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Conditions & Treatments

Treating Sun Spots Just as Important as Wrinkle Care

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

«Treating Sun Spots Just as Important as Wrinkle Care

Women ages 30 and older are growing increasingly aware of new wrinkles with each passing year. Yet, evidence suggests that sun spots may have as much of an impact on age-related appearance as wrinkles.
Nearly 63 percent of women older than age 35 experience sun or age spots, discolorations and uneven skin. The dark side? The problem reflects your apparent age — or lack of youth.
“Getting a clear, even skin tone without discoloration is just as important as wrinkle-fighting to achieving a rejuvenated, youthful appearance,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur, prominent New York City dermatologist and author of “Simple Skin Beauty.” “To some patients, it’s even more important.”
Dermatologists like Marmur call it hyperpigmentation, but its various types are commonly known as age spots, sun spots, liver spots, freckles and melasma, brown patches of skin triggered by a hormone imbalance. Age spots, sun spots and liver spots are all the same ailment — pouches of melanin where the skin pigment has overproduced and dumped uneven amounts, the majority of which are a result of sun damage.
According to Marmur, the two most used topical treatments for discoloration are hydroquinone and retinoids, which both may have irritating side effects and require a prescription. However, a new alternative, StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum, is an over-the-counter solution that’s clinically proven to work quickly minus the same risky side effects.
“StriVectin-EV Get Even products, both the serum and new Get Even Spot Repair, combine natural ingredients like willow bark, vitamin C and licorice with our unique, patented form of niacin for the most even supply of pigment, skin repair and anti-aging effects,” explains chief scientist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry Myron Jacobson. “Studies reveal 85 percent of women see reduced sun spots and more even skin color after eight weeks of use.”
But to treat the long-term problem, sufferers of dark spots should also heed the following sun-related advice:

  • Wear sunscreen year-round with an SPF of 30.
  • For prolonged sun exposure, get a wide-brimmed hat to wear outdoors.
  • Neutralize stubborn spots with peach-toned concealer while using StriVectin-EV Get Even products to slow down melanin production.
  • Beware of products that bleach skin, as this can cause white spots, another form of discoloration.

 

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State Specific Medigap Open Enrollment Periods
Conditions & Treatments

When To Get Help For Painful Joints

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When To Get Help For Painful Joints

Joint Health for SeniorsIf your arm goes numb and your speech is slurred, you know you need to seek immediate medical attention. When you nick yourself shaving, you know you can deal with it yourself. But for the vast number of maladies in between, it can be difficult to know when to go to the doctor and when to deal with it on your own.
One of the most difficult situations in which you need to make the “home care vs. professional care” decision may be when something affects your joints. The joints do some important work for the human body, and figuring out when things will get better on their own and when you may have a more serious problem is not easy.

When to seek help

William Ungureit, clinical director of the physician assistant training program at South University in Tampa, Fla., says there are some important signs that will tell you when to seek professional care.
“If the joint is warm to the touch and swollen, seek immediate help,” Ungureit says. “Those are signs of a possible infection, something that won’t get better on its own.”
Likewise, if you know that the joint pain is the result of an injury such as a fall, put an ice pack on the injury and seek help right away. This type of injury will usually be accompanied by swelling and the inability to bear weight.
Otherwise, painful joints often can be treated at home with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. And what about ice and heat?
“Cold therapy (ice) can be used for chronic injuries, such as pain after running,” says Ungureit. “Heat therapy is recommended for injuries that have no inflammation or swelling. Heat is ideal for sore, stiff, nagging muscle or joint pain.”
If you decide to treat the pain at home, you still need to see your primary care physician if the pain lasts more than two weeks. Your physician may offer prescription pain relievers or other treatment.

