Zoom Gfx707 Instructions

Analog toggle and rocker switches have always been the standard controls in classic guitar effects units.

Zoom's GFX-707 range was developed as a response to the rapid advances in digital effects processors. The half-analog, half-digital configuration was intended to harness recent advances in processing technology, while retaining the simple functionality of analog "stomp boxes." Chunky knobs and foot-switches replaced keypads and scroll wheels. The user interacts with an intuitive analog control surface, but digital microprocessors inside the unit produce modern delays and reverbs impossible with analog gear. This focus on simplicity makes the 707 a piece of equipment that makes it easy to take advantage of all its features.

Instructions

1. Ensure the amplifier is powered off and the volume control is set to zero. Connect one guitar lead to the guitar output jack. Connect the opposite end to the input jack on the rear of the 707. Connect the second lead to the 707's output jack and run that to the amplifier input. Connect the AC adapter to the 707 and connect to the mains, or insert the batteries. Slide the power switch on the 707 to "On" and power on the amplifier. Gradually increase the amplifier volume while playing the guitar until the sound is at a reasonable level.

2. Scroll through the different effects configurations (called "patches") stored on the 707, using the two foot switches as up and down pedals. The expression rocker pedal on the left of the unit can be used to alter various parameters of effects. The patches are stored in banks of five. There are 12 preset banks totaling 60 patches -- 30 that can be edited by the user and 30 that are permanently set.

3. Select a patch you wish to alter or discard, using the foot switches. Press the "Edit" key on the front panel, enabling Edit mode. The 707 models the signal path on a real amp setup. The signal starts in a compressor, then a noise gate, followed by an equalizer and an amplifier simulator. Effects come last, as if they were connected to the amplifier's effects loop. In edit mode the 707 presents each parameter in the effect chain for editing, one at a time, in sequence. The user sets the desired values using the three "Parameter" knobs, then proceeds to the next module in the chain, until reaching the end.

4. Press the "Module " keys to scroll back and forth through the signal chain. Within each module, use the "Bank Type" up and down arrow keys to select between the different processing types. Effects are grouped according to their type; one module will contain all the different reverb types, another will hold different kinds of distortion and overdrive.

5. Press the "Edit" key when finished altering the patch parameters. The 707 will return to standard "Play" mode, and will display a dot in the "Edited" section of the bank window. This indicates the patch has been altered from its saved version. Press "Store" to save the changes, or switch to a different patch to discard them and revert to the original patch.

Yamaha Mm6 Vs Mo6

Yamaha MM6 Vs. MO6

The Yamaha MO6 and MM6 are music synthesizers. Both can be used for professional music creation and performance or for the beginner just learning how it all works.

Uses

The Yamaha MO6 is a professional synthesizer meant to be used for music production and performance. The Yamaha MM6 is more of a home-based synthesizer for music creation and recording.

Features

The Yamaha MO6 and MM6 each have 61 keys. The MO6 has 64-note polyphony, while the MM6 has 32-note polyphony. The MO6 comes with sequence software that can be controlled by a remote control. It also has midi sync and transmit/receive. The MM6 does not come with software but has USB connections and midi in/out ports.

Presets

The Yamaha MO6 comes with 512 preset voices and 64 drum kits. The Yamaha MM6 has 416 voices and 22 drum kits. While the MO6 comes with 64 preset songs and 32 mixing templates, the MM6 has only three preset songs. However, the MM6 can hold up to 400 songs through the USB port.

Cost

Since the Yamaha MO6 has tons of extras and professional quality there is price tag upward of $1,500 (as of 2010). The Yamaha MM6 costs significantly less at about $600 to $700.

Senior Health Care Insurance Options

Senior citizens have access to quality health care.

Health insurance defrays the costs of health care and typically covers the bulk of medical expenses. As we get older and our health needs change, it becomes even more important to have health care insurance. Federal, state and local governments provide senior health care insurance options for those who do not have their own policy and need assistance.

Retirement Health Care Benefits

Many seniors have access to health care insurance through their employers as part of their retirement benefits. Plans may include Preferred Provider Organizations, which provide health coverage and allow you to choose physicians, or Health Management Organizations, where a primary care physician manages your health care.

Out-of-pocket expenses may include a minimal co-pay such as $10 or $20, for an office visit to a doctor within your plan's network, or meeting deductibles and coinsurance to see doctors outside of the network. Seniors may have the option to keep a current plan or choose from another plan and extend coverage to a spouse. Depending on the employer, some retirement health care insurance options are provided to seniors at no charge or for a minimal monthly premium.

Medicare

Medicare is a national health care insurance program for seniors age 65 and older. The general eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and Medicare-covered employment for at least 10 years. Medicare consists of two parts: Part A is hospital insurance and Part B is medical insurance.

Most seniors automatically qualify to receive Part A for free upon turning 65 because they paid Medicare taxes while employed; other seniors have the option to purchase this coverage. Senior health care insurance options through Medicare also include Part D for prescription drug coverage or choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan that provides hospital and medical insurance, and prescriptions.

Medicaid

Seniors 65 and older may be eligible for Medicaid benefits. You must have low income and no access to retirement health insurance plans or collect Supplemental Security Income benefits. Medicaid is a federal program, instituted and governed by each individual state, that provides health care insurance to eligible individuals and families, and pays their health care providers for services.

Seniors not collecting SSI benefits will have to prove their low-income eligibility status through income and bank accounts, as well as assets such as vehicles and insurance policies. They must also prove their U.S. citizenship or residency and meet the income eligibility guideline requirements of their home state.

Wool Blanket Washing Instructions

Wash knit or woven wool blankets at home and save on dry-cleaning costs.

It is possible to wash a wool blanket of any type at home--and doing so can save you hundreds of dollars in dry-cleaning costs over the life of your wool blanket. While you can't simply toss the wool blanket into the washing machine with the regular laundry, with a little care you can use your home washer to clean your blanket without damaging it. Buy a rinse-free cleaning product designed for use on wool at any yarn store or craft store, or in the laundry section of some big box stores. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay the blanket out on a flat surface and check for damage. Repair any tears or pulls before you put the blanket in the washer. For knit blankets, use a small (5-mm) crochet hook to pull any loose threads back into place. For woven blankets, sew up any tears with embroidery floss in a matching color.

2. Choose the "soak" setting on your washing machine and fill the washer with cool water. Never use warm or hot water to wash wool; doing so could cause the blanket to shrink.

3. Add ½ cup wool soak to the washer and swirl it around with a wooden spoon to blend. Popular wool soak brands include Eucalan and Soak.

4. Place the blanket in the washer, pressing gently down until the blanket is completely submerged in the water. Allow the blanket to soak with the washer lid up for 30 minutes.

5. Turn the dial of the washing machine to the "spin" cycle and close the lid. Allow the washer to complete the spin cycle, then remove the wool blanket. Lay the clean blanket flat to dry.

Wired Jaw Diet & Associated Foods

Whether you've had your jaw wired shut as part of an operation or because of an accident, it's no surprise that eating and getting proper daily nutrition can be difficult. With few exceptions, solid foods are generally not going to be a part of your meals while your jaw is wired. It is imperative, then, to determine how best to get the vitamins and minerals you need from a largely liquid-based diet.

Fundamentals: What You Need Daily

Registered nurses Joan C. McIntyre and Kimiko C. Carey have laid out a very clear dietary regimen for those who are forced to alter their diet because of jaw wiring. The daily meal plan includes two or more 8 oz. servings of milk, two or more servings of meat or eggs (an adequate serving of meat is about 6 oz.), at least four servings of cereal, and at least four servings of fruits and vegetables.

They also recommend that you drink smaller meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals per day; think six small- to medium-sized liquid-based meals, spaced more or less evenly throughout the day. Doing so will lessen the possibility of nausea, which may occur in some people as their bodies try to get used to eating pureed foods that would normally be eaten in solid form.

Prepare Liquid Meals

Off-putting as it may sound, you will need to blend or process your solid foods such as meat, breads, fruits and vegetables. Servings of cooked meat can be pureed with a vegetable-based or meat-based broth (a gravy), or as part of a sauce that the meat would normally be served with (i.e., spaghetti sauce with meatballs). Vegetables and legumes with skins, such as corn and black beans, will need to be strained after pureeing, so that the skins don't wind up being caught between teeth that will be hard to reach with floss because your jaw is wired.

Liquid Meal Ideas

Physicians at Hamilton Health Sciences, an association of six hospitals based in Ontario, have planned a clear-cut example of what a liquid diet for one day would look like. A breakfast might consist of 8 oz. of 100 percent fruit juice, one serving of Cream of Wheat, one serving of yogurt that as been liquified with low-fat milk, and a cup of tea or coffee. Lunch could be a blended and liquified soup of meat, poultry or fish, pureed with cooked vegetables and broth. This main meal would be accompanied by a serving of low-fat milk, applesauce liquified with fruit juice, and tea or coffee.

For dinner, spaghetti and meatballs (with tomato sauce), could be pureed in a blender or food processor as your main meal. A side of vegetables can also be pureed, though pureeing leafy greens for a side salad may prove difficult unless the greens are pureed with a vegetable broth or vegetable juice. For a beverage to accompany your dinner, a serving of fruit juice blended with pieces of fresh or frozen fruit will help to satisfy your fruit and vegetable requirements.

