Your pair of kidneys is actually considered to be a vital human organ situated at the back portion of the body, particularly behind the lower ribs. They are not of the same height for the right kidney is slightly lower than your left kidney. 


The pain one may actually experience with kidneys is called flank pain for the pain usually occurs at the lower back portion though it sometimes extends to the groin and even to the testicles. Most of the people happen to mistakenly consider some spinal pain, arthritis and even muscle pain as kidney pain and that is a usual misconception. 


When we speak of kidney pain, we are basically dealing with a specific pain brought about by certain body conditions like a blockage in the outflow of urine from the kidney or an enlargement or injury, including infection and inflammation for that matter.

The Different Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Pain


The most common causes of kidney pain are kidney stones as well as kidney infection which we call Pyelonephritis. The first one which is kidney stones may actually cause nausea with or without vomiting, bloody urine, fever and the pain which comes in waves. If we basically talk about kidney infection which is  Pyelonephritis, the primary symptoms that one may experience are nausea with or without vomiting , bloody urine,  burning feeling during urination and also urgent or frequent need of urination.


Accompanied with the infection is the inflammation which can cause the stretching of the capsule surrounding the kidney causing pain. Only a few know that specific conditions that would basically cause kidney enlargement are being developed slowly without the experience of so much pain.


The specific conditions that include stretching and enlargement are hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease and also kidney cancer or benign tumors. Kidney injury brought about by trauma is easy to identify and be diagnosed since there is more rapid enlargement and bleeding happening with the kidneys. 


Aside from those common causes of kidney pain, there is this rare kidney damage brought about by a block in the artery that can also cause kidney pain. There is this unusual complication called poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis caused by a streptococcal infection that can also cause severe kidney pain.


One thing you should really be mindful of is severe pain accompanied with other symptoms that would really require emergent intervention such as unconsciousness, profuse sweating, rapid breathing or heart rate, cold and clammy skin, bloody urine, high fever, confusion, decreased or absent urine output, paleness and bloody urine.

Kidney Pain Treatments


If we speak of treatment, many would even consider taking up paracetamol tablets as an emergent remedy for kidney pain. That would be fine if the condition is within limits but then, seeking a doctor’s help would still be the best option. It is not advisable to do self-medication.  


Remember that medications prescribed by a doctor are still the appropriate drugs. But then, when it reaches an advanced stage, dialysis is already needed. You should not take the challenge of managing the pain you are experiencing alone, for it might actually cost you your life. It would really be best to seek for professional help.

It would really be important to seek for prompt medical attention for persistent pain to prevent you from unbearable suffering later on.
But then, prevention is better than cure. It would still be best to cut down on beverages high in alcohol content.  


Shan is an accomplished writer and blogger; He loves to write about daily fitness related topic like hymen, women health etc.

We all have items that we hold dear and would never throw out. For some of us it’s a family heirloom like our grandmother’s jewelry. For others it’s a “lucky” shirt or the foul ball they caught at the baseball game. While you can hang onto those items forever, your home is full of stuff that is just taking up space. Clean up your home now with the 5 things you should sell, recycle or donate today!

Old Clothing (Donate)


No matter what you’ve convinced yourself, those clothes that you loved in college have got to go. If they are in style they don’t fit, and if they fit then they are out of style. While those clothes may not be working for you, there are people all around the country who can use them. Groups like The Salvation Army will be happy to take old clothes off of your hands and may even come to your home to pick them up. Clear out some space, help those in need and get a tax write-off in just a few hours.

Textbooks (Sell)


If your textbooks are only a year or two old, it is likely that there are still students out there who can use them. Sell the books online and make some quick cash. If the books are more than a few years old you can recycle them. You may not get paid, but at least you will clear some much needed space on your bookshelf.

Baby and Kids Toys (Donate)


While it may seem like a great idea to keep your child’s toys up in the attic for your grandchildren, you really aren’t doing them any favors. Trends change and newer toys come into style. More importantly, 25 years stuffed up in the attic will do a number on the toys, leading to mold, mildew, and other growth that could potentially be harmful to your grandchild. Donate the toys to a group like the Big Brothers Big Sister that will distribute them to less fortunate children in your neighborhood.

