When you get wrist pain, it can feel sad and frustrating. You start to worry about carpal tunnel syndrome. Will you need to wear a brace, or worse, get surgery? Luckily, there are some simple wrist exercises that can relieve your pain and your worries.

Muscle, bone and fascial restrictions.
Carpal tunnel symptoms develop from repetitive wrist movement, and keeping your hands in awkward positions. Over time, your forearm muscles become overworked. The bones in your hands and wrists shift positions. Your connective tissue, or fascia, becomes tight and restricted.

As these tissues change, they restrict blood-flow and nerve conduction. Your arms and wrists can get feelings of:

o muscle tension,
o sharp or shooting pains,
o dull aches or nagging soreness,
o numbness and tingling, and
o muscle weakness.

Movement and therapeutic exercises.
One common movement that causes these problems is wrist extension. Your arms are pointed down (toward a keyboard or desk, e.g.), while your hands stay lifted up. The angle of your wrist is compromised.

Holding your wrist in extension for long periods of time, like continuous workday hours without breaks, will quickly give you problems.

But if wrist extension is the root of your pain, then you can prevent these problems and give yourself immediate relief with a few exercises. These exercises will flex the wrists, giving your muscles the opposite workload and maintaining a balance.

Isometric resistance means you do not need weights, tubing, or any fitness equipment. Practice them throughout your day, as often as you need them.

1st Wrist Flexion exercise- Sit at a desk, stand by a countertop, or position yourself next to a flat surface. With your palm-side up and your wrist flat, press your fingertips against the under-side of the flat surface. Keep your fingers straight and flat so the focus is on the wrist. Press firmly against the surface. Hold for 10-20 seconds.

2nd Wrist Flexion exercise- Similar to the 1st exercise, find a flat surface where you can press on its under-side, like your desk, a countertop or a table. Instead of pressing your fingertips, you will press with the heels of your hands. Initiate the pressing from your palms, keeping your wrists straight or slightly-flexed. Again, hold for 10-20 seconds. You should feel this in your forearms more than the 1st exercise.

Feeling it.
You should feel these exercises in your forearm muscles and wrists. Check that your wrists and fingers are straight and flat. The intention of these exercises is wrist- and arm-strengthening, but not finger strength.

If you feel any sharp pains, reposition your arms and wrists so they are straight or slightly flexed. Avoid wrist extension, as described earlier in this article. If you still get pain while maintaining the proper position, try to use less force as you press up. Start gently and increase force as you practice.

If your wrist pain comes from work, then print this article and keep it handy during your workday so you can easily and properly follow these exercises for faster relief.

By Nina Schnipper

Anemia can be mild, moderate, or severe, and this condition can be caused by many different factors. In this condition your body does not have an adequate number of red blood cells present, and if the condition is severe it can lead to serious complications or even be fatal in some cases. Another cause is having the right number of red blood cells, but for some reason these cells do not contain adequate amounts of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein which is rich in iron, and this component is required so that oxygen from your lungs can be transported through the rest of your body in your bloodstream. Both of the factors that cause anemia mean that your tissues do not get enough oxygen rich blood to them, and organ or tissue damage can result. One cause of this problem is an injury which results in substantial blood loss, and over time the condition will go away as your body makes new red blood cells. If your condition is mild then you will probably not notice many symptoms, if any at all. You may notice some fatigue, because insufficient oxygen levels will sap your energy, and your skin may seem a little pale.

Moderate anemia may cause other symptoms, some of which can be dangerous and should be treated. You may experience extreme fatigue, where it may be impossible to perform normal daily tasks without requiring rests. Your skin may become extremely pale, and you may experience difficulty breathing or be short of breath without any exertion. Dizziness is another common sign, and so is a headache. You may have extremities which feel cold or go numb, and this means that your blood flow and oxygen levels in these tissues are affected. Chest pain can be a symptom as well, and this sign should always be evaluated by a medical professional immediately. In some cases a lack of oxygen or adequate blood flow can affect your heart tissue, causing damage and increasing your risk of a heart attack or other cardiac event. Unusual or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias can also occur, and these can be dangerous if not controlled.

