The Aftermath of a Pulled Tooth [1]

A dentist numbs surrounding gums and uses special forceps to pull out a tooth. Bleeding occurs, but plays an important role in the healing process. A blood clot forms to seal the hole left behind by the missing tooth. A patient is then given a wad of gauze to gently bite on to encourage a blood clot to form. The absence of a blood clot or one that has fallen out can lead to a condition called dry socket. Nerves become exposed, which is painful. Other complaints you may experience after a pulled tooth include:

• Sore or swollen gums
• Tight gums
• Swelling of the inside cheek
• Excessive bleeding and oozing
• Throbbing pain
• Itchiness in the gums

Pulled Tooth Home Remedies

To minimize the risk of infection and reduce pain after a tooth extraction, it’s important to adopt a healthy aftercare regimen. This means adhering to some of the following home remedies for a pulled tooth”

a) Massage:

Targeting ‘pressure points’ on the body may help relieve the pain of a pulled tooth. To ease discomfort, try massaging your earlobe on the same side as your pain. Some people have also treated pain by massaging the space located between the forefinger and thumb for about 10 minutes.

b) Ice:

Place a piece of ice on your earlobe or the space found between the forefinger and thumb (on the same side as the pain) to reduce soreness and discomfort of a pulled tooth.

c) Tea Bag:

A dentist usually instructs a patient to bite down on a piece of gauze to help stop the bleeding that comes after a pulled tooth. If this method does not seem to work, apply a moistened plain teabag directly to the site [2]. Tannins and other components found in the teabag help stop bleeding of the gums.

d) Saltwater Rinse:

The day after you’ve had a tooth pulled, begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water at least four times per day. This will dislodge any food particles, encourage healing, and help sterilize the site.

e) Relax:

After having a tooth pulled, there’s no room for running a marathon or staying overly active. The key to enhancing the healing process is to stay calm and minimize your activities. To achieve this, you must protect the blood clot that has formed in place of your missing tooth. Vigorous activities can dislodge the blood clot and slow healing – especially during the first 24 hours.

f) Aspirin and Salt:

Add enough water to make a paste out of four to five crushed aspirin and a dash of salt. Apply around your pulled tooth region and gently remove with a swish of water.

g) Ice Pack:

Swelling of the cheek or face may last for 48 to 72 hours after a tooth extraction. Fill a Ziploc baggie with ice cubes and press against the outer cheek to ease pain and reduce swelling. Alternate ice packs 15 to 20 minutes on and off immediately after having a tooth pulled.

h) No Straws:

To prevent excessive bleeding and encourage healing, do not use a straw when drinking liquids, as the suctioning action can hinder the healing process.

i) Vitamin C Supplement:

After having a tooth pulled, increase the rate of healing by boosting your intake of foods containing vitamin C or taking 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C on a daily basis. Vitamin C also encourages the production of collagen in the body, which delivers a protein material that aids in the formation of scar tissue.

j) Soft Foods:

Chewing could prove quite painful after a tooth extraction. Choose soft foods or filling liquids until gum tenderness subsides. Less-irritating foods include soup, applesauce, yogurt, sherbet, and even baby food.

[1] http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/St-Wr/Tooth-Extraction.html
[2] Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things by Reader’s Digest, pg 328.

What is Vertigo?

For starters, vertigo is not a disease, it is a symptom that produces dizzying effects. Patients often experience the sensation of spinning or whirling because their balance (or equilibrium) has been disrupted [1]. Sometimes, the term is used to relate feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, and unsteadiness.

Vertigo is not the same as just ‘feeling dizzy’ – people actually feel that some kind of movement is involved when it really isn’t. If you feel that you are moving, you are suffering from ’subjective vertigo.’ ‘ Objective vertigo’ is the perception that your surroundings are moving.

Causes and Symptoms

Issues with the brain or the inner ear cause an individual to experience vertigo. The most common form of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where individuals encounter a sensation of motion after sudden head movements or turning the head in a certain direction.

Other medical conditions associated with vertigo include Meniere’s disease (accompanied by ringing in the ears and hearing loss); acoustic neuroma (vertigo-causing tumor); decreased blood flow to the base of the brain; multiple sclerosis; head trauma and neck injury; and migraine headaches.

In addition to feeling the sensation of disorientation or motion, symptoms of vertigo may include nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, hearing loss, ringing of the ears, weakness, visual disturbances, abnormal eye movements, as well as difficulty speaking and walking [2].

