Medicare Supplement Plan G: The Not So Bad Looking Sister of Plan F

You ever see twin sisters hanging out together and just by looking at one of them you can tell one of them is a little more put together? She just carries herself a little better, seems to have more confidence, a little more charisma. Then you meet them and you realize that the one that carried herself a little better seemed a little more high maintenance than her sister.

Meet Medicare supplement plan F and Medicare supplement plan G. At first glance, plan F is the clear cut winner. They both provide excellent coverage of gaps in regular Medicare coverage. In fact, plan F covers all the deductible, coinsurance, co-pay, and excess charge gaps in Medicare so that with this plan you should not have to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses. Plan G, works nearly identically (hence the twin analogy) but does not cover the Medicare part B deductible, which is your outpatient services (doctors visits, etc).

So, why would someone want to go with plan G over plan F? Easy. It costs less. In fact, in many cases you can save enough over the course of the year to be able to cover your part B deductible ($162 in 2011) and still come out ahead by up to $100 a more for the year.

Also, as you get older the difference in price tends to get a little more noticeable. You could eventually see a $200 or more saving each year on a plan G (after you've met the Part B deductible).

So, you might not have the absolute best equipped Medicare supplement with plan G but you'll get the best value from plan G (combination of benefits and premium) in most cases.

How to Treat Burns Immediately

Burns need to be treated as soon as possible. Major wounds that affect a significant part of the body can be fatal. These wounds have to be attended as soon as possible by health professionals. Smaller wounds, however, can be treated at your home. You just need to know what remedies you can take.

The first thing that you are going to do is to try to cool down the affected area. Putting the affected body part under running water can be effective. Be sure to make the water run as slowly as possible. High pressure can worsen the condition. Take note that the burnt part may be sensitive and a little pressure can also create an open wound if there wasn't one already present.

Be cautious when you are using ice to cool your burns. Since your sensation on the burnt part might be affected, you might not be able to have accurate perception. You can cause your skin to suffer from frostbite from keeping your skin exposed to very low temperatures for an extended period of time.

You have to know when you need to call for help. Minor wounds can be treated at home. There will be no need for you to rush to the hospital or call an emergency service. Signs of a minor wound will include redness and pain on the affected part. You can continue cooling the burnt part and apply appropriate creams afterwards. Second degree burns will require the intervention or medical professionals. You will see that there will be blisters forming on a second degree burn. If the affected area is quite large, be sure to seek consult as soon as possible. You have to be alarmed if the burnt part is already charred or is already black. This is already a third degree type of burn and immediate action is required. Call your local emergency service or rush to the hospital as soon as possible.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans - What Are Your Choices?

Living on a fixed income is challenging, to say the least. When sudden financial needs come up, like unexpected trips to the hospital or expensive new prescriptions, will financial chaos erupt? So, how do you figure out which Medicare supplement insurance, also known as "Medigap" insurance, is best for you?

Supplemental insurance providers are required by law to offer no more than 14 plans, with each plan covering specific expenses. Information is available for 12 standard Medicare supplement insurance plans. It's important to take your time and shop around to get the plan that is best for you, that best serves your needs.

You need to understand what Medicare covers so you can figure out what you need in the way of supplemental insurance coverage. Medicare costs include Part B (doctor) costs, Part B deductible, Part A (hospital) costs, Part A deductible, Part B extra charges, at home recovery, foreign travel emergency, skilled nursing home costs, prescription medication, blood work and preventive care.

Determine what you need and can afford. Coverage for a healthy individual will be different than someone with a pre-existing condition. Ask questions to clearly understand what is available and what you need. Recently something new has been offered called Medicare Advantage. These plans may or may not have a premium to pay. You can opt for the no premium plan for lesser coverage or go for the premium plan that will cover more.

When you buy a Medigap policy, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B for which you will pay $93.50 (in 2007) per month. Medigap insurance must follow federal and state laws which protect the consumer. The front of a Medigap policy must clearly identify it as "Medicare Supplement Insurance." Costs vary by company, but the coverage is similar.

Medicare Supplement or Medigap Plans: Ways to Find Coverage Without Losing Your Mind

Just a quick glance at a government manual about choosing a Medicare Supplement policy can be enough to send you to the doctor with a headache. That's not even including the additional information that is out there specifically about Medicare and the basic coverage that it affords. If you are interested in learning more about Medigap plans but are intimidated by the technical language or are unsure of where to begin your search, there are a few factors to take into consideration. With a methodical approach to researching your health care options, and a few professional tools to guide you, the process can be much simpler than you would think at first.

A great way to get started, before even turning to professional help or conducting specific research into the differences between Medigap plans, is to make a list of personal priorities that you have for health care. There are specific benefits to each plan that deserve to be looked at, but it can focus your search and keep you from losing your mind if you go into this search with a clear head and a laundry list of what it is that you want to ideally find in a policy.

