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Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Blood clots are never good news. DVT is the start or formation of blood clots in arteries or deep veins in your body. This is a problem for many but it can be averted with proper treatment and care. Blood clots lead to heart attacks, strokes as well a myriad of other body complications. Deep Venous Thrombosis affects many people in the United States. The problem typically worsens with age. So you may ask, what causes DVT? There are numerous things that cause Deep Venous Thrombosis. A lot of times, this condition is caused by immobility or lack of movement. Blood is supposed to be moving through veins and arteries at all times. If blood becomes stagnant or slow moving, the risk of clots greatly increases. It is natural for our bodies to develop and breakdown small clots through its own fibrinolytic system. The problem however is when various factors alter this balance and that causes DVT. There are various factors that contribute to DVT. Below, you can see a list of them and why each can lead to DVT.

Immobility:

Immobility is one factor that contributes DVT. Being immobile simply means sitting in one position for extended periods of time. You may have heard before that it is important to stand up and take a walk around the cabin if you are on a really long plane flight or train ride. You heard to do this because it has been proven that doing that reduces the risk of blood clots, which can lead to DVT.

Trauma

Trauma injury to any part of the body but particularly the knees, hips or lower legs, puts an individual at greater risk for blood clots and potential DVT. After any traumatic injury, be sure to be weary of this potential problem.

Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer is also a factor that greatly increases the chances of DVT. Any form of cancer increases a clot.

More Causes:

There are a number of more potential causes of DVT and blood clots than those mentioned above. Another potential habit that can increase your chances of DVT is smoking. Smoking is widely regarded as a poor practice for your overall health. That holds true when it comes to DVT complications as well. Smoking can contribute to DVT by making it more challenging for the heart to pump blood properly and efficiently across the body. Other potential causes include some forms of birth control or various types of infections. It is important to remember that any activity or disease that alters the body and its functions in any way shape or form is a contributing factor to DVT. While some things you cannot fully prevent such as cancer, many things you can control and greatly reduce your risk of getting DVT. As you go about your life, you should not be panic stricken over Deep Venous Thrombosis, but rather educated and knowledgeable. Taking the right steps to try and prevent this problem from occurring to you will go a long way.

Find out more information about DVT and venous disease.…

Are Fluoride Supplements Necessary?

Are Fluoride Supplements Necessary?

Because of the large push in Fluoride over the past couple of decades, many children are over-fluoridated. When this happens it can cause patches of fluorosis, which can be detected by brown, yellow, or even black teeth that are starting to crumble and become pitted. These cases can range from mild to severe and are becoming more prevalent in American children. While Fluoride has some benefits in mild portions, overdoing it can cause some serious issues. This brings up the question as to how much fluoride you need to get before it becomes dangerous.

The truth is that fluoride has been used quite a bit lately and is a major reason why tooth decay has declined over the years. When it is used in appropriate fashion, it can be safe and is also very effective at preventing dental problems. In the United States, many counties have fluoride in the water and most people are exposed to it in some way or another.

The best way to use fluoride effectively is to get a small dose of it every day. This is the best way for you to reduce dental caries and make sure that your teeth are protected. This can easily be done when a person drinks water that has an optimal level of fluoride in it as well as brushes their teeth two times a day with some sort of fluoride toothpaste. If you are not at high risk for cavities and other tooth decay then you do not need to take fluoride supplements because the water and tooth brushing should suffice. If you are at high risk for having dental issues, then you might want to consider a small fluoride supplement in order to help protect your tooth enamel and let it grow properly.

The best advice is to go to your dentist and find out his or her recommendation for your personal situation. They will be able to let you know whether or not you should consider fluoride supplements or if you already get a sufficient amount ever day. With fluoride you want to make sure you have optimal levels because too little can lead to tooth decay, and too much can lead to other problems that will harm your teeth.

Along with any fluoride supplement, you will want to make sure that you are practicing good oral hygiene and that you are frequently brushing and flossing every day to take care of the main causes of dental caries.…

Why Would Anyone Want To Use Soap To Brush Their Teeth?

Why Would Anyone Want To Use Soap To Brush Their Teeth?

Do you remember when, as a kid, the ultimate punishment for speaking out of turn was to have your mouth washed out with soap? Anyone who’s ever experienced this would agree it was pretty unpleasant. Why then, would anyone in this day and age, even consider using soap to brush their teeth instead of traditional toothpaste?

Soap to brush teeth… really? Please be clear – I am not insinuating one should incorporate his or her shower gel or dish soap into their daily oral hygiene routine. Soap, by definition, is merely “A substance which dissolves in water, thus forming lather, and is used as a cleansing agent.” Natural tooth soaps date back to ancient Egypt. The earliest known reference to any mixture for cleaning teeth comes from a 4th century AD Egyptian manuscript. The ingredients included flowers and herbs that would be crushed together and mixed with oils to create “soap.” Similar practices have been documented by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Some manuscripts indicate that tooth soaps from crushed flowers, salts and oils were popular in 18th and 19th century America, as well. It wasn’t until the 1900’s that hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals started to be used in the U.S. to manufacture what we now call toothpaste.

