and if the case, quit smoking.
The concern with fast weight loss is that it usually takes extraordinary efforts in diet and exercise — efforts that often aren't sustainable over the long term. Successful weight loss requires making permanent changes in your eating and exercise habits.
A slow and steady approach is easier to maintain and usually beats out fast weight loss for the long term. A weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week is the typical recommendation. Although it may seem slow, it's a pace that's more likely to help you maintain your weight loss. Remember that 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) of fat contains 3,500 calories. So you need to burn 500 more calories than you eat each day to lose 1 pound a week (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories). If you lose a lot of weight very quickly, it may not be fat that you're losing. It's might be water weight or even lean tissue, since it's hard to burn that many fat calories in a short period.
In some situations, however, faster weight loss can be safe if it's done the right way. For example, doctors prescribe very low calorie diets for more rapid weight loss in obese individuals. This type of diet requires medical supervision. In addition, some diets include an initiation phase to help you jump start your weight loss. For example, The Mayo Clinic Diet has a quick-start phase in which you might lose 6 to 10 pounds in the first two weeks. You may lose weight quickly with an approach like this because it combines many healthy and safe strategies at once — no gimmicks or extreme dieting. After the initial two-week period, you transition into the recommended weight loss of 1 or 2 pounds a week, which is not only safe but also realistic and sustainable for the long term.
Hypnosis may help you shed a few extra pounds when it's used along with other weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise. But there isn't enough solid scientific evidence about weight-loss hypnosis to recommend for or against it.
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist using verbal repetition and mental images. When you're under hypnosis, your attention is highly focused and you're more responsive to suggestions, including behavior changes that can help you lose weight. After proper instruction, you can also try self-hypnosis for weight loss. Weight-loss hypnosis is often combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Through the years , numerous studies have evaluated the use of weight-loss hypnosis. Most found positive but modest weight-loss results, with an average weight loss of about 6 pounds (2.72 kilograms). But the quality of some of these studies has been questioned, making it hard to determine the effectiveness of weight-loss hypnosis.
If you've tried diet and exercise but are still struggling to meet your weight-loss goal, you may want to try weight-loss hypnosis. Just remember that there are no guaranteed results.
A bruise forms when a blow breaks blood vessels near your skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak into the tissues under your skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark.
If your skin isn't broken, you don't need a bandage, but you enhance bruise healing with these simple techniques:
* Elevate the injured area.
* Apply ice or a cold pack several times a day for a day or two after the injury.
* Rest the bruised area, if possible.
* Consider acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) for pain relief, or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) for pain relief and to reduce swelling.
See your doctor if:
* You have unusually large or painful bruises — particularly if your bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.
* You bruise easily and you're experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums, or you notice blood in your eyes, stool or urine.
* You have no history of bruising, but suddenly experience bruises.
These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. Bruises accompanied by persistent pain or headache also may indicate a more serious underlying illness and require medical attention.
To keep it cool during hot-weather exercise, keep these basic precautions in mind:
* Take it slow . If you're used to exercising indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts. If you have a chronic medical condition or take medication, ask your doctor if you need to take additional precautions.
* Drink plenty of fluids . Your body's ability to sweat and cool down depends on adequate rehydration. Drink plenty of water while you're working out — even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're planning to exercise intensely or for longer than one hour, consider sports drinks instead. These drinks can replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, which actually promote fluid loss.
* Dress appropriately . Lightweight, loosefitting clothing promotes sweat evaporation and cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb the heat. A light-colored hat can limit your exposure to the sun.
* Avoid midday sun . Exercise in the morning or evening — when it's likely to be cooler outdoors — rather than the middle of the day. If possible, exercise in the shade or in a pool.
* Wear sunscreen . A sunburn decreases your body's ability to cool itself.
* Have a backup plan . If you're concerned about the heat or humidity, stay indoors. Work out at the gym, walk laps inside the mall or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building.
