How Fungus Can Grow in the Sinus Cavities…

August 31, 2009

grossan irrigator

Did you know that fungus can grow in the sinus cavities? A lot of people are unaware that this is possible. This lack of understanding has the potential to lead to health problems. Quite often, this fungus is one of the primary causes behind painful sinus infections. Learning how to identify and deal with it can save you from a lot of pain and misery.

Many people have chronic allergies for which the hydro pulse can often be helpful.  When that happens, things like pollen, dust, and dander can irritate the sinuses. The debris lodges inside of the sinus cavities. Bacteria begins to grow as a result. Fungus can grow as well. This is frightening to even think about, but fungus can be found everywhere. Some studies show that there is even fungus floating around in the air.

Typically, fungus thrives in dark, moist places. Naturally, your nose and your sinus cavities definitely fit that bill. When fungus gets into the sinus cavities, who knows how quickly it can grow? As it gets bigger, however, it causes more and more pain in the form of a sinus infection. Sometimes, a sinus rinse may be prescribed by your doctor.

There are some treatment methods which can help you clear up the fungus which may be causing sinus infections. If you are looking for natural treatment options, you might think about using xylitol, which is often used as a natural sweetener.

Nasal cavity irrigation may help you as well. Basically, you flush out your sinus cavities with a mixture of warm salt water and sodium bicarbonate, which is used to act as a buffer. There are a number of tools available for this method.

Of course, there are plenty of medicinal options available as well. A hydro pulse may be of benefit. The best thing to do when you get a sinus infection is to go see your doctor. You may actually be able to stop the problem before they start becoming chronic.

Author: Jill S.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not seek to diagnose, advice or treat any health condition whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health condition, contact your primary care physician for diagnosis, advice and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any product mentioned in this article.

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Can Fungus Grow In Your Sinuses?

August 30, 2009

grossan sinus irrigation

Did you know that fungus can grow in the sinus cavities? A lot of people are unaware that this is possible. This lack of understanding has the potential to lead to a lot of health problems. Quite often, this fungus is one of the primary causes behind painful sinus infections. Learning how to identify and deal with it can save you from a lot of pain and misery.

Many people have chronic allergies for which the hydro pulse can often be helpful.  When that happens, things like pollen, dust, and dander can irritate the sinuses. The debris lodges inside of the sinus cavities. Bacteria begins to grow as a result. Fungus can grow as too. This is worrisome to even think about, but fungus can be found everywhere. Some studies show that there is even fungus floating around in the air.

Typically, fungus thrives in dark, moist places. Naturally, your nose and your sinus cavities definitely fit that bill. When fungus gets into the sinus cavities, who knows how quickly it can grow? As it gets bigger, however, it causes more and more pain as a sinus infection. Sometimes, a sinus rinse may be prescribed by your doctor.

There are some treatment methods which can help you clear up the fungus which may be causing sinus infections. If you are looking for natural treatment options, you can think about using xylitol, which is often used as a natural sweetener.

Nasal cavity irrigation may help you as well. Basically, you flush out your sinus cavities with a mixture of warm salt water and sodium bicarbonate, which is used to act as a buffer. There are a number of tools available for this method.

Of course, there are plenty of medicinal options available as well. A nasal irrigation system may be of benefit. The best thing to do when you get a sinus infection is to go see your doctor. You may actually be able to stop the problem before they start becoming chronic.

Author: Jill S.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not seek to diagnose, advice or treat any health condition whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health condition, contact your primary care physician for diagnosis, advice and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any product mentioned in this article.

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Drishti: Yoga Mat Tie w/Unique Bead

August 30, 2009

This is a homemade video by Drishti, a much-loved yoga/workout/lifestyle boutique in Santa Barbara, CA. Filmed inside the popular store, Drishti’s owner Jenni Rawlings discusses the “yoga mat tie with unique bead”.

