Senior Care Partners

Archive for December, 2010

Vision therapy refers to an individualized treatment program supervised by professionals in order to correct the cognitive visual deficiencies resulting from a number of causes and consequences. The program is also known as vision training of the entire visual system including eyes, brain, and body. It is a neurological therapy to treat and train the patient’s brain about the usage of the eyes in receiving information, comprehending them quickly and react accordingly.

The cognitive deficiencies may result from excessive stress, trauma caused to the nervous system, hereditary contribution, or inadequate sensory development. Vision therapy is often compared to occupational or physical therapy in order to treat problems accompanying such kinds of deficiency including visual problems such as crossed or lazy eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency and disabilities in reading. This non-surgical treatment is considered highly effective. It employs special computerized and optical devices and therapeutic lenses, prisms, and filters for the different procedures.

As far as learning disabilities are concerned, the visual problems affecting the ability to read, learn, and accept instructions are taken into consideration and tried to apprehend accordingly. However, the optometrists do not essentially claim that vision therapy might always lead to a direct and permanent solution to this particular disability.

A vision therapy program involves various exercises or procedures performed in one or two weekly sessions. These sessions usually take place under the supervision of the concerned doctor and are thoroughly individualized to fit the patient requirements. Often “homework” or supplementary procedures are suggested to carry out at home, in-between the interval period of the official sessions.

Depending on individual cases and the prescribed therapies, vision therapies have helped in developing essential visual skills and abilities and improve visual comfort and ease, by increasing the visual efficiency. Vision therapies also play a significant role in improving the learning disabilities of the child. It is important to remember, however, to consult a doctor and seek advice in deciding whether a vision therapy would be the best way to treat an individual case.

Pre menopause or peri menopause are terms used to describe the time leading up to or “around the time” of menopause, which is when menstrual periods have stopped for at least one year. Pre menopause symptoms may be nonexistent or minor, but some women have multiple symptoms that last for a number of years. Every woman is unique and so is her sensitivity to changing hormonal levels.

The first pre menopause symptoms that a woman may notice are increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and changes in the regularity of her menstrual periods. Women who use birth control pills often have fewer symptoms than women who do not. Sometimes recommended as a treatment option for irregular or heavy periods, birth control pills have many known side effects are associated and most women prefer not to use them, if they are not needed for contraceptive purposes.

If you had migraine headaches during puberty, you may see them return around the time of menopause. While the exact causes of migraine headaches are unknown, in women they regularly occur when levels of estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. However, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy are migraine triggers for some women. Anti-inflammatories are the treatment of choice for migraines related to changing hormonal levels.

Mood swings and depression are premenstrual and pre menopause symptoms. While, fluctuating hormonal levels are probably the cause, stressful life events and bad habits may also be responsible. Cumulative stress has long been recognized as a contributory factor in many health problems. One or two stressful life events experienced over a years time are typical and generally do not cause problems, but when a woman experiences several (such as retirement, a child leaving home or the death of a loved one) over a short period of time, the stress can become chronic and lead to exhaustion, anxiety and depression. Prescription medications are sometimes required to treat depression and are sometimes recommended for pre menopause symptoms.

Bad habits that can cause or worsen mood swings and depression include lack of exercise, alcohol consumption and poor diet. Lifestyle changes may be all that are necessary to relieve depression, anxiety and other premenstrual and pre menopause symptoms. Exercise improves mood. The B vitamins both increase energy levels so that you feel like exercising and relieve nervousness and depression. Too much sugar, caffeine and processed foods can increase mood swings and irritability and are migraine triggers for many women.

Hot flashes and night sweats usually appear closer to actual menopause, but some women experience them for years. These are directly related to decreased production of estrogen and other hormones. For many years, hormone replacement therapy was commonly used to relieve hot flashes and night sweats, as well as other pre menopause symptoms, but numerous health risks are related to the use of synthetic hormones. Phytoestrogens, which are plant components that have an estrogen like effect on the body, are believed to be safer and researchers have studied some of them for their effectiveness. In fact, a number of different plant components have been studied for their effectiveness in relieving the symptoms associated with pre menopause.

The seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia contain a component called 5-HTP. This compound is a serotonin precursor and similar in action to some prescription antidepressants, without the side effects. It has been used to treat sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, migraines and a number of other conditions. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and its safety has been supported by clinical research. It is an ingredient in some dietary supplements.

Black cohosh is well known to effectively relieve hot flashes and night sweats in many women. Red clover is one of the plants that contain substantial amounts of phytoestrogens. A clinical study in Amsterdam concluded that red clover can significantly reduce hot flashes. Calcium supplements are important to prevent osteoporosis, but are also believed to help regulate menstrual flow and relieve cramping. Tribulus terrestris is a plant extract believed to stimulate hormonal activity and has the added benefit of increasing sexual desire and sensitivity.

Usually women in the age group of 30-40 are at a greater risk of suffering from fibroids compared to others. Normally it happens before the onset of menopause and is caused by an abnormal growth in the uterus. In this article I am going to share some ideas on nature cure for fibroids. This type of treatment for uterine fibroids helps women shrink fibroid tumors on their own.

1.Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an effective herbal remedy widely used in nature cure for fibroids. It is useful to reduce or eliminate the bleeding associated with fibroid tumors. Make use of cinnamon by mixing 1 tea spoon of cinnamon bark or cinnamon tincture with one cup of hot water. Drink this mix daily till you see a reduction in your bleeding. Cinnamon twig is another popular remedy used in uterine fibroid treatment. It helps in lowering the estrogen levels without hindering your menstrual cycle. It thus helps in shrinking the size of existing fibroid.

2.Herbs

Vitex Berry or Chaste tree, is another popular herb which is used to shrink the size of small sized fibroids. You must take 25 to 30 drops of Vitex Berry tincture twice a day. You must bear in mind that herbal remedies take much longer time to produce results compared to conventional methods of uterine fibroid treatment. Normally you will not notice any improvement in your condition in the first two months of use of this herb. This herb can be taken for a maximum period of two years only.

3.Compress

Hot ginger and warm castor oil when used as a compress are very useful to provide relief from fibroid pain.

I was suffering from fibroids a couple of years ago. I decided against surgery and chose nature cure for fibroids. It gave me results but over a period of time only. Therefore do not expect quick fix solutions while using natural remedies for uterine fibroid treatment.

Class IV laser treatment, an FDA-approved remedy for back pain, wound care and inflammation, is receiving a widespread following as doctors and patients alike begin to see the therapeutic effects they have to offer. Injuries that lead to neck, muscle and back pain result in damaged cells that lead to pain and discomfort.

Class IV laser technology speeds the healing process by supplying energy to the damaged cells in the form of photons, increasing the output of ATP by the cells, which is the fuel that cells need to repair and restore themselves. The benefits of laser treatment can include faster wound healing, a reduction in chronic pain and inflammation, increased blood supply, and an increase in the speed of tissue repair.

Tissue healing, improved circulation and improved metabolism are common physiologic effects of laser treatment, sometimes offering fast, immediate relief. Lasers also help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with injuries and the after effects of significant surgical treatment.

Traditionally, most clinics use Class III lasers, also known as cold quartz or low level lasers, which barely penetrate the surface of the skin. The Class IV laser, however, is able to penetrate over an inch in skin and muscle tissue, repairing damaged and inflamed tissue and relieving back pain quickly and effectively.

Class IV lasers can be dangerous if they are not handled by a qualified, experienced physician. Class IV lasers can burn the skin when used improperly and can cause extensive eye damage and should not be used directly on the eyes.

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a condition of the skin that generates localized or widespread circular lesions. Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune condition. Instead of protecting the body against infectious organisms, certain dysfunctions of the immune system cause it to attack healthy body cells and tissues, producing lesions on the surface of the skin. The skin lesions caused by discoid lupus erythematosus can aggravate due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Most patients have localized skin lesions, predominantly on the body regions exposed to sunlight: scalp, face, neck and arms. However, some patients have skin lesions on unexposed regions of the body: chest, back or legs. These lesions can indicate the development of systemic lupus erythematosus, which involves serious abnormalities of the immune system.