The Pitfalls of Traditional Toothpaste

One might wonder why an alternative for toothpaste is necessary. After all, we have been using dentist recommended, fluoride toothpastes since the 1950’s, when Proctor and Gamble introduced the first such product to the marketplace. Recent research, however, now indicates that the fluoride and other chemicals used in modern day toothpastes are toxic and may be detrimental to our health. Many holistic dentists have stopped recommending chemically laden toothpastes in favor of those with natural ingredients.

Natural and Effective Alternatives for Toothpaste

Sometimes the old remedies truly are the best option. Oral hygiene products are no exception. Ingredients such as essential oils, salt and coconut oil are phenomenal cleansers, exfoliators and anti-bacterial agents. The benefits of choosing oral hygiene products with these ingredients are numerous:

1.) They are non-toxic and safe for children and pets.

2.) They are gentle and do not strip the tooth’s enamel.

3.) They fight plaque and tarter by restoring the mouth’s pH.

4.) They help to remineralize the teeth.

5.) They are safe for sensitive teeth.

Back to the Basics

It’s not surprising that many health conscious consumers, like me, are abandoning the so called “traditional” toothpastes and embracing those with the natural ingredients of olden times. We have come to realize that our dental hygiene products to not have to contain harmful chemicals in order to be effective. Rather, we can maintain optimal oral health and feel great about doing so without risking our well being. So, using soap to brush teeth is not a far fetched idea. Here’s to our healthy smiles!…

Natural Toothpaste Does Work?

Natural Toothpaste Does Work?

Think natural toothpaste is just for old hippies? Think again. More and more people are making the switch to natural toothpaste for two reasons.

The first reason people choose natural toothpaste is that it works. Natural toothpaste contains a heavy concentration of mint oils, which are the very best ingredients for killing bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria are the cause of plaque buildup on your teeth, which is the cause of bad breath and gingivitis. Mint oils kill bacteria better than anything else, and keep your mouth sparkling clean.

The second reason people switch to natural toothpaste is to avoid the harmful ingredients in commercial toothpastes. Commercial toothpastes contain fluoride, which in high doses can be toxic. Since adults don’t need fluoride and children normally get enough fluoride from drinking fluoridated water, you don’t really need it in your toothpaste. Avoiding it in toothpaste can help you ensure that you don’t reach any toxic levels in your body. Too much fluoride can actually cause your teeth to look gray and mottled.

Commercial toothpastes also contain detergent, which is completely unnecessary and which can be a skin irritant to many people. It can also cause cold sores in those who are already prone to them.

Finally, commercial toothpastes also often contain saccharin for sweetening. Saccharin has been shown to be a cancer causing agent in laboratory mice, and is rarely ever used today for sweetening food because of this.

So, not only does natural toothpaste work and work well, it’s also far safer for your family than the commercial toothpaste you’ve probably been using. You’ll have a fresher, cleaner mouth by making the switch and you’ll be avoiding all those harmful ingredients in your old toothpaste. Who could argue with a product like that?…

Toothpastes of Today

Toothpastes of Today

In this day and age people have much better teeth the many years ago. The health of our teeth has to do with the advancement of toothpastes and rinses of today. Toothpastes have ingredients that target more than just cavities. Today we have different flavors, ones for all day protection, whitening, enamel care, and breath.

The majority of toothpastes on the market today contain the ingredient fluoride. The fluoride in the toothpaste is talked about by most dentists because this is the key component that fights and prevents cavities in the mouth. The acid in the mouth produces bacteria which eats away and the tooth enamel. The fluoride makes your teeth much stronger and also gets rid of the acid build up within your mouth and teeth.

Some people believe that the fluoride can cause streaks on the teeth and can be harmful if too much is swallowed so there is a little debate on the benefits by some. Due to this concern some manufactures have developed toothpaste with no fluoride but this is a small amount of people and the overall evidence is more positive around the use of fluorides in toothpaste.

To get small children into the habit of brushing and since they are not familiar with the concept of spitting manufactures have created training toothpaste which is fluoride free. This type of toothpaste is to be used by children from ages of 4-6 or at least until they understand how to spit out the toothpaste. In addition this type of toothpaste has age levels so when children are ready there are toothpastes with small levels of fluoride. Most children’s toothpastes come in more flavors to appeal to younger kids yet keep them brushing.

Another form of toothpaste is for one for sensitive teeth. For people who have deteriorated enamel and have sensitivity to hot or cold should use a sensitive type of toothpaste. Tartar, which is sometimes called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. Initial treatment for this issue can be a tartar control toothpaste.

