What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in the surface of the earth. It contains strong fibres that have excellent durability, fire resistance and insulating properties. Asbestos fibres are 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair, can float in the air for a long time, can be invisible to the naked eye and can be breathed into the lungs. 

 In the past, asbestos was mined from the ground and manufactured into many different materials. Materials containing asbestos were very common in the Australian residential building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s before their production stopped.

The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned nationally since 31 December 2003. The ban does not apply to asbestos installed prior to this date (eg. asbestos materials in houses).

What is Life Insurance?

What is Life Insurance and a Life Insurance Company? Can a Life Insurance Company Help Me?

Find out below:

Life Insurance is insurance for you and your family's peace of mind. Life insurance is a policy that people buy from a life insurance company, which can be the basis of protection and financial stability after one's death. Its function is to help beneficiaries financially after the owner of the policy dies.

It can also be a form of savings in the long run if you purchase a plan, which offers the option of contributing regularly. Additionally, a little known function of life insurance is that it can be tied in with a person's pension plan. A person can make contributions to a pension that is funded by a life insurance company. These are considered private pension arrangements.

In addition, you should also make a list of what you feel needs to be protected in your family's way of life. With a life insurance policy in place, you can:

• provide security for your family
• protect your home mortgage
• take care of your estate planning needs
• look at other retirement savings/income vehicles

Learn more TODAY! Follow the links to the right and find the information you need to make a wise life insurance policy purchase!

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The Learning Center Main Intro
Life Insurance Wiz.com

What is Acne? What Causes Acne?

The word acne comes from the word acme meaning "the highest point", which comes from the Greek akme meaning "point" or "spot" - it was originally mispelt, with an 'n' rather than an 'm' in 1835.

Acne is a disease that involves the oil glands of the skin. It is not dangerous, but can leave skin scars. Your skin has pores (tiny holes) which connect to oil glands located under the skin. The glands are connected to the pores via follicles - small canals. Sebum, an oily liquid, is produced by these glands. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of your skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin. Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked.

In humans, when pimples appear they tend to do so on the patient's face, back, chest, shoulders and neck. Acne develops when follicles get blocked and infected.

Simply put - skin cells, sebum and hair can clump together into a plug, this plug gets infected with bacteria, resulting in a swelling. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down.

There are various types of pimples

• Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small.


• Blackheads - clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help.


• Papules - visible on the surface of the skin. They are small bumps, usually pink.


• Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top.


• Nobules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the skin.


• Cysts - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars.

How common is acne?

Dermatologists (skin specialists) say that approximately three-quarters of 11 to 30 year-olds will get acne at some time. Acne can affect people of all races and all ages. It most commonly affects adolescents and young adults. There are people in their fifties who still get acne. According to Brown University, USA, approximately 17 million Americans are estimated to have acne at any one time.

Although acne affects both men and women, young men suffer from acne for longer - probably because testosterone, which is present in higher quantities in young men, can make acne worse.

What causes acne?

Nobody is completely sure what causes acne. Experts believe the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels - androgen is a type of hormone. Androgen levels rise when a human becomes an adolescent. Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in your pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Some studies indicate that susceptibility to acne could also be genetic. Some medications which contain androgen and lithium may cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may cause acne in some susceptible people. Hormone changes during pregnancy may cause acne to either develop for the first time, or to recur.

Treatment of acne

How your acne is treated may depend on how severe and persistent it is.

Treating mild acne

The majority of people who get acne will develop mild acne. This can usually be treated with OTC (over-the-counter) medications. OTC medications can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. They are usually applied to the skin - topical medicines.

Most acne OTC products may contain the following active ingredients:

• Resorcinol - helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. It is a crystalline phenol and comes from various resins. Resorcinol is also used for treating dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.


• Benzoyl Peroxide - kills bacteria and slows down your glands' production of oil. Benzoyl peroxide is a white crystalline peroxide used in bleaching (flour or oils or fats) and as a catalyst for free radical reactions. It works as a peeling agent, accelerating skin turnover and clearing pores, which in turn reduces the bacterial count in the affected area.


• Salicylic Acid - helps break down blackheads and whiteheads, also reduces shedding of cells which line the follicles of the oil glands, effective in treating inflammation and swelling. Salicylic acid is a white crystalline substance which is also used as a fungicide, or in making aspirin or dyes or perfumes. It causes the epidermis to shed skin more easily, prevents pores from becoming blocked while at the same time allowing room for new cells to grow. It is commonly added to shampoos used for treating dandruff.


