Free Yourself From The Hassles of PMS – The Safer Way

Many women and adolescent girls suffer from cramps, lower back pain, and bloating every month during their menstrual period. However, there are also those who experience premenstrual syndrome or PMS, wherein some women and young girls feel varying degrees of discomfort before their periods. Aside from physical pain, there are those who also feel depressed and anxious that somehow affect their everyday activities at home, work, or school.

While there are still no studies that can determine the factors that can trigger PMS, this is often associated with the hormonal level changes that take place during the menstruation cycle of every woman. Health experts claim that PMS is not caused by psychological factors or stress, but these can, however, worsen PMS symptoms.



Treating PMS

Fortunately for women who suffer from PMS, there is a way for them to avoid the hassles PMS brings. Generally, doctors often prescribe medicines that can help the body get rid of extra fluid and sodium, thus, preventing breast pain, back pain, abdominal pain, bloating, as well as weight gain. As for psychological symptoms of PMS, doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants for depression, anxiety, as well as irritability that usually come with PMS.

Moreover, women suffering from PMS can also resort to a healthier and simpler diet as well as lifestyle changes. As for a healthier diet, women should start eating more carbohydrates such as cereals, whole grain breads, and pasta and foods that are rich in protein, fiber, and potassium. They can also try to avoid eating too much fat and sugar as well as cut back on alcohol and caffeine intake.



Alternative treatments to PMS

Sometimes it is best to avoid taking medications over PMS pain, for your body may adapt to the medicines you intake. Hence, most doctors recommended alternative pain relief treatments instead to those who suffer from PMS pain.

One alternative option to treat PMS is to eat healthy and breathe fresh air. These simple steps can definitely lead to a healthy and well-balanced body, thus, lessening a woman's chances in experiencing PMS symptoms. Some health practitioners also advise women suffering from PMS to try practicing breathing exercises, aromatherapy, yoga, as well as meditation. These exercises are known to lessen one's stress and promote relaxation. Also, it might be best to set aside personal time for a vacation to unwind and focus on life factors that can truly revive one's spirit.

Furthermore, women who frequently suffer from PMS may also opt to try using primrose oil, which is a plant oil that has gamma-linolenic fatty acid. This fatty acid is known to regulate inflammation and pain in the body. There are also other natural remedies used for PMS such as vitamin E, ginkgo, wild yam, progesterone cream, and St. John's Wort.

With these alternative treatments expounded, women who frequently suffer from PMS can try these no-medication methods of alleviating and preventing PMS symptoms. Not only are these alternative treatments effective, but these are also safer and quite easy to do.




Resource Box:

Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is a web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Childhood Safety: Preventing Falls

Children, with their excess energy and natural curiosity, have plenty of opportunities to fall down. It can be as simple as trying to reach that cookie jar while using an unstable object as footstool or running down the stairs in their socks. Balancing on curbs is also a popular accident. As it is, accidents involving falls can seem as much part of childhood as a PB and J sandwich and morning cartoons. Even so, there are some things you can do to prevent the worst accidents from happening and minimizing the risks of those you cannot stop. Below are some tips on preventing falls:

1. Beware of heights.

Not to encourage a fear of heights but it would be sensible of you to teach your children not to play in places that are too high off the ground. Fire escapes, high porches, and balconies are certainly not places to play tag or jump around. If you have small children around, it is better to keep these places off-limits or accessible only to adults by means of locks placed on the higher parts of the entrances. Having a rule that clearly expresses your dislike of having young children play in these areas is also a good idea. Windows should also be locked if no adult is supervising playtime since children can easily climb and fell from one.


2. Keep stairs free from clutter.

As convenient as it is, the stairs is hardly a good place to keep shoes. Clutter on the stairs increases the risk of tripping and falling. Keep your stairs free from clutter such as books, magazines, toys, or other home ornaments. In fact, the less cluttered your stairs are, the safer it will be. It is also a good idea to keep yourself from polishing stair steps as waxes can make them slippery. Spills on the stairs should be wiped and dried as soon as possible to avoid possible mishaps.


3. Install safety gates and handrails.

If you have a toddler who has just learned to walk and is itching to try his newfound skills, installing safety gates along entrances to rooms and handrails along short steps is a good idea. Safety gates can prevent your kid from wandering from room to room – particularly rooms that lead to stairs or have low windows. Just make sure that there are no objects around that he can use to climb over the safety gates as those will sadly defeat the purpose of installing the gates in the first place. If you have short flights of stairs or steps around in your house, it will help if you install handrails just in case your toddler finds an opportunity to climb these without your supervision.