With this in mind, it's then possible to start sorting through each Medigap policy by comparing them side by side. You could make your own chart according to the features that you are looking for in Medigap plans, or you could start off by looking at charts that have already been created. These are readily available online, either through independent medicare supplement consultants or through the federal Medicare website. Search engines can also be a useful tool.

How To Treat Adult Cystic Acne

Adult cystic acne affects a lot of people nowadays. The sad thing is, many of them don't have any idea about the right treatment regimen for this condition.

If you've been experiencing adult cystic acne for quite some time, then you certainly already have an idea how upsetting this skin ailment could be. It may make you feel so dreadful that you do not want to get away from the house; it entirely controls your existence. The majority of people are confused about what is the most excellent treatment for acne.

Acne sufferers regularly have low self-belief and respect to themselves. Therefore, by dealing with the condition, you truly would make other advancements on your existence, as well as having healthier skin! Cystic acne is considered the most agonizing sort of acne. If not treated appropriately it can lead to long-term scarring. As with all types of acne, adult cystic acne does not really have one specific cause of its occurrence.

There are many ways in which people try to take care of their adult cystic acne, but a number of them have some unwanted effects that may essentially make your skin more painful! Many individuals believe that something that dries out will help to take care of their acne, but this could frequently lead to other skin disorders such as eczema. Here are a few techniques that would likely reduce the occurrence adult cystic acne.

1. Relax. Stress might be a big aspect in the skin condition. Prevent instances that may trigger a lot of stress on you.

2. Alcohol consumption.Reducing alcoholic beverages could reduce acne formation.

How to Treat ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder

Now more than ever we know about ADD Attention Deficit Disorder. First we know that it is genetic and passed on from parents to children. It is a disorder that keeps the child or person form be able to focus or concentrate to do simple task such as reading.

It is important that when you get a diagnosis from a doctor that they are not jumping to the conclusion that your child has this. It may be that they have the symptoms but those can be caused by a variety of other things as well. So make sure that you know for sure that this is the case before you give your child any drugs.

One common mistake is that people who have autism are diagnosed with ADD because they can seem like they are not learning or they lack some social skills. Make sure that you are getting a few opinions when going with a diagnosis because giving a child medicine can cause issues if it is the wrong kind.

In some cases the doctor will diagnose ADD and then start to prescribe medicine. Other will try to cure the problem with a proper diet which has also proven to help. It is important for you to be open to these methods and understand that it is going to be a process and everything does not work the same for everybody.

Make sure that you get advice from a professional because they can help you to get this disorder under control.

How to Treat a Headache

Headaches are unfortunately a part of life. In fact, more people complain about headaches than any other medical ailment. Even though many of us have been trained to pop an ibuprofen or migraine medicine when a headache hits, there are more conservative methods that can be used before medication is utilized. If we know what kind of a headache is taking place, then we also can know how to treat the headache. Conservative methods such a massage therapy and chiropractic medicine can be used on two common types of headaches.

A stress or tension headache is the most common type of headache. These are often chronic in nature and are characterized by pain in the temples or the back of the head. Stress and fatigue of the body often leads to tightening of the muscles in the jaws, the neck and the shoulders. This muscle tightness causes irritation of the nerves in the base of the skull called the suboccipital muscles. If the muscles of the jaw are the primary cause of the headaches, they are referred to as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) headaches. The best way to reduce the amount of stress and fatigue placed on the body is to get enough sleep and to have 30 minutes of mild aerobic exercise a day. If that does not help, a massage therapist or chiropractor can help. By relaxing the muscles in the jaw, the neck and the shoulders, the headaches should resolve or decrease in intensity and frequency.

A commonly misunderstood type of headache is the migraine headache. Many patients believe that a migraine is just a really bad headache. A migraine headache is characterized by a headache situated on only one side of the head. They are related to changes that take place in the size of the blood vessels feeding to the brain. Common triggers that change the blood vessel size causing a migraine include stress, allergies, stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights and smells, and diet. The best way to avoid the onset of a migraine headache is to avoid the triggers that set off the migraine. Avoiding foods containing chocolate, spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine and sugar has been shown to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. Hormone changes also can result in a migraine if the amount of serotonin in the nerves changes too much.

How to Treat Bee Stings - First Aid Tips

If you have ever been stung by a bee, I am sure you will describe the sensation of a bee sting as very painful, sharp and burning which may last, if you are lucky, at least for several minutes. As a matter of fact bee sting may show different effect in different people. Some may experience a mild effect as described above, which can get worse to the most serious, worst and deadly situation, an anaphylactic shock.

The message is that you should never take a bee sting too lightly. Be serious and act fast if you encounter somebody (or yourself) stung by a bee. An allergic reaction need only minutes to show the symptoms which include swelling and redness around the spot of bee sting which than can develop to a more serious situation. Watch for signs of anaphylactic reaction which is indicated by the presence of itching, red trashes (hives) and shortness of breath. Do not panic, here are some tips on how to manage somebody stung by a bee:

#1 - Evacuate the victim out of the bee area to a safer place or spot. If the victim stays at same place there is a great possibility that some other bees are encouraged to sting the victim.