• Sulfur - helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Sulfur, in its native form, is a yellow crystalline solid. Sulfur has been used for centuries for treating acne, psoriasis and eczema. Scientists are not sure how sulfur works to help skin diseases. We do know that elemental sulfur does oxidize slowly to sulfurous acid which is a mild reducing and antibacterial agent.


• Retin-A - helps unplug blocked pores. Retin-A contains Tretinoin, an acid from of vitamin A, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Tretinoin is also used for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Retin-A has been used widely to combat aging of the skin, it also acts as a chemical peel.


• Azelaic Acid - strengthens cells that line the follicles, stops oil eruptions, reduces bacteria growth. It is a saturated dicarboxylic acid found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. Azelaic acid also mops up free radicals, which reduces inflammation. It is useful for patients with darker skin who have dark patches on their face (melasma), or whose acne spots leave persistent brown marks.

You can buy acne medications in the forms of gels, soaps, pads, creams and lotions. If your skin is sensitive you may prefer a cream or lotion. Gels, which are usually alcohol based and tend to dry the skin, are better for people with oily skin. OTC medications will have these ingredients in different concentrations. It is advisable to start with the lowest strengths. You may experience skin irritation, redness, and/or burning when you first try them. These side effects usually go away after continued use. If they don't you should see your doctor.

Treating more severe cases of acne

If your acne is more severe you should consider seeing a dermatologist - a skin specialist. The specialist may prescribe a treatment that contains some of the active ingredients mentioned above, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, as well as adabalene. Prescription medications for acne are presented in many forms, such as creams, lotions, etc. Your dermatologist will decide what is best for you.

You may be prescribed an oral or topical antibiotic. Antibiotics can combat the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Most commonly Erythromyocin and Tetracycline are prescribed as antibiotics for the treatment of acne.

• Treating a cyst with interlesional corticosteroid injection
  If an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed there is a high risk of rupturing. A rupturing acne cyst can often result in scarring. The specialist may inject a diluted corticosteroid to treat the inflamed cyst and to prevent scarring. The injection will lower the inflammation and speed up healing. The cyst will "melt" within a few days.


• Isotretinoin
  This is a strong oral retinoid, used for the treatment of severe cystic acne, as well as severe acne that has not responded to other medications and treatments.


• Oral antibiotics
  Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed for patients with severe acne and some patients with moderate acne too. The aim of such oral antibiotics is to lower the population of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium commonly found on the skin, which will multiply rapidly in blocked follicles. The dosage will be initially high, and then as the acne reduces so will the dosage. Antibiotics are not taken for more than six months. As time passes the P. acnes can become resistant to the antibiotic and another antibiotic is needed. Some American studies have indicated that it is better to use oral broad-spectrum antibiotics.


• Oral contraceptives
  The majority of women with acne find that taking certain oral contraceptives clears it up. Oral contraceptives suppress the overactive gland and are commonly used as long-term treatments for acne in women. If the woman has a blood-clotting disorder, smokes, has a history of migraines, or is over 35, she should not take this medication without checking with a gynecologist first.


• Topical antimicrobials (topical = applied to the skin or mucus membranes)
  As with oral antibiotics, the aim of topical antimicrobials for the treatment of acne is to reduce P. acnes populations. Topical antimicrobials are used for patients with moderate to severe acne. Examples may be clindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium sulfacetamide
  The dermatologist may prescribe a topical retinoid. Topical retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A and are very popular for the treatment of acne. They unclog the pores and prevent whiteheads and blackheads from developing. Examples of topical retinoids prescribed in the USA are adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin.



What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. It affects the thin, protective membrane surrounding the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity. An estimated 3,000 cases annually are diagnosed in the United States, and the majority of those are traced to an occupational exposure.

Although the use of asbestos has been reduced dramatically in recent decades, the incidence of mesothelioma has remained steady. It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos before obvious symptoms appear and a definitive diagnosis is made. While there still is no cure - and the prognosis is typically poor - significant progress has been made in recent years regarding treatment options and various alternative therapies.

How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma cancer develops after exposure to asbestos, which most often occurs in the workplace –in industrial settings, shipyards, auto repair shops, old houses, schools and public buildings. It takes long-term exposure to make someone at risk, but heavy, short-term asbestos exposure has been known to cause mesothelioma cancer.

Microscopic asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed. The human body has difficulty destroying or getting rid of these fibers. Over decades, the fibers cause biological changes that result in inflammation, scarring and genetic damage. The most susceptible area to these fibers is the lining of the lungs, called the pleura, although fibers also can become trapped in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Once fibers cause biological damage, the stage is set for a 20- to 50-year latency period for mesothelioma to develop.

