"Recent studies have shown a strong link between dental hygiene and Alzheimer's Disease. The bacteria created by poor dental health can travel to the brain."



As far-fetched and unrelated as it may sound, is it actually true that Alzheimer’s disease might in fact be linked to poor dental health? According to studies in recent years, there may be a stronger link than we might have ever imagined. While there appears to be a strong chance that gum disease can cause Alzheimer’s, there are still steps that can be taken to help avoid such a fate.


Mouth-Brain Connection

Scientists from the University of Lancashire in England performed a study in which they found traces of a bacterium that is generally present in the mouth actually in the brains of some of their subjects. The correlation between the ten test subjects’ Alzheimer’s and the presence of the bacteria (known as Porphyromonas gingivalis) was that the bacteria is one generally present in the mouth of those who suffer from periodontal disease (also known simply as gum disease). Brain samples were taken from ten patients who suffered from Alzheimer’s and ten samples were taken from subjects without Alzheimer’s. Those with Alzheimer’s all had traces of the periodontal bacteria in their brain samples.


How Does the Bacteria Affect the Brain?

The hypothesis based on the findings from the study is that the bacteria travels into the brain, and then proceeds to set off a trigger in the immune system. What this trigger does is tell the body that there is something foreign in the area, and that it is bad, and it needs to be eradicated. The immune system then sends out its attack, releasing a chemical that ends up killing brain cells. This loss of brain cells is thought to eventually lead to loss of memory and therefore Alzheimer’s disease.


What Can Be Done to Stop it?

While the study did produce these results, more money is being sought in order to fund further research on the subject. Only time and additional testing and research will tell, but in the mean time, in can’t hurt to continue proper mouth health and improve your dental health. Brush at least twice a day, and remember to floss every day. If you are unable to brush your teeth in some situations or after every meal and snack, simply swish water in your mouth to remove stagnant food particles. By removing the bacteria from your mouth you will lessen the chance of the gum disease that has been linked to Alzheimer’s in the study. One of the primary causes of gum disease is lack of oral hygiene, with lack of flossing being the biggest culprit. As many as up to thirty percent of adults are said to suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives, so work to prevent yourself from becoming part of that statistic.


The bottom line:

While further studies have yet to be held, the current findings are startling. Although the amount of subjects tested was small, the University is seeking the funding to do more thorough research and testing. In the mean time, it can’t hurt to pay extra special attention to your teeth and mouth, and develop a healthy, thorough mouth-care routine if you haven’t already.

Becca is an avid health and nutrition blogger. She’s currently working with Dentists R Us in Coquitlam BC to help educate the public about dental care and health.

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"In an attempt to preserve the knowledge gained from the Human Genome Project, NanoRosetta created a project to distribute copies of DNA. "


In an attempt to preserve the knowledge gained from the Human Genome Project which completed sequencing of the entire human genome in 2003, NanoRosetta created a Kickstarter project aiming to distribute copies of the genome to 80 Custodians spanning every continent. The genome is printed on five nickel discs using nanotechnology.


NanoRosetta Uses Nanotechnology for Long Term Analog Data Storage

NanoRosetta argues that the analog print is necessary for long term storage of the data, predicting that the discs will last for 10,000 years. While digital copies of the 130 books worth of information can be easily stored, they can only be read by software and hardware that could become lost and obsolete. To illustrate this point, the University of Lanceister actually printed the human genome in 130 volumes of 300 pages each, demonstrating that traditional analog archiving would require a whole room to store this volume of data. They estimate that the genome would take about 95 years to read cover to cover.


Seeking 80 People on Every Continent to Preserve Copies of Human Genome

In addition to storing this valuable information, the discs will make unique art pieces for the 80 Custodians. To obtain a copy, those interested must donate at least $1,250 to the project. Smaller donations can be made to receive recognition as a Noted Supporter. At the time of writing, the project is backed by 14 people who contributed $1,521 toward the goal of $100,000. The remaining funds must be donated in the next 39 days to keep the project going.

