What is Depression?

What is Depression?

Everyone goes through an occasional glum spell; that’s normal. Depression is gloom that goes on for weeks or months…you can’t seem to pull yourself out of it. Depression saps the life out of you, making it difficult to go about your normal activities and get through the day. It renders previously enjoyable activities dull and uninteresting and takes the joy out of living.

A depressive disorder affects your whole being… the way you eat, sleep, and think. The condition is not a sign of personal weakness, and it can’t be wished away. Depressed people can’t just pull themselves out of it. Without treatment, serious symptoms can last weeks, months, or years. Having a depressive disorder affects your work, friends, and family, too.

Normal sadness or grieving is not depression. Don’t worry if your child occasionally feels blue or down in the dumps. Life has its ups and downs, and it’s normal for children to grieve over a loss or feel sad for a few hours or days at a time. But if his melancholy lasts for more than a couple of weeks or seems to interfere with his regular activities and relationships, he may be clinically depressed.

Depression is far more than a temporary change in mood; it’s marked by a prolonged sense of hopelessness and a lack of energy and enthusiasm that can last for weeks, months, or (in rare cases) even years at a time.

Women are more than twice as likely as men to become depressed. If you’re a woman, chances are one in four that you’ll go through an episode of depression at least once. If you’re a man, the odds are one in ten. You’re also more likely to suffer depression if a parent or other close relative did, since depression often runs in families.

If you think you or your loved one is suffering from depression consult with your medical health practitioner.

Depression and Children…

Decades ago when today’s parents were still children, parents might have dismissed very real signs of depression as sulkiness or chronic moodiness. Today it’s know that depression can affect even young children, and sometimes it can follow them throughout their lives.

Adolescent girls are twice as likely to suffer from depression as boys their age. By recognising the signs, you can help your child through a dark time, even if you don’t know what’s causing it.

It might seem logical that the most obvious symptom of depression would be sadness, but many depressed children say they don’t feel sad or gloomy. Interestingly, one of the key signs of depression in children is chronic irritability. Children may be depressed if they have trouble getting along with other kids and family members or have dramatic swings in mood. Other signs of depression include lack of energy, inability to concentrate, poor performance in school, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, and frequent complaints about physical ailments like headaches or stomach aches.

Depression often goes hand in hand with other physical and mental health problems. Some children may be depressed because of a chronic illness, such as diabetes. A youngster who has an eating disorder or a substance abuse problem, as well as children who are constantly defiant, disagreeable, and getting into trouble with authorities, may also suffer from depression.

If your child exhibits any symptoms of depression, ask yourself three questions: is this behaviour new? Is it long lasting (going on for several weeks or more)? Are the symptoms interfering with his ability to function at home, in school, or with his friends?

If you answer yes to any of those questions, you should probably have your child evaluated by a child or adolescent psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed mental health professional trained to work with children and adolescents.

Studies indicate that one in four teenagers seriously contemplate suicide, and one in 10 try to kill themselves. Girls are more likely to try suicide, but boys, who tend to choose more violent methods, are more likely to succeed. Be especially concerned if your child begins giving away treasured possessions or stops talking about his future. If you suspect he may be considering suicide, get help immediately.

By recognising your child is depressed early on and by seeking treatment you can help him or her find the skills to get it under control. And if depression runs in the family, it can also help you and others get the same help.

Types of Depression…

The different types vary by the symptoms, severity, and persistence.

Major depression is a combination of symptoms (see the list below) that are disabling and make daily functioning extremely difficult if not impossible.

Dysthymia is marked by chronic symptoms (see the list below) that aren’t disabling. You never feel you can function fully and never have sustained periods of feeling good.

Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness) is less common than depression and involves cycles of depression and elation. The change in mood is usually gradual, though it can be rapid. Bipolar disorder is often a recurring condition.