Have small liquified snacks between meals, such as protein powder added to low-fat milk, a yogurt and fruit smoothie, or a serving of vegetable juice.

It is also important to remember to drink 48-64 oz. of water per day, add fiber supplements such as bran or flaxseed to fruit-puree beverages, and get some form of exercise every day while on a liquid-based diet. Not following these guidelines can result in constipation.

The Average Cost Of Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery is a costly procedure that is a result of having periodontal disease. Preventing periodontal disease is important in avoiding poor oral hygiene, and many complications in the future.

The Facts

Periodontal disease is a disease that affects the supportive tissue of the mouth. According to the American Dental Association there are two main stages of periodontal disease. These stages include gingivitis, the less severe stage, and periodontitis.

Symptoms

Although there are numerous signs and symptoms associated with periodontal disease it is possible to not realize you have the disease. According to Ada.org the following are symptoms of periodontal disease: gums that tend to bleed easily; gums that are enlarged, tender, and red in color; the pulling away of gums from teeth; constant bad breath or bad taste in the mouth; loose permanent teeth; a change in bite; or a change in the fitting of partial dentures.

Types of Surgery

There are three main ways to treat periodontal disease, according to Yourdentistryguide.com. These include tissue regeneration, which grafts bone for bone regrowth; pocket elimination surgery, which reduces the gap between the teeth and gums; and laser therapy, which is used to reduce pocket size.

Cost

Periopeak.com estimates the cost of a periodontal surgery per quadrant as being anywhere from $1,500 to $2,200, on average. This number however, does not take all of the factors into account. Periopeak.com notes that cost can change depending on the specific case, the dental professional performing the surgery, number of extractions, whether bone grafts are needed, how much material is used and the replacement of lost teeth. Yourdentistryguide.com estimates the cost of gum disease treatment from $500 to $10,000. Yourdentistryguide.com also lists technology used, location of dentist, insurance policies and treatment required as other factors that influence the cost of surgery.

Prevention

Prevention of periodontal disease is directly correlated to one's lifestyle. The ADA lists numerous risk factors that should be avoided to prevent the development of periodontal disease. These risk factors include the smoking or chewing of tobacco, certain types of medications, faulty filling, pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives. Other risks include diabetes, ill-fitting bridges and teeth that are not straight. The easiest way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. It is also important to visit a dental professional on a regular basis, and maintain a healthy diet.

Laser Surgery For Weight Loss

Weight-loss surgery has been available since the 1960s, but has become much more popular. Several laparoscopic options exist, and with guidance from a doctor, a patient can choose which is best for their particular situation. Like all surgery, there are risks, and it is important to understand those as well as the benefits. Not everyone is a candidate for laparoscopic gastric bypass, and deciding to have the surgery should happen only after you have tried other weight-loss options.

Current Options

As weight-loss surgery has become increasingly popular, the number of surgeries has risen. Obesity often is coupled with other health-threatening conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer and stroke.

Until recently, gastric bypass was most often performed for patients suffering extreme obesity. However, the far less intrusive form of laparoscopic surgery has become much more popular. This newer surgery is done with a series of small incisions and is thus much less intrusive than traditional gastric bypass. With this approach several inch-long incisions are made into the abdomen so that video equipped instruments allow doctors to observe the operation using TV monitors.

Side effects can include gallstones, hernias, and nutritional deficiencies, so patients must thoroughly consider whether this is the right option for them to lose weight.

Weight loss surgery can save lives endangered by severe obesity, as long as it is performed by qualified and experienced surgeons.

Kinds of Surgery

Several options exist, and each should be considered. A gastric sleeve reduction can be done to substantially reduce appetite. By removing one-third to three-fourths of the stomach, the patient is left with a tube-like effect resembling a sleeve.

Unlike the gastric bypass, no small bowel intestinal surgery is done, and the digestive tract stays intact, allowing for absorption of all nutrients from food.

Gastric bypass has been the most common surgery for weight loss and can now be done with a laparoscope. It creates a small upper stomach pouch restricting food intake to one or two ounces at a time, and bypasses most of the stomach and a small portion of the upper intestines. Since no stomach or intestine is removed during this surgery it can result in greatly improved patient recovery and far less chance of wound infection or hernia.

For the most intractable forms of obesity a new Adjustable Lap Band surgery is now available. It also limits appetite and like all weight loss surgery must be accompanied by a careful eating and exercise regime. For most people that requires working with a doctor or nutritionist on a a regular basis. This is considered an option when all else has failed. As a result many insurance companies require patients to run the gamut of weight-loss options before they consider the LAP-BAND procedure. Insurance companies may also require patients to document their dieting before approval for this surgery.

Patients who are either 80 pounds (women) or 100 pounds overweight (men) are considered the appropriate candidates for most kinds of weight-loss surgery.

Range of Results

The good news is that there is immediate reduction in appetite following surgery. First patients can take only liquids, proceed to soft foods, and finally to regular foods.

In the first six months after surgery, you will have to eat very small meals during the day since the stomach pouch has been greatly reduced. Patients can expect to lose 50 percent to 60 percent of the excess weight within about two years. A strict regime of diet and exercise can keep most of that weight off long-term.

Post surgical risks include leaking at one of the staple lines in the stomach. Normally this would be treated with antibiotics. Another risk is weakness in the incision resulting in a hernia. In some cases, emergency surgery could be required to repair these conditions.

Long-term Success

Following surgery, a clear diet program should be combined with exercise to maintain health and your weight loss. Your doctor will work with you to set up such a program.

There are many options without having to spend hours on gym machines.

Aerobic exercise, as well as engaging in strength, flexibility, and balance exercises, should be part of every program. Aerobic activities increase energy levels and are good for your heart, lungs, circulation, and muscles. Recommended aerobic exercises include walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, dancing and skating. The most important thing is to find something that you enjoy or can at least motivate yourself to do regularly. Many everyday tasks like gardening, vacuuming, washing the car, and mopping floors are also excellent flexibility exercises.

Getting Support

Increasingly patients who have gastric surgery are able to join support groups afterwards with others who share their experience. Often these are set up through a doctor's office. Having a group of peers to talk about the long-term issues for maintaining weight loss is an excellent way to follow-up your surgery. Such groups exist for many conditions and are usually very helpful as an ongoing network.

Will Insurance Pay For Obesity Surgery

Health insurance provides coverage for many types of surgeries including those for weight loss or obesity. Weight-loss or bariatric surgery can include procedures such as the insertion of a lap-band or a performing a gastric bypass (See Resources.). Each type of surgery typically has various types of requirements to be met before insurance will cover the costs. This is because insurance companies need to be convinced that weight-loss surgery is medically necessary before approving coverage.

Getting Approval

Multiple steps are necessary to gain approval for weight-loss surgery. On step is to make sure the "certificate of coverage" for a health insurance policy is fully understood. The certificate will include all types of procedures that are covered by the insurer. Another step is to keep detailed records for each doctor's visit when the visit is related to obesity. A referral from a primary-care physician to a surgeon or specialist will also be needed to start the authorization process.

Authorization

The process for approval for a weight-loss procedure such as gastric bypass and lap-band surgery can be a lengthy process. The purpose or "medical necessity" for the surgery needs to be verified before an insurer will authorize the procedure. This can include diseases such as diabetes that are the result of being obese. A surgeon needs to send the insurer a letter of verification that lists the reasons why weight-loss surgery is necessary. This process is known as pre-authorization and is usually required for elective procedures.

Lap-Bands

A lap-band procedure or surgery is one of the more popular procedures for weight loss related to obesity. An insurance company may have specific requirements that need to be met before the procedure will be covered. This includes a history of obesity of five years or more, records of diets that are medically supervised and documentation of previous weight-loss attempts. A psychological exam also may be necessary.

Costs

The costs of weight loss surgery can vary depending on the procedure. Most gastric-bypass and lap-band surgeries can cost between $15,000 and $25,000. These costs typically include hospital fees, the fee for the surgeon, anesthesia during the surgery, fees for any lab tests or x-rays that are necessary and other types of miscellaneous fees. Many surgeons that perform weight-loss procedures may have information available for various financing and payment plans.

Appeals

If an insurer denies a pre-authorization for weight-loss surgery for obesity, an appeal can be made to the insurer. During this process, an individual will need to contest each reason stated by an insurer for denying coverage for the procedure. An insurance advocate or an attorney may be helpful when appealing a claim denial.

Why You Shouldn'T Put Your Laptop Computer On Your Lap

A desk is generally the best place for a laptop computer.

In recent years, computer manufacturers have come to refer to laptop computers as "notebooks," perhaps to discourage customers from using laptops on their laps. Using a laptop on your lap for extended periods is generally unwise, because it can hamper the computer's ability to cool itself. It can also cause discomfort, soreness and potential long-term health problems.

Cooling

Many laptops have air intake vents on the bottom. If you use a laptop on your lap and are not careful, you could block your computer's intake vent and hamper the ability of the cooling system to bring cool air into the computer and expel hot air from the exhaust vent. If your laptop is unable to cool itself, it could overheat. This could lead to instability and long-term damage.

Discomfort

Modern computer components generate a great deal of heat while running, and manufacturers have to use a variety of tricks to keep hot components in thin laptops within the proper temperature ranges. One trick involves the laptop base, which is commonly made from aluminum. Because aluminum is a good conductor of heat, the base of the computer draws heat to the outside of the computer where it dissipates through convection. If you use a laptop on your lap, the heat may cause discomfort.

