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Head Lice - Lousy Little Parasites!

June 24th, 2009

INTRODUCTION: Head lice (Pediculus capitis) are small parasitic insects well adapted to living mainly on the scalp and neck hairs of human host. These are mainly acquired by direct head-to-head contact with an infested person’s hair, but may infrequently be transferred with shared combs, hats and other hair accessories.

They get their nutrients by blood-feeding once or twice a day, and cannot live for more than a day or so at room temperature without free access to human blood. These parasites can survive up to thirty days on a human holding on to hair with hook-like claws found at the end of each of their six legs. They are rarely found on the body, eyelashes, or eyebrows and rarely (if ever) create direct harm, or transmit infectious agents from person-to-person. Head lice are equal opportunity parasites that do not respect socio-economic class distinctions and can infest people at any age, but children are more apt to infestations because of their habit of playing in near contact, sharing hats, headphones, combs and brushes, sleeping bags, stuffed animals, and clothing.

NITS: Head lice eggs are called nits and are laid by the adult female at the base of the hair shaft nearest the scalp and look sort of like dandruff, only they can’t be removed by brushing or shaking them off. The eggs hatch about 7 to 11 days after being laid. Those further than 1/4 inch away from the scalp have probably already hatched. Nits are most effectively removed by combing the hair with a specially designed nit comb. The eggs can be distinguished from dandruff flakes as they are extremely adherent to the hair shaft, whereas dandruff can be easily moved along the hair shaft.

INFESTATION: Contact with an already infested person is the most frequent way to become infected with head lice. Less commonly, Wearing clothing, such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, or hair ribbons, recently worn by an infested person. There are 4 critical steps to managing an infestation: the use of an effective head louse treatment; nit removal from the scalp (combing); removal of lice and nits from the household environment by vacuuming, washing, or freezing objects suspected of being infested; and daily head checks and nit removal until infestation is gone, followed by weekly head inspections to detect re-infestation. The MD should be able to tell you if your child is infested with lice and requires treatment.

TREATMENT: Treatment should be considered ONLY when active lice or viable eggs are observed. A treatment can cause significant side effects in children younger than 6 months old, the elderly, and anyone weighing less than 110 lbs (50 kg), especially when it is used repeatedly over a short period of time. If your child is 2 years old or under, you should not use medicated treatments. Your child’s doctor may recommend repeating treatment in 7 to 10 days to make sure all the nits have been killed and to avoid any risk of reinfestation. Treatments may be over-the-counter or prescription medications, depending on what has already been tried. It isn’t uncommon for treatments to be unsuccessful because of incorrect use or because the lice may be resistant to the chemical in the shampoo. Following the directions on the product label is also important to ensure that the it works properly.

Medicated shampoos can usually kill the lice and nits, but it may take a few days for the itching to cease. Some do nots include: Don’t use a hair dryer on your child’s hair after applying any of the currently available hair shampoos, because some contain flammable components. Don’t wash your child’s hair for 1 to 2 days after using a medicated shampoo. Be patient and follow the protocol and preventative tips as directed by your child’s MD for keeping the creatures at bay, and you’ll be well on your way to keeping your family free of lice.

If you feel like you’re following all the recommendations and your child still has lice, it may be because of one or more of the following: there are still some nits remaining behind, your child is still being exposed to someone else with lice, the shampoo you’re using isn’t working. If your child still has lice for 2 weeks after you began treatment or if your child’s scalp looks infected (with pus or sores), contact your child’s MD. Vacuuming the carpets, upholstery, and car seats will take care of any lice that fell off before treatment began.

CONCLUSION: Head lice infect hair on the scalp and are more common in close, overcrowded living conditions. Infestation produces intense itching, but does not lead to a serious medical condition. They can be spread when infested hair brushes or combs are shared or when infested bedding, towels or shower caps are shared. Head lice is a growing problem because lice-killing medicines are becoming less effective. Every year, between 6 and 12 million people worldwide become infested. Children ages 3-11 and their families become infested most frequently. Pets are of no significance in transmitting human lice, and should not be treated.

