Monday, May 26, 2008

What You Can Do If You Have Arthritis Pain

What You Can Do If You Have Arthritis Pain
If you were to ask the average person what it means to have
rheumatoid arthritis or RA, they would probably think first
of deformed joints and pain. Modern therapies have greatly
reduced the amount of joint damage for the vast majority of
patients, but pain is still an issue. Some medications take
considerable time to work and pain control is important
early on as well as during flares.

Of course, the best treatment for pain is eliminating the
cause of it. In the case of RA, this means controlling the
disease and the underlying inflammation. Doing this reduces
pain and reduces damage that leads to chronic pain. For
about 90% of RA patients, good control of RA symptoms means
good pain relief as well. However, that still leaves the
newly diagnosed and the unfortunate 10% in need of
analgesics and other pain control measures.

Acute pain is usually treated with traditional analgesics
including opiates like those found in codeine, hydrocodone
and morphine to name a few. Less severe pain may be treated
with over the counter medications and also by the use of
NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are
the drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, piroxicam,
Celebrex and the like. These have the advantage of treating
the inflammation itself as well as relieving pain and may
be used as part of the protocol of treatment. They have the
disadvantage of irritation of the digestive system and even
blood loss or ulcers as a result.

Ordinary acetaminophen can be used for mild pain in RA and
other conditions. While it is easier on the stomach, it
does not treat inflammation itself. It might be chosen, for
example, in a pregnant patient for whom other drugs might
be inappropriate.

Steroidal drugs also can ease pain by controlling
inflammation. Prednisone and other steroids can be given by
mouth and are sometimes injected directly into an affected
joint to treat inflammation directly. Such injections may
also have a local anesthetic included and provide extra
pain relief. Local anesthetics are also used to inject
"trigger points" in select patients but are more common in
other rheumatic illnesses such as fibromyalgia.

Since RA pain may become chronic, complementary and
alternative therapies may also be added. Physical therapy
and occupational therapy can help a patient to be more
comfortable and may use assistive devices such as TENS
units to control pain without drugs. Some physicians employ
herbal remedies and nutritional supplements such as fish
oils to help control pain. Others may refer patients for
chiropractic treatments or acupuncture.

When pain is a large part of an RA patient's case, a visit
to a pain specialist is usually set up to get the best pain
control with the best quality of life. Pain is a relative
for some RA patients but it can be managed with the right
combination of therapies for virtually everyone.


----------------------------------------------------
There are many online articles about arthritis symptoms and
treatments at http://www.arthritiscures.us
Learn more about Rheumatoid Arthritis:
http://arthritiscures.us/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-art

hritis.htm
Learn more about Natural Arthritis Pain Relief:
http://arthritiscures.us/natural-arthritis-pain-relief/natur

al-arthritis-pain-relief.htm

Hot Tub Buying - Selecting the Shell

Hot Tub Buying - Selecting the Shell
When buying a Hot Tub how does one assess the shell used.
Quite often a cheaper acrylic may be used and one can
always tell the quality producer of hot tub shells. These
are usually deep tubs as some manufacturers' use such cheap
grades of material that it cannot take the manufacturing
processes to get a really deep spa. Some times, you can see
stretch marks on the bends and curves of the Hot Tub
particularly so or more so with some finishes as opposed to
others. I have seen this even in Lucite shells but on
following thus up I found that this manufacturer whilst
using Lucite had not been using Lucite xtracast acrylic
(the best grade and most expensive).

In my view, the better-built spas in the world are made
with a patented four layer strengthening process, which is
called Dura-Bond ™. This exclusive system combines
the acknowledged beauty of Lucite-Xtra ™ Acrylic with
a layer of ABS for shell strength and integrity. Then the
maker of the best spas in the world add a layer of double
strengthening material Dura-Bond ™. This high-density
material is re-enforced with a fibrous chop material that
adds very considerable additional strength to the Spa
Shell. The process is completed with a thick layer of
polyurethane foam.

