Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Alcohol Treatment Program Involves Family Members

Family members can and should do their fair bit to help an alcoholic emerge from their condition. These family members can and will in fact play a crucial role in alcohol treatment program by providing the alcoholic with encouragement and by boosting their morale help the alcoholic learn to overcome his addiction. Most alcohol treatment programs therefore tend to enlist the help of family members because an alcoholic will learn far more from their family members about how to battle their addiction to alcohol than from learning from professionals.

Family members can also provide all the necessary loving attention and care that will ensure that the alcohol treatment program succeeds. However, a good alcohol treatment program must emphasize on a few things that will help the alcoholic become free from his addiction. It is only through the guidance of an alcohol treatment program that the family members can learn what needs to be done. Otherwise treating an alcoholic can become confusing and counterproductive for the family members.

Family members can bolster the efforts of those who are providing alcohol treatment program by providing necessary support to the alcoholic when they are going through a rough patch and these family members must also be there to help in case of an emergency or crisis. The more encouragement the family members provide the better are the chances that an alcohol treatment program will succeed.

Of course, most of the times it is also necessary that the family members are properly trained so that they are aware of the proper methods of giving alcohol treatment program and to also know how to avoid making potentially costly mistakes. Whenever the alcoholic denies the need for treatment the family members must then intervene and encourage the addict to continue with the treatment.

It is only the family members that have a big influence on the alcoholic and so they are the ones who can encourage the alcoholic to continue with the treatment even when the alcoholic is on the verge of giving up.

After an alcoholic has joined in an alcohol treatment program it is up to the family members to step in and provide supplementary help. For this the family members should be trained in imparting the proper treatment and to also know how to follow all the necessary steps that will ultimately lead to the successful completion of the alcohol treatment program.

It is also necessary to find out more about different drug and alcohol treatment programs and to then pick a treatment option that has the best chance of success. With thousands of different such programs to choose this is not always the easiest task.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Understanding the Use of Alternative Medicine for Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck. It regulates growth and metabolism by secreting T3 and T4 hormones. There are approximately twenty thousand new cases of thyroid cancer in the United States every year. There are four different types of thyroid cancer. The most common types are papillary and follicular thyroid cancer and these are generally easy to treat. Medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancers are rarer and more difficult to treat.

Conventional medical treatments for this type of cancer include chemotherapy, the use of radioactive iodine and sometimes the complete removal of the thyroid. If the thyroid is removed the patient will need to take regular doses of Thyroid hormone in order to survive. As well as considering conventional treatments people with this disease should also keep an open mind to thyroid cancer alternative medicine.

It is very difficult to fight any illness if your attitude towards it is negative. Becoming depressed and giving in will not improve an individual’s chances of recovery. The therapeutic disciplines of alternative medicine are designed to help the patient remain mentally and emotionally strong. Therapeutic practices used to treat thyroid cancer are no different from skin cancer alternative medicine. In fact they are suitable for people with all forms of cancer. Therapeutic treatments include yoga, meditation, massage, relaxation techniques, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These thyroid cancer alternative medicine practices help the patient to feel that they are doing something to fight back.

Thyroid cancer alternative medicine also comprises taking responsibility for your physical health in terms of diet, exercise and home care. For example, following a diet that includes plenty of whole unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains and healthy fats is a significant part of thyroid cancer alternative medicine. It is also a good idea to avoid eating junk food or processed food products that are high in fat and bad cholesterol. Thyroid cancer patients may also wish to consider trying a detoxification diet to clean out the colon, liver and kidneys. Of course these dietary amendments work when combined with regular exercise.

There are various herbs and supplements that can be used as a part of thyroid cancer alternative medicine too. For instance green tea, olive leaf, ginseng and vitamin C can be taken to boost immunity and there are also Chinese herbal formulas that some people have found helpful. Remember that the key to successfully and safely using thyroid cancer alternative medicine is to work with your doctor and include them in all of your decisions.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Some Facts About Plaque Psoriasis

A person who notices red and raised as well as scaly areas on their skin that also burn and itch a lot is in all probability suffering from plaque psoriasis. What’s more, the areas most affected include the knees and elbows as well as scalp and even the trunk of the body. Furthermore, plaque psoriasis is so common that as many as ninety percent of people suffering from psoriasis will also be likely to suffer from this form of psoriasis.

