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When to worry about a fever?

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on August 22, 2013 at 3:09 pm
has-your-kid-got-a-fever
What is a fever? — A fever is a rise in body temperature that goes above a certain level. The level that is considered a fever depends on how you take the temperature. Here are the values that are considered a fever:
  • Oral (mouth) temperature above 100ºF (37.8ºC)
  • Armpit temperature above 99ºF (37.2ºC)
  • Ear temperature above 100.4ºF (38ºC) in rectal mode or 99.5ºF (37.5ºC) in oral mode
  • Forehead temperature above 100.4ºF (38ºC)
  • Rectal temperature above 100.4ºF (38ºC)

 

What is the best way to take my temperature? — Armpit, ear, and forehead temperatures are easier to measure than rectal or oral temperatures, but they are not as accurate.

Here is the right way to take an oral temperature:

  • Wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink anything hot or cold.
  • Wash the thermometer with cool water and soap. Then rinse it.
  • Place the tip of the thermometer under your tongue toward the back. Hold the thermometer with your lips, not your teeth.
  • Keep your lips closed around the thermometer. A glass thermometer takes about 3 minutes to work. Most digital thermometers take less than 1 minute.

 

The height of the temperature is less important than how sick you feel. If you think you have a fever and you feel sick, your doctor or nurse might want you to double-check by getting an oral or rectal temperature.

What causes fever? — The most common cause of fever in adults is infection. Common infections that can cause fever include:

  • A cold or the flu
  • An airway infection, such as bronchitis
  • A stomach bug

 

Most of these infections are not serious and get better on their own.

When should I see a doctor or nurse? — Call your doctor or nurse if you get a fever and you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Recently got back from a trip to Africa, Asia, or Latin America
  • Just got out of the hospital, or had surgery or another medical procedure
  • Get infections often
  • Are on chemotherapy – Call your doctor or nurse if your oral temperature goes above 100ºF (37.8ºC) for more than 1 hour. Also call if it goes above 101ºF (38.3ºC) even just 1 time.

 

You should also call if you have:

  • Fever that lasts several days or keeps coming back
  • A recent bite from an insect called a tick – Infections you can catch from tick bites can cause fever and other symptoms.
  • A serious health condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia
  • Fever plus 1 or more of these symptoms:
  • Rash
  • Trouble breathing
  • Severe headache or neck pain
  • Seizure or confusion
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Severe pain in the belly, back, or sides
  • Any other symptom that is unusual or worries you

 

Will I need tests? — Maybe. Your doctor or nurse will do an exam and talk with you about your symptoms. You might also have the following tests:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Chest X-ray or CT scan – These imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body.

 

Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about any other tests you might need.

Can I do anything on my own to feel better? — Yes. You can stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. You can also take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) to relieve fever.

How are fevers treated? — That depends on the cause. Many people do not need treatment. If you do, treatments can include:

  • Antibiotics to fight the infection. But antibiotics only work on infections caused by bacteria, not infections caused by viruses. For example, antibiotics will NOT work on a cold.
  • Medicines, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). These medicines can help bring down a fever. But they are not always necessary.

Source: Uptodate

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COMMON COLD: EVERYONE GETS IT

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on August 17, 2013 at 3:08 pm

COLDWhat causes coughs, runny noses, and other symptoms of the common cold? — These symptoms are usually caused by a viral infection. Lots of viruses can take hold inside your nose, mouth, throat, or lungs, and cause cold symptoms.

Most people get over a cold without lasting problems. Even so, having a cold can be uncomfortable. And if your child has a cold, it is hard to know when the symptoms call for a trip to the doctor.

What are the symptoms of the common cold? — The symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Sniffling and runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Chest congestion

 

In children, the common cold can also cause a fever. But adults do not usually get a fever when they have a cold.

How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu? — The common cold and the flu both cause many of the same symptoms. But they also have some important differences.