Tissue and organ damage caused by severe anemia can be permanent, and may cause fatal complications. If left untreated or allowed to continue over longer time periods, this condition can cause damage to your heart, brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and other organs. Heart failure can occur because of extensive damage caused by a lack of oxygen, and brain damage can lead to permanent mental disability or even death in some cases. If you experience heart palpitations, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or any other problems that are serious you should go to the nearest Emergency Room for evaluation. These may be signs that your red blood cells or hemoglobin levels are dangerously low, and if left untreated you could suffer from serious medical complications or even death. Bloody bowel movements, weight loss, and a loss of appetite may also be signs of this condition, and they should be checked out as soon as possible.

By Caroline Hawthorn

If you don't know how to stop a stuffy nose, all you need to do is try some of the techniques below and you will surely find some relief.

Step 1: Keep your head elevated. When you're in bed, be sure to use more than one pillow so your head is raised. This is done so the mucus doesn't collect in your sinuses and allows your nose to dry. Standing or walking can also help clear your nose.

Step 2: Use a hair dryer. Turn on the hair dryer and breathe its hot air. The idea is similar to covering your face with hot towels. The hot air will dilute the mucus. This is similar to being in a sauna without increasing the temperature of your entire body.

Step 3: Purchase products like Tiger Balm containing high levels of menthol and camphor. Vicks VapoRub can also be used, but Tiger Balm is much better. Rub it gently on the nose area, chest and throat. Tiger Balm can cause the skin to become hot and red, but it's not dangerous. The steam rising from the menthol and camphor will warm the face and nose so that the respiratory tract becomes more relieved.

Step 4: Use a Nasal Spray. Spray works very well and will not go into your throat. Sprays can be found easily at grocery stores and drug stores. However, keep in mind that the use of many sprays is only a short term fix, because they are addictive.

Step 5: Use items that stimulate the olfactory. Squirt some essential oils, like peppermint, eucalyptus or rosemary on a handkerchief and breathe the smell. You can also spread peppermint oil on the part under your nose. The smell may sting but it will help to relieve your stuffy nose.

Step 6: Use vinegar mixed with hot water. Add vinegar into water, boil and then smell the fumes. Be careful with the sharp smell and stinging.

Step 7: Cough drops. This is just a reminder. Now days cough drops come in a wide range of flavors, so you're almost guaranteed to find some that you like.

Step 8: Massaging the bridge of your nose. Massage the area between your eyebrows and the bridge of your nose. This will help to break up the mucus. Repeat the massage as often as necessary.

Step 9: Chewing gum. Chewing gum, especially peppermint scented, will help relieve your nose. This activity can be done anywhere and without side effects. The only drawback is if you wear braces, this may not be for you.

Step 10: Open your vehicle's window. Open the window of your vehicle slightly when you drive. This may be less convenient than using the AC or heater, but you need to replace the air inside your vehicle which will provide fresh air for your nose.

By Christopher R. Taylor

Many changes in the body take place when a woman is pregnant such as hormonal as well as physical changes. There is also notable change to the skin during pregnancy due to a surge of hormones in the body. Many women develop skin blemishes, pigmentation, acne and itching during pregnancy. Usually these symptoms disappear after the delivery. During the first and second trimester many pregnant women suffer from dry skin which in turn causes the skin to itch.

Not only during pregnancy but after the deliver women tend to experience itching which is caused by postpartum hives or rashes. There are several reasons why a woman may develop itching during and after pregnancy. Some pregnant women may experience mild itching and others may experience sever itching which in turn causes stress. One of the most common causes of itching during pregnancy is high levels of estrogen. An increase in hormones can result in redness of the soles of the feet as well as the palms of the hands.

