There is a lot of fun in using knitting patterns when you are a beginner. This is because you will be able to produce some exceptionally beautiful things, without (relatively speaking) too much trouble or experience. The best advice for any beginner is to start with something very simple and learn how to use both knitting needles and knitting machines with ease.

In order to enjoy this hobby, you need to get all the requirements together before you start, such as a good brand yarn, needles, patterns, etc. This way you can concentrate solely on enjoying the experience and worry about nothing else.

Do not get stuck with knitting books initially, since you will not need to practice intricate designs. Stick with basic knitting patterns that are easily available on the internet for free. Acrylic yarn is fine to use in the early stages and you should choose your needles according to the thread/yarn you buy.

Many people want to get things perfect right from day one and get deeply frustrated when this does not happen. Keep in mind that in the beginning, your aim should be to get your hands into the rhythm of this hobby; therefore, you need not worry about anything else.

Practice is the greatest teacher. Ignore all knitting patterns initially and just knit for the sake of this hobby. It is helpful if you have someone to guide you, because as a beginner, it may take some time to familiarize yourself with this type of hobby or occupation. One very basic consideration is how tightly or loosely you make your looping stitches.

The best case scenario would be to learn from someone in your family or from a friend. If there is no one to help you, then you can find out more by joining a knitting club in your vicinity, where you will be able to discuss all of the knitting woes you have experienced during the day.

If you are a beginner, then knitting patterns will not be of much help to you because you need to practice and to familiarize yourself with the process, rather than trying to make something specific. There are knitting needles and crocheting needles, so just check out which style you like best and start practicing.

With a few attempts and a few hours of practice, you should be able to knit a decent scarf in no time. Once you have conquered the simple scarf, then you can move on and learn how to make more intricate items.

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Simple Knitting Patterns Tips For Beginners

By Lara Greene

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If you are curious to learn the art of knitting then you must start with easy knitting patterns. As a beginner you may find a few knitting designs complicated; so it is advisable that you follow uncomplicated knitting patterns to knit your fabric or garment. This article will give you some tips to begin knitting easily in no time.

Even a very simple garment may look wonderful if it is knit from good quality materials. For a beginner the most satisfying fiber to knit is wool. This is because wool is durable and naturally elastic. In addition to this you will find wool in an amazing variety of styles and colors.

Furthermore, worsted weight yarn is good for beginners and anything smaller than that will make you lose tolerance waiting for results. Another quality yarn is Lamb's Pride, which you may easily find in many shops. Lamb's Pride is basically a wool and mohair blend. This yarn is lustrous and strong; and comes in brilliant colors. You may also use yarn made of wool and silk blend, but this can be quite expensive.

If you live in a warm climate then you may use cotton to start knitting, but it is just not much pleasing to knit with. Keep in mind that you need to knit cotton a bit tighter than wool. So for this you will have to use a slightly smaller needle to knit cotton yarn with ease. Your knitting shop will be pleased to recommend a good sized and appropriate needle for the yarn you choose. Once you have the required tools and have selected some good yarn, you can go ahead practicing the two basic stitches, that is, knit and purl stitch. But if you do not know how to knit and also you do not have someone who can teach you the basics of knitting, you need not fret at all. This is because there is help available for you by which you can easily learn how to knit. You will find many online knitting resources that provide you with instructions and tips on knitting.

For your initial projects, knit easy-to-do pieces that are not based on a lot of precision and measurement. For example, you may knit a pretty pashmina designed stole in about 250 cast on stitches and also knit in garter stitch (that implies you knit every row, with no purling) till it becomes 24 inches broad.

You will definitely enjoy knitting if you knit with a yarn you like or knit different colored stripes. If you use a number of colors, make sure they all are of the same brand and type of yarn.

So there you have a bit of old fashioned know-how about knitting patterns.

Lara Greene has a passion for knitting and such.. -Lara delights in sharing tips and secrets about knitting for your pleasure on your next knitting project.. You're invited to come on down and experience Lara's knitting fun, 'anytime'... Discover Knitting Know-how at: http://www.KnittersTips.com - Knitting Patterns

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What Is Spray Adhesive?

How Can I Make a Candy Wreath?

What are Fiber Reactive Dyes?

What is Rice Paper?

What is the Difference Between a Serger and Sewing Machine?

 

An allergy is an exaggerated and sometimes harmful reaction to external substances known as allergens. Dust allergies are caused by house dust and dust mites. The symptoms may include itching, sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes, inflammation of the airways of the lungs and wheezing.

Here are some tips on how to treat dust allergies.