Is it a cold or the flu?
Cold Flu
Symptoms
Fever Rare Usual; high (100°F to 102°F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days
Headache Rare Common
General aches, pains Slight Usual; often severe
Fatigue, weakness Sometimes Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks
Extreme exhaustion Never Usual; at the beginning of the illness
Stuffy nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore throat Common Sometimes
Chest discomfort, cough Mild to moderate; hacking cough Common; can become severe
Treatment Antihistamines

Decongestant

Pain/fever reliever (eg, ibuprofen/Motrin®), naproxen/Aleve®, acetaminophen/Tylenol®

 Antiviral medicines – see your doctor

Pain/fever reliever (eg, ibuprofen/Motrin®), naproxen/Aleve®, acetaminophen/Tylenol®
Prevention Wash your hands often

Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold

 Annual vaccination; antiviral medicine – see your doctor

Wash your hands often

Avoid close contact with anyone who has the flu
Complications Sinus congestion

Middle ear infection

Asthma

Bronchitis

 Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life threatening

When should I call the doctor or nurse? — Most people who have a cold do not need to see the doctor or nurse. But you should call your doctor or nurse if you have:

  • A fever of more than 100.4º F (38º C) that comes with shaking chills, loss of appetite, or trouble breathing
  • A fever and also have lung disease, such as emphysema
  • A cough that lasts longer than 10 days
  • Chest pain when you cough, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood

 

If you are older than 75, you should also call your doctor or nurse any time you get a long-lasting cough.

Take your child to the emergency room if he or she:

  • Becomes confused or stops responding to you
  • Has trouble breathing or has to work hard to breathe

 

Call your child’s doctor or nurse if he or she:

  • Refuses to drink anything for a long time
  • Is younger than 3 months
  • Has a fever and is not acting like him- or herself
  • Has a stuffed or runny nose that gets worse or does not get better after 2 weeks
  • Has red eyes or yellow goop coming out of his or her eyes
  • Has ear pain, pulls at his or her ears, or shows other signs of having an ear infection

 

What can I do to feel better? — If you are an adult, you can try cough and cold medicines that you can get without a prescription. These medicines might help with your symptoms. But they won’t cure your cold, or help you to feel better faster.

If you decide to try nonprescription cold medicines, be sure to follow the directions on the label. Do not combine two or more medicines that have acetaminophen in them. If you take too much acetaminophen, the drug can damage your liver. Also, if you have a heart condition, or you take prescription medicines, ask your pharmacist if it is safe to take the cold medicine you have in mind.

What should I know if my child has a cold? — In children, the common cold is often more severe than it is in adults. It also lasts longer. Plus, children often get a fever during the first three days of a cold.

Are cough and cold medicines safe for children? — If your child is younger than 6, you should NOT give him or her any cold medicines. These medicines are not safe for young children. Even if your child is older than 6, cough and cold medicines are unlikely to help.

NEVER give aspirin to any child younger than 18 years old. In children, aspirin can cause a life-threatening condition called Reye syndrome. When giving your child acetaminophen or other nonprescription medicines, never give more than the recommended dose.

How long will I be sick? — Colds usually last 3 to 7 days, but some people have symptoms for up to 2 weeks.

Can the common cold lead to more serious problems? — In very few cases, yes. In some people having a cold can lead to:

  • Pneumonia or bronchitis (infections of the lungs)
  • Ear infections (in children)
  • Other infections

 

How can I keep from getting another cold? — The most important thing you can do is to wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol hand rubs work well, too. The germs that cause the common cold can live on tables, door handles, and other surfaces for at least two hours. You never know when you might be touching germs. That’s why it’s so important to clean your hands often.

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PAIN-GONE-FAST

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on May 28, 2013 at 8:00 am

                  PAIN-GONE-FAST

                     ‘HERBAL HEALING OIL’

                  Suffering from pain? 

body-pain

Have you ever dreamed of a Natural Healing Therapy that heals pain fast? 

That dream is now a reality.

 We are proud to introduce a super-healing formulation of natural herbs which heals the achy joints and muscles fast. Not only that, it also helps with revitalizing the senses with its natural healing aroma.

Healing Benefits: 

     Musculoskeletal inflammation. It will help eliminate muscle aches and arthritis pain. It can help produce stronger joints and bones in the body

     Male Sexual Dysfunction: Massaging the penis with this oil improves blood circulation, stimulates the muscles and dilates the blood vessels resulting in enhanced sexual functions.

     Improves Skin tone

     Great for Hair health: Apply daily on scalp to stimulate hair follicles. It can help you make your hair softer, shinier and more luxurious.

     Helps with cough/congestion if applied on neck and chest during cold

     Excellent stress reliever. It has a stimulating effect on the mind and removes mental exhaustion and fatigue.

 

How to use it?

Apply thoroughly on the pain affected area, mainly joints and muscles, and rub till you feel that the grittiness has gone. You may see the dark brown/black herbal particles even after the massage, which can be easily wiped of. You can also choose to leave them there for prolonged skin reconditioning. Apply 1-2 times daily depending upon your symptoms.

