Finding Surgical Supplies for Your Hospital

From the time the science of anaesthesia was introduced and developed in medical science, surgery has ceased to be a nightmare for patients suffering from various maladies. While removal of tumors, growths, cists and even organs were an extremely painful affair in the past today they have become common in most countries, thanks to anaesthesia that sends the patients to painless sleep during the time of the surgery. And for the same reason, surgeries are now performed in almost all hospitals on a daily basis. Therefore, surgical supplies are always on demand everywhere.

Most of us are aware of most of the surgical supplies used in an operation table such as scalpels, faucets, syringes, scissors, clamps, needles, catheters, etc. However, these are not all. There are even more such as surgical masks, gowns, gloves, etc. which also come under the category of surgical supplies. Each of them is meant to be used for each stage of the surgery as well as for each member who is participating in the procedure. Whether it is a minor or major surgery, surgical supplies are indispensable in all hospitals.

So how do you choose the various surgical items? What are the criteria that you use in purchasing them? Here are a few points that could help you out.

Find out the products that are actually needed

When it comes of medical supplies there are many products of which you might need the selected ones that you can actually use. This depends on the kind of treatments you provide and therefore the related surgeries that are actually performed in your hospital. Hence, before you purchase the items, have a discussion with your staff, get an idea on what surgical supplies are required and find out their uses in detail.

Find the quality brands

Almost all medical products have their own brands, some well-known for their superior quality and high performance and some not as good as others. As an administrator of a hospital it is your duty to know the good brands and the brands to be avoided. Remember, quality is a factor where you cannot compromise as a surgery is very important for the treatment of the patient. It is a matter of your own reputation as well; hence, ensure that you are using the best surgical supplies.

Find reliable suppliers

Once you find the products and their brands, the next is to find a supplier who can bring you these items within the said time. It is not difficult to find medical suppliers. There are both online as well as offline suppliers who could bring you all types of surgical supplies. However, you need to find a supplier whom you can trust, a supplier who would bring you products of the best quality, who doesn't charge you more than required as well as who can bring the items to you at the shortest timespan.

For an experienced hospital owners, these factors are not an issue as they are in the industry long enough to know all these details. However, for someone who has just stepped into the industry, these factors are new, which is why they need managers and supporters who are experienced and qualified to take wise decisions related to purchasing of surgical supplies. Though you can do a lot of research on your own, the best option would be to rely on experience and expert knowledge than gut feeling. Because, as you know, in medicine, every decision makes a difference of life and death.

One Easy Tip To Help You Stop Nail Biting

Frequently, when we try to make a change or try to break a bad habit such as nail biting, we backslide. We have been strong for a few days or even weeks, but then something happens and we are right back where we started.

We have been able to stay away from our fingernails and even saw the white tips growing longer and longer. In some cases, even the friends, co-workers or family already commented on our newly-grown nails. You imagined what it would feel like to put your hands confidently on the table in front of you. It would have been one thing less to worry about.

But then something happened. Life events came up and you go caught up in more important manners. You had to deal with all the urgent demands that were coming in. You forgot about your resolution to stop biting your fingernails and then in an unguarded moment, you caught yourself nibbling on your fingernails even though you had promised yourself to never let your fingertips pass your lips ever again.

You then gave up and said: Well, obviously I'm not strong enough, so why fight it? This happens all too often. When we have a relapse, we give up completely instead of persevering. In many cases, even if just a single fingernail was attacked, we surrender and then go for the entire hand.

However, it doesn't have to be that way. If you change your perception of what a relapse means, you can actually learn something from it. Oftentimes, such events can teach us important lessons and give up hints about what we can improve, which strategy might not be the best for us and what we could do different.

So, next time you backslide, ask yourself the following questions: What triggered my nail biting? In which environment do I mainly bite my fingernails? What can I do in the future to prevent this from happening? By reflecting on your relapse, you can actually turn your failure into your strengths and increase the likelihood of succeeding.

Don't just give up after you have had a minor relapse, take it as practice. You are simply practicing to be a non-biter. If you fall off the band wagon, get back on. It's not in the number of failures that you experience which determines your success, but in the number of times you get back up after a relapse.

What Never To Do When Trying To Stop Biting Nails

Many nail biters make a fundamental mistake when trying to stop nail biting. And without realizing it, they undermine their greatest efforts and cause all their best attempts to go up in flames. They start out well and find themselves more able than usual to resist the urge. With a heightened focus, they are more conscious of their biting habit and manage to keep a distance to their nails.

In many cases, the fingernails even start to grow out. They can already see how the white tips on the end of the fingernails start to become longer and longer. Sometimes, they even hear comments from friends and family saying that they are surprised to see their fingernails growing that long.

But then something happens: They catch themselves nibbling on their fingernails in an unguarded moment, but only after the damage has been done. They then blame themselves for a lack of self-discipline and beat themselves up.

The mistake is that they start out without any kind of plan. They simply think that if they only force themselves more vigorously and keep sticking to their resolution with enough self-discipline, they will be able to kick their habit.

They don't have any idea about what lies ahead and how they are going to manage it. It's a bit like building a house. You wouldn't just start out looking for a hammer, a couple of nails and a few wooden boards. You would carefully choose the architect, then get together the best workers and materials, and only then you would start building. But somehow when we are trying to break a bad habit such as nail biting, we think that we can just get out there and do it.