#2 - Locate the spot(s) of bee stingers and remove it immediately without any delay. Remove it whatever way you do it, just remove it. The longer a stinger stays in the body the greater the risk for getting worse.

#3 - Ask the person whether he or she has experienced an allergic reaction (indicated by itching and red trashes) after being stung in the past. If yes means that the person is susceptible for another allergic reaction, which might even be worse than the previous one.

How To Treat a Pinched Nerve in Your Lower Back

A pinched nerve in your lower back is also called nerve entrapment, or nerve compression. In layman terms, it is a sore part of the body. A pinched nerve in the lower back may cause anywhere from mild pain and minor discomfort to severe soreness that makes any type of movement excruciatingly painful. Anyone who has experienced the ordeal knows that you would want it to go away, as soon as possible.

Factors Affecting Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve in the body may be caused by a number of factors. Poor posture where weight is unevenly distributed may result in lower back pain as muscles tend to compensate for the imbalance. Same goes with wearing shoes that do not offer good arch support as the pressure of your body weight is transferred from the arches of the feet to your lower back. Stress is also a known cause of lower back pain. Other factors include obesity, Morton's toe and foot misalignment, uneven leg lengths, prolonged sitting, and in more extreme cases by slipped vertebrae or a concussion on the spinal cord.

Chronic vs Acute Pain

To treat a pinched nerve in your lower back, first you have to know whether it falls under the acute or the chronic categories. Acute pain is pain that lasts for less than 3 months. These cases may be treated with back pain home remedies. Meanwhile, chronic pain is pain that is longer than 3 months. This usually requires a more intensive treatment preferably by a nerve doctor or a rehabilitation therapist.

Chronic lower back pain can be treated by either pressing heat or ice pack (never both, for your sake) over the affected area, or taking mild pain relievers. A gentle back rub using mild liniment may also alleviate the pain. Note that bed rest is never recommended, it will aggravate the situation. If you suspect that your condition is caused by stress, do gentle movement side to side, sit back and take plenty of me-time.

How to Treat Bipolar Effectively and in the Proper Way

Bipolar disorder is able to seriously disrupt a person's life. This is why treatment is so important, especially if you want to live a normal life. Otherwise you will find every area of your life being affected.

Treating Bipolar Disorder With Medication

Fortunately, there are several different types of medications available to treat bipolar disorder. They are mood stabilizers, anti-seizure, and antidepressants. This is good because whenever one doesn't help, you can either have the dose adjusted or try something else. Of course, you will also find that medications and treatment will vary from person to person.

The most commonly used medication is a mood stabilizer. This medication will help to stabilize and regulate your mood so that you won't experience bipolar episodes that range from mania to depression. Anti-seizure medications are also used to prevent mood swings in someone who has bipolar disorder. They are most commonly prescribed to those who have Bipolar II or another type of bipolar disorder that is rapid-cycling.

While antidepressants are sometimes prescribed as well, they are not all that effective whenever it comes to treating bipolar disorder. In the past it was more commonly prescribed than it is today. In fact, they are actually controversial now as some doctors feel that they may actually trigger manic episodes.

Some anti-psychotic medications may also be beneficial. This is especially true of Quetiapine, which is more commonly known as Seroquel. It is known to treat both manic and depressive episodes, thus the FDA has approved it for this very purposed.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

Medicare supplemental health insurance is the health insurance taken in addition to the Medicare insurance. Supplemental refers to the add-on nature of the insurance; it supports the Medicare insurance by paying for costs that are not covered by Medicare. These include charges such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. Because it helps pay for gaps in the cost and reimbursements of the Medicare insurance, it is also called Medigap insurance. Private health insurers offer supplemental insurance plans; the prices for the plans vary from one insurer to another even for the same plan. Finding out the right plan is important from two aspects: getting the right supplemental insurance plan for your requirements, and getting it at the lowest cost.

Different Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS), the federal agency that administrators the Medicare program, has standardized the supplemental insurance plans into 10 plan types. These standardized plans are offered by private insurers as insurance products. The plans are named from A to N, with the plans names with E, H, I and J discontinued after May 31, 2010. Therefore, we have 10 plans named A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. Plan F can be further divided into F and F with high deductible, which makes for a total of 11 plans.

The plans differ in the types of benefits they offer. The benefits can be divided under the following heads: Basic benefits, Skilled Nursing Care, Medicare Part A deductible, Part B deductible, Part B Excess Charges, Foreign Travel and Preventative Services. Even the basic benefits offered under different plans differ from one to another. For example, the Plan A offers just basic benefits, but is costlier than F deductible, which offers basic benefits in addition to other benefits. This is possible because plan A has more basic benefits.