Comes in Easy-To-Carry bottle

Quantity: 2.5 oz

Note:

  • Always test a small amount of essential oil first for sensitivity or allergic reaction.
  • Shake well before use
  • Not for oral ingestion. Only to be applied on skin.

 

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Dementia: Know a little more about it

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on April 1, 2013 at 7:54 am

adult helping senior in hospital

What is Dementia? What Causes Dementia? Symptoms of Dementia
The word dementia comes from the Latinde meaning “apart” and mens from the genitive mentis meaning “mind”. Dementia is the progressive deterioration in cognitive function – the ability to process thought (intelligence).

Progressive means the symptoms will gradually get worse. The deterioration is more than might be expected from normal aging and is due to damage or disease. Damage could be due to a stroke, while an example of a disease might be Alzheimer’s.

Dementia is a set of signs and symptoms

Dementia is a non-specific syndrome in which affected areas of brain function may be affected, such as memory, language, problem solving and attention. Dementia, unlike Alzheimer’s, is not a disease in itself. When dementia appears the higher mental functions of the patient are involved initially. Eventually, in the later stages, the person may not know what day of the week, month or year it is, he may not know where he is, and might not be able to identify the people around him.

Dementia is significantly more common among elderly people. However, it can affect adults of any age.

What are the symptoms of dementia?

  • Memory loss – the patient may forget his way back home from the shops. He may forget names and places. He may find it hard to remember what happened earlier on during the day.
  • Moodiness – the patient may become more and more moody as parts of the brain that control emotion become damaged. Moods may also be affected by fear and anxiety – the patient is frightened about what is happening to him.
  • Communicative difficulties – the affected person finds it harder to talk read and/or write.

As the dementia progresses, the patient’s ability to carry out everyday tasks diminishes and he may not be able to look after himself.

Diseases that cause dementia

  • Alzheimer’s disease – This is by far the most common cause of dementia. The chemistry and structure of the brain of a person withAlzheimer’s disease changes and his brain cells die prematurely.
  • Stroke (Vascular problems) – this means problems with blood vessels (veins and arteries). Our brain needs a good supply of oxygen-rich blood. If this supply is undermined in any way our brain cells could die – causing symptoms of vascular dementia. Symptoms may appear suddenly, or gradually. A major stroke will cause symptoms to appear suddenly while a series of mini strokes will not.
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies – spherical structures develop inside nerve cells. Brain cells are nerve cells; they form part of our nervous system. These spherical structures in the brain damage brain tissue. The patient’s memory, concentration and ability to speak are affected. Dementia with Lewy bodies is sometimes mistaken for Parkinson’s diseasebecause the symptoms are fairly similar.
  • Fronto-temporal dementia – this includes Pick’s disease. The front part of the brain is damaged. The patient’s behavior and personality are affected first, later his memory changes.
  • Other diseases – progressive supranuclear palsy, Korsakoff’s syndrome, Binswanger’s disease, HIV and AIDS, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Dementia is also more common among patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Motor Neurone disease and Multiple Sclerosis. People who suffer from AIDS sometimes go on to develop cognitive impairment.

There are two main categories of dementia

According to most experts, there are two main categories of dementia – cortical and subcortical dementias.

  • Cortical Dementia – The cerebral cortex is affected. This is the outer layer of the brain. The cerebral cortex is vital for cognitive processes, such as language and memory. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of cortical dementia, as is CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease).
  • Subcortical Dementia – A part of the brain beneath the cortex (deeper inside) becomes affected or damaged. Language and memory are not usually affected. A patient with subcortical dementia will usually experience changes in his personality, his thinking may slow down, and his attention span may be shortened. Dementias which sometimes result from Parkinson’s disease are subcortical dementias, as are those caused by AIDS and Huntington’s disease.

A patient with multi-infarct dementia will have both the cortical and subcortical parts of the brain affected or damaged.

Diagnosis of dementia

Although there are some brief tests, a more reliable diagnosis needs to be carried out by a specialist, such as a geriatric internist, geriatric psychiatrist, neurologist, neuropsychologist or geropsychologist.

The following tests are commonly used:

  • AMTS (Abbreviated Mental Test Score) A score lower than six out of ten suggests a need for further evaluation.
  • MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) A score lower than twenty-four out of thirty suggests a need for further evaluation)
  • 3MS (Modified Mini-Mental State Examination)
  • CASI (Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument)

It is important that the patient’s score is interpreted in context with his socio-economic, educational and cultural background. The tester must also factor in the patient’s present physical and mental state – does the patient suffer from depression, is he in great pain?