Types and Symptoms

Pleural

develops in the
lining of the lungs

• coughing
• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing

• fatigue
• night sweats & fever
• shortness of breath

Pericardial

develops in the
lining of the heart

• coughing
• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing

• fatigue
• irregular heartbeat
• night sweats & fever

Peritoneal

develops in the
lining of the abdomen

• fatigue
• weight loss
• abdominal pain

• abdominal swelling
• nausea and vomiting
• constipation or diarrhea

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, representing about 75 percent of cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type, consisting of about 10 to 20 percent of cases. Approximately 1 percent of cases are of the pericardial variety. Another rare type known as testicular mesothelioma represents less than 1 percent of cases.

How Mesothelioma is Diagnosed

All patients have a unique path to a diagnosis, but the most important factors to an accurate diagnosis are imaging scans and biopsies. Doctors use several tests to diagnose mesothelioma. Most people initially undergo a basic chest X-ray to check for any abnormalities. If abnormal growth is detected, a doctor will recommend a more detailed imaging scan like a PET scan, CT scan or MRI. If mesothelioma is suspected, a biopsy will be recommended. In a biopsy, a tissue sample is collected to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells.

Blood tests for mesothelioma are also available, but they do not confirm the presence of mesothelioma. Research and development is underway to determine if mesothelioma blood tests can aid in early diagnosis for at-risk former asbestos workers.

Staging

There are at least five systems that doctors use for the staging of pleural mesothelioma. Older systems like those created by Drs. Butchart and Sugarbaker did not classify tumors with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) descriptors, so the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) developed the detailed IMIG staging system in 1995. This system is the most widely used staging system for mesothelioma.

Possible Areas Affected in Each IMIG Mesothelioma Stage

• 1. Parietal Pleura
• 2. Visceral Pleura

• 3. Lung Tissue
• 4. Diaphragm

• 5. Mediastinum
• 6. Lining of Heart

• 7. Lymph Nodes (on affected side of chest)
• 8. Lymph Nodes (on opposite side of chest)

Which structured settlement broker is right for me?

Often, in the case of a structured settlement, neither the beneficiary nor the defendant has a clear idea of the costs involved in the settlement. A structured settlement broker can help the parties involved to get a fair assessment of the costs based on calculations and projections. A broker provides information that acts as a platform for conducting negotiations.

The right structured settlement broker will execute several responsibilities such as a financial analysis for the plaintiff, derive the present value cost based on that analysis, interact with Medicaid and SSI if required, mediate during negotiations, and offer tax-planning advice to the plaintiff. A broker works with the plaintiff or his attorney and negotiates a suitable agreement. Alternately, the broker can be the middleman when an individual decides to sell a structured settlement.

Ideally, a broker should help an attorney in the negotiation process and provide financial inputs relevant to the fiduciary position that they enjoy. This helps the attorney to create a scenario that takes into consideration things such as medical expenses, present income, loss of wages, and debt. The broker is involved during the negotiation and in the post-negotiation process. It is not often that attorneys are experts in structured settlements and they have to take recourse to the services of a broker. Their combined knowledge is critical for building a powerful case for the plaintiff.

A structured settlement broker provides various payment options and explains the salient features of each to the plaintiff. With inputs from the broker and the attorney, a person can take a call on the most suitable payment structure for him. The services of a knowledgeable structured settlement broker are in demand because of the nature of a structured settlement; it cannot be renegotiated.

One should research structured settlement brokers before availing the services of any of them. Ideally, the broker should be registered with the Department of Justice, have a registration in at least one state in America and at the minimum with one insurance company. The broker should be insured against errors and omissions. A broker who fulfills the above criteria is going to be one with the required experience and a clean track record so that the individual can trust him with sensitive information. One should also shop around a little and look out for brokers who can do the job at low commission rates.

While selling a structured settlement, it is important to ensure that a broker does not have any kind of exclusive arrangement with a buyer as this may lead to a poor deal for a seller. Brokers normally have access to several buyers and can obtain quotes from them on the seller’s behalf. This helps the seller to get the best deal possible for his structured settlement. The brokers can arrange for the sale of a structured settlement in a manner convenient to the seller; one can make a part sale of the settlement or opt for a lump sum in exchange for the entire structured settlement.

What is Ultram?