How To Treat And Prevent Wrist Pain

The wrist is an unusual joint because stiffness or even fusion causes relatively little difficulty, while if it is wobbly and unstable there can't be real problems. The wrist provides the platform from which the fine motions of the fingers operate. It is essential that this platform be stable. The eight wrist bones form a rather crude joint that is very limited in motion compared with, for example, the shoulder, but which is strong, and stable. Almost no regular human activities require the wrist to be bent all the way back or all the way forward, and the fingers don't operate as well as when the wrist is fully flexed or fully extended.

The wrist platform works best when the wrist is bent upward just a little. When the wrist is in proper position, you can pull or push most efficiently. To illustrate this position, make a fist and put your thumb in the middle of the wrist. Looking down your arm, the thumb should be on an imaginary horizontal line going straight down the middle of your forearm.

The wrist is very frequently involved in rheumatoid arthritis, and the side of the wrist by the thumb is very commonly involved in osteoarthritis.

The "carpal tunnel syndrome" can cause pain at the wrist. In this syndrome, the median nerve is trapped and squeezed as it passes through the fibrous carpal tunnel in the front of the wrist. Usually the squeezing results from too much inflammatory tissue. The cause can be tennis playing, a blow to the front of the wrist, canoe paddling, rheumatoid arthritis, or many other activities that repeatedly flex and extend the wrist. In addition to wrist pain, this syndrome can cause pains to shoot down into the fingers or up into the forearm; usually there is a numb feeling in the fingers, as if they were asleep.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans and Medicare Part D

"I have a Medigap Plan to supplement my Medicare. Do I still need to enroll in a Part D plan?" If you have wondered this, you are not alone. Even if prescriptions aren't important to you now, there are reasons to enroll in a plan.

Of course we know that the chances of us needing some type of medication as we get up in years is great. If you wait until you need medication to enroll and don't join when you first receive your Medicare, you will most likely have to pay a penalty. The penalty assessed will be 1% of the of the Part D National Base Beneficiary Premium per month that you could have enrolled but didn't. This penalty is added to the premium of the Plan you choose. The National Base Beneficiary Premium is $32.34 for 2011. If you delay your Part D enrollment for 1 year, you will have a penalty of $3.88 on your monthly premium for whatever plan you choose. The penalty is permanent.

Medicare's drug program is called Medicare Part D. Part D is offered by private companies. These companies and the various prescription plans that they make available must be approved by Medicare.

All must cover certain drugs and meet certain coverage criteria to be approved. However the plans can vary greatly in terms of premium, co-pays and total out of pocket expenses. If you have original Medicare you can enroll in a stand alone Part D prescription plan along with your Medicare Supplement plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part A, B and D coverage. There are some that only cover A and B and require a separate Part D.

How To Treat Benign Hypertension

Benign Hypertension is a term used to distinguish the condition from the more aggressive and severe malignant hypertension. It is usually diagnosed when there are elevated blood pressure levels for a long period, which may be progressing at a very slow pace, and so any damage being caused may take many years to develop.

If blood pressure levels of someone with benign hypertension shoot up, then it can be referred to as going into a "malignant phase".

The numbers of people with high blood pressure is on the rise with, it is estimated, about a third of all people in the US having the condition. And a third again are thought to be people with undiagnosed high blood pressure.

Of those who have been diagnosed, about 50% of them are believed to be not taking the prescription medication given to them by their doctor correctly. This is a major concern as not taking medication as prescribed is the biggest risk factor in a person suffering from malignant hypertension, which is a life threatening condition.

Most people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure are able to take steps to bring the levels to normal after some changes to lifestyle, diet, exercise regime and potentially medication. And if this is done early enough they can reduce the risk of complications like stroke, heart attacks and kidney problems.

It is understandable that there are so many people who have not been diagnosed witth this potentially deadly condition. There are either no symptoms, or there are potentially mild symptoms like headaches and nausea, which could easily be confused for other problems or dismissed.

How To Treat A Sore Throat Naturally

Whether it's 3 o' clock in the morning and you are unable to make it to the nearest drugstore or if you're simply not too fond of putting over the counter drugs into your body, there are several ways to treat a sore throat naturally lurking right in your food pantry or spice cabinet. Some individuals, including doctors, have sworn by certain natural concoctions to be more effective than conventional drugs and medicines. So the next time swallowing becomes a hassle, try a few natural fixes that do not include those harsh chemicals and ingredients found in tablets, capsules and sprays; you may be in for a pleasant surprise.

When it comes to soothing a sore throat, sucking on ice chips is a plain, simple and cost effective way to instantly subdue the scratchy feeling in the back of your throat. Not only will the ice provide a refreshing and cooling sensation, but it can also help to numb the pain as well. Although popsicles may seemingly be a more enjoyable option to get the same benefits, the sugar may actually agitate the throat even more. It is best to purchase natural juice bars or sugar free popsicles.