Posture

The basic design of a laptop encourages poor posture. Even if you use a laptop on a desk, you generally have to crane your neck down to see the screen. This problem is exacerbated when you use the laptop on your lap, which places the computer in a much lower position than any desk. Over time, this can lead to neck strain and soreness.

Male Reproductive Health

According to a 2010 article published by CBS News, evidence suggests that men who use laptops on their laps risk impaired fertility. A hot laptop can cause a man's testicles to become overly warm, which can reduce sperm quality and cause conception to be difficult.

The Fastest Way To Do A Split Without It Hurting

Get your splits down without the pain.

Whether you are a dancer, yoga student or just a fitness enthusiast, you can get your splits down without all the pain. You do not have to be a cheerleader to do your splits beautifully. Completing a side split or a center split takes a great deal of flexibility throughout your hips, groin and hamstrings. Loosening up these muscles with different stretches can help you reach your splits quickly, safely and without pain.

Instructions

1. Warm your body up. Before you begin to stretch, you must get your body warm with movement. A warm body helps you ease into your stretches and can prevent injury. Jog or walk to loosen up your muscles.

2. Lengthen your hamstrings. Your hamstrings are the muscles on the back of your thighs. Complete a forward fold. Stand with both your feet touching and let your upper body hang over your lower body. Try to touch your fingertips to your toes. Hold this pose for 30 seconds and then slowly return to standing. Complete this stretch two to three times.

3. Straddle the wall to stretch your groin. Find a wall in your house and place your legs up against the wall as you lie on your back. Try to bring your glutes close to the wall and slowly let your legs fall open. Let gravity pull your legs out to the sides, allowing them to slide down the wall, opening up your groin. Hold this position for two to three minutes.

4. Perform a butterfly stretch to open the hips. Sit with the soles of your feet together in front of you and your knees wide. Grab your ankles and use your elbows to push down on your knees. Lean forward with your waist and aim to get your knees to the floor. The American Council on Exercise suggests holding your stretch for 30 seconds and repeating it four times.

5. Stretch daily. Stretch in the mornings and the evenings, as well as before any exercise. Daily stretching helps to gain flexibility faster and allows your muscles to elongate more efficiently.

Why People Can'T Stop Smoking

The main cause of preventable disease and death is smoking. Smoking has a negative effect on every part of your body and causes several life-threatening diseases. It's one of the main causes of cancer, heart disease, stroke and emphysema. It increases the risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, ulcers, vascular disease and gum disease. Smoking causes people to age early, causes wirinkles, gives you bad breath, and makes your teeth yellow. Yet only 1 in 10 smokers can quit, and most smokers have to try quitting several times before they succeed.

Addiction

Nicotine in cigarettes is an addictive drug--as addictive as cocaine and heroin. Nicotine moves from your lungs to blood vessels to your brain seconds after you inhale, giving you all kinds of good feelings. Both a stimulant and a depressant, it increases your heart rate so you feel more alert, then makes you feel depressed and tired so you want another one to get your energy and good feelings back.

Habit

Smoking becomes a habit. Most people who smoke automatically reach for a cigarette after eating, drinking alcohol, while driving and as soon as they wake up. When someone else lights up, you usually join them. These situations along with certain places like bars and restaurants, called triggers, cause you to smoke without even thinking about it.

Heredity

Three separate teams of scientists discovered a gene that makes people more dependent on smoking and less likely to quit. The 2008 study on this discovery showed people with this gene are also more likely to get lung cancer. If you smoke and both your parents pass this gene on to you, there's nearly a 1 in 4 chance that you'll develop lung cancer.

Physical and Mental Effects

When you try to quit, physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal begin. You may have headaches, stomach aches, sore throat, dry mouth, depression and lack of energy. You can feel nervous, irritable and hungry all the time. You may cough a lot, become constipated, have difficulty concentrating, and have a hard time sleeping.

Type of Tobacco Smoked

A 2006 report in ScienceDaily showed smokers of menthol cigarettes were less likely to try to quit smoking than smokers of non-menthol cigarettes. Researchers measured the relationship between exposure to menthol cigarettes and quitting. Smokers of menthol cigarettes were twice as likely to relapse after quitting.

Why Is Sucking On A Wound A Bad Idea

It is second nature for some people to suck on a minor cut, scrape or scratch. And though we may not have the slightest idea why this is instinctual, we do it for one reason: We want to be healed.

Animal Instinct

Animal instincts

The idea of "licking one's wounds" comes from watching animals licking their wounds after surviving an attack. As civilized humans, however, we sometimes have better options for meeting our needs.

Bacteria

Bacteria

The human mouth contains bacteria that are harmless in the mouth but could infect a wound. When you put your mouth on a wound, you can usher all kinds of bacteria into your body.

Improper Healing

Although saliva contains nitric oxide, lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase, which are all effective in protecting cuts and scrapes from bacteria, it can hinder the body from healing properly and place a person's life at risk.

Improper Behavior

Depending on the setting, licking your wound may be considered rude and make others feel uncomfortable, especially if you are licking someone else's wound.

Fatal Infection

If a person suffering from an existing health condition such as diabetes sucks on a wound, he could infect himself and have to have a limb amputated.

Medicare Approval Process

The Medicare approval process entails a determination of eligibility and paperwork.

Medicare is extremely discounted health insurance for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient, nursing, hospice and home-health services. Medicare Part B service helps pay for necessary doctor care for potentially harmful illnesses. Most people with Medicare Part A do not pay a monthly premium because, if they were employed in the United States before retirement, they paid Medicare tax. Medicare Part B requires a standard, affordable monthly rate. The approval process for Medicare requires a series of eligibility assessment and enrollment procedures.

Eligibility

In general, a person is eligible for Medicare if he or his spouse has worked for at least a decade in a position covered by Medicare, and he is 65 years or older. If a person is younger than 65 but has certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease, she is eligible to begin the Medicare enrollment process. Another eligibility standard includes people who receive or are eligible for Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board benefits.

Immediate Enrollment

When you turn 65, you have until the following March 31 to sign up for enrollment. This can be done by visiting your local Social Security office or calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you visit an office, an agent will give you the necessary documents to fill out; if you call an office, an agent will mail you the necessary documents. Additionally, you can apply online.

Late Enrollment

If you miss the March 31 deadline when you turn 65 years old, you may still enroll in Medicare. However, you must wait until the following January 1 to sign up. January 1 to March 31 of each year is called the General Enrollment Period, and anyone 65 years or older, or people with a disability, may enroll during this time.

Stipulations

When you enroll in Medicare Part B, you are eligible for the standard rate available for the year you enroll. However, for every year you are eligible and don't enroll, the premium increases 10 percent. If you finally do enroll in Medicare, you must continue to pay 10 percent for every year you didn't utilize the service.

Why Is Drinking Water Important

Why Is Drinking Water Important?

Fatigued? Muscle pain? Weight gain? You may not be drinking enough water. Every living thing needs water to survive. The human body, which is made up of about 60 percent water, uses it to carry out basic bodily functions. Staying hydrated also helps people to look and feel good.

Function

Water is vital to every part of the body. Water in the blood helps to carry oxygen to the body's cells. Water also helps to digest food and rid the body of waste.

Warning

Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause headaches, back pain, fatigue and even muscle spasms. Drinking water helps to fight off these ailments.

Diet

Water is a healthy, zero-calorie appetite suppressant. Dietitians recommend downing a glass of water before giving in to a food craving. Studies show that water can help a person feel full and therefore eat fewer calories.

Beauty

Drinking water flushes out harmful toxins in the body to help give you a radiant, healthy glow.

Expert Insight

How much water a person should drink depends on his or her size, gender and activity level. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume about 13 cups of water a day and women consume about 9 cups a day.

Why Is Acacia Fiber Better For Dieting

Acacia fiber is good for a diet because like all fiber it works to keep you feeling satisfied. Also, some individuals have sensitive stomachs and find that psyllium fiber found in products like Metamucil can irritate their intestines, and that acacia is a good alternative. Acacia fiber is also especially good at maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, which is good for dieting. Acacia fiber has been used for centuries for food and medicinal uses. It is harvested from the sap of the Acacia senegal tree. It is very soluble in water and is a nutritious, good source of fiber.

Importance of Soluble Fiber

Acacia fiber is rich in soluble fiber which can help manage diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and it can also lower cholesterol, reduce risk of heart disease and minimize colon cancer risks. Soluble fiber also slows the absorption of fats and carbohydrates into the bloodstream. The slowed absorption improves glycemic (blood sugar/insulin) control, regulates blood pressure and helps prevent the formation of free radicals which cause cancer and aging.

Less Bloating With Acacia

Acacia fiber stimulates the development of good gut flora (bacteria) and less than 15 grams per day will not cause the same gastro-intestinal symptoms that other soluble fiber supplements do. Some of the problems associated with other fiber supplements are gas, cramps and bloating. It is also important to take enough water with any fiber or this can lead to intestinal discomfort as well.

