Sinus congestion and infections are common throughout the year and nearly everyone will have them at one point or another. Some people experience them so often the condition is considered chronic. Most people choose to treat chronic sinus infections with traditional methods, but some choose holistic treatments. What is the difference and is one better than the other?

If you’ve ever had a sinus infection, you know the symptoms: headache, facial pain and heaviness, low grade fever, fatigue, or stuffy ears. You may feel like your head weighs a ton and you’re miserable. You also want to find relief so you can get back to your life and feel better.

Doctors will often prescribe an antihistamine or decongestant if you see them for a sinus infection. These medications will help keep your sinus passages open; they also allow the congestion to drain.

Some people use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays, but using them for more than three days at a time can lead your sinuses to become dependent upon the spray to remain open. The possibility of becoming “addicted” to these sprays is so great that it would be best to talk with your doctor or nurse about using them at all.

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All about Throats and Tonsils

Throats and tonsils are very vulnerable to infection. The throat is the passage through which we take in air – either directly or through the nose. The air that we breathe contains many pollutants (e.g. cigarette smoke or environmental pollution) as well as viruses and bacteria that may infect us with the flu and other illnesses.

Throats may become swollen, red and painful when viruses like the common cold or flu attack throat tissue. A bacterial condition commonly called ‘strep throat’ (caused by streptococcus bacteria) can also result in extremely sore throat and infected throat tissue.

The throat also contains our tonsils, which are two sacs of lymphatic tissue situated at the back of the throat. Tonsils are extremely important in protecting the body against infection and help to guard against inhaled or ingested organisms. They also produce antibodies which help to fight against nose and throat infections. They may easily become infected, especially in childhood. Symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, bad smelling breath, fever, listlessness, flushed cheeks and a glassy eyed look.

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by Tess Thompson

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, you may have explored the option of treating him or her with a prescription stimulant drug like Adderall. Stimulants are commonly prescribed by doctors for children with ADHD because they have been found to be predominantly safe and effective in treating the symptoms of the condition. They do, however, carry a risk of side effects which can vary in intensity with each person.

Stimulants increase brain activity, which in turn can increase a child’s ability to pay attention, and Adderall is a popular child ADHD treatment — about 1 million U.S. children currently take it or its time-released sibling, Adderall XR. Many Adderall users report minor side effects such as loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, dizziness and headaches. Although less frequently reported, other side effects include irritability, nervousness, feelings of suspicion or paranoia and restlessness.

There are some serious side effects of Adderall that are reported rarely. The most alarming of these are Tourette’s Syndrome, hallucinations, high blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Any side effects, mild or severe, should be immediately reported to your child’s physician.

Continue reading " Recognizing the Risks And Side Effects of Adderall And the Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal "

I mean where they are, so I can get rid of this headache

Continue reading " Does Anyone Know What the Acupressure Points Are for a Headache? "

HEADACHE? EAT FISH – Eat plenty of fish. Fish oil helps prevent headaches. So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAY FEVER?! EAT YOGURT – Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season. Also eat honey from your local area daily.

PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA – Prevent build-up of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (Green tea is great for immune system)!

INSOMNIA (CAN ‘T SLEEP?) HONEY – Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS – Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (Years ago, people would place onion packs on the chest, helped respiratory ailments & made breathing better).

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH – Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils)

UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS & GINGER – Bananas settles an upset stomach. Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE – High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE – Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by manganese in pineapple.

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