Yeast Infection: Description, Causes and Treatment

What is Yeast Infection?
This kind of infection is most common among women. However, many remain ignorant or unaware of this medical problem. It is important to know the symptoms, dangers, and related conditions of yeast infection to be able to treat it early on. It is also necessary to determine the various causes of this disease to be able to avoid it before it even happens. Finally, it will be most helpful for any female person if she is also knowledgeable of the several possible treatments for yeast infection to be able to curtail it immediately.
Not many women are familiar with the term “yeast infection”. However, more women are probably aware of or have experienced previously the symptoms of this condition. The top three signs of having yeast infection are itching, burning and pain, and discharge. Itching of any part of the skin or body is usually caused by an infestation of foreign organisms such as fungi or bacteria in a particular area of the body. In the case of yeast infection, the affected portion is the vaginal part and the surrounding areas. The infection can cause intense itching that rashes or redness usually develop secondary to scratching. Another indication is a burning or painful sensation in that area especially when urinating. The skin in a woman's vaginal part may already contain sores due to frequent scratching that when placed in contact with the acidity of urine may cause pain or a burning sensation. This feeling may be similar to that which is experienced when having urinary track infection, however, they occur at different areas of the body. Lastly, some women report of having discharges that are usually described as odorless, white, and cheese-like. At other instances, a starch-like odor is said to be observed from the discharges.
Yeast infection itself is not considered as highly dangerous, however, it can be very irritating and disturbing especially among women who are already preoccupied with other responsibilities or tasks. On the other hand, like most infections, it is highly transferable to other individuals including the opposite sex. Certain conditions of the body may make it easier for a person to acquire this disease such as diabetes and use of antibiotics.
Other health problems which are usually associated with yeast infection include urinary tract infections and possible complications during pregnancy. However, these are not scientifically-based and are yet to be proven or negated in future studies.
What causes Yeast Infection?
The scientific term for yeast infection is Candidiasis. This was derived from the the yeast organism or fungus-like Candida that causes this condition. Fungus thrives in dark and moist areas such as the vaginal area of women. Certain health conditions such as pregnancy and diabetes make people, especially women, more prone to acquiring yeast infection. Pregnancy causes a change in the metabolic balance and vaginal acidity of women which is more favorable to fungus growth. Fungus are also known to thrive among individuals with high sugar levels such as in the case of people with diabetes and those with defects in sugar metabolism.
What are the treatments for Yeast Infection?
Various oral medications such as Diflucan or fluconazole and topical treatments may be prescribed by doctors to cure yeast infection. Home remedies such as using yogurt and garlic, whether internally and externally, can also be done. It is, however, important to consult a doctor first prior to applying any of the available remedies to avoid complications and further harm.

Yoga and Exercise as Scoliosis Treatments

As defined in medical terminology, scoliosis is characterized as a complex rotational and lateral deformity and curvature of the human spine. This condition may either be classified as idiopathic, a secondary symptom, or congenital.
Causes for some forms of scoliosis are still undefined or unknown. This condition is more adamant among females. Some people often falsely associated scoliosis to bad posture, slouching, and awkward positioning of the body. This condition is also not caused by carrying heavy objects, and it also has nothing to do with a person’s lack of calcium in diet.
Although, it is mostly the adults who experience extreme back pains due to scoliosis, the symptoms and signs for this condition generally worsen during the adolescent years.
The symptoms for scoliosis vary. Persistent back pain does not necessarily confirm one to have scoliosis. Some of the most common signs of this condition are the following:
1. Prominent shoulder blades
2. Uneven level of shoulders and hips
3. Uneven distance between body and arms
4. Clothes do not fit or hang appropriately
The most popular relief treatments for scoliosis condition are surgery and bracing, and the most common treatment is by means of observation. Surgery is recommended to patients with curves that have high degree of progression. It is also a solution for those who experience pain regularly as well as for those who have curves that significantly affect their physiological functions.
On the other hand, bracing is commonly advised among adolescents to further prevent progression of their spinal curves. Braces, however, do not always give the same result. There are instances when patients still undergo surgery even after they were braced. This scoliosis treatment also has several types, depending on the condition of the patient’s curve.
Aside from surgery, bracing, and observation, yoga or exercise is also known to be a great treatment for scoliosis. Performing yoga exercises helps in correcting and easing the pain brought by scoliosis for it thoroughly stretches the body.
Although some experts claim that yoga and exercise have little effect to correct scoliosis, these actually help in avoiding further progression of the spinal curve. These can also reduce the angle of the spinal curvature. Patients with braces are also recommended to perform yoga or exercise, for these help them adapt more quickly to the brace.
Recommended yoga exercises for patients with scoliosis
1. Crocodile Twist scoliosis exercise
This yoga exercise is regarded as one of the most effective yoga exercise for patients with scoliosis.
2. Passive back arch scoliosis exercise
This exercise is a good way to reduce the pain brought by scoliosis, as well as it is a perfect treatment for related body conditions.
3. One leg up and one leg out scoliosis exercise
This exercise is reported to be very effective as it reduces tensions in the leg muscles. The seated twist version of this exercise is also a recommended exercise to treat thoracic twist condition. Apart from its simplicity, the seated twist exercise helps a lot in correcting the body alignment.

