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Can Neurofeedback Help Kids with ADHD Press the Restart Button?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 06:09:00 +0000

Michaela’s son had been hyperactive since he was a baby.

In first grade, he was diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Like many children with this condition, the young boy started taking a stimulant medication to treat his ADHD.

It was never quite enough. Medical practitioners tried adding various medications for other symptoms over the years, with marginal success.

Michaela, a Tennessee mother who asked that we use only her first name, felt guilty about giving her son medication. That sparked her interest in neurofeedback.

“When you are desperate to find help for your child,” Michaela told Healthline, “you'll try anything that is safe and documented in the literature.”

ADHD Is a Growing Concern

Approximately 11 percent of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Some experts are calling it an epidemic.

The rising number of ADHD cases has led some parents to try alternatives such as neurofeedback.

A few years ago neurofeedback was added to the list of ADHD treatments. The expensive alternative treatment is a procedure where a therapist reads brain activity on an electroencephalography (EEG) test and adjusts feedback to directly train brain function.

Learn More: ADHD and Neurofeedback »

Many experts are still skeptical about the validity of neurofeedback as a mainstream treatment for ADHD.

They cite studies that failed to show significant improvement in ADHD symptoms and studies that weren’t controlled enough to truly validate outcomes.

However, as the rates of ADHD have risen, the condition has been studied more intensely. There was little research on the efficacy of neurofeedback to treat ADHD before 2000. There have been dozens of studies on the subject since then.

How Neurofeedback Works

In a study published in 2014 in the Journal of Pediatrics, children with ADHD who received neurofeedback made both quicker and greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than kids who had only cognitive training or neither treatment. Those improvements were still seen six months after neurofeedback sessions ended.

This study suggests neurofeedback is a promising treatment for ADHD, one that could have lasting effects, unlike ADHD medication that only eases symptoms when it is taken daily.

Worth the Risk for Some Parents

Desperate parents with the means to cover the cost of the treatment have been willing to try neurofeedback with their kids.

Michaela is one of them.

When her son was in sixth grade, they participated in approximately 25 sessions back-to-back for a month.

“Other than the $3,000 hit to my wallet, we consider neurofeedback a success,” said Michaela. “At first, things got worse as his brain was reorganizing. After the second or third week, my son noted his thoughts were ‘quieter than normal,’ which he really liked. Overall, after a month of neurofeedback, we noticed reduced anxiety and better responses to our requests to do things he didn’t like, such as homework and chores.”

While psychologists told the family they could stop their son’s medication, Michaela knew that wasn’t a possibility. They were, however, able to lower his medication dosage for ADHD and anxiety while maintaining success. Despite the continued need for medication, Michaela says, “We were happy with the differences we saw in his behavior.”

The positive effects of neurofeedback are still pronounced, 18 months after completing treatment.

“Life at home significantly improved with the treatment, while some disorganization and attentiveness are still a bit of a challenge at school,” Michaela said. “I think neurofeedback should be covered by health insurance so this treatment would be accessible to all ADHD families and for longer treatment periods.”

Watch: Best ADHD videos »

Anecdotal evidence, like the story of Michaela and her son, may be enough to spur more families to try neurofeedback. ADHD cannot be cured, but some experts feel neurofeedback shows promise in treating symptoms long-term.

A self-described “veteran” parent of a son with ADHD, Penny Williams is an award-winning blogger and author of the Amazon best-seller, "Boy Without Instructions: Surviving the Learning Curve of Parenting a Child with ADHD." Her second book, "What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting ADHD," is now available.

Source: healthline.com

What Do You Want to Know About Allergies?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000

An allergy is the immune system’s response to a foreign substance that’s not typically harmful to your body. These foreign substances are called allergens. They can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander. They elicit a response from your immune system.

Your immune system’s job is to keep you healthy by fighting infection and other harmful pathogens. It does this by attacking anything it fears could put your body in danger. Depending on the allergen, this attack response may involve inflammation, sneezing, and a host of other symptoms.

Your immune system normally becomes acclimated to your environment. When your body encounters something like pet dander, it realizes it’s harmless, and doesn’t attack. In people with allergies, the immune system confuses those harmless substances with outside invaders threatening the body.

Allergies are common, and there are several ways to treat them in order to avoid annoying and troublesome symptoms.

Causes and Types of Allergies

Allergies occur when a normally harmless foreign substance enters the body and your immune system has a response to the invader. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why the immune system reacts this way.

Allergies have a genetic component, meaning that they can be passed down from parent to child. However, only a general susceptibility to allergic reaction is genetic. Specific allergies are not passed down. If your mother is allergic to shellfish, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be too.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are several common types of allergens, including:

animal products: pet dander, dust mite waste, cockroaches
drugs: penicillin, “sulfa” drugs
foods: most commonly wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, and eggs
insect stings: bees, wasps, mosquitoes
mold: airborne spores from mold
plants: pollens from grass, weeds, and trees, as well as resin from plants such as poison ivy and poison oak
other: metals, such as copper and latex

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are some of the most common allergies. These are caused by pollen released by plants. They cause:

itchy eyes
watery eyes
a runny nose
a cough

When to See a Doctor About Allergies

Allergy symptoms can create numerous complications.

Food allergies can trigger swelling, hives, nausea, fatigue, and more. It may take awhile for a person to realize that they have a food allergy. If you have a serious reaction after a meal and you’re not sure why, see your doctor. They will be able to find the exact cause of your reaction or refer you to a specialist.

Hay fever symptoms can mimic those of a cold. They include congestion, a runny nose, and swollen eyes. Most of the time you’ll be able to manage these symptoms at home using over-the-counter treatments. See your doctor if your symptoms become unmanageable.

Severe allergies can cause anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to breathing difficulties, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms after coming in contact with a possible allergen, seek medical help immediately.

Your doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms, as well as the difference between a sensitivity and a full-blown allergy. Your doctor can also teach you how to manage your allergy symptoms.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

There are several ways allergies can be diagnosed.

First, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They will ask about anything unusual you may have eaten recently and any substances you may have come in contact with. For example, if you have a rash on your hands your doctor may ask if you’ve put on latex gloves recently.

Food allergies are typically diagnosed through a process of elimination. Your doctor may have you take part in an elimination diet. This means you will remove certain foods from your diet and then rate your symptoms. Foods are slowly added back into the diet and symptoms are recorded in a food diary.

Your doctor may also refer you to an allergist for testing and treatment. A common type of allergy test carried out by an allergist is called a skin test. During this test, your skin is pricked or scratched with small needles containing potential allergens. Your skin’s reaction is documented. If you’re allergic to a particular substance, your skin will become red and inflamed.

According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor or allergist may also order a blood test known as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Your blood will be tested for the presence of allergy-causing antibodies, or cells that react to allergens.

How Are Allergies Treated?

The best treatment for allergies is avoiding whatever triggers the reaction. If that’s not possible, there are treatment options available.

Medication

Since people with hay fever and seasonal allergies cannot avoid the outdoor environment forever, treatment involves medications like antihistamines to control the symptoms. The medication can be over-the-counter or prescription, depending on the severity of your allergies.

Allergy medications include:

antihistamines
corticosteroids
cromolyn sodium
decongestants
leukotriene modifiers

Immunotherapy

Many people opt for immunotherapy. This involves several injections of purified extracts from the allergens given over a few years. This helps the body become accustomed to the substance that produces the allergic reaction. Successful immunotherapy can prevent allergy symptoms from returning.

Emergency Epinephrine

People who have severe, life-threatening allergic reactions typically carry an emergency epinephrine shot, commonly called an EpiPen. EpiPen is one brand name and another commonly used brand is Tinject. This shot is given to counter the allergic reaction until medical help arrives.

There are many natural treatments and supplements marketed to treat allergies, but you should discuss these with your doctor before trying them. Some natural treatments may contain other allergens.

How to Prevent Allergies

There is no way to prevent allergies. But there are ways to prevent the symptoms from occurring. The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergens that trigger them.

Avoidance is the most effective way to treat food allergens. Trying an elimination diet can help you determine the cause of your allergens so you know how to avoid them. Thoroughly reading food labels and asking questions while dining out are basic steps to help avoid food allergens.

Preventing seasonal allergies, contact allergies, and other allergies comes down to knowing where the allergens are located and how to avoid them. If you’re allergic to dust, installing proper air filters in your home, getting your air ducts professionally cleaned, and regularly dusting your home can help reduce symptoms.

Proper allergy testing can help you pinpoint your exact triggers, which makes them easier to avoid.

Outlook: Living With Allergies

Allergies are common and don’t have life-threatening consequences for most people. Those at risk of anaphylaxis can learn how to manage their allergies and what to do in an emergency situation.

Most allergies are manageable with avoidance, medications, and lifestyle changes. Working with your doctor or allergist can help reduce any major complications and make life more enjoyable.

Written by Brian Krans / Source: Healthline.com

Medically Reviewed on 22 decembrie 2014 by George Krucik, MD, MBA

Article Sources:

Allergies. (2012, January 20). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 13, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergies/DS01118
Types of Allergies. (n.d.). American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Retrieved September 13, 2012, fromhttp://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/Pages/default.aspx
What is Allergy? Allergy Symptoms, Treatment & More. (2012, July 18).Pollen.com. Retrieved September 13, 2012, fromhttp://www.pollen.com/what-is-allergy.asp

What Do You Want to Know About ADHD?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 05:51:00 +0000

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that causes above-normal levels of hyperactive and disruptive behaviors. People with ADHD tend to have difficulty concentrating, sitting still, paying attention, staying organized, following instructions, remembering details, and/or controlling impulses.

One of the unfortunate complications for people with untreated ADHD is that they often have trouble getting along with their peers, family members at home, and coworkers.

For children, ADHD is perhaps most associated with problems at school. Children with ADHD often have difficulty succeeding in a controlled classroom setting; assignments become difficult obstacles, instead of productive learning experiences. Perhaps because of this—although it affects people of all ages—ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in children than in adults: A 2006 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that ADHD affects about four to six percent of American children ages five to 17 (approximately 4.5 million overall), making ADHD one of the most common childhood disorders in the United States. The survey also found that boys are twice as likely to be diagnosed as girls. The majority (50 to 70 percent) of these children will retain symptoms into adulthood, but many get better over time.

Unfortunately, ADHD can be difficult to diagnose, and many children who suffer from the condition are labeled simply as troublemakers, problem children, or, even worse, stupid or lazy. ADHD is, however, a real and serious condition, not a means of explaining away behavioral problems. Luckily, with an early diagnosis and proper treatment, children with ADHD can be just as successful as children who do not have the condition.

Types of ADHD

There is a wide range of behaviors that are symptomatic of ADHD. To make it easier to diagnose and treat, they have been grouped by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders into three categories: inattentive behavior, above-normal activity level (hyperactivity), and lack of impulse control. Children who suffer from ADHD will display behaviors in one, two, or all three of these categories. Therefore, when diagnosing ADHD, the condition is divided into three subtypes:

Predominantly Inattentive Type

This is a form of ADHD that used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. As the name suggests, children with this type of ADHD have extreme difficulty paying attention, focusing, finishing tasks, and following instructions. Experts also think that many children with an inattentive form of ADHD may be overlooked because they don’t tend to disrupt the classroom. This form is most common among girls with ADHD.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Children with this type exhibit primarily hyperactive and impulsive behavior such as fidgeting, interrupting, and an inability to wait their turns. Although inattention is less of a concern with this type of ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive patients may still have some problems focusing on tasks.

Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive Type

This is the most common type of ADHD. Children with this combined form of ADHD display a significant number of symptoms connected to all three behavioral categories—an inability to pay attention, a tendency towards impulsiveness, and above-normal levels of activity and energy.

Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD have typically had the disorder since childhood, but it may not have been diagnosed until later in life; an evaluation usually occurs at the prompting of a peer, family member, or coworker who has observed problems at work or in relationships. Adults can be diagnosed with any of the three subtypes of ADHD discussed above. However, due to the relative maturity and experience of adults, as well as physical differences between adults and children, adult ADHD symptoms can be somewhat different than those experienced by children. For example, adults with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD are unlikely to run and jump around. Generally, ADHD has a less severe profile in adults than in children, but there is still some debate about accurately diagnosing adult ADHD. Learn more about adult ADHD

Written by The Healthline Editorial Team | Medically Reviewed by Stephanie Burkhead, MPH

Source: healthline.com

Risk Factors for Addiction

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 05:45:00 +0000

Risk Factors for Addiction

It can be difficult to understand why some people are more prone to addiction than others. Addiction doesn’t seem to discriminate based on race, ethnicity, education, height, weight, or social status. Also, trying to pinpoint the cause of addiction is not easy. There are many risk factors that may increase the risk of addiction, regardless of a person’s upbringing or moral code. While the risk factors for a drug addiction may differ from, say, those for a sex or gambling problem, there tend to be many factors that combine to increase overall chances of addiction.

What makes one person and not another turn social use into an addiction could be a combination of these factors.

Part 2 of 7: Genetics

Genetics

Over the past few decades, research has proven that addiction is not a matter of weak willpower or a lack of morals. It appears that the chemical reactions of an addicted brain are quite different from those of one that is not addicted. This explains why one person may be able to smoke cigarettes every so often for pleasure, while another needs them on a daily basis in order to function properly.

Heredity is a major risk factor for addiction. In fact, scientists estimate that 40 to 60 percentof a person’s risk for addiction is based on genetics. In families where there is addiction present, children are far more likely to have addiction problems as adults. This is especially true if they witness a parent’s addiction on a day-to-day basis.

Unfortunately, a person with an “addictive personality” may be at risk for a wide range of addictions. For example, a person with an alcoholic parent may choose not to drink, but could become addicted to smoking or gambling.

Part 3 of 7: Environment

Environment

Environmental factors can also pose risks to a potential addict. For children and teens, a lack of parental involvement can lead to risk taking or experimentation with alcohol or drugs. Also, young people who experience abuse or neglect from parents may begin to use drugs or alcohol to cope with their emotions.

In young adults, peer pressure is also a risk factor for addiction. Though it might not be overt or aggressive, the pressure from friends to fit in or be accepted can create a breeding ground for addiction to take root. The availability of a substance, as in the case of a college student having easy access to drugs or alcohol, may also make it much easier for a young adult to become addicted.

Environmental factors can be so strong that an addict in recovery usually needs to avoid certain situations or people that could trigger a relapse. The people you used to use drugs or drink with may need to be kept at a distance. Cravings may surface around certain people or in certain places. This is true even after a long period of sobriety.

Part 4 of 7: Dual Diagnoses

Dual Diagnoses

In the medical community, a person with a “dual diagnosis” is someone who has an addiction and a mental health disorder like depression. Underlying mental health issues can increase the risk of addiction. Also, the addiction can then increase the symptoms or severity of the mental health problem. This begins a vicious cycle in which the addiction tends to progress quickly and with severe negative results. These addicts may feel like their drugs decrease their depression for a short time. However, in the long run, the addiction is actually making things worse.

In other cases, a medical condition can increase the risk of addiction. For example, a person who is taking prescription pain pills after a surgery might become addicted to those pills. Alternately, an injury or illness could drastically change a person’s lifestyle, which can encourage the use of drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Part 5 of 7: Drug of Choice

Drug of Choice

While some addictions progress slowly over the course of several months or years, others move quickly. The object of the addiction can play a role in this. Drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines tend to be more physically addictive than alcohol or marijuana. As the withdrawal or “comedown” from cocaine or heroin use tends to be physically painful, the person is more likely to use the drug often and in higher doses. This speeds up the process of addiction and can cause even worse outcomes, including an overdose.

Part 6 of 7: Method

Method

Just as some drugs may be more addictive than others, the method of use can also increase the risk of addiction. Drugs that are smoked or injected into the body tend to be more addictive than those that you swallow. This is because the drug goes straight into the bloodstream and brain without the liver and other organs filtering them out.

Part 7 of 7: Early Use

Early Use

Another risk factor for addiction is the age at which the use or behavior started. Researchhas shown that the younger the user is, the more likely he or she is to become addicted. Addictive behavior in younger years can also have an impact on brain development, making young people more prone to mental health disorders as the addiction progresses into their later years.

Despite all of these risk factors, many people are able to combat or avoid addiction completely. Risk factors do not guarantee someone will be an addict, merely that their chances may be greater. When risk factors are present, abstinence may be the best solution.

Source: Healthline.com

Is It Addiction?: Recognizing a Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:37:00 +0000

Recognizing A Problem

Recognizing an addiction problem can be harder than it seems. Addicts are often skilled at hiding their behavior, even from their closest friends and family members. Also, what may seem like an addiction could be an experimental phase or how a given person copes with stressful circumstances. But addiction is chronic and usually degenerative, or gets worse over time. Without help in the early stages, an addiction may turn into a debilitating and life-threatening condition.

No matter the type of addiction, it’s important to recognize warning signs and seek help if necessary.

Part 2 of 6: Early Behavior

Early Behavior

In the early stages, a person might not show telltale signs of a full-blown addiction. When it comes to common behaviors like drinking or smoking, it may be that a person is simply using a substance socially or casually. Therefore, it can be difficult to determine whether or not the behavior is unhealthy or how long it might last. But, even in the early stages, some clues may be present. Signs include:

being particularly drawn to an activity or substance
seeking out situations where the substance or activity is present
episodes of binging or loss of control

Part 3 of 6: Alienation

Alienation

Once a person moves past experimenting or the early phase of addiction, he or she will likely begin to alienate friends and family, pushing away the people who care about them. Addicts tend to surround themselves only with others who either encourage or emulate their addictive behavior. An addict typically won’t put himself or herself in social situations where he or she cannot use their substance of choice or perform the addictive behavior.