 

• Avoid the culprit. Sometimes, the best way to reduce the discomfort of an allergy is to avoid exposure to the allergen as much as possible. Be practical and avoid places where you know that dust abounds such as in old cabinets, the top of your bookshelves and under your bed. Go to somewhere with a good ventilation where dust would not clump together in one area.
• Wash your eyes with cool, clean water. Rinsing your eyes can soothe your discomfort and provide immediate relief. Get some cool water and flush your eyes with it.
• Utilize a warm washcloth. If you have some congestion as a result of your dust allergies, you can use a washcloth soaked in warm water to get some relief. Soak a piece of clean washcloth in warm water and then put it over your nose. Leave the washcloth on your face for about a few minutes while you take deep breaths.
• Use a neti pot. Purchase a neti pot from the pharmacy and fill it up with a teaspoon of salt diluted in warm water. Follow the manufacturer¡¯s instructions when using the nasal irrigation product. Administering saline solution into your nose would immediately resolve some of the complications of dust allergy. This remedy works by removing dust particles that have become congested in the nose, causing inflammation.
• Clean your hair and remove any foreign material. You never know when dust has already contaminated your hair. It is best to wash it after a day of being outdoors to remove any traces of dust that could agitate an allergic response from your body.
• Get yourself a warm long bath. If the symptoms of dust allergy go to overdrive, it is best to take a long, warm and refreshing shower or bath. Washing your entire body would remove all the dust particles you¡¯ve collected throughout the day. After the bath, you¡¯ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
• Change your beddings. Clean your beddings to clear out all the accumulated dust. By doing so, you would reduce the chance of quickly aggravating the dust allergy when you decide to rest off the complications. Use the dryer and don¡¯t hang the items on the laundry line.
• Try using antihistamine. If your allergies are preventing you from going about your day, go to your doctor to get an antihistamine prescription. It will not cure your allergies but it will soothe the symptoms to offer you some relief.

 

Oftentimes, it can be tricky to determine the cause of allergic symptoms since it often mimics the symptoms of other medical conditions. This is why it¡¯s important that you consult with a doctor or an allergist so you can isolate the cause of your symptoms. If you don¡¯t find relief, see your doctor.

Dust allergies are a common problem even in the cleanest of homes. House dust contains a variety of substances which can cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and more serious conditions such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma are more likely to experience serious symptoms.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 24 (HealthDay News) -- There's encouraging news for women with epilepsy who want to nurse their babies. Children whose mothers took certain anti-seizure medications while breast-feeding don't appear to suffer any negative cognitive effects by age 3, a new study finds.
The multi-center study looked at nearly 200 children whose mothers took one of four common antiepileptic drugs, and found no difference in IQ levels at age 3 among those who were breast-fed versus formula-fed.
"For women who have epilepsy, this is one less thing that they as new mothers have to worry about," said lead author Dr. Kimford Meador, a professor of neurology at Emory University in Atlanta. The study was published in the Nov. 24 online edition and in the Nov. 30 print issue of the journal Neurology.
The findings are part of the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs study, an ongoing trial looking at the long-term cognitive effects on children whose mothers took one of four common antiepilepsy meds during and after their pregnancies: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR), lamotrigine (Lamictal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) or valproate (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene).
For the study, Meador and his colleagues examined the results of IQ tests given to 199 three-year-olds whose mothers entered the trial while they were still pregnant. A total of 194 women at 25 epilepsy centers were enrolled in the study from 1999 to 2004, and there were five sets of twins.
Forty-two percent of the babies were breast-fed, for an average of six months, and mothers who breast-fed tended to have higher average IQs than those who didn't (104 versus 95). After controlling for the mother's IQ, the researchers found that the average IQ in the breast-fed group of children was 99, versus 98 in the non-breast-fed group.
The new study on breast-feeding comes after other research suggesting hazards to the developing fetus from exposure to one anti-seizure medication. Last year, the researchers reported that babies who were exposed to the drug valproate in utero had IQs at age 3 that were an average of 9 points lower than babies whose mothers took one of the other three drugs during pregnancy. They also found that the effect was dose-dependant, meaning the higher the dose of valproate, the lower the IQ. Other studies have shown that exposure to valproate during the first trimester can increase the risk of birth defects.
Meador speculated that one reason there was no difference in IQ levels among breast-fed and formula-fed babies exposed to valproate may be because "the level of the drug in the infants' bloodstreams was very much lower than it was during pregnancy."
Dr. Autumn Klein is director of the Program in Women's Neurology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and the author of an editorial accompanying the study. She said the study "provides the most information thus far" when it comes to counseling women who take antiepilepsy drugs on the risks of breast-feeding.
Klein believes the findings "will definitely change" people's attitudes toward the use of these drugs during breast-feeding. Right now, she said, many doctors do not recommend breast-feeding for women taking the medications "due to the largely unknown effects of [antiepilepsy drugs] during breast-feeding."
Dr. Jacqueline French, a professor of neurology at New York University School of Medicine who treats many women with epilepsy, said the findings were reassuring in that, "even if a drug produces problems in utero, it doesn't produce additional problems for the baby during breast-feeding," she said.
French said another possibility for the difference seen in valproate exposure in utero versus during breast-feeding may be that "the brain is developing incredibly rapidly in utero, and so that may be a very sensitive time for exposure to valproate."
Meador cautioned that the results were preliminary and that additional studies covering a wider range of antiepilepsy drugs are needed.
"We studied the four most commonly used drugs in our epilepsy centers during the time the women were enrolled," he said. "We're now hoping to get additional funding to go and look at other drugs."
The study was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.K. Epilepsy Research Foundation.

Not very much is known about the course of Fibromyalgia during pregnancy. In fact, there seems to be conflicting evidence between researchers and doctors as to the effects of pregnancy on the syndrome. It is generally accepted that more Fibromyalgia research must be performed in order to get an accurate idea of what happens to Fibromyalgia syndrome during pregnancy.

