Tips For Healthy Living

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How Does Magnetic Therapy Treatment Work

July 3rd, 2009 by Editor
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Magnetic therapy works by attracting iron particles in the blood that in turn promotes blood flow to localized areas where the magnets are placed. With increased blood flow, oxygen, nutrients, hormones and the body’s natural painkillers, known as endorphins, are distributed to cells, organs and tissues faster and more effectively. The magnetic waves are claimed to help healing and eliminate pain with the body’s own natural endorphins. Although electro magnetic therapy is still being tested in a variety of clinical trials, researchers feel this science fiction like treatment can be the remedy to a variety of afflictions. Electromagnetic fields have the power to spark off the firing of brain cells, without the invasiveness of surgically implanted devices or painful shock therapy. No sedation is needed for this outpatient therapy and the worst side effect is minor scalp tension and a headache. In contemporary medicine, magnets are being utilized to treat everything from stroke related speech disabilities and comas through to post traumatic stress disorder and depressive disorders.

At the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, physicians are utilizing electromagnetic field therapy to study ways to help patients who suffer emotional strain from war. It is thought that approximately eight percent of all Israelis who have been exposed to armed combat suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. A coil containing twenty hertz of electromagnetic waves is held close to the patient’s head to create alternate magnetic fields, thereby stimulating deep parts of the brain. According to Dr. Abraham Zangen of the Weizmann Institute, transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS attempts to change the way a patient’s brain deals with memories of traumatic events. As patients are reminded of trauma, the amygdala triggers and the prefrontal cortex becomes inhibited. Consequently, the electromagnetic pulse actually stimulates the prefrontal cortex and strengthens the synaptic connectivity to help folks process the emotions more effectively. In most cases, we have a very nice reaction, very good response; not always lasting forever, not always long lasting, but a good response, Zangen said.

Several medical studies that have been carried out reportedly support the practice of magnetic therapy. However, these are extremely controversial studies. Numerous critics say that there is no relevant way to measure whether the magnets proved beneficial. Some believe the magnets are similar to a placebo. The person is assured that it will work and so the patient thinks this and reports back that they feel better. You will likely encounter more information on why magnet therapy does not work than information that supports it. It is up to you to weed through all of the data and reach your own conclusion. Probably, the best bet is to find someone that already uses magnetic jewelry products or has tried it in the past. Many countries have authorized therapeutic magnets to be used as medical devices but the US is definitely not on that list.

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Toenail Fungus and Fungus Remedies

June 30th, 2009 by Editor
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Causes of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus can be picked up in the most obvious places; public gyms, pools, showers and professional nail salons. People who have jobs which require their hands and feet to constantly be exposed to moisture tend to be more susceptible to nail fungi. Restaurant dishwashers and housecleaners are good examples of jobs which expose people to excessive moisture on a regular basis.

Certain sports and physical activities may cause cracking in the nail plate, which leaves the cut open to a fungi invasion. In these cases, the nail fungus can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Tight fitting shoes and socks along with poor hygiene are all things which may contribute to a toenail fungus infection.

Sometimes good old fashioned genetics plays into toenail fungus. Fingernail polish can contribute to fungus because it doesn’t allow the nails to properly breathe.

HIV and Toenail Fungus

People who have a weakened immune system may be more susceptible to toenail (and other) fungus. Sufferers of AIDS and HIV are good examples. Age, smoking habits and other medical conditions, such as diabetes and poor circulation are also strong contributors.

Prevention

Participating in good foot hygiene is one of the biggest preventers of toenail fungus. Make sure you keep your feet clean and that you’re thoroughly drying them after you clean them. Wearing protective footwear and bringing your own towel to the local gym or pool can be a key factor in prevention.

Symptoms

Symptoms sometimes include blackened or discolored, dry, itchy, cracked and brittle nails, but experiencing those symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you’re suffering from a toenail infection. Other contributors such as nail trauma or psoriasis may be the reason for fungus-like symptoms.

Treatment

If left untreated, toenail fungus can become a chronic condition. It can be especially serious for people with diabetes. A doctor can collect a sample from the infected nail and have it lab tested to distinguish which fungus it is. He or she will then recommend the best course of treatment for that particular type of fungus.

Treatments vary from oral medications, to topical creams, to paint-on lacquers. If the infection persists or spreads, a different medication may be prescribed. Patients should be aware of side effects from long-term use of such oral medications and should speak to their physician immediately if side effects are suspected. Treatment can last anywhere from 12 weeks to 1 year, depending on the severity of the infection.

Be sure to change your socks often and keep your feet clean and dry to avoid future toenail fungus outbreaks. Make sure you complete any treatment regimen completely and that your doctor tells you he or she feels the infection is cured, as many treatments only treat fungal infection, but do not cure it completely.

Related Articles:

Fingernail Fungus

Nail Fungus and Other Condition

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