However, they discontinued when they experienced “sour stomach” … maybe, the precursor of ulcers.  They reduced their intake down to twice-a-week.  They maintained this frequency because they continued to worry that they might suffer a heart attack, just like some of their ancestral relatives.

Tried and proven uses of aspirin

• For pain = When it was originally developed in Germany by Bayer AG in 1897, it was used to relieve minor aches and pain.  However, with the development of new and more powerful pain medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, the global sales of aspirin declined during the 1960-1970’s.

• For headache = Aspirin is used effectively at the onset of primary headaches, such as tension headache, migraine and cluster headache.  These are severe head pains that suddenly occur and last from 1 hour to 1 week.

Aspirin is not equally effective on secondary headaches caused by trauma.

• For prevention of heart attack and stroke = Clinical trials during the 1960’s up to the 1980’s showed that aspirin was an effective anti-platelet or anti-clotting drug.  The global sales recovered and remain robust up to the present.

When should aspirin be taken on a daily basis?

• Treatment Protocol:

1. You should not self-medicate.
2. Your doctor should prescribe the frequency and dosage of intake.
3. Do not discontinue on your own, without doctor’s knowledge.

• A daily dose of aspirin is prescribed to patients after they have suffered from heart attack and stroke … and not before these events.

• A dual anti-platelet therapy, meaning the prescription of aspirin plus another anti-platelet drug, is prescribed after heart surgery in order to prevent blood clots.

• When you are a diabetic and more than 50 years old, your doctor will give you advice on whether you will have risks in taking daily aspirin.

What is the risk when stopping the daily intake of aspirin?

To stop without doctor’s knowledge may result in a heart attack or stroke.  The absence of an anti-platelet drug may cause the formation of blood clots.

Side Effects of a daily intake of aspirin

• Gastro-intestinal bleeding due to the acidic nature of aspirin that reduces the protective lining of the stomach.

• Perforated stomach ulcers.

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss occur when there is an overdose of any drug, including aspirin.

• Hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding stroke.  Aspirin prevents clotting and promotes bleeding.

• Anemia because regular use of aspirin can cause bleeding that could result to a lack of iron in the blood.

Most people are able to achieve a stress free home by utilizing the ancient methods of Feng Shui. Feng Shui is an ancient art and science that creates balance and harmony in our lives by effectively managing the environment around us. The benefits of reorganizing your home with a Feng Shui method can usually be felt immediately.

The main principle behind the art of Feng Shui is that our environment needs to be a reflection of our direct lives. Whether it is good or bad, because our lives are what we are most connected to. Our lives and homes are a reflection of who we are. This means, if we change something in our home, we will usually feel a change that corresponds within our lives. If you want to feel less stress in your life, and in your home, you should start by making sure that you are in an environment that promotes less stress and calmness.

While many people choose to hire a Feng Shui expert to make sure they are receiving the best help possible, there are many ways you are able to complete this meaningful science yourself. When you are in the midst of getting through your tough clutter, there are some important questions that you are able to ask yourself to help. The first thing you should ask about the object is if you really love the object. The next questions would be if the object enhances your life and if you use it. If you do not love the item, and it does not bring an additional element to your life or if it is not something that is often used, it may be time to get rid of it.

Other things that you may be able to do to promote a stress free environment are by adding more fresh plants and beautiful flowers around your home. When you feel that your world is beginning to become stressful, remind yourself to stop and smell the wonderful fresh flowers in your home. Change your bedroom to colors that are neutral and inviting, as well as splashes of fun and bright colors. Having clean, fresh and crisp linens on the bed will also help to keep a feeling of calm and happiness. Remove clutter from your bedroom. This should be a place that is refreshing and stress free.

Alcohol abuse can lead to many problems.  Diseases of the liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal system, and cardiovascular system, as well as cancer, can all be caused by heavy drinking.  Most of these diseases are not reversible and can lead to death.  Only when the warning signs are heeded and the alcoholic is treated early enough can these problems be avoided.  Depression and anxiety can accompany alcohol abuse.  Loss of job, divorce, and legal problems may also occur.

Physical Warning Signs for Alcoholism

Several physical signs can be seen in an alcoholic.  Look for a dependence on alcohol and withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol has been cut off or the person is trying to stop drinking.  Dependence signs include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, faster heart rate, and sweating.  In severe cases, seizures may occur.  Delirium tremens, a deadly complication, can affect the alcoholic when no alcohol is consumed.  A person who is alcohol dependent will need more and more alcohol just to feel the same effects as before.

Social or Mental Warning Signs for Alcoholism

Here are some signs of alcoholism:

• Feel a strong need for alcohol
• Can’t stop drinking once you start
• Drinking alone
• Forgetting what happened or what was said when you were drinking
• Loss of interest in any other activity
• Hiding bottles in unusual or different places
• Drinking even through it is interfering with your work or family commitments

The “CAGE” questionnaire is used by doctors to determine if there are alcoholic problems and can be used by patients who are concerned about their alcohol consumption.

Intervention

If you are worried about alcoholism, talk to your doctor and ask for his help in evaluating the problem.  Alcoholics are often in denial about their problem.  If you notice the symptoms in a loved one, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help them.   Sometimes when a patient is in the hospital for another reason, the lack of access to alcohol brings on withdrawal symptoms.  If warning signs are seen, but the person is still in denial, having a doctor talk with the patient will sometimes cause them to finally accept treatment.

Treatment

There are many different treatments that are available to a person with a drinking problem.  Alcohol detoxification is needed when there are physical signs of dependence.  Psychological counseling or support and outpatient therapy may help the person to stop drinking.  Medications, that cause a patient to vomit when alcohol is consumed, can be used to help the patient avoid drinking.  Alcoholism is a life-long problem.  Treatment to prevent a relapse will be needed to avoid future complications.