Weight Loss and Diabetes

Acacia fiber is good for weight loss and diabetes. Fiber helps delay the absorption of a meal and stabilize blood sugar levels. It also triggers a fullness hormone, CCK, that signals your body to stop eating because it is full. Research has also shown that fiber helps block the absorption of calories by eliminating food without it being broken down.

Forms of Acacia Fiber

Acacia fiber is available in powder or pill form and in foods such as breakfast bars. The pill can be taken with water and the powder can be dissolved in water or juice or can be incorporated into recipes. Acacia powder can be added to yogurt, cereal, soups, sandwiches, casseroles, baked goods and many other foods.

Why Humans Lose Body Hair

Why Humans Lose Body Hair

Body hair can be called terminal hair, or androgenic hair. This hair develops at the onset of puberty. The growth rate of body hair depends on individual hormone levels and the sensitivity of each hair follicle to these hormones. Does this Spark an idea?

Surgery

Major surgery can cause hair loss as long as four months after the event. This hair loss is generally temporary and is caused by the stress of the surgery, FamilyDoctor.org states.

Hormones

According to the Mayo Clinic, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland may cause androgen or estrogen hormone imbalances that lead to the loss of body hair.

Pregnancy

Because of hormone fluctuations, many women experience hair loss several months after giving birth. Hair growth generally returns to normal once the mother's hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels.

Medication

Some blood-thinners, birth control pills, antidepressants and other medications can cause hair loss. In these cases, body hair grows back when you stop taking the medicine.

Infection or Disease

Fungal infections, lupus, diabetes and other illnesses can cause hair loss. Some infections are easily treated. See a doctor if you suspect illness is the cause of body hair loss.

Medical Treatments

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can cause hair loss as soon as 10 to 14 days after beginning treatment, and can continue until up to a month after treatment ends. Hair that falls out grows back within six months to a year after treatment has ended, according to MayoClinic.com.

Jaw Wiring And Weight Loss

Many people have taken drastic methods in order to lose weight. By wiring your jaw closed, you are invariably forcing yourself to adhere to a liquid diet, which ultimately will allow you to lose weight. Jaw wiring is a simple dental procedure and if you are morbidly obese, your doctor may recommend it as an alternative to gastric bypass or lap band surgery.

Procedure

Jaw wiring is performed by an oral surgeon or orthodontist. It is noninvasive and no anesthesia is needed, since the jaw and teeth remain in a fixed position via bonding. Brackets are bonded to the upper and lower teeth and a thin wire is used to connect the brackets in order to keep the jaw in position. The brackets and wire are arranged in order to keep your lower jaw semi-closed and in a resting position, which allows for moderate movement allowing you to speak clearly, yet preventing you from chewing solid food.

Significance

Wiring the jaw for the treatment of obesity was popular in the 1970s and '80s, and now seems to have been replaced as a popular weight loss method by gastric bypass and lap band surgery. However, jaw wiring is still an effective approach to weight reduction. The goal of jaw wiring is to inhibit the intake of solid foods, dramatically decreasing the amount of calories you will consume. By wiring the jaw, you are unable to chew and essentially getting all of your nutrients from a liquid diet.

Effects

According to Ted Rothstein, DDS, PhD, jaw wiring is a safe and relatively simple approach to weight loss. Dr. Rothstein states that the health dangers associated with gastric bypass are not present with jaw wiring since it is a non-surgical procedure. To achieve the maximum weight loss benefits from jaw wiring, Dr. Rothstein recommends you limit the amount of high caloric beverages such as milk shakes and sports drinks.

Considerations

According to a study done in the British Medical Journal, jaw wiring is an effective treatment for weight loss since it restricts the intake of food. However, once the wires are removed, weight is typically regained. In order to maintain weight loss, it is recommended that you determine the causes of why you overeat. After the wires are removed and you begin to eat solid food again, you need to adhere to proper diet and nutrition in order to keep the weight off.

Warning

Check with your doctor prior to having your jaw wired to see if you are a suitable candidate for this method of weight loss. You should not have this procedure done if you have preexisting health conditions that include: a history of jaw disorders; a history of bulimia or anorexia; health issues that might be affected by a prolonged liquid diet.

Why Do The Wisdom Teeth Need To Come Out

Leaving wisdom teeth in the mouth may cause disruptions in orthodontic work.

For many people, having wisdom teeth extracted is one of the rites of passage into adulthood. While the practice of removing wisdom teeth is routine in many cultures, the question may arise as to why teeth that naturally grow in everyone's mouths need to be removed. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, but there are sometimes reasons for removing wisdom teeth.

Space

The primary reason for the removal of wisdom teeth is the lack of space in the mouth. Human jaws have evolved so that they are slightly shorter than they were many years ago, so there is not room for this last set of molars in many people's jaws, according to Academy of General Dentistry spokesman Eric Curtis. From X-rays, the dentist may determine that there is not enough room for wisdom teeth to break through in the mouth, or may see that wisdom teeth erupting into the mouth will cause an overcrowding problem. In either case, the dentist will likely recommend the removal of wisdom teeth.

Impacted Teeth

Wisdom teeth have a propensity to becoming impacted, or turned so that they do not erupt from the gums as they should. Wisdom teeth can become covered with bone or gums. This condition can remain untreated, but failing to remove impacted wisdom teeth can lead to later problems. The common problems that arise from this condition are decay and infection. If infection reaches the blood system, it can cause serious problems.

Cleaning

Since wisdom teeth are so far back in the jaw, they are difficult to reach and nearly impossible for most people to see. Because of this, they do not get cleaned and flossed as well as other teeth do, and are at higher risk for decay and gum disease. Removing the teeth eliminates this risk.

Orthodontic Work

Many times wisdom teeth slow, disrupt or disturb orthodontic work. When wisdom teeth push through the gum or become impacted, they change the shape and fit of the teeth in the mouth, causing retainers not to fit and teeth to become misaligned. To prevent disturbing the orthodontic work that is usually completed before wisdom teeth appear between 17 and 25, dentists may remove the teeth.

Is It Safe To Get Pregnant If You Have Back Pain

Some back injuries may be unsafe with pregnancy.

Depending on the source of the back pain, getting pregnant when you have back pain can be extremely dangerous. However, if the injuries are well-managed or not severe, pregnancy is an option and symptoms can be managed.

Injuries

Women with chronic back pain may have increased symptoms in pregnancy. For women with spinal cord injuries, pregnancy can damage the spinal cord further.

Increased Symptoms

Pregnancy can worsen back pain because of the pressure the fetus puts on the spine. Women who already have sciatic nerve pain often feel more pain once the fetus begins to gain weight. General backaches can become increasingly more painful as the ligaments loosen and the pressure increases.

Risks

Depending on the type and degree of injury, women with spinal cord injuries who get pregnant are putting themselves at risk of further injury, including paralysis. Pregnancy can also be dangerous for women with disc bulges; the pressure of pushing during delivery can rupture the disc.

Pain Relief

Pregnant women have options to ease general back pain that may have worsened with pregnancy, including ice, heat, braces and massage.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can provide pain relief. Chiropractic adjustments can keep the spine in alignment, before, during and after pregnancy.

Why Do People With Diabetes Lose Weight

Every day more and more people get diagnosed with diabetes. According to statistics reported in the documentary Food Inc., one in three people will be diagnosed with diabetes. There are many symptoms that are associated with diabetes including increased thirst, mental fatigue and rapid sudden weight loss.

The Types of Diabetes

Diabetes literally means and is characterized by excessive urine production. There are three common forms of diabetes, two of which are the most common. Diabetes Insipidus is the least common of the three. It is caused by a hormonal imbalance that causes the kidneys in the body to no longer conserve water, thus increasing the amount of urine, while diluting it.

Diabetes Mellitus is the more common form of diabetes, and has two forms. Type I diabetes, formerly known as Childhood Onset Diabetes, is believed to be an autoimmune disease, that is characterized by the body attacking and killing the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Type II diabetes, formerly known as Adult Onset Diabetes, is characterized by a body that no longer recognizes or responds to insulin. This ultimately leaves a lot of sugar in the bloodstream that eventually is removed from the body in the urine.

The Cause of Weight Loss

One of the symptoms of diabetes is sudden, rapid weight loss. All forms of diabetes are characterized by increased urine production. This increased urine production is the cause of the rapid weight loss. In the case of Diabetes Insipidus, the kidneys no longer reabsorb the water, and thus it leaves the body in the urine. In the case of Diabetes Mellitus (I and II), the body's inability to remove sugar from the blood stream (the function of insulin), causes it to build up to the point where the kidneys can no longer contain them, and sugar comes out in the urine. The problem with that is that sugar will carry with it water.

So in the case of all forms of diabetes, the weight loss is caused by an increase in water loss. Ultimately this method of weight loss if hard on the body, and can cause dehydration and further damage if left untreated.

Why Do People Who Have Pcos Gain Weight Faster

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, often is marked by significant weight gain or the inability to lose weight. If you or someone you know suffers from PCOS, it is important to know about weight gain and methods of losing weight.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance, or IR, is a condition in which the insulin response in the body is not high enough and the body is not capable of responding to insulin. This often causes a woman with PCOS to suffer from weight gain, especially around the midsection.

Weight Gain

PCOS and weight gain often are linked to cravings because the body is not capable of converting food to energy. When the blood sugar levels are too high, cells are unable to store the excess, which instead is stored as fat in the body. Your insulin resistance should be treated to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels, as well as reduce the level of testosterone in the body.