ULTRAM®
(tramadol hydrochloride) Tablets 

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ULTRAM® (tramadol hydrochloride) tablets is a centrally acting analgesic. The chemical name for tramadol hydrochloride is (±)cis-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3methoxyphenyl) cyclohexanol hydrochloride tramadol. Its structural formula is:

The molecular weight of tramadol hydrochloride is 299.8. Tramadol hydrochloride is a white, bitter, crystalline and odorless powder. It is readily soluble in water and ethanol and has a pKa of 9.41. The n-octanol/water log partition coefficient (logP) is 1.35 at pH 7. ULTRAM® tablets contain 50 mg of tramadol hydrochloride and are white in color. Inactive ingredients in the tablet are pregelatinized corn starch, modified starch (corn), hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and carnauba wax.

What are the possible side effects of tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?

Tramadol Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tramadol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting;
• seizure (convulsions);
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; or
• shallow breathing, weak...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Ultram »

What are the precautions when taking tramadol hcl (Ultram)?

Before taking tramadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Tramadol Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (tramadol such as head injury, tumor, seizures), breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralytic ileus),...

13 Reasons Why You Need a Blog

Blogging: You're Missing Out!

So here you are. On the internet.

Are you online to make money? If yes, then you most definitely need a niche blog. Most definitely.

I have many blogs for many different things, and here are the top 13 reasons why you need to get a blog to compliment your money-making efforts.

Enjoy!

Your Niche Blog - The Productive Internet Marketer's Dream!

 

Your Niche Blog - (Your very own auto-promoting Niche Blog)

If you have a website and are looking for a way to get more visitors... If you have affiliate products you want to sell... If you have an MLM downline to build... If...

   

Reason #1: You Get to Earn AdSense Income!

You know those Google ads you see on some web pages - including this Squidoo lens at the top? Well, those ads have the ability to earn you money!

Having a blog that doesn't have Ads on it is like turning up to your Prom with no clothes on - it just doesn't make sense.

Signing up for AdSense is too easy. Then you just choose what size ad blocks you want your blog to display. When visitors land on your blog and click on an ad you'll hear "ka-ching" every time they do!

Reason #2: You Get to Call Yourself an Expert

What do you picture when I say: Coke, Nike, McDonald's, or Jack Sparrow?

You immediately saw:

A red and white can containing a cola drink
A swoosh on running shoes
Cheap hamburgers and golden arches
A goofy, quirky pirate of some popular Disney movie

For instance, when someone wants to learn something edgy about permission marketing, the image of a bald Seth Godin springs to mind. What do they do? They Google his name and stop by his blog to learn what his most recent insight is.

Here is where different is better because it helps you stand apart from the crowd. What are you known for? Add your personality or character to your blog and let it help you build a brand for yourself. Who hasn't heard of the Rich Jerk or Seth Godin? You have if you've been in Internet Marketing very long.

Reason #3: Google SEO Hearts Blogs

It's no secret to most of you that the way you get good ranking in the Google is to write fresh, original content on a regular basis. That goes for all types of sites.

Well, isn't that what blogs are best at? Write something newsy, thoughtful, controversial, or opinionated and you'll get noticed in the search engines more easily. This is the secret to having a profitable blog, too!

Reason #4: People Subscribe - an Audience to Pander to!

Blogs are easy to subscribe to - if your blog theme doesn't have RSS built-in, then it's easy to download the plug-in to make it work. Feedburner Feedsmith is one that comes to mind. Too technical for you? If you have a blog set up for you, then your blog will definitely come RSS-ready. RSS is used for many things besides subscriptions, so make sure your blog has an RSS feed!

With RSS your followers can get your regular posts sent to their favorite RSS reader or even sent directly to their email. Best of both worlds! Put your readers in your niche pipeline and make them remember you, love you, and buy from you.

Reason #5: You Can Automate Your Blog Posts If You Want To!

What's better than a static website? A self-posting blog! Did you know there's a super sneaky way you can queue up months of blog posts that post themselves for you - and then even bookmark themselves on the web?

You can write a 'Merry Christmas' message in January and set it to autopost in December... and completely forget about it! It'll be like having your own little robot employee.

It might make you feel like you're no longer needed on your blog, and maybe you won't be if you queue up enough posts - but it'll be a wonderful relief knowing your blog's left the nest and is able to care for itself - you raised it well - be proud!

Reason #6: You Don't Have to Be a Tech Genius to Update Your Blog

Once your blog is set up you won't need any outside help to keep it going!