Electronics (Recycle/Throw Out)


Big ticket items like televisions, computers and stereo systems are really hard to throw out. Many of us will wait years to upgrade to a newer model and once we do we still hold on to the old item for a rainy day. Maybe it’s because we spend so much time with them, or maybe it’s because they are so expensive to begin with and we want to get our money’s worth. Whatever your reason for hanging on to your old electronics, it’s time to throw them out. When was the last time you actually used your VCR? Why is it still taking up space?  Try to recycle the item before just throwing it out, but understand that with electronics that is sometimes impossible.

Sports Equipment (Sell)


Did you invest in a full set of hockey pads that are now just sitting in the hall closet? Do you have a treadmill that has become the world’s most expensive towel rack? The second hand sporting goods market may be begging for your contribution. You won’t get half or even a third of what you originally paid for the equipment, but you will likely be able to attract a buyer who will carry it up from your basement for you.

Kenny Soto is a blogger for MyMove.com. For more info on hoarding, spring cleaning and the benefits of making donations visit My Move today!

Who doesn’t want to live a longer, healthier life? Lifestyles that incorporate proper rest, diet and exercise enhance the body’s ability to prosper. Don’t forget the health benefits of wine, chocolate and sex as you lower your blood pressure, stop smoking and increase metabolism. Reading, hobbies and venturing into new activities promote a sharp mind.


70 million Americans carry sleep disorders, 30 million are depressed and one in three adults are classified as obese. Lifestyle change is imperative. Eating naturally helps. Winding down before bed allows you to slip into sleep. Exercising your heart and your head are non-negotiable.


Creativity, simplicity and patience are our friends. Changing eating habits one food at a time elicits confidence. Adopting fresh exercise routines as minimal as walking are life changing. Changing bed time routines from stress and activity to calm set the table for a restful night and promote strength for the next day.
Source: Health Degrees

Long term care is an issue that we all have to think about. Some of us may need some assistance as we age, and some of us will even need extensive long term care.

I have 2 Aunts in their 90s. One is 98 and the other is 96. The 98 year old started need some help a couple of years ago and still lives in an assisted living apartment. Her memory and stamina is now failing.

The 96 year old still lives in her own apartment, has some help every morning from a social service agency in her community. They help her to take a bath. The caretaker gives her breakfast and prepares lunch and dinner, which she leaves in the refrigerator. Her memory is as sharp as every!

To keep yourself in the group of people who may only need minimal assistance, you need to stay active. One way to stay active is to set achievable fitness goals like walking a marathon.

Finding the Right Marathon to Walk

The first step in preparing to walk a marathon is to find a marathon venue that has a walking division. The popularity of walking a marathon has led many of the top marathons in the country to offer a walking division.

However, because walking a marathon takes longer than running one, your race is going to start earlier than the runners, and chances are the runners will eventually pass you up as you approach the finish line.

Set Up a Training Schedule

Some marathons provide free training.

Check your senior center or park district's programs. My daughter-in-law and daughter joined The Chicago Park District's marathon training program.

Go on line to MeetUp.com and search for a walking group.

Investigate what is available in your community

Start a group of your own.

One problem that a lot of people have when they undertake a huge sports challenge is that they feel like they are all alone. Extra support will keep you motivated and keep your training on track.

For first time marathoners, the goal is usually just to finish the race regardless of time. However, nearly all marathons now have a time limit for finishing the race. Because of this you need to train so that you can complete the marathon course within the allotted time, which is usually between five and six hours.

Generally, it is recommended that you spend six months training for a marathon. This will give you enough time to build up your endurance and your race strategy. The frequency that you train will depend a lot on your schedule, but you will want to spend between four and six days a week training.

Injury Prevention

Since the ultimate goal of walking a marathon is to improve your overall health, you want to do everything in your power to prevent injuries. The first way you can prevent injuries is by wearing the appropriate foot wear and clothing for your sport.

You will want to be professionally fitted with long distance running shoes, you will need water wicking clothing, sunglasses and a hat to protect your scalp and face from sunburns.

Another way to prevent injuries is to stretch properly before and after your workouts.
Finally, you need to fuel and hydrate your body sufficiently for your sport.

The amount of long term care that you will need in the future depends a lot on what you do right now. You can reduce the chances that you will need a lot of LTC by taking advantage of Spring sports activities and by minimizing the hazards in your home.

There is an old saying, "If you don't use it, you'll loose it!" Staying active and healthy is important for seniors, so learn more about living a senior citizen's healthy lifestyle. Join in the conversation and share your experiences at Our Seniors Citizens Blog.