Lucite-Xtra ™ cast acrylic is a non-porous material
that resists stains like the build up of lotions and body
oils, which can ruin non- acrylic spas. This tough material
keeps it shine and colour despite the use of sanitizing
chemicals, high temperatures and exposure to sunlight. Its
durable surface resists chipping, cracking and denting.
Lucite-Xtra ™ is easily maintained with a sponge and
mild soap. No additional polishing or waxing is needed to
keep its lustrous appearance.

One can always check the quality of these Hot Tub Shells by
applying what I call the lipstick test. Because Enderol and
other similar low cost surfaces are actually porous (a
great place for bacteria to manifest itself), they are of
course also much less resistant to staining which is why
you would see a tile line around some of their spas. If you
apply lipstick, then usually it is not very easy to remove.
On high grade Acrylic, since it is non-porous, it will
simply wipe right off.

When you or your friends are thinking of buying a Hot Tub
Jacuzzi Spa it is always worth probing a little beneath the
glitz of the packaging and presentation. Do not fall for
the simle patter of a salesperson who simply repeats by
rote some pre-planned presentation and very probably does
not even use a Hot Tub Jacuzzi.

Make sure you buy from a long established American
manufacturer and not just a cheap import from the East.


----------------------------------------------------
The author supplies premium quality American & European Hot
Tubs on the Costa Del Sol In Spain and his web site is at
http://www.spas4you.com email info@spas4you.com

Hot Tub Buying - Selecting the Shell

Hot Tub Buying - Selecting the Shell
When buying a Hot Tub how does one assess the shell used.
Quite often a cheaper acrylic may be used and one can
always tell the quality producer of hot tub shells. These
are usually deep tubs as some manufacturers' use such cheap
grades of material that it cannot take the manufacturing
processes to get a really deep spa. Some times, you can see
stretch marks on the bends and curves of the Hot Tub
particularly so or more so with some finishes as opposed to
others. I have seen this even in Lucite shells but on
following thus up I found that this manufacturer whilst
using Lucite had not been using Lucite xtracast acrylic
(the best grade and most expensive).

In my view, the better-built spas in the world are made
with a patented four layer strengthening process, which is
called Dura-Bond ™. This exclusive system combines
the acknowledged beauty of Lucite-Xtra ™ Acrylic with
a layer of ABS for shell strength and integrity. Then the
maker of the best spas in the world add a layer of double
strengthening material Dura-Bond ™. This high-density
material is re-enforced with a fibrous chop material that
adds very considerable additional strength to the Spa
Shell. The process is completed with a thick layer of
polyurethane foam.

Lucite-Xtra ™ cast acrylic is a non-porous material
that resists stains like the build up of lotions and body
oils, which can ruin non- acrylic spas. This tough material
keeps it shine and colour despite the use of sanitizing
chemicals, high temperatures and exposure to sunlight. Its
durable surface resists chipping, cracking and denting.
Lucite-Xtra ™ is easily maintained with a sponge and
mild soap. No additional polishing or waxing is needed to
keep its lustrous appearance.

One can always check the quality of these Hot Tub Shells by
applying what I call the lipstick test. Because Enderol and
other similar low cost surfaces are actually porous (a
great place for bacteria to manifest itself), they are of
course also much less resistant to staining which is why
you would see a tile line around some of their spas. If you
apply lipstick, then usually it is not very easy to remove.
On high grade Acrylic, since it is non-porous, it will
simply wipe right off.

When you or your friends are thinking of buying a Hot Tub
Jacuzzi Spa it is always worth probing a little beneath the
glitz of the packaging and presentation. Do not fall for
the simle patter of a salesperson who simply repeats by
rote some pre-planned presentation and very probably does
not even use a Hot Tub Jacuzzi.

Make sure you buy from a long established American
manufacturer and not just a cheap import from the East.


----------------------------------------------------
The author supplies premium quality American & European Hot
Tubs on the Costa Del Sol In Spain and his web site is at
http://www.spas4you.com email info@spas4you.com

Natural Ways to Sleep Better and Longer

Natural Ways to Sleep Better and Longer
If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep,
there are many ways to correct this problem naturally
without relying on sleeping pills. But if you are having
trouble sleeping you should see your doctor first for a
complete checkup. This will rule out any physical problems
that can keep you from sleeping. Read on to discover a few
natural ways to sleep better.

Melatonin is a natural sleep aid that can be purchased over
the counter. Melatonin is produced in the body in small
amounts. Taking a Melatonin supplement before bed has been
proven to induce a more relaxing sleep. But be aware that
pregnant women or those with mental disorders should not
take Melatonin.

Experiment with different relaxation techniques to find the
one that works the best for you. You may want to try
visualization, yoga, meditation or progressive muscle
relaxation. Since everyone is different, what works for
someone else may not work for you. Find the one that is
effective for you and use it every evening before bed to
promote sleep.

Try aromatherapy, especially lavender, to help you fall
asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Lavender has been
used for centuries as a natural sleep inducer and research
is now starting to confirm it's sedative properties. You
may want to place a lavender sachet under your pillow or
take a warm, relaxing, lavender scented bath before bedtime.

For some people, music can lull them to sleep faster than
anything else. Try playing soft, relaxing music in your
bedroom at night. You may even want to try recordings of
other relaxing sounds, such as flowing water, crickets or
relaxing nature sounds.

Get plenty of exercise. Lack of exercise can make the body
tense. Exercise can loosen up those tense muscles and it
can also help release stress. Just don't exercise before
going to bed. If you do, you will never get to sleep!

You may want to try Feng Shui. This is an ancient Chinese
philosophy that believes the arrangement of the furniture
in the room can affect a person's well being. A few Feng
Shui tips to help promote sleep are:

* Don't put the bed in the corner of the room.

* When you lie down in bed, make is so you are not facing
sharp corners of any type of furniture.

* Do not put your bed next to a window.

* Make sure that your bed is positioned so that you have a
full view of the doorway.

These are just a few helpful tips that can help you fall
asleep naturally. Experiment with them and find the one
that works the best for you.


----------------------------------------------------
Fall straight to sleep
http://www.1thinkhealthy.com/straight2sleep.html

The Truth About Cosmetic Surgery Abroad

The Truth About Cosmetic Surgery Abroad
If you're unhappy with any aspect of your personal
appearance, there are many types of cosmetic surgery that
can correct signs of aging, unsightly dental defects, or
"body work" that can make all the difference in your
emotional self-esteem.

The stereotype of having cosmetic surgery abroad that
existed a half-century ago is now something we find more
than a little silly! The old stories about aging movie
stars who sneak off to Switzerland to have face lifts may
once have been true.

Yet today, having cosmetic surgery abroad is not only
de-stigmatized, but is openly promoted. Since American
insurance companies and Health Maintenance Organizations
(HMOs) will not cover elective cosmetic procedures, it is
financially prudent to have your surgery abroad in a fully
accredited medical center staffed with board-certified
surgeons who maintain an outstanding standard of care that
is comparable to any major medical facility in the United
States.

If you elect to have cosmetic surgery abroad, distinguished
medical facilities perform many kinds of procedures
including dental correction and lasix eye surgery.

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is
blepharoplasty; this is eyelid surgery that is designed to
remove the excess skin, fat and drooping muscles around
your upper and lower eyelids.

This condition is often referred to as "hooded eyes" and
can make you appear constantly fatigued or older than you
really are. Having this type of cosmetic surgery abroad is
completely safe and effective when performed at a
state-of-the-art medical center with a board-certified
surgeon.

Another very popular type of cosmetic surgery abroad is
abdominoplasty; this procedure is commonly known as a
"tummy tuck." It removes excess skin and fat in your
abdomen that can occur after pregnancy, after a substantial
weight loss, or upon aging.