Once the mother has delivered the hormones return to normal and the itching disappears. As the baby starts growing in the mother's womb, the skin starts stretching and skin contains natural oil glands which in turn start to dry out which leads to the skin becoming itchy. In the final trimester many women start developing skin rashes which appear as large bumps referred to as pruritic urticaria papules and causes severe itching. This type of rash occurs on the abdominal region and can spread to the upper and lower parts of the body.

Another common ailment in pregnant women is vaginal itching resulting from an infection causing microbes. Another cause for vaginal itching is a drop in the pH levels. Some women also form a rare condition known as Pemphigoid gestationis which appears as blisters on the abdomen. These types of lesions resemble hives and this condition is indicative of complications related to the fetus such as the risk of premature labor as well as impaired fetal growth.

During pregnancy there are occasions where the bile duct fails to function properly and in turn lead to salts accumulating on the surface of the skin which causes itching. This can occur during the second or third trimester and is known as intrahepatic cholestasis. Other causes of itching during pregnancy are skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis and others. These types of disorders are inclined to flair when a woman is pregnant and usually reduced after delivery.

However, there are several remedies that can be used to relieve this discomforting condition. For instance avoid wearing clothes that are tight especially during the last stages of pregnancy as the skin needs to breathe and be free of excess moisture. If one suffers from dry skin then make sure you apply ample moisturizers to the skin to keep it moist. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep the skin well hydrated.

Being pregnant is a wonderful phase of any women's life, so don't allow itching during pregnancy to spoil this happy occasion. Even after moisturizing the skin or trying various remedies the skin is still itching, then consult with your doctor.

By Gerree McGonagal

Discover the incredible weight loss benefits of turmeric, how to best prepare them and how much you should eat to get maximum benefit from turmeric - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.

Turmeric, an herb used to spice many Middle Eastern and Asian recipes, is also known as curcumin. Powdered turmeric is made by grinding the curcurmin plant, a type of parsley. The deep yellow color of curry powder is attributed to turmeric.

Turmeric is a rhizome that is smaller than ginger. Its flavor is delicate and pleasing. Turmeric comes in a number of varieties and colors - from white to deep orange. It is the dark, orange color of curcumin that causes soups, stews, curries, and rice dishes to have a deep, yellow color. The flavor of turmeric is gingery, peppery, and earthy.

Saffron is more expensive that turmeric, so turmeric is often used in its place. You can find powdered turmeric for sale throughout the year at your local market. You can find fresh turmeric rhizomes in specialty Asian markets and sometimes in the grocery store.

Fat Burning Benefits of Turmeric

It is a healthy and powerful spice that helps to burn fat.

You will find dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, iron, and manganese in turmeric.

Both potassium and manganese are helpful in reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as well as regulating bodily fluids. Potassium aids in blood glucose metabolism and it helps the body to produce energy.

Hemoglobin contains iron. Hemoglobin is very important for carrying oxygen throughout the body via the bloodstream.

We need iron for the function and development of the brain, as well as to regulate body temperature, metabolize muscle activity, and protect the immune system, among other things.

The fiber in your diet will make stools bulkier to get rid of toxins quicker. When you eat foods that are high in fiber, you will feel full without overeating.

Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric. It is this that causes turmeric to be such a deep yellow color. This is also the ingredient that imparts health benefits.

In Ayurvedia Medicine and Chinese Medicine, turmeric has been traditionally used to treat the following: menstrual difficulties, toothaches, colic, chest pains, bruises and hemorrhage, blood in the urine, jaundice, and gas. Those are only a few of the conditions it helps treat.

What does turmeric contain that makes it so good for health?

Curcumin is the yellow orange pigment found in turmeric. An overwhelming number of studies have proven that this is the main anti-inflammatory agent found in this spice. As a matter of fact, the anti-inflammatory nature of curcumin, combined with curcumin's antioxidant and cancer-preventing qualities, is absolutely phenomenal.

Curcumin contains an anti-inflammatory property that can be compared to strong prescription medicines and readily available over-the-counter drugs. And it doesn't have any of the harmful side effects.