Chronic joint pain

Treatment for chronic joint pain may be more involved, Ungureit says. “Non-inflammatory joint pain usually signifies osteoarthritis, which is caused by trauma to the joint or degeneration of the joint tissue in weight-bearing joints.” That means the knee, hip and spinal joints.
According to the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative, a movement sanctioned by the World Health Organization, one in five Americans have some form of arthritis. And contrary to the perception that arthritis is a disease of the elderly, more than half of those with arthritis are under the age of 65.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but it can be managed with pain killers, physical therapy, steroid injections such as cortisone, or other injections to help lubricate the joint. As a last resort, surgery to realign or completely replace a joint may be an option. Complete joint replacement is now available for the knee, shoulder, hip and ankle.

Motion is lotion

Although you can’t prevent osteoarthritis, you can do things to help lessen its onset and its painful effects. “Losing weight and exercising regularly are great ways to combat osteoarthritis,” says Ungureit. “When it comes to joints, we say that ‘motion is lotion.’ Dropping five or 10 pounds may not seem like much, but five pounds per step adds up fairly quickly on your joints.”
What about herbal supplements and other alternative treatments for joint pain? Ungureit says there’s nothing wrong with trying them, but make sure you tell your doctor which ones you are thinking about taking, since some supplements can interfere with other medications.
So while you may not need to consult your doctor for every ache, there are some serious signs to look for, and some effective steps that both you and your doctor can take to help relieve those painful joints.

Provided by: ARA Content
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How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?
Conditions & Treatments

How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?

Is heartburn associated with any other illnesses?
How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?Heartburn symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses. It is very important to recognize which symptoms may suggest another illness so that appropriate medical treatment can occur.
If heartburn is severe, persistent, or does not respond to over-the-counter medications, it may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If left untreated, GERD can cause serious damage to the lining of the esophagus, including inflammation or ulcers. Long-term consequences of untreated GERD include narrowing of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing food or medications. Additionally, GERD can contribute to asthma, pneumonia, hoarseness, chronic cough, sore throat, and dental problems. People with GERD also have a higher risk of developing a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, which results in severe destruction to the lining of the esophagus and may be linked to an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus.
Persistent or severe heartburn symptoms may also indicate a stomach ulcer. Although ulcers and heartburn have similar symptoms, ulcers are often caused by bacteria (H. pylori) or chronic use of certain medications, like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. Heartburn pain that is relieved by eating, instead of caused by eating, may indicate that you have an ulcer.
Sometimes a heart attack may be mistaken for heartburn. Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack is very important in order to determine when urgent medical treatment should be sought. If any chest pain lasts for more than a few minutes and you have one or more of the warning signs of a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately. Possible warning signs of a heart attack include:

  • Chest pain that can be described as pressure, tightness, fullness, dull, or crushing
  • Pain occurring with activity or exertion
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw
  • Pain that responds to nitroglycerin tablets
  • Pain that is associated with an irregular pulse
  • Cold sweats
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Lightheadedness, weakness, or dizziness

When should I seek medical attention for my heartburn?
Seek medical attention if your heartburn occurs several times a week, returns immediately after your antacid wears off, returns soon after you take Prilosec OTC® for 14 consecutive days, or wakes you up at night. You may be developing complications that require more intensive treatment. Heartburn is common in pregnancy, but people who are pregnant should consult with a physician before selecting any medication to treat symptoms. Additionally, seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Unexplained chest pain that fells like pressure on your chest
  • Fever
  • Chronic hoarseness
  • Asthma
  • Chronic cough
  • A family history of peptic ulcer disease or GERD
  • Sudden, unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in the stool
  • Black, tarry stool
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Regurgitated blood or black material
  • Pain that persists despite the use of medications
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What Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You About MIGRAINES
Conditions & Treatments

Prevent Migraine Attacks before they Start

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Prevent Migraine Attacks before they Start