Gargling warm saline water has definitely been one of the most traditional remedies for a sore throat due to its capabilities of reducing inflammation and deteriorating mucus, but in fact, there are a few different spices and herbs to add to a hot cup of water that could possibly posses more healing potential than salt water alone. Gargling with cayenne pepper, turmeric and sage have all been reputable sore throat remedies that have been passed down from several generations. It is as simple as mixing 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of your spice of choice in one cup of hot water. You can gargle the mixture as often as you like, but no less than 5 times a day.

Medicare Supplement Insurance, It's All About the Cost!

Medicare supplemental insurance plans are standardized and regulated through the federal government. There are 12 plans, A-N having different levels of coverage. The fact is there are many companies that offer these plans. They vary in cost form one company to the next, however the plans do not vary in benefits. Plan N with one company is the exact same as plan N with another. Below are the five most common questions people have and the answers to those questions.

1-Q-Will my doctor except my supplement?

A-If your doctor accepts Medicare; they accept your supplement plan.

2-Q-I never heard of this company before, will my doctor accept them?

A-If your doctor accepts Medicare; your supplement is good to go!

3-Q- Why does one company charge more than another for the same coverage?

A-Because they can. We still live in a land of free enterprise and these companies are in competition just the same as Auto insurance companies.

4-Q-You mean my doctor will accept my supplement even though I never heard of this company before?

A- Yes

5-Q- Wow, I can't believe this, are you sure my doctor will accept my supplement?

A-Yes, they will accept your supplement if they accept Medicare.

Next, there is a very common reflex people have that should be addressed. Often, folks have a tendency to say, "My neighbor has blank" and they are very happy with it. I won't tell you not to ask your neighbor for advice, but I will warn you that they probably do not have the same health and financial situation as you. Also, it's very possible that you can get the same coverage for 30% less just by shopping around! It's also possible that you may not be comfortable with the coverage they have. Maybe they are willing to accept more risk. Are you? These are legitimate concerns that your neighbor is not going to be able to address.

How to Treat Acid Reflux Symptoms?

Some of you might have been experiencing heartburn, chest pain, painful swallowing, sore throat, bad breath, dental erosion, acid taste in the mouth, excessive saliva, burning sensation in the throat, then if you do have such these problems; it indicates that you are most likely to have acid reflux symptoms.

Reflux symptoms occur when the lower esophageal sphincter that is used to intake the food from the upper gastrointestinal tract to the stomach is not strong enough to handle the acid. Our stomach digests the food with the help of acid generated and stored by it. The stomach wall is designed to be strong enough to keep that acid without causing any damage.

For unknown reasons, when acid flows back into the esophagus from stomach it causes heartburn, which is considered as the first symptom of acid reflux disease or GERD. At first, you may find that this occurs only once in a while, but when you find it happens regularly 2 until 3 times in a week, then you are most likely to have acid reflux disease.

Almost reflux symptoms occur shortly after eating. Also, it is common to occur when we are lying down or sleeping. Thus, it is better to avoid lying down or sleeping at least three hours after meal. Reflux symptoms tend to last for minutes, but it may also last for several hours. The acid reflux symptoms usually disappear when acid is neutralised by prescription medication such as antacid, or can be with a natural remedy.

To prevent the acid reflux symptoms becoming worst, at first you can start by simply changing your lifestyle:

How to Treat Asthma: Helping Children Deal With It

Some say that there are no short cuts in how to treat asthma especially for very young children and they are right. However, there is always an answer as to how you, especially if you are a parent, can help in alleviating the effects of asthma on your child. Luckily, the best way to treat the asthma condition of your child is through natural methods. Doctors and other medical practitioners would agree with this. In fact, even if they give prescriptive medications to their patients, they still recommend that their patients and the parents of children diagnosed with asthma to subject the asthmatic person to a healthy diet and regular exercise.

However, experts say that if you want to know how to treat asthma, you need to remember the top four factors on how you could control asthma using natural ways and that means not being dependent on prescriptive medications and this include: Environment, Diet, Breathing and Exercise. In almost all the sites that you check out online, you will be able to read about natural ways of treating asthma but most of them forgot to emphasize the need to really engage in what is natural because this is the basis of whether or not the patient will survive an asthma attack. These four factors play an essential role in ensuring that the child is healthy and in tip top shape to engage in all the activities that children their age should be doing.

Since asthma is a disease that can be triggered by pretty much everything that you can find in the environment, it is very important that you as a parent ensure that you know what could trigger the asthma attacks of your child. Your knowledge of this will lessen the frequency of the attacks allowing your child to live a normal life just like other kids without asthma. If you think adults are having a difficult time dealing with asthma and controlling its effects, then perhaps children diagnosed with asthma are dealing with something seemingly impossible. Not only will they suffer from difficulty in breathing but their young fragile bodies will also be exposed to a lot of stress and anxiety and children who are very young might not be able to survive without proper care.