When you are on a diet or are conscious of the amount of calories that you are consuming at any given meal, you will be on the lookout for tasty foods that have a low calorie count. You can also combine different foods that each has low calories for a different taste and to make your food interesting. Some of the foods that are tasty but have a low calorie count are given below:

Plain Yoghurt and Fruit

You can prepare a snack of pain yoghurt which has a lower calorie count than the flavored one. You can combine it with a small portion of fruits such as a cup of strawberries which is 50 calories or a peach which has a calorie count of thirty calories only. Use plain yoghurt such as the Chobani Greek plain yoghurt which has only 12 calories in four ounces.

All Vegetable Soup

This soup has a number of low calorie ingredients that make for a tasty and filling soup.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 carrots
• 2 cups cauliflower
• 2 cups broccoli
• 2 zuchinni
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups of swiss chard
• 1 stalk of celery
• 2 teaspoons of thyme
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

MethodPut the vegetables, garlic and thyme in a soup pot. Cover the pot and put high heat. When it boils, uncover the pot partly then simmer the vegetables for another 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley, salt, pepper and lemon juice.Remove and serve.

Crackers and Cheese

Use whole wheat grain crackers so that you can reduce the calorie count. You can eat about 10 medium sized crackers with reduced fat cheese not more than three quarter an ounce. This tasty snack is healthy and you will get proteins, calcium and fiber from the whole wheat grain.

Zucchini Noodles

This can be used as a low calorie alternative to pasta and it is tasty as well as filling.
Ingredients:

• 2 zucchini
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper

MethodPeel the zucchini into long ribbon like stripsTake a large skillet and heat it. Add the olive oil and zucchini strips.Saute the zucchini strips for three minutes then season with pepper and salt.Serve with low calorie fresh tomato sauce.

Chinese Hot and Spicy Green Beans

To make green beans tasty, you can use low calorie natural spices which will transform them to spicy
Ingredients:

• 16 ounces of green beans
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

MethodMix the vinegar together with the soy sauce, sugar, and the amount of chili flakes that you desire.In a large skillet put a ¼ cup of water and let it boil in very high heat then add the beans and cook for three minutes. Drain any water left then add the sesame oil, garlic and ginger on low heat. Stir constantly until the beans are browned and so that the garlic doesn't burn. Add the soy mixture and cook for another two minutes. Remove and serve while hot.

Daniel Carter is an expert who specializes in skin care and beauty. He writes fro many health websites related to health niche.

Everyone knows you need to drink at least twelve glasses of water each day, right?

And on top of that, you must get at least eight hours of sleep: eight straight hours is the minimum. These rules of health are common knowledge—but they may not hold up under scrutiny. I know this is a touchy area. We’re talking about your health here, but let’s at least consider a different perspective.

Are you hydrated?

The bottom line on water is that, once you are hydrated, you need to take in only enough fluid to replace the amount you lose. The formulas for determining exactly how many glasses you need to drink per day are without foundation.

Another way

After all, if you are running a marathon, you will need considerably more water than if you are sitting in a chair at your desk. You definitely need to drink water daily—but the amount needed fluctuates according to how active you are and how much fluid you lose (from perspiration, urination, vomiting or other means). Again, the key here is to replace as much as you lose. Urine color is a signal. Clear urine says you are hydrated. As the urine darkens, you know you need to rehydrate. Take a look at the handy chart used by the U.S. Army for determining hydration level.

What is a good night's sleep?

When it comes to sleep, your body may function best when allowed to rest in chunks—a few hours of slumber followed by a period of awakening, then some more sleep. BBC News took an in-depth look at studies concerning how we may have slept before the advent of electric lamps. The practice of polyphasic sleep (breaking rest times up into periods) has been around since ancient times—and while the particulars can be arranged to suit the person; the only set-in-stone rule is to get at least 90 minutes of sleep per cycle.

How could this seemingly unorthodox sleep strategy affect your life?

Champions say the benefits are several:

• Less total sleep time means more hours awake and productive (even if “productive” means spending time in prayer)
• Sleep quality is improved
• No more lying awake at night—when you wake up, get up
• More lucid dreaming
• Elevated release of the prolactin hormone, which produces a sense of calmness

You can’t add hours to the day; we all get just 24 hours of Monday until Tuesday rolls around—but you can capture more hours within those precious 24 by incorporating the chunking concept. A typical “hacked” sleep pattern, for example, might be 4 hours of base sleep per day, followed by 10 hours of activity, then 2 hours of sleep and 8 more hours of activity. In that way, sleep time is kept to 6 hours total for the day, and wake time may be conducted with more energy and focus.

