How to Avoid Deadbeat Men

Follow this simple step by step guide to avoid ending up with a deadbeat man.



Know yourself. Love yourself. Enjoy yourself.

Love yourself before expecting someone else to love you.

Don't fall for him. If you meet the guy and you feel the fireworks and that "burnin' desire", ignore it. If he is really into you, he will call you again and again and again. Otherwise, he's just salty that he spent money and didn't get any.

Get to know yourself and think about what you really want out of a man, what compliments you, how you want to be treated and demand that respect. Don't create the list of the impossible, but do set standards for yourself. Don't settle.

Use protection. You don't want an unwanted child -- .he won't stay with you just because you have a child, and you should not expect him to.

Don't commit to him if he doesn't commit to you.





* Don't meet men in a bar or club. Your best bet would be to meet someone where you can clearly see that you both share similar interests (School, library, poetry sets, concerts, etc.)

* Make sure that he is on your level. He doesn't have to be the perfect 6 figure executive, but if you graduated college make sure he did or is going to as well.

* Try to stick to your age or a bit older.

* Always make yourself clear about what you are looking for. Don't be let down if he's not looking for the same thing, and don't settle for what he wants. If you want a relationship and he doesn't, why are you still doing going out with him? Wasting your time much? Yup! And if he is looking for a relationship and you aren't, you may just be setting yourself up for a stalker situation...not good!





* Don't try to turn the potential deadbeat into a good man.

Hip Fractures 101

Anyone, at any age, can break a hip, although the injury is far more prevalent among those who are 65 and older. In fact, 95 percent of hip injuries occur in people who are over 65. Hip fractures are hard to ignore, as they usually cause severe pain in the hip and/or groin area. Oftentimes, sufferers have trouble walking afterward or are unable to walk at all.

What Causes Hip Fractures?
The majority of hip fractures are the result of a traumatic event, such as a fall. But in some older adults, whose bones have been greatly weakened by osteoporosis, a very minor trauma, even walking, could cause them to break a hip without falling, according to the National Institutes of Health. In younger adults, hip fractures commonly stem from severe trauma as the result of a sports injury or car accident.

Risk Factors for Hip Fractures
The following factors may all play a role in increasing a person's risk of developing a hip fracture.

* Age. Older people are more likely to sustain a hip fracture because bone density decreases with age, vision and balance begin to weaken, and the ability to react quickly slows.

* Medical conditions. In addition to osteoporosis, any condition that causes dizziness or balance problems can make an individual more prone to a fall. Similarly, arthritis may make stable, safe movements more difficult.

* Gender. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 80 percent of hip fractures occur in women. This is largely due to the fact that estrogen levels drop after menopause, contributing to bone deterioration.

* Poor nutrition. A poor diet can lead to a deficiency of the nutrients needed to build stronger bones. Diets high in caffeine, for example, can prevent the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.

* Inactivity. A lack of low-impact weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or jogging, can also increase the risk of hip fractures.

Preventing Hip Fractures
It's especially important to prevent hip fractures because recovery is so difficult. Only 25 percent of hip fracture patients will make a full recovery, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. In addition, of the approximately 1.6 million people who suffer hip fractures worldwide each year, about 20 to 24 percent die within a year of the event, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). Follow these guidelines to reduce your risk.

* Know your bone density. By knowing your bone density, you can begin to assess your risk for fractures. Ask your doctor about getting a bone density scan, especially if you're over age 65. If your test shows you have thin bones, you will be able to take appropriate preventative steps.

* Eat a proper diet. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help to boost your bone health. Foods such as milk, cheese, dark green vegetables, some seafood, and almonds supplement the calcium needed to build stronger bones. Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption may also be helpful.

* Exercise. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, can also help to build bone strength. In addition, activities such as Tai Chi or yoga, may help to improve balance.

* Prevent falls. Accidents happen, but there are steps you can take to avoid some common mishaps. To prevent household falls, make sure you have adequate space to move safely around your house, and get rid of any stray cords or rugs. In addition, furnish all walkways, stairs and entrances to your home with proper lighting, and place handles and non-slip mats in your shower to avoid slipping.

Treating Hip Fractures
Most hip fractures require surgery, although the type of surgery varies depends on the severity of the injury. Typical procedures involve inserting metal screws, a partial hip replacement, or total hip replacement. Generally, older patients are more likely to require hip replacement surgery.

When surgery is completed, patients generally find it hard to do ordinary household tasks, and some may require an in-home nurse or a rehabilitation center. However, the more active a patient is after the surgery, the quicker the recovery. As with any surgery, the best way to expedite recovery is to follow the doctor's orders as closely as possible.

Back Pain and Depression: What's the Link?

Feelings of depression are significantly more common in people with chronic back pain. Find out more about how to manage your pain and your emotions.

Chronic pain and depression are two of the most common health problems Americans face. What's more, studies have found that these two conditions are often linked, afflicting the same sufferers.

Close to 6 million American adults report suffering from back pain, and studies have shown that depression is four times greater in people with chronic back pain than in those without. Similarly, a 2004 study published in the journal PAIN showed that the rate of depression is often directly proportional to pain severity.

Why Are Back Pain and Depression Linked?

* In the brain. A normal brain works in a state of equilibrium. When one part of the brain is active, the others slow down. In the case of chronic pain sufferers, the region of the brain mostly associated with emotion never slows down regardless of other brain activity, according to a February 2008 study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. This imbalance can result in the feelings of depression often associated with back pain.
* In the body. When a person experiences constant pain, it sets off a domino effect that results in symptoms related to depression. The same Feinberg School study reported that pain often makes it difficult to sleep, which can lead to fatigue and irritability during the day. In addition, a person with back pain may find it hard keep up with everyday movements ultimately resulting in lack of participation in enjoyable activities.