Yeah, It Was Onetime Arnold’s Dose, Zane’s Dose!

Yeah, it was onetime Arnold´s dose, Zane´s dose! Of course, I’m talking about “dbol”. You look to be little more curious to know about dbol. Certainly, after all, the thing was associated with Arnold Schwarzenegger!
Ciba´s Methandrostenolone / Methandienone or Dr. John Ziegler’s Dianabol is often abbreviated as dbol. Actually, dianabol is popularly called "dbol" by athletes. Dianabol or dbol was more or less the second Anabolic Steroid ever produced. The first, you know, was Testosterone, which was vaguely produced in the early 1900´s.
Similar to testosterone and Anadrol 50, dbol is a potent anabolic steroid. It is commonly found in pill form, but it also comes in injectable form under the trade name, Reforvit-B, which is 25mgs of methandrostenolone mixed with B-vitamins. Dbol is a 17AA steroid i.e. its chemical composition is – 17 beta-hydroxy-17alpha-methyl-1, 4-androstadien-3-one. Its molecular weight is 300.44; formula is C20H28O2; and Anabolic/Androgenic Ratio (Range) is 90-210:40-60.
Dr.Zeigler recommended that athletes should take 5-10mgs dbol/day, but the effective dose of dbol is 25-50mgs, however as low as 10 and as high as 100 have been reported. Actually, effective dose recommended for men is 15-50 mg/day, and for women is 5-10 mg/day. The active life of dbol is 6-8hours, and it can be detected for up to 6 weeks.
Dbol surely is one of the most popular anabolics, but also the one which brings about noticeable side effects. Several studies conducted on dbol in the early 80´s revealed that high doses of dbol (100mgs/day for 6 weeks) decreased plasma testosterone to about 40%, plasma GH went up down about a third, LH dropped to about 80%, FSH went down about a third, and Fat Free Mass went up anywhere between 2-7kgs (3.3kgs average gain). The studies concluded that dbol increases fat free mass as well as increasing strength and performance.
Dbol may cause acne problems, especially when it is taken in higher dosages. It retains water in your body and increases body weight. It aromatizes, decreases HPTA function, heightens blood pressure, paces up heart beat, doesn't convert DHT, and causes early hair loss. Dbol is also liver toxic. However liver protection supplements, such as Tyler Liver Detox and Milk Thistle can be used to protect lever from dbol effects.

Yearning for Effective Relief from Heartburn

People experiencing heartburn can be very distressed by this condition. Also known as acid indigestion, heartburn is suffered by millions of people around the world. Some people suffer an episode of heartburn every once in a while and usually take antacids as heartburn treatment. Other people can suffer from this condition at least two or more episodes in a week, and this particular set of people has a more serious problem in their hands. Just recently, a new medical treatment for heartburn has arrived in the market, one that can make an important difference in the lives of these people. Heartburn medication is usually needed by this large group of people as they age, and only a few young individuals need to get any of the heartburn treatments.
Old people can end up needing heartburn medications because of a problem with a certain muscle that controls the flow of acid from the stomach and through the esophagus. This certain muscle usually weakens as people get older. The acid from the stomach moves backwards and into the esophagus, and since it is a vital part of the stomach, it easily tolerates this kind of acid, and the job of digestion that is carried out in the stomach. Because the esophagus do not allow this acid, the pain a person feels can be unbearable when the acid moves the stomach back into the esophagus. This action often occurs when the person lays down at night to sleep. This health condition is not only painful, but it can also add stress to the everyday life of a person because of their lack of sleep.
Patients who deal with heartburn have already welcomed the advances in medical treatments that has brought relief from this painful condition. Those medications and relief for heartburn are the result of extensive years of research by medical experts. Those people who only suffer occasionally from heartburn can make use of antacids that can be purchased over the counter. Many of these antacids are widely available at local drug stores, grocery stores, and convenience markets. These heartburn treatments are usually very effective for minor symptoms of acid indigestion.
Today, there is a heartburn medication that has made a significant difference for those who regularly suffer from heartburn. Prilosec is the first medication provided only with a prescription, but is now also available over the counter. Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor, a group of drugs whose main action is pronounced and long lasting reduction of gastric acid production, and are the most potent inhibitors of acid secretion available today. Usually, patients need to take this medication for two weeks to ensure proper treatment. This medication relieves the symptoms of heartburn for an extended period of time. This medication works in order to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach, so that it does not flow back into the esophagus. Regular visits to their physician should be done for good results. People dealing with heartburn should be aware of its symptoms and effects, so that prevention as well as treatment is covered in time.

