The exact cause of PCOS remains a mystery to doctors and researchers. However, the symptoms are clear and some researchers believe that it is closely linked to an over active sympathetic nervous system. This system is what controls involuntary bodily functions such as the dilation of pupils.

A group of Swedish researchers conducted a study recently, wherein women with PCOS were divided into three groups. The first group underwent electro-acupuncture (a weak electric current is passed through the needles). The second group underwent a guided exercise routine (at least three times a week). The third group had no additional treatment or instructions. The findings? The activity of the sympathetic nervous system of the first two groups was considerably lower and the women who had acupuncture had a plus: more regulated menstruation. More than this, they also had lower levels of testosterone.

If you have PCOS or know anyone with PCOS, you might want to consider acupuncture.

As an alternative, the use of herbal medicine has done wonders for various illnesses such as cancer and heart associated problems. This can be attributed to the fact that the substances and composition that all extracted herbs offer are found to negate and improve the body components.

Weird as they may sound, taste or look, it is the healing effect that holds the truth towards a successful fight against diseases and illnesses. It is not purely a matter of relying on your doctor for advice but also a matter of taking into consideration that herbal plants are existent for a reason, a health reason.

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It is commonplace for several people to suffer at least an occasional night of almost non-existent sleep. The causes of insomnia differ from person to person. What made a student insomniac varies from what caused a shift worker or a traveler or an employee to acquire such sleeping disorder.

Insomnia, which is the inability to sleep satisfactorily or to have any sleep at all, is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is characterized by restlessness, sleep interruptions, decreased sleeping time than the usual, or sometimes complete wakefulness.

Aside from the annoyance that insomnia can cause to its sufferers, this sleep disorder causes those afflicted to lose enthusiasm and energy, acquire memory and concentration problems, feel lethargic, frustrated, and of course sleepy. Worse cases that may be induced by insomnia is one’s being prone to accidents, reduced work productivity and the aggravation of psychological and medical conditions.

So what exactly are the culprits that make insomnia one menacing sleeping problem?

1. Emotional Distress

More particularly when it is from internalized anxiety or anger, emotional problems can easily trigger this sleep disorder.

2. Substance Abuse

Drinking too much coffee, colas or other “energy-upper drinks” is known to cause insomnia. Caffeine from these drinks is the main reason. Chain smokers can also be easy victims of insomnia because of the nicotine that cigarettes contain. Herbal remedies, alcohol and other medications can also make one prone to becoming an insomniac. Some may think that alcohol, when consumed, can make one feel drowsy. But little did they know that in the long run, when the alcohol gets metabolized, sudden wakefulness will follow.

3. Biological Clock Disturbance.

Also known as circadian rhythm, one’s body clock, when altered, can damage the amount of sleep one can peacefully enjoy. This body clock disturbance can be caused by an irregular slumber schedule because of too much siesta or partying too late at night. It can also be jetlag or body clock disturbance due to traveling by plane to some place where there is a different time zone. Other causes may be the grave yard schedules of workers and cramming review season for students induced by exams.

4. Environmental Factors

Extreme temperatures can disrupt one’s sleeping patterns. Noise and bright lights can have the same effect too. Homesickness or when one is forced to sleep in an unfamiliar place is also one reason behind getting into the habit of not having enough sleep.

5. Health Problems

Health disorders such as diabetes, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, ulcers, and Parkinson’s disease can also induce insomnia. Asthma may also be one health problem that makes one prone to insomnia because of an asthmatic’s shortness of breath. Frequent urination, heartburn, and chronic pain from leg cramps, tooth ache and arthritis can also cause insomnia.

Psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and depression are also possible culprits for insomnia. Snoring with prolonged pauses in breathing while at sleep, also known as sleep apnea can also cause insomnia. Periodic arm and leg movements during sleep causing the muscles to twitch excessively is one underlying cause of this sleep disorder. Another cause is narcolepsy or one’s lack of control on whether to stay awake or to fall asleep, is another cause of this sleep disorder.

6. Pre-bedtime Activities

Engaging to vigorous activities such as exercise just right before bedtime can deprive one of a good night’s sleep. Consuming large meals when one is just about to sleep can also make one experience this sleeping disorder. This is because when metabolism is at its most active thus the body prompts one to stay awake.

Who are Prone to Insomnia?

Reports have it that 90% of people can acquire transient insomnia at some point in their lives. While an estimate of 30% suffers from its chronic form.

a. Women are said to be more at risk in acquiring insomnia because of the following reasons:

- Pre-menstrual syndrome with symptoms of irritability, depression and anxiety, and bloating due to menstruation disturbs a woman’s sleeping pattern.
- Menopause can also change a woman’s sleeping pattern.
- Pregnancy makes sleeplessness one common thing to happen.

b. Elderly people are also prone to getting insomnia because ageing alters one’s sleeping patterns.

c. Depressed people have lighter slumbers compared to those who don’t feel this psychological condition.

d. Students or younger ones who are conscious with their grades (because of cramming) can easily become insomniacs too.

