Techniques for dealing with insomnia and sleeplessness (full sample)
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Insomnia and sleeplessness are chronic conditions that affect a large number of people. There are several simple steps that we can take to deal with insomnia before we need to turn to sleep medications. This article explores simple, effective techniques that people can use to help them get to sleep and stay asleep more easily. It covers areas including: what you can do during the day, developing an effective evening routine, and how to deal with insomnia and waking up at night.
Simple, effective techniques for dealing with insomnia and sleeplessness
Insomnia is a major problem for many people, with up to a third of adults reporting problems with sleeping at some point in their lives. Not being able to sleep at night can have a profound effect on our ability to function, our mood, and our long-term health. Fortunately, there are several simple techniques that insomniacs can try to get a better night's sleep.
Techniques to use during the day
Set an alarm at the same time each morning - An important part of dealing with insomnia is training your body when to go to sleep and when to wake up. This means that you should set an alarm for around 8 hours after you go to bed. Set the alarm for the same time each day and get out of bed when it goes off, even if you are tired.
Don't stay in bed or go back to sleep in the morning - Even if you had a bad night's sleep, don't be tempted to stay in bed and go back to sleep. Taking naps during the day will significantly affect your ability to get to sleep at night and will impact on your sleeping schedule.
Schedule 'worry' or 'thinking' time during the day - This may sound a little unusual, but one of the most common causes of insomnia is anxiety and turning things over in your mind. Because of this, having time each day that you can think about and try to solve your problems can help your brain to relax at night.
Increase your light exposure during the day - Exposure to natural daylight helps regulate your sleeping and waking cycles, so try to get outside for at least half an hour a day.
Take regular exercise - As well as being good for your general state of health, exercise is a great way to help your sleep problems. Try to take at least half an hour of moderate exercise a day.
What to do in the evening to help you sleep
Avoid caffeine after 6 PM - Because caffeine is a stimulant, it can be difficult to sleep if you have too much in your system. Because of this, you should avoid any food or drink containing caffeine after 6 PM.
Create a relaxing evening routine - This means winding down properly before sleep. You might enjoy a cup of herbal tea, have a relaxing bath, spend time sitting quietly and generally being restful.
Avoid alcohol directly before bedtime - The quality of sleep that you have if you have been drinking alcohol is not as good as other types of sleep. Additionally, if you have to get up during the night to go to the toilet or because you are dehydrated, this can make it more difficult to get back to sleep.
Go to bed at the same time every day - It's very important to train your body and establish a rhythm for sleeping. Just like getting up at the same time each morning, it's important to go to bed at the same time each day. This will help your subconscious mind and your body realize that it is time for sleep.
Go to bed and read - Reading can be a good way to calm the mind just before you sleep. Try to focus on books that are gentle and not too exciting!
Have a pen and paper next to the bed in case you wake up - If you wake up with thoughts during the night, having a pen and paper where you can capture them means that you won't have them going over and over in your head and hopefully will help you get back to sleep.
How to deal with sleeplessness or waking up at night
Try to get back to sleep - Don't assume that you are just going to stay awake, instead spend a few minutes trying to get back to sleep.
Hide the clock - Laying in bed and clock-watching can be very frustrating and simply reminds us of how long we've been awake. Turn your alarm clock away from you so that you can't see the time if you wake up.
Meditate and relax individual groups of muscles - Slow down your breathing, clear your mind, and focus on your breath. As you do so, tense and release individual groups of muscles in your body to help you relax.
Try deep abdominal breathing - Taking slow breaths deep into your abdomen can instill deep relaxation and help you get back to sleep.
If you can't sleep after a few minutes, get out of bed - staying in bed and not being able to sleep will just add to your frustration. If you can't sleep, don't watch the clock, get up and go somewhere and do something restful such as reading.
Medications for insomnia
There are three main types of medications that you can try:
'Natural' supplements and medications - This includes medications such as melatonin or valerian. You would be well advised to read up on the effects of these medications before trying them, and if you do so, try a small dose first. You should also consult your doctor before starting any new medications.
Over the counter sleeping pills - These are medications available from your pharmacy without a prescription. These pills can be very effective for some people and not as good for others. Speak to your pharmacist about which ones might be best for you.
Prescribed sleeping pills - Drugs such as Zolpidem, Zopiclone, and Ambien will need to be prescribed by your doctor. If you are still having significant issues with sleeping despite trying all these techniques, speak to your doctor about what solutions are available to you.
