Understanding Autism

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) is described as a grouping of serious development problems that is caused by some sort of distress in a young child's brain. ASD usually shows itself before age three and continues manifesting for the rest of the person's life. Recognizing and treating the disorder early will effect how severe the disorder can be. All of the forms of Autism hinder the ability to communicate and interact with others. The causes of ASD is still unknown, as is the prevention and cure for autism. Treating Autism early on will make a huge difference.

Autism signs and symptoms are seen in crucial developmental places. A child with Autism can have social interaction problems, as well as problems with language and behavior. Difficulty learning, or learning in a non conventional way can also be a sign. The child may also have a difficult time paying attention or reacting to something. Signs of Autism are seen in infancy and childhood.

Common signs of Autism are, socially: having no response, or little, when a child hears their name called, avoiding eye contact, seeming to not hear you talking, a resistance to being held or cuddled, perhaps only cuddling when they are so inclined, seemingly unaware of another person's feelings, wanting to be solitary (in their own world), and having difficulty with showing their feelings or emotions.

Language: Starts talking later than other children, loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences, does not make eye contact when making requests, speaks in an abnormal tone or rhythm, can't start a conversation or keep one going, may repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them, has trouble expressing their needs.

Behavior: repeat actions over and over again, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping, develops specific routines or rituals, becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals, moves constantly. They also may be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, may be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain, not pointing at objects of interest (point at an airplane flying over).

Call your doctor immediately if your child seems to have lost a skill, at whatever age. Request a referral to a developmental pediatrician. Taking action as early as possible will make a big difference.

By Victor Raff

Calendula Flowers Fight Infection

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, pot calendula, Holligold, Garden Marigold, Gold-Bloom, Marigold, Marybud, and Zergul, has a beautiful orange or yellow flower. The plant is native to the Mediterranean area.

Calendula's name comes from the word calendar because it blooms every new moon. "Marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary. The flower is often used in Catholic events that honor her. When you think of marigold, don't think of the annual flowers from your garden. That is probably either French marigold or African marigold and is a totally different species.

For those who like the technical facts, calendula contains these medicinal ingredients: calendulin, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, isoquercitrin, narcissin, rutin, amyrin, lupeol, sterols, and volatile oils. The flowers also contain complex polysaccharides with properties that stimulate immunity.

Calendula has both internal and external benefits. Internally, calendula is especially beneficial in treating gastrointestinal disorders. It protects the lining of the intestines and stomach by weakening the causes of inflammation and swelling, and by limiting the effects of the bacteria associated with gastritis, stomach cancer, and peptic ulcers. Calendula has been effective to sooth stomach ulcers and inflammation. It also fights fever, boils, abscesses, and recurrent vomiting.

Calendula's orange petals contain the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory secrets that make it effective externally. These two A's have put calendula into the forefront of treatment for various infections. For example, some find it more effective in treating ear infections than leading prescription drugs. Calendula tea makes a great eye wash for those suffering from chronic conjunctivitis (pink eye). As an ointment, it attacks the bacteria causing swelling and thus will soothe inflammation. It is also used to treat vaginal itching caused by menopausal tissue changes, insect bites, eczema, diaper rash, acne, hemorrhoids, burns, scalds, and sunburn.

By using this herb on infections, healing is more pain-free, better, and faster when calendula is used. Cosmetic creams containing calendula decrease the appearance of wrinkles and hydrate skin. Gargling with calendula water or tea has helped ease the pain of a sore throat.

In addition, calendula is used to treat capillary engorgement, chronic ulcers, varicose veins, and congestion. Calendula flowers are edible, and may be added to salads cereals, rice, and soups to add flavor and color. The petals can also be dried for use in teas as mentioned above.

You may purchase or prepare calendula as a cream, tea, tincture, infusion, compress, or wash. The recipe for making calendula tea is to simply pour about a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of calendula flowers and let it sit for 15 minutes. You can take up to three cups of calendula tea per day. The tincture is made by soaking a cup of flowers in .5 quarts of rectified alcohol for five to six weeks. Five to fifteen drops may be taken with water or tea three times a day. The salve is made by boiling one ounce of dried flowers or leaves in one ounce of lard.

Calendula is a very safe herb but a few cautions are in order. Be especially sure wounds are clean before applying calendula. If you have ragweed allergy, be cautious as some have also experienced allergic reactions to calendula. The alcohol in the calendula tincture will burn the raw tissue of wounds. It would be better to use a different form of the herb.