Researchers have reported that curcumin might be able to help in treating inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Curcumin contains antioxidants that can help in the metabolism of free radicals before they can harm the cells of the body. The harmful effects of free radicals is evident in such diseases as arthritis.

There are many suffering from arthritis who report relief of symptoms when they add turmeric frequently to their foods. This relief of symptoms may include the being able to walk further and longer without pain, a reduction in the severity and duration of morning stiffness, and reduced swelling of the joints.

According to a 2004 issue of Science, animal research indicated that curcumin might be capable of correcting the genetic defect that is mainly accountable for causing cystic fibrosis, a deadly disease of the lungs that is identified by thick mucus that triggers an extremely dangerous infection.

Mucus is damaging to the pancreas and also interrupts the body's digestive processes and the proper absorption of necessary nutrients.

Curcumin's antioxidant characteristics help the colon to ward off the harmful effects of free radicals, which are responsible for damaging the DNA composition found in cells; this damage can lead to cancer of the colon. Curcumin can actually destroy mutated cancer cells as well as preventing them from moving throughout the body.

Curcumin also improves liver function.

Frequent use of turmeric has been linked to a lower instance of the formation of tumors, as well as cancer of the colon, prostate, lung, and breast.

A study done at the University of Texas suggests that curcumin has the ability to slow down the growth of breast cancer cells found in mice, even when the mice had already contracted the disease.

Turmeric and Quercitin (an antioxidant found in onions) are both phytonutrients which, when combined in recipes, have demonstrated an ability to lessen precancerous lesions in the intestinal tract. There was a reported reduction in both the occurrence and size of these lesions.

Turmeric contains curcumin and phenethyl isothiocyanates, two phytochemicals that are plentiful in vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family (brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, kohlrabi, and kale), and these phytochemicals are very helpful in limiting the development of cancerous prostate cells in human beings. They can even help in preventing the spread of prostate cancer that has already become established in the body.

And even more than this, current research shows that eating foods with turmeric can decrease the chances of getting childhood leukemia.

Turmeric helps your body to increase detoxification, which leads to faster fat burning, as well as offering a general improvement in your health to its life-saving anti-oxidant properties.

Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, might be helpful in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol in the body, which helps to prevent the plaque build-up in arteries that often leads to heart attacks or strokes; it can also help in reducing symptoms of arteriosclerosis and heart conditions due to diabetes.

Turmeric is gaining support for its potential protection against Alzheimer's Disease, too.

Preparing Fresh Turmeric

It is difficult to find fresh turmeric, but you can find ground turmeric in many places. It is often found in the spice aisle at your grocery or super store. Look for this item in ethnic markets and spice stores. It may be possible to buy turmeric fresh. Naturally, it is preferable to get turmeric that is organically grown. Don't be swayed by the color - the color may differ because there are many turmeric varieties.

Fresh turmeric should be stored in a container with a tight seal. Store it somewhere cool and also free of dampness and direct light. Be sure to keep your fresh turmeric rhizomes refrigerated.

Take precautionary measures with this spice, because the dark yellow color can readily stain your hands or clothes.

The following are a few ideas for cooking with turmeric.

It has an intense taste, so take care to use sparingly. Turmeric is great in pasta, seafood, tomato dishes, egg salad, or just sprinkled over eggs.

Try turmeric mixed with sour cream as a sauce for shellfish. It is delicious.

You might discover that turmeric is frequently an ingredient in pickles and mustard.

Include some turmeric when you prepare dressing to pour on salads. The taste and appearance will both benefit from the bright yellow color.

You can use turmeric in relishes, marinades, and savory breads.

Try adding a bit of the spice to legumes such as lentils, or to some cooked winter squash; Thai cooks use turmeric extensively in appetizers, stir-fried dishes, curries, soups, and desserts.

You can spice your green tea with turmeric to enhance its cancer fighting properties.

You can try turmeric with tofu recipes.

You can sprinkle turmeric on a variety of dishes to add a cheerful burst of color and an array of healthy, fat burning benefits.

By Steve O'Connor