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Though autistic disorder is often thought of as a single condition, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in fact refers to five different kinds of autism.  When most people think about autism, they’re only thinking about one type – the kind they saw in the movie Rainman – and don’t realize that this is only a fifth of the disorders to which autism truly refers. 

The first type of autism is called Classic Autism.  It’s also known as Kanner’s autism, or Kanner’s disorder after a doctor who researched the condition in the 1930s through the 1940s.  Classic autism is one of the lower functioning forms in the spectrum, and is identified by its high level of social and communication issues.  Children with the classic autistic disorder rarely interact with the majority of people.  They often suffer from poor motor skills and frequently repeat actions and motions.  They are also generally reluctant to make eye contact and may display temper tantrums when they experience a change in their usual routine or environment. Though some individuals with classic autism are completely verbal, many struggle to communicate through speech, and others cannot speak at all. 

The second form of autism is referred to as Rett’s Syndrome.  This type off autistic disorder is another low-functioning one.  Rett’s is exclusive to females and often occurs in conjunction with mental retardation.  Rett’s girls are typically impaired in their movements and will rarely communicate verbally.  Studies have concluded that Rett’s is passed on genetically, though no hypothesis has yet to be proven regarding the reason that it occurs only in girls when all other types of autism occur in boys 75 percent of the time.

The third kind of autistic disorder is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.  Children with this form of autism often develop normally, or are diagnosed with Classic Autism or Rett’s Syndrome.  However, the diagnosis changes with the speech and motor skill problems that accelerate. Regression occurs between the ages of two and four for an unknown reason, though it is suspected that it may be brought about by illness or types of surgery.  This hypothesis has yet to be proven.

The fourth form of autistic disorder is Asperger’s Syndrome.  It is easy to misdiagnose children with this disorder as they generally have better social and communication skills than other autistic children, but they still face limitations.  It typically isn’t until these children begin school that these limitations start to become obvious.  Children with Asperger’s often do very well with behavioral treatments and are able to exist quite well within a normal lifestyle when they begin these therapies as early as possible.

The last form of autistic disorder is also the most vague.  It is called PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified) and is the diagnosis given to children who are believed to have autism but whose condition does not fit the typical definition of the other four types of autistic disorder.  These children may have some symptoms that match some of the autism forms, but do not have a specific kind of autism that can be diagnosed.

Part of the understanding of autism comes along with the knowledge of where the disorder may have come from and what can worsen the symptoms.  There are many different theories, including the impact that allergies can have on an autistic child.

For some autistic people and relatives of those on the spectrum the autism disorder classifications are two broad and there is a belief that effective treatments are unlikely to be discovered until the spectrum is broken down further. A common phrase within the autism arena goes like this…‘when you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism’. This phrase highlights the diversity of symptoms and abilities of people grouped together under the spectrum umbrella and confirms the complexity of this disorder.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans’ brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find proven autistic disorder treatments and for more information on autism types please visit The Essential Guide To Autism.  

If you suffer from acid reflux did you know that there are many natural remedies you can try to help eliminate and prevent symptoms?  Natural remedies can be an excellent alternative or compliment to medications.   What’s more they can often be worked into your diet.

The following is a list of natural acid reflux remedies.  The remedies listed are in no particular order.

- Fresh Banana – Bananas are a natural antacid.  The substances in bananas help to suppress the acid secretion in the stomach.  Furthermore, bananas coat and protect the stomach from acid, which helps to prevent stomach ulcers from developing, as well as ulcer damage from occurring.   You can help prevent heartburn by eating a banana 30 minutes before a meal, or directly after a meal.  It is also beneficial to eat a banana when heartburn symptoms first appear.  The most effective bananas are fresh yellow bananas.  Over ripe bananas do not provide the same benefits.

Potential risks: Bananas are considered a safe fruit to eat, and have no known common side effects; if side effects do occur they are extremely rare and are likely linked to an allergic reaction.  However, Bananas are high in tyramine and may cause an increase in blood pressure in people who take MOA inhibitors for depression, increasing their risk of heart attack or stroke. Bananas are also high in sugar so if you’re diabetic please consult your doctor before trying this remedy.

