Home Remedies for Headache

When it comes to headache remedies, you can either go natural(that is, spices, fruits etc) or different forms of exercise. We will discuss these 2 types of remedies in detail. Either way it would work out.

TYPE 1 :-

If you want to go natural, then you are going to want to make home remedies using only natural ingredients, probably one of the easiest, is that of green tea.

Some people will also increase the levels of minerals they are lacking by using herbs, often times making up for the lack of certain minerals will help relieve headaches.

All you really need to do is boil yourself a cup of green tea, and drink it black, if you can, and the heat of the tea itself as well as the antioxidants that are present in green tea all work together to relive the pain that is caused by headaches.

There are many proven remedies for headaches. Lemon is found to be an important herb/fruit in negotiating your headache. Take the juice of two/three slices of lemons, along with some rock-salt. It should give immediate relief. The crust of the lemon has a role to play in further treatment of your headache. This treatment is generally good for the headache caused on account of heat. Pound the lemon crusts in to a fine paste and apply it on the forehead. It can be applied on temple as well.

The king of fruits, apple is a good remedy for your headache as well. Take it with a little rock salt everyday, first thing in the morning. Continue this treatment for about a week.

Your digestion and your headache have something to do with each other. Proper diet control and eating fruits with lots of fiber content helps you a lot in controlling the headache. Start the day by drinking a glass of warm water, if possible adding two spoonfuls of honey.

Sometimes, your headache can be due to suffocation or if you are working in a stuffy room, not having proper ventilation! Just move out, take a stroll in the park or under a shady tree.

For a minor cover-up operation, take a tablet of pain-reliever to break the intensity of the headache. Don't make it a habit, however.

TYPE 2 :-

One of the first alternatives a person can try is exercise. Many times this doesn’t seem like a good option since when you have headache all you want to do is sleep in a quiet and dark room. Although some deal better with the pain by doing light exercise, anything that isn’t loud or high impact. A good option to try is taking a walk for thirty minutes whenever you feel a migraine coming. Your bodies natural painkillers will often kick in with a little exercise.

A second option is having someone give you a massage when a headache starts. Ask someone you feel comfortable with to massage your shoulders and neck. Use the massage as an opportunity to lie on your stomach and become completely relaxed. Others have suggested that a quick way to get rid of a headache is to massage either your feet or the spot between your thumb and first finger. If you suffer from headaches it can be useful to try these simple methods. This way if it works you will have something useful to do next time.

Hot and cold are two of the most common headache home remedies. Each person needs to experiment and find a temperature that will work for them. Some find cold ice packs anywhere on their head will work. Other people may find their headaches go away with heat from either a hot water bottle or a heating pad. Only experimenting can help you find the right solution for your headache.

Another easy and inexpensive relaxation technique you can try to help your headaches is yoga. Meditation is comforting which can help you relax and relieve the pain of your headache.

One headache trigger can often be how much a person does and doesn’t sleep. You can often improve your headaches in this case by improving your sleep routine. If possible try to get to bed at the same time every night and then get up at the same time in the morning. Doing this often improves your sleep and reduces any headaches you might get from oversleeping. Using a good, soft pillow while you sleep can give you better support and improve your quality of sleep. Your sleep will always improve if you are more comfortable.

Why Diet Fails?

For every 100 dieters, one will maintain their weight loss after 5 years, which is the marker determining permanent weight loss to the medical community. Research indicates diets actually add pounds in the long run.

Why are diets so destructive to our weight and health? Here are some of the reasons.

1. Severe food restriction causes real hunger.

It's a fact that most diets last less than 72 hours. Hunger is a basic human urge. Man continues to survive (and has for thousands of years) because of the ability to cope with famine and scarcity of food. Hunger has been the powerful motivator for that survival.

2. A diet is an artificial plan which is different from your lifestyle.

Your new diet book has pages and pages of special recipes but you don't like to cook. Your diet says you must prepare all your food, but your job requires you to entertain clients. Only you can set the boundaries around eating and make them work within your lifestyle.

3. A diet is a temporary solution to a permanent problem.

The diet industry makes billions (yes! over $42 billion a year) by convincing people to follow a diet for a few weeks or months to solve lifelong problems of emotional eating, eating for the wrong reasons or eating food that is nutrition-less. Once a diet ends, the weight comes back because the problems and behaviors are still there. Maybe you squeezed yourself into the bridesmaid's dress in time for the wedding, but you still have the rest of your life ahead of you.