It's important to know that it's easy to become dependent on sleeping pills, and once you've been taking them for a while, you could find it very difficult to sleep without them.
Try these techniques throughout your day, in the evening, and if you wake up during the night. Build them into your routine as positive habits, and they'll help you get a full, restful night's sleep.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Stock investing strategy guide (full sample)
Copy editing and proofreading of an investment guide for various types of stock purchasing strategies.
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Find out how putting money into various types of stocks can help you meet your investment and financial goals. This article explores how investors can use different types of investing to build wealth and make the most of their money. It includes information on the benefits, drawbacks, returns, and other aspects of investing in stocks. It covers growth investing, value investing, and income investing.
Areas of expertise
Different types of stock investing strategies
Growth stock investments
Growth investing is an approach in which you invest in companies that you believe will grow significantly. This means that the expected future performance (together with the share price) of the business will outpace the market. Growth investing is one of the riskiest types of stock investing as it is more prone to emotion and investor sentiment about a business.
Why would growth stock investing be right for you?
Growth stock will let you invest in:
New businesses that are coming into the market for the first time (via an initial public offering, or IPO).
Companies that are experiencing rapid growth due to innovations, new products, or services.
Companies that aren't necessarily leaders in their sectors or industries.
Questionable financial health - growth businesses often use debt to finance their expansion.
Growth businesses do not often pay dividends as they reinvest profits into growth.
Potentially excellent prospects.
What are the most important fundamental factors for growth investing?
These types of companies tend to meet the following criteria:
Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio - The price/earnings ratio of growth businesses tends to be fairly high, compared to their industry or sector.
Debt and equity - Growth businesses often have high debt.
Price/Earnings Growth (PEG) - Aim for a PEG that is much better than average for the industry or sector.
Earnings growth rate - You are looking for market-beating growth rates, ahead of competitors.
Return on Equity (ROE) - Return on equity might be lower than expected as more of a company's profits are reinvested for future growth.
What are some examples of growth stocks?
Growth stocks can change rapidly, but companies that have seen substantial growth in recent years include Facebook, Tesla, and Netflix. Growth stocks are often found in the tech sector.
When should you sell this type of investment?
Growth stocks are influenced more by emotion and sentiment than other types of stock. As you're not likely to be receiving an interim return via dividends, think carefully about when you want to sell the stock based on increases in the share price. Growth stocks can gain (and lose) value quickly, and you might want to lock in those gains by selling the stock once it reaches a target price.
What are your expected returns?
Growth stocks are among the most unpredictable investments. Share prices can be extremely volatile, so you'll want to keep a close eye on your stocks to lock in gains.
Growth stocks can be overvalued; they are a favorite of pundits and news channels looking for the "next big thing," so the hype level can be high.
The money you make from growth stocks will be mainly realized through gains in the share price rather than dividends. This means that you'll tend to get the best return on these stocks when you sell them.
What are the drawbacks of growth investing?
Ruled by emotion and sentiment - Growth stocks are the type of stocks that regularly make financial news for large gains and losses. They fall into and out of favor with investors are prone to being popular and then dropped quickly.
Difficult to separate fact from hype - Looking at a growth stock objectively can be difficult.
The stock price on newly launched (IPO) stocks can take a while to normalize and will often fall in value in the few months following an IPO as the euphoria fades and financial realities set in.
Remember that you should diversify your growth investing by putting money into various stocks across different industries and diversifying your portfolio with other styles of investment.
Growth stocks can be extremely volatile on a day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month basis.
Value stock investments
Find out how putting money into value stocks can help you meet your investment and financial goals. This article explores how investors can use value investing to build wealth and make the most of their money. It includes information on the benefits, drawbacks, returns, and other aspects of investing in value stocks.
Value investing is an approach that invests in unloved, undervalued businesses in the hope of making a good capital return. It tends to require more research to uncover stocks that other investors might have overlooked.
Why would value stock investing be right for you?
Value stock will let you invest in:
Businesses that are undervalued or overlooked by other investors and the market.
Companies that aren't necessarily leaders in their sectors or industries.
Reasonable financial health.
Undervalued businesses may or may not pay dividends.
Growth may be depressed or underwhelming in the short to medium term.
Good prospects.
What are the most important fundamental factors for value investing?
These types of companies tend to meet the following criteria:
Market cap - You don't tend to find many value stocks among the biggest companies; those businesses are generally well understood, with a share price to match.