In 1997, one of the only studies ever done on Fibromyalgia and pregnancy was conducted in Norway. A small number of pregnant women were included in the study, some with Fibromyalgia and some without. The study found that an overwhelming number of those pregnant while suffering from Fibromyalgia reported a drastic increase in the severity of their symptoms. The third trimester was by far the most challenging during their pregnancy, with symptoms increasing in frequency. Most of the women in the study reported that their symptoms remained more intense than normal until about three months after they had delivered. They also had a greater incidence of post-partum depression. On a brighter note, the babies born to women with Fibromyalgia were all healthy, full-term, and of a good birth weight.

Many doctors however, disagree with the idea that pregnancy makes Fibromyalgia worse. Doctors who treat fibromyalgic patients actually argue that pregnancy helps to lessen and even eliminate the symptoms caused by Fibromyalgia. Many pregnant women say that, after their initial nausea and morning sickness passed, they actually felt better than they did before they were pregnant. It is theorized that this could be due to the ovarian hormone relaxin. During pregnancy, the amount of relaxin in a woman¡¯s body increases up to 10 fold. It has also been found that relaxin supplements help to ease symptoms in many women with Fibromyalgia.

Overview

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and fatigue. The cause of Fibromyalgia remains unclear, and people with this condition experience insomnia and sleep-related "brain fog," which along with the pain make activities of daily living very challenging. Although research regarding Fibromyalgia and its effect on pregnancy is limited, there are several components of pregnancy and the condition which are understood.

Delivery

Vaginal delivery should not be problematic with an anesthesiologist who can administer appropriate pain control. Dr. Mason recommends pregnant women take advantage of epidural analgesics that doctors can administer intravenously during delivery.

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Pregnant women with Fibromyalgia should consider complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, massage and exercise to manage their pain, according to the PregnancyToday website, in an attempt to minimize the risk of medication exposure on the fetus.



The Food and Drug Administration classifies most medications used to treat this condition, including anti-depressants and narcotics, as a Category C. This means there may be a risk to the fetus. The National Fibromyalgia Association interviewed Dr. Mark J. Pellegrino, a Fibromyalgia expert, who recommends patients begin weaning themselves from Category C medication as much as possible prior to becoming pregnant.

Flare-Ups

Pain flare-ups are likely to occur during pregnancy. Dr. Pellegrino recommends patients manage flare-ups with continued stretching and conditioning exercises, and adds that the greatest benefit often comes from focusing on the back. Heat and ice therapy along with massage can also help.

Pain Improvements

A third of all women with Fibromyalgia are likely to experience symptom improvement during pregnancy, according to PregnancyToday. The combination of extra hormones, serotonin and cortisol improve immune function and the body's perception of pain. Unfortunately, the third trimester is physically challenging for most women, and those with Fibromyalgia are no exception.

Second Pregnancy

The second pregnancy is often the most complicated where Fibromyalgia is concerned. Many women develop Fibromyalgia for the first time following their first pregnancy, according to Dr. Pellegrino in an interview with the National Fibromyalgia Association. Those that already have the condition often experience amplified pain during their second pregnancy.

read more:

http://www.thethank.com/health/chronicfatigue/201011/How-Does-Fibromyalgia-Affect-Pregnancy-_1207.html

A new vaccine to prevent Cervical Cancer is now available. In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine called Gardasil, which prevents infection against the two types of HPV responsible for the majority of Cervical Cancer cases. Studies have shown that the vaccine appears to prevent early-stage Cervical Cancer and precancerous lesions. Gardasil is the first approved vaccine targeted specifically to prevent any type of cancer.

Practicing safe sex (using condoms) also reduces your risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. HPV infection causes genital warts. These may be barely visible or several inches wide. If a woman sees warts on her partner's genitals, she should avoid intercourse with that person.

To further reduce the risk of Cervical Cancer, women should limit their number of sexual partners and avoid partners who participate in high-risk sexual activities.

Getting regular Pap smears can help detect precancerous changes, which can be treated before they turn into Cervical Cancer. Pap smears work very well in spotting such changes, but they must be done regularly. Annual pelvic examinations, including a pap smear, should start when a woman becomes sexually active, or by the age of 20 in a nonsexually active woman. If abnormal changes are seen, a colposcopy with biopsy should be performed.

See also: Physical exam frequency

If you smoke, quit. Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of Cervical Cancer.

Vaccination

Main article: HPV vaccine

Gardasil, licensed and manufactured by Merck & Co. is a vaccine against HPV types 6, 11, 16 & 18. Gardasil is up to 98% effective.. It is now on the market after receiving approval from the US Food and Drug Administration on June 8, 2006. Gardasil has also been approved in the EU.

GlaxoSmithKline has developed a vaccine called Cervarix which has been shown to be 92% effective in preventing HPV strains 16 and 18 and is effective for more than four years.Cervarix has been approved some places and is in approval process elsewhere.

