MOTION SICKNESS

It is a very common condition that happens to people when they travel by car, train, airplane or boat. It is feeling nauseous followed by vomiting. There are few ways through which you can control motion sickness. Avoid riding in a car, train or airplane with a very full stomach. Choose a seat where you’ll feel lesser motion such as the front seat. Try not to sit with your back towards the direction of travel, avoid reading while travelling, and choose to plug in your ear buds or eat a chewing gum to avoid nausea.

RHESUS FACTOR INCOMPATIBILITY A LEADING CAUSE OF MISCARRIAGE!

Rhesus Factor is an antigen that exists on the surface of red blood cells in most people (about 85% of humans). It is also referred to as Rh Factor. People who have the Rh have “positive” (+) blood types, such as A+, O+ or B+ are said to be rhesus Factor positive,  while those who  have the Rh  “negative” (-) blood types, such as A–, O– or AB– are said to be rhesus factor negative . The “+” and “-” in front of the blood group is the Rhesus factor. Generally, we have A+, A–, B+, B–, AB+, AB–, O+ and O–. Rhesus factor is genetic in nature. It is inherited from the parents, emphatically the father.

How does Rhesus Factor cause miscarriage?

If a Rh– woman is impregnated by a man with Rh–, there wouldn’t be any problem. However, if a Rh– woman is impregnated by a man with Rh+, there would be a problem if the baby inherits Rh+ from the father . We have here what is medically called Rhesus Factor Incompatibility. The baby would obviously be Rh+. During child birth, once the baby’s Rh+ comes in contact with the woman Rh- during delivery, the antibodies are immediately activated by the woman’s body’s immune system.

The activated antibodies would see the new Rh+ as foreign body or a threat and consequently they would be at alert to attack and get rid of the foreign body. Unfortunately as such, after this particular child birth, the woman would keep having miscarriages because the activated antibodies would see subsequent Rh+ pregnancies as foreign bodies and would keep fighting and taking them off.

Women with Rh activated antibodies are said to be Rh sensitized and once these antibodies are activated , they can never be deactivated until the woman dies. Rh induced antibodies are activated in a Rh- woman by child birth, abortion, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

If a Rh– woman commits an abortion for a Rh+ man and the antibodies are activated in her system, the woman might end up childless throughout her life except if she later marries another man with with the same Rh–. The possibility of a Rh– woman finding a Rh– man is slim as about 85% of human beings are Rh+. This is a warning to our young girls who commits abortions all in the name of boyfriend-girlfriend relationships.

If you’re a woman with Rh– and your fiance is Rh+, and you haven’t committed abortion for him and you don’t want to leave him, then, you need to take note of the following:

In order to prevent the activation of the antibodies, doctors would give women in this category an injection called Rhogam during and after pregnancy to prevent spontaneous abortion due to Rhesus factor incompatibility. The injection is normally administered 28 weeks into pregnancy, 72 hours after delivery, after ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or abortion. If the injection is not administered and the antibodies are activated, they would never be deactivated again!

In many African cultures up till today, women who are so unfortunate to find themselves having serial spontaneous abortions due to Rhesus factor incompatibility are considered witches by some of their people. Some of the women would accuse their in-laws of being behind their predicament.

So, if you’re a woman with Rh– , you need to be very careful. It might be difficult for you to get a husband with a Rh– because about 85% of human beings are Rh+. So, in order not to find yourself in the aforementioned problem, put all that have been said at the back of your mind and go for genetic counselling. If you have a daughter or a sister with Rh–, counsel them on Rhesus Factor Incompatibility and the dangers lying therein.

It should also be noted that a Rh– person(man or woman) cannot receive blood donation from a Rh+ person even if they have the same blood group. The consequence of such blood transfusion is fatal. It would lead to death as the blood would clot. This is due to the incompatibility in their Rhesus factor.

Know your Rhesus factor today!

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MEDICINAL CAPACITIES OF PAW PAW LEAVES

If you don’t know the medicinal capacities of Papaya (Pawpaw leave) beyond being the leaf of a yellow fruit, then you are missing in action.   It is strange that till today, many people who have pawpaw trees in their compounds don’t know how powerful the leaf is, as an alternative cure or treatment for many ailments. Save yourself of some hospital bills please and read this.

Here are 5 Great Ailments that pawpaw leaf extract can help you fight naturally.

1. Cancer: Yes, Cancer, you heard me right.. If you are scared of cancer and you are looking for a natural shield to insure your health with, in a world full of many carcinogenic substances, then using papaya leaves will work well for you.

While the antioxidants, digestive enzymes and other nutritional factors in papaya can provide protection against developing cancer, recent research studies are showing papaya leaves may have potential as a treatment for those already suffering from the disease.

Research by Doctor Nam Dang at the University of Florida found an extract made from dried papaya leaves killed cancer cells directly and slowed the growth of tumor cells in cultures.

The leaf extract was effective against all ten different types of cancer cells tested, including liver, lung, cervix, pancreas and breast cancer cells. The anti-cancer effects were also measured to be stronger at higher doses.

It was also found that papaya leaf extract boosts the production of Th1-type cytokines that benefit your immune system.

Dr. Dang said, “Based on what I’ve seen and heard in the clinical setting, nobody who takes this extract experiences demonstratable toxicity; it seems you could take it for a long time – as long as it’s effective.” (Aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves exhibits anti-tumor activity and immunomodulatory effects – Journal of Ethnopharmacology).

There have been reports online and in some publications of people curing themselves from ‘incurable’ cancers with extracts made from papaya leaf.

One well known case, written about in local newspapers, is that of Stan Sheldon from the Gold Coast in Australia who was reported to be dying from lung cancer.

He used the liquid from papaya leaves, boiled and simmered in a pan as a homemade treatment for two months, before being tested again to find both lungs clear of any traces of cancer.

He said the disease had not reappeared several decades later and he had passed his treatment on to others, many of whom were also cured.

