Honey, the Medicine of Choice for Many

After being forgotten as a viable treatment source, honey is being rediscovered as a preferred method of healing a wide spectrum of health conditions, both internally and topically on the skin.

Many cultures have embraced the concept of using honey as a medicine. Cave paintings in Spain dating as far back as 7000 B.C. show men collecting honey from a bee colony. The medicinal properties of honey have been known since ancient times. A Sumerian tablet from around 3000 B.C. prescribes honey to treat an infected skin ulcer. Papyrus writings dated 2000 B.C. from Egypt prescribes honey to treat a gaping wound of the eyebrow. Before modern-day medicine as we know it was invented, honey was used for its medicinal properties.

The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans all used honey to treat a variety of ailments. Around 350 B.C., Aristotle wrote about honey being used to treat wounds and sore eyes. Muhammad, the Muslim prophet, recommended honey to treat diarrhea, and the Koran mentions the curative properties of honey.

Once the therapeutic value of honey was discovered, it was widely used regularly as for medical purposes. Ancient cultures accepted the use of honey as a medicine. The medicinal benefits of honey were passed on from generation to generation, and today honey is a popular medicine in many parts of the world, with a notable exception of the United States.

Why not the U.S.? Many in the American medical community still view honey as a food item and well outside the mainstream of medicine. Many U.S. doctors are reluctant to even experiment with honey for fear of being ostracized by their peers. However, European and other countries have a long history of honey and its medicinal benefits.

One U.S. company has made major strides in bringing the use of honey as a medicine back into the limelight. Honeymark International, a New York-based company uses a particular type of honey from New Zealand known as Manuka Honey in its products. Even though all types of honey have medicinal qualities, Manuka Honey seems to have more than others.

When using Manuka Honey to treat internal ailments, such as stomach ulcers, strep throat, acid reflux, etc., ingesting it is easy because many of us enjoy eating honey, and it tastes better than medicine. However, using Manuka Honey topically on the skin can be somewhat of a sticky mess. Honeymark has developed skin care products containing active Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent to avoid this inconvenience. Honeymark’s cream-based products and lotions make it easy to take advantages of the health benefits of Manuka Honey.

Honeymark offers a line of Manuka Honey skin care products to treat conditions such as infected wounds, burns, eczema, ringworm, acne, arthritis and even wrinkles. Manuka Honey has very powerful antibacterial properties that make it ideal for eliminating infectious bacteria that are responsible for many health concerns. One of Manuka Honey’s greatest accolades is its ability to health MRSA Staph infections, where antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine have failed.

Cure Eczema – 8 Tips To Clear Your Skin

Eczema effects as much as 20 percent of the population in Australia, England, Scandinavia and the United States. Have you tried many home remedies for eczema and found that they don’t work?

1. Pay close attention to your diet. It has been proven that a diet rich in alkali will get rid of your eczema and keep it away. However you should also watch what you consume on a daily basis as some foods can cause an allergic reaction and break out your skin.

2. Avoid using dryer sheets or scented laundry detergent when washing your baby’s clothes. Oftentimes, these products may irritate sensitive skin and increase itching.

3. To calm the flair up of eczema as well as to relax the mind and spirit try some essential oil therapy. Fill your bath with warm, (not hot), water and add 7 drops of chamomile essential oil to the water. Soak for ten to twelve minutes and enjoy the aroma. Then take a pre-mixture of 3oz of olive oil with 5 drops of chamomile, 7 drops of lavender and 3 drops of bergamot essential oils and gently massage this into the inflamed area of skin. Take the time to relax and really enjoy this treatment.

4. For severe outbreaks, for natural eczema treatment applying cold compresses to the areas helps reduce inflammation and itching, for immediate relief. Because the disorder is thought to be caused by allergens, some people will find relief when they remove those allergens from their diet, by eliminating offending foods, or by reducing the environmental irritants, such as molds,dust and pet hairs.

5. Avoid using scented lotions and perfume on your skin. When you have eczema, you skin is very sensitive and the chemical constituents of the scented lotions and perfumes may irritate your skin. For an alternative, you can go for lotions such as cetaphil which will be very soothing for your skin.