The reality, however, is that we have to question which techniques actually work and get results before we just jump into the process. That way we dramatically increase our chances of success and are more likely to reach out outcome of long, beautiful fingernails. We need to know which challenges we will be facing, how we will deal with it and what we can do to minimize such obstacles in advance. We need to get a clear understanding on what triggers nail biting, then have solid techniques to cope with the powerful urge and then know how long it will take.

Can Nail Biting Affect Your Social Life?

Nail biting looks like a harmless habit on first glance. However, anyone who has ever suffered from it knows better. The habit can negatively impact many aspects of a person's life, from health to the overall contentment.

In this article, I would like to make clear what kind of effects the condition of biting your fingernails can have on the social life of an individual.

Nail biters are constantly trying to conceal their hands from the eyes of strangers, friends and even their own family. They do their best to keep them hidden under the table, put them in their pockets or simply fold them in a way that doesn't allow others to see them.

Besides, when someone actually catches a look of their short, misformed fingernails, they are embarrassed and ashamed of their own ability to stop chewing them. The feeling of being talked to about the fingernails is often underrated, but it can seriously impact a person's psyche.

Especially in job interviews, family gatherings, at a dinner table or when on a date, the habit can take away valuable energy that could have been used for other tasks such as focusing better on the conversation or being more relaxed in general.

The hands are always in view, and that's exactly what makes this habit so embarrassing. Merely holding a glas, signing a check at the supermarket checkout or doing one-on-one work with a client can be highly shameful. Since the hands are being used for a great range of activities such as reading a book, writing and countless other things, nail biters must continually strive to keep their hands out of sight from the curious gazes of those around them.

When sitting in school or university, holding a presentation in front of a large group of people, the side-effects of this habit can even be amplified. The presenter has problems gesturing or expressing himself properly due to the constant preoccupation with hiding the hands. Just imagine a situation in which someone from the audience comments on your short nails and red, puffy cuticles.

In general, one can say that the habit can have a great impact on a person's social life, from dating to family gathering to hanging out with friends. The habit can even be amplified in settings such as a job interview or a presentation in school/work.

Although it might seem far-fetched, biting your fingernails can have an enormous effect on your social life

Ganoderma Lucidum - Powerful Healing Abilities

What is Red Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)? Ganoderma Lucidum is the scientific name for a species of red mushroom that has been cultivated on plantations and grown wild in Asia for over 4,000 years. Ganoderma Lucidum contains more than 200 Active Elements that are known to improve health.

Ganoderma, is regarded as "The Miraculous King of Herbs". It is ranked top of all herbs by Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

The Chinese name for Ganoderma is Lingzhi, meaning "spiritual potency."

Here are some of the benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum:

Some of these benefits have been backed by clinical trials and others by other studies done over a period of time. Here is a list of some of them:

- Headaches, including Migraines 

- It can help lower blood pressure, but ask a doctor if you are taking medicine for blood pressure already. 

- Menstrual issues 

- Hemorrhoids 

- Anti inflamatory 

- Asthma 

- Kidney Functionality 

- Immune system Regularity 

- Cancer fighting elements, has been used with Chemotherapy patients 

- Cardiovascular problems 

- Allergies 

- Sleeping Problems 

- Helps balance PH levels in body 

- and it helps improve your energy levels and well-being.

Here are a few Elements in Ganoderma that modern science is currently focusing on:

Polysaccharides

• Strengthen the body's immune system
• Balance blood sugar level and improves pancreatic functions
• Protects against degeneration of skin cells and eliminates dead surface cells which improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of aging
• Controls destruction of healthy cells throughout the body
• Eliminates Accumulated Toxicity.

Organic Germanium

• Increases oxygen in the blood system
• Reduces fatigue and increases vitality
• Strengthens the immune system
• Increases the metabolism
• Contains an abundance of anti-oxidants that control or inhibit damaging free radicals. (Free radicals are a major source of cell degeneration, cancer and aging).
• Assists our body's natural ability to fight cancer.

Adenosine

• Reduces cholesterol and body fat
• Helps to unclog arteries plugged with fatty deposits, and supports liver function.
• Balance the metabolic rate and boosts energy.
• Prevents fragmentation of platelets which can cause blockages in the circulatory system

Triterpenoid

• Fortifies and Improves the digestive system
• Inhibits allergies, relieves sinus congestion, and helps with respiratory problems
• Reduces cholesterol and fat

Ganoderic Essence

• Rejuvenate the body's tissues and cells
• Boosts all the body's functions
• Helps to support youthfulness and contributes to vitality
• Overcomes skin disorders and beautifies the skin
• Is effective for relieving external problems such as scrapes, skin wounds, psoriasis, bug bites, stings, sunburn, mouth, ulcers, and external bleeding.

There are many ways now that you can receive this wonderful mushroom, some include teas, coffees, and capsules. There are also other topical forms of it.

Plus, the scientific documented research on the effect of Ganoderma Lucidum on Cancer cells, HIV, Diabetes, and Blood pressure is amazing. Ganoderma has no known side effects! You can read more about Ganoderma Lucidum on the National Medical Library Publication website. Their main ingredient has more than 321 published scientific and medical reports totaling more than 46,000 pages that you can access.

