New Treatment May Kill Head Lice -- Fast

By Denise Mann

WebMD Health News


Parents dread getting the call or the memo in a child’s backpack: the one telling you that your child or one of his or her classmates has head lice. Now, there's a new option in pharmacies that might just make that note less dreadful.

The prescription lotion Sklice (ivermectin) may safely knock out head lice in one 10-minute, comb-free treatment, according to a new study supported by Sklice manufacturer Topaz Pharmaceuticals, now Sanofi Pasteur. The findings appears in New England Journal of Medicine.

“Head lice infestation is something that has a huge social stigma and can be quite rampant, particularly when school starts in the fall,” says researcher David M. Pariser, MD. He is a dermatologist of Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk.

There are a number of lice treatments available today, including off-the-shelf or prescription lotions or shampoos. But they kill lice, not their eggs (nits). So, it may be necessary to repeat the treatments to get rid of newly hatched lice.

There are also salons and services that come to your home and do all the dirty work for you.

Many Lice Treatments Not All That Effective

These treatments work about 50% of the time, Pariser says. This means that they are repeated frequently, which adds to the risk of resistance.

“Ivermectin is a one-time, one-application treatment that leaves the hair nice when you are done so it is not all goopy and messy.” The lotion is available by prescription and can cost up to $300 if it is not covered by insurance, he says.

There were few side effects seen in the study -- namely redness and itching. Also, the study doesn’t compare Sklice to other available treatments.

Of 765 people aged 6 months and older with lice, those who used the new lotion were more likely to be louse-free by day 2, day 8, and day 15 than their counterparts who used the exact same lotion minus the active ingredient. “You need to have a treatment discussion with your doctor,” Pariser says.

In an accompanying editorial, two French dermatologists write that the new lotion should be the last choice unless and until there are studies comparing it with existing treatments. They suggest following the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2010. These state that off-the-shelf products such as permethrin (like Nix) or pyrethrins (like A-200, Clear Lice System, Pronto, R & C, and Rid) should be tried first.

Sklice

Michele Green, MD, is a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and a mother. She is excited about the new lice treatment option. “Lice are a huge problem that nobody wants to talk about and resistance is scary,” she says. “If my kids get lice this year, this is what I will use as the first line.”

Ana Duarte, MD, agrees. She is director of pediatric dermatology at Miami Children's Hospital.

The new treatment “shows a lot of promise and it is exciting to have another option,” she says. Regardless of which treatment you choose, “if someone in your family gets lice, everyone needs to be treated and everything needs to be washed,” Duarte says.

Also, clothing, bedding, and towels should be machine washed in hot water (130 F) and machine dried at a high heat setting. Clothes or other items that can’t be washed can be dry cleaned or stored in a sealed, plastic bag for two weeks. Combs and brushes can be disinfected by soaking in hot water (at least 130 F) for 5-10 minutes.

Indigestion - Treatment

Treatment for indigestion (dyspepsia) will vary depending on what is causing it and how severe your symptoms are.
If you have been diagnosed with an underlying health condition, you may want to read our information on treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and treating a peptic ulcer.

Diet and lifestyle changes

If you have indigestion only occasionally with mild pain and discomfort, you may not need to see your GP for treatment. It may be possible to ease your symptoms by making a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, summarised below.

Healthy weight

Being overweight puts more pressure on your stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to be pushed back up into your oesophagus (gullet). This is known as acid reflux, and is one of the most common causes of indigestion.
If you are overweight or obese, it is important to lose weight safely and steadily through regular exercise and by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Read advice on losing weight.


Stop smoking

If you smoke, the chemicals you inhale in cigarette smoke may contribute to your indigestion. These chemicals can cause the ring of muscle that separates your oesophagus (gullet) from your stomach to relax. This allows stomach acid to leak back up into your oesophagus more easily (acid reflux).
Read more about quitting smoking and speak to your GP or pharmacist. You can also call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 022 4332.

Diet and alcohol

Make a note of any particular food or drink that seems to make your indigestion worse and avoid these if possible. This may mean:

• eating less rich, spicy and fatty foods
• cutting down on drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola
• avoiding or cutting down on alcohol

At bedtime

If you tend to experience indigestion symptoms at night, avoid eating for three to four hours before you go to bed. Going to bed with a full stomach means there is an increased risk that acid in your stomach will be forced up into your oesophagus while you are lying down.

When you go to bed, use a couple of pillows to prop your head and shoulders up, or raise the head of your bed by a few inches by putting something underneath the mattress. The slight slope that is created should help to prevent stomach acid moving up into your oesophagus while you are asleep.

Changing current medication

Your GP may recommend making changes to your current medication if they think it could be contributing to your indigestion.

As long as it is safe to do so, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Where possible, your GP will prescribe an alternative medication that will not cause indigestion. However, never stop taking any medication without consulting your GP first.

Immediate indigestion relief

If you have indigestion that requires immediate relief, your GP can advise you about the best way to treat this. As well as lifestyle changes and reviewing your current medication, your GP may prescribe or recommend:

• antacid medicines
• alginates

These are described in more detail below.

Antacids

Antacids are a type of medicine that can provide immediate relief for mild to moderate symptoms of indigestion. They work by neutralising the acid in your stomach (making it less acidic), so that it no longer irritates the lining of your digestive system.

Antacids are available in tablet and liquid form. You can buy them over the counter from most pharmacies without a prescription.

The effect of an antacid only lasts for a few hours at a time, so you may need to take more than one dose. Always follow the instructions on the packet to ensure you do not take too much.

It is best to take antacids when you are expecting symptoms of indigestion or when they start to occur, such as:

• after meals
• at bedtime

This is because antacids stay in your stomach for longer at these times and have more time to work. For example, if you take an antacid at the same time as eating a meal, it can work for up to three hours. In comparison, if you take an antacid on an empty stomach, it may only work for 20 to 60 minutes.

