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Altitude and safety on Kilimanjaro

Thursday, January 29, 2009
Many prospective climbers as the question "Why is it that a few tourists die on Kilimanjaro. What action should I take to avoid altitude sickness and make sure I am not one of them?"

Be fit and take your assent slowly whilst drinking a lot of water. Anyone is can get altitude sickness and your guide will watch for the signs.

Pre-climb try to stay as high as you can so your body is starting to acclimatize.

Most climbers feel the effects of altitude, a shortness of breath and headache. When these symptoms worsen then they become what is know a AMS, Acute Mountain Sickness. The most effective treatment is by immediately taking the affected person to a lower altitude, a drop as little as 500m will be usually be enough. The symptoms of AMS, in the order they normally present: headaches, nausea, anorexia, exhaustion, lassitude, rapid pulse, insomnia, swelling of the extremities and reduced urine output.

By drinking at least 3-4 liters of water every day you will give yourself the best chance of making it to the top. Preventative medicine such as Diamox is also available. You should consult your physician for advice before visiting a foreign country . Fluid build-up may cause a condition known as oedema. This can affect the lungs (pulmonary) by reducing oxygen exchange, or effect the brain (cerebral) which causes the swelling of brain tissue. The latter can be lethal if not treated promptly.

Acclimatization is critical. An extra acclimatization day spent on your climb is very worthwhile. I would recommend spending the extra money as it significantly increases your chance of success in reaching Uhuru Peak. Tell your guide if you: feel tired, vomit or if you are passing blood. These are all indications of Mountain sickness. If you begin to suffer seriously then you need to get to a lower altitude as fast as possible. Do not try to tough it out by hanging on thinking you will be fine, get down the mountain as quickly as possible or you could die.

Another potential risk on Kilimanjaro is hypothermia. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body's core temperature. As with altitude sickness prevention is preferable to cure. There is no such thing as too cold, just the wrong clothing. Try not to allow your clothes to get wet. The treatment for hypothermia is relatively simple. Get the victim into a sheltered area as quickly as possible, remove all wet clothing and place the casualty inside a sleeping bags with another person to help heat them up.

Sleeping Properly

Thursday, January 22, 2009
Many people these days are facing sleeping disorders and disturbed sleep. Insomnia is becoming a problem with many individuals.

One can enjoy a good sleep just by following a few simple things and being more careful about avoiding a few. One thing that most people often do is watch television before going to bed. This is a strict no-no. Watching movies and programs stimulate the brain and it becomes difficult to sleep easily after that. It is better if one keeps the television set outside of the bed room.
On the other hand meditation and relaxation are good for sleep. They help to calm and ease the mind of all the day to day worries. Subtle music like sounds of nature can also have a soothing effect.

Eating right before going to bed is a bad habit. Snacks and sweets increase the level of sugar in the blood when consumed. This raises the energy levels and disrupts sound sleep. Many at times if after sleeping this level of sugar falls down, this will generally cause one to get up in the middle of the night and falling back to sleep will be difficult.

Melatonin is produced by the pineal glands in the body and this, along with serotonin, aids in sleeping as they have drooping effects. If there is light or noise in the room in which one is sleeping then the production of these hormones by the pineal gland gets obstructed. So one should keep the room as dark as possible.

If one enjoys reading before going to bed then care needs to be taken regarding the type of text that one is reading. Mystery and thriller novels should be avoided as they will stimulate the brain. However it is good to read religious and self motivation books as they help in calming down the mind. Spiritual books will have soothing effects. Bed linen used should be soft and comfortable including the mattress and the pillows. Do not compromise on their quality even if they are a little expensive.

Chiropractic Care Assists People with ADHD and Asthma

Thursday, January 15, 2009
ADHD: A Common Diagnosis

Often first noticed by teachers, ADHD is one of the most commonly-diagnosed conditions among children. Most often ADHD is treated with RitalinĀ®. However, a recent report on the June 15, CBS Early Show recommended chiropractic as a potential treatment option for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

During the program, medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton noted that some studies have shown alternative treatments such as chiropractic and dietary changes to be beneficial for children with ADHD.

The report stemmed from a recently-released study in The American Journal of Psychiatry suggesting that children and teens who take stimulants like RitalinĀ® for ADHD have an increased risk for sudden cardiac death; however, the FDA says the study has major limitations.

Parents Turn to Chiropractic Care

When asked about the use of drugs to treat ADHD, Dr. David Nygaard, a chiropractor who practices in Asheville, North Carolina said, "RitalinĀ® is a schedule-II controlled substance related to, and producing similar effects as, amphetamines and cocaine. The side effects include personality changes and permanent changes to the brain. This has many parents rightly concerned and wisely seeking alternatives. More and more parents are turning to chiropractic care."