Online Psychology Continuing Education Course Options

If you need to take courses for online psychology continuing education, you will likely see a wide range of subjects that are taught. In most cases, you can choose the ones that most appeal to you. Of course, it is a good idea to choose classes that relate to your specialty. Either way, you should learn about some of the subjects you might encounter when fulfilling this requirement.

Many online psychology continuing education credits focus on relationships. Of course, many classes focus on couples. They might discuss marriage counseling and what seems to be effective, including new methods for this field. If you are interested in this subject, you should sign up for such courses.

Some online psychology continuing education classes are focused on treating adolescents. If you specialize in treating teens or children in your practice, you might be interested in this kind of class. It is always helpful to learn additional tips and new tactics that work on young patients. This can help you better treat your patients, or even open your practice up to younger people if you are currently only helping adults.

Some courses teach psychologists about medical topics. Many patients of yours are probably plagued with a variety of health issues that relate to the body, not just the mind. Some courses can teach you how physical ailments can negatively affect the mental state, and this may help you know what to do about it. Your patients will likely appreciate your new knowledge.

Additionally, there are courses for online psychology continuing education that talk about how aging can affect each patient. You have likely talked to many people whose problems involve feelings of regret and worry as they age. Some classes can let you know how to properly handle these worries. You can learn how to make people more comfortable with the concept and deal with it in a healthy way. Of course, one good aspect is that everyone ages, and most people have some concerns as they get older, so this knowledge can help most people at some point in life.

If you want a better chance of helping people with various problems, you should take online psychology continuing education classes. Of course, these are often required if you want to renew your license, so you will need to find out the minimum number of credits you need. Then, you should choose which subjects you are most interested in

Do Diet and Exercise Impact Confidence?

Many people who are happy, watch their diet and exercise, but many unhappy people do the same. So the question remains: Do diet and exercise impact confidence? First let's look at what confidence is. Confidence comes from self-esteem and produces the feeling inside that you are able to do what you want and need to do. If you have confidence you don't think you're better, or super-human, but you have a general sense that you can do things in life. Now, what helps make a person feel that?

Growing up with a good family foundation can help. A Mom and Dad who instill self-esteem into you as you're growing you will go far in helping you have confidence. But, even if you aren't lucky enough to have that, you can build confidence through diet and exercise, as long as the components of each are truly healthy.

Studies show that exercise increases energy levels, stimulates endorphins that make you feel good, and offers the additional benefit of making you feel productive while increasing your body image. Eating a healthy diet provides similar benefits. Improving your vitamin levels will increase your energy and you will naturally feel better. The end result will be that when you lose or gain weight as needed, you'll gain self-esteem and improved confidence.

But, what is a healthy diet?

Scientific studies have shown over the years that eating as close to nature as possible will improve your skin, nails, hair and waistline. This diet includes filling your plate with vegetables and fruit, using meat as a condiment, and avoiding corn and wheat products.

In addition to sticking to nature when you choose your food, the old adage of calories in, calories out is still true. The average woman should eat from 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day, and the average man should consume about 2,800 calories.

What constitutes healthy exercise?

More studies have shown that exercise is a very small component of losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. At least 80 percent of weight loss, or maintaining weight loss has to do with diet. That does not mean that exercise is useless but it does mean you need to do far less of it than previously thought or that shows like "The Biggest Loser" promote.

In fact, doing too much exercise, too fast, can decrease your health rather than improve it. Sticking to approximately 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day is all you need for optimum health via exercise. By walking briskly for that length of time, each day, you will improve your heart health and lung function as well as increase the likelihood that you'll stick to your diet. Another little known advantage of walking, especially if you do it outdoors, is the fact that you'll vastly increase your vitamin D stores which is a huge factor in fighting weight gain and maintaining a feeling of well-being.

Injections For Leg Vein Removal

Visible leg veins usually exist in the form of spider and vericose veins. They are considered to be unsightly in appearance and many people undergo sclerotherapy to get rid of them.

A saline solution called sodium tetradecyl sulfate has been used as an injection to "sclerose" visible blood vessels. The solution damages the interior cell lining (endothelium). Platelets and various forms of debris gather at this site of damage, forming a clot. This renders the tissue as unusable waste. After being broken down, the circulatory system carries away the remnants of the blood vessels.

Newer Sclerotherapy InjectionVersus Older Saline Injections

A newer injection called Asclera is now available. It surpasses the safety and performance capabilities of sodium tetradecyl sulfate in many ways:

1) Because it is not made of saline, Asclera does not sting once it is injected

2) Also Asclera is safe in situations where it is inadvertently injected outside the blood vessel

3) Asclera does not entail the risk of hematomas

4) Asclera does not precipitate skin irritations caused by sun exposure

5) According to the FDA, Asclera outperforms saline injections by about a 20% effectiveness margin

6) Asclera can also treat smaller blood vessels around 1-3mm in diameter

Contraindications For Using Asclera

Asclera should not be used for the following types of individuals:

• Those who have a blood clotting disorder
• Individuals who are allergic to the injection
• Women who are pregnant or nursing

When Sclerotherapy Cannot Treat Leg Veins

While both Asclera and sodium tetradecyl sulfate can address vericose veins, there are also certain restrictions. This is caused by high pressure blood vessels which may be attached to the veins that are targeted for removal. These attached blood vessels may be close to the skin's surface, or more central in their location.