Read more about antacids, including possible interactions with other medicines and side effects.

Alginates

Some antacids also contain a medicine called an alginate. This helps relieve indigestion caused by acid reflux.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid leaks back up into your oesophagus and irritates its lining. Alginates form a foam barrier that floats on the surface of your stomach contents, keeping stomach acid in your stomach and away from your oesophagus.

Your GP may suggest that you take an antacid that contains an alginate if you experience symptoms of acid reflux or if you have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Take antacids containing alginates after eating, because this helps the medicine stay in your stomach for longer. If you take alginates on an empty stomach, they will leave your stomach too quickly to be effective.

Treating persistent indigestion

If you have indigestion that is persistent or recurring, treatment with antacids and alginates may not be effective enough to control your symptoms. Your GP may prescribe a different type of medication, which will be prescribed at the lowest possible dose to control your symptoms. Possible medications include:

• proton pump inhibitors
• H2-receptor antagonists
• prokinetics

These are described in more detail below. Your GP may also test you for the Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacteria (see Indigestion - diagnosis) and prescribe treatment for this if necessary.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs inhibit the acid produced in your stomach.

The medication is taken as tablets and is generally only available with a prescription. If you are over 18, you can buy some types of PPIs over the counter in pharmacies, but these should only be used for short-term treatment. If your ingestion is persistent, see your GP.

PPIs may enhance the effect of certain medicines. If you are prescribed a PPI your progress will be monitored if you are also taking other medicines such as:

• warfarin, a medicine that stops the blood clotting
• phenytoin, a medicine to treat epilepsy

If your GP refers you for an endoscopy (a procedure that allows a surgeon to see inside your abdomen), you will need to stop taking a PPI at least 14 days before the procedure. This is because PPIs can hide some of the problems that would otherwise be spotted during the endoscopy.

In some cases, PPIs can cause side effects. However, they are usually mild and reversible. These side effects may include:

• headaches
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting
• flatulence (wind)
• stomach pain
• dizziness
• skin rashes

H2-receptor antagonists

H2-receptor antagonists are another type of medication that your GP may suggest if antacids, alginates and PPIs have not been effective in controlling your indigestion. There are four H2-receptor antagonists:

• cimetidine 
• famotidine 
• nizatidine 
• ranitidine 

These medicines work by lowering the acidity level in your stomach. Click on the above links for more information on these drugs.

Your GP may prescribe any one of these four H2-receptor antagonists, although famotidine and ranitidine are available to buy over the counter in pharmacies. H2-receptor antagonists are taken either in tablet or liquid form.

As with PPIs, you will need to stop taking H2-receptor antagonists at least 14 days before having an endoscopy. This is because they can hide some of the problems that could otherwise be spotted during the endoscopy.

Prokinetics

If you are still experiencing symptoms of indigestion after taking antacids, alginates and PPIs, your GP may suggest a medicine known as a prokinetic.

There are two types of prokinetics available:

• domperidone 
• metoclopramide 

Click on the above links for more information on these medicines.

Domperidone and metoclopramide help food pass through your stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum) more quickly, so indigestion is less likely to occur.

You may be prescribed domperidone by your GP, although it is also available over the counter in pharmacies for people aged 16 or over.

Metoclopramide is only available on prescription from your GP. Both medicines can be taken in tablet or liquid form.

If you are prescribed domperidone, you will need to take it 15 to 30 minutes before a meal so it has time to work before your symptoms of indigestion start.

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection

If your indigestion symptoms are caused by an infection with H pylori bacteria, you will need to have treatment to clear the infection from your stomach. This should help relieve your indigestion because the H pylori bacteria will no longer be increasing the amount of acid in your stomach.

H pylori infection is usually treated using triple therapy (treatment with three different medications). Your GP will prescribe a course of treatment containing:

• two different antibiotics (medicines to treat infections that are caused by bacteria)
• a PPI

You will need to take these medicines twice a day for seven days. You must follow the dosage instructions closely to ensure that the triple therapy is effective.

In up to 85% of cases, one course of triple therapy is effective in clearing an H pylori infection. However, you may need to have more than one course of treatment if it does not clear the infection the first time.

12 Ways to Improve Back Pain

By Carolyn Sayre
WebMD Feature


Like the nearly 80% of Americans who will experience a back problem during their lifetime, Beverly Hayes suffers from back pain. For many, the injury is triggered by a strenuous activity, like gardening or weight lifting. Others simply bend down to pick up a pencil and their back gives out.

“It felt like a screwdriver was piercing through by bones,” the 46-year-old Chicago artist says about the pain that developed shortly after she ran a half-marathon. “It took over my life. I couldn’t bend down or sleep — I was petrified I would never feel normal again.”  


Mary Ann Wilmarth PT, DPT, OCS, a spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association and chief of physical therapy at Harvard University, says it is critical that people address any back pain or injury right away. “Early intervention can help prevent a chronic problem from developing and obviate the need for medication and surgery,” she says.

Thanks to a combination of activity, core strengthening exercises, and physical therapy, Hayes says her symptoms have improved dramatically over the last year. Here are 12 ways to help alleviate back pain:

1. Limit Bed Rest

It may seem counterintuitive, but studies show that people with acute low-back pain who rest have more pain and are less able to perform daily tasks than those who stay active.

“Patients should avoid more than three days of bed rest,” says Mike Flippin, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in back and spine care at San Diego Medical Center. “I encourage my patients to get moving as quickly as possible.”


2. Keep Exercising

Activity is often the best medicine for back pain. “Simple exercises like walking can be very helpful,” Wilmarth says. “It gets people out of a sitting posture and puts the body in a neutral, upright position.”