- Fresh Pineapple – Fresh pineapple fruit is rich in enzymes, particularly in the enzyme Bromelian.  The enzymes within pineapple improve digestion, help to alleviate inflammation, and can speed up the process of healing.  It is important to note that only fresh pineapple fruit provides this benefit.  Bottled pineapple fruit or pineapple fruit juice may make your acid reflux condition worse.  To achieve the benefits of pineapple, eat a few pieces of the fresh fruit with your meal, after your meal, or when acid reflux symptoms first appear.

Potential risks: Pineapples are considered a safe fruit to eat, but there are certain side effects to be aware of including skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menstruation), dermal sensitization and uterine contractions.  Pineapple should be eaten with caution if you take medications that thin the blood such as anticoagulants or aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood thinning effects as bromelian such as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto.

- Papaya – Papaya contains the natural enzyme papain which helps the stomach to better digest proteins.  As a result, the enzymes in papaya encourages the body to digest food more quickly, and usually the faster food is digested, the less chance acid reflux can occur.  In addition, due to its assistance in digestion, papaya helps to ensure that essential digestive functions continue to work while stomach acid is neutralized.  Papaya can be eaten in small amounts during or after a meal, and also when symptoms of acid reflux appear.

Potential risks:  Eating raw or unripe papaya fruits may cause irritation, pain, or sores to occur in the mouth, esophagus, stomach or intestines.  Papain may cause skin or mucous membranes to become irritated, particularly if these areas already have sores.  Ingesting papain may also cause inflammation in the mouth and upper gastrointestinal tract.  In addition, papain may decrease the blood’s ability to clot after an injury, and can also interfere with the bloods ability to clot when taken with medications including anticoagulants and aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood thinning effects such as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto.  If you are pregnant or breast feeding you should not eat papaya.

- Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps to prevent and relieve acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn.  ACV works by mimicking the acid level of the stomach, which helps you to properly digest food.  ACV can provide relief from the burning sensation of heartburn, and may even help to alleviate nausea.  As a preventative try taking ACV before meals and when suffering an acute attack of heartburn.  ACV is available in tablet and liquid form.

Potential risks: Apple cider vinegar is considered relatively safe, but possible side effects include digestive upset, and when taken in large amounts, ACV can worsen acid reflux symptoms. 

- Aloe Vera Juice – Aloe vera juice is taken from the leaf of the aloe vera plant, and is in gel form.  Aloe juice has been celebrated for centuries for its healing properties.  In regards to acid reflux, it is used to help soothe and heal esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).   It is believed that the healing properties of aloe vera juice come from pectin, which naturally occurs in the leaves of the aloe plant, and stimulates growth hormone and encourages new cell formation.  Aloe vera juice is typically mixed with tea or juice (avoid citrus), and is taken after meals.

Potential risks: Aloe vera juice should be taken with caution as it is known to act like a powerful laxative.  Long term use of aloe vera or overdosing can cause fluid imbalance and the loss of electrolytes (potassium, hematuria, and albuminuria).  You also shouldn’t combine aloe with drugs designed to flush water and potassium from the body such as diuretics.

- Active Manuka Honey – This is a type of honey that has shown to be beneficial for acid reflux sufferers because it acts like a natural anti-inflammatory.  Honey has the ability to coat the esophagus and protect it should acid reflux occur.  Active manuka honey is also thought to help heal esophagitis and protect the inflamed esophagus from further damage.  Active manuka honey works best when taken before meals and before bed by applying 1 teaspoon to bread (the bread allows the honey to reach the lower esophagus).  It can also be taken after a meal and when acid reflux symptoms are present for those with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Potential risks: Active Manuka Honey is considered safe and has no common side effects; side effects are extremely rare and are typically linked to an allergic reaction.

- Ginger Root – Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine to remedy stomach distress, as well as aid digestion.  It is considered to be one of the most pure of all natural remedies, and is recognized for its antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.  Ginger helps to increase mucous in the digestive tract which provides tissues with additional protection and coating from acid.   It has long been used in pregnancy to combat nausea. Ginger is typically taken in the form of tea, but fresh ginger can also be added to food, or taken in the form of a supplement.  Ginger can be ingested during and after meals to help prevent and alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Note: tea should be sipped and drunk when warm.

Potential risks:  Ginger only appears to produce side effects when taken in extremely large amounts (I.E. 10 grams of fresh ginger or 4 grams of powdered ginger).  Side effects that may occur if too much ginger is ingested include heartburn, diarrhea, or burning or tingling sensations in the mouth.   Ginger is believed to interact with H2 receptor blockers and may interfere with their effectiveness.  It also should not be taken with medications that thin the blood such as anticoagulants or aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood thinning effects such as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto.