Causes

Depression can be triggered by a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a job. Or it can appear spontaneously, without any obvious reason. Researchers aren’t sure whether malfunctioning neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that regulate mood) cause depression or whether it’s changes in mood that affect brain chemistry. Some types of depression are present in families over generations. Generally, a combination of psychological, environmental, and genetic factors is involved in a depressive disorder.

Depression is still not completely understood, but it’s believed to be caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. Many people who are depressed have a family history of depression or other mental illness. A child who has one depressed parent, for example, has a 25 percent to 50 percent chance of suffering depression himself. If both parents have had problems with the disease, his chance goes up to 75 percent.

But depression is based on more than just genes. Traumatic life events… abandonment; violence in the family; chronic problems in school; a difficult move; or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect at home, school, or by other trusted carers… often trigger depression. Sometimes a loss such as the death of a beloved pet, a loved one, or parents’ separation, can result in depression as well as grieving.

They may not know the exact cause, but scientists do know that depression is related to changes in brain chemistry. The specific changes involve chemicals called neurotransmitters, which help relay messages from one nerve cell to another. When there is a drop in certain neurotransmitters, the brain doesn’t function normally, leading to depression and other forms of mental illness.

Symptoms

You’re probably depressed if for two weeks or longer you experience at least five of the following symptoms every day for most of the day…

• Overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or “empty” feelings
• Hopelessness and pessimism
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
• Loss of interest in normal activities such as eating and sex; lack of enjoyment in activities that used to be pleasurable
• Trouble making decisions, remembering, and concentrating
• Changes in sleep patterns… usually waking extra early or difficulty falling asleep, but sometimes oversleeping
• Loss of appetite and possibly weight, or overeating and weight gain
• Fatigue, loss of energy, lack of motivation
• Feeling irritable and restless or slow and lethargic
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Recurrent physical symptoms, such as chronic pain, headaches, or digestive disorders, that don’t go away with treatment
• In addition, depression can cause you to withdraw from friends and family (a young person may act rebellious or antisocial) or to lose touch with reality (in an older person, depression may resemble dementia).

Symptoms of bipolar disorder may include…

• Inappropriate elation
• Inappropriate irritability
• Severe insomnia
• Disconnected and racing thoughts
• Grandiose notions
• Inappropriate social behaviour
• Dramatic increases in energy
• Dramatic increases in talking

Depression is not something to be taken lightly and should be reported to you local general health practioner.

Testimonial

It was by chance that an incorrect telephone number led me to telephone Amber Clinic, which was to change my life from the misery I have experienced for the past 22 years. A lady “Alma” who was so gentle and listened to me without making any judgement, answered me. An appointment was made for me to attend in five days time which, though excited, made me a little apprehensive. For the past 22 years I have gone to numerous Doctors, Clinics etc., but have never received any help like the attention which I received from this first telephone call.

I nervously met with Alma on my first appointment, explained how stupid I felt but was astounded by the way Alma did not judge me, nor agree with me, but ensured I left her clinic feeling like a new woman – looking forward to the future and feeling somebody did eventually understand my troubles and did not judge me, but understood exactly what I was saying.

A total feeling of calmness and serenity has from day one been with me and, to-date, I have had three appointments with Alma and can always see the light at the end of the tunnel instead of the black tunnel, which has been with me for the past 22 years.

I highly recommend Alma and the Amber Clinic and, not only have I met someone who has changed my life for the better, but also a true friend in Alma.

I would like to thank Alma for all her help and assistance and wish her every success for the future.

Gillian
Rhode
http://www.amber.ie/conditions-page14969.html

What is Back Pain?

What is Back Pain?
Most back pain goes away within a week or two; fewer than 20 percent of people continue to have pain after six weeks. However, strained ligaments, severe muscle strains, and herniated discs can take up to three months to heal. In a small number of cases, back pain becomes chronic and can continue for several years. Keep in mind, though, that while most pain does not persist day in and day out for months, once you’ve “put your back out”, it’s likely to happen again.