But remember to move in moderation, Flippin says. “Stay away from strenuous activities like gardening and avoid whatever motion caused the pain in the first place.”

3. Maintain Good Posture

The pain may have started after a long workout at the gym, but the strain that caused it has probably been building for years. Wilmarth says most people perform their daily activities with poor posture, putting unnecessary strain on their back.

“Little things add up,” she says. “You can increase the pressure on your back by 50% simply by leaning over the sink incorrectly to brush your teeth. Keeping the right amount of curvature in the back takes pressure off the nerves and will reduce back pain.”

4. See a Specialist

Developing an individualized exercise plan is essential to managing chronic back pain, says D. Scott Davis, PT, MS, EdD, OCS, an orthopaedic physical therapist and associate professor at West Virginia University.

“There is no magic aspirin that addresses lower back pain in everyone,” Davis says. “Some patients need more core strengthening while others benefit mainly from stretching and improving flexibility. Find a physical therapist, exercise physiologist, or chiropractor who specializes in back care. They will match you with the right exercise plan.”


5. Strengthen Your Core

Most people with chronic back pain would benefit from stronger abdominal muscles.

“The torso is a combination of many muscle groups working together,” Frank B. Wyatt, EdD, professor of exercise physiology at Missouri Western State University, tells WebMD in an email. “If the abdominals are weak, other areas must pick up the slack. When we strengthen the abdominals, it often reduces the strain on the lower back.”

6. Improve Flexibility

Too much tension and tightness can cause back pain. "Our goal in increasing flexibility is to put an equal load throughout the body from the feet all the way up to the head,” Davis says. “One good exercise is to sit on the edge of the bed with one leg extended and the other one on the floor. Give your hamstrings a stretch by leaning forward while keeping your back in a neutral position.”

7. Ditch the Brace

It’s tempting to baby your back muscles, but Davis says braces should be used sparingly. “Braces are helpful for strenuous activities, like heavy lifting, but only keep them on for 15 minutes at a time,” he says. “If you wear a brace all day, the muscles — which should be providing stability — atrophy and you will have less core strength.”

8. Apply Ice and Heat

Heating pads and cold packs can comfort tender trunks. Most doctors recommend using ice for the first 48 hours after an acute injury -- particularly if there is swelling — and then switching to heat.

But "it is difficult to say if ice or heat is more beneficial,” Flippin says. “I recommend that patients use whichever they find comforting as long as their skin is protected.”

9. Sleep the Right Way

The amount of rest you get is important, and so is the position you get it in. “Sleeping in a bad position or on a mattress without support can cause back pain,” Wilmarth says.


10. Quit Smoking

Lighting up doesn’t just damage your lungs; it can also hurt your back.

A study recently published in the American Journal of Medicine found that current and former smokers are more likely to have back pain when compared with people who have never smoked. 

“Nicotine causes the small blood vessels to constrict and decreases the delivery of blood to the soft tissue,” Flippin says. “I tell all my patients that quitting smoking could help alleviate their back pain.”

11. Try Talk Therapy

Back pain is often associated with underlying psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, says Alex Moroz, MD, associate professor of rehabilitation medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center.

“Your emotional state colors the perception of pain,” Moroz says. “Therapy can be a helpful part of rehabilitation.”


12. Use Relaxation Techniques

Research shows that practices such as meditation, deep breathing, tai chi, and yoga, which help put the mind at rest, can do wonders for the back.

“If you can induce a relaxation response, it will help reduce the perceived pain level," Moroz says.

6 Natural Cures for Dry Skin

By AMY AHLBERG
Rodale.com


Parched lips, flaky skin and flyaway, staticky hair -- we can thank winter's lower humidity, and the central heating, space heaters and fireplaces we use to counteract it, for a whole host of cold-weather beauty woes.

To keep your skin and hair from bumming you out all winter, try these natural skin care treatments from Ilona Pecnikov, director of esthetics at the New York City spa Just Calm Down, and Julie Gabriel, owner of skin care line Petite Marie Organics and author of The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skincare, Hair Care, Makeup and Fragrances (HCI, 2008). You'll be soft and silky in no time.

Dab on Olive Oil

When it comes to strategies for natural dry skin care, Gabriel swears by olive oil, an amazing multitasker. It instantly grooms dry cuticles, works wonders on hands and elbows, removes makeup, and soothes and conditions itchy, dry skin all over the body. "When your skin feels extra parched, you can dab a thin layer of organic extra-virgin olive oil under your moisturizer for an extra dose of antioxidants and good fatty acids," adds Gabriel.

The Truth About Natural Foods

Exfoliate With Yogurt, Papaya or Pumpkin

You can find plenty of options for natural dry skin care in your kitchen, or in the produce and diary aisles of your supermarket. Yogurt, especially the plain Greek variety, makes an excellent cleanser with a mild exfoliating action that will remove dry skin and leave you feeling refreshed and comfortable. Gabriel says it's a particularly safe exfoliant for very dry skin because it exfoliates using lactic acid, not scrubbing granules.

To add some oomph, try making Pecnikov's Greek Yogurt and Papaya Enzyme Conditioning Mask for Face & Décolleté: Mix ½ cup of Greek yogurt with 3 tablespoons of mashed-up papaya, and apply to skin.


Pumpkin enzymes are at play in her Pumpkin & Cinnamon Mask for Face and Body: mix one can of pumpkin and a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

Leave either mask on face or body for 5 to 15 minutes.

Or treat your extremities to her Three Berry Antioxidant Hand and Foot Mask: Mix 3/4 cup each of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with ½ cup kefir in blender. Drink any leftovers!

Make a Homemade Skin Scrub

Economical and effective, a combo of sugar and any oil you may have around the kitchen makes a rich, nourishing body scrub for dry skin, according to Gabriel.

Simply mix equal amounts of fine brown sugar and oil, and rub on using light circular motions.

