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Epilepsy is a fairly common condition that can cause repeated or prolonged seizures. These seizures can cause a number of different sensations, depending on the type of seizure that is involved and the severity of the epilepsy. It is important to note that not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy and that not all seizures will be repeated. Because of some negativity surrounding the term epilepsy, some doctors now prefer to use the more neutral term seizure disorder.

There are two main categories of seizures: partial or generalized. In a partial seizure, there is a focus and only a small part of the brain is affected, while in a general seizure, more of the brain is involved. A simple partial seizure may cause a change in consciousness but not a loss of consciousness. Complex partial seizures typically involve unconsciousness.

The most serious and severe type of seizure is the grand mal seizure, a generalized seizure that involves the motor systems in the brain and involves convulsions. The grand mal seizure is marked by a tonic phase (forceful contractions of the muscles) and a clonic phase (slow, jerking movements). In addition, there are less severe types of seizures, including the petit mal seizure, which is also called the absence seizure and may be dismissed simply as daydreaming unless the actual diagnosis is made.

Epilepsy may be related to another problem, including a head injury, a brain tumor, a brain infection or a stroke. However, less than half of the people who have been diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorder even know why they have it at all. It is important that the disorder be recognized and diagnosed so that treatment can be started – without proper care, the seizures will become progressively more frequent and may become more severe. The doctor will typically rule out other disorders and diseases before diagnosing epilepsy because in its mild or early stages it can mimic other disorders.

The Symptoms of Epilepsy:

– You may notice strange smells or sounds. You may also have double vision.

– You may lose control of your muscles

– You may fall, twitch or jerk.

– You may stare-off into space and be unaware of it.

– You may faint.

In most cases, epilepsy is treated with medication that is meant to reduce or control the seizures. Some of the medications can cause other side effects, so the doctor must experiment with different types and different dosages so that the right control with the fewest side effects can be found. There are other treatment options for seizure disorders, including a special diet, surgery which is meant to remove the damaged tissue in the brain and the implantation of a device which is called a vagus nerve stimulator. This sends signals in the neck to help control the seizures.

The Special Diet

The diet suggested by doctors is called the ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. In a ketogenic diet, the body does not burn carbohydrates for energy like it normally would, but burns fats instead. When the body burns these fats, it produces a carbon substance that is called ketones. In a seizure disorder, the ketones are thought to help suppress seizure activity. (Around 30% of the children who were put on the ketogenic diet have complete seizure control, while another 40% have enough control to continue with the diet).

The ketogenic diet is typically prescribed for a period of around two years and then carbs and other nutrients are gradually added back in. During the time spent on the diet, vitamins and minerals will have to be supplemented because the diet is deficient in a number of these nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin C. The diet has been criticized by a number of health groups because of the high fat content, however, there have not been any problems noted with heart disease or growth retardation for the children. Because childhood obesity is a major concern and there are so many children who have diabetes and other weight-related conditions, the possible benefits of the ketogenic diet must be weighed against its risks.

Other Dietary Considerations

Children and adults who have seizure disorders must try to avoid the artificial sugar called aspartame if it increases seizure activity. Aspartame does cause seizures in people with a metabolic disorder called phenylketonuria. This disorder does not allow the amino acid phenylalanine to be digested and used properly. (Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid which must be supplied by food and supplement sources. It is converted in the body to the non-essential amino acid tyrosine).

People with seizure disorders may also have some food sensitivities and food allergies that they should be aware of. In some cases, these foods may even trigger the seizure activity in the first place. Common foods that can trigger these reactions include dairy foods, including cheese, citrus fruits, wheat and food additives like tartrazine and benzoic acid. The level of food sensitivities can vary from person to person and the person can be eating these foods every day without knowing that they are sensitive to them. It is important to find out if there are food allergies that can trigger or have triggered seizure activity.