6. Remove your child from the bath before his skin begins to prune. Soap should only be used when necessary, as it may dry the skin and worsen eczema.

7. With daily practice you will be able to focus only on your breath without intruding thoughts for longer and longer periods of time. You should do this exercise of meditation and deep breathing daily for 21 minutes. Try to find a Zen alarm clock that will sound a gentle chime sound and use this so that you don’t need to think about the time.

8. In general, ayurvedic treatments put a high emphasis on mind-body connection. Reducing stress in life could also benefit and help reduce symptoms associated with this disorder. Attention is required for the type of food you eat every day. It is necessary to avoid certain irritants like eggs, fish, or soy products from your regular diet to get a better cure for eczema. But make sure to discuss with your practitioner regarding the changes in your diet.

Some Myths about Federal Health Care Reform or Obamacare.

When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, aka ACA) became federal law in March of 2010, there were many assumptions about what the law would and would not do. As everyone knows, it has become known simply as “Obamacare,” because President Obama was the one who wanted health care reform. Here are some misconceptions about health care reform.

One of the first statements made was that the new law was tantamount to “a government takeover of healthcare.” For this to be true, the government would need to inform every citizen that they were being enrolled in a federal healthcare program, sort of like Medicare, which is a federal health care program for any qualifying citizen or permanent resident over the age of 65. In fact, there is no federal alternative to private health insurance today. Since most if not all health insurance companies that were doing business in 2010 are still insuring millions of policyholders today, it is safe to say that there has not been a government takeover of healthcare. It is also true however, that many people would like to see that happen. They would love to see Medicare expanded to include everyone; but that is very unlikely for many years to come, if ever.

“Medicare benefits will be reduced.” Actually the opposite has happened. Medicare now covers annual physical exams and colonoscopies in addition to the quite comprehensive benefits they have long provided. It is true that premium costs to Medicare beneficiaries will go up in future years, but medical costs and premiums have been rising steadily for decades, and seniors do use more medical services than people under 65.

There will be government “death panels” that will make end-of-life decisions for people on Medicare. This idea was borne out of a well-intended provision in the health care bill that would have helped pay for the end-of-life planning discussion cost that the elderly already have with their physicians and caregivers. So a good thing became a bad thing. Now there can be no provisions in Medicare for this benefit which, ironically, hurts seniors and can actually adds to the cost of health care.

Illegal immigrants will now be covered. The ACA specifically prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving coverage.

What is not known is the true long-term cost of this legislation. There are many people on both sides of the argument, time will tell what the real cost will be, and there are many components of this program still to be implemented. The truth about health care is that it is expensive no matter where you are. Canada, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, China.

All of these countries have some form of government provided health care and while it is less expensive per-capita than in the United States, it is expensive nonetheless. The common element of all health care programs is that every citizen or legal permanent resident is covered. The cost of care per person is far lower when everyone is covered.
What needs to be understood about health care is that every person at some point will seek it out when they need it. Whether or not they have health insurance is not a factor when there is a need for treatment. If a person cannot afford car insurance they have the option of not driving, and few people drive without car insurance. Not so with health insurance, and the situation is made worse by the fact that uninsured people often ignore minor medical issues because of the cost. Unfortunately those minor medical issues have a way of becoming serious, and that is when the uninsured seek care. And where do they go to get treatment then? The emergency room, which happens to be the most expensive entry point into the entire health care system in the U.S. They go there because federal law prohibits hospitals from turning away anyone during a medical emergency.

This is a huge factor in the cost of health insurance, and a major reason why health insurance premiums have risen far in excess of the CPI over the past 30 years. Until that part of the health insurance equation is resolved the cost of insurance will continue to be out of reach for millions of Americans.