How To Treat A Dislocated Shoulder

Do you play extreme sports? Or are you prone to accidents in your upper body? If you are, then you have to be always on guard for certain conditions and injuries that involve your muscles and bones. One of these injuries is shoulder dislocation. This is a condition in which your arm bone's connection to the socket of your shoulder-blade is loosened.

It is imperative that an immediate treatment course is applied to you when you suffer from a dislocated shoulder. This is to prevent further internal damage from happening and affecting your shoulders, ligaments, muscles and arms.

If you got the injury while playing on the field, you need to have your shoulders immediately on a splint to avoid putting more pressure via movement to the affected area. This would also prevent the injury to progressing into a case of broken bones. You can also take in a few dosages of pain relievers like analgesics to alleviate the discomforting pain around your shoulders. If there is swelling in the dislocated shoulder, you can also use cold compress. When you are brought to the doctor, you would be put under what can be a painful way of popping out your dislocated shoulder to reduce the distance between your shoulder-blade and arm bone. But you need not to worry because you would be sedated or anesthetized so that you would not feel too much pain.

But of course, it does not end with the simple maneuvering of your bones or even the intake of pain relievers. You would be suggested to undergo physical therapy for bone and muscle related injuries. Remember that the injury is on your bones and these are parts of your body that do take a very long time to heal.

How to Treat and Prevent Poor Pool Water Circulation

Healthy water circulation is essential for swimming pools. It makes sure that chemicals reach every part of the pool and prevents algae growth. When swimming pools aren't circulating effectively, you run the risk of experiencing "dead areas" where contaminants can accumulate or algae can grow. Dead spots aren't being sanitized efficiently, and not only ruin the look of your pool but can pose a risk to swimmers because of the possibility for contaminants to grow there.

You commonly find dead spots in the deeper areas of the pool, in the middle of the pool, around bodies in the pool like ladders, towards the edges of pools, especially corners, close to the skimmer, and in parts of the water that don't see much sunlight, such as if a tree is planted close to the edge of the pool, creating a shadow. If a dead spot hasn't already attracted more visible debris, cloudy water may be a sign that water's not circulating in that area. If your water is cloudy in one area but clear in others, then you've most likely got a dead spot on your hands.

Make sure your filtration system is working efficiently. Man pool owners make the mistake of aiming their jets towards the surface of the pool because that's what looks the most efficient-you can see it working. This is what sometimes turns the deeper water into a dead area. Make sure your returns are aimed evenly around the pool and aren't favoring any one area. If you have a dead area in the middle, you know what area your jets are neglecting. Also, if some of your filtration equipment isn't working correctly, your system might not have the ability to circulate effectively. If you're experiencing dead spots, then you should take a look at your system and try to find any weak links and then check out a swimming pool supplies store for replacements.

How to Thrive After A Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

Women are more at risk than men for osteoporosis. After receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia it is important to keep moving and exercise in a safe manner. This means not putting compression on the spine, especially the thoracic area of the spine. Walking, dancing, strength training and swimming are often suggested.

Perhaps osteoporosis runs in your family. Or, you are reaching menopause and wonder how you can prevent it, since reaching menopause is one of the risk factors. In fact, several risk factors increase your chances of developing osteoporosis or having a fracture, including:

a thin, small-boned frame

previous fracture or family history of osteoporotic fracture

estrogen deficiency from early menopause (before age 45) whether naturally, or from surgically removing the ovaries, or as a result of prolonged amenorrhea (abnormal absence of menstruation) in younger women (often from anorexia or extremely low body fat such as in athletes

advanced age

a diet low in calcium

Caucasian or Asian ancestry (African Americans and Hispanics are at a slightly lower risk)

cigarette smoking

excessive use of alcohol

prolonged use of certain medications or recreational drugs.

Women lose bone rapidly following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis especially in the first 4-8 years.

Often the first inkling that you might be at risk for osteoporosis begins with decreased blood calcium when you have blood work done. Sometimes this is accompanied by a thyroid imbalance, a Vitamin D deficiency and / or a magnesium deficiency.

How To Treat Acne: Acne Laser Treatment Is A Last Resort

I bet you have had enough of all the empty promises from skin care companies trying to sell you over the counter acne medications. Maybe it is time to stop believing in all the promises their advertising makes. No matter what it costs to get rid of acne, making a decision to do what it takes can help you find a solution.

I'm sure it often feels like a losing battle when dealing with acne. You are not alone. Have you thought about giving acne laser treatments a try but aren't sure about how it works or if there are any problems with the procedure?

Even though you might be inclined to not worry about the cost of getting rid of your acne, are you aware that acne laser treatments might cost hundreds of dollars an hour? Prices for this kind of treatment range from three hundred dollars for half an hour to over five hundred for half an hour.

Even at three hundred dollars for half an hour, your first two hour visit is going to cost you twelve hundred dollars! Do you think your health insurance company is going to want to pay that bill? I don't think so.

