Sooo quick recap - life fell apart after seizures lead to discovery of tumor in the left hemisphere of my brain. It has been removed and 3 months of recover later I'm trying to pick up the pieces. However, my work place seems intent on ,asking my health worse. My biggest concern for getting my life back together is the persistent, ongoing seizures. I have been trying so hard to get these under control. But given that tense emotional states, fatigue and cognitive/physical exertion all bring the seizures on, this a tough task.
Today I recieved a request from the local housing authority requesting my last three payslips (clearly to prove I am still only receiving sick pay). This is to be expected. But it was then that I realised that, in addition to forgetting to pay my sick pay in November, they had not sent me one payslip since September. If I can't prove what I am receiving then I will face, at the very least, a temporary suspension of my housing allowance. Since I am still unable to work the hours necessary to afford to live off wages this is actually quite stressful and anxiety inducing. But it is beginning to feel that that is all my current employers have done since the tumor was found; every spell of stress/anxiety leaves me with increased risk of a seizures. I do not know how much longer I can cope. -_-
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Thursday, 15 January 2015
Saturday, 8 November 2014
Anti-convulsants
The joy of any medication is the side effects. Anti-convulsants are never prescribed without reason. In my case they were prescribed to take the edge off grand-Mal seizures. They seem to be do they well for the most part, aside from the occasionally leg spasm. However, I have felt ridiculously lethargic since i began taking them. It feel like I have to go for a run in the morning just to be able to coordinate my muscular movements enough to walk. This is a result of the function of the anti-convulsants.
The anti-convulsants contain chemicals that interact with the neuro-chemicals in the brain in such a fashion that they serve to slow the chemical reactions down. Slow chemical reaction in the brain prevents the electron firing that causes seizures but also cause the more mundane activities of the brain to occur at a slow rate. The biological process creep along in comparison to what they are capable of. I know by this reasoning that the lethargy is a normal reaction by it is hard to get started when the mental equivalent of sand has been pour in the brain engine.
In my own case this lethargy can by quite difficult the deal with as I am on high doses of two different anti-convulsants. I don't mind constantly wanting to sleep, but waking up tired is a bugger. Even things I enjoy doing are difficult thanks to tiredness and inability to concentrate. Coffee only helps so much.
The anti-convulsants contain chemicals that interact with the neuro-chemicals in the brain in such a fashion that they serve to slow the chemical reactions down. Slow chemical reaction in the brain prevents the electron firing that causes seizures but also cause the more mundane activities of the brain to occur at a slow rate. The biological process creep along in comparison to what they are capable of. I know by this reasoning that the lethargy is a normal reaction by it is hard to get started when the mental equivalent of sand has been pour in the brain engine.
In my own case this lethargy can by quite difficult the deal with as I am on high doses of two different anti-convulsants. I don't mind constantly wanting to sleep, but waking up tired is a bugger. Even things I enjoy doing are difficult thanks to tiredness and inability to concentrate. Coffee only helps so much.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Selling my soapy soaps!
Milk soap is known for making skin smoother.
Orange juice soap acts as a natural astringent and therefore as toning qualities.
Peppermint is ever refreshing.
Chamomile leaves skin feeling clean.
I have loads of soap to off load. I started making them as a hobby. It was a dangerous hobby because I still have a mountain of soaps. Links to ebay listings below if anyone's interested.
Milk soap
Peppermint soap
Orange Soap
Chamomile Soap
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Natural cold remedies
Coughs, cold and Flues are a pain at any time of the year. I personally find that pharmaceutical remedies have very little effect on me. So I've complied a list of natural alternatives that I find do help. However, it is important to remember that illness must be recovered from - there is no quick solution. You just can't wish it away; no matter how much you may try. The best thing to do is allow it to past on through.
Coughs and sneezes.
If mucus comes out, get into a tissue and into a bin as quickly as possible. This is the quickest way to help heal your body. The longer infected mucus stays in lungs/sinuses the more severe the infection can get.
Honey and lemon tea. Or Honey, Lemon, and Ginger if you prefer.
This best when using freshly squeezed lemons and real honey, preferable from your local region. The lemon is acid enough to kill the bacteria in throat (This is why lemon is traditionally served with fish), and provided a nice shot of vitamin C to boost the immune system. Honey, more then just making this mixture palatable, has anti-bacterial properties and has been show to sooth inflammation. Ginger soothes nausea, and has anti-viral qualities. Perfect mixture for counter acting sore throats.
Salty water.