2. Diabetes : Papaya leaf juice can work wonders for diabetics as well..  It regulates the production of insulin, which in turn checks blood sugar levels. Its strong antioxidant nature also helps to bring down the consequent complications of diabetes like kidney damage and fatty liver. There are proven scientific researches on this. So don’t miss this for your diabetic love ones.

3. Helps Treat Skin Problems: Papaya leaf juice has a rich content of vitamin C and A, which boost skin health and give you a healthier and radiant skin. Papaya leaf juice suppresses the activity of free radicals. The presence of karpain compounds checks the growth of excess micro-organisms, and cleanses your skin of the toxins, providing protection against skin problems like pimples, freckles and acne.

4. Ulcer: Papaya leaf tea protected against gastric ulcer in a study on laboratory animals published in the September 2008 issue of the “West Indian Medical Journal.” In the study, papaya leaf extract reduced ulcer severity and showed strong antioxidant effects. Papaya leaf extract also decreased oxidized lipids and increased antioxidant activity within red blood cells. Researchers concluded from this preliminary study that papaya leaf tea shows potential for the treatment of gastric ulcer and oxidative stress on the stomach.

5. Malaria: Sure, you must be familiar with this as proven by several studies, that scientifically validated a combination of Carica papaya (paw-paw), Magnifera indica (mango),Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Psidum guajava (guava), Ocimum gratissimum (sweet basil), Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass), Azadirachta indica (neem), seeds of Citrus aurantifolia (lime), Nauclea latifolia and Morinda lucida as potent cure that produce 100 per cent elimination of malaria parasites, even drug-resistant strains, in humans. So you see why drinking crushed pawpaw leaf is cool for your health? Lol.

Now, how do you use it? See below

Wash 7 medium sized papaya leaves, cut them up roughly and place them in a saucepan with 2 liters of water.
Heat the leaves in the water until it boils and then reduce the heat right down to a mild simmer for 2 hours. By this time the liquid should be reduced by half.
Once it is reduced, allow it to cool, remove the papaya leaves, strain the liquid and drink 50 ml of the resulting concentrated papaya leaf tea.
Drinking another 50 ml twice more, for a total of 3 times a day before a meal, was the suggested dosage and timing for this natural treatment.
This homemade papaya leaf tea can be kept in the fridge in a covered glass or ceramic container (not plastic) and should last for several days, though it was recommended to discard it if it became too cloudy.

Total healing.   Remember, health is wealth.

BENEFITS OF CHARCOAL.

Charcoal is one of the most disregarded products at home. We only see the need for it when it is time to set fire for Banku.
However, if you really need first aid, charcoal is something you need to have on you all the time. You might not know this but it is one of the most medicinal products you can have at home due to its poison extraction ability.
In case you never gave it much attention, this is the time to do so. Here are 13 benefits of charcoal you never thought about.

1. Preventing_Odour*.
Does your shoe smell bad? Just get some charcoal & put it in them. Do you have any bad smell in your room? Drop some charcoal where you suspect the smell could be coming from. Does your fridge or freezer smell? Put a piece of charcoal in it. Do you have strong body odour? Just make a powder out of charcoal & use.
Charcoal is very good at getting rid of bad smell. Ever wondered why your parents always scooped out the ash from the coal pot to pour in the hen coop or toilet before sweeping? That was to get rid of the odour.

2. Keeping_Food_Fresh*.
If you want your vegetables to be fresh all the time, just make a solution out of charcoal & leave your vegetables in them. Thank us later.

3. Removing_Toxins_From_Food*.
These days, people complain about the use of fertilizers on plants & vegetables, making them unwholesome & poisonous. If you have charcoal, you don’t need to worry about this. All you need to do is leave the vegetables in a charcoal solution overnight & it’ll take care of the toxins. If you suspect any food contains too many chemicals, just drop them in a charcoal solution for some hours & you’re good to go.

4. For_Teeth_Whitening*.
If you want to whiten your teeth, pay no attention to all these adverts on whitening chemicals & technology. Just get yourself some charcoal & grab hold of a plantain stalk. Make a powder out of the charcoal, mash the tip of the plantain stalk, dip it into the charcoal powder & brush your teeth with it for a week.

5. Restoring_Soup_That_Went_Bad*.
Did your groundnut soup or palm nut soup go bad? No need to worry about pouring it all away. Just put it back on fire & drop a piece of charcoal in it. This will extract all the bad taste & smell & restore the soup to its fresh state.

7. Neutralizing_Alcohol*.
If you mistakenly did some wild mixing & feel it can knock you out, just add some charcoal to the mixture & your problem is solved.

8. Healing_Wounds*.
Do you have a situation where someone’s wound has become so infected to the state doctors are saying they have to cut the affected area? Don’t stress over it, get a large amount of charcoal powder & pour it on the wound. This will extract all the poison from the wound & also help it heal faster. If you have a cut & you want to treat it fast, just get some powdered charcoal & pour on it.

9. Water_Filtration*.
Do you feel your water is contaminated? You don’t need all these products on the market. Charcoal can do better, just drop some amount of it in it. Don’t worry about the colour, it is safe, you can even chew on charcoal. It is far safer than eating chicken from KFC.

10. Skin_Cleansing*.
Do you have pimples, acne or any skin disease you really want to get rid of or do you want a very smooth face or skin? All you need is charcoal. Make a thick solution out of it & smear it on your body & leave it on for some hours before taking your bath. It will leave your skin smooth & fresh.

11. Stain_Removal*.
Do you have some stubborn stain in your kitchen, washroom or on your tiles? You actually need charcoal to get rid of it. I know you’re imagining how this black stainy product can actually remove stains right? Just try it, it works like magic.

