Conditions + Treatments

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a term that describes a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood. This results in a decrease of blood to other organs, limiting their ability to carry out essential body functions. CHF can develop in several situations, including narrowed arteries, the presence of scar tissue from a past heart attack, high blood pressure or heart valve disease. To effectively treat CHF, the underlying reason must be determined and corrected if possible.

Often occurring as a result of a cold, influenza, allergies or as a reaction to irritants, nasal and throat congestion can be serious in young children and infants, but in adults it usually is more annoying. With a little effort, you will be breathing clear in no time.

Restylane is an injectable dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid in gel particles. It is FDA-approved for mid to deep injection to fill facial wrinkles and folds and is considered safe to use. A dermatologist or cosmetic or plastic surgeon can employ the different formulations of Restylane to achieve desired results during a non-surgical office visit. Restylane does not contain animal products and hyaluronic acid is absorbed by the body over time. As a sub-dermal injection, dangers from Restylane arise from injection site and depth and accurate placement of the dermal filler. Overcorrection is also not possible once injected.

Restylane is the brand name for an injectable dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid in gel particles. Restylane is administered by physicians—primarily cosmetic and plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Restylane has been approved by the FDA for use in wrinkles and fine lines. Hyalouronic acid is naturally produced by the body and, as a dermal filler, assists in reducing signs of aging. Restylane contains bacterial proteins and comes in different formulations, based on the size of the gel particle to meet the treatment plan and goal.

Communicating with someone with cerebral palsy can be simple or challenging, depending on the individual with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can be any number of neurological disorders that affect body movement and muscle coordination. Two-thirds of people with CP are mentally challenged. Others may be deaf or have trouble controlling mouth and jaw movements. All this can make speaking difficult for somebody with cerebral palsy. A person with CP may use communication aids, like computers and picture boards, to help communicate with others.

If there were ever such a thing as a magical hair growth pill, it would be a B-complex supplement. Of all the nutrients, the B vitamins have the greatest effect on hair. Without them, the body is unable to synthesize new hair, and old hair is likely to fall out.

Seniors can experience more frequent, more persistent and sometimes more severe scalp problems as they grow older. There is often less hair to protect the scalp, or a history of sun and wind damage or exposure to harsh hair treatment products or environmental chemicals. Dry skin can also be triggered by underlying medical conditions or by medications.

Some folks who experience rapid hair loss may be suffering from a zinc deficiency. Zinc is a vital essential mineral important for many functions in the body and is necessary for the healthy growth of hair and nails.

Head lice are minute wingless parasites; they are a seed-size insect that lives in the scalp of an individual and feeds off her blood. More common in girls than boys, head lice are a major problem for children between 3 and 12 years old, according to the Kids Health website. Head lice can be treated using a special medicine designed to kill the lice and their eggs called a pediculicide, which can be obtained through a prescription from a doctor or over-the-counter.

Healthy, strong hair is something that many people strive for. However, for some people it can be a challenging and frustrating goal. Hair grows on average one-half inch per month. The only part of your hair that is alive is the root, making it essential to keep it healthy. As we age, hair growth can slow and even stop altogether. Hair is made of keratin, a protein that also helps create nails and skin.

If you want your hair to grow faster and healthier, then it might be a good idea to consider taking hair growth vitamins. There are several minerals and vitamins that help to keep your hair growing strong and healthy. If you have a poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, it’s a strong possibility that your hair will not grow quickly enough, or that you will experience thinning hair or even baldness in certain cases. There are several hair growth vitamins and supplements out there to assist people with growing vibrant hair.

Ginger is an herb used for its medicinal purposes as well as a spice. It has a very pungent fragrance and taste. Ginger has been used for more than 2,500 years, starting with ancient Chinese as a medicine and a flavoring. Today, ginger is as well known in the world of alternative medicine as well as the culinary world.

NuvaRing is a birth control device placed inside the vagina that releases hormones to halt ovulation. NuvaRing side effects are similar to oral contraceptive side effects. FDA research indicates that up to 14 percent of women using NuvaRing experience side effects, but only 2.5 percent are severe enough to stop usage.

