Saturday, July 12, 2008

Vintage Shiny Brite Christmas Ornaments - Max Eckardt's Shiny ...


An American businessman named Max Eckardt introduced Christmas tree decorations imported from Germany to the US around 1907. The ornaments consisted mostly of small hand-blown glass balls that were colorfully decorated. Late in the 1930s though, it was plain to Eckardt that the oncoming war was going to disrupt his supplies. So he made a business arrangement with the Corning Glass Company that got them started on Christmas ornament production in their light bulb plants. Corning started making the glass ornaments after adapting their own light bulb manufacturing process and proceeded to ship ornaments to both Woolworth's stores and to Eckardt's factories where the plain ornaments could be further adorned by hand after being machine-lacquered.

As the wartime shortages increased, making both lacquer and silver difficult to come by, Eckardt started having the ornaments decorated in pastels and bright colors. As a result, Shiny Brite ornaments became very popular because of their uniqueness and soon become a staple of every family's Christmas trees. By the end of the war, Shiny Brite was the largest manufacturer of Christmas ornaments in the world and the popularity of the ornaments raged on into the 1950s.

Shiny Brite stopped making and selling the glass balls in 1962 because of production disruption and because of the changing business landscape and moved into the production of plastic ornaments, which never proved to be as popular. But now that we are in the 21st century, demand for the original vintage glass ornaments has shot up and you'll find many "Shiny Brite" ornaments all over Ebay.

One thing to keep in mind though when shopping on Ebay for these ornaments is that many sellers and buyers seem to think that "Shiny Brite" refers to a type of ornament rather than a specific brand name. So if you are looking specifically for ornaments made by Max Eckardt's company, you might want to do a little digging into the auctions.

In addition to the vintage Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments available at antique shops, flea markets and online, Christopher Radko started making reproductions of the ornaments around 2001 and you'll find those on Ebay as well. Generally though you don't have to worry about the Radko reproductions being passed off as the vintage ornaments because Radko's ornaments are collectible in their own right. Also, Radko's ornaments are made in Europe and all of the original Shiny Brite's were of American manufacture.

You can buy here

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Gnarl's weblog

The Insider's Guide To Antihistamine Clarinex


Clarinex is a medication which can be taken year-round by those who suffer from allergies. It is also effective at treating those who suffer from hives or rashes. The active ingredient in this medication is desloratadine, which is an antihistamine. This blocks the immune system's production of the natural chemical histamine, which is produced when the body becomes sensitive to something.

Clarinex is effective at treating allergy symptoms produced from contact to both indoor allergens and outdoor ones. Anything from dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, to pollen, grass or weeds can cause allergies.

Clarinex is widely used and popular because of its non-drowsy characteristic. Many antihistamines tell users to avoid machinery or driving while taking it, but Clarinex does not. This drug was also the first to boast that grapefruit juice did not affect its absorption.

It is also safe for most people who suffer form asthma to use this medication, although it is recommended that one contacts their doctor before mixing medications of any kind. Reported side effects include dry mouth, fatigue and a sore throat.

This medication comes in many forms which are taken according to age group, severity of symptoms, and other factors. The regular Clarinex tablets relieve symptoms for up to 24 hours and are safe for ages 12 and up. Clarinex 24-hour combines the power of antihistamine and decongestant for people with seasonal rhinitis and congestion. Children as young as 6 months of age can receive relief from indoor allergies, while children 2 and over can experience relief from outdoor ones, with the bubblegum flavored Clarinex syrup.

The syrup formula can also reduce the appearance of hives in children. Because many people are unable to easily take pills or tablets, Clarinex has provided a solution. For those who need another method, Clarinex Redi-tabs melt easily in the mouth. These also provide 24-hour relief and come in a fruit flavor.

The makers of Clarinex, Shering-Plough, claim that taking this medication in the morning will relieve symptoms all the way into the next morning when one awakes. This is a benefit, since many 24-hour solutions seem to wear off while one is sleeping.

Clarinex-D is a stronger formula which does require a prescription.

This also claims to have 24-hour relief all the way through to the next day. This member of the Clarinex family is for moderate to severe allergy sufferers.

You can buy Clarinex here

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Old Grumpy Dwarf's weblog

Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Stop Smoking Injection - Is it the Answer to Quitting Smoking?


