On the Fence About Assisted Living? Answer These 40 Questions Now

The Assisted Living decision is a difficult one. There are many contributing factors: physical health, emotional health, safety, activities of daily living, financial and home management. Making the most of life is the primary goal. As a friend explained, "My husband is going to be 80. We're moving in [to a high-rise] while we can still enjoy it."

Years ago, older adults stayed with their families or moved to nursing homes. Today, they move to facilities with support services.

Eliott E. Levy discusses this lifestyle in his paper, "When to Put a Parent in Assisted Living or a Nursing Home," published in the Journal of Behavioral Studies in Business. A fall or stroke can change a loved one's life dramatically, Levy notes. My father-in-law had both. He had a mini stroke, fell down, and was unconscious for an unknown period of time.

Dad kept saying he was okay, but he wasn't. As the months passed, the effects of his stroke spread. Family members were worried sick about him living alone. You may be concerned about a loved one. These questions come from my experience of helping my mother and father-in-law move to Assisted Living. Put a check by the ones you have observed.

Physical and Emotional Health

• Can he or she be trusted to take medications correctly?
• Is the person physically active or sedentary?
• Does he or she eat a balanced diet?
• Does the person rely on high-salt, high-fat frozen food?
• Is the refrigerator stocked with spoiled food?
• Do you think he or she is a safe driver?
• Is he or she living in isolation?
• Does the person look and act depressed?
• Has alcohol become a problem?
• Is the person lacking "common sense"?

Safety

• Is the home in a safe neighborhood?
• Did the person leave a boiling pan on the stove?
• Did he or she forget to turn off the oven?
• Are home traffic patterns clear of clutter?
• Does he or she lost things constantly?
• Have you noticed any bruises from falls?
• Are doors and windows unlocked at night?
• Has the person become forgetful?
• Has he or she been found wandering?
• Can the person still tell time accurately?

Activities of Daily Living

• Does the person forget to comb his or her hair?
• Is the person wearing dirty, stained clothes?
• Can he or she still cook?
• Are dirty dishes piling up in the sink?
• Can the person still do laundry?
• How often does he or she do laundry?
• Is the refrigerator empty?
• Does the home get cleaned regularly?
• Have you seen roaches or mice?
• Did he or she throw out a hearing aid or aids?

Financial and Home Management

• Are unpaid bills piling up?
• Has the person received a warning notice about unpaid bills?
• Can the person still write checks or pay online?
• Has the person's name been referred to a collection agency?
• Does he or she buy clothes that fit? (My mother wore size 18, but kept buying size 8.)
• Is the person spending money he or she doesn't have?
• Has the home fallen into disrepair?
• Does the person give away money or items impulsively?
• Is the person addicted to the lottery or gambling?
• Would the person fall for a scam?

Add more questions to this list if you think of them. How many checks do you see? If there are lots of them, it's time to move into housing that offers support.

Copyright 2012 by Harriet Hodgson

Wellness: Making Time for Self

Perhaps every day is the same as before: your day starts off like a flash and ends in a blur and in between, you drag kids out of bed, fix breakfast, work eight hours, and chauffeur the kids around to different practices. Wait...your day is hardly finished - you still have to fix dinner and help with homework! Now this isn't just regular homework, it's a science project that's due tomorrow and it requires items you don't have in your home...(yes, your child did tell you about it last week). As you rush to the store, the clock doesn't stop. There is so much you need to do and want to do for yourself and your health; however, between the kids, work, household, spouse, there is simply not enough time in the day. Does this sound like your typical day?

At some point or another, we all wish we can turn back the hands of time or add a few extra hours in the day, but that wouldn't be realistic. I ask you, "Would you really utilize that time for yourself or for someone else?" Nine times out of ten, you would fill those extra hours doing something for others.

It's time to face the fact that we only get 24 hours, 1440 minutes in a day...no more. Since we can't change time, here are a few strategies to help you free up some time for yourself.

1. Just say "NO": Let's face it, if you can't do it, don't really want to do it, then don't do it. It's not only going to add to your already overwhelming schedule but it's going to make you an unhappy camper. Be selective about what you spend your time on. You don't have to do everything.

2. Prioritize: Establish a list of your responsibilities - those things that you do day in and day out. As you go through the list, determine which things are most important and which things don't have any value and steal time out of your day. Then prioritize them.

3. Organize: Clean up the clutter and organize yourself. This way you will know what you need to do and when, so you are better prepared and not trying to do a million things in one day. (Remember that science project that you forgot about?) It's always nice to have a family calendar posted. It helps to keep everyone organized so things don't fall through the cracks!

4. Share Responsibilities: Again, you don't have to do everything! Share responsibilities with family members and friends. For example, instead of chauffeuring around the kids to each practice yourself, share the responsibility with another parent on the team. You may feel a little guilty at first; however, you will find that it benefits every involved. You get an opportunity to do something for yourself and your kids get an opportunity to tell you about their practice at dinner. And on your carpool days, you've given another deserving parent some time off.

5. Time for self: This is a big one! You have to make the time for yourself. Make it a part of your daily routine. Make the time to mediate, read a book, or workout. Put it on the family schedule in BOLD LETTERS. Work around the day and time you have scheduled and don't let anything get in the way of it. Remember to "Just Say No"!

The bottom line is that your life will be more fulfilling if you did a little something for yourself on a regular basis. Not only you will be happy, but your family will be happy. Remember...When mommy is happy, everyone is happy!

Finding a Hip Surgeon - Hip Replacements

Many men and women are seeking out a hip surgeon when they are facing the possibility of having to replace this very important joint in the body. Although it is not a good thing to rush into this type of treatment too soon, most people will find that getting this procedure when it is necessary, is one of the best ways to improve the way you feel. In fact, once this joint does wear down, it can be very painful to do anything, including walking or sitting. Getting treatment can help to restore your function and give you the ability to live your life the way you want to do so again.