What really is migraine? Some people casually use the term to describe a bad headache. But the millions who have been diagnosed with a migraine condition know that it’s so much more than that. In addition to severe head pain that can last for hours or even days, they may also experience nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light or sound.
HeadacheAre there effective treatments for preventing debilitating migraine attacks? New guidelines say yes, but many people are not taking advantage of these treatments.
Migraine is a condition involving recurring headaches that often can last anywhere from two hours to four days, and can completely interrupt your daily activities, impair your work performance and affect your family obligations. Research shows that many treatments can help prevent migraines, yet few people use these preventive treatments, according to new guidelines issued by the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society.
“Studies show that migraine is under recognized and undertreated,” says guideline author Dr. Stephen Silberstein of Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “About 38 percent of people who suffer from migraine could benefit from preventive treatments, but less than a third of these people currently use them.”
Unlike acute treatments, which are used to relieve the pain of a migraine attack when it occurs, preventive treatments usually are taken every day to lessen the frequency, severity and duration of attacks.
“Some studies show that migraine attacks can be reduced by more than half with preventive treatments,” Silberstein says.
Some over-the-counter treatments may offer relief for migraine sufferers.
Several herbal preparations, vitamins and minerals are used for preventing migraine. The guideline research found that the herbal supplement Petasites, also known as butterbur, is effective in preventing migraine attacks. There is moderate evidence that riboflavin (vitamin B2), the mineral magnesium and the herbal preparation MIG-99 (Feverfew) can help prevent migraine.
In addition, several drugs for inflammation have been studied for migraine prevention. These are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Evidence shows the NSAIDs fenoprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen and naproxen sodium can help prevent migraine attacks.
Silberstein notes that while people do not need a prescription from a physician for these over-the-counter and complementary treatments, they should still see their doctor regularly for follow-up.
Some prescription drugs help prevent migraine attacks, too.
The blood pressure drugs metoprolol, propranolol and timolol have been shown to be effective. The depression drugs amitriptyline and venlafaxine, as well as epilepsy drugs divalproex sodium, sodium valproate and topiramate can help prevent future occurrences of migraine. It’s important to discuss prescription drug options with your doctor to see if one is right for you.
What other steps can you take to avoid migraine attacks?
In addition to preventative treatments, it’s wise to avoid common migraine triggers. In some people, migraine headaches can be triggered by certain foods and beverages, according to the American Headache Society. Skipped meals, dehydration, strong odors and bright lights are other factors to avoid if possible.
“Migraines can get better or worse over time,” Silberstein says. “People should discuss these changes in the pattern of attacks with their doctors and see whether they need to adjust their dose or even stop their medication, or switch to a different medication.”
 
Provided by: ARA

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Why Sleep affects your Health
Conditions & Treatments

Sleep Aids: How To Treat Your Insomnia

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

SleepSleep Aids: How To Treat Your Insomnia
The terms “Sleep Aids” and “Sleeping Aids” refer to the various therapies, medications and supplements that can help you enjoy a sound and peaceful sleep when stress, travel or other disruptions keep you awake. Sleeping aids and pills are nothing new as our ancestors have been using herbal potions and the opiate laudanum to induce sleep for centuries.
The early 1900s witnessed the introduction of barbiturates, and in the 1960s, benzodiazepines arrived on the scene. There are many safer classes of drugs like non benzodiazepine hypnotics that can easily help us to overcome sleeping disorders today.
Even though you might know the tips for a good night’s sleep like sticking to a regular sleep schedule, regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, controlling stress, and relaxation before bedtime, sleep can still elude you. Sleeping aids can help you in such circumstances. They are available in many forms that cure and treat various types of sleeping disorders.
SLEEPING DISORDERS
Sleeping disorders may appear in many forms, like failing to sleep the whole night, feeling sleepy and tired during the day though you had enough sleep, having crawling sensations in your legs, and snoring. Some of the most commonly occurring sleeping disorders are:

  • Insomnia – failing to sleep
  • Sleep apnea – breathing interruptions during sleep
  • Restless legs syndrome – a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs
  • Narcolepsy – sleep attacks during the day
  • Parasomnias- nightmares, night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, head banging, wetting the bed and grinding your teeth