Duration : 0:1:46

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How-to Make a Scrap Cuff, Threadbanger

August 30, 2009

This week, the Thread Heads are heading to Asheville, NC to check out their art scene. They’ll get a chance to speak with one of the Asheville designers as well as take a tour downtown Asheville and go to the many sustainable clothing stores.

Links in this episode:
Ashley Page of Tegonia Designs

http://www.tegonia.com/

Plasma’s ThreadBanger Rap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjQoWAnB3LM

The Honey Pot (sorry no website…go in person:)
Poutfits

http://www.poutfits.com/

Recyclone

http://www.recyclone.org/

Elliottelephant

http://www.elliottelephant.com/

ThreadBanger YouTube Contest
http://www.threadbanger.com/page/is-your-school-geek-or-chic

Duration : 0:6:47

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Ab and Back Strengthening From Pilates

August 29, 2009

Need to work on your abs and back? Try Pilates. Pilates operates under the concept that all movement originates from the core stomach muscles. Thus is it the best choice for working your back and abs.

You can do it all at home with some simple tools.

For work on Pilates equipment see a certified Pilates instructor.

Here are a three pilates exercises that you will surely love.

Hundred Abs
Although painful to the abs these are well worth the sweat.

– Bring your legs into your chest while lying on your back.

– Let your arms relax at your sides.

– Slowly raise your upper body (chest and shoulder blades) six inches high.

– Raise your arms the same height and straighten your legs out at the same height as well.

– Exhale and pump your arms up and down for five beats.

– Turn your palms over and pump your arms for five counts.

– Continue this for ten more sequences so you pump one hundred counts total.

Teasing V-sits
Just so you know, this one will hurt.

– On your back stretch your arms over your head and straighten your legs.

– Lift your back, legs and arms up all at the same time using your abs.

– Maintain a flat back and legs straight and strong.

– Reach your arms toward your legs and bend at the hips so you come to a “V” position.

– Contract and roll down your spine in a controlled manner as you exhale slowly.

– Start off with three to five sets.

– Increase as you practice.

Chest plank float

- Start on your stomach, legs straight out and arms at your side.

– Rest your head on the ground, forehead down.

– Raise your torso and head off the ground as you exhale in a deep breath and stretch your arms behind your body.

– Maintain the correct line of your head and spine with your eyes focusing ahead in the alignment with the spine.

– Hold the position and inhale.

– Release the position and exhale slowly.

– Do this exercise ten times.

Learn Pilates today and be on your way to a healthier, slimmer physique.

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Ab and Back Strengthening From Pilates

August 28, 2009

Working on your abdominal muscles and back is easy with Pilates. Pilates operates under the concept that all movement originates from the core stomach muscles. Thus is it the best choice for working your back and abs.

You can do it all at home with some simple tools.

If you’re seeking more advanced or muscle specific conditioning you should see a certified Pilates instructor who can guide you through the techniques and work on equipment.

Here are a three pilates exercises that you will surely love.

Pilates Hundred
It will be hard at first but the hundred is a killer workout for your abs.

– Bring your legs into your chest while lying on your back.

– Allow your arms to rest at your sides.

– Slowly raise your upper body (chest and shoulder blades) six inches high.

– Raise your arms the same height and straighten your legs out at the same height as well.

– Pulse your arms up and down five times as you exhale.

– Turn your palms over and pump your arms for five counts.

– Repeat a total of ten times for one hundred pumps.

Raising V-sits
Be prepared to feel the pain on this one.

– Lay on your back, arms stretched over your head and legs straight on the ground.

– In one movement using your abs, lift your arms, legs and back up.

– Flatten your back and straighten your legs out.

– Reach your arms toward your legs and bend at the hips so you come to a “V” position.

– Exhale and roll down your spine slowly letting your abs contract to control the movement.

– Do three to five sets.

– Add more reps with time.

Chest float pose

- Start on your stomach, legs straight out and arms at your side.

– Keep your forehead down on the ground.

– Raise your torso and head off the ground as you exhale in a deep breath and stretch your arms behind your body.

