White Toenails Treatments and Prevention

Having white toenails is a sign of a toenail fungus infection in most cases. Fortunately there are remedies and preventative measures that you can take before the condition worsens.

Symptoms

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Toenail fungus may start its development by a thickening of the infected nail. The nail may become foggy at this point and develop colored or discolored spots. Toenail fungus may be white, brown, black, yellow, and even green. At this point nails may become brittle and start flaking off. You may experience a slight pain in your toe as you apply pressure on it. You may also notice a little odor coming from the infected toenail.

Minimizing Risks Of Getting Toenail Fungus

It's important to realize that the most important step in curing your toenail fungus is to actually take preventative measures so you don't get it back. The significance of this step is often overlooked.

Toenail fungus infection risks can be reduced by taking several precautionary measures. Make sure that you always wear sandals around public pool areas, locker rooms, gyms, and any other moist public areas. Trimming your toenails should be done carefully. Make sure you do not trim the nail too far back otherwise you might cause minor cuts on the toe. Finally, always wear clean dry socks and dry shoes. Make sure your shoes do not fit too tightly.

Treatment

There are many ineffective anti-fungal medications out there that do more harm to your body than good. Some prescription drugs can cause kidney and liver diseases. I urge you to not take these extreme drugs to cure your fungus. In most cases it really isn't worth the risks.

The best treatment that I found for my white toenails was first taking a warm shower. I did this so I could then easily file back my thick nail. This will increase absorption of the treatment. Make sure if you do this that you do not file the nail too much. After filing, I soaked my feet in beer for 30 minutes twice a day. Beer has anti fungal properties and you'll be surprised how good it works. After my beer treatment, I applied a natural topical treatment.

This treatment took about two weeks to start seeing noticeable results. I'm sure with a little perseverance and determination you'll cure your fungus as well.

White Toenails Treatments and Prevention

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Herpes Relief

Relief from symptoms of herpes simplex symptoms includes simple practices, home remedies, herbs and medications. It is also important to keep stress to a minimum as stress can stimulate herpes outbreaks.

For quick relief of herpetic sores and blisters, it not advised to make use of over-the-counter ointments or creams unless recommended by a physician. Most of these ointments and creams may only exacerbate the symptoms by smothering the lesions and preventing them to desiccate. The cold sores must be kept clean and dry at all times. They should be thoroughly cleaned with soap, salt water or bicarbonate of soda. They should not be opened or skinned with fingernails or any other sharp instrument. Cotton underwear must be used to allow airing and tight clothes must be avoided. Others recommend drying of genitals with a hair dryer. Some people advise compressing the blisters with vinegar and tepid water for ten minutes twice a day to hasten drying of the blisters. To relieve pain, ice wrapped in a clean cloth or towel applied to the affected area for ten minutes and removed for five minutes is beneficial. Especially soothing are warm baths two to three times everyday. When going out, a non-stick dressing should be used to cover the lesions as sunlight aggravates the sores. Moreover, uncovered sores will be exacerbated by rubbing and open sores make possible viral transmission.

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Herpes relief also includes improving the resistance of the sick person. Vitamin C and zinc are effective in hindering herpes outbreaks. Vitamin E relieves pain and shortens the duration of the symptoms. Beta-carotene reinforces the immune system and inhibits viruses. Lysine supplements are valuable in herpes relief as well as it deters the virus? activity. Lysine creams applied topically are also available. Lactobacillus acidophilus, the live microorganisms in yogurt, fight herpes as well. Foods to be avoided include those rich in the amino acid arginine such as nuts, chocolate, seeds, oatmeal, raisins, etc.

Home remedies for herpes relief include carrot poultice (grated carrot wrapped in gauze or cloth) applied on the area as it can accelerate healing, alleviate pain and lessen glandular swelling. Herbs beneficial for herpes relief include Solanum nigrum, olive leaf extract, lemon balm, lavender, hyssop, myrrh, sage, gentian, horsetail and many more. Drugs indicated for herpes relief include anti-virals, anti-inflammatories and pain killers.

