What are the symptoms of floating rib?

The term “floating rib” is used to refer to a specific anatomical structure and to a disorder which could better be termed a “slipped rib.” Both, as one might imagine from the name, involve the ribs, curved bones found in vertebrates. The ribs are attached to the spine and a structure called the sternum, creating the rib cage, a protective casing for vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

In the case of an anatomical structure, a floating rib is a rib which is attached to the spine, but not the sternum. Most people have floating ribs, with the 11th and 12th pairs of ribs being floating ribs. In some people, there are three pairs instead of two, and other individuals only develop one set of floating ribs. Floating ribs are entirely normal and nothing to be concerned about, and although they are not attached to the sternum, they aren't exactly floating around in the body cavity; numerous attachments usually keep the floating ribs more or less in place.

The function of the floating ribs is not fully understood. A floating rib could theoretically provide some protection to the contents of the abdominal cavity, but it isn't as necessary as the ribs which are attached to the sternum. There “false ribs,” as they are known, may be vestigial leavings of an earlier stage in human evolution. Evidence suggests that people have also been able to train their floating ribs into new positions, as seen in women who wear corsets for a prolonged period of time.

In some cases, a floating rib can cause problems for its owner. These ribs can slip out of position, putting pressure on internal organs, and they can also be broken as a result of trauma, causing considerable pain and putting the patient at risk for infection.

The disorder sometimes referred to as floating rib syndrome and better known as slipped rib syndrome occurs when a rib becomes dislocated, slipping out of its socket. Patients tend to experience considerable pain with this condition, which is usually a result of trauma, and it can be readily identified with a physical examination or medical imaging study of the area of interest. As with other rib injuries, the best treatment is usually partial immobilization, achieved by wrapping the ribcage tightly so that the rib cannot drift while it heals, but not so tightly that it cannot expand as the patient breathes.

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What are the causes, types and treatment modalities of anemia

Anemia is a blood condition that affects approximately 3.5 million Americans. Women are at higher risk of developing anemia than men. People who have other diseases such as cancer have a higher tendency to develop anemia. Anemia can become a very serious condition which can be dangerous. Anemia can also be acute or chronic in nature. Definition: You body requires a certain amount of oxygen to function properly. Red blood cells contain a substance known as hemoglobin which acts as a binder to oxygen. The red blood cells take the oxygen from your lungs and bring it to the rest of your body. Anemia occurs when you do not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to produce sufficient oxygen. As a result, your organs are affected because they don't get enough oxygen to function. There is a relationship between anemia and the kidneys, bone marrow and nutritional deficiencies in the body. When the kidneys are not working well or you are malnourished, this will affect your red blood cell count. Since red blood cells are made in the bone marrow the health of bone marrow is very important.

Types of Anemia: There are actually over 400 different types of anemia placed into three groups. Anemia caused by blood loss: This is anemia that is directly attributed to blood loss. This can be unnoticed for a long period of time. It could be due to ulcers, gastritis or cancer. Anemia caused by deficient red blood cell production: Sometimes the body does not produce enough red blood cells. This can create anemia. There are many causes for this such as a vitamin/mineral deficiency, an underlying disease such as cancer, problems with the bone marrow or sickle cell anemia. Anemia caused by iron deficiency: This is due to insufficient iron levels in the body. When there is not enough iron, the bone marrow cannot produce enough hemoglobin for the red blood cells and this can result in anemia. Some causes of this type of anemia include not having enough iron in your diet, menstruation, pregnancy and breast feeding as well as digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease. If the anemia is from deficient production of red blood cells in the bone marrow is can take on several forms. Thalassemia: This is when the red blood cells cannot mature on their own. Thalassemia: This is a genetic condition affecting mostly people of Mediterrean and African descent. Aplastic anemia: This is deficient red blood cells in bone marrow from injury from medications,infection or chemotherapy. Anemia can also result from conditions such as kidney disease and cancer.

Common Symptoms: There are various symptoms associated with anemia. Some common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, being short of breath and feeling lightheaded. Additional symptoms include difficulty sleeping, rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure. You can also appear jaundiced and have brittle nails. Dietary Considerations: There are numerous dietary changes that may help you with your anemia. If you are a vegetarian you may not getting adequate levels of B12. You may want to consider supplementing. Red meat has higher iron levels than fish or chicken so be sure to include some in your diet. Being well hydrated is also important. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach have higher iron levels as well as beans. You should limit your intake of sugars which will ultimately deplete your energy levels. There are certain foods such as eggs and whole grain bread can block the full absorption of iron in your body. Tea and coffee also can have this effect due to the polyphenols that they contain. If you take iron supplements try to drink or eat fruits such as orange juice. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron.