Protein supplements may be suggested in the ketogenic diet, however, supplements should only be started at the advice of a doctor. It is important to find the right supplement, especially if there are food sensitivities or other issues as well. Whey protein, for instance, may be difficult to digest if there is any problem with lactose intolerance. Soy or rice protein may be better suggestions in this case; rice protein is considered to be hypoallergenic and may be the best solution. Egg protein may be acceptable as a supplement as well. Protein bars may be suggested, however, the ingredients should be read carefully so that they do not contain any of those that might be considered to be problematic for the person with seizure disorders.

Doctors also suggest supplementing vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that fights the damages of free radicals that may increase seizure activity by interfering with normal brain cell activity. Selenium is a mineral that is also beneficial in controlling seizures. Good food sources of selenium include mushrooms, broccoli, cabbage, fish, garlic, onions and whole grains. If lactose is not a problem, whey protein helps by supplying the enzyme glutathione, which is an antioxidant that is important for the immune system. Folic acid should be included because some of the medications that are used to treat seizures may deplete many of the B complex vitamins. Folic acid is the supplemental form of the naturally occurring folate.

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Source by Jim Duffy

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Why is my hair falling out? This was the question I kept asking myself when I noticed more and more hair in my brush and on the bathroom floor every day. I knew it was normal for everyone to shed some hair on a regular basis, but as time went by, I could no longer ignore my disappearing tresses. Even my hairdresser started commenting on how thin my hair was getting and how hard it was to style now.

Teasing only made things worse and soon, I had to resort to wearing a hair piece to cover the bare scalp areas that were now clearly visible. When my eyelashes and eyebrow hair fell out as well, I knew this was serious business…and I was only 68 years old. I decided to do some research and see if I could find some answers to the hair loss I was experiencing.

First, as so many of us do these days, I went to the Internet and looked up hair loss. I found that there could be several common medical explanations for this problem:

• Hormonal problems such as an imbalance of androgens and estrogens
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, discontinuation of birth control pills, the onset of menopause
• Some medications, including blood thinners and antidepressants
• Diet deficiencies and poor nutrition
• Physiological stress such as a high fever or prolonged illness, sudden or excessive weight loss, surgery, or metabolic disturbances
• Male pattern baldness in men

None of these conditions applied to me and did not explain the continued thinning of what was once, my thick head of hair. However, in researching further, I read with alarm that hair loss (alopecia) may occur as part of a serious underlying disease such as diabetes, lupus or hypothyroidism. I decided that the sensible thing to do was to seek professional medical attention. I consulted several physicians including a dermatologist, a neurologist and an endocrinologist, who ordered many tests to make sure I did not have any of these diseases. Although I was quite delighted that all these tests were negative, I was still left with the same question, why is my hair still falling out?

I became sick and tired of having a hair piece pinned into my hairdo every time I went to the hair salon. The pins gave me a head-ache and what’s worse, my social life suffered for I couldn’t take the chance that my hair would be touched.

Losing my hair had caused me a nightmare of embarrassment, loss of self-esteem, fear of intimacy and exposure and great expense. If I could not find a way to reverse my hair loss, I would soon need a full wig. I could not face a future like this. In desperation, I even tried the colored powder that’s sprinkled on the scalp to fill in the bare spots. This was messy, temporary, and didn’t fool anyone.

While I felt somewhat better that I had ruled out all the serious causes of hair loss, I decided that I had to find some way to stop my hair from falling out and I was determined to re-grow the full, healthy head of hair I had always been so proud of.

I decided to look into the other hair loss solutions on the market and started with the “grow hair” lotions, shampoos, hair vitamin pills, selenium supplements, etc., products they advertised in mail order catalogues. These were a total waste of time and money.

I knew there was available the more drastic option of hair transplant surgery but I decided that this was not a possible solution for me. I dismissed it for I didn’t want to suffer through the numerous, painful surgical sessions that were necessary and besides, I couldn’t afford the extravagant cost involved.