Poor physical performance in the very elderly – researchers from the University of California found that people aged at least 90 years who had poor physical performance tend to have a much higher risk of either having or soon developing dementia. They reported their findings in Archives of Neurology, October 2012 issue. They assessed a sample of over-90s for walking, standing up from a chair, standing and controlling balance, and gripping something.

What is the treatment for dementia?

In the majority of cases dementia is incurable. Researchers are making inroads into treatments that may slow down dementia’s progress. Cholinestaerase inhibitors are frequently administered during the early stages. Cognitive and behavioral therapies may also be useful. Several studies have found that music therapy helps patients with dementia. It is important to remember that the patient’s caregiver also needs training and emotional support.

In the USA, Tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne), and rivastigmine (Exelon) have been approved for the treatment of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease – some physicians prescribe these drugs for vascular dementia as well. Selegiline, which is used for treating Parkinson’s disease, has been found to slow down the progress of dementia.

In Canada, a country where two languages are spoken, English and French, researchers found that bilingual people who develop dementia do so four years later than monolingual people who develop dementia. The four year difference prevails even after factoring for such variables as cultural differences, education, employment, gender and immigration.

Anti-psychotics – health authorities around the world are becoming concerned about the over-prescribing of anti-psychotic medications for patients with dementia. UK health authorities reported in October 2012 that reducing the usage of anti-psychotics has been much more difficult than originally estimated. In the United Kingdom, up to 1,800 people with dementia die each year due to this type of medication.

Common drugs may treat dementia one day – drugs that are used to treat skin conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes could eventually be used one day for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from King’s College London reported in the journal Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (issue October 2012):

  • Calcium channel inhibitors, such as Nilvadipine, used for the treatment of hypertension, may considerably reduce the risk of dementia.
  • Diabetes medications, exenatide and liraglutide, activate the brain and inhibit the formation of plaques.
  • The psoriasis drug, acitretin may alter the way proteins connect to dementia structure, the researchers believe.
  • There may also be benefits from minoclycline, a tetracycline antibiotic that is used for the treatment of acne.

How can I help my loved one with dementia?

There are many things you can do to help your loved one be safe at home. For example, get rid of throw rugs, and put handrails in bathrooms to help prevent falls. Post reminder notes around the house. Put a list of important phone numbers by the telephone. You also can help your loved one stay active. Play cards or board games, and take walks.

Work with your loved one to make decisions about the future before dementia gets worse. It is important to write a living will and a durable power of attorney. A living will states the types of medical care your loved one wants. A durable power of attorney lets your loved one pick someone to be the health care agent. This person makes care decisions after your loved one cannot.

Watching a loved one slip away can be sad and scary. Caring for someone with dementia can leave you feeling drained. Be sure to take care of yourself and to give yourself breaks. Ask family members to share the load, or get other help.

Your loved one will need more and more care as dementia gets worse. In time, he or she may need help to eat, get dressed, or use the bathroom. You may be able to give this care at home, or you may want to think about using a nursing home. A nursing home can give this kind of care 24 hours a day. The time may come when a nursing home is the best choice.

You are not alone. Many people have loved ones with dementia. Ask your doctor about local support groups, or search the Internet for online support groups, such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Help is available.

 

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Probiotics: A Friend You Can Count On

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on February 26, 2013 at 2:23 pm

Hand on belly

It may be unbelievable to think that ingesting bacteria is helpful to your health but in the case of probiotics it’s completely true. Probiotics are good bacteria that are normally found in our body to help keep us healthy. Most people believe that bacteria are only responsible for causing disease but they also play an important role in our overall health. There are more than 500 different types of bacteria that aid digestion, help the body absorb vital nutrients from the digestive tract and stop the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses to boost your immunity.

Amazingly enough, as probiotics enhance the functioning of the digestive tract, they keep the whole body healthy. The medical community is beginning to use probiotics as a treatment for Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and to treat diarrhea in young children and babies. You may find that your doctor recommends probiotics when taking birth control or antibiotics to keep your good bacteria in balance.

