Jane is living inside a bad rehab and care center. Here is what part of her day is like: She wakes to the loud calls of the nurse or health care worker who insists that she take medicine. If she refuses, it is marked in a book saying that she is not taking the medicine (this looks as if she is not cooperating, and meanwhile the worker has not bothered to ask why she is refusing it That would be too much work on her part. If she is told that the woman can not swallow the pills, then the worker would have to get an order from the doctor to crush the pills or add it to some food And that , of course requires work. So the worker does not bother to ask why she does not want the pills but just marks down that the patient is uncooperative). Jane needs to go to the restroom. She is wearing a diaper, at the insistence of some workers but she is not incontinent. She knows she needs to go and asks for help to the rest room. Jane waits, and waits and waits. She waits more. She is told to go in the diaper as that is what the diaper is for. Now, remember, Jane never asked for the diaper and did not want to be in diapers, and now the workers have her waiting and waiting and waiting until Jane cannot possibly hold it in any longer. Jane messes her diapers, and it looks to the workers as if Jane has an incontinent problem.

That is the beginning of Jane’s day. The day goes on.

The problem is actually created by the workers and Jane cannot argue this point. No one will listen to Jane. So Jane is taught to wet her diaper and poop in her diaper —for the convenience of the staff, and soon Jane’s muscles loose control since she does not any longer have to control her urine or bowel movements. Now, what happens? Your guess is good. What would happen to someone who is incontinent? Probably they would be in diapers all the time, correct? And what else? Well, more and more doctors and the facility will make more money on Jane now that she needs more care, more diapers, and now that she probably will see a specialist to find out what the problem is with her being incontinent.

Yet, no one will acknowledge that the staff and the workers have actually taught Jane to be incontinent.

Ahh, that is just an opinion of course. Though I am not a medical doctor, and though I am not a medical professional, I do know enough about biology and about the human body to know that if you do not use your muscles , your muscles will eventually become useless to you. And it is muscles that allow you to hold urine in. Now, Jane no longer uses these muscles because the situation is hopeless. (Just for the record, the name JANE does not belong to anyone but is given as an example , such as Jane Doe).

Any resemblance to any real persons in this article are merely coincidental.

But this scenario can and does go on inside of nursing homes and inside of physical rehab and care centers, every single day. Every day, there are disabled individuals, seniors and aging people who are slowly being taught by staff to become incontinent. This is a severe form of control. And that is what living inside a nursing home is. It is all about control.

Odd enough though, what the homes should control, they do not control. For example, they have not figured out a way to prevent people from committing suicide right on their premises. One lady supposedly jumped to her death right from a nursing home in NYC. Yet, the homes have the energy and time to convince patients to wear diapers but not to stop them from jumping out of windows. Nursing homes can not figure out how to stop patients from becoming covered with bedsores, yet they can figure out how to get the patients and residents to apply for medicare and medicaid. Nursing homes have not figured out how to give excellent care to patients and residents but they have figured out how to charge them more than four hundred dollars per day. What is wrong with these pictures?

One important note here, that you should read, is at this website. The article is about the seriousness of bedsores. And most times bedsores are acquired because of that waiting and waiting and waiting. Remember the story I told you of Jane who have to wait and wait and wait? Well, Jane was verbal and asking for help. What happens to your relatives or friends in nursing homes who are not verbal? What happens when non-verbal patients have to wait to be turned? Answer? They wait longer. Of course, those who have voices are going to be heard first. So read this extremely important article at this link.

This article is for entertainment, information, and for your reading pleasure only and is not meant to be any kind of legal, medical or other professional advice to anyone. Anyone seeking that kind of professional advice should contact their own lawyers, doctors or their own professionals.

Well, read more about it in Part Four that will be posted some time this month.

Did you ever know that your throat probably contains yeast (Candida) which leaves it wide open for a yeast infection? Most people have never thought about having a yeast infection in the throat, but it can happen. About half the world’s population has yeast present in their mouth and throat, although that in itself isn’t enough to cause a problem. However, when the chemistry of the mouth or throat changes for some reason, it can make the areas more hospitable for the growth of the Candida mold.

