Monday, August 25, 2014

Lazy Man’s Guide To Making Housework A Bit More Pleasurable


If I say that no one likes to clean up the house, I bet I could get an empathetic nod from 99% of the readers. While some people may be diligent in keeping the home squeaky clean, most of us shiver at the thought of having to clean up the mess that’s been taking over the home over the past days or weeks.

Cleaning is due – what (not) to do?

So, the inevitable cannot be postponed anymore: you have some visitors coming by, and you see yourself forced to do what you’ve been dreading for some time. What to do? The way I used to do it was to arm myself with a broom and a fierce look and start hacking through the pile of “things” (which could have ranged from dirty socks, my cat’s toys, my bicycle repair tools, a pair of pants etc.) covering the floor. I quit that method a while back, as it had two major disadvantages. The first one was that I couldn’t just sweep them off the floor and throw them in the trash, I already have mismatching socks. The second was that I mumbled all through the work, aggravating the mood that didn’t really need any aggravation.

The easy way

One of the first things I learned is that as long as you keep it simple, things will be easier down the road. I keep just the furniture I need in the room, I keep things where they belong (mostly), and I minimize sock usage by wearing sandals (just kidding). Doing this is a lot easier on the cleaning as I can just sweep the floor and maybe mop it every week or so without having to spend two hours collecting things off the floor. I also try to keep the kitchen counter clean of things I won’t need often - that way, I don’t have to remove them or wipe between, underneath, play chess with them etc.

Doing the laundry is yet another thing which used to scare me, and I bet there are still a few people who think that their washing machine is made of pure evil. I found that having fewer clothes means I simplify this otherwise pleasurable activity, because even though I have to wash them more often, I don’t have to stare at the huge pile of dirty clothes and not have a single pair of socks to wear. I do the laundry one time per week, using a 1 hour and 20 minutes program, and that’s it.

Zen style cleaning

While I’m not an adept of staring at the ceiling for hours, I found that trying to truly focus on the task at hand increases both efficiency and mood. I don’t swear every time I start cleaning, and with a bit of concentration I do the job a lot faster. Another thing that works for me is music, but nothing too soft or slow, lest I fall asleep with broom in hand.

The above mentioned tips work for me and they help me keep the home decently clean without feeling miserable while doing it.

Friday, August 22, 2014

A Short Guide to Keeping Yourself Blister-Free


The unpleasant infections commonly known as cold sores are notoriously difficult to get rid of, but, with appropriate advice on how to get rid of fever blisters, you may be able to find quicker relief than ever before. Cold sores, which can also be called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can be easily transmitted to others.

Most commonly, they appear on the lips, but they have been known to appear anywhere on the body, including the fingers. Once a cold sore appears, it usually lasts 7-10 days, but, if quickly identified and properly treated, it can disappear in as little as three days.


Understanding Cold Sores

Because herpes simplex is a virus, cold sores do not respond to antibacterial treatment like most other blisters. The virus is usually transmitted through contact with open sores, often through the sharing of eating utensils or razors. 

Since they are widespread and famously difficult to get rid of, when you are trying to discover how to get of cold sores, it is common to see contradictory explanations and home remedies of dubious merit. Since cold sores go away on their own after about a week's worth of time, many ineffective home remedies are considered to have worked when, in fact, they did nothing to curb the infection.

Treating Cold Sores with Remedies That Work

• Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment - One of the most effective treatments for cold sores involves common over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide. Even though hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as an antibacterial agent, it is one of the only ones that are also effective against herpes simplex infections. In order to make effective use of the hydrogen peroxide, it is necessary to regularly apply the compound to the sore while it is in its blister phase. This will speed up the scabbing process, at which point the treatment should stop. If you continue to apply hydrogen peroxide to the sore when scabbing starts (even at the very beginning, when the sore still seems wet), you will prolong the process more than you need to.