With that vast information on what causes insomnia and who are at risk with this sleeping disorder, one can easily ward off this annoying condition.

But did you know that it can also be used to treat other conditions? I didn’t! I just read a story about how an Australian stroke victim was able to walk again because of Botox. Russell McPhee, 49, has been paralyzed for the past 23 years. He had a stroke that was so severe that his doctors told him that he would never be able to walk again. Or so they thought.

So how did this happen? Botox, or botulinum toxin, actually works by blocking the nerve signals that instruct the muscles to contract. That is why it works well in getting of wrinkles – the facial muscles do not contract as they normally would with age. Apparently, this same mechanism is beneficial to those who are left paralyzed due to brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, and strokes!

In McPhee’s case, he was paralyzed because his muscles were in a state of perpetual contraction. His muscles were “spasm-ing” all the time, prohibiting him from moving them. With Botox treatment, the spasms stopped, and he was able to stretch his legs.

While this is good news to stroke victims, doctors say that different people respond to the treatment in varying degrees. They say that McPhee’s case is quite remarkable as his muscles have remained strong and intact despite years of not being used.

So anyway, I was making lunch – pan fried slabs of yellow fin tuna. This stuff is really good, especially if you get the fish fresh from the market. So there I was happily pan frying the slabs when I lost my grip on one as I was turning it. unfortunately, some of the hot oil splashed on my left hand, burning the length of my index finger.

I immediately ran cold water over the burn as it hurt like anything and was quickly turning an angry red. After a few minutes, it still stung and was really bothering me so I turned to an age old remedy in my family – toothpaste. I spread – NOT RUBBED – some Colgate onto the burned area and almost immediately, the stinging sensation disappeared!

This made me think, did I do the right thing? Does toothpaste really work for minor burns? I looked it up on the Internet and found contradicting opinions. Some say that toothpaste should never be placed on burns while others highly recommend it.

I think that for minor burns that remain closed, toothpaste will work just fine. I can attest to that myself. However, I am almost certain that for second degree burns and burns that involve open wounds, toothpaste should never be used. What’s your opinion?

Better screening
It used to be that the standard for screening was mammography. This method basically identified lumps and calcification in the breast tissue. Today, however, MRI is also used to detect breast cancer and it is far more effective and accurate.

Better medication
The cutting edge in breast cancer drugs today are called aromatase inhibitors (AIs). According to studies, women who have been treated with these drugs have a higher chance of cancer NOT coming back.

Better biopsy procedures
It used to be that a biopsy meant a lot of pain and other inconveniences. Today, the standard is that doctors only remove several lymph nodes from the patient. Called the sentinel lymph node biopsy, the procedure accurately detects if there are cancer cells.

Better treatment options
This includes the use of gene-focused treatments. Aside from taking a look at the patient’s genes, doctors are working on the genes of the cancer cells. This kind of procedure could mean more knowledge about the exact nature of the cancer and provide insight that could lead to more effective treatment options.

For some people who have IBS, certain foods may trigger symptoms. The following suggestions may help prevent or relieve some IBS symptoms:
• Avoid caffeine.
• Limit your intake of fatty foods. Fats increase gut sensations, which can make abdominal pain seem worse.
• If diarrhea is your main symptom, limit dairy products, fruit, or artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol or xylitol.
• Increasing fiber in your diet may help relieve constipation.
• Avoiding foods such as beans, cabbage, or uncooked cauliflower or broccoli can help relieve bloating or gas.

As you can see, these are only some ways by which you can deal with IBS. More so, these will only work IF your IBS is being triggered by certain food. If your IBS is due to something else, then the above suggestions may not really help you at all.

Another thing that could help IBS would be to exercise regularly. Aside from this, you can actually get medication to treat your condition. This is where professional help comes in.

Photo courtesy of thefuturistics

I think the tips from Mayo Clinic make a lot of sense:

• Use an oil-based lubricating cream, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, or lip balm containing petrolatum or beeswax.
• Apply lip cream, balm or lipstick before going out in cold, dry weather. Reapply several times while outside.
• Choose a lip cream or balm that contains sunscreen. Sun exposure contributes to chapped lips.
• Avoid licking your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before you licked them.
• Avoid using a flavored lip balm, which can tempt you to lick your lips.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydration can contribute to chapped lips.
• Use a humidifier at home to keep air moist.

Aha! Flavored lip balm! I suppose I should try one that is not flavored. Or maybe, a product that contains beeswax would be better. I also found out that Burt’s Bees seem to work well for a lot people. Another option would be Neutrogena – they’ve always had effective products. I think I shall head on out to the drugstore tomorrow to check what they have – I’ll update you on this. If you have any recommendations, do share them with me, please.