Carnegie Mellon University Moon Art Project Will Carry Human Genome in Lunar Lander

In collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University's Moon Art Project, one disc set will be packed into their lunar lander and sent to the moon by 2015. The moon's lack of atmosphere and liquid water makes it an ideal location to preserve the genome copy for a much longer period of time by minimizing any wear and erosion.

Additional Copies of Human Genome Will Be Donated to Archiving Organizations

Copies of the genome will also be donated to organizations such as the Long Now Foundation and the Internet Archive. NanoRosetta intends to distribute so many copies of the genome throughout the world and on the moon in order to protect the information from single-point failure in which a single natural disaster could wipe out the data.

The project will theoretically allow for the reconstruction of a human being after the event of human extinction. The discs can be retrieved using a metallurgical microscope, and sufficiently advanced biotechnology could reconstruct the sequence out of real DNA.

NanoRosetta also teamed up with the Long Now Foundation on a nanotechnology archiving project to preserve all human languages. The Rosetta Disk stores 13,000 pages of information and spans 1,500 languages. 

Derek is currently blogging for GTL DNA, a paternity testing site. When he is not blogging or working, he enjoys relaxing with his family and golfing.


DNA
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Iron is one of the most important minerals needed for human survival. It is used in metabolism and can be found in the blood. This gives the blood its “rusty” taste. Deficiency in iron causes problems, just as an overload of iron causes death. However, unlike anemia, which can be easily detected and cured, hemochromatosis is a genetic disease that has no visible symptoms. It can cause death in later years due to organ malfunction, but without tests, it cannot be detected.

According to studies, hemochromatosis, or iron overload, is more common for people of northern Europe ancestry. In the US, one out of seven Americans suffers from it. It is very common, yet most people wouldn’t know they have the disease until they start experiencing symptoms from organ failure. This illness also has no cure, since iron is essential in most of our bodily functions.

Iron is essential in metabolism and oxygen transport. It easily exchanges electrons with other elements in the bloodstream, and though this characteristic of iron makes it essential, it can also cause damage by forming free radicals that causes damage to the cells and DNA. Iron can be a poison, and unless properly used and stored by the body, it can cause great harm. This is the reason why unless you’re anemic, you shouldn’t take more iron than you normally need.

The first case of hemochromatosis was first diagnosed in 1865 by Dr. Armand Trousseau, however, at that time, the symptoms he was describing was attributed to a disease called Trousseau’s Syndrome. Trousseau’s Syndrome is a blood clotting disorder associated with gastrointestinal cancer. Symptoms noticed by the doctor include skin bronzing, diabetes and cirrhosis. Unfortunately, Dr. Trousseau died from the same disease that he first diagnosed. Most people did not notice that aside from Trousseau’s Syndrome, Dr. Trousseau was able to study about hemochromatosis. A few decades later, Dr. Friedrich Daniel von Recklinghausen studied more about disease and gave it its name. It was earlier called “bronze diabetes”, due to its symptoms.

However, there are other symptoms of hemochromatosis, and it is a challenge for doctors to know which of the organs are showing symptoms of iron overload. This disease can cause different kinds of organ malfunction, and if undetected, can eventually cause organ failure. Despite the fact that there is really no cure for hemochromatosis, there is a way to keep iron levels normal for those people living with the disease.

Since hemochromatosis is a disease related to the blood, the most common cure for it is phlebotomy, or bloodletting. For most patients, phlebotomy sessions once or twice a week are done to normalize the iron levels in the blood. The sessions continue for maintenance purposes, mostly once or twice a year, since the patient’s body is made to absorb excess iron and there is nothing doctors can do about it.
The presence of the C282Y gene causes hemochromatosis, and this disease is genetic. Despite the fact that there is no cure for hemochromatosis, phlebotomy can save the patients’ lives. By drawing blood from the patients, iron levels can be kept at bay, keeping the patients safe from any damage that can be caused by excess iron.

Phlebotomy is an important procedure that can help save lives. There is always a demand for phlebotomists, and if you are looking for a job while helping save people’s lives, then the career of a trained phlebotomist is for you. You just need a high school diploma, courage and the willingness to work in the field of medicine. In as short as four months, you can start on your career in the field of medicine. Not only would you have a stable job, you’ll also get to do something worthwhile and very important.