– Maintain the correct line of your head and spine with your eyes focusing ahead in the alignment with the spine.

– Inhale and maintain the position.

– Let out the breath and release your body to the ground.

– Repeat the sequence ten more times.

Learn Pilates today and be on your way to a healthier, slimmer physique.

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History of Nasal and Sinus Irrigation

August 27, 2009

hydro pulse

Knowing the history of nasal and sinus irrigation can ease any worries you may have about trying the process. Understanding the process itself can also make it simpler to try out this method. It can be helpful in a variety of ways. It can make you feel much better on a day to day basis. It can also make specific health problems feel better, if not go away entirely. When researching a nasal irrigation system, this information could prove valuable.

The history of this process dates back several millennia. It was used in the yoga practices in old Indian traditions. At the time, it was better known as jala neti, which is just another term for nasal sinus irrigation. Also at the time, the procedure was performed with the small pot which is today known as the neti pot. It looks something like a gravy boat, something like the lamps seen in Aladdin and Arabian nights.

During the volatile 1970s, yoga was widely introduced into the United States. With it came the introduction of the neti pot and, to a higher extent, nasal irrigation. This process is also known as nasal lavage, among other terms. No longer just a tool for yogic meditation, it is now a widespread practice.

For instance, you can find neti pots and other tools used in nasal sinus irrigation in some very mainstream and easily available stores these days. Not so long ago, they were only available in very select outfits, some of them available only in India.

A more modern version of the Neti Pot is the hydro pulse.

It has been said that nasal sinus irrigation gained its current popularity due to an “appearance” on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show. A doctor performed the neti pot procedure on a guest, with evidently great success. Sales for the various tools used in this process spiked after that.

Some people use neti pots to introduce the salt water into their nasal cavities. Others use small syringes or a variety of other bottles and tools.

Author: Jill S.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise on, diagnose or treat any health problem or issue whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health problem visit your physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

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How to Choose a Yoga Mat

August 27, 2009

How to choose a yoga mat with Maya Henderson of Breath, Body & Balance and Selena Stirlen, owner of Stirlen Chi yoga mat cleaning products.

Duration : 0:4:37

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Gum Disease Can Be a Serious Problem…

August 26, 2009

dental irrigator

When it comes to your oral health, there are a lot of questions that you need to ask. There are a lot of answers that you need to know. When was gum disease first discovered? What are the signs that you could have gum disease? What are the symptoms? What can you do if you have gum disease? How can you prevented? A good dental irrigator, may prove to be helpful.There are many things that each person will want to understand about gum disease.

First and foremost, it is hard to say when gum disease, or periodontal disease, was first discovered. Accounts vary and there seems to be no documented theories. It is safe to say that the discovery was quite recent, likely no further back than the late nineteenth century.

More likely, periodontal disease was not discovered as a serious and potentially life threatening problem until the twentieth century. It is at that point that we first began to understand the importance of oral health. Though, there is little doubt that ancient doctors knew about gum disease.

Now, there are quite a lot of signs and symptoms which point to gum disease. For instance, if your gums bleed when you brush and/or flush, that is a common sign of gingivitis. Red, swollen gums which are tender to the touch are another sign. Increasingly bad breath can be a symptom as well. Oral irrigators can be useful aids in fighting infected gums.

If your teeth are loose, that is a real sign that you have a problem. Loose teeth mean you should have already visited a periodontist.  Indeed, that is what you need to do if you have this problem. The sooner you visit, the better. There are many treatment options available, and a form like gingivitis can be reversed.

Prevention is the best cure, needless to say. To prevent gum disease, you simply need to take care of your teeth. Use an oral irrigator. Floss regularly, brush at least twice daily, and visit your dentist for annual checkups.

Author: Scott Wells

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise on, diagnose or treate gum disease or any other health problem. If you have or think you have an oral health problem like gum disease or any other health problem at all, visit your periodontist or physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

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Cats Make Noise – Neighbors Complain!?