- Chamomile - Chamomile is traditionally known for its calming and sedative properties.  However, chamomile has the ability to aid in digestion, decrease stomach acid and relieve irritation in the esophagus caused by acid reflux.  This is due to its high calcium content.  Chamomile is usually ingested in the form of tea and can be take during and after meals, before bed, and to calm an attack of heartburn.   Note: tea should be sipped and drunk when warm.

Potential risks:  The one side effect of chamomile appears to be vomiting, which only occurs when taken in extremely high doses.  Chamomile should not be taken with medications that thin the blood such as anticoagulants or aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood thinning effects such as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto, as bleeding can occur.   Additionally, people allergic to daisies should avoid taking chamomile as it is part of the daisy family.  

All natural remedies should be taken as directed by the instructions on the packaging or as instructed by a qualified dietitian, herbalist, or health care provider who has recommended the natural remedy(s) to you. 

If you discover that you have an allergic reaction to any natural remedy stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor or pharmacist.  Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction that you should watch for include: rash, itching, hives, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are taking medication for acid reflux or any other medical condition, it is extremely important that you first speak with your health care provider before taking any natural remedy to ensure this is a safe option for you.

Keep in mind that acid reflux is an individual condition that has many causes and can take many different forms.  While one remedy may work for one person, it may do nothing for another, or make their condition worse.  Therefore, not all acid reflux sufferers will find relief with natural remedies.

That said, you might therefore need to experiment with different natural remedies that are safe for you based on your overall health, and determine if the effects are beneficial.  If you discover that the remedies do not work, or if symptoms persist or worsen, stop taking them and see your doctor to discuss other treatment options.

Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter - Overflowing with information to help you recognise the various acid reflux cure options available and for information on following an acid reflux diet please visit Stop Acid Reflux Now. 

If you would like to better understand how to cure gout in a natural way, then you may wish to examine the impact of certain herbs and other at-home treatments that can help to control the inflammation, minimize uric acid production, and ease the pain from which all gout patients suffer. 

The following methods, substances, spices and herbs can all be used at home to treat gout naturally, however, please remember to consult your doctor before trying any of these remedies:

- Epsom Salt baths – to ease discomfort of gout and reduce the inflammation, place 2 to 3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a footbath, basin, or pan that is large enough to immerse the affected foot/joint.  The water should be as hot as you can stand it without discomfort.  Soak the gouty joint for approximately thirty minutes.  This technique also works if you take a whole-body Epsom salt bath.  If the gout occurs in a part of the body other than the foot, this will be the preferred method.  In this case, you will need one to two cups of Epsom salts (follow the instructions on the package).

- Nettle Tea – nettle tea increases the excretion of uric acid from the body and many swear by it for treating gouty joints. It functions by facilitating the elimination of urates from the body.  Nettle will work both as a tea or a tincture.  The teas are fine for milder cases, but the tinctures are usually recommended in more severe cases of gout. 

- Devil’s Claw – devil’s claw is a natural anti-inflammatory that also features properties for minimizing pain.  It has also been known to facilitate the elimination of uric acid from the body, therefore helping to shorten gout attacks and prevent them from recurring.

- Turmeric – turmeric is not only a common spice in many forms of cooking, but it also inhibits prostaglandins (involved in pain) synthesis in the body.  The way it functions is quite similar to the action of ibuprofen or aspirin, only at a weaker level. When the doses are high enough, though, turmeric will stimulate the adrenal glands so that the body will begin the production and release of natural cortisones, which will rapidly and effectively reduce pain and inflammation.

- Bromelain and Quercetin – these substances are best used together.  Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory and may inhibit xantine oxidase, which causes the body to produce less uric acid.  It can be found in supplements, onions, apples, pink grapefruit, watermelon, elderberries, and green leafy vegetables.  It can also be found in black tea, green tea, and elderberry juice. Bromelain, the active ingredient found in pineapple, is also an anti-inflammatory and is available through dietary supplement.

- Yucca – yucca is an effective blood purifier, which helps to reduce the pain of gout and arthritis.  It also helps to decrease the build-up of toxins in the body, therefore assisting in the prevention of gout.  It can also break-up inorganic mineral deposits and obstructions in the joints as well as decreasing joint inflammation, two major symptoms of gout. 

