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#ThinkHand – Understanding why hand function is important for staying independent

Q1. What does it mean to be independent? For me, it means not having to rely on others in order to perform everyday tasks that many of us take for granted.

Q2. What is the thing that scares me most about having multiple sclerosis? It’s losing my independence.

I was diagnosed with MS aged 28 in 2008. If someone was to ask me what is the most important functionality for me to retain when living with a disease that can affect any part of my body, I’d say it was arm and hand function (although admittedly it does share a platform with vision!). Hands have the ability to keep me independent. Even if I was to lose complete use of my legs, at least with my arms and hands still functional I would be able to operate a wheelchair, feed myself, clean myself, type on the computer (very important for my job!), dress myself, cook for myself, drive a car….. the list goes on. I’m not alone, a survey by the Bart’s MS team shows that ~95% of people with MS rate their arm and hand function as being more important to them then their lower limb function.

The #ThinkHand campaign being undertaken by the MS team at Bart’s makes independence a central issue. Why? Because currently hand/arm function isn’t used as a primary outcome in clinical trials for disease modifying therapies (DMTs). Instead, it’s walking ability that is used to see how effective a drug is. Consequently, people with advanced MS who use wheelchairs are currently unable to participate in clinical trials of DMTs, even though evidence suggests that the course of MS can be modified at nearly every stage of the disease, including in people who, as a result of the condition, need to use mobility aids (e.g. canes, crutches, wheelchairs etc.).

The #ThinkHand campaign seeks to effect change, with the eventual goal of getting a trial funded to test a DMT in people with MS who use wheelchairs, using hand function as a primary outcome. The aim would be to preserve as much upper limb function as possible. If you’d like to know more, visit the Bart’s research blog and sign up for the latest news. Keeping people with MS as independent as possible should be an aim of everyone involved in treating people with this condition. So, use the #ThinkHand hashtag on social media and encourage people you know to get involved!

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Paraben Free Products ? Understanding the Controversy and Not Taking Chances

Paraben free products are becoming a popular option for those who want natural skin care products.

What is paraben?

Most people do not know what they are. Parabens are preservatives. They have become popular in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. They keep products from growing fungus and bacteria as they start to age. You can find these preservatives in any number of products like toothpaste, shampoos, spray tan products, and shaving gels. They are also common in topical treatments like lotions and cleansers. They are so popular because they are cheap and a long history in these industries.

What is wrong with parabens?

Most people think if they are so popular, they must be safe. Actually, that is up for debate. Testing done on some breast tumors has found the presence of parabens in very low levels. They also have the ability to mimic estrogen at a low level. Estrogen plays an integral part in the development of breast cancer tumors. While no scientific study has directly linked parabens with breast cancer, it is best not to take a chance. Paraben free products give you the same benefits without the risk of breast cancer involved.

Another reason to consider paraben free products is a potential allergic reaction some people have. Some people show an allergic reaction to parabens in the form of skin irritation, dermatitis, and even rosacea. If you have unexplained rashes on your face after using some over the counter products, you should look at the ingredients. It is likely to contain parabens. Trying products without paraben might give you very different results. It is worth a try so you can get the cosmetic and pharmaceutical products you need for healthy skin without risking a facial rash.

Go All Natural When Possible

For those looking for all natural products, you need to ask what is paraben doing in any product. It is not natural. It is a set of chemicals produced in large quantities by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Look for paraben free products when you are looking for skin care products or any other cosmetic preparation. You do not need to take the risk of breast cancer. You do not need to risk a skin irritation. Using all natural ingredients will give your body what it needs without such risks. You will be amazed at the effective results you get with all natural ingredients. Going all natural is a good thing.

Interested in learning more about paraben free products?  Check out http://www.healthy-natural-skin today!

Understanding Atopy

Atopy refers to an allergic hypersensitivity that affects parts of the body that do not come into direct contact with the allergen. It is sometimes referred to as an atopic syndrome.

While the terminology is a bit controversial…it was coined by Coca and Cooke in 1923. The controversy comes when applying the term to patient cases. Some physicians use the term to describe any IgE mediated reaction even if the reaction is appropriate. Others reserve the term to describe genetically mediated predispositions resulting in excessive reactions to IgE.

When described as “hyperallergic” or hypersensitive to allergens individuals can have a hard time pinpointing exactly what is meant. This can mean that a patient has suffered from frequent bouts of atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis since they were a baby.

