Despite years of research and testing, biochemists and other scientists can’t give consistent clarification about the possible long-term side effects from consuming genetically modified foods. This is alarming in more ways than one.

Soybeans and their products such as soy milk, tofu, tempeh, etc., are such beneficial natural food full of protein. They are low in fat and high in fiber. Research gives evidence that soy foods are a natural remedy to reducing the risk of cancer, as well as aiding in preventing heart disease and alleviating the problems that current victims of mild heart disease suffer. Soy is also beneficial in helping women deal with the hormonal changes that come with menopause.

Soybeans are not only highly nutritious but are also one of the oldest food crops in the world.Besides being a natural alternative to harsh medicines to treat common maladies, the soy bean is also the world’s most important food crop. This is because it is an easily grown plant that contains protein in amounts comparable to animal sources, Soybeans may very well be the answer to the world’s hunger problem now and in the future as the population continues to climb in years to come.

It would be a real shame if the social, biological, and homeopathic potential of the soybean is ruined because of genetic modification. Science can go along way in determining the full extent of the possible effects of genetic modification, as well as educating the public concerning if and how any modifications cancel out or lessen the wonder full benefits of soybeans. It is quite possible as well as likely that there are no frankenstein-ien side effects,it is still important, however, that people be informed that the food they eat has been genetically modified before they purchase and eat it. It is important that people have the choice to consume genetically modified foods or not.

There’s new hope though for adult and adolescent sufferers. The FDA has approved a new drug therapy now available by prescription called Derma-Smoothe/FS Atopic Pak. This treatment can be used on adults and children as young as six.

The new therapy uses a hydrating peanut oil as a delivery vehicle that allows the sufferer to spread a lower dose of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids on skin. This approach results in fewer side effects and overall better coverage. Once the disease is under control, the oil can be used without the steroid to keep the skin hydrated and the eczema in remission. Physicians are hopeful that at the least the treatment will help patients avoid outbreaks of eczema.

Check with your doctor and/or dermatologist for further information.

Read more: www.upstreamhealth.com

“Want to see my tattoos? asks Clara, a fifty-year-old grandmother from San Antonio, Texas. She’s standing in the supermarket aisle, dressed casually in dark slacks and a plain cotton top. With her is her neighbor, who takes Clara shopping because she has multiple sclerosis and can’t get items off the shelves.

“You’re looking at them,” she says, winking. “My makeup. My eyeliner and lip color are tattoos, permanent makeup.”

Permanent makeup–also known as cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation—is the process of applying pigments underneath the skin. This cosmetic approach was popular in ancient times and has enjoyed a comeback in recent years, and not, perhaps, for the reason you might think.

Who Gets Permanent Makeup?
In fact, Clara is just one of a growing number of women who get cosmetic tattoos because they have a physical disability or medical challenge. Women who have arthritis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease, for example, which make it difficult for them to steady or move their hands, are turning to permanent makeup.

Lila, a twenty-six-year-old special education teacher who is legally blind, found that cosmetic tattooing made her feel better about herself. “I don’t have to rely on anyone else to put on my makeup for me,” she said. “No smudges and no worries. It’s great.”

Cosmetic tattooing is also helping women who have other vision problems, such as macular degeneration or cataracts; or who are allergic or hypersensitive to makeup. For women who have lost their hair because of chemotherapy or a medical condition called alopecia (loss of body hair), permanent eyebrows and eyeliner can restore self-esteem.

Charles Zwerling, MD, FACS, director of the American Academy of Micropigmentation, confirms that vanity is not the only reason people undergo cosmetic tattooing. “In the last ten years, some of the biggest growth in permanent cosmetics has been in the area of medical reconstruction,” says Zwerling.

The tattooing of areolas after breast reconstruction is one example. Gina Dwyer, of Tucson, Arizona, has done professional permanent cosmetics for about 15 years, including many areola tattoos. “Getting their areolas back is more exciting for these women than the reconstruction,” she says.