Blogs are so newbie friendly, really. The typical Internet klutz can keep up with a blog and make changes without any headaches. You have the control like a webmaster without all of the head knowledge of a tech geek. Once set up, you can basically just fill in the blanks and press Publish!

Reason #7: You'll Enjoy More Sales from Your Blog

Make your own (or other people's) products available for sale on your blog. Do reviews of your favorites as they come to mind. Plug your own goods. Of course, you'll need to stick to stuff that's in your niche. Trying to sell dog training tips on an Internet Marketing blog just won't work!

Also, don't forget Amazon.com. If you have some all-time favorite, "can't do without" books, DVDs or whatever, tell your readers about it. Then you put in a nifty Amazon widget.

You can have many sales elements on your blog - banner ads and text links to your products or those you're an affiliate for is just one of many money-making methods you can employ on your blog.

Reason #8: You Win the Congeniality Award!

Your customers trust you more when you have a blog - they say you're committed, consistent, and reachable. Take a bow and smile - you're loved by your loyal fans and followers!

As you post consistently, you'll build a following of people who bookmark your site and return day after day to see what you've said that's new. Or, if they're not stubborn with technical tools, they'll subscribe to the RSS feed and have your blog words of wisdom come to them!

Have a contact area on your blog and allow your fans to reach you if they want to. And be committed to regular updates. Don't post daily for 3 weeks and disappear for 5 days without warning. You'll break their hearts!

The key is: be consistent. Post once a day, once a week, or once a month. Whatever. Just be consistent about it!

Hint: See reason number 5 above ;)

Reason #9: Backlinks from Your Blog Boost Your PageRank on Google!

Backlinks - ah yes, the key to ranking well in Google. So, make sure to refer to your main site, if applicable, throughout your blog. Don't overdo this because Google frowns on this if it's forced and too frequent. Just be natural, and you'll notice the difference.

Hint: You can also link to all your related Squidoo lenses too!

Reason #10: Blogs Offer Online Reputation Management

Now, here again you're creating a sort of storefront - a place where people can get to know you better. Suppose someone stumbled over your name or a product you sell on some other website and they want to know more about you before they buy.

Having a blog lets you address rumors, false information, and other nonsense floating around that was put out there by your competitors to try to tarnish your reputation.

It also lets you be a do-gooder! Helping people in public through your blog aids you in building a stellar reputation on the Internet.

There is nothing that will brand you quicker than a comment on your blog from someone gushing about how much you've helped them out!

Reason #11: Visitors Can Post Comments on Blog Posts

There's just something about a blog that says, "I am here - talk to me."

Your blog is a place for you to share your thoughts, ideas and opinions and others can talk back, even if they disagree with you.

When you get feedback or comments left on your site, it all contributes to your rank in Google. Did you know that 77% of active Internet users read blogs (according to 'Universal McCann', March 2008) - you don't want to be left behind!

Think of the exposure you're missing if you don't have a blog.

Also, (and this is a golden nugget for you entrepreneurial types) one of your best sources for ideas and how to best serve your customer can show up in feedback in your comments section. If they have a problem, you find a solution. Isn't that what we're here for - to solve someone else's pressing, if not desperate problem?

Reason #12: Blogs Deliver Traffic to Your Main Website!

Let's say your main site sells an eBook or software program. If you have a blog, you can talk about aspects of your product and you can feature some benefits of your product and then promote your main URL via a link to the sales page.

Stick the 3D image of the ecover in your sidebar and make sure you hyperlink it. Add banners between blog posts that take them to your main site. And hyperlink anchor text from your blog posts to your main domain to keep visitors on the slippery sales slope you've cleverly created.

Don't have your own product? Doesn't matter! You can promote other people's products as an affiliate and get up to 75% of the cash. Affiliate marketing and blogs are a match made in heaven!

Reason #13: Remember - Your Target Audience Is Reading Blogs

Who's reading blogs to gain information?

The question should be, "Who isn't?!"

Check out these stats of blog readers, according to Technorati:

50% are above 35
44% are parents
70% have college degrees
Four in ten have an annual household income of $75K+
One in four have an annual household income of $100K+

If these people are in your target audience, and they probably are, then you need a blog! It's hard to think of many niches where at least one of those statistics doesn't apply. The fact is, every gender from teenagers to Baby Boomers (and above), of every financial classification are reading blogs!

If you don't have a blog, then you're saying it's perfectly okay with you that your competition is stealing your rightful income.

17 Ways to Wake Up Feeling Fresh in the Morning

Okay so we know that waking up and doing things in the morning is the best way to achieve our goals in life. We can exercise, study, work, meditate, etc. much better than other times in the day. However, most of us feel pretty crap in the morning.