In one study, the estimated annual cost of infestations in the US was nearly one billion dollars. Girls contract head lice more frequently than boys; women more often than men. Anyone can become infested and the presence of head lice is not the result of unclean conditions. Even though it can be challenging to eliminate, you must be patient and persistent when dealing with an infestation.

About the Author:

Richard H Ealom Fitness , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Make The Most Of Your Treadmill Workouts

March 31st, 2009

Using a treadmill can be a quick and simple way of getting fit, whether you use a machine designed for home use or whether you use a machine at a gym. But, the key thing to remember here is that you will only get out what you put in with any treadmill workout. So, how can you maximize your results here?

One of the few drawbacks to using a treadmill is that using one regularly can get downright boring. It doesn’t matter whether your workout involves a long brisk stroll or a short race at double quick speed — a lot of people simply find walking and running boring. And, with a treadmill you don’t have the advantage of passing scenery and other people to distract you unlike when you are jogging in the outside world!

So, the first thing you can do to ensure that your workout on a treadmill works right is to make sure that your head is as occupied as your body. The more bored you get here, the more likely you are to give up. Expert tips include watching the TV while you workout, working out with a friend so that you can chat or simply listening to music.

It is also important to make sure that you start off right with a treadmill. Don’t be tempted to do too much too soon especially if you are new to exercising. So, start off slow and listen to your body. A bit of treadmill ‘burn’ is good but push yourself too hard and you could hurt yourself or feel so bad the next day that you never want to get on the machine again!

On the other hand it is also important not to get complacent. The aim here is to make fitness/health progress and not to sit on a ‘happy medium’ plateau. So, look to increase the time you spend on your workout and/or increase its intensity. If you are using a motorized treadmill with controls then up the resistance/slope or the speed. If you are using a manual treadmill then speed up or stay on longer.

You can also maximize the benefits you get from this kind of workout by altering the exercises that you do on the treadmill itself. So, for example, one day you could do hard road running and the next you could increase the incline to do slow hill walking. Changing the exercises that you do here will simply give you a better range of fitness results for different parts of your body.

As you get more experienced on a treadmill you might also want to add something extra to the mix to increase the fitness benefits. Many people, for example, will use dumbbells at the same time that they are working out on a treadmill. You can do this as you use your treadmill or you can alternate work on the treadmill with work on the weights.

So, remember to start off slow but to keep upping the ante. This will help you get the best results from this kind of workout. And, most of all, try to make your workout an interesting one — the happier you are to be on the treadmill, the better your results will be.

About the Author:

Richard Belton Fitness , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Golden Martial Arts Training

March 21st, 2009

MMA is a type of combat aggressive sport that utilizes different martial arts tactics which focuses at putting the fighter to his ultimate level of fitness and skill Mixed martial arts is now well know, and developed with different disciplines being implemented for the benefit of the fighter. Training techniques can be extreme so there are several things that one should keep in mind if they want to turn into the ultimate combat machine.

The first thing you must do is ascertain the basic forms as MMA has a heavy basis regarding a few martial arts tactics while Kick boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu and muay thai contribute to the heavy mixing of training. If you think you can handle the tough and steady training which calls for enormous amounts of strength and endurance, then you must succeed in developing a positive attitude. Look at the range of the sport so you can understand the training and tactics.

Begin intensely and use a schedule that your body can take as the majority of people who win their matches spend a lot of their day in training and keeping their body in shape. Usually training involves an amount great strength so for you to attain a minimal fitness level, you must start with a high level intensity preparation. Several martial artists utilize several combinations for training so they can test their limits and how the technique will work out for them. Resistance training or functional weight is necessary to get a high level of strength.

If you lack the ability to do it by yourself find someone who can teach you how since in this time there are a lot of mixed martial arts schools that can give support and training to those needing it MMA training facilities are dedicated in showing students that participate in their classes that anyone can obtain the needed strength to perform this martial art which can also be useful in self-defense. Such as,a number of boxing institutions offers some training for people want to learn basic MMA tactics. It is advised to train at clubs, organizations or schools not solely for someone to learn the teachings but also to fight in the ring.