August 26, 2009

I live in an old apartment building and my neighbors below complain about our cats making noise. It is true: 2 of my 3 cats thump around non-stop. The problem is their incompatibility. One is a 6-year-old delicate female kitty, that has no clue about feline social ways (maybe she was taken away from her mom cat too early and never learned the essentials of cat communication). The other one is an 8-month-old male kitten, who, in his urge to play and cuddle and roll around, chose the timid kitty for a playmate. This is how it goes: he comes to her and gently pats her right on the forehead. She considers it too much and hisses or paws at him (her body language immediately shows discomfort). He jumps on her and rolls with her and pretends to bite her (I know it is not serious, because no cats have any scratches or bites on their skin). I know he just wants to play in his kitten ways, but the other cat doesn’t appreciate it. She gets stressed out and runs away, but that seems like a lot of fun for the kitten and he chases her. They run around, making a lot of noise all the time.

Our neighbors complained several times and I did all I could to pad the floors – covered the whole apartment with rugs and put thick yoga mats underneath. In addition, I bought a cat pheromone plug-in to keep all kitties relaxed. The neighbors know that I have done all I could to keep the noise down and don’ t complain as much anymore.

Yet, I do not want to leave things as they are, because I hate to see one of my cats stressed. She does not move around as freely as she used to, before I brought in the kitten. She doesn’t feel safe and looks over her shoulder all the time. How can I change this situation? How can I make my delicate cat feel comfortable again? I cannot really separate the cats and keep them in different rooms (as is advised for an introduction period), because I live in a one-bedroom apartment. I have been thinking of buying a cat playpen to separate cats for an occasional time-out. Do you think it is a good idea? Giving away one cat is not under consideration. I rescued them all from a shelter and feel that I am responsible to figure out a solution, instead of giving up. Also, all cats are spayed/neutered. Any suggestions?
Many thanks to all the answerers for taking your time! Most of your comments are interesting and helpful. Nonetheless, I feel like the last paragraph has slipped from your attention:

I cannot really separate the cats and keep them in different rooms (as is advised for an introduction period), because I live in a one-bedroom apartment. I have been thinking of buying a cat playpen to separate cats for an occasional time-out. Do you think it is a good idea? Giving away one cat is not under consideration. I rescued them all from a shelter and feel that I am responsible to figure out a solution, instead of giving up. Also, all cats are spayed/neutered. Any suggestions?

You would help me a lot by addressing the question, regarding a playpen.
It is not that they hate each other. They misunderstand each other. There are times when the kitten isn’t that tumultuous. At times, he just wants to cuddle. But any attempt on his side is taken as something negative. The older kitty gets scared and runs off. That triggers hunter’s instincts in the kitten and he, naturally, chases, making the other cat even more uncomfortable. I feel that if she let him approach her and didn’t reach so sharply, he would just lie down next to her and purr. I saw him try lick her ears before. He just wants to have a friend and she doesn’t get it. I said that I have considered buying a play pen and separating them at times. But I also thought of the opposite: what if I confined them both together for some time? Since they are not really violent and don’t have serious fights, maybe being together would completely desensitize the older cat? Do you think it is a good idea or will it make the situation even worse? Is it worth trying?

I’ve had great luck with cat trees from everything to alleviating kitchen counter climbing to depression that can sometimes happen with an older feline introduced to a kitten & behavior problems with 1 2 or 5 cats. Not in all cases certainly but with many it’s proved a great distraction from tussles & gives extra indoor stimuli. Depending on the tree & size most have single cat perches that your 6 year old might feel a safe seat from the kitty. Not to say kitty couldn’t climb & bat her, most probably will. But hopefully will have her own play on it while perhaps breaking the ice between each other. They have new ones on EBAY in various sizes without shipping costs…you have to set it up yourself. Or buy one at your local pet store. Personally i’ve found them the best investment i’ve ever made outside of a good vet & quality diet.P.S if you go with this make sure it has sisal rope included for climbing…the all shag rug types don’t seem to have the same cat attract value. Good Luck