Diagnosis: To find out if you have anemia you need to see your doctor who will perform various tests on you. These will include a physical exam and well as extensive blood work. A medical history will also be performed. You will be asked questions about your family history, if you have been diagnosed with anemia before and any medical conditions you have. They will observe your physical appearance and look for the tell tale signs of anemia. This diagnosis will help the doctor to see what type of anemia you have. The blood tests will assess what your red blood cell count is and the actual hemoglobin content in the red cells. There are also specialized blood tests to see how fragile your red blood cells may be or if there is an immune attack happening on them. Some of the common blood tests include a Complete Blood Count and Blood Smear tests. They will also check for iron levels, folate and b12 levels. These nutrients are critical to the production of red blood cells. Additionally the doctor may perform liver and kidney function testing to see if there is an underlying disease that is causing the anemia.

Treatments: Once the doctor determines the cause he or she will initiate a treatment program for you. Here are some causes along with their treatment protocol. Blood Loss: the source of the bleeding will be determined and stopped. For example you may be given a blood transfusion and iron to build up your red blood cell count. Iron Deficiency: If you have inadequate iron levels you most likely will be prescribed iron supplements. Do not do this on your own but under the care of a physician because consuming too much iron can be dangerous. Red blood cell destruction: Known as hemolytic anemia, there are various causes for it. So the treatment would of course depend on the cause. Follow up care: You need to stay under your doctor's care and have repeated blood work done to determine if the anemia has gone away. Your response to the treatments prescribed will determine what the next steps are to take. The hopeful outcome is that you have overcome your anemia. If not, with continued care over time you should be able to do so. Before doing any dietary or lifestyle changes always consult with your health care provider, particularly if you have been diagnosed with a disease or are taking any prescription medication.

The Issels Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California is a world renowned alternative cancer treatment center. The Issels Treatment is an Integrative Immunotherapy program with a 50 year history. Founded in 1951 by a pioneer in integrative cancer medicine, Dr. Josef Issels, MD., a German oncologist, The Issels Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California treats patients with all natural non toxic therapies for a variety of health conditions including cancer.

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iPhone Can Detect Ear Infection

Researchers have developed an iPhone accessory they call the Remotoscope to turn an iPhone into an otoscope -- that thing doctors usually put into your ear to peer inside.

The Remotoscope puts a scope over the lens and flash on an iPhone making it easy to take pictures of a child's ear canal, while an app magnifies the image and sends it to a pediatrician. The idea is that parents could take images daily so that the pediatrician could monitor the infection, hopefully reducing the need to prescribe antibiotics.

Remotoscope is undergoing clinical trials at this time, with the university researchers hoping to publish their results by year-end. Unfortunately for parents everywhere, there's no hint at when the handy accessory may hit the market.

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Social Media fueling Anxiety, Stress, Internet Addiction

There's been a massive amount of hype recently about how having a social media presence is essential for a successful business. The perceived wisdom says that your business will fail to flourish without a Facebook Fan page and frequent Tweets. I've been confused for quite a while about whether I needed or wanted to indulge in Social media. I'll admit to being quite stressed about the conflict between privacy and publicity. I'm hearing the same things from people I meet at networking events. So here are seven tips for deciding when and if social media are right for you.

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How to get rid of Exam Stress

Exam stress is an exaggerated feeling of anxiety over one's performance in exams. We can take exams stress free, no matter what kind of exam it is. Its only when you know what is causing you stress and accordingly using the following tricks to make yourself feel more organized, mentally relaxed & alert, physically active and in control of the situation.

1. If the cause of your stress is 'So much to do and not enough time'

a. Make a proper time schedule allocating enough time to each subject.

b. Every day, evaluate your learning and make changes in time schedule if necessary.

c. If only a week is left for exams and your syllabus is not finished, stop wasting time in worrying about what you have NOT done. Utilize your time in properly revising what you have already done.

2. If the cause of your stress is, that you don't know what to study, from where and what all is in the prescribed syllabus

a. The first thing you should do, before starting your study is, to collect all necessary reading material (including the syllabus & model test papers)

b. Organize it subject wise, in separate folders

c. Keep it at a safe place and tell your family not to play around with it!

d. Keep a written track of what all you have studied every day and what has to be done, so that you don't keep worrying as to how much more is left, to be done.

