Adventurous Andrea

The Solo Female Travel Blog

wellness

When Is It Time To Treat A Drug Addiction?

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Most people who have a drug addiction never get the treatment that they need. When a person does decide to seek treatment, they often wait until the addiction has completely ruined their lives. That is why it is important to recognize the signs of an addiction early so that you can get the appropriate treatment.

You Have Done Something Dangerous While Being Drunk or High 

Drugs and alcohol are known for lowering inhibitions and impairing judgment. This may not seem like a big deal. However, it can cause you to hurt yourself and hurt others. For example, you decide to drive a car while you are drunk or high. You will put yourself and the other people on the road in danger.

In 2010, 40 percent of the fatal accidents were caused by someone who was drunk or high. Twenty-five percent of these drivers were over the age of 50.

Your Loved Ones Have Confronted You 

Most people who have a drug or alcohol addiction attempt to hide it from their family members and friends. That is why if your family members and friends have confronted you, then this is a sign that your behavior is out of control. This is not something that you should take lightly because they are concerned about your health and safety.

You Start to Experience Withdrawal Symptoms

If you cannot go for a few hours without drinking or using drugs without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, then you need to go to drug rehab. Nausea, irritability, headaches and paranoia are some of the most common withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms will get worse the longer you are addicted to a drug.

You Use Drugs and Alcohol to Cope With Your Stress 

Many people use drugs and alcohol to cope with stress. If you turn to drugs and alcohol every time that you face a stressful situation, then you will need to go to drug rehab. Using alcohol and drugs will help alleviate the stress temporarily. However, they will eventually add to the stress of your life.

You Have Harmed Yourself or Others 

Drugs and alcohol can increase the risk of mental illness. This can put you at risk for developing suicidal thoughts. It can also put you at risk for hurting other people. You will need to drug rehab if your drug and alcohol use has started to affect your mental health.

Tolerance 

Do you find that you have to keep using more of the drug or alcohol in order to get the desired effect? If so, then you have developed a tolerance. Your body will keep needing more of the substance. That is why medical detox is the first step in overcoming an addiction.

Your School and Work has Suffered 

Drug and alcohol addiction can affect your performance at school and work. You may find that you are missing work and school, showing up late and not turning in assignments. Many people have lost their jobs and been kicked out of school because of drug and alcohol use. Getting drug and alcohol addiction treatment can help save your career and academic life.

You are Getting Trouble With the Law 

If you have been in trouble with the law because of your drug and alcohol problem, then it is time to go to drug rehab. You can prevent yourself from having run-ins with the law by getting treatment.

Your Health has Suffered 

Drugs and alcohol can ruin your health. They can also shorten your life. If your doctor has warned you that your health is in danger because of drugs and alcohol, then it is time to go to rehab.

Common Spinal Injuries And How They Can Be Remedied

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How much do you know about your spine? Many of us take it for granted on a day-to-day basis and only notice how instrumental it is to our health and well-being when something goes wrong. The spine and spinal cord play a key role in making sure that we can stand upright, move our limbs, and have sensations such as touch. In this article, we’ll go through some of the most common spinal injuries and how they can be remedied, both by traditional methods and natural at-home treatments.

Atlantoaxial Instability

Atlantoaxial Instability is when two of the vertebrae at the top of the spinal cord become too ‘loose’ because of an abnormality in the bone or ligament. It isn’t a well-known spinal injury, but it is quite common. It can be caused by a variety of different problems, both congenital and non-congenital. One of the most common causes of Atlantoaxial Instability is trauma to the head and neck, but it can also be a symptom of Down’s Syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.  Some of the best ways to treat AAI or to reduce the severity of the symptoms include yoga, regular chiropractic sessions, and physiotherapy. In severe cases, surgery can be performed to fuse the two vertebrae, which often helps with pain.

Cervical Stenosis

Cervical Stenosis occurs when the spinal canal in the neck starts to narrow. This causes problems because the spinal cord runs through the spinal canal and when it is compressed, nerves can become damaged. This can result in weakness and pain throughout the body, so it is important to try and treat it as early as possible. The most common and effective treatment is surgery to decompress the spinal cord, which is usually very successful.