Of course, knowing how to cure gout isn’t just a matter of what you consume, but also what you do.  As important as herbs and other remedies are to treating gout in a natural way, so is exercise, when done properly. Remember to consult your doctor before taking any natural remedies for the first time.

Grab your free copy of Lisa McDowell’s brand new Gout Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out how to cure gout naturally and for information on ways to get rid of gout with gout home remedies please visit Cure Gout Now. 

Although acid reflux is quite common, the range of symptoms heartburn can produce is surprisingly broad, with some symptoms that are easily recognizable, and others that are more unusual and can therefore be difficult to recognize as symptoms caused by heartburn.

If you suspect you may be suffering from symptoms heartburn may have triggered – whether they are common or unusual – it is important that you speak to your doctor for a formal diagnosis. This is to rule out any other underlying condition and to prevent any serious or long-term consequences that may result from the disorder.

GERD can cause you to suffer from reactions that can range from quite mild – almost unnoticeable – to ones that are actually life threatening.  Keep in mind, the more dramatic symptoms heartburn causes are typically those that have developed over time, so if you do feel a bit of discomfort you shouldn’t panic. However, make a doctor’s appointment anyway to ensure you know the degree and type of GERD you are suffering from and what your options are.

Aside from typical symptoms heartburn presents, you may also want to watch for these less common symptoms, which can include:

 Pain – though pain is one of the more common symptoms heartburn has to offer, there are forms of pain that are considered to be quite unusual.  For example, the typical pain felt from GERD includes a burning sensation in the mid to upper chest region, or a burning sensation in the esophagus or lower throat area.  However, more rare are pains that migrate to the shoulder blade or overall shoulder area.

 Vomiting – among the more unpleasant symptoms heartburn presents is varying degrees of vomiting.  This can include wet or sour burps, wet hiccups, or food coming up a bit within an hour of eating. Less common versions of this potential symptom of GERD include feelings of nausea during or soon after eating or sometimes projectile vomiting.  Though not common, there have been cases where this has occurred and should be checked if you experience these symptoms and suspect GERD. 

Respiratory – the respiratory system is easily impacted by GERD and therefore frequently presents with symptoms caused by heartburn.  These commonly include a runny nose, bad breath, recurrent sore throat, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, wheezing, bronchitis, asthma, a nagging dry cough, coughing at night, frequent throat clearing, labored or noisy breathing, a hoarse or deepened voice, or nodules on the vocal cords.  More rarely however, GERD can develop into sleep apnea, aspiration (inhalation of stomach acids into the lungs), pneumonia, and laryngospasm (a brief spasm of the vocal cords that temporarily interrupts breathing, usually lasting up to 30 seconds).
 
Due to so many different kinds of symptoms – and a range of uncommon symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other illnesses, diseases, and conditions – acid reflux may not be the obvious choice as a diagnosis.  Only a doctor can help you know for certain if your symptoms heartburn may be causing are indeed a result of GERD.  When in doubt, it is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional.  This is especially true in the case of children, who may need different remedy options than adults.

Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out about heartburn symptoms and for information on the cause of heartburn please visit Stop Acid Reflux Now. 

Allergy induced autism has only been recognized by scientists and doctors for a relatively short time since the “discovery” of autism. Since being recognized, its presence has become increasingly common; in line with the increase in autism cases.

Those who are at the highest risk for allergy induced autism are children who have regressive autism – that is, those children who develop normally who then start to regress at around the age of two years old – and children with behavioral and neurological problems in combination with extreme digestive issues (such as intractable constipation).

Such children are generally incapable of metabolizing (digesting) important common food proteins; specifically casein and gluten. Casein is one of milk’s main proteins and is also commonly used in the manufacturing of many common food products. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and several grains and is also often added in the manufacturing of food making them hard to avoid.

For some children with autism, gluten and casein are not digested in the normal way. Instead, they are metabolized only partially and become a substance with similar properties to morphine, which can pass through the wall of the digestive tract and enter the blood stream.

These children also often have a “variant” form of protein in their urine after ingesting casein or gluten. This protein is believed to be the byproduct of the creation of the morphine-like substance; the result of which are disconnected or altered behavior in children and a strong addiction to foods that contain casein and gluten in order to replicate the morphine-like side effects.