People who have patches where skin pigment is lost–a condition called vitiligo–also benefit from cosmetic tattooing. Dr. Zwerling explains that it is possible to blend skin tones with the surrounding normal-pigmented skin. It is also possible to “relax” scars, blending them into the surrounding skin tone.

Naturally, there are also women who chose permanent makeup for reasons of vanity and convenience. Entertainers, models, athletes, professional women, and other busy women find that the time they save each day is well worth the minimal pain and cost.

What To Expect
If you’re considering permanent makeup, first find a professional to do the procedure (see “Choosing a Professional” below). The procedure itself, regardless of the location of the tattoo, is basically the same. After receiving a topical anesthetic, a very fine needle is used to embed organic pigment, either iron oxide or titanium dioxide, just below the skin. The practitioner may use either a hand or mechanical instrument.

Pamela Netz, owner of a permanent cosmetic salon and a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP), says hand tools seem to cause less pain and swelling. However, either type of instrument in the hands of a qualified professional can yield excellent results.

After the procedure is over, which generally takes one and one-half to two and one-half hours, here’s what you can expect, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
* Some swelling, redness, and bruising in the treated area for two to three days and up to a week if you had your lips tattooed. Tattooing around the eyes may cause tearing for several days. Apply antibiotic cream or ice to relieve symptoms.

* In rare cases, tattooing around the eyes causes the eyelashes to fall out, or pigment can be carried from the tattooed area to another part of the body.

* The color may be darker than desired for the first few months. Over time, sunlight usually fades the color to a more natural look. If you’re worried about safety, less than one percent of people who Have had micropigmentation in the last decade have reported an allergic reaction to the pigment, says Dr. Zwerling.

If you add up the money you won’t spend on makeup and factor in time saved, micro pigmentation is a bargain. The average cost per procedure is $400 to $600, while specialized work, such as relaxing a lesion, is usually charged by the hour, typically starting at $150 to $250 per hour.

But how permanent is permanent? Both regular light and sunlight can cause the colors to lighten over time. For some women, the color lasts for more than ten years without needing touchup. Touchups, when necessary, are less costly and take less time than the original procedure.

Choosing A Professional
You should shop for a permanent makeup technician as you would for a physician: ask questions.

* Ask candidates about their background and any continuing education they have completed.

* How much experience do they have in the type of procedure you want? Special training is needed for more complex procedures, such as facial blush and areola restoration.

* Are they certified, by whom, and what are the requirements? Do they belong to a professional organization?
* Ask to see a portfolio of their work, showing the procedure you want done.

Both the American Academy of Micropigmentation and the SPCP offer certification programs, which graduate laypeople and doctors who have received careful training. However, even people who are not certified may be skillful in permanent makeup, and not all practitioners are equally skillful in all procedures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established standards for people who do cosmetic tattooing. Check the following:

* The working environment should be clean, free of all contaminants, including dust, smoke, and odors.

* New sterile needles and new gloves should be used for each client.

* Technicians should be professional and neat with short, clean nails.

* Ask about the type of anesthetic used.

Wonderful Christian parents reared me. My dad was a minister and he and my mother were living examples of what it meant to be Christ-like. I never heard harsh words between them, no punches were ever thrown, and my life at home was wonderful. Did I say wonderful? It was truly CHARMED!! I experienced the normal childhood diseases, had a contrary older brother and all that stuff. Back then doctors were not part of your daily life. Mama treated everything and God made you well again. I had a few problems during my teen years. There was nothing serious, confusing maybe, but not really serious.

I married a minister, was doing nursing, had two great children, everything was going just as I had planned and dreamed. I was 26 when the thorns made themselves painfully evident. One day while living my blissful life, I began to have a problem with my legs. They had sore knots breaking out all over them. The facility I was working in sent me to the doctor. Not knowing what was going on, they didn’t want me around patients if the condition was contagious. Blood work was done and tests run. The doctor called me into his office; my roses were getting ready to uncover their thorns. He sat me down and told me I had SLE and I only had two weeks to live. Talk about thorns!! I was shattered. Both my children were preschool aged. My husband and I were young, presumably healthy, and had our whole lives in front of us. I went home shattered and disillusioned. We told the church we were pastoring at the time. The people began to fast and pray. A miracle happened; the lupus went into remission. Oh joy, life went back to normal!!