Degenerative Disc Disease

DDD is a disease caused by the degeneration of the discs that are found in-between the spinal vertebrae. This can cause a lot of problems as they serve as cushions for the spine and when damaged, will often be more susceptible to rupture, which can cause intense pain. Oftentimes, there is no obvious direct cause of DDD, but trauma to the spine and aging can be a trigger. Common remedies for DDD include chiropractic intervention, pain medication, massage, and in severe cases, surgery.

Spinal Fracture

Much like any other bone in the body, the spine can fracture, but unlike bones such as your arms and legs fracturing, a spinal fracture can have more severe consequences. It can cause the spinal cord to become pinched and damaged, and this can result in pain and weakness throughout the body. It is commonly caused by traumas such as car accidents and sports injuries. It is commonly treated by bracing the back, rest, and potentially surgery.

Common symptoms of a spinal injury include back pain, weakness or inability to coordinate your movement, paralysis, numbness, and stiff awkward movements. It is important to keep a lookout for potential spinal injuries, as they should be treated as soon as possible, especially if you have recently experienced some form of trauma.

The Main Treatment Options for Overbites

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If you have recently been told by your dentist that you are suffering from what is called a malocclusion, the first thought on your mind would be that your dentist has suddenly started speaking a foreign language. In effect, what you are being told is that you have an overbite. These can be moderate to severe and may be painful.

Some patients go through life without any problems and aren’t aware of the issue unless a dentist tells them. Others experience pain, especially in the jaw, and end up in the dentist’s chair to find out what is going on. Why are they in pain when they have no cavities? If you have been told you have an overbite, don’t panic just yet because there are several treatment options which may work for you.

Understand the Diagnosis Before Agreeing to a Treatment

Many people trust their dental or medical professionals to tell them the right course of action after having been given a diagnosis. However, there are others who seek a second opinion and that may be the wisest course of action. What you can do is tell your dentist you want to think about it or talk to your husband, but with the thought in mind that you want to know more about this condition and the possible treatments before agreeing to anything. You can always read up on overbites online at sites like Health Row so that you can understand in everyday English what this particular dental issue is all about. It helps when you can read in a language you understand.

What Are the Causes of Overbites?

There are a few main causes of malocclusions, but the most common are genetic and thumb sucking as a baby. This forces the upper teeth to grow forward, causing an overbite. An overbite is where the top teeth protrude too far out and over the bottom dental line whereas an underbite is the exact opposite. Both can be corrected, but both can cause serious issues if left untreated.

The Two Main Treatments for Overbites

For many years, braces were the main corrective treatment for overbites. You have probably seen many adolescents wearing braces, and maybe even adults in your close circle of friends. While braces can help to adjust the spacing of teeth, they can also redirect the direction in which they grow. Braces are a common treatment, but in recent years, a product called Invisalign has been promoted. This is aesthetically more pleasing but has been found less effective than braces.

There are other options available as well, which you may want to look into. Sometimes, dentists recommend jaw expanders, retainers, and a variety of other orthodontic devices that redirect the growth of teeth over time. However, if you have what is referred to as a skeletal overbite, you may require treatments which are more complex. Always talk to your dentist once you have done the research because your treatment of preference may not be effective in the type and severity of your malocclusion. Even so, as the patient, you have a right to know your options, so do your homework before getting back in that chair.

Is it wise for a woman with fibrocystic breasts to get implants?

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As one of the most prominent parts of a woman’s body, the breasts receive a lot of attention from a number of organizations that either raise awareness for breast cancer or break societal stigmas that are often associated with the area.

However, as much as we appreciate the beauty and function of the breasts, they are still prone to conditions that affect their appearance, function, and even texture. One of the most common conditions associated with the breasts, aside from breast cancer, is having fibrocystic breasts.

What are fibrocystic breasts?

Fibrocystic breasts, or fibrocystic breast condition, are characterized by lumps or masses in one or both breasts. This affects 60% of women between the ages of 30 to 50. However, it is good to emphasize that it is not a disease but rather, a condition that women commonly have and usually subsides after menopause.