When it occurs, plaque psoriasis may often last for a few weeks or even for months after which the symptoms disappear and if they then return once more the condition is deemed as being chronic. According to research findings, plaque psoriasis occurs because of an immune system malfunction which causes the production of excess amounts of T-cells in the blood that in turn will lead to formation of raised skin patches.

People that have family history of psoriasis will be more likely to be affected by plaque psoriasis. The treatment of plaque psoriasis involves taking of ENBREL that will work well for adults who are suffering from severe to moderate instances of plaque psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis can also develop at any age though it does seem to affect adolescents the most though it also affects young people and even those that are still in their middle years are not spared. Furthermore, the condition occurs in different severities and the duration too varies though it does cause a lot of itchiness and there is also chance that new lesions might develop about a week or two after an injury to your skin.

In children, plaque psoriasis is different than in the case of adults and the plaque is generally thinner and lesions are not all that scaly. About ten to twenty percent of plaque psoriasis patients will also develop psoriatic arthritis. The first line of defense is to use topical treatments. Even emollients are recommended as they help in softening the scaling and help reduce irritation as well.

If not treated in time, plaque psoriasis can lead to a person losing their self-confidence and they will generally also feel very embarrassed because of the ugliness of their skin condition. It is necessary to also understand that a psoriasis remedy that you try out will work differently for different persons. This means that you need to check out several different remedies so that you are able to identify the best treatment for your particular condition.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Arthritis Foot Pain Is A Common Condition

Arthritis is a very common condition, and in fact almost everyone will deal with some sort of arthritis at least once in their life.

Arthritis foot pain should not be something that is causing you problems in your life. In fact, even if you have been suffering from arthritis for a long time, you will be able to find appropriate treatment and manage your arthritis condition, as long as you go about it the right way and use the proper treatment.

The first step, if you want to deal with arthritis foot pain properly, is to learn more about your condition. Only by doing this will you be able to really find the best treatment for your specific condition and symptoms.

The same would go no matter what type of arthritis you are dealing with, such as rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis back pain.

Arthritis is a term that is actually used to describe over one hundred different conditions. Arthritis in the back is one of the more common, but there are over one hundred types of arthritis that you can be diagnosed with so be aware of this and realize that in order to get the right treatment you need to first find out just what type of arthritis you are dealing with.

Now in regards to the treatment of arthritis foot pain, there are several options that you have. The most important thing that you can do is get some rest. You have no idea how significant just a little bit of rest will be for your arthritis foot pain, so this is definitely the first thing that you are going to want to try.

Now if this is not enough and you find that you are still suffering a great deal from your arthritis foot pain, you will need to move on to more severe methods of treatment. You should also be making important lifestyle changes, namely wearing proper footwear on a day to day basis. If you are wearing the wrong shoes your arthritis condition is just going to continue to worsen and may even leave permanent damage.

There are lots of great treatment options that you can use if you are suffering from arthritis in your feet, and the most important thing is that you start working towards finding the right treatment now. If left untreated arthritis can become a debilitating condition one that may even leave you crippled.

Home Treatments for Your Eczema Condition

Inflammation of the skin making it red, dry and itchy is known as eczema. Eczema can become severe, but is not contagious. Some of the most common causes of eczema are environmental factors, genetics, woolen clothes, food allergies, soaps and detergents, pet hair, pollen and dust mites. Atopic eczema treatment includes avoiding the triggers as much as possible, and regularly using medication such as eczema cream prescribed by the doctor.

After visiting countless dermatologists and specialists, many eczema sufferers realize that some home remedies are most effective at treating their condition. Azadirachta Indica (neem) is a very powerful blood purifier, and quite capable in detoxifying the body. There has been plenty of evidence that it helps maintain healthy skin, and its external application helps to cure various skin diseases. Many eczema home treatments make use of neem, as it boosts the immune system.