A year later, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Again God did a miracle and healed me. Numerous tests were done to confirm the diagnosis, and then numerous tests were done to find the non-existent cancer. Life was beautiful again. I had a few health problems along the way. There was a miscarriage, stomach problems, migraine headaches, and stuff like that. I took all these things in stride and went on with the normal everyday living.

In 1988, I became very ill with chest pain, shortness of breath, and all the classic signs of heart disease. Again, I went through a battery of tests. A year later, I was diagnosed with SLE. This time, there was no remission. God did not step in and take it away. He kept me alive, but not disease free. I started doing research on this horrible disease. I realized that I had been having symptoms for years and didn’t know it. I had gone through a time when I nearly died. I talked to God and he talked back and gave me the choice of going on to heaven or staying here. I elected to stay here; I wanted to rear my own kids. The stomach problems, the headaches, all the various other ailments were symptomatic of lupus. The problems I had with each pregnancy, the miscarriage, all were related to lupus. The weakness, the fatigue, nausea—lupus. It all began to add up and make sense. It was not all in my head, but a real medical disease.

Now, I am an upbeat person. I don’t get depressed or down about things. God has been too good to me to go down that particular road. I went on living life as normally as I could. I had the usual bouts of being physically incapacitated. There would be months when I could not perform normal functions without help from my family. Times when my husband had to carry me to the bathroom, bathe me and move me around in the bed to keep bedsores away. My faith in God and pure joy of being alive kept me positive and going.

During all this, I could not have asked for a more supportive family. When necessary, my parents would stay with me and do what had to be done to keep everything in order. My kids were great. By that time they were teenagers. The love they all showed was amazing. I knew of people whose family had deserted them when they became incapacitated, but not my family or friends. The sicker I got, the more supportive they became. It is still that way today.

I went on with life, taking all in stride. I was virtually medication free except for heart/blood pressure meds. The doctor wanted to put me on medication for the lupus, but I refused. The side affects were enough to keep me away from them. Then in October of 2000, the lupus attacked with a vengeance. For 5 consistent years I had pneumonia. This year I ended up in the hospital, in ICU for 14 days. The lupus had affected my lungs and now I had lupus pneumonitis in the worst way. I came out of the hospital on numerous medications and oxygen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I was under constant doctor supervision. The thorns were undeniably evident. The doctors could not seem to understand my attitude. Again, depression was not there, hope still reigns supreme. God is still a miracle worker. He is still keeping me alive and kicking!! So what is there to be depressed about? Everything was going pretty good again. Then in the spring of this year, 2002, my condition began to deteriorate drastically. The lupus had attacked my body in such a way that the right side of my diaphragm, the muscles and nerves controlling it became paralyzed. The right lung is useless and my breathing extremely labored. My left lung is scarred and has some kind of nodules or tumors on it. It is working at 29% of the projected capacity. Now I am on 18 different medications and am virtually housebound. But, all is well and God is still on the throne and able to save and deliver from all and anything!!! On August the 2nd, I returned to my internal medicine doctor. He told me my liver was being attacked, my heart again and the peripheral nerves were all being affected by the lupus. He only gives me a short time to live. He is making preparation at the hospital for the living will thing and said I need to prepare the family and myself. You know, get everything in order stuff. My attitude? I’m still upbeat, unsinkable and unmovable. God is still the same and His blessings are still flowing. I am thankful for the life I have been given. I appreciate the opportunities I have experienced to help others. I reared my children as I asked to be allowed. I have a beautiful granddaughter. My life has truly been a Life of Roses. Each experience, each person that has come into my life, every year, every moment, every event has been a rose presented to me by my Lord and Master. If in His infinite wisdom, this disease should end my time, I can honestly say, it has been a wonderful, blessed life.