While people with discoid lupus erythematosus mostly present recurring skin disorders, patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus can develop a wide range of diseases: cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, pneumonia, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the musculoskeletal or nervous systems.

Discoid lupus erythematosus is very common in women with ages between 18 and 50 and it rarely occurs in men. The skin disorder has the highest incidence in African American women, who commonly experience more intense symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus. Although the actual causes of the disorder have not been identified, multiple inter-related factors are suspected for triggering the condition: genetic factors (inherited genetic abnormalities), hormonal factors (excessive levels of estrogen seem to facilitate the development of the disorder) and environmental factors (prolonged medical treatments with antibiotics). Discoid lupus erythematosus has a pronounced hereditary character, as the majority of affected people have a family history of the disorder.

The process of diagnosing discoid lupus erythematosus involves physical examination, laboratory analysis of skin samples and elaborate blood tests. If laboratory tests reveal dysfunctions of the immune system and the skin lesions are linked to discoid lupus erythematosus, the patients will be prescribed an appropriate medical treatment. Although the disorder can’t be completely overcome through the means of the medical treatments available today, discoid lupus erythematosus can be controlled and its generated symptoms can be ameliorated. Patients diagnosed with discoid lupus erythematosus need to avoid exposure to sunlight in order to prevent aggravation of their skin lesions and the formation of permanent scars.

In the early stages of discoid lupus erythematosus, the skin lesions have a reddish, circular aspect and the borders of the affected skin present sharp prominences. In time, the skin may become scaly and crusty. When discoid lupus erythematosus affects the scalp, the disorder often involves temporary or even permanent hair loss. African American patients are exposed to a high risk of developing skin cancer and they should take special measures in avoiding sun burns. With the help of medical treatments and by avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight, the skin disorder can be kept under control and its symptoms can be considerably ameliorated.

In the Spring of 2009, a new dangerous flu outbreak reared its head in other countries throughout the world. It is known as the H1N1 virus or more commonly referred to as the Swine Flu. Because a vaccination has not been made for this particular strain of flu, health officials are offering a great deal of advice to people on how to prevent catching this illness. Some of the tips offered in this article will be proper hand washing techniques with Microfiber cleaning cloth and hand dryers in public rest rooms, anti-bacterial hand sanitizers, things to be careful about touching like door handles, phones, and toilet paper dispensers, and what symptoms to look for if you feel sick and what to do if you do feel ill.

There have been deaths in all of the different states in America so it is something that almost everyone is nervous about and worried about catching. There has been extensive discussions on the importance of hand washing and how that one thing can prevent the spreading and passing around of this swine flu. You must rigorously wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap for at least as long as it takes to sing through one Happy Birthday song. When leaving a public bathroom be sure to use your foot or have a paper towel to open the door to avoid getting the germs on the door handle.

Because you do not always have access to a sink with soap and warm water, everyone should have some anti-bacterial hand sanitizer on them at all times and to use it often. Hand sanitizer can come in different forms whether it is a gel, foam or on disposable wipes. Whatever type you are more likely to use is the type you should buy. Always wash your hands or use a sanitizer prior to eating and teach your children to do the same. Many schools have been very good about teaching children all of these precautions.

Another way to prevent catching the swine flu is to not share anything with anyone. This is especially true with beverages like soda cans or water bottles. Also, do not borrow another persons cell phone as it is racked with germs and be sure to use a Lysol wipe or something similar to that to clean your own phone off daily. Also, avoid sharing an item as simple as a pencil in a public place and many different dirty hands have touched that one writing utensil.

Some of the symptoms of the swine flu are a fever and things like a headache, sore throat and body aches have all been common as well as a cough. If you have any of these symptoms go to your doctor to get checked and then try to self quarantine yourself so the rest of the family does not catch it if it turns out to be the H1N1 virus. Do not return to work or school until your fever has been gone for over 24 hours.