Find a Professional You Trust

When you are looking for a hip surgeon, there are many things to think about and look for in these professionals. You want someone that is licensed and knowledgeable. You also want to find someone that has the means of using the latest technology and procedures to help improve your overall health. Ensure the person you contact is someone with enough experience to help you through the process to achieve the best possible outcome. Get to know the person's experience and abilities before you decide to hire them.

What to Expect

One of the most common concerns people have when meeting these surgeons is that they will not get individual care. You may be surprised to learn that most surgeons will delay this process for as long as possible. It is a good idea to prolong getting this procedure until it is not possible to wait any longer. That is because these replacements do not last the rest of your life. If you get the surgeries too soon, you could end up having to redo them too soon. Do not expect for the surgeons to schedule a procedure right away. Most will want to ensure you have used every option that is non-surgical for treatment first.

Your Consultation

The first step in the process is to go through a consultation. This initial meeting with your doctor will provide you with more information and it will give you a good deal of advice on what your options are. You will learn if you should have surgery, when and what it will entail as well. This is the best time to ask questions, too.

A hip surgeon is the person to talk to when you are considering a replacement. Do not prolong talking to these professionals because doing so will delay your overall health. You will likely feel significantly better once you get this treatment completed. It may give you a whole new outlook on life.

While Purchasing Hospital Medical Supplies

Medical supplies are items where you cannot take a risk while purchasing. There are different factors that you need to be careful about such as their quality, date of expiry, company that manufactured the products, their usability by all patients, etc. Besides checking these factors you also have to ensure that these hospital medical supplies have the approval of the authorities and have passed the standards required.

Today, hospital medical supplies are not confined to just medicines and syringes. They include items for diagnosis like blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, viscosurgical devices, strength and fitness measuring instruments, stethoscopes, thermometers and a lot more instruments to check the different conditions of the body; clothing items such as masks, surgical gloves and gowns; exercise items; dental supplies and many more products.

While items like beds and cots are reusable, most of the medical supplies in a hospital cannot be reused as there are chances of infections spreading. Ironically, though hospital is the place where a disease is treated and cured, it is also a place where one can be affected by a disease due to the presence of many numbers of patients here. You might not be able to prevent infections through air but the least you could do is prevent disease causing germs from spreading through the various hospital medical supplies. The easiest way to do this is to use disposable medical items and ensure that they are properly disposed off after their first use.

For products to be used in a hospital a proper quality check is a must. They have to be manufactured as per the regulations of the medical authorities and used before the date of their expiry. For this, it is important that you purchase these items from a reputed supplier who is known to you and is reliable. Buying all the products from a single supplier is highly recommended as repeated purchases build the trust between the buyer and seller. Besides, you can also pre-order the items and be notified of the arrival of new items before the stock is over. This way you never run the risk of not finding the items you need, especially at the time of emergency.

Most hospital medical supplies are expensive and since they are bought in multiple numbers, the rate tends to go higher. If you buy from the same supplier, there are chances that you may get discounts and promotional offers. This is often the case when you purchase these items from online stores. However, whether you are purchasing online or offline, the main factor that you need to remember is that the items you buy can make a difference to a person's health and his life. Keeping this in mind will help you pick out the best hospital medical supplies always.

Keep Your Body Healthy With Natural Healthy Foods

When is the last time you heard your stomach grumble and growl, demanding to be fed? Are you one who skips meals hoping to lose a pound or two here or there? Are you guilty of eating junk food or unhealthy snacks just to hold off those hunger pangs?

And then there's that pesky question about exercise! When is the last time you broke a sweat on purpose? Do you have exercise equipment at your house collecting dust or a gym membership you pay for but never use?

When your body is being fed junk, it does fill the gap, but the body starts to realize that every heartbeat will get tougher and tougher to achieve if we constantly input unhealthy foods loaded with saturated fats and preservatives into our systems everyday.

Healthy foods are not available to just make you look good; they are there to make you feel good, as well as to be able to achieve that greater feeling of overall well-being.

You do not have to jump straight in the deep end when looking for healthy, natural foods, or an exercise plan that is best for you; there are many resources designed to help the beginner start to gain a healthier body.

These resources will help you make decisions, such as what types of food you should be looking at buying, as well as how to achieve and maintain a healthy, fit body.

The greatest medicine can be the food that we eat and the exercise we get.

When you maintain your body properly through healthy eating and regular exercise, you will have a healthy immune system, as well as better overall health. Not to mention you will look great.

Of course, looking good is fine for some people, but to feel that good inside is sometimes tougher to achieve, especially if you are not eating properly. Eating healthy foods and daily workouts will improve your insides greatly and will help to maintain that healthy inner body.

It's not a simple case where you do something once each month; you need to make a commitment for life. You can't just clear the system out once and then be done with it. You must constantly clean the body if you want to feel the results every day.

Our bodies are like any other finely tuned piece of equipment. If we maintain them properly, get regular checkups, eat well, exercise, get plenty of sleep, learn to deal with stress, and other simple to learn and maintain habits, our bodies will last a very long time and we will be able to live a long and happy life.

An investment in your own health is the best investment you will ever make. Take the first steps today to a healthier, more fit you.

Liver Ultrasound Preparation

An ultrasound test is a radiology technique, that uses high- frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and structures of the body. The sound waves are sent through body tissues with a device called a transducer. The transducer is placed directly on top of the skin, that has a gel applied to the surface. The sound waves which are sent by the transducer and are transmitted electrically on to a viewing monitor. The echo images are then recorded on a plane film and can also be recorded on video tape. After the ultrasound, the gel is easily wiped off.

