Important Things To Know About An Ear Ache

At one time or another we have all experienced the unpleasant discomfort of having an ear ache. According to the 2001 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, over 9.4 million Americans visited a physician's office because of either an ear ache or ear infection. This large number of people accounted for doesn't include all of us who just "suffered" through our ear ache without going to see a doctor. With such a common ailment, there must be some sort of
remedy out there, right?
In this article I will show you the basic symptoms associated with ear aches and some simple ideas for what you can do to prevent you and your loved ones from experiencing this awful feeling associated from having an ear ache.
What causes an ear ache?
While ear aches are most commonly found in children, they are something that everyone experiences at one time or another. The most common causes of ear aches are otitis media, an infection of the middle ear, or otitis externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal. Ear aches are usually caused by either a minor injury to the ear canal or by fluid that becomes trapped in the inner ear. Swimming, bathing, or just by using those all so common cotton-tipped swabs can cause bacteria to grow and lead to discomfort and pain in the ear canal. This can lead to a swelling of the Eustachian tube (a small tube that connects the ear to the nose that regulates the pressure in the ear). As the Eustachian tube swells it can no longer drain through the nose and throat and the pressure in the ear will then build up causing extreme discomfort and pain. Ear aches are usually result from a complication to a cold and are not contagious.
What are the symptoms of an ear ache?
Symptoms of an ear ache can include all or any of the following:
o Severe, Stabbing pain
o Hearing loss
o Itching
o Fever
o Buildup if fluid behind the eardrum
o Nausea, or vomiting
o Swelling of the ear
o Ringing or buzzing sound
o Fluids draining from the ear
How do I get rid of an ear ache?
Methods for treating ear aches are limited in number so obviously, prevention is much better than the cure. However, if you already have an ear ache there are a few things that you can try to alleviate it. Taking painkillers and eardrops can help to subside the pain. Antibiotics are also available if the cause of the ear ache is due to an infection. However, you must not forget to take the doses and you should take the antibiotic until the bottle is empty or all the pills are used. Don't save any antibiotics from one illness to another as they tend to lose their strength.
What can I do to prevent ear aches?
While there is no way to completely keep anyone from getting an ear ache, there are several ways to help prevent them. By regularly cleaning you nasal passages you can reduce your chances of "catching" an ear ache. Also, constant movement of the jaw by chewing gum will help to keep things working smoothly and draining properly. Other things like covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and by using a clean tissue every time will assist you in preventing an ear ache.
Ear aches are very unpleasant and something that everyone should seek to prevent rather than wait to treat. You are now well aware of the causes of an ear ache, symptoms you may have when you have an ear ache, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent ear aches.

Stabilizing the Core to Eliminate Low

This is the first article of a series of articles to follow. In this article I will be addressing one of the main core stabilizing muscles of the lumbar spine and its role in back pain, as well as specific exercises that should be performed to prevent and recover faster from your back pain. You should make these exercises part of your everyday routine, just like brushing your teeth.
Words of wisdom before performing these exercises:
· Consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program or if you're experiencing radiating pain.
· Don't stop your exercise program just because your back feels better. Continue exercising to keep your back pain from returning.
· Where most rehabilitation programs fail is in the selection and repetitions they prescribe to their patients. People with weak back muscles should not only strengthen these muscles but should concentrate on building muscle endurance since these muscles are at work all day long.
· Consider working with a Muscle Activation Technique Therapist to identify and correct muscular imbalances and to make sure all muscles are functioning properly.
Core Stabilizer:
Transverse Abdominal (TVA) is a very important stabilizer of the low-back. It is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and the only one that runs horizontal. It activates prior to the muscles of the hips and thorax. When contracted it flattens the abdominal wall and compresses the viscera. The TVA is required for all integrated movements. If the TVA is weak it will allow bulging of the anterior abdominal wall increasing lordosis in the low-back and will also create a lateral bulge in (forward bending) or extension (back bending).
Researchers used EMG activity to identify the timing of the TVA and the multifidus contraction, compared to other abdominal muscles, during movement of the upper limbs in response to visual stimuli. They found that, in subjects without lower back pain, the first active muscle was the transverse abdominis contracting prior to the upper limb. The model they developed "identified a consistent dysfunction of transverse abdominis in people with low-back pain.
Isometric Exercises Explained:
Before we get into the specific exercises for the TVA I would like to explain why isometric exercises are so important.
In order to activate the TVA muscle fibers or any other muscle for that matter, a weak muscle must first be "jump started" using MAT Therapy or by using isometric exercises before you can strengthen it through exercise. If a weak muscle is not first jump started, then the body is forced to compensate and use other muscles to perform the desired movement.
Isometric exercises solve several problems that Rehab programs and weight lifting activities do not solve:
Problem #1: A weak muscle will not contract with most strengthening exercises because dominant muscles will compensate for weak muscles.
Problem #2: When the body senses instability in the joint, it will tighten up to protect the joint. Stretching a tight muscle will only create a temporary release and could result in a more vulnerable joint.
Problem #3: Muscle imbalances may occur through repetitive use of the same muscle, or through injury, causing the body to go into "protective" mode.
When performing isometric exercise contractions, the contraction should be held for 6 seconds and repeated 6 times. This allows time for peek tension to develop and metabolic changes to occur in the muscle. The muscle should be placed in its shorthend position. In this position the muscle is at its weakest. The intensity of each isometric contraction should increase. By the 6th contraction, greater range of motion and neural input should occur. For more information on isometric exercises visit [http://www.sports-injury-solutions.com]
Exercises for the TVA
· This exercise is critical in re-estabilishing good communication between the brain and the key stabilizer muscles (TVA). Progressing to advanced abdominal exercises when your body is not prepared will only magnify muscular imbalances that can cause injury and pain.
· Lie on your back and cross your left leg over right leg. Your left heel should be next to the right knee. Rotate right approx 30 degrees your left hip will come off the ground several inches. Push knee into the ball or wall 6 times for 6 seconds. Start lightly and increase pressure each time. If you feel cramping in the inner thigh you are pressing too hard. This exercise will activate the TVA and should be followed up by regular abdominal exercises.