Type 2 Diabetes

Many women with PCOS are not properly diagnosed and therefore are not treated. Insulin resistance is one of the underlying causes of Type 2 diabetes. A woman with PCOS often will have other signs, such as high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol.

Diet

Low carbohydrate and low sugar diets can reduce the pressure put on the body; however, it is important to make sure your diet is not high in saturated fat. Space carbohydrates throughout the day and pay attention to the glycemic index of foods to avoid a rapid rise in blood sugar. Speak with your physician or a dietician about the range of calories you should consume each day.

Exercise

Exercising on a regular basis can help your body benefit by speeding up metabolism, burning calories, lowering blood pressure and improving insulin resistance. Speak with a doctor about starting an exercise regimen.

Why Do Life Insurance Companies Take Out Taxes On Death Benefits

If you just received a death benefit settlement from a life insurance company, you might be a little confused about taxes being taken out of it, or withheld. There is one very specific reason that an insurer would do this: if you are subject to special mandatory withholding by the IRS for unpaid or underpaid taxes for previous years. Otherwise, an insurance company won't withhold taxes from your death benefit.

Process

A life insurance company may be required to withhold money from a settlement it pays out to you if you owe back taxes or own a business and have underpaid your taxes. While life insurance benefits are generally tax-free, these extreme measures may be the only way for the IRS to collect on tax payments. The insurer may also be forced to give part of your money to the IRS if the IRS issued a federal tax lien and has started levy procedures for money that you owe. Generally, this would happen if you've been paid a death benefit claim, but have left the money with the insurance company and the IRS has issued a tax lien and levy on the death benefit held with the insurance company.

Significance

Life insurance is generally exempt from taxation, unless it is part of a qualified retirement plan, like a 412i retirement plan. In the case of a 412i plan, taxes are deducted from payments you receive from your employer since the plan is considered income to you. However, under normal circumstances, no taxes are withheld from a life insurance policy benefit payment.

Disadvantage

If you do have taxes withheld, there is normally not anything you can do about it. You'll have to contact the IRS to verify how much in back taxes you owe or whether a tax lien was placed on the policy, and get a copy of all IRS notices if you've lost the ones that were sent to you. In the end, you'll still have to pay your taxes and you'll lose whatever benefit was paid to the IRS for taxes.

Consideration

Even if you are subject to backup withholding, you might be able to recover some of the money if you are a business owner. Owning a business allows you to write off certain business expenses. Write off enough expenses, and your gross income is lowered. The lower your income, the lower your tax liability. In other words, if you write off enough in business expenses, you might get a refund for the amount -- or at least part of the amount -- that was withheld from you when the insurer paid the death benefit out to you.

Why Does My Iphone Not Connect With Os X

Typically, there are four reasons your iPhone does not connect with your computer.

One of the advantages of using an iPhone with Mac OS X is the simplicity: you plug in the phone, make any changes you want and remove it. If your computer refuses to recognize the phone, though, the Mac's simplicity becomes a liability. In these situations, the computer does not give you much guidance. Generally, your iPhone does not connect for one of four reasons: it needs recharging, your computer isn't configured properly, you need to restart your phone or computer or you need to reinstall iTunes.

Recharge Your iPhone

Sometimes your phone simply will not appear on the desktop. Other times, you get an "unknown error" message. One of the first things you should try is recharging your iPhone. Even though it draws current through the USB cable and starts to recharge, if your iPhone's battery charge is very low, it cannot communicate with your computer. To resolve this, leave it plugged into your computer until it is fully charged. To charge the iPhone more quickly, plug it into a wall outlet.

Computer Specifications

To use an iPhone on your Mac, your computer must be running Mac OS X version 10.5.8 or higher; you'll also need an available USB 2.0 port and the most recent version of iTunes. If your computer does not meet one or more of these requirements, you can resolve it by adding a USB 2.0 hub to give you additional ports or updating to the most recent version of iTunes or Mac OS X (which you might have to purchase).

Restarts

Sometimes restarting your computer or iPhone will let the devices communicate properly.

To restart your iPhone, hold down the "Sleep/Wake" button at the top of the phone for several seconds. A slider bar appears that tells you to "slide to power off." Slide it to deactivate your iPhone. Hold down the "Sleep/Wake" button to restart the iPhone.

To restart your Mac, click the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen. You can also press the power button and choose the "Restart" option. Select "Restart." A confirmation window opens. Click "Confirm" to restart.

Reinstalling iTunes

Your copy of iTunes may be corrupt. To fix it, you need to uninstall and then reinstall iTunes. To uninstall iTunes, navigate to Finder > Applications and drag the iTunes icon to the Trash Can. Restart your computer.

To reinstall iTunes, open the iTunes download page (see Resources). Click the "Download Now" button. A download dialog opens. Choose "Save." Select a save location from the Finder. Click "Select." iTunes will download. Open the folder that contains the file.

Double-click the iTunes.dmg file. The Install window opens. Drag the program icon to the "Applications" shortcut. This installs iTunes. Open iTunes.

Following these steps will usually fix the problem. If it does not, you may need to delete all the iTunes system files and reinstall it again.

Why Does A Person'S Hair Fall Out

Why Does a Person's Hair Fall Out?

Every day people find their hair on their pillows, the bathroom floor and in the tub after a shower. Yet they're not going bald. What makes one person's normal hair loss someone else's potential combover?

Normal Hair Loss

Everyone loses some hair every day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most hair loss is simply part of the normal hair cycle. Since you have about 100,000 hairs on your head, shedding 50 to 100 strands per day is nothing to worry about. Besides, after a hair falls out, a new one grows in its place, and the cycle begins again.

Pregnant women tend to shed less, resulting in thicker, more luxurious locks. However, this extra hair will fall out in the three months after they've given birth, which is normal as well.

Temporary Excessive Hair Loss

There are many different possible causes for excessive hair loss, whether temporary or permanent.

A cause of temporary hair loss may be alopecia areata, a disease that causes hair loss in quarter-sized patches on the scalp. Another is telogen effluvium, which occurs suddenly. When brushing or washing your hair, handfuls may come out, causing thinning, but not bald patches. Finally, traction alopecia may occur due to certain constrictive hairstyles, such as pigtails, braids or cornrows, or from tight rollers.

Permanent Excessive Hair Loss

Perhaps the most well-known cause of permanent hair loss is male-pattern baldness. But while for some men it doesn't begin until middle age, for some men it might start as early as their teens or 20s, and may lead to complete baldness.

With female-pattern baldness, women usually experience more limited hair loss-thinning at the front, sides or crown-and usually keep their hairline. Women rarely experience complete baldness.

For both male- and female-pattern baldness, heredity may play a key role. A history of this type of baldness on either side of the family increases your risk for it.

A more rare cause of excessive hair loss is cicatricial (scarring) alopecia, which occurs when inflammation damages and scars the hair follicle, causing permanent hair loss. The sufferer may experience itching or pain as well.

Treatments

There are a variety of treatments for excessive hair loss. Medications are available both over the counter and with a prescription. Minoxidil is available without a prescription, and comes in a liquid or foam form that's rubbed into the scalp twice daily.

Finasteride is a prescription medication that is taken daily in pill form. While approved by the Food & Drug Administration to treat male pattern baldness, it's not approved for women. Women of childbearing age especially shouldn't take this medication; pregnant woman shouldn't even handle the pills as absorption may cause birth defects. If you're thinking about taking Finasteride, definitely talk to your doctor first to see if it's right for you.

Other doctor-prescribed treatments include monthly cortisone injections into the scalp, corticosteroid pills and ointments and creams containing corticosteriods, though these tend to be less effective than injections.

Another way excessive hair loss may be treated is with surgery, such as hair transplants and scalp reduction. With a hair transplant, plugs of skin containing strands of hair are moved to bald sections. A scalp reduction decreases the area of bald skin on your head. Keep in mind these types of surgery can be both painful and expensive. Be sure to consult with your doctor before moving forward.

Alternatives

A far more cost-effective and painless alternative to surgery are wigs and hairpieces. While this may conjure up images of your Uncle Murray's bad toupee, nowadays high-quality and natural-looking hairpieces are widely available.

Many men choose not to treat or hide their baldness, including celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Patrick Stewart, Michael Jordan, Vin Diesel and Taye Diggs. For some, excessive hair loss is not only a fact of life they've accepted, but a fashion statement as well.

Unfortunately for women, near or complete baldness may not be as socially acceptable. Perhaps this will change in the future.

Weight Loss Tips For Women With Pcos

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in women where the hormones are off balance, creating irregular menstrual periods, unwanted hair growth, and insulin-resistance, making it difficult for women to lose weight. Fortunately, a healthy diet can help women with PCOS manage their symptoms as well as lose weight.

Meal Planning

Women with PCOS often have high insulin levels, which is why consuming a diet that emphasizes foods with a low glycemic index (GI) may help to enhance weight loss. Low-GI foods have less effect of an effect on blood sugar levels, allowing women to maintain normal levels. Foods that are high in carbohydrates rank high on the glycemic index, while vegetables such as artichokes and eggplant are considered low on the glycemic index.

The plan is to have no more than 40 percent of your daily intake come from carbohydrate food sources. Typically taking this action helps reduce insulin levels for women with PCOS, making them feel more energetic and potentially stimulating weight loss.