As Dr. Ashton stated, making nutritional and lifestyle changes can positively impact those who suffer from ADHD. Dr. Nygaard recommends ruling out any environmental factors by reducing your child's exposure to some common substances. "Remove food dyes, preservatives and additives from the diet. Focus on natural, organic foods grown without pesticides or herbicides. Then determine if an allergy could be involved such as dairy or gluten and eliminate any allergens from your child's environment. Eliminate all sugars and artificial sweeteners. Reduce the use of cleaning agents, detergents, fabric softeners and other chemicals. These are wise choices whether your child has symptoms associated with ADHD or not."

Many are now viewing ADHD as a neurological disorder instead of a chemical balance. Chiropractic care helps to reduce any disturbances in the nervous system allowing the brain and body to function normally. Dr. Nygaard has noticed a connection between atlas or upper cervical misalignment and ADHD. "We almost always see problems caused by spinal distortions in the neck, and at the base of the skull at the atlas level."

A chiropractic examination can reveal any spinal distortions. Over time chiropractic adjustments can reduce or even resolve spinal problems reducing strain on the nervous system safely without the use of drugs.

Asthma: Spinal Health Improves Breathing

Equally alarming as the rate of children diagnosed with ADHD is the number of children developing asthma. Children are exposed to a barrage of chemicals along with molds and other allergens that can hinder respiratory health. Chiropractic care, though not a cure for asthma can help support respiratory health by allowing the lungs to operate in peak condition. Dr. Nygaard explained the connection between spinal health and respiratory function. He says that, "Your diaphragm is the primary muscle used for breathing. Nerves that control each breath leave your brain and exit the spinal cord in the mid-neck (C3, C4 and C5) area. Spinal problems in this area can have a profound effect on the nerve supply to the diaphragm. Reducing subluxations in the spine can help to restore proper nervous system control of the lungs and improved function can begin. "

Breathing Easier

Numerous studies, including those conducted by the Michigan Chiropractic Council and a recent study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research show that chiropractic care can reduce the number of attacks asthmatics experience, their severity and potentially reduce or eliminate the need for prescription drugs. Dr. Nygaard attributes this to improved nervous system control of the lungs. "If nerves controlling the diaphragm and lungs are unimpaired, breathing is easier and more of your lung capacity can be utilized," he explains.

As parents search for safe and natural ways to ease the suffering of their children, it is comforting to know that non-invasive, drug-free options like chiropractic adjustments are available. Some of the most common childhood ailments can be addressed with something as simple as a trip to the local chiropractor.

For more information, visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net

How to Find a Short Term Health Insurance Policy

Thursday, January 8, 2009
If you are in the market for short term health insurance policy it is important that you know what you are trying to find. This is a decision that is essential to your future. Even though short term health insurance will only last for a year at the most, you still need to take the buying process very seriously. Anytime you are dealing with insurance it is ideal to get the best policy for your money.

To find the best short term health insurance you need to know what you are looking for. Do you want a policy that rivals what you had in the past? Or do you want short term health insurance that is as cheap as possible? Some people don't care about how much coverage they have as long as they are getting it for cheap and have something that will protect them against a large amount of medical bills.

When shopping for a short term health insurance policy you should definitely use the internet. This gives you the ability to do many things including finding companies that offer short term health insurance, receiving free quotes, and then applying when you are ready. You can even make your first payment online when you are ready.

Even though you may be in a rush to buy short term health insurance make sure you take your time during the selection process. There are a lot of companies offering many types of short term health insurance with multiple variables. Take your time so you buy the right one.

Is Kratom Legal?

Thursday, January 1, 2009
There are many countries in which Kratom is illegal as well as some that you can use this herbal product without having to worry about anything. It is very important to know where you can and cannot use Kratom to ensure that you do not get into any trouble with the law.

Kratom is illegal in the following countries: Australia, Malaysia, Finland, Thailand, and Myanmar. If you live in any of these countries and are interested in using or buying Kratom you are out of luck. Despite the health benefits that this product offers, you need to realize that the law does not allow it.

Fortunately, almost every other country has made Kratom legal. This includes many countries within Europe as well as the United States. So if you live in the United States and want to use Kratom all you have to do is find a reputable supplier and you will be well on your way. Of course, the status of Kratom changes from time to time so make sure you know what you are doing. You never know when a country is going to ban this product. For instance, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration is keeping a close watch on Kratom. In fact, they have added the product to its list of Drugs and Chemicals of Concern. This may result in Kratom being made illegal in the United States in the near future.

As you can see, Kratom is legal in many parts of the world but not everywhere. Be sure of the laws in your country to ensure that you do not break them by purchasing or taking Kratom.