I often get calls from very frightened people who are convinced that they have contracted HIV. Most of the time, these people not only do not have HIV, but they really have no risk of exposure.

I hear detailed accounts of cashiers with scratches on their hands and of sneezes on a crowded subway train. Even a small kiss and a hug from a friend, or a session of heavy petting with a romantic interest may drive patients into an emotional tizzy.

Truly, HIV infection is serious and I believe it’s the seriousness of HIV infection that often overwhelms logic. HIV is not easily transmitted, and very specific routes of transmission must be intact in order for any risk to exist at all.

Simply put, HIV is transmitted through infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluid. HIV infected fluid must contact mucosal tissue or directly enter the blood stream. Mucosal tissue, specifically, is the moist tissues of the mouth, the nostrils, the eyes, the genitals, and the rectum. The rest of our skin is a natural barrier to the HIV virus. Casual contact with infected individuals is not a risk for HIV transmission.

So, before panicking just apply the “rules” of transmission to your own exposure. Was there blood, semen, or vaginal fluid on me? Did it make contact with my mucosal tissue? Was there a direct route into the blood stream, such as an open cut or a stick with a hypodermic needle? If not then you probably have very little to worry about.

Of course, if the answer to any of these questions is yes, or you just don’t feel comfortable assessing your own risk you should always feel free to discuss things with an HIV counselor. Trained counselors are available to answer your questions at www.accesshivandstdtesting.com.

Most people nowadays have become skeptical of the need for flu vaccines. Most of us aren’t really affected by flu season, and when we do, we usually pay for it with lost work days at worst. People who easily get the vaccine may tell you it’s superfluous. Unfortunately, this growing complacency towards the vaccine may put you and your community at an unjustifiable higher risk.

You need to be cognizant of the fact that influenza is a killer disease that strikes thousands every year, even among developed countries. The few who don’t recover immediately from the flu are at grave risk. The 1918 flu outbreak, previously referred to as the Spanish flu, became a worldwide epidemic with a death toll ranging between 20 to 100 million. Outbreaks in the 50s and 60s also killed millions, though in lesser numbers.

More recent outbreaks like the bird flu pandemic and the current H1N1 outbreak were more capably restrained, thanks to development of the vaccine that began in the 30s. The vaccine has proven effective in limiting the spread of seasonal flu, but not 100 %. This is because different strains of the flu come out every season, and current vaccines aren’t able to cover every strain. People who get the vaccine can still get the flu, but will have a stronger resistance to it. Drug companies are currently in a race to develop the first flu vaccine to cover all strains.

The people at strongest risk for influenza, and therefore the first who should receive flu vaccines, are older people, children, pregnant women, people with recurring medical conditions and people who work in medical care, especially in care of the abovementioned. People who should not get the vaccine include those allergic to the vaccine or to chicken eggs (since the vaccine is made in chicken eggs), susceptible to Guillain-Barre syndrome, or too weakened by prior medical conditions.

There are two forms of vaccine; the flu shot, which is made of dead flu cells, and the nasal spray, which actually has a live, but weakened version of the virus. Neither will give you the flu, although nasal spray may give you flu-like symptoms. To be on the safe side, nasal spray is usually provided to people at lower risk.

Today, we have been able to successfully limit the spread of both seasonal and new strains of influenza. Continued use of flu vaccines is needed to maintain control of this disease, as well as to find a way to eventually eradicate it.

Most people nowadays have become apprehensive of the need for flu vaccines. You need to remain cognizant of the fact that influenza is a killer disease. You can get the vaccine either through a flu shot, which offers dead flu cells, or nasal spray, which actually has a live, but weakened version of the virus. You will not get the flu from either vaccine. Today, we have been able to successfully stop the transmission of both seasonal and new strains of influenza.

Most people nowadays have become wary of the need for flu vaccines. Make no mistake about it, influenza is a killer disease. There are two forms of vaccine; the flu shot, which is made of dead flu cells, and the nasal spray, which actually has a live, but weakened version of the virus. Both will not give you the flu, Today, we have been able to successfully limit the spread of both seasonal and new strains of influenza.

Strange as it may seem, you have top pass certain requirements before you can actually quit smoking. There are valid reasons for this, and in this article we will be taking a look at a stop smoking gum as an example. The nicotine gum is one of the most popular and preferred approaches to smoking cessation. However, this approach may not work for you, depending on certain circumstances, or should I say, whether you pass the “requirements”. After reading this article, you will be able to determine if you are good enough to use the nicotine gum.

Requirement #1 – Know What It Is For

Lots of smokers jump into nicotine gums and patches without knowing what they really are for. Sure, it’s a given that these products, collectively known as parts of nicotine replacement therapy, supplies nicotine to your bloodstream without the hole-drilling effects of cigarettes. This is nice and all, but simply treating it that way can lead you to just using them as an alternative to smoking, which it isn’t. It is the first step to not ever smoking again.

Requirement #2 – Know How to Use It

By using nicotine gums, you’ve taken the first step to not smoking. What’s left is to rid you of your nicotine addiction. With that said, you have to gradually reduce your nicotine intake. This doesn’t happen overnight, a few days, or a few weeks. This takes time hence the need for planning. If you’re planning to use nicotine gums, follow a set program provided by your therapist. You should have a say in the program as well, as only you know how much you are truly capable of.

