1. In order to maintain a healthy and hygienic environment, it is crucial to control the pest population, and it is often a good idea to call in the experts, as specialist knowledge makes total eradication more likely, helping to prevent a repeat attack.

One current concern for pest control experts is the global resurgence of bedbug cases.  Widely thought to have been eradicated over the twentieth century, there has been a massive increase in reported cases in the UK since the mid 1990s.  One possible reason for this problem is the increase in international travel, and the swift moving nature of infestations lies in the fact that not only is it difficult to definitively establish the presence of bedbugs, but that they can also be found in both private and commercial properties.

It is important to be sufficiently well informed of the causes and appearance of bed bugs to boost your chances of early detection and therefore cure and future prevention.  Bedbugs are from the insect family Cimicidae, and it is named for the fact that its typical habitats are mattresses, sofas and other soft furnishings.  With these areas in mind, adult bed bugs grow to around 4-5mm in length, making them visible to the human eye, and are generally brown in colour, flattish, oval shaped and nocturnal.

The bites of bedbugs are typically found in clusters, take the appearance of red welts or bumps and cause an intense itching sensation for the victim.  BBC One’s ‘The One Show’ recently produced a special report on the presence of bedbugs in London, and came to the conclusion that many traditional solutions and cures for bedbugs have ceased to work effectively, compounding the need for professional help.

So at this time of year, although there is no cause for alarm, do try to be vigilant as an early detection of bedbug infestations means the likelihood of successful eradication is far greater.

If you’re someone who has been suffering from shin splints, there are some important things that you should be doing to overcome this issue. When you first experience pain in the bone you may feel as though it’s not that serious of an issue and this just isn’t the case.

If not treated properly immediately, you’re going to end up with long term pain that becomes very difficult to manage. Shin splints typically only get worse, which is why it’s absolutely essential that proper remedial action is taken.

Here is an overview of the four things you absolutely must do if you are to get relief from this injury.

Rest The Area Immediately

The first thing you should do is start resting the area immediately. Many people will try and work through the pain which is a very bad idea. The problem with this is that more often than not, the pain is just going to get worse. Complete rest is what’s needed to fully heal the pain and get yourself back on the path to being pain-free once again. The sooner you can give the body complete rest, the sooner you’ll find yourself able to get back to your workouts again full speed. Keep in mind that half-effort workouts aren’t really going to get you results anyway, so by exercising through the pain all you’re doing is prolonging the recovery period.

Start Icing The Pain

The next thing you must do is begin icing the painful area. If you aren’t icing the injury, the swelling may continue on and this could have very negative implications for your overall healing progress. Don’t make the mistake on heating the shin splints first. Ice is what is needed in the first few days and after that you can move to heat once the swelling is gone down.

Perform Stretching Exercises In The First Week

During the first week while you are resting, you can also begin performing some stretching exercises to help heal the injury and lengthen the ligaments and tendons that could be tight. Often it is tight ligaments and tendons that cause shin splints in the first place, so this is a very good way to curtail the pain that you’re experiencing.

Start Strengthening Shin Splint Exercises In The Second Week

Finally, the fourth step to helping yourself get over the injury of shin splints is performing some strengthening exercises. These will enable you to strengthen all the muscles surrounding the shin, ankle, and knee, which are critical to not only overcoming the problem but also preventing it down the road as well.

So be sure you’re not overlooking any of these steps as you attempt to get over this exercise. If you go about the process correctly, it really shouldn’t take all that long before you’re out performing the activities you enjoy once again.

The aloe vera plant has a long history of healing power. Its ability to heal burns and cuts and soothe pain has been documented as far back as the 10th century. Legend has it that Cleopatra used aloe vera to keep her skin soft. The modern use of aloe vera was first recognized the 1930s to heal radiation burns. Since then, it has been a common ingredient in ointments that heal sunburn, minor cuts, skin irritation, and many other ailments. Recently, aloe vera has gained some popularity as an active ingredient in tooth gel. Similar to its use on skin, the aloe vera in tooth gels is used to cleanse and soothe teeth and gums, and is as effective as toothpaste to fight cavities, according to the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.

Aloe vera tooth gel is intended to perform the same function as toothpaste, which is to eliminate pathogenic oral microflora - disease-causing bacteria -in the mouth. The ability of aloe vera tooth gel to successfully perform that function has been a point of contention for some dental professionals. However, research presented in General Dentistry may alleviate that concern. The study compared the germ-fighting ability of an aloe vera tooth gel to two commercially popular toothpastes and revealed that the aloe vera tooth gel was just as effective, and in some cases more effective, than the commercial brands at controlling cavity-causing organisms.

Aloe latex contains anthraquinones, which are chemical compounds that are used in healing and arresting pain because they are anti-inflammatory in nature. But, because aloe vera tooth gel tends to be less harsh on teeth, as it does not contain the abrasive elements typically found in commercial toothpaste, it is a great alternative for people with sensitive teeth or gums. But buyers must beware. Not all aloe vera tooth gel contains the proper form of aloe vera. Products must contain the stabilized gel that is located in the center of the aloe vera plant in order to be effective. Products must also adhere to certain manufacturing standards. Dilip George, MDS, co-author of the study, explains that aloe “must not be treated with excessive heat or filtered during the manufacturing process, as this destroys or reduces the effects of certain essential compounds, such as enzymes and polysaccharides.” Dr. George suggests that consumers consult non-profit associations such as the International Aloe Science Council to see what products have received the organization’s seal of quality.

Although there are more than 300 species of the plant, only a few have been used for medicinal purposes. “Thankfully, consumers with sensitive teeth or gums have a number of choices when it comes to their oral health, and aloe vera is one of them,” says AGD spokesperson Eric Shapria, MS, DDS, MAGD, MA. “If they are interested in a more alternative approach to oral hygiene, they should speak with their dentist to ensure that it meets the standards of organized dentistry, too.”

Source:
Stefanie Schroeder

Academy of General Dentistry