For an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, add a tablespoon of honey. Pecnikov adds lemon juice to her recipe.

Make sure to shower thoroughly afterwards!

Harvest the Healing Power of Honey

Honey is a time-tested cure for chapped, cracked lips, according to Gabriel.

Apply a little organic honey in the evening and wake up to smooth, yummy lips. This trick also works to soothe cracked heels and rough elbows.

Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn

from: WebMD

Heartburn is very common -- and very unpleasant. It's triggered when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It makes you feel as though someone has lit a small bonfire in your chest, and it's burning its way up to your neck.

You're probably well aware that medications can help calm the burn, but natural heartburn remedies and lifestyle changes may be another way to get some much-needed relief.


One commonly used "natural" heartburn remedy is calcium. It's also the active ingredient in most over-the-counter antacids.

If you find yourself popping antacids like candy and you're having heartburn more than a couple of times a week, it's time to see the doctor. You may have a condition called GERD -- gastroesophageal reflux disease. Frequent heartburn can lead to long-term problems --3 even cancer. But stopping the acid reflux can help prevent complications down the road.

Here is a rundown of some other commonly used home remedies for heartburn, and the evidence on whether they work.

Do Herbal Heartburn Remedies Work?

There isn't much research into herbal remedies for heartburn. Most of the research has centered on a product called Iberogast. It is made with many different herbs, including:

• Angelica
• Caraway
• Clown's mustard plant
• German chamomile
• Greater celandine
• Lemon balm
• Licorice
• Milk thistle
• Peppermint

Studies have shown that Iberogast reduces acid reflux, stomach pain, cramping, and nausea. It's not clear, however, which herb in the mix relieves symptoms. Plus, peppermint oil can actually worsen heartburn, so it's not a good idea to take it if you have GERD.

Are There Any Other Natural Treatments for Heartburn?

One study showed that a dietary supplement containing a combination of melatonin, l-tryptophan, vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid relieved GERD symptoms even better than the heartburn drug Prilosec. A number of other studies have shown that melatonin alone helps protect the digestive tract.

Before you decide to take any herbal remedy or supplement, check with your doctor. Some supplements can have side effects or can interact with medications you're already taking.

Can Drinking Milk Help My Heartburn?

You may have heard that drinking a glass of milk can relieve heartburn. While it's true that milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid, nutrients in milk, particularly fat, will stimulate the stomach to produce more acid. Even though milk might not be a great heartburn remedy, it's a rich source of bone-building calcium. Try fat-free skim milk and don't overdo it. Drink no more than 8 ounces of skim milk at a time -- as a snack in between meals. Overfilling the stomach may increase heartburn.

Is Chewing Gum an Effective Way to Get Heartburn Relief?

It may sound strange, but gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is an acid buffer. Plus, chewing gum makes you swallow more often, which pushes those nasty acids back out of your esophagus. When you pick a pack of gum, just make sure it's sugar-free so you also protect your teeth.


Finding Heartburn Relief at Home

A few simple strategies can help soothe the burn of heartburn:

• Watch what you eat. Avoid specific foods that trigger your heartburn, but also watch out for peppermint, caffeine, sodas, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, onions, and high-fat foods. Eat more fiber to keep your digestive tract moving and healthy. Also reduce your portion sizes. Try eating five or six small meals a day, rather than three big ones. Eating too much at once is a big heartburn trigger.
• Watch when you eat. Push away the plate at least two or three hours before bedtime so your stomach has a chance to empty before you lie down.
• Watch how you eat. Eat slowly, taking smaller bites.
• Lose weight . Excess abdominal fat can press against the stomach, forcing acids up into the esophagus. Follow a diet and exercise program to shed extra pounds.
• Keep a diary. Write down what you've eaten and when your heartburn symptoms occur so you can pinpoint which foods are your triggers and avoid them.
• Toss the cigarettes. Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of the muscle that keeps acids in the stomach. For this, and so many other health reasons, it's always the perfect time to quit.
• Loosen your belt. Ditch the skin-tight jeans. Tight clothes put added pressure on the abdomen.
• Tilt up. Put wood blocks under your bed to raise the head about 6 inches. Don't bother raising your pillows, though -- it's not effective for heartburn.
• Work it out. Exercise may protect against the acid reflux that leads to heartburn.

Hangover Cures

Alcohol is a diuretic (meaning it removes fluids from the body), so drinking excessively can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is what causes many of the symptoms of a hangover.
Alcohol can upset your stomach and give you a bad night’s sleep. You may still have some alcohol in your system the next morning.

Cure myth
Hangover cures are generally a myth. There are no cures for a hangover. There are tips for avoiding hangovers and for easing the symptoms if you have one. The best way to avoid a hangover is not to drink. If you decide to drink, do it sensibly and within the recommended limits.

To minimise the risk of future serious health problems, men shouldn't regularly drink more than three to four units a day. Women shouldn't regularly drink more than two to three units a day.
To avoid a hangover, don't drink more than you know your body can cope with. If you're not sure how much that is, be careful.


Know your units
Adding up your units can be tricky at first, but once you know how many units a drink contains, you can keep track of what you’re consuming. Find out what a unit is on the desktop alcohol tracker, which is also available as an iPhone app.

You may be surprised. A large glass of wine, for instance, contains around three units. In one evening, that can quickly add up to a lot more than you intended to drink. Here are some examples:

• a can of standard lager, beer or bitter – 1.8 units 
• a pint of standard lager, beer or bitter – 2.3 units
• a small glass of wine (125ml) – 1.5 units
• a large glass of wine (250ml) – 3 units 
• a measure of spirits (25ml) – 1 unit  

Follow these tips to keep hangovers away:

• Don't drink on an empty stomach. Before you go out, have a meal that includes carbohydrates (such as pasta or rice) or fats. The food will help slow down the body’s absorption of alcohol.
• Don't drink dark-coloured drinks if you've found that you're sensitive to them. They contain natural chemicals called congeners (impurities), which irritate blood vessels and tissue in the brain and can make a hangover worse.
• Drink water or non-fizzy soft drinks in between each alcoholic drink. Carbonated (fizzy) drinks speed up the absorption of alcohol into your system.
• Drink a pint or so of water before you go to sleep. Keep a glass of water by the bed to sip if you wake up during the night.