Atopic eczema causes the patient to suffer itchy (extremely) patches of skin. The areas are often covered in rashes. Rashes most often appear on the crook of the elbows, back of the knees, or other flexural regions. But the rash can appear on any area of the body. Certain irritants exacerbate the condition.

Other conditions that may present as a result of atopy include:

1. Atopic Dermatitis

2. Eczema

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

4. Allergic Rhinitis

5. Asthma

In most cases of atopy there appears to be a hereditary element. Studies indicate that the risk for suffering atopy increases by a factor of two with each additional 1st degree family member that is suffering from the condition. Atopic diseases are said to have experienced a steep rise due to the increased emphasis on hygiene.

In basic terms…the cleanliness of the environments we live in have resulted in a decline in the amount of infectious stimuli that are required in order to properly develop the immune system. others support the theory that the diet of pregnant women can be a cause of atopy in their offspring.

The first step in obtaining proper treatment for atopic rhinitis or any allergy related condition is to get in touch with an experienced allergist in your area for a proper diagnosis and to identify specific allergens triggering the condition.

Doctor Finders is an innovative on-line tool that allows the general public to find the right doctor for their needs, identifying doctors by geographic area, specialties, procedures, and more.

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Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is the major cause of disabilities and the most disabling of all aliments. Chronic pain happens over a long time and therefore affords an opportunity for learned behaviour.

Rehabilitation may not produce a cure but it stands to greatly improve one’s quality of life. There is a need to identify the elements in a client’s environment that reinforce pain behavior. Chronic pain people sometimes manipulate and control out of a compulsion to remain as pain patients. As practitioners, we cannot take away a client’s pain but we can help them to release their pain when that is what he or she decides to do.

The practitioner’s purpose is to challenge the client’s beliefs; to shake them if they are flimsy; and to make the client support or change them until their beliefs are shaken down to those in which they can show interest and enthusiasm.

It is always a good idea to ask oneself whether the client’s pain is a warning of disease, a bid for attention or sympathy, a signal of unhappiness or depression, or merely a characteristic way of reacting to other people. With discussion, conflicts don’t disappear, but with insight the client can choose to change their behaviour and/or their reactions.

Clients often resist change and cling to their pain. They have a fear of change and lack something constructive to replace the pain. Bear in mind that not all chronic pain sufferers are professional pain clients.

When all is said and done, pain is when there is a sensation of hurting. A simple statement for sure, but nonetheless it is the bottom line. For pain is not a simple cause and effect process. It is very individual and very varied. One’s psychic structure at any point in time can raise or lower the pain threshold. Philosophy, religion, sex and culture can affect the perception of pain. What one person feels as pain, another might not notice. Pain is the accepted name that is put on a sensation that is felt. For some, pain is not a primary sensation but rather a complex state of mind, holding emotionally charged feelings that would better be described as anguish, grief, distress, tension or anxiety. Pain is a signal that something is not right or a warning that requires a reaction.

Clearly pain cannot always be separated from emotion and emotion plays a major role in the perception of pain in some cases, increasing the pain and others blocking the pain.

Pain can be controlled in some situations by increasing large fiber output such as initiated by massage or tactile stimulation, which Polarity Therapy does for example. Pain can also be lessened by such means of specific training as behavioral conditioning and/or using the power of suggestion and distraction techniques. There is truth in the sayings “As we think – we are” and “Our body is a reflection of our thoughts.”

The multifaceted, multi disciplined approach works best with chronic pain. There are four basic steps in the successful management of pain:

1) have check-up by your doctor to determine cause and whether or not medical treatment is indicated.

2) doing the proper work up and getting a complete history

3) determining the trigger for the pain

4) using the best strategy, in the right amount, at the right time for the particular client’s aliment

People can build their world around pain and a behaviour pattern that victimizes family, friends and even medical personnel can develop. Their environment is what molds the direction their behaviour takes. When a sense of reward or satisfaction follows a given behaviour in their environment, then that behaviour is repeated. Unknowingly, the pain behaviour finds reinforcement within the environment. When the client engages in some behaviour identified by others to be indicative of pain, then this behaviour becomes known as pain behaviour. (e.g. favoring a sore leg)

When the chronically ill begin rehabilitation, major gaps in their well-behaviour repertoire are found. They have been out of touch with healthy actions for so long that they don’t know how to be well. It has to be relearned, reprogrammed with healthy patterns and actions re-established. This is what brings about well being.