The chemistry change comes about as the result of some other condition which causes damage to your immune system. Chemotherapy can bring about an imbalance, and so can illnesses such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS. Anyone who uses alcohol, drugs, or steroids to the excess is also altering the immune system and making themselves more likely to have a yeast infection.

Throat infections are most prevalent in newborns. They are born without any yeast or bacteria in their bodies, so when they come in contact with them outside the womb, such as when nursing, they can become infected. Their little bodies don’t yet have the “good bacteria” or strong immune systems they need to prevent the yeast from taking hold. For them it’s just a natural part of living in this world, and it is not life-threatening.

Since dentures can cause irritation in the mouth, people who wear them have a much greater risk of yeast infections in both the mouth and throat. There is pain associated with these infections, and the area may appear red or dotted with little white spots that won’t brush off. If you spot symptoms like these, you need to see a doctor right away, because the same symptoms can be the result of other, far more severe diseases. You’ll want to rule out this possibility before starting treatment for a yeast infection.

If you already have a weakened immune system due to chronic illness, a change in your overall condition can bring on a case of yeast infection in the throat, which is called thrush. Make sure to inform your doctor about this occurrence so that he can treat it effectively.

Although throat infections due to yeast tend to clear up in babies without treatment, adults need to seek professional assistance. One way you can soothe these irritations on your own is to put a tablespoonful of live culture yogurt into your mouth and hold it for a few minutes. You should do this 4 times a day for continued relief. Not only will the yogurt soothe the pain and irritation, but it will also provide more of the “good bacteria” which will help you avoid future infections.

It never hurts to live a lifestyle which includes both proper oral hygiene and a healthy diet. You also need to get plenty of exercise. By doing these things, you’ll strengthen your immune system which will then be able to fight off the yeast in your system and prevent further problems with yeast infection in your mouth and throat.

Alcoholism has become one of the most prevalent diseases in our society today.

The everyday pressures of life and the burden of worries that we face every day have made people to drown in the alcohol. More and more people seek an escape from these modern demands and pressures many times at the bottom of a bottle without the realization that this will only worsen the problems they are experiencing in their social life or workplace.

More and more Adolescence rush into bar to have a lot of alcohol such as wine, beer. Kids today battle an unimaginable amount of pressures from a multitude of sources. Most typically it is the teenagers as opposed to the younger ages who feel the temptation as a result of pressure from their peers and even from adults.

Seeing a parent drink at home may make Teenagers feel as if it is okay or expected. The reality is that too many adolescent drink. Research shows that about 41 percent of 9th grade children-usually about 14 years old-report drinking in the past month. The resulting problems can be disastrous. It is not only make teen’s death, heart attack, for instance, but drunk driving also is one of the leading causes of teen death.

Alcohol problems among older persons are often mistaken for other aging-related conditions. Older adults reach higher blood levels of alcohol even when drinking the same amount as younger people. Even at the same blood alcohol level, older adults feel some of the effects of alcohol more than younger people.

Research has shown that a developing fetus has very little tolerance for alcohol and infants born to mothers who drink during pregnancy can have serious problems. Alcohol can cause a range of birth defects, the most serious being fetal alcohol syndrome If you are a pregnant woman or one who is trying to conceive, you can prevent alcohol-related birth defects by not drinking alcohol during your pregnancy.

Answering the following four questions honor can help you find out if you or someone close to you has a drinking problem:

(1) Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

(2) Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

(3)Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?

(4)Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?

One “yes” answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. Even if you answered “no” to all of the above questions, if you are having drinking-related problems with your job, relationships, health, or with the law, you should still seek help.

If you can quit the bad habit, you may:

(1) Won’t die from drowning in your own vomit, driving drunk, getting into fights, etc.
(2) Be healthier as there is less risk of diseases.