So what can we do about it? How can we wake up ready for work?

Ways to wake up feeling fresh in the morning

Here are some things you can do in the short term and the long term so that you will wake up fresh and energetic in the morning. I’ve divided them up into three sections; (1) the night before and (2) during the night and (3) the morning.

The Night Before

1. Avoid coffee, red wine and chocolate the night before
To wake up fresh you need to get a good sleep and one of the best ways to ruin a good sleep is to upset your gut. You really need to keep it happy during the night.

Coffee, red wine and chocolate have been scientifically shown to disturb your sleep more than any other food. They upset your intestines in such a way that you will wake up constantly or have a very light sleep that doesn’t re charge you at all. Try not to have these things after lunch time.

2. Go to bed happy with your partner
One of the best ways to get a terrible sleep is to go to bed before you solve a problem with your partner. In my relationship I never let the sun set on an argument, even if I have to compromise a little bit on my own ego.

Before you go to bed make sure your partner is happy (as much as you can) and make sure that you are happy with them. It is also one of the best things you can do for your relationship, let alone your sleep.

3. Meditate, pray and calm down before going to bed
Every night before I go to bed I do about 30 minutes to an hour of meditation. This is amazing as it allows you to throw out all the days worries and forget about the worries of tomorrow. The future cannot be changed while you are asleep and the past is gone so there is no point losing sleep over it! Let it go.

Meditate or pray or do whatever you do. Simply sitting there and watching your breath is a great way to prepare yourself for a nice deep sleep. 

4. Don’t eat dinner right before bed
A lot of people run home after work, cook up some dinner and then eat it and go to bed. This is a bad idea. The process of digestion takes a while and you do not want to be laying down right after you ate a big meal. Try and leave a few hours in between your bedtime and your dinner and see how you feel the next day.

5. Organize your room according to Feng Shui principles
I know a lot of you probably think that Feng Shui is a load of bull but just give me a second to convince you that it actually has some “western logic” behind it. 

For those of you who don’t know Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art of setting up your home in a way that balances the energies and vibes by putting furniture in certain “hot spots”. 

The bedroom is particularly important and I have found that since I arranged my room according to Feng Shui principles I have had a much more “rested” sleep. In particular the placement of your bed is important. Feng Shui tells us that you should sleep where you can see the door but not be in he direct path of the door opening. This helps us sleep with a sense of security. I can see the practical reason for this. 

6. Go to the toilet
Even if you do not need to go to the toilet before bed you should still have a go and squeeze out whatever you can. The reason for this is that the kidneys will continue to work during the night and by the morning your bladder will be nice and full. If your bladder fills up early you might feel the need to go during the night and this cuts out valuable time from your sleep.

You might think that sleeping is about the total time spent asleep but this is incorrect. It is important to stay asleep without breaking it because it takes some hours to get into the “zone” where you are truly at rest. A toilet break interrupts this zone.

During the Night

7. Not too hot, not too cold
Another sleep related tip: your sleep is greatly affected by the how hot or cold you are during the night. It is important to get a good balance as this keep your energies calm and stops them from spiking.

Try and find a balance between clothes and bed covers. For example, I like to sleep without any clothes but with a heavy blanket. This keeps my temperature pretty consistent. 

8. Keep the window open
One of the best things you can do for your health in general and your sleep in specific is to keep your window slightly open during the night. This has two benefits.

Firstly, the gap in the window will allow poisonous carbon dioxide to float away. The reason the human body breathes out is because carbon dioxide is poisonous. And during the night you take a heck of a lot of breaths and your room fills up with this gas. Let it out the window.

The second reason is that you need to allow new oxygen to float in. This might also help you regulate the temperature of the room.

9. Keep your sleep consistent
People think that you MUST have eight hours sleep to get enough.

Not true.

It is more important to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time everyday. Not everyone needs eight hours. In fact, if I get eight hours sleep I usually feel tired and groggy for the entire day. Six to seven hours is about right for me. 

Start by setting your bedtime at the same time each night. Forget what is on the television and just go to bed at say 11pm each night. After a while start setting your alarm for the same time each day; even on weekends. If you don’t start waking up fresher and happier each morning I will write you a personal apology. 

10. Cut out noise, it’s actually killing you!
I recently read in New Scientist Magazine that your life is actually being shortened by noise during the night. Yep, that’s right… that screaming police car or roaring traffic is actually killing you! The magazine said that the noise has an effect on your heart and waking up many times during the night puts your body under a lot of stress.