Herpes Relief

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Stand Up Tanning Beds - Pros and Cons

What picture comes to mind when you think of a tanning bed? Probably a traditional shell style structure where a person lies down while getting tan. However, there is another type of tanning beds - stand up tanning beds. As the name implies, you stand rather than lie when getting your tan. Are there any advantages to using stand up beds? Many people who tan regularly will tell you that yes, stand up tanning bed is far superior to a traditional style. Let's find out what are their reasons.

Advantages of Stand Up Tanning Beds

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In a standing bed you can move more freely, for example you can raise your arms. This gives you a more even tan all over. The lamps are also different; they have a special reflector that helps to spread all rays more evenly. So the claim that stand up beds produce better quality tan is definitely true.

Another benefit of stand up tanning beds that comes down to getting even tan is that there is no pressure points. This is different from person to person, but many people get less intense tan on the arias that touch the bed (in traditional style beds). Since in a vertical bed there is no pressure point the problem is illuminated all together.

Stand up beds use stronger bulbs. A bulb in a traditional tanning bed is about 100 watt, while standing up tanning beds use bulbs in the range of 160 watt. This gives you stronger tan for the same length session. As a result sessions in a stand up bed are shorter, which saves you time.

For many people hygiene is the main reason. In a stand up bed you don't have to touch the same surface that other tanners were touching. So people feel that this type of tanning beds is more sanitary. Actually, touching the surface of tanning bed doesn't matter. Salon tanning beds use very strong bulbs and UV light from them kills most bacteria. Also the law requires that salon tanning beds should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. However, if it makes you feel better, that you don't have to lie on the same surface as everybody else, than vertical tanning beds have one more plus side.

Stand up beds cons

The only real disadvantage of this type of tanning bed is that you can get tired easily. It might be quite boring to stand up while tanning. But it is really a matter of personal preference.

Some tanners might tell you that since vertical tanning beds use stronger lamps, they are more dangerous. This claim is not true. Yes, you get exposed to more harmful UVB and UVA rays than in a traditional tanning bed, but you tan a shorter time. So at the ends the health risks are exactly the same for both types of tanning beds.

Tanning safely

Speaking of tanning safety rules, you should be careful no matter what type of tanning bed you use. Tanning lotion is an absolute must have for safe tanning. You should never go for indoor tanning without applying a lotion first. Another way to avoid health risks associated with artificial tan is to take only short sessions. If you protect your skin with a quality tanning lotion and don't tan for longer than necessary, you don't have to worry about tanning bed dangers.

Stand up tanning beds definitely give you more even tan more quickly. Other than that it is a matter of personal preference. You can't say that one style is safer than the other. So if you are thinking about trying a stand up bed go for it, and then you can see which style you like more.

Stand Up Tanning Beds - Pros and Cons

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Signs of Diabetes - Diagnose Early to Avoid Major Complications

Diabetes is chronic in nature only treatment can be given there is no proper cure for it. The signs and symptoms for diabetes develop very slowly and steadily but when they become more severe they lead to serious other complications. The main symptoms and signs of diabetes are

· Increased thirst

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· Increase in appetite or excessive hunger

· Increased urination, during night times

· Weight loss or gain which is unexplained

· Blurred or unclear vision

· Sores and wounds that do not heal

· Dry itchy skin

In more complicated cases diabetes leads

· Blindness

· Kidney failure

· Nerve damage and

· Micro vascular and macro vascular diseases.

· Micro vascular disease are related to small blood vessels.

· Macro vascular diseases are related to arteries i.e. hardening of arteries and narrowing them and leading to strokes, heart attacks.

Diabetes is mainly classified into two types i.e. type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is mainly due to halt in production of insulin which is due to autoimmune system of the body, it destroys the beta cells of the pancreas which are responsible for secretion for insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus because insulin is a must dose over here. It is also by name Juvenile diabetes because it is more common among young adult and teenagers.

Diabetes type 2 is due to low production of insulin or the receptors of the cells not reacting with the insulin produced. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Here the body secretes more and more insulin rigorously and so it develops a resistance by itself.