If they are situated more centrally, even surgery may not be an effective option for their removal. However, sclerotherapy will be more likely to be successful when attached vessels are near the surface.

Ultrasound can be used to determine the location of the attached blood vessels.

Discussing Leg Vein Removal Options With Your Doctor

Many people with leg veins assume that nothing can be done to get rid of them. However there are solutions such as Asclera, saline injections, laser and surgery.

Instead of feeling the need to hide leg veins by wearing long pants all year round, discussions with a board certified physician may be the best way to determine the right treatment.

When Taking CEUs, MFT Students Should Research Teachers

If you plan to get your license renewed soon, you will need regular CEUs. MFT licenses need these in order to be renewed, so you will likely come across this requirement in your career. You should be able to find plenty of schools to choose from, and while there are several factors to consider when making a decision, you should pay especial attention to the teachers.

One of the first things you should find out is the qualifications of the teachers for your CEUs. MFT class educators should be both well educated and experienced. Someone teaching you how to succeed in a particular industry should have some experience to draw from, so find out how long your teachers have been in this field. You should also learn if they have any certifications that show they do more than the bare minimum to teach.

You should also check out reviews online from people who have taken the courses taught by the teacher you are considering. There are many sites online that let students review teachers. In addition, you can ask others in this field about their preferences when it comes to those who teach CEUs. MFT courses need to be taken by anyone looking to renew their license, so you will probably know several others in your field who have had to take the courses you are considering. Getting the opinion of someone you trust can be important, and may be better than a stranger's opinion, so try to talk to fellow therapists.

Some schools allow you to meet, or at least call the teacher you are considering. If you are still not sure which school to choose, ask if you can talk to the teachers there. This may help you make up your mind. If you want the courses you are taking to be effective, you need to be able to respect your teacher, and trust that he or she is knowledgeable about the subject. If you do not find out more about the person who will be teaching you, you risk not feeling satisfied with your continuing education credits. This is why you need to do everything you can to research your educator, including meeting him or her when possible.

The credits you need will not only get you ahead in this industry, but also enrich your knowledge of the field. If you want to be able to help your patients, you should make sure the classes actually teach you something. This is why finding the right teacher is crucial.

Oxygen Therapy Protects Against UV Rays

Record breaking temperatures are scorching city streets and the skin of city dwellers. And if you choose to be outdoors on some of the hottest days ever recorded, you will need protective skin care and spa treatments to rejuvenate your skin. Why? The intensity of UV rays is at their peak, so even with sunscreen you will need additional protection in order to preserve epidermal health this summer season.

What do the experts say about oxygen treatments?

Dr. Neil Sadick who is a practicing dermatologist in New York City says this of oxygen treatments: "It reduces inflammation." He uses it to soothe clients' skin following cosmetic procedures. Oxygen is an anti-inflammatory and has the ability to reduce irritation and redness associated with sun exposure. This has been known since WW II as oxygen was used to treat military wounds that had become infected or had trouble healing. This medical fact has been acknowledged and recorded historically.

Joanna Vargas, A New York City based celebrity facialist and skin care guru, uses serum-spiked oxygen facials to expedite recovery time, following laser skin care procedures done at a local dermatologist office. "Oxygen - along with vitamins A, C and E in the serum - is healing, and it reduces free radicals." What skin absolutely needs is preventative care before sun exposure. But it also demands the "healing" care oxygen provides afterwards.

Are there age-reversing benefits with oxygen facials?

As it purifies, oxygen treatments, also tout properties that may reverse the signs of maturing skin. With regular facials the anti-aging results are cumulative. Epidermal cells have more buoyancy and strength to withstand intense summer climate. This boost to cellular function translates as the healthy regeneration that gives the skin a youthful radiance.

Collagen and elastin production are significantly increased for improved tone and elasticity. So in addition to the soothing properties that alleviate sunburn and UV ravage, overall exuberance is also achieved when oxygen facials are applied by leading prestigious day spas.

Other skin-protecting tips:

Choose a higher SPF on these extremely hot days. If you normally wear SPF 15 kick it up to 30 for a maximum filter.

Opt for organic face care to avoid harsh chemicals that break down the epidermis.

Long sleeves in lightweight cottons can offer an additional shield against the fiery UV rays.

Drink lots of water to keep body and skin hydrated. It's easy to forget this tip that can keep the wrinkles at bay due to dehydration.

1 Simple Tip To Help You Stop Biting Nails

Since most suggestions on what to do to quit nail biting don't offer permanent results, here is one tip that you can use to break your nail biting habit permanently.

Get A Clear Visual Picture of Your Fingernails

The vast majority of nail biters have chewed their fingernails for so long, that they can't really image what their hands will look like when they are not bitten-down. However, in order to be successful in quitting nail biting, you need to know exactly what the outcome is going to be. Without that, you will be wandering around wasting precious energy. Just like you can't drive a car looking in the back mirror, you can't accomplish something if you don't know where you are heading.