A first step toward success is to accept that there is no free ride. If you lose weight on a strict diet, you will always pay for it later.

4. A diet doesn't take into account your likes and dislikes.

If your diet prescribes cabbage soup and you don't like cabbage, you are in real trouble. Or perhaps it limits you to high protein foods but your body doesn't digest protein easily. Should you really eat in an artificial way that causes you pain and suffering?

No.

Look at the big picture and make the choices that support your goals. Following someone else's rules can also put you at risk for new health problems that you don't need.

5. A one-size-fits-all diet cannot possibly be useful to everyone.

You are unique. Different people need different amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat to feel and perform at their best. No diet can guarantee that you will feel good while following it; no dietician or nutritionist can figure out what makes you feel energetic and balanced. Only you can determine what pattern of food intake keeps you feeling great.

6. Cravings are real.

The body produces cravings for a reason. There are real, productive cravings for things your body needs (like water), and there are self-defeating cravings that come from psychological causes. It's not hard to train yourself to recognize the differences and act accordingly. A little moderation goes a long way.

7. Diets set up feelings of deprivation and punishment.

The psychological aspects of dieting can be devastating. Diets are often used as self-torture, to "validate" deep-rooted negative feelings or chip away at your sense of worth. Remember, it's the diet that fails, not you.

8. Dieting puts the emphasis only on food.

A 1995 Baylor University study followed three groups of participants who wanted to lose weight over a two-year period: (1) the Diet Only group; (2) the Diet/Exercise group; and (3) the Exercise Only group. After 3 months, the Diet Only and Diet/Exercise groups had lost more than the Exercise Only group. The Exercise Only group showed a smaller loss of 4-8 pounds.

At the 12-month mark, the Diet Alone and Diet/Exercise groups again had lost more total weight than the Exercise Only group BUT they had gained back some weight from their 3-month mark. (In simple terms, they lost all the weight they were going to lose very quickly, in 3 months, and were now regaining the lost weight weight.)

At the 2-year mark, the Diet Only and Diet/Exercise groups were back at their original weight or MORE. The Exercise Only group was still losing weight. It's a variation on the Tortoise and the Hare. A good question might be, "Where do I want to be in two years?"

Putting the emphasis on food allows us to believe food is the issue and that, if we change food, we'll achieve permanent weight loss. This simply isn't true. Changing our behaviors with food is the key.

9. Dieting promotes weight loss, not fat loss.

The number on your scale may be going down with a severely restricted eating plan, but it is only a temporary change of the non-fat elements of your body (water, muscle, interstitial and organ tissue, and even blood volume). The real issue: Do you want lower the number on the scale or permanently burn fat?

Long-term health lies in fat loss, which can only occur at 1/2 to 2 pounds per week. This is why quick weight loss is always followed by quick weight gain.

10. Dieting leads to new problems or compounds old ones.

If you are concerned with your weight and health, you don't need new problems. Many popular diets cause fatigue, low energy, loss of sleep, depression, stress and erratic mood swings. Who needs that, especially when the dieting effort doesn't solve the weight issue in a permanent way?

Your best indicator that you are eating well is how you feel. Your best approach to weight loss is an individual one that takes your preferences, lifestyle, needs and attitudes into consideration.

Be kind to your body. It's the only one you'll ever have. Give it the fuel and exercise it needs on a consistent basis -- and it will stabilize at a comfortable, reasonable weight.

Acne Myths

Myth #1 - Acne is caused by eating the wrong foods

Fact: There are no wrong foods. Chocolate and french fries may be considered notorious villains when it comes to acne, but after numerous scientific studies no evidence has been found to link diet to acne.

Dermatologists do advise, however, that if you notice a tendency to break out after eating a certain food, reduce or eliminate it from your diet and see if it helps reduce your acne.

So while you won't have to give up your favorite snack, remember that a well-balanced diet is good for overall health.

Myth #2 - Acne is caused by poor hygiene

Fact: It's not poor hygiene, it's hormones. In fact, washing your face too often or too vigorously can actually make your acne worse.