The reason that chronic pain is so hard to alleviate is that the memory of pain tends to lower pain thresholds. This can result in a more intense response.

Drugs do not kill pain, they change people’s perception of it. They work in the brain itself interfering with the communication between the cortex (thinking cap) and the deeper thalamus. Actually, our psyche operates in pain perception perhaps even changing the way parts of our brain and nervous system respond to one another and send signals. Our bodies produce endorphins and these are our natural painkillers. It has been said that when pressure is applied to the head these endorphins are produced. There are theories that joggers enjoy jogging because it stimulates the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are powerful antidotes to depression and lift one’s spirits. In the case of acupuncture and acupressure, endorphin release again occurs. These principles are also used in other disciplines such as Polarity Therapy.

Regularity in exercise is important to stimulate endorphin secretion. When starting to make regular exercise a part of one’s natural habit pattern it helps to remember that it takes about six weeks to develop a habit. Start gradually and work up to 1/2 – 3/4 hr. for three to five times per week. The best exercise is walking, swimming or jogging.

Dr. Stone the founder of Polarity Therapy said, “All pain is but an obstruction to energy flow.” Energy flow gets blocked when there is unexpressed emotion. Only when life’s currents are obstructed and become stagnant does fermentation of waste in the tissues cause decay and germs. Electromagnetic waves, their charge and cellular polarity are effected by depressed and repressed mental – emotional states. Even the cerebrospinal fluid becomes blocked when there is toxic waste build up. Through bodywork like Polarity and Cranial Sacral Therapy these blocks are removed as the energy currents are once again restored to free flowing. Remembering that force negates, and the supreme art is in the mastering of the art of “doing by – not doing” and to guide or facilitate the client’s return to the desired state of wellness and well -being.

Let your personal experience be the next step in your move forward to attaining your goals and dreams in life. For private sessions and for information on courses, call Sher Smith at Realizing Your Potential (905) 751-1076.

Sher Smith is a Registered Nurse, Registered Polarity Practitioner, Registered Cranial Sacral Therapist and Educational Kinesiology Instructor who has been involved in the holistic health field since 1979. As a metaphysical graduate, the ancient rituals, esoteric teachings and healing practices of the ages continue to be ongoing areas of study and interest.

Related Chronic Eczema Articles

Understanding Occupational Irritant Contact Dermatitis

If you suffer from eczema, then you probably already know that controlling eczema triggers is an important component to controlling your condition. Many types of eczema can be controlled just by avoiding or limiting exposure to certain triggers. Depending on your trigger, it can be easy to control your exposure in your home, but what about work? What if you need to be exposed to your eczema trigger in order to earn a living?

Occupational irritant contact dermatitis is a form of eczema that is triggered by exposure to an irritant in the work place. Contact dermatitis is typically red, inflamed, and itchy. It can also be quite painful. It normally occurs at the spot where the skin had direct contact with the irritant. However, it can spread from the initial point of contact, depending on how severe your exposure and reaction is.

Scientist have identified more than 3000 allergens and irritants that are known to cause eczema, but only 25 are these are to be blamed in most cases. Most people typically have more than one trigger, but they are able to limit their exposure and prevent outbreaks. However, occupational irritant contact dermatitis is typically the result of one irritant which you become increasingly sensitized to while at work.

As you work and are exposed to the irritant you will find that your eczema reaction occurs more frequently and more severely. When you are first exposed, you may not have a reaction. However, people who are prone to contact dermatitis are believed to have a weakness in their skin structure. Therefore, the irritant slowly exploits this weakness and begins degrading your skin. Your immune system recognizes this as an attack and releases chemicals into your system to counteract the damage being done by the irritant. Unfortunately, a side affect of this immune attack is eczema at the point of contact. The more you are exposed to the irritant, the more quickly and severely your immune system will react. This is called sensitization and it is why your eczema will become increasingly severe the more you are exposed to the irritant.

It is very likely that the occupational irritant is not one of the 25 common triggers. However, you should be able to identify your trigger without too much difficulty. This is especially so if you work around chemicals, hazardous materials, unusual metals, or if there is something that regularly touches that portion of your skin. For example, woodworkers typically have a reaction to certain varnishes. Maids and cleaning professionals may be irritated by cleaning products or by rubber gloves. Beauty professionals are often irritated by nail varnish.