Neither Merck & Co. nor GlaxoSmithKline invented the vaccine. The vaccine's key developmental steps are claimed by the National Cancer Institute in the US, the University of Rochester in New York, Georgetown University in Washington, DC, Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, and the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Both Merck & Co. and GlaxoSmithKline have licensed patents from all of these parties.[29]

Together, HPV types 16 and 18 currently cause about 70% of Cervical Cancer cases. HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital wart cases.

HPV vaccines are targeted at girls and women of age 9 to 26 because the vaccine only works if given before infection occurs; therefore, public health workers are targeting girls before they begin having sex. The use of the vaccine in men to prevent genital warts and interrupt transmission to women or other men is initially considered only a secondary market.

The high cost of this vaccine has been a cause for concern. Several countries have or are considering programs to fund HPV vaccination.

[edit] Condoms

Condoms offer some protection against Cervical Cancer. Evidence on whether condoms protect against HPV infection is mixed, but they may protect against genital warts and the precursors to Cervical Cancer.They also provide protection against other STDs, such as HIV and Chlamydia, which are associated with greater risks of developing Cervical Cancer.

Condoms may also be useful in treating potentially precancerous changes in the cervix. Exposure to semen appears to increase the risk of precancerous changes (CIN 3), and use of condoms helps to cause these changes to regress and helps clear HPV.One study suggests that prostaglandin in semen may fuel the growth of cervical and uterine tumours and that affected women may benefit from the use of condoms.

Smoking avoidance Main article: Smoking cessation

Carcinogens from tobacco increase the risk for many cancer types, including Cervical Cancer, and women who smoke have about double the chance of a non-smoker to develop Cervical Cancer.

Nutrition Fruits and vegetables

Higher levels of vegetable consumption were associated with a 54% decrease risk of HPV persistence.Consumption of papaya at least once a week was inversely associated with persistent HPV infection.

Vitamin A

There is weak evidence to suggest a significant deficiency of retinol can increase chances of cervical dysplasia, independently of HPV infection. A small (n~=500) case-control study of a narrow ethnic group (native Americans in New Mexico) assessed serum micro-nutrients as risk factors for cervical dysplasia. Subjects in the lowest serum retinol quartile were at increased risk of CIN I compared with women in the highest quartile.

However, the study population had low overall serum retinol, suggesting deficiency. A study of serum retinol in a well-nourished population reveals that the bottom 20% had serum retinol close to that of the highest levels in this New Mexico sub-population.

Vitamin C

Risk of type-specific, persistent HPV infection was lower among women reporting intake values of vitamin C in the upper quartile compared with those reporting intake in the lowest quartile.

Vitamin E

HPV clearance time was significantly shorter among women with the highest compared with the lowest serum levels of tocopherols, but significant trends in these associations were limited to infections lasting </=120 days. Clearance of persistent HPV infection (lasting >120 days) was not significantly associated with circulating levels of tocopherols. Results from this investigation support an association of micronutrients with the rapid clearance of incident oncogenic HPV infection of the uterine cervix.

A statistically significantly lower level of alpha-tocopherol was observed in the blood serum of HPV-positive patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The risk of dysplasia was four times higher for an alpha-tocopherol level < 7.95 mumol/l. jojo

Folic acid

Higher folate status was inversely associated with becoming HPV test-positive. Women with higher folate status were significantly less likely to be repeatedly HPV test-positive and more likely to become test-negative. Studies have shown that lower levels of antioxidants coexisting with low levels of folic acid increases the risk of CIN development. Improving folate status in subjects at risk of getting infected or already infected with high-risk HPV may have a beneficial impact in the prevention of Cervical Cancer.

However, another study showed no relationship between folate status and cervical dysplasia.

Carotenoids

Higher circulating levels of carotenoids were associated with a significant decrease in the clearance time of type-specific HPV infection, particularly during the early stages of infection (</=120 days). Clearance of persistent HPV infection (lasting >120 days) was not significantly associated with circulating levels of carotenoids.

The likelihood of clearing an oncogenic HPV infection is significantly higher with increasing levels of lycopenes. A 56% reduction in HPV persistence risk was observed in women with the highest plasma [lycopene] concentrations compared with women with the lowest plasma lycopene concentrations. These data suggests that vegetable consumption and circulating lycopene may be protective against HPV persistence.[35][36][44]

CoQ10

Women who had either CIN or Cervical Cancer had markedly lower levels of CoQ10 in their blood and in their cervical cells than the women who were healthy.[citation needed]

Secondary Prevention

Awareness

According to the US National Cancer Institute's 2005 Health Information National Trends survey, only 40% of American women surveyed had heard of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and only 20% had heard of its link to Cervical Cancer.[45] In 2008 an estimated 3,870 women in the US will die of Cervical Cancer, and around 11,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed.[46]

Screening

The widespread introduction of the Papanicolaou test, or Pap smear for Cervical Cancer screening has been credited with dramatically reducing the incidence and mortality of Cervical Cancer in developed countries.[8] Abnormal Pap smear results may suggest the presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (potentially premalignant changes in the cervix) before a cancer has developed, allowing examination and possible preventive treatment. Recommendations for how often a Pap smear should be done vary from once a year to once every five years. The ACS recommends that Cervical Cancer screening should begin approximately three years after the onset of vaginal intercourse and/or no later than twenty-one years of age.[47] Guidelines vary on how long to continue screening, but well screened women who have not had abnormal smears can stop screening about age 65 (USPSTF) to 70 (ACS). If premalignant disease or Cervical Cancer is detected early, it can be monitored or treated relatively noninvasively, and without impairing fertility.