In summary, the cost of delivering health care in the U.S. is not going to go away as an issue. The debate over the number of uninsured and whether or not they should be covered, public vs. private insurance, and who pays for all of this will go on until our politicians realize that there is no one best solution. All sides will have to agree that there will always be some elements of a common health care system that not everyone will like. There are many elements of the Affordable Care Act which work, and those elements need to be preserved. Many insurers who initially opposed the Act have since re-tooled their benefit and pricing models to reflect the major objectives of the program. The irony here is that abolishing the ACA would actually increase the cost of coverage as insurers once again had to redesign their policies and coverage. What is needed most of all is a system that works reasonably well and covers everyone or nearly everyone. In the long run, the cost of excluding millions of uninsured will cost more than covering them.

Careers in Alternative Medicine

Although traditional medicine cannot replace modern medicine as far as diagnosis, investigation and emergency care are concerned, certain ‘alternative’ systems which focus on overall health, have shown remarkable and swift results even in chronic illnesses like diabetes, leucoderma, cancer as well as hard to cure diseases like arthritis, asthma and even AIDS.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, literally meaning the science of life, aims at healing the individual as a whole, instead of merely at the molecular level. This ancient healing system is based on the theory that everything is composed of panchamahabhutas, or the five basic elements (akaash, jal, vayu, agni, dharti). The main source of our knowledge of Ayurveda is the Atharva Veda, which dates back to around 1200 BC.

Find Alternative Medicine Programs in the United States and Canada. With the phenomenal expansion of complementary and holistic therapies, there are growing numbers of healing arts schools that now offer alternative medicine programs to both practitioners and prospective students searching for unique career-training opportunities.
Of the numerous alternative medicine programs – massage therapy, holistic health, energy healing, and nutritional consulting are some of the more popular academic programs available today.

Alternative Healing Education
Alternative healing education provides courses to students that may lead to certificates, diplomas and degrees in the healing arts. In many instances, alternative healing education classes can encompass broad spectrums of noninvasive healing modalities such as aromatherapy, Ayurveda, energy healing therapies, herbology and herbal medicine, chiropractic, acupressure, and naturopathy to mention just a few. Some alternative healing education programs enable students to sit for local and national licensure exams; as in the cases of massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Additionally, a number of alternative healing education programs include certificate courses that help students to become certified in a wide variety of healing arts

Alternative Medicine Courses
Depending on your career interest, successful completion of one or more alternative medicine courses can lead to professions in naturopathy, natural health, homeopathy, massage therapy and Oriental medicine to list just a few. Alternative medicine courses in natural health, for example, can help students achieve required education to become natural health consultants, educators or natural health technicians. Naturopathy schools that provide alternative medicine courses are commonly comprised of comprehensive studies in naturopathy, phytotherapy, botanical and herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and other Chinese medicine subjects.

Alternative Medicine Colleges
Before registering in the wide expand of alternative medicine colleges, you should first determine which alternative medicine practice you would like to enter. For example, if you interested in chiropractic, be sure that the selection of alternative medicine colleges in which you choose to enroll offer this course of study. Some alternative medicine colleges provide training in a diverse range of health therapies including education in pathology-specific treatments, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Studies offered through alternative medicine colleges in this area may include diverse curriculums in botanical or herbal medicine, supplements and vitamins, hydrotherapy, mind-body therapies, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and other massage therapies.

How Vibration Medicine Can Help Alleviate Stress In Your Life

Vibration medicine focuses on balance. It is based on the principle that everything vibrates to a specific frequency. When our bodies deviate from their normal vibration, disease and ill effects can occur.

There are many forms of vibrational healing. Some have been around for centuries, while others are in the experimental stages. Here are the explanations of some of the types of vibrational medicine.

Reiki

Reiki is a form of vibrational medicine that involves our Ki, or life force. Practitioners are trained and attuned by Reiki masters. They promote relaxation and healing through the laying on of hands.

Reiki is founded on the principle that negative thoughts exist not only in the mind, but also throughout the body and energy field. By changing the negative vibrations, Reiki practitioners open the channel for Chi to flow freely in the body, allowing it to return to its original, healthy state.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing the body. Over 2,500 years old, this technique works by stimulating certain points on the body using fine needles. Acupuncture takes into account the same energy as Reiki, but acupuncture works on the assumption that the energy flows between two opposite points.