(3) Won’t make a fool of yourself, and lose friends, family members, and the friendships formed on the job-site and in your neighborhood.

(4) Will feel a lot calmer and relaxed eventually than if you were actually drinking.
(5) Find your family gone, your money gone, your health gone, your home gone, and be lying in the street begging for change or booze. You will save a lot of money,

So, begin to quit drinking immediately!

If you are suffering from pain due to varicose veins, you should consider what you need to do to relieve these symptoms. Getting plenty of exercise, losing weight and not wearing tight clothing can keep your veins from getting worse. If you stand or sit a lot, adjust your working environment so that you are able to shift positions frequently. Even if you can just move or massage your legs it will help. If you are able to implement these changes, you can keep your this medical issue from getting worse.

But what about more invasive treatments that can get help you get rid of those embarrassing, and painful blue and purple lines?

If you don’t respond to the self help therapy listed above or if your case is especially severe, your doctor may advise a more invasive procedure. Keep reading to discover what some of these treatments are.

Laser surgeries are being used to make the veins fade. Strong bursts of light are sent onto veins. This will fade them until they disappear. No needles or incision are required. Some laser surgeries are performed right in your doctors office, while other are performed as an outpatient.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure where the doctor injects a substance into medium or small problem vein and this substance will scar the vein and cause it close. Over time it will fade and disappear. This procedure may be performed more than once and it is very successful if done correctly and the problem area is not too complicated.

This procedure can be done right in the doctors office. Please note that it may take up to two years for them to totally fade or sometimes light blue or brown lines are left there permanently. These can easily be covered up with makeup specifically made for legs or if the area is small you can use a plain cosmetic concealer.

Catheter assisted procedure. This consists of a doctor inserting a catheter into the vein and then the tip is heated. As the catheter is pulled back out of the vein, the heat from the tip destroys it, which will cause it to collapse. This is the type of procedure that is typically done on larger problem areas.

Ambulatory phlebotomy is another procedure that your doctor may choose to use to get rid of your weakened veins. In this procedure, local anesthesia is used and tiny punctures are made in the skin. Your doctor will then remove the veins through these tiny holes. This is generally an outpatient procedure and only done on tiny veins.

If you have large varicose veins that are causing problems for you, your doctor may do a procedure called vein stripping. This is simply where the doctor will remove a large varicose vein through several small incisions. This is also an outpatient procedure but if your condition warrants it, a one or two day stay at the hospital may be recommended.

With an advanced case, that involves leg ulcers, you may need what is called endoscopic vein surgery. The surgeon will insert a small, thin tube with a camera into the leg to visualize and close off the affected veins. He can then remove these veins through small incisions in the leg.

Problem veins can recur after having them removed. The best way to prevent this from happening is to get exercise, watch what you eat and keep your weight at a healthy level. Varicose veins may not be life threatening, but they may be a sign of more serious health problems and they should be monitored very closely. In severe cases, the problem may become life threatening so if you are in doubt about your condition please check with your health care provider as soon as possible.

While talking to someone you are trying to impress, you have no idea there is a foul odor others can smell from your breath. No one has ever told you this, and therefore, as far as you’re concerned, you don’t have bad breath. To say the least, bad breath, (halitosis) can be very embarrassing and sometimes even offensive.

First you need to find out if you have bad breath. The sure way is to ask someone you love or trust to tell you. The other tests such as breathing into your hand and smelling it, just will not work.

There are indeed many causes for bad breath, but the majority is caused by local factors in the mouth. The malodor is composed of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) released from microbial metabolism. The VSCs in the mouth are much higher if you have gum disease.

What else causes bad breath?

Not brushing and flossing often enough or properly are obvious causes for bad breath. You may be surprised to know tongue jewelry can also cause bad breath by harboring bacteria.

Not cleaning dentures properly can be another problem. Food can stay under the denture causing the foul odor. Cavities, abscessed tooth, old fillings that need to be replaced should be added to the list as well.

