Genital herpes is a downright scary subject for everyone. A health concern for some, a health issue to others, genital herpes affects everyone, from those still filled with virility to those past their sexual odysseys to those entering puberty. Genital herpes can be that landmine that prevents most people from considering one-night stands and casual flings, while for others it’s the shackles that prevents them from seeking or maintaining a fulfilling, romantic relationship. Many people who have genital herpes don’t even know they have it. There’s never been a sign, an indication.

The scariest truth surrounding genital herpes is that there still is no cure for the disease. The closest the medical world has come to a cure has been medications that can clear up outbreaks and reduce their frequencies.

List of Medications According to MayoClnic.com

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Natural Cures for Outbreaks of Genital Herpes

• Minimalize contact with infected partners
• Avoid sweeteners
• Ice packs
• Pain relievers
• Hydrogen peroxide to keep infections cleaned
• Use fresh linens and clothes
• Drink plenty of fluids – minimalize pain of urination
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

These same medications may reduce the chances of infecting a partner. Here’s where the situation goes from scary to morbid: nowhere has any organization or professional stepped up and said that medications will reduce risk of spreading, so if you are caring, don’t be so selfish as to not tell your partner. No matter what the conditions were that lead to your contraction, the only way to start breaking the horrific cycle of reckless herpes spreading is to stop yourself.

Ways to Reduce the Chances of Spreading Genital Herpes

• Abstinence – Not the most enviable, but the safest way. The issue is your partner’s health, not your pleasure
• Contraceptives – Worst to worst – covering the genital regions help
• Cleanliness – Keep the area fresh and clean

Ways to Reduce the Chances of Outbreaks of Genital Herpes

• Keep Healthy – Keep a steady supply of vitamin C and multiple vitamins to keep your immune system up. Some researchers believe there is a link to outbreaks of genital herpes and weakened immune systems.
• Keep at peace – a relaxed, happy person with less stress is often more likely to have breakouts than a stressed individual. “Don’t Worry. Be Happy,” and whatnot.

If You Think You Are Infected with Genital Herpes

If you think you are infected with genital herpes, go get it checked out at a clinic. There’s a couple reasons for doing so:
1) Knowing leads to easier treatments and reduces the stress from the fear of not knowing. And, stress can lead to more breakouts, so, once again, relax.

2) Other conditions can look like genital herpes and not be genital herpes. No need trying to go blind researching your condition and getting sick loading up on home remedies for what could be papules or chicken pox (ouch).

Be respectful of those around you. The only way we get through this life is together.

- Martin

Do you have any home remedies for genital herpes? Comment and tell us about them!

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Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which can be very painful and quite frustrating. One of the telltale signs of psoriasis is thick, red, silvery, scaled patches of skin that usually flake and itch. With psoriasis, new skin cells reproduce rapidly to the surface of the skin within days, rather than the normal growth period of a few weeks. These skin cells build up and form thick patches (plaques). While a doctor should treat severe psoriasis, many home remedies can be used to treat mild cases of psoriasis.

Psoriasis affects both males and females equally and is more common between the ages of fifteen to thirty, although it may appear at any age. Psoriasis is not contagious and you can’t “catch” psoriasis from touching someone who has it.

Psoriasis Symptoms

The following are common symptoms of psoriasis:

• Patches (or plaques) of red, irritated skin (may be slightly raised) that may be covered with bright silvery scales
• Scaling spots
• Itching, burning or soreness of skin
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Change in fingernails and toenails—thickened, pitted or ridged nails that change color and separate from the nail bed
• Swollen, stiff and painful joints—restricted movement of the joints
• Emotional distress

Psoriasis patches can vary. You may experience dandruff-like scaling in a few areas or there could be major eruptions over large areas. Patches usually occur on the scalp, elbows, hands, knees, feet, chest, back, arms, legs, toenails and fingernails. Although psoriasis is more common in adults, teens and children can also develop psoriasis.

Mild cases of psoriasis can be a nuisance and many people who suffer from it may avoid swimming and other situations where patches can be seen. More severe cases of psoriasis can be very painful and even disfiguring.

Most types of psoriasis involve cycles:

1. Flaring for a few weeks or months
2. Flaring subsides or goes into remission
3. Flaring returns (in most instances)

Psoriasis Causes

Researchers believe that psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system which results in the inflammation and flaking of skin. The immune system consists of a type of white blood cell called a T call which aids in protecting the body from infection and disease. Scientists think that psoriasis is related to an overproduction of T cells in the skin. The T cells trigger inflammation and increased reproduction of skin cells, which leads to inflammation, and flaking of skin.

Heredity can also play a role in the development of psoriasis. If you have a family history of psoriasis, you chances of having the disease are increased. Read this article from eMedicine Health to find out about 7 new genetic clues for psoriasis to find out more.

Psoriasis Triggers

Psoriasis may occur or worsen due to various triggers. You may be able to figure out what factors triggers your psoriasis and find ways to try and avoid them.