Chlorine dioxide is a heavy, reddish-yellow gas used as a bleach and disinfectant. It was discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy, a British chemist and inventor, in 1814. Chlorine dioxide was first used as a water treatment at a Belgian spa in the early 1900’s, and since then it has been known as a powerful disinfectant. Chlorine dioxide is preferred to mere chlorine disinfection, largely because of refined qualities that contribute to better-tasting water as well as its ability to eradicate harmful bacteria and viruses.

Pancreatitis is a descriptive term that applies to any inflammation of the pancreas. This causes the pancreas and its surrounding blood vessels to swell and trap the pancreatic fluid, which can then begin "digesting" the pancreas itself.

Kefir is an all-natural probiotic source with many benefits. Kefir is considered to be one of the top probiotic foods in the world. The reason it is considered so beneficial is because it is a natural antibiotic and an allergy remedy. It helps stabilize metabolism, improves digestion and helps to regulate the body’s systems. Starting kefir is simple. It can be eaten on its own or incorporated into food options. It is not recommended to cook kefir because it will kill a number of good bacteria.

An infection of the urinary tract may not be the worst condition that can affect people, but if it is left untreated it can have serious consequences. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder and the urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract and may be annoying and uncomfortable. However, if a urinary tract infection moves into the kidneys it can create serious problems.

Aloe vera plants have been used for thousands of years to treat various afflictions. Aloe vera plants are succulent tropical plants that are believed to have many health benefits. The gel from inside aloe vera plant leaves has been used to orally and topically treat several conditions including burns, constipation, dry skin, pain and inflammation. To utilize the gel from an aloe plant, the leaf must be cut to retrieve the gel inside.

Depression can greatly impact quality of life from employment to relationships. Many people have experimented with all types of treatment that range from traditional antidepressants to herbal remedies to psychotherapy. More and more individuals are seeking natural forms of treatment for depression such as water therapy.

Most tapeworm infestations in humans can be treated easily. If you consume tapeworm larvae accidentally, the tapeworms usually grow in your intestines. These tapeworms can be killed easily with medication. If you consume tapeworm eggs, the condition may be more serious. When the eggs grow into larvae, they can migrate into other parts of your body, including the liver or lungs. The larvae can form cysts in these organs, which might be life threatening.

Pathological lying is not a formal psychiatric condition and indeed most psychiatric organizations have yet to provide it with a strict classification. It’s often a symptom of other conditions, such as narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder, but the particulars often vary from case to case. Helping a pathological liar may be extremely difficult: the liar needs to seek help on his own and might not be willing to admit he has a problem. If you want to provide help, you need to understand both the extent of the condition and the limits of your ability to intervene.

Unfortunately, you can’t stop a habitual liar. You can’t control another person’s actions. Someone who is a habitual liar has deep-rooted issues. Sometimes the lying can be a clue that there is a more serious problem, such as a personality disorder. There is only so much you can do in this situation, as the person did not become this way overnight, and true changes will have to start with him or her. But there are a few things you can try to minimize lies and hopefully help a habitual liar.

With all our busy schedules, our facial skin very often receives much less attention than it actually deserves. This will often result in scaly, dry and unhealthy skin. What to do? Making your own facial treatment to remedy this damage is one quick way to slough off these dead skin cells, so as to rejuvenate your skin for a glowing, healthy complexion. You can whip up one such home remedy using wheat husk, a naturally nourishing skin defoliator.

Did you know that pretty feet are just an hour away? Even the ugliest feet can be transformed into beauties with just a little effort. Feet have become a focal point of our lives. With the growing shoe trend, beautiful feet have become very important for style. You can’t wear an open toed sandal without soft, clean feet. You can’t wear stylish flip flops without manicured toenails. While people used to ignore the foot, they are now beginning to focus on it. There are even toe rings. You don’t have to spend your hard earned money to get beautiful feet. Here is the one hour plan to give yourself the pretty feet your deserve.