This debilitating disease is a result of an excessive loss of bone density. When you reach the average age of 25 years of age, you cease to gain bone density. Around the age of 35, it is normal for you to lose the density approximately 1% per year (2%-3% after menopause). Excessive loss results in brittle bones, increasing your chance of bone fracture and shrinkage. Many factors such as exercise, menopause, prescription drugs contribute to bone loss. Also, excessive consumption of common ingredients in your diet may puts you at risk as well.

Consuming too much meat puts you at risk of osteoporosis. There is a compound in meat protein that causes hypercalciuria. Consequently, calcium is removed from the bone and excreted into your urine. Therefore, excessive meat consumption leads to loss bone mass. By lowering your consumption of meat proteins, you protect your bones from this effect.

Caffeine is also a factor in increased bone loss. When combined with low calcium intake it speeds up the loss of bone mass. People who consume excessive caffeine in their lifetime have an increased risk of low bone density. However, Studies have shown if you consume one or more glasses of milk in your lifetime that cancels out the effect of high caffeine intake. In addition to caffeine, Excessive alcohol also reduces bone density. Excessive intake reduces osteoblast activity. Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for the formation of bone. In moderation, alcohol could be responsible for increasing bone mass.

The moral of the story here is moderation. By keeping your food intake in control, you reduce your risk of getting osteoporosis. It is never too late to jump on the prevention bandwagon.

Infection with Chlamydia is fairly prevalent, and occurs via sexual transmission.

How does sex give you Chlamydia?

It is common, and many sexually active people become infected. Also, if an expectant mother has Chlamydia it could additionally be given to her baby when it is born.

With regards to the more common transmission of Chlamydia, the higher the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because Chlamydia can be caught through oral or anal sex, gay men who have sex are risking the chance of contacting Chlamydia.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

With more than 2/3 of infected males and females showing no signs of infection, Chlamydia has been called a silent killer. When symptoms manifest themselves, typically this occurs in 2-4 weeks after exposure to infection.

Females develop this condition with a bacterial infection starting in the cervix and urethra. In females, if present, symptoms may include unusual vaginal discharge or burning during urination. When transmitted from cervical growth to tubal, they may not have any symptoms; however, some may have lower gastro-intestinal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between periods. You can even experience these symptoms in your buttocks.

Men who have signs will manifest similarly with discharges coming from their penis and a hot sensation when they are peeing. Men might experience burning and itching near the opening of their penis. But, discomfort and inflammation in the testicles are unusual. In men, the infection can spread to the throat.

What happens in the long term with Chlamydia?

If it isn’t treated, a Chlamydia ailment can advance to serious problems with the reproductive system and various health issues most likely for the long haul.

As is the case with the disease itself, the damage caused by Chlamydia frequently is not noticed. In women, an untreated infection can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes causing various problems that may not be readily noticeable. 38% of women who don’t treat their Chlamydia will experience this. This disease is quite devastating, as it causes serious damage to organs and tissues within and surrounding the pelvic area, often with no symptoms. Chronic pelvic pain and infertility can be a result of this damage. If infected with this condition, females have a five times greater risk of susceptibility to HIV or AIDS.

Men normally don’t experience complications. The ducts that carry sperm in the male body can become infected causing pain, fever, and possible sterility.

How is Chlamydia treated?

To avoid the severe outcome of Chlamydia, a minimal screening each year for Chlamydia is good for all 27 year old women and younger who are having sex. A yearly screening exam is suggested as well for older females who have risk issues for Chlamydia. That is why all pregnant women need to be screened for Chlamydia.

Antibiotics purchased at an online pharmacy can be used to treat and cure Chlamydia. The treatments that are used mostly are Azithromycin (Zithromax) taken one time or Doxycycline taken for one week.

How can the condition of Chlamydia be avoided?

A definite way to never get Chlamydia is to be celibate, or have one partner who doesn’t have any diseases for a long time.

Chlamydia is spread less often when latex condoms are properly used.

More ways to stop Chlamydia from happening, is to be examined regularly by your doctor, specifically when you are engaging in sexual intercourse.