In the land of instant gratification, the idea of going to the doctor, receiving an injection and then going home a non-smoker sounds great. In fact it sounds too good to be true. So is it?

For more than a decade, there have been injections available that are supposed to help you stop smoking. They started out using scopolamine and atropine in the injections. The newer version uses scopolamine and Atarax. It is marketed under the name SMART Shot.

Scopolamine is most commonly used to treat motion sickness, intestinal cramping and to dilate pupils during eye exams. It is currently being investigated for its possible usefulness by itself or in combination with other drugs to help people with breaking the nicotine habit. Side effects include: dry mouth, throat and nasal passages, thirst, blurred vision and sensitivity to light, constipation and difficulty urinating.

Atropine is made from the deadly nightshade plant and can be poisonous. It is used to treat extremely low heart rates in cardiac arrest, as an antidote to some poisons. Its side effects include: dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, loss of balance, dilated pupils, confusion and hallucinations.

Atarax is an antihistamine used primarily for the treatment of itches and irritations, to reduce nausea and as a weak pain killer. Side effects include: deep sleep, dizziness, ringing in the ear, low blood pressure, dry mouth and constipation.

Now how these drugs are supposed to help you quit smoking, I don't know. And apparently neither does the FDA. The website that markets the SMART Shot (www.smokingshot.com) states "The SMART Shot is a new and improved smoking cessation shot consisting of a combination of two medicines that have been around for over a decade and are FDA-approved for indications other than quitting smoking." At first glance it appears that this is a FDA-approved product. But read the wording closely and you will see that the site states that the two drugs (scopolamine and Atarax) are FDA-approved drugs. (And the are.) But that the FDA does NOT approve those drugs to be used as a smoking cessation product. (Which it doesn't.)

But does it work? Bottom line - who knows. SMART shot claims a 70-80% success rate, but doesn't back up their claims with any data or show any proof in the form of results from clinical testing.

Meanwhile, testing is underway on a stop smoking injection called NicVax. It is a vaccine that is supposed to make the immune system create antibodies that will bind with the nicotine and prevent it from ever reaching the brain.

So maybe someday there will be a stop smoking injection that is known to really work, but for now there doesn't appear to be.

You can buy Atarax here

.
Khaoz's weblog

5 Natural Pain Relief Methods - Relieve Pain Naturally


1. Massage - Massage the area gently and firmly. Massage helps to ease pain by

applying pressure on the nerve endings, releasing endorphines and enkephalins -

the body's natural pain killers, improving blood circulation, stretching muscles

and reducing some stress hormone levels.

2. Relaxation, Distraction and Imagery - Focus on the rhythm of your breath;

imagine yourself in a serene peaceful place; read a book; watch a movie; listen to

soothing music; meditate; do yoga; garden; go walking in a scenic place. Stress is

the primary cause of pain and relaxing or distracting yourself allows the stress

to leave and with it the pain.

3. Heat and cold - Heat and cold therapy help to temporarily relieve pain. Apply

heat - preferably moist heat with heating pads, hot towels and mitts. Taking a hot

shower can be extremely therapeutic. Cold can be applied with cold compresses, ice

cubes in a towel or plastic bag and cold packs. Do not use heat or cold for more

than 15 minutes at a time. Take care to always protect your skin by placing a

cloth or towel around the hot or cold pack.

4. Exercises and Positions- Try gentle stretching exercises. For arthritic pain in

the hands and fingers, gently try and bring your hand into fist as much as

possible and then release. Also try rotating one arm in a full circle and then the other arm.

This exercise helps relieve pain in the legs! Certain yoga postures help relieve pain -

go to a trained professional for help in this. Also lying on the floor with your legs and feet over a chair is also known to help relieve pain.

5. Herbal supplements - Try using vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin B which

is an effective pain reliever. Use ginger in your food. It is an anti-oxidant and

anti-inflammatory. Boswellia / Shallaki is a well known Ayurvedic herb that has shown

anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-arthritic benefits. Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gel are ayurvedic formulations that incorporate Boswellia, Guggul and other herbs and effectively relieve pain due to various conditions including arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, frozen shoulder and other joint conditions.

You can buy Rumalaya here

.
mook's weblog

What are Lamisil Side Effects?