Dry mouth from any cause including medications such as anti-histamines, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants, decongestants, pain medication, diuretics for high blood pressure and many other drugs, can provide a perfect environment for bacterial growth. We all know smoking and chewing tobacco can cause bad breath as well as oral cancer.

Throat infections and even prolonged speaking can dry mouth, causing bad breath. There are also systemic or non-oral causes. For example, drastic changing in diet, or fasting can cause bad breath. Other causes include hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, menopause or pregnancy.

Bad breath will be noticed with a cold, flu, or sinus infection with postnasal drip. We all also know the effect of certain high volatile foods on our breath such as garlic, onions,, alcoholic drinks and coffee.

Systemic diseases linked to bad breath include diabetes, oral cancer, renal or hepatic failure, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Sleeping can cause morning breath. Keeping a bottle of water by your bedside and thoroughly brushing and flossing before going to bed can help prevent dehydration and the awful bad taste and breath on waking.

Many people think they can hide bad breath with mouthwash. Most commercial mouthwash contain nothing more than alcohol and artificial flavors and colors. Studies report mouthwash may mask the malodor for about two hours. The alcohol may actually dry the mouth and eventually cause more bad breath and even tissue damage.

If bad breath is due to gum disease, it can be a sign of a serious illness, since we now know that with gum disease there is a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

Could ingredients such as antimicrobials in your personal care products be predisposing you and your children to autoimmune diseases and allergies? The FDA does not assess the safety of personal care products. Until recently, studies have not been conducted to determine the results of using hand soaps, deodorants, dishwashing detergents, toothpaste and other personal care products that contain anti-microbials.

A recent study commissioned by the European Union at the University of Helsinki has allocated six million euros to compare two life styles and how they affect the prevalence of autoimmune disease and allergies. The research project will run for the years 2008 to 2013 and determine whether the decrease in infection load is connected to type 1 diabetes and the emergence of allergies. The study will compare 7000 children from Finland, Estonia and northwestern Russia. More than 300 children from each area will be followed from birth to their third birthday and another 2000 children from their third to fifth birthdays.

Genetics has been ruled out as a cause for the difference in the rise in autoimmune disorders and allergies in Finland versus Russia. The study will try to establish if it is the high standard of hygiene affecting the internal environment and the composition of the bacterial flora in the body that is making the difference between the two countries.

Since the 1980s, due to the emergence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), antimicrobials have been added to many of our personal care products. Twenty years later we are aware of strains of bacteria that cannot be treated with any known antibiotics. These strains of bacteria such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are increasing and causing deaths throughout the U.S.A. Also on the rise, are chronic illness, allergies, fibromyalgia and other serious autoimmune diseases.

Have we gone too far with the hygiene mania to prevent disease to an extent that we are weakening our immune system and actually causing disease? It is very important, of course, to maintain proper cleanliness for the whole body. But do we need to absorb a daily dose of antimicrobials through our personal care products? The antimicrobials we are absorbing through our skin and under the tongue (toothpaste, mouthwash) on a daily bases could very well be over kill, weakening our immune system. It is important to become educated as consumers, on which ingredients are safe and which are problematic.

It is common sense that physicians would not prescribe a dose of daily penicillin just in case you get an infection, that we should not use personal care products on a daily bases with antimicrobials to prevent infections. Unfortunately, the antimicrobials come in a variety of unrecognized chemical names to the unsuspecting consumer.

Do you get frequent colds, have chronic infections, or unexplained tiredness? Let’s talk about ways to change the situation by improving your immune system. As you know, germs are everywhere and your immune system is constantly having to fight microbes all day. So why not do something to improve your chances of escaping a lot of the colds, yeast infections, and fever blisters to name a few.

Quiz yourself by finding out if you suffer from one or more of the problems mentioned. If you do, then we’ll be glad to help you improve your immunities. The power of your immune system is under your control. Here’s why.