INSOMNIA
Insomnia is a common type of sleeping disorder where you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or you wake up feeling dull and tired. People with insomnia would have some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Waking up repeatedly during the night, and not able to go back to sleep again
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Feeling tired upon waking
  • Sleepiness and sleep attacks during the day
  • Irritability
  • Problems with concentration or memory

INSOMNIA CAUSES
There are many reasons for insomnia. Insomnia is sometimes caused by a medical problem (primary insomnia). It can also be caused by depression and certain medications. Insomnia can either be a short term problem lasting less than a month (acute) or a problem that lasts longer than a month (chronic).
The main causes of acute insomnia include:

  • Stress
  • Illness
  • Emotional or physical discomfort
  • Environmental aspects like noise, light, or extreme temperatures that affect sleep
  • Specific medications used for the treatment of colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma
  • Working a night shift.

The causes of chronic insomnia include:

  • Depression and/or anxiety
  • Chronic stress
  • Pain or discomfort at night

INSOMNIA TREATMENT
There are many treatments for sleep disorders. Sometimes just having regular sleep habits, lifestyle change, exercise etc. can help in overcoming insomnia and other sleeping disorders. However, it is always best to ask a doctor for a proper diagnosis to identify the cause of insomnia to ensure you are prescribed the correct treatment.
There are medical as well as self-help non-medical treatments for insomnia.
MEDICAL TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA
Using medication is the most popular way of treating insomnia. Reports say that almost 25% of Americans take some form of medication for the treatment of insomnia. You are advised to take insomnia medications only when:

  • The cause of insomnia has been identified
  • Sleep troubles cause problems in carrying out daily activities
  • Behavioral approaches are ineffective
  • Insomnia is acute (temporary or short-term.)
  • Insomnia occurs along with a known medical or physical condition

INSOMNIA MEDICATION TREATMENT GUIDELINES
When you start taking medication for the treatment of insomnia, be sure the medication:

  • Starts with the lowest possible effective dose
  • Is for a short term, if used nightly
  • Is alternating or sporadic, if used long-term
  • Is accompanied with good sleep practices and/or behavioral approaches

HYPNOTICS, ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND ANXIOLYTICS
The choice of a prescription medication for the treatment of insomnia greatly depends on the patient’s diagnosis, history of drug or alcohol abuse, age, medical conditions etc. Generally, there are three types of prescription medications for the treatment of insomnia: Hypnotics, Antidepressants and Anxiolytics.
Hypnotics are the most effective prescription sleeping aids that induce and promote sleep.
Antidepressants are the best solution for the treatment of insomnia when the cause of the sleeping disorder is related to depression. However, a patient should discuss the problem with a doctor as some antidepressants can also cause insomnia.
Anxiolytics are anti-anxiety drugs prescribed for the treatment of insomnia due to anxiety.
SELF-HELP & NON-MEDICINAL INSOMNIA TREATMENTS
Self-help and non-medicinal treatments of insomnia may include:

  • Improved sleep habits and environment (sleep hygiene)
  • Stress management and relaxation techniques
  • Acupuncture and massage
  • Cognitive behavior therapy and
  • Herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and homeopathic remedies

Some people prefer non-medicinal and self–help strategies to treat insomnia as they tend to be less addictive, and drug-free alternatives have fewer side effects. Self-help and non-medicinal treatments of insomnia may also be less expensive than prescription drugs.
EFFECTIVENESS OF HYPNOTICS FOR INSOMNIA TREATMENT
Clinical studies have examined data that proves the efficacy and reliability of hypnotics like Rozerem for the treatment of insomnia. After comparing hypnotics to a placebo for the treatment of insomnia, experts have come to the conclusion that hypnotics like Rozerem:

  • shorten the time needed to fall asleep
  • increase the total sleep time
  • decrease the number of repeated awakenings
  • enhance sleep quality
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Conditions & Treatments