Take some time and imagine what your hands are going to look like in a well-groomed fashion. How long will they be? Will they extend over the tip of your fingertips? Will the cuticles be in great shape? If you answer these questions clearly and don't have any problems any longer picturing your positive outcome, you are one step further towards your end result. If you have problems to get a clear mental picture, you can as well cut out an image from a magazine or print one out from the internet. This will help you make the vision more real.

Another great way to increase your chances of success is to imagine a scenario in which you have long, beautiful fingernails. This could be when being around your friends, partner or family. Imagine what it's going to feel like when putting your hands flat on the table without any feeling of shame, guilt or embarrassment. Wouldn't it be one less thing to worry about? What would others say about your newly-grown fingernails?

Many people accuse these visualization techniques as silly or ineffective. However, that's because they don't do them properly. In order for them to work, you need to involve your senses: seeing, feeling and hearing. You need to make the process as vivid as possible. That is so effective because the brain can't differentiate between imagining something and actually doing it. It creates Neuro-connections without you actually being in the situation. Many of the world's star athletes use such techniques to win the competition. Even though this may sound a bit hokey, these people have proven it.

Once you have completed the exercise, you should repeat it a few times over the course of the next weeks. You don't grow muscles by going to the gym once.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7155055

The Side-Effects of Nail Biting

Many people today see fingernail biting simply as a bad habit and nothing more. They don't realize the degree to which this habit can influence a person's life. In fact, many nail biters report of the habit gradually affecting one aspect of their life after another, from work to romantic relationships to personal productivity.

Difficulty Accomplishing Every-Day Tasks

After a serious nail chewing session, the hands of the biter frequently hurt for several days. In this time period, even the most mundane tasks can be a hassle. This includes duties such as typing on a personal computer, or tying one's shoe laces. Other routines that are hard to do with short, bitten-down fingernails are collecting pennies or tiny things from a table, opening a key ring, putting jewelry on or opening a necklace.

Mental Effects

Even though frequently overlooked, fingernail biting often has a considerable influence on the mind of the impacted individual. Nail and cuticle pickers are constantly on guard lest somebody captures a peek of their short, torn nails, and they need to consistently make certain that their fingers are hidden. Even every day activities as reaching out to hold a handle when using a subway, handing money over to a cashier as well as shaking hands can certainly produce intense sense of shame. The nail biter's continuous anxiety prevents him or her from relaxing and focusing on a lot more essential issues. Besides, any time they are facing the lack of ability to halt placing their hands in their mouth, fingernail biters usually become troubled, bothered as well as less self-confident.

Social Consequences

Deformed fingernails and red, puffy cuticles look unappealing and often cause the nail biter's close friends, spouse and children, or even fellow workers to shrink back and retain themselves. Despite the fact that some might not explain to the nail biter they have noticed their "little flaw", they will frequently unconsciously, back up from bodily contact. The social consequences can be even more deep in intimate interactions, for instance with a partner. Chewed-off fingernails are usually an instant turnoff, and many individuals don't wish to be caressed by a person with unattractive fingernails. Women of all ages particularly are anticipated by society to have stunning, well-groomed nails, so they may suffer socially even more than males.

Health Risks

Fingernail gnawing not only damages physical look of your nails but may also expose you to a number of health problems. Biting on your nails can damage the cuticles, making all of them prone to fungal infections. Often, these types of infections aren't just distressing but might take a few months to totally recover. Many medical experts even claim that nail picking may result in dental complications through exerting pressure on the teeth's roots.

When left neglected, nail biting can negatively influence a person's life as well as basic happiness. It can have an effect on every area of life, from daily routines all the way to a person's interpersonal life to wellness. Although many individuals view nail chewing simply to be a "bad habit", it really is a severe condition that creates untold struggling in a huge number of lives.

Need Caffeine? Try an Apple Instead of Coffee!

Now I'm sure you are thinking, how can an apple replace coffee when it comes to that boost of energy needed to get through the day? While it may seem like I'm pulling your leg, there is a valid explanation as to why an Apple might be a viable alternative for coffee.

An apple can give a person an energy boost but, not because of caffeine. It is because of this extra pep in your step is the fruit sugars inside the apple. The sugar inside apples gives a rush of energy to a person for a certain amount of time. Once a person's burned through that energy though, they are back to feeling drowsy and tired.

However, some people hate the taste of coffee and find it to be too bitter. If you are one of these people, an apple as a sweeter option, just might do the trick and help you keep your energy up. Just remember that to keep your energy high; you need to eat an apple every so often to get more energy, because unlike coffee and caffeine, a sugar rush does not usually last long.

There are truly little other items available in the market with as much caffeine as coffee. As other options for products with caffeine, try drinking black tea or eating some chocolate get help you get some caffeine into your system if you're certainly decided on not drinking coffee. But with these alternatives there are also side effects. Black tea can taste bland and strange if you have not tried it before, while as for chocolate, it can be fattening especially since you need to consume a lot of if just to get the same amount of caffeine that equals one cup of coffee.

Now if you find that access to fresh apples might be out of your way or you simply do not have the time to buy fruits every other day, you can also just buy some packaged fruit juice from the market which you can keep in stock in your home and office. You can also do one more thing to boost your energy in the morning or afternoon without the bitter taste of coffee. You can buy caffeine powder in bulk online. This ensures you still get your caffeine needs for everyday use by simply adding it into the beverage of your choice. While this gives you the best of both worlds, you need to pay attention to the quantity of caffeine powder that you use because a little can go a long way.