Positive feelings and thoughts enhance immuno-competence. Negative thoughts and emotions suppress and weaken the vigor of our immunity. Lack of exercise, too much stress, lack of adequate sleep, surgeries, and smoking are some of the causes of a poor immune system.

To improve your immune system it makes sense to avoid smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol, get exercise and plenty of sleep, and face your problems as soon as possible so the stress can roll off your back. But if you really want to improve your immunities, you can also take adaptogens. Adaptogens are almost magical in that they adapt to the actual needs of your body systems. Keep reading to learn about one such natural treasure.

The Chinese herb astragalus increases the ratio of cancer survivors when taken during chemotherapy treatments. It is effective, yet safe. The only time experts don’t recommend you take astragalus is during a fever. It boosts antibodies and has a supportive effect on bone marrow. Renowned naturopathic doctor, Mark Stengler, recommends 1,000 mg daily if you are taking it in capsule form. In traditional Chinese medicine, 8 to 15 grams of the root are decocted. By boiling it in water, the important ingredients that enhance the immune system are extracted.

Give this tonic a try to really boost your immune system. You can actually avoid the overuse of antibiotics by using astragalus. Colds will come about less often, chronic infections will be cured, and you will be more energetic because astragalus also boosts your adrenals. Astragalus is the secret herb that doctors take to avoid getting sick and now you’re in on it!

Dust it seems is everywhere. A streak of sunlight peeking its way through our curtains is all that is required to indicate to us just how much dust is hanging in the air around us.

It is a common misnomer to assume dust, particularly household dust, is comprised of mainly dead skin cells. In fact dust can be comprised of anything from skin, soil, sand, oil, grease, soot and food - it all depends on what processes are happening nearby, for instance if you live near the coast you may find a lot of household dust consists of sand.

Dust is normally quite harmless and leaves nothing more than a fine coat on our polished surfaces. However, there is a sinister side to dust as dust can be comprised of any substance, which includes those harmful to humans. Dust is made up of minute particles from the size of a micron or two (a thousand of which make a millimetre) to much larger particles. The larger, weightier particles often settle quickly but smaller particles can float indefinitely in the air.

When toxic material such as asbestos is worked with, the fine dust can linger and stick to surfaces and can eventually be inhaled. These particles can cause serious genetic problems and lead to conditions such as asbestos related cancer (mesothelioma) in future years.

Dust can also aggravate conditions such as asthma and allergies and can cause respiratory diseases such as bronchitis.

Dust is the main enemy of computer hardware too. Dust can block computer filters causing PCs to overheat. Dust also acts as an insulator which can cause further overheating and also clog up integrated circuit boards causing a short circuit, particularly if there are conductive materials making up the dust.

Dust can also be explosive. The dust created by organic compounds which includes powdered foodstuffs such as coffee, flour and custard can remain airborne and explode if dense enough and having come into contact with a spark or other source of ignition.

It is important in areas with large dust build ups to protect electrical equipment from causing a spark and to protect from the effects of dust on that equipment.

The easiest way to do this is to use an industrial computer enclosure. These PC enclosures can shield a computer, protecting it from being clogged up with dust and also protect any potential explosive atmosphere from catching alight due to the electrical workings of the computer.

There are several suppliers of industrial PC enclosures which are manufactured in various materials including food grade stainless steel, ideal for the food manufacturing industry.

There is a misconception out there that it is expensive to live a healthy lifestyle. While it is true that gym memberships are an added expense, and food that is part of a specific diet can be more expensive than you would normally buy, I would like to try to dispel some of the common myths around living a healthy life.

Food - is organic necessary?

Organic food is often associated with good health. For a food to be organic it cannot be grown with added pesticides, fertilizers, spray, or chemicals - and the soil cannot contain them either. While it is true that some organic foods are better for your health, it is not necessary to buy everything organic.