Credit:bentely

CHOKING

when person swallows any object in mouth or wind pipe. he gasps for breath or coughs..help him by doing this action.
any chair or bed end can be used to compress the stomach (scooping) if alone.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) is pain in the joint where your jaw meets your skull, just in front of your ears. TMJ disorder is more common in women than men.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

The cause of TMJ disorder is not known. Possible causes include:

Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. You may clench your jaws or grind your teeth when you are feeling stressed or when you are sleeping. If you do it mainly when you are sleeping, you may not even know you are doing it.
Dentures that do not fit properly
Frequent chewing of gum or ice
Physical or dental problems, such as teeth that don’t fit together properly or problems with the shape of your jaw
Swelling and irritation caused by arthritis or injury.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The most common symptom is pain in your jaw joint, usually on one side only. The pain is usually dull but sometimes it may be sharp. In most cases the pain is worse when you move your jaw, especially when you are chewing. If you grind your teeth at night, the pain may be worse when you wake up in the morning.

Other symptoms may include:

Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move your jaw
Trouble completely opening your jaw or pain when you bite down
Headache
Ear pain or earache
The symptoms of TMJ disorder are similar to the symptoms of other conditions, such as ear problems. You should see your healthcare provider to find out what is causing your symptoms.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, activities, and medical history and examine you. You may have an X-ray.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

If there is a problem with the way your teeth fit together when you bite, your healthcare provider may refer you to a dentist. Your dentist may make a hard splint for you to wear during the day to keep your jaw from closing completely.

Your healthcare provider may give you a shot of steroid medicine to lessen any swelling and irritation caused by arthritis or an injury.

Other treatments may include:

Taking muscle relaxants for a few days
Practicing relaxation techniques
Learning ways to manage stress
Your healthcare provider may refer you to a physical therapist for treatment, such as massage and exercises that gently stretch the muscles and help with relaxation. If your pain is related to stress, counseling and medicine can help.

Surgery is rarely needed.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF?

To help relieve your symptoms:

Avoid overusing your jaw. You can rest your jaw by eating only soft food. Do not chew gum or ice.
Try not to clench your jaw or grind your teeth. Your healthcare provider may recommend a bite block (also called a night guard). A bite block is a plastic mouthpiece that stops your teeth from grinding together. It’s usually worn only at night.
Put a warm, moist washcloth on your jaw for 20 minutes, 4 to 8 times a day. Do not use a dry heating pad.
Massage the joint by pressing gently with your fingertips and moving them in a circular direction.
Ask your healthcare provider about taking a nonprescription pain medicine.
Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your provider. Ask your provider:

How and when you will hear your test results
How long it will take to recover
What activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
How to take care of yourself at home
What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT TMJ DISORDER?

Because the cause of TMJ disorder is often not known, it can be hard to prevent. But the following may help:

Don’t chew a lot of gum or ice.
Try not to grind your teeth.
See your dentist for treatment if your teeth do not fit together well when you chew.
Wear proper protective head gear that fits well in all contact sports.
You can get more information from:

American Dental Association800-621-8099 http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/
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Published by RelayHealth.
Copyright ©2014 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
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Copyright  exercises http://melbournetmjcentre.com.au/tmj-exercises/

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms.

Deep vein thrombosis can develop if you have certain medical conditions that affect how your blood clots. It can also happen if you don't move for a long time, such as after surgery or an accident, or when you're confined to bed.

Deep vein thrombosis can be very serious because blood clots in your veins can break loose, travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism).

SEVEN DANGEROUS ACTS AFTER A MEAL

1. Don’t smoke —- Experiments from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher)

2. Don’t eat fruits immediately — Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruits 1 -2 hours after meal or 1 hour before meal.

3. Don’t drink tea—— Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the protein content in the food we consume to be hundred thus difficult to digest.

4. Don’t loosen your belt———- Loosening the belt after meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted and blocked.

5. Don’t bathe———- ——- Bathing after meal will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs and body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease, this will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

6. Don’t walk about———- — People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

7. Don’t sleep immediately—- ——– The food we intake will not be to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric and infection in our intestine.

Please Share it to your friends let them be aware…

TRICEPS TENDON INJURY

A triceps tendon injury is a problem with the tendon that connects the muscle at the back of your upper arm to the bony bump at the back of your elbow. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone. You use this tendon to straighten your arm after you bend it.

Tendons can be injured suddenly or they may be slowly damaged over time. You can have tiny or partial tears in your tendon. If you have a complete tear of your tendon, it is called a rupture. Other tendon injuries may be called a strain, tendinosis, or tendinitis.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

Triceps injuries can be caused by:

Overuse of the tendon from a sport or work activity that involves your upper arm and elbow, such as throwing and hammering

A sudden activity that twists or tears your tendon, such as being hit in your arm or having your bent arm suddenly pulled straight

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms may include:

Pain and swelling in the back part of your upper arm near the point of your elbow
Pain when you straighten your elbow or fully bend your elbow
Although it is rare for the triceps tendon to be completely torn, if this does happen, you may feel a pop at the time of the injury and you may have a large bulge on your upper arm. You may not be able to straighten or turn your arm.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms, activities, and medical history. You may have X-rays or other scans.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

You will need to change or stop doing the activities that cause pain until the tendon has healed.

Your healthcare provider may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to help you heal.

It may help to put a strap around the lower part of your upper arm during activities that cause discomfort.

If your tendon is torn, you may need surgery to repair the tendon.

The pain often gets better within a few weeks with self-care, but some injuries may take several months or longer to heal. It’s important to follow all of your healthcare provider’s instructions.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF?

To help relieve swelling and pain:
Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth, on the area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Do ice massage. To do this, first freeze water in a Styrofoam cup, then peel the top of the cup away to expose the ice. Hold the bottom of the cup and rub the ice over your tendon for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this several times a day while you have pain.
Take pain medicine, directed by your provider.
Moist heat may help relax your muscles and make it easier to move your arm. Put moist heat on the injured area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time before you do warm-up and stretching exercises. Moist heat includes heat patches or moist heating pads that you can purchase at most drugstores, a wet washcloth or towel that has been heated in the dryer, or a hot shower. Don’t use heat if you have swelling.

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT A TRICEPS TENDON INJURY?

Warm-up exercises and stretching before activities can help prevent injuries. If your arm hurts after exercise, putting ice on it may help keep it from getting injured.