Lots of people love drinking coffee and it has become more of a daily ritual for them. For the rest who find they don't favor the taste of coffee, you can eat apples every day when you're starting to feel drowsy to wake up your senses. Caffeine powder in fruit juices or other beverages is also a convenient option especially if you find that ordinary sugars do not give you that longer energy boost you need.

Scoliosis Bracing - Genetic Information Needed To Evaluate Effectiveness

Idiopathic scoliosis is a lateral deviation of the spine when viewed from the front or back of greater than ten degrees. It primarily develops in adolescent female's ages nine to thirteen. It is standard medical treatment to prescribe a rigid spinal brace if the scoliosis advances to greater than twenty degrees and growth still remains. The thought behind a scoliosis brace is that by using aggressive pressure to the pelvis and ribcage the spine can be held in a straighter position while your child grows which will somehow decrease the chance that your child's scoliosis will advance to a surgical level of greater than 40 degrees.

Statistical data varies greatly in the literature in regards to scoliosis bracing efficacy and type of brace used. The majority of authorities agree that in brace correction should be greater than 50 percent in order to have a better chance of stopping progression of the scoliosis. The normal prescription time for spinal bracing is twenty three hours daily in the brace until your child reaches skeletal maturity which on average is sixteen years of age in females. Generally radiographic measurements of your child's spine are performed every six months to evaluate progression and stability. Since only a smaller percentage of scoliosis curves progress to surgical levels it is difficult to determine bracing success and even harder considering success is defined as not progressing to more than 5 degrees of the pre treatment measurement.

This type of statistical data is quite frustrating because if for instance 60 percent were not genetically predisposed to get worse but yet all 60 percent wore a scoliosis brace the research would demonstrate a much higher percent success rate because none of that group would have the genetic predisposition to reach severe deformity levels. On the other hand if 40 percent were genetically predisposed to progress to severe scoliosis deformity levels and all of them wore the scoliosis brace then the study would demonstrate an extremely low success rate.

The only logical way to determine success from rigid spinal orthosis or other modalities designed to stop progression would be to only perform data collection on those patients who were genetically risk stratified. If a child was predisposed to progression and the brace or treatment prevented it then there would be more reason to believe that scoliosis treatment works. This may seem complicated and somewhat trivial, but this approach would certainly eliminate scoliosis bracing or at least significantly reduce the time requirements for those patients who were at low risk of reaching severe deformity.

By determining genetic risk when performing clinical trials when scoliosis bracing is being evaluated we would be able to isolate specific cases that in fact may or may not have responded to treatment and therefore eliminate a very invasive and psychologically damaging prescription. The current system involves a blanket approach for cases that reach bracing thresholds with growth remaining and tens of thousands of children are likely being prescribed something that doesn't have much of an effect on their condition as originally thought.

Natural Family Planning: Calendar Method

Description 

It is a form of contraceptive methods that don't use chemical or foreign material or devices to prevent pregnancy. The religious beliefs may prevent some individuals from using hormonal or internal contraceptive devices. Others just prefer a more natural method of planning or preventing pregnancy. For most natural family planning methods, the individual's fertile days must be calculated so that she can abstain from intercourse on those days.

Various methods are used to determine the individual's fertile period. 

·The effectiveness of these methods depends on the person's and person's willingness to refrain from sex on the individual's fertile days. 

Failure rates vary from 10% to 20%. 

Natural family planning methods include the rhythm, or calendar method.

Rhythm Method 

It is also known as the calendar method; 

Requires that the couple refrain from intercourse on these days the individual is most likely to conceive based on her menstrual cycle; and 

This fertile period usually lasts from 3 to 4 days before until 3 to 4 days after ovulation.

Advantages 

1. No drugs or devices needed; 

2. It is free; 

3. It may be acceptable to members of religious groups that oppose birth control; 

4. It encourages couples to learn more about how the female body functions; 

5. It encourage communication between partners; and 

6. It can also be used to plan a pregnancy.

Disadvantages

1. It requires meticulous record keeping as well as ability and willingness for the individual to monitor her body changes; 

2. It restricts sexual spontaneity during the person's fertile period; 

3. It requires extended periods of abstinence from intercourse; 

4. It is reliable for individual with regular menstrual cycle; and 

5. It may be unreliable during periods of illness, infection, or stress.

Implications 

1. Teach the person to keep a diary of her menstrual cycle (for six consecutive cycles) to determine when ovulation is most likely to occur; 

2. To calculate her safe periods, tell her to subtract 18 from the shortest cycle and 11 from the longest cycle that she has documented; 

3. For instance, if she had 6 menstrual cycles that lasted 26 to 30 days, her fertile period would be from the 8th day (26 minus 18) to the 19th day (30 minus 11); 

4. To ensure that pregnancy does not occur, she and her partner should abstain from intercourse during days 8 to 19 days of her menstrual cycle; and 

5. During those fertile days, she and her partner may also choose to use contraceptive foam.

Understanding Otolaryngology

problems are nothing to sneer at. Even the common cold can be a big pain to deal with and leave you feeling weak and weary for a long time. If you think you are having medical problems, you should seek a professional at once. Sometimes, you should even go straight to a specialist. No matter what area of the body you are dealing with, you can find a doctor who specializes only in that area. If you're having problems with your ears, nose, or throat, pull out your phone book and look for a specialist in otolaryngology.