Acne laser treatments are considered by health care companies to be a 'cosmetic procedure' rather than a medical necessity. They might be considered under a medical need since acne is an inflammation, but you will need to check with your health insurance carrier before hand.

You may be one of those people that will still pay for laser treatments even though you don't have health insurance. You have probably made this decision because you have exhausted all other options for getting rid of acne. You would not be alone in this thinking. Maybe you feel that spending this amount of money on laser treatments would cost less than all the over the counter products you been buying.

How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy

Pregnant women often struggle with acne, especially since many are unsure which acne medications are safe to use during pregnancy and which ones should be avoided. This page provides an overview of treatments approved for pregnant women; however, always consult a doctor before using any medication during pregnancy.

Hormonal changes during early pregnancy often result in acne inflammations. Even if you have been blessed with clear skin all your life, you may experience terrible acne during your first trimester.

Luckily, acne tends to clear up as the pregnancy progresses, and if you struggled with acne before your pregnancy then your skin may look better in your second and third trimester than it ever has before. (Doctors speculate this is due to increased levels of estrogen.)

Does that mean you have to grin and bear the acne for three, four, or five months? No way! Topical medications like Benzoyl peroxide or Azelaic acid are typically safe to use during pregnancy. Oral medications, however, should be avoided during pregnancy, with the exception of oral erythromycin, which your doctor may prescribe if your acne is severe.

Tetracycline, oral isotretinoin, and topical retinoids MUST be avoided during pregnancy. These can have a harmful effect on the fetus and should be avoided even if you are trying to get pregnant.

Some herbal remedies for acne are safe to use during pregnancy, but again, always consult your doctor. Don't assume that "herbal" means "safe" - it doesn't! Herbal medications and supplements can be very powerful, so always talk to your doctor.

How to Treat Anxiety

Learning how to treat anxiety can be of great benefit to many over-stressed people around the world. There are a number of natural remedies you can familiarize yourself with, most of which you can perform on yourself as needed. First of all, learn for yourself what triggers your anxiety. Develop some non-invasive coping strategies--such as taking a bath, asking your husband to watch the kids, putting on a favorite CD, or treating yourself to a massage. These two simple methods can go a long way towards alleviating anxiety.

One of the latest strategies for how to treat anxiety is called the Emotional Freedom Technique. This easy-to-learn technique is effective and free. Using the energy meridians in your body (the same used in acupuncture), you tap certain points in a certain order while citing affirmations in a particular form out loud. To learn where to tap and how to formulate your affirmations, check out Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on YouTube or Google. There are also classes available where you can learn EFT in person as well as certified EFT practitioners you can visit.

While acupuncture is a bit more complex, it is another effective method in treating anxiety. Again, utilizing pressure points along energy meridians, acupuncture places thin needles in these points, helping to re-align and balance the body, creating a heightened sense of well-being. Acupuncture also provides 15-20 minutes of quiet, meditative time one can use for visualizing anxiety-free living while the needles are working their magic.

How to Treat a Complex Ovarian Cyst

Treatment of a complex ovarian cyst depends on the type and nature of the cyst. If benign, there is little or no treatment that is required at all.

On the other hand, if the condition is serious, conventional treatment must be followed.

Included in conventional treatment are birth control pills, and pain relievers. Birth control pills stop FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) which inhibits ovulation thus, repressing ovarian cyst. This drug also reduces the hormones that promote growth and prevent formation of large cysts; the size of the follicles and size of existing cysts are reduced. It is a fact that birth control pills hinder ovulation but as soon as the woman stops taking the pills, she returns to square one. Prolong use of this pill may pose another health problem. Meanwhile, pain relievers are prescribed to diminish or minimize the pain caused by the cysts.

If the cyst is cancerous there are other complications, surgery will be the only option. In most cases the cyst is removed but in other cases, ovaries are removed to eradicate the cysts. However, there are risks involved. Surgeries are expensive, leave scars, and leave the body open for infection. Sad to say, this does not prevent the formation of new cysts.

A single treatment plan is not possible when dealing with large complex ovarian cysts. Other form of cyst requires immediate surgical removal of such. There are some forms that need to be controlled by drugs. However, some medications do not eliminate complex ovarian cysts, leaving women affected by this condition, emotionally and physically concerned. More complicated varieties of ovarian cysts treatments do not usually help in dealing with this condition as it only targets the symptoms and not the cause of the disease.

How To Treat Anal Itching

If you are suffering from the problem of itching in the anal area there is no need to feel embarrassed because you are not alone. There are millions of people in the world who suffer from this embarrassing condition which is medically known as 'pruritus ani' and strangely enough it is a very common ailment but not many people feel comfortable talking about it publicly. In this article we are going to discuss about the symptoms of anal itching, its causes and some of the remedial measures available in the alternative form of medicine which can provide instant relief in the comfort of your home.