Vertigo Home Remedies

Vertigo is more of a common health problem in adults than you would typically think. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly 40% of people in the United States experience feeling dizzy at least one time during their life. In order to overcome this sensation and other symptoms, consider the following home remedies for vertigo:

a) Focusing Technique:

As you experience the onset of an attack, focus your eyes on a stationary object around you, like a building or bookcase. Keep focusing on that fixed point to deliver visual cues to the brain that help achieve balance and calm the dizziness.

b) Massage:

When the diagonal muscle located on the front of your neck becomes tight from too much work or stress, vertigo can occur. Massage this part of the body to ease symptoms. Clair Davies gives advice for this sort of treatment in her book titled, The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook.

c) Dietary Tips:

Eat foods that contain lots of vitamins and protein to help tame the spinning sensation of vertigo. Do not reach for a cup of coffee, chocolates, fried foods, or iced tea.

d) Salty Foods:

Sometimes, vertigo is caused by an imbalance of salt levels in the body or poor digestion. Treat your vertigo symptoms with salty potato chips, pretzels or a salty soup and sandwich combo. Complete relief should come within a few hours.

e) Cold Water:

To ease dizziness, drink two to three tall glasses of ice-cold water.

f) Move Slowly:

Moving slowly can help combat the effects of vertigo, which also decreases your chances of suffering an injury during an attack.

g) Head Positioning:

Some vertigo attacks come when the head suffers unexpected and quick movements. Do not jerk your neck or bend it back while looking up.

h) Pillows:

When the sensations associated with vertigo emerge, lying down is sometimes the best solution. Avoid lying flat on your back, but instead, position yourself with your head propped up on pillows.

i) Put Down the Playstation:

In some cases, vertigo strikes during fast-paced virtual reality video games. Limit your use of entertainment outlets that rely on this sort of effect, such as Playstation and Wii.

j) Therapeutic Approach:

Breathing exercises and meditation can help an individual suffering from vertigo, as it helps the body and mind to refocus.

Resources

[1] http://www.neurologychannel.com/vertigo/index.shtml
[2] http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertigo/page3_em.htm#Vertigo%20Symptoms

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is broken down into two different kinds of cases: primary and secondary. A patient with primary insomnia has difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep [1]. This condition often lasts for at least one month without any known physical or mental obstacles. Secondary insomnia occurs when a medical condition is involved.

Causes and Symptoms

From painful diseases to narcotic substances that hinder your sleep pattern, common causes of insomnia include anxiety, stress, prescription drugs, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, chronic pain, changes in a work schedule, poor sleep habits, and eating too much food right before bedtime.

Insomnia also becomes more widespread in older individuals, as there is an increased use of medications, sleep patterns change, chronic health conditions arise, and the elderly start to experience less physical and social activity. Medical conditions, like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome can also prevent a person from falling asleep.

If you suffer difficulty falling asleep or periodically awaken in the middle of the night, consider insomnia as a possibility [2]. The signs and symptoms of insomnia include:

• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Irritability, depression or anxiety
• Lack of concentration
• Increased errors or accidents
• Tension headaches
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Sleep-related worries

Insomnia Home Remedies

It doesn’t matter how old you are, insomnia is a treatable condition. For starters, you must identify the cause of your insomnia and most likely, make lifestyle changes that enhance you chances of sleep-filled nights. From shifting daily routines to going to bed at the same time each night, home remedies for insomnia can also help improve your quality of sleep.

a) Comfortable Pillows:

Pillows often play an important role in whether or not you are able to enjoy a restful sleep. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of getting rid of pillows that are too hard or too soft.

b) Cover Your Clock:

If you constantly wake up in the middle of the night, it is recommended to keep your bedroom clock covered. The more unaware you are of the time – the better you will sleep.

c) Oats:

If you’ve been experiencing poor sleep patterns, it is suggested to eat oats on a daily basis. Start off the day with a bowl of hot cereal [3].

d) Set Aside Unwind Time:

If your mind seems to race throughout the day, this frantic pace can affect your sleep patterns and cause you to lie awake at night. To encourage a restful night, sit still for about 10 minutes and recap your day. Think about tomorrow and what you’ve accomplished today. Settle down and mentally unwind. The best results come when this practice is performed one to two hours before bedtime.

