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.