Is Leech Detox Therapy Legitimate?

Wednesday 10th February 2010

If you saw the feature on Sky News yesterday about Leeches and how they are fast becoming the hot celebrity beauty secret, then you may be curious to know a little bit more about this seemingly bizarre form of beauty treatment favoured by actress Demi Moore.

If we start at the beginning you would want to know that using leeches for medicinal purposes actually goes back a long long way, with the popularity declining toward the first half of the 20th century, leeches are still in use today primarily by plastic surgeons where they help with skin graft surgeries or when reattaching severed fingers or toes.

While Demi Moore insists that her experience of leech therapy was as a detox, I have to say that this is rather an overstatement. Leeches do not have some magical gift in which they feast on around 5ml - 15ml of your blood and replace it with some substance from the 'fountain of youth'. However, leeches do release a number of enzymes into the blood stream that inhibits blood clots, but these enzymes do not provide any form of blood detoxification at all.

It seems that all the hype surrounding Demi Moore and her highly publicised claims of detoxification by leech may be another one of those scam specials that will have literally hundreds of people running to their nearest unauthorised therapists, but lets hope not.

What are your views on leech therapy and the claims made by Demi Moore?

If you would like to read more about it then read this scambuster report to get the facts.

See you again tomorrow!

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Contraception - Patches

Monday 8th February 2010

The contraceptive patch (transdermal) is a form of hormonal contraception that is worn by a woman to stop her getting pregnant when she has sex.

However, unlike like barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, the contraceptive patch does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The contraceptive patch is very reliable and easy to use. You stick it on a clean, dry, hair-free area of your body, such as your buttocks, stomach, chest (apart from your breasts) or the outside of your upper arm. Make sure the area of skin you choose is clean, dry and not hairy, and that it is not going to be rubbed by tight clothing. You should not put the patch on areas of the skin that are broken or irritated. The patch needs to be changed for a new one each week.

The patch protects you from pregnancy by introducing hormones into your body which prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg.

Every day, the patch gives you a dose of the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, that move through your skin and into your bloodstream. These hormones are similar to the hormones that are made naturally by your body, and they control your periods and help to prepare your body for pregnancy.

The hormones in the contraceptive patch stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation) which could then be fertilised by sperm. The combined oral contraceptive pill works in this way too.

The contraceptive patch also has some other effects. It makes the mucus in your cervix (entrance to the womb) get thicker. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through the mucus and into your womb, where it could reach an egg. It also makes the lining of your womb thinner, so that it is harder for an egg to attach to the womb where it could be fertilised.

If you start using the patch on the first day of your period, it starts working straight away. This means you can have sex without getting pregnant. If you start using it on any other day, you need to use an additional form of contraception for the first seven days.

The contraceptive patch is not suitable for everyone. If you are thinking of using the patch, the healthcare professional that you see will first ask you about your health and your family medical history. It is very important to tell them about any illnesses, or operations, that you have had, or medications that you are currently taking.

You will not be able to use the patch if:

• you are, or think you might be, pregnant,
• you are breastfeeding, or
• you smoke and you are over 35 years of age.

There are also some medical conditions that mean that you cannot use the contraceptive patch. You will not be able to use the patch, if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions:

• thrombosis (blood clots) in a vein or artery,
• a heart problem, or disease affecting your blood circulatory system (including high blood pressure),
• serious migraines, or migraines with aura (visual problems),
• breast cancer,
• active disease of the liver or gall bladder,
• diabetes, and
• bleeding from your vagina that does not have an obvious cause (such as between periods, or after sex).

If you weigh more than 90 kilograms (14 stone) the contraceptive patch may not work as effectively, so you may want to think about using other forms of contraception.

In some women, the contraceptive patch can cause skin irritation, such as itching and soreness. It also does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so you may need to use condoms as well.

Some women get mild side effects when they first start using the contraceptive patch. These include:

• headaches,
• nausea (sickness),
• breast tenderness,
• mood changes, and
• slight weight gain, or loss.

However, these side effects usually settle down after a few months.

Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods) and spotting (very light, irregular bleeding), is common in the first few cycles of patch use. This is nothing to worry about if you are using the patch properly, and you will still be protected against pregnancy.

Some medicines can make the patch less effective. If you are prescribed new medicine by a healthcare professional, you should tell them that you are using the patch. If you are buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, you should ask the pharmacist for advice because some complementary medicines, such as St John's Wort, can affect how the patch works. You might need to use an extra form of contraception while you are taking the medicine, and for two days afterwards.

If you have any questions regarding the contraceptive patch, please feel free to ask them in the comments box below. You can keep your comments anonymous too!

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Something For The Weekend 19

Friday 5th February 2010

Looking at the photograph here you have probably assumed that we are still sticking to the Valentines theme for today, and my fellow readers, you assume correctly.

Today we are going to stick to real Valentine tradition and I have found this brilliant gift set with a 10% discount that you could send to your loved one on the 14th February.