At first, alienation may be infrequent, but it will typically progress over time. An addict will try to hide the addictive behavior from loved ones—especially those who may try to stop it. It’s common for addicts to completely cut off contact with their families, friends, spouses, or children. They will avoid phone calls, ignore text messages, and even refuse to answer the door.

Part 4 of 6: Deteriorating Health

Deteriorating Health

Another way to recognize addiction is to pay attention to the individual’s health. Whether the addiction is to a drug or behavior, the addict’s health will almost always decline. Constant illness, injuries, or chronic fatigue may be signs of a problem. The skin, hair, teeth, and nails of an addict may also be in poor condition. This is especially true when the person is abusing illicit drugs like methamphetamines or cocaine. The person may also have a strange sleep schedule or will constantly miss work and other important obligations.

The person’s mental and emotional health may also suffer. The following could be signs of a problem:

sudden changes in mood
aggressive behavior
irritability
depression
apathy
suicidal thoughts

In general, if other factors contributing to mental or physical health issues are absent, it’s likely that a substance abuse or other addiction problem is present.

Part 5 of 6: Life Consequences

Onset of Life Consequences

In the middle or later stages of an addiction, the addict will experience negative results from the addiction. These consequences may be limited to an addict’s personal life, but could include professional or legal problems as well. Some common consequences include:

dropping out of school or poor grades
missing work or neglecting important obligations
damaged relationships with friends and family
loss of good standing or tarnished reputation
accidents, injuries, or hospitalizations as a result of addictive behavior
arrests or jail time
eviction from the home or failed mortgage payments
loss of job
loss of parental rights

While similar issues can occur in the lives of non-addicted persons, these can become more common when an addiction is present. It’s important to gauge whether or not the problem is a result of a single incident or a growing problem with the addiction.

Part 6 of 6: Excuses

Tendency to Make Excuses

Despite the concern of friends and family, an addict will almost always deny the seriousness of his or her addiction. Making excuses is common among addicts. Whether they know they are addicted or not, they will deny it to others. The person will usually have a number of reasons to excuse their behavior.

While a non-addicted person can usually see a negative behavior and eliminate it, this is not the case with an addict. Rather than admit the problem exists, addicts must convince themselves and others why it’s okay to continue the behavior. This is why an intervention or trying to force an addict into treatment often fails. Until an addict “hits bottom” and wants help, he or she won’t be able to admit that they need help. In most cases, an addict must want to change in order for recovery to be successful.

Source: Healthline.com

What Do You Want to Know About Addiction?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:25:00 +0000

The word “addiction” is used more often today than ever before. We hear it applied to the even the most benign behaviors, like a favorite TV show or snack food. But the term can also refer to a dangerous disease. True addiction is more than a bad habit. It is an obsession with a self-destructive substance or behavior.

Some medical professionals believe that addiction is a disorder of the mind, while others claim it’s a physiological (physical) problem. Because of the association that addiction often has with illicit substances and illegal actions, it is often seen as a criminal issue as well.

The topic of addiction is controversial. Because of this, it’s easy to see why the true nature of addiction remains unclear. Is addiction a physical disease? How does it develop? Is it hereditary? Can it be cured? All of these are common questions that often have complex answers.

What Are the Types of Addiction?

Most experts agree that addiction is a chronic, compulsive dependence on a behavior or a substance. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary defines it as “habitual psychological or physiological dependence on a substance or practice that is beyond voluntary control,” (Stedman, 2006).

You can be addicted to any number of things—from those that are inherently dangerous to those that are otherwise harmless. Common addictions include:

drugs
alcohol
tobacco
sex
gambling
caffeine
shopping
exercise
tanning

Regardless of the source of addiction, it is usually destructive in nature and gets worse with time. Someone with an addiction is unable to control how often or how much he or she uses the drug of choice or performs the addictive behavior.

What Are the Symptoms of Addiction?

The symptoms of addiction vary from person to person. They will also depend on the substance or behavior of choice. However, most addictions have a set of characteristics that may occur either suddenly or over a period of time. These include:

increased use of or obsession with the substance
change of lifestyle, social activities, or friendships in order to accommodate use or behavior
loss of interest in hobbies, goals, or activities that used to bring joy
pushing away close family members and friends who may be able to detect a problem
loss of employment or other negative work-related problems
extreme changes in personality—someone who was once outgoing and social may become withdrawn, or vice versa
loss of control over frequency or quantity of use
repeated failed attempts to control or stop the addiction

While this list is not complete, an addict will usually show several of these traits. In order to truly diagnose an addiction, it helps to learn more about the preferred substance or behavior. For example, someone with a cocaine addiction will likely show very different symptoms than someone with a gambling addiction.

Addicts become skilled at hiding their behavior. This allows them to maintain access to their addiction without detection. Therefore, it’s not always easy to spot addiction from the outside. Often, it isn’t until something tragic occurs, like an overdose or loss of employment, that people notice something is wrong.

What Causes Addiction?

Many addicts are blamed for having a lack of willpower to overcome their addiction.

Science has shown that that an addicted person’s brain follows certain patterns that can cause both a physiological and psychological dependence. This is true even after just one experience with the drug or behavior of choice. With addiction, the parts of the brain that control motivation, mood, reward, and concentration are stimulated to bring intense pleasure.

Many experts believe that certain people are prone toward addiction because of their unique brain chemistry, while other doctors argue that addiction can happen to anyone.

Most addiction experts agree, however, that addiction is usually caused not just by physiological responses in the brain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), factors like heredity, environment, mental health, and diet may also play a role in the onset and development of addiction. In fact, several factors are usually involved, which can make addiction a difficult condition both to prevent and treat.

Tracking the Progression of Addiction

While not all addictions result in the same negative outcomes or destructive behaviors, most follow a pattern of negative progression. In the first stage, the person experiments with the drug or behavior. He or she may or may not have a good experience, but the brain records the activity and the memory of use.

Next, the user finds himself or herself returning to the substance or behavior more often and finding pleasure from using. In this stage, the brain is forming a conditioned positive response to the act.