The good news about diabetes is that it can be controlled or maintained naturally by taking well balanced diet, doing regular exercise.

Balanced diet in the sense diet should be rich in nutrition. For diabetes diet rich in fiber is recommended. Examples of diet rich in fiber are carrot, broccoli, peas, beans, apples, bananas, apricot, dates.

Signs of Diabetes - Diagnose Early to Avoid Major Complications

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Know the Symptoms of Torn Rotator Cuff

The most common and obvious symptoms of torn rotator cuff is pain. Pain is often felt at the top and outer or back side of the shoulder. However, the pain can sometimes radiate and it may be felt throughout the arm. The pain will also be intensified whenever the person raises or swings his arm.

In some cases, the pain can be greater during sleep. This is because when sleeping, people often unknowingly put pressure or weight on the injured shoulder. Since the rotator cuff is torn, the person will consequently feel weaker in the arms. An X-ray or an MRI can help effectively diagnose any tear in your rotator cuff.

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Another symptom of torn rotator cuff is when you feel pain or you experience difficulty in normal activities. If you feel pain when combing, dressing or reaching behind your back, you might have a minor tear in your rotator cuff. Ask your doctor for further tests to confirm your condition. If you are worried about a tear in your rotator cuff, be mindful of your range of movement. If you notice you cannot move your shoulder normally or have difficulty lifting or swinging your arms, seek medical attention at once.

Unusual sounds can also be indicative of a torn rotator cuff. If you hear your shoulder 'pop' whenever you lift it overhead or when you bring it down, there may be an injury to your rotator cuff. Also, if there are cracking or grating sounds whenever you move your arm, you may have a tear in your rotator cuff.

Keep in mind that the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff may appear gradually, especially if the injury is due to overuse. You may have developed a tear but the pain and other symptoms may appear much later and sometimes, when the tear has worsened.

If the torn rotator cuff injury results from a fall, the symptoms may be felt immediately. After a fall or a collision, the person may feel like his shoulder snapped or suddenly weakened. There will be sudden onset of acute pain.

Know the Symptoms of Torn Rotator Cuff

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What Causes Left Arm Shoulder Pain?

Left arm shoulder pain is one type of pain that can surely affect work. It even impedes one from functioning normally. In fact, people affected with this problem usually find it hard to perform even the simplest activities of daily living like taking a bath, or driving. The causes of this pain may be very simple and obvious or deadly and discreet. Here's some of the most common pain triggers.

Starting off with the most serious, one should always suspect an underlying heart problem when experiencing left arm shoulder pain. It is better to expect the worst, than ignore it and then regret in the end. Heart problems or heart conditions, such as angina, or the crushing feeling in the heart may be felt as a pain that is radiating to the left shoulder down to the left arm. A heart attack, even if it's the most minor, can also be felt as a dull or shooting pain travelling from the left shoulder distally to the arm. So first thing to do, consider going to the doctor and get heart conditions ruled-out as the cause of the pain.

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Now that the heart is not the problem, one can assess the usual activities one does at work or at home. An overused shoulder limited to the left body region specifically to the shoulder and arm can evolve into a very painful sensation. Assess if work and home activities include excessive stretching, flexing, extending or rotating. If they do, try minimizing these actions, or at least making both left and right shoulder do the work than isolating it only to the left area.

Bad position and improper body mechanics can also lead to left arm shoulder pain. Bad positioning includes the posture one holds while sleeping. It also involves the prolonged position one usually hold for a long time at work, such as leaning on the left side for hours, among others.

If the left arm shoulder pain is characterized as dull and heavy, it may be due to chronic stress. Although it seems harmless, stress can take its toll on the body by representing itself as a painful sensation anywhere in the body. In this case, it may be come in the form of pain in the left arm and shoulder.

Obvious fracture, strong force, or damaging injury can also make the left arm and shoulder painful. This is because when blood and other cellular components escape through the muscles, the area becomes swollen and sore. One can also try checking for nerve impingement in the left arm and shoulder. A trapped nerve can be due to a growth, a cyst, or a chronic inflammation, that is constantly pressing the nerve, making it very painful.