Live Ultrasound Technical Term

The technical term for ultrasound testing and recording is "sonography". Ultrasound testing is painless and harmless. Ultrasound test involve no radiation and studies have not revealed any adverse effects.

Liver Ultrasound Purposes

Ultrasound examinations can be used in various areas of the body for a variety of purposes. These purposes include examination of the chest, abdomen, blood vessels (such as to detect blood clots in leg veins) and the evaluation of pregnancy. In the chest, ultrasound can be used to obtain detailed images of the size and function of the heart. Ultrasound can detect abnormalities of the heart valves, such as mistral valves prolapse, aortic steno sis, and infection (endocarditis). ultrasound id commonly used to guide fluid withdrawal (aspiration) from the chest, lungs or around the heart. Ultrasound is also commonly used to examine internal structures of the kidneys, the ureters, liver, spleen, pancreas, and aorta within the abdomen can be examined. Ultrasound can detect fluid, cysts, tumors or abscess in abdomen or liver.

Impaired blood flow clots or arteriosclerosis in the legs can be detected by ultrasound. Aneurysms of the aorta can also be seen. Ultrasound is also commonly used to evaluate the structure of the thyroid gland in the neck.

An abdominal or liver ultrasound plays a crucial role on diagnosing many liver diseases, including a fatty liver. To get accurate result, its very important to understand and know how you should prepare for a liver ultrasound.

Liver Ultrasound Preparation Guidelines

1. Do not drink or eat 6 hours before the test.
2. ON the day before the test do not eat - fresh fruits and vegetables, fired and oily food, milk, eggs, bread.
3. What you should eat - cooked vegetables, puree,marmalade, honey, roasted bread, soup, and rice
4. No medications are needed to be taken before Ultrasound

Liver Ultrasound scan is completely painless

Here is estimated procedure:

1. Lying on to an ultrasound table
2. A special gel will be spread upon your abdomen
3. The tester will move a tool called "transducer" (looks like a small wand) over the gel, that will create and capture the most relevant images.
4. The tester will process and look at the images, and will enter his conclusion
5. Total estimated time of the test: 2- 30 minutes

What Are Birth Defects? Causes, Types and Ways to Prevent Them

Birth defects are abnormalities of structure and function in the baby that are present at birth. These abnormalities can result in a change of shape or function of one or more body parts and the resulting developmental or physical disability may need surgical or medical attention. The defects result in problems in the overall health of the baby and can range from minor to serious. Even though some of them can be treated and cured others will result in the eventual death of the baby in its first year of life.

There are many different causes of birth defects and they include genetic problems, chromosomal problems and environmental factors. Genetic problems occur when part of a gene is absent or when a gene does not work the way it is suppose to. Chromosome problems occur when a chromosome is absent or there is an extra chromosome present. Defects from environmental factors occur as a result of things that the woman is exposed to during the pregnancy such as alcohol, drugs and diseases like rubella or German measles.

There are two types of birth defects structural and developmental. When the problem affects the body parts it is known as a structural defect and examples include cleft lip, heart defect and abnormalities such as a club foot. Additional problems involve growth and development of the spinal cord and brain and defects of the neural tube such as spina bifida.

Developmental birth defects occur when a body part or system does not work as it should and the result is one of the following problems. Problems of the brain or nervous system result in Down Syndrome, Autism, Fragile X syndrome to name a few and they involve learning problems, mental retardation, speech or language problems, convulsions, movement issues and behavioral problems.

Sensory problems include visual problems from cataracts all the way to blindness as well as mild hearing loss to deafness. Metabolic disorders involve a chemical pathway or a body process and result in the inability of the body to expel harmful chemicals or waste products. Examples of these disorders include hypothyroidism and phenylketouria.

Finally degenerative disorders are problems that are not clearly seen at birth but cause the progressive degeneration of the health of the baby. Examples include Rett syndrome, muscular dystrophy and lysosomal disorder.

Sometimes the defects can be a combination of problems affecting many processes and parts of the body which result in both structural and functional disability.

Every expectant mother hopes for a healthy baby but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists report that 3 out of every 100 babies born in the US have some kind of birth defect and these figures increase in developing countries. Prenatal care and premarital genetic mapping to a large extent prevent this outcome but sometimes it is impossible to totally prevent every single defect since some result from unknown factors which are beyond our control. So good prenatal care is always the best option to beat the odds and the result is a 97% chance that you will be blessed with a healthy baby.

Hospitals Benefit By Purchasing Used Medical Equipment

You may think that hospitals would be more likely to buy new medical equipment, since they use these medical devices to make accurate diagnoses to save patients' lives. The truth is many hospitals buy used and refurbished equipment for a variety of reasons, but the main reason is usually the cost savings.

Compared to new equipment, used medical devices can be purchased at a fraction of the price, potentially saving thousands of dollars. Many hospitals are dealing with a budget cut, so buying used medical equipment is a great way to get the equipment they need to care for patients and save a considerable amount of money in the process. They are able to upgrade their older machines to newer models, even if it is not the latest model. Even further, some used equipment may still have a warranty on it. Hospitals that have more money to spend on the latest equipment may sell their older equipment directly to other hospitals, so many of the devices and machines are in almost-new condition and are protected by the original warranty.

A variety of different pieces of medical machinery can be purchased used, including defibrillators, ultrasound machines, scanners, patient monitors and EKG machines. Companies and medical technicians who sell the used and refurbished medical equipment are aware of the required standards in the medical field, so they ensure the machinery is thoroughly cleaned and test the devices to ensure they operate correctly. Buying used medical equipment allows hospitals to buy newer and better-quality machines. They are able to get more for their money and get the latest technology, ensuing that they are able to deliver a higher level of health care for their patients.

Of course, buying used and refurbished devices takes a bit more work than just buying a new piece directly from the manufacturer. There has to be research done to be sure of the credentials of the dealer. The policies and standards of the seller need to be reviewed to ensure that the equipment will be in the condition expected and works properly. If a machine is not functioning properly, it could potentially harm patients or result in a misdiagnosis of a serious health condition.

