Category: Health Choices

This article was originally written by David Saunders

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Whenever the word cholesterol comes up in any conversation, almost always, people are talking about how high levels of cholesterol can be bad for your body and can even be fatal. What one never hears about is the fact that cholesterol is essential for our bodies. Here’s a look at the cholesterol molecule, and how it benefits our bodies.
The cholesterol molecule is a wax like fatty substance, which comes from a family of molecules known as steroids. The cholesterol molecule is present in our blood, as well as all the cells in body tissue. A cholesterol molecule does not enter our bodies through food, but is made by different parts of our body. Body tissues that have highly packed membranes, such as the liver, arethoma, etc are known to produce more cholesterol molecules and have more cholesterol present in their cells.
A form of the cholesterol molecule, if present in large numbers in our bodies, can form deposits known as plaque on the walls of our arteries, which can in turn block the flow of blood supply and cause heart problems. But, the cholesterol molecule also plays an important part in the following:

In the formation of sex hormones (so definitely can’t be all bad).
Cholesterol molecules help the cells to withstand temperature fluctuations and also protect the nerve fibers.
Cholesterol molecules help in digestion of food through production of bile salts.
HDL Cholesterol molecules act as a broom and sweep LDL Cholesterol molecules from the arteries.
The conversion of Vitamin D from sunlight is helped by the cholesterol molecule.

Thus, the cholesterol molecule is essential for bodily functions, but as forms of it can be harmful in increased quantities, people should control the amounts of cholesterol molecules present in their bodies. This can be best done through improved diet, and lifestyle and, when called for, through the short term use of certain medications.
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Summary:

First, the official definition:

Deductible

The amount you must pay for medical services each year before your insurance begins paying.

Now what does that mean?

The deductible is an amount you will pay first before you get help from the carrier. Keep in mind that with a PPO plan, you will get discounted PPO rates which can lower the costs by 30%-60% even though you have a deductible to meet. It’s very important to always stay in-network to keep your costs down.

…

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california,health,insurance,deductible

First, the official definition:

Deductible

The amount you must pay for medical services each year before your insurance begins paying.

Now what does that mean?

The deductible is an amount you will pay first before you get help from the carrier. Keep in mind that with a PPO plan, you will get discounted PPO rates which can lower the costs by 30%-60% even though you have a deductible to meet. It’s very important to always stay in-network to keep your costs down.

Exceptions to deductibles. Most traditional plans on the market allow copays for office visits and prescription before you meet your deductible. For example, if there is a $40 copay for office visit, you will pay the $40 right away rather than having to pay the full doctor visit subject to the deductible.

Prescription coverage is frequently broken out separately from the main deductible. There may be a separate deductible from Brand name drugs. This means that with a $250 brand deductible and $30 brand copays, you would pay the first (resets each Jan 1st) $250 of your drug costs and then you would get $30 copays afterward. The brand RX deductibles on the California individual family market typically run from $250-$750 depending on the plan. On the California Small group market, the deductibles run from $0 to $250 on average.

Some plans, such as the popular HSA (Health Savings Account) plans do not break out office visit and prescription from the main deductible. The deductible are all inclusive. There are a few other plans on the market which include the office and/or rx as part of the deductible so make sure to look at the plan detail when running your California health quote. The trade off with the HSA plans is that they can be much less expensive. If you are saving $500-$1000 annually or more, that pays for a lot of office visits and medication cost.

Deductible are handled in two ways when multiple family members are on one policy. Except for HSA plans, deductible are usually per person when you have more than one family member on a policy. You will typically see a “2 member max” statement around the deductible. This means that if two people in a family hit their deductible, the other family members do not need to. This is to protect against a catastrophic health situation where every family member had large bills in one year and the resulting out of pocket could be 10’s of thousands.

HSA’s or Health Savings Account plans on the other hand are cumulative deductibles. You essentially double the single person deductible and the entire family (2 or more people) is working towards one family deductible. Depending on the situation, this works to your favor or not. If one person in a family has large bills, he or she has a larger deductible to meet than if he/she were on an individual deductible plan. However, if multiple members have bills, it can be work to their advantage. Ultimately, the premium savings on an annual basis should more than compensate for the large deductible and that has been the attraction of HSA plans.