Until recently the Pap smear has remained the principal technology for preventing Cervical Cancer. However, following a rapid review of the published literature, originally commissioned by NICE [48], liquid based cytology has been incorporated within the UK national screening programme. Although it was probably intended to improve on the accuracy of the Pap test, its main advantage has been to reduce the number of inadequate smears from around 9% to around 1%. This reduces the need to recall women for a further smear. The UK currently uses very different criteria for screening than that of America. In the UK a woman must be aged 25 or over in order to have a smear test and no older than 18 to receive the HPV vaccine. This means that the British 19-24 age group are not vaccinated currently, nor are they receiving screening

Automated technologies have been developed with the aim of improving on the interpretation of smears, normally carried out by cytotechnologists. Unfortunately these on the whole have proven less useful; although the more recent reviews suggest that generally they may be no worse than human interpretation .

The HPV test is a newer technique for Cervical Cancer triage which detects the presence of human papillomavirus infection in the cervix. It is more sensitive than the pap smear (less likely to produce false negative results), but less specific (more likely to produce false positive results) and its role in routine screening is still evolving. Since more than 99% of invasive Cervical Cancers worldwide contain HPV, some researchers recommend that HPV testing be done together with routine cervical screening.[15] But, given the prevalence of HPV (around 80% infection history among the sexually active population) others suggest that routine HPV testing would cause undue alarm to carriers.

HPV testing can reduce the incidence of grade 2 or 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or Cervical Cancer detected by subsequent screening tests among women 32¨C38 years old according to a randomized controlled trial.[51] The relative risk reduction was 41.3%. For patients at similar risk to those in this study (63.0% had CIN 2-3 or cancer), this leads to an absolute risk reduction of 26%. 3.8 patients must be treated for one to benefit (number needed to treat = 3.8). Click here to adjust these results for patients at higher or lower risk of CIN 2-3.

Cervical Cancer prevention should be a top priority for all women. Women can take several simple steps women to reduce their risk of developing Cervical Cancer. Small lifestyle adjustments combined with medical care go a long way in preventing Cervical Cancer.

1. Practice Safe Sex

Safe sex is not only essential for preventing pregnancy, but also for sexually transmitted diseases like the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus and is the primary cause of most cases of Cervical Cancer. You can reduce your risk of being infected with HPV by using a condom during sexual intercourse. A condom won't provide 100-percent protection against HPV, but studies show that condoms do provide some protection against HPV. You are much better off with your partner wearing a condom than not wearing one.

2. Limit How Many Sexual Partners You Have

Practicing safe sex is more than just wearing a condom. It also means limiting the amount of sexual partners you have in your lifetime. Having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of being infected with HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

3. Get Screened Regularly for Cervical Cancer

Getting a regular Pap smear is a highly effective way to reduce your risk of Cervical Cancer. The Pap smear is a simple test that can detect abnormal cervical changes long before they become cancerous. The key to the effectiveness of the Pap smear is having it done regularly. How often you need a Pap smear varies from woman to woman, based on age, previous pap smear results, and your Cervical Cancer risk factor. Always consult with your doctor about how often you should be having Pap smears.

If your Pap smear results are abnormal, be sure to follow up with your doctor's recommendations. This could mean more frequent Pap smears or a colposcopy, an exam that allows the cervix to be viewed more closely.

4. Be a Non-Smoker

Simply put, smoking offers no health benefits. It is common knowledge that smoking affects the lungs, but did you know that smoking can affect your cervix? Studies show that smoking can actually speed up the process of cervical damage caused by HPV. Quitting now greatly reduces your risk of several types of cancer, including Cervical Cancer.

5. Get Immunized Against HPV

HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus known to cause Cervical Cancer in women. Fortunately, there is an approved vaccine that not only protects against high risk strains, but also against two strains known to cause genital warts. Gardasil is available to women under 27, with a target age of 11 to 12 years of age. The vaccine is given in a series of three shots over a course of six months. It is most effective when given to young women before they become sexually active.

read more:http://www.thethank.com/health/cervicalcancer/201007/How-to-Prevent-Cervical-Cancer_564.html

Michael Iupati (pronounced /ijuːˈp¨»ːti/, ee-you-PAH-tee; born May 12, 1987) is an American football offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at the University of Idaho. Iupati currently plays as guard and was considered one of the best prospects at his position for the 2010 NFL Draft.[1][2]

The first round is over and Tim Tebow is off the board -- taken 25th overall by the Broncos. Jimmy Clausen? Still waiting. Picking Tebow this high is career suicide, Pete Prisco says

49ers selected Idaho OG Mike Iupati with the No. 17 pick in the 2010 draft.