Low-GI Foods to Include

When creating your PCOS-friendly diet, aim for 5 to 6 small meals a day (200 to 300 calories) to keep your insulin levels balanced. Here are some examples of low-GI foods to choose from (keep in mind that a GI ranking below 55 is a low-GI food):

Breads

Multi-grain bread - 48 GI

Whole-grain bread - 50 GI

Cereals

All-Bran - 42 GI

Oatmeal (not instant) - 49 GI

Oat bran - 55 GI

Dairy

Low-fat yogurt - 14 GI

Chocolate milk - 24 GI

Skim milk - 32 GI

Fruits (this is just a small sample of low-GI fruits)

Cherries - 22 GI

Apples - 38 GI

Grapes - 46 GI

Pasta

Spaghetti - 27 GI

Fettucine - 32 GI

Vermicelli - 35 GI

Snacks

Peanuts - 15 GI

Peanut M & Ms - 32 GI

Snickers bar - 40 GI

Soups

Tomato - 38 GI

Lentil - 44 GI

Vegetables

Artichoke - 15 GI

Asparagus - 15 GI

Cauliflower - 15 GI

Foods to Avoid

Just as there are foods that will help women with PCOS to lose weight, there are some options that should be avoided due to a GI of higher than 70. These foods tend to be higher in fat and carbohydrates and include doughnuts, baguettes, cornflakes, millet flour, brown rice pasta, potato chips, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, jelly beans, pretzels, and broad beans.

These foods should be avoided due to their tendency to further spike insulin levels, making it even more difficult for women with PCOS to lose weight.

Add in Exercise

While diet is a big part of the weight-loss puzzle for women with PCOS, the benefits of exercise should not be neglected. Women should engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Choose from a variety of activities, and be sure to alternate between cardiovascular exercises and those that build muscle.

The following exercises may prove beneficial:

Cardiovascular - walking, aerobics classes, bicycling, using an elliptical machine, and hiking

Weight Training - exercises using the body's own weight, such as squats, push-ups, or tricep dips, lifting weights, or using resistance bands.

Who Qualifies For Food Stamps In Texas

The average SNAP household receives over $220 a month in benefits.

Have you been wondering if you might qualify for food stamps---now called SNAP (which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits)---in Texas? Stop by your local Health and Human Services Office (or Department of Social Services) to apply, or go online to fill out the eligibility estimator. It never hurts to find out, and you might be surprised by what you learn.

Do Only U.S. Citizens Qualify?

American citizens who are residents of Texas are eligible to apply for SNAP benefits, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made provisions for other people as well. For instance, an immigrant who receives disability insurance can apply, or an immigrant who has been in the country for at least five years. Children of immigrants are always eligible, regardless of the date of entry into the country. Certain non-citizens are eligible, too: refugees who were admitted into the country, American Indians who were born in Canada and members of the Hmong or Laotian tribes who fought with America during Vietnam. There are many more---check with your caseworker to find out if you qualify.

How Much Can I Earn?

The federal government sets a cap on how much a family can earn to qualify for food stamps, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Both gross amounts (before deductions) and net amounts (after deductions) matter, unless an elderly (60 or older is considered elderly) or disabled person lives in home. Gross income limits start at $1,174 for a family of one and increases by $500 as the family size expands. Net income limits start at $903 and goes up about $400 for each additional person.

What if I Have Savings?

You're still eligible to apply for SNAP even if you have $2,000 in cash, in the bank, or in stock, bonds or investments, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This amount goes up to $3,000 if someone elderly or handicapped. Your resources, including your home, lot and most retirement accounts are counted against you, and 39 states won't count your vehicle either. Another 11 states only count a vehicle's worth if you have more than one.

How Much Will I Get?

The bare minimum a family can qualify for is $14, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The maximums are much higher. A family with only one person in it can qualify for up to $200 a month in SNAP benefits, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The allotment amount increases by about $150 with each extra person in the family. Additionally, if you need food stamps right away, you can qualify for "expedited" benefits, meaning you can get benefits within seven days of applying.

Salary Of A Blood Bank Technologist

Blood bank technologists, also called immunohematology technologists, type and do routine testing of blood from donors to ensure patient safety. They separate blood into components for specialized uses and prepare blood for transfusions. Blood bank technologists supervise the collection of blood from donors and its storage and transport. Most blood bank technologists earn at least $47,000 per year.

Averages

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide salary figures for blood bank technologists in particular, but does for the broad category of clinical laboratory technologists. Their average salary as of May 2009 was $26.74 per hour, equaling $55,620 per year. CBSalary, a salary calculator affiliated with CareerBuilder.com, shows the average salary specifically for blood bank technologists as higher as of March 2011, at $59,098 to $59,361 per year. The middle 50 percent of blood bank technologists have salaries in the range of $47,013 to $78,712 per year.

High-Paying Areas

The highest-paying areas by state and district for clinical laboratory technologists, the BLS says, are California, Nevada, Alaska, Connecticut and the District of Columbia. CBSalary shows all these as high-paying specifically for blood bank technologists as well. The average yearly salary for blood bank technologists in Connecticut is $66,538, in the District of Columbia $66,713, in Alaska $67,108, in Nevada $70,459 and in California $78,282. Vermont does not rank in the top-paying states for this profession, but blood bank technologists there have average pay higher than the nationwide average, at $60,758 per year.

Other Areas

Many other states rank below the nationwide salary for blood bank technologists, but still place within the middle 50 percent range. Examples include Arizona, where blood bank technologists earn $51,940 per year on average, West Virginia at $52,822, Ohio at $54,735, Texas at $54,909, Missouri at $54,912, Florida at $55,949 and Wyoming at $58,826.

Job Openings

Blood bank technologists are needed to work in diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, medical centers, municipal blood banks, outpatient clinics and in civilian positions with the military, as illustrated by job listings at Indeed.com in 2011. Posted pay rates range from about $19.25 to $38.30 per hour, translating to about $40,000 to $79,700 per year.

Who Invented The Bandaid

It is said that all great inventions come about by seeing a need and filling it. Earl Dickson came upon a need for a small, convenient to use bandage, and filled that need. The result is the Band-Aid® Adhesive Bandage which is used around the world. Mr. Dickson's invention is so commonly used that the name, Band Aid, is used when someone means any adhesive bandage.

History

Earl Dickson worked for the company Johnson & Johnson. They produced large bandages made of cotton and gauze for hospitals and the military. Mr. Dickson's job at the time was to buy cotton for the company. This was in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Mr. Dickson and Josephine Frances Knight were married in 1917. It was the repeated cuts and burns that resulted from Mrs. Knight working in the kitchen that was the source of Earl Dickson's invention.

Invented

Mr. Dickson considered the large bandages of the time to be too big and difficult to work with as he helped Josephine with covering her wounds. Also, since the bandage wasn't made with an adhesive it was difficult for Mrs. Dickson to bandage herself. The process involved Mr. Dickson cutting off pieces of adhesive tape and cutting the cotton gauze to the size needed to create a bandage. Repeatedly following this routine, Mr. Dickson put together his ready to use band aids.

He took a length of Johnson & Johnson tape and laid it down on a table with the adhesive side up. Next he took Johnson & Johnson gauze and folded it to a width that formed a narrow pad and cut it into squares. These he placed on the adhesive with spaces in between each square. In order to keep the tape from sticking to itself he placed a width of crinoline material over gauze and tape. Then he rolled up the tape. This made it possible for Josephine to unroll what she needed, cut it off and apply it herself. Earl Dickson had made the ready-made bandage.

Considerations

After putting together his prototype, Mr. Dickson told another person he worked with about it. This person prompted him to tell the company's management about his invention.

The company wasn't that interested at first. Mr. Dickson then demonstrated the bandage's ease of application. Seeing how it worked created an interest.

Misconceptions

New developments can need adjustment. Johnson & Johnson had the first Band-Aid® Adhesive Bandage launch in 1920. Each was made by hand to the measurements of 18 inches long by three inches wide. Three thousand dollars worth of product were purchased by consumers the first year.

A marketing approach to increase the not so good sales included giving away free Band-Aids to Boy Scout troops. This created pervasive use.

Effects

Mr. Dickson's invention of the Band-Aid introduced the branding of a product that introduced a new term in language. From this beginning many other products have been developed.

Johnson & Johnson placed Mr. Dickson in a vice president position. He retired from this position in 1957.

Signs Of Morbid Obesity

Signs of Morbid Obesity

With a majority of Americans currently overweight, the number of people who are morbidly obese continues to grow. A person who is morbidly obese is at high risk for diseases including hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, coronary heart disease and other serious illnesses. Health care costs rise as the need to treat diseases related to obesity climbs.

Weight

If you weigh more than double your ideal body weight or are at least 100 pounds overweight, you are considered to be morbidly obese.

Body Mass Index

Morbid obesity is also defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 39. A normal BMI would be between 18.5 and 24.9. From 25 to 29.9 a person is considered to be overweight.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with morbid obesity include gaining an extreme amount of weight and the distribution throughout the body of excessive amounts of fatty tissue. More than one fourth of the American population is morbidly obese.

Health Problems

When a person is morbidly obese, he is likely to experience many health problems that are directly related to the weight gain. These include joint and bone problems, high cholesterol, hypertension, breathing problems, menstrual and pregnancy problems in women and skin problems.