Used medical equipment offers hospitals, doctors offices, and clinics the benefits of having a newer piece of machinery at a fraction of the price of buying new. It helps relieve the financial burden which also helps keeps the patients costs down as well.

The Different Types of Stethoscopes

To any average Joe, medical instruments all look the same. But for medical professional, instruments like the stethoscope come in different types. Models like the Littmann Master Cadiology Stethoscope and the Littmann Classic II SE, are very popular in the market today. This is because these specific makes have excellent features and characteristics. Medical practitioners who use the right kind of stethoscope for their jobs have an easier time at work. Yes, there are different types of stethoscopes and these are as follows:

Acoustic - these are the most popular kinds in the market today. In fact, this is the original stethoscope model. Sound is transferred from the diaphragm through a series of hollow tubes that travel up the earpieces. The air inside the hollow tubes serves as the medium of transmission. There are two sides to the chest piece of an acoustic model. The diaphragm is in charge of delivering high frequency sounds. The bell on the other hand is in charge of detecting low frequency sounds. This is why you regularly see medical professionals who try to interchange between a bell and a diaphragm when diagnosing a patient.

Electronic - also known as a stethophone, this type uses electronic transducers to convert the sounds of the body to electronic signals which can then be amplified. This is a very expensive version of a stethoscope. It is not primarily used by doctors because it is very inconvenient to use. Stethophones are uses for special applications like remote diagnosis and monitoring. Stethophones can be given a wireless connection so that doctors can monitor the vital signs of a patient from a distance.

Recording - this is a special electronic variety that can be connected to a recording device. Some doctors use this in order to consult a variety of medical cases with other doctors. If they come across a patient that exhibits bodily sounds that they are not familiar with, they can record the sounds and have other doctors listen to it. Consultations can be conducted fast and efficiently thanks to recording stethoscopes.

Fetal - this type is also called a fetoscope. Generally speaking, it looks like a trumpet and doctors place this on the bellies of pregnant mothers in order to listen to the baby inside the mother's womb. This specific type was invented by the French Obstetrician, Adolphe Pinard. Of course, there's a modern version of the fetoscope where the basic model is intertwined with some features of a stethophone.

Twenty-Five Easy Steps to Optimal Health

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. You need at least seven servings per day, and preferably nine. "Servings" are commonly half a cup in size. A big helping of green beans, broccoli, or grapes might count as two servings or more. However, don't eat the same fruits and vegetables all the time. The best way to eat fruits and vegetables is either raw or by steaming fresh or frozen ones.

2. Quit or decrease smoking. Quitting is by far the best, but any reduction is helpful to your health. Avoid secondhand smokes as well. If you can't stop, then please protect your family by not smoking near them.

3. Eat more whole grains. They contain fiber, minerals, and many other beneficial nutrients.

4. Get help for depression or stress. Contact a professional or your religious leader for assistance. It's not a sign of weakness to get help-its sign of strength and hope. Generally, do your best to maintain a positive outlook on life.

5. Calculate your BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and percent body fat. The way to reduce obesity is to reduce all your risks for chronic disease. Losing weight isn't a strategy for attaining optimal health, it's a result.

6. Calculate how many calories you need.

7. Learn how to estimate your calorie intake. Most people couldn't begin to guess how many calories they take in daily. But people who are really successful at losing weight generally have a reasonably accurate notion of their caloric consumption. In fact, you can quickly and easily train yourself so that accurately estimating calories is second nature. All you need is a small kitchen scale, measuring cups, and a chart showing the calories in different foods by weight. Then spend a day by paling with your food. Do this for a day every week or two, and soon accurately estimating calories in your meals will be second nature. You don't have to be accurate to the last calorie. Here's an example: Half a cup of chopped raw broccoli has only twelve calories. So 300 calories worth of broccoli equals 121/2 cups. That's about ¾ of a gallon. This demonstrates the power and importance of plants. They are loaded with antioxidants that help reduce the risk of chronic disease, and they contain so much fiber and total mass that you can eta to your heart's content without taking on large amounts of calories.

8. Wear sunscreen. Preferably one rated SPF 30 or above. Also, avoid excessive exposure to the sun, and don't even go near a tanning bed.

9. Eat carbohydrates with low glycemic index.

10.Take basic supplements.

11. Kick the fad habit. Stop obsessing about grams and ratios of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, and proteins.

12. Exercise your religious faith. Whatever you believe, believe it intensely.

13. Avoid high fructose corn syrup. This is found in many foods, especially in sweetened drinks. It is so ubiquitous, we can't avoid it altogether, but we can cut way back. For starters, replace sweetened drinks with green tea, water, coffee, low-fat organic dairy products, and drinks artificially sweetened with Splenda.

14. Get enough rest. For most of us, that's seven to eight hours a night.

15. Use only canola and extra-virgin olive oil. Replace all other oils, especially partially hydrogenated oils, with these two. This will reduce omega-6 and Trans fats drastically.

16. Eat organic foods as much as possible. Meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains.

17. Decrease alcohol use, preferably to zero. Its contributions to health problems are greater than any benefits. If you drink a lot of alcohol and cutting back seems unthinkable to you, then you probably really need to think about it.

18. Get more omega-3 in your diet and through supplementation.

19. Reduce exposure to contagious diseases, especially sexually transmitted diseases like venereal warts, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, et al.

20.See your doctor. You should be checked for the following at the minimum: cholesterol levels, homocysteine, blood pressure, thyroid stimulating hormone, ferritin, hs-C- reactive protein, PSA, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin.

