Manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Actos is now being investigated for claims that it is linked to the development of bladder cancer in patients taking the drug. The claims against Actos have been so prevalent that the United States Food and Drug Administration have gone so far as to require a warning on the product’s packaging advising of the risk. Sadly, the case against Actos is just one example out of dozens in recent years that have led to drugs causing unintended harm.

So, what does this mean for those taking prescription drugs? It means that, unfortunately, even with the millions and billions of dollars spent on prescription drug research every year, you never know if a drug is going to cause harm. In fact, many people taking Actos did not develop symptoms of bladder cancer right away, and some people had even taken the drug for years before they became ill. This makes it all the more important to be cautious when taking prescription medications, but this is only one part of the equation.

Most people have been told their entire lives that prescription and over-the-counter medications are the only solution to their health problems. We’ve been conditioned to believe that prescription medications are the only choice and that we can either take a prescription, which we know very little about, or we could take nothing at all and simply suffer. However, there is another way.

Natural medications have been used since the dawn of time for all manner of illnesses and most are only a fraction of the cost of prescription medications. Many people choose to turn to natural remedies when they are tired of the harmful, and sometimes painful, side effects that many prescription drugs bring about. The best part of using natural remedies, however, is that you can have peace of mind in knowing exactly what you’re taking. Instead of synthesized chemicals developed in a lab, natural supplements use elements found in nature that work with your body naturally and not against it.

Remember, it is important to trust your physician’s advice, as well as to take any prescriptions that you are given, but it’s also important to discuss natural options with your doctor. You may be surprised to find out that many of your health issues can be resolved quickly and easily by using natural supplements and methods.

First, it’s important to distinguish between the weather actually affecting the body and the body reacting to weather conditions. For instance, people that suffer from asthma related to exercise may tend to have attacks more in colder weather. While at first, this may seem like a direct correlation between the body and the weather, it really isn’t. Because fast breathing in cold weather does not offer a chance for air to get warm before entering the lungs, swelling can occur, triggering asthma attacks and reduced breathing capacity. Additionally, thunderstorms can set pollen free into the air, leaving people with allergies to suffer more during the rainy weather.

However, some people actually do experience changes in their body due to the weather, and unfortunately, medical explanations are in short supply. Many people that are predisposed to suffering from migraines find that wet weather, including damp climates, exacerbate symptoms. In addition, people that suffer from joint pain and arthritis tend to feel the effects of their conditions much more during extreme temperature drops and in generally colder weather.

One explanation for the effects of weather on those suffering from migraines and joint pain is barometric pressure. As the pressure around us changes, even slightly, there is a change in the fluid levels in our body. Someone that is already predisposed to joint pain or migraines may have extra pressure placed on the affected area as a result of pressure changes in the atmosphere, thereby causing more pain. Certain parts of the body also contain baro-receptors that are very sensitive to slight changes in barometric pressure in the atmosphere.

Many people that suffer from these ailments are able to seek medical assistance from their primary care physician. There are a variety of drugs available for people suffering from migraines, allergies, joint pain and asthma, and many of these drugs can be used to combat weather related symptoms as well. Additionally, there are a number of natural therapies available to combat the pain associated with seasonal symptoms. In fact, many people turn to natural treatments for their seasonal ailments due lower costs and fewer side effects than traditional prescriptions. If you find yourself suffering more during changes in the weather, it is important to speak with your doctor to discuss treatment options, including natural solutions.

Massages incorporate a lot more than just touching and rubbing. By targeting specific muscles and joints, massages help to loosen areas that may be tight as a result of stress. This promotes relaxation, which can then spread to other areas of the body. For example, headaches are often caused by tension in the head, neck, shoulders and back. By massaging these areas, the muscles begin to relax and blood flow is increased, leading to a reduction in headache pain, as well as pain and tension throughout the entire body.

In addition, injuries, particularly those found in sports, can be helped or prevented by massages. As the body uses energy, muscle breaks down. This muscle then gets built back up, but in between, it can become hypertonic, meaning it is constantly tight. These hypertonic muscles can then lead to injury when used, as they will not contain the flexibility needed to continue working properly. Hypertonic muscles can be torn and stretched, and may lead to irreversible, permanent damage. Massaging hypertonic muscles leads to relaxation and increased blood flow, lessening the chance for future injury.

Massage therapy can also be used to target specific body systems, such as the lymphatic. By massaging points on the body where lymph nodes reside, drainage is promoted, leading to the removal of edemas. Massages can also be used to promote healthy breathing. Sinus massages can assist those that suffer from chronic sinus blockage or inflammation by allowing mucus to drain properly. Some massage therapists also offer pregnancy massages, which are thought to reduce a pregnant woman’s stress levels and assist in the development of their unborn child.

Of course, in addition to massages, there are a number of other natural stress reduction solutions available. Many people use natural stress reduction supplements and sleep aids to avoid the high cost of prescription medications and to avoid the possibility of addiction that some prescriptions carry. As well, many natural stress aids don’t contain the sometimes dangerous side effects of prescription medications, allowing those that use natural stress aids to have peace of mind.

Essentially, this type of depression is brought on by the way that social media allows people to be perceived. Many social media sites allow users to post pictures, comments and updates about their lives. Of course, most people only choose to use photos that make them look happy, updates that talk about all of the good things in their lives, and comments that emphasize their friendships, leading people to perceive their lives as great. And speaking of friends, many social media sites also show the number of “friends” a user has, leaving those with fewer friends to question their own status in terms of popularity.

The issue with social media depression is one of human nature. Virtually no one posts pictures or updates depicting the sad, angry, foolish, or depressing times in their lives. Instead, most people will choose to highlight the happy times, leading others to feel inadequate for not being as happy or for not having the life that someone else has. Of course, the truth is that everyone has ups and downs, but as people spend more and more time on social media sites, they can become disillusioned with the reality of the situation.

And while social media depression may be a new trend, it certainly is not a new ailment. Depression brought on by perception accounts for a large portion of all depressive cases. Many people that are depressed, or that are predisposed to depression, compare themselves and their lives to others’ lives. If they feel that they don’t measure up, the depressive symptoms can kick in, leading to isolation, sadness, loneliness, and a host of other problems.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression of any kind, it is important to seek help. Medical professionals are available to offer medications as well as counseling to battle depression, and there are many natural approaches to take as well. Keep in mind that depression is a serious condition and that it is not to be taken lightly and the sooner treatment is sought, the quicker you can start to feel relief.

Some of the symptoms of too much caffeine include restlessness, an increase in urine output, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching, and an uncontrolled stream of thoughts or speech. Because these symptoms mirror those of a thyroid condition, they can easily be mistaken for such. If you are already experiencing problems with hyperthyroidism, caffeine is likely to worsen your symptoms.

Studies have shown that your consumption of caffeine can play a role on your TSH levels, meaning that the soft drinks and coffee that you guzzle throughout the day may be causing your thyroid to function in the wrong way.

Since caffeine removes calcium from your bones, it can make menstrual periods more unpleasant for women, especially if they already suffer from uncomfortable PMS because of their thyroid condition. Even healthy women who don’t consume caffeine on a regular basis are advised to take calcium supplements to improve their health and relieve menstrual symptoms such as headaches, cramps, and pain during their period.

In some cases, excessive amounts of caffeine have been shown to change the menstrual cycle, causing periods to become irregular. Since menstrual changes are also a symptom of a thyroid condition, this is just another way that caffeine mirrors hypo or hyperthyroidism.

A lack of calcium not only hurts you during your menstrual period, but can also increase your risk of getting osteoporosis. Since those with thyroid problems already have issues with their calcium levels and are at risk for developing osteoporosis, large amounts of caffeine are definitely a major health risk.

If you suffer from a thyroid condition and are currently taking medication to regulate your levels, large doses of caffeine may be lowering the benefits of this treatment.

The effects which caffeine could be playing on your body are tremendous. Whether caffeine is causing your thyroid problems to become worse or simply mirroring the symptoms of a thyroid condition, caffeine should be removed from your diet as soon as possible. For many people, cutting down or completely cutting caffeine out of their lives takes away most unpleasant symptoms within a matter of weeks. If you do not find relief after limiting your caffeine intake, look into natural medication or talk to you doctor.

How Does This Start?
As mentioned in a previous post, doctors are quick to prescribe medicine for any condition that they see. A journey to the clinic for one small ailment may result in a handful of prescriptions for problems you didn’t even realize you had. A recent study found that, in some schools, future veterinarians devote more time to studying pain control than medical students. How does this addiction get started? The answer is simple: Doctors have become too quick to pop a bottle of pills at anyone who comes in their office – regardless of the effects these medicines may cause. Because of their lacking knowledge of alternative treatments, doctors are likely to prescribe drugs for any condition that they could cure.

What is Addictive?
If you believe that you are too strong to suffer from an addiction, think again. Even those who can withstand the psychological dependency of prescription drugs are still likely to suffer from painful withdrawal symptoms. One man from the United Kingdom states that he has suffered withdrawal symptoms from a prescription drug addiction up to eight weeks after he discontinued use. These symptoms can be just as painful and serious as withdrawals from illegal drugs.

Who Suffers?
Prescription drug addiction can hurt anyone of any age, race, or social status. You don’t have to have a background or history of drug addiction to become hooked on prescription drugs. From the teenager in high school to the homemaker across the road – prescription drug addiction can happen to anyone who uses an addictive medicine for medical or recreational purposes.

But They’re Safe…Right?
If you believe that it is relatively safe to overuse prescription drugs, then think again. Along with over-the-counter products, prescription medicines make up the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Using these products for a short period of time isn’t safe; using them indefinitely can be fatal.

Although it is impossible to avoid drugs in all situations, the growing number of people addicted to pain pills and other prescription medication should point out that going natural is the best way to combat any illness or disease. If you suffer from painful or unpleasant symptoms, look into natural medicines and alternative life choices which may be able to relieve your symptoms without the fear of addiction or withdrawal.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
After working out in the sun and hot weather, you may start to experience some of the unpleasant effects of heat exhaustion. If not noticed and treated quickly, this condition could progress into heat stroke and might even be fatal. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, fatigue, thirst, racing heartbeat, vomiting, headache, and pale or clammy skin.

Find a Cool Place
If you believe that you are suffering from heat exhaustion, it is important that you get out of the heat and into a cool place. If you do not have air conditioning, sit down in front of a fan or in the shade.

Drink Something
When you’re faced with heat exhaustion, you may find it tempting to grab a huge glass of ice-cold soda and guzzle it down. As appealing as it may sound, don’t do this! Instead, go for a cool glass of water or a sports drink that contains electrolytes. Since heat exhaustion is often a result of dehydration, it is important that you replenish your fluids.

Cooling Down
If you wish, you can also choose to lower your body temperature by misting yourself with cool water. If you have a spray gun, this will be perfect. Do not make the water too cold; it should simply be cool, similar in temperature to the water that you drink.

Use of Herbs
There are several herbs which can be used in cases of heat exhaustion; some of these include Yarrow, Chinese skullcap, willow bark, and, strange as it may sound, cayenne pepper. While these herbs can help to cool down your body temperature, it is important that you use them carefully; some of them may cause problems if you are pregnant or may increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to always talk to an herbalist before starting any of these treatments.

When to Get Help
If your symptoms do not begin to go away after treatment, or if you start to feel worse, than it is important that you get medical attention. Heat exhaustion can easily lead to heat stroke which might become fatal. With hospitalization and fluids, you can greatly increase your chances of survival.

Summer is a very stressful time for our bodies and it is important that we learn to take heed of the warning signs. If you believe that you are suffering from heat exhaustion, begin taking precautions as soon as possible.

#1. Drink Plenty of Water. Since dehydration plays a major role in heat strokes, it is important that you drink plenty of fluids during the hottest part of the day or while you are working outside. Water is the best source of hydration followed by sports drinks such as Gatorade. Do not try to replenish your fluids with sodas or alcoholic beverages; these will cause you to urinate instead of sweat, leaving your body with one less way to cool itself.

#2. Wear Thin Clothing. While it might seem that less clothing is best, this is not always the case. To keep your body from overheating, it is more important that you wear the right type of clothes rather than something skimpy. Lightweight fabrics such as cottons are the best thing that you can wear.

#3. Schedule Your Time Outdoors. Although it might seem safest to stay inside next to the air conditioner, it is possible to still accomplish outdoor chores and enjoy your summer without suffering. Schedule your outdoor activities like exercising and gardening for the cooler times of the day such as early morning or late evening. During the hotter times in the afternoon, you can choose to do indoor activities such as cleaning or shopping at the mall.

#4. Take Breaks. If you do have to work outdoors during the heat of the day, take frequent breaks to prevent heat stroke. Depending on the strenuous nature of the work that you are doing or your exposure to the sun, take breaks as often as every fifteen to twenty minutes. During your break time, you can sit in the shade and drink more fluids.

#5. Keep Your Home Cool. Do all that you can to keep your home or vehicle cool. If you do not have air conditioning, then use fans and open windows to increase ventilation. If the heat becomes unbearable, travel to your local mall, library, or grocery store to hang out until later in the day.

Heat stroke is a very frightening condition; however, it can easily be prevented by taking the proper steps to keep your body cool and hydrated.

1. Apples. As I already mentioned, apples are one of the best things that you can put into your body. This magical fruit can do more for you than a whole drug store of pills. Apples help to protect bones in post-menopausal women, lower asthma symptoms in children, lower cholesterol, help manage diabetes, and aid people in shedding pounds. In addition to all of this, apples have also been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s while also lowering your risks of developing lung, colon, liver, and breast cancer.

2. Kiwi. Often overlooked, kiwis are a wonderful fruit if you are looking for a good snack. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also have health benefits galore. While oranges may get the attention for containing vitamin C, kiwi actually has more of this much-needed vitamin, and also has as much potassium as a banana. Kiwi have been shown to aid children with respiratory problems such as asthma, protect one’s eyes from age-related macular degeneration, reduce cholesterol, keep the colon healthy, and provide the body with plenty of antioxidants.

3. Pineapple. This tropical fruit may remind you of your last vacation, but it should also make you think of good health. Pineapples have been proven to be a great thing to consume if you want your body to be in top shape. Pineapples are high in antioxidants, so they help to protect you from disease, infection, and cancer. Pineapples are also beneficial for those who have arthritis and can also help to lower blood pressure, treat intestinal parasites, relieve nausea, and fight infections.

4. Prunes, which are dried plums, are higher in potassium, protein, vitamin E, calcium, and iron than many other fruits. While they have developed a stigma of being something that only the elderly consume, everyone should learn to enjoy this amazing fruit. Prunes can help to keep your heart functioning properly, are essential in weight loss, can regulate blood sugar, can slow aging of both the mind and body, and prevent cancer.

The next time you feel yourself coming down with a cold or ailment, consider bypassing the over-the-counter pain medicines, and instead up your daily dose of fruit. Nature’s own natural products can often do us more good than we ever imagined possible.

Just Like Any Other Drug
While we do not think of it as a drug, caffeine certainly is one. Called a psychoactive stimulant, caffeine has the ability to greatly change how our body functions and our mind works. Caffeine has the ability to increase the user’s alertness and temporarily ward off drowsiness, making it a favorite among tired students, workers, and travelers.

Addiction
Caffeine is actually a very addictive substance. Those who consume it on a regular basis will find that, if they go without caffeine for a longer period of time than usual, they will suffer from headaches, trouble sleeping or staying awake, irritability, body aches, and the inability to concentrate. Some people may find that they have strong urges to consume caffeine.

Psychological Dangers
When caffeine is overused, it has the ability to affect one’s psychological well-being. Some people who consume large amounts of caffeine find that they become nervous, anxious, and irritable. Others may also experience extreme mental problems called “caffeine jitters” which includes euphoria, hallucinations, and psychosis.

Physical Dangers
Aside from psychological changes, those who are addicted to or overuse caffeine may also have problems sleeping, changes in heart rhythm, muscle twitching, headaches, and respiratory issues. Over long periods of time, caffeine can also increase one’s risk of developing ulcers and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Caffeine Overdose
While it is relatively hard to overdose on the amount of caffeine contained in coffee or soft drinks, some people have experienced an overdose after taking caffeine pills. These overdoses often result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal.

You wouldn’t allow your children to use illegal drugs, so why let them use a legal drug which has exactly the same effect on their bodies and minds? If you enjoy drinking sodas or coffee on a regular basis, then you should look into buying de-caffeinated, or learn to cut down on your intake. While caffeine can prove beneficial at times, it is also a highly dangerous substance which may pose a severe threat to your health.