Lamisil side effects are probably the biggest concern for people who are taking this drug, or considering taking it, for fungus nail infections. Fungal infections are difficult to treat, and antifungal drugs are infamous for their toxicity. The liver is the organ that removes toxins from the bloodstream: the liver recognizes many drugs, including Lamisil as toxins, so this is where the drug does its worst damage. No one wants liver damage in exchange for treatment to clear up a fungal nail infection.

The danger of Lamisil side effects is real, but probably not as severe as many people believe. Controlled studies of the drug, and years of experience, indicate that severe complications are rare. When side effects Lamisil may cause are usually mild and temporary. If you are thinking about taking it, learn to recognize the symptoms of liver toxicity: nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, stomach pains, a yellowish hue developing in your skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, tiredness. If any of these symptoms occur, you can always stop taking the drug and let your liver recover.

Other side effects Lamisil may cause include rash or itchy skin, diarrhea, and an altered sense of taste, and these symptoms are more common than those experienced with liver toxicity. Rarely, people experience Lamisil side effects such as blistering and peeling skin, fever, chills, aching joints, and sore throat.

The danger of Lamisil increases in certain circumstances. You should not take Lamisil without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not use alcohol while taking it. Alcohol abuse, past or present, as well as liver disease or kidney disease don’t mix well with the drug: patients with these conditions should not take the medication. Finally, if you are taking other medications, be sure to remind your doctor and your pharmacist: some of the side effects Lamisil causes are made worse when the drug is mixed with other drugs in the body.

While it’s important to be careful, remember Lamisil side effects are rare and the danger of Lamisil doing you serious long-lasting harm is quite remote. In fact, the greatest danger of Lamisil could be the damage it will do to your budget if you have to pay for it yourself. Depending on where you buy it, the drug can cost more than eight dollars per pill! At one pill a day for 12 weeks, you would spend about $700.00 clearing up a nail infection, and some nail infections take much longer to resolve. It might be safe to say that, of all the side effects Lamisil can cause, financial stress is both the worst, and the most common.

You can buy Lamisil here

.
Drathuu's weblog

Chronic Daily Headache Treatment


Chronic headache treatment is possible as there are a variety of preventive medications available. Here are the medications your doctor may recommend.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants such as Amitriptyline (Aventyl), nortriptyline (Pamelor) and other tricyclic antidepressants are the most widely used treatments for all forms of these headaches. These medications are valuable because they also help treat depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances that often accompany chronic daily headache.

SSRIs ( selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

There is also evidence that suggests other antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be effective in treating these headaches for some sufferers. SSRIs that have been used to treat this condition include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, nafazodone, veniafazine, citaloprom and escitalopram. These SSRIs can have adverse effects so, again, it is important you discuss these with your doctor.

Beta-blockers

While these drugs are most commonly used to treat high blood pressure, they are often helpful in treating episodic migraines. Beta-blockers used to treat chronic daily headache include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal) and timolol (Blocadren). In some cases these beta-blockers are prescribed in combination with antidepressants.

Anti-seizure drugs

Anticonvulsant drugs used in migraine prevention are also being used increasingly to treat this type of headache. Drugs in this category include divalproex (Depakote), gabapentin, (Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax).

Muscle relaxers

While not always effective in the treatment of chronic daily headache, muscle relaxers such as tizanidine Zanaflex) have helped in some cases.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents)

Naproxen and other nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective in the treatment of these daily headaches, especially if you're undergoing withdrawal from some other pain relievers. Included in this group are naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis) and mefenamic acid (Ponstel)

Cox-2 inhibitors

While These drugs Are Similar to NSAIDs, they work differently and have fewer side effects. Medications such as Celebrex, Vioxx and Excedrine are most helpful in treating chronic daily headache when combined with other preventive medications. Typically, they are prescribed for one or two months if you are withdrawing from pain relief medications, to help decrease the frequency and severity of rebound headaches.

Others

Botox is currently being researched as a possible for many of treatment for this type of daily headache. Injections of a local anesthetic around a nerve (nerve block) or injections of a numbing agent and corticosteroid at the point of pain are sometimes recommended for chronic daily headache.

You can buy Zanaflex here

.
Birus's weblog

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Seroquel Side Effects: Effects of Seroquel Worth the Risk?


Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used to treat hallucinations, delusions and confusion caused by psychotic conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Atypical antipsychotics are not SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or benzodiazepines. Atypical antipsychotics like Seroquel affect only certain parts of the brain, blocking the input of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine, and muscarine. The benefit to atypical antipsychotics is that they are non-habit forming and are not as frequently abused as normal antipsychotics.

