Conditions + Treatments

Kegel exercises, named after Dr. Arnold Kegel, the gynecologist who invented them, have long been thought of as exercises for women. However they serve a purpose for men as well. The exercises, when performed correctly and practiced regularly, are an effective method for treating incontinence and improving sex lives.

Diet has a major influence on anyone’s day-to-day life, but this influence can be even greater in those who are suffering from a mental illness such as manic depression or bipolar disorder. Foods can alter moods, from lifting one’s spirits to making one hostile, and foods that are eaten regularly can even have an effect on one’s personality. Because of this, there are several types of foods which can be used to help bring someone down when she is in a manic state and to assist her in maintaining a better mental and emotional balance overall.

Peripheral arterial disease affects between 8 and 12 million Americans, mostly over the age of 50, according to the Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition. Many assume the symptoms of this disease are simply signs of increasing age. That can be a serious mistake as PAD often leads to stroke, heart attack or limb amputation.

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when your body is constantly exposed to as high level of the steroid hormone cortisol. The most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome is use of glucocorticoids. While rare, Cushing’s syndrome can be caused by tumors on your adrenal, pituitary or endocrine glands. These tumors create an excess of cortisol in your body that develops into Cushing’s syndrome.

Chapped skin can be painful to the touch and very itchy, but the more you scratch, the more damage you will do to your skin. Luckily, there are several remedies that will relieve you of the discomfort associated with chapped skin.

Anemia is a condition in which the red blood cell count is lower than normal. It can be the result of reduced hemoglobin in the red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. As a result, the body doesn’t get the oxygen-rich blood it needs, leaving those with anemia feeling lethargic and chronically tired. Hemoglobin is a protein-rich iron substance that is a prescribed remedy for those suffering from anemia. Clinically, there are cues that can trigger an anemia diagnosis.

Bed-wetting occurs when involuntary bladder evacuation occurs during sleep. Children primarily experience this condition, but it can also afflict adults. Treatment for bed-wetting is oftentimes behavioral based, but there are cases when medication is prescribed. Medication to prevent bed-wetting is taken orally in pill form and can be used by adults and children with equal effectiveness. Three medications are currently in use, each preventing involuntary urination by a different means.

Allergies are caused by a number of reasons but often occur due to pollen and animals. Allergy medications block symptoms associated with histamine. Many allergy medications are available in pills, liquids and sprays. Some allergy medication can be bought over-the-the counter while others are prescribed.

Bromelain is an enzyme found naturally in the flesh and stem of the pineapple, a fruit native to mostly Central and South America. This enzyme is accredited with many health benefits and is known primarily for its protein-digesting and anti-inflammatory properties. While pineapple is available year round in grocery stores in fresh, frozen and canned varieties, most people take advantage of the healing properties of bromelain through supplements.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that occurs when bones become weaker and extremely brittle. Bones affected by osteoporosis are easily fractured. Osteoporosis is most often the result of deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus. In women, osteoporosis can also occur as a result of bone loss associated with menopause. Osteoporosis can affect both men and women; however, women are more likely to suffer from fractures. Individuals with osteoporosis may experience back pain and fractures of the hips, vertebrae and wrists.

There are many natural-forming salts and mineral crystal compounds available for use in home detoxification baths. Although all salts have the ability to draw out toxins from the body, there are some salts that are better for certain conditions than other salts. You can use salts for detox by themselves in your bath water or use a combination of different bath salts to utilize the healing properties of several salts at one time.

Peeling skin can be a result of medication, sun damage, increased perspiration or a skin infection. Although unsightly and often annoying, peeling skin can usually be relieved by a few tried-and-true methods. Peeling skin is hardly ever a serious concern unless it has become excessive. In that case, it’s time to make a trip to your doctor.

According to MedicineNet.com, oxygen bars were first introduced to the United States in the 1990s. Although there have been no scientific studies supporting the benefits of breathing in concentrated oxygen through a plastic hose, many people claim that oxygen bars increase energy, reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation. Oxygen bars are so popular that you can now buy personal units to use at home. Most portable oxygen bars cost less than $500 and can be conveniently purchased online. There are also companies that sell oxygen bars for up to eight people.