I moved on to the medicinal products. You’re probably aware of the expensive brand name products that are advertised so much. These included dandruff shampoos, scalp treatments and the most famous products whose ingredients are fairly similar, with one half of the liquid consisting of propylene glycol, one third was alcohol (both inactive ingredients), and the same 5% minoxidil. These topical solution products were not for me because you have to apply them to the scalp twice a day, and can’t miss a treatment. Some you roll on and some you rub in but no matter how you apply them, they spoil your hairdo and make your hair feel nasty. Some even come with their own disgusting smell.

I’m glad that I did my research and followed the sensible course of action. If you are suffering from hair loss, make sure you check the list of common medical causes with your doctor and have all the serious diseases that may be responsible, ruled out.

To this day, I do not have a definitive answer to the question of why my hair was falling out. However, after months of searching and trials of all kinds of hair growing products, I finally found my hair loss solution and a way to re-grow my hair with effective and affordable Legitime Scalp Air Tonic!

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Source by Rosalind Alcana

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Overview

For centuries people have been concerned about being overweight. Today we just have to watch TV for a short while and we will be able to see the number of different exercise and weight loss programs that show on TV promoting weight loss and physical fitness.

You may ask why the significant increase in the numbers of these TV program, especially in America? With the rapid increase in the numbers of people becoming overweight or obese the American population has become or is becoming the most obese populated nation in the world, so it is only natural that its citizens are looking for ways and means to become health once again.

Entrepreneurs see this growing demand as a great opportunity to make money and have created a number of weight loss programs and exercise machine to meet the demand and to promote better health, some work well and others don’t. But, lets under that the ultimate objective of any entrepreneur is to make a profit. That is why it essential that we choose our approach to solving the problem of overweight wisely.

The use of a natural thermogenic enhancer is just one solutions and probably one of the best ways to solve your over weight problems.

What is a Thermogenic Enhancer or Thermogenic Fat Burner?

All dietary products that help you to eliminate excess body fat are recognized as fat burners. Fat burners increase the body’s metabolism. When you increase your metabolism, you also increase your body temperature. This increase in temperature requires fuel to sustain it, and your excess body fat is the fuel that it uses. Fat burning release the excess body fat in the body, so that it may be used as fuel.

Why choose one Thermogenic Enhancer over Another?

There are numerous types of thermogenic fat burners available, all working to boost the metabolism. Some of them use large concentration of caffeine, the excess use of it, may come with unwanted side effects, such as, anxiety, jittery nervousness and the inability to sleep well. Others use natural herbal ingredients to increase your metabolic rate. They do not have the unwanted side effects that are associated with caffeine based fat burners.

Benefits of Thermogenic Enhancers:

• Effective in losing weight.
• It stimulates the metabolism rate without the use of addict drugs such as caffeine.
• It is 100% natural and safe for human consumption.
• All of its ingredients have been meticulously select based on the research
• It reduces your appetite for sugar.
• It helps to stabilized and to control your appetite
• It inhibits lipid and cholesterol synthesizing.
• No harmful side effects, if used as suggested on the packaging.

Remember Thermogenic Enhancers are Fat Burners!

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Source by Gregory Leanza

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One of the biggest hints that you have gained weight is the development of a fat face. While you can easily hide spreading hips or expanding thighs, it is just about impossible to camouflage your feature that is out there for al the world to see. It doesn’t matter which angle a person views you, having a fat face is a giveaway that you have gained weight.

Although plastic surgery seems like a viable option to help you lose fat face, there are some less extreme ways to rid you of your rounding features. Losing weight is always difficult to do, especially on a busy schedule when it often feels like worrying about food and exercise is the very last on your list of priorities. But there are ways to lose fat face and feel better about your body overall, the key factor in changing your daily routine and reducing fat intake is to concentrate on everything that you put into your body. After all you are only given one.

Just imagine how much better you’ll feel when you discover how to lose fat face and on the rest of your body.

If you have a fat face then you probably wonder why you have been cursed with not one, but two, chubby chins and a moon-like facial features. Fortunately, it is possible to get rid of facial fat and not only take on a thinner appearance but a more refreshed one as well. Lose fat face for good by following some easy steps to weight loss.