If you are suffering from an occupational eczema your first step should be to talk to your employer or employer’s safety representative. It is very likely that your employer has addressed this issue before and will have protection recommendations best suited for your situation. They may also have special protective gear to help you or may offer to pay for protective gear. No matter what, your employer should be aware of your situation.

Your next steps are to protect yourself. Good hygiene, including regular washing all exposed areas of your skin, is your first line of defense to remove irritants from the surface of your skin. Also, try to cover your skin with gloves, aprons, hats, goggles, and other protective gear. Keep in mind that many people are irritated by rubber, so be careful if you are using rubber gloves for protection. Next, you should try to enhance your skin’s natural barriers by applying lotions, such as oatmeal, aloe vera, or zinc, regularly.

Once you actually have an outbreak, your treatment regiment is no different than normal irritant contact dermatitis. You will probably want to use a blend of medical and natural therapies to find relief. You should also look into long term natural treatments that help you detoxify your system in order to strengthen both your immune system and skin.

It is unfair that in order to earn a living you must be exposed to the irritants or allergens causing your occupational contact dermatitis. The important things to remember when trying to control and prevent you condition is to keep your employer informed, protect your skin, and try to keep yourself otherwise healthy. If you identify your trigger, take extra precautions, and use a healthy treatment regiment then you should find your eczema occurs less frequently and heals more quickly.

To learn more on how to treat irritant contact dermatitis and to know more about the different types of eczema, check out Blake Helton’s authoritative website on eczema treatment.

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Understanding Eczema

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. Eczema is a skin condition that appears as a reddish rash accompanied by mild to severe itching. This condition is more likely to occur in people whose immediate family members also experience Eczema.

Most people are likely to experience this condition for the first time as a child. Commonly, the condition fades as the child grows into an adult, however for some people, they experience symptoms throughout their lives.

The most common areas to be affected are near the extremities of the body, which include hands, wrists, feet, ankles, neck, chest and sometimes even around the eyes. However, symptoms may appear on any part of the body. The condition generally presents itself for a period of time before disappearing and then reappearing.

While there is no conclusive evidence, many scientists believe the culprit of the disease could be a faulty immune system. This is justified by an examination of the triggers that usually set off an outbreak of eczema. Triggers can include rough clothing such as wool or other scratchy materials. It can also include soaps or other foaming substances that have irritants in them. Dry skin can be a problem, as can smoke. Certain foods have also been implicated in triggering this condition such as eggs, milk, fish, soy or wheat.

While this condition has no known cure at this time, there are things a person can do to help relive the itchiness. First of all, be aware that scratching the rash can increase levels of itchiness. The best bet when itching occurs is to immediately apply a cool, damp cloth or compress. This, followed by anti-itching creams such as corticosteroid creams and ointments can help get rid of the itch. Antihistamines may also be prescribed as well as immunomodulators.

In some cases, getting a healthy dose of UV rays is advised, whether directly from the sun or through UV lights. This helps boost the immune system. The only serious repercussions from Eczema are from the rash that appears around the eye. This can cause permanent eye damage. Less serious complications include the potential for infection when the rash is scratched and is opened up to outside elements.

Scratching may also cause a ‘weeping’ effect, in which a clear substance is emitted from the rash. This may turn crusty afterwards. Aside from appearing as a red rash, eczema may also appear as patches of red, brown or grayish skin.

The best bet for long-term avoidance of the condition is to avoid potential triggers. This means staying away from food irritants, certain clothing and harsh chemicals. Keeping a diary may help determine the most likely causes of an eczema outbreak.

Doctor Finders is an innovative on-line tool that allows the general public to find the right doctor for their needs, identifying doctors by geographic area, specialties, procedures, and more.