Topical scar treatment is ideal for anyone who has some superficial scars she wants to make less noticeable. Though less effective than alternatives such as laser treatment, topical scar treatment is cheaper and has fewer side effects. Topical scar treatment works better with newly formed scars and generally works to either help smooth the appearance of the scar or help it resemble normal skin.

Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection that causes areas of the skin to turn red, swell up and become tender to the touch. Because cellulitis can get in the bloodstream and lymph nodes, the infection has the ability to spread quickly through the body, and if left untreated, can become life-threatening. Because the bacteria enters through a crack or cut in the skin, there are certain things you can do to prevent it.

Coeliac disease–more commonly spelled celiac disease and also called gluten-sensitive enteropathy, celiac sprue and nontropical sprue–is an incurable yet treatable genetic disorder characterized by an abnormal immune-system reaction to ingesting the protein gluten. According to the National Institutes of Health, coeliac disease is found worldwide, and more than 2 million Americans have it.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), arrhythmias are “disorders of the regular rhythmic beating of the heart”. Any change from the normal order of electrical impulses is defined as arrhythmia. These pulsations may occur too rapidly, too slowly or irregularly. There are treatments available to manage the four types of arrhythmias.

Lice that infect people come in three varieties: head lice, body lice and public lice (crabs). If you’re seeking a home remedy for louse treatment, it helps to understand that these are only effective when used in conjunction with traditional medical treatment methods.

In 1989, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) began the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. NAEPP was initiated to help patients, physicians and the general public learns more about asthma. The goal of the organization is to decrease the number of asthma-related deaths as well as help those living with the disease improve their quality of life.

For over 2000 years, leeches have been placed on the human body to provide relief from various medical conditions. During the medieval ages, leeches were used in bloodletting in an attempt to restore the body’s four “humors.” Now, however, modern science has proved that the saliva from a leech bite provides a powerful anti-coagulant agent useful in the treatment of hypertension, as well as a host of other cardiovascular ailments. Because leech saliva contains the enzyme Hirudin capable of producing these anti-clotting properties, and there is a significant loss of blood during the therapy, “hypovolemic hemodilution” may occur, which directly lessens the pressure along blood vessel walls. This, in turn, may reduce the overall blood pressure of the hypertensive patient.

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery exercises have the goal of reducing your knee swelling, regaining a full range of motion to your knee, and restoring your knee’s balance. They also are designed to strengthen your leg muscles in order to both help you live a functioning lifestyle as well as preventing your chances of future injury.

Rose oil has many uses, not least of which is as a relaxing, soothing massage oil. Its fragrance also eases anger, fear and depression, and some use it to relieve heart problems, eczema, stress and high blood pressure. It can be used for skin conditions, as a bath oil, as a perfume, as an aphrodisiac and for menstrual problems.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious auto-immune disorder that affects the skin and joints. The five types of psoriasis are: erythrodermic, guttate, inverse, plaque and pustular. Visible manifestations include severe redness of the skin, flaking and in extreme cases, silver-white patches referred to as scales. The affliction is believed to have a genetic foundation but is also influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. Fortunately, there are oral treatments that have proven themselves effective at treating the disease.

Sore throats can be tough to deal with. While they are often attributed to some illness or another, they also occur randomly. Sometimes one’s throat just hurts. When throat pain occurs without warning it can be tough to know how to cure it, but it is possible and you don’t always have to see a doctor for a prescription. There are some effective home remedies for sore throats that are always worth a try before you fork out the money for a professional medical opinion.

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that is produced by the body to build and maintain connective tissue. It is also called hyaluron and is present outside the cells (extracellular matrix) in most animals. Hyaluronic acid is an essential component for cells to continue growing normally because it helps bring water into the cells. It supports protein synthesis, which provides structure for the skin (as collagen) and cartilage. Treatments containing hyaluronic acid have been effective in skin rejuvenation, wound healing and joint repair.

