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It is estimated that one in 10 people in the United States suffers from seasonal allergies.

With seasonal allergies come the coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and sometimes even a rash, what your doctor may call eczema. When many people discover a rash, they may do nothing and hope that it will go away on its own. And most do. When a rash occurs that is itchy, unsightly and maybe even painful and just won’t go away, it may be the time to visit a physician.

Having a rash can make you miserable. Troublesome itching can range from uncomfortable to unbearable, and in some cases, cause physical pain and psychological distress. Skin and scalp disorders that produce chronic rashes, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema), are known to have a significant impact on self-esteem and emotional well-being.

“Rashes, like psoriasis and eczema, can be difficult to live with and hard to manage,” says Linda Stein Gold, MD, Director of Dermatological Clinical Research for the Henry Ford Health System. “Topical corticosteroids may be effective in treating such conditions.”

Treatments have been typically lotions or creams that may be messy and inconvenient to use. Two treatments, Luxq (betamethasone valerate) Foam 0.12% and OLUX (clobetasol propionate) Foam 0.05% are topical corticosteroids that work by reducing the inflammatory responses in the skin. They are available in a unique foam vehicle which is easy to apply and can cover large areas of the skin.

“If you are suffering from a rash that would respond to a topical steroid, having an easy-to-use, fast-drying foam can make a difference. The foam absorbs quickly and leaves little residue, unlike heavy, sticky creams that can take a long time to dry and may leave stains on clothing or bedding” states Dr. Stein Gold.

Available by prescription only, Luxq is a mid-potency topical corticosteroid indicated for dermatoses of the scalp while OLUX is a super-potent topical corticosteroid indicated for short-term topical treatment of moderate to severe dermatoses of the scalp, and for short-term topical treatment of mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis of non-scalp regions.

If you suffer from a bothersome, persistent rash, consult with your dermatologist to see if these products might work for you.

Treatment with OLUX beyond two consecutive weeks is not recommended and the total dosage should not exceed 50 g per week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. OLUX is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

In clinical trials, the most common adverse events associated with the use of OLUX were burning, dryness and other reactions applicable at the application site. For Luxq in clinical trials, the most common adverse events were mild, transient burning, stinging or itching at the application site.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are fast growing disorders in the US that currently affects 10 to 15% of all school children. This figure is expected to double in the next 5 years. It is very sad to see so many young children on Ritalin in spite of the very serious long term possible side effects. There are many other drugs being prescribed to young children for hyperactivity and depression such as Dexadrine, Cylert, Desoxyn, Adderal and Mellaril. The possible side effects on some of these are frightening. One might get immediate results with taking these, but not without a price that will eventually have to be paid.

A growing number of parents and holistic doctors are turning to a more natural approach which include; special diet, supplements, herbs, homeopathics, counseling and of course the love and encouragement of their family, friends and teachers. They believe that medications merely mask the symptoms and do not address the true cause of the problem.

Many doctors, scientist and nutritionists believe that ADD and ADHD is a biologically based brain disorder rooted in a complex combination of nutritional deficiency, allergy and immune disorders that are compromised even more by vaccines, high sugar and refined carbohydrate diets, food additives such as artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives and caffeine. Environmental toxins are also culprits such as exposure to chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, toxic cleaning products, smoke etc.

Dr. Lendon H. Smith, a pediatrician, has been an advocate for childrens health and nutrition issues for over 30 years. He has authored and co-authored 15 books that warn how sugar, white flour, additives and junk food contribute to sickness, obesity, allergies, hyperactivity and learning disabilities. He is very well known and has appeared numerous times on the Phil Donahue Show and the Tonight Show. Dr Smith believes that mineral deficiencies play a major roll in ADD and ADHD, especially calcium and magnesium. Our top soil has become mineral deficient since composting is practically obsolete except with some organic farmers. Other supplements that are essential to those with ADD and ADHD are essential fatty acids which can be found in flax seed oil, borage oil and cold fish oils. These oils aid transmission of nerve impulses that are needed for normal brain function. An amino acid called gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) calms the body and has successfully been used (by young and old) in place of tranquilizers. Taurine is necessary for proper brain function and is being given to those with seizures and hyperactivity. Another amino acid, Tyrosine is known to naturally mimic the effects of Ritalin. Vitamin-B complex is helpful in relaxing the nervous system and improving mental function and concentration. Choline and Phosphatidyl Serine have been known to improve memory and focus. There are various supplements available in liquid and capsule form that contains many of the above mentioned nutrients. They are also suitable for adults for many children do not grow out of this condition and carry it over in their adult lives.