Nutrition is still the best way to get a healthy dose of probiotics. There are many brands of yogurt, cheese and dairy beverages on the store shelves that are a good way to get probiotics. You can also find probiotics in miso, soy beverages and some juices. By 2003 Americans had already spent about triple the money on products containing probiotics compared to previous years. So no wonder food manufacturers are eager to cash in on this trend, so be careful to buy only products that say they contain live and active cultures, otherwise you may not actually be getting any of the probiotics that you are paying for.

Supplements can also provide probiotics in the form of capsules, powders and tablets. These supplements usually contain Lactobacillus acidophilus with other probiotics like Bifidus, which are both species of bacteria found in the digestive tract of healthy individuals.

The health benefits of probiotics vary widely. Some people take probiotics to combat gas, diarrhea, constipation and stomach cramping. These symptoms may be alone or part of an illness like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn’s disease. In addition there are some probiotics that are less well known that are for a healthy mouth, teeth and gum, as well as some used for treatments of children’s respiratory infections. Many people use probiotics to combat skin infections, skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or unexplained rashes. No matter what your health condition you may find some benefit from adding probiotics to your diet.

bloating

Studies are showing that we are only at the beginning of understanding probiotics. We will have probiotics in the future for the prevention of most illnesses. For example probiotics are known to strengthen immune defenses and this has implications in cancer and HIV/AIDS treatments.

For the time being, enough is known about probiotics to convince me to consume foods and supplements to get some probiotics daily. A serving of yogurt every day will at the very least make your digestive system run more efficiently and in turn make you feel better.

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VERY EASY GUIDED MEDITATION

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on February 18, 2013 at 11:31 am

Please make sure you sit in a quite place. Listen preferably with headphones. Do not hear while driving. These 20 minutes will change your world.

Guided meditation is a form of meditation where an individual is verbally guided into a beneficial state of consciousness either by a person’s live voice or by a recording of a voice. This process and practice of meditation requires an individual to follow verbal instructions that teach you how to relax the entire body; clear the mind; concentrate on breathing; and focus one’s awareness and attention.In meditation, one may choose to keep it simple by just sitting quietly every day for five to twenty minutes or one may decide to fully explore the tremendous subtleties and depth for hours on end. What one chooses to explore when meditating all depends on the individual’s intentions, needs, and level of interest and passion.

In the fast-paced 21st century society, individuals’ lives are becoming increasingly busier every day. Whether one’s busy schedule is due to responsibilities for their occupation, education, community, recreational activities, family-life, and/or social-life, the stresses in our daily life can feel suffocating. Evidently, when an individual is so consumed by their daily responsibilities, expectations put on themselves, and obligations needed to be fulfilled for the gain of other’s, one can lose sight of their own personal goals. In order to feel in control of your life and reduce stress, one’s thoughts need to be balanced.Through meditation, one can clear the mind of everyday thoughts and stresses and focus all of their attention on living in the present and simply being, thus creating feelings of tranquility, physical relaxation, and psychological balance.

The first few attempts at meditating by oneself can be frustrating because it is not always an easy task to clear the mind of its daily thoughts and/or to focus all of your awareness on yourself alone. Many individuals decide to use guided meditations, as opposed to traditional meditation, when first learning how to meditate because the latter requires that the individual guide themselves into a focused state of awareness, instead of being guided by someone else.

“No matter what technique you choose, the secret of meditation lies in developing, focusing, and directing your awareness.”
Start by selecting a guided meditation.
Find a quiet place to sit or lie down comfortably, ensuring that your back is straight. Press play on your guided meditation. (Headphones are ideal).
Close your eyes; breathe deeply in and out through your nose; and relax your body. Forget about everything that is on your mind and live in the present.
Pick an object to focus your attention on. (Depending on your preference, you may decide to focus on a word or phrase that has a special meaning to you, a simple geometric object, or your inhale and exhale).
Become more aware of your breathing, feeling and hearing your breath as it goes in and out. In addition to focusing your attention on your chosen object, listen to and follow the instructions verbalized by your guide.
Continue to concentrate on your chosen object and breathing until the guided meditation is finished or until you have had enough.
Once you’ve finished your meditation, open your eyes to reorient yourself and slowly get up and continue with your day.
As long as the above technique (or technique instructed in your chosen guided meditation) is carried out properly, the benefits will be felt instantly.

 

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What is Meditation?

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on February 11, 2013 at 8:00 am

Acupressure Reflexology Healing Grip magic mat beyond healing tea hypnotherapy (17)

What is Meditation?

Answer:
Meditation is a conscious effort to change how the mind works. The Pali word for meditation is ‘bhavana’ which means ‘to make grow’ or ‘to develop’.