Some less serious side effects of Seroquel are dizziness, drowsiness, agitation, constipation, dry mouth and weight gain. More serious side effects are allergic reactions that are revealed through breathing problems, swelling of throat, lips, tongue or face, and hives. Other effects are spastic movements of limbs and face or fever, muscle rigidity or irregular heartbeats. However, serious side effects of Seroquel include pancreatitis, hyperclycemia, stroke and being three times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Also, some patients on Seroquel have developed Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). While the mortality rate for those with NMS has decreased, it is still a serious condition that results in respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, myglobinuric renal failure, arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, pneumonia, seizures or diffuse intravascular coagulation.

Furthermore, AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Seroquel, has been charged with promoting the drug for off label use that violated FDA restrictions.

If you or a family member has been affected by Seroquel, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit against AstraZeneca. Attorneys are currently pursuing class action lawsuits to establish a fund for those affected by Seroquel.

You can buy Seroquel here

.
mook's weblog

5 Natural Pain Relief Methods - Relieve Pain Naturally


1. Massage - Massage the area gently and firmly. Massage helps to ease pain by

applying pressure on the nerve endings, releasing endorphines and enkephalins -

the body's natural pain killers, improving blood circulation, stretching muscles

and reducing some stress hormone levels.

2. Relaxation, Distraction and Imagery - Focus on the rhythm of your breath;

imagine yourself in a serene peaceful place; read a book; watch a movie; listen to

soothing music; meditate; do yoga; garden; go walking in a scenic place. Stress is

the primary cause of pain and relaxing or distracting yourself allows the stress

to leave and with it the pain.

3. Heat and cold - Heat and cold therapy help to temporarily relieve pain. Apply

heat - preferably moist heat with heating pads, hot towels and mitts. Taking a hot

shower can be extremely therapeutic. Cold can be applied with cold compresses, ice

cubes in a towel or plastic bag and cold packs. Do not use heat or cold for more

than 15 minutes at a time. Take care to always protect your skin by placing a

cloth or towel around the hot or cold pack.

4. Exercises and Positions- Try gentle stretching exercises. For arthritic pain in

the hands and fingers, gently try and bring your hand into fist as much as

possible and then release. Also try rotating one arm in a full circle and then the other arm.

This exercise helps relieve pain in the legs! Certain yoga postures help relieve pain -

go to a trained professional for help in this. Also lying on the floor with your legs and feet over a chair is also known to help relieve pain.

5. Herbal supplements - Try using vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin B which

is an effective pain reliever. Use ginger in your food. It is an anti-oxidant and

anti-inflammatory. Boswellia / Shallaki is a well known Ayurvedic herb that has shown

anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-arthritic benefits. Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gel are ayurvedic formulations that incorporate Boswellia, Guggul and other herbs and effectively relieve pain due to various conditions including arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, frozen shoulder and other joint conditions.

You can buy Rumalaya here

.
Archus's weblog

Fat Burning Diet Pills


Accumulation of excess fat is not good for health. It prepares background for various health risks. Health risks such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure are some direct outcomes of excess fat. Even chances of heart attacks and heart strokes are high among obese people. These health anomalies have led many people to turn their head to fat burning diet pills. The prime function of a fat burner is to reduce the excess quantity of fat stored in the body. Looking for the best fat burner may not be easy as there are varieties of fat burning pills available in the market. These over the counter products promise amazing results in fat burning effect.

There is a huge list of fat burning diet pills. To name a few are Ephedra, HCA, Caffeine containing pills, Yerba mat, Zingseng, Gurana , Fenfluramine and Pyruvate. Ephedra is said to be very effective in reducing excess fat. But due to its side effects it has been partially banned by the Federal Diet Association in America. There are examples when the regular consumption of Ephedra pills may has developed heart complications. According to medical reports chances of heart attacks and heart failures are likely to increase due to Ephedra. Caffeine containing product also has considerable fat burning effect as it increases the body metabolism resulting in burning of calories. One such product is Gingseng. It reduces the level of Cortisol, hormone responsible for appetite. HCA made from the extract of Garcinia Cambogia is also an appetite suppressant. Its purified form is Hydroxycitric acid which lowers blood sugar and helps reduce fat. Diet pills containing the ingredients of a chemical called Pyruvate. It helps digest glucose and stimulates metabolism resulting in fat burning.