The list of the causes of left arm shoulder pain doesn't end here. There are other reasons why left arm and shoulder aches. The important thing is to make sure that the pain is not due to a life-threatening heart condition. At least it is a relief, although not from pain.

What Causes Left Arm Shoulder Pain?

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Bike Riding for Weight Loss - Tips for Beginning A Bicycling Plan

If you are one of those people who leisurely pedal around the block or over a flat stretch of scenic road, you've probably been riding for sheer pleasure. Riding bikes for pleasure is a good form of aerobic exercise. But unless you map out a plan to "push yourself," you probably won't lose much weight.

I really get sick of hearing people say, "No pain, no gain!" But the old adage is true when it comes to riding bikes to lose weight. By pushing your cycling distance or speed, you are sure to feel some pain in your leg muscles, your hands, wrists, and your derriere-- even some pain in your throat and lungs as your body tries to accommodate your increased demand for oxygen.

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HEALTH TIP: Stretching exercises prior to exercising are helpful in preventing injury!

GETTING YOUR BICYCLE READY...TO ROLL OFF THE WEIGHT

Your first concern will be outfitting your bicycle. If you need an excuse to purchase a new bike, this is an excellent opportunity! I went from a 3-speed bicycle for leisure riding, to a 24-speed bicycle for more committed exercising. Once I learned how the different gears worked, I was very thankful for the extra speeds. They make my ride faster and the hills a lot easier to handle.

We've found the guys at the bicycle shop to be very helpful, and concerned for our unique cycling needs. Rather than simply steering us toward the most expensive bicycle available (as I had expected), they asked how much riding we would be doing, whether we were trying for speed or leisure, and whether we would be riding on paved roads or dirt trails. When you honestly share your goals and level of experience, the sales clerks can match you with exactly what you need. They want you to be successful in your biking venture!

Some state laws require bicycle lights. But if you will be riding anytime from dusk to dawn, common sense demands that you have lights on your bicycle. These little accessories are battery-operated and last a long time. There are a variety of lights to choose from. My tail light has different blinking speeds, and is designed to make my bike visible to cars approaching from both the rear and the sides. Check for brightness before you buy one. Install the light where it makes the most sense.

We held off on buying a speedometer and odometer unit for our bikes, but once we got serious about losing weight and getting in shape, this feature became a "must have." You simply cannot track your progress without knowing how far and how fast you're riding.

If you already have a bicycle, take it to the bike shop for a safety inspection each season. They should check the gears, tires and brakes to make sure everything is working properly. They can adjust your seat to fit your height and adjust the handlebars to fit your reach, making your ride more comfortable. If you're lucky, they might even clean and polish your bike!

If you want to save money in the long run, you can find books and videos that teach you how to care for your own bicycle. It's always a great idea to know how to change your own flat tire and adjust a loose chain.

Another must have is a bicycle pump. Ask your bike dealer how many pounds of air pressure to put in your bicycle tires. Check the tires each time you get ready to ride! We guessed at the air pressure one summer day, and lived to regret it. We rode the bikes to the swimming pool, not realizing that one tire was too full. While we were cooling off in the water, the hot sun was rapidly expanding the air in the tires-one tire blew as it sat in the parking lot. The day in the sun was not so fun, once the pool closed and we had to wait for a truck to haul us home!

HEALTH TIP: Talk with your doctor first, and get his or her blessing before you increase your rate of physical activity!

STAYING COMFORTABLE ON YOUR BIKE

Sitting for long periods of time on a bicycle seat can cause pain, discomfort, and even serious blood circulation problems in avid bicyclists. At your local bike shop, you'll find a variety of bicycle seats made specifically for your comfort and health. The salespeople at our local bike shop encouraged us to try out new seats on our bikes for a few days. My husband found the split seat to be more comfortable for himself, while I opted to keep my old gel seat. Someone has even invented seats that look more like a bird perch than a bicycle seat!

HEALTH TIP: Get off your bicycle seat and walk around every 25 minutes or so to get the blood flow to important unmentionable parts of your body.