3. If you feel stress by the thought that your preparation is not up to the mark

a. To feel confident about your preparation, you MUST solve previous years' or model test papers exactly as per exam conditions, without break

b. Do this only AFTER you have finished learning.

c. Have them checked by teachers/ tutors and take their help to understand important concepts and clear your doubts.

Remember this should be done well ahead of exams, not a day before as that might build up more stress and leave you exhausted for the real exam the next day!

4. If the cause of your stress is Parent's expectations

a. Just remember that in their hearts they want you to excel for your own good. Politely tell parents to stop using negative and stress building remarks and instead support you with love, practical help, positive inspiring remarks and their prayers!

b. If they see you doing your best, probably they will not feel as worried and will stop bothering you. They comment only when they see you wasting time.

c. But if you are doing your best, still they keep nagging you without giving any positive support, please tell them to seek guidance from counselors.

5. If the cause of your stress is Peer pressure

a. Don't have unnecessary conversations with your 'friends' or classmates

b. Avoid taking calls of those who give you tension of any sorts.

c. Stay calm even if you feel others have finished doing everything and you haven't. Instead of worrying about it, start studying more regularly and with full focus.

d. Set your own standards, that you have to score max or whatever. And prepare well to achieve that. Don't waste energies thinking -'can I or can I not score more than so and so'

6. If the cause of your stress is High Self standards

a. Even if you are a topper of the class or you have set a goal of getting 100% score, allow yourself time for relaxation, recreation or rejuvenation to keep your mind active and alert.

b. Every day in the morning, plan your study schedule. As per your capacity & stamina, after a block of 1-2 hours' study, give yourself a break of 10-20 minutes. But do return to your study with full focus after the break.

c. Prepare well to give your best, and stop worrying about the results.

7. If you keep having extreme anxiety about doing well in exam conditions

a. Avoid thoughts of worry, doubt and negative imagination

b. Substitute every negative thought with positive ones e.g.'I WILL be able to do it well', 'I am preparing well and my alert mind will remember everything', 'I have practised solving model test papers and I can manage well in the given time'

c. Any time you feel worried- Sit down, take deep breaths and think positive. After 5 minutes' of this exercise go back to studying.

d. A calm mind is a must to study with focus. Don't let worrying thoughts disturb your mind's peace.

8. If you think you cannot waste time in physical activity

a. Remember, continuous and adequate blood supply is absolutely essential for the brain to do sustained mental activity.

b. Every break that you take in between study time, should involve vigorous physical activity like running, jumping, climbing up and down the stairs.

c. You can try this relaxing exercise as well- stand up on your feet, stretch your arms towards the roof/sky, stay like this for a while. Then lower down your arms & head towards your feet. Stay in this posture for as long as you can. Take deep, relaxing breaths.

d. Do yoga or brisk walk for 10-20 minutes, outside or any other physical activity

e. Consciously imagine your mind feeling relaxed and active.

9. If you are not taking proper or adequate nutrition
a. Every day, eat green vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, milk, grains, pulses in small amounts - avoid heavy meals

b. A burger/bread/noodles or pasta can be made nutritious by adding vegetables etc.

c. Avoid too much of a particular food or coke, coffee and tea, even packed juices. Drink lot of water- at least 6-10 glasses to keep a normal blood flow.

d. Avoid smoking/drinking; you may feel relaxed momentarily but this is because these chemicals cloud your brain and make it dull. Remember these things are actually poisons for your body system otherwise why would there be a 'statutory warning:cigarette smoking is injurious to your health'

10. If you can't live without talking/chatting/playing mobile games or other distractions

a. 15-20 minutes' of socializing or TV etc are not bad as long as they inspire you, relax you or take your tiredness away. But don't overdo any of these.

b. Avoid friends, family, neighbors; TV, computer, other gadgets or even news paper/magazines if they take away your mental peace and cause stress!

REMEMBER: an alert, calm and positive mind is absolutely essential to prepare for and fare well in exams. Think of ways to have that and you will be stress freeee!!

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Red Light Therapy | Look Years Younger, Reduce Wrinkles, Ease Pain

Red light therapy for anti aging purposes is a form of LED light therapy, also called photo rejuvenation. This procedure uses Light Emitting Diodes directly pointed to the skin to promote a younger and healthier skin. Red light therapy is completely natural and actually triggers a response from your body to get your skin improved from the inside.