One of the most fundamental eczema home treatments is an alteration in diet. Most people don’t realize the fact that our diet can have a significant effect on our well-being. There is enough evidence to suggest that eczema is directly related to a diet with high acid content. Food items with high alkali content can neutralize the acidic effect, and kelp supplements are also quite effective at doing so.

Another effective eczema home treatment is to make a paste of nutmeg and adding few drops of water. Applying this paste can help relieve the scratching. Another eczema home treatment is the application of coconut oil as it keeps the skin soft. Applying a light mudpack can be beneficial too. Cold wet fomentations or cold compress can be quite useful eczema home treatment, and can be done twice daily depending on the condition. Applying spearmint leaf juice or mash almond leaves can also relieve the symptoms of eczema.

A mixture of camphor and sandalwood paste can be applied on the rash. Applying vitamin E on the affected area is also an effective eczema home treatment. Applying shark cartilage and lotion can reduce inflammation of the skin. Taking zinc orally, or applying it directly on the skin can be quite effective. Drinking tomato juice daily can cure symptoms for a few days.

Diet is never the cause of eczema, but if you are allergic to certain foods, try to avoid them as they can trigger the disease. Eggs, dairy products, citrus fruits and preservatives are the most common foods that are likely to trigger eczema.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Scalp Psoriasis: Nasty But Not Life Threatening

In most cases, people that suffer from scalp psoriasis will not need to be worried that this disease will lead to premature death. However, it is a disease that is causing concern to many millions of people in different parts of the world and so needs to be understood better in order to find the right cure for it. Scalp psoriasis is basically a skin disorder that can affect a person in different degrees of severity and it is in fact a disease that when it is especially severe will often lead to psychological distress since the flaking of skin and raised and red colored patches that accompany this condition can make a person look quite repulsive.

The first line of defense in regard to treating scalp psoriasis is to make use of over-the-counter medications that can provide temporary relief. However, it is necessary that you first understand what causes this condition and then seek suitable treatments for curing the symptoms. Typically, scalp psoriasis is chronic by nature and it results in excessive production of skin cells that in turn makes the skin look red and blotched.

Unfortunately, the medical fraternity has not as yet been able to establish the real cause why this condition develops though it is suspected to occur because of the autoimmune system attacking affected regions. These attacks can develop on account of infection, trauma as well as stress and even because of changes in the hormones.

Scalp psoriasis can cause a person a lot of discomfort and will itch and hurt as well. Because of the pain and itchiness that accompanies this condition the patient tends to scratch their scalps and this makes the flaky skin fall away which is unattractive to behold and quite uncomfortable as well as painful.

Using over the counter medications is of course one effective treatment option; however, it is better to get a doctor to inspect your condition and diagnose the problem after which they can recommend suitable treatment and medications. Fortunately, you can treat most cases of scalp psoriasis without requiring using prescription medications. Remember however that a treatment that works for one person might not work so well for another person. So, you will need to be patient in trying out various options before suitable treatment can be found.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It is also a condition that for long was considered as being leprosy and it typically affects a person’s elbows as too the knees the most and is also scaly in its appearance.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Your Options in Alternative Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer

Some alternative treatments for cancer are suitable for people with all forms of the disease. For example, thyroid cancer alternative medicine may include yoga and meditation, both of which are intended to keep the patient supple and mentally strong so that they stand a better chance of fighting their disease. Meditation and yoga can also help other cancer patients regardless of which organ or system of the body is involved. Then there are those alternative medicine treatments that are geared towards specific types of cancer. Here we will be talking about different pancreatic cancer alternative medicine options.