What Can You Do About Back Pain and Depression?
Coping with pain or depression is an on-going battle. Although your doctor can provide medical treatments, there are a few ways to manage your symptoms day to day.

Document it. Keep track of your physical and/or emotional pain in a journal so that, if you need to, you can accurately communicate your symptoms with a doctor.
Be active. Plan activities to help you gain a feeling of contribution. By completing small tasks, you will realize that you can be of help, despite any pain you may be experiencing.
Get support. Joining an online community may help you become conscious of the fact that you are not alone.
Enjoy life. Make a list of the things you know you can do and try to do one of those things each day. In addition, look for new hobbies, games, or people to associate yourself with.

Tips to Help Manage IBS

Follow these steps to help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 20 percent of the general population, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). And for those living with it, the condition can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even embarrassing. If you think you may have IBS, it's important to consult with a doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment suggestions. In addition, the following self-care tips may help ease your symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water every day helps to keep your digestive system working efficiently by preventing constipation and diarrhea. The NDDIC recommends aiming for six to eight glasses a day.
Up your soluble fiber intake. Soluble fiber can help to prevent spasms and reduce IBS symptoms by keeping the colon distended. The fiber also absorbs water, which helps prevent stools from becoming too hard and consequently difficult to pass. Good sources of soluble fiber include oatmeal, most types of beans, and citrus fruit.
Avoid dairy products. The lactose contained in dairy products causes many problems for digestion and often irritates IBS symptoms. Try alternative products, such as soy milk and cheeses, and if you must eat dairy, take lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose) in pill form before consuming it. Lactase pills can be purchases over the counter.
Eat smaller meals. Although most people will feel bloated after eating a large meal, the feeling is usually more intense for those with IBS. Try consuming five smaller meals a day, instead of three large meals, to reduce symptoms.
Avoid using laxatives. Even if you think they may help, laxatives can potentially weaken your intestines and disrupt your body's natural digestive cycle, resulting in dependency.
Exercise regularly. Not only does regular exercise help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent disease; it also helps aid digestion and relieve constipation. Try going for a short 20-minute walk every day or doing activities like swimming or yoga.
Bust the bubbles. Carbonated beverages, such as soda, can often result in increased intestinal gas and bloating, reports the National Women's Health Information Center. Avoid them when possible.
Practice stress reduction. Although it is a myth that IBS can actually be caused by stress, feelings of anxiety can aggravate symptoms. Try yoga, walking, or breathing techniques to help keep yourself calm.
Avoid coffee. Coffee is an infamous bowel irritant. The caffeine it contains speeds up every system in the body, including the colon, which can cause diarrhea.
Cut back on the fat. Not only can consuming too much fat cause weight gain and health problems; for people with IBS, it can also lead to uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes even more frequent bowel movements.

A Guide to Antidepressants

If you're among the 17 million Americans suffering from depression, a condition in which prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness interfere with the ability to function normally, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of medications--SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, TCAs, MAOIs--from which to choose. How can you determine which one is right for you? The first, most important step is to consult with a medical professional, who will not only help you decide and write a prescription, but also offer additional treatment if needed. Before you visit a doctor, here's a summary of the four primary classes of antidepressants.

Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Because they trigger fewer side effects, SSRIs are the most prescribed antidepressants, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). They prevent the reabsorption of serotonin by the nerve cells that send messages, making the neurotransmitter more available to the synapse and the recipient cells and thus stimulating them. Most commonly known by the names Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, SSRIs can also trigger some side effects, such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, decreased sex drive, and headaches.

Atypical Antidepressants.
Atypical antidepressants, which act much like SSRIs by suppressing reuptake activity in the nerve cells, include both serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Effexor, and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), such as Wellbutrin. The newest group of depression medications, they allow for greater levels of norepinephrine and serotonin or norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Raising the availability of all three neurotransmitters has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs).
First prescribed in the 1950s to treat depression, TCAs also curb the reuptake process but are much more apt to produce side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. They're often prescribed when treatments with SSRIs and atypical antidepressants prove ineffective.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).
The oldest class of antidepressants, which stop the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters, MAOIs are often the last medication doctors turn to because of their powerful interaction with food and beverages containing tryamine, such as wine, chocolate, and several types of cheeses. Consuming such items while taking an MAOI can lead to sudden spike in blood pressure, putting you at a greater risk for a heart attack or stroke.

The Next Steps

Once you and your doctor have determined the best course of pharmacological treatment, it's important to keep a list of the drug's side effects on hand, take careful note of changes in your eating or sleeping habits, and contact your doctor immediately if you start to have any suicidal thoughts. About 60 percent of people diagnosed with depression will have success with the first antidepressant they try, according to the NIMH. If you're not among them, don't get discouraged: Additional NIMH-funded research has established that those who did not get well after taking one antidepressant increased their chances of relieving their symptoms when they switched to a different medication or combined it with another.

Since many antidepressants require anywhere from two to six weeks to take effect, patience is key, as is an open line of communication with your doctor; in addition to any side effects you may experience, he or she should also be aware of all prescriptions and over-the-counter supplements or medicines you might be taking (e.g., serotonin syndrome can occur when some antidepressants are mixed with triptan-based migraine medications or herbal supplements). Most importantly, you should combine whatever form of medication you choose with a method of talk therapy. A University of Pennsylvania study published in 2005 found that when medication and cognitive therapy were used in tandem to treat depression, the relapse rate significantly decreased.