Try and keep your room quiet by wearing some earplugs. You can get earplugs that only cancel out certain sounds so that you can still hear your alarm or a baby monitor on your bedside table.

The Morning

11. Drink a glass of water
A cool glass of water on an empty stomach actually has a lot of health benefits as well as serving to wake you up. The water will kick start your metabolism and as such you will wake up faster and feel more alert. 

12. Exercise
When you are groggy in the morning and nice run in the fresh air can wake you up fast. However, the interesting thing is that when you exercise in the morning you will actually have more energy the NEXT day. The more you exercise the more energy you will have as you become fitter and healthier. 

If you need some tips to get up and exercise early check out this post on early morning exercise hacks. 

13. Don’t drink coffee… everyday
Science is now showing that our body becomes accustomed to the caffeine in our coffee and we have less of a reaction to it. This means that your daily cup of coffee is waking you up less and less every day that you drink it.

A better idea is to save the morning coffee for when you are really tired and need a little bit of help. Perhaps if you had to stay out late or get up extra early and you have disturbed your regular sleeping habit. This is the time to have a cup of coffee.

14. Breathe deeply
The first thing you should do in the morning is take some deep breaths into your stomach and concentrate on waking up. Imagine breathing in a bright white light that makes your body feel happy and light. 

15. Have something to be excited about
If you get up and go to a job you hate to work with a boss that drives you crazy you are not going to really enjoy waking up. However, if you have something you enjoy to go to you will be more likely to wake up happy knowing you have a bit of joy coming your way.

If you can’t leave your terrible boss then you should make time in the morning to do some sport or activity that makes you happy. Start your day with something happy and fun as opposed to starting it with work.

16. Get up straight away
When I was in the Himalayas a buddhist master told me that one of the best things you can do to wake up early and feel alert and fresh is to get up straight away. As soon as your alarm goes off you should get up without snoozing it over and over again.

He said to me half jokingly: “You have to get up before your self cherishing does”. 

17. Be grateful for not dying
The Buddha said that every time you go to bed you should consider that you won’t wake up. That way, when you wake up you will be especially grateful for the day you have ahead of you. Instead of seeing the day as a burden that you have to “get through” you will see it as an opportunity to do something meaningful and beneficial.

Why? Because you could die tonight.

When applied correctly this realization will bring you tremendous energy.

Conclusion on waking up freshly

Each of these tips works. I have tried it on myself and my friends. And the great thing is that the more of these tips you apply the fresher you will feel when you wake up. Try them yourself.

What is Fioricet?

What is Fioricet - Migraine and Headache Medication Uses and Instructions

Information provided by Ben Allan - Published: 2010-06-05

You've probably heard of Fioricet. It is a combination medication commonly used to treat tension headaches but doctors also recommend it for recurring migraines.

Acetaminophen is used to decrease the pain associated with muscular tension and caffeine increases the efficiency of the pain-killing effect.
The last constituent of Fioricet is butalbital, a powerful sedative having the property to reduce anxiety and induce relaxation. This barbiturate is also responsible for the sleepiness appearing after Fioricet intake.

Fioricet is available as tablets for oral administration, to be taken whole, by mouth, with or without food.
The recommended dosage is of 1-2 tablets every 4 hours or as the doctor prescribes. Fioricet treatments can cause nausea and this is why most patients prefer to take this medication without food. Talking to the doctor about the nausea problem could lead to finding out essential information on how to reduce this unwanted effect. In fact, he/she can prescribe antihistamines for the nausea but there is also the possibility of lying down one hour after taking the medication.

The dosage for Fioricet is adapted according to each patient and the medical condition.
Throughout the entire period of the treatment, the doctor will monitor constantly the progress of the patient and the general response to the administration of the drug. One of the side-effects caused by Fioricet is drowsiness. There are a lot of patients who report to the doctor complaining of day-time somnolence and in many cases the dosage of Fioricet is lowered. By going to the doctor, you can find out all there is to be known about Fioricet. You will be instructed to take it as soon as the first symptoms of tension headaches appear.

Fioricet is prescribed with extreme caution and medical specialists advise against using this medication for prolonged periods of time and in high doses.
It may cause dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms if the treatment is stopped of all a sudden. These symptoms are extremely varied, including flu-like symptoms with running nose and watery eyes.