You don't actually have to be in a relationship to tell someone that you love and appreciate them. A gift set like this would be ideal to send to your mother, grandma, friends or other relatives, so let the people you care about in your life know that you are thinking of them. The company who supply these gift sets are International, so even if the people you care about are in another part of the world, you can still make them feel special on Valentines day. To get prices for this product, in your own currency click here.

Website Of The Week

I am sure you all know what a great workout you are supposed to get from pole dancing, so why not get your very own pole to dance around at home? Well the Electra-Pole (endorsed by Carmen Electra) has been designed and tested to remain completely stable under the most extreme pressure, so you can dance, spin and flip to your hearts content. Right now there is a 25% discount on the pole, but even if you don't want to buy one, check out electrapole.com because there are some great videos on their to show you how to use one.

Well that's all from me.

Have a great weekend, whatever your plans are and I will see you here again on Monday.

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What Is Bulimia?

Thursday 4th February 2010

Bulimia may occur due to depression and stress. Or it may also be an after-effect of problems related with low self-esteem. If a person goes through a binge-eating spree, he tends to lose control. When that happens, he goes through a feeling of short-lived calmness. Bulimia is a repetitive process of purging and overeating. Over time, it becomes an obsession that is quite addicting.

It’s not easy to know for a fact whether or not a person suffers from bulimia. The act of binge eating and purging are usually done by the patient secretly. Most of the time, a bulimic person tends to deny her condition. Individuals suffering from this disorder usually consume up to 20,000 calories at a time.

Types of Bulimia

There are two known sub-types of bulimia. And these two sub-types have different characteristics. These are:

1.Purging type bulimics

People who suffer from this type of bulimia go through self-induced vomiting in order to remove the food that they have consumed. They usually take laxatives, diuretics, and enemas for quicker results.

1.Non-purging type bulimics

This type occurs in as low as 6% to 8% of the cases only. The person who suffers from this type of bulimia performs excessive exercises to offset the calories that he consumed in after eating. However, the purging type bulimics also exercise excessively as a second method of controlling their weight.

Bulimia nervosa often starts during one’s adolescence stages. Compared to anorexia, it is quite hard to know if an individual is bulimic or not. A bulimic person tends to be within or slightly above average of their ideal weight. It is possible for a person to have irregular eating habits and excessive exercising patterns without reaching the complete diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa.

The continuous phase of rapid and out-of-control eating can only be stopped if another person has interrupted or if the patient’s stomach suddenly hurts. Pain occurs because of the overextension of the stomach, which is usually followed by self-induced vomiting or any other forms of purging. Purging and binge eating performed on a repeated manner can cause lots of problems to the digestive system.

Bulimia Treatment

Bulimia can be easily treated. Bulimia doesn’t require hospitalization unless there are apparent physical complications. Bulimia is best treated during its early stages. Help patients by monitoring their behavior and making sure that they maintain a reasonable eating pattern. Encourage them to stay on treatment and keep their doctor’s or therapist’s appointments.

The medical treatment for bulimia normally involves counseling and behavioral therapy sessions. Bulimia may be an eating disorder but it is not just about food. It is more about a problem of self-esteem and self-perception. Therapists deal with what triggers the behavior rather than focusing on the behavior itself. Antidepressants are usually prescribed as an oral medication. Group therapies are also effective in treating bulimia, as patients get to share their experiences with people having the same problems.

Article source : Dr James Pendergraft
Image from uclahealth.org

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All About Tea Tree Oil

Wednesday 3rd February 2010

I have had a small bottle of tea tree oil in the bathroom cabinet for a while now. Initially I bought it as a head lice repellent and it was so effective that I began to wonder what else this critter busting natural oil could help with.

After doing my research and a little experimentation I have discovered a whole range of uses for tea tree oil, and I would like to share those discoveries with you.

Because Tea Tree Oil is known to have antibacterial and cleansing properties it is said to be a cure for all three types of infectious organisms; fungus, bacteria, and virus. Therefor Tea Tree Oil is a natural wonder when it comes to the treatment of conditions such as acne, insect bites, rashes, dandruff, blisters and warts (to name but a few).

Studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil also treats respiratory problems ranging from common sore throats, coughs and runny nose to severe conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchitis. The anti-viral properties of the oil fight many common infectious diseases such as chicken pox, shingles and measles, flu, cold sores and verrucae. It also strengthens the body's immune system, which is often weakened by stress, illness, or by the use of antibiotics and other drugs. It can also be used as a mouth wash, since it is highly effective in healing oral candidiasis (a fungal infection of mouth and throat).

So, how can you put Tea Tree Oil to good use?

Skin Infections : Put a little Tea Tree Oil in your bath water for a great skin disinfectant. Use about ten drops into your bath water and soak for about 30 minutes two times a week.

Acne : Tea Tree Oil actively helps the immune system to kill off bacteria and consequently reduces the appearance of acne. Before going to bed dab a little oil onto a cotton wool pad and press it onto the affected area. Rinse off the oil in the morning.