Yoga for Back Pain Relief

The back is a well-designed body part that is made up of bones, muscles, nerves, and soft body tissues. It is a very important part of the human body because the bones of the back acts as a supporting frame for the back and the whole body. The back muscles work with abdominal muscles to keep the body upright and mobile. However, because of the stress of everyday life, many individuals tend to overwork or overuse their back muscles, which then leads to back pain. This condition may hamper performance and affect everyday. Common symptoms of back pain may include spasms, stiffness, pain, numbness, and sometimes pain in the leg area and depends on the cause of pain and its severity. Back pain is one the most frequent health complaints that are received by doctors in the United States. However, individuals experiencing back pain should not despair because of the availability of many methods and medication that may give back pain relief. One of the most popular alternative back pain treatments is the ancient Indian meditative exercise called yoga.
Not long ago, the primary treatment for chronic back pain was sufficient rest and the use of painkillers. Nowadays, doctors are encouraging their patients to manage pain and illness by engaging in activities like yoga. Many medical researches suggest that yoga is one of the most effective treatments for body pain. Yoga has gone from a spiritual discipline practiced by many in the Far East into a mainstream exercise routine that is taught in many fitness gyms around the world. Other than back pain relief, many medical researches also show that yoga helps strengthen one's bones and muscles, reduce stress, and promote moments of relaxation. Yoga works by building strength, improving flexibility, and reducing joint and muscle pain.
Other proven benefits of yoga include:
Increases muscle strength, endurance, and stamina;
Develops muscles in the abdomen, legs, and arms;
Release of physical tension;
Helps maintain good and proper posture;
Serves as a good warm up for athletes; and
Improves an individual's overall performance
However, not all forms of yoga can be used for back pain relief. When the back is injured or hurting, slow-paced and gentle stretches and poses should be practiced. Some yoga posses and stretches may aggravate back pain and lead to serious injuries. A type of yoga called Viniyoga is adapted from yoga that gives emphasis on precise deep breathing and slow stretches. Another type of yoga called Iyengar yoga, focuses on accurate bodily alignment. Students of this practice use different props like straps, blocks, blankets, and many more. This type of yoga works best with individuals who have little mobility and need some support.
Individuals who want to engage in physical activities like yoga should consult doctors and other health professionals before taking yoga classes. Certain injuries to the wrist, back, and ankles may prevent some individuals from practicing yoga postures and positions. Furthermore, yoga should be practiced with care and precaution. Some people have reported injuries that were acquired by executing yoga postures without focus, or by attempting difficult positions without working on them gradually or by not having proper supervision. Oftentimes, beginners complain of muscle soreness and fatigue after engaging in yoga. These effects may disappear with continuous practice. Yoga is a great way to strengthen the body and improve overall health.

Yes, Your Office Might Be Causing You Pain

Once upon a time, it was believed that heavy lifting and dirty work would be the main work-related causes for people seeking pain relief. It was once believed that people who worked in offices and the like were at a lower risk of contracting diseases due to their work, as opposed to the ones that worked in the field. Of course, that bit of conventional wisdom is now being tossed out the window. In the modern office's cubicle-based environments, employees are at just as high a risk of work-related illness as anyone else. According to some studies, they might be even worse off that people working in the field depending on the conditions of the working environment.
The first indication of a problem came from the increasing use of pain relief medication by office workers. This is often attributed to the cramped spaces, repetitive movements, and the lack of proper back support from the average office chair. According to experts, anyone that is forced to sit in the same position for hours on end, with very little room to maneuver or to change posture, is going to experience bouts of discomfort. That discomfort is going to eventually turn into pain, if left unchecked. The increasing amount of office workers taking pain relief medication tend to do so because of back pain, largely due to the lack of chairs with adequate back support.
Cramped cubicle conditions can also be considered a bit of a health hazard. In such cramped situations, all it takes is just one person to get sick with a communicable disease for most of the office to get it. The close quarters conditions also make it difficult for people to move around, which can lead to stress on the body due to repetitive movements and the lack of “leg room.” Pain relief can also be sought because of these problems, especially if the office working areas are poorly designed. Unfortunately, most medical experts believe that the average office is too cramped and is poorly designed, making employees there prone to discomfort and pain.
The very construction of some offices can also put their employees at risk. Centralized climate control is a common feature of most offices, and for the most part, people don't have problems with them. However, if the centralized system is not properly maintained or cleaned, then it poses a problem. Lack of filtration in the climate control and exhaust system, combined with tight conditions, can result in any number of respiratory problems. Signs of this can include everything from sneezing fits to more serious respiratory conditions. Allergic reactions are also fairly common occurrences, particularly during certain periods of the year.
There are certain things that can be done to help reduce the risk of becoming ill because of office conditions. A little skeletal stretching and exercise to get the blood flowing properly prior to work can help reduce the need for pain relief drugs due to repetitive stress on certain areas of the body. Proper posture and positioning in relation to the keyboard and monitor can also help reduce the stress placed on the limbs, back, and neck. However, there's very little the average employee can do when faced with the problem of poor office design.