The stimulation of the needles on certain points on the body’s energy meridian works on the organ systems of the body. By altering their vibrations, the life force is regulated. This treats the sickness or disorder at hand.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a fairly common form of vibration medicine. Only 2% of people in the United States and Britain use it, but 15% of those in India have used homeopathy.

Like the other types of vibration medicine, homeopathy’s philosophy is based upon the principle that disease and illness are caused by a disturbance of a person’s Chi. In concentrated form, homeopathic medicine produces symptoms similar to those of the sickness they are intended to treat. But the medicines are diluted and shaken several times before being used by the patient, purportedly enhancing spirit-like powers in the drug.

Other Forms of Vibration Medicine

New forms of vibration medicine are being evaluated. One involves therapy with actual tiny vibrations, and is believed to be effective against osteoporosis. Study participants received the therapy for 10 minutes each day for one year, and their bone and muscle mass both increased.

Other forms of vibration treatment include vibrations of sound and color. It is not clear how well these treatments work, but they are being given serious consideration.

Acupuncture is probably the most respected type of vibration treatment in the Western world. But other forms of vibration therapy are becoming more popular. Although it is hard to comprehend how these types of therapy work, they all have dedicated followers. Most of them have been found to be beneficial in healing various diseases, and that is more than can be said for many types of medicine.

Eliminate Nummular Eczema Without The Need Of Any Medication

Eczema is a skin disease that often runs in families. It is generally caused by stress and contact with certain chemicals or allergens. The word “nummular” is taken from the Latin word nummus, which means a small coin. Numular eczema is in the form of coin shaped patches.

Men are the people who contract nummular eczema the most, with the first outbreak occurring when they are in their mid fifties to mid sixties in age. The second most active age period of people suffering with nummular eczema are fifteen to twenty five years of age.

In this category women are the ones suffering from this type of eczema the most. This form of eczema hardly bothers with children, and for every 1000 people in the United States, only two will be affected by this illness.

In cases where nummular eczema is not well treated, then one may risk developing secondary infections of the skin. The goal of treatment for eczema is to relieve and prevent itching, whichcan lead to infection.

Trigger Factors For Nummular Eczema

Avoid triggers that can make your symptoms worse, such as wool, lanolin, and certain foods. Trigger factors for atopic eczema may include soap, harsh chemicals, heat and humidity, stress, certain foods (the most common offenders include eggs, milk, wheat, soy protein,and peanuts).

Nowadays, it is possible to obtain a food allergy, skin prick test, where certain foods are placed on the skin in a controlled, clinical environment. Nummunal Eczema may also be due to other causes such as: an allergic reaction to the excrement from house dust mites, allergy to foodstuffs including :

Dairy products,
coffee,
soybean products,
eggs,
nuts,
wheat and maize.

A good idea is to start with a very plain and limited diet and gradually introduce new foods. Once you have discovered foods that bring on eczema, you should eliminate them from your diet.

Avoid triggers that can make your symptoms worse, such as wool, lanolin, and certain foods. Trigger factors for atopic eczema may include soap, harsh chemicals, heat and humidity, stress,certain foods (the most common offenders include eggs, milk, wheat, soy protein,and peanuts).

To be sure, you should start shifting gears such from fatty foods into healthy vegetables. Certain foods such as eggs, peanut butter, fish and eggs are known to trigger off numunal eczema in children. Vitamin C rich foods can help with skin regeneration, these include fruit and vegetables. Additives in food can, in some cases, severely irritate the skin, these include processed foods with coloring and preservatives.

Alternative Treatment

The treatment of nummular eczema will target the need for immediate relief from the symptoms. Frequently your doctor will prescribe topical ointments or creams containing steroids, which are usually very effective.

Nummular Eczema patients can be treated, but medical treatments often dont help a pain which is more than skin deep. Alternative medicines have done more for the numular eczema suffer then doctors and drug companies. It is widely agreed upon that the bodys immune system is not strong enough, or has been altered to combat allergens Incorporating fatty 3 acids, and herbal tonics has cleared up many forms of eczema.