Follow safety rules and use any protective equipment recommended for your work or sport.Avoid activities that cause pain. For example, avoid racquet sports, weight lifting, or throwing sports if they cause pain in the back of your arm.

Exercise to be done after consulting a physiotherapist

French stretch: Stand with your fingers clasped together and your hands high above your head. Stretch by reaching down behind your head and trying to touch your upper back while keeping your hands clasped. Keep your elbows as close to your ears as possible. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

Triceps towel stretch: Stand with your injured arm over your head holding the end of a towel. Put your other arm behind your back and grab the towel. Stretch your top arm behind your head by pulling the towel down toward the floor with your uninjured arm. Keep the elbow of your injured arm as close to your ear as possible. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times
.
Towel resistance exercise: Stand with your injured arm over your head holding the end of a towel. Put your other arm behind your back and grab the towel. Lift the hand of your injured arm toward the ceiling while pulling down on the towel with your other hand. Keep the elbow of your injured arm as close to your ear as possible. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

French press: Sit and hold a small weight or dumbbell with both hands as if it were a baseball bat. Reach your arms over your head toward the ceiling. Bending your elbows, slowly lower the weight behind your head until the weight touches your upper back. Lift the weight up over your head and reach toward the ceiling again. Do 2 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.

Modified push-up: Get onto your hands and knees, with your hands directly below your shoulders. Slowly bend your arms and lower yourself toward the floor, being careful to keep your spine straight. When you can do 2 sets of 15 easily, do this with your feet off the floor. Gradually progress to doing regular push-ups with your legs out straight.

Triceps kick back: Lean forward with the hand of your uninjured arm resting on a table or chair for support. Hold a weight with the hand of your injured arm. Keep the elbow of your injured arm against your side. Your arm should be bent at a 90-degree angle with the upper arm parallel to the floor. Move your forearm back until it is straight and also parallel to the floor. Then bring it back to the starting position. Do 2 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.

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BAD BREATH: NATURAL SOLUTIONS

Bad breath or ‘Halitosis’, as it is medically known, doesn’t just originate in the mouth, but can be caused by different conditions in the tongue, nose, gums, tonsils, digestive tract, stomach, and even some systemic diseases. It’s important to consider the most commonly known bad breath causes are imbalances in mouth bacteria (microbiome). Most people look to get rid of bad breath with mouthwash or mints, but this doesn’t solve the problem. Nature is full of compounds that help heal your oral, gut and digestive system. By working these remedies into your daily routine, it’s possible to find a natural solution that can help with bad breath.

NATURAL REMEDIES:

1: WARM SEA SALT WATER RINSE:
*1 teaspoon sea salt
*A glass of warm water

A salt water (saline solution) rinse can prevent the buildup of infectious bacteria in the mouth or throat. The effect is probably due to salt water’s slight acidity. This prevents the ‘alkalizing’ environment that encourages the growth of microbes that cause bad breath.

2: EPSOM SALT WATER RINSE:
* 1 teaspoon Epsom salt
* A glass of lukewarm water
* Mix the salt in the water and gargle with this.
* Do this every day initially. After a while, do it every alternate day.

When it comes to toxin removal, Epsom salt is a remarkable ingredient. It also has natural antibacterial properties that fight oral bacteria and eliminate odour in the mouth.

3: ALOE VERA:
* Simply boil some water and add aloe Vera gel once it is cooled, or peel and blend fresh aloe vera.
* Add a few drops of peppermint oil to taste.

Aloe Vera is a natural antifungal and antibacterial plant extract. Research has shown it’s as effective at reducing plaque. It also boosts the creation of collagen, improving the mouth’s ability to heal.

4: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:
* 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* A glass of cold water
* Make a solution of the vinegar and water.
* Use this as a mouthwash. Gargle for 3-5 minutes.
* Rinse your mouth with plain water.
* Do this in the morning and also before going to bed.

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and restores the pH balance.

5: DIGESTIVE ENZYMES:
Your bad breath may be caused by your digestive system. If you have digestive problems and suffer from bad breath too, digestive enzymes may help your digestion. Digestive enzyme products are available in health foods stores or naturally found in:

* Bromelain contained in pineapple
* Papain contained in green papaya

6: ACTIVATED CHARCOAL:
* ½ teaspoon activated charcoal
* Toothbrush
* Brush your teeth with activated charcoal.
* Rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove all the charcoal.
* Use activated charcoal 2-3 times a week until the bad breath problem is cured.

Activated charcoal absorbs the impurities in your mouth, It is also good for whitening your teeth.

7: FENNEL SEEDS:
* 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
* Chew on the fennel seeds and ingest them.
* Use this remedy as and when required.

Fennel seed helps to freshen breath and can help fight infections that may be causing bad breath.

8: GINGER:
* 1 teaspoon ginger juice
* A glass of warm water
* Grate and squeeze the ginger root to extract fresh juice.
* Add this juice to warm water and rinse your mouth with it.
* Do this after your meals initially, and then, once every few days to help  keep bad breath at bay.

The antimicrobial properties of ginger helps to eliminate bad odour as well asto fight agaisnt different types of oral and throat infections.

9: GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT:
* 1-2 drops grapefruit seed extract (available from health food stores)
* Brush your teeth as usual.
* Put the grapefruit seed extract on your toothbrush and gently rub it on your teeth.
* Rinse your teeth with clean water.
* Repeat this every day, and you will notice a difference in a week.

This citrus extract deodorises the mouth and helps eliminates any bacteria that may be growing.

10: CINNAMON:
* ½ tablespoon cinnamon powder
* 1-2 tablespoons honey (preferably Manuka honey)
* 2 lemons
* A cup of hot water
* Pour fresh juice squeezed out from the lemons in an airtight container.
* To this, add the cinnamon powder and honey.
* Pour the hot water over this, close the lid, and shake well to mix all the ingredients.
* Use 1-2 tablespoons of this blend to rinse your mouth after you brush your teeth.
* Rinse your mouth with plain water.
* You can store the remaining cinnamon mouthwash in the airtight container for future use.