If you are a fan of MMA, you should watch some of the UFC videos because this is a step toward obtaining the discipline and watching experienced fighters or masters manipulate their opponents will show you tips on the do’s and do not’s of the game. If it’s at all possible, find old data pertaining to the UFC then head on to the recent years which already steadies the present trend in MMA. There are tons and tons of videos made by MMA masters: Tito Ortiz or Chuck Liddell that can help you learn new ways to incorporate the techniques. Watch as much as you can, while keeping your stand on training and keeping by heart details that can or cannot be useful.

Though training is just as important as winning a match it is also critical to you being the player to observe safety and care. Before starting your training, you have to do some warm-ups first since all that training will go to waste if you have already suffered a major disaster prior to commencing your first bout.

About the Author:

Lindelwa Laz Fitness , , , , , , , ,

How To Stay Motivated For Weight Loss

March 21st, 2009

When I got to New York, it was covered in snow. I had been fantasizing about 50 degree weather, but no such luck.

I like how the neighborhood looks when it’s covered in show — it’s really quite lovely. This appreciation for all the loveliness is usually short-lived and I tend to want to leave when the feeling fades. This time was no different, but I have no choice — I must stay.

One of the problems many people have with weight loss is motivation. People often start with great expectations, and then, when they hit a roadblock, their plan or program comes undone, and they fall back into old habits.

I’ve discovered several strategies that seem to work for most people.

1. Changing your mental pictures

2. Measuring

3. Keeping a diary.

4. Accepting the fact you aren’t perfect.

Many people who are overweight think of themselves as losers in some way, shape, or form. Eating for them is a sort of comfort therapy. They’re thinking, “As long as I have my potato chips and soda, I’m okay.”

This is delusional, but it’s true, and it needs to change. You need to start looking in the mirror and imagining yourself as healthy and fit all the time. This doesn’t happen overnight, but it is easily accomplished by practice. Changing the picture pays you huge dividends in the long run.

Practice is the way to become what you imagine yourself to be.

You can use a tape measure to get numbers if you want to, but I prefer pictures. When you start on a weight loss program, take pictures of yourself. Then imagine the new you, and get started.

A journal is such a good way to keep a record of your progress. You can hand-write it, or you can use the computer. Each day, keep a record of what you are eating and how much you are exercising. At the end of each week, take a photo. You will really start seeing results after about 3 or 4 weeks — your body will look different, better. And you’ll hardly believe you eyes after looking at photos from weeks 10 through 12.

Slip-ups happen to everyone who is in the midst of a weight loss routine. Don’t beat yourself up about it. The best thing to do is log it into your diary and pay attention to when and how the slip-ups happen — this will show you where your weak spots are. If you feel guilty, get in an extra workout. Don’t let you slip-ups get in the way of your progress — just take note of them, get back to your routine, and stay positive.

Your body will be grateful to you.

Listening to your body will help you immensely. The more fit you get, the more your body will tell you what it needs, and if you don’t heed what it’s saying, you may get another signal, one that isn’t pleasant.

There are other things, in addition to healthy food and regular exercise, that your body needs to function at its highest level. One of those things is pharmaceutical-grade fish oil with enteric coating.

You should be taking enteric coated pharmaceutical grade fish oil every day for any number of reasons, including optimal joint function, healthy brain and nervous system function, along with the cardiovascular benefits.

I’ve been taking pharmaceutical grade fish oil for quite some time, and I can tell you, for instance, that if I miss taking it for a day or two, my joints start talking to me.

(Hi Bill…it’s your joints here. We noticed that you did not give us any fish oil for the last few days. Here comes a message for your right knee…yes, I know it hurts…so don’t forget next time!)

Traveling, which I do a great deal of, seems to be the time when I most often forget to take my fish oil. I came up with the great idea to bring some extra with me, in those “travel only” bottles. The bottles are with me at all times and are a great reminder.

About the Author:

Dr. Bill Fat Loss , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,