About the author: 

Marissa Olson is a writer and an educator. She writes for Phlebotomy Training Group, a leading website for phlebotomy training and certification resources in the United States.
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Drug testing kits have become commonplace in employment processes across organizations around the world. There are various types of drug testing kits available, many of them in four to 12-panel kits. Many of these tests have been perfected to such an extent that they not only provide laboratory-level accuracy but can also detect attempts to bypass or cheat these tests. For instance, urine tests can often be bypasses by drinks, pills, or even bleach, but modern drug testing kits can detect when such attempts are made. Given below are some popular types of drug testing kits:




a. Urine drug testing kits
These are the most common types of drug testing kits, and they are favored more because of their ease of use and high level of accuracy. An adulterant test is often used in conjunction with the urine testing kit to increase its accuracy and get faster readings. Most modern urine testing kits can detect 10 popular drugs, and they can be used at home, for work, or in drug rehab courses.


b. Saliva drug testing kits 
Saliva testing kits are also quite popular as home drug testing kits. In this case, there is no need for an adulterant test since it is difficult to manipulate saliva samples. They are used best to detect if drugs have been used in last 24-72 hours. After 72 hours, the accuracy of saliva drug testing kits is not reliable.


c. Blood drug testing kits 
This test is more common when seeing if a person is currently under the influence of alcohol or some drug. They may be used after accidents, during roadside sobriety tests, and even in some random workplace tests that are conducted by many organizations. Since they are meant to test for current influence, the test results generally read position only if alcohol or some other drug has been used in the last 12 hours. As a result, these kits are not used to check the drug history of a person.




Advantages of using drug testing kits


a. Quick results
With quick drug testing kits, there is no need to send samples to the laboratory for testing. The results are seen within a matter of minutes, and there is a smaller chance of tampering or loss of the sample during transit to the laboratory.


b. Better safety
Individuals who are impaired by drugs or alcohol are a safety risk to themselves as well as to their coworkers and the general public. They can be especially dangerous when their work involves safety-critical functions, like train driver, air traffic controllers, pilots, etc.


c. Better employee and public welfare 
These drug testing kits can promptly detect drug or alcohol abuse issues, which in turn can promote attempts to improve the health and welfare of the individuals who have such problems. They can be encouraged to get professional help by their employers or from their family, and their efforts to address their substance abuse issues can be supported.


"The lower back is more susceptible to pain than any other part of the back. Here are the best exercises to help you relieve lower back pain."



ResultsGymAerobicsTeam.AOF.6F.NW.WDC.13sep08
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Men and women both feel the effects of growing older and nothing reminds you of your vulnerability faster than moderate to severe lower back pain. These pains can have devastating effects on day to to day living and can cut down on your ability to perform household chores, go out, or even participate in family activities. Whatever the nature of your injury, research has shown that by performing low back exercises, you can lower the severity of the pain and restore strength and agility in your back musculature.


There are More General Exercises that are also Beneficial for the Lower Back

1. Aerobics,
 This drives the heart and muscles to pump more blood and promote a speedier recovery and good overall health and well-being

2. Strength building
Which focus on rebuilding back and leg muscles that have suffered injuries

3. Stretching Exercise 
Either in the form of Yoga or basic stretch exercises, can help to prevent further injury by building strength an flexibility in the joints


Now consider some low back exercises you can engage in

You can do these either at home, or find a local gym and take advantage of their space. Before doing so, make sure you clear with your physical therapist first that it is alright for you to engage in these exercises for lower back pain. 

1. Wall squats

With your back against the wall, standing, squat down until your knees are at a 90 degree angle. There should not be any complications with this exercise since your weight is supported by your legs, but still gives room for your lower back to move and adjust.

2. Yoga

The power of yoga is full extension at a moderate pace that gives your body ample time to adjust to new positions and works several new areas. 

3. Yoga ball 

Yes, it may look silly, but the give and bounce of the ball allows you to engage in more abstract positions and exercises for lower back pain without injuring yourself even further. 