Alex Smith receives not only a serious vote of confidence but also a dramatically overhauled offensive line. Give Frank Gore's fantasy stock gets a boost as well, with the addition of a 6'5/330 road-grading power guard. As one of the best guard prospects in years, Iupati should have little problem taking David Baas' left guard job immediately. He will have to cut down on his penchant for holding penalties, however.
SCOUT'S TAKE

Skinny: Iupati is 6' 6" and 330 pounds, and is a very powerful man. He's a good run blocker, but the Vandal needs to improve his pass blocking skills. Sometimes he will get his pad level too high coming out of his stance, so he needs to work at staying lower than the defensive lineman. But he is a guy that has so much strength that he can get away with it to some extent. If he can correct that aspect of his game and improve his technique, Iupati could be a dominant offensive guard at the next level.

NEWS

01.29.10 - Mike Iupati has been everywhere this week. Not around Mobile -- though he has covered some ground there, too -- but along the North team's offensive line. The 6-foot-5, 325-pounder from Idaho has made an impression wherever he's played. "I think he is one of the stars of the week," Mike Mayock, an analyst for the NFL Network, said of Iupati, a consensus All-American pick this season for the Vandals. "He is one of the few people that I could say that could probably start at any of the five positions in the NFL on the offensive line. So I think he's a first-round pick. On tape, he was a first-round pick and he's done nothing but help himself by coming here." Wednesday, Iupati was placed at right tackle and performed well. At Tuesday's practice, he got in some work at guard, the position he played at Idaho. But the Detroit Lions' coaching staff placed him at the all-important left tackle spot, too, just to take a look. The Outland Trophy finalist has turned it on this week and has only helped his already rising stock as a NFL draft prospect. - Birmingham News

01.27.10 - Scouts were very, very high on Idaho G Mike Iupati (6-5, 325), maybe even a good possibility when they pick at No. 23. But he won't. If people overlooked Iupati before this week, they haven't now. He was so dominating at guard the first day they tried him at left tackle today. He struggled a bit there, but he's a darn good player and is screaming up draft boards. 35-inch arms don't hurt. ¨C The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Senior Bowl: Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati had the longest arm length this morning at 35" and he has a few teams evaluating him as a possible tackle, but most still believe his best pro spot is still inside at guard. ¨C January 25, 2010

01.10.10 - The North squad¡¯s offensive line got a whole lot bigger with the announcement of University of Idaho guard Mike Iupati accepting an invitation to play in the senior showcase event, according to the Mobile Press-Register. Iupati, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 325 pounds, earned consensus All-American honors this season after being named to the first team by The Associated Press, Walter Camp, American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.

 

Home > Diseases & Conditions > First Aid & Safety > Headaches Instruction Sheet:Headaches first aid

Head pain without head trauma has a multiple of possible reasons for occurring. The vast majority of head pain is not serious and can usually be controlled with over-the-counter medication such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. For severe headaches, you can take up to 800 mg. of Ibuprofen as well as two Acetaminophen every 6-8 hours. Taking 800 mg. of Ibuprofen can cause gastric upset.

Major causes of headaches are migraines, tension and cluster headaches. However there are other causative factors that would alert one to seek out medical attention as soon as possible such as head trauma, concern of stroke or hemorrhage, increased pressure, headache associated with fever, one must rule out meningitis, aneurysms, sinus and facial pain.

 

1. Cold Therapy

Place an ice pack on your forehead, temples, or the nape of the neck.

2. Warm Therapy

Take a warm shower, letting the water beat down on your head, neck, shoulders, and back.

3. Take a Time Out

Remove yourself from a stressful situation by taking a walk or by taking a few minutes to concentrate on something relaxing such as lying on a beach.

4. Deep Breathing

Take deep slow breaths, concentrating on breathing from your diaphragm. Hold your breath for several seconds, then exhale slowly completely emptying your lungs. Repeat several times.

5. Stretching Exercises

a) Sitting in a chair, turn your head to the left as if looking over your left shoulder.

b) Place your fingers from your left hand on the right side of your chin and gently push your head to the left, feeling your neck muscles stretch.

c) Simultaneously, place your right hand on top of your head, touching the top of your left ear.

d) With your right hand, pull your head gently towards your chest, stopping just before you feel discomfort. Hold for 10 seconds.

e) Repeat on the right side of head.

6. Proper Nutrition

Missing a meal can bring on a headache. If you haven't had time to eat, get a snack such as a piece of fruit or even a glass of water.

7. Acupressure

The technique for acupressure remains the same regardless of the pressure point you use:

a) Apply gently, steady rotating pressure to the point with your index finger and/or thumb.

b) Maintain pressure for 7 to 15 seconds, then release.

c) Repeat every few minutes as needed.

8. Medication

Always read and follow package instructions unless otherwise directed by a physician Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following: a sudden onset of head pain, this is your first or worst headache, you experience headache after the age of 50, your headache is accompanied by swelling, rash, or vomiting Use over-the-counter medications appropriately

STRONG DANGER SIGNS WHERE ONE MUST SEEK OUT MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:

Is your headache of extreme and sudden onset, ¡°thunderclap,¡± the worst headache of your life? Does it wake you out of a deep sleep? Is it a new onset headache and you are over the age of 50? Does the headache worsen on exertion? Is the headache totally different than what you have had in the past?

If you answer ¡°yes¡± to any of these, seek out medical attention immediately.

Should you have a headache associated with a head injury, fall or banging your head, you should go the emergency department if any of the following occur:

Persistent nausea or vomiting. Severe or increased pain in your head. Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking up. Bleeding or any clear fluid from the nose or ears. Any unusual behavior such as seizures, dizziness, room spinning, weakness on one side of the body, trouble walking, visual disturbances, loss of bladder control, confusion or agitation. Check pupils, the black spot in the center of the eyes for difference in size.

Try to take nothing stronger than Acetaminophen for pain until you are assessed in the emergency department. Please limit your activity for the next 24 hours and avoid heavy meals.

Basic First Aid Treatment

There has been some relief with your basic vascular headaches by drinking caffeinated drinks such as coffee or a soda. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor and has been know to relieve pain as the pain receptors on the arteries are sensitive when arteries dilate. So vasoconstrictors do help. After you try that, you might want to try the Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen and if all this fails, then seek out medical attention.

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Home > Diseases & Conditions > First Aid & Safety > Dehydration Instruction Sheet:Dehydration first aid

Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in and your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. While mild dehydration can be treated by drinking more fluids, tending to moderate to severe dehydration can include more intensive treatments such as intravenous (IV) fluids. Severe dehydration is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate emergency treatment.
 

Under normal conditions, we all lose some body water every day in our sweat, tears, urine, and stool. Water also evaporates from our skin and leaves the body as vapor when we breathe. We usually replace this body fluid and the salts it contains with the water and salts in our regular diet.

Sometimes, however, kids lose abnormally large amounts of water and salts through fever (more water evaporates from the body when body temperature is increased), diarrhea, vomiting, or long periods of exercise with excessive sweating. Some illnesses might also prevent them from taking fluids by mouth. If they're unable to adequately replace the fluid that's been lost, kids can become dehydrated.

Did you know that many people who are dehydrated are not thirsty? Did you know you can go unconscious if you're severely dehydrated? Extreme thirst is not always a symptom with dehydration. Knowing all the symptoms is the first step to being able to offer First Aid for dehydration.

It is a myth that dehydration is simply a heat related disease. There are many different reasons for dehydration including fevers, diabetes, illness that decreases appetite and medication reactions.

Dehydration is when the body doesn't have enough fluid. Mild forms of dehydration can be treated with water and sports drinks. Moderate and severe forms need emergency medical assistance.

Symptoms of Dehydration:
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Loss of elasticity in skin
- Yellow or dark orange urine
- Thirst
- Headache
-Dizziness
-Stop sweating
-Sunken eyes
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart beat
-Fever
-Delirium
-Loss of conscious

First Aid for Mild Dehydration:
-Avoid soda, tea or caffeine drinks
-Increase room temperature water consumption slowly drinking water too fast will increase nausea

First Aid for Moderate Dehydration:
-Avoid soda, tea or caffeine drinks
-Increase water consumption slowly drinking water too fast will increase nausea
-Drink a rehydration liquid
-If no rehydration liquid is available use: teaspoon table salt, teaspoon baking soda, 3 tablespoon regular sugar to 1 liter (1 quart) of drinking water
-Use room temperature rehydration fluids
-Administer fluids until urine is clear

First Aid for Severe Dehydration:
Go to the emergency room! If you are not sure if the dehydration is moderate or severe, always seek the advice of a medical professional first.

Recognizing Dehydration

If your child has fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, or is sweating a lot on a hot day or during intense physical activity, you should watch for signs of dehydration, which can include:

dry or sticky mouth few or no tears when crying eyes that look sunken into the head soft spot (fontanelle) on top of baby's head that looks sunken lack of urine or wet diapers for 6 to 8 hours in an infant (or only a very small amount of dark yellow urine) lack of urine for 12 hours in an older child (or only a very small amount of dark yellow urine) dry, cool skin lethargy or irritability fatigue or dizziness in an older child

Preventing Dehydration

The best way to prevent dehydration is to make sure kids get plenty of fluids when they're sick or physically active — they should consume more fluids than they lose (from vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating).

How you keep a child adequately hydrated can depend on the circumstances. For example, a child with a sore throat may become dehydrated due to difficulty drinking or eating. Easing the pain with acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help, while cold drinks or popsicles can soothe a burning throat while also supplying fluids.

Infants with blocked noses who have trouble feeding can be helped by flushing their nostrils with saltwater (saline) nose drops and suctioning out the mucus with a bulb syringe.

Fever, which can be a factor in dehydration in any infectious disease, can be controlled with medications or room-temperature sponge baths and dressing the child in light clothing.

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Home > Diseases & Conditions > First Aid & Safety > Cough Instruction Sheet:Cough first aid

There is no quick way of getting rid of a cough that is caused by a viral infection. It will usually clear up after your immune system has defeated the virus.

The simplest and cheapest way to treat a short-term cough may be a homemade cough remedy containing honey and lemon. The honey is a demulcent, which means it coats the throat and relieves the irritation that causes coughing.

There is nothing more irritating to have than a cough that won’t seem to go away. It can be the cause of embarrassment and flare up when we would least like it to- at work, on a date, at church, etc.

With the rise in the amount of pollutants now present in the air, the possible causes are wide ranging, but we have more cough cures available now as well.

During the day, our lungs and sinuses are exposed to particles of dust, fumes and germs. Our living space can be polluted with tobacco smoke, car exhaust fumes and airborne infections. With all of these pollutants, it is no small wonder that we are not constantly coughing throughout the day.

There are two main types of this condition, dry and productive. The cough is an involuntary action by the brain to clear a blockage or irritant from our airways, and as we all know, can be very forceful.

It may also be due to a viral or bacterial infection such as the flu or pneumonia- these are the productive ones that can be very irritating as we try to sleep.

For a dry cough, a simple over-the-counter medicine such as dextromethorphan can be very helpful. This drug works by blocking our bodies’ natural response to clear the lungs. For a productive kind, this is usually a sign of infection and you may want to seek doctor’s advice.

You may want to try a home remedy such as warm carrot juice or honey if you do not want to worry about the side effects of medications. Before heading to the doctor though, do your best to cure your cough at home with home remedies.

The doctor will probably give you antibiotics to cure the infection causing it and a more powerful suppressant to help you sleep in the meantime.
 

Cough medicines

There is little evidence to suggest that cough medicines actually work, although some of the ingredients may help treat symptoms associated with a cough, such as a blocked nose or fever.

Some contain paracetamol, so be careful not to take more than the recommended dosage. Cough medicines should never be taken for more than two weeks.

They can be used for any type of cough and are generally safe, but diabetics should note that they are usually sugar based.

Treating children

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recommended that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children who are under the age of six.

The MHRA is the government body responsible for ensuring that medicines are safe and effective.

The MHRA made this recommendation because it feels there is a potential risk that these medicines could cause unpleasant side effects, such as allergic reactions, sleep problems or hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not real), outweighing any benefit provided by the medicines.

Instead, you can give your child a warm drink of lemon and honey or a simple cough syrup that contains glycerol or honey.

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Home > Diseases & Conditions > First Aid & Safety > Allergic Reactions: First Aid

Avoid triggers! If you know you have an allergic reaction to peanuts, for example, do not eat them. Go out of your way to avoid foods prepared with or around peanuts (see Food Allergy).

Self-care at home is not enough in severe reactions. A severe reaction is a medical emergency.

Do not attempt to treat or "wait out" severe reactions at home. Go immediately to a hospital emergency department.
If no one is available to drive you right away, call 911 for emergency medical transport.
For more information on what to do in a severe reaction, see Anaphylaxis.
Small reactions with mild symptoms usually respond to nonprescription allergy medications.

An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Caution - These may make you too drowsy to drive or operate machinery safely. They can affect concentration and interfere with children's learning in school. Nonsedating antihistamines are now available over the counter and include loratadine (Claritin). These medications should be taken for only a few days.
For rashes, an anti-inflammatory steroid cream such as hydrocortisone
For small, localized skin reactions, try cold, wet cloths or ice. Try applying a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel.

Medical Treatment
Generally, medication is the treatment of choice after the allergen is removed. For more information on removing environmental allergies from your home, see Allergy-proof your home.

Very severe reactions may require other therapy, such as oxygen for breathing difficulties or intravenous fluids to boost blood pressure in anaphylactic shock. Patients with very severe reactions usually require hospitalization.

For a mild to moderate reaction:

Calm and reassure the person having the reaction, as anxiety can worsen symptoms. Try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid further contact with it. If the allergic reaction is from a honey bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers; squeezing the stinger will release more venom. If the person develops an itchy rash, apply calamine lotion and cool compresses. Avoid medicated lotions. Watch the person for signs of increasing distress. Get medical help. For a mild reaction, a physician may recommend over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines).

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):

Check the person's airway, breathing and circulation (the ABC's of Basic Life Support). A warning sign for dangerous throat swelling is a very hoarse or whispered voice, or coarse sounds when the person is breathing air in. If the victim is having difficulty breathing, is very weak, or is losing consciousness, call for emergency medical assistance. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR. Calm and reassure the person. If the allergic reaction is from bee stings, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers -- squeezing the stinger will release more venom. If the person has emergency allergy medication on hand, help the person take or inject the medication. Avoid oral medication if the person is having difficulty breathing. Take steps to prevent shock. Have the person lie flat, elevate the person's feet about 12 inches, and cover him or her with a coat or blanket. DO NOT place the person in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it causes discomfort. If the person loses consciousness, apply first aid for unconsciousness and call 911 or your local emergency number.

First Aid for Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can be mild, but severe allergies that cause anaphylaxis may require first aid.

Causes: A rapid, severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, may occur when a person who is extremely sensitive to a particular substance, such as insect venom, comes in contact with it.

Symptoms: May include swollen lips, tongue, or ears; uneasiness or agitation; red face; hives; prickling and itching in throat and skin; throbbing or ringing in ears; sneezing; coughing; breathing difficulty; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; loss of bowel or bladder control; convulsions; weak, rapid pulse; cold, clammy skin; unrespon­siveness. Without immediate med­ical treatment, victim may die.

Emergency Treatment
 

Call for EMS at the first sign of allergic reaction.
  Monitor ABCs (see ABCs).
  Help a responsive victim use their emergency epinephrine kit.
  Have victim lie down, and cover them lightly with a blanket. If shortness of breath occurs, have victim sit up.

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