e) Sleep Schedule:

Avoid erratic sleep schedules that can contribute to insomnia by adhering to consistent bedtime and wake times. For the best results, it is important to include weekends as part of your steady sleep schedule.

f) Know the Role of Your Bed:

Your bed is for sleeping. If you make it the place where you watch TV, hold long conversations on the telephone, check your email, read books, eat meals, and balance the checkbook – it makes it harder for you to focus on falling asleep when the time comes.

g) Lettuce:

Did you know that lettuce contains a substance known to induce sleep, called ‘lectucarium?’ The juice of the lettuce plant also causes a sedative effect in some.

h) Skip Naptime:

Perhaps your daily nap is causing you to have trouble sleeping. Naps can make it harder for some people to fall asleep at night. If a nap is absolutely needed, don’t take more than 30 minutes to reboot and avoid catnaps after 3pm.

i) Peppermint and Herbs:

For a natural insomnia treatment that calms the nerves and relaxes the body, mix one tablespoon of sage, two tablespoons of peppermint, and one tablespoon of rosemary. Add one teaspoon of this mix to one cup of boiling water. Cover the brew and allow it to sit for around 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and add honey to sweeten.

j) Room Temperature:

Creating an ideal setting for sleep will decrease your chances of falling victim to insomnia. Before turning in for the night, make sure the bedroom temperature is not too cold or too hot.

k) Avoid Caffeine:

Several hours before bed, avoid drinking coffee, tea, and cola-based sodas, as well as eating chocolate. Caffeine is a natural chemical that affects the central nervous system, keeping your nerves on edge and boosting your thought processes [4].

l) Relaxation:

Thinking too much about getting to sleep can contribute to your insomnia issues. Breathing exercises, yoga, and muscle stretches can help you relax before turning in for the night.

m) Honey:

Possessing a hypnotic power, honey can encourage a sound sleep. Before going to bed, take two teaspoons with a large glass of water.

n) Earplugs:

The slightest noise could make it difficult to fall asleep. Consider wearing earplugs to bed when you need to block out unwanted noise.

o) Pull the Blinds:

Close the curtains and pull down the blinds when it’s time to go to bed. Lights and even the glow of the moon can cause a distraction when you’re trying to get to sleep.

p) Sex:

Research suggests that sexual intercourse acts as a trigger for hormonal mechanisms that can contribute to a restful sleep.

q) Chamomile Tea:

Chamomile is an herb found in many different kinds of tea, which possesses an effective sedative quality – thanks to a chemical compound called apigenin. Make a cup of chamomile tea and drink right before your bedtime.

r) Avoid Nightcaps:

A glass of wine with dinner or drinking alcohol at an evening function can add to insomnia by disrupting your sleep. It is not uncommon for the aftereffects of alcoholic beverages to wear off in the middle of night, causing you to wake up with signs of withdrawal.

s) Light Snack:

About one to two hours before hitting the sack, consider a light snack, which helps de-stress and calm the body.

t) Warm Milk:

A glass of warm milk will help settle down your system and prepare you for a sound sleep. To create a tonic with sedating effects, drink a glass of milk sweetened with honey every night before bed.

Resources

[1] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000805.htm
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insomnia/DS00187/DSECTION=symptoms
[3] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg. 309
[4] Joy Bauer’s Food Cures by Joy Bauer with Carol Svec; pg. 373

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a phase that your physiological self enters that can affect an array of components associated with your wellbeing, including your emotions and behavior [1]. As a result, feelings get jumbled and we usually experience bouts of anger, fear, or intense worry. However, a moderate amount of anxiety is also considered a good thing, as the feeling can effectively prepare the body and mind to accurately respond to dangerous situations. Anxiety can also provide great motivation when it comes to getting work done or excelling on the homefront.

However, anxiety becomes a problem when a person begins to excessively dread the people, places, and routines they come in contact with on a daily basis. Sometimes it starts with something small, like riding an elevator to work, which can later turn into an irrational fear of the unknown every time you take a step outside of your house. Excessive worry can turn into an anxiety disorder, which becomes quite difficult to control and can last for long periods of time. Two main types include:

a) Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

An individual can feel anxious without any reason at all, suffering a level of worry that interrupts the natural flow of their daily life. Generalized anxiety disorder can cause a person to exhibit behavior that exceeds what others may perceive as an appropriate response. Common symptoms include restlessness; fatigue; impatience; irritability; muscle tension; sleep issues; shortness of breath; stomach pains; headaches; and decreased concentration.

b) Social Anxiety Disorder:

An individual may develop an intense and unreasonable fear of social situations, which can bring about a variety of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. A person with social anxiety disorder may avoid situations where they may encounter strangers. They typically fear judgment and humiliation; facing embarrassment when speaking to others; and becoming the center of attention. They may even fear others recognizing their anxious behavior.