21. Cut back on processed foods, including fast food and snacks. These are loaded with omega-6, Trans fats, chemicals, high fructose corn syrup, and other horrible stuff. You can find healthy food at some fast food restaurants, but it it's rare. Replace bad, processed snacks with fruit, vegetables, and well-balanced food-bars.

22. Move your body more. That's how we burn calories and build muscle. Increase the "exercise of daily living". Get clearance from a doctor before switching from couch potato-ness to intense exercise.

23. Reduce your exposure to chemicals. Besides reducing chemical exposure via food, consider an air or water purification system.

24. Reduce consumption of dark meats, especially beef, pork, and processed meats, because of their omega-6 and chemical content. Replace with lean, skinless, organic chicken, turkey or fish. Try veggie burgers, and even try eating vegetarian a few days a week.

25.Get genetic testing. Ask your doctor about genetic tests as they become commercially available to determine your inherited risk of chronic disease.

What Is A Bunion And How To Treat It

What Exactly Is a Bunion?

A bunion is essentially a deformity of the big toe. In medical terms the hallux valgus. Those that suffer from bunions will have a toe that points in an outwardly direction plus a bump on the inner side of their foot. The tissue about the joint will be swollen and tender in most cases.

Bunions typically are formed steadily over time and are often a source of foot pain discomfort.

This deformity is pretty typical in females as a result of wearing to small of shoe sizes or shoes which have too narrow of a tip.

Guy's are not off the hook either and may suffer from bunions themselves sans the high heels.

Shoes like Cowboy Boots and high heels may cause some fairly substantial harm towards the toes.

The issue is these sort of shoes possess a lower front end and also a raised back end. This jams your toes into a tight narrow location and squeezes the toes together in an unnatural position.

Because the toes get use to their cramped tiny space they'll adapt themselves to fit in to the restrained area which will ultimately result in the deformity.

Genetics can play a significant role at the same time in regards to this health issue. Some individuals possess a predisposition and might wind up with bunions irrespective of what shoes they put on.

the Way to Avoid Bunions

You might not generally have the ability to stop a bunion from occurring but you can be proactive in helping further prevent them in most cases.

Ladies, no more high heels.

Yes, they're able to accentuate components of one's body and offer you added height but they are going to ultimately lead to you future discomfort.

Get the proper fit over fashion.

Ensure that you have suitable fitting shoes that contour towards the shape of the feet properly.

You'd be shocked at how quite a few individuals have badly fitted shoes and are completely unaware of the damage it's causing.

Make use of shoes with a wide toebox.

A wider toebox will give your small piggy's with all the wiggle area they really need to avoid cramping and crowding.
Remember, toes that can move around are happy ones.

Wear comfy shoes.

This really should go without saying but comfort counts, so treat your feet right with well fitting and comfortable shoes.

I Have A Bunion, Now What?

In most circumstances, those who have no discomfort or pain then surgery is not always necessary.

Normally therapy is usually completed inside the comfort of one's personal residence.

Treatment can include bunion pads, arch supports, or custom created supports for instance orthotics which can help ease the pain and discomfort of your foot pain.

To assist in decreasing any discomfort and swelling its recommend that you apply ice on the affected area for ten to 20 minutes at a time. I prefer to adhere to a 10 on 20 off rule.

It is best to also elevate your affected foot so that your toes are higher than your heart.

Surgical Therapy and Treatment

Surgery is often a final resort route and will be determined by the pain, and severity of the bunion and the affected areas.

The general purpose of surgery is to restore the original alignment of your toe to relieve pressure off the joint and lessen discomfort of your foot pain.

Surgery is often done under "Twilight Sleep" and can be completed within a matter of hours with a pretty quick recovery time with proper care and treatment.

Incubation Period of the Flu

The flu incubation period is defined as the time that is elapsed among the exposure and the time when the symptoms first appears. The incubation period of flu may be as short as that is considered in minutes and in addition to this the period is as long as that can be considered in years. After hearing the news that now we have a fresh pandemic definitely people wonder about what exactly the incubation period of flu is. In some of the past years large numbers of people has lost their lives because of flu in different countries and the dead bodies includes all age persons. Experts of the flu often say that the probability that more people die because of it is higher and it can happen any time.

What exactly makes the flu incubation period important

Generally what happens is that people don't even came to know that they are affected by this disease and this is the reason that they spread it among others which help in knowing the time period of flu is quite essential. Disease control centers often say that that they don't have firm numbers as to how long the flu remains with a person before he/she shows its symptoms. According to them this time period is one week or up to 4 days. This is the time period when an affected person contributes in spreading this disease among others without knowing that he/she is affected by this virus. So it is very important that necessary precautions are being taken by a person in order to stop spreading the flu. There are a few tips that can help at this stage and helps understanding flu incubation period properly. Some of such tips include

• Washing hands- It is considered as the basic line of defense against the flu. Washing hands for regularly 20 seconds through an antibiotic is better.

• Avoid touching the surface that is contaminated- This is something that plays a significant role in spreading this disease. Generally what happens is that people touch their nose after touching a contaminated surface which results in flu. Never touch your eyes as well.

During this disease what happen is that one can transmit it among others even after the symptoms are passed. So the flu time period is an essential factor. Basically this period is not always same but according to some of the experts it can stay for around one day to one complete week. Sometime what happen is that a distinction is made between the flu incubation periods mainly because of the reason that it is very effective. Such periods are generally expressed as ranges. For this disease the incubation period of flu is considered in days however it is not always essential.

Once the symptoms are known to a person he/she can take necessary steps that are effective in stopping this virus to be spread among other people. Some of the things that must be kept in mind is using a handkerchief while coughing, disposing the tissue after using it as well as disinfecting all the surfaces that are around you.

Where Is My Appendix Located?