In the chronic stage of addiction, the person will continue to use the substance or perform the behavior in order to achieve the same positive response he or she first experienced. He or she will do this despite negative consequences. The good feelings associated with using may not be present at all.

At this point, many doctors argue that the addict is acting on involuntary messages from the brain, trying to repeat the “high” that he or she once achieved to give the brain the reward and pleasure it seeks. By now, the brain depends on the substance. This is why chronic drug addicts experience physical illness when they first try to quit using some drugs.

In cases of shopping and gambling addiction (and other behavioral addictions), the chronic stage would be where the addict begins stealing or going into extreme debt to fuel their habit.

What Are the Treatment Options for Addiction?

Since addiction is a mental and physical disease, it is often treated with traditional methods such as drug therapy and counseling. Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs are common starting points for many addicts. Inpatient treatment is often good for chronic drug users who need medical help as they detox.

Many doctors also recommend 12-step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, and others. These are support groups led by addicts, for addicts. There are also several medications available to treat drug addiction. These are taken under a doctor’s guidance, often for many years. One example is the use of methadone in heroin addicts.

Less traditional medical treatments include brain stimulation therapies like electroconvulsive therapy or vagus nerve stimulation. These are generally targeted toward people with more than one disorder, like drug addiction and depression.

In general, experts believe addiction cannot be cured, only managed. This is why many people call themselves “recovering addicts,” implying the ongoing process. For best results, doctors usually recommend a combination of lifestyle and behavior changes in addition to medical-based therapies. Also, an addict must be willing to change his or her behavior, stop using drugs or engaging in the addictive behavior, and seek help before the process of recovery can even begin.

Article Sources: healthline.com

Drug abuse and addiction. (2011, Feb. 14). Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2012, from http://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=38
Drug Addiction. (2011, Oct. 1). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2012, fromhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183
Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. (2007, August). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2012, fromhttp://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/science-addiction

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.) Retrieved Sept. 12, 2012, fromhttp://www.drugabuse.gov/
Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (second edition). (2009, April). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2012, from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment

Cancer Rates Have Fallen Dramatically, According to Cancer Society Data

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:03:00 +0000

Cancer deaths have declined by a fifth in the past two decades, according to data from the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The numbers mean that 1.5 million people who would have died of cancer didn’t.

Cancer death rates peaked in 1991, and have declined since then, led by the dwindling popularity of cigarette smoking, the ACS concluded based on data from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Center for Health Statistics.

Overall, cancer deaths declined more markedly among men, the data show. From 2007 to 2011, cancer death rates fell by an average of 1.8 percent per year among men and 1.4 percent among women.

Cancer diagnoses remained stable among women and declined 1.8 percent per year among men.

Lung cancer death rates among men declined by more than a third between 1990 and 2011, the last year for which data is available. Lung cancer continues to account for more than a quarter of all cancer deaths in the United States.

The other cancers that kill most often are colorectal in both men and women, prostate cancer in men, and breast cancer in women.

Even with the declines, cancer accounted for almost one in four U.S. deaths in 2011, overshadowed only by heart disease. In addition, death rates for certain types of cancer continue to rise.

“The continuing drops we’re seeing in cancer mortality are reason to celebrate but not to stop,” said John Seffrin, Ph.D., CEO of the ACS.

Some Cancers Killing More People

Uterine cancer is killing more women, and melanoma and soft tissue cancers killing more men. Liver and pancreatic cancers are becoming deadlier to both sexes, according to NCI data.

Deaths from breast cancer are down more than a third while diagnoses are flat. However, more women are diagnosed with “carcinoma in situ,” a cancer doctors increasingly see as nonaggressive.

Death rates for the most common men’s cancer, prostate cancer, by contrast, are down by half.

The gains were not evenly distributed across geographical regions. Cancer death rates have fallen in every state, but some states have seen significantly greater progress than others.

Southern states showed the smallest decline while Northeastern states showed the greatest. In Southern states, death rates fell by about 15 percent while in Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, and Delaware, death rates fell by 25 to 30 percent. These states are home to many elite cancer centers.

The ACS predicts more than half a million Americans will die of cancer in 2015.

Source: Healthline.com

Aaah: Excessive Yawning

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 10:50:00 +0000

What Is Excessive Yawning?

Yawning is a mostly involuntary process and is usually triggered by sleepiness or fatigue. It is a very natural response to being tired.

1. Drowsiness

Feeling abnormally sleepy or tired during the day is commonly known as drowsiness. Drowsiness may lead to additional symptoms, such as forgetfulness or falling asleep at inappropriate times

2. Sleeplessness

Sleeplessness or Insomnia is a sleep disorder. Individuals who suffer from insomnia find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. They don’t feel refreshed when they wake up from sleeping, which can lead to fatigue and other symptoms.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue is a term used to to describe the general overall feeling of tiredness and/or a lack of energy. Other words that are sometimes used in place of fatigue include exhaustion, weariness, and lethargy....

4. Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which you briefly stop breathing during sleep. The moments of apnea can occur repeatedly throughout the night. The interruption of your breathing happens may indicate a problem...

5. Obesity

Obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. This condition is putting people at a higher risk for serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. According to...

6. Heart Attack Overview

Heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) are a very common occurrence in the United States. During a heart attack, the blood supply that normally nourishes the heart with oxygen is cut off and the heart...

7. Epilepsy Overview

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder. It’s also classified as a seizure disorder that affects the nervous system. A seizure is a disturbance of the electrical activity in your brain. Not everyone with epilepsy has the same type of seizure and it may affect...

8. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. With multiple sclerosis, the brain has difficulty getting messages to the rest of the body. Though we know relatively little about multiple sclerosis, research into its causes and possible treatments...

9. Stroke Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. Brain tissue loses oxygen and food when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds or if the blood supply to the brain is blocked....

10. Dissection of the Aorta

The aorta is a large artery that carries blood out of your heart. If you experience a dissection of the aorta, it means that blood has entered the wall of the artery, between the inner and middle ...

Source: Healthline.com

What Is Excessive Yawning?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 10:33:00 +0000

Yawning is a mostly involuntary process and is usually triggered by sleepiness or fatigue. It is a very natural response to being tired.