Depression

People who are morbidly obese also frequently suffer from depression. Determining whether they are depressed because they are morbidly obese, or are so obese because they are depressed, is less important than treating the illness. Morbidly obese people who are depressed need treatment for both the physical and mental problems associated with being so heavy.

Which Is The Best Cleaner For Removing Soap Scum From Tile

Clean shower tile with dish soap.

Soap scum can develop on tiled areas typically in and around the shower, bathroom floor and kitchen floor. To keep the tile looking its best, you want to clean in a way that removes all of the soap scum residue without damaging the tile or grout. Does this Spark an idea?

Daily Cleaning

Daily cleaning can be done with a squeegee, cleaning rag or even cleaning mop for tiled floors. Wipe down surfaces after each use of the shower when possible to reduce buildup. If needed, add a few drops of dish soap to a damp cleaning rag and wipe down the tiled surfaces. Doing this on a daily basis greatly reduces soap scum buildup that accumulates on a regular basis.

Deeper Cleaning

Deeper cleaning can be completed on a weekly basis or as needed with a vinegar solution. Mix about 1 cup white vinegar with 1 quart water and add to a spray bottle or cleaning bucket. Spray the solution onto the shower tile or mop tile floors with this solution. Vinegar is slightly acidic and will cut through soap scum quickly without harming tile or grout. If needed, scrub down the tile with a nylon cleaning brush to remove tougher soap scum residue.

Cleaning Grout

Grout often is a lighter color than the tile and sometimes more difficult to clean. This makes it important to find a cleaning routine that specifically addresses the grouted areas. Mix a paste of about three parts baking soda to one part water. Dip an old toothbrush or nylon cleaning brush into the paste and scrub the grouted surfaces. Wipe the grout with a damp cleaning rag or mop to collect paste residue.

Things to Avoid

Never use a wire or metal scrub brush as this can greatly damage tiled surfaces and can also cut through grout. Always make sure you are using nylon scrubbing pads. Commercial cleaners are available but often contain chemicals that are unnecessary and not always effective.

Instruments Used In Nursing

Nurses use a variety of instruments in their job.

Nursing is a well-known and respected profession. Nurses are an integral part of any health care community and perform a wide variety of jobs and tasks. They assist doctors, perform routine exams, and help out in the emergency room. In order to do their jobs efficiently, nurses employ a variety of instruments used to treat patients.

Blood Pressure Monitor

One of the first diagnostic tests a nurse will perform is to take a patient's blood pressure reading. High blood pressure can indicate a variety of problems. Conversely, a normal blood pressure reading can help point a diagnosis away from certain conditions. A nurse attaches a cuff to the patient's arm, and then tightens it with a hand pump. The instrument then indicates the patient's blood pressure.

Stethoscope

Nurses use a stethoscope to listen to the internal organs and processes of the human body. Typically, a stethoscope has a chest piece that is sensitive to send, and then transfers the sound through hollow rubber tubes to the nurse's ears. A nurse can hear abnormal heart rhythms, lung wheezing, or arterial leaking.

Hemostat

For nurses who ply their trade in surgery rooms or the emergency room, an essential instrument is the hemostat. The hemostat, also called a hemostatic clamp, is used to stop bleeding, usually from an artery. This keeps blood away from the area the surgeon is attending. During complex surgeries, a nurse may have to utilize multiple hemostats.

Where Did Lap Band Surgery Originate From

Tipping the scales.

The Lap-Band System is used to restrict the quantity of food held in the stomach by the use of an adjustable gastric band. These bands are implanted laparoscopically to help those who need to lose significant amounts of weight.

Function

The Lap-Band System is inserted around the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach cavity, which limits the amount of food storage available. This silicone ring is filled with saline and helps control the amount of food passed between the pouch and stomach, causing patients to feel full more quickly.

History

A Swedish physician, Dr. Dag Hallberg, first applied for a patent on a Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band in 1985. The first adjustable silicone gastric band surgery was performed in June 1986 with public distribution in Europe beginning in 1990.

Geography

The first laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery was performed in September 1991 during a clinical trial program held in Huy, Belgium. In 1993, it began consumer distribution in Europe.

U.S. Distribution

The FDA-approved clinical trials on the Lap-Band System began in 1995 with U.S patients. t was later approved in June 2001 for the public. It is the first adjustable gastric band approved by the FDA for weight reduction.

Statistics

As of May 2009, more than 500,000 Lap-Band Systems have been dispersed worldwide to aid patients in the reduction of weight.

Considerations

Surgeons who utilize the Lap-Band System should have ample experience in bariatric surgery, be well-trained in the system and have superior laparoscopic skills.

Where Get Grant Money For Obesity

Resolving America's obesity epidemic is a major priority for government and private funders.

One out of every three children and more than two out of every three adults in the United States are overweight or obese. Federal and state governments, along with several nonprofit organizations and private foundations, have prioritized resolving this national crisis by funding obesity research, including trials designed to determine which interventions work the best. Grant seekers can also tap into existing grant programs to fund programs that help obese people have better access to healthy foods and recreational opportunities.

New Federal Government Grants

The National Institutes of Health's strategic plan for obesity research calls for the agency to support a wide variety of research, clinical trials, interventions and educational programs. The NIH has 27 individual institutes, and several of them have missions that focus on weight control and related diseases, including the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The NIH partners with other agencies, like the Centers for Disease Control, and private organizations, like the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research, or NCCOR, to fund studies. For example in 2010, the agency promised $72.5 million to study what works for youth at school and at home. According to the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity, federal agencies are making about $60 million available to community organizations starting in 2010. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports obesity prevention and screening services. The Department of Education is making more money available for physical education programs in schools.

Existing Federal Government Resources

Nonprofit organizations seeking grant money from the federal government can tap long-standing programs to support obesity-related efforts. The following agencies fund organizations that widen access to healthy foods in urban and rural regions, as well as create more play space and recreational facilities for Americans: the USDA's Farmers' Market Promotion Program, Specialty Crop Block Grants, Community Food Projects, Community Facilities Program, Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center, and Sustainable Communities Regional Planning grants; HHS' Community Economic Development Program; and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, Community Development Block Grant and Choice Neighborhood Initiative and HUD's Community Development Block Grant program and Department of Transportation Transportation Enhancement program. Contact each federal agency for additional details. Some grants require you go through a local agency to apply.

Nonprofit and Foundation Grants

NCCOR is one of many nonprofit organizations pooling funding for community-level obesity treatment programs. The Obesity Society funds scientific researchers and offers grants to learn the art of proposal writing as well as travel to obesity-related meetings. Other nonprofits and foundations that fund obesity research include the National Association for Sports and Physical Education, and the Robert Wood Johnson, Nemours, W.K. Kellogg, Wal-Mart, Obesity Prevention and the Jared foundations. Dozens of universities also support academic research, usually in the form of pilot and feasibility studies.

Corporations

Corporations contribute about 65 percent of all scientific research and development in the United States, reports "Discover" magazine. Corporations known to fund obesity-related projects include PepsiCo, Weight Watchers, Clorox, Heinz, NutriSystem, Wal-Mart, major sports leagues and numerous pharmaceutical companies.

When Should Dexedrine Be Prescribed

Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant medication originally developed by GlaxoSmithKline in the 1930s. Its generic name is dextroamphetamine sulfate and an extended-release formulation called Spansule is also available.

It is a schedule II (CII) drug and the Drug Enforcement Agency monitors all prescriptions and dispensing of the medication. Because of the medication's abuse and dependency potential.

Approved Uses

Dexedrine's approved uses are for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and well-established and proven narcolepsy.

Dexedrine's most common use is for the treatment of ADHD for individuals 3 and older. According to the DSM-IV or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an ADHD diagnosis implies the presence of hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment and were present before the age of 7.

As a stimulant, Dexedrine increases wakefulness and concentration, while decreasing impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. Generally, health care providers prescribe Dexedrine as a part of the overall ADHD treatment, which may include counseling or other therapies.

Addiction is a key safety concern of Dexedrine, as well as other amphetamine medications. Some other side effects include growth stunt or weight gain in children and sudden death in children and teenagers, especially those with heart defects. Dexedrine can also cause sudden death, heart attacks and strokes in adults.

Dexedrine is also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. A narcolepsy diagnosis includes suffering naturally from "irresistible attacks of refreshing sleep" for three months or more, cataplexy, hypnopompic hallucinations or sleep paralysis.

Off-label Uses

Healthcare providers prescribe Dexedrine off label for the treatment of depression and narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by sudden bouts of deep sleep and loss of muscle tone. Other symptoms of this condition include sleep paralysis and hallucinations.

Dexedrine is used to treat obesity because of its ability to suppress appetite and its ability to increase activity levels by stimulating the central nervous system. The medication is prescribed only in cases in which weight loss cannot be achieved by other means continued weight gain is life threatening. However, it should not be taken continuously for weight loss.

Dexedrine Studies

Dexedrine is currently being studied to determine whether it can increase stamina in physiotherapy patients, reduce fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation and improve depression in HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer patients.

In addition, this medication is also undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of refractory depression, treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder and cocaine dependence.

When Is The Right Time To Get Individual Health Insurance

People who are not covered by health insurance plans at work often need to search for coverage on the individual market. When you buy coverage is an important factor regarding eligibility and how high of a premium you'll pay.