Due to this improper digestive functioning, these children are also generally incapable of eliminating many of the chemicals they absorb from within their environment and their food. These can include pesticides, pollution, detergent additives, artificial colorings and flavorings, chemical food additives, and other substances that can become toxic when allowed to build up to unusually high quantities.

The symptoms of autism will typically present themselves within a child’s first three years. While some autistic children may have intolerance to chemicals in food, other substances can impact other children. The most common “culprits” are believed to be corn, sugar, wheat, and citrus fruits. Allergy based symptoms may be completely unnoticeable, however, it is common for children with allergies or intolerance to certain foods to experience low blood sugar, excessive sweating (particularly at night), bloating, diarrhea, incapability to regulate body temperature, rhinitis, a redness in the face and/or ears, and under-eye circles when eating the items they are allergic or intolerant to.

The reduction or elimination of problem substances from a child’s diet will not cure their autism, but it can help to reduce some of the symptoms of allergy induced autism. This dietary elimination approach has been found to be effective in many children and adults. The improvements reported have been significant in some cases, but for many children, who appeared to be severely autistic, restricting their diet has reduced their symptoms only as long as they don’t deviate from the strict dietary limitations.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans’ brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about allergy induced autism and for information on autism diagnosis please visit The Essential Guide To Autism. 

Acid reflux can strike at any time, with symptoms, such as heartburn usually occurring shortly after eating large meals or when lying down.  However, did you know that approximately 8 out of 10 heartburn suffers will experience nighttime symptoms?  Therefore, if you suffer from bedtime heartburn, you need to know what to do for acid reflux to help prevent symptoms from occurring.

First of all, you may be wondering why heartburn occurs at night.  There are many reasons why acid reflux is more likely to occur while you sleep, such as:
- Relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – when you sleep all of the muscles in your body naturally relax, which can encourage acid to leak into your esophagus.
- Absence of swallowing – During sleep, the swallowing reflex is inhibited.  Swallowing allows saliva to neutralize any digestive fluids that may be in the esophagus lining.
- Laying flat – laying flat in your bed enables stomach acid to easily flow into the esophagus and remain in the esophagus for a longer period of time, which can lead to heartburn.

To stop nighttime heartburn flare ups from causing damage to your esophagus, and interrupting your sleep, here’s what you can do for acid reflux relief:

1. Eat 3 hours before bedtime and eliminate foods from your diet that trigger acid reflux.   Avoid foods and beverages that are known to trigger acid reflux (I.E. high fat foods, citrus fruits, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, etc.) Do not indulge in late night snacking and make sure the last meal you eat is one of a moderate portion.  If you must have a large meal, eat a more substantial serving of food at lunchtime.   Furthermore, limit your liquid intake to water before bed.

2. Sleep on an incline.  Prop your head and shoulders up with a few pillows or a wedge pillow so that you are not lying flat on your back.  The slight slope you create with your body helps to prevent acid from traveling further up your esophagus and remaining there to initiate heartburn.

3. Sleep on your left side.  Some studies have found that sleeping on the left side can aid acid reflux nighttime prevention, as this position appears to help remove stomach acid from the esophagus.  On the other hand, sleeping on the right side has shown to make heartburn worse.

4. Sleep in loose fitting pajamas or clothes. Clothing that is constricting around your torso, especially your abdomen or waist, such as tight elastic pants, places pressure on the stomach which can force digestive contents and fluids against the LES and up into the esophagus.

5. Take an antacid before going to bed.  Although your first “what to do for acid reflux” instinct shouldn’t be to take medications, if your nighttime heartburn is exceptionally bothersome, taking an antacid or two before bed will work to quickly neutralize acid and treat your symptoms or prevent an episode from occurring.  If longer relief is necessary, an H2 blocker may be more effective.

Finally, if you are finding that the above techniques are not helping in alleviating heartburn, what to do for acid reflux at this point, is visit your health care provider for a proper diagnosis and a new treatment plan.  You may find that you are suffering from a more serious condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a peptic ulcer, or a hiatal hernia.

Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out what to do for acid reflux and for information on herbs for acid reflux please visit Stop Acid Reflux Now. 

Being informed about gout is essential if you want to prevent gout attacks and avoid developing other health conditions.  With this in mind, the following information has been designed to help you on your gout discovery path, and will provide you with the questions you need to explore so you can become an expert on gout.