The morning after
If you wake up the next morning feeling terrible, you probably didn't follow this advice. Although there are no real cures for hangovers, there are ways to ease the symptoms.

Treatment involves rehydrating the body so it can deal with the painful symptoms (though the best time to rehydrate is before going to sleep).

Over-the-counter painkillers can help with headaches and muscle cramps. Paracetamol-based remedies are usually preferable, as aspirin may further irritate the stomach and increase nausea and sickness.

Sugary foods may help you feel less trembly. In some cases, an antacid may be needed to settle your stomach first.

Bouillon soup, a thin vegetable-based broth, is a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can top-up depleted resources. Its main advantage is that it's easy for a fragile stomach to digest.

You can replace lost fluids by drinking bland liquids that are easy on the digestive system, such as water, soda water and isotonic drinks (available in most shops).

"Hair of the dog" (drinking more alcohol) does not help. Drinking in the morning is a risky habit, and you may simply be delaying the appearance of symptoms until the alcohol wears off again.

If you've had a heavy drinking session, hangover or not, doctors advise that you wait 48 hours before drinking any more alcohol, in order to give your body tissues time to recover. Sometimes, of course, a hangover makes that advice easier to follow.

Home Remedy for Low Blood Pressure

What is Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is the pressure of the blood in the arteries. It occurs when the pressure of the blood is abnormally low. Blood pressure is typically recorded as the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (time between two beats). A consistent blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower is considered low blood pressure. People with low BP may experience symptoms of dizziness or syncope (fainting) as the blood flow to the brain and other vital organs becomes insufficient.


Common Causes of Low Blood Pressure

• Dehydration (due to sweating and/or diarrhea)
• Medications (for high BP or other treatments)
• Severe infection
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Pregnancy
• Fainting

Home Remedies for Low Blood Pressure

Tip 1:

Soak 32 small raisins in a ceramic bowl full of water over night. Chew them one by one first thing in the morning. Chew well and drink the water also.

Tip 2:

Soak 7 almonds in water over night. Peel them and grind to a smooth paste. Add in a glass of milk and boil. Drink warm. 

Tip 3:

Crush 10-15 holy basil leaves (tulsi) and strain through a clean muslin cloth. Mix with 1 tsp honey. Have it the first thing in the morning.

Read more: Low Blood Pressure Home Remedy http://www.medindia.net/homeremedies/bp_low.asp#ixzz2FltLievi

6 Easy Exercises for Knee Pain Relief

Knee pain relief may be minutes-a-day away. Get strong, flexible, healthy knees with these exercises.

By RealAge


Stair Step-Ups

Place your left foot on the first step of a stairway and your hand on the wall or banister for balance. Slowly step up onto your left foot so you are standing tall on the step with your left foot, and your right foot's off the ground. Hold for a second, and then step back down off the step onto your right foot, so there's no weight on your left foot. Repeat up to 6 times. If you need to, take a short rest between steps. Reverse legs, and repeat up to 6 times.


Up and Downs

Sit in a firm, armless chair with your feet flat on the floor and your arms crossed or loose at your sides, whichever feels more balanced. Slowly stand up, using deliberate, controlled movements, until you reach your full height. Hold for a few seconds, and then slowly sit down again. Repeat this exercise for about 1 minute. A firm cushion can be placed on the chair if this move is difficult at first. Tip: Check your knees -- when going up or down, they should never move forward beyond your toes.


Leg Flexes

Sit on the floor with your legs together and stretched out in front of you. Place your hands on the floor behind you for support. Slowly bend your right knee, sliding your heel along the floor toward your butt until you feel a gentle stretch in the thigh muscles. Hold for about 5 seconds, and then slide your foot forward, straightening your leg. Rest a few seconds. Do 10 times. Reverse legs, and repeat 10 times.


Knee Rolls

Lie on your back, either on a cushy carpet or an exercise mat. Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor. Keep your arms at your sides and your eyes on the ceiling. Slowly lower both knees to the right -- trying to keep your knees together as you do this -- until you feel a gentle stretch in your thighs and lower back. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds, and then slowly lift your knees back to center. Then, lower your knees to the left side, hold, and return to center. Repeat 10 times on each side, with short rests in between.


Hip Extensions

Lie on your stomach, either on a cushy carpet or an exercise mat. Place your hands under your chin for support if you like. Look down at the floor, keep your legs and back straight, and slowly lift your right leg 3–4 inches off the floor. Try to hold the lift for a few seconds, and then slowly lower the leg. Do 5 times; switch legs and repeat. Tip: The key here is to create smooth, controlled movements.


Leg Lifts

Lie on your right side, either on a cushy carpet or an exercise mat. Use your right hand to support your head and your left hand to steady your balance. Keeping your legs straight, slowly lift your top leg straight up, as far as you comfortably can. Hold for a few seconds, and then slowly lower the leg. Do 10 times; switch sides and repeat. Slow, controlled movements will bring the most benefit.

Treatment for Hair Graying

from: http://www.prokerala.com

The naturally occurring phenomenon of hair graying may turn out to be a source of distress and despair with its premature onset. Absence of oil secretion by the glands of hair follicle harnesses premature graying. Oil secretion provides hair with required nutritional sustenance. The absence or deficiency of nutrition adds to premature graying. Also triggered by stress and strain intake of certain medicines may lead to the similar phenomena. Rather than going in for medications as preventive measures, certain home based solutions may be tried out because the ingredients used will yield no side effect.