Gargling a mixture of salty water every 3-4 hours is a quick way to keep a sore through clean. The taste is very unpleasant but it is effective. The salt water serves to kill microbes while the gargling motion helps remove mucus that may be covering bacterial infestation.
Eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus is a handy decongestant if you can get hold of it. Apply a small amount to the bottom of your nostrils or burn some in an oil burner. This will simultaneously sooth sinuses and act as an expectorant.
Garlic.
Eating loads of garlic on a regular basis will boost immune function. However this more of a preventative measure. Eating it while sick will help you immune system cope but not enough to be noticeable. It also had anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Echinacea.
Like Garlic, this another herb that helps boost immune function. It has been shown to be particularly good for staving off colds an flues. However, this is also a preventative measure.
Astragalus
This little example of Chinese herbal lore is another good preventative measure. Like Garlic it can boost the immune system and is often recommended for people with weaken immune systems.
Willow Bark capsules.
Willow Bark is a natural pain killer. This is a good all-rounder, whether you are taking them for colds or for migraines.
Hot Steamy Showers.
Ordinarily, the Thought of filling the bathroom with steam horrifies me as complete disregard for the environment. This concern aside, filling your lungs with steam in the shower is the perfect way to loosen up the mucus in the airways and sinuses - encouraging the infected mucus to literally leak out, taking the bacteria with it.
Fruits and vegetables.
Eating fruits and vegetables is important for general health. It is even more important to eat healthy when ill, even though this is the last thing most of us want to do. Fruits and vegies will provided lots of vitamin C for immune function and, by eating a variety, all the minerals/vitamin that support vitamin C absorption.
Fish and Shellfish
These are naturally higher in Zinc then most vegetables. Zinc is important mineral to the absorption of vitamin C (but not the only important factor).
Sleep.
Sleep is so very underrated. When I'm sick I can sleep up to 18 hours a day. I wake up better for it. Sleep is integral to healing of any sort.
Caffeine.
Caffeine, despite the fact that it is added to so many pharmaceutical drugs that supposedly help us fight colds, is something that should actually be avoided while you are ill. It will over stimulate your body, leaving you worse for the wear. Worse, the body will struggle to remove it from your system, taking away valuable energy from the immune system while it is trying to fight infection.
Junk Foods.
Again, these are something you want to avoid. Heavily processed foods are harder for the body to break down, stealing energy from the immune system. Quite often these foods also come with a range of preservatives and other nasty chemicals which serve to confuse the body even more. Really Sugary foods have even been shown to feed bacterial infections.
Fresh Air
This is an important way to clear infections from you room/house. People often forget that is a room is closed up it is just recirculating the same air. This means it is also circulating any spores of infectious diseases that have been carried into the room.
Coughs and sneezes.
If mucus comes out, get into a tissue and into a bin as quickly as possible. This is the quickest way to help heal your body. The longer infected mucus stays in lungs/sinuses the more severe the infection can get.
Honey and lemon tea. Or Honey, Lemon, and Ginger if you prefer.
This best when using freshly squeezed lemons and real honey, preferable from your local region. The lemon is acid enough to kill the bacteria in throat (This is why lemon is traditionally served with fish), and provided a nice shot of vitamin C to boost the immune system. Honey, more then just making this mixture palatable, has anti-bacterial properties and has been show to sooth inflammation. Ginger soothes nausea, and has anti-viral qualities. Perfect mixture for counter acting sore throats.
Salty water.
Gargling a mixture of salty water every 3-4 hours is a quick way to keep a sore through clean. The taste is very unpleasant but it is effective. The salt water serves to kill microbes while the gargling motion helps remove mucus that may be covering bacterial infestation.
Eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus is a handy decongestant if you can get hold of it. Apply a small amount to the bottom of your nostrils or burn some in an oil burner. This will simultaneously sooth sinuses and act as an expectorant.
Garlic.
Eating loads of garlic on a regular basis will boost immune function. However this more of a preventative measure. Eating it while sick will help you immune system cope but not enough to be noticeable. It also had anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Echinacea.
Like Garlic, this another herb that helps boost immune function. It has been shown to be particularly good for staving off colds an flues. However, this is also a preventative measure.
Astragalus
This little example of Chinese herbal lore is another good preventative measure. Like Garlic it can boost the immune system and is often recommended for people with weaken immune systems.
Willow Bark capsules.
Willow Bark is a natural pain killer. This is a good all-rounder, whether you are taking them for colds or for migraines.
Hot Steamy Showers.