There are two thermometers (both that are parent approved) that are perfect for taking the temperature of a small child. They consist of thermometers you insert in the ear and a pacifier type. A pacifier device is often regarded as among the least valid, yet ranks as simple to use for babies. Place this in the youngster’s mouth just as you would a pacifier to obtain a reading. With an ear thermometer, you take the temperature via a digital device that you put next to the patient’s ear. There are a variety of types for kids and adults too.

Another kind of thermometer on the market is the type that adheres to the patient’s head. This type consists of a plastic film that adheres to the forehead to give the patient’s base temperature. Tests show that although these devices do work, the reading that is obtained is not as precise as a digital device. The ear thermometer is more accurate. Disposable thermometers are useful for hygiene purposes. This device is made of plastic that is placed next to the skin to obtain a temperature reading. After you buy a thermometer, you can throw this piece away. You’ll find that there is an enormous variety of thermometers available today. The digital thermometers, which come with the electronic or ear thermometer are the most accurate if you are receptive to buying the more expensive items for your home first aid kit.

These days we have an epidemic of uninsured Americans.  Huge numbers of people are unable to get health care insurance of any kind. The uninsured, due to their inability to obtain adequate medical care, are switching to alternative methods of treatment to try to take care of disease and avoid sickness.

There are certain unique opportunities for consideration while buying prescription drugs for those who intend to have medical attention. If you are creative, you can get most of your prescriptions at big savings.  This can be very helpful to people who have little or no insurance.

When you have a doctor’s appointment, always discuss options available to you regarding prescription drugs and generic medications. Many times a generic medicine is the same quality and works as well as the name brand. It is possible to save hundreds of dollars on each prescription medication by purchasing generic prescription drugs.

Besides getting generic drugs, an alternative option is to buy higher doses of prescription drugs and split them in half to achieve the equivalent potency as the smaller dosed tablet. But some medications are ineffective if cut or broken and taking some medications in this manner can even cause life threatening problems, so use this method with caution. Consult with your doctor first if you are thinking about this option – ask whether a higher dosed pill split in half would be equivalent to the lower dose and render an adequate treatment. An individual should be able to contact their pharmacist and get the price quoted for lowering the cost of monthly prescription drug budget through increased dosing tablets if approved by the physician.

Finding a Less Costly Alternative for Purchasing Prescription Medications

Programs are available for those with limited financial means to help them save money on prescriptions drugs. Discounts and free samples are frequently available from drug manufacturers and distributors, resulting in substantial savings for those who are having a hard time making ends meet.

Buying prescription medicine from an online pharmacy can also result in significant savings on the cost of prescription drugs. It’s simple to order prescription drugs via the Internet these days. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions and the medication will be delivered within 48 hours.

As Americans become more well-informed with regard to prescription drug use, abuse and cost, many use creative methods to save money when buying prescription medications, especially those without insurance or who cannot afford to pay a high price for medical care and/or drugs.

The treatment of muscle spasms. Your doctor may prescribe it for other conditions as well. The drug Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant. The way it works is to block nerves that stimulate muscle contractions.

A person should not use Zanaflex medication if he is allergic to any ingredients contained in Zanaflex or if he/she takes ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine. Let your medical care provider know immediately if any of these circumstances apply to you.

There are medical conditions that may have interactions with Zanaflex.  You should know this before you use generic Zanaflex.

A person should inform the doctor or pharmacist if any of the following applies to him/her:

- planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
- taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
- have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances;
- have liver or kidney problems or prostate problems.

Zanaflex can cause INTERACTIONS with some medications. The health care provider should be told if a person takes medicines like cimetidine, famotidine, fluvoxamine, Acyclovir, antiarrhythmics, hormonal contraceptives, quinolone antibiotics, ticlopidine, verapamil, or zileuton as they might enhance the risk of the side effects of Zanaflex.

This list may not include all of the possible interactions. Talk with your doctor about Zanaflex interacting with other drugs you are taking. Check with your physician before you begin, stop or change the dosage of any medication.

How to use the drug Zanaflex:

Use Zanaflex as prescribed by your doctor. Read the label on the medication for precise dosage instructions.