Price / Earnings (P/E) ratio - The price/earnings ratio of value businesses tends to be low; they can be slow-growing, but make money over time. Remember to compare P/E within industries and sectors, as this ratio is very sensitive to the field the business operates in.
Debt and equity - You'll want to invest in value businesses that don't have enormous amounts of debt financing their growth; large debt means high interest payments, which reduces the potential value of the business.
Price / Earnings Growth (PEG) - Aim for a PEG that is better than average for the industry or sector.
Return on Investment (ROI) - Look for a return on investment that's ahead of the industry or sector average.
When should you sell this type of investment?
Like most other investments, it's best to hold value stocks for extended periods if you want to see the best returns. It's also worth comparing value stocks against their peers on a regular basis. As the markets shift, bargains can appear, so you might want to review for value stocks on a quarterly or annual basis.
What are your expected returns?
Value stocks are among the more unpredictable investments. These stocks might have low share prices for a reason, so do your research carefully.
The money you make from value stocks will be mainly realized through gains in the share price, rather than dividends. This means that you'll tend to get the best return on these stocks when you sell them.
What are the drawbacks of value investing?
Value investing is inherently riskier than other types of investing, as it assumes that you know something about a company's value that others don't.
Remember that you should diversify your value investing by putting money into various stocks across different industries and diversifying your portfolio with other styles of investment.
Income stock investments
Find out how putting money into income stocks can help you meet your investment and financial goals. This article explores how investors can use income investing to build wealth and make the most of their money. It includes information on the benefits, drawbacks, returns, and other aspects of investing in income stocks.
Income investing is an investment approach that puts your money into businesses that pay a reliable, above-average dividend. It focuses more on the interim returns (dividends) that you get through the life of your investment, rather than capital growth in the share price.
Why would income stock investing be right for me?
Income stock will let you invest in:
Businesses with a good profit margin that pay higher-than-average dividends.
Robust financial health with good revenues and earnings.
A proven history and safe prospects.
What are the most important fundamental factors for income investing?
These types of companies tend to meet the following criteria:
Revenue - A healthy income; good dividend payers tend to have healthy, reliable revenues.
Market cap - Income stocks can be large, mid or small cap; it's the dividend yield that matters more than the overall size of the company.
Earnings and growth - Good profitability with reliable or slightly above-average year-on-year growth.
Dividend yield - A higher-than-average dividend yield; you're aiming for a minimum of 3-3.5%.
Earnings Per Share (EPS) - Ahead of or level with their competitors.
Return on Investment (ROI) - Ahead of their competitors.
What are some examples of income stocks?
High dividend-paying stocks include AT&T, Chevron, GlaxoSmithKline, Rio Tinto, Duke Energy, and Las Vegas Sands.
When should you sell this type of investment?
The purpose of income stocks is to provide you with a reliable cash flow via dividend payments, year after year. Unless you have a pressing need to sell these stocks, you can keep investments in income shares indefinitely and enjoy the income from the dividends.
What are your expected returns?
Stocks vary significantly in performance, depending on the company, industry, sector, and other market values.
Investments in income stocks are meant to produce dividend returns ahead of the market average.
Because you're likely to hold these stocks for an extended period, most of your realized income will be from dividend payments rather than capital gains.
What are the drawbacks of quality investing?
You should not invest in these types of businesses over the short or medium term as it is possible you will lose money.
Remember that you should diversify your investments by putting money into various stocks across different industries and diversifying your portfolio with other styles of investment.
Like any stock market investment, income stocks can be volatile on a day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month basis.
How do you invest in growth, value, or income stocks?
You can easily invest directly into various types of stock through your online broker account.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Recovering from gastric bypass (bariatric) surgery
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Gastric bypass or bariatric surgery is a technique used to help patients deal with issues relating to weight, obesity and related conditions. This article explores what patients can expect when recovering from gastric bypass surgery including recovery times, side-effects and what is involved in the procedure.
Areas of expertise
Every year, around 200,000 people in the United States elect to have gastric bypass surgery. This type of surgery uses several different methods and procedures to help patients control issues with weight, appetite and eating. These surgical techniques are collectively known as bariatric surgery. In this article we'll explore what patients can expect when they are recovering from gastric bypass surgery.
The intent behind gastric bypass and other bariatric surgery is to reduce the ability of the stomach to accept food, normally by reducing the size of the stomach. Various surgical techniques have been developed to accomplish this, but the most common type of bariatric surgery works as follows:
The surgeon creates a small pouch in the stomach that limits the amount of food a patient can eat.