• Avoiding junk food and food rich in calorie content can help you stay younger for a long period of time, Soft drinks, pastries and jam should be avoided in addition to oily and spicy food. Sprouts, fresh fruits and vegetables should be included in ones diet.
• Mixture of yogurt and yeast is also beneficial for doing away with premature graying; the resulting mixture needs to be applied to the grayish parts.
• As far as application of concocted mixture is concerned; an amalgam of coconut oil and curry leaves is supposed to be advantageous. The two ingredients may be boiled followed by due straining and cooling. Massaging the same gently on scalp helps to counteract undue graying.
• Clarified butter made from cow’s milk may be applied twice on scalp for obtaining the desired result.
• Mixture of gooseberry, almond and lemon juice is another of the natural homemade remedies.
• Henna an Indian herb soaked in liquor of yea may be applied as a hair pack for a period of six hours to add to the luster, shine and blackening of grey strands.

It should be borne in mind that homemade solutions help to counteract and control. They can help facilitate in favour or against the naturally occurring processes of hair fall, hair graying and that of its growth. On their own they should not be taken as curative solutions. In order to cure extreme conditions of hair fall and graying medical help should be taken.

Natural Hair Fall Treatment

from: http://www.prokerala.com

It is normal to lose hair because hair fall is backed up naturally by hair growth. Hair fall relates to a process of abnormality when loss exceeds the frequency of natural re-growth. Hair fall effecting individuals irrespective of their age and sex is indicative of serious physical malfunctioning. While a part of it may be genetic and directly proportional to ageing; illness such as Diabetes, Lupus and Cancer are also some of the responsible factors. Amongst other associated causes, hormonal changes triggered by menopause, pregnancy and malfunctioning thyroid glands; absence of healthy diet, medications catering to arthritis, hypertension and depression can also be included.

Besides the medically maneuvered ways to cater to hair loss, certain home made ways involving the adoption of bare minimum fundamental regime may be outlined

Home Remedies for Hair Fall Treatment

• First and foremost balanced diet with proper emphasis on vitamin calcium and iron may go a long way in preventing hair fall, because deficiency of protein and iron intake also contributes to hair loss. Thus a balanced diet comprising of all the essential nutrients should be insisted on.
• Hair should be washed and brushed properly. Similar importance should be given to trimming to prevent tearing of hair. Combs with wide tooth should be made use of. Split ends should be got rid of as part of trimming. Blow drying should be avoided because the heat generated is found to be damaging from the point of view of hair.
• Gentle massaging of scalp regularly, preferably with drops of warm oil contributes against hair fall.
• Washing of head with a homemade concoction consisting of vodka/ alcohol, pepper and worm water will work well to combat hair loss.
• Adding a few drops of tobacco sauce to the regularly used lather producing shampoo can also be an effective remedy for preventing hair loss.
• Some of the herbal extracts used directly in forms of juice or paste can prove to be more beneficial than their medically encapsulated forms. Paste or juice of “Bhongra” may be massaged gently on to the scalp to counteract hair falling. Paste consisting of Shana seeds with coconut or castor oil turn out as an effective option.
• In cases of baldness in patches or ‘alopecia areata’; a paste of lime seeds and black pepper may be massaged on affected areas. Scrubbing the affected areas with onion cut into half followed by application of honey may also help out.

Jet Lag Remedies that Work

from: http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com

Jet lag remedies that work... It used to be a dream for me.

But after 15 years of trial and error, and, ahem, some growing up, the dream of beating jet lag came true.

As I am writing this page I have been back in Australia for 72 hours, and over the last three days I did not experience any jet lag symptoms whatsoever. Nothing. Nada. Niente. I'm fine. Cured from jet lag for good.

If you read the introductory page about Preventing Jet Lag, then you know that in the past I suffered from jet lag badly. I also mentioned on that page that I used to do EVERYTHING wrong that you could possibly do wrong if you want to avoid jet leg.

On this page I tell you what exactly I did wrong, and how you do it right, so you too can beat jet lag.


My own jet lag remedies, tried and tested

There are two major mistakes I made, mistakes that are easily fixed. And then there is one neat trick that turns the whole program into an effective natural jet lag remedy that works.

1. Sorry, no alcohol

In my first few years of flying back between Germany and Australia, this was my biggest mistake. Back then alcohol was still flowing freely on most airlines, and I sure didn't mind a free drink! Or three or half a dozen...

These days the airlines are less generous with their alcohol. But even that glass of wine you have with dinner makes a big difference! Any alcohol is pure poison when flying.

High altitude multiplies the effect of alcohol on the body. Alcohol dehydrates you, it messes up your brain and body chemistry and it disturbs your sleep patterns. Yes, even a little bit of it will worsen your jet lag symptoms. Don't touch it! Don't touch it the evening before your flight either.

2. Sorry, no coffee, tea or coke

Coffee and tea, as well as any sodas with caffeine, also interfere with your wake/sleep patterns and body clock. On top of that caffeine is a diuretic, causing dehydration. And dehydration is your worst enemy on long haul flights!

Instead of looking to stimulants for a jet lag cure, focus on drinking lots of water.

Read through any jet leg tips anywhere, and you'll find the same advice. No alcohol, no other dehydrating drinks and no stimulants. Only drink water, water, water.

Ask the flight attendant for a whole bottle (you'll never get enough if you have to ask for every little cup full). Even better, bring your own bottle. You can't take liquids from the outside on planes, but maybe you can buy a bottle after passing security, or fill an empty bottle from a drinking fountain.

You can't drink too much on a plane. If you have to run to the toilet all the time, all the better. Moving around and keeping the blood circulating also helps with jet lag.