Causes
• Muscles and Ligaments: The most common source of pain is a strained muscle or ligament. Either can result from underconditioning (playing two hours of tennis after being inactive for several months); overexertion (doing a lot of heavy lifting); or forcing your back into a position it’s not designed for (twisting to reach something in the back seat of your car, or doing a lot of bending, sitting – or standing still). Poor posture, weak muscles, having your centre of balance shifted by pregnancy, excess weight around the middle, and high-heeled shoes can also contribute to muscle and ligament strain.
• Discs: In some cases, back pain occurs when a disc gets squashed and presses on a nerve. Imagine that you have a small water balloon sandwiched between your hands. Your hands are two vertebrae; the balloon, which keeps your vertebrae from banging into and rubbing against each other, is a disc. Now press down a little on one side of the balloon. That’s what happens when you bend your back. Notice how the balloon expands on the other side. After years of constant pressure – or one swift, ill-advised move – the disc can bulge out from between your vertebrae or even rupture. That’s a herniated disc. Keep in mind, however, that recent studies show that herniated discs are relatively common but, surprisingly, rarely cause pain.
• Bones: Arthritis can cause back pain if the joints in your spine become inflamed. Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) causes bones to weaken, which can lead to painful fractures or compression. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, puts pressure on the spinal cord housed inside, resulting in pain.
• Psychological Stress: Many experts have observed that stress can aggravate back pain and slow recovery. In many cases, it may actually be the primary cause of the pain.
• Chronic Pain: The latest theory on chronic pain (unexplained pain that lasts for more than three months) is that the body’s pain mechanism has simply gone haywire. Think of your brain as a compact disc player and pain as a compact disc. Normally it takes a physical injury to push the “play” button. But in chronic pain patients something goes awry: the “play” button is activated by an unknown source (possibly the memory of a particular pain or psychological factors such as stress), and it’s stuck on auto-repeat!

Prevention
• In a word, exercise. Walking, cycling, and swimming are all safe, aerobic activities that will build up general fitness.
• Stretching helps keep your muscles and ligaments flexible, and strengthening exercises for your back and abdominal muscles will help you resist strains and keep your vertebrae comfortably aligned.
• Practice good posture; don’t slouch. Don’t sit or stand still for too long. If you have a desk job or are taking a long car or plane trip, shift your posture from time to time and take stretching breaks.
• Make sure your work surface (whether it’s a desk or kitchen counter) is at a comfortable height, so you don’t have to bend.
• When sitting, choose chairs with good lower-back support, or put a pillow or rolled-up towel behind the small of your back. Rest yor feet flat on the floor; if the chair is too high, get a footrest.
• When standing, prop one foot up on a box or low stool.
• When lifting something, squat down to pick it up…instead of bending over – then hold it close to your body and lift with your legs rather than your back. Bend your hips and knees and avoid bending your back when lifting loads. Never bend over and twist at the same time.
• When lying down, lie either on your back with a pillow under your knees, or on your side with knees bent and a pillow between them.
• Avoid high-heeled shoes.

Testimonial

When I first went to The Amber Centre I had a problem with my back, but thankfully after a few visits to you and taking your nutrition I am in great health again Thank God! I appreciate all you have done for me. Many thanks and God Bless you always.

Yours sincerely,
Breege O’Toole

After months of agonising back pain and attending my doctor up to 3 times a week for medication I was put on for sciatica, I attended The Amber Centre. Alma did the allergy test and explained that the pain I was in was from my hip bone being out of place. This was put back in place along with a bone in my neck and I got relief immediately. I was given courses of drops over the period of a few months and haven’t looked back since. Medical professionals were suggesting an operation as medication wasn’t working. Thankfully I didn’t need to have this.

Ann
Co. Kildare

http://www.amber.ie/conditions-page14967.html

What is Asthma?

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes your airways to narrow in response to various triggers like allergies, exercise, or even cold air, making it difficult for you to breathe. The incidence of Asthma is increasing perhaps due to increasing air pollution and other irritants. In fact, asthma is the most common chronic illness among children (affects one in seven). Fortunately, by taking the proper steps, you can prevent most attacks.