Yama And Niyama: The Foundation Stones Of Yoga

Yoga is more popular now than it has ever been. Famous entertainers and other celebrities practice it and thousands or perhaps millions of other people are also doing yoga exercises in one form or another. Yet, despite this widespread popularity, yoga is still misunderstood. Many people think that yoga is primarily a physical activity, something that they can use to get their body in shape. While it is true that yoga has a great role to play in the physical realm, yoga is much more than this. Yoga is, in its deepest sense, the science of human perfection. It is the means by which a person can attain his or her fullest development: physical, mental and spiritual. Human perfection? This is a tall order. It does not come with just a few stretches of your thighs. While yoga has its external practices and exercises, its true foundation is proper conduct. Proper conduct means living a life that will put you in harmony with the society around you and with your own inner self. When I first began practicing yoga, I told one of my friends about it. He became interested and wanted to begin. I wasn’t a teacher at that time so I recommended a book. He looked at me and said, with all seriousness, “Where can I steal it!” Well, you can’t begin yoga like that because stealing is not a way to get in harmony with society or with yourself. In yoga disciplined or controlled conduct is known by its Sanskrit term, “samyama” and this controlled conduct has two parts “Yama” and “Niyama.” In many yoga books Yama is sometimes defined as “abstinences,” meaning things that you shouldn’t do. Niyama is sometimes translated as “observances,” referring to things that you should do. These rough translations are not quite correct. A better way to understand Yama is to think of it as a discipline that will help you to find harmony with your external environment. Niyama, on the other hand, are those practices that will help you to attain internal harmony. Let’s look briefly at the various parts of Yama and Niyama. In future articles of this series I will focus in more detail on each aspect of Yama and Niyama. Yama has five parts. They are as follows. 1. “Ahimsa” means to refrain from harming others with your thoughts, words or actions. Consciously we should not do anything that will harm others or block their physical, mental or spiritual progress. If you want a two or three-word English definition of this Sanskrit word just remember “non injury” or “non-harming.” But there is more to Ahimsa than just two words. What about self-defense? What about our relations to other living beings? These are important issues and there are a variety of viewpoints. I will discuss them at length in the next article in this series. 2. “Sayta” is generally referred to as truthfulness. A better definition given by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti is “action of mind and right use of words with the spirit of welfare.” Whatever we think or say should be done with the spirit of helping others. It generally means to tell the truth, but if the exact truth will create harm to someone, then we have to choose our words carefully. That is why a good two-word definition would be “discriminating truthfulness.” 3. “Asteya” means non-stealing. We should not take possession of something that is owned by another. We should not even think of stealing something and we should also refrain from depriving others of what they are due. 4. “Brahmacarya” literally means to “remain attached to Brahma (the Supreme Consciousness). The idea of this practice is to treat every living and non-living entity as an expression of God. 5. “Aparigraha” is defined as non-accumulation of physical objects that are superfluous to our needs. According to your circumstances you should acquire what you need to live your life, but you should not accumulate luxuries that go beyond your real needs. These are the five parts of Yama. Just as there are five aspects of yama, niyama is also composed of five principles. Practice these five and you will achieve inner harmony. Briefly, they are as follows: 1. “Shaoca” (pronounced: Sha-o-cha) means cleanliness and purity. Keep your environment clean and your thoughts pure. The old proverb says “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” and it is true. 2. “Santosha” is contentment of mind. Work hard, do the best you can, and then remain contented with what you have. 3. “Tapah” signifies the practice of penance to reach the goal. It doesn’t mean suffering for the sake of suffering. Rather, look around and you will find people with difficulties. Take on some of the burdens of others and you will not only help society but your own inner self will be purified. 4. “Svadhyaya” is the study and true understanding of uplifting literature. Whenever possible seek out the company of spiritually minded people. When that is not possible read and absorb the teachings contained in books written by enlightened teachers. 5. “Iishvara Pranidhana” literally means to take shelter in the controller of the universe. It is practiced through daily meditation on the ultimate goal of life. In the following articles of this series I will explain each part of Yama and Niyama with more detail.