Yawning is the involuntary process of opening the mouth and inhaling deeply, filling the lungs with air. Some yawns are short, and some last for several seconds before an open-mouthed exhale. Watery eyes, tears, runny rose, stretching, or audible sighs may accompany yawning.

The reason humans yawn is unknown, but common triggers include fatigue and boredom. Yawns sometimes occur when you see or hear someone else yawn or simply talk about yawning. Scientists now believe contagious yawning may have something to do with social communication (Brynie, 2011). In addition, new research suggests that yawning helps cool the temperature of the brain.

Excessive yawning means that you yawn often, even when you are not tired. If frequent yawning is negatively affecting your personal or professional life, it may be considered excessive.

What Causes Excessive Yawning?

The following conditions may cause excessive yawning:

drowsiness, tiredness, or fatigue
disorders that cause sleepiness during the daytime such as narcolepsy
sleep disorders such as sleep apnea (when you stop breathing for short periods during sleep)
side effects of medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are used to treat depression or anxiety
vasovagal reactions (problems with the function of your vagus nerve) due to bleeding in or around the aorta or, in severe cases, a heart attack

Although less common, excessive yawning could also indicate:

epilepsy
a brain tumor or stroke
multiple sclerosis
liver failure

Diagnosing Excessive Yawning

To identify the cause of excessive yawning, your doctor may first discuss your sleep habits. He or she will want to ensure you are getting adequate, restful sleep. This helps rule out excessive yawning resulting from being overtired or having a sleep disorder.

After ruling out sleep issues, your doctor may do other tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or MRI. An EEG is used to monitor the activity of your brain. It can help diagnose brain tumors, sleep disorders, and diseases of the brain.

MRI scans are used to visualize and assess bodily structures. They are often used to diagnose spinal cord and brain issues, such as a stroke, tumors, and aneurysms. MRI scans are also beneficial for assessing the function of the heart. Your doctor will use these tests to ensure that you are not suffering from heart or brain disorders.

Treating Excessive Yawning

If medications such as SSRIs are causing excessive yawning, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage. Research suggests that lowering the dosage may help reduce excessive yawning, while still producing the desired effects of the medication (Gutiérrez-Alvarez, 2007). Be sure to discuss this with your doctor and refrain from making any changes to your medications without his or her approval.

If excessive yawning is caused by a sleep disorder, your doctor may recommend sleep-aid medications or techniques for getting more restful sleep. For example, if you have sleep apnea, you doctor may recommend wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine when you sleep to help keep your airways open.

If epilepsy, heart problems, stroke, tumors, or liver failure is causing excessive yawning, the underlying condition must be addressed.

Written by Amber Erickson Gabbey

Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD

Article Sources: healthline.com

Brynie, P. (2011). Why Do You Yawn When You’re Not Sleepy? Psychology Today. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brain-sense/201111/why-do-you-yawn-when-youre-not-sleepy
EEG. (2012). MedlinePlus. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003931.htm
Gutiérrez-Alvarez, A. M. (2007). Do Your Patients Suffer From Excessive Yawning?Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 115(1), p. 80-81. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2006.00856.x

MRI. (2010). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mri/MY00227
Pal, S., and Padala, P. R. (2009). A Case of Excessive Yawning With Citalopram.The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 11(3), p. 125-126. doi: 10.4088/PCC.07l00555
Yawning - Excessive. (2011). National Library of Medicine – National Health Institutes. Retrieved June 27, 2012, fromhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003096.htm

How to Make Homemade Fabric Softener

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 14:58:00 +0000

The laundry aisle at your local grocery store is filled with expensive soaps and solutions all aimed at getting your clothes clean and smelling good. But many people would prefer to spend less money and use fewer chemicals on the fabrics they touch and wear everyday. Fortunately, there is a solution — making some of these products yourself!

Why DIY?

A do-it-yourself fabric softener can save you money, reduce waste, and offer you peace of mind knowing that you’re not using any potentially harmful chemicals on your clothes. For Jill Nystul, author and founder of the blog One Good Thing By Jillee, the venture into DIY products came from a moment of inspiration in that same laundry aisle.

“I picked up this huge bottle of detergent off the shelf, saw how expensive it was, and just couldn’t bring myself to do it,” she says. “I knew there had to be a better, more affordable way to wash your clothes than buying a huge, expensive detergent bottle at the store, so I set out to figure out how to make my own laundry detergent at home. That was my first foray into DIY-ing a household product, and I’ve been hooked ever since!”

The Fabric Softener ‘Recipe’

For Jill’s DIY fabric softener, you’ll need nothing more than:

6 cups of water
3 cups of white vinegar
2 cups of hair conditioner

She suggests mixing all of the ingredients in a one-gallon container, being careful to stir the mixture rather than shake it (shaking will result in foam). Then, keep the mixture by your washing machine and use the DIY softener the same way as you would use a traditional fabric softener.

As an alternative to liquid fabric softener, Jill says you can also pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it on a washcloth. Then, throw the washcloth in the dryer with your wet clothes, and it acts as a dryer sheet.

Another idea from Jill: Keep old dishrags in a container with the fabric softener. When it’s time to dry a load of clothes, take out one of the rags, wring it out a little, and toss it in with the clothes. After the clothing (and homemade dryer sheet) is dry, simply throw the DIY dryer sheet back into the container of fabric softener.

Customize Your Softener’s Scent

One of the things people like about fabric softener is the scent. Jill says you can get some of the same smells — or better ones — with her DIY fabric softener.

“The hair conditioner is where you can really exercise some creative freedom,” she says. “For instance, you can choose a favorite scent or opt to use an all-natural conditioner, if you want.”

A DIY fabric softener can help you save money, as well as make laundry day just a little more fun and creative!

Source: healthline.com

Understanding HIV Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 14:44:00 +0000

Video Transcript

Dr.’s Whiteboard: Understanding HIV Treatments Treatments for HIV have come a long way since the virus was first discovered in 1983. While scientists are still working on a cure for HIV, there are several drug therapies that can help HIV patients live long and full lives. The most common and effective therapies used today are retroviral drugs, which work by specifically targeting the virus that’s infected a person’s cells.