Achieving Personal Harmony and Balance During Cancer

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

What if after surviving your first cancer diagnosis at the age of 51, you were re-diagnosed just 18 months later? Metastatic colorectal cancer patient Dave Johnson experienced that first-hand, and was initially reluctant and scared to tell his family, friends and co-workers.
However, he soon learned two important lessons – that he had more support around him than he thought, and that he could control his lifestyle and personal harmony. Now at the age of 53, Johnson, a full-time banker, has discovered a new sense of inner well-being and, according to his physician, is again cancer free.
Many people find achieving personal harmony and balance difficult – the demands and stresses of everyday life often impede the ability to find inner peace. For those facing a cancer diagnosis, achieving that balance may feel impossible. And, yet, it is as important, if not more, for people living with cancer to find and maintain a sense of inner harmony.
After being diagnosed with an advanced form of colorectal cancer, Johnson knew he had to fight the disease head on, from both a medical and mental perspective. Johnson worked with his physician to choose his treatment, and made the conscious decision to focus on areas of his life he felt he could control.
“Setting goals and priorities, as well as staying active, became very important to me, and helped me accept my diagnosis as my ‘new normal,'” said Johnson. “The ability to fulfill goals and keep both my mind and body busy helped me focus on the sweet spots in life that give me strength and joy.”
Johnson also said expressing his emotions was important to regaining his balance. “There were many days when I could have said ‘why me’ and focused my energy on feelings of anger and resentment,” said Johnson. “I’d let myself experience those feelings but I made a point of expressing those emotions and then moving on, which helped me maintain mental clarity. Additionally, my faith helped me accept the challenges I was going through.”
Tips to achieving personal harmony and balance during cancer include:

  • Express your emotions: Make a point of expressing your emotions before they start to have a negative impact.
  • Set goals and priorities: Focus on the areas you can control and set out to fulfill the goals most important in your personal and work life.
  • Keep active: Find activities to keep both your body and mind busy that you also enjoy.
  • Enjoy the company of loved ones: Surround yourself with positive, supportive relationships, whether with your family, friends or co-workers.
  • Be open with your doctor: Don’t be afraid to discuss any cancer fears you have with your doctor or nurse.

Johnson stressed the importance of surrounding himself with positive, supportive relationships, including others who were also navigating a cancer journey.
“I learned to celebrate the successes of other patients while supporting those experiencing setbacks – this in turn kept me self-motivated to fight my cancer with all the strength I had,” said Johnson. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a cancer diagnosis. For me, taking time to focus on myself and my inner being, and creating an environment that was as nurturing and calming as possible, helped me stay positive in combating my disease.”
For more information on developing your own path in fighting colorectal cancer, visit the My Colon Cancer Coach website at www.mycoloncancercoach.org/, or talk with your healthcare provider.

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Conditions & Treatments

What is Incontinence and How to Manage It

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

MEDFIT23005What is Incontinence?
Incontinence is the loss of bladder or bowel control. Although it is a common and embarrassing problem, it is not a normal part of aging. Incontinence symptoms can be mild; such as an occasional slight loss of urine. Or symptoms can be very severe with a complete loss of control of both bladder and bowel. Most people’s symptoms fall somewhere in between.
Types of Incontinence
Stress incontinence happens when pressure or stress is placed on the bladder from sneezing, laughing, coughing or heavy lifting. A small amount of urine leaks out during these activities.
Urge incontinence causes such a strong urge to urinate that the person cannot hold it long enough to get to the toilet. People with urge incontinence have to urinate frequently and often wake up during the night with the urge to urinate.
Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Many older people, especially women, have this type of incontinence.
Functional incontinence is when individuals can hold their urge to urinate but cannot get to the toilet by themselves.
Overflow incontinence is a constant leakage of a small amount of urine because the bladder never empties completely.
Transient incontinence is a temporary form of incontinence that goes away once the cause is treated. Illness is a common cause of transient incontinence.
Fecal incontinence is the loss of control of bowel movements. It can range from an occasional leakage of a small amount of stool to complete loss of bowel control. Constipation and diarrhea can cause fecal incontinence.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to discuss an individualized continence care plan with your physician or other healthcare providers.
What Causes Incontinence?
There are many causes of incontinence. Some of them include:

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Inflammation or anatomical abnormality in the urinary system
  • Prostate infection of inflammation
  • Stool impaction
  • Side effects of medication
  • Pregnancy
  • Weight gain
  • Short term bed rest
  • Mental confusion
  • Certain medical conditions:
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Bladder cancer
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Down Syndrome
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Muscular Dystrophy
    • Spina bifida
    • Stroke
    • Traumatic brain and spinal injuries

Common Misconceptions about Incontinence Products
Thicker is NOT always better. Some people believe that thicker products offer better protection against leakage. That’s not always true. New technology has super absorbent polymers (SAP). Each SAP is as tiny as a salt crystal. They expand and turn into a gel when fluid strikes them. This lets us make products thinner and more discreet. Old products were all pulp with no SAPs so they were extra bulky and extra thick.
Bladder pads are NOT the same as feminine hygiene pads. Bladder control pads have unique SAPs that allow them to absorb urine quickly.
Bladder pads are NOT for women only. Some men have light urinary incontinence. They can benefit from products that are thin, discreet and absorbent. Today’s bladder control pads are gender neutral, have an anatomically comfortable fit for both men and women, and the adhesive strip can be placed anywhere in the user’s underwear. Medline’s bladder control pads are even packaged to appeal to both men and women.
Incontinence MYTHS
All of these statements are FALSE:

  • Incontinence is a normal part of aging
  • Nothing can be done for incontinence
  • The only continence management system is a brief – a LARGE one.

Strategies for Managing Incontinence
Schedule voiding is a strategy used to help people who cannot get to the toilet on their own. An individualized schedule is developed for someone to take the person to the toilet at a specific time, usually every two to three hours. This strategy can help decrease the number of incontinent episodes.
Bladder retraining can be used with individuals who are aware of the urge to go to the bathroom and have the ability and desire to control the urge. A schedule is developed for someone to take the person to the toilet at specific times. In between the scheduled toileting, the individual works on controlling the urge to void.
Prompted voiding can successfully help people with incontinence have fewer episodes and increase their awareness of a full bladder. Again, an individualized schedule is developed, and the individual is prompted to go to the bathroom at specific times.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises, known as Kegels, can strengthen muscles to prevent urine from leaking out of the bladder. These exercises are very effective with stress and urge incontinence. Individuals who can understand and follow directions
Avoiding bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages may decrease the number of incontinent episodes.
Some medication can also affect bladder function. Speak with your physician about how your medication might affect incontinence.
 

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Problems with Low Back Pain and Opioids
Conditions & Treatments

Acupuncture As A Remedy for Back Pain

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Acupuncture As A Remedy for Back Pain
back painIf you suffer from back pain you probably would not consider acupuncture as a treatment until you have exhausted many other alternatives. However, acupuncture is a type of ancient Chinese medicine that’s been around for over 2,500 years and throughout this time it has been used for back pain relief, increasingly so in these modern times. Acupuncture As A Remedy for Back Pain
While it is not traditionally a part of western medicine, nowadays your doctor is quite likely to send you for this treatment if you are suffering from back or neck pain either persistantly or due to accident or injury.
If you are going to have this therapy you may want to know a little about how it works. The general belief is that the body has 20 energy flow patterns called meridians or pathways. Through these pathways it is thought that the life force or vital energy flows, this is known as the qi (it is pronounced chee) and is considered to be essential to maintain good health. There are over 2,000 points on our bodies that connect with these pathways and it is at these points which the hair-thin needles are inserted, this is done in varying specific combinations depending on the treatment required. These actions are believed to either correct the flow of qi or to reinforce it.
Even though it cannot be proven that this works as a type of pain relief, it is thought that as a result the central nervous system is stimulated. Most patients say that they get a pins and needles sensation on the insertion of the needles and indeed into the duration of the treatment, which usually lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Some people report that they feel energised or even very relaxed so it appears as if the effect can be is somewhat different depending on the individual.
The acupuncturist will use up to 20 metallic needles during a treatment session and the depth they are inserted is dependent upon the area, deeper muscular or fatty areas need more penetration and the scalp for example would be just below the surface. The practitioner may turn the needles one way or another depending on what they are trying to achieve, in my personal experience they were turned on insertion, then again about half way through the treatment. At no point is the treatment painful, there is a mere sensation of the needles going in and they do not feel sharp at all, this is because unlike needles used for injections, an acupuncture needles tip come to a smooth point without sharp edges. They are also very thin, about 20 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. In my experience the most troublesome part of the treatment is lying in the same position without moving for up to 30 minutes, especially if you suffer from back pain or similar.
Although there are many medical experts who believe acupuncture is an effective way to treat certain conditions such as back pain, there is no true consensus. Some adhere to the theories of qi and meridians whilst others attribute acupunctures, benefits to the biological changes that are brought about in the body as a result of treatment. Needless to say there will always be the sceptics who deny that acupuncture has any effect at all, but in my opinion if you are suffering from ongoing back pain it is certainly worth trying.