Repeat this every day for a few days or as required.

Cinnamon and honey both possess antimicrobial properties that will help disinfect and cleanse your mouth. Lemon also contains acids that have a bactericidal effect on the oral flora while balancing the pH in the mouth.

CINNAMON CHEWING STICKS:
Cinnamon is also thought to have thought to have digestive and respiratory benefits. Cinnamon chewing sticks also contain fibre that supports microbial diversity in the mouth.

11: GREEN TEA:
* 1 green tea bag
* A cup of hot water
* Steep the tea bag for a few minutes and then remove it.
* Add honey to taste and sip on this tea.
* You can try drinking 3-5 cups of green tea per day or taking a polyphenol EGCG supplement.

Having green tea early in the morning instead of tea or coffee can be helpful. The phytochemicals in green tea are naturally antibacterial and will wash away and eliminate the odor-causing bacteria. Research has found that green tea temporarily reduces malodor due to its antibacterial and deodorant action. This is probably due to the actions of the polyphenols, antioxidants it contains.

12: PARSLEY:
* A few fresh parsley leaves
* Chew the fresh leaves directly or add them as a garnish on your food.
* Include parsley in your regular diet.

Parsley not only makes digestion effective and easy, but it is also a good home remedy for halitosis. The chlorophyll in parsley acts as an antibacterial and helps in eliminating the odour-causing bacteria from the mouth and the throat.

13: LEMON JUICE & YOGURT:
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* 1-2 tablespoons plain yogurt
* Mix the two ingredients and apply the mixture onto your teeth.
* Leave it on for 5-7 minutes and then rinse your mouth.
* Use this remedy as and when required.

Lemon juice is antibacterial in nature and will remove the odour-causing bacteria. The good bacteria present in natural yogurt will restore the balance in the natural flora of your oral cavity.

14: BAKING SODA:
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon lemon juice
* Mix the ingredients to get a coarse paste. Gently rub this paste on your teeth.
* Leave it on for a minute and then rinse your mouth with clean water.
* Repeat this once a week.
** CAUTION: Do not use this remedy too often as excessive use of baking soda can damage the tooth enamel.

Baking soda balances the pH levels in the mouth and brings down the acidity as it is a natural antacid. Along with the antibacterial properties of lemon juice, this remedy makes for a potent combination to remove bad breath.

15: CARDAMON:
* 1 cardamoN pod
* Chew on the pod as a whole or peel the pod and chew on the seeds present inside.
* You can ingest the cardamom after chewing.

Whenever you have had a meal with garlic and onions or any other food item that has a strong odour, pop a cardamom pod into your mouth after the meal.

Cardamom has been used for centuries in India after meals. It acts as an aromatic freshener for your mouth and reduces bad breath by acting as a deodoriser. It masks the bad odour with its fragrance.

16: HYDROGEN PEROXIDE:
* 1 tablespoon 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
* ½ cup water
* Dilute the hydrogen peroxide in water and rinse your mouth with this solution.
* Gently brush your teeth, gums, and tongue to remove all residue.
* Rinse your mouth with plain water.
* Do this in the mornings after brushing your teeth. Use it intermittently through the week for best results.
**CAUTION: Do not use this remedy repetitively every day as hydrogen peroxide can damage the teeth and gums on excessive exposure.

Hydrogen peroxide is a potent antimicrobial solution that can easily get rid of bad breath caused by bacteria.

17: GUAVA:
*Unripe guava
*Eat this fruit anytime during the day. You can also cut it into pieces and sprinkle some salt and black pepper powder on it for flavour.
*Eat guavas a few times during the week.

Loaded with vitamin C, tannic acid, malic acid, and oxalate, guava is a good remedy for bleeding and diseased gums, bad breath, and sensitive teeth. Chew on this fruit to improve your overall oral health.

18: SESAME OIL
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* Lukewarm water
* Swish the oil around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes.
* Spit it out and gargle with lukewarm water.
* Do this every day in the morning.

Like coconut oil, sesame oil helps cleanse the mouth and improves dental health. An added benefit of using this remedy is that sesame oil also helps to whiten teeth.

19: Coconut Oil
* 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
* Swish coconut oil around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes and then spit it out.
* Use lukewarm water to rinse your mouth after this.
* Repeat this every day until the bad breath is gone.

Coconut oil swishing is a popular technique used to help  keep the mouth healthy and bacteria-free. This oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties

20: GUM
Continually chewing sugar-free gum can help halitosis by promoting and maintaining a healthy flow of saliva in the mouth and throat.

21: Eucalyptus Oil:
* 1 cup water
* 2-3 drops eucalyptus oil
* Gargle with a mixture of the essential oil and water.
* Rinse your mouth with plain water.
* Repeat this once every day until you get relief.

Eucalyptus oil exerts a bactericidal effect on different types of bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that will help alleviate  pain or swelling present in your mouth.

22: Tea Tree Oil:
* 1-2 drops tea tree oil
* A glass of tepid water
* Add tea tree oil to the water.
* Gargle with this solution for 3-5 minutes.
* You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste before brushing.
*Repeat this every day until the bad breath is gone.

Tea tree oil is a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent. It works against different types of bacteria and kills them

23: ESSENTIALS OILS:
Many toothpaste and mouthwashes claim to kill bacteria that cause bad breath, but they also kill the good mouth flora and microbiome. Natural products with antimicrobial properties may be more effective in preserving ‘friendly’ bacteria.

* Peppermint essential oil
For bad breath, try gargling with peppermint oil, a potent anti-microbial that kills off harmful bacteria and leaves the breath fresh. Mix 1-2 drops with water and swish the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds.

* Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass has antimicrobial properties that inhibit certain bacteria, both internally and externally. It is also known to be effective against bacterial infections in the colon.
Lemongrass oil may be used as an internal or external preparation. Chewing lemon rind may also be effective.

* Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus oil is well-known for its ability to reduce mucus production. It also boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, and acts as an antioxidant, antimicrobial and pain reliever.