Question:
Is meditation important?

Answer:
Yes, it is. No matter how much we may wish to be good, if we cannot change the desires that make us act the way we do, change will be difficult. For example, a person may realize that he is impatient with his wife and he may promise himself: “From now on I am not going to be so impatient.” But an hour later he may be shouting at his wife simply because, not being aware of himself, impatience has arisen without him knowing. Meditation helps to develop the awareness and the energy needed to transform ingrained mental habit patterns.

Question:
I have heard that meditation can be dangerous. Is this true?

Answer:
To live, we need salt. But if you were to eat a kilogram of salt it would kill you. To live in the modern world you need a car but if you don’t follow the traffic rules or if you drive while you are drunk, a car becomes a dangerous machine. Meditation is like this, it is essential for our mental health and well-being but if you practice in a stupid way, it could cause problems. Some people have problems like depression, irrational fears or schizophrenia, they think meditation is an instant cure for their problem, they start meditating and sometimes their problem gets worse. If you have such a problem, you should seek professional help and after you are better then take up meditation. Other people over reach themselves, they take up meditation and instead of going gradually, step by step, they meditate with too much energy for too long and soon they are exhausted. But perhaps most problems in meditation are caused by ”kangaroo meditation’. Some people go to one teacher and do his meditation technique for a while, then they read something in a book and decide to try that technique, then a week later a famous meditation teacher visits town and so they decide to incorporate some of his ideas into their practice and before long they are hopelessly confused. Jumping like a kangaroo from one teacher to another or from one meditation technique to another is a mistake. But if you don’t have any severe mental problem and you take up meditation and practice sensibly it is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Question:
How many types of meditation are there?

Answer:
The Buddha taught many different types of meditation, each designed to overcome a particular problem or to develop a particular psychological state. But the two most common and useful types of meditation are Mindfulness of Breathing (anapana sati) and Loving Kindness Meditation (metta bhavana).

Question:
If I wanted to practice Mindfulness of Breathing, how would I do it?

Answer:
You would follows these easy steps: the four Ps place, posture, practice and problems. First, find a suitable place, perhaps a room that is not too noisy and where you are not likely to do disturbed. Second, sit in a comfortable posture. A good posture is to sit with your legs folded, a pillow under your buttocks, your back straight, the hands nestled in the lap and the eyes closed. Alternatively, you can sit in a chair as long as you keep your back straight. Next comes the actual practice itself. As you sit quietly with your eyes closed you focus your attention on the in and out movement of the breath. This can be done by counting the breaths or watching the rise and fall of the abdomen. When this is done, certain problems and difficulties will arise. You might experience irritating itches on the body or discomfort in the knees. If this happens, try to keep the body relaxed without moving and keep focusing on the breath. You will probably have many intruding thoughts coming into your mind and distracting your attention from the breath. The only way you can deal with this problem is to patiently keep returning your attention to the breath. If you keep doing this, eventually thoughts will weaken, your concentration will become stronger and you will have moments of deep mental calm and inner peace.

Question:
How long should I meditate for?

Answer:
It is good to do meditation for 15 minutes every day for a week and then extend the time by 5 minutes each week until you are meditating for 45 minutes. After a few weeks of regular daily meditation you will start to notice that your concentration gets better, there are less thoughts, and you have moments of real peace and stillness.

Question:
What about Loving Kindness Meditation? How is that practiced?

Answer:
Once you are familiar with Mindfulness of Breathing and are practicing it regularly you can start practicing Loving Kindness Meditation. It should be done two or three times each week after you have done Mindfulness of Breathing. First, you turn your attention to yourself and say to yourself words like “May I be well and happy. May I be peaceful and calm. May I be protected from dangers. May my mind be free from hatred. May my heart be filled with love. May I be well and happy.” Then one by one you think of a loved person, a neutral person, that is, someone you neither like nor dislike, and finally a disliked person, wishing each of them well as you do so.

Question:
What is the benefit of doing this type of meditation?

Answer:
If you do Loving Kindness Meditation regularly and with the right attitude, you will find very positive changes taking place within yourself. You will find that you are able to be more accepting and forgiving towards yourself. You will find that the feelings you have towards your loved ones will increase. You will find yourself making friends with people you used to be indifferent and uncaring towards, and you will find the ill-will or resentment you have towards some people will lessen and eventually be dissolved. Sometimes if you know of someone who is sick, unhappy or encountering difficulties you can include them in your meditation and very often you will find their situation improving.