The appendix location that causes appendix pain varies from person to person, but usually no more than 3 inches in difference. It is located where the large and small intestines join right at the start point of the colon. In other terms, the appendix is located in the right lower abdomen quadrant, which is basically between the top section of the pelvic bone and the navel area. Ironically, you will not know the exact appendix location and only a surgical professional or a physician will be able to locate it. The abdomen is in a location from which you cannot feel its presence, but a surgeon or physician would know where its specific location is.

Interestingly enough, a rare situation in the human population allows the appendix to be on the opposite side. This is caused by all their organs being reversed inside the abdomen area. In this scenario, the right organs would be on the left and their left organs would be on the right. Therefore, their appendix would be located within the left side area verses being located within the right side are. This appendix location rarity is an occurrence in about one out of eight thousand five hundred people and is known as the condition called situs inversus.

List of Organs and Zones in the Appendix Location:

• Large intestine
• Small Intestine
• Colon
• Pelvic bone zone
• Navel area zone
• Peritoneal lining zone
• Umbilicus zone

Your appendix is basically a worm like object; being no more than the size of your finger. It sticks out at the junction of your large and small intestines. The purpose of the appendix is still unidentified, but some become infected and have to be removed. It is important to know the estimated location of your appendix in order to assist in identifying where abdomen pain is coming from.

As mentioned previously, a surgeon or a physician can identify your appendix location which causes appendix pain. They can have a difficult time identifying where the top portion of the appendix specifically sits. With the appendix slightly varying in location from one person to another, it can be hard to specifically locate the top point of the appendix. However, they usually find it but it generally requires a little more work. The most common locations for the top of the appendix include the back side of the pelvic area, the back side of the cecum (component of your colon,) and the top portion of the peritoneal lining (lining in the abdominal cavity.)

As mentioned before, the estimated location of your appendix is essential to know, especially when you are experiencing abdominal pain. Many organ problems can cause pain in the abdomen region, especially through an infection. They may also be cancerous as well. In some cases, it could be appendix pain and understanding the organs in the abdomen regions can help identify potential organs leading to the problem, especially in the appendix location. If experiencing strong, consistent pain in the appendix location, it is recommended that you see your doctor. He or she will in turn probably refer you to a physician or surgeon who will specifically identify you appendix location.

How To Find Affordable Health Care?

Decades ago, people from developing countries used to travel to U.S.A and Europe looking for advanced healthcare that was not available in their home countries. The treatment that they received in U.S.A and Europe was every expensive and only the wealthy patients could afford to travel to these countries for medical care. However, things have changed drastically. Every year now, a few hundred thousand people from the Western countries, such as U.S.A and U.K, travel to developing nations such as India, Thailand and Costa Rica to avail world-class medical facilities at an affordable cost. Popularly known as Medical tourism, the practice of traveling abroad to avail healthcare has now grown into a safe, affordable and enjoyable practice.

The rising costs of healthcare in the developed nations impel a huge number of people, now popularly termed as Medical Tourists, to scout for locations in the less developed parts of the world for medical treatments such as dental implants, knee surgery and bariatric surgery. An article published on the financial page of The New Yorker on April 16th, 2012 states that the Bumrungrad hospital in Bangkok treats four hundred thousand foreign patients annually. Malaysia receives about six hundred thousand medical tourists last year, while South Korea plays host to more than a hundred thousand medical tourists, nearly a third of them American.

The attraction to look for affordable healthcare in developing nations such as India, Malaysia, Turkey, Thailand and Costa Rica is quite obvious. Not only are the costs of medical facilities only a fraction of the cost of similar medical facilities in the U.S.A, the quality of healthcare provided by these countries has improved tremendously in the last few years. The presence of internationally accredited hospitals in these countries that offer similar technical facilities as offered in American hospitals is an added attraction for medical tourists. Many companies who connect the patients in Western countries to hospitals and reliable doctors in other parts of the world make medical tourism easier and more dependable for people.

Finding affordable healthcare outside one's home country has become easy because of the abundance of information and resources now available on the medical tourism industry. It is also convenient to connect via forums on the internet with other people who have availed similar medical treatments in foreign locales. Many reliable agencies and companies offer services where they ascertain your needs and locate the country where you will receive high quality medical care at low-cost.

Over 50 countries around the world, especially the developing nations, count medical tourism as their national industry. However, the safety, quality and reliability of medical facilities offered vary from one country to another. Some of the most popular countries that offer low-cost, yet world-class medical facilities to the medical tourists are India, Costa Rica, Mexico, China, Thailand, Turkey, Hungary, Pakistan, Philippines and Taiwan. More and more Americans now prefer to travel a short distance to Mexico for medical treatments such as advanced dental treatments. For instance, getting dental implants in Los Algodones, Mexico is much cheaper than getting the same dental procedure done in the U.S. In the same way, India is a preferred destination for various kinds of surgeries such as knee surgery, cardiac surgery, bone marrow transplant and orthopedic surgery.

Since the healthcare costs in the U.S.A and the European Union are on the rise, the trend to travel internationally to look for affordable healthcare is likely to stay strong.

A Patient's Checklist: What to Check for Where Cleanliness Is Concerned

It is important for a patient and their families to know what to keep an eye out for during their hospital stay. Certain behaviors by the hospital could put the patient at a higher risk for contracting certain infections such as Staph.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services partnered with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2002 in order to develop The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. The HCAHPS was created as a way to set a standard for hospitals. The patients will rate the hospital on their cleanliness and how likely they are to want to return to that hospital. Eventually the surveys will be used by the government in an effort to avoid providing money through Medicare to hospitals that are poorly rated through the HCAHPS system.

Legislation was so serious about the importance of hospital cleanliness that in 2002 the passed a legislature stated that if the hospital had poor ratings based on the HCAHPS system that they would be limited on the amount of reimbursement money that they would be able to receive from Medicare.

