Health News and Information

Most of us know that the body temperature is maintained near 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is held rather constantly by the body because all systems are geared to function best at this temperature level. When we are exposed to heat or cold, our body attempts to adjust itself to these circumstances and to maintain an internal temperature as near to normal as possible. We are familiar with the process of shivering when we are chilled. Shivering results from a rapid contraction of muscles in various parts of the body. This muscular contraction produces heat which warms the blood and helps maintain a constant body temperature. When we are hot, on the other hand, the body compensates by perspiring and radiating heat from the skin surface. The blood flow to the skin increases, carrying body heat to the surface blood vessels from which it can be radiated. The process of perspiration requires the production of water, which surfaces to the skin, and by the process of evaporation allows the body to lose heat. This slightly salty water is produced by sweat glands through the basic operation of increased blood flow to these organs. Therefore, a person who is exposed to a hot or a cold environment has increased heart work.*13/309/5*

Even the doctors and nurses are not immune to negative Red Chestnut state when treating or attending to their very close relatives. Most of the doctors would rather have their children treated by some other doctor if the case is serious. They should take Red Chestnut if they feel over-concerned about a patient.To summarize the main features of the negative Red Chestnut state(a) Without any selfish interest feels much anxiety over dangers that might befall their loved ones.(b) Worries over the problems of others with no fear for own person.(c) Over-protective, over-caring for others.(d) Apprehension and worry over imaginary mishappening to the other person, if he is late.(e) Fusses over a harmless symptom as if it was an indication of a very serious disease in another person.(f) If a person has been saved from a very serious accident, he starts imagining all the terrible things that might have happened to the other person. Fear and worry for all those imaginary troubles.For clear conception of “worry and concern” for others in Flower Remedies, remember:”RED CHESTNUT” has no self-interest in their concern and worry for others, except on humanitarian grounds. They are concerned and apprehensive for the safety of persons known or unknown to them. “CHICORY” are selfish and possessive in their concern for their loved ones. They remain totally unconcerned if the danger pertains to some one else in whom they have no interest.*160\308\8*

Treatment of early Lyme disease is aimed at resolution of symptoms and prevention of late complications. For the treatment of early localized or early disseminated disease without third-degree heart block or neurologic complications in adults, current guidelines recommend doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily or amoxicillin 500 mg orally three times daily for 14 to 21 days as first-line therapy. Cefuroxime axetil at 500 mg orally twice daily is a costly alternative for patients who cannot tolerate doxycycline or amoxicillin. Pregnancy and lactation are relative contraindications to doxycycline therapy.Pediatric regimens include amoxicillin 50 mg/kg/day orally divided into three doses up to a maximum of 500 mg per dose or, for children 8 years or older, doxycycline 1 to 2 mg/kg/day divided into two doses up to a maximum of 100 mg per dose. Alternative therapy with cefuroxime axetil at 30 mg/kg/day divided into two doses up to a maximum of 500 mg per dose is recommended for children who cannot take amoxicillin or doxycycline. Age < 8 years is a relative contraindication to doxycycline therapy.Macrolides should be reserved for patients who cannot tolerate amoxicillin, doxycycline, or cefuroxime axetil. Adult regimens include azithromycin 500 mg orally daily for 7 to l0 days or erythromycin 500 mg orally four times daily for 14 to 21 days, or clarithromycin 500 mg orally twice daily for 14 to 21 days. Pediatric macrolide regimens include azithromycin 10 mg/kg/day up to a maximum of 500 mg per dose or erythromycin 12.5 mg/kg four times daily up to 500 mg per dose, or clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg twice daily up to 500 mg per dose.*164/348/5*

Shawna had been struggling with bulimia for a long time when she went to my colleague, endocrinologist Dr. Ed Klaiber, because she hadn’t had a period for over three years. Fair and small-boned to begin with, Shawna now had almost no body fat. When she had her estrogen levels tested, they were very low. Among other things, that put her bones at risk. Unfortunately, a bone density scan confirmed her doctors’ fears: 25-year-old Shawna had the bones of a 65-year-old woman.Working with her regular doctor, she finally seemed to be getting her eating disorder under control at this point. Following Dr. Klaiber’s advice, she also began taking Fosamax and estrogen. Combining therapies in this way was unorthodox at the time, though studies now confirm that various drugs in combination provide increased responses over any one alone. It surely worked for Shawna: she’s gotten back 18 percent of her bone in one year.*24\228\2*