• Anti-Viral Cream Treatment - Anti-viral creams are widely available in drug stores and supermarkets, and many can help treat cold sores. Since viruses differ widely from one another biologically, you may find that some creams work better than others for this particular viral infection. One of the best compounds for treatment of herpes simplex infections is Docosanol cream, available under a number of different brand names without prescription. If you find an anti-viral cream in the drug store that lists Docosanol as a primary active ingredient, this can be the solution for your cold sore problems.

• Prescription Medication - If you get cold sores frequently enough for the infections to disturb your daily life, you may benefit from prescription medication. Herpes simplex is infamous for its discriminatory nature - some people will never get a cold sore in their life, and others get them constantly. If you happen to be susceptible to extremely frequent cold sore breakouts, then it may be worthwhile to consult a doctor about how to get rid of cold sores.



Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief

Hemorrhoids home treatment can cure the hemorrhoids not instantly but can reduce it gradually with time. Proper natural hemorrhoid treatment in home is very easy and useful for the masses. Without hemorrhoid surgery,do you know how to treat hemorrhoids?


#1. Banana
Drink a cup of milk boiled with a mashed banana thrice daily. Have this mixture 3 to 4 times in a day, to stop the pain experienced during hemroids.

#2. Radish
Grind a white radish into a paste, add some milk, and apply to inflamed areas to relieve the pain and swelling. Radish juice should be taken two times a day, morning and at night. Or Drink ¼ cup of radish juice on initial stage and then increase it up to ½ cup.

#3. Dry figs.
Soak three or four figs that have been thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned in some water for 8 to 12 hours and eat them in the morning and in the evening on an empty stomach. Do this treatment for three to four weeks.

#4. ginger
Create a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger juice, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice, a tablespoon honey, and a 1/2 teaspoon mint leaves and take once a day.

#5. Onion
Mixture about 30 grams of finely ground onion which should be finely rubbed in the water and add about 60 grams of sugar. This should be taken twice daily to have a good relief from bleeding and dry piles.

#6. chebulic myrobalan
Fry fresh chebulic myrobalan fruit in castor oil to a golden brown color. Powder it and stored. Half a teaspoon of this dissolved on the tongue at bedtime brings about normal bowel movement in the morning and its astringent property heals the hemorrhoids.

#7. goat's milk
For bleeding piles, keep 1/4 liter goat's milk for curdling overnight. In the morning, add an equal amount of carrot juice and blend it. Drink this mixture to heal bleeding hemorrhoids.

#8. Black mustard
Mixture a bowl of yoghurt and add powdered black mustard. While having it, make sure to chew the mustard very carefully. After this, drink a glass of buttermilk.

#9. slices of yam
Grind some dry slices of yam into a powder. In 160 grams of this powder, add 80 grams white leadwort. Now, add 10 grams black pepper and 500 grams of jaggery. Mix well and make small tablets or capsules of this mixture. Have one piece each in the morning and evening.

If you find that the above home remedies for piles to be ineffective and the pain and bleeding aggravates it is must to consult your doctor.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Natural Hemorrhoid Cure-How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids or piles are dilated or bulging veins of the rectum and anus, caused by increased pressure in the rectal veins. Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of all people have hemorrhoids by age 50.
How to get rid of hemorrhoids ? The best way to prevent hemorrhoids or bleeding hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft, so they pass easily. To prevent hemorrhoids and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids, follow these hemorrhoids treatments or hemorrhoid remedies:

Eat enough High fiber foods.
Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains to get enough fiber(20 to 35 grams a day). Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids or worsen symptoms from existing hemorrhoids.

Drink lots of fluids.
Drink eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day, because our digestive systems need a good amount of water to digest food properly. Often water can help cure stomach acid problems, and water along with fiber can cure constipation. Drink enough water will keep stools soft.

More exercise
Stay active to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting, and to help prevent constipation. Walk more than 10 Minutes a Day and Increase your fitness level to lose excess weight that may be contributing to your hemorrhoids.