Although weight loss regime’s are often intimidating to follow there is a different way to look at it rather try making small changes to lose weight: If I diet or a complicated weight-loss system is just too overwhelming, try making smaller changes instead. For example, develop the habit of eating low-calorie food (celery/carrots) before any other snacks, so you don’t eat as much of the junk.

Follow these easy steps to weight loss, which will help you lose fat face:

1. Park further away from the shops when you visit the store, this will force you to start walking and it makes finding parking a whole lot easier.
2. Stay away from people that encourage you to eat too much.
3. Don’t ever shop when you are hungry, you’ll buy more and more and this means you buy snacks you don’t need.
4. Switch from carbonated soft drinks to water or flavoured water. If you find this impossible then substitute your usual soft drink with a diet or lite version.
5. Start taking short walks every evening. Walk the dog (he will be so grateful) or make it social and walk with a friend.

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Source by Antonie Konig

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Spending the past 30 years working in mental health, I often would take breaks to work in the weight loss industry. As we continue to see an epidemic in weight related issues, there are many things we can do to ensure optimal health and weight. But is it possible to lose significant weight without surgery? The answer is yes! But, when attempting to lose significant weight, I encourage you to speak with your physician first. Significant weight will require a team effort. And, you’re going to want all the support you can get during this process. Some will feel that you don’t need the support. But please check with the doctor- it’s just good science to do so.

So where does one start on the journey to healthy weight loss? In every weight loss center and every program that I worked in, all started with breakfast. We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only is that true, but especially for weight loss. If we wait to eat when we’re hungry, more often that not we’re going to over eat. So I would recommend a breakfast packed with protein maxing around 400 calories. There are plenty on menus you can find online. Choose one that makes sense to you and be sure that you’re going to enjoy what you’re eating. If you resent it, you won’t stick to it.

Is it important to keep a food journal? Yes and no. I’m not saying you will need to write everything down, but you will need to be honest with yourself. If you are new to weight loss, I would recommend keeping a journal. If you have been down this road before, its more important to be honest with yourself. You know your triggers. Have a plan to counter them.

What about meal replacement programs? Again having a lot of experience working with them, yes you will lose weight, but then what? If you are not cultivating healthy eating patterns, you may in some regards be setting yourself up for failure. I am not opposed nor in favor or them. My approach has been use them as a tool while you’re developing those eating habits. In my experience almost every professional from doctors to nutritionist that I have worked alongside of embraces healthy eating habits as the cornerstone of a good weight loss program.

Sabotage by storage. Do not store junk food in the house under any circumstances. Studies show that we are more likely to forego the junk if it is not within our reach. Make this a priority. This again goes back to being honest. I have had clients tell me that they keep something sweet in the house for company. Don’t do it. It’s a trap. Be honest with yourself. Clean out the closet. It will pay big dividends.

And while weight loss begins in the kitchen, movement is vital to the process. Start slow. Again speak with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Then be clear of what the goal is… weight loss, heart health or prevention? When we talk of significant weight loss, it will be helpful to enlist the services of a professional. Having that accountability and support are crucial in the early stages. Ask for help early and often.

What type of exercise is best? Depends on who you ask. That said, I like low impact low resistant movement. If you’re just getting started I like the pool. Great for reduced swelling, pain reduction and increases circulation. It’s also great in terms of burning calories. I like the pool because just like food, if you’re not enjoying it, you’re probably not going to stick with it. Think in terms of movement and not exercise.

The last thing I want to mention is the vision. Don’t get caught up on losing pounds. Be more in tune with how you feel. In other words you may have not lost weight, but it is easier climbing the stairs. You may not have lost weight, but your pants may feel lose now. Forget the pounds. Trust your energy and inches {lost}.

Significant weight is possible. It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon. With good choices and the proper support team, you can achieve your goal. Remember that safe weight loss falls into a half to two pounds a week. Doesn’t sound like much? Losing 2 pounds a week for a year gets you a 104 pounds. And that should be all the motivation you need.

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Source by Vance Larson