Causes

Asthma attacks are usually set off by a trigger, though sometimes they can strike unexpectedly. Here are common culprits…

• Anything you may be allergic to, such as dust mites, pollen, mould, smog, and animal dander
• Tobacco smoke
• Strong odours or fumes, such as from perfume, paint, or hair spray, pesticides, household cleaners
• Smoke from a wood-burning fire
• Colds, flu, respiratory infections
• Exercise
• Strong emotions (such as getting upset or angry)
• Bacterial infections
• Viral Infections

Symptoms
According to asthma sufferers, having asthma is like running around for five minutes, then trying to breathe through a tiny straw. Typical symptoms include difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, wheezing (a rasping or whistling sound when you breathe), coughing or spitting up mucus, tightness in your chest, and restless sleep or insomnia. For some people, these symptoms are mild, infrequent, and last only a few minutes. For others, attacks happen often, are severe, and go on for hours or even days. In rare cases, asthma attacks are deadly.

Signs of a life-threatening attack include these symptoms…

• Feeling as though you’re suffocating
• Being so breathless that you can’t speak
• Your lips and fingernails have turned blue or grey

If you (or someone you know) ever experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Take your asthma medication immediately and call for emergency help.

Prevention

• Identify and avoid triggers. Keeping a diary of the things you’ve done, the places you’ve been, and what you’ve eaten can help you figure out what causes your attacks. Once you know, steer clear of it.
• Monitor your lung capacity with a peak-flow meter. This simple, hand-held device tells you how constricted your air passages are. It can alert you if your asthma is getting worse before you start feeling symptoms. Finally, it can help you identify triggers by showing you how your airways are doing at any given time.
• Stay healthy. Eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and exercise regularly. However, since exercise triggers an attack in some people be careful not to overdo it.
• Do not smoke, and be sure to avoid places where there is a lot of second-hand smoke. Cigarette smoke is especially irritating to children who have asthma, so ask family members and friends to smoke outdoors.
• Try cutting out milk products. While no formal studies have been done, many doctors report that cutting milk out of your diet can significantly reduce asthma symptoms. (But be patient, it takes a month to three months to see results.).
• Foods containing sulphites (beer, wine, wine vinegar, tea, grape juice, lemon juice, grapes, fresh prawns, pizza dough, dried fruits, canned vegetables) have also been linked occasionally to allergic asthma attacks.
• Have an Allergy Test done to eliminate food that are triggers for your asthma.

http://www.amber.ie/conditions-page14966.html

What is Asthma?

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes your airways to narrow in response to various triggers like allergies, exercise, or even cold air, making it difficult for you to breathe. The incidence of Asthma is increasing perhaps due to increasing air pollution and other irritants. In fact, asthma is the most common chronic illness among children (affects one in seven). Fortunately, by taking the proper steps, you can prevent most attacks.

Causes

Asthma attacks are usually set off by a trigger, though sometimes they can strike unexpectedly. Here are common culprits…

• Anything you may be allergic to, such as dust mites, pollen, mould, smog, and animal dander
• Tobacco smoke
• Strong odours or fumes, such as from perfume, paint, or hair spray, pesticides, household cleaners
• Smoke from a wood-burning fire
• Colds, flu, respiratory infections
• Exercise
• Strong emotions (such as getting upset or angry)
• Bacterial infections
• Viral Infections

Symptoms
According to asthma sufferers, having asthma is like running around for five minutes, then trying to breathe through a tiny straw. Typical symptoms include difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, wheezing (a rasping or whistling sound when you breathe), coughing or spitting up mucus, tightness in your chest, and restless sleep or insomnia. For some people, these symptoms are mild, infrequent, and last only a few minutes. For others, attacks happen often, are severe, and go on for hours or even days. In rare cases, asthma attacks are deadly.