Physically, a person with social anxiety disorder may experience a shaky voice, shaky hands, nausea, confusion, diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle tension, excessive sweating, and palpitations [2]. The face may also become flushed; hands turn cold and clammy; and an individual is often unable to make eye contact.

Overall Symptoms of Anxiety

Whether you are dealing with a case of social anxiety disorder or that anxious feeling that arises when an important day is fast approaching, you may experience some of the following overall symptoms:

a) Emotional Symptoms:

Anxiety can cause one to become consumed with fear or encounter the need to avoid situations that could bring stress. Some patients keep away from social settings because they don’t want to become embarrassed. A great deal of irritability and confusion may arise during an anxiety attack.

b) Physical Symptoms:

The body also reacts to anxiety with the presence of chest pains, hot flushes, headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, digestion problems, tense muscles, and a rush of fatigue. Heart palpitations may also occur [3].

c) Sleeping Difficulties:

Individuals battling anxiety may encounter difficulties falling or staying asleep.

d) Panic Attacks:

While panic attacks are not a widespread symptom of someone suffering intense anxiety, it is still a common occurrence. Panic attacks generally come without any warning, causing a victim to experience feelings of impending death or passing out.

Causes of Anxiety

Depending on the person, the slightest change in a routine schedule to facing your worst fears are just some of the main causes of anxiety. However, there are certain factors that can place you at a greater risk for suffering the symptoms of anxiety, such as:

a) Childhood Memories:

A child who has suffered a hard upbringing or has faced great adversity, such as witnessing a traumatic event, losing a parent, or enduring constant teasing in school is placed at a higher risk for anxiety when they become an adult.

b) Stress:

Whether you encounter a great deal of stress while on the job or come home to tension on a daily basis, these are the kind of triggers that can contribute to excessive anxiety.

c) Illness:

Medical issues, such as battling a life-threatening illness like cancer, can certainly create lingering anxiety. Sickness is known to create financial difficulties, uncertainty regarding the future, scary treatments, and stressed relationships with family and friends.

d) Personality:

Did you know that some personality types are simply more prone to anxiety disorders? For example, an individual with unfulfilled psychological needs or the inability to secure close relationships is often at risk for developing an anxiety disorder.

e) Genetics:

Some researchers suggest that anxiety is also linked to a genetic trait passed down throughout generations. However, more evidence is needed to conclude that there are specific genes that influence anxiety – and that anxious behavior is not something that family members pick up from one another.

Negative Effects of Anxiety

Chronic stress and anxiety is never a good thing. Not only does your capacity to enjoy all of the beautiful things in life diminish, but you are usually unable to achieve goals that you have set for yourself or maintain a healthy relationship with family and friends. Your emotional wellbeing comes under attack when anxiety takes over your daily routine.

The risk for heart disease and stroke also rises, as the heart and circulatory system are greatly affected by physiological stress with artery restriction and an increased heart rate. Some people attempt to cope with their anxiety by modifying their diet. This physical response can lead to eating disorders, such as binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia. Sleeping difficulties may additionally impair your performance at school or work, influence your social skills, as well as place you at a higher risk for suffering a car accident.

Home Remedies for Anxiety

Before seeking the medical assistance of a doctor, some bouts of anxiety are treatable at home with remedies including the following:

a) Teas:

For centuries, tea has been used to treat and cure a variety of medical mishaps, including anxious behavior and stress. A variety of choices containing components that aid in the reduction of tension and calm the mind, body, and soul include chamomile, cloves, lavender, orange blossoms, and thyme.

b) Aromatherapy:

Enter a therapeutic wonderland when you use aromatic essential oils (courtesy of hundreds of different plants, herbs, and flowers) that encourage physical and psychological wellness.

c) Childhood Flashbacks:

Some individuals have been able to overcome bouts of anxiety by transporting back to a time where things were much simpler. Dig deep into your repertoire of happy childhood memories to uncover Grandma’s freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or the scent of your favorite meal in the summertime. The nose is a powerful tool that can help lessen your fears and create a more relaxed sense of self. It can also stop a panic attack in its tracks. The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago suggest using baby powder, an odor that seems to strike a chord with many.

d) Exercise:

Staying active is a great way to combat the symptoms of anxiety, as many people experience a rush of adrenaline that only creates damage when left stagnant. Burn off that extra adrenaline by embracing the benefits of exercise. Do a couple of jumping jacks, walk around the backyard, climb up and down the stairs, or hit a piece of home exercise equipment (like a treadmill or elliptical).

e) Deep Breathing:

Many people are able to calm down their anxiety when after learning certain breathing techniques. Deep diaphragmatic breathing is best accomplished when you keep your chest and shoulders in position while slowly expanding and contracting your stomach region.

f) Caffeine:

Anxiety and caffeine usually don’t mix, so to avoid common symptoms – you may want to limit your intake of caffeine by weaning off of the coffee, tea, chocolate, and Coca Cola.

g) Vitamin Supplements:

Boost your intake of vitamins by reaching for the following supplements: calcium, magnesium, and B-complex.

h) Avoid Refined Sugars and Carbs:

When it comes to your diet, choose foods that are low in sugar and contain a healthy dose of whole grains.

i) Artificial Sweeteners:

If you are prone to anxiety attacks, it is suggested to lessen your use of artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda, Nutrisweet, and Equal.

j) Hydrotherapy:

Also known as water therapy, this technique uses water (whether it is cold, hot, steamy, or icy) to relieve some of the discomfort that anxiety can bring.

k) Warm Bath:

Try sinking into a relaxing bath while listening to the soothing sounds of a musical artist that never fails to brighten your spirits.

l) Read a Book:

Plunge deep into your favorite novel or scan the pages of a colorful coffee table book to relieve some of the tension-filled symptoms associated with anxiety.

m) Dial C for ‘Comfort’:

Pick up the telephone and give your parents, sister, brother, or best friend a call when you feel the pressures of anxiety closing in.

Resources

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/social-anxiety-disorder/DS00595/DSECTION=symptoms
[3] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anxiety-disorder/AN01139

What is Mental Fatigue?

When it comes to fatigue, there are two types to consider: physical and mental. Just like the body, brain cells can become exhausted. Overload your mind with too much to deal with all at once and the outcome can create detrimental results. Depending on the severity of the condition, an individual may experience a decreased wakefulness, weakened attention span, and sleepiness [1].

Causes of Mental Fatigue

A combination of continuous mental effort, focused attention, deep emotion, and high levels of stress can cause an individual to encounter a bout of mental fatigue. If you spend long, strenuous hours at the college library for a week straight or work overtime at the job to meet a deadline – you’re probably gearing yourself up for mental overload. Fatigue can also evolve from under stimulation as well.

Not getting enough sleep? Suffering endless boredom when you return home after a long day at work? Recently experienced extensive traveling with jet lag? Competed in a weeklong chess tournament? All of these circumstances and the ones listed below are all causes of mental fatigue:

a) Chemical Responses:

Some people battling mental fatigue could be undergoing a chemical reaction, such as poisoning, as well as deficiencies that involve a lack of sufficient minerals or vitamins.

b) Massive Blood Loss:

Sustain an injury that causes you to lose a great deal of blood and you could suffer anemia, which frequently causes fatigue in patients.

c) Head Injury:

Mental fatigue is a common complaint of patients who are being treated for head injuries. While the level of fatigue typically decreases over time, it can become a rather persistent issue.

d) Illness:

A temporary bout of mental fatigue can emerge when you are battling a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, if the symptoms of this condition linger for six months or more – this is a sign of chronic fatigue that is most likely caused by a different source.

e) Autoimmune Diseases:

Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack itself, leaving a patient chronically fatigued. There are 80 different types of this sort of disease, including lupus, Grave’s disease (overactive thyroid), multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis.

f) Medications:

There are a number of medications that can cause mental fatigue and drowsiness, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, lithium salts, and blood pressure prescriptions.

g) Sleep Deprivation:

Outside distractions can cause one to suffer mental fatigue. For example, many methods of interrogation or torture aim to weaken the mental strength of an individual in order to gain sought-after information.