* Clove essential oil
Clove oil contains antifungal and antimicrobial compounds that may act against bacteria that cause bad breath and digestive problems. It’s used as a natural pain reliever, especially for dental emergencies. You can add a few drops of clove oil to water as a natural bad breath remedy.

* Orange essential oil
Cleaning products are often scented with orange due to its anti-odour properties. Orange oil is rich in the antioxidant limonene, which may help to fight bad breath causing microbes.
You can add a few drops of concentrated orange oil to water to make a drink or peel orange rind straight from the orange and chew it.

***Consult your dentist before trying these oils as a cure for bad breath and don’t use them for more than 2-3 weeks. You can try combining them to suit your taste.

24: SKIN RUBS:
Your skin microbiome communicates with your oral microbiome. Therefore, rubbing certain pleasant-smelling essential oils on your skin could have a positive effect on your bad breath. You can add these to a bath or add diluted to the skin.
* Tea tree oil is well known for its antibacterial properties. It’s especially effective against bacteria that live on the skin.
* Lavender oil is another natural anti-microbial oil that will leave your skin smelling fresh. Add a few drops to a damp cloth and dab onto your skin. essential oils can be used with carrier oils.

ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME

Iliotibial band syndrome is swelling, irritation, and pain on the outer side of the knee. The iliotibial band is a layer of tissue on the outside of the thigh. It connects a muscle in your hip to the shinbone in your lower leg.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

The iliotibial band can get irritated from rubbing over the end of the thighbone near the knee. This happens most often from running or cycling.

This problem may happen because you:

Have a tight iliotibial band
Have tight muscles in your hip or leg
Have legs that are not the same length
Run on sloped surfaces
Run in shoes with a lot of wear on the outside of the heel
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The main symptom is pain on the outer side of the knee.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms, activities, and medical history.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

The pain from iliotibial band syndrome usually goes away in a few weeks with self-care. Your healthcare provider may recommend stretching and exercises to help you recover. You may be instructed to do self massage with a foam roller. Your provider may refer you to physical therapy. In some cases, your provider may give you a shot of steroid medicine.

If rest, physical therapy, and self-care don’t relieve your symptoms after 6 months, your healthcare provider may suggest surgery.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF?

You may need to change or stop doing the activities that cause pain until the iliotibial band has healed.

To help relieve pain:

Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the injured area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Do ice massage. To do this, freeze water in a Styrofoam cup, then peel the top of the cup away to expose the ice. Hold the bottom of the cup and rub the ice over the painful area for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this several times a day while you have pain.
Take an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, or other medicine as directed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, you should not take this medicine for more than 10 days.
Special shoes or shoe inserts may help. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

How long it will take to recover
What activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
How to take care of yourself at home
What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME?

The best way to prevent this problem is to warm up properly and do stretching exercises before sports or other physical activities.

EXERCISES

Beginwith strectches then move to strengthening

Iliotibial band stretch, standing: Cross your uninjured leg in front of the other leg and bend down and reach toward the inside of your back foot. Do not bend your knees. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat 3 times.
Iliotibial band stretch, side-leaning: Stand sideways near a wall with your injured side closest to the wall. Place a hand on the wall for support. Cross the leg farther from the wall over the other leg. Keep the foot closest to the wall flat on the floor. Lean your hips into the wall. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
Iliotibial band stretch, side-bending: Cross one leg in front of the other leg and lean in the opposite direction from the front leg. Reach the arm on the side of the back leg over your head while you do this. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat 3 times and then switch legs and repeat the exercise.
Standing calf stretch: Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Keep your injured leg back with your heel on the floor. Keep the other leg forward with the knee bent. Turn your back foot slightly inward (as if you were pigeon-toed). Slowly lean into the wall until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat 3 times. Do this exercise several times each day.

Hamstring stretch on wall: Lie on your back with your buttocks close to a doorway. Stretch your uninjured leg straight out in front of you on the floor through the doorway. Raise your injured leg and rest it against the wall next to the door frame. Keep your leg as straight as possible. You should feel a stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

Quadriceps stretch: Stand at an arm's length away from the wall with your injured side farthest from the wall. Facing straight ahead, brace yourself by keeping one hand against the wall. With your other hand, grasp the ankle on your injured side and pull your heel toward your buttocks. Don't arch or twist your back. Keep your knees together. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
Side-lying leg lift: Lie on your uninjured side. Tighten the front thigh muscles on your injured leg and lift that leg 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) away from the other leg. Keep the leg straight and lower it slowly. Do 2 sets of 15

Knee stabilization: Wrap a piece of elastic tubing around the ankle of your uninjured leg. Tie a knot in the other end of the tubing and close it in a door at about ankle height.
Stand facing the door on the leg without tubing (your injured leg) and bend your knee slightly, keeping your thigh muscles tight. Stay in this position while you move the leg with the tubing (the uninjured leg) straight back behind you. Do 2 sets of 15.
Turn 90 degrees so the leg without tubing is closest to the door. Move the leg with tubing away from your body. Do 2 sets of 15.
Turn 90 degrees again so your back is to the door. Move the leg with tubing straight out in front of you. Do 2 sets of 15.
Turn your body 90 degrees again so the leg with tubing is closest to the door. Move the leg with tubing across your body. Do 2 sets of 15.
Hold onto a chair if you need help balancing. This exercise can be made more challenging by standing on a firm pillow or foam mat while you move the leg with tubing.

Clam exercise: Lie on your uninjured side with your hips and knees bent and feet together. Slowly raise your top leg toward the ceiling while keeping your heels touching each other. Hold for 2 seconds and lower slowly. Do 2 sets of 15 repetitions.
Prone hip extension: Lie on your stomach with your legs straight out behind you. Fold your arms under your head and rest your head on your arms. Draw your belly button in towards your spine and tighten your abdominal muscles. Tighten the buttocks and thigh muscles of the leg on your injured side and lift the leg off the floor about 8 inches. Keep your leg straight. Hold for 5 seconds. Then lower your leg and relax. Do 2 sets of 15.