Signs of a life-threatening attack include these symptoms…

• Feeling as though you’re suffocating
• Being so breathless that you can’t speak
• Your lips and fingernails have turned blue or grey

If you (or someone you know) ever experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Take your asthma medication immediately and call for emergency help.

Prevention

• Identify and avoid triggers. Keeping a diary of the things you’ve done, the places you’ve been, and what you’ve eaten can help you figure out what causes your attacks. Once you know, steer clear of it.
• Monitor your lung capacity with a peak-flow meter. This simple, hand-held device tells you how constricted your air passages are. It can alert you if your asthma is getting worse before you start feeling symptoms. Finally, it can help you identify triggers by showing you how your airways are doing at any given time.
• Stay healthy. Eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and exercise regularly. However, since exercise triggers an attack in some people be careful not to overdo it.
• Do not smoke, and be sure to avoid places where there is a lot of second-hand smoke. Cigarette smoke is especially irritating to children who have asthma, so ask family members and friends to smoke outdoors.
• Try cutting out milk products. While no formal studies have been done, many doctors report that cutting milk out of your diet can significantly reduce asthma symptoms. (But be patient, it takes a month to three months to see results.).
• Foods containing sulphites (beer, wine, wine vinegar, tea, grape juice, lemon juice, grapes, fresh prawns, pizza dough, dried fruits, canned vegetables) have also been linked occasionally to allergic asthma attacks.
• Have an Allergy Test done to eliminate food that are triggers for your asthma.

http://www.amber.ie/conditions-page14966.html

What is Arthritis?

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people older than fifty-five years.

There are different forms of arthritis and each has a different cause. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormal anatomy might contribute to the early development of osteoarthritis. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation.

Causes

Some of the risk factors that can cause arthritis include:
• Illness or Infection
People who experience a joint infection (septic joint), multiple episodes of gout, or other medical conditions, can develop arthritis of the joint.
• Allergies
For some people certain foods can cause severe arthritis symptoms and once these foods are eliminated from the diet the arthritis goes away.
• Genetics
Exactly how much heredity or genetics contributes to the cause of arthritis is not well understood. However, there are likely genetic variations that can contribute to the cause of arthritis.
• Age
Cartilage becomes more brittle with age and has less of a capacity to repair itself. As people grow older they are more likely to develop arthritis.
• Weight
Because joint damage is partly dependent on the load the joint has to support, excess body weight can lead to arthritis. This is especially true of the hips and knees that can be worn quickly in heavier patients.
• Previous Injury
Joint damage can cause irregularities in the normal smooth joint surface. Previous major injuries can be part of the cause of arthritis. An example of an injury leading to arthritis is a tibial plateau fracture, where the broken area of bone enters the cartilage of the knee joint.
• Occupational Hazards
Workers in some specific occupations seem to have a higher risk of developing arthritis than other jobs. These are primarily high demand jobs such as assembly line workers and heavy construction.
• Some High-Level Sports
It is difficult to determine how much sports participation contributes to development of arthritis. Certainly, sports participation can lead to joint injury and subsequent arthritis. However, the benefits of activity likely outweigh any risk of arthritis.

Symptoms

Arthritis Symptoms

There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis, these are the most common types and their symptoms:

Osteoarthritis Arthritis
Osteoarthritis / Osteoarthrosis (OA, also known as degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, arthrosis or in more colloquial terms “wear and tear”), is a condition in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints. As the bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. Due to decreased movement because of the pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax. OA is the most common form of arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. RA is a systemic disease, often affecting extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles. About 60% of RA patients are unable to work 10 years after the onset of their disease.

Gout Arthritis
Causes sudden, severe attacks, usually in the big toe, but any joint can be affected. A metabolic disorder in which uric acid builds up in the blood and crystals form in joints and other places.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Arthritis
A chronic inflammatory disease of the spine that can result in fused vertebrae and rigid spine. Often milder and harder to diagnose in women.