Current retroviral drugs cannot completely eliminate the HIV virus, but they can keep virus levels—called viral loads—to a manageable level and prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS. There are five classes of retroviral drugs, and each is designed to attack the living virus at different points in its lifespan.

1. Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or NRTIs

2. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or NNRTIs

3. Protease inhibitors

4. Entry or fusion inhibitors

5. Integrase inhibitors Many of these drugs stop or interrupt the virus from replicating and creating new copies of itself. Other drugs stop HIV from spreading in the body by blocking the virus from docking on, and infecting, healthy cells.

Because many of these drugs work against the HIV virus differently, they are often combined in a “cocktail” form to prevent the virus from developing resistance and rendering treatment ineffective. Early HIV patients were subject to a handful of pills throughout the day, but now these drugs can be lumped together in a once-daily pill. This type of treatment goes by many names, including combined antiretroviral therapy, cART, or highly active antiretroviral therapy, HAART. Taking only one pill a day makes adhering to treatment much easier for patients, and adherence is the most important thing a patient can to ensure their therapy is effective. While these drugs can help HIV from progressing, there are some side effects.

The most common effects of retroviral drugs are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. Some patients may develop a rash as well. Your doctor may prescribe medicine or recommend certain lifestyle changes to help combat these effects. In rare cases, people undergoing HIV treatment may experience other side effects such as an imbalance of sugars and lipids in the blood, bone loss, or abnormal fat distribution in the belly, neck, arms, or face. Working closely with your doctor can help mitigate these potential side effects. There is no one-size-fits all treatment plan for HIV treatments, but talking to your doctor about you concerns such as side effects, resistance, and how to incorporate treatment into your daily life can help you find the best drug regimen to keep the HIV virus in check. For more, browse through the expensive information available here on Healthline or make an appointment with your doctor.

Source: Healthline.com

Kick Start Your Fitness with Private Group Training

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 11:22:00 +0000

There really is strength in numbers, and private group training allows you to receive the benefits of personal training while exercising in a fun, social environment. Private group training is an affordable alternative to one-on-one training and can also motivate you to perform at a higher level. In this setting, a group of two to five people is instructed by a certified personal trainer on a systematic program of strength and cardio conditioning. You do not have to be at the same fitness level as your peers, and each member of the group receives motivation and support from one another, while benefiting from the expert guidance of their trainer.

Less Money, More Support

In a small group setting, you are able to get individualized training and guidance for nearly half the rate of a private session, possibly eliminating the barrier of cost in hiring a personal trainer. Not only are you able to reduce your financial burden, you also receive the benefits of friendly competition by working out with like-minded partners. Exercising in a social setting helps you realize that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and you may receive more motivation from your peers than working one-on-one with your trainer. If you find yourself becoming discouraged at the idea of doing burpees, you may be relieved to know that your partner feels the same, and in turn push one another to succeed.

What to Expect from Your Workout

Depending on the size of your group, there are many different ways your trainer may structure sessions. One common protocol is to alternate between cardio intervals and supersets of strength training exercises, where two exercises are performed back to back. While one client performs their strength exercises, the other may do cardio, and then the two clients switch. Circuit training is also effective in small groups, where clients rotate through a circuit of full body exercises. Partner exercises can also be utilized, where clients are required to work together to perform bodyweight exercises that are both challenging and fun for each client.

Preventing Injuries in Group Training

Despite the many benefits of private group training, there are some challenges to overcome for both you and your trainer to ensure that your sessions are both safe and effective. It is important to make sure your trainer has a wide variety of equipment to suit each person in the group. You should be exercising with weights and resistance that match your physical capabilities, and your trainer must be able to adjust the routine to keep each individual motivated, regardless of their fitness level. An experienced trainer will be able to analyze the strengths of the group, and tweak the program so that each client can work at their own pace without feeling like they are competing with the rest of the group. Remember, although you are exercising in a group setting, you are only working to your own limitations.

Putting It All Together

Before participating in a group training session, it may be a good idea for you to complete a few individual sessions with your trainer so that you can learn what to expect from a typical workout. This will also give your trainer a better understanding of your physical capabilities so they are able to design a program that best suits you. When planned correctly, private group training can be extremely enjoyable and help you to successfully meet your goals. You may find the camaraderie between the group and your trainer to be especially motivating, and reach new heights in your physical fitness.

Source: healthline.com

How to Make Homemade Sunscreen

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 09:09:00 +0000

Want to lower your risk of developing skin cancer, age spots, and wrinkles? Then a good sunscreen is the weapon to add to your arsenal.

Sunscreens help block some of the sun's ultraviolet radiation from harming the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation — UVA (long-wave) and UVB (short-wave) — cause damage to your skin, increasing your risk of skin cancer and causing premature aging.

Share how you protect your skin from the sun

UVB rays cause sunburns, and are a primary cause of skin cancer. UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, cause wrinkling, sagging, age spots, and a "leathery" appearance. They can also magnify the cancer-causing effects of UVB rays

What Does SPF Mean?

Commercially available sunscreens are rated by their sun protection factor (SPF). This measures their ability to block UVB rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or more do well in protecting your skin.

Theoretically, the number indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if 20 minutes of sunshine would cause your unprotected skin to turn red, an SPF 15 sunscreen would protect you for about 15 times longer — or about five hours.

Depending on where you live, sunscreen can be a year-round requirement. It's possible to get a sunburn even on a cloudy day, or through the window of a car or building. Many personal care products such as aftershave or makeup have SPF sunscreen (usually around SPF 15) built-in and can provide enough protection for everyday activities that require just a few minutes in the sun.

How Much Should You Use?

If you're fair-skinned, take medicines that make you sun sensitive, or plan to spend a lot of time in the water or outdoors, you'll need more protection. That means using waterproof sunscreen or frequently applying sunscreen to any exposed skin, and applying a lot of it — about an ounce at a time, or a shot glass full — and reapplying throughout the day. Remember, no sunscreen is effective longer than two hours without reapplication.

