Varicose veins and spider veins will affect close to 40 million Americans, mostly women. Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure which is used to treat these varicose veins and spider veins through a use of sodium chloride directly injected into the vein.

This particular procedure has been used since the 1930s to treat varicose veins. If left untreated these normally cosmetic problems can increase the risk for blood clots, skin ulcers and pain and discomfort.

Sclerotherapy is performed in the physician’s office using a 23% solution of sodium chloride mix with lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used to help numb the area. Heparin is also added to the solution.

This is injected directly into the blood vessel using a very fine needle. The solution is designed to irritate the lining and cause it to swell and stick together. The blood clots within the vessel and eventually the vessel turns to scar tissue and fades from the body.  Read more...

People who smoke are faced each day with the recognition that their smelly habit isn’t pleasant for the people around them, that it is dangerous for their long-term health and that the rest of the world would prefer that they quit. What once was helped to relieve anxiety and stress now becomes the root of anxiety and stress in their lives. This continues until one day there is a recognition that something must change and the smoker decides to quit.

It is at this stage that they must decide HOW they are going to quit. There are several methods and support programs available today that can help a person to stop smoking. One that has shown significant promise is the medication Chantix (varenicline) which is an oral medication that theoretically works by blocking the effect of nicotine on the brain. The manufacturer states that it may make it easier for some smokers to stop smoking, although people continue to require persistence and commitment to the goal.  Read more...

Antihistamines are used to suppress the bodys natural production of histamines. When one is exposed to certain allergens substances that cause allergic reactions the body produces histamines as part of its defense systems. This is why an eczema treatment may sometimes include antihistamines to lessen the symptoms of the skin disease, such as inflammation, reddening and itching of the affected areas.

However, antihistamines interfere with the role of histamines in suppressing allergic reactions. So if you are suffering from eczema, you might as well give scrambling to your doctors clinic right away to get a prescription a second thought. Antihistamines may give you side effects even worse than the eczema symptoms you are trying to do away with. This is why many doctors recommend other forms of topical treatments for flare ups, such as ointments, foams, lotions and gels.

How do antihistamines work?

Certain organs in the body the skin, lungs and the length of the digestive system naturally contain high amounts of histamines. In fact, almost any of your bodily organs have them for defense. Aside from immune regulation, histamines also play other roles in the body such as:  Read more...

Do you know the difference between the flu and the stomach flu?

While “stomach flu” is a popular term, it isn’t a correct medical diagnosis. These are actually two different diagnosis caused by two different types of irritants. The correct term for the stomach flu is gastroenteritis. Gastro meaning stomach, enter relating to the intestines and itis meaning inflammation.

People who are suffering from gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, will have irritation or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis can be caused by either virus, bacteria or a parasite and does not necessarily need to be caused by an infectious process. Triggers for gastroenteritis can include lactose intolerance or other allergic reactions to specific food types.

On the other hand, the flu is caused by a virus known as influenza. The flu often mimics the same symptoms as a respiratory cold except that it begins much more quickly with symptoms of fatigue, fever and respiratory congestion. Individuals who suffer from an upper respiratory infection, also known as the common cold, may also suffer from a low grade fever but individuals who are experiencing the flu will generally have a fever greater than 100 Fahrenheit.  Read more...

Are you interested in using a natural remedy to seek relief from a minor medical problem, such as a headache, migraine, or a toothache? If you are, you are not alone. A large number of individuals use natural remedies, also commonly referred to as home remedies.

With that being said, if this is the first time that you will be trying a natural remedy, you may be looking for some guidance. If that is the case, please continue reading on, as a few helpful and important natural remedy tips are touched on below.

Although natural remedies do work in most cases, it is important to know that you may see a variance.

For example, there are some individuals who claim that drinking grape juice, namely the juice directly from ripe grapes, is a great way to relieve the pain associated with a headache or a migraine. Yes, this approach may work for others, but that does not necessarily mean that that same natural remedy will work for you.  Read more...

Many are turning to alternative medicine choices to avoid surgery or drugs that can have serious side effects. It is a good idea to do your research before taking herbs and supplements. Check with your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications to be sure that there will be no adverse reactions between your prescription drug and the herbs or supplements you intend to take.

If you are pregnant it is wise to run by your obstetrician any herb or supplement you are thinking of taking because certain herbs and supplements are contraindicated for women who are pregnant or nursing. It is best to be safe than sorry when it comes to putting anything into your body while pregnant or nursing a baby or young child. To help you with your research here are some basic facts about some of the more popular herbs and supplements.

Aloe Vera:  Read more...

More than 90 percent of all poison incidents occur in the house. And while anyone can become a victim, children are the most vulnerable since they are smaller, have faster metabolic rate, and their body are less able to handle toxic material.

Causes of Poisoning
Since the majority of poison incidents happen in the house, the causes of poison are also found in the house. Here are the most common things that can cause accidental poisoning when used improperly:

• Plants
• Cleaning solutions
• Insecticides and pesticides
• Cosmetics
• Solvents
• Paints
• Drugs and medications

What to Do When Poisoning Occurs

Poison is swallowed

If it is a child, take the substance right away. If the poison is still in the mouth ask the victim to spit it out or remove the substance using your finger. Instructions on packages in case of poisoning often tell you to induce vomiting. Do not follow this without first consulting your physician.

Where to seek help  Read more...