Out of network providers. Keep in mind that the discounted PPO rate for a given charge is what will be applied to a deductible if you use out of network providers. For example, let’s say you have a $500 deductible. If you have a $200 charge for an out of network provider, and the PPO contracted rate for that procedure is $100, the carrier will typically only apply the $100 to your deductible. Try to stay in-network with PPO plans.

After your deductible is met in a calendar year, with most plans, you then start to share the costs with the carrier for future medical charges in the form of co-insurance or copays according to the benefits of the policy.

526

Summary:

First, what is the official definition of co-insurance?

Coinsurance

Once you have met your deductible, you pay coinsurance for additional medical care. It is a percentage of the billed charge. For example, your insurance company might pay 80%, and then you would pay 20%. It is similar to a co-pay, but is a percentage instead of a dollar amount.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper. With California health insurance, it is common to speak of their plan as an 80/20 plan or a …

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coinsurance,co-insurance,california,health,insurance

First, what is the official definition of co-insurance?

Coinsurance

Once you have met your deductible, you pay coinsurance for additional medical care. It is a percentage of the billed charge. For example, your insurance company might pay 80%, and then you would pay 20%. It is similar to a co-pay, but is a percentage instead of a dollar amount.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper. With California health insurance, it is common to speak of their plan as an 80/20 plan or a 70/30 plan. They are essentially referring to the co-insurance part of it. With the 80/20 example, the health carrier is picking up 80% of the charges and you are picking up the remaining 20%. If there is any kind of deductible, you must pay that first at 100% until met.

Let’s take an example and see how California health insurance plans essentially break down into three main stages.

Stage 1 – The deductible YOU PAY 100%

Let’s say you have a $500 deductible. Except for services that are separate from the deductible (usually office visits and prescriptions…see COPAYS), you will pay the discounted charges at 100% until you meet your deductible. You can find more information on deductibles.

Stage 2 – The co-insurance YOU SHARE A PERCENTAGE

Once the deductible is met, you then start sharing the cost with the carrier. Let’s say our plan is 70/30 and the charge is $1000. You pay the first $500 (deductible) and then you pay 30% of the remaining $500…or $150. Of the first $1000 charge, you would pay $650 out of it. If you have another $1000 charge in that same calendar year, you would pay 30% of the 1000 (or $300) since your deductible was already met. When do you stop paying the 30%??

Stage 3 – The Max Out of Pocket THE CARRIER PAYS 100%

Once you have met your Max out of Pocket (sometimes called the Copay Maximum), the carrier will then pay 100% of covered benefits, in-network. For our plan example, let’s say we have a $500 deductible, 70/30 co-insurance, and $5000 max out of pocket. If we get a $50,000 bill in a calendar year, you pay the first $500, then 30% until you reached another $5000 out of pocket. For that $50K, you would pay $5500 and the carrier would pay $45,500. Co-insurance is nice but the real reason to have health insurance is the max out of pocket.

Co-insurance usually applies to services outside of the office visit and prescriptions. You will typically see the same co-insurance percentage for hospital, lab, surgery, emergency (sometimes has separate additional copay) and physician services.

It’s important to stay in network for PPO plans. Let’s say you have 70/30 plan and you see a doctor out of the PPO network on a non-emergency basis for $1000 of services and your deductible is already met (you’re in Stage 2). Two things will probably happen. The health insurance plan will probably have a separate percentage for out of network…let’s say 50/50 instead of 70/30. Also, the carrier will apply this lesser percentage to what they would pay an in-network provider. For example with the $1000 charge, perhaps the contracted PPO rate is $600 (discount is usually 30-60%). The carrier would then pay 50% of the $600 or $300 of the total $1000. You pay $700. Compare this with the 30% of 600 you would pay for an in-network provider. $700 versus $180 out of your pocket. Use in-network providers!