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Published by RelayHealth.
Copyright ©2014 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
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SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL: Peak Flow Meter

Peak Flow Meter is a Self assessment  tool that can be used by patients at home to monitor  Asthma and when to seek medical advise:
*Action plan for asthma patients to keep a check and  prevent future asthma attacks is  prescribed  by a health care provider.


What is a peak flow meter?

A peak flow meter is a small hand-held device that measures how well air moves out of your lungs. It does this by measuring how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It is a way to tell how well you are breathing. Peak flow readings can tell you if your asthma is in good control, if you need to take medicine, or if you need to get help right away.

One type of peak flow meter has a sliding marker that moves as you blow air forcefully into the device. At the end of a forceful breath, the marker stops at a place on a numbered scale that measures the amount of air you breathed out. The numbered scale usually ranges from 0 to 750.

Digital peak flow meters record each reading in the device. This should not replace using a chart to record your peak flow readings. Some units also display "traffic light" colored peak flow zones based on your personal best peak flow reading. An added benefit is that some digital peak flow meters also measure FEV1 (the amount of air blown out in the first second). Some devices have the ability to electronically transmit results to your healthcare provider. This can make it easier to track and compare readings.

There are several different types of peak flow meters, so for accurate readings, it is very important to understand how your healthcare provider wants you use your peak flow meter and to follow his or her instructions carefully. It is also important to use the same peak flow meter for the readings.

What does the readings inform?
In general, if you have a peak flow that is 80% (or better) of your personal best, it means that your asthma is under control. A number between 50% and 80% of your personal best means that you need to take a quick-relief medicine. Lower than 50% means that you are not breathing as well as you should be. If you are having symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing spells, you need to take your quick-relief medicine right away and get more help from your healthcare provider.

If your peak flow is low, but you feel fine, take the peak flow test again, making sure you are blowing hard into the meter.

How is the peak flow meter used?

Each brand of peak flow meter works a little differently. Carefully read and follow the instructions included with your meter. Make sure your child tries to do the test correctly. You will not get an accurate reading if you do not give your best effort.

General instructions are:

1.Place the mouthpiece on the peak flow meter. (Some meters have different sizes of mouthpieces for younger and older children and some do not have mouthpieces at all.)
2.Place the marker at the bottom of the numbered scale (zero or the lowest number on the scale).
3.Hold the peak flow meter upright, being careful that fingers do not block the opening.
4. stand up and take the biggest, deepest breath as much as you can with mouth open. Place the mouthpiece into the mouth beyond the teeth and make a tight seal around the mouthpiece with lips. Be sure that the tongue does not block the opening of the mouthpiece.
5.Blow out as hard and fast you can. (If you coughed or made a mistake, do not record the number. Do it over again.)
6.Take the mouthpiece out of  mouth. The marker will have moved up the scale and stopped at the point that is the peak flow measurement. Write down the number.
Repeat this procedure 2 more times. Write down each number and circle the highest reading from the 3 tries. Record the date and time of day with this number.

When and how should the peak flow meter be cleaned?

The mouthpiece of the meter should be cleaned weekly with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry it well.

Developed by RelayHealth.

THORACIC MOBILIZATION

In the clinical world, it is well recognized that neck pain often improves when the next adjacent spinal region (the thoracic spine) is treated. There are numerous theories as to why this change is seen ranging from the very mechanical (if your mid-back is stiff, your neck endures more stress) to the more modern, neurophysiological explanations. Nonetheless, clinical experience and research tell us that mobilizing the thoracic spine can help to reduce neck pain.
-
Now, unless you are under the care of a musculoskeletal practitioner, you may be wondering how exactly you might go about this on your own. Well, there are several options, but the foam roller is an excellent choice for most people.  Although this tool is not as specific as someone who is trained in manual therapy, it can be extremely useful.
-
Here's what to do:
✅ Position the roller so that it runs perpendicular to your spine (as shown in the image) and is placed generally between the shoulder blades.
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✅ Next, either cross your arms over your chest or put your hands behind your head (if is uncomfortable to hold your head up) and slowly walk your feet up and down the floor so that the roller moves along the thoracic spine (not the neck and not the low back).
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✅ During this process, keep your abs tucked slightly to avoid simply arching your low back (the picture shows a bit more arch than is desirable). Arching the low back really just means you are missing out on a more focused thoracic mobilization.
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✅ For neck pain, keep the roller in an area between an imaginary line level with the bottom of your shoulder blades running up to the base of your neck.
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I hope this helps! Comment below if you have any questions.
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📚Suvarnnato T, et al. The Effects of Thoracic Manipulation Versus Mobilization for Chronic Neck Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Study. J Phys Ther Sci. 2013.

LYMPHEDEMA

Lymphedema is swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under the skin. Lymph is fluid from the cells of your body. The lymphatic system collects excess fluid from the body tissues and carries it back to the bloodstream. It also is part of your body's system for fighting infection.

What is the cause? 

Lymphedema can happen when the lymph system is blocked and cannot drain fluid from the tissues. It may happen when the lymphatic system becomes damaged. Damage can occur when lymph nodes are blocked by infection, radiation, physical injury, cancerous growths, or surgical removal of lymph nodes. Lymphedema is a common side effect after surgery to remove a breast and nearby lymph nodes.

In rare cases lymphedema occurs because the lymph system did not form normally before you were born. In this case it is called primary or congenital lymphedema.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of lymphedema may include:
•Painless swelling of 1 or both arms or legs (the swelling usually gets worse during the day and better at night)
•A feeling of tightness, heaviness, or weakness in your arm or leg
•Rings or shoes that become tight
•Pain, aching, or warmth in your arm or leg
•Redness of the skin of the arm or leg

Sometimes lymphedema develops very slowly and becomes noticeable 18 to 24 months after surgery or not until many years after cancer treatment. You may experience discomfort of the skin or aching in the neck and shoulders or spine and hips. This discomfort may be caused by stretching of the soft tissues, by overuse of your muscles, or by changes in your posture caused by the increased weight of your swollen arm or leg.