The real culprits are hormonal imbalances that appear at puberty and occasionally at different stages of adult life including pregnancy and menopause. Whatever the age though, the outcome is the same: excess production of skin oils or sebum. Match that up to increased shedding of dead skin cells and you have clogged pores and the resulting pimples on a clean face.

Gently wash your face in the morning and evening with a mild cleanser and then pat it dry. Scrubbing or rubbing your face can lead to dry skin and irritated acne. That means delayed healing and worse, more breakouts. So treat your skin with care to help it heal. If you exercise hard and sweat a lot you may want to wash your face afterwards.

Myth #3- Acne is a cosmetic disease

Fact: It's true that acne does affect how we look and at the same time does not pose a serious threat to our physical health. In that sense you can call it a cosmetic disease. On the other hand, acne can lead to permanent physical scarring. It can also seriously affect the way some people feel about themselves and how they interact with others. This invisible side of acne can express itself in feelings of embarrassment, frustration or depression and result in decreased self-esteem and social withdrawal.

Myth #4 - You should not wear makeup if you have acne

Fact: Looking your best can make you feel your best so you'll be glad to know that you actually can wear makeup if you have acne. Just remember, try to use cosmetic and skin care products that are labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic (won't clog pores or cause breakouts). Some concealers contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both ingredients help to fight acne. You might also find that tinted acne-fighting creams can help get rid of pimples while hiding them. You may have noticed more and more skin care products labeled "organic," "all natural" or "herbal" coming onto the market. However, these cosmetics may, in fact, clog pores and make your acne worse. Stop using any cosmetic or skin care product that seems to be irritating your skin or causing breakouts. Talk with your dermatologist to see what adjustments can be made to improve your treatment and speed you on your way to clear, healthy skin.

Myth #5 - Stress causes acne

Fact: Your regular, every day variety of stress is not an important factor in acne. Rather, some drugs used to treat severe stress may cause acne as a side effect. If you think your acne is caused by a medication prescribed for stress or depression, you should talk to your doctor.

Myth #6 - You should not shave if you have acne

Fact: You can, in fact, shave. Be sure to use either a safety or electric razor and be attentive to your skin. Shave lightly around blemishes to avoid nicking the skin and inviting irritation and infection. Remember to replace your safety razor on a regular basis.

Myth #7 - Acne is a problem only for teenagers

Fact: It is true that most teenagers have acne and that many cases will clear up during a person's early 20s. Sometimes, however, acne can persist into the 30s and 40s. A large percentage (82%) of both the men and women with severe acne reported that it was a carry over from their teen years. Others develop acne for the first time as adults. Treatment during your teen years may minimize scarring and improve your acne before you hit your 20s.

Myth #8 - Acne appears only on the face

Fact: Acne can occur on many parts of the body. It is common for people to have acne on their back, chest and neck. These areas of the body have a high concentration of oil glands just as the face does. Body acne can be treated just as successfully as facial acne.

Myth #9 - Getting a tan will help clear up acne

Fact: You may be tempted to get some rays since a tan can minimize your blemishes and make your skin feel drier, but getting a tan will make your acne worse in the long run. Sunbathing dries your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil exuded from the pores). In addition, sun exposed skin sloughs old cells more frequently. And that's the formula for clogged pores and acne.

Tanning makes your skin age prematurely and can put you at a much greater risk for skin cancer. So anytime you're going to be outside, be sure to use a noncomedogenic sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 protection level.

Myth #10 - Washing your face a lot will help get rid of pimples

Fact: Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. It's good to wash your face each day to get rid of dead skin cells, excess oil and surface dirt, but washing your face more than once or twice a day can be too much of a good thing.

If you wash too frequently or too abrasively you can dry and irritate your skin into more breakouts. So don't scrub or rub. Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser no more than once or twice a day and pat it dry with care.

Myth #11 - Popping pimples will make them go away faster

Fact: No matter how tempting, you should not scratch, pick, squeeze or pop a pimple. Doing so may push bacteria from the pimple further into the skin, causing more inflammation. Popping a pimple may also cause brown or red scars to appear that can last for months or worse yet, popping pimples can cause dents and pits that can last forever.