You will also want to use a rich moisturizing lotion or cream to keep your skin hydrated, and make sure the soap you use is mild and fragrance free. The application of a wet dressing can sometimes give you some relief.

It’s good to wear cotton clothing and avoid wool while you are sorting things out. Some people react to latex so be aware of your gloves. A mild soap like dove for sensitive skin works well as it contains no perfumes. For bathing use oatmeal baths rather than commercial bath soaks. Check your detergent to be sure it is dye free.

E Cig Health Risks

Used to an increasing degree over not simply the United States but the entire world, e-cigarettes represent an incredibly fast growing and popular new technology. While on the outside e-cigarettes seem completely safe there is a troubling element to their growth, and that’s the fact no one really knows much about them or what the long-term health implications over smoking them is.

It’s up to each individual to decide what level of risk they’re willing to take on in their life and with the habits they adopt. Still, that doesn’t mean you should start (or continue) to smoke e-cigarettes without having some idea what problems they could potentially cause you.

The Only Real Long-Term Health Risk

There is only one health risk associated with e-cigarettes which we’re absolutely aware of and that’s the fact we are largely ignorant over them. The biggest health risk surrounding e-cigarettes is their uncertainty. They could produce lots of health risks which we aren’t aware of and which won’t come to light for another decade.

On the other hand they may also be completely safe. Consider the example of lazik eye treatments. This form of vision correction met a similar level of public hostility and alarm when it first arrived on the market. People came up with all sorts of horror stories over what lazik treatments could potentially do.

-some people felt lazik treatments would initially work and then your eyes would revert to their initial state very quickly

-some people thought lazik treatments would cause serious problems for the first few weeks after treatment and then not even improve vision

-some people predicted lazik treatments would cause blindness after a few years

So what happened with all those early adopters of lazik, not to mention the millions of other people who have gotten it more recently? Nothing bad. A few people had a bad experience or two but overall the vast, overwhelming majority of people who have gotten lazik received massive vision benefits which lasted. Additionally the treatment itself has improved over the years and become faster, more effective and safer.

It’s easy to think up horror stories for e-cigarettes but chances are most of these concerns are unfounded and won’t stand up to scrutiny over time. Similar to lazik, e-cigarette technology will also improve over the years and minimize any problems which may pop up with their first couple years on the market.

We can speculate endlessly over the health risks surrounding e-cigarettes but at the end of the day the only real risk is using a device whose long-term effects are unknown. Like most new medical technologies there’s a good chance e-cigarettes have no negative long term health effects. Chances are e-cigarettes, like lazik, will prove over time to be harmless.

The Connection Between Gum Disease And Heart Disease

Taking care of your teeth and gums is extremely important. Gum disease and tooth decay can be both costly and uncomfortable problems to deal with. But recent studies have shown that taking care of your teeth and gums may be even more important than once thought. According to studies, people who suffer from periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Information like this highlights the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Next time you are brushing or flossing, remember that you might also be helping to lower your risk for heart disease.

Understanding Where The Link Comes From

The link between periodontal and cardiovascular disease most likely comes from the buildup of plaque. In fact, the very same plaque that builds up on your teeth and gums can enter your bloodstream and create blockages of your arteries. These blockages obstruct the flow of blood and nutrients to your heart. In serious cases, this can lead to a heart attack.

Although most people understand that gum disease and tooth decay can be very serious problems, most do not see them as life threatening or on the same level as other more serious health problems. However, with the realization that oral health can have a direct affect on the health of your heart, it is time to start paying closer attention to keeping up with your oral health if you are not already.

Coronary Artery Disease

The leading cause of death in the United States is coronary artery disease. When plaque begins to build up in your arteries, it hardens and creates a blockage of the flow of blood to your heart. A number of significant problems can result from this. Chest pain, heart arrhythmias or heart attacks can all result from the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Because of this fact, it is very important to do anything you can to lessen your risk for heart disease. This consists of exercise, proper diet, quitting smoking and taking care of your oral health to lower your potential risk for cardiovascular disease.