4. Keep floors free of debris and clutter.

There are a number of floor-based objects that can contribute to falls in children. Loose area rugs, carpeting, mats, and cords can slid and trip you and your child. Secure rugs and carpets by using a double-sided adhesive or by sliding under them a rubber mat. Cords should be put tied with plastic binders that keep excess lengths out of the way. It is also a good idea to keep appliances near the power outlets to avoid using extension cords that can cause trips and short circuits.


5. Equip your home and child against falls.

For those accidents you cannot avoid, it is best to keep your home and child with materials that can minimize the pain and injury. At home, it is best if you keep a medicine cabinet or first aid kit filled with discount drugs like antiseptics for possible wounds and painkillers for sprains and fractures. If your child bikes to school or engages in sports, it is best if you invest in protective gear like helmets and elbow pads.



Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Traveling with Medications

Keeping a medication schedule is hard enough when you have to do it at home but during travel, it’s an absolute nightmare. If you are like most people, you probably have had to travel at least once while on medication and you know how difficult it can be. Aside from remembering your travel itinerary, you also have to squeeze in your medications. If you need to take several medications at different points during the day, here are some tips that can help you manage your medication schedule easier:

1.Make a medication calendar.

A medication calendar is really helpful especially if you will be away from home for a week or so. Just print out or make a personal calendar inclusive of your travel dates. Aside from your daily agenda, also jot down your medication schedules on the calendar. This way, instead of a being a hassle, your medications become a part of your daily schedule. If you find the task of writing or penciling in your medication routine into your daily itinerary, invest in pillboxes and label each with a date corresponding to your travel schedule.

2.Get prescription refills before setting out.

Visit your local pharmacy or your doctor to get a refill of your prescription medications prior to traveling. This way, you prevent missing out on your medications just because the amount you brought with you isn’t enough. This is especially important if you are using a medication that is not common or popular. If this is not possible, obtain a duplicate prescription from your doctor so you can get your medications from another place. One thing that might prove to be useful during traveling is a note from your doctor explaining why you need certain medications. This is especially true if you need or use medications such as strong narcotics or antidepressants which can raise questions in airports.

3.Make a list of your medications and what are they for.

While uncommon, there have been cases of overdoses and others that are related to medicating while on the road. Just to be sure, make a list of all medications you are using and their purposes. Make several copies and put these in your bag, your glove compartment, and your hotel end table. This way, it’ll be easy for medical personnel to help you even if you are indisposed. They can easily give you an antidote or the necessary first aid to counteract the effects of the medication you took in excess.

4.Bring an extra set of medications.

Bring extra medication just in case. If you are traveling for three days, for example, you may want to bring six days of medication. Keep your extra medication in a separate bag, if possible. This way, if one bag does get lost, you will have back-up medication. Keeping medications in separate bags can also help you prevent intake mistakes. Keeping them separate keeps you from making the mistake of taking something in excess. In addition, if you happen to drop a pill or lose one, you won't be a pill short during your travels.

Following the tips listed above can help save you from the stress and anxiety of finding yourself short of the necessary medications while you are away from home. Being prepared can also save you from impractical expenses which you will undoubtedly incur in case you find yourself sick with no cost-effective medical solution available.


Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Choosing the Right Over the Counter Sleeping Aid

Millions of Americans suffer from insomnia. For this kind of sleeping problem, most sufferers prefer to use over-the-counter sleeping aids as a form of treatment.

However, there are many over-the-counter sleeping aids that consumers can choose from. With this, some consumers are clueless which drugs to trust and take. Some even waste thousands of dollars each year in buying different kinds of brands to see which ones give better results, are safer, and are less expensive.

So, if you are among the crowd of insomniacs who are finding it hard to decide which over-the-counter sleeping medication to take, read on below for some tips on choosing the right over-the-counter sleeping aid:

1. Consult with your physician to know if sleeping aid medications can affect pre-existing health conditions.

Before buying any over-the-counter sleeping aid, it is best to consult with your physician first to know if over-the-counter sleeping pills can possibly affect your pre-existing health conditions. See, it is dangerous to take over-the-counter medications without knowing and understanding their effects to your body.

2. Double check with your physician how over-the-counter medications can interact with the medications you are already already prescribed to take.

This way, you can be assured that there will be no possible interaction between the over-the-counter drugs you are about to purchase and the medications you are already taking. It is also recommended that you check if you are allergic to any of the over-the-counter drug you are about to take.