Now, that might seem like a mouthful, but the more common term for this branch of medicine is ENT. A doctor, who treats the ears, nose, and mouth, is often called an ENT specialist. This is the oldest branch of medicine that there is and dates back to nearly the beginning of medicine itself. This doctor will treat the ears, nose, larynx, sinuses, mouth, and throat. They will also handle the structure of the face and neck if that affects any of the other areas. Specialties, however, start with the ears. ENT specialists are trained to deal with hearing loss, hearing disorders, and birth defects in both the inner and outer ears, just to name a few. They are also trained to deal with chronic sinusitis and other problems that might affect the nasal passages. Voice and swallowing diseases are also areas of expertise, as well as any diseases that might affect the throat or esophagus.

A specialist in otolaryngology is ready to be certified after up to fifteen years of training. In order to receive certification by the American Board, they must have completed four years of college, four years of medical school, and at least five years of specialty training. They must pass an examination and may also pursue a one or two year fellowship in one of the subspecialty areas before receiving their certification and beginning to practice medicine.

There are seven subspecialty areas in the field of otolaryngology. The first one is the field of allergy medicine. If a doctor decides to pursue this area, they will be licensed in such procedures as immunotherapy, treatment by medication, and they will be able to diagnose what allergens their patients might have reactions to. The second field is that of facial and reconstructive surgery. This can be cosmetic or reconstructive and would involve only the areas on the face that might need plastic surgery. The third field deals with the head and neck and would involve such practices as identifying lumps and dealing with cancerous tumors on the head, neck, or voice box. Laryngology is the fourth field and deals with disorders in the throat, including voice and swallowing problems. The fifth field is otology and includes anything that has to do with the ears, from swimmer's ear to diseases that affect the inner or outer ear. Pediatric ENT specialists focus on the sixth field, pediatrics, which deals with anything that affects the ears, nose, or throat of a child. And the last field, rhinology, deals with the sinuses and nose and anything that might interfere with the quality of your breathing and nasal passages.

If you are having problems with your ears, nose, or throat, consider seeing someone licensed in otolaryngology today. They can diagnose your problem, fix you up with a treatment plan, and get you on your way to a healthier lifestyle in no time.

My Dietary Supplements for Men Over 50 Wanting Better Health

Are you taking a daily multivitamin? You don't get a pass on this one, supplementing daily with a good multivitamin is an absolute requirement for masters men over 50. Many items on my personal supplementation list are optional for many, but not the multi-vite, the holy grail of nutritional supplementation.

In fact, the only real debate of merit on multivitamins is what blend of nutrients andhow much of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of each one should be taken.

Okay, so let's say up to this point you've totally missed the boat on multivitamins - why are multivitamins critical to the daily nutritional needs of men over 50? Without turning this into a science course the basics are as follow:

1. We don't get the essential nutrients in our daily diets. By and large, the typical US diet is pretty crappy. The main culprit is processed foods that have been mangled beyond recognition to our bodies.

However, even "clean eating" of whole foods like meats, fruits and vegetables can leave us short due to mass-production techniques requiring low-cost and distribution requirements of durability and long shelf life.

Unless you're growing or raising your own food (yea, right) or buying from trusted local producers, your foods are likely lacking in their full nutritional potential.

2. If you're watching your calories to maintain weight or to lose weight (you should be) then you're on a limited calorie budget for the three main macronutrient categories of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Therefore, due to these calorie constraints, you have limited opportunity to ingest the nutrients your body needs. Multivitamins give us these nutrients without adding calories.

3. Working out vigorously adds nutritional requirements as your body is in a constant state of repair and building (we're going to assume you work out, if not you need to! Know that vitamins and minerals are the substances your body is either made up of or must have to synthesize into what it's made up of.

You can't have a glass of water without water, likewise you can't have a body (or at least a properly functioning body) without nutrients. And the more physical demand you place on your body, the more your body needs it's basic life ingredients.

So the next question is where the real debate starts; what vitamins and minerals should the senior athlete ensure is in their daily multivitamin uptake and how much of the RDA should be consumed?

Really, the consensus and even the science on this subject is all over the board, but my personal philosophy is to err on the high side.

Why?

Simple - because research shows much upside promise to larger doses of multivitamins vs. a very limited downside.

That's why I use multivitamins labeled "mega-multi", because I get higher doses that exceed the RDA but have not been found by the FDA to be unsafe. Stick to national brands or store brands from large retailers as these tend to have higher testing levels to ensure purity and dosage accuracy.

Some research has suggested that extreme amounts of certain vitamins can be harmful. These studies, however, are suggestive and not conclusive.

Contrarily, some researchers suggest that extremely high dosages of certain vitamins can address specific health problems. These too tend to be more suggestive than conclusive, but I do personally go much higher overall on vitamins C and B complex (more on that upcoming).

This is what I feel is right for me based on my personal mix of diet and physical demands and what I have found over many years makes me fee and operate at my best, you should talk with your doctor about what's right for you as many medical conditions, especially in senior men, may dictate special requirements.