Understanding irritants/causes of eczema is vital to its treatment

Understanding irritants/causes of eczema is vital to its treatment
However, it is important to note that less than 1 in 10 children with atopic eczema have food sensitivity. If you suspect a food is making eczema symptoms worse, then see your GP. You may be asked to keep a diary for 4-6 weeks in order to identify …
Read more on Irish Independent

How to Find Out if Your Baby's Rash Might Lead to Asthma
One of the most important management tools in treating atopic dermatitis in children is identifying the allergenic triggers and avoiding those triggers. The allergists of Allergy & Asthma Specialists are experts in identifying allergenic triggers with …
Read more on Philadelphia Magazine (blog)

Understanding Eczema Rashes And Eczema Creams

Eczema is a skin disorder that is characterized by red, itchy rashes, which usually become evident at infancy. It may also recur for short intervals during adolescence and adulthood. A person who has a history of hay fever, allergies or asthma is more likely to get Eczema and atopic dermatitis. Those who have Eczema rashes are also susceptible to other skin infections, such as herpes simplex.
The word “atopic” comes from the term “atopos”, which is Greek for “away from the place”. Eczema sufferers are more sensitive to chemicals and irritants, which can be tolerated by most people. For this reason, this skin condition was named atopic dermatitis or “out of place”. Eczema is usually caused by a weak immune system or other deficiencies. While most people are innately susceptible to Eczema, some may experience an attack after they come into contact with allergens and harmful substances.
Excessive perspiration, medication, extreme heat and cold, harsh soaps and detergents and stress can aggravate Eczema rashes. Grease, oils, smoke, pollution and other irritants in our surroundings may also trigger episodes of this skin disorder. Those with dry skin are more likely to develop Eczema rashes, which is why moisturizing with an Eczema cream is very important.
A dermatologist assesses your condition to determine a suitable course of treatment. A typical evaluation involves an analysis of your medical history and a physical examination. A skin biopsy is performed to make the diagnosis clearer. There is no permanent solution to Eczema, but there are several Eczema creams to help bring relief from its symptoms.
Cortisone creams are the most popular choice when it comes to Eczema creams. This form of medication comes in different potencies. A low-strength Eczema cream may be applied on mild Eczema rashes, while high-potency creams are prescribed for advanced cases. Oral and systemic medication may be given for very severe cases, while topical immunosuppressants are used on patients who are unresponsive to Eczema creams.

If you are searching for a gentle and steroid-free http://eczemacreams.co”;>Eczema remedy, then you should visit us today. Our Eczema creams can get rid ofhttp://eczemacreams.co”;>Eczema rashes in less than 10 days!

Understanding Eczema in Babies

Eczema is the medical term that refers to the skin problems affecting people throughout their lives. It is described by the inflammation, scaling, and peeling of the skin. It generally affects families with history of asthma and hay fever. The universal cause of eczema in babies is still unknown but there are different causes of eczema in babies, including external and internal factors. The management plan for this disease is also unspecified but there are natural cures for eczema that you can observe. They are less costly and known to be effective.

Evidently, eczema can happen in newborn babies.Certainly, there are various types of eczema and atopic eczema is the most prevalent. In this type of eczema. Babies and children are commonly affected.Symptoms can affect babies in various ways including inflammation of the skin up to stubborn itching. Too much scratching can reduce the skin’s protective characteristics and it will become more prone to infection. It is important to treat eczema immediately.

According to studies, eczema is the most common skin disorder that affects babies and infants. There are cases that the condition is mild and can be easily treated with creams and ointments. In cases, eczema is severe and comes in with other conditions such as asthma and hay fever. In order to prevent itching, babies and infants affected  by this distressing condition need special care and attention. Sometimes a clean environment can do the trick. True enough, having eczema is irritating and unnerving. Luckily, there are so many ways to arrest the symptoms of eczema despite the fact that the cure is not yet verified.

More often than not, eczema in infants and babies disappear spontaneously as the child’s age advances. In the meantime, watch over your baby and avoid the different eczema triggers as much as possible. There are natural cures for eczema you can practice to prevent the symptoms from occurring. First, parents should remember to keep the baby’s skin’s smooth and soft.  Always apply moisturizers whenever you see the baby’s skin dry. You can use natural oils and emollients after baby bath.

Do not introduce foods to babies at the same time. You have to breastfeed the baby for the first six months of age. After that, you may introduce new kinds of food one at a time. This way, you can identify which type of foods can cause allergic reactions to your baby.

Try to keep your pet away from your baby because animal fur can also cause eczema.The changing temperature also affects the skin condition that would lead to eczema flare up. Choose the clothing for your baby that would allow his skin to breathe easily. Do not use woolen fabrics because they are rough and they can irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. If these reminders did not work, you may seek advice from the dermatologist.

Get comprehensive information on eczema in babies. We also provide facts about the symptoms, prevention, and natural cures for eczema.

 

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