4. Pelvic lifts

 in an all-four position, gyrate your pelvis bone up and down in a rhythmic bending motion. This exercise is safe and non-invasive and works the exact muscles that you need.

5. Side Bends
lying spread eagle on your back, turn your hips to one side, stretching one leg over the other without moving your shoulders. 

6. Bike 
A stationary aerobic bike for 20-30 minutes at a moderate speed and setting while keeping your spine straight will work legs and lower back in a steady, slow burn. 

Avoid low back exercises that put too much strain on your affected area. Clear any an all exercises for lower back pain with your specialist and doctor before engaging in a serious regime. If you are one of the man thousands of people afflicted with serious back pain, low back exercises can promote a faster rate of healing and improve physical strength and well-being.


Written by Tom Black who is an expert in body fitness and skin treatment through nutrition and exercise. You can check out some of his reviews at http://bodytreatmentreviews.com


Ear
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The classic description of tinnitus involves a persistent ringing or buzzing noise in the ears or head that varies in intensity and pitch. People with tinnitus have also characterized this sound as a whistling, humming, crackling or chirping noise that occurs intermittently or continuously for extended periods. In addition, the severity of a tinnitus condition has been known to increase or decrease depending on the position of the person's head, shoulders, jaw or tongue.


Causes of Tinnitus

Doctors do not consider tinnitus a disease. Instead, it is regarded as a medical condition resulting from a variety of underlying health issues, such as:


* Multiple sclerosis or other forms of neurological damage
* Prolonged ear infections
* Chronic sinusitis or allergies that promote fluid build-up in the middle ear
* Foreign objects piercing the eardrum
* Excessive production of ear wax
* Continuous exposure to loud noises 
* Zinc deficiency (zinc is an essential mineral vital to synthesizing protein in the body)


Tinnitus may also accompany hearing loss associated with aging and deterioration of the inner ear mechanisms. People over 55 commonly reporttinnitus symptoms as well as difficulty hearing sounds that possess the same range frequencies as the ringing and buzzing noises associated withtinnitus. Otolaryngologists suggest this is due to a self-regulating response initiated by neurons in the dorsal cochlear nucleus that are trying to compensate for the loss of sufficient auditory input.


Subjective Tinnitus versus Objective Tinnitus

People diagnosed with subjective tinnitus report a ringing in the ears that is not empirically detectable by the physician. Otologic disorders such as hearing loss caused by extended exposure to loud sounds, eardrum perforations, certain prescription medications or autoimmune disorders are frequent causes of subjective tinnitus.

Pulsatile tinnitus is a common form of subjective tinnitus that is ascertainable when a person "hears" the sound of his or her pulse beating in time with accompanying hissing or humming noises. Usually due to a change in blood flow turbulence close to the ear, pulsatile tinnitus may indicate the presence of an ear infection, high levels of aspirin in the body or something more serious like a carotid artery aneurysm.

Alternately, a diagnosis of objective tinnitus means that an otologist can actually perceive noises emanating from the inner ear. Objective tinnitusnoises are usually crackling or clicking noises occurring when muscles in the middle ear experience strong spasms or blood vessels are suffering an increase in blood flow pressure. Doctors can detect objective tinnitus using a stethoscope similar to the kind used to listen to the heart.

Treatments for Objective Tinnitus

Noninvasive procedures for eliminating objective tinnitus include cleaning the ear if excessive ear wax is affecting the functionality of middle ear muscles, medications to relax muscle spasms or antidepressants for people who have a dual diagnosis of depression and tinnitus. Recent studies show that it is not uncommon for depressed patients to experience intermittent tinnitus.


Invasive treatments to relieve objective tinnitus include:

* Cochlear implants
* Gamma knife radiosurgery when tumors are causing tinnitus
* Repair of congenital deformities within the middle and inner ear


Possible Treatments for Subjective Tinnitus

* Antidepressants
* Avoiding caffeine and nicotine (two primary causes of increased blood flow pressure)
* Taking zinc supplements if the person is found to have a zinc deficiency

Because the reasons behind subjective tinnitus are not as clear-cut as reasons underlying objective tinnitus, patients may have to experiment with several treatment plans while relying on a "white noise" machine to help them sleep. 