The pancreas is a digestive organ which produces the insulin that regulates blood sugar levels and digestive enzymes that help the body to metabolize fat. People with pancreatic cancer may not produce enough of these digestive enzymes, especially those who have had surgery as part of their treatment. That’s why weight loss is a symptom commonly associated with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer alternative medicine involves consuming those foods that will build the body back up. The problem is that the body may be unable to digest many of the high fat foods that make one gain weight and the patient may not be producing enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. Therefore the patient must consult with a dietician until they find a diet plan that their body can tolerate. Some people find that a diet high in carbohydrates and protein works well, especially if they eat little and often. Other patients have difficulty eating solid foods at all so they opt to consume meal replacement drinks instead.

Pancreatic cancer alternative medicine often includes the use of certain herbs and supplements. For example, Asian and American Ginseng are both purported to lower blood glucose levels while green tea extract provides a healthy dose of antioxidants. Milk thistle, magnesium citrate, papaya plus and a good multivitamin are also recommended for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer alternative medicine might also involve the ingestion of pancreatic enzymes with every meal. Sometimes insulin therapy is also necessary. Before you consider taking any herbs or supplements make sure you talk to your doctor to ensure they are safe for you.

Other pancreatic cancer alternative medicine practices people have found helpful include acupuncture, yoga, massage and relaxation techniques such as meditation. These practices do not necessarily cure pancreatic cancer but they do help the patient maintain a positive state of mind and this makes it easier to deal with unpleasant symptoms, cope with treatment side effects and fight against the disease.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disease that has made American dermatologists and also dermatologists in the rest of the world work overtime. In the US alone, more than seven million people are suffering from psoriasis, a chronic ailment that affects people of any age as well as either gender. According to latest research findings, psoriasis is generally caused when the liver malfunctions and it also occurs due to immune system dysfunction.

Psoriasis can often lead to development of red colored patches on the skin that are referred to as plaques and which are normal symptoms of this disease. Of course, besides such visible symptoms, there are also other invisible symptoms – typically leading to much discomfort as well as pain and itchiness is also one of these invisible symptoms. Furthermore, the disease leads to lowered mobility in the joints and of course people also report suffering from emotional misery as well.

According to research studies meant to discover the causes of this disease it has been found that T-cells in the person’s blood become overactive and therefore lead to excessive production of skin cells which in turn results in plaques – a common symptom of psoriasis.

The best way to treat this condition is to symptomatically destroy the excess production of T-cells and typically this involves using UV light that is very effective and will do the job more effectively than any other method. This method of destroying the excess T-cells is known as Apoptosis and is often recommended by most doctors.

However, you also have the option of choosing an alternative therapy to do the job that can involve taking of Dead Sea salts and using soaps that contain a high amount of salt and even trying out purging of liver treatments can prove to be effective in treating psoriasis. However, these methods have not as yet been proven to be successful in removing the symptoms.

Psoriasis can lead to people feeling tired very easily and pain is another common complaint and when the alternative treatment methods do not provide immediate relief most patients per force must turn to medications to cure the symptoms.

Scalp psoriasis is one of the four different types of psoriasis though it is fortunately not a life threatening condition. However, it is a disease that is known to affect millions of people in the whole world and can affect a person in varying degrees of severity ranging from mild to moderate to severe to very severe. It also can lead to psychological distress as well.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Managing Osteoarthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of arthritis, and one that can be the most painful as well. With osteoarthritis pain, typical arthritis treatments are often not enough and so you need to be very cautious with what you are doing to treat your condition. It is not the same as arthritis foot pain or any other type of arthritis pain, and here are a few things that you need to know.

Treatment of osteoarthritis differs from one person to another, because everyone is different and so what works for one person may not work for you.

For osteoarthritis pain, the best thing to do first is start on some medication. Even if you are not interested in taking medication for the long term of things, this is still going to be the most important thing to do to start. This way you can get your pain relieved for the time being while you work to find a more long term treatment for your osteoarthritis condition.

For osteoarthritis pain there are a few medications that are commonly used, and you will want to speak to your doctor more about this and to determine which specific pain medication is going to offer you the best results.

Now in regards to long term solutions for your osteoarthritis pain, there are a few things that you are going to want to do. The first is make some serious lifestyle changes. This means starting to eat better for one. You want to make sure that you are eating as good as possible. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables will be really important, and you need to have lots of whole grain breads and cereals in your diet as well.

