Pain Management

Carolyn Magura

Even the word "pain" hurts to those of us who endure levels of pain each day. Pain management is what the doctors tell us to do. This sounds great in theory, but what does it mean, and how does one go about doing it? These are excellent questions. It probably sounds "logical", but the better you are at describing your pain to others, the better you can get help in managing pain. And, pain management is the key!

The best way to document and comunicate pain is to use what I call a "pain" scale. I set this up in what I call a "matrix", where I have a chart with four columns as follows: The left column is for pain "level", from "0" being "NO PAIN" (right, like that's gonna happen!) and "10" being so painful that NOTHING YOU DO seems to decrease the pain level.

In the next column, you describe the pain at different levels. I use the following: 0 = No pain; 02 = low levels of pain, an Over the Counter (OTC) remedy can get rid of it; 04 = moderate pain, need double the strength of the OTC remedy to dull the pain; 06 = heavy moderate pain, need double the strength of OTC remedy, but the pain isn't dulled, and activities are curtailed (decreased); 08 = heavy pain, need something stronger than an OTC remedy, and one must sit/lie still; and, finally, level 10.

The next column is the most important one, where you describe specifically what the pain feels like, and use many VERY SPECIFIC examples of how this specific level of pain impacts your "normal daily living activities". I cannot stress how important it is to be as specific, and as complete with your examples as you can be. Also, you need to "guesstimate" the % of time a day/week that you "routinely" have this pain.

Here are some examples that I use:

02 - The low levels of pain are primarily headaches and backaches. I can take an OTC remedy, and rest for about 30 minutes, and the pain goes away. This level of pain comes about 2X a week, and only lasts for the 30 minutes until the OTC remedy kicks in. This level of pain does not keep me from doing my daily activities. BUT, I need to get on this level of pain immediately, or it will increase in level if not addressed and removed.

04 - This level of pain occurs in my hands, arms, legs, feet, and head. It is like the muscles are hurting, and the joints hurt. This level gets my attention; I take double the advised level of OTC remedy, and get some hot tea, and rest lying down. This level usually takes about an hour to "manage", and I have to stop whatever I am doing to lie down until I get it under control. This level occurs about 10% of the time, every other day, usually in the evening. This level makes me depressed, and when depressed, the level of pain often increases to the 08 level.

08 - I usually go straight from 04 to 08, skipping the 06 level. This level is incapacitating. It feels like the worst flu you have ever had, where EVERY muscle and joint in my body hurts! Even my teeth and scalp hurt. Light hurts my eyes; sound hurts my ears; movement makes me nauseous. I take triple the OTC remedy, and a hot shower. I have a stool in the shower where I can sit and let the hot water shower down on me until I run out of hot water (I do this after I take the meds, and try to stay in the shower until I feel the pain beginning to receed). When out of the shower, I have room temperature ginger ale (hot or cold liquids hurt my head), and lie down with soft music - no words; with a cool washcloth over my eyes in a darkened room. This level of pain occurs 2 or 3 times a week, and lasts for about 20 - 30% of the day. I cannot function in any activity at this level of pain. When the meds kick in, the pain is only reduced to the 04 or 02 level.

10 - at this level, no OTC remedy helps; the shower doesn't help; nothing helps; the pain is just reduced to the 08 level. Need greater help than an OTC remedy. This level occurs about one time each week, and literally knocks me out.

Now for the last column, and, this one is very important for long term pain management. In this column, you document what, SPECIFICALLY you were doing just before this level of pain was triggered! This will help both you and your Doctor determine what will help you.

For me, the doctor really noticed the comment about depression linked with pain, and the comments about taking "above recommended" levels of an OTC remedy. He prescribed for me an anti-depressant, and a pain medication in lieu of the OTC remedy. These meds, in conjunction with the meds for joint pain and for the tingling pains, allows for me to regain some of the normal daily living activities.

Good luck for you in documenting your pain levels!

About The Author

Carolyn Magura

Disabilitykey.com (www.disabilitykey.com) is a website designed to assist each person in his/her own unique quest to navigate through the difficult and often conflicting and misleading information about coping with disabilities.

Carolyn Magura, noted disability / ADA expert, has written an e-Book documenting the process that allowed her to:

a) continue to work and receive her "full salary" while on Long Term Disability; and

b) become the first person in her State to qualify for Social Security Disability the FIRST TIME, in UNDER 30 DAYS.

Click here ("www.disabilitykey.com/products.htm) to receive Carolyn 's easy-to-read, easy-to-follow direct guide through this difficult, trying process. If you are disabled, don't let this disabiling process disable you. Read Carolyns Disability Key Blog (www.disabilitykey.com/disabilitykeyblog.shtml).

Oscillococcinum Homeopathic remedy for flu and Cold

Chris

Oscillococcinum Homeopathic remedy for flu and Cold



Oscillococcinum (o-sill-o-cox-see-num), Oscillo is safe, natural
and easy to take. Oscillococcinum was discovered by a French
physician named Joseph Roy (1891-1978). It is for temporary
relief of symptoms of flu such as fever, chills, body aches and
pains. The flu (influenza) is a highly infectious viral disease.
Homoeopathic preparations, such as oscillococcinum or similar
products, are often prescribed by homoeopaths for the prevention
and treatment of the fluOscillo is used by millions of people
and recommended by doctors around the world. It can be used by
the whole family to help relieve the worst symptoms of the
winter season.



How does Oscillococcinum work?



Oscillococcinum is thought to stimulate your body's own
defenses. It works best at the onset of symptoms, when your body
has more resources to react. In recent medical studies, 63% of
patients treated with Oscillococcinum showed clear improvement
in 48 hours. Oscillo works best when it is taken at the first
sign of flu. So make sure you have some on hand to fend off your
flu symptoms at their onset.



What is special about Oscillococcinum?



Oscillococcinum (Oscillo) is free from side effects and drug
interactions. As a pharmaceutical company, Boiron complies with
FDA regulations and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
requirements for the manufacturing of homeopathic medicines. All
products marketed in the U.S. are made according to the
Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. Oscillococcinum
(oh-sill-oh-coke-see-num) a homeopathic remedy that is a mouth
full to say, but must be taken as soon as you feel the flu
symptom if it is going to be effective, just one dose should do
the trick.



Advantages of Oscillococcinum (Oscillo)



Oscillococcinum will not mask symptoms of an underlying serious
condition. Oscillococcinum is NOT contraindicated if you have
heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease,
kidney disorders or asthma and cannot use antihistamine or
decongestant medications. Because of its safety, Oscillo is an
excellent choice for children. Under the supervision of a
physician, pregnant women and infants can also use Oscillo.
Oscillococcinum is the #1 over the counter (OTC) flu medicine in
France. Oscillococcinum is the #1 homeopathic flu medicine in
the U.S.



Oscillococcinum Cautions



Do not use if the tray seal is broken. Consult your doctor
before use in children under 2 years of age.



Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 3
days or worsen.



Consult your doctor before using this product, if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding.



About the author:


Written by Chris href="http://www.herbsmd.com/sp/xq/asp/store.OSC/qx/default.htm">
Oscillococcinum Homeopathic remedy for flu and Cold



For more details or any query go to:
http://www.herbsmd.com/sp/xq/asp/store.OSC/qx/default.htm

Organic juices for constipation

rudy silva

Organic fresh made juices have cleansing and laxative action, which will help you eliminate constipation. Taken regularly they will help you have daily bowel movements.



Organic juices contain loads of mineral, bioflavonoids, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Citric fruits have citric acid and the more tart they are the more acid they have.



Fresh juice is a fast way to get all types of nutrients into the blood quickly. As juice nutrients get into your blood, they suck out toxics and build up tissues. In your colon they destroy bad bacteria, feed wall tissue, pull out toxins, and have laxative action.



Even though juices provide helpful action throughout the body, it is best to limit their use and drink them in larger quantities only when trying to accomplish certain health benefits.



If you use natural foods with laxative effects, their laxative effect diminishes after long-term use.



If you have diabetes or adrenal fatigue, limit your use of fruits and juices when you first wake up in the morning. However, exercise in the morning will help you tolerate drinking some juices in the morning



When juicing fruits and vegetables, the more fiber that is left with the juice the better results you will get with your constipation.



It is always best to use fresh juices, but as a last resort using packaged juices will be better than not drinking anything.





Apples and Apple Juice



Apples are good for eliminating constipation because they are high in pectin, a soluble fiber, have many minerals, and contain sorbitol - a natural sugar, which stimulates peristaltic action. Pectin helps to detoxify the intestines and promote regular bowel movements.



The fiber in apples adds weight and bulk to your fecal matter and helps draw water from your colon into the fecal matter keeping the stool from becoming hard and thus preventing constipation.



Apples are one of best fruits to eat because they are high in minerals, which provide alkaline electrolytes to your body. What electrolytes do is neutralize acids that are created during illness, anxiety, anger, exercising, breathing pollution, and improper eating. Body acid is a major reason we get deadly diseases as we age



Make eating apples or drinking fresh apple juice a daily habit. They are also effective in liver and gallbladder problems. .



Here's what to do.



Use crisp and hard apples such as granny smith, Fuji, or gala apples for juicing.



Drink three glass of apple juice during the day - morning, noon, and evening. In combination with drinking fresh apple juice, eat 3-4 apples each day to get fiber. The combination of eating and drinking apples juice will activate your colon to start moving stagnant matter.



One-day apple and apple juice fast



You can also do a one-day or two-day apple and apple juice fast by, eating 3-4 apples during the day. Drink apples juice every two hours. Don't eat anything until the next morning. Then, start changing your eating habits as listed in some of my other articles.


Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. For information on constipation and other remedy ebooks go to: http://www.stop-constipation.com

Old Fashioned Cures: Arthritis And Home Remedy

Mike Herman

Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of individuals all
over the world.



Especially in this country, the number of arthritis sufferers is
staggering; especially considering that to this date, there is
no cure for the debilitating disease.



Scientists have been working towards finding a cure in addition
to finding reliable treatment programs that will allow patients
to live life free from joint pain and aggravation.



However, many sufferers are choosing to take the time to
research arthritis and a home remedy on their own, turning to
treatments used in generations past.



For those suffering from arthritis and pain, a home remedy may
be just the ticket to combat this disease.



A popular method of treating arthritis and a great home remedy
is supplements.



By simply including the necessary vitamins and minerals, along
with a quality diet, you can easily control your arthritis
problems. Much like any problem concerning the body, nutrition
is incredibly important.



Remember the old adage, "you are what you eat" and choose foods
that will benefit your body and condition.



For example, alfalfa contains a necessary ingredient in forming
bones and ensuring bone strength.



Another popular remedy is the aquatic herb Bogbean. Since the
herb works as an anti-inflammatory, eating this herb or taking
the herb in a supplement form can dramatically aid you in
combating arthritis.



Other types of popular remedies include nutrition rich plants
like ginger, known universally for its properties in fighting
joint pain and stiffness.



Whether you add ingredient into your diet or take supplements
containing the root, your joints are sure to the difference.



For individuals who are unable or unwilling to take typical over
the counter anti-inflammatory medications--including aspirin or
Advil--due to the harmful effects on the stomach, should
consider using Boswellia.



In addition to improving circulation and reducing inflammation,
Boswellia will not cause any gastrointestinal pain or bleeding.



About the author:


Learn More and Get the Type of href="http://www.Relieve-Your-Arthritis.com/natural-remedies-for-
arthritis.html">Natural Remedies for Arthritis that Will
Help You With the Fatigue and Joint Pain Associated with
Arthritis

Oil Of Oregano And Infections.

Pieternel Van Giersbergen

I'd like to share with you a healing substance that can improve your life and the life of your friends in an extraordinary way. It's a versatile herbal medicine that truly merits the name "a medicine chest in a bottle". Whether you are traveling, at home or at your job, when you need first aid, pain relief, or natural anitibiotic action, this one product can truly "do it all".

Why is Oil of Oregano so special? It is composed of pure olive oil infused with a concentration of oregano that is 85 % carvacrol, which is extremely antiseptic. Thymol is another antiseptic that works synergistically with carvacol, along with 50 other antiseptic and healing compounds. The result is an amazingly broad number of healing properties with applications throughout the body.

Oil of Oregano is a natural, broad-spectrum antibiotic. This means that even if you don't know where an infection originates, the Oil of Oregano will find and attack it. Besides this it is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasite and a remedy for yeast/candida overgrowth.

These wonderful properties make it effective in curing and relieving innumerable maladies, including:

Allergies, Arthritis, Backpain, Boils, Bruises, Congestion, Contusion, Cysts, Ear infection, Infections, Flu, Food poisoning, Fungus, Headaches, Muscle Pains, Otitis media, Parasites, Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Sprains UTI

For more detailed information on how to employ Oil of Oregano for these and more illnesses, visit www.pieternel.com. If you follow the guidelines there, I can guarantee the benefits to your near-term and also long-term health. Oil of Oregano offers a highly rewarding pathway to purification.

Oil of Oregano is a natural antibiotic that has no side effects. Pharmaceutical antibiotics have many side effects, such as diarrhea and weakening of the immune system. Research even tells us that after we follow 23 cycles of treatment with antibiotics, we have "earned" an increased risk of cancer. Makes you think… no?

Oil of Oregano can also cure insidious yeast infections and candida (which are, interestingly, yet another possible side effect of antibiotics). These stubborn conditions simply require a bit more understanding and a more prolonged approach.

If you think Oil of Oregano sounds like a miracle drug - excuse me, miracle herb - then you've got the point exactly.

Warmly, Pieternel van Giersbergen.

About The Author

Pieternel Van Giersbergen has been an R.N for over 25 years. She develops natural products for preventive health and is an expert on natural health issues. Her site http://www.pieternel.com has over 120 articles about healing yourself and staying healthy.

Nutrition For Natural Stress Relief

Ben Douglas Jr.

Nutrition for Natural Stress Relief.

We've all had stress at one point in our life or another. There are some types of stress that are healthy and beneficial to life. Unfortunately, the majority of the stress we encounter in today's world is destructive and may even help to shorten our lives.

According to a study done at Duke University's Medical center and reported to the American Journal of Cardiology, a link can be found between an "aggressive" personality and the likelihood of death in people younger than age 61 who currently have heart disease. If you can't find a way of managing stress properly, it will help to kill you.

There are several tools available nutritionally for stress management. Some vitamin supplements give natural stress relief and bring body balance when stress saps your energy. Some natural sources for managing stress are foods, herbs, and some from nutritional supplements.

Stress Management with Food:

When thinking of managing stress in the body and food sources, the key is maintaining a balance between the many chemicals within the body that control mood.

Serotonin is a chemical released within the body that works to control mood.

Overall, when stressed, depending on what your activity level it can be a good idea to eat a diet rich in complex carbohydrates. These help to release serotonin into the body and elevate mood. Some good food sources of complex carbohydrates include broccoli, potatoes, squash, and brown rice.

In addition, you should likely look to increase your consumption of B vitamins in food as the B vitamins are essential in stress management. Foods high in B vitamins include asparagus, beets, soybeans and spinach.

Finally, including tryptophan in the diet is important in maintaining a balance of serotonin levels in the body and stress management. Foods rich in tryptophan include poultry (chicken, turkey, etc.), eggs and nuts

For more information on foods rich in stress reduction properties, visit the food and stress page at http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hk/remedies/disp/1,1459,516,00.html.

Natural Stress Relief with herbs

One of the biggest "stars" of the herb world relative to stress management has become St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression in clinical trials conducted in Europe.

St. John's Wort acts much the same as some medicinal serotonin inhibitors such as Prozac. St. John's Wort helps to balance serotonin levels in the body. This leads to an overall elevation in mood.

The biggest concern about St. John's Wort is its possible interaction with other drugs and/or supplements. The use of St. John's Wort should be discussed with a physician or health professional before beginning a course of stress management therapy.

Another herbal remedy for natural stress relief is chamomile. Chamomile has a sweet apple-like fragrance-in fact, it's name comes from the Greek kamai melon which translates to "ground apple". Chamomile can be taken as a supplement but is likely a better tool for natural stress relief as a hot tea.

While the herb "kava-kava" has been promoted as a possible herbal remedy for natural stress relief, the U.S. FDA has issued a warning about the possible effects of this herb on the liver. Please read the article at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/addskava.html.

Stress Reduction with natural supplements

When choosing natural supplements for managing stress, it's a good idea to look at those natural supplements which directly combat stress.

The B-Complex of vitamins is a great place to start. All of the B-Complex of vitamins are important in managing stress and elevating mood. While you can take them individually for a variety of issues, for managing stress, it's beneficial to take a B-Complex tablet which includes all of the vitamins in the B-Complex.

In general, natural stress relief is possible in many ways by the foods we eat, by herbal remedies and even by natural supplements. By learning how to properly incorporate natural stress relief elements into our diet, we can achieve stress reduction and live a happier life.

This has been a short overview of a few methods to use for managing stress naturally and nutritionally. For more information, please visit the reference sources listed below.

References:

Chamomile: Herb Profile and Information - http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chammo49.html

UK Health And Nutrition Information – Depression
http://www.healthandnutrition.co.uk/articles/depression.htm

St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and the Treatment of Depression
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/

Stress Management, Diet, Food and Stress-Controlling Stress by Diet, Food, Nutrition
http://www.holistic-online.com/stress/stress_diet.htm

Hostility may speed death from heart disease
http://www.somersetmedicalcenter.com/115569.cfm

About the Author

Ben Douglas is the webmaster for VitaminFan.com, a vitamin information portal which collects quality vitamin information from independant sources publicly availaable on the World Wide Web. VitaminFan.com is a one-stop-shop for research and information on nutrition and vitamin related topics. Visit at http://www.vitaminfan.com

Popularity of Virtual Assistant

Today’s economy and world of corporate issues and failures have led many employees leave their job and the ambitious and zealous are making their way back into starting their own business opting to become Virtual Assistants. It is obvious for them to become a Virtual Assistant since they need to make their family meet both the ends.

A Virtual Assistant works for businesses performing the work remotely through the internet remaining at a far distant from the employer. They possess a great problem solving and well communicating skills and are well calculative on completing the tasks. You must hire someone for a short-term task and check his/her abilities and once you are satisfied by the work, you can then enter into a long-term relationship.

The widespread Internet and the global economy have given birth to the virtual organization as well as a great career building opportunity to the Virtual Assistants. The virtual assistant industry nowadays has been popularized since it has helped the Virtual Assistants become entrepreneurs and also has balanced the work and life. As per a survey, the average Virtual Assistants made an income of around $40,000 approximately last year in US working full time.

Author: Ankur Patel