Question:
How is that possible?

Answer:
The mind, when properly developed, is a very powerful instrument. If we can learn to focus our mental energy and project it towards others, it can have an effect upon them. You may have had an experience like this. Perhaps you are in a crowded room and you get this feeling that someone is watching you. You turn around and, sure enough, someone is staring at you. What has happened is that you have picked up that other person’s mental energy. Loving Kindness Meditation is like this. We project positive mental energy towards others and it gradually transforms them.

Question:
Do I need a teacher to teach me meditation?

Answer:
A teacher is not absolutely necessary but personal guidance from someone who is familiar with meditation is certainly helpful. Unfortunately, some monks and laymen set themselves up as meditation teachers when they simply don’t know what they are doing. Try to pick a teacher who has a good reputation, a balanced personality and who adheres closely to the Buddha’s teachings.

Question:
I have heard that meditation is widely used today by psychiatrists and psychologists. Is this true?

Answer:
Yes, it is. Meditation is now accepted as having a highly therapeutic effect upon the mind and is used by many professional mental health workers to help induce relaxation, overcome phobias and bring about self-awareness. The Buddha’s insights into the human mind are helping people as much today as they did in ancient times.

 

Source: www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/qanda06.htm

 

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MAINTAIN YOUR SANITY- Meditate

In Health on February 4, 2013 at 2:37 pm

MAINTAIN YOUR SANITY

Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or as an end in itself.
The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices (much like the term sports) that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy (chi, ki, prana, etc.) and develop compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. A particularly ambitious form of meditation aims at effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration[4] single-pointed analysis, meant to enable its practitioner to enjoy an indestructible sense of well-being while engaging in any life activity.
Meditation often involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way. Meditation can help clear the mind and ease many health issues, such as high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety to name a few. It may be done sitting, or in an active way, for instance Buddhist monks involve awareness in their day-to-day activities as a form of mind-training. Prayer beads or other ritual objects are commonly used during meditation in order to keep track of or remind the practitioner about some aspect of the training. Meditation may involve generating an emotional state for the purpose of analyzing that state — such as anger, hatred, etc. — or cultivating particular mental response to various phenomena, such as compassion. The term “meditation” can refer to the state itself, as well as to practices or techniques employed to cultivate the state. In brief, there are dozens of specific styles of meditation practice; the word meditation may carry different meanings in different contexts. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity as a component of numerous religious traditions and beliefs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoYrLM5rGX8

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MANTRA OF SUCCESS AND PEACE: ‘POSITIVE SELF TALK’

In Health, Healthcare, Medicine on January 31, 2013 at 10:01 am

Positive Self Talk is a power tool to take you to the next level of intellectual competence. Say the following to yourself.selftalk