Zanaflex is taken orally.

The way the body absorbs and uses Zanaflex can be changed by eating food. Be sure to check with your doctor to come up with the optimum dosage for you, particularly if you are thinking about modifying the dose or if a different dose form (tablets, capsules, etc.) is being prescribed for you.

Don’t stop taking Zanaflex suddenly. Advise your doctor if you need to cease taking Zanaflex.  Your doctor will decrease the dosage in steps to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, tremor, anxiety, and muscle tightness.

If you accidentally miss your usual dose of Zanaflex, make it up as soon as possible. If you are close to the time to take your next dose, skip your missed dose and start back on your regular dosing schedule. Don’t take two doses at the same time.

Ask your doctor any questions you have about Zanaflex.

Important Safety Information:

Zanaflex can cause drowsiness, dizziness, a feeling of lightheadness or fainting. If you use alcohol or certain medications, these effects may be more pronounced. Use caution while taking Zanaflex. Until you are sure how you will react to it, avoid driving and other potentially dangerous activities.

When you are taking Zanaflex generic , it is imperative to avoid alcohol or drowsiness-inducing medicines like sleep aids or muscle relaxers; the effects could be amplified. If you are unsure about which medications might cause drowsiness, check with your pharmacist.

When you are taking Zanaflex, you may experience fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness.  Fever, hot weather, and exercise my intensify these sensations. To minimize these undesirable reactions, sit up or stand in a gradual manner, particularly in the morning. If you experience these side effects, sit or lie down at once.

Unless directed by your doctor, don’t switch between tablet and capsule forms of Zanaflex. If you take one form of the medication and then switch to another, you may have a greater risk of side effects. If you get a different kind of Zanaflex than the kind you are used to, be sure to check with your doctor.

Let your physician or dentist know you are taking Zanaflex anytime you need emergency care, surgery, dental care or medical care.

You should check with your doctor before taking more than the prescribed dose or using the medication longer than prescribed.

Taking Zanaflex should not prevent you from getting lab tests, such as liver tests. Tests such as these are performed to monitor your condition or check for any side effects. Be sure to go to all doctor and lab appointments.

The ELDERLY should be especially careful when taking Zanaflex because they might be more sensitive to the medicine.

Since the safety and effectiveness of Zanaflex have not been verified for children, CHILDREN should avoid taking Zanaflex.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:

Zanaflex may or may not cause harm to the fetus. This information is unknown at this time. If you become pregnant, you should consult your physician. You should discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Zanaflex while you are pregnant. It has not been determined if Zanaflex can be passed to a nursing baby in breast milk. If you are breast feeding, or will be in the future, check with your physician before taking Zanaflex. Talk about the possible risks to your baby.

Possible Zanaflex side effects:

All medications may cause side effects, but most people have no, or only minor, side effects.

Consult your physician if these COMMON side effects continue or grow to be worrisome: Constipation; faintness; sleepiness; dry mouth; flushing; fatigue; weakness.

A person should obtain medical treatment immediately if there are any severe Zanaflex side effects like hallucinations; severe allergic reactions, change in emotions, mood, or behavior; increased muscle spasms; urinary tract infection; yellowing of the skin or eyes; muscle weakness; slow heartbeat; trouble urinating or lack of bladder control.

Additional side effects may be possible as this is an incomplete list. Call your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about side effects.

Appropriate Zanaflex medicine storage procedure:

Keep Zanaflex in a safe place at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). You can briefly store it at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F. This medication should be stored away from light, heat and moisture. Don’t keep it in the bathroom. Keep Zanaflex stored away from children and pets.

General information:

If you have issues regarding Zanaflex, discuss them with your physician, pharmacist or health care provider.

Only the patient for whom Zanaflex was prescribed should use it. Don’t share it with anyone.

If your symptoms don’t get better or suddenly worsen, call your doctor.

This is only brief and condensed information. All of the information about Zanaflex cannot be found here. A person who has questions to ask or would need more information about the medicine he has been prescribed to take, should check with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.