This article was originally written by Dr. Rita Louise

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Our body is made up thousands of cells that differ in size, shape and function. Controlled by our DNA, each cell is programmed to perform certain tasks and after a specified period of time – die. This is normally done in an orderly manner. However, if our cells are exposed to carcinogens, viruses or ionizing radiation, for example, the DNA can become damaged creating havoc with this once orderly process. Said another way, if the rate of new cell growth in the body overcomes the rate of cell death, tumors can develop. If these cells invade and destroy surrounding normal tissues, the abnormal cell growth is considered to be cancerous.
In the US, breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Rarely diagnosed before a woman reaches 25, the number of incidents rises with age, peaking at menopause and decreasing once menopause had passed. About 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and about 40% of those diagnosed die within 10 years. Scientists believe these numbers are increasing.
Overwhelming evidence into the cause of breast cancer suggests the female hormone estrogen plays a central role in this disease. Studies indicate that estrogen stimulates the cells of the breast to form cancerous cells. Thus a prolonged uninterrupted presence of high estrogen levels in the body may predispose a woman to breast cancer.
These studies also indicate the less time a woman is exposed to her own reproductive hormones, the lower her risk of developing breast cancer is. This includes women who enter menses at a later age as well as women who enter menopause, both naturally and artificially, before the age of 45. Pregnancy, breast feeding, physical activity, a low fat, high fiber diet also helps to reduce the amount of estrogen flowing through the body.
Additional risk factors for developing breast cancer include a family history of breast cancer. If your mother, sister or aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, it may indicate a genetic predisposition to this disease. Women who have not had children or women who did not have their first child until after the age of 30 have been identified as having a two to five times greater risk. Women who take birth control pill or utilize estrogen replacement therapy after menopause are also at a greater risk. Other factors that can increase your chances of getting breast cancer include: weight, dietary fat intake, alcohol consumption, dietary deficiencies and certain types of fibrocystic breast disease.
Recommendations For Wellness
Do monthly breast self-examination. If you don’t know how, ask your gynecologist. I’m sure he or she will be happy to show you how. If you are over 40, it is recommended that you get a mammogram and begin a regular screening program.
Get rid of your under wire bras. Under wire bras don’t cause breast cancer, however, they do restrict the flow of lymph in the breast tissue thus allowing toxins and waste products to build up.
If it is possible, have your babies earlier than later. Having your first child before the age of 30 will help reduce your risk. Breast feeding your child for 6-8 months will reduce your risk even further.
Think twice before taking birth control pills as a form of contraception or for menstrual irregularities.
Reduce your fat intake. Studies have shown that women who eat a low-fat, high fiber diet have lower estrogen levels than women that don’t.
Eat soy! Soy has been shown to block the type of estrogen involved in the formation of breast cancer. Note: If you suffer from hypothyroidism, soy may reduce thyroid hormone levels.
Nutritional deficiencies weaken the bodies systems. Begin a diet filled with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, make sure you take a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your body is getting all of the nutrition it needs.
Barley Greens and Nature’s Sunshine’s Immune Stimulator can be used to strengthen the body and support the immune system.
Do a liver cleanse! The liver is responsible for breaking down hormones that have served their function and eliminate them from the body. Use herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root or burdock to keep your liver healthy.
Indole-3 carbinol is found in cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts). It has been shown to reduce the amount of the carcinogenetic forms of estrogen and increase the good kinds of estrogen in the body.
Essiac Tea is popularly used as an additional supplement to support the immune system of individuals suffering from cancer.
In preliminary studies paw paw twig extracts have be used to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In one study, some breast cancer patients experienced partial or complete tumor reduction. Talk to your health care provider before taking this supplement. It should not be taken with a number of other supplements such as antioxidant products and Co-Q10. If you have Parkinson’s Disease, you should not take this substance.
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526

Summary:

Introduction to Lasik eye surgery and the importance of finding a good surgeon for your eye operation.

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lasik, eye surgery, lasik surgeon, lasik medical centers, eye operation

I had my Lasik Surgery last year and I found important to write an article abou it

For many of you oth there it no clear information about LASIK, LASIK can be a solution to imporve your eye sight.

LASIK is a shortened term standing for “LA ser in SI tu K eratomileusis”. This correction procedure utilizes two devices to alter the degree of near-sightedness in an eye. LASIK is usually safe, provided you are a good candidate. The success rate for LASIK averages above 95 percent for most experienced LASIK surgeons. LASIK Eye Surgery can eliminate or reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts. Dr Stephen Slade is a specialist in Houston Texas, and around the world, in LASIK, and other types of refractive and laser eye surgery.