One of the most popular toothpastes out in the market today is whitening toothpastes. These types of pastes remove stains from teeth like coffee, smoking and food. With all the coffee drinkers out there this would be the ideal choice for you. With the use of bleaching agents whitening toothpaste will whiten your teeth over time and give you that total white smile you’ve always wanted.…

Colorado’s Bikems 2008: Paysimplers Don’t Just Donate, We Participate!

Last weekend, six of our own PaySimplers joined an estimated 3,000 cyclists in the 23rd Annual Great-West Life Bike MS, Colorado’s Ride 2008. Each rider is pledged to raise at least $300.00 for the cause, but most go above and beyond that amount. Team PaySimple, comprised of a total of almost 50 friends and family members, together raised over $35,000!

The ride encompassed 150 miles over two days. Starting June 28, Cyclists rode 75 miles from Front Range Community College in Westminster, CO to Ft. Collins, CO and returned to the college the following day. I asked our participants to share their thoughts about the experience or any inspiring moments they had during the 2-day race…

Elissa Beckman, Empowerment Director – “With almost 50 riders on our team, people tended to notice us and comment on our jerseys. It made for a great conversation topic when people would ask, “What is PaySimple?”. I must say, I never thought I’d be conversing with strangers about electronic payment processing while climbing through the mountains of Colorado.”

“Unique experience? Well, I might be the only person in the race who made it the entire 150 miles without a spill, only to eat it as I reached for my medal crossing the finish line. But I am still so happy that I participated!”

Wesley Cropp (on right), Account Executive – “Admiration was a constant feeling over the course of the two-day race; I was in awe at the physical ability of the experienced riders and headstrong nature of those that struggled with the course. The last quarter-mile was lined with supporters and family members, waving flags and holding out medals. With that kind of support, where I once felt tired I then felt like I could make it 20 more miles. That’s what it’s all about.”

Chris Kampfe (on left), Marketing Analyst – “The experience of riding with the team was brilliant. Each turn was a new experience, a constantly changing landscape. And when you came up on a hill, it’s inspiring to have a strong, supportive team to climb it with. It really didn’t hurt that everyone looked fantastic in their spandex either. Just sayin’…”

Jeremy Segale, VP of Operations – “The energy this weekend was amazing, over 3,000 riders uniting together to pedal against MS. I was proud to ride for Team PaySimple, the 7th largest team. It is great to be part of an organization that supports involvement in such a worthy cause.”

Jeff Gardner, President – “This is my fourth year doing this event and I am continually amazed at the support provided by the volunteers of this event, many of which are fighting MS. It is a huge undertaking to support riders of all abilities over such a long distance and the MS Society does an amazing job.”

“My most inspiring moment came from a brief speech at dinner on Saturday night by one of our team members who has three family members with MS. It was an emotional moment for Jamey and his passion to find a cure is very personal and contagious.”

With 82 cents of every dollar raised going to the cause, BikeMS raised an estimated $2.6 million this year. And while the tour is a fun and team-oriented way to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, it also creates awareness for the cause and gives hope to the 400,000 Americans living with MS every day.

So recruit some fellow employees, friends, and family members, and get your team together! There are WalkMS and BikeMS events in your area, and an endless number of worthy causes that your small business can get involved in — and you can take it from our own participants, that being involved is much more rewarding than just sending in a check.…

Dental Care – Read More About it

Dental care is a necessity for all individuals, poor or rich. No matter who you are you have to have healthy teeth and gums. They don’t have to be a sparkling, bright white, but they do need to be clean and free of disease. The only way to ensure good dental health is through routine screenings and cleanings. Dental care can be very expensive and many people have trouble paying for it. The people in the working class and middle class bracket often have trouble paying for dental care and many of these individuals wind up living without it.
It is difficult to find dental care that they can afford, and until there is a major issue, they figure they will just have to go without it. Parents with large families may ignore dental problems of their own to make sure there is enough in the budget for their children. Many people do not realize that dental problems can result much more in cosmetic issues; these problems can cause heart disease and much more.
Insurance is expensive enough, but what about those without insurance, what can they do to reduce their costs? It used to be that dentists could arrange payment plans and discounts for those paying up front. Due to the newer constraints of insurance companies and the rising costs of medical supplies, dentists are no long able to do that. Now, people suffer with impacted teeth, infected gums and cavities; because there is simply nothing can be done monetarily about their situation. These people down aspirin slather bezocaine gel on their gums and try to sleep with ice packs on their faces.
There are programs designed to help those with financial constraints get the healthcare they need, but many only cater to a select demographic or earning bracket. Dental care in America has hit a difficult spot in the last ten years, and dentist and patients alike are scrambling to find a solution to this rising problem.…