Misconceptions

Some people may believe that it is nearly impossible to purchase affordable health insurance on the individual market. However, depending on your situation, you may obtain coverage from a private insurer or through membership in a professional association. Another option is to purchase a Health Savings Account (HSA), which combines a high-deductible major medical insurance policy with a savings vehicle similar to an IRA.

Considerations

The best time to get individual health insurance is when you're young and healthy. If you plan to make a career as a self-employed individual or a business owner, you should buy health insurance during the early stages of your career.

Warning

If you are female and planning to start a family, options for purchasing individual health insurance while pregnant are extremely limited. Many individual health insurance policies require a waiting period of at least nine months from the date of issue to cover any pregnancy-related conditions, if they cover them at all.

When Is Herbology Used

Herbolism (herbology or herbalism) is a major component in all traditional medicine systems.

"Herbal medicine (herbology or herbalism) is a major component in all traditional medicine systems and a common element in Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional Chinese medicine and Native American Indian medicine," says Healthy You Naturally. Herbology, which is basically the study of natural herbs and their medicinal properties, has existed for centuries. Unlike herbalism, which is often identified as the actual "practice" of combining and using herbs for medicinal intervention, herbology is relatively education-based. A person interested in becoming an herbalist must first study herbology.

It is not uncommon for persons to pursue alternative means and methods for treatment or healing when faced with economic challenges and ambiguous health care options. Herbology is therefore used to provide medical alternatives as an alternative treatment for various diseases, ailments and conditions.

History

The Egyptians studied herbs and used them in medicinal and religious functions as far back as 3500 B.C. The Chinese began the organized study of herbs in 2500 B.C. Written records in China have survived enumerating the uses of herbs that date from 100 B.C.," informs Plant Care. In addition to food preparation, natural spices and herbs have been a major medical staple as well. Common herbs such as basil, thyme, peppermint, rosemary and mint are a few of the many medicinal herbs used in herbology, when natural health care practices are sought.

Pros and Cons

According to the Article Doctor, "the advantages of herbal medicine are that they can treat the diseases where chemicals and other drugs have failed." Another advantage is its history. The use of herbal medicine can be historically traced to both Native American and Egyptian practices. However, [as of 2010] herbal medicine (herbology) is not yet government-certified as an exclusive cure for disease. Because of a lack of regulation, herbology remains lacking in quality control; thereby making it difficult to track long-term results.

"Various ingredients go into the preparation of herbal medicine. One has to be sure that none of the ingredients would cause allergic reactions. Many herbal remedies have negative side effects. Most of these side effects take months to appear," informs AD. Another potential disadvantage for herbal medicine (herbology) is the timeliness of its effect, as all herbal medicine "takes some time to act."

Bottom Line

Herbology is customarily used as an alternative to biomedicine or synthetic medicine. It is also pursued as a course requirement and prerequisite for those desiring to be certified and practicing herbalists or for personal use or education. According to Breyer State University, who offers herbology courses, " you can use herbs to care for your own health, your family's health, or start an herb consulting health career of your own, earning a living as an herbalist."

What You Need To Know About Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is the most commonly performed weight-loss procedure in the United States. In addition to inducing weight loss, the surgery is also effective in the elimination of many chronic illnesses.

Candidates

Gastric bypass is performed on people that have been obese for five years or longer. They must also be between the ages of 18 and 65.

Procedure

Gastric bypass surgery was implemented in the 1960s; it involves creating a new stomach pouch that is separate from the rest of the stomach. The new pouch is connected directly to the lower end of the small intestine.

Laparoscopic vs. Incision

Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery involves making small incisions to insert cameras and instruments to perform the surgery. During incision gastric bypass surgery, large incisions are made to the stomach to conduct the procedure.

Complications

Scarring, excess skin, vitamin and mineral deficiency; blocked bowels, dumping, vomiting, decreased muscle and blood clot are a few side effects caused by gastric bypass surgery.

Health Benefits

Gastric bypass has been shown to successfully reduce or eliminate type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, hypertension and heart disease.

Mortality

There is an .08 percent mortality rate. Mortality rates are influenced by the patient's overall health, level of obesity, age and the type of surgery that is performed.

What You Need To Apply For Medicaid

Medicaid pays for maternity care for low-income pregnant women.

Medicaid is a federally funded health care program that provides health care expense reimbursement to all eligible U.S. citizens and some qualifying non-U.S. residents. The program is regulated by the states, and applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to qualify for coverage. If you think you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage in your state, be prepared to provide your state's Medicaid office with personal information, including your annual income and an inventory of your assets.

Eligibility

Each state extends Medicaid coverage to certain elderly, low-income and disabled persons. Anyone over age 65 without Medicare coverage or Social Security income can file for Medicaid. Disabled U.S. citizens of any age with qualifying handicaps or diseases, such as blindness or paralysis, are eligible for benefits for the extent that the impairment keeps them from working. Additionally, low-income families with children and pregnant women can also file for medical benefits under Medicaid. Income requirements vary by state, but most low-income families and pregnant women with an income less than 100 percent of the federal poverty standard will qualify.

Personal Information

When you apply for Medicaid, you will need to provide your state's Medicaid office with all of your personal information. This includes your Social Security number, proof of citizenship via a voter's registration card or a birth certificate and proof of your state of residence. If you are applying for Medicaid because you are disabled, you must also supply the state with a copy of your medical records, including the names of your primary health care providers. The state will use this information to verify your disablement, and to make a decision on your benefits.

Finances

Low income pregnant women and families with children must provide financial information when applying for Medicaid. Not only will the state require proof of income, but you will also be asked to provide recent tax returns, bank statements, records of life and health insurance policies, prepaid burial contracts or cemetery lots and any investments such as stocks or bonds with cash value. If you have a safety deposit box, you must also provide an inventory of all items inside it at the time you apply.

Apply

To apply for Medicaid, contact your local state Medicaid office through the contact information available through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at CMS.gov. Many states offer an online or phone application process for convenience, though all allow you to apply in person. Applicants can expect to wait up to 45 days for a decision on coverage, and those applying for disability benefits could wait longer. However, states must fully process an application for disability Medicaid within 90 days of receiving the application.

What To Expect After Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

What to Expect After Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is done to fix tears in the abdominal muscle by using small incisions, a mesh patch and a camera to see inside the abdominal cavity. This type of hernia surgery offers a quicker recovery and less pain compared to traditional open surgery.

Recovery

It is typical for most people who undergo laparoscopic hernia surgery to be able to go home the same day. Recovery time takes about one to two weeks, and medication is prescribed for any pain issues.

Hernia

A hernia is a defective part of the abdominal wall where the abdominal muscles have weakened. The result is a bulge or tear and the abdomen lining is pushed through the weakened area.

Risks

Risks include bladder injury, scar tissue, nerve entrapment and hernia recurrence. As with any surgery, infection and reaction to anesthesia are a risk.

Contraindications

Laparoscopic hernia surgery may not be appropriate for those who can't undergo anesthesia, have bleeding or lung disorders or are pregnant or obese.

Considerations

Not having surgery to treat a hernia is not an option. The hernia will not go away without treatment. In fact, it will get bigger and require a more complex surgery to correct it.

What Vitamins Are Good For High Blood Pressure

Assorted Vitamins

High blood pressure is a serious cardiovascular disease that many people have. It can lead to stroke or death if not treated. Doctors usually prescribe medications including calcium channel blockers to treat the symptoms associated with high blood pressure. There are certain vitamins that can lower blood pressure naturally and may help individuals to reduce the amount of prescribed medication they take.

Vitamins

Some vitamins used to lower blood pressure are potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin C. Potassium not only helps blood pressure but may also reduce the risk of strokes and prevent kidney damage because it balances out electrolytes. Potassium works best with magnesium since patients who have high blood pressure often have magnesium deficiencies. Magnesium is responsible for protein breakdown, cellular functions and muscle relaxation, all of which help the heart to function properly. Calcium helps with the formation of bones, muscles, blood vessels and overall body functions. Vitamin C is essential because it has antioxidants and nitric oxide that help reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and lining of the muscles.

Other Vitamins

Other lesser known vitamins that may assist in reducing systolic and diastolic pressure are coenzyme Q10, niacin and selenium. Coenzyme Q10 is a natural substance our bodies make that assists in the function of blood cells, circulation and energy. Niacin opens the blood vessels and may reduce plaque in the arteries. Selenium has antioxidants and strengthens muscles, including those surrounding the heart.

Supplements

In addition to taking vitamins, nutritionists often recommend herbal supplements in conjunction with the vitamin therapy. Some of the herbal supplements are cayenne, rutin, hawthorn berry extract and garlic. These supplements assist in circulation, cell function and contain vitamin C and antioxidants. Since garlic can also thin the blood, it should only be used under doctor's supervision and shout not be taken before surgery.

Considerations

The best way to get these vitamins is through the foods that we eat including dairy products, fruits, leafy vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. Individuals who don't eat one or more of these food groups may be deficient in these vitamins and should consider taking vitamin supplements that are available from most health stores.

Keep in mind that vitamins cannot replace treatment for high blood pressure from a licensed physician. Check with your doctor before taking vitamins for any health condition to get the proper dosage and to ensure the vitamins do not interact with other medication.