By Susannah Singer

Looking Into Labrador Health Problems

There are a lot of reasons why people get a Labrador and a lot of reasons why the Labrador is the most popular breed of dog in the world. Aside from being intelligent and obedient the Labrador is also a relatively healthy dog. If you get medical care for your dog when it needs it and make sure there are regular visits to the vet then the average Labrador will live for twelve to fifteen years. But you should also know some of the warning signs of Labrador health problems so that you know when your dog may need help.

Knowing what to look for when looking for Labrador health problems is extremely important. If your dog is having difficulty walking then it may be experiencing a chronic disorder known as hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints are not properly formed and are causing the dog pain. They can be treated but the condition does worsen over time so if you notice difficulty walking get your dog to the vet right away.

Problems walking can also be caused by other disorders that usually develop at birth and worsen throughout the dog's life. The elbow joint of the Labrador is an area that could also be experiencing problems and causing your dog to experience pain when walking. This, like hip dysplasia, is treatable with surgery by your vet so this is just another reason to get your dog to the vet right away if you notice any problems in the way your dog is walking.

Labradors are also known to get simple problems such as eye infections. If you notice excess fluid in your dog's eyes then get them to the vet for medication right away. Eye infections can get complicated by your dog cleaning their eyes constantly to relieve the infection so be sure that you do not wait on the eye condition and get the antibiotics and other medications your dog needs to relieve its discomfort as soon as possible.

The eye infection is bad enough but when your dog complicates it with constantly trying to clean it then that can cause more problems. Simple antibiotics will solve the problem so be sure to get treatment right away.

Most owners love their dogs and they want to see their dogs happy. To that end some owners feed their dog as much as their dog can eat and this is never a healthy thing. Always make sure you have your Labrador on a proper diet and that it gets plenty of exercise everyday to avoid Labrador health problems including obesity. It is up to the owner to regulate how much their dog eats and to make sure their dog gets plenty of exercise so do the right thing and make sure your dog stays healthy.

Labrador health problems are not common but when they start to appear it is up to you as the owner to make sure the dog gets the treatment it needs to relieve its discomfort.

Make sure your dog is on a healthy diet, get it plenty of exercise every day, and make regular trips to the vet to insure that you and your dog enjoy many healthy and happy years together.

By Brooke Sunderland

Finding an Arthritis Doctor

By Kaye Fretz


There is no shortage in arthritis doctor specialists. You can easily find one in any region, state or city. The real problem is knowing when you need a doctor and finding the right one. Here are some important pieces of information that you should know about arthritis and finding the right doctor.

Recognizing Your Need

Before anything else, it is crucial to first realize your need for a doctor. Some people simply do not react to pain with urgency. It may not also have occurred to others that there is a possibility of developing arthritis. In any case, arthritis is not something that you can brush away. It is a serious condition that can result in major damage and disability. If you do not seek treatment, movement may become extremely painful for you. Aside from limiting mobility, some types of arthritis may also permanently damage your bones and other body parts.

There are various symptoms of arthritis. The ones that you have may depend on the kind of arthritis that you have. It may be time to see a doctor though id you suffer from flu-like symptoms and if you experience swelling and redness in some parts of your body. Arthritis may also bring about fatigue and difficulty in movement.

Finding Doctors

It is not uncommon to be uncertain about your condition. After all, some arthritis symptoms may be similar to other conditions. The best thing to do would be to see a general practitioner. A good doctor would know if you have to be referred to an arthritis doctor or if you are sick with something else. You could also simply visit an arthritis specialist so he can determine if you really are sick with the condition. If your doctor does find out that you are sick with arthritis, he would have to look into how bad your condition is. If you are in a bad state, you may have to be treated by a group of doctors.

Where to Find Them

It is very easy to look for arthritis specialists these days because of the internet. You simply have to go online and perform a search for specialists. You can also log in to websites that have long lists of specialists that can be found in your area. It is however, also a good idea to ask from recommendations from people you know. Those who also suffer from arthritis or your family doctor would know first hand the best doctors in the field of arthritis treatment.

Finding Out About Your Doctor

Do not stop at a recommendation. Even if your doctor is highly recommended, you should still personally find out more about your doctor. You have to research on his background, experience, academic achievement, certification, hospital affiliation and record of malpractice. These pieces of information may be found on his online page or in public records of medical organizations and websites.

Talking to Your Doctor

Once you do find a doctor, you have to make the best out of your initial interview. Take note of how your doctor talks, what kinds of questions he asks and how he explains things. You also have to inquire about your illness and his history as a medical professional. This is where you can decide whether you are at ease with how your doctor treats you.

You simply can't do without an arthritis doctor. It is very important though that you look for a real expert who you can trust.