h) Insomnia:

When you have trouble falling asleep or do not receive a healthy amount of sleep hours, you face the increased risk of mental fatigue.

i) Other Sicknesses:

The constant medicating and uncertain future associated with sickness can cause a patient to suffer a great deal of mental fatigue. Typical examples include cancer, arthritis, celiac disease, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart disease, sexually transmitted diseases, leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, and muscular dystrophy.

j) Pregnancy:

The stress that comes with having a baby definitely causes both mental and physical fatigue.

k) Late Work Nights:

Signs of mental fatigue are commonly seen in people who work late into the day. Their assignments become more complicated to complete; concentration levels plummet; and more mistakes are made. If you are a high school or college student, you are also at risk for suffering mental fatigue – which can hinder your ability to absorb information.

j) Menopause:

It is common for women approaching menopause or those who have undergone surgically induced menopause to experience depression and mental fatigue [2].

The Symptoms of Mental Fatigue

If you ignore an overloaded brain, mental fatigue can lead to burnout and create feelings of:

• powerlessness
• hopelessness
• frustration
• failure
• emotional shutdown
• isolation
• moodiness
• detachment
• despair
• the sense of being trapped

Negative Effects and Risk Factors of Mental Fatigue

Mental fatigue can become dangerous, especially when your job calls for you to stay alert and focused. If you are expected to perform tasks that require constant concentration, then falling victim to mental fatigue can place you and others at a disadvantage while on the job. Some of the worst situations arise when you work at a factory (around serious machinery) or drive a vehicle or other mode of transportation as part of your career. Examples of jobs hindered by mental fatigue include:

a) Airline Pilots:

A stressed and overworked mind can cause airline pilots to mishandle their aircraft, which could lead to deadly crashes and inappropriate operating behavior.

b) Truck Drivers:

The mental fatigue that truck drivers experience while tackling the long stretches of road (especially during nighttime hours) can play a large part in driving fatalities on the highway.

c) Doctors:

Many doctors put in long shifts that can contribute to both mental and physical fatigue. When the brain is overworked, physicians face a higher risk of misdiagnosing a patient, writing an incorrect prescription, or experiencing a decreased capacity to deliver adequate medical care.

d) Customer Service:

The ability to serve a wide-range of consumers (especially irate individuals placing a complaint) is affected when a customer service representative is suffering mental fatigue.

Home Remedies for Mental Fatigue

To get your life back on track and say ‘goodbye’ to mental fatigue, consider the following home remedies that can help put your mind at ease:

a) Deep Breathing Exercises:

Achieve a better sleep when you embrace the power of fast, shallow breathing techniques. It is recommended to explore the benefits of ‘chest breathing,’ as you can successfully improve your respiratory system, lower stress levels, and relieve both physical and mental fatigue.

b) Aromatherapy:

Allow your mind to rest with the help of aromatic essential oils that promote an enhanced mental wellbeing. Soothing scents to keep in mind include chamomile, lavender, and rose.

c) Gatorade:

If you plan on extending a home workout (aerobics, treadmill, elliptical, etc), drink 3 to 4 swallows of a sports drink every ten minutes to not only enhance your overall performance, but to also delay the arrival of mental fatigue [3].

d) Dietary Changes:

Maintain a decent energy supply by making sure you receive an adequate and sufficient nutritional intake. Missing out on vital minerals and vitamins can lead to symptoms of fatigue. Don’t forget to stay hydrated; avoid fatty meals and snacks; and indulge in foods that offer B complex vitamins.

e) Consume Iron-Rich Foods:

Eat foods rich in iron (like raisins, liver, spinach, and apricots), as this will help the effective transport of oxygen throughout the tissues, organs, and muscles.

f) Sleep Changes:

If you are able to maintain a healthy sleep pattern, you can take advantage of the benefits that come with a relaxing sleep environment. Impose a set bedtime to get into a healthy routine. To send you off to dreamland quicker – make sure to turn off the television, keep sunlight out of the room, and invest in a comfortable pillow.

g) Essential Oils:

The application of essential oils has been known to jumpstart the nervous system and decrease mental fatigue. A few suggestions include scots pine oil, peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Try adding these selections to your bathwater or use as massage oil.

h) Citrus Oils:

Add lemon, grapefruit, lime, and orange citrus oils to a steam bath or vaporizer for inhalation as a way to ease a fatigued mind.

i) Caffeine:

When looking for a short-term solution for your mental fatigue, consider products that contain caffeine – a known stimulant for the central nervous system. Tea and cola are effective choices for a quick fix. However, it is important not to overdo your caffeine intake or follow long-term use, as it can cause irritability, restlessness, and other undesirable side effects.

j) Rose Petals:

It is believed that rose petals possess the power to effectively reduce depression and mental fatigue. Prepare a relaxing concoction consisting of 20 to 30 rose petals added to a glass of water that has been boiled for 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to stand and cool before taking two to three times per day.

k) Water Therapy:

Use hydrotherapy to relieve discomfort and mental stress by harnessing the power of hot, cold, steamy, or icy water. Sink into a tub and melt away mental tension.

Resources

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue_(medical)#Mental_fatigue
[2] http://www.project-aware.org/Managing/Alt/depression.shtml
[3] http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0336.htm

What is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal depression is a type of depression that typically begins in the fall or winter season and ends in the springtime or early summer. While we may all get a bit down with the lack of daylight hours or dreary weather conditions, this condition goes beyond the simple case of the “winter blues.” In addition to winter depression, some people also encounter a rare form of seasonal affective disorder that takes place in the late spring or early summertime, ending in the fall.

The exact cause of seasonal depression is unknown, but drastic changes in sunlight levels have been a suspected culprit. One theory associated with the condition is that decreased exposure to sunlight can cause the regulation of mood, sleep, and hormones (the job of the biological clock) to shift into a delayed mode. This is generally seen in the wintertime when the amount of light we see during the day has decreased.

Another theory involves chemicals in the brain (called neurotransmitters), which are responsible for transferring information between nerves. Some researchers believe that patients with SAD show altered levels of these chemicals, such as serotonin [1].

Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

People suffering from seasonal depression exhibit many of the same signs associated with depression, such as sadness, anxiety, excessive sleep, lack of enjoyment, and increased moodiness. Heightened fatigue, decreased energy, and sleepiness may also occur. An individual may additionally crave for carbohydrates, display an increased appetite, or experience changes in their weight.

Specific seasonal symptoms include [2]:

a) Winter Seasonal Depression:

weight gain, increased appetite and craving for ‘comfort foods,’ difficulty concentrating, increased desire to be alone, and lowered energy levels

b) Summer Seasonal Depression:

weight loss, trouble sleeping, and decreased appetite

Risk Factors of Seasonal Depression

It is estimated that between 4% and 6% of the population in the United States suffers from seasonal depression with about 10% to 20% encountering a more mild type of winter blues. While the majority of sufferers are women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, children and teenagers also suffer from SAD.

An individual’s susceptibility to seasonal depression is usually influenced by where they live. Seasonal depression is more commonly seen in patients that reside in geographic locations with high latitudes (meaning they dwell farther north or south from the equator). When seasonal changes are more extreme in their region, they face a higher risk for SAD. Locations, such as Washington, DC, Florida, and Alaska see their fair share of seasonal affective disorder cases.

Home Remedies for Seasonal Depression

a) Well-Balanced Diet:

Keeping in line with FDA recommendations, receiving a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals can create more energy to help you combat the food cravings that often accompany SAD.

b) Increase Your Outdoor Time:

Every day, make sure you step outside of your home – even if it’s cloudy or gloomy. Just a small amount of daylight is beneficial.

c) Lighting:

There are plenty of ways to combat the effects of seasonal depression that strikes in the wintertime by increasing the amount of lighting in your home. Popular options include:

• Constructing a Light Box: Combat winter depression associated with seasonal affective disorder by constructing a specialized lighting fixture called a light box for at-home therapy. Square in shape – this contraption is slightly larger than a briefcase and stands upright on a table or desk.

• Full Spectrum Lightbulbs: When exhibiting mild symptoms, you should consider outfitting your regular lamps with full spectrum (daylight) bulbs to increase the amount of daylight your home enjoys during the winter months.

• At-Home Therapy Lighting Features: Some individuals have successfully treated their SAD by utilizing devices that create specialized workstations, dawn simulators, or head-mounted visors. If you are interested – keep in mind that costs often range between $200 and $500.