This is not a simple procedure and should never be
performed by an unqualified surgeon or at a sub-standard
foreign medical center. When you have this type of cosmetic
surgery abroad at a top-quality facility, you can be
assured of only the best surgical and follow-up nursing
care.

Breast augmentation is one of the most common types of
cosmetic surgery. Although it is widely performed in the
United States, it is not covered by insurance companies or
HMOs since it is an elective surgery. Having breast
augmentation at a high-quality foreign medical facility is
much less expensive than having the procedure done in
America.

Our high cost of living is what drives the price of breast
augmentation and other surgeries so very high. Having this
cosmetic surgery abroad is very affordable since the local
cost of living is lower and there is no tax involved.

There are many excellent reasons why you should choose to
have your cosmetic surgery abroad; the most essential
detail of your surgery depends upon doing your homework
about the accreditation of the foreign medical facility and
the qualifications of the medical staff.


----------------------------------------------------
Beautiful You Holidays is one of the first and unique world
renowned medical organizations in Malaysia, specializing in
Cosmetic Surgery Abroad. For more Information on Plastic
Surgery Abroad Check out
http://www.BeautifulYouHolidays.com/

Spices For The Best Body Detox

Spices For The Best Body Detox
Through the basic function of living, our bodies go through
a lot of wear and tear, and one of the things that will
really affect the way that we function and the way that we
move forward is the presence of toxins. There are plenty
of toxins that get into our bodies through the foods we eat
and the air we breathe, so make sure that you undergo a
body detox diet to rid yourself of these roblems. When you
are thinking about ways to pull these toxins out, you'll
find that there are body detox tips regarding herbs that
can help you do just that!

When you are thinking about herbs, you might be in a
situation where you are really thinking about what you are
eating and what you can do to keep healthy on top of it.
When you are looking herbs, you'll find that there are a
quite a few that are excellent for the purposes of drawing
toxins out of your body and leaving you feeling more
energetic and more healthy in general. Make sure that you
take a look at some of the herbs that are great for a body
detox system the next time that you are looking for good
recipes.

Ginger Root
Ginger root is another spice that has excellent anti-cancer
properties, both in terms of killing cancer cells and
fighting the formation of the cancer cells in the first
place. You can add ginger root juice to a beverage or grind
it up to add to your dinner. You'll also find that you can
chew ginger root to rid yourself of a stomach ache, which
makes it an excellent tool for any body detox diet.

Tumeric
Like ginger, tumeric is often consumed in South Asian food.
It is found most commonly in curries, and this is the spice
that gives curry its distinctive color. It is especially
helpful when it comes to cleansing your liver of toxins,
and like the two herbs mentioned above, it will help
inhibit the growth of cancer cells. You'll also find that
it will prevent any carcinogens like the ones that develop
in charbroiled meats from doing any harm, so make sure you
include tis in your body detox system.

Rosemary
For a more subtle taste than ginger root or tumeric,
consider rosemary. There is a wonderfully fresh and piney
scent that goes along with this herb, and it has powerful
detoxification abilities. It can hold back skin and lung
cancer, and it can be easily added to your vegetable
dishes, rice dishes and soups. You'll find that eating this
herb can give you a great deal of energy and make you feel
more alert, so ake a look at the body detox tips that
recommend it.

Diuretics
You'll find that some herbs are beneficial for a great body
detox diet by virtue of being diuretics. In this range of
herbs, which are all easy to include in any body detox
diet, you'll find parsley, dandelion, juniper, and uva ursi
are. These are important herbs when it comes to flushing
out your liver, which is an important part of any body
detox program.


----------------------------------------------------
John Khu is a health enthusiast and author of a new eBook
titled "Body Detox Tips". He is devoted to educate others
on the benefit of body detoxification. He is also the
owner of the website called http://www.bodydetoxtips.com
which provides complete and up-to-date information.