At the same time, there are patients who experience more serious symptoms with abnormal behavior, mental confusion and seizures. The best thing to prevent withdrawal syndromes is to ask your doctor to reduce the dosage gradually. You can also ask about the addiction potential presented by Fioricet and you will certainly be informed that this medication should not be taken in larger quantities or more frequently than indicated.

Regular checkups are a must when you follow a treatment with Fioricet.
Talk to your doctor if you have started to use more than the usual dosage, if you notice the headaches to have become worse or if they appear often. Only a healthcare professional can decide if you need dosage adjustment or special tests performed in order to determine the cause of your headaches. Never try to solve these problems by yourself and do not believe the higher doses of this medication will do the trick.
In high doses, acetaminophen can do permanent damage to the liver and an overdose can even lead to death. The important thing to remember is that acetaminophen overdose symptoms take usually two days to appear. The condition is extremely urgent and must be treated immediately. The first two signs one should look for is yellowing of the skin and extreme nausea.

Nevertheless, Fioricet overdosing is a combination of all the symptoms caused by acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine.

Barbiturate overdosing is likely to cause mental confusion, comatose states, sever fatigue, hallucinations and dyspnea. The treatment must be applied urgently, as butalbital can affect the vital centers of the brain. As for caffeine, high doses can lead to seizures, excessive perspiration and severe diarrhea. You can certainly understand that Fioricet is not something you take without consulting your doctor.

Before taking the medication, it is for the best that you tell your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse, alcohol addiction or if you have ever suffered from respiratory disease. Depression, liver disease and porphyria should also be mentioned.

Porphyria is a severe metabolic disorder and butalbital is not recommended to be used in such cases.
Fioricet can also interact with certain types of medication, including blood thinners, benzodiazepines, narcotic pain medication and tricyclic antidepressants. Be sure to discuss all these aspects with your doctor.

Remember, butalbital has a powerful effect on the central nervous system and this effect might be enhanced if you take MAO inhibitors at the same time.

Citation: Disabled World News (2010-06-05) - Fioricet is a combination medication commonly used to treat tension headaches but doctors also recommend it for recurring migraines:

What isTramadol?

GENERIC NAME: tramadol

BRAND NAME: Ultram, Ultram ER

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Tramadol is a man-made (synthetic) analgesic (pain reliever). Its exact mechanism of action is unknown but similar morphine. Like morphine, tramadol binds to receptors in the brain (opioid receptors) that are important for transmitting the sensation of pain from throughout the body to. Tramadol, like other narcotics used for the treatment of pain, may be abused. Tramadol is not a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and does not have the increased risk of stomach ulceration and internal bleeding that can occur with NSAIDs. 

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes 

PREPARATIONS: Tablets (immediate release): 50 mg. Tablets (extended release): 100, 200, and 300 mg. 

STORAGE: Store at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F). Store in a sealed container. 

PRESCRIBED FOR: Tramadol is used in the management of moderate to moderately severe pain. Extended release tablets are used for moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults who require continuous treatment for an extended period. 

DOSING: The recommended dose of tramadol is 50-100 mg (immediate release tablets) every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. The maximum dose is 400 mg/day. To improve tolerance patients should be started at 25 mg/day, and doses may be increased by 25 mg every 3 days to reach 100 mg/day (25 mg 4 times daily). Thereafter, doses can be increased by 50 mg every 3 days to reach 200 mg day (50 mg 4 times daily). Tramadol may be taken with or without food.

Recommended dose for extended release tablets is 100 mg daily which may be increased by 100 mg every 5 days but not to exceed 300 mg /day. Extended release tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. 

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR , Equetro, Carbatrol) reduces the effect of tramadol by increasing its inactivation in the body. Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex) reduces the inactivation of tramadol, thereby increasing the concentration of tramadol by 50%-60%. Combining tramadol with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (for example, Parnate) or selective serotonin inhibitors ((SSRIs, for example, fluoxetine Prozac]) may result in severe side effects such as seizures or a condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tramadol may increase central nervous system and respiratory depression when combined with alcohol, anesthetics, narcotics, tranquilizers or sedative hypnotics. 

PREGNANCY: The safety of tramadol during pregnancy has not been established. 

NURSING MOTHERS: The safety of tramadol in nursing mothers has not been established.

SIDE EFFECTS: Tramadol is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually transient. Commonly reported side effects include nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and vomiting. Less commonly reported side effects include itching, sweating, dry mouth, diarrhea, rash, visual disturbances, and vertigo. Some patients who received tramadol have reported seizures. Abrupt withdrawal of tramadol may result in anxiety, sweating, insomnia, rigors, pain, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, and hallucinations.

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