3. Don't resort to sleeping pills at night

Sleeping medication does not induce a natural sleep. It'll knock you out but it won't alleviate the jet lag symptoms, i.e. the groggyness and headaches, or the inability to sleep at night. Taking sleeping pills during the flight is even dangerous because it affects your circulation. Do you really want to risk a blood clot in your legs or even in your lungs?

(I am talking about standard sleeping pills here, the prescription type barbiturates etc., and also the over the counter histamin based pills. The controversial melatonin falls into a different category.

I used to take it melatonin, but while it helped me go to sleep in the evening, it didn't make me sleep through a night, and I still felt very groggy during the next days. Melatonin sure is no miracle jet lag remedy.)

4. Don't sleep during the day

This one you also find written up in all the jet lag tips: no matter how tired you are when you arrive, stay awake. Don't go to sleep until 10 or 11 pm.

Sorry, but this one I can't do. It's fine for flights with say 12-18 hours travel time. It does not work if you spend 30 - 40 hours door to door like I do.

If you can manage to stay up, great. If you don't, there's still hope.

Stay awake as long as possible, and when you have to crash, make sure you don't stay in bed for too long. Ideally you only have a nap... Just do the best you can do.

I sleep a few hours during the day, and I still sleep at night and feel great the next morning.


So far I just repeated what most people already know. Those points can't be stressed enough.
However, now we get to the jet lag remedies that you do NOT find listed in any and all list of jetlag tips...

5. Don't eat the airplane food

Do you like airplane food? Do you mainly eat it because you are starving? I only ate it because I was bored stiff...

Airplane food sucks. But that's not the main reason to avoid it. The main reason is that your digestive system has a LOT to do with setting your internal clock. That's why there is such a thing as a jet lag diet.

Jet Lag diets are specific diets that you have to start four days before departure, and you have to watch what you eat and when you eat it.

But there is no need to make things so complicated. Eat lightly on the day of departure (or the previous day if you leave early). And then just don't touch the airplane food, instead take your own food with you.

Eat as little and as lightly as possible during the flight. The ideal food to take with you is fresh fruit. Also check the special meals your airline offers. On my last flight I flew Lufthansa and they offered fruit platter as a meal option. Perfect.

If you can not take enough food, stick to the very lightest fare available. When changing planes, scour the transit area of the airport for a juice bar or a salad bar.

Be careful with the salads. They likely use ready made dressings full of chemicals and harmful fats. Not good for you digestion and not good for jet lag! Also stay away from salads with eggs, cheese, meat etc. Fresh, raw fare would be best. Just fresh fruit would be ideal.

If you feel you can't go for that long without a "decent" meal, oh well, you'll have to suffer through the jet lag then. Please do not underestimate the importance of this point!

6. My secret jet lag remedy

This last point is a neat trick that I picked up somewhere on the internet. And for me it worked.

Have a short fast! Fast, as in have nothing but water, for 16 hours before you have breakfast at the new destination. It improves sleep quality and it really helps reset the body clock.

So regardless of when you leave or when you arrive or how long you are in the air, figure out when you'll have your first breakfast at your destination. Count back 16 hours from that, and that's when you stop eating.

If you have hunger pangs, drink water. If, as recommended, you ate very lightly or fruit only in the 24 hours beforehand, you shouldn't feel too hungry.

If you do, make your choice: a few hours of being awfully hungry, or a few days of being terribly jetlagged. Which do you prefer? If you ever suffered from jetlag like I used to, it's a very easy choice.

Want to be safe? Do it again the next night. Stop eating at 4 pm.

My jet lag remedies in action on my latest flight

My flight left Munich in the evening. My last meal in Munich was a salad in the afternoon.

Lufthansa served me my requested special meal, a fresh fruit platter, for dinner and breakfast. I also had some fruit with me which I had during my stopover in Singapore. At 4 pm (note: that is 4 pm at my Australian destination), still at Singapore airport, I stopped eating.

I arrived at home in Australia at 7 am the next day and had breakfast between 8 and 9. Then I managed to stay awake for another two hours and eventually I slept. I woke up at 3 pm (set your alarm if you need to, don't get up later than 4 pm).

I had another meal wich I finished around 4 pm. After that I only had water, and I went to bed at 11 pm.

I slept like a baby until 7 am. Thas NEVER happened to me before, even with sleeping pills! I awoke without an alarm clock, fully refreshed. And I was perfectly fine, with a clear head, energetic and happy, for ALL of the next day.

Sure, I did feel that I hadn't slept much in the previous nights. But there was no leaden feeling in my legs or head, no groggyness, no headache, no jet lag symptoms whatsoever! That has NEVER happened to me before.

Try it for yourself. This natural jet lag remedy is free, simple and safe. Even if it doesn't cure your jetlag, it will still make you feel a million times better than you would on booze, coffee and a stomach full of airplane food. You can only win!

How to Cure Boils Naturally

By Kathy Love - 2006-09-23

Boils are not a pleasant topic, but it is something that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. This article will show how you can cure your boils naturally by using inexpensive natural remedies.


What is a boil?
Another name used to describe a boil is a skin abscess, but basically it's just an infection deep in the skin. I like to describe a boil as being a really big zit because that's what it looks like. Below are several different types of boils:

Cystic acne -- An abscess that forms when the oil ducts become infected or clogged. This type of boil is found mostly on the face and primarily effects teenagers.

Furuncle or carbuncle -- An abscess of the skin caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This type of boil may cause a fever or chills.

Pilonidal cyst -- This abscess is usually found in the crease of the buttocks. People who sit a lot or travel over long distances, like a truck driver, are more prone to getting this kind of boil.

Hidradenitis suppurativa -- This is when you have multiple boils that form in the arm pits and groin area and are associated with the sweat glands.