Fenfluramine is also a fat burning pill but has been banned in America. It has been found to damage hearts and so is no longer allowed to sell. Fat burning diet pills containing Yerba mate ingredients also aids weight reduction. Yerba mate is a plant found in Brazil. It contains spanosis that has profound effect in weight loss.

These appetite suppressant pill industries are highly irregular and unauthorized. They are not what they claim actually. That is why there are reports of negative side effects of the fat burning pills across the globe. Dieters feel headache and nervousness with regular use of these pills. Heart palpitations and nose bleeding are some common side effects of the fat burners. Among the diet suppressant pills Hoodia Pills are said to have minimum side effects. Thus as of now Hoodia pill may be said to be the best fat burner.

You can buy Yerba Diet here

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Praestat's weblog

Prozac Returns


In the late eighties and early-nineties, Prozac was pronounced as the new wonder drug, a magical cure for depression that was patronized by millions of people worldwide. Prozac was later discredited when murmurs spread that it could spur suicidal tendencies in regular users. These days, Prozac is making a big comeback in the most unlikely of places: law enforcement.

Online news reports last June 25 graphically detailed the latest plan of the United Kingdom to control sex offenders - feed them with Prozac until they're calm as lambs. It seems the British government, impressed with Prozac's calming effects, plans to administer the controversial drug to jailed pedophiles and other sex offenders. In doing this, they hope to tame the beastly nature of the inmates and shackles their libidos so they do not commit any more heinous crimes.

The plan calls for 100 inmates from nine different prisons to serve as the first, recipients of Prozac in the British penal system. If the plan works, British authorities say they will proceed to administering Prozac to as many as 10% of the prison population and see if it'll calm them down.

The plan is a rather unique way to approach the problem of sex offenders. You might say it's like castration on a mental and emotional level. You could also say that the plan is not morally ethical considering that it is tantamount to drugging the prisoners into submission, if not immobility. And then, there's also the controversial history of the drug to consider.

Prozac was heaped upon the American public in 1988 and was an immediate smash hit. Millions flocked to drugstores to purchase the new drug, which seemingly had touched a raw nerve of depression that lay latent not only in America but in the rest of the world. It became cool to ingest Prozac. There is no doubt that the aggressive and creative marketing communications campaign that promoted Prozac was a tremendous boost. Sales hit the roof as the drug earned billions of dollars in sales annually.

Then, in 1990, Prozac came under severe attack stemming from allegations that

Prozac made people preoccupied with thoughts of suicide.

Eli Lilly and Company, makers of Prozac launched its own media campaign citing studies that refuted the connection between Prozac and suicide. Nothing was ever proven in court nor were there any settlements, But the damage had been done and Prozac's reputation was tarnished.

Let's see if the British government can find some use for the drug that will help us all sleep a little better.

You can buy Prozac here

.
Khaoz's weblog

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawyer and SJS Lawsuit Litigation


Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is a painful and debilitating skin condition frequently caused by an allergic reaction to a drug, chemical, or disease. One of the most common triggers for this reaction is the compound sulfonamide, a common element in many drugs including antibiotics, barbiturates, sulfa drugs, certain Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as the COX-2 Inhibitors Bextra and Celebrex, and Ibuprofen found in Advil and Motrin. Other factors that can result in SJS are the herpes virus, mumps, influenza (the Flu), and the Epstein-Bar virus.

Doctors term the initial stages of SJS erythema multiforme. The disease begins as several concentric circle skin rashes or lesions, often found on the fingers or hands. These lesions begin to spread throughout arms and legs, and as they progress they begin to cause blisters throughout the skin. Many people also report severe itching, especially when the rash spreads over more of the body. In severe cases, SJS will irritate blood vessels and mucous membranes under the skin which can result in the skin shedding or “sloughing” off. When SJS occurs over more than 30% of the body, doctors describe it as a more intense condition called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome. TENS, as it is called in the medical community, is a serious medical condition that is potentially fatal if left unchecked. SJS and TENS can also spread to internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Treating Stevens-Johnson Syndrome often requires extensive recovery in a burn treatment center or similar facility. The complications of SJS often resemble severe second degree burns, and as the body sheds the skin it becomes susceptible to dangerous and potentially fatal infections. SJS can also spread to the eyes, genitals, or mouth, where it can cause extensive scarring, excruciating pain, blindness, and even death.