LASIK is done most often on people who use glasses or contact lenses because of myopia (nearsightedness). It is occasionally used to correct farsightedness .

LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective treatment that has continued to gain popularity among patients. LASIK is a surgical procedure that can reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea (the delicate clear covering on the front of the eye). Lasik stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Basically what’s happening is a small flap is cut on the cornea, the clear covering of the eye.

LASIK Houston is a popular destination, but not all clinics are the same. Be sure that you’re getting what you need and want from your vision correction, and that you feel safe with a surgeon who has performed thousands of successful LASIK procedures . LASIK eye surgery may be an option for you if you have nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism. Nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea curves too sharply, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina and blurring distant vision. Lasik actually produces, instead of a spherical cornea, an aspherical cornea.

LASIK can be difficult to understand for some candidates . Once better educated, patients can proceed to find and contact qualified surgeons in their area by searching our directory of practices. LASIK is a surgical option for correcting your vision. It is a way to fix your eyesight, without the use of glasses or contacts, and a way for you to be able to see the world as you are supposed to see it. LASIK MD is the leading provider of laser vision correction in Canada. Our LASIK eye surgeons are among the most renowned and experienced in the world having performed over 400,000 laser eye surgeries.

LASIK laser eye surgery is performed in sterile conditions. The surgeon applies anaesthetic eye drops to eliminate any pain and a small ‘clip’ is used to keep the eyelid open. LASIK technology is quickly advancing, and we strive to be on the cutting edge. It is often tempting for other San Diego LASIK surgeons to use cheaper technologies to increase their profits. Lasik is not right for everyone. By having a wide base of surgical choices for your patients you can open the door to a new value proposition.

540

Summary:

Asbestos is not only a serious problem, but the cause of cancer in thousands of americans every year.

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asbestos, mesothelioma, cancer, asbestos cancer, mesothelioma lawyers

Lung cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the world. In the USA we have seen many cases of asbestos that are simply destroying entire families. Not only in states with a huge history in the construction industry, have show thousands of cases of asbestos victims, but over the last 15 years, mortality from lung cancer has more than tripled.

One of the most dramatic and serious problems with lung cancer is the most common and take 15 to 20 years to develop after exposure. Asbestosis, or scarring of the lung tissue, also takes 15 to 20 years to appear. This means that when asbestos starts to reveals it’s presence the people responsible of the damages based on asbestos may be already out of business or not even alive.

Althoug many companies are already aware of the dangers of asbestos, removing asbestos from older buildings is a difficult, dangerous and expensive process, and clearly not a job for amateurs. There is good reason for all these precautions. Removing asbestos from public buildings must be done by a licensed contractor who is registered with the state. Obviously this sort of rules and conditions in the law, change of each states in the USA.
So why do we still have buildings with asbestos?
Well, the main reason is that depending on the extent of the work, removing or abating asbestos in a public building can run into hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, a very, very expensive kind of work for any company to afford.

In all the parts of the US, building owners are required to perform in-depth surveys of their property and report to the construction inspectors. If asbestos qualifies for removal, the building owner must contact and hire an authorized asbestos removal company, which will take care of this dangerous quemical, including removing it, transporting it and destoying it. In many cases if buildings are going to be destroyed, there are not allowed to to be demolished if there is friable asbestos present. Also, any sort of schools or educational center are required by AHERA, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, to be inspected and have a management plan prepared, which is to be maintained and available for public inspection.

Now the interesting thing is how health experts are so keen in having different points regarding asbestos.. According to an university research , 2.3 of every 98,000 people living in buildings made from cement containing asbestos are liable to develop lung cancer. And it has been proved that health damage due to exposure to asbestos will certainly increase rapidly in the coming months and years. Healthcare maintenance workers and engineers can be unknowingly exposed to asbestos from many possible areas and sources. Engineers can be exposed while working in furnace rooms where boilers are insulated with asbestos, or when making repairs to old piping or doing minor renovations.