Nobody likes scars, which makes medicines used to treat them very popular. One of those medicines is Mederma, an over-the-counter, topical cream used to treat scars caused by acne, burns, injuries, surgery and stretch marks. There is no guarantee that scars will completely disappear; however, Mederma is intended to soften the appearance of scars. Like any medicine, Mederma can have side effects. One of the most common of which is skin irritation

Dr. Andrew Weil states, “turmeric appears to have significant anti-inflammatory and cancer-protective effects.” According to UC Berkeley, inflammation may be the cause of most chronic disease, ranging from heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimers, arthritis and cancer. While definitive research is not yet available, experts such as Dr. Weil strongly suggest that we increase our turmeric intake. There are multiple options for consuming turmeric, but he recommends we take advantage of nature’s synergy by consuming whole turmeric extracts.

Lymphoma colon cancer is ultimately a cancer that affects the large intestines, namely the colon. Sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, lymphoma doesn’t commonly occur in the area of colon, more so within the rectum in colorectal cancer diagnoses, but it has been known to happen. When this form of cancer develops within the colon, a person will suffer from certain symptoms that can oftentimes be troubling.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may be caused by small crystals of calcium carbonate, which collect in the inner ear. The spinning sensation of vertigo can be rather frightening the first time you experience it. Older people, in particular, are more likely to develop the symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and unsteadiness associated with the condition. Usually brought on by a sudden movement of the head, rolling over in bed or getting out of bed are common triggers. For some people, tipping the head back to look up can bring on lightheadedness. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce the effect.

Defined by the International Bottled Water Association and the FDA, there are six different types of bottled water: spring water, purified water, mineral water, sparking bottled water, artesian water and well water. Of the six choices, spring water is the best to drink, according to Jim McMahon, an ecologist with more than 12 years’ experience working with water quality issues.

It starts with a runny nose and a sore throat. Before you know it, your temperature is up, the chills have set in and you feel like you can barely get out of bed. Every fall and winter, the flu virus strikes in schools, at work and everywhere else. It can leave you feeling lousy for days. If you take quick action and treat it right, you can start feeling better sooner than you thought.

Nausea is a feeling of discomfort in your stomach. It is not a disease, but a symptom that accompanies various conditions. Dizziness is caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain. It is also a symptom of an underlying condition. You may experience feeling faint of lightheaded. Feeling dizzy is a common complaint that often is resolved on its own.

Boldo has a few uses mostly pertaining to the digestive system. It is mostly used in its herbal form made from the leaves of the tree. Just because it is a supplement does not mean it is safe to use as much as you would like. Everything that you take should be in moderation and Boldo is not any different.

In some cultures, a few wrinkles on the forehead are a sign of a wise and respected person, but if you’re afraid of looking a little too wise before your time, you may be on the hunt for natural remedies for forehead wrinkling. Luckily, plenty of options are available to eliminate, or at least reduce the appearance of, forehead wrinkles without resorting to face-lifts and harsh chemical peels.

Polycystic liver disease is commonly known as a genetic disease, which means it is inherited from generation to generation. The disease creates a number of cysts, which may appear in different locations throughout the surface and interior of the liver, interrupting function. Swelling is common, which produces pain, though some individuals never experience any symptoms associated with the disease. Treatment for polycystic liver disease will depend on the stage the disease process is in, overall health of patient and whether or not the polycystic kidney disease is also present.

Allergies, sinusitis and upper-respiratory infection can cause nasal congestion. Sinus problems among pregnant women are common, as hormones cause those passages to swell. But pregnancy also lowers the effectiveness of the immune system, making it easier to catch a cold. Whether you’re dealing with allergies, the common cold or just a stuffy nose because you are pregnant, there are ways to alleviate the congestion.

Eye irritations may be caused by foreign materials in the eye, allergens, bacteria or viruses. Anyone can experience an irritation to the eye, and the condition can usually be treated at home, although severe or persistent irritations may require medical treatment by a general physician or ophthalmologist.

Intestinal gas is a common and generally harmless affliction that can be caused by eating high-fiber foods or cruciferous vegetables, drinking carbonated beverages, inhaling too much air when eating, or eating while in a state of agitation. Though certainly not life-threatening, it can become extremely painful, not to mention embarrassing. If you don’t have an over-the-counter remedy on hand, relax. The cure may be as close as your kitchen cupboard.