Richard Lauro is a Certified Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) therapist and one of the industries top fitness experts. The Owner of Fitness Solutions Inc.; Resistance Training Specialist; (AAHFRP) Medical Exercise And Post Rehab Specialist; American Council on Exercise; Idea Member - International Fitness Professionals Organization; Health and Fitness Writer for the Community Voice Newspaper. 13 years experience in the Health and Fitness field. To learn more about MAT Techniques and how to prevent and recover faster from your sports injury visit [http://www.sports-injury-solutions.com] or call 540-840-3208 to get your FREE REPORT "The Secret To Eliminating Muscle and Joint Pain".

Exercise for a Healthy Heart

Do you exercise every day? If you want to live a long, healthy life, maybe you should.
A recent study by Timothy Wessel, a physician at the University of Florida, indicates one of the strongest risk factors for developing heart disease is inactivity - even more so than being overweight. During the four-year study of 906 women, Dr. Wessel documented those who were moderately active were less likely to develop heart disease than sedentary women, no matter how much they weighed. The study concluded: "These results suggest that fitness may be more important than overweight or obesity for cardiovascular risk in women."
In January, the updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines strongly urged that everyone should take part in "at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity" on most days, above whatever activities they do at home or work. To loose weight or to avoid gaining weight as we age, 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise is recommended. And those who have already lost weight and are attempting to keep weight off need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise.
A study of 9,611 adults by the University of Michigan Health System, found that people in their 50s and 60s who participated in daily exercise were 35 percent less likely to die within the next eight years than their inactive couch potato counter parts.
Convinced that it's time to add exercise to your day?
The Basics -- Make Exercise a Life Priority:
- If you're not use to exercising, check with your doctor before beginning any strenuous fitness routine.
- Start slow. If 30 minutes of exercise is too much, start with 15 minutes and add a few minutes each day.
- If you don't have time for 60 minutes of exercise, break it up into two 30-minute sessions throughout the day.
- Schedule a specific time to exercise everyday - then keep to your schedule!
- Take part in more intense activities that can improve your
heart health, such as: running, dancing, swimming, cycling, and climbing stairs.
- Find exercise that you enjoy. You will be more likely to
continue and improve your daily performance if you look forward to a favorite activity.
- Wear proper clothing and footwear. This has two functions. Clothing and shoes that are suited to your activity will enhance performance and offer the right kind of support for your body and feet. They will also place you in a better frame of mind for exercise. When you wear your favorite running outfit and slide into your special running shoes, your mind says "it's time to get out the door and put my feet in motion!"
- Add everyday activities to increase your overall fitness
level, such as gardening, housework, walking to the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and raking leaves.
- Always drink lots of water.
- If you feel discomfort or pain after an activity, use ice
therapy immediately to reduce swelling and numb pain. Always have a cold pack in your freezer, ready and waiting. Most aches and pains attributed to exercise respond well to icing and will melt away within 24 hours after applying ice for several 20-minute sessions. Using cold therapy reduces down time, getting you back on schedule fast. (If the pain does not lessen within 48 hours after using ice therapy, is intense or becomes worse, see your doctor.)
Exercise every day...take care of your heart...live long!
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury.

Don't Be A Slave To Your Body Fat

Would you like to finally be in control of your body fat level? Yes? Then read this lesson very carefully. The formula is revealed herein.
As one of the most important elements of the human body, water makes up approximately 70 percent of our muscles, and about 75 percent of our brain, playing a vital role in the proper functioning of the body, and making it an essential part of a healthy diet.
Drinking water also forces fat to be used as fuel, making it one of the main keys to success in shedding any extra pounds. And, without adequate water, kidneys are unable to function properly - prompting the liver to pick up the slack. This causes additional problems for dieters because the liver cannot properly metabolize stored fat as energy, resulting in more fat being stored in the body.
Furthermore, water effectively suppresses appetites, aids in proper digestion, and acts as one of the vehicles for circulating nutrients and oxygen through the body, as well as assisting the body in eliminating waste. Water lubricates joints, protects organs, helps maintain a normal body temperature, and is absolutely
Necessary for exercise, and even day-to-day performance.
With this in mind, it's easy to understand why drinking enough water - a minimum of TEN, 8-ounce glasses a day, every day - is perhaps the single most important step in determining diet and fitness success. (((a more detailed formula for determining the exact amount of water your particular body needs each and every day to function at it's best can be found on page 63 of Maximize Your Metabolism - get it now
However, because the average body loses 8 to 12 cups of water a day, this can be a challenge. Start by trying to drink 10 glasses each day, and work up to one full gallon per day.
Sound tough? Don't get discouraged. With the following suggestions, you'll find drinking enough water is not hard, and will be well worth the initial effort by quickly bringing into your life all the positive changes you're looking for including fat loss, healthier skin/hair and nails, increased energy and alertness, and far more.
Start tomorrow by drinking a glass of water when you wake up. For a nice morning pick me up you might even add a few tablespoons of lemon juice and a small pinch of cayenne pepper to your first glass. Then prepare a large water bottle to take with you on your drive to work or to school. You can even try putting the bottle in the freezer the night before, and filling it with water right
before you leave to start your day. This keeps the water cooler longer, and ensures it will be a good drinking temperature during your morning commute.
Drink a glass of water in between every meal, and a glass in the evening, but not to close to bedtime. Take a filled water bottle with you wherever you go. This makes getting the water you need easy, and ensures you will look better (and feel better). At work, keep your water bottle filled and with you at your desk. Reach for it instead of unnecessary, high-sugar, high-fat snacks. Sip on it
all day, adding ice cubes and additional water as needed.
Next, change from caffeinated coffee, tea and soda to decaffeinated alternatives. Caffeine depletes your water supply, and can make it difficult for your body to get all the water it needs. For every caffeinated beverage you drink, drink an additional glass of water.
This small step can make a big difference.
Keep in mind that exercise, hot weather, low humidity, altitude, a high-fiber diet, and consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages all increase your daily water loss. During these times, take extra steps to ensure you offset the increased water loss with increased water consumption.

New Ionic Dental Technology from Japan Amazes Dentists

Light years ahead of any toothbrush or whitening product you have used to this day, brushing your teeth with Soladey-2 is cheaper, healthier, and clinically proven to be far more effective, even whitening your teeth as you brush! The most advanced Japanese technology for your teeth, now available in North America.
Soladey-2 is a revolutionary patented Ionic Toothbrush that cleanses and whitens your teeth without the use of toothpaste or floss. Proven to remove coffee, tobacco and other hard to remove stains from your teeth, this technology has been used in Japan for nearly 10 years. Basic in its design, Soladey-2 is clinically proven to remove more plaque than any regular or electric toothbrush. The bristles and head are designed to be small enough to reach your back molars, with enough room to brush effectively while still keeping light on the patented titanium rod, which makes it work.
The difference is that your normal or electric toothbrush only removes plaque as the bristles move over your teeth, which misses a lot. With soladey-2, the bristles do not even need to touch the plaque on your teeth. Plaque is disintegrated on a molecular level, which reaches even between your teeth as you brush, eliminating the need for flossing, and leaving you with a fresh clean mouth. Once plaque has been eliminated from your mouth, cavities are reduced, gingivitis goes away, and your teeth steadily get whiter and brighter. Bold claims to be sure, we could talk all day about this incredible technology, but the only opinion that really counts is your own...try it and experience for yourself the amazingly clean feeling you get...like you just came from the dentist every time you use it!
Soladey-2 is a new and more effective approach to dental hygiene, which has a patented technology and design, clinically proven to eliminate plaque more effectively than a regular or electric toothbrush. This cost effective, environmentally friendly, non-toxic toothbrush uses an Ionic process to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums on a molecular level, eliminating the threat of gingivitis from your mouth, leaving your breath fresh and invigorated. Testimonials from users report that their gums have stopped bleeding, and their teeth are no longer as sensitive as they were before using the product. Eliminating toothpaste eliminates the need for harmful chemicals introduced to your body via the quickest route to your bloodstream...your mouth.
How many people do you know run the water faucet while they brush? How many liters of clean drinking water do you think are wasted every day? Soladey-2 eliminates the need to be near your faucet, or even the need to be at home to brush, which is why so many kids, and busy people on the go, enjoy using it. The bottom line is that it works...fast. You feel the Ionic process gently tingle in your mouth.
"The first few times I used Soladey-2, I had chunks of plaque come loose in my mouth from areas which no toothbrush could reach...that is what sold me. I hate to admit that for obvious reasons, but that is what happened when I first started using that Ionic toothbrush." reports Erik Powers.
The results that people report back to us state that even people with dental disorders and sensitive teeth will be happy using Soladey-2. People have reported that their receding gums have stopped and began to heal, that their teeth no longer bleed, that they can eat ice cream and drink tea again without having that stabbing pain shoot into their skull. Results will vary with every consumer as a result of their dental habits, but at least you can be confident that you are eliminating chemicals from your daily habits. If you think this is overboard, call your toothpaste company and tell them that your child just swallowed an undetermined amount of their toothpaste and see how fast they tell you to contact poison control.
We urge everyone to get educated in regards to your personal and your family's dental health. As a father, knowing what I know about Fluoride and toothpaste has given me cause to question our governing bodies like the FDA, the CDA and the ADA, who have set the standards for consumer products in North America, which we have been using for years. How is it that we are still able to purchase toothpaste with Fluoride, and why on Earth are they still putting this chemical into the water supply in some areas of the USA? These questions have been addressed in a very good book called "The Fluoride Deception" by prominent journalist, Christopher Bryson. Be prepared to be surprised and shocked at the clinical research presented.
As a small company, we apologize for not having the budget to advertise and make this new technology available faster to consumers. We hope that your choice is an educated choice, and that you have learned some important information about the most important daily health care habits...brushing your teeth!

The Basics Of Arthritis

Arthritis signals people in a variety of ways. Joints might
crack suddenly, like knees upon standing. Other joints may
be stiff and creak. Maybe pain occurs, like when trying to
open a jar. What's it all about? Let's look at the basics
and learn more.
Arthritis actually means "joint inflammation" and has over
100 related conditions or type / forms of disease. Left
untreated, it can advance, resulting in joint damage that
cannot be undone or reversed. So early detection and
treatment are important.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis
(OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although both have
similar symptoms, both happen for different reasons. When
joints are overused and misused, the results can be OA.
What happens is that the cushioning cartilage that protects
the joint breaks down, resulting in the bones rubbing
together. This generally happens in the knees, but can be
found in the hips, spine and hands often, too. And only in
later stages will a person most often feel pain, after
quite a bit of cartilage is lost.
The second type, RA, refers to the body's immune system
attacking joint tissue. Still not fully understood in the
medical community, this condition most often starts in a
person's hands, wrists and feet. Then it advances to
shoulders, elbows and hips.
Similar symptoms include pain, stiffness, fatigue,
weakness, slight fever and inflamed tissue lumps under the
skin. And both OA and RA generally develop symmetrically,
i.e. affecting the same joints on both the left and right
sides of the body.
A difference in OA and RA to note is with swelling. With
RA, people report "soft and squishy" swelling. While with
OA, people report "hard and bony" swelling.
There is no specific age for arthritis sufferers. While it
can affect every age group, it seems to focus on those over
45 years of age.
And while neither gender is immune, a reported 74 percent
of OA cases (or just over 15 million) occur with women and
a slightly lower percentage of RA cases occur with women.
People with excess weight tend to develop OA, especially in
the knees when reaching over 45 years of age. However,
losing weight can turn the odds around almost by half.
Regular activity combined with exercise also reduces risk,
strengthening joint muscles and reducing joint wear.
There are many ways to effectively manage arthritic pain
today to find relief. Available are arthritic diets,
exercise programs, over-the-counter and prescription
medications, relaxation and positive emotion coping
techniques. Also available are surgeries, supplements, home
remedies, natural and other alternative therapies. When
arthritis is first suspected, it would be wise to seek a
medical opinion first. Then as time and resources allow,
check out the other options.

Fitness For Busy Corporates

Corporate fitness Training
Companies of all shapes and sizes are striving to make physical fitness part of their employees' lives. Aside from the proven health benefits of exercise, physically fit employees can also handle physical work tasks better, deal with stressful situations more easily and tend to be less susceptible to illness and injuries. Companies are discovering the positive benefits of providing workplace fitness programs. They're realizing that huge funds being spent on employees' medical health problems can be drastically cut by proactively investing in appropriately designed corporate fitness programs. Statistics show that companies with corporate fitness programs enjoy: Reduced Health Care Costs, Increased Productivity, Reduced Absenteeism, decreased recruitment and retraining costs, improved employee concentration, mental alertness and creativity, improved physical and emotional health, leading to better employee morale. The benefit from the employee's standpoint is improved health and energy levels, decreased body fat, and a more youthful, fit body
Recent studies show that increased exercise is a great way for employees to unwind from the pressure and stresses of everyday work. They are able to quit smoking easily. They drink less & are more patient with their colleagues & clients. As a result, productivity and motivation also increases, making businesses more profitable and less stressful. Companies are now starting to warm to this idea, either setting up corporate fitness memberships to the local gym, or better still setting up, tennis or squash court and gyms within their offices. Great, except for the fact that to get the best benefits sometimes requires a little extra help from trainers. Having a corporate personal trainer on hand for offices could maximize company's investment in that employee.
The elements of fun, acceptance, belonging, motivation, encouragement and reinforcement are attempted to institute within a corporate wellness program. Employees are treated as individuals, with their own needs and goals. The trainer notes their personal and family health history, physical limitations, expectations and fitness goals. Their fitness level is evaluated. For employees with less physical jobs, it's ideal to measure cardio respiratory endurance, body composition and flexibility. For employees with more physically demanding jobs, measure of muscle strength and endurance is taken. A person with sedentary job might have nagging back problems. Carpel tunnel syndrome, amongst person working on a computer most of the time is not unheard of. Incorrect posture in any job situation also needs to be rectified. Hunching shoulders, stooping back, poor eyesight can all be taken care of by proper counseling. Utilizing the information from the initial consultation and fitness evaluation, an Individual Exercise Prescription (IEP) for each participating employee is created. Exercise sessions include:
· Warm-up activities
· Aerobic conditioning
· Toning
· Strength training
· Flexibility exercises
Cool-down
Some other formats of fitness regimes followed by these corporate are: yoga, kickboxing, low impact, interval training, body sculpt, Pilates, tai chi, Latin dance, ' Lunch & Learn' seminars, ergonomic assessments and recommendations for the workplace, 'Corporate Wellness Fairs' , weight loss and nutrition program. For a very busy corporate, who is always on the move, an expert can design a thorough workout plan of just thirty minute capsule, which can take care of all his problems and still do justice to his fitness levels. Training sessions teach safe, effective exercise techniques and educate employees on training intensity, frequency and progression to maximize results and reduce injuries.
The employer receives detailed reports on employee group's participation rates and fitness results. The employees receive reports on their initial fitness level and subsequent improvement as determined by ongoing fitness evaluations.
The idea of corporate fitness is not just a fashionable fad; rather companies with international standards find it mandatory to prove the health & fitness of their employees. People are soon realizing that a fit body does not mean necessarily a thin body. Healthy mind in a healthy body is soon becoming the order of the day & we should all welcome this positive change in the general mindset of the masses.
With the increase in work related stress, companies are incorporating gyms in their premises.· Corporate gyms help the employees to be physically fitter & mentally alert.· It helps to increase productivity & reduce medical costs.· It creates bonding amongst the employees who workout together in less formal surroundings.· It is a good idea to hire a qualified corporate fitness trainer & seek positive results minus the injuries.

1. Speedo –aqua aerobics, Taekwonaqua and aqua aerobics for kids. 2. Reebok- Aerobics, Step aerobics, Conditioning, strength, flexibility & Core Pilates. 3. Idea- member of Idea fitness in California for personal training. 4. IFA (International Fitness Association) - Orlando, Florida- Personal Trainer, Kickboxing, Step & Aerobics 5. Resolutions of Reebok 6. Experienced in all kinds of exercise equipment: Thera Band, tubing, stability trainer, flex bar, Swiss ball, medicine ball, Rebounder, free weights, Ramp, Bosu 7. Also do Masala bhangra aerobics and dandiya aerobics. 8. Learnt Chi Kung & Zhan Zhuang and Tai Chi in Singapore 9. Learnt basics of yoga from Sivananda . 10. Shiatsu from Japan 11. CPR certified