Asbestos is commonly found in ultramafic rock, including serpentine, and near fault zones. The amount of asbestos that is typically present in these rocks can be usually less than 1. So how really asbestos arrives to our lungs? Well, asbestos fibers can be released into the air when asbestos materials are destroyed. Objects with asbestos that remain in one piece represent little or no risk for our health.

This article was originally written by Gabriel Foster

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In the 1920’s, a French cosmetic chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, was one day making fragrances in his laboratory, when he accidentally burned his arm. He then thrust his badly burnt arm into the nearest cold liquid, which turned out to be a tub of lavender oil. To his surprise, the pain was decreased dramatically and left no usual burn results, such as, redness, heat, inflammation, and blisters. He also noticed that the wound healed quickly and left none of the usual scars associated with burns. It was at that point that Gattefosse dedicated his life to researching the medicinal properties of what we now call nature’s essential oils. Incidentally, he was the first to coin the term aromatherapy.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are aromatic liquid substances extracted from specific species of trees, roots, leaves, fruits, grasses and flowers. These concentrated oils are far more valuable to humankind, than just pleasing aromas. The healing properties of the essential oils, have long been known in ancient times. From Egypt to India to China and used accordingly. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin and leaves no toxins like their medical drug counterparts; this is an effective way to use them. They are excreted from the body through urine, feces, perspiration, and exhalation.
Medicinal And Healing
The essential oils have a proven history of healing and treating many ailments. Acne, burns, insomnia, depression, indigestion, dandruff, and cervical cancer to name a few. They may not necessarily cure all ailments, but do manage them effectively. The modern day medical system and drug industry have been using active ingredients found in the essential oils in their chemical drug making and treatment professions. However, because they’ve been chemically modified by science, they do leave toxins in the body after use, among other related problems. Essential oils in there natural form, are far more beneficial to your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Cosmetic And Beauty
Apart from being able to heal and treat various ailments, essential oils have a varied and proven means of being great cosmetic alternatives. They can be used to make your own line of natural cosmetics that’s both healthy and none toxic in nature. Imagine making your own body lotion that treats your skin like a pampered king or queen. Cosmetics that wave goodbye to cellulite and rediscover the gorgeousness of your hands. The potential is limitless and very safe. Natural beauty with no high price to pay, just nature’s goldmine in your household.
Air Fresheners & Cleaners
Aromatherapy also provides a means to natural air fresheners and cleaners in the form of ……. you guessed it, those wonder working essential oils. Create air fresheners with lemon, geranium, pettigraine and sandalwood blends to perform the music of a breathtaking musical dancing throughout your house in aromas that both paint your face with a smile and childlike awe. Create scents that is not only composed of sweet smelling aromas, but have natural bacteria fighting skills to them. Even soaps can be created, powerful enough to punch the ugliness of bacteria, yet mild enough to shower you with the grace of angels.
Cooking & Food Recipes
So we come to the culinary arts. Yes, using the essential oils in cooking, does open up new exciting paths for the taste of foods. Even the food industry uses these oil to enhance and create new taste treats. The only problem is, because they are produced on a larger scale, mush of the essential oils strengths are no longer present. However, you in your own kitchen, can make up for that little oversight. Herbs, spices, citrus, fruits, and flowers, are the essential main oils you will be using in the kitchen. Use them to elevate the taste of soups, breathe life into vegetables dishes, and addict the taste buds with cakes and desserts, among other dishes.
Domestic Pet Care
Still in awe of the many benefits and uses of aromatherapy? Essential oils help keep ticks, fleas and other diminutive creatures, off your dog for less than there commercial chemical counterparts. Watch as you help your dogs’ coughs, colds and flu become more manageable and disappear with the essential oils niaouli, eucalyptus and tea tree. It’s not just dogs than can benefit from aromatherapy, but cats, rabbits, hamsters and horses. Essential oils offer many remedies and solutions for taking care of your domesticated little friends and companions, saving you a dreaded and expensive trip to the vet.
Garden Guards
Using essential oils in your garden, can prove to be one of the wisest decisions you’ll ever make. Many commercial garden products like pesticides, fungicides or wood preservatives, can wreck havoc in the form of dangerous poisoning, not just on pest and bugs, but in the inevitable foods you’re growing that will end up in your stomach. The beautiful flowers and plants, you’ll be sniffing and touching will definitely have some sort of toxic effect on you, because of the chemicals sprayed on them. This is where using the essential oils as a natural alternative, will not endanger your health. The functions of certain essential oils in the plants before they were extracted, shows that they were able to protect against bacteria and viruses. The strong antibacterial and antiviral properties in the essential oils, are also known for effectively dealing with fungi and mold. Essential oils also deter and prevent pest and insects from harming your garden.
Ancient Miracle
Aromatherapy offers you a choice between toxic chemicals and natural ones that will enhance and beautify your existence on the planet. In addition, it presents to you the gift of acquiring inexpensive solutions to your expensive ones. A chance to naturally take care of your pets as they take care of your happiness and self-esteem. Beautify your self safely without the harmful monsters of chemical cosmetics and live like royalty with the taste of foods fit for the gods. Furthermore, aromatherapy offers the miracle of effective healing and treatment that do more good than there chemical brothers.
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This article was originally written by Dave Robinson