But I can tell you that personally, my overall approach to health, fitness and wellbeing includes mega doses, and that at 53 I feel as good as at any time in my life and get sick less than ever before.

To be sure, this is attributable to my overall lifestyle, but we are what we eat, and this includes taking the all-essential daily multivitamin!

Dental Implants: Pros and Cons

Do you cover up your mouth every time you smile in public, because you have ugly-looking gap between your front teeth? Do you have a missing, broken or chipped tooth and have no idea how to get it fixed? Well, it sounds like you need to have dental implants.

In the past, people with missing or chipped teeth had no other option but to live with the poor dental structure. But things have changed now and you can get the smile that you that you have always dreamed about, thanks to cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry encompassing all dental procedures and surgeries, including white fillings and dental implants, that are not strictly necessary for oral health reasons but to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Dental implants are one among the most innovative procedures and techniques that has been developed in dentistry field. Often considered as the most predictable and natural form of tooth replacement, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth or bridges that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

The need of artificial roots and prosthetic teeth to be implanted depends on your oral health condition that includes the number of teeth missing, quantity and quality of the bone and the type of implant chosen.

For instance, if you are missing a single tooth, your periodontist can replace it with one implant and a crown, while for the several missing teeth implant-supported bridges can be used.

Likewise, if you have no natural teeth in your mouth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can help you regain your smile.

In case of insufficient quantity and quality of jawbone, sinus augmentation, also known as sinus lift or sinus graft, can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone to support the base of an artificial tooth root.

With the latest advances in dental implantation technology and procedures, the procedure has grown in popularity. However, as is the case with any medical or surgical procedure, teeth implants do come with some problems and complications.

So, before deciding on dental implants, you need to consider its pros and cons.

Pros

• Implants look, feel and function like your own teeth.
• They help in restoring your self-confidence and youthful appearance.
• Implants give you sparkling, most natural-looking new teeth without affecting adjacent healthy teeth.
• Since they integrate into the structure of your jaw bone, they offer a permanent foundation to prosthetic teeth and dentures that will last a lifetime.
• Often made from titanium, dental implants offer biting force that is most like natural teeth.
• Dental implants do not slip or slide in place while eating and speaking as opposed to bridges and removable dentures.
• They offer freedom from the embarrassing clicking and hissing sounds of dentures and the messy pastes and glues as well.

Cons

• Since dental implants require a surgical procedure, complications and risks are inevitable.
• Persistent pain, swelling, and bruising can occur at the implant site.
• An adjacent nerve can damage, which can result in severe pain, numbness or tingling in the teeth or gums.
• There is a possibility of temporary swelling or bruising of your gums and face.
• Although in rare cases, but dental implants may fall off.
• Breakage of the tooth by itself or infections is possible.
• It's quite common that you go through a period of chronic inflammation of the gum around the implant.
• It is a very time-consuming procedure, requiring several visits to the dental office. You can expect many visits to the dentist for several years, if you develop major complications.
• One of the biggest disadvantages associated with dental implants is that they are very costly and can cost you tens of thousands of dollars to achieve new functioning teeth.

The above mentioned pros and cons of dental implants call for proper knowledge of the procedure. Thus, before going for the dental implants it is prudent to talk to your dental surgeon and gain complete knowledge about the implantation of false teeth.

Since replacing a missing teeth can cost a fortune, more and more offshore dental patients are up for having affordable Dental Implants in Costa Rica.

Anatomy of Nail Polish - 3 Chemicals It Often Contains

Toulene---This chemical is the smell that is most often associated with nail polish. It evaporates into the air at room temperature and can linger in the air for hours after nails are done. It is frequently listed as methylbenzene, phenylmethane, or toluol on the bottle.

Breathing these fumes for even a short period of time can cause dry throat, watering eyes, headache, and dizziness. Symptoms usually subside once you get away from the fumes. Toulene is toxic and consistent, prolonged exposure can disrupt liver and kidney function, and lead to birth defects.

Formaldehyde---This chemical compound is made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is a natural part of the environment and it is produced in varying amounts by plants, animals, and humans. A formaldehyde-based resin is found in many polishes and is listed as ide/formaldehyde resin. This ingredient helps give the polish its shiny appearance and helps prolong it life on your nails.

The result of the chemical reaction that produces the resin reduces the amount of formaldehyde considerably so that there is not enough of it to off-gas fumes. The resin can still cause a problem for those who are allergic to it.

Dibutyl Phthalate---This chemical has historically been used to make polish more flexible when being applied. The industry calls it a plasticizing agent which helps us visualize the smooth way that most polishes go on. This element helps keep it supple and makes it less likely to become brittle, crack, and chip.

Studies have shown that this chemical can interfere with human reproduction because of the unhealthy effect it has on the endocrine system. It has been banned from use in many European countries and in California in the United States.

Many European countries have passed regulations banning these chemicals from being used in cosmetics. In the United States regulations have been slow to be enacted, and decisions have been left up to individual states.

Many U. S. cosmetic companies have voluntarily decided to use more people and environmentally-friendly components in their products. Public pressure to stop the use of these potential carcinogens has played a huge part in changing the make-up of polishes.