Ordinarily, the Thought of filling the bathroom with steam horrifies me as complete disregard for the environment. This concern aside, filling your lungs with steam in the shower is the perfect way to loosen up the mucus in the airways and sinuses - encouraging the infected mucus to literally leak out, taking the bacteria with it.
Fruits and vegetables.
Eating fruits and vegetables is important for general health. It is even more important to eat healthy when ill, even though this is the last thing most of us want to do. Fruits and vegies will provided lots of vitamin C for immune function and, by eating a variety, all the minerals/vitamin that support vitamin C absorption.
Fish and Shellfish
These are naturally higher in Zinc then most vegetables. Zinc is important mineral to the absorption of vitamin C (but not the only important factor).
Sleep.
Sleep is so very underrated. When I'm sick I can sleep up to 18 hours a day. I wake up better for it. Sleep is integral to healing of any sort.
Caffeine.
Caffeine, despite the fact that it is added to so many pharmaceutical drugs that supposedly help us fight colds, is something that should actually be avoided while you are ill. It will over stimulate your body, leaving you worse for the wear. Worse, the body will struggle to remove it from your system, taking away valuable energy from the immune system while it is trying to fight infection.
Junk Foods.
Again, these are something you want to avoid. Heavily processed foods are harder for the body to break down, stealing energy from the immune system. Quite often these foods also come with a range of preservatives and other nasty chemicals which serve to confuse the body even more. Really Sugary foods have even been shown to feed bacterial infections.
Fresh Air
This is an important way to clear infections from you room/house. People often forget that is a room is closed up it is just recirculating the same air. This means it is also circulating any spores of infectious diseases that have been carried into the room.
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Water, it's good for you.
Many people I know detest the taste of water, preferring instead to drink juices, cordials, teas or coffee. Water is a vital part of our health and we simply cannot get the water we need from these sources. Even herbal teas, while more beneficial the black tea, coffee or juices, are not as hydrating as water. Here are some good reasons to drink water.
1) Dehydration can have serious side effects. Mild dehydration causes tiredness, migraines, dry mouth, dry eyes, muscular cramps, heart palpitations, impaired kidney function and light-headedness. Serious dehydration (although this is unlikely to occur in normal situations) cause the bodily functions to slowly shut down eventually cause a coma and then death.
2) Our body is composed mostly of water. This means water is integral to most bodily functions. Water is important to the following:
1) Dehydration can have serious side effects. Mild dehydration causes tiredness, migraines, dry mouth, dry eyes, muscular cramps, heart palpitations, impaired kidney function and light-headedness. Serious dehydration (although this is unlikely to occur in normal situations) cause the bodily functions to slowly shut down eventually cause a coma and then death.
2) Our body is composed mostly of water. This means water is integral to most bodily functions. Water is important to the following:
- Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells
- Moisturizes the air in lungs
- Helps with metabolism
- Protects our vital organ
- Helps our organs to absorb nutrients better
- Regulates body temperature
- Detoxifies
- Protects and moisturizes our joints
This is not a complete list, however, is shows how important water is.
3) Top 11 health benefits.
- Lose weight: Drinking water helps you lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger, it’s an effective appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less. Plus, water has zero calories. Here are the further details on how to achieve fat loss by drinking water.
- Natural Remedy for Headache: Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although many reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is the common one.
- Look Younger with Healthier Skin: You’ll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increases skin elasticity.
- Better Productivity at Work: Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrated.
- Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body temperature. That means you’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises. Water also helps to fuel your muscle.
- Helps in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.
- Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.
- Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. In another words one of the benefits of drinking water is that it can improve your immune system. Follow this link for further information on how lemon water can improve your health.
- Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks water, your heart, for instance, needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so will you.
- Good Mood: Your body feels very good and that’s why you feel happy.
- Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.
I hope this article shows just how important water is.
Information courtesy of http://www.mangosteen-natural-remedies.com/benefits-of-drinking-water.html
Sunday, 8 April 2012
The beauty of chocolate
I admit to having a minor chocolate addiction. I like it in bikkies, in cakes, in drinkable form. It's sweet, rich and melts in the mouth. This is why I dislike it when people say how bad it is. It's simple not true.
Cocoa powder and Cocoa butter contain traces of vitamins C, A, and D. The fat contents contains a high amount of Vitamin E. It also contains good amounts of iron, phosphorus and copper. Even better, if it's made with milk, it contains protein, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
In addition to these nutritional values, chocolate is also high in antioxidants. This, in my books, makes it a super-food.
All the information here is borrowed from Tamara Moffett at http://www.livestrong.com/article/279045-chocolate-and-vitamins/
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