Exercise is also going to play an integral role here. Not many people realize just how significant an effect exercise has on their bodies, and so if you are trying to deal with osteoarthritis pain you are going to want to make sure that you are exercising on a regular basis. The best thing you can do is stretch more for your muscles because this will leave them loose and limber and have them less likely to strain.

Every little thing that you can do to take care of your body and deal with arthritis pain is going to help out here. Your arthritis should not have a hold over here, but you are going to have to take the right steps yourself if you want to deal with your arthritis effectively.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Should You Consider Alternative Medicine for Breast Cancer?

There are alternative medicine practices suitable for the treatment of several types of cancer. For example there is pancreatic cancer alternative medicine as well as complimentary treatments for thyroid cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer. However, if you are one of approximately 200,000 women who are diagnosed with ductal or lobular carcinoma in this country every year then breast cancer alternative medicine will obviously be more significant to you than those treatments used for other forms of the disease.

It is estimated that one in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some stage in their life. If you are one of those women you have some difficult decisions to make when it comes to treatment options. You must choose between conventional medical treatment, alternative medicine or a combination of both. Before you can decide whether you wish to try breast cancer alternative medicine in conjunction with or instead of conventional treatment you should know what it entails and discuss any decisions you consider with your doctor.

Research indicates that a woman who is suffering from breast cancer can experience some relief from side effects and symptoms and feel physically better if they make certain dietary amendments. Cutting down on the amount of fat in your diet and eating more whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans and fiber may offer some relief. Therefore if you are consuming too much fat and not enough whole food you should change your diet in order to feel somewhat better.

Breast cancer alternative medicine also involves the use of certain vitamins, enzymes and medicinal herbs. For instance vitamin C, eleutherococcus and fish oil are all purported to be beneficial for breast cancer patients. Furthermore vitamin D3 is said to make chemotherapy medication work more effectively. There are also various Chinese herbal formulas that can be included as a part of breast cancer alternative medicine. Before trying any herbs, vitamins or enzymes check with your doctor to make sure they will not impede any other treatment you may be undergoing.

Some breast cancer alternative medicine does not involve the use of any herbs, vitamins, enzymes or food products. Many women have found some relief from practices such as acupuncture, yoga, massage, aromatherapy and meditation. There is some disagreement among medical professionals concerning how effective these treatments actually are. One thing that is certain is that trying different treatment options helps women with breast cancer maintain a positive mental attitude. A woman who remains optimistic and refuses to give up has a better chance of successfully fighting her breast cancer than one who is pessimistic and depressive.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

An Overview of Alternative Medicine Treatments for Cancer

Alternative medicine is a set of medical practices that are use to cure or alleviate the symptoms of a disease or ailment. Cancer alternative medicine is used in place of conventional practices that aim to treat the disease. If you are considering any kind of cancer alternative medicine treatment you need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages before you can reach a decision.

What exactly is cancer alternative medicine? It involves the use of acupuncture, medicinal herbs, dietary changes and chiropractic techniques to reduce the side effects of the disease and hopefully diminish the number of malignant cells. Treatment options obviously vary depending on what kind of cancer the patient has. For instance, breast cancer alternative medicine will not be the same as that which is used to treat Leukemia.

Advocates of cancer alternative medicine argue that unconventional approaches such as acupuncture, herbal remedies and detoxification diets are much less invasive than conventional practices which aim to kill or eradicate the malignant cells. Cancer alternative medicine relies on natural treatments rather than synthetic drugs and treatments such as chemotherapy that often have very harsh side effects that leave the patient feeling extremely weak and ill.

Critics of cancer alternative medicine have two main objections. First of all some of the treatment options can and have caused fatal side effects because they were used incorrectly and without the guidance of a professional. Furthermore, while trying cancer alternative medicine a patient may miss the opportunity to recover from a conventional treatment. Conventional treatments work best when used soon after the disease is detected rather than when the cancer is at an advanced stage. These arguments clearly have some validity but that does not mean that cancer alternative medicine does not work. It simply means more research and stricter guidelines are called for.