3. Know the symptoms that you are okay with as well as those that you find intolerable.

See, not only are over-the-counter sleeping aids appear in different kinds of brand, but they also give different kinds of side effects. For instance, you can either opt to take herbal or antihistamines. These two are known to be effective types of sleeping medications. However, they differ in symptoms or side effects. While herbal sleeping aids can help you get to sleep, these do not really give a very one though. Antihistamines, on the other hand, are also very effective in helping you get to sleep, but these can cause problems by the time you wake up.

4. Decide which type of over-the-counter sleeping aid will work best for you.

Upon knowing that sleeping aids come in two types, it is best for you to determine if a herbal or a antihistamine will best suit you. To know which sleeping aid suits you, try to do a research on the products' ingredients and other information via the Internet. You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations as to which type of sleeping aid is better.

5. Properly take over-the-counter sleeping aid as directed in the products' administration instructions.

Once you have chosen the type of sleeping aid that suit you, you must take it only as directed in the product's administration instructions. If for instance that the one you have chosen does not work for you, never risk increasing its dosage. This might only lead to serious health complications.

Sexual Health Traps Condoms Can't Save You From

A condom is a handy birth control option that is easily accessible and used. They are popular forms of birth control since they also provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Probably the most accessible form of birth control today, condoms are available in drugstores, groceries, and even convenience stores. Community clinics, hospitals, and Planned Parenthood offices sometimes even provide free condoms. Condoms, or rubbers as they are popularly known, are also considered as the only method of contraception that provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

However, STDs are not the only threats to male sexual health around. And there are threats that even the mightiest condom cannot prevent or stop. These are:

* Priapism

Priapism is often termed as the opposite of erectile dysfunction. In this case, a man experiences a painful erection which often lasts for four hours or even longer. Priapism occurs when blood flows into the penis but is not drained sufficiently. Since priapism is not an effect of sexual activity, it cannot be relieved by masturbation and orgasm.

Some of the most common causes of priapism include blood pressure medications and antidepressants, drug use and alcohol, anesthesia, blood diseases, and penile injection therapy.

Treatment for priapism usually come in the form of medical emergencies. Blood is drained out of the penis by using a needle to relieve the erection and restore normal organ function. Medications for priapism are designed to shrink penile blood vessels to minimize blood flow. However, treatment of underlying conditions is preferred to prevent priapism or its recurrence.

* Balanitis and Balanoposthitis

Balanitis refers to the inflammation of the glans or penis's head. On the other hand, balanoposthitis is the inflammation of both the glans and the foreskin. Both disorders exhibit similar symptoms like rash, pain, swelling, foul discharge, and itching in the penile area. These disorders are common in men and boys who have poor personal hygiene and are uncircumcised.

Irritants the cause balantis and balanoposthitis include dead skin cells, tight foreskins, infections, dermatitis, and diabetes.

Circumcision and the practice of proper hygiene can prevent and alleviate both disorders. However, the best way to treat these disorders is by treatment of underlying conditions especially if the irritations are caused by infections, dermatitis, and diabetes.

* Phimosis

Although it is not really a disease, phimosis is a condition that can cause one. Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is too tight that it cannot be retracted to reveal the head of the penis. This condition can cause extreme discomfort when it comes to sexual activity, urination, and personal hygiene.

Common causes of phimosis include birth defects, scar tissues, infection, and balanitis. Treatment for this condition usually includes gentle manual stretching of the foreskin to increase its elasticity. Circumcision and medication to loosen the skin are also popular options in treating phimosis. For a less traumatic treatment than circumcision, some opt for preputioplasty or separating the glans from the foreskin.

* Penile Cancer

A rare form of cancer, penile cancer occurs when abnormal cell growth in the penis increase and grow. Non-cancerous or benign penile tumors can also develop into cancer over time. Symptoms of penile cancer often take the form of penile sores, bleeding, and abnormal discharge. The cause of penile cancer is not definite but there are certain risk factors that increase a man's chances of developing this disease.

Some of these risks include being uncircumcised, smoking, smegma, age, human papilloma virus, phimosis, and psoriasis treatment.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Causes of Narcolepsy

For some sleep disorders, prescription sleeping aids are used to control certain symptoms as in the case of insomnia. However, for narcolepsy, a different kind of treatment is necessitated altogether. Usually the symptoms identifying narcolepsy surface at any time during the patient's life until he or she reaches the age of 50. In most cases, on the other hand, these are known to more commonly manifest during the adolescent years.

Since this particular sleep disorder is persistent, the symptoms are most liable to vary in terms of their frequency and severity. Nevertheless, narcolepsy has no known cure, thus, whatever symptom may arise should not be expected to disappear totally.