Make Your Own

During a long day at the beach or pool, you should use about half of an 8-oz bottle of sunscreen. That can quickly make a dent in your wallet.

But there are ways to make your own sunscreen. These homemade lotions and creams are effective, cost less, and may even be better for your health.

Leanna Cappucci, a holistic life, nutrition, and fitness coach, said she started replacing many of her family's skincare products out of concerns about the impacts these products may have on the human genome.

Cappucci, who blogs at bedrockeats.com, also said she was concerned about unnecessarily stressing her three children's immune systems with chemicals. The Environmental Working Group, she said, has cautioned against many chemicals in commercial sunscreens because they can disrupt hormones and cause allergic skin reactions.

She shared this do-it-yourself sunscreen she makes for her family:

1 cup organic coconut oil
½ cup shea butter
½ cup cocoa butter
1 cup beeswax
2 tbsp. of zinc oxide powder

Using a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax until liquefied and smooth.

Remove the mixture from heat, and stir in the zinc oxide powder by hand to completely incorporate it.

Allow the mixture to cool until it starts to become opaque, then use a stick or immersion blender to whip it into a creamy consistency. Store the whipped mixture in the refrigerator until needed.

Cappucci said the coconut oil will naturally liquefy at about 76 degrees, so the mixture can easily be applied to your skin. Coconut oil and shea butter each have a natural SPF of about 4 to 6, she said, and adding the zinc oxide will give the mixture an SPF of about 20.

She doesn't scent the mixture, but said you can add essential oils if you want to. However, you should avoid citrus oils, which can cause sun sensitivity. Now do your skin (and wallet) a favor and go make some sunscreen!

Source: healthline.com

5 Reasons You Really Should Be Walking Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 08:39:00 +0000

On paper, walking isn’t the most exciting form of exercise. But it’s usually the most practical. Sure, I’d rather ski or rollerblade on my work breaks, but the former costs way too much (and unless you’re in a Dubai mall, requires a mountain), while the latter isn’t always practical, and often spells danger.

Assuming you aren’t run over, walking can do wonders for your health. Of course, that’s not really news. But if “It’s good for you,” isn’t enough motivation, here are 5 reasons why you should start walking — now.

1. Walk Off Stress

A recent study found that sedentary office workers who walked for 30 minutes during their lunch break, three times a week, saw positive results — immediately. Asked how they felt after returning to work, the participants reported being less tense and more relaxed than before they took a stroll.

2. Protect Your Heart

A number of studies have shown that women who walk briskly for more than three hours a week had a significant drop in their risk for heart disease. Do the math and that comes out to less than 30 minutes a day — more than enough time to listen to half of the "Frozen" soundtrack.

3. Manage Joint Pain
When your knees ache, walking may seem like the last thing you want to do. Thing is, low impact exercise (e.g. walking) can actually thwart joint pain. “Staying in motion actually helps to keep pain away,” says Dr. Moshe Lewis, MD, MPH.

4. Lower Your Blood Sugar

Sometimes it’s tempting to drink an entire bottle of maple syrup after dinner. But here’s a much healthier idea: Take a walk instead. According to a study published in Diabetes Care, three short walks a day, after each meal, were as effective at reducing blood sugar over 24 hours as a single 45-minute walk at the same moderate pace.

Everyone around you seem sick lately? Turns out you don’t need to become the next“Bubble Boy” to protect yourself from whatever’s going around. All you need to do is walk more. According to the NIH, a daily stroll could help your immune system fight off simple bacterial and viral infections. Don’t be bubble boy. Go for a walk.

If you’ve made it this far and you’re thinking: But it’s sooo cold outside, I don’t want to go for a walk, well, take the stairs! Don’t have stairs? Walk around your office! If Jean in accounting gives you a bad look, just make an Excel joke.

Source: healthline.com

Health A-Z,Health Advice, Medicine,Diet

Can Neurofeedback Help Kids with ADHD Press the Restart Button?

ADHD Is a Growing Concern

How Neurofeedback Works

Worth the Risk for Some Parents

What Do You Want to Know About Allergies?

Causes and Types of Allergies

When to See a Doctor About Allergies

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

How Are Allergies Treated?

Medication

Immunotherapy

Emergency Epinephrine

How to Prevent Allergies

Outlook: Living With Allergies

What Do You Want to Know About ADHD?

Types of ADHD

Predominantly Inattentive Type

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive Type

Adult ADHD

Risk Factors for Addiction

Risk Factors for Addiction

Genetics

Environment

Dual Diagnoses

Drug of Choice

Method

Early Use

Is It Addiction?: Recognizing a Problem

Recognizing A Problem

Early Behavior

Alienation

Deteriorating Health

Onset of Life Consequences

Tendency to Make Excuses

What Do You Want to Know About Addiction?

What Are the Types of Addiction?

What Are the Symptoms of Addiction?

What Causes Addiction?

Tracking the Progression of Addiction

What Are the Treatment Options for Addiction?

Cancer Rates Have Fallen Dramatically, According to Cancer Society Data

Some Cancers Killing More People

Aaah: Excessive Yawning

What Is Excessive Yawning?

What causes excessive yawning?

1. Drowsiness

2. Sleeplessness

3. Fatigue

4. Central Sleep Apnea

5. Obesity

6. Heart Attack Overview

7. Epilepsy Overview

8. Multiple Sclerosis

9. Stroke Overview

10. Dissection of the Aorta

What Is Excessive Yawning?

What Causes Excessive Yawning?

Diagnosing Excessive Yawning

Treating Excessive Yawning

How to Make Homemade Fabric Softener

Why DIY?

The Fabric Softener ‘Recipe’

Customize Your Softener’s Scent

Understanding HIV Treatments

Kick Start Your Fitness with Private Group Training

How to Make Homemade Sunscreen

What Does SPF Mean?

How Much Should You Use?

Make Your Own

5 Reasons You Really Should Be Walking Right Now