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Nail fungus is an awful condition that can really be bothersome. It is a condition in which a fungus invades the skin in and around the nail bed. It can happen in either the toes or the fingers and can be quite uncomfortable as well as noticeable. But, there are several things that you can do to fight off these nail fungus problems and it starts with an education about them.
Symptoms Of Nail Fungus
There are several ways to know if you have nail fungus. Nails will change in some way as an indication that there is a problem. Brittleness and discoloration are evident. You will find that nail fungus can also cause a thickening of the nail or even a distortion of the nail’s actual shape. The nail could lose its shine and luster and will often begin to loosen. If you have these conditions, you will want to seek the advice of your family doctor. The doctor will probably simply tell you and begin treatment for nail fungus but a culture will tell for sure if you have a nail fungus.
The Causes Of Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is caused by a number of different microorganisms. Most of the time, bacteria or fungi are the main culprits. While a small amount of these organisms is actually good for the body, some will grow quickly and then form infections that lead to conditions such as nail fungus. They feed off of the dead tissues that are found from the hair, nails, and on the skin.
Fungal infections can be caused by mold like fungi. These could be such conditions as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Other fungus is yeast like fungi and would include such conditions as diaper rash, oral thrush and genital rashes. Most of the time, nail fungus happens on the toes and recurs often. It can be picked up from public areas such as swimming pools or shower rooms. Those individuals who sweat a lot have an increased chance of getting and keeping nail fungus infections because they thrive on wet, moist areas.
Treating Nail Fungus
Unfortunately, treating nail fungus is difficult and often is impossible. Many people start with creams thinking that they will work, but unfortunately, they have little chance of fighting off the infection. Oral medications are available to help. Sporanox and Lamisil are two that are commonly given but the side effects of these medications often cause them to be not worth the risk. And, they often will take several months to show any improvement. Still, reoccurrences will happen. The only way for it to be cured is for new, non infected nails to grow in place of the badly infected ones.
It is wise to contact your health care provider to talk about solutions to your nail fungus problems. They can offer input in how to treat and how to overcome these conditions. Complications of nail fungus include permanent damage to the nail itself, skin infections which are secondary as well as the common recurrent nail fungus infections.
The best prevention of nail fungus is proper hygiene. Keeping the skin in the area of the nail fungus clean and dry will help to alleviate some of the inflammations. Take care of the nails and always wash and dry your hands after you have touched the affected area of the body.
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This article was originally written by Heather Van Vorous