Myth #12 - Using extra acne medication will make your acne go away faster

Fact: More is not necessarily better. In fact, it can worsen your acne. Many over-the-counter acne treatments contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Too much of either of these can cause your skin to become excessively dry or irritated which in turn may lead to more blemishes. Results are generally seen in a few weeks, but may take up to 8 weeks or more. Use the medication exactly as directed, and if you don't see any improvement talk with your dermatologist.

Myth #13 - All acne medications are the same

Fact: All acne medications are not created equal. It is important to know that over-the- counter acne products and prescription medications all contain different active ingredients. Each product or drug is designed to target a specific cause of acne and degree of severity as well as to accommodate a given skin type. Some acne treatments reduce oiliness, others decrease the amount of dead skin cells that are shed and still others attack the bacteria responsible for the breakouts, Propionibacterium acnes, (P. acnes). Some medications combine two or more acne-busting agents to attack multiple causes of acne. Over-the-counter and prescription medications come in various forms that can make a difference in their effectiveness and your comfort. They can be topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (taken orally). Oral medications are available by prescription only. Acne products and medications can come as creams, lotions, gels, solutions, pads and foam. Creams and lotions provide moisture and are generally better for people with sensitive or dry skin, while gels and solutions may be best for people who live in hot, humid climates or who have oily skin. Foam offers increased spreadability. If you have difficulty finding the right acne-fighting product for your skin, talk with your dermatologist who can steer you in the right direction.

Myth #14 - Acne medication should only be put right on top of the blemish

Fact: Spot treatment may work on reducing an existing blemish, but it won't treat new breakouts. Apply a thin layer of your topical medication over all the areas where there are breakouts to treat and eliminate both visible and invisible lesions.

Myth #15 - Oily skin is the main cause of pimples

Fact: Oily skin is just one of the causes of pimples. The other contributing factors include rapid and irregular shedding of dead skin cells, the presence of a normal skin bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and inflammation.

The hormonal onset of puberty signals the onset of acne. Hormones cause the sebaceous glands to exude oil through the pores and increase the rate at which dead skin cells are shed. The accumulating skin cells and oil stick together and form a soft plug that clogs the skin pore. This mixture of oil and cells makes a perfect environment for the growth of a normal skin bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). The bacteria multiplies inside the clogged pore and causes the inflammation that you experience as redness and heat.

Myth #16- Blackheads are caused by dirt

Fact: That is not dirt you are looking at and it cannot be scrubbed away. Whiteheads and blackheads are simply pores that have become plugged with a mixture of oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads reside just below the surface of the skin while blackheads are enlarged plugs that have pushed through the skin's surface. The material inside the pore turns dark when it is exposed to the air.

Myth #17 - You must let acne run its course

Fact: Acne can be treated and you can have healthy skin. With all the acne products available today there is absolutely no reason to endure acne or to allow untreated acne to result in scars. If you are frustrated with the acne treatments you've tried, talk with a dermatologist to help you find the right therapy and get you on track for clear skin.

Myth #18 - Acne is contagious

Fact: Acne is a result of hormonal influences and is not contagious.

Myth #19 - Acne can't be controlled

Fact: Acne can definitely be controlled. There is a wide range of both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne medicines currently available. And while some OTC products may be more effective than others, dermatologists have acne treatments that are available by prescription which may heal existing blemishes and treat new ones. With a little patience and attention, you may enjoy clear, healthy skin.

Myth #20 - If the pimples do not clear up in a day or two, the medication is not working

Fact: Be patient. Healing acne takes time. It is important to be realistic when you are trying to find a successful acne treatment. Don't be tempted by overnight promises, you want to look for the best treatment.

Simple whiteheads or blackheads can be cleared up in days or weeks. More serious lesions may take longer to heal.

Source :- www.acnemedicine.com

How To Quit Smoking Effectively

QUIT SMOKING

Introduction

§ If u want to quit smoking, this article was written especially for you.

§ The lessons you learn here will not only help you prepare to stop, they will help you through the early days and weeks and for months after quitting.

§ By the time you have finished reading this article you should feel confident you are really ready to quit and succeed.

§ THE MOST IMPORTANT THING REQUIRED – a deep seated desire to quit.

Do You Really Want To Quit Smoking?
To quit smoking successfully, it helps if you understand why you smoke. Identifying the reasons is a very important aspect of this topic.