Symptoms

If there is irritation in the anus or rectum area it could be anal itching. This feeling of irritation makes a person scratch the area to experience relief but this scratching makes the condition worse. It is generally caused due to increased moisture, rubbing caused by sitting and clothes and continuous pressure. Anal itching at its worst causes high discomfort and can also cause soreness and burning.

Causes

Apart from above causes it is also caused by chemicals present in our food, pinworms, hemorrhoids and anal fissures. It is a condition which can affect any person of any age. It is common both in men and women.

Treatment Options

The remedy for anal itching depends mainly on the cause of itching but because there are so many factors that can lead to this problem it is advisable to get a medical checkup in order to find the exact cause which will help in using the right treatment options.

How to Thicken Soups with out the Fat

Smooth and creamy soups are so pleasing to the pallet with there smooth texture and buttery taste. However these types of soups are often times high in fat and cholesterol. There are easy ways to still be able to enjoy hearty thick soups with less fat and less cholesterol.

Here are four alternatives to heavy cream, butter or coconut milk when thickening soup.

Alternative One

Substitute plain yogurt for the cream, butter or coconut milk. Simply make the soup as normal holding back the fat. At the end of cooking add enough plain yogurt to make the soup creamy and smooth. Plain yogurt has a tangy taste and may alter the flavor of the soup. To combat this add a spoonful of honey or sugar with the plain yogurt. But keep in mind yogurt will curdle if boiled. Never boil soup with yogurt.

Alternative Two

Whisk in sour cream. Sour cream is not exactly low in fat or low in cholesterol but it does have the smooth creamy taste and texture many soups require. The trick to using sour cream is to only use 2-3 tablespoons and to whisk it in just before serving. By whisking in the sour cream at the end of cooking the smooth creamy taste will still be full bodied when the soup is served. But just like yogurt sour cream will separate if boiled, never boil soup with sour cream.

Alternative Three

Use less fat. Often a recipe will call for ½ cup to 1 cup of heavy cream. This amount is often times not necessary to achieve the same smooth creamy flavor and texture. Simply lower the amount of heavy cream to 2 tablespoons and the soup will still maintain the desired finish.

How to Test For Blood Glucose Levels and What They Mean

When someone has diabetes, it is important that they test their blood glucose levels on a regular basis. Knowing what their healthy level is and noticing any changes could give them an important head start on controlling any issues that may arise. Testing the levels of glucose in the blood is very easy and can be done at home with simple tools.

There are many things that can be determined from looking at the levels of glucose that someone has in their blood. For example, the reading might indicate how elements such as exercise, diet, stress and illness have affected their blood sugar levels. It can also help a patient's doctor determine how much insulin they should be taking before meals or if their insulin levels need to be adjusted.

It is important to have the proper equipment for testing blood sugar levels, but it can be found easily at any grocery store or pharmacy. The two most important pieces of equipment are the blood glucose meter and the testing strips. It is very important that patients make sure to get the correct testing strips for the brand of meter that they are purchasing.

When testing and maintaining equipment, there are a few things that someone can do to make sure they are getting an accurate reading every time. It is important to store unused testing strips in the container since exposure to air could affect the results. Expired products should not be used because they are not likely to give an accurate reading. It is also important for users to read all of the directions carefully before beginning and following them exactly while performing the test.

How to Test Your Fitness Level

Below are some steps you can follow to determine which level you're on.

1. Run or brisk walk to test your aerobic fitness.

Run a mile or two as fast as you can. You can do it anywhere but make sure you run on a level path. A sign of top aerobic ability which is your body's capacity to transport oxygen to your working muscles is breaking the 10-minute mark. If your time is 12 minutes or above, it means you are quite slow, between 10 and 12 minutes indicates ordinary ability and 10 minutes or less indicates peak endurance.

Remember to practice running farther than your record speed to develop your aerobic capacity. Regular aerobic exercise lowers your body fat and cholesterol and thus lessens the risk of heart disease.

2. Do push-ups to test your upper body strength and muscular fitness.

When doing push-ups, lie face down on the floor with elbows bent and palms next to your shoulders. Then push up with arms until arms are extended, all the while keeping your back straight. Lower body until chest touches floor and then push it upward as you return to your starting position.

If you can do 13 to 15 push-ups at one time, your upper body strength is considered good. If your count is six or less, that means your upper body muscles need work. Remember that beginners are usually on their hands and knees while those who are more advanced are on their hands and toes.

3. Sit and reach to measure flexibility.

This is a simple method to measure the flexibility of your body, in particular your lower back, hips, and the backs of your legs. To do this, place a yardstick on the floor. Secure it with a piece of tape across the yardstick at the 15-inch or 38-centimeter mark. Place the soles of your feet even with the mark on the yardstick. Ask someone to place his or her hands on top of your knees to secure them and then reach forward as far as you can, staying in that position for two to three seconds. Repeat two more times, recording each distance you have reached.