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The most common response to a new diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is, “What exactly does this mean? What is IBS?”
Once you’ve seen a gastroenterologist, been through diagnostic tests, and found out your symptoms match the Rome Criteria for IBS, you should finally have a diagnosis you feel is accurate. You’ve got Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Now what? Well, one of the most important weapons in your battle against IBS is information. You need to know the enemy. Fortunately, over the past several years a great deal of new information regarding the brain-gut interaction that results in IBS has evolved, and more discoveries are being made all the time.
First of all, it helps to realize that you are not alone. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is estimated to affect 15-20% of all Americans, primarily (but certainly not exclusively) women. This is at least 35 million Americans, and half of them have never even seen a physician for their symptoms. Despite this, IBS is still the most-frequently seen illness by gastroenterologists, and is one the top ten diagnoses among all US physicians. It is also, incredibly, the second leading cause of worker absenteeism (behind only the common cold). These are pretty amazing statistics for a disorder that many people have never even heard of.
Interestingly, because Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a “functional” disorder, you can’t actually be tested for it. Rather, it is determined by a diagnosis of exclusion. This is because there are no structural, inflammatory, biochemical, or infectious abnormalities present in IBS. In other words, when IBS patients are examined by doctors, there is no physical problem to be found. So, are you just imagining your symptoms? No – you absolutely are not. A functional disorder simply means that the problem is an altered physiological function (that is, the way your body works), rather than something that has an identifiable origin behind it. In other words, while an IBS attack and its resulting symptoms are clearly visible as physical manifestations, the underlying cause behind these symptoms is not. The root of the problem in IBS sufferers cannot yet be identified by yielding a positive result from any existing medical tests. What then, precisely, is wrong with the way your body works if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS is indisputably a physical problem. Simply put, the brain-gut interaction of people with IBS influences their bowel pain perception and motility. In a nutshell, the processing of pain information within the central nervous system varies between normal individuals and those of us with IBS, with the result that we can experience even normal GI contractions as painful. The interactions between our brains, central nervous systems, and GI systems are just not functioning properly. We have colons that react to stimuli that do not affect normal colons, and our reactions are much more severe. The end result is heightened pain sensitivity and abnormal gut motility, in the form of irregular or increased GI muscle contractions. It is this gut overreaction and altered pain perception that cause the lower abdominal cramping and accompanying diarrhea and/or constipation that characterize Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Interestingly, the origins of IBS may really be in our brains, and not in our bowels. Given that for many years people with IBS were dismissively told their problem was “all in their heads”, it’s ironic that, in the end, this may be factually true. The underlying problem might well be in our brains – but it’s absolutely not in our imaginations.
No one really yet knows exactly why some people develop IBS and others don’t. There is mounting evidence that for some IBS sufferers the condition is precipitated by some type of grievous insult to the gut – dysentery, food poisoning, intestinal flu, abdominal surgery, even pregnancy. The theory goes that even after full physical recovery from these traumatic events, the nerves within the gut retain a “memory” of the insult and remain hyper-sensitive to further stimulation, as well as prone to subsequent over-reaction. You likely know if you experienced any abdominal trauma immediately prior to the onset of your Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, and if you did it’s probably nice to have a logical explanation for what has happened to your GI tract and why. There are those (and I’m one of them) who are exceptions to this theory, however, who suffered no gut insult prior to the onset of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, and we’re still patiently waiting for our explanation.
Now that you know exactly what Irritable Bowel Syndrome is, check https://petinstead.com/HelpForIBS/ (HelpForIBS) for an overview of treatments for IBS, so you can begin to successfully manage the disorder.

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This article was originally written by Norman Fleming

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A Second Mortgage is a Property Lien placed behind a First Mortgage
A second mortgage is a loan that you take against the equity that you have already built into your home by paying off some of the principal balance on your first mortgage loan.
Historically the total amount of debt from the first and second mortgage combined could not be more than 80% of the total market value of the home. However, record low interest rates and a competitive lenders marketplace have created a lending environment where some lenders are approving second mortgages that, when combined with first mortgage balance, is totaling as high as 130% of the home value.
However, financial advisors will tell you that carrying that much debt on your home is never a good idea.
Because a second mortgage is a property lien that is placed behind the first mortgage, this means that in the event of a default, after the property is sold the first mortgage gets paid in its entirety, including any legal costs and other costs of the sale, before the second mortgage can be paid. If there is not enough money from the sale of the home, the second mortgage does not get paid.
A Higher Interest Rate
When determining the interest rate that a lender is willing to loan money out for a home mortgage, he looks at the risk level to him for loaning that money. This is the reason that a high risk borrower with a poor credit history gets charged a higher interest rate than a low risk borrower with a strong credit history.
The same theory holds true with a second mortgage. Because the lender of the second mortgage is second to be paid off in the event of a default, and because there is a greater chance that there might not be enough equity in the home to pay off the second mortgage in full, second mortgages are usually given at a higher interest rate than are first mortgages
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