Home remedies for coughing may use common foods, drinks, supplements and steam to relieve the symptoms and pain from coughing. Using home remedies to relieve coughing may require some time to prepare teas or purchase herbs. Some home remedies may include ingredients that may only be found at specialty stores or online.

A lesson plan geared toward the instruction of a mental disorder can increase a student’s understanding of the disorder through the relevant vocabulary, the history, the criteria of the disorder in the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision), case studies, possible treatments and current research. The use of a good textbook concerning mental disorders (such as an abnormal psychology textbook) can significantly aid lesson plans.

The grape is known to have many health and medicinal value. Grape leaves have been used as bandages, wines have been known to reduce cholesterol levels and even the sap is known to cure skin diseases. However, it is the grape seed extract that holds the powerful benefits to cancer.

Parasites are transferred very easily and grow at a rapid pace. A routine parasite colon cleanse is recommended every 4 to 6 months, or especially when you notice parasites in your stool, or after traveling to other parts of the world with which you are unfamiliar.

Cold sores or fever blisters are often difficult to know how to deal with. If you get cold sores and fever blisters, follow these steps.

One of the vital signs that the doctor or nursing assistant takes at each doctor’s visit is blood pressure. Blood pressure is a value used to measure the force created by circulating blood as it moves through the arteries of the body. Monitoring blood pressure allows medical professionals to evaluate if a patient may have a problem with hypertension or hypo-tension.

Cancer treatment plans are an individual decision based upon personal beliefs and the location and type of cancer. After consulting with a qualified physician, you must decide between traditional or alternative treatment. The most common treatment plans used today are those that seek to eradicate the cancer by removing it or killing the cancer cells.

Colds and flu viruses have no known cure. The best approach is to simply ride them out. Relieving many of the key symptoms–sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion and runny nose among them- -will alleviate suffering. Here are a number of natural methods approved by the AMA and most medical organizations.

According to the National Institutes of Health, uncontrolled high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. High blood pressure is more common as people age, and it may be controlled by changing personal behaviors and with prescription medications.

Vitamin O is a liquid form of molecular oxygen created and encapsulated into a supplement. It can have positive effects in treating cancer as well as other diseases, such as HIV, AIDS and heart disease. Although these claims have been debated, many say that this type of oxygen therapy has been helpful in their treatment.

Hemorrhoids are veins located around the anal/rectum region that are swollen and protrude in small, sac-like formations from that area of the body. Causes for this problem can be attributed to such things as heavy lifting, coughing, constipation, sitting for extended periods of time, straining when trying to have a bowel movement, pregnancy, obesity or lack of fiber in your diet. Symptoms may involve burning, pain, bleeding, itching and swelling. Going to the bathroom can be very uncomfortable, due to hemorrhoids. There are a number of natural remedies that may aid in helping to bring you relief from your symptoms and assist in the healing process.

Colitis, also commonly called ulcerative colitis, is a disease that affects the bowels. Colitis results in inflammation of the lining of the large intestine, the colon and the rectum in the majority of cases. Symptoms include abdominal pain from severe cramping, blood in the stool (which can become very loose) and loss of weight. The medications used to treat colitis focus on improving the symptoms, as there is no cure.

Oxygen therapy has become a fairly popular mode of treatment allowing people to lead more productive, active and healthier lives. Those suffering from chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma and congestive heart failure may benefit from oxygen therapy at home. A physician must write a prescription if oxygen therapy is to be undertaken at home. The flow rate, how much oxygen is needed per minute, and when it is needed are all detailed in the prescription. A blood test is advised and will indicate the oxygen level and help determine what the patient’s needs.

High blood pressure affects more than 65 million Americans. Younger and younger men are finding themselves on the borderline of being hypertensive. But what is the normal blood pressure for young men, and what can they do to prevent high blood pressure later in life?