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Conditions & Treatments

Insomnia and Sleep Aids

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

18146Insomnia and Sleep Aids
You’ve likely seen the popular TV ad campaign for Rozerem… the insomnia guy who keeps late-night company with Abe Lincoln, a beaver, and other colorful characters from his dreams?
Insomnia is such a common problem (one in three adults report having some type of insomnia) that sleep aids such as Rozerem are more popular than ever. Insomnia and Sleep Aids
In this article, we’ll look at the different types of insomnia, self help treatments you can try, and Rozerem as a sleep aid for the treatment of insomnia.
What Causes Insomnia
Insomnia happens when your sleep-wake cycle, or your internal clock, is disrupted. It can be caused by many factors: stress, illness, pain, jet lag, sleep apnea, excessive physical or emotional arousal, shift work, a sedentary lifestyle, worrying about sleep, depression, and other factors.Certain types of drugs can cause or worsen your insomnia:

  • Antidepressants
  • Antihypertensives
  • Antiarrhythmics
  • Antibiotics
  • Antihistamines
  • Antivirals
  • Bronchodilators
  • Central nervous system stimulants
  • Corticosteroids
  • Decongestants
  • Diuretics
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Insomnia is more common in people over age 60 and especially in women over 40. It’s estimated that up to one third of the population suffers from some type of insomnia.
TYPES OF INSOMNIA
Insomnia presents itself in a variety of different ways… once-in-a-while insomnia, chronic insomnia, insomnia that keeps you from falling asleep, insomnia that wakes you up frequently during the night, insomnia that wakes you up too early, and insomnia that allows you to sleep, but poorly.
There are three main types of insomnia:

  1. Transient Insomnia: This is short-term insomnia that typically lasts from a few nights to a few weeks. Transient insomnia may cause next-day sleepiness, mood changes, and performance impairment.
  2. Intermittent Insomnia: This is when you have periods of transient insomnia that occur on and off over months or years. It can lead to chronic insomnia.
  3. Chronic Insomnia: This is long term insomnia – difficulty sleeping for more than a month. Chronic insomnia is often related to more serious problems like depression, memory impairment, accidents, missed work, and increased visits to the doctor.

SELF HELP FOR INSOMNIA

  • Open the bedroom windows if possible. Fresh air may help you sleep.
  • Don’t read or watch TV in bed… reserve the bed for sleep so the mind begins to associate lying down with sleeping
  • Keep a tight schedule going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
  • Avoid daytime naps so you’re more tired at bedtime.
  • Don’t eat heavy meals before going to bed. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
  • Exercise, even 15 minutes a day, can help you relax and get a better sleep.
  • Warm milk before bed really works because it causes a chemical reaction that increases serotonin in the brain, making you feel relaxed and calm.

If self help doesn’t improve your insomnia, it may be time to discuss sleep aids with your doctor.

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