Prognosis for Tinnitus 

If a person develops tinnitus symptoms following trauma or exposure to dangerously loud noises (gunshots or explosions, for example) the condition may subside in several months but leave a certain amount of permanent hearing loss, especially if the trauma was severe enough to cause structural damage to inner ear hair cells or to the auditory vestibular nerve.
"Lower back pain is often common among men and women especially as they advance in age. Here are the top 5 exercises for the lower back that helps you keep fit."


Lumbar Spine X-Ray L4 L5 S1
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Due primarily to sitting for extended periods, lower back pain is a chronic problem. Ironically, when lower back pain strikes the last thing people feel like doing is exercising. However, back exercises for men and women both are what often help the most, as lower back exercises are critical for strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility.


Lower Back Exercises for Flexibility



Upward-Facing Lower Back Stretches
Lying flat on the floor or a bench and facing the ceiling, the legs and arms are brought upwards. The hands are paced behind the knees and the knees are pulled in, gently, with the arms towards the chest. The position is held for 15- to 20-seconds and released. Exercise is repeated three times.

Downward-Facing Lower Back Stretches

Lying face down and keeping the chin touching the floor or bench, the legs are raised upwards as far as possible, behind the back. The position is held for 15- to 20-seconds and released. Exercise is repeated three times. 



Lower Back Exercises for Strength


Back Extension
One of the best overall strength training back exercises for men and women is the back extension. Lying flat on a bench facing upwards the upper torso is positioned to hang over the edge of the bench just below the small of the back. With the legs hanging over the sides of the bench and the toes tucked up against the bottom of the bench, the body is lowered down as far as is comfortable and then raised to the starting position, even with the bench, for 8- to 12-repetitons for three sets.

Dumbbell Squats


Standing upright a dumbbell is held in each hand with arms hanging downward, next to the sides. 
The lower back is bent forward while bending the knees until the upper legs reach a 45-degree angle. The legs and back are then straightened to the starting position. Exercise is repeated for 8- to 12-repetitons for three sets.


Sit-ups

Also known as the core muscles, the main function of the abdominal muscles is to stabilize the midsection of the body, including the lower back. As such strengthening the abdominals is by doing sit-ups is by far one of the best back exercises for men and women.

Lying flat on the floor with the legs bent at the knees and toes tucked under a heavy object, such as a bed or dresser, the upper body is raised to a 45-degree angle and then lowered back to the staring position, stopping just short of the back touching the floor. The exercise is repeated 8 to 12 times without stopping. Sit-ups are best done in sets of three, with a one minute rest between sets.

To achieve maximum flexibility, lower back exercises focusing on stretching should be performed every day. For maximum results, strength training back exercises for men and women alike should be done every other day.

Written by Tom Black who is an expert in body fitness and skin treatment through nutrition and exercise. 

Many people suffer from seizures and if you ever see it happen it can be scary. Here are some tips on how to deal with a situation when someone has a seizure

Annotated Sagittal ATECO MR Venogram
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Seeing someone have a seizure can be one of the scariest things you’ll experience. This person has lost all control of their body, which has resulted in them thrusting around and shaking uncontrollably.Unfortunately, all seizures are different. Some can last for a few seconds while others can last for minutes, and if you’re not trained in how to handle a seizure, you could end up causing even more harm to the seizing individual or even to yourself.If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone is seizing, the following are ways that you can help
.

Keep calm.
The first time you see someone seize you will feel a variety of different emotions, but it’s very important that you keep calm. Not only will this ensure that you are doing everything you possibly can, but it can also help keep others calm and help make the process easier on everyone involved.

Move everything out of the way.
A seizing person does not have control of their body, and their strong thrusts can move them around a room at a quick pace. Because of this, it’s very important that you clear the area as quickly as you can of anything that can cause harm. Move chairs, toys, furniture and any other movable objects out of the way so that they don’t cause harm if the seizing person were to hit them.