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, it is very important for you to brush at least twice per day, generally after meals. It is also essential to floss between your teeth every day to reach areas that your toothbrush cannot. You also need to make frequent visits to your Midlothian dentist for cleanings and checkups. He or she will be able to clean your teeth using tools and techniques that you are not able to perform and can examine your teeth and gums to catch any potential problems early on.

To learn more about the connection between gum disease and heart disease or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Midlothian, VA today.

World Statistics For Prostate Cancer

Reliable prostate cancer statistics for the entire world are often hard to come by, but it is extremely important to try and gather statistics if a way of preventing it is ever to be discovered. However, it is possible to tell that prostate cancer rates vary greatly across the world and even amongst countries. There are some patterns to the spread of prostate cancer, and these are outlined below.

Prostate cancer is least common in Eastern/Southern Asia. It is also least common amongst all Asian men, whether they are living in Asia or not.

It is most common in the United States, where it causes death of men more than any other type of cancer apart from lung cancer. It is also common in Europe, for example in the UK it is the second most common cancer. It has been speculated that this is because of the higher rates of detection in these countries however.

Prostate cancer is most likely to occur in men aged over fifty years old.

In England in 2001, the relative five year survival rate for men with prostate cancer was 71 percent. This is a 40 percent increase on 1975. Prostate cancer survival rates have been increasing for over twenty years now in developed countries.

World statistics for prostate cancer can be found, but it is much more beneficial for an individual to look at the statistics in their country as the survival rates vary greatly from country to country and between continents.

Heartworm Medicine To Take Care Your Pets

One of these threats is a very well known disease called -Heartworm.- Heartworm can be acquired through larval means wherein a simple mosquito bite can otherwise be infected and develop parasites within your pet dog. Are you one of those dog fanatics who are currently on the prowl for rare and unique breeds that can pass as your next lovable house pet? Or are you just someone who appreciates the loving and loyal companionship of the canine race? Then if you are, you will most certainly do everything in your power and capacity to protect your most beloved dog from anything and everything that might seek to do it harm. Luckily for us and our dogs, there are also a number of preventive dog heartworm medicines out in the market that can prevent. Different dogs call for different measures. While some breeds are more open and receptive to receiving one form of preventive dog heartworm treatment over another, three different yet commonly used methods produce the same desirable effect, which is to prevent earlier mentioned parasites from developing and maturing into a potentially harmful and fatal condition for your beloved dogs. Perhaps the most aggressive method of treatment would be the heartworm injection. As you might have guessed by the name itself, this method entails administering the treatment by means of injection, which must be performed for precisely once or twice a year by a qualified and licensed veterinarian. However, this has become less preferred most especially in the United States as this poses certain dangers or hazards with regard to the procedure. It is also admittedly very challenging if at all possible to get your pet dogs to cooperate and stay still for the administering of the injection. Hence, a less aggressive but equally effective method would entail the use of tablets or pills, which we call oral dog heartworm medicines. Compared to heartworm injection, oral medicines would naturally be a lot easier to give to your dogs and at a more frequent monthly timetable. Some dog owners can even learn the needed skill in order to administer pills or tablets through the mouth and throat of their pet dogs. Some of these drugs can even come in flavored variants, which can also be crushed and mixed with dog food. However, one drawback to this mode of treatment would definitely be a more expensive price range. Lastly, the third and more commonly preferred method of heartworm treatment is the topical canine heartworm medicine, which entails on the spot application of medicine on affected areas to prevent more effectively the proliferation of other intestinal worms that threaten your dog. Also, this is the easiest to use as it renders more control to the pet owner since it can easily be applied without the aid of professionals and the skills required in administering oral medicines. Now, keeping your most beloved pet dog protected from heartworm is as easy as 1-2-3. With the guarantee that these different methods would bring about the same result, choosing whichever the most suitable method is would now solely depend on the dog owner.

Heartworm disease is a parasitic roundworm that develops inside the right side of the heart. Dog skin allergies or Allergic dermatitis is a term generally used to refer to group of skin allergies that may be brought about by several major or minor factors in dogs gs