What makes narcoleptic sleeping pattern different?

The usual sleeping pattern entails entering a phase referred to as “Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep (NREM)” prior to the “Rapid Eye Movement sleep(REM),” which is considered as the deepest part of sleep. The transition between these two phases takes up at least a couple of hours in which the brain waves gradually slow down as it enters REM sleep where dreams ought to take place. However, in the case of narcoleptics, they do not undergo the NREM phase anymore. Instead, they move straight to the REM phase. They do this even during uncommon times for sleeping which is during the day. Because theyproceed to REM right away, they also have the same syndromes associated with this stage; just as abruptly as they experience REM, they have these in the same way, too.

The Brain Connection

Hypocretin, a brain chemical, plays a significant role in maintaining our state of wakefulness and in assuring that we experience and stay in the REM stage at the right time during our sleep. However, for narcoleptics, the brain cells responsible for activating these chemicals are in a very damaged condition. This leads to a very low production of hypocretin, which explains the abnormality behind narcolepsy. However, the reason behind the damage to the brain cells responsible for producing hypocretin remains indeterminable. Some theories point out to infection and abnormal immune response as the culprits for the damage. Apart from the above-mentioned explanation, narcolepsy is also believed to be hereditary. As of present, research determining the details of these explanations are still being conducted.

The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Factor

Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are considered to make up a part of our body's defense mechanism. They are genetically identified proteins located on the surface of our white blood cells. The discovery that determined the high concentration of these HLAs in narcoleptics led to the assumption that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder. This makes it synonymous to other autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and ankylosing spondylitis, which are both associated with having high levels of HLAs. Theory has it that this autoimmune disorder led to the loss of necessary brain cells in the case of narcoleptics. Environmental factors such as infection or trauma are held responsible for triggering the autoimmune system to attack normal brain cells. Consequently, this resulted to the damage and eventual destruction of neurons as well as the disappearance of neurotransmitter chemicals.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Manage Chronic Pain Caused by Narrowing Disc Disease

Back pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if its primary cause is the narrowing of the spinal discs. Narrowing disc disease refers to the gradual loss of the gel-like substance in the center of every vertebra that facilitates movement. Pain in the lower back is the most common symptom of narrowing disc disease. But since there are other diseases that have back pain as a primary symptom, here are some signs to watch out for to determine whether you have the disease:

Continuous, mild, tolerable pain with occasional flare ups for a few days. Pain in the lower back are often dismissed by most people as fatigue or stress. But continuous pain, even without an apparent cause, that intensifies over a few days is a cause of alarm.

Amplified pain when sitting down. People with the disease experience an amplified sense of pain when they sit due to the fact that the discs carry a heavier load when a person is in this particular position.

Exacerbated pain due to movements centered on the lower back. Movements that are centered on the discs or the lower back like bending, lifting, or twisting can make the pain worse.

If you are suffering from narrowing disc disease, here are some tips that can help alleviate the pain and speed up recovery:

1.Rest a lot.

Sitting can cause extreme stress in the spine, especially if you happen to be overweight. The excess weight can cause your lower back muscles and your lumbar spine to seize up and hurt. Rest or lie down on your back and support your back muscles with a firm mattress or cushion. Doing so alleviates the stress and tension on the spine and reduces risks of injuries to the discs. If you have a hurting back, resting for a couple of days can make the pain go away.

2.Take medications.

If you can afford it, you can take supplements with chondroitin, a substance that is known to increase the size of the discs. However, if your back and spine cause chronic pain, it is important that you consult a doctor for possible use of pain medications. There are lot of pain medications available in online pharmacies and local drugstores so you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your condition.

3.Consider spinal manipulation.

You might want to consider undergoing a spine alignment program to ensure that your vertebra are back in good working order. Physical therapists can perform major spine alignment procedures and teach you simple exercises that can help you manage your spine.

4.Go for regular exercises.

Exercising to restore motion and strength to a painful lumbar spine can be very helpful in relieving pain. Some of the most effective spine exercises are aerobic and specific to the spine. Some exercises include walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling. Aside from strengthening your muscles, these exercises can also improve your flexibility; making spinal movements easier.

5.Practice proper posture.

Often, improper posture is the leading culprit of many spinal injuries and disorders. Practicing proper posture, especially when lifting objects, can reduce your risks of developing narrowing disc disorder. Improperly bending over to lift can cause a large increase in strain on the low back. Proper lifting keeps the back straight while you bend with the knees.



Resource Box:
Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.