Try to keep time.
Knowing how long a seizure lasts is important to doctors and other medical professionals, and if possible, you should try and keep track of how long the seizure lasts.

Do not restrain them.
Some people think that they need to hold a seizing person down, but this is not a good idea. Putting pressure on their body can cause stress and may end up doing more harm than good. Plus, you don’t want to also put yourself in danger, and trying to hold down a seizing person can mean that you get hurt in the process.

Keep everything out of their mouth.
Old urban legends talk about how seizing people can swallow their tongue, but this is untrue. Make sure that there is nothing in the mouth of a seizing person, as this can cause them to choke during the seizure. You also want to make sure that your hands are away from their mouth, as they could clamp down on your hands during the seizure and cause serious harm to you
.
Call 911.
Calmly ask someone else nearby to call 911 if possible. If not, you will have to do so while keeping a close eye on the person who is seizing. Having professional medical professionals arrive will be the best thing for the person having the seizure.

Turn them on their side.
Once the seizure has subsided, make sure to turn the person on their side. Many people experience post seizure vomiting, and you’ll want this person on their side to keep them from choking on their vomit.

Never leave them alone.
A seizing person should never be left alone. Make sure that you are always in the same area while the person is having a seizure. This can help keep harmful objects out of their way, and it will allow you to pay attention to things like time or actions that can be important for medical professionals to know.

Garrett Payne is an exercise fanatic & health expert.  He shares information on the causes of seizures and how to deal with them via blogging.

As you narrow down your search, here are some of the top considerations to make when purchasing such a device

Automatic external defibrillator
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Did you know that each year, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) kills more than 250,000 Americans? This heart condition strikes without warning and requires immediate help if the person affected by it is to survive. An increasingly common fixture in businesses and public areas is an automated external defibrillator (AED). These lifesaving devices are used when somebody collapses to help restart the electrical patterns in the heart. Because of the importance they play in this relatively common condition, you may be considering the purchase of an AED, or multiple AEDs, for your organization.
As you narrow down your search, here are some of the top considerations to make when purchasing such a device.

1. What kind of training will you and your employees receive with the device?
 There are a number of resources available where you and your staff can learn how to use one. This training is important, as it will increase the effectiveness of the device in case of an emergency. 


2.Is the instrument up to date with the most recent technological developments?
 Because of how common SCA is, manufacturers are constantly updating their technology to meet the latest innovations. This includes being lighter, easier to carry and easier to use. 


3.Who will be using your AED? 
Chances are that you do not require a sophisticated model and can purchase the most basic and easy-to-use device. This will help bystanders with little to no medical experience still use the device effectively. If you are purchasing one for a staff of people with medical backgrounds, you may want to consider getting a more complex system.
  

4.What are other customers saying about the model you are considering?
 Just like any major purchase, reading reviews can give valuable insight into what you can expect from your purchase. Do a search online or talk to other companies who have an AED to see if they have ever had to use the device, and if so, what their experience was. 


5.Do you need an AED for children?
 If you frequently have children in your place of business, you may need a device for children as well as adults. There are different models for younger children that you should look into if this is the case.

As you search through various brands and manufacturers, consider the answers to these questions to help you make the best purchasing decision for your organization because your health is the most important thing.

Samantha really enjoys writing and one of her favorite things to write about happens to be health. If you'd like to learn more about external defibrillator, please visit http://www.aedbrands.com/

Fred Carian
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Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient requires the caregiver to possess a special set of skills and a deep understanding of the disease. It can be a challenge to meet the needs of the patient as the disease progresses. Dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient on a daily basis requires patience and a caring nature. 


Communicate Clearly

When you are communicating with an Alzheimer’s patient it is important to keep it simple. Your words should be simple and keep your sentences short. Make sure your responses when you are having a conversation with the patient as well as when you are giving directions to the patient are short and clear. It is best not to argue with the patient. Alzheimer’s patients can become easily confused and upset when they are contradicted. Don’t argue or correct the patient, instead simply redirect his or her attention to a new topic. In addition, in order to keep the patient focused on what you are saying, it is important to make eye contact and minimize any potential distractions. 