What is the cause of gout? - In order to understand what causes any health condition or disease, you need to learn what the condition is, and how/why the condition can occur.  In the case of gout understanding that it is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is excess levels of uric acid is in the body is very beneficial. It enables you to learn what uric acid is, why the body produces it, how it can become excessive, and the steps to take to reduce the levels of uric acid in your body.

Can gout attack different areas of the body? – The most common information on gout will tell you that gout generally occurs in the joint of the big toe.  While this is true, the big toe is only one of the many regions of the body that can be affected by gout.  Gout can also occur in the joints of the elbow, wrist, hand, knee, ankle and foot.  Knowing where gout can strike, and the reasons why it may occur in other joints may help you better understand your specific condition.

What are all the symptoms of gout? – Gout has many characteristic symptoms including sudden severe pain, inflammation, redness and swelling of the affected joint.  Knowing what warning signs to watch for may help prepare you so you can act quickly with treatment if you experience a recurrent attack.

What can make gout worse? – Gout, like other ailments, can be made worse through food choices (I.E. foods high in purines such as organ meats and shellfish) lifestyle choices (I.E. smoking, limited exercise, being overweight or obese), and medications (I.E. diuretics).  It is imperative you find out what can increase your risk of a gout attack, because the more frequent your attacks, the more chronic your condition and the more complications can occur.

What can make gout better? – Learning treatment information on gout helps you to both treat present attacks and prevent future ones.  Improving gout begins with avoiding the factors that make it worse.  It also consists of eating a balanced healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising, maintaining a healthy body weight, and in some cases, taking medications such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – I.E. aspirin) or prescription drugs.  Keeping the affected joints protected and well cared for can also make a difference.  The more you know on how to improve your condition the more control you will have over gout.

What are the complications of gout?  If gout is left untreated it can progress into a more aggressive condition and become recurrent.  It can also cause tophi, nodules that form under the skin from urate crystal deposits.  In some people, gout can even lead to the formation of kidney stones.  Knowing how severe gout can be if left untreated may help you take your condition and treatment more seriously.

What precautions should I take? When researching information on gout you need to keep an open mind about the information you read.  In other words, don’t believe everything you read, and don’t make the mistake of self-diagnosing yourself!

Where can you obtain gout information?
- Your health care provider
- Health books on gout in your local library or bookstore
- Free online resources
- Cure Gout Now

Grab your free copy of Lisa McDowell’s brand new Gout Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out information on gout including gout home treatment options please visit Cure Gout Now. 

If you suffer from gout and you have been prescribed gout medications by your doctor, you need to take the time to ask your doctor all the questions you may have regarding your prescription.  Not sure what you should ask?  The following are three questions you should ask your doctor before you take any medication he/she prescribes:

1. What is the name of the medication, and how does it work?  You need to know what the medication is called, and how it works to treat gout.  For instance, you may find that your doctor is prescribing you medication that is designed to not only treat gout attacks, but prevent them.  The more you know about how gout medications work, the more you will understand how to effectively use it so your body receives the best benefits.  Furthermore, understating the medication helps you learn what results you should expect to see.

2. Are there any side effects or drug interactions I should be aware of?  This is an essential question, because all medications carry some risk of negative side effects.  You need to know:

- What the most common side effects are
- What the more severe side effects are
- What the long-term side effects are.

You should also find out when you should report any side effects to your doctor.  The reason is because some side effects you experience may be expected, and shouldn’t be cause for concern unless they develop into something else.

When asking about side effects, you also need to find out if the gout medications being prescribed interferes with other medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) you may be taking for other health conditions, or to treat minor ailments such as the common cold or headaches.  For instance, Colchicine, a common medication prescribed for gout, should not be used by people who suffer from serious gastrointestinal disorders.

Learning side effects also includes informing your doctor about any allergies you may have, as you may discover that you cannot take the gout medication if it contains ingredients to which you are allergic.

3. Are their alternatives to this medication? Find out from your doctor if there are other gout medications that are less severe, or if there are other gout treatments you can try if you are interested in a safer or milder drug alternative.  You should also find out if the drug being prescribed is available in an alternative/generic name brand, which would be less expensive.