• Daily Light Therapy: Increase the amount of bright lights in the rooms you use the most in your home. A difference is felt when rooms are flooded with bright (yet not harsh) lighting. It is important to note that directly staring into bright lights can cause damage to your eyes.

d) Keep Moving:

Don’t forget to maintain or add at least 30 minutes of exercise per day – three times a week.

e) Alarm Clock Settings:

Embracing a sleep routine with regular bedtimes can assist you in taking advantage of the mental health benefits that come with daytime light. Remember that the best morning light is delivered between 6am and 8am.

f) Brisk Walk at Dawn:

In Switzerland, research concluded that seasonal affective disorder patients benefited from outdoor walks lasting 30 minutes at sunrise. The exercise, sunlight, and possibly even the colder temperatures are thought to produce favorable effects.

g) Yoga:

Seasonal depression research conducted at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston has revealed that specific meditations associated with yoga can work wonders on the pineal gland, which plays a part in controlling circadian and seasonal rhythms. It is recommended to jumpstart your day with yoga in order to take advantage of its energizing effects and stress-relieving results.

h) Vitamin C Supplements:

Stock up on vitamin C supplements and consume foods (like oranges and lemons), which provide access to this known antidepressant.

i) Milk:

There is a theory that a certain form of vitamin D found in milk called soltriol may assist people to keep in sync with the sun. It is believed that soltriol may trigger the release of hormones that stimulate the body into keeping body clocks on track.

j) Let the Sun Shine In:

Make sure to open the curtains or pull up the shades in your bedroom, as well as spend time in the sunniest rooms of your home.

Resources

[1] http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Seasonal_Affective_Disorder_SAD/hic_What_is_Seasonal_Depression.aspx
[2] http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/sad.html

If you think this is gross, just see the head louse picture and you’d understand why this infestation is so repulsive. However, the good news is there are plenty of treatments available and you need not confine yourself to over-the-counter ones. There are some swell home remedies for treating head louse too.

Head lice infection

The bad news is lice can infest people of all ages and prefer clean hair to lay its eggs in! This is because the head louse nits or eggs, stick better to cleaner hairs than oily ones. You’d believe they’re spread by direct physical contact with an infected person; the truth is they can step aboard through the use of shared personal items, like comb, hair brush, towels, bed linen, and the like.

The head lice symptoms, of course, are unmistakable – an intense itching on the scalp and the back of the neck. If you examine an infected person’s scalp, the nape of the neck or above the ears, you would find small white nits attached firmly to the hair shafts. This is a sure giveaway of lice infestation. The bad news is these nits cannot be dusted off like dandruff. Adult head lice can cause severe irritation through the action of its saliva.

Home remedy for hair lice

The shampoos and lotions available with the pharmacists are best avoided, as these have harmful chemicals that can adversely affect your scalp and hair. Head louse home remedy treatment is time tested, safe and effective. Let’s see what all it includes:

a. Mayonnaise:

Apply mayonnaise thoroughly to the scalp and cover the hair with a plastic bag. Leave it for one hour and heat it with a blow dryer for 5 minutes. Rinse the hair and apply regular hair gel. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove nits and lice.

b. Vinegar:

Vinegar is an excellent home remedy for killing head louse. Simply wash your hair with vinegar and it’ll kill all the lice within two days!

c. Tea tree oil and olive oil:

Mix olive oil with tea tree oil and apply to the hair and rub into the scalp. Wait for half-an-hour or an hour before washing. Now, wash the hair to remove the oil and rinse the hair again with vinegar. This would loosen the ‘glue’ holding the nits to the hair shaft. Finally comb the hair to get rid of any remaining lice.

d. Neem oil or neem leaves:

Work neem oil into the hair and let it remain for an hour or so. Shampoo and comb the hair to remove dead lice. If neem leaves are available, boil a handful and soak the head in the neem water, of course, after the water cools down a bit! Now, rinse with plain water. This ‘bitter’ remedy will clear the lice from the hair.

e. Olive oil:

Soak the hair in olive oil and leave it overnight. Wash hair normally to get rid of the oil. This done, rinse now with white vinegar and let it remain for 5 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the hair with lukewarm water to remove the vinegar. This is an effective home remedy to get rid of head louse.

Head lice is something everyone has to contend with at least once in one’s lifetime. However, if you are careful, you can be spared this embarrassing infestation. But, if you do get it, then instead of scratching your head off, use these home remedies, but consult your physician first.