Juvenile Arthritis
The most common form is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis diagnosis, treatment, and disease characteristics are different in children and adults. Some children recover completely; others remain affected throughout their lives.

Psoriatic Arthritis
Bone and other joint tissues become inflamed, and, like rheumatoid arthritis, it can affect the whole body. Affects about 5 percent of people with psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. Likely to affect fingers or spine. Symptoms are mild in most people but can be quite severe.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Involves skin, joints, muscles, and sometimes internal organs. Symptoms usually appear in women of childbearing age but can occur in anyone at any age. Also called lupus or SLE, it can be mild or life threatening.

Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is the invasion of the joint space by an infectious agent which produces arthritis. The usual etiology is bacterial, but viral, mycobacterial, and fungal arthritis occur occasionally. Bacteria are either carried by the bloodstream from an infectious focus elsewhere, introduced by a skin lesion that penetrates the joint, or by extension from adjacent tissue (e.g. bone or bursae).

Prevention

Nutritionists suggest that a vegetarian diet low in animal products and sugar may help to decrease both inflammation and pain from arthritis. Beneficial foods for patients with arthritis include cold-water fish (mackerel, herring, salmon, and sardines) and flavonoid-rich berries (cherries, blueberries, hawthorn berries, blackberries, etc.).

Testimonial

In 2003 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis – swollen joints and stiffness getting out of bed.

After attending a rheumatologist for four years I felt very frustrated as nothing I was given seemed to work. I had got to the stage where I was self-injecting and that didn’t even work.

My husband read an article in the Sunday World Magazine about The Amber Centre in Mullingar and was so impressed by what he read that he asked me to read it and suggested that I quickly ring for an appointment.

That was then and this is now, I am a new person thanks to Alma Green and the staff of The Amber Centre.

Alma told me I had a severe sinus infection, (I had forgotten to mention I suffered from sinusitis and hay fever for years) and had been on four (at least) antibiotics a year for same. This was the result of being allergic to dairy products. She also told me I had an allergy to lamb, which I absolutely loved. Now I just do not eat it.

Alma treated me for one year but I saw great results and didn’t have any problem travelling from Galway to Mullingar.

My life changed thanks to The Amber Centre, Mullingar.

C
Co. Galway

http://www.amber.ie/conditions-page48198.html

What is Acne?

Acne Vulgaris (commonly called Acne) is a skin condition characterised by spots or pimples on the face, chest, neck and back. It occurs when the small glands along the hair follicles responsible for secreting a naturally occurring oil (sebum) on these areas become clogged with dead skin cells, excess sebum or bacteria.

Acne usually begins around puberty and peaks at age 18 years. However, in some instances, it can occur for the first time between the ages of 20 and 40.

Acne can be mild, moderate or severe in nature. In severe cases, it can persist for years and result in scarring and disfigurement. It can also have profound psychosocial effects. Many sufferers are embarrassed by the condition and find it difficult to socialise.

Causes
Excess Sebum Production. Normally skin cells are shed and discharged in a regular cycle, but in acne dead skin cells, combined with excess amounts of sebum, form a plug in the hair follicle. This plug is called a microcomedo. Over time, the microcomedo becomes larger and results in the appearance of white or blackheads (comedones) on the skin’s surface.

Bacterial Infection Propionibacterium acnes is found in small numbers on normal skin but seems to thrive in an environment rich in sebum and follicular cells.

Inflammation may be a direct or indirect result of infection propionibacterium acnes.

Hormonal Changes. It seems that hair follicles are more sensitive to the level of male hormones (Androgens) in the blood. Excess production of Androgens, during puberty for example, can cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum and acne can result. Acne can also develop in women during times of hormonal change when the level of androgens in the blood may rise.