No smoking.
Smoking during bowel movements, may worsen hemorrhoid, may lead to severe internal bleeding of veins inside rectum area and may lead to other serious effect.

Don't strain
Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum. If you wait to pass a bowel movement and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and be harder to pass. Respond to the urge to defecate and stay relaxed to avoid straining. Practice good personal hygiene. Keep the anal area clean and avoid using rough toilet paper.

Use of Squat toilets
Based on very low incidence in the developing world, where people squat for bodily functions, hemorrhoids have been attributed to the use of the "sitting" toilet. Sitting too long on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus. Natural-Position toilet is highly recommended for those people who are suffering from hemorrhoids.


Monday, March 23, 2009

What Is the Best Way to Prevent Hemorrhoids

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. How to avoid constipation is the key to prevent hemorrhoids.

Constipation Treatment

Dietary

Dietary changes include getting enough of the recommended daily amount of fiber (20 to 35 grams). A doctor or dietitian can help plan an appropriate diet. High-fiber foods include beans, whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots. For people prone to constipation, limiting foods that have little or no fiber, such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed foods, is also important.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes that may help treat and prevent constipation include drinking enough water (or other liquids), such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups, so as not to become dehydrated, engaging in daily exercise, and reserving enough time to have a bowel movement. In addition, the urge to have a bowel movement should not be ignored.

Laxatives

Most people who are mildly constipated do not need laxatives. Constipation will go away on its own or if you make changes in your diet and other habits. However, for those who have made diet and lifestyle changes and are still constipated, a doctor may recommend laxatives or enemas. These treatments can help retrain a chronically sluggish bowel. Laxatives aren’t meant for long-term use. Long-term use or overuse of laxatives can cause health problems. Don’t use laxatives for longer than 1 week unless you’re following your doctor’s advice.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Hemorrhoid relief--3 Powerful Methods

Hemorrhoids are associated with constipation and straining at bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are very common and have been estimated to occur in up to half the population by age 50 years. The treatment for hemorrhoids is different depending on the severity of the problem. Most piles get better in a few days without any treatment, but there are several ways of relieving the discomfort.

Soften the stools by eating food and drinking fluids
Some people with constipation or hard stools may benefit from increasing the amount of bran and fiber(20 to 35 grams a day) in their diet. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids or worsen symptoms from existing hemorrhoids.
Drink eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day, because our digestive systems need a good amount of water to digest food properly. Drink enough water will keep stools soft.
Choose a laxative for constipation carefully. If a laxative causes watery, runny stools, it could cause an infection in the anus and should not be used.

Lessen the pain and swelling by using warm water
A sitz bath is highly recommended 3 times a day and after each bowel movement for at least 15 minutes to ease the symptoms. Wash the area gently with warm, salty water (Soap isn't necessary and may aggravate the problem) to get rid of irritant mucus that has leaked out.
Dry carefully with cotton wool (dab rather than wipe) and apply petroleum jelly (available from pharmacies) or nappy rash cream to protect your skin. Be sure to thoroughly dry the skin around your anus after each bath so that it doesn't rub and become torn. This is the best way to lessen the swelling and the pain.

Avoid rectal pressure by exercise
Stay active to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of sitting, and to help prevent constipation. Always go for a walk or stand when you get a break in job. Walk more than 10 Minutes a Day and Increase your fitness level to lose excess weight that may be contributing to your hemorrhoids. Constant rectal pressure can be avoided this way. Sitting too long on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus. Natural-Position toilet is highly recommended for the hemorrhoids.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

What Are The Four Typical Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Although half of the people have hemorrhoids by 50, not all experience symptoms. The patient of hemorrhoids or piles may have one or all of the following hemorrhoid symptoms.

#1. Bright red blood from your anus, which you may notice on the toilet paper when wiping, or in the toilet bowl.