In addition to using supplements, it is important to cut out the heavily processed sugary and high carbohydrate foods and beverages that are loaded with petroleum based colors and preservatives. Forget about fried foods which are all that is available on childrens menusoh, except for the pizza and spaghetti. It is also important to completely eliminate artificial sweeteners, even the one that starts out as sugar.

How can our children focus and be well behaved while eating nutritionally depleted foods? The kids of today hardly have a chance to grow up healthy. Their immune systems are already shot, for most kids catch everything that comes along. If one is truly healthy, child or adult, they should be able to be in a room with sick people and never get sick.

Lets choose to eat what our creator put here for us and enjoy a greater quality of life.

This article, provided by Mike Comeau, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice.

Heat stroke is the condition that happens when the body creates or takes in more heat then it can let out. Generally this condition is due to excessive exposure to a heat that the body cannot tolerate. Our body is equipped with heat-regulating mechanisms, that are constantly trying to regulate the temperature of our body. When these mechanisms are over-worked for an extended period of time, they become unable to effectively regulate our temperature, which makes our body temperature climb uncontrollably. Although often overlooked, Heat stroke is a serioud medical emergency, and has to be looked after immediately.

Our body works hard to keep itself at an optimal temperature. The scale into the ‘danger zone’ begins at temperatures above 40 degrees celsius, that are life threatening. At 41 degrees celsius brain death starts. At 45 degrees celsius death is almost certain. Heat stroke can come on suddenly as our temperature regulating mechanism can simply become over-excercised and shut down.

There is several different signs that are body will give us if it is overheating, also known as heat stroke symptoms. The most common way for our body to release excess heat is through perspiration. This works as long as the body has a sufficient amount of water to perspirate. Once the body becomes dehydrated, it starts to look for other methods of losing heat. If it cannot find any, the temperature begins to climb rapidly.

under ‘normal operating conditions’ are body is able to maintain itself. Be smart about when and how you push your body and you will be able to reduce the risks of such conditions as heat stroke. Simple steps that you can take, like staying hydrated, avoiding over-exhaustion in hot temperatures, etc are all that it takes.

Many public buildings now operate loop hearing systems to help people with hearing loss, and by using hearing aids, communicate more effectively.

If a building has a hearing loop they will normally display a sign showing the hearing loop symbol. This symbol is an ear with a line struck diagonally through it.

When purchasing a hearing aid always ensure it has hearing loop functionality, with an induction pick up, if you wish to use the hearing aid in buildings with a hearing loop. A T usually symbols that the hearing aid has this function.

A hearing loop consists of an amplifier which is linked to the source of the sound, such as a microphone used by the clerk in a post office or bank.

The amplifier sends the signal as an electric current through the loop, which is then picked up by the individual hearing aid.

The hearing loop allows the users hearing aid to work very effectively and substantial reduces background noise, to deliver a much improved sound quality. The user can adjust the hearing aid as they would do normally to a suitable level of sound.

Using a hearing loop with a modern hearing aid is very simple and is designed to be as user friendly as possible.
When in a designated hearing loop area a user simply needs to turn the hearing aid to the T setting, to pick up the signal from the loop.

When using a hearing loop the user is also able to make adjustments on their hearing aid, to optimise the quality of sound, based on their own individual requirements.

The use of a hearing loop makes the importance of a good hearing aid even greater. If good hearing in public buildings is important then ensure you purchase a hearing aid with the loop functionality.