Every person's body is shaped differently. Doctors recognize normal variation in everything, including the shape and size of the urethra. One variation known as spinning top urethra can help indicate the reasons for problems like urinary incontinence.

The benefits of a kidney cleanse can affect the entire individual–ranging from the emotional to the physical aspects. Emotionally, benefits can include an improved sense of well being and improved clarity. Physically, the benefits of a kidney cleanse can result in better blood composition and physiological functioning.

Everyone’s interested in ways to improve their skin. And if you’re African-American, you’re likely interested in skin care tips proven to reduce acne scarring and promote beautiful skin. To keep the skin looking healthy and radiant, it’s best to treat conditions early, and take steps to reduce acne. Certain skin care issues are common to African-Americans. But fortunately, there are ways to combat these issues and maintain beautiful skin.

Intestinal floras are microorganisms residing in the intestinal tract that assist in the function of the digestive system and help to maintain the human body in a state of health. Diet is known to affect the type and number of the estimated 300 to 1000 different species of intestinal flora (see Resources).

One of the most difficult conditions for a grown person to have is an overactive bladder. An overactive bladder can lead to such problems as frequent urination, leaking and even embarrassing accidents. This is not an untreatable condition. Luckily, there are many different ways to treat an overactive bladder.

Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are a common condition that can affect about half of all people by the time they’re 50, according to the Hemorrhoid and Rectal Disease Information and Treatment Centers. Hemorrhoids are described by the Mayo Clinic as inflamed and swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids can cause painful itching, burning, bleeding and discomfort. Hemorrhoids typically occur as a result of difficult bowel movements (chronic constipation), aging or pregnancy. Home remedies and self-care can relieve the discomfort of mild hemorrhoid flare-ups and keep the pain, swelling and inflammation from becoming more severe.

Threadworms, also called pinworms and seatworms, are small worms found in human intestines and the rectum. Highly contagious, threadworms are contracted through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated object, such as a toilet seat, bedding or furniture. It is possible for dust to contain live threadworms, making them airborne. External environments can support live worms for two to three weeks and they are not visible to the naked eye.

Pin worms–usually spelled “pinworms”–are a very common human intestinal parasite, particularly in young children. Also known as threadworms or seat worms, pinworms are a type of roundworm and are found worldwide.

Human growth hormone (HGH) is secreted from the pituitary gland in healthy individuals. Hormone disorders and aging can cause a deficiency in HGH secretion. Hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective way to boost the level of HGH in the body. HGH has few side effects as long as there is no overdose. Some benefits have a lasting effect, such as if a child uses HGH to grow in height. Most other benefits last for a few months after treatment is concluded as the body slowly returns to the pretreatment condition. While taking HGH, patients improve their resistance to infection, increase bone density, heal faster, increase lean muscle, have improved kidney and heart functions and sleep better. HGH is administered with a syringe, usually at home by the patient or a caretaker.

Fainting can easily strike without warning, and it can be triggered through an improper diet, over-exerting your energy, as well as stress. Whatever the reason, fainting is a nuisance, and when gone untreated, can create a serious problem. Treating fainting with natural remedies is an easy and safe way to help. The following natural remedies for fainting are effective, however, it is always a good idea to visit your doctor to find out the exact reasons why you are fainting.

Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by redness and small pupules (bumps) around the mouth. Often appearing like acne, these unpleasant symptoms surround the mouth except for a small band of healthy skin around the lips. Most commonly found in women, this condition can be treated by regular use of topical creams. When untreated, symptoms may last for months or years.

The side effects and blood flow of menstruation periods can vary for women. Some may experience what is considered to be normal bleeding and pain, while others can have extreme bouts of painful cramping or excessive bleeding during each menstrual cycle. The causes of these different reactions depend on a variety of things, including hormone production and reactions in the reproductive organs during menstruation. There are a variety of treatments available for women who experience heavy periods.

Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) or thalamic pain syndrome is a type of neuropathy, or nerve pain, that results when part of the central nervous system has been injured. CPSP often develops following a stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA).