Cause of Fibroymyalgia

The causes of fibromyalgia have yet to be precisely identified, yet it continues to leave patient’s who are learning to live with this painful and frustrating condition with often more questions than answers.

New research has helped shed more light on the understanding of the basics of fibromyalgia. One current theory as to the causes of fibromyalgia is that patient’s suffering with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of an increased sensitivity in the brain to general pain signals. It is thought that the disorder is a problem with the regulation of the neuroendocrine / neurotransmitters, which leaves the patient with a more amplified sensation of pain.

What is Fibromyalgia?

What is fibromyalgia?

That’s a great question and one that if you are learning to live with this painful condition, that I am sure you would like to have answered. Unfortunately, right now, the precise cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. Even though both men and women are known to contend with fibromyalgia, current statistics seem to indicate that women suffer with the condition significantly more than men.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, fibromyalgia, one of the most common diseases affecting the muscles, is considered to be an “arthritis related condition” that does not attack the joints of the body, but rather the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissue rheumatismis a broad group of conditions that include the disorders which cause pain and stiffness around the joints and in the bones and muscles and the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is included in this group.

Even though it impacts the body’s muscles and tissues, it does not cause internal inflammation and so there is no damage to the body’s joints and internal organs. This is one of the key differences between fibromyalgia and many of the well known rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, and even systemic lupus.

In those rheumatology conditions, it is the inflammation of the tissue that is the major cause of pain, stiffness and tenderness of the joints, tendons and muscles. It is this inflammation that can lead to joint deformity and damage to the internal organs or muscles. Fortunately, fibromyalgia does not leave similar destruction in its wake.

This condition causes widespread muscle pain, incredible fatigue and can often leave you with difficulty performing the basic activities of daily living. Many suggest that they feel as if their body is aging
at a much faster pace than their chronological age defines.

Fibromyalgia is also understood to be a chronic condition causing pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Fibromyalgia, formerly known as fibrositis, is also characterized by restless sleep, awakening feeling tired, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disturbances in bowel function.

What is fibromyalgia? Well, medical literature from the early 1900s were also trying to answer the question and even though it didn’t have a name, they described the condition of fibromyalgia. However, it was only in the early 1980s that the medical community actually began to recognize the condition and work towards developing treatments to aid patients suffering from the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) developed a specific set of criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia which include the hallmark symptoms of a history of widespread pain on both sides of the body, both above and below the waist, which has been present for at least three months as well as pain in at least 11 of 18 “tender point” sites. These “tender points” are sites throughout the body that are painful when they are pressed. Fibromyalgia is thought to be the culprit when these conditions are met.

For patients dealing with Fibromyalgia, tender points can include many places, such as the base of the skull, above and between the shoulder blades, below the elbows, in the lower back, on the hips, and behind the knees. Fibromyalgia tender points typically occur on both sides of the body and are similar to other common muscle and muscle-attachment disorders, like tennis elbow. These areas can be quite tender to touch and can leave the patient with a generalized soreness that is often described as feeling like the worse case of the flu ever… ok, now that’s a flu I don’t want to get!

Some researchers believe that they have determined what is fibromyalgia by discovering a genetic component. It seems that some who are diagnosed with this condition genetically react much more to
things that others would not find bothersome or painful at all.

What is fibromyalgia? It is a complex condition that has many in its grip. Learning to live with it can certainly be a challenge, but once you understand the definition of fibromyalgia, you have a better chance and successfully learning the skills needed to actively regain control of your health.

Sore Feet

Sore feet, oh the agony of sore feet… yes, that pain trailing through your feet can certainly get your attention like none other. Foot pain is something that can develop for a variety of reasons, but the bottom line is that when your feet hurt, your entire body hurts.

Your feet take a beating throughout your life… think about the wear and tear they endure just in the course of a normal day. Seriously, there are days that I come home from my job and cannot believe the sore feet that are carrying me, ever so slowly in the door. When your feet hurt, your ankles, knees, and even your back hurts. And at the end of the day, all I want is something that will give me a sore foot remedy… the problem is that some days I just don’t know what the best source of pain relief is…

So your feet hurt… why? Well, that is a great question and unfortunately one that is not easily answered. If you are experiencing foot pain nearly every time that you put on a pain of shoes, then you must ask yourself, if you might be suffering from a bunion, a corn or even a hammertoe. Each one looks differently and impacts the anatomy of your feet differently but the bottom line is that each one can cause a significant amount of pain leaving you with incredibly sore feet.

Let’s look at each of these three foot conditions… a foot corn is simply an area of thickened skin that develops in pressure areas of the foot and can cause you pain. A bunion can leave you with painful feet because it changes the structural anatomy of the foot because the bunion or the hallux valgus forces the big toe to angle toward the other toes and by doing this, you may experience significant discomfort and pain in your feet.

A hammertoe leaves you with sore feet because it also changes the anatomy of the foot since a hammertoe creates a deformity in which the toe bends in a claw-like position. A hammertoe can be found in the second, third or fourth toe; however, it is most common in the second toe.

Ok, three different problems, but all resulting in painful foot conditions.

Experiencing foot pain that lights up your world when you take that very first step out of bed in the morning or even when you take that first step after you’ve been sitting for awhile, well, then it is probable that you have a painful foot condition known as plantar fascitis.

This foot condition occurs when inflammation develops anywhere along the plantar fascia, which is a thick fibrous band running along the bottom of the foot which attaches to the heel and to the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciitis pain most commonly occurs in the heel, at the point where the fibrous band attaches to the heel. It is the inflammation of this fibrous band that causes the pain of plantar fasciitis.

Want to develop a sore foot condition that will make you think that your toe is going to throb so much that it simply falls off your foot? Well, just wait until you develop an ingrown toenail… this ratty little nuisance can leave you with tears in your eyes. The skin of your toe can become very red, inflamed, swollen and tender when the edge or corner of your toenail grows down and cuts into the skin of your toe.

So, frankly, it does not matter the cause of your foot pain, rather what matters the most when your feet are aching is that you get to the root of the problem and search for pain relief for your sore feet. No one should live with sore feet that are distracting and irritating, so take the time to determine the cause of your foot pain and then research what you can do about it. There is no need to suffer in silence…find one of the many sore feet treatments that might be right for you.

Heart Attack - The Aftermath

I’ve discussed with you previously that heart attacks cause a certain amount of damage to the heart muscle itself.

So the question becomes… how much of my heart has been damaged?

Well… this varies from person to person, but generally the amount of the heart muscle that comes under damage or injury isn’t extensive and the heart will, indeed, continue to function well… and, of course, there are tests that can be performed that will give your physician some idea of the extent of the damage.

The positive aspect to remember is that the majority of people make a decent recovery. Although the actual healing process for your heart muscle will take some time, the heart is a resilient muscle; it will will begin to heal soon after the attack.

As far as the heart muscle itself goes, the aftermath is an area of scar tissue that is left behind. Even though your heart won’t contract quite normally around the areas of the scar tissue, for many this does not affect the function of the heart or even how they feel. In fact, many times, the biggest hurdle is getting past the fear and anxiety related to having had a heart attack.

The fear and anxiety factors of a post heart attack aren’t to be taken lightly and how you handle these will greatly effect how quickly you can get your life back to normal.

Once you get back home after a heart attack, what sort of recovery and activity plan should be on?

Of course the absolute answer is exactly what your physician instructs you to do.

Generally speaking, of course, you’ll want to initially get your rest and just quietly move about. You’ll want to learn to recognize when you get tired and should take a break. Realize that even little activity early on will get you tired. One of the big keys to get back on track mentally is to make sure that you get about each day as your doctor allows, get up and get dressed and take on the routine that you’ve been asked to follow by your health care provider.

Ultimately through your regular routine you’ll will gradually regain your physical and your mental strength.

Down the road on your recovery, you’ll want to work with your doctor on getting your physical activity back up to par.

Remember, physical activity has the benefits of keeping your weight down and keeping your blood pressure and your cholesterol in check… which reduces the risk factor of you having a subsequent heart attack.

Getting back to your ‘usual’ activities will vary from person to person and will be under the direction of your doctor. Many cardiologist will schedule their patients to follow up after a heart attack with a cardiac rehabilitation or cardiac rehab program during which you work with specially trained instructors who will help you to regain your strength in a safe and effective manner.

In many cases, walking is the recommended activity to work toward when getting your physical activity level back. If not walking, you’ll want to discuss with your doctor activities that you not only enjoy doing, but also activities that you will do consistently.

Do it for you… and your heart.

With your doctor’s approval, consistently making physical activity a part of your life is not only a big part of your recovery, it is also a big part of you staying healthy long term. You should work to gradually increase your activities that you engage in, and be thinking long term from this point forward. Remember, little changes in your daily lifestyle, can help you to overall be more active.

Getting your life back after a heart attack is not only very doable, but is a requirement for not only your physical health but your mental state as well.

10 Tips for Nighttime Heartburn Relief

Nighttime heart burn is irritating, painful, and leaves you with the bitter taste from another restless night. This common condition is known in the medical world as gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD. GERD is the generalized effect of heartburn on the body.

When dealing more specifically with nighttime heartburn, nearly 4 out of every 5 GERD suffers deal with nightly heartburn. The heartburn and pain in the stomach disturbs normal sleeping patterns and impairs a person’s ability to function the following day.

Luckily, with GERD there are many things you could try to relieve it. Lifestyle changes, exercise, and food tips all help to limit stomach pain or avoid it altogether.

One of the most successful ways to avoid nighttime heartburn is by changing your diet. GERD diets have been around for awhile and have helped many sufferers. The foods you eat can help you to extinguish heartburn or light the internal flames which are likely to burn all night long.

Here is a useful list of the top ten tips for avoiding serious nighttime heartburn. and hopefully avoid that raging stomach pain all together.

1. Limit acidic foods like grapefruit, oranges, tomatoes, or vinegar.

2. Cut back on spicy foods like peppers or chilis.

3. Stay upright for two to three hours after your eat. That’s just gravity. Food and stomach acid have a less likely chance of backing up if it is a straight shot to digestion.

4. Steer clear of greasy foods like pizza, cheeseburgers, or french fries. Instead, look for lean meats and non-fat foods.

5. Reduce your intake of chocolate, mint, citrus, tomatoes, pepper, vinegar, ketchup, and mustard.

6. Lower your consumption of drinks like alcohol, caffinated, or carbonated beverages.

7. Try eating smaller meals. Small meals makes it easier to digest food.

8. It’s meal time, but slow down! Eating too quickly can overwhelm the stomach and produce too much acid; a real pain in the middle of the night.

9. Avoid midnight snacks. Try ending all meals two to three hours before you go to sleep. If you have trouble with this, brush your teeth right after your last meal. This will make it easier to resist eating again until morning.

10. Take a dose of an acid reliever. Some of them work immediately so taking it while you have heartburn may not mean that all hope is lost for a good night’s rest.

All in all, heartburn doesn’t have to control your life… or your stomach. By restricting the kinds of foods you eat, and staying away from the ones which cause you trouble is the first step to relief. After some trial and error, you will begin to realize exactly what foods irritate your stomach more. Not all the listed foods above will give you heartburn; everyone’s body is different. Nighttime heartburn should not be something that you have to life with. There is relief and it comes before you ever even go to sleep.

Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)

The first things to consider when dealing with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are the basic symptoms that precede the disease. Juvenile arthritis symptoms can be vague, like spiking fever, unexplainable rashes, swollen knuckles, limping, a sore wrist, finger or knee.

In addition, signs may also include, but are not limited to, morning stiffness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. For many, these signs do not seem like an issue to fret over, but in reality, juvenile arthritis is possible a life-long disease, and if not treated aggressively, it can pester children for ten years or more, undiagnosed, yet not going unnoticed when it comes to the impact on the child’s quality of life.

If these symptoms continue, it is best to see a healthcare provider or a local physician for more information. Juvenile arthritis affects children under the age of sixteen, and a child living with arthritis at such a young age, may become emotionally distressed or socially incompetent.

It is likely for patients to complain about stiff joint, acnes, and pains. Some will also begin to shows signs of negative social interaction due to the lack of participation in the same activities as their friends, no late parties, no sports, etc. For a parent to deal with these heart-wrenching realities from a child is absolutely devastating.

Luckily, if diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and with early and aggressive treatment there is still hope for a bright future. It is possible for arthritis to last a lifetime, but for many, the arthritis comes, stays around for a couple weeks or months, and then goes away forever.

For those who desire a little ‘push’ to get arthritis on its way and out of a child’s life, they may seek special treatment. The most popular types of JRA treatment include special medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS.

These drugs include medications like Motrin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, and Advil– which are all used as a way to lessen swelling and relive pain. It is important for the child to participate in daily exercise and it is recommended for them to seek medical assistance through physical therapy and to, at a physician’s direction, follow the medication plan agreed on. On rare occasions, surgery is chosen as an option of treatment as well.

In general, it is a powerful disease. It affects school work, social life, family, relationships, dating, sports, and nearly every other event in a child’s life. This disease is commanding, but it does not have to control a child’s entire existence. With proper exercise, medications, and therapy, juvenile arthritis can be tolerated and children can live a long and happy life, no longer restricted by the dark overhead shadow of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Stress Anxiety Disorders and Cumulative Stress

Anxiety disorders have tormented and played with people’s minds for centuries, causing unnecessary irrational panic and compulsions that interfere with everyday life. Among women, anxiety is the number one mental illness and in men, it is number two, preceded only by alcohol abuse. Mental health issues are a significant challenge to many today.

Beyond basic gender specifications, it is estimated that nearly thirty million people, ten percent of the population, in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder on a regular basis. Of course, anxiety in general is not always a bad thing and it can be good for performance in the right levels. For instance, when completing easy tasks, a fairly high level of arousal or anxiety is best to maintain focus. For harder tasks, less arousal or anxiety is necessary.

This complex understanding of anxiety makes it hard to know when a true disorder is present or when it is just a stressful week. To fully understand this mental health disorder, it is easiest to look at the basic word with no connections or connotations. The word “anxiety” originally came from the Latin text, developing from the word “anxius”, meaning to worry about an unknown event that leads to apprehension or uncertainty.

Briefly defined, anxiety is an “unpleasant state that includes an increased biological arousal, negative feelings, negative thoughts and an increased focus of your attention”. Some of the most common causes of anxiety disorders include genes, childhood experiences, or cumulative stress. Anxiety disorders are suspected to be on a recent rise due to the on-going stress of life in the twenty-first century.

Some of these new traumas include busier schedules, more technology, and the pessimistic or fearful views of the media and politicians. Terrorism threats and nuclear attacks haunt the corners of our minds nearly every day and the threats reverberate from the screens of our television, making it hard to escape from the propaganda.

Having an anxiety disorder does not always mean that your life will be completely and utterly controlled by it. Good therapy helps millions of patients cope with their illness and helps them realize that certain behaviors give anxiety disorders the control which they crave. Treatment for anxiety can be difficult but with a good mental health therapist, successful treatment is possible. Characteristics of this disorder include avoidant behavior, negative self-talk, mistaken beliefs, denial of feelings, or a lack of assertiveness.

Muscle tension, the absence of self-nurturing behaviors, poor nutrition, a stressful lifestyle, or a lack of meaning or purpose in your life can also lead to severe anxiety disorders. When a person exhibits many of these characteristics, anxiety disorders are typically the cause, but even after that, the diagnosis is not yet complete.

The second part of the diagnosis is when a psychologist verifies the form of anxiety. The most probable disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive, panic disorder, or phobias.

If you think that you may have an anxiety disorder, don’t be scared. Anxiety disorders are very common and can be treated very successfully. Seek out help from a health care professional, a doctor, or a psychiatrist. It may be scary at first, but the immense relief you will find in help, will make it all worth it! You can relax, be at ease, and just enjoy being “you” again!

Recreational Water Illness - How to Swim Safely

Swimming is a great way to escape from those hot summer days, but before going for a dive, be sure to know the facts! Every time you swim, you put yourself at serious risk for RWI, better known as recreational water illness.

Each year, 10,000 RWI cases of diarrhea and 6.2 million cases of swimmer’s ear occur and those rates are nearly double what they were 10 years ago. For people who need the exercise of swimming, this terrifying fact can keep them away from the only exercise they will do!

In addition to rising rates of RWI, with the rising rates of childhood obesity, a fear of physical activity is the last thing that anyone needs! Luckily, for cases of RWI there are solutions. The biggest solution is chlorinating the water, but completely drying ears and wearing a swimmer’s cap are good suggestions as well.

Many frequent swimmers suggest the “Take and Tug” method for cleaning out ears. Grab the ear by either the side or the lobe and give it a good tug. If done correctly, this will act as a little cork and let any standing water trickle out. Use your towel to dry it further.

But now you are probably wondering what illnesses do you need protection from exactly? Well, let’s go through a couple of the biggest risks.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Leads to: Swimmer’s Ear and Skin Rashes

Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, Shigella, and E. coli
Leads to: Diarrhea

Cercarial dermatitis (Swimmer’s Itch)
Symptoms: tingling, burning, or itching of the skin, small reddish pimples, and/or small blisters that appear within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water
Leads to: Blisters and Rashes

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Leads to: Skin Rashes

Now all of these illnesses are typically found in lakes, oceans, poorly maintained swimming pools or hot tubs. Not all swimming locations are unsafe, so don’t be afraid. It is just important to be informed. A swimming pool is meant for fun, so get out there and enjoy yourself. Just remember these swimming tips and dive safely!

Acne Prone Skin Improved By a Proper Diet

So I see you’re back… still searching for the answers to your acne problems. You’ve tried medicines and they didn’t work or maybe you haven’t but you would like to solve your problem the old fashioned way. Well, either way you look at it, the point is still the same that food can actually aid you with your struggle against acne.

How food is cooked can contribute to acne outbreaks along with stress, as it was discussed in “Acne Prone Skin Improved by a Proper Diet – Part 1”. When cooking your foods be sure not to heat, cook, or even defrost foods in the microwave. By microwaving foods, you are actually subjecting yourself to added toxins in your food from the microwave. Because acne is a way the body rids itself of extra toxins in your body, the more you microwave, the more toxins you collect, the more acne appears. If given the choice, choose the oven or the cook top stove to heat food instead of the microwave.

Along with the way certain foods are cooked, a poor diet in general can also add to the development of acne. Some of the major signs of a poor diet are shown by the consumption of more sugar than necessary, sodium, chocolate, fried foods, processed foods, caffeine, dairy products, seafood, carbonated beverages, or other iodine-rich foods.

Of course these foods are all very addicting so in moderation you can still enjoy them without the negative effects of ferocious acne. When consumed in massive quantities, this is when problems begin to occur so be sure to watch out for those large portions. After a bad day, if you feel the need for a chocolate bar do not deprive yourself. As long as these small splurges are paired with a healthy diet, there is absolutely nothing wrong with an occasional treat so go ahead and indulge!

A final tip for a healthy body and acne free skin is all about the amount of water you consume daily. Of course, water is extremely necessary to everybody, no matter your age or fitness, because water helps the body to rid itself of pesky toxins. With eight, 8-oz glasses of water each day, your skin will be hydrated and healthier.

These tips aren’t hard but if you choose to ignore the suggestions, your skin could remain cracked and acne covered for many years to come. Not a pretty thought! There are many foods that improve acne prone skin and because of that hope is not lost for a healthier and more beautiful you.

Bad Breath in Children - Easy Steps to Solving Halitosis

Does your child suffer from halitosis? Bad breath in children is not a common complaint, but according to some anecdotal medical reports, it has is becoming more common. Chalk this up to the foods kids eat this day, or the growing prevalence of airborne particulates that are producing more respiratory problems in today’s children.

Halitosis in Children?

Although bad breath in children is not very common, it is becoming more common. If you notice that your child is suffering from halitosis on a regular basis, the first thing you should do is to try to uncover the root of the problem. A child’s bad breath can be caused by any number of things. These include food choices, dental issues, or an underlying medical problem.

As you begin to investigate the source of your child’s bad breath, you should also take note of how long your child has been suffering from bad breath. Is it a relatively recent problem, or is it a long-standing chronic condition?

Causes of Bad Breath

There are many potential causes for bad breath, which makes it that much more difficult to pinpoint the real cause. In general, there are five basic causes for cases of bad breath. The first and most obvious reason why your child may suffer from bad breath is eating foods that are particularly pungent, such as those common culprits garlic and onion. Another very common reason for bad breath is lack of saliva flow at night. This is the culprit when it comes to morning breath.

Another common cause for bad breath is bad dental hygiene. Poor dental care in general has been known to cause bad breath. In children, one of the most common causes for bad breath is sucking a child sucking on their thumb. In other cases, the culprit may be an underlying medical condition, such as sinus infection or tooth decay.

How Can You Treat Your Child Battle Bad Breath?

There are many things you can do to help your child battle bad breath. The first step is to make sure that your child is practicing good oral hygiene. This includes making sure that they are brushing properly and thoroughly. Most dentists advise that your child brushes for a full two minutes at least twice a day. Use a fruit-flavored toothpaste to make brushing a pleasant part of their oral hygiene routine. Make sure that your child brushes the surface of their tongue as well. Also, make sure that your child visits a dentist regularly. Often, bad breath is caused by such underlying dental problems as cavities.

In many cases, your child’s bad breath can be prompted by your child sucking his or her thumb or some other object such as a toy or blanket. Most of the time, the problem can be resolved simply by stopping this habit. However, if your child is over 4 years old and still sucking on their thumb or on a favorite object, consult your doctor to find ways to discourage this habit, as it can cause more serious problems later on.

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