#2. Pain and discomfort after you have opened your bowels
a slimy discharge of mucus, which may cause itching

#3. A feeling that your bowels haven't emptied completely

#4. Soiling underwear (with third or fourth degree piles)

Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoids symptoms will go away within a few days. It is necessary for the patients to see a doctor or cure it in a nature way without hemorrhoidectomy.
(more information in my other articles: cause of hemorrhoids, what are hemorrhoids, how to get rid of hemorrhoids by changing foods and home remedy)


Monday, March 16, 2009

Hemorrhoids Diet--Cure for Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids? What are hemorrhoid symptoms? How to cure hemorrhoids? You may already know all these questions and want to know the best hemorrhoids treatment. Here is the one you want, hemorrhoids diet. A poor diet can give you either diarrhea or constipation, both of which lead to hemorrhoids over time. The hemorrhoids diet is not some complicated diet that forces you to starve yourself, it's just a diet that is high in fiber and low in things that tend to cause constipation.


Eat high-fiber foods

Fiber is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains (or fiber supplement). Common vegetables and fruits such as carrots, turnips, peas, apples, oranges, beans and broccoli are all great sources of fiber. Other foods such as brand and cereals also have a high fiber content. Fiber keeps stool soft and lowers pressure inside the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily. Sudden increases of fiber could lead to diarrhea, intestinal gas or other discomfort.


Drink enough fluids

Drink enough fluids, especially water (6 to 8 glasses per day). Fluids help to soften bowel movements so they are easier to pass. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Avoid

Avoid highly refined foods like white rice, white bread, sweet pastries, cakes, pies and pasta that tend to cause constipation.
Avoid beverages with alcohol and with caffeine (coffee, pop) that tend to dehydrate you, because they can contribute to small, dry stools.
Avoid acid forming foods such as sugar, animal protein, dairy, and caffeine-containing food and beverages.

Other tips:

#1. Eat slowly. Chew your food thoroughly. This allows the saliva and digestive juices of the stomach, liver, and pancreas to break down food more easily.

#2. Eat your meals at regular intervals. A regular meal pattern is recommended for obese people.

#3. Exercise regularly. If you can find 20 minutes walk to the shop or 15 minutes for a light job, your metabolism will thank you for it and so will your hemorrhoids.

To get rid of hemorrhoids as quick and comfortable as you can, a hemorrhoids diet is often the place to start. Hemorrhoids are related to your diet and please pay much attention to you foods.
You may try other remedies for hemorrhoids:

Saturday, March 14, 2009

The Causes of Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids or piles occur when veins in the rectum become swollen and painful. Symptoms may include tender bumps near the anus, or blood found on toilet paper after a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids can occur at any age, but are more common in older people. They affect both men and women. There are a number of reasons why hemorrhoids develop.
Hemorrhoids causes include:

#1. Constipation
Suffering from ongoing constipation is the main reason why hemorrhoids develop. Constipation can contribute to hemorrhoids in two ways: It promotes straining on the toilet and it also aggravates the hemorrhoids by producing hard stools that further irritate the swollen veins.

#2. Obesity
Obesity can be a factor by increasing rectal vein pressure. Sometimes hemorrhoids result from straining hard to pass faeces, which is more likely if the fat do not eat enough fibre, grain or lifting heavy weights.

#3. prolonged standing or sitting
Many experts believe that hemorrhoids are caused by continuous high pressure in the veins of the body, which occurs because humans stand upright. Sitting on the toilet for a long time (reading and listening to music!) is a bad habit to those people who are suffering from hemorrhoids. Natural-Position toilet is highly recommended.

#4. Hereditary
Hereditary may be an important factor especially in those who acquire piles at an early age.

#5. Pregnancy
Pregnancy may lead to hypertension and increase strain during bowel movements, so hemorrhoids are often associated with pregnancy which affect hormones on the blood vessels, plus the increasing weight of the baby within abdomen.

Besides, hemmoroids are associated with excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine, smoking during bowel movements, age and anal intercourse.