  •  I follow my plan and I reach my goals.
  •  I know how to listen—and I do. I have learned to hear not only the words which are being said, but I also listen to the unspoken thoughts which lie behind them.
  •  I am always prepared. I take the time to do it right.
  •  In everything I do, I am prepared, confident, self-assured, and successful.
  •  I always take care of the details in my work. I enjoy the details of selling and I always tend to them on time and with full attention. I keep myself “up.”
  •  I know that making good impression means keeping myself up, energetic, and in control.
  •  I never avoid confronting a problem or making a sales call of any kind. I keep myself working and that keeps me winning.
  •  I know that success  starts with seeing myself as the capable, productive individual that I am.
  • I know that greatness begins in the minds of the great.
  •  I know that what I believe about myself is what I will become—so I believe in the best for myself.
  •  I am practical and realistic, and I keep my feet on solid ground.
  •  I also give myself the freedom to live up to my fullest expectations. I never limit myself by the short-sighted beliefs of others—instead I open myself up to the broad horizons of unlimited possibility.
  • When someone says I “cannot,” I answer “why not?”
  • When someone says “It is impossible,” I answer that nothing is any more impossible than I believe it to be.
  • And I truly believe that with my individual fortress of faith, with me, anything is possible.
  •  I have drive, spirit, stamina, and endurance.
  •  I have a good strong winning attitude about myself and about everything I do.
  •  I am practical and realistic, but I also believe in the best possible outcome of any situation.
  •  If I have ever had any doubts about myself in the past, today is a good day to put them aside.
  •  It’s a good day to throw out any disbelief that ever held me back.
  •  I know that I am headed in the right winning direction, and I look forward and never look back.
  • I have the ability to focus on one thing at a time, so I concentrate my attention on the job at hand—and I get it done!
  •  Today is one of those days when nothing can stand in my way.
  •  When I need extra determination, I’ve got it! When I need more energy and drive, I’ve got it!
  •  I’ve got the power to get it done and the patience to see it through, no matter what the job or challenge may be.
  • Right now, even while I am telling myself these truths about me, I know that I can succeed and I am succeeding.
  • At this moment, if I think of any challenge in front of me, I know that I will become even more a winner because of it.
  •  I keep my chin up, my head held high. I look, act, sound, think, and feel like the winner I am!
  • Anytime a problem starts to get me down, I get myself right back up! I tackle problems and I solve them.
  • When frustration or defeat threatens me, I just become that much stronger, more positive, better organized, and more determined than ever!
  • Right now, today, this very moment, I am capable of giving myself the gift of absolute self-assurance, self-belief, and powerful non-stop confidence in myself.
  • No matter what it is that requires the very best of me, I can do it and I know I can.
  •  Today is a great day. And I’ve got what it takes.
  •  So I choose to do it right, do it well! I choose to live today with joy and love.
  •  I know it’s all up to me. One hundred percent!
  • Every bit of it. All of it is in how I look at it and what I do about it! That’s what winning is. That’s why I am a winner. I set my sights; I keep my balance. I don’t hesitate. I don’t hold back!
  •  I know that the world is full of opportunities. Look at what I can do; look at where I can go!
  •  Look at what I can do just by saying “Yes!” to myself! Just look at what I can do today! I am incredible…and today is a great day to show it!
  • I can do anything I believe I can do! I’ve got it, and every day I get more of it.
  •  I have talent, skills, and ability. I set goals and I reach them. I know what I want out of life.
  •  I go after it and I get it. People like me, and I feel good about myself.
  •  I have a sense of pride in who I am, and I believe in myself.
  •  Nothing seems to stop me. I have a lot of determination. I turn problems into advantages.
  •  I find possibilities in things that other people never give a chance. I have a lot of energy—I am very alive!
  •  I enjoy life and I can tell it and so can others. I keep myself up, looking ahead, and liking it.
  • I know that I can accomplish anything I choose, and I refuse to let anything negative hold me back or stand in my way.self-talk

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Rules to Balance Life

In Health, Healthcare on January 21, 2013 at 8:00 am
  1. balance-photoIntegrity. What defines our character and our integrity is not measured by what happens to us; but rather by how we react and respond to what happens to us.
  2. Listening. As a human being, one of the best gifts I can give my fellow humans is to listen; to really listen to what they are saying and to be fully present in the moment with them.
  3. Love. The presence of love in our life, the love we have for our families, our friends, our faith and for ourselves, is the single most important source of light and energy we can tap into when we have the need to be filled-up; or when we see the need to fill someone else up with grace, hope and our love
  4. Optimism.  “When God hands you lemons, you make lemonade.” The value of optimism is clear here – take what you have been given and make the best of it.
  5. Patience. Patience is a value which can also improve productivity because it creates a better state of mind, a clearer state of mind, for better decision making.
  6. Respect. We are all different, yet we are all the same in the sense we want to be respected for how we think and believe. When we show the proper respect we are not only validating the other person’s dignity, we are also enhancing our own.
  7. Right Choices. It’s not that we always have to get it right; in fact it’s not reasonable to think every choice we make will be the right choice. But when we have completed our research, performed our discernment, and have listened to our inner wisdom the hope is we are guided to the right choice. Acting on this choice is where the true value exists.
  8. Sacrifice. Sometimes it’s appropriate to put someone else’s needs before your own. This is the meaning of sacrifice. Along with sacrifice comes some discomfort; perhaps even some pain. This is what makes sacrifice a value to live by.
  9. Tolerance. There are people who make us angry and we just can’t seem to see eye-to-eye with on an issue. Rather than showing contempt, tolerance is a better alternative. It shows respects, patience and courtesy – all important values in their own right, too.
  10. Unity. There is indeed strength in numbers. Working together to solve a common problem ensures a greater chance of success. Making the effort to bring people together will always be more effective than finding ways to pull people apart.
  11. Vision. Vision is created by our dreams and daydreams, alike, Vision provides the avenue to take our lives to wherever we want them to go. Our vision reminds us that we are always capable of learning and growing into who we want to be.
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