Establish a Routine

Alzheimer’s patients respond best to a daily routine. This is because as the routine becomes familiar and he or she knows what to expect. As you establish a routine it is a good idea to let the patient know what is expected of him or her next. For instance, if it is time for the daily bath, tell the patient the steps you both will follow in order to accomplish the bath. This procedure takes the fear of the unknown out of the process and gives the patient something to focus his or her attention on. Among nursing home jobs, becoming a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient is one of the most challenging and one of the most rewarding jobs. 

Be Positive

Perhaps the most important requirement for working with Alzheimer’s patients is to be positive in your interactions with them. They now inhabit a confusing and sometimes frightening world due to this disease so the caregiver needs to reassure the patient with positive reinforcement. The very nature of the disease ensures that the patient will make mistakes and experience misunderstandings. It is to be expected. As a caregiver, it is your job to help the patient experience life in a safe and positive environment. Most nursing home jobs require that the caregiver possess a warm and caring nature in order to deal with patients that can sometimes be difficult.


I am a blog writer with an interest in home care jobs and opportunities. I contribute to health and medical blogs whenever I have free time.

What Low Testosterone Can Do to Your Health

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Testosterone is the hormone that we associate with when we think about men. Testosterone makes a man go through puberty. From the hair on his chest to the increase in muscle mass, testosterone is the building block of being a man. As a man gets older he relies on having a lot of testosterone pulsing through his veins to keep him bold and strong. What happens when this hormone wanes? What should we turn to when looking for a boost in testosterone levels?


What is Low Testosterone?


The upper limit of testosterone in a man’s system is around 1,100 nanograms per deciliter. When a blood test is taken, testosterone levels can be shown to be much lower. The lowest tolerance for testosterone in a man can be about 100 ng/dL.

The effects of low testosterone include:
• Drop in Bone Density
• Issues for Trying to Start a Family
• Depression
• Loss of Interest in Sex

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is that it can be hard to pinpoint. When you have yet to have a blood test you may notice signs of other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid issues.

Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Common tasks take longer
• Weight gain in the stomach area due to muscle waste
• Lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction
• Male breasts
• Osteoporosis
• Loss of interest in issues or activities

Low testosterone can leave you feeling the blues. You may become more sedentary because your desire and recovery time when exercising is causing you to choose not to exercise. When you are not getting enough activity, the results are feeling depressed, weight gain and fatigue. Your world is no longer what you want it to be. Low testosterone has caused you to withdraw from being the man you were or that you want to be.


Treatments for Those with Low Testosterone


Thankfully you do not have to adapt to having these blue feelings. There are many testosterone boosters on the market today.

Testosterone supplements work to provide more testosterone by encouraging your own body to produce more testosterone. Many supplements are based off of herbal remedies such as zinc or magnesium.

Testosterone injections are often used as testosterone boosters for couples whose concern is trying to get pregnant. These injections are administered at intervals of a few weeks and help to increase sperm production.

For men looking to fight the feeling and effects of low testosterone on a daily basis a gel or patch is a solution. These boosters are applied directly to the skin. With this method testosterone levels are regulated so that you can get back to feeling like yourself.
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Stephen Craig is a regular guest blogger that has been published on many online publications.



DIC With Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia
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Thrombocytopenia- Causes , Symptoms And Treatment

Would you like to know the reason why you have low platelet counts in your blood?  This is article that you are looking for.  We will try to give you all that we can about the condition and how you can deal with 
it properly without further complications in the future.  However, let us first concentrate on the meaning of the word thrombocytopenia.

Definition of Terms


This condition refers to a significant decrease in blood platelets.  A normal individual has platelets of about 450,000 platelets per micro-liter.  This is why any decrease in the amount of blood platelets may result to this condition in the future.  There are a few symptoms that you should watch out for when it comes to this condition as follows.


Signs and Symptoms


Below is a list of symptoms that you should keep in mind if ever you suspect yourself of having this condition in the future.
  • Bruising
  • Hemorrhages on the skin as well as the mucous membranes
  • Nose and gum bleeding
  • Fatigue
It is important that you contact your Physician right away if you experience any of the symptoms because a full medical history is needed to determine if you do have this condition. Thrombocytopenia may only be determined by blood work and further testing.