How is it diagnosed? 

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including any medicines that you are taking. Your provider will examine you. You may have a special X-ray test that uses dye injected into the lymph system.

How is it treated? 

The treatment will vary somewhat, depending on the cause. Treatment may include:
•Keeping the swollen body part above the level of your heart, especially when you are sleeping
•Using compression stockings, boots, gloves, or sleeves
•Very light massaging that helps to move fluid from the end of the limb toward the trunk of your body
•Carefully exercising your arm or leg according to your healthcare provider's instructions
•Cleaning the skin carefully to prevent infection
•Taking antibiotics to treat or prevent infection

How long will the effects last? 

How long lymphedema lasts depends on what is causing it and how much your lymphatic system is damaged. Mild lymphedema may get better with treatment in a week. Sometimes the lymph ducts have been damaged to the point that even with treatment the lymphedema never completely goes away.

How can I take care of myself? 
•Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
•Keep the swollen arm or leg elevated whenever possible.
•Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, pain, heat, swelling, and fever. Call your healthcare provider if any of these signs appear.

How can I help prevent or control lymphedema?
•Learn about arm, leg, and skin care after surgery or radiation treatment.
•Take precautions to prevent injury and infection in the affected arm or leg. For example:◦Use an electric razor for shaving.
◦Wear gloves when gardening or cooking.
◦Keep your feet covered when outdoors.
◦Keep your feet clean and dry; wear cotton socks.
◦Clean cuts with soap and water, then use antibacterial ointment.
◦Talk to your healthcare provider about any rashes.
◦Avoid needlesticks, such as shots, in the affected arm or leg.
◦Avoid extreme hot or cold such as from ice packs or heating pads.
◦Do not overwork the affected arm or leg.

•Do the exercises recommended by your healthcare provider.
•Do not put too much pressure on the arm or leg:◦Do not cross your legs while sitting.
◦Wear loose jewelry. Wear clothes without tight bands.
◦Use your unaffected arm to carry a handbag or wear a watch.
◦Do not use blood pressure cuffs on the affected arm.
◦Do not use elastic bandages or stockings with tight bands.
◦Do not sit in one position for more than 30 minutes.

•Watch for signs of infection.
•Do exercises regularly as instructed by your healthcare provider.
•Keep regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

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Published by RelayHealth.
Copyright ©2014 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

APPENDICITIS

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a 3 1/2-inch-long tube of tissue that extends from the large intestine. One study suggests that the appendix may have some role in gut immunity, but nothing is definite. One thing we do know: We can live without it, without apparent consequences.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that almost always requires prompt surgery to remove the appendix. Left untreated, an inflamed appendix will eventually burst, or perforate, spilling infectious materials into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to peritonitis, a serious inflammation of the abdominal cavity's lining (the peritoneum) that can be fatal unless it is treated quickly with strong antibiotics

Sometimes a pus-filled abscess (infection that is walled off from the rest of the body) forms outside the inflamed appendix. Scar tissue then "walls off" the appendix from the rest of the abdomen, preventing infection from spreading. An abscessed appendix can perforate or explode and cause peritonitis. For this reason, almost all cases of appendicitis are treated as emergencies, requiring surgery.

What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, often by stool, a foreign body, or cancer. Blockage may also occur from infection, since the appendix can swell in response to any infection in the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?

The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:

- Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign.
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins
- Abdominal swelling
- Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Inability to pass gas

Almost half the time, other symptoms of appendicitis appear, including:

- Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or rectum
- Painful urination and difficulty passing urine
- Vomiting that precedes the abdominal pain
- Severe cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea with gas

If you have any of the mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, because timely diagnosis and treatment is very important. Do not eat, drink, or use any pain remedies, antacids, laxatives, or heating pads, which can cause an inflamed appendix to rupture.

How Is Appendicitis Treated?

Surgery to remove the appendix, which is called an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for almost all cases of appendicitis.

Generally, if appendicitis is suspected, doctors tend to err on the side of safety and quickly remove the appendix to avoid its rupture. If the appendix has formed an abscess, you may have two procedures: one to drain the abscess of pus and fluid, and a later one to remove the appendix. However, there is some research showing that treatment of acute appendicitis with antibiotics may eliminate the need for surgery in certain cases.

Can Appendicitis Be Prevented?

There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis may be less common in people who eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Dr. Rami Abu Shamsieh- Ukraine/ Kyiv

The female reproductive system

The female reproductive system is made up of the vagina, uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries. The vagina is a muscular canal that leads to the entrance (neck) of the uterus, which is called the cervix. The uterus is a muscular organ, shaped like an upside-down pear. Fallopian tubes extend from the uterus, one on each side. They both open near an ovary, and carry the eggs (ova) from the ovaries to the uterus. A fertilised egg lodges in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. To abort a fetus, the cervix must be opened a little wider to allow the surgical instruments into the uterus.

BACTERIA AND DEPRESSION

Research has recently revealed that certain bacteria can also help our bodies modulate the levels of stress hormones in the body. A study showed that having higher levels of two particular strains of bacteria, bifidobacteria and lactobacillus, is linked to a reduced release of stress hormones into the bloodstream. This test has its basis in lab rats, but the early human experiments with these two strains of bacteria have produced similarly low levels of anxiety in response to typically anxiety-inducing activities.

Research has revealed that roughly 50% of neurochemicals are actually engaged in gut function, thus regulating appetite, digestive rate, and metabolism. These neurochemicals include a significant amount of the dopamine and serotonin in our bodies, which most people assume is produced and used in the brain itself. In truth, most of those neurochemicals are directly managed and produced in the gut!

“Good” bacteria in the stomach needs to be maximized, and one of the best ways to ensure a balanced microbiome is to “feed” those bacteria things it needs, such as prebiotics, concentrated carbohydrates that help those bacteria grow. By improving the bacterial health of the gut, a measurable decrease in anxiety was measured in human patients, because the bacteria were operating properly and releasing chemicals to soothe stress.