A number of popular medications have been accused of causing SJS in a number of innocent people. Advil and Children’s Motrin in particular have been linked to severe cases of SJS in young children who will have their lives forever changed due to the negligence and lack of foresight on the part of drug manufacturers. In fact, a seven year old girl who took Children’s Motrin suffered an SJS-related allergic reaction so severe that it spread throughout her body and finally invaded her eyes, causing irreversible blindness. At the time of the incident, there was no warning on the packaging of Children’s Motrin to warn parents of the potential danger to their children.

Part of the tragedy of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is that statistics and figures on this potentially deadly disease are extremely difficult to determine because most cases go unreported. The Food and Drug Administration does not require that manufacturers or doctors report such drug reactions, so the consuming public and even some doctors are unaware of the risks these drugs pose. Furthermore, the COX-2 drugs Bextra and Celebrex are know to contain sulfonamides, which can result in SJS or TENS in people sensitive to the chemical. In fact, the FDA cited SJS as one of the main reasons it removed Bextra from the market.

You can buy Motrin here

.
Birus Durden's weblog

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Urinary Incontinence


Treatment for incontinence depends on what is causing the condition. For example, if a prostate gland problem is the cause, treatment for that condition can cure incontinence. In severe cases, an artificial sphincter, which allows you to control its open and closed settings, can be surgically implanted. Collagen injection therapy-where in collagen is injected into the external bladder to add bulk to the urethra is effective in some cases for women with sphincter deficiency and for men who experience urinary stress incontinence after prostate surgery. Medication also may be prescribed to treat incontinence; commonly prescribed drugs are anticholinergic agents (Pro Banthene), alpha-adrenergic agonist drugs, tricyclic antidepressant drugs, and antispasmodics (Bentyl, Ditropan, and Urispas). Postmeonpausal women with stress incontinence may benefit from estrogen either orally or by applying a cream to the vagina.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda views incontinence as a vata disorder that's caused by a weak bladder sphincter. Your Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend taking an Indian herbal blend containing ashwagandha and also may suggest eliminating or reducing your intake of alcohol and coffee and other caffeine-containing foods, which intensify the urge to urinate as well.

If symptoms persist, see your doctor for evaluation and assistance.

Bodywork and Somatic Practices

Oriental bodywork, reflexology, massage, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, polarity therapy, and CranioSacral Therapy are helpful first options.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Chinese medical experts believe that incontinence is caused by a lack of energy in the kidney and spleen and their related meridians. To combat this imbalance, they work on the points that correspond to these areas and to the bladder.

Acupressure Points that may be focused on during an acupressure session to treat incontinence are Conception Vessel 2, Spleen 6, and related auricular points.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Herbs may be given to help tone the kidney and spleen and to strengthen bladder functions.

Yoga and Meditation

Exercise is always beneficial for strengthening muscles, including those of the bladder and surrounding areas. Try these easy yoga exercises several times daily to combat incontinence: Ashwini Mudra and Stomach Lock. Consult a trained practitioner for proper technique. Avoid these poses if you're pregnant.

You can buy Urispas here

.
Boogs's weblog

Living With Chemotherapy: Tips From A Survivor


Chemotherapy is a word that strikes fear into most of our hearts. We've seen the movies and heard such horrible stories about undergoing this difficult treatment for a disease that could very well kill us. I underwent chemo for breast cancer and know that, in some cases, the cancer isn't hard … it isn't painful … it doesn't make us sick. That's the case for most of us who have breast cancer, but don't have distant metastases. But then, they say we need to do chemo and we know we'll feel that.

Although chemo drugs haven't changed that much, and they're still terribly hard on our bodies, the management drugs have changed a lot. Chemotherapy, for many of us, isn't the show-stopper we thought it would be. Of course, each of us is different and the chemo drugs affect each of us in different ways, but, for the most part, chemo is definitely doable.

My breast cancer was Stage IIIa, with a 5.8 cm tumor, 8 of 10 lymph nodes positive, and I was only 39 years old. That bought me a ticket for the chemo ride. And I was scared out of my wits. But, I found an online breast cancer support group, at WebMD, and those women told me everything to expect and more. I went through four rounds of adriamycin and cytoxan. Both of them are some pretty stout breast cancer chemo drugs. After that, I did a controversial treatment that involved extremely high doses of cytoxan, taxol, and cisplatin, so I learned quite a bit about surviving chemotherapy.