If you are considering cancer alternative medicine try to maintain a level-headed attitude. Before trying anything new you must speak to your health care provider to make sure that it is safe for you and will not hinder any standard treatment. You may also wish to try complimentary medicine, which combines alternative practices such as the use of medicinal herbs and acupuncture with conventional treatments such as prescription medications, chemotherapy and palliative care. Any person who is diagnosed with cancer definitely has some tough decisions to make when it comes to deciding on the best course of treatment. Do your research and talk to experienced medical professionals to decide which treatment options you think would work best for you.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Using Arthritis Pain Medication

If you are one of the millions of people out there who are suffering from arthritis, you are going to need to learn more about arthritis pain medication. Whether you are dealing with osteoarthritis pain or any other type of arthritis pain, it is important to realize that there are plenty of effective medications out there that you can try which may be able to help you with your pain.

One option for arthritis pain medication is Entrophen Extra Strength. This is ASA preventive therapy, and comes doctor recommended for long term preventive therapy. This is a great product that is definitely worth trying out if you are suffering from arthritis pain. It is a milder form of arthritis treatment, but one that just may be enough in some cases.

Oxycodone is another arthritis pain medication that comes highly recommended. This arthritis pain medication is an opioid analgesic medication synthesized from thebaine. It is viewed as a second line opioid to morphine, along with other second-line strong opioids such as hydromorphone and fentanyl.

It is used treat mild to moderate pain, and is a great option for arthritis sufferers everywhere. You will have to let your doctor know if you have asthma, liver, kidney disease, underactive thyroid, curvature of the spine, epilepsy, or any other condition before taking this medication.

Another arthritis pain medication that you may want to try is Percodan. You will want to be aware that there is a long list of side effects that are often associated with people taking it, including dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, false sense of well being, headache, loss of appetite, and nervousness.

You are going to want to report any of these symptoms to your doctor immediately if you notice them, so that they can be dealt with appropriately. If the side effects are too bad your doctor may just decide to switch you to another type of medication and see how that works out for you.

At least you know that there are lots of great, effective options when it comes to medication for arthritis, so you will not have to suffer from your arthritis pain any longer. Just make sure that you are honest with your doctor and that you keep them full abreast of your condition and how you are feeling. This way they can always make sure that you are making the right progress and that you are on the right treatment.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Dealing With Arthritis Joint Pain

Arthritis joint pain can be intense, that's for sure, and arthritis sufferers will admit this readily. Many people wonder about arthritis joint pain and why it can get so intense. There are actually quite a few reasons for this.

Arthritis pain is caused by overuse of the joints, and results in causing the person serious pain and inflammation in the bones and joints. When you are dealing with arthritis firsthand, you probably feel as though you are in more pain than you ever have been in your life, and are desperate for any type of treatment to get your arthritis pain under control.

Arthritis is never an easy condition to deal with, but one that can be properly managed with the right medication and other treatment methods. When it comes to treating arthritis joint pain, often just rest and relaxation is enough. However, in the more serious cases, for people who have been dealing with arthritis for quite some time now, more serious treatments will often be necessary.

You should have a strong support system around you so that you have people who are there and who are helping you make it through this. After all this is not going to be an easy task, dealing with your arthritis and trying to get back to the life that you once had. But you don’t have to worry because you can get back to feeling like your old self again in no time.

You will really have to talk to your doctor to figure this out. They are going to be the ones who will keep an eye on your condition and know whether one particular type of treatment is working or not.

The bottom line is that all arthritis sufferers out there know that no matter how bad their condition may seem, there are things that they can do to deal with their arthritis joint pain.

Arthritis joint pain can be intense yes, but at the same time when you are prepared to begin with and know what you are going to be dealing with, it will be a lot less stressful and scary, and you will feel much safer and able to handle things.

At least you know that you are not the only one out there dealing with arthritis and that you will be able to get through, as long as you are using the right pain relief treatment.