Living With Pain Everyday

By Vanessa Caleja

Attitude. Everyone has it. Some have negative attitudes. Some choose to see things positively. Does it really make a difference?

Suffering from a painful disease known as fibromyalgia can be devastating. You don't have to suffer unrelentlessly all the time. It is possible to enjoy life. The key is finding a way to develop the attitude that the disease is not going to take over.

Easier said than done. I know. For awhile I suffered so badly I prayed God would take me if not the disease. I got tired of the doctor; I got tired of all the drugs. I finally decided to face the disease head on instead of complaining and trying to escape. Up until that point I felt like I had no control over anything. This was not helping me feel any better. When I decided to take control things began to improve. It wasn't an overnight thing, but I began looking into how other people said they controlled their pain without medications and doctors. To tell you the truth, in the beginning I thought it was impossible. But, no matter how much pain I was in, I kept looking for answers.

One thing I did was dive into my love for music. I always had a diverse collection of music and love to play it loudly. I loaded my Ipod up with all the music I had and began to listen to it when my pain cropped up. It didn't take the pain away but it helped me to cope. It took my focus off the pain.

From there, anything I tried with the intent it was going to help did just that. Changing my diet, exercising no matter how bad it hurt, playing word games with myself when things became overwhelming were just a few. I had tried many of these things before, but my attitude was negative. It was stupid. It wasn't going to work. How could it? But, when I told myself that it had to help a little, or I didn't let my mind go to that sea of negativity things felt better.

Attitude to me decides whether I will lie around suffering or get out and live my life. Not that I never have pain. I still have days where there is nothing I can do. But on those days I don't wallow. I plan for what I will do when I feel better. I am able to see my friends, my family and participate in activities with my kids. I can clean the house and do the laundry even though it takes a little more time and effort. But the boost I get from knowing I did it myself helps me to feel better overall. If I hadn't decided to change my attitude I shudder to think about where I would be right now. In the hospital, in bed, or stuck on my couch watching the rest of my friends and family live while I contemplate dying. I choose life. Not pain.

Vanessa Calleja is a freelance writer specializing in scrapbooking, pets, family relationships, & health and wellness topics. Learn more secrets and tips on organizing the memories you cherish at memories to cherish Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Calleja

CURES FOR INSOMNIA

By JulietKohen

Insomnia, defined as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, is a common problem. Insomnia can occur in people of all ages. Most individuals just experience a night or two of poor sleep, but sometimes the sleep disturbance can last for weeks, months, or even years. Insomniacs typically complain of being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time. Insomnia is most common among women and older adults. Transient insomnia lasts from one night to a few weeks. Most people occasionally suffer from transient insomnia due to such causes as jet lag or short-term anxiety. Acute insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of between three weeks to six months. Chronic insomnia is regarded as the most serious; persists almost nightly for at least a month. Most adults have experienced insomnia or sleeplessness at one time or another in their lives. Insomnia is a common problem that may be temporary or chronic. An estimated 30-50% of the general population are affected by insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia. Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia.

Most people over 70 need less than 6 hours sleep per night; and they tend to be light sleepers. Insomnia is a common problem that may be temporary or chronic. As many as one in 10 Americans have chronic insomnia, and at least one in four has difficulty sleeping sometimes. But that doesn't mean you have to just put up with sleepless nights. Some simple changes in your daily routine and habits may result in better sleep. Insomnia affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence increases with age. Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia. Chronic insomnia can lead to mental health problems such as depression, or misuse of alcohol or other medicines in order to gain sleep. Newborn babies can sleep for 16 hours a day, while children of school age need an average of 10 hours. Adults usually need, on average, 7 to 9 hours sleep a night. As we get older, its normal to need less sleep.

Insomnia that lasts for less time is known as short-term or acute insomnia।Insomnia affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence increases with age. Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep. Insomnia may cause problems during the day, such as tiredness, a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Insomnia can be classified as transient (short term), intermittent (on and off), and chronic (constant). Insomnia lasting from a single night to a few weeks is referred to as transient. Insomnia may be a symptom of magnesium deficiency, or lower magnesium levels. A healthy diet containing magnesium, can help to improve sleep in individuals without an adequate intake of magnesium. Short-acting benzodiazepines or the newer hypnotic 'Z medicines' are the current preferred medicines for insomnia and are only available on prescription. Benzodiazepines are tranquillisers and are designed to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, relaxation and sleep.

Insomnia Treatment Tips

1. Using aromatherapy, including jasmine oil, lavender oil, Mahabhringaraj and other relaxing essential oils, may also help induce a state of restfulness.

2. Relaxation techniques such as meditation have been shown to help people sleep.

3. Traditional Chinese medicine has included treatment for insomnia.

4. A healthy diet containing magnesium, can help to improve sleep in individuals without an adequate intake of magnesium.

5. Melatonin has proved effective for some insomniacs in regulating the sleep/waking cycle.

6. Avoid or limit your use of caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate), decongestants, alcohol and tobacco.

7. Exercise more often, but don't exercise within a few hours before going to bed.

8. Behavioral treatments teach you new sleep behaviors and ways to make your sleeping environment more conducive to sleep.

9. Antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) also may help with insomnia.

8. Avoid or limit tea, coffee, chocolate, and cold remedies containing caffeine.

9. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking as these are also stimulants.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health and fitness and diseases treatment . For more information visit our site at http://www.healthfitnesstips.org/. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

COLD SORE

Cold Sore Remedies - Stopping The Outbreak?

When the virus that causes cold sores is activated you can feel a tingling sensation which leads to the outbreak itself. But what actually causes the cold sore outbreak in the first place?

A number of triggers can activate a cold sore outbreak including:

Stress - Did you know that stress can actually trigger a cold sore outbreak? One of the best preventative cold sore remedies you can use is keeping your stress levels down. A common stress relief practice is deep breathing whenever stressful situations occur. If you work a stressful job create a "wind-down" meditation that can help relax you after a hard day.

Emotional Upset - Like stress, emotional upset can also trigger a cold sore outbreak. As a preventative cold sore remedy avoid emotionally upsetting situations or when you encounter one do your best to stay calm and not let it get out of control. This is also one of the most effective preventative cold sore remedies.

Sunlight - Sunlight can trigger a cold sore outbreak. Avoiding contact with the sun on your face is a great cold sore remedy. When you're out in the sun take notice of your face and try to keep it in the shade as much as possible. This is one of the easiest cold sore remedies because you have total control over it.

Fatigue - Fatigue can also trigger a cold sore outbreak. Getting a good night's sleep every night is one of my favorite cold sore remedies because... well because you get to sleep through it. It requires no effort other than lying down in bed at a reasonable hour. A well kept body is another one of the best cold sore remedies you can perform.

What you begin to find is that if you practice cold sore remedies in your every day life and take care of your self you can prevent cold sore outbreaks. There is more literature on exactly how to practice these natural cold sore remedies at this cold sore remedy website that make it simple and easy to understand everything about natural cold sore remedies. It's worked for other cold sore suffers and there's not reason it can't work for you.

The online cold sore remedies guide "Cold Sore Freedom in 3 Days" is a must read for any cold sore sufferer. View it here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Shell

Simple Effective Strategies For Acid Reflux Relief

Prescription and Over the Counter Drugs

Many over the counter drugs are effective for mild to moderate acid reflux. These include antacids which are proven to neutralize stomach acids. Tums and Rolaids are among the most popular brands.

Another option is H2 receptor antagonists, which is proven to reduce the production of stomach acids. A few brands include Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, and Zantac 75. Pepcid complete is the only one that combines an antacid with an H2 receptor antagonist.

Prescription drugs prescribed to treat acid reflux are called proton pump inhibitors. These include Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix. While each drug is equally effective, one particular study found that Nexium may heal esophageal damage faster.

Homeopathic Remedies

Combined with homeopathic remedies, heartburn may be treated with over the counter or prescription medications. Working together, these solutions will provide you with fast pain relief from acid reflux as well as heartburn.

A few natural options that may help reduce GERD include DGL, which will bring fast relief and help heal damaged lining. Aloe Vera juice will also act quickly to bring relief. For people with chronic problems, rice bran oil may be useful, as also choline, pantothenic acid, and thiamin.

What is not questioned is whether or not acid reflux is uncomfortable. Chronic GERD is difficult to live with, and experimenting with both traditional medications and natural remedies may be the best solution. As research continues on the causes and affects of GERD, additional options are likely to come along with the advanced technology of today.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Mckenzie_Jr

HERBAL MEDICINE

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Herbal teas

There are two methods of making herbal teas, infusion and decoction. Infusion is steeping lighter parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, light stems) in boiled water for four to eight hours. Decoction is boiling tougher parts, such as roots or bark for a longer period of time. Herbal teas are often used as a home remedy, and as an alternative to tea and coffee.

Some popular herbal teas include borage, chamomile, dandelion, elderflower, hibiscus, nettle, and various species of mint. Each herb has unique medicinal properties, and a range of secondary effects; and this is linked to its use as a casual drink. For instance, Borage can be used medicinally (amongst other things) as an aid against depression; and it may be drunk more casually to lift the spirits. It was traditionally served as a pep drink for weary travellers. Secondary effects include use as an anti-inflammatory or balsam; and hormonal and metabolic regulation. Other herbs may have similar side-effects, but in different proportions and are used in different ways.

Tea for stomachache

If you have a stomachache, a cup of warm tea without sugar may reduce the pain..

May be it is because of the amino acid L-theanine (found most readily in green, black, oolong and pekoe teas) may help the body's immune system response when fighting infection, by boosting the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T-cells. which play a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

Stress can also be the cause of stomacache , and L-theanine can increase alpha wave production in the brain, which is associated with a state of "alert relaxation".
Black Tea can help to lower stress-hormone level ( it can help to drop the cortisol ; hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that is involved in the response to stress.

Drink for a fever

Get a fever and you don't want to take medicine ? Try this drink. It may help reduce your fever.
Prepare a small piece of turmeric, cut into pieces, boil in the water ( a glass of water ). Add some tamarind to make a good taste. Add some sugar if you like. Stir. Wait to cool. Then ready to drink. If you have a low-blood pressure, add some more tamarind.