First of all, I would highly recommend getting a port. This is a line that goes into a vein in your chest, the entrance to which sits just under your skin, right below your collarbone. It requires a quick surgery to put it in but, if you're having a mastectomy for your breast cancer, you can get the chemo port put in at the same time. If you choose not to do that, you'll have to get your chemo treatments through your veins and chemo is really hard on your veins. This means that you will, most likely, have to endure multiple attempts for them to find a vein, as time goes by. With the port, it's already in a vein, so all they have to do is stick the needle into the port to access it. If you find this uncomfortable, there is a cream they can give you called Emla cream. One of the first things I learned was to tell them the moment I was uncomfortable. It's all fixable. You'll put the Emla cream on a bit before you have to have your port accessed and it'll numb your skin.

Most breast cancer chemotherapy drugs will cause your hair to fall out. This is because chemo kills the rapidly dividing cells in your body. Your mucous areas and hair follicles are affected for this reason. That's why you may have nausea or develop mouth or throat sores. Again, all this sounds scary, but is totally manageable. Since you will probably be losing your hair, which can be quite traumatic, I would advise going wig or hat shopping before you even get your first chemo. Take a girlfriend with you and be adventurous. Try on different styles, and even colors. If you've always wanted to be a blonde, now's your chance! Make a day of it and have fun with it. Goodness knows, you have to look for that silver lining every chance you get. Also, make sure to have your nausea med prescription filled before you go so you'll have it waiting for you if you need it at home. You may be pretty tired, afterward, so don't wait till then to get those meds.

On your first chemo day, they will probably give you some steroids, intravenously or through your port, to help with the nausea. This may make you hungry; it sure did for me! But, I would recommend you don't eat your favorite food on chemo day. Chemo is manageable, but after you're all done, you may find that you have associations. For example, I used to love the cucumber melon fragrance when I was going through chemo. I had cucumber melon everything! But, to this day, the smell of cucumber melon makes my stomach do a little somersault because it reminds me of such an unpleasant time in my life. The same can happen with food. I still can't look a chicken burrito in the eye! But, I'm sure glad I didn't eat a taco because I would've hated for that to be ruined for me!

Many breast cancer chemo drugs are hard on your bladder, so be sure to drink, drink, drink. If you don't feel like drinking water, then broth, jello, or even popsicles will help. Since you've gotten your nausea meds all filled in advance, be sure to take them as prescribed, whether you think you need them or not. Chemo nausea isn't just any kind of nausea and it's much easier to stay ahead of it than to try to fix it once it occurs. If you do happen to get nauseated, and I can't stress this enough, call your doctor!!! There are many, many nausea meds and you do not have to feel sick just because you're doing chemo. Once they find the right drug for you, it will be so much easier. So, do not suffer this in silence! The same applies for if you get sores in your mouth or throat.

You will be tired from this treatment. Most of us get more tired as the treatments progress because they make our white blood cell counts drop really low. Because of this, it's a good idea to keep some Purell, or something similar, with you all the time for use when you've had to touch, for example, public restroom door handles. Your risk of infection will be much higher during this time.

If you lose your hair, it will typically happen in 10-14 days after your first chemo treatment. If you have long hair, you might want to cut it short in preparation. I know I felt so out of control of everything, during that time. When your hair comes out, it lets go quickly and in large clumps, getting all over your pillow and clogging your drain. For many women, that is more traumatic than even losing a breast. So, I figured that was the one thing I could control about this whole breast cancer thing … when my hair came out. I cut it really short, beforehand and, when it started to let go, I had my husband get the clippers and shave my head. My daughter helped and we did a little Mohawk and stripe action first!

That was my way of shaking my fist at this cancer … it might take my breasts, and it might take my hair for a while, but I beat it to the punch! It was my way of saying, "You cannot take my spirit!" You can do the same thing. Your breast cancer does not define you. It is but a speed bump in the course of your life. Strap on your gloves and step into the ring. This chemo is your biggest punch. Your spirit is your own and that breast cancer can't touch it!