Lets define what it means to quit smoking. It means "resisting the urge to smoke even one cigarette, despite the cravings, the habit, pressure or your own emotional reasons.

The most common reasons smokers give for smoking are:

Pleasure: ‘I enjoy smoking’, ‘Relaxation’

For a boost: mental or Physical

Habit: the being used to doing things while smoking

Addiction: to satisfy nicotine cravings

Peer/social: pressure or to feel part of the crowd

Emotion: feelings such as stress, anger, anxiety etc.

Think about the reasons mentioned above every time you light a cigarette. It is also useful to rate how much you need each of them e.g

1. I don’t really need it
2. I need it
3. I have to have one

Keep records in a book and tally how many cigarettes you could have gone without and how many you really need to smoke.
Whatever reasons you have, they need to be good enough to motivate you through any difficult spells you have. Again jot down your reasons for wanting to quit. They will come handy for making your quitting plan. If you want to quit smoking it will mean life without cigarettes.

What Chemicals Do Cigarettes Contain?
Tobacco smoke contains 4,000 different chemicals many of which are harmful; 43 of which are known to cause cancer in humans. To name a few chemicals, they are:

Benzene(petrol additive)
Ammonia(toilet cleaner)
Acetone(nail polish remover)
Tar
Nicotine(insecticide/addictive drug)
Carbon monoxide(CO)
Arsenic(rat poison)

Effects of Smoking
§ One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Half of these deaths will occur in middle age.

§ Lung cancer from smoking is caused by the tar in tobacco smoke. Men who smoke are ten times more likely to die from lung cancer than non-smokers.

§ Cigarettes are full of chemicals and poisons.

§ Smoking causes disease and is a slow way to die. The strain put on your body by smoking.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Time - Benefits of Quitting Smoking

20 min - Blood pressure and pulse return to normal

8hrs - Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half. Oxygen levels return to normal

24 hrs - Lungs start to clear out mucous and other smoking debris.

48 hrs - There is no nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hrs - Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2 – 12 weeks - Circulation improves..

3 – 9 months - Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung functions are increased by up to 10%

5 yrs - Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 yrs - Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Dealing With Stress When You Quit Smoking
Most smokers find that they tend to smoke when faced with stressful situations. Nicotine affects the chemicals in your brain and, after a puff, you usually feel good for a moment or two.

Try and keep yourself busy by doing something else.

I f you do feel anxious take a few deep breaths by inhaling and then exhaling slowly. Simply going for a walk to the park will make you feel good and relax you.

Learn to accept those situations where you really can’t do anything about your problem.

Coping with Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are common when you stop smoking. Your body reacts that way when it stops getting nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco smoke.

Most common symptoms are:

Cravings. Each lasts 3-5 minutes, and may be strong. Cravings will lessen overtime.

Headaches (occasional), indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea, and sore throats rarely. Try usual over the counter remedies for the symptoms.

Insomnia and an increased tendency to dream.

Tea and coffee contain caffeine and, without nicotine, your body absorbs much more of this stimulant, which can make you restless, irritable and sleepless for a while. Consider coffee substitutes, water, fruit juice and caffeine-free cola drinks.

Coughing most commonly caused by the cilia that line your lungs cleaning out the tar and mucus.
Irritability, anxiety or depression are closely connected to the physical action of nicotine leaving your body and will lessen over 1-3 weeks.

Increased appetite and possible weight gain.

Tiredness and lack of concentration. Try and relax during the first few weeks, any tiredness will pass. Take a short walk to improve concentration.

Coping with Cravings
The first few days after you quit can be the hardest.

CONGRATULATE yourself everytime you beat the urge to smoke.

Take 3 or 4 breaths. Breath in slowly through the nose and fill your lungs, then breathe out again slowly through your mouth.

Keep busy. Take your mind off smoking by going for a walk, doing an odd job around the home or call a friend or relative.

Staying stopped
First of all, if you have quit – WELL DONE!

Once you have quit, you will find that you think about cigarettes less and less. The urge to smoke will dwindle away.

Do try and think of yourself as a non-smoker from day one. Staying stopped will make you healthier and wealthier in the long term.

Refuse all offers of cigarettes. The ‘just one’ will lead to others and straight back to regular smoking. Remember that if you stay focused no one can change your decision.