"During this hospital stay, how often were your room and bathroom kept clean?" This is one of the most important questions on the 27 question survey that makes up the HCAHPS system.

Most people assume that a hospital is clean and will not complain unless they blatantly see something that bothers them. There are a few things that every patient and their families should be aware of and check to make sure that they are practiced at the hospital.

Soiled and dirty sheets should be removed immediately. When you are living in your bed like you do in a hospital your sheets can become dirty rather quickly. It is important to have clean sheets placed on your bed regularly and have soiled sheets removed immediately.

The bathroom should be clean and tidy. It is one thing when you have guests over and did not have time to clean the water ring out of the bottom of your sink. It is another thing when ill patients are sharing a bathroom one after another. The bathroom should be thoroughly cleaned so that it is spotless upon arrival and be cleaned often during your stay.

The tile should look like new and smell clean. Tile and grout are one of the dirtiest places in a hospital. This is why most hospitals have gone to having their tile and grout professionally cleaned and then sealed. This is because it is impossible to clean tile and grout easily due to its porous nature unless all the contaminants have already been sealed outside of it.

Mop water should not be shared from room to room.

Check the mop that is being used. A microfiber mop is best for helping to prevent the spread of contaminants throughout a hospital. Some hospitals simply do not have the money in their budget to change all of their mops to microfiber, so if this is the case they should make sure to thoroughly clean each mop head between rooms and get clean mop water.

The HCAHPS carries a heavy load in the hospital world, and hospitals know how important it is to have a good rating. This is why many of them are working hard to correct issues that they have had in the past in order to raise their rating with the HCAHPS system.

Drop Thigh Fat

Truth be told losing the fat off your thighs will be the easiest thing that you ever do. The two things that you must perfect in order to lose thigh fat are diet and exercise. The reality is that losing thigh fat comes down to just being consistent in the effort that you make everyday. Trust me losing thigh fat is not hard at all. Once you learn how to lose thigh fat, everything is easy.

Please take into consideration the following before you start to take action. The principles to lose thigh fat are simple but you need to appreciate that results will only ever come about after serious hard work. There will be times when you are going to want to give up. Truth be told success in weight loss is only for those people that keep moving forward!

You also are going to have to be extremely patient because results are not going to come overnight. This is a fact of life that you must appreciate. Believe me you need to stop looking for a secret to success. The reality is that there isn't one out there to be found. The fact is that no matter how hard your try you need to stop wasting so much of your precious time on looking for a magic bullet.

Now the first step to losing thigh fat is getting your diet perfect. But as well as eating good foods you must stop consuming junk. Every single meal that you consume should contain some vegetables and a piece of organic meat. I truly believe that you must work hard to fix your diet if you want to see great success. By all means stuff yourself with vegetables and lean meats. Make sure that every meal you eat has a vegetable and a piece of meat.

To really lose all the excess fat off your body you must work extremely hard to exercise on a regular basis. I believe that one of the most important things that you are ever going to do for yourself is implement whole body exercises like the deadlift. Just lift a lot of heavy things and you will be fine. Lift heavy and rest properly.

Believe me if you are able to follow the guidelines that I've set here, then pretty soon you are going to have amazing thighs. I am telling you right now that losing thigh fat will be rather simple if you do what I say. The reality is that people are going to love the way you look. So there is nothing to lose, just get out there and begin to work hard.

What to Expect After Shoulder Surgery

If you are planning to go in for a shoulder surgery you need to have a good idea about what to expect after the surgery. One only realizes how important the shoulder is when this part of the body is not working properly. You are bound to have a certain amount of difficulty during the recovery period but if you know what to expect you will be able to deal with things better.

At the very outset, you ought to be prepared for a certain amount of pain or discomfort at the very least. Needless to say, your doctor will ensure that you get the right medication to deal with the problem. Your shoulder will also need to be protected against harm until it has recovered fully. Doctors tend to offer two options to reduce the movement of the shoulder; a splint or immobilizer. Your movements will be restricted for a while because of this but it is necessary for your eventual recovery.

You will also have to do exercises after your shoulder surgery in order to bring back movement to your shoulder and arm. Your physiotherapist will make you do exercises to regain full motion and also to bring back strength to your shoulder. Be aware that the process will take a lot of time to be completed, 15-18 weeks on average, in order to ensure that the tissues that have been damaged after the shoulder surgery are repaired fully. You might be tempted to speed up the physiotherapy but this is a very bad idea. You should also wait until you regain mobility before you start working on your strength.

You should be very careful with how you use your shoulder and arm for a few months after the shoulder surgery. Do not put a lot of pressure on this body part for a while because you might damage it inadvertently. You will be able to lead a fairly normal life and will also be able to go back to work without too many problems as long as you follow your surgeon's and your physiotherapist's instructions on how to use your shoulder and arm.

It is a very good idea to get help from your family and friends during the days immediately after the operation. Make sure that you select a really good surgeon and physiotherapist in order to ensure that your shoulder is in good condition after the medical treatment.

Shoulder Surgery - Why It Is Sometimes Essential

Certain parts of the body are more prone to injuries than other parts and the shoulder is one of them. This joint is the one that offers the widest range of movement in the body and is consequently the one that is most likely to be injured. As a result, it is very common to come across people who have had shoulder surgery at one time or the other. In fact, this surgery is sometimes essential in order to deal with a wide variety of ailments.

There are many types of shoulder injuries that a person could suffer from. Injuries can occur due to repeated use of the shoulder. Many people get work or sports related shoulder injuries as well. A torn rotator cuff or a stretched capsule can be very painful indeed and they will also restrict movement very much. Even a simple impingement can result in a great deal of discomfort if it is not looked into by an experienced doctor. Arthritis can also cause problems in the area which can sometimes be cured with the help of shoulder surgery. Fractures are other reasons why an operation is sometimes essential.