Why do we get boils?
The most common cause is believed to be clogged sweat glands or hair follicles that become infected. It is also possible for a scratch or any other break in the skin to become infected and turn into a boil. Believe it or not, an ingrown hair can cause a boil. People with compromised or suppressed immune systems are more likely to get boils. That includes people with diabetes. Medications can also suppress the immune system -- especially cortisone, prednisone, prednisolone and medications used by cancer patients.

How to cure boils naturally?
If you have been searching the Internet for information on how to cure boils, you probably found that most Websites recommend that you go to your doctor and be put on antibiotics. I think that's a bit radical when most boils can be effectively cured at home. If, however, after you have tried to cure the boil yourself, but it doesn't work, then go to your doctor immediately. Below are three natural cures you can try:

Turmeric -- Turmeric taken internally can help dissolve and heal boils in as little as three days. It has anti-inflammatory and blood purifying effects on the body. Just take one teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm water three times a day or buy turmeric in capsule form and take at least 450 mg each day. You can also make a paste out of the turmeric powder and place it directly on the boil and cover it with gauze. Be careful as turmeric can stain your skin and your clothes. The stain on your skin will go away in about two weeks.

Tea Tree Oil -- Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that is able to help in the healing of all kinds of skin problems. All you have to do is apply one drop of tea tree oil directly on the boil each morning after bathing until it's gone.

Castor Oil -- Put some Castor oil on a cotton ball and place it on the boil. You will need to secure it with gauze or a band-aid. Castor oil will draw the poison right out of the boil and can heal it in as little as two days.

There are other remedies that I did not mention as I felt the three above were the best. Some other remedies are iodine, a paste made out of baking soda or you can take an epson salts bath.


Disabled World - Disability News for all the Family: http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/cure-boils.shtml#ixzz2FbM0n0sI

Treatment for Burns

From: DrWeil

What are burns?
Burns are damage to the skin from heat, fire, radiation, sunlight, electricity or chemicals. There are three degrees of severity:

• First-degree: these are the least serious burns. They are marked by redness, and extend only into the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis.
• Second-degree: These extend into skin tissue directly below the epidermis (known as the superficial or papillary dermis) and can involve superficial blistering.
• Third-degree: These damage all layers of skin. If they cover a large proportion of the body, they can be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of burns?
First degree burns are red and painful and may cause some skin swelling. The affected skin may peel off after a day or two, and they typically heal in three to six days. Second degree burns have blisters and are painful and very swollen. The skin appears red and splotchy. These burns usually take two to three weeks to heal. Third degree burns are the most severe but are sometimes the least painful because the burn has damaged nerves in the skin. The skin itself appears white or charred. Healing is prolonged.

What are the causes of burns?
Most burns are caused by heat from fire, hot liquids or steam. Burns caused by caustic chemicals are similar to burns due to heat, while other types of burns - from radiation, too much sun and electricity - have different characteristics. Severe burns can penetrate below the skin into fat, muscle, or bone.

Following the trauma of the burn, fluid leaks into the area from blood vessels, causing swelling and pain. Burned skin is easily infected because it can no longer effectively maintain a barrier against invading organisms.

Some electrical burns can cause internal injuries - but no obvious external damage - and should be treated as a medical emergency with transport to a hospital as soon as possible.

Wash chemical burns with large amounts of water and remove any clothing that has been splashed by the chemical. Don't put anything other than water on the burn (you could set off a chemical reaction that will make matters worse). Call your doctor or 9-1-1.

What is the conventional treatment for burns?
Perform first aid for first degree burns. Immediately, immerse the burned area in cold water (don't use butter, oil, ice or ice water, all of which can worsen the damage). Cover the burn with an antibiotic ointment or aloe vera cream. If you have pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil or naproxen (Aleve).

Soak second degree burns in cool water for 15 minutes, apply an antibiotic cream and cover with a nonstick dressing (hold it in place with gauze or tape). Change the dressing daily (after making sure your hands are clean). Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, worse pain) and don't break any blisters that form. As the burn heals, it may itch. Don't scratch.

Go to the hospital immediately for more severe burns. Emergency treatment is essential to prevent dehydration and shock.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for burns?
Immediately immerse the affected part in cold water and keep it there for five to 10 minutes with brief break (There is a 20 minute critical period during which this treatment is most effective.) Then apply one of the following natural treatments of burns:

• Aloe Vera gel: The clear gel that fills the thick leaves of the succulent Aloe vera plant from Africa is a superior home remedy for burns, so useful that you ought to keep a potted aloe plant in your kitchen to have available in case of an accident. To use the fresh plant, cut off a lower leaf near the central stalk, cut off any spines along the edge, split the leaf length-wise, score the gel with the point of your knife, and apply it directly to the burn. It will soon soak into the skin and provide immediate soothing relief. Use it on sunburn, thermal burns and any areas of skin irritation or inflammation. You can buy aloe products in drugstores and health food stores, but some have too little aloe to do your skin much good. Read labels to determine the percentage of aloe gel in the formula and choose products with the most.
• Calendula tincture: This comes from a popular ornamental plant called a pot marigold (it is not a true marigold). You can buy ready to use calendula products in health food stores.
• Honey: Honey can be spectacularly effective for severe burns and is the basis of a therapy in China that has attracted much attention from doctors in the West. It is soothing, antiseptic and healing. However, I wouldn't depend on the honey from the supermarket - or the health food store - to treat your next burn. Instead, try one of the medicinal honeys. The type used in New Zealand research on honey for wound healing is known as manuka honey, and is available commercially. German physicians have been using Medihoney for treatment of persistent wounds. If you have a bad burn, be sure to get prompt medical treatment. Using honey correctly to treat a serious wound requires considerable expertise.

Be sure to get medical help for any burn that covers a large area, results in charring of skin or becomes infected.