It probably does not matter if the banana you eat is organic if you are just going to peel it. If you are looking for the biggest bang for your buck with organic foods, the top ten organic items to buy include peaches, apples, pears, winter squash, green beans, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, spinach and potatoes. Do not beat yourself up if you cannot afford organic produce - it is more important is that you are simply eating fruit and vegetables.

Expensive gym memberships

I know firsthand just how much gym memberships can hurt your pocketbook. Boston does not offer very many gyms that are under $50 per month, and mine is closer to $75. However, you can find good deals out there if you are smart about it. I used to belong to the YMCA when I lived down the street from one of their branches. This gym is significantly less than any others I have come across. Many gyms will give you a discount if you are student, or if you sign up as a family. A lot of employers will also give you money back once you have been a member for a specific number of months. However, do not think that having a gym membership is the only way to stay in shape. Check out this article I wrote about taking your workout outside, now that it’s warm.

Healthy food costs too much

If you are following a specific meal plan such as Jenny Craig, or if you feel that you have to buy products such as South Beach Diet then yes, you will be paying more for your groceries. But it does not cost more money to buy food that is healthier, such as low-fat yogurt, whole grain foods, or fruits and vegetables. The key is to buy those foods when they go on sale. Look for fruits and vegetables that are in-season, and only buy them then. Use coupons on products you like that are healthy, or determine where the best place to shop for healthier foods is. Trader Joes is a great option if you have one near you. For just $.99 you can buy whole wheat pizza dough and make your own whole wheat pizza. Top it with part-skim mozzarella and vegetables, and you have got yourself a nutritious meal.

In the long run, if you are not taking care of your health, it is going to cost you extra money anyway. Many people have to be on medication every single day, and some end up with cancer or have a heart attack due to their unhealthy lifestyle. All of these scenarios are costly in terms of money and quality of life. Invest in good health now and you will reap the benefits for the rest of your life.

Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. The benefits in drinking water include increased health and vitality, enhanced energy and weight management. Drinking filtered water greatly improves the chances of hydrating the body in a healthy and safe way. Unfiltered water is contaminated with chlorine, volatile organic compounds, lead and other potentially harmful substance. It is equally important to not just drink enough water but to drink water that is safe and effective in keeping up health and wellness.

Water consumption is essential to health and vitality. The body is made up of 60-70% water and adequate water intake is instrumental in preventing health problems such as urinary/kidney stones, dry eyes, dry skin, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gout, constipation, insomnia and colon cancer. Drinking filtered water flushes out wastes, keeps skin moist, alleviates headaches, and aids in the digestion of foods. Drinking water is necessary for your body to digest and absorb vitamins and nutrients. Mild dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatigue, and it is estimated the two thirds of Americans are mildly and chronically dehydrated. Symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and constipation, dizziness, sleepiness and dry mouth. If you are dehydrated your body will still absorb calories from the foods that you eat, but you will gain no nutritional value from it. It is vital to our health to consume adequate water intake to aid in the absorption of nutrients. Keeping well hydrated also helps to regulate appetite and can play an important part in proper nutrition and weight management. Drinking an adequate amount of water can suppress one’s appetite and speed up metabolism. There is a direct correlation between the quality of the water we drink and weight loss. Drinking filtered water aids in the livers ability to metabolize fat into energy. The liver works in conjunction with the kidneys to help remove toxins from the body. If the water we drink is contaminated, the liver must spend most of its energy eliminating toxins rather than burning fat. As a result, fat is stored rather than being burned off for weight loss. Water is a natural appetite suppressant that can aid in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Drinking filtered water is an important part of our everyday requirements in staying healthy, active and fit. A diet that includes 8 glasses of water a day will greatly enhance our chances of a happier healthy life style while increasing our energy and vitality and keeping our bodies looking great.

The benefits of drinking filtered water touch virtually every aspect of human life. When it comes to drinking water for wellness, it is equally important to consider the quality of water that we drink as it is the quantity of water that we consume. The best way to keep your body fit, healthy and energized is to drink a sufficient quantity of filtered water every day.