What are the symptoms of fibrocystic breasts?

While fibrocystic breasts are common, it is not without symptoms. These symptoms, however, are only present for a short period, usually before or during the menstrual period.

Signs and symptoms of fibrocystic breasts include:

  • Lumps on one or both breasts
  • Discomfort and pain
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Non-bloody discharge

These symptoms will also get worse just before the monthly cycle and may persist for about a month.

What causes fibrocystic breasts?

The exact cause of fibrocystic breasts has not been conclusively identified yet. However, the development and continuing existence of this condition is speculated to be directly connected to:

  1. Major female hormonesduring the menstrual period
  2. Genetics
  3. Dietary influences.

How are fibrocystic breasts diagnosed and treated?

A basic way of detecting lumps is through self-examination by palpation. The lumps are usually felt on the upper quadrant of the breasts and may be perceived as rounded with smooth borders of varying shapes, sometimes irregular and ridge-like.

Other methods in which fibrocystic breasts can be diagnosed include:

  • Mammogram– an X-ray exam on specific areas of the breasts that detects presence of lumps and dense breast tissues.
  • Ultrasound– a method that uses sound waves to produce an image of the breasts and is useful in assessing thickened breast tissues like those tightly packed with lobules, ducts, and connective tissues.
  • Breast biopsy– an invasive method that requires removal of a small portion of the lump for examination.

Fibrocystic breast are benign or non-cancerous. While most women don’t need to worry about their presence, there are treatments that can be directed towards individual symptoms to alleviate associated pain and discomfort, such as:

  • Wearing a well-fitted bra for proper support of the breasts
  • Anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, respectively.
  • Food supplements like Vitamin E and Oil of Primrose which is beneficial in easing breast pain
  • Low-fat dietary changes
  • Fine needle aspiration which uses a hair-thin needle to drain fluid from the cysts

It is also recommended to have regular breast examinations and mammograms to monitor the condition of the lumps in the breast.

Fibrocystic Breasts and Breast Augmentation with implants

Undergoing breast augmentation while having existing fibrocystic breasts is a debateable concern among women mainly because of two reasons:

  1. The problems it may impose during breast examinations, and
  2. The possibility of increased risk for breast cancer.

Fibrocystic breasts are not a contraindication in women who want to undergo breast augmentation using implants. However, what makes having breast implants a concern for women with fibrocystic breasts lies in the detection of cancerous lumps during breast examinations.

Fibrocystic lumps have a close resemblance to breast cancer, making it difficult to differentiate them from cancerous lumps. Having breast implants may make diagnosis more difficult because they often obscure breast tissues during mammograms, ultrasounds, and similar tests.

That is why board-certified plastic surgeons suggest, if not recommend, that breast implants be placed under the muscles or what is known as sub-muscular placement. This type of implant placement would give a better and more visible view of breast tissues during mammography and ultrasound. Women are also advised to inform radiologists if they have breast implants before undergoing any breast examinations. This would prompt them to use the Eklund technique, a method that presses implants away from the breasts during mammograms or ultrasound.

Another concern about having breast implants is the possibility of increased risk for breast cancer. While fibrocystic breast condition, in itself, is not linked to breast cancer, breast implants are often associated with the development of breast cancer.

For years, it was believed that any foreign material embedded in the body, including silicone which is often contained in breast implants, causes the formation of sarcoma or malignant tumor. However, studies showed that there is no evidence of increased risks of breast cancer among patients who had a breast augmentation using implants.

With that said, women with fibrocystic breasts must consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon alongside other qualified experts in examining changes in the breast. This would provide a thorough diagnosis, while ruling out factors such as a genetics that could contribute to fibrocystic breasts.

Proper consultations also enable plastic surgeons to align the best course of action for the procedure with the given condition. Not only will this give the desired results, but it also ensures the patient’s safety after the surgery.

What is important is the open communication between the patient and plastic surgeon. This way, breast augmentation with implants will remain to be a safe and life-changing procedure to undergo, despite having fibrocystic breasts.