• Stress
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Hormone changes—disease occurrence may peak during puberty and menopause. Pregnant women with psoriasis may experience an improvement in their symptoms. However, during the postpartum period, psoriasis may flare up.
• Overexposure to sunlight—short periods of sun exposure can help reduce psoriasis in most people, but too much skin can damage the skin and sunburn can cause flare ups.
• Cold weather
• Infections—strep throat, oral thrush
• Skin injuries—cut, scrape, insect bite, sunburn
• Medications—lithium, blood pressure medicines, iodides, antimalarial drugs

Psoriasis Home Remedies

Below are skin care treatments and home remedies to help ease the pain of psoriasis:

• Keep your skin moist by using creams, lotions, pills, baths, or soaks.
• Carefully remove psoriasis crusts by gently putting cream on them and then peeling the loose crusts off. This can help your skin to absorb lotions and creams. Be careful not to irritate the skin.
• Take a bath with hot Epsom salts then apply a little olive oil. Keep your skin clean with dry friction or daily sponging.
• Aloe Vera can help to soothe the skin.
• Cabbage leaves—make sure they are thick and green. Wash the cabbage leaves in warm water, dry with a towel, flatten them (you may want to use a rolling pin), make sure they are warm and apply to the affected area. Put a pad or cloth over them and secure with a bandage.
• Avocado oil has been proven very beneficial in treating psoriasis. Gently rub the oil into the affected areas.
• Buttermilk helps to relieve the pain and itch. You can drink it in liberal quantities or you can use it as a compress over the affected parts.
• Take Vitamin E in doses of 400 mg per day to help reduce itching and scab formation.
• Take 6 to 9 lecithin capsules a day (2 or 3 before or after each meal).

–Nolan

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In some countries belching is a major compliment to the chef. It’s expected and taken in high regard that a meal was well enjoyed. In this country… eh, not so much. Many people find belching rude, embarrassing, even disgusting.

If you’re worried about how often you’re burping or if you’re belching too much, especially when you’re out in public with others, there are some measures you can take to limit and even stop excessive belching.

Why do people belch?

Burping is the release of air and gas from the digestive track. That means a good belch is natural and will eventually happen. In fact the average, healthy person passes gas about 14 times a day.

Swallowing air by eating or drinking too fast can create gas in the stomach. Foods sometimes cause excessive gas, like refined sugars, beans, milk products, broccoli, potatoes and other sources of fiber.

People with chronic belching may also have an upper GI disorder like GERD or a peptic ulcer.

What to do to relieve excessive belching

If you find yourself burping too much or at inconvenient moments, there are some things you can do to limit belching.

The most obvious one being avoid foods that give you gas. If you find eating broccoli or enjoying a tall, frosty glass of milk make you burp a little more than you’re comfortable with, don’t eat it when you’re dining out.

When eating, savor every bite. Eat your food slow, chew evenly and enjoy your meal. When you do this you will also swallow less air. Less air in your stomach means less gas and fewer burps!

Even while you aren’t sitting down and enjoying a meal, there are activities that can still bring on belching. Chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, sipping pop through a straw and smoking are just a few to name. Limit or cut these activities to cut back on burping even more.

If your gas is a result of Acid Reflux or heartburn, taking an antacid like Tums may help to settle the gas in your stomach.

Enjoying a tea made with a touch of mint extract after your meal can help reduce gas and belching. Herbal teas made with chamomile and mint can also prevent belching and ensure a smooth digestion.

Want something a little more refreshing to drink? Mix a pinch of baking soda into a chilled cup of lemon juice diluted with water.

When to see your doctor

Remember, belching is normal and natural, but if you find yourself burping practically non-stop and experience diarrhea, constipation, nausea, weight loss or persistent heartburn, please check in with your doctor.

–Magdalena

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It’s common for people to get a little nervous before presenting in front of a large group of people. It’s natural, because we worry if we’ll mess up or if someone in the audience will notice the small shirt stain we picked up during a spaghetti lunch.

However there are some people who are crippled mentally to the point where they can’t speak publicly at all or suffer from acute physical distress, nausea and panic with just the thought of a group presentation.

If you find yourself in this second camp, you probably suffer from glossophobia: the fear of public speaking or otherwise called speech anxiety. Don’t let it distress you too much though; nearly 75% of the population suffers from glossophobia. In fact, many people claim they would rather die than give a speech.

Symptoms of speech anxiety

Some of the symptoms felt during the “fight or flight” process when one is confronted with the prospect of speaking to a group of people in public or in the process of giving a group presentation include:

• Physical distress or nausea
• Feelings of panic
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Excessive sweating
• Dry mouth
• Stuttering, quivering voice or speechlessness

How to overcome a fear of public speaking

It sounds cheesy but practice giving your speech or presentation in front of a mirror. Make eye contact with yourself. Even though it’s just your reflection, many people still have problems making eye contact. If you can watch yourself, you’ve taken a big step forward believe it or not.

After you master making eye contact with your reflection and giving your speech in front of the mirror, try it out on a friend or family member. Some people even find it helpful to give their speech to a pet or small child. While they may not understand exactly what it is you’re talking about, you’re able to get comfortable speaking with other bodies in the room.

Don’t over prepare. You probably already know this from high school or college: the more you cram for something the more you are likely to not perform your best. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t go over your key points and the general flow of your speech, but don’t work on memorizing it line for line. When you put that kind of pressure in yourself, the more likely you are to feel uncomfortable and not perform to your peak potential.

Recruit a cheering section. If you’re speaking in a public forum, it may make you feel better to have people you know and love in the audience. If possible, have them sit near the back of the room. When you make eye contact with someone all the way in the back, it looks as though you’re making eye contact with the entire audience.

Roll with the punches. If you do forget to touch on a point or get some things in your presentation a little bit out of order, just go with it. Odds are the audience doesn’t even know what happened, so why make a big deal out of it.

Perhaps the best thing to remember before getting situated behind that podium is to relax, take a deep breath and give yourself some encouragement. It’s amazing how far the phrase, “You can do it!” can go.

Public Speaking Tips Site

Check out toastmasters.org and learn how you can become the speaker you want to be. There are some interesting stories, tips and techniques you can read about too!

–Magdalena

Do you have any tips on how to overcome public speaking? Comment and tell us about them!

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