Allergies can be responsible for a lot of acne and it’s important to look at diet especially in relation to cravings for a particular type of food. We tend to love or hate our Allergies and if we consistently want to eat the same food we may be allergic to it.
Prevention
To avoid flare-ups gentle, non-abrasive cleaning with a natural cleanser is best as vigorous cleaning/scrubbing can aggravate the condition. Soaps, detergents and astringents do not alter sebum production and can even aggrivate the problem as they contain chemicals.

Why Not get an Allergy Test

What is Candida?

What is Candida?

Candida infection, also known as candidiasis / candidosis or thrush, is a yeast infection caused by the Candida species of fungus (usually Candida albicans). The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas such as the vagina, mouth and digestive system where it can exist without causing any symptoms. Thrush infection of the skin can also occur.

It is only when there is an overgrowth of Candida that symptoms occur.

Causes

The growth of the fungus is normally kept in check by the harmless ‘good’ bacteria in the body and by and the body’s immune system.

Symptoms appear when the Candida is allowed to over produce. This happens when the body’s defenses are lowered in some way due to:
• A weak immune system as a result of disease (cancer or HIV) or cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
• Antibiotic treatment; antibiotics kill the good bacteria that keep Candida levels under control.
• Hormonal changes (such as the menopause, pregnancy, the pre-menstrual period, or birth control pills) can decrease the level of normal bacteria in the vagina.
• Spermicidal use.
• Diabetes; recurring or stubborn cases of vaginal candidiasis may sometimes be an early sign of diabetes.
• HIV infection; oral thrush is an early but rare sign of HIV infection.
• Sexual activity; vaginal thrush can be passed on by sexual intercourse with a partner who has a Candida infection.
• Stress can sometimes be a trigger.
Oral thrush can occasionally be caused by using a corticosteroid inhaler. It can also be caused by poorly fitting dentures, excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash and dry mouth conditions. Oral thrush in babies is very common and is not usually associated with any other illness.

Candida infection can develop in men if the penis isn’t dried carefully after washing. Candida also thrives on skin that is already damaged. Using perfumed shower gels and soaps can irritate the penis, making thrush more likely to develop.

Symptoms

Vaginal infection

Common symptoms of vaginal Candida infection are:
• Vaginal discharge; this is usually a thick, white discharge (looks like cottage cheese).
• Vaginal itching.
• Redness, soreness and swelling of the vagina and vulva.
• Burning feeling during urination.

Thrush in men

Symptoms of thrush in men include:
• Swelling and redness of the head of the penis and foreskin. Sometimes small red spots may be seen on the head of the penis.
• Itching.
• Tenderness after sexual intercourse.
• Passing urine may be painful.
• Thrush may cause the foreskin to swell and crack.

Yeast infections of the penis are more common when the penis is uncircumcised.

Candida skin infection

Candida skin infection appears as a red, itchy rash. There may be small red spots at the edge. In babies, Candida infection can sometimes complicate a nappy rash.

Oral thrush

Typical signs of oral thrush in babies include:

The inside of the baby’s mouth may be red and sore.
• Creamy yellow or white spots on the tongue and inside of the cheeks, which may leave a raw area when rubbed.
• Baby may be off his feeds.

Thrush can be transmitted from the baby to the mother during breastfeeding, causing:

• Breast pain during feeding
• Cracked and/or sensitive nipples and areola
• Shooting pain, burning or an itching sensation in the affected breast.

In adults, oral thrush appears as red, sore-looking areas inside the mouth, especially at the back of the throat if thrush is caused by steroid inhaler use. The characteristic white spots may also be present.

http://www.amber.ie/conditions-page14774.html

Hey-Fever

Hi this week we are going to tell you a little bit about Hey-Fever. Pollen grains from grasses (Family Poaceae) are the most important aeroallergen in Ireland affecting about 95% of hay fever sufferers. It should therefore be noted that low grass pollen counts may cause symptoms of hay fever in sensitive individuals, and many sufferers may experience symptoms of hay fever when grass pollen counts are moderate.