Think about your clothing...you don't have to have padded biker shorts and special clothing to start riding bikes. There are actually scientifically engineered fabrics designed to pull sweat away from your body in the summer and to keep you from getting hypothermia in the winter. But for now, just wear layers of comfortable sports clothes.

Make sure your clothes aren't so tight that you are miserable trying to pedal. But they shouldn't be loose enough to become entangled in the bicycle chain, either! If you become overheated, strip off a layer. If you get cold, add a layer. Wear light or bright colors to allow drivers to see you easily.

It really helps to have a small cargo rack on the back of your bike. Mine looks like a little shelf over the back tire. It has two bungee cords to keep any cargo securely fastened to the bike. I've used it to tote a small picnic cooler, a shopping bag or extra clothes.

I had the bike shop attach a water bottle holder to the bike under my seat. I can grab a quick swig as I ride or pour some water over my pulse points to cool off a bit. Take small sips of water when needed during your bike ride, rather than chugging huge gulps.

A helmet is almost a must. Life is filled with hazards-and biking has its share. Be smart. Wear a helmet. You can buy a cool rear-view mirror for your helmet. The mirror helps you see when it's safe to turn and lets you observe traffic coming up from behind.

I recommend wearing sunglasses-both for the sun and for bugs! At certain times of the year, the air is thick with flying insects. Getting a tiny bug in your eye is a painful event. For contact wearers, carry a contact case and lens cleaner on bike rides for just that reason. Some day you'll be glad you did!

HEALTH TIP: Shake your hands downward frequently to get the blood flowing and to prevent pain or numbness in your arms and hands.

MAPPING OUT A WEIGHT LOSS PLAN

You will want to keep a record of your daily diet and food intake, your weekly body measurements and weight, as well as your bicycling miles and time.

The web site http://www.OpenFitness.net is an excellent way to track your progress. It is very easy to use-simply type in your information you wish to track. As the only community fitness web site of its kind, you'll find it to be a fantastic motivation tool that will print out charts and graphs to show how much progress you've made in a few days, a week, or a month!

It keeps track of your food, vitamin, and supplement intake. Thousands of foods have already been analyzed by experts for number of calories, fat, carbs, and protein. You simply select the foods you ate from a pull down feature, and the daily total is tallied for you. Make sure you don't exercise when you've just eaten, or when it's almost meal time. Both times will slow you down.

No matter how humiliating it is, measure your arms, legs, chest, waist, neck, hips and thighs once a week. The software keeps track of your weight and body measurements. The thrill of seeing those same inches melt away in the coming weeks will be worth the effort. It's especially impressive seen as a graph!

Consider investing in an instrument that actually measures body fat-there are inexpensive pincer-type instruments that measure fat by pinching you, or buy a set of bathroom scales that cost more but calculate body fat quite painlessly.

Try to ride 4-6 days per week. When you map out your weight loss plan, your short-term goals will change as you change. You'll quickly develop stamina for longer distance. As fat turns to muscle, your speed will increase. Each week, try to increase either your mileage or your speed.

You know how far you've been able to ride, thus far. Start keeping track of the exact route you are taking, the total mileage, and the length of time it took you. Make notes in your records for special circumstances. Did it get dark outside so you were forced to cut your ride short? Did the road crews dump a layer of gravel on your normally paved road?

What was the weather like? Was it dangerously hot? Was it windy? The wind can be your friend or your enemy. When the wind is behind you, your ride is a breeze...but coming from any other direction, be prepared to huff and puff. Accept any length of time as a job well done and simply get the ride accomplished!

Finally, add an upper body workout three times per week. Bicycling works your legs, but to get the rest of your body firm and trim, you'll need to exercise your upper body, as well. The http://www.openfitness.net web site, created by a certified personal fitness trainer, has excellent features which allow you to design and track this portion of your fitness program, as well.

Bicycle riding is a fun, inexpensive form of aerobic exercise-it's good for every part of you. But be warned-you will need to buy a whole new wardrobe for the thinner, more beautifully fit body that emerges!

Bike Riding for Weight Loss - Tips for Beginning A Bicycling Plan

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