Shoulder surgery is sometimes the only option to treat certain problems. For instance, people who suffer a great deal of pain because the cartilage lining their shoulder joints has got eroded will not get any relief from medications. This problem tends to happen to athletes and elderly people who have used the joint far more than normal and whose cartilage lining has therefore warn away. They will only be able to regain full movement if the entire shoulder joint has been surgically replaced. It is not always necessary to replace the entire shoulder joint. Shoulder stabilization surgery is sometimes necessary if the person keeps dislocating the joint.

Many people try to delay having shoulder surgery for a variety of reasons but mostly out of a reluctance to go under the knife unless all other treatment options have been addressed fully. However, the fact is that one surgical procedure or the other is sometimes necessary to cure problems affecting this area. Only if the operation is completed successfully will the patient be able to lead a normal life with full and painless movement of this particular body part. It is best to go to a reliable doctor who will only recommend surgery to the shoulder if it is absolutely necessary.

Preparing For Shoulder Surgery - Useful Tips to Help You

If you are scheduled to go in for shoulder surgery then you ought to do sufficient preparation in advance of it. This will ensure that you experience as little inconvenience as possible and it will also make sure that you recover from the surgery as quickly as possible.

It is of the utmost importance that you go in for the surgery on an absolutely empty stomach. This means that you should stop consuming all foods and beverages a good 10 hours before the scheduled time of the surgery. Make sure that you ask your doctor about the exact time of the surgery so that there is no misunderstanding regarding this. Make sure that you do not break this rule, even to consume a small candy bar or a few mints. It goes without saying that cigarettes and alcohol should be avoided at all circumstances for the half day or so leading up to the surgery. You'll also need to ensure that your bowels are empty before the surgery.

Your shoulder surgery will definitely involve an incision, the size of which can vary according to the type of operation you have to undergo. Since you will have to take anaesthetic for the procedure during which you will lose some blood, you need to ensure that your system does not contain any medication that can affect the procedure. For instance, aspirin is a commonly taken medicine that has the ability to thin out blood. Keep in mind that it takes a few days for the medication to be completely flushed from your system.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking for any underlying health conditions that you might have. If you suffer from a heart or kidney condition or a disease such as diabetes for which you have to take regular medication then you should discuss this with your doctor. It is best that you take these medications with as little water as possible.

You should ask a friend or family member to accompany you to the surgery, if possible. There is a possibility that you might need assistance at some point or the other, especially with last minute paperwork. Do not wear any valuables because there is a chance that you might lose them. If you follow these tips before your shoulder surgery then you can be quite sure that all goes well with you.

Using SPF This Summer

What exactly is SPF? The letters stand for Sun Protection Factor, and tell you how long you can stay in the sun before burning. Sunscreens with SPF will delay the onset of burns, but not protect completely. Some sunblocks are listed as "broad spectrum" which indicates that they protect from both UVA and UVB rays.

It is important to know the UV index number for the day. If the number is low or moderate (from 2-5) you should wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. An SPF of 15 will filter out around 90% of the UVB (Ultra Violet Burning) rays. If the number is high (6 or higher), you should wear a minimum of SPF 30. You should also avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun is the strongest.

UVB rays only have the strength to penetrate the top layer of your skin, called the epidermis. UVA (Ultra Violet Aging) rays have the strength to penetrate to the second layer of your skin (the dermis). UVA rays accelerate the aging process.

Prolonged sun exposure can have serious effects on your skin. Some include:
1) changes in pigmentation (brown spots or white spots). Brown spots are a sign of too much melanin in your skin. White spots show no color or pigmentation, which produces irreversible white spots.

2) premature wrinkles called photo aging. UVA rays crack the collagen and cause loss of volume in the dermal layer of your skin, causing the epidermal layer to hang off your body.

3) leather looking skin. The epidermis thickens over time to protect itself from the sun's radiation. The texture of your skin can be rough to the touch.

4) skin cancer. There are several different types of skin cancer, and the fastest growing type is skin cancer.

5) cataracts. The clear lens in your eye can turn cloudy to try and protect itself from repeated exposure to sunlight. It is important to remember to wear UV filtered sun glasses.

Most lotions are a combination of both sunblock and sunscreen. So what is the difference?

Sunblock contains ingredients that reflect and scatter the UVB light and acts as a wall between your skin and the sun. They sit on top of your skin and do not protect against UVA rays.

Sunscreens protect your skin by absorbing and reflecting UV rays and allowing a certain range of UV light to be absorbed into the skin. Look for sunscreens with "broad spectrum" listed on the bottle. They will help protect against both UVA and UVB rays, so you get a little more protection.

Here is the formula used to determine the "time to burn":
SPF Number x Time to Burn Without Protection = Time to Burn with Protection

For example, if it takes 10 minutes for your skin to burn without sunscreen, an SPF 15 product will give you 150 minutes in the sun until you will burn. However, this is a very rough guide because the sun's intensity changes throughout the day. Therefore, to be conservative, your 'time to burn' estimate should be calculated when the sun is most extreme.

Important items to remember:
Sunscreen CANNOT be reapplied on top of old sunscreen - sunscreen is absorbed into the skin, so applying new sunscreen on top of old sunscreen will not be absorbed properly.

Sunblock CAN be reapplied on top of old sunblock, since it sits on top of your skin and acts as a barrier.

SPF/UPF 15 provides protection against 92% of UV rays
SPF/UPF 30 provides protection against 97% of UV rays
SPF/UPF 40 provides protection against 97.5% of UV rays

Experts recommend anything above SPF/UPF 15. After that, choosing a rating should be based on how long you expect to stay in the sun and how quickly you get burned. If you're planning to go in the pool for an hour or two, an SPF 15 will do, but if you're out in the field working for long hours or on an outdoor expedition, SPF 40 or 50+ would be the best.