Who wants to shake hands when your hands are sweaty? Sweaty hands, otherwise known as palmar hyperhidrosis, are usually not so much a medical issue as a social one. Luckily, there are a few natural treatments for this problem.

Many men have what is called a low sperm count (Oligospermia), which is a form of male infertility. A normal sperm count is 20 million/ml or more sperm per milliliter of semen. Anything less than 20 million is considered a low sperm count. There are many causes for a low sperm count such as stress, obesity, infections, genetic reasons, wearing tight-fitting jeans and underwear, taking very hot baths and being exposed to environmental pollution and toxic chemicals. Luckily, there are treatment options available for this disorder, but you must first visit your doctor for an evaluation and lab tests.

Postnasal drip is a common condition where the sinus cavity empties into the back of throat and into the stomach. Healthy sinuses are constantly producing a thin layer of mucus that keeps them moist and clean, but when the sinus cavity becomes irritated it overproduces and thickens the mucus, causing discomfort and excessive drainage. Postnasal drip can affect people differently. Some experience it on a daily basis, while others may only experience the condition during a cold or allergic reaction.

As men grow older, their bodies begin to manufacture less of the hormone testosterone. When testosterone levels drop, less sperm is produced and this leads to a subsequent reduction in the sex drive. The reduction in libido can lead to depression, anxiety and general feelings of physical weakness. Natural testosterone replacement therapy can aid in the recovery from this imbalance. Affordable, accessible and simple to use; select combinations of vitamins, minerals and herbs can help the body function at its peak while facilitating a return to wellness and vitality.

Earaches are no fun. They are also dangerous if left untreated. So before I share this recipe for my earache oil, I need to tell you to make sure you go to the doctor right away and get the medication you need. However, sometimes I have an earache in the middle of the night and the doctor’s office doesn’t open until the morning. I’ll apply the oil at night and see if I feel any better. I still go to the doctor, however, even if the earache is gone–and so should you–just to be safe.

Apple cider vinegar is used to treat various health issues, including psoriasis. It makes sense because as a treatment, it can be used to treat a condition from the inside out. Psoriasis is considered to be a chronic condition that occurs when the body’s skin cells build up, maturing at a very rapid rate.

The maca plant is grown in the Andes mountains of Peru. After it is roasted, the root of the plant tastes like butterscotch. Maca contains essential fatty acids and a high nutritional content. It is considered something of a nutritional powerhouse when it comes to stabilizing the body and helping both women and men combat physical problems as well as memory loss. Legend has it that during the Incan Empire, the soldiers consumed maca before going to war because it gave them strength and endurance; however, they were banned from taking it at other times in order to protect women who had been taken into captivity from their sexual impulses, which were powerful due to their maca consumption.

Skin moles are types of lesions that can be present at birth or develop over time. Most skin moles are benign, but some are a sign of skin cancer. Even if you do not have a problem mole, you may want to remove it for aesthetic reasons. Maybe it is highly visible or in an inconvenient place. Surgical mole removal can be expensive, so many people try to remove them at home. Hydrogen peroxide can help in your mole removal.

Dealing with facial scars can make some feel less attractive. However, there are natural remedies that may be right in the kitchen pantry or in the bathroom medicine cabinet. If not, a quick trip to the local grocery can start the process of naturally lightening facial scars.

If you ever get toenail fungus, don’t let it go unchecked. Worst case is you can lose your nail after it becomes warped and discolored. Or the infection can enter your bloodstream. The fungus growing under your nail is a microscopic organism that can cause infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Worst cases may require prescribed medication, but if you catch the fungus soon enough, there are simple home remedies that may restore your nail to health with some dedicated time and attention.

Mentholatum ointment is a topical analgesic. It contains active ingredients of 9 percent camphor and 1.3 percent menthol, while the inactive ingredients are the fragrance parfum, petrolatum and titanium dioxide. It is approved for use on anyone 2 or older. As of November 2010, 1 oz. of Mentholatum ointment costs about $2.29 and 3 oz. retails for about $6.79.