Bad Breath, Inflamed Gums and Plaque : When used as a mouth wash, Tea Tree Oil acts as a natural cure for bad breath, oral candidiasis, gingivitis and inflamed gums. Just add three drops of Tea Tree Oil to a cup of warm water. Use this mouthwash solution twice a day and always spit it out. Never swallow your Tea Tree Oil mouthwash. You could also add a drop of Tea Tree Oil to your toothpaste when brushing your teeth.

Sore Throats And Congestion : Inhaling Tea Tree Oil vapour is a fantastic way to clear nasal congestion, clearing up mucus and dealing with chest infections. All you need to do is boil the kettle and pour the hot water into a large bowl adding two to three drops of Tea Tree Oil. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and inhale the vapours for around fifteen minutes. Repeat the process every night before going to bed.

Dandruff And Lice : Studies have shown that shampoo's containing 5% or more of Tea Tree Oil can effectively help with dandruff and lice. Take it from me that it does work. To treat dandruff you can rub a few drops of Tea Tree Oil into your scalp before washing you hair with shampoo. Head lice do not like the smell of Tea Tree Oil at all so a simple shampoo is effective enough.

While Tea Tree Oil is probably my most favorite natural remedy, you do have to take caution with it. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Tea Tree Oil at all and those who have sensitive skin should not use Tea Tree Oil without diluting it first in olive oil.

If you have ever used Tea Tree oil as a natural treatment I would love to hear about it.

I hope you enjoyed the post. See you again tomorrow.

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Contraceptive Implants And Injections

Monday 1st February 2010

Contraceptive implants and injections are long-acting, effective methods of contraception. They are over 99% reliable in preventing pregnancy, which means that less than one in 100 women who use the implant or injection will become pregnant each year.

The implant and the injections work in the same way: by slowly releasing a hormone called progestogen into your body. They do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

They can be started at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you and your doctor are reasonably sure that you are not pregnant.

Implants

There is currently one type of contraceptive implant used in the UK called Implanon.

Implanon is a small (4cm), thin flexible tube. It is implanted under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse, using a local anaesthetic to numb the area. The small wound made in your arm is closed with a dressing and does not need stitches.

Implanon works for up to three years before it needs to be replaced. You can continue to use it until you reach the menopause.

The implant can be removed at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It takes a few minutes to remove, using a local anaesthetic.

As soon as the implant is removed, you will no longer be protected against pregnancy. If you want to use a different method of contraception after the implant, you will need to start this seven days before the implant is removed. This is because sperm can survive in the womb for up to seven days after sex.

Injections

The contraceptive injection is usually given into a muscle in your bottom, but sometimes into a muscle in your upper arm. There are two types available:

• Depo-Provera is the most commonly used injection in the UK and is effective for up to 12 weeks, after which another injection is given.
• Noristerat is effective for up to eight weeks.

Where to get them

You can get an injection or implant at your GP surgery or a genito-urinary (GUM), contraception or sexual health clinic. It will be given to you by a specially trained doctor or nurse.

Who can use them

Most women can be fitted with the contraceptive implant or given the contraceptive injection. They may not be suitable for you if you:

• think you might already be pregnant,
• want your periods to remain regular,
• have bleeding in between periods or after sex,
• have arterial disease or a history of heart disease or stroke,
• have a blood clot in a blood vessel,
• have liver disease,
• have migraines, or
• have (or have had) breast cancer.

How Do Contraceptive Implants And Injections Work?

Contraceptive implants and injections steadily release the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream.

Progestogen is very similar to the natural hormone progesterone, which is released by a woman's ovaries during part of the menstrual cycle.

The continuous release of progestogen:

• stops you from releasing an egg every month (ovulation),
• thickens the mucus from the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an unfertilised egg, and
• makes the lining of the womb thinner, so it is unable to support a fertilised egg.

This information was taken from the NHS direct website where you can find out more about the pros and cons of using contraceptive implants and injections.

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Something For The Weekend 18

Friday 29th January 2010

If you insist on sticking to tradition with your valentines gift this year then let me point you in the right direction.

Before you all start heading for the comment box, let me just say that yes, I know this is a health blog, but for this occasion we can allow ourselves a little indulgence. You don't have to eat the whole box of chocolates and remember that they are for sharing!

There is a really great website that has chocolates for all occasions, and as an extra special treat, you can now get a 10% discount on any Valentines purchases if you use this link here. Even though the UK is officially out of recession, we still have to watch the pennies right?

Website Of The Week

If you are going to be alone for Valentines day this year, and are not relishing the though, then how about stepping into the realms of online dating? Singles Network have the biggest online database of people just like you who are looking to find friendships, relationships and any other kind of ships!

Seriously, the world of online dating has found credibility, and the best thing about Singles Network is that you can sign up and add your profile right now free of charge to find that special someone in your own home town.

Well, that's another week done for me. Do enjoy your weekends. I am hoping for some better weather myself!

See you again on Monday when we continue our lessons in contraception.

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