Low to moderate concentrations of pollen from allergenic weeds (e.g. dock, plantain and the nettle family) are also likely to be in the air when conditions are suitable. Weed pollen affect about 20% of hay fever sufferers.
Today’s pollen counts
Leinster 5
Munster 4
Connacht 4
Ulster 5
1, 2, 3 = L = Low
4, 5 = M = Moderate
6, 7 = H = High
8, 9, 10 = VH = Very high
We Can help
My son Aaron was suffering with ‘hay-fever’ type symptoms for approximately six months and the symptoms were so bad that even the medicines etc. that I bought from the chemist were of no use.

I spoke to an assistant in the local chemist and she informed me about The Amber Centre. I had no idea what the treatment entailed but went along with an open mind. Alma tested Aaron and he was put on a course of drops. Alma explained how the treatment worked and we were amazed that after 3 months all of Aaron’s symptoms had gone.

Having seen for myself how this type of treatment works, I would strongly recommend it. Aaron is doing great now. Thank you for all your help.

Janette Ashmore
Co. Meath

Hey-Fever

Hey-FeverPosted on July 8, 2010 by amberadmin

Hi this week we are going to tell you a little bit about Hey-Fever. Pollen grains from grasses (Family Poaceae) are the most important aeroallergen in Ireland affecting about 95% of hay fever sufferers. It should therefore be noted that low grass pollen counts may cause symptoms of hay fever in sensitive individuals, and many sufferers may experience symptoms of hay fever when grass pollen counts are moderate.

Low to moderate concentrations of pollen from allergenic weeds (e.g. dock, plantain and the nettle family) are also likely to be in the air when conditions are suitable. Weed pollen affect about 20% of hay fever sufferers.
Today’s pollen counts
Leinster 5
Munster 4
Connacht 4
Ulster 5
1, 2, 3 = L = Low
4, 5 = M = Moderate
6, 7 = H = High
8, 9, 10 = VH = Very high
We Can help
My son Aaron was suffering with ‘hay-fever’ type symptoms for approximately six months and the symptoms were so bad that even the medicines etc. that I bought from the chemist were of no use.

I spoke to an assistant in the local chemist and she informed me about The Amber Centre. I had no idea what the treatment entailed but went along with an open mind. Alma tested Aaron and he was put on a course of drops. Alma explained how the treatment worked and we were amazed that after 3 months all of Aaron’s symptoms had gone.

Having seen for myself how this type of treatment works, I would strongly recommend it. Aaron is doing great now. Thank you for all your help.

Janette Ashmore
Co. Meath

Ollie Green

Hey-Fever

Hi this week we are going to tell you a little bit about Hey-Fever. Pollen grains from grasses (Family Poaceae) are the most important aeroallergen in Ireland affecting about 95% of hay fever sufferers. It should therefore be noted that low grass pollen counts may cause symptoms of hay fever in sensitive individuals, and many sufferers may experience symptoms of hay fever when grass pollen counts are moderate.

Low to moderate concentrations of pollen from allergenic weeds (e.g. dock, plantain and the nettle family) are also likely to be in the air when conditions are suitable. Weed pollen affect about 20% of hay fever sufferers.
Today’s pollen counts
Leinster 5
Munster 4
Connacht 4
Ulster 5
1, 2, 3 = L = Low
4, 5 = M = Moderate
6, 7 = H = High
8, 9, 10 = VH = Very high
We Can help
My son Aaron was suffering with ‘hay-fever’ type symptoms for approximately six months and the symptoms were so bad that even the medicines etc. that I bought from the chemist were of no use.

I spoke to an assistant in the local chemist and she informed me about The Amber Centre. I had no idea what the treatment entailed but went along with an open mind. Alma tested Aaron and he was put on a course of drops. Alma explained how the treatment worked and we were amazed that after 3 months all of Aaron’s symptoms had gone.

Having seen for myself how this type of treatment works, I would strongly recommend it. Aaron is doing great now. Thank you for all your help.

Janette Ashmore
Co. Meath