Use with care

Anyone considering tampering with sleep cycles would do well to talk it over with a physician. It’s a tough subject, most doctors will tell you to get at least the magic eight hours, but there is certainly room for debate. One warning: the sleep-deprived individual is a poor judge of how badly he or she really needs to take a nap. If your friends are telling you to take a nap, you probably should.
Experiment, if you will … but use caution. Stay open to change, but remember: sleep and water are high on the list of life’s necessities.

Author Lane Goodberry focuses on health and wellness topics.

Not everyone has great skin by nature, sometimes it takes a lot of work to accomplish this. In order to make your skin look more beautiful, there are a lot of tips you can use. These are going to take some dedication and commitment, but they aren't very difficult.

1) Eat More Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables are recommended at five servings per day for a reason. These are packed full of essential vitamins and nutrients that the body needs. When the body has all these nutrients, the skin is going to benefit. It will get rid of toxins, glow from the minerals and feel softer as well. Eating fruits that are full of antioxidants is also great for the skin. These will clear out toxins so your face looks clear and younger.

2) Get More Sleep

The skin repairs itself when you go to sleep. If you aren't getting enough rest at night your face is going to show it in the morning. This will make your skin look dull and lifeless. In addition to this, dark bags will start to appear and deepen underneath the eyes. Lack of sleep can also result in the skin developing wrinkles much more quickly than it would have otherwise.

3) Use Sunscreen Each Day

4) Use Skincare Products

5) Take Makeup Off

Robert is skincare and healthcare expert that has a lot of experience with dermatology. He writes many articles for Acne24.Net, which is a website that contains comprehensive skin care information. Visit the website if you want to read about the best acne treatment and other useful information.

Having concern for the future of our planet is a good thing. You use green cleaners because they are safer for the environment. You recycle because it's the right choice. You buy items whose packaging is made of recycled material or biodegradable. You drive an eco-friendly car, and you are always in search of how you can do more for the planet.

Makeup is now one of those items that can be added to the green list. Many companies are getting rid of their harmful chemicals and replacing them with safer ingredients. Others are eliminating their old packaging and replacing it with more eco- friendly options.
If you're interested in eco friendly makeup, the following are our top four cosmetic brand choices that you need to check out.

1. Jane Iredale


All of Jane Iredale products put health and natural beauty at the forefront. Their products use natural ingredients that allows the skin to breathe and eliminates environmental pollutants. Each and every product provides protection from UVA and UVB rays and uses chemical-free sunscreens. Jane Iredale makeup does not contain chemical preservatives, perfume, alcohol or chemical dyes. Instead, they use zinc oxide and titanium oxide that help calm the skin.

2. Physicians Formula Organic Wear


Physicians Formula products have been a staple in many cosmetic bags throughout the years. Along with the regular line that you may be accustomed to, Physicians Formula also has an organic line. It was the first ECOCERT certified organic makeup line in America. All of the line's products contain 100% certified organic ingredients. Each product is also packaged in eco-friendly paper instead of plastic. This line does not contain any harsh chemicals, parabens, or synthetic fragrances, colors or preservatives. They also pride themselves on being 100% cruelty free.


3. Cargo PlantLove


Cargo has tried its hand at organic makeup and created Cargo PlantLove, an ECOCERT certified line of makeup. This line contains biodegradable packaging made entirely out of corn, and the products themselves are made from 100% natural ingredients. Along with packaging and products, the process in creating PlantLove products is also completely eco friendly.
PlantLove products do not use synthetic dyes or fragrances, petrochemicals, parabens or phthalates.



4. Juice Beauty, The Alicia Silverstone Collection


Alicia Silverstone teamed up with Juice Beauty to launch a green cosmetic line comprised of five products. Each product is made from organic materials and is animal friendly. Juice Beauty believes that organic ingredient are much more beneficial for the skin as well as the environment. When makeup products contain harmful chemicals, these ingredients are absorbed through your skin. Juice Beauty wants to change that.
Some people make the mistake in thinking that green products cost more, but all of these products are priced reasonably compared to their non-organic counterparts.
If green products are on your radar, these are four cosmetic brands you need to try. Some simply use safe, organic ingredients while others combine the organic ingredients with green packaging. All of them are safe for the environment and safe for your skin.
Erin Stevenson is a stay at home mom with two teen daughters. She likes to use enviromently safe chemicals and eco friendly beauty products.

Photo credit: starfish75