Additional Information


Further testing will ensure that the condition is not caused by any secondary infection in the blood.  It is also important to make sure that the number of red and white blood cells are not decreased due to infection.
Furthermore, discoloration is also present whenever you have Thrombocytopenia.  They may be purple, blue or yellow green bruises.  In addition to this, they can appear anywhere in the body.


Major Causes

Thrombocytopenia can be caused by a number of reasons as follows.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Liver failure
  • Leukemia
  • Steps as or any other types of bacterial or viral infection
  • It can also be drug related
  • Human immunodeficiency virus
For this reason, it is important for you to find out everything that you can about your medical history so that you would be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your disease with the help of your Physician.



Possible Treatment Methods


You do not have to worry because of this condition is treatable.  There are various medications that doctors recommend in order for you to be treated of the disease.  Here are some of the recommended drugs for the condition.
  • Corticosteroids
  • Folate
  • Blood transfusion
In addition to this, specific types of treatment depend on the severity of the condition.  The treatment of underlying related conditions can also be a solution to your problem with regards the disease.  If Thrombocytopenia is found to be caused by any type of drugs, stopping the intake of these drugs will help treat the disease effectively.
For this reason, it is important for you to get to know the root cause of the disease so that you would be able to find out how you can treat it effectively without further complications.  Knowing what you are going up against will help you fight it effectively in the future. 


Shan is an accomplished writer and blogger. His blog Healthresource4u.com talks about different health related topics. He loves to write about women’s fitness related topic like hymen, yeast Infection in women etc.

Pleural biopsy

Pleural biopsy is a medical procedure that pleural fluid contains exudate and other procedures for example thoracocentasis has failed to reveal the cause of pleural effusion.Biopsy is taken from the pleura and it is usually performed when the doctor is suspecting malignancy.

INDICATIONS

Pleural biopsy is indicated in the following condition:
* Pleural effusion with exudate
* Suspected pleural malignancy
* Tuberculosis
* Sarcoidosis
* Systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE)

CONTAINDICATIONS

Pleural biopsy is not performed in patients with coagulopathy or anticoagulation, empyema and low volume pleural effusion.It should not be done without the consent of the patient.

EQUIPMENTS

Set up the bedside trolley before starting the procedure.The equipemnts used in the pleural biopsy are as follows:
* Sterile gloves
* Sterile drapes
* Pink prep solution (2% Chlorexidine in isopropyl alcohol)
* Local anesthetic (2% xylocaine)
* Scalpel ( 11 number)
* Cope needle or Abram's needle
* 50 cc syringe

PROCEDURE

1-Place the patient sitting upright and leaning forward on the table at an angle of 45 degree.
2-Place sterile drape on the patient.
3-Clean the skin with antiseptic solution (pink prep solution).
4-Introduce local anesthetic in the skin.
5-Make an incision through the ribs large enough for entering the cope needle.
6-With the stylet, enter the cope needle (attached with 50 cc needle) over the top of the lower rib into the pleural space.You will feel a 'give' when needle will enter the pleural space.
7-Ask your patient to say 'ooooh' for deep expiration.
8-In the meantime, remove the stylet and inner tube simultaneously.
9-Withdraw the needle carefully, angling it so that the side aperture snags the pleura.Obtain the sample by moving the inner cannula forward and twisting it.
10-Take the sample from the needle attached to the syringe.
11-Place samples in 10% formalin for histology and in saline for culture and immunofluorescence.
12-Apply pressure bandage to the area after completion of the procedure.

COMPLICATIONS

A number of complications may arise due to pleural biopsy.They are as follows:
* Hemorrhage
* Empyema
*Pneumothorax
* Hemothorax
* Skin swelling over chest (due to extravasation of pleural fluid)
* Tumor seeding


PATIENTS EDUCATION

Explain the procedure and its possible complications to the patient.Tell the patient to report immediately in case of any complication.Take the consent of the patient before performing the procedure.