It is imperative that you talk to your doctor and keep the doors of communication open with him or her.   Communication is how you will learn about gout medications, other gout treatments, and any other gout facts that could be very important to your condition.  The more knowledge you obtain, the less stress you will feel, and the better you can treat your gout. 

Sometimes you may find it difficult to have a conversation with you doctor during your visit, especially when your doctor is overwhelmed with work and other patients.  However, this shouldn’t stop you from asking your questions or receiving answers.  If your doctor is unwilling to take the time to talk with you, or cannot provide you with, or find you the answers to your questions, perhaps it’s time to change physicians, and find a doctor who cares about your health as much as you do.  

Don’t forget, any question or concern you may have regarding gout medications is worth asking your doctor.    You may have heard the statement “There are no stupid questions”, and when it comes to your health, this statement couldn’t be more accurate.  Never forget that you are responsible for your own wellbeing.

Grab your free copy of Lisa McDowell’s brand new Gout Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out about Gout Medications and for information on complimentary gout home remedies please visit Cure Gout Now. 

Laminate floors are placed over the sub-floor without actually being attached to it. In other words, laminate flooring simply lies on whatever’s underneath it (wood, cement, linoleum, etc.). Laminate floors come in squares or planks, and have a variety of shapes and sizes The planks have a tongue and groove edge which are locked together.

Many laminate floors don’t require any glue, making installation much easier with their glueless locking systems. Other laminate floors have glue pre-applied, requiring just a damp sponges to activate the adhesive. Many of the better grade laminate floors have their edges pre-sealed at the factory in order to prevent moisture from attacking the inner core structure.

Prior to installation, a special polyurethane coat is put down, over which the flooring will float. Some higher-priced underlayments reduce sound and restrict moisture penetration. The installation for laminate wood flooring is similar to hardwood, with several rows laid first to square off the room to prevent bowing and cupping of the planks.

The process of glueless laminate floor installation

The laminate flooring most commonly offered by manufacturers are glueless, also referred to as “clic-floors.” The tongue and the groove of this type of flooring is meant to lock firmly in place and not come apart with foot traffic. Always read the manufacturer’s installation procedures before you start – this will prevent you from making mistakes and wasting time and effort. Also, the subfloor must be flat in order for the planks to lock together.

Tools to install glued laminate flooring

You’ll need various tools to install standard laminate flooring. Again, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and use the recommended tools.

• Glue – most, but not all, laminate floors have a special adhesive to join the planks and help keep moisture out of the core.

• Straps – these are much more effective at pulling rows of planks together than clamps are. As a rule, you’ll need a set of straps for every four feet of starter rows.

• Fillers and sealants — some laminate wood flooring manufacturers offer color coordinated fillers and sealants to cover gaps between planks and prevent moisture from entering the perimeter of the planks.

• Tapping block – use this to tap two planks together.

• Wedges – V-shaped wedges are used to ensure that there’s as little gap left between the laminate floor and the walls as possible. Again, different manufacturers of laminate floors have their own recommended gap distance, so to be sure to consult your manufacturer’s installation manual.

• Pulling bar – this bar is used to pull two pieces of together. Great care must be applied in using the bars to avoid chipping the surface of the plank.

Flowers are always a good gift. So before you attend that next birthday party or wedding shower, look into your local flower shops. There are almost an overwhelming amount of floral gift ideas to choose from.

Flower shops don’t only offer leafy things though – all sorts of items, like cards and teddy bears, can be purchased there. Food baskets are always a fun and feminine present for someone too, as they usually contain fruits as well as flowers. Candies and sweets, as well, can be bought in flower shops. Traditionally, a man will give a woman not just flowers, but chocolates (sometimes heart-shaped). No matter what occasion, whether it is a wedding anniversary or Valentine’s Day, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at a flower shop.

If money is a concern, it is actually cheaper to purchase flowers from an actual flower shop (as they grow their own products), as opposed to other stores. And even though you are saving money, you still end up with fresher flowers! Florists can arrange your favorite flowers into an elegant bouquet. Flower shops even sell artificial flowers, which can be gracefully arranged as well – these are perfect for decorations and center table displays. The flowers that are available will depend on the season, but occasionally you can snatch up an out-of-season flower if it is late to bloom.

You can even order flowers online, and some shops don’t charge for delivery. Know your options – there are many ways to surprise a loved lone!

So if you are looking for the perfect gift for your loved one, mother, or close friend – consider browsing around in some flower shops.