This skin care treatment has been researched and developed by NASA, and was first used to evaluate the reaction of plants under LEDs. The process showed it accelerated growing, and later confirmed that it was effective on humans cells. Though plants and human cells are different, light at the ideal wavelength has been proven to improve skin condition, completely naturally.

Indeed, red is the color to heal, and it is used for a number of other conditions, such as pain management (back pain, tendinitis, tennis elbow...). Combined with infrared lights, the procedure is even more effective, since infrared penetrates deeper. As for skin care, what happens is that your skin absorbs the light, stimulating the production of elastin and collagen. These two proteins are of course extremely important for your skin firmness and elasticity.

Elastin and collagen production are decreasing while we age, plus the little veins that bring the nutrients in the blood to the surface of the skin become even smaller. Red light renew cells and will help those veins to carry more blood to your skin, more nutrients.

The effect of red light therapy is cumulative. So the more you use it the softer and smoother your skin will be. Generally, treatments for the whole face last about 15 to 30 minutes, but of course you can focus your efforts on certain areas of your face: crow's feet, corner of the lips, neck, etc. Wrinkles and fine lines will start to get filled with collagen again and you will be happy to get that great tone and radiance on your face back. Another form of LED light therapy uses blue light, and is dedicated to fight acne. Green light is for hyper pigmentation.

The beauty of it is it's no surgical intervention, and you don't need much creams and lotions after all. Though it was first only available from skin clinics, dermatologists and spas, red light therapy devices are now publicly on the market and you can thus get your treatment from your own home. The cost of such devices vary ($100 - $400) but is totally worth it considering the money saved on other skin care products, and much more affordable than sessions at professionals offices.

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Performance-enhancing drugs: Know the risks

Performance enhancing drugs, as the name suggests, are typical drugs that can be taken for increasing one's performance. These drugs are basically steroids taken by athletes and sportsperson who are genuine professionals. Also, certain other hormonal drugs, including human growth hormone stimulants might also be regarded as performance enhancing drugs.

These enhancers were first used by the Greeks in the ancient past and were ingested by participants of sporting events. But these drugs have however been recognized as a threat and since the 20th century, certain technologies have been developed for testing and screening athletes on a regular basis to find the presence of such drugs in their blood stream. These enhancers have been banned since then.

Performance enhancing drugs- the phrase, is just used to refer to certain anabolic steroids or their relevant precursors in general, but the world of anti-doping organizations have a broader description for these drugs. These typical enhancers have distinct classes as well-

Stimulants: These drugs are used by athletes to enhance their performance in their particular fields and also stimulate the bodies to give their best performance. Stimulants can also help in increasing awareness, alertness and aggressiveness and decreasing fatigue. Some of the commonly used stimulants are Amphetamines and Caffeine.

Lean Mass Builders: These typical performance enhancers are used to amplify or as well drive the growth and development of lean body mass and muscle. These can also help in reducing body fat. These belong to the category of anabolic steroids and the commonly used ones are beta-2 agonists and several other human hormones, such as human growth hormones.

Sedatives: These enhancers are also used by athletes engaged in sports such as archery that demands a steady hand and also a precise aim. Sedatives help in coping up with nervousness and distress. Marijuana, Beta Blockers and alcohol are some of the common examples.

Painkillers: These drugs are very common and are used on a regular basis by the common mass as well. Athletes prefer using these drugs to mask their pain in order to maintain their performance and ability to compete in unfavorable conditions. These drugs allow the blood pressure levels to soar up, thus supplying the body with ample quantity of vital oxygen to relief pain. Painkillers can be purchased over-the-counter and includes medicines such as NSAIDS (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) and also certain prescribed narcotics.

Masking Drugs: These are rare drugs and are taken in order to prevent other classes of drugs from being detected. These drugs can evolve really quickly almost similar to the methods of testing. Epitestosterone is the most commonly recognized making drug.

Diuretics: These drugs are used for expelling water out of athlete's bodies. Wrestlers have been using these drugs for long in order to meet the weight restrictions. Some of the stimulants are believed to have secondary diuretic effects.

Performance enhancers are usually taken as oral pills, though some injections are also available to be intravenously injected.

With the improved technologies and development skills, the detection of performance enhancing drugs in an athlete's blood stream has become almost impossible. But preventive measures are still being taken and hopefully someday the World Anti-Doping Agency will be able to bring this issue to an end.

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