Requirement #3 – Know That You Want To Quit

The problem with nicotine gums is that they give you the nicotine. This retains the attachment between you and the addictive substance. A lot of smokers have went back to smoking simply because they couldn’t let nicotine go, and cigarettes are cheaper than gums. Only determination can remedy this, which is why you have to know how much you want to quit. A strong personal drive to kick the habit is all you need to do so. Nicotine gums merely provide assistance.

Note that these requirements aren’t just for usage of a stop smoking gum. These can also be applied to whatever smoking cessation approach you need. For instance, hypnosis is effective but can’t help you if you don’t want to quit in the first place. Look deep down inside yourself to see how much you want a smoke free life. The stronger the drive, the better your chances are.

Perhaps the most popular cosmetic dental procedure is teeth whitening. Teeth can get stained from drinking coffee, smoking or eating certain foods. Antibiotics and other medications sometimes cause teeth discoloration. Today, there are hundreds of different products and procedures to whiten teeth. Among the products that are quickly gaining popularity are teeth whitening pens.

Teeth whitening pens are specially designed applicators that contain a whitening gel. The gel typically contains a strong oxidizing compound such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These bleaching agents break down stains and whiten teeth.

The composition of the pen differs from one brand to another. Some pens contain a liquid instead of a gel. The bleaching agent is formulated in such a way that it easily reaches all areas of the teeth where stains and bacteria accumulate. They are designed to produce results quickly and effectively.

Because these types of pens are very convenient and easy to use, more and more people are starting to use them. It is best to brush your teeth first before applying the gel. This will remove food particles on your teeth and ensure maximum results. The gel should be applied evenly to each stained tooth. The gel will dry quickly and form a thin film over the teeth as it begins the whitening process. Avoid getting the gel on your lips and gums to prevent chemical burns.

There are several brands of teeth whitening pens available in today’s market. Listerine and Rembrandt have pens to whiten teeth. There is also the Idol and Zoom whitening pens. Depending on the brand, the gel can be applied once or twice a day. Your teeth will look brighter and whiter after two weeks.

One big advantage of whitening pens is that they are very compact and convenient to use. You can easily take them with you when you travel. The gel is also very easy to apply. Simply twist the bottom of the pen to fill the applicator, and you are ready to apply the gel on your teeth. These pens are also very affordable yet effective.

Teeth whitening pens provide the best option when it comes to convenience and ease of use. Different brands vary mainly in price, but the use and results are comparable. They can be used instead of teeth whitening trays, strips or toothpaste. However, no matter what product or method you use, always make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.

Hypothyroidism is a condition whereupon the human body does not produce enough thyroid hormone to properly regulate bodily functions. The thyroid gland assists in regulating a number of functions in the human body such as muscle tone and efficiency, digestion of food, and mental sharpness and capability. It is also responsible for proper development and differentiation of body cell, metabolic rate, long bone growth, and protein synthesis.

Hypothyroidism is touted as being a highly common, and widely undiagnosed condition. Estimates may vary, though it is hypothesized that approximately 10 million Americans have hypothyroidism, and as many 10% of women may harbor some degree of the ailment. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be subtle and are often confused with old age, stress, or even depression. Symptoms may include as slower heart rate, physical and mental fatigue, constipation, inability to tolerate cold temperatures, infertility, dry or thin hair, forgetfulness, and muscle spasms.

The thyroid gland is dependent upon not only dietary requirements in order to maintain proper regulation of production of thyroid hormone, but also direction from the pituitary gland; there are therefore numerous causes for hypothyroidism. Of these numerous causes three distinct categories can be formed, causes occurring within the body by way of disease or injury of the thyroid or pituitary gland, causes brought on by medical treatment, and those brought on by chemical or medicinal elements. Thyroid malfunction may result from injury to the thyroid caused by swelling resulting from a goiter, or injury.

Often swelling can result in cell death within the thyroid gland and as a result less of the thyroid remains, and likewise less of the thyroid hormone is produced. Likewise, as the pituitary gland also plays a significant role in the function of the thyroid, injury to the pituitary or illness thereof can also have negative effects on the thyroid resulting in hypothyroidism as well. Another cause for hypothyroidism is Autoimmune Thyroiditis (also known as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis), which is an autoimmune disease wherein the individual’s own body attacks it’s thyroid gland causing irreversible damage. In addition to illness such as autoimmune disease, cancer of the thyroid can also result in significant damage to the gland, and illness aside, a select few individual’s are simply unfortunate enough to be born with malfunctioning thyroid glands for no obvious reason.

Cell death can also result from radioactive iodine therapy that is used to treat goiters. Thyroid injury can also be sustained during certain medical procedures, or part of the thyroid might even itself be surgically removed, such as may be required to alleviate thyroid cancer or other conditions of the thyroid.

Finally, some chemicals have been found to alter the state and function of the thyroid gland. These include chemicals as common as fluoride, a chemical often added to drinking and tap water under the assumption that it has positive effects on maintaining teeth. Other chemicals such as flame retardants, also known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have also been shown to affects the thyroid and may be found in everyday objects from televisions and computer screens to carpeting and polyurethane foam in furniture. Studies regarding the effects of these chemicals on pituitary and thyroid glands have been widely published by researchers at the University of California.

Hypothyroidism may also pose a range of dangers to those afflicted if left untreated. In a state of hypothyroidism, pituitary glands often over-produce a chemical known as TSH to attempt to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormone. In this state of constant TSH bombardment, a thyroid my swell and goiters may form. Hypothyroidism may become exacerbated if left untreated and in rare cases may result in heart failure, a coma-state, or even severe depression.