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MadandAngry's weblog

The Best Male Enlargement Patch - Why Patches Are in and Pills Are Out


The male enlargement patch is the most modern all natural method these days and has been developed for ease of use and convenience. They are the most discreet solution that will go with you anywhere, in the home, on business or on your vocations. Read on to learn exactly how this penis enhancement system is designed to work.

Male enhancement patches are a product that men can wear without anyone asking any questions. This product is the easiest of all enlargement methods that you simply will not need to worry or ask any questions yourself! This is very unlike the majority of other enlargement methods that are more complicated for example, having to take pills at regular intervals throughout the day, working out how to attach devices to your manhood without causing any pain or injury. Getting your head around too many exercises is tiresome, although some of these exercises can be easier to understand if you follow a professional program.

The penis patch is one of the newest forms of penis enlargement on the market, and already, the results are outstanding. In comparison to the pill there appears to be quite noticeable difference in results.

By using 100% natural penis enhancement patches rather than oral pills you will experience 4 major benefits:

1. Using enlargement patches is easier than remembering to take pills several times a day. You just place the patch close to the penis. You replace the male enlargement patch every three days.

2. The problem with using pills is that your body can not absorb all of the nutrients at once and most will go right through your system. Penis enhancement patches overcome this by providing you with a sustained release throughout the day.

3. The ingredients in the patch enters the bloodstream directly through the skin. This method of delivery is different to pills where the ingredients must first through the digestive system. Thus these natural products work much faster than pills resulting in noticeable penis growth in 1-2 weeks.

4. Male enhancement patches gives permanent penis enlargement results, unlike pills, provided you do a couple of really simple enlarging exercises leading patch manufacturers recommend in addition.

These fast acting natural products have been clinically tried and tested and it is now medically proven that this effortless method can dramatically enlarge a small or average small penis. You can now actually enlarge your penile length and girth to sizes you previously thought were impossible!

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Lonagan's weblog

There is Hope for Myasthenia Gravis


Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. Myasthenia Gravis is caused by a breakdown in the communication between nerves and muscles, usually because of an immunological problem where the cells cannot communicate and the immune system attacks cells it does not recognize. There are 86 autoimmune diseases that have been diagnosed today and Myasthenia Gravis is one of them.

Symptoms are:

Facial muscle weakness, including drooping eyelids

Double vision

Difficulty in breathing, talking, chewing or swallowing

Muscle weakness in your arms or legs

Fatigue brought on by repetitive motions.

Treatments

The treatments of this disease focus on altering one’s immune system so that fewer antibodies are produced and therefore the muscle can rebuild its acetylcholine receptors. Perhaps the most commonly used initial medication is prednisone. In addition many patients will take a medication called mestinon or celcept. This does not treat the underlying problem but can improve the Myasthenia Gravis symptoms. Medications are basically to suppress the immune system to stop the production of antibodies that kill the cells.

An Alternative

Recent research in the field of glycobiology has brought about a discovery in cellular communication that has won several Nobel Prizes in medicine. A recent press release from Emory University School of Medicine announced the appointment of Dr. Richard Cummings, as the new chair of the Department of Biochemistry at Emory University. The article states that "the National Institutes of Health has identified the field of glycomics as a major new research focus. Glycomics is defined as the scientific pursuit of identifying and studying all of the carbohydrate molecules produced by an organism. Dr. Cummings' research focuses on glycoconjugates, the carbohydrate molecules and their associated proteins that permit cells to communicate with and adhere to each other -- transmitting and receiving chemical, electrical and mechanical messages that underlie all cellular and bodily functions."

The primary function of the glyconutrients is the communication between cells, which "underlies all bodily functions." There is a tremendous amount of research ongoing by many prestigious institutions. It is very exciting to see that Emory University School of Medicine has joined this endeavor. It is exciting that two major universities ("The Complex Carbohydrate Center" at UGA and Emory School of Medicine) are now at the forefront of this new frontier in medicine--the science of Glycobiology.

Due to green harvesting of fruits and vegetables, toxins in the air, food, and water, and the processing of our foods, the health of the world today is on a decline and we must supplement vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and now it has been shown that we also need the glyconutrients. If we do not receive the glyconutrients in our diet we will get sick either by the body leaving bad cells or not recognizing the good cells and attacking them.

A form of nutrition called glyconutrients has been shown to give the body what it needs to develop healthy cells that can communicate and therefore the body can respond as it was designed to do.

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Archus's weblog