A larger part of the stomach is partitioned to prevent food being digested there.
The gastrointestinal tract is connected to the new part of the stomach.
Following the surgery, the typical recovery of patients is as follows:
Patients spend two to five days in hospital.
They will be able to get up and walk around after a couple of days.
They will be able to return to light work and activities after three to four weeks.
They will be able to return to normal work and activities after around four to six weeks.
Complete recovery in two to four months.
If a patient has had laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for their gastric bypass, recovery times and the trauma of recovery are significantly lessened. A patient can speed their recovery by performing gentle exercises and other activities, following consultation with a doctor or other specialist.
Typical effects from the surgery include:
Discomfort and pain from the surgery.
Significant changes in appetite.
Nausea and other feelings of being unwell.
Insomnia and tiredness.
Weakness.
Mood swings and changes to emotional state.
Changes to the digestive system.
Gastric bypass surgery is very effective at treating issues with eating, appetite and weight control. Significant reductions in a person's weight and associated medical conditions are normal for the majority of patients.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Recovery after appendectomy surgery for appendicitis (full sample)
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If a patient has signs of appendicitis or a similar condition, an appendectomy will be needed to remove the appendix. Appendectomy surgery is a straightforward procedure, and in this article we'll explore the two main methods of surgery, recovery times and what the patient can expect from the operation.
Areas of expertise
An appendectomy is surgery carried out to remove a blocked, inflamed or otherwise damaged appendix. This type of surgery is necessary if a patient has or is likely to develop appendicitis. The procedure is often performed at short notice as emergency surgery to prevent more dangerous problems from occurring. In this article we'll explore the typical recovery process from appendectomy surgery.
The appendix is a small organ attached to the large intestine, though its function is still poorly understood. Appendicitis is a relatively common condition that happens when the appendix becomes inflamed or blocked. If left untreated, the appendix can burst, creating potentially life-threatening issues for the patient due to the risk of internal infection. Because of this, if appendicitis is diagnosed, the appendix needs to be removed.
There are two types of surgery that can be used to remove an appendix:
Open surgery - This is where the surgeon will make a two to three inch incision in the patient's abdomen. They will then find the appendix, remove it and suture the internal and external wound.
Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery - The surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen and insert a camera and some very fine surgical instruments attached to tubes. They will then use the camera to locate the appendix and use the instruments to remove it and suture the wound.
Keyhole surgery is generally much less traumatic for the patient and can sometimes even be completed without the patient requiring an overnight stay. Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery performed.
Open surgery
The patient will normally require a hospital stay of two to three days following the operation.
They will be able to get up and move around after one to two days.
They will experience discomfort for several weeks following the operation.
They will be able to return to light activities and gentle work after three to four weeks.
They will be able to return to normal activities after four to six weeks.
Keyhole surgery
The patient will sometimes need to stay in the hospital overnight but may have the procedure as an outpatient.
They will be able to get up and move around after eight to twelve hours.
They will experience discomfort for a couple of weeks following the operation.
They will be able to return to light activities and gentle work after a couple of weeks.
They will be able to return to normal activities after two to four weeks.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from appendicitis or have significant abdominal pain, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. An appendectomy is a straightforward procedure and early diagnosis and treatment will mean that you will make a full recovery.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Rhabdomyolysis: Causes, symptoms, and treatment (full sample)
Copy editing and proofreading of an article on rhabdomyolysis, including what causes the condition, its symptoms, and how it can be treated effectively.
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Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition that occurs when muscle fibers break down, releasing toxic substances into the bloodstream. These substances can cause damage to the kidneys, leading to renal failure. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of rhabdomyolysis, including what patients can expect from their recovery.
Areas of expertise
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition caused when muscle fibers break down rapidly and produce chemicals that enter the bloodstream. This can be dangerous as some of these substances, especially proteins, can be damaging to the kidneys. When the kidneys filter the blood, the substances from the muscle breakdown can cause renal failure which can be extremely serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Causes of rhabdomyolysis
There are several factors that can cause this condition, including:
Diseases of the muscular system.
Intense straining of the muscles, e.g. after exercise.
Crushing injuries, e.g. being trapped underneath a falling object.
Physical abuse or violence.
Some recreational drugs or prescription drugs, e.g. statins.
Overuse of alcohol.
Electric shocks, burns, and other significant physical trauma.
Heat stroke or high body temperature.
Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis
The symptoms of this condition vary according to how severe it is and whether it has caused renal failure or not. Symptoms can include:
Pain, tenderness, and swelling of the muscles.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
Dark-colored urine.
Decreased or absent urine production.
A blood test can definitively diagnose rhabdomyolysis.
Treatment of rhabdomyolysis
If a person is suffering from these symptoms, it is vital that they be diagnosed and treated urgently. Treatment focuses on preventing further renal damage, helping renal function recover, and reducing the impact of shock or other complications on the patient. Typical treatments include:
Intravenous fluids to maintain a regular flow of liquid to the kidneys and renal system, typically between 6 to 12 liters over a 24-hour period.
Flushing out the kidneys to remove the muscle matter and other chemicals.
Correction of electrolyte levels and other abnormal chemicals in the blood such as potassium. This can be achieved with a variety of medications including calcium and insulin.
Renal replacement therapy such as dialysis.
Recovery from rhabdomyolysis
Provided that the condition is diagnosed early and treatment is started immediately, most patients will make a complete recovery from the condition, so long as renal failure does not occur. Renal failure adds significant complications and can reduce the chances of a full recovery and greatly increase recovery times.
In closing
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition. With the proper level of medical care and treatment, patients can make a recovery over a period of one to three months, assuming that renal failure has not occurred. If renal failure has occurred, damage to the kidneys could be permanent, requiring dialysis and other treatment over the long term.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Gallbladder keyhole surgery: How it works and recovery (full sample)
Copy editing and proofreading of an article on gallstones and how they can be dealt with by using gallbladder keyhole surgery.
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Keyhole surgery to remove a gallbladder is a common surgical procedure, designed to minimize the discomfort and risks to a patient and is often needed if other options to deal with gallstones have been exhausted. In this article we'll explore what happens during the procedure and what a patient can expect as they recover.
Areas of expertise
Gallbladder Keyhole Surgery - How it Works and Recovery
Gallstones can be a relatively common problem in older men and women. Although they do not always present with symptoms and are often treatable without surgery, sometimes more drastic intervention is required. In these cases, the gallbladder will need to be removed and the least traumatic way of doing this is through keyhole surgery.
How keyhole surgery works
Keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder is called laparoscopic cholecystectomy and works as follows:
The patient is anesthetized.
Small incisions are made in a patient's abdomen by a surgeon.
Plastic tubes called ports are inserted into these incisions.
A camera and various surgical instruments are inserted through the ports into the patient's abdomen.
The surgeon uses the camera to locate the gallbladder.
They then use the other instruments to remove it and internally suture the site.
They remove the camera and instruments and suture the incisions.
The patient is moved to a recovery room to wake up.
This type of surgery is designed to cause the minimum amount of pain, discomfort, risk or complications for the patient.
Advantages of keyhole gallbladder surgery
The advantages of this type of surgery are:
Less pain following the operation.
Minimal internal and external scarring.
Faster postoperative recovery.
Less risk of complications from infections, blood loss or other factors (less than a 2% risk).
A shorter stay in the hospital.
Recovering from keyhole gallbladder surgery
Patients can have this type of surgery as part of a very short hospital stay of one or two days.
They can expect to be sore after the operation for around a week (compared to three to six weeks for traditional, open surgery).
Patients should be able to return to light work and other mild activity after about a week.
Patients should be able to return to normal activities in about two to four weeks.
In closing
Keyhole gallbladder surgery is the least invasive way to remove the gallbladder and may be recommended if a patient suffers from significant pain or other issues due to gallstones. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a straightforward procedure and patients will normally be able to leave hospital in a day or two and make a full recovery in less than a month.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Angioplasty: What's involved, recovery, lifestyle changes (full sample)
Copy editing and proofreading of an article on angioplasty, a lifesaving technique that removes deposits from the walls of blood vessels.
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Angioplasty is surgery carried out to reduce or remove fatty deposits on the inner walls of veins or arteries. Left untreated, these deposits can cause blockages, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening condition. Fortunately, angioplasty is a relatively straightforward procedure. In this article we look what it involves, recovery from the surgery, and longer-term lifestyle changes to reduce a patient's risk factors.
Areas of expertise
Angioplasty is a surgical procedure that is carried out to clear blockages or the possibility of blockages from veins or arteries. Blockages can occur because fatty deposits including cholesterol or other plaques can build up on the inside walls of a blood vessel. If left untreated, this can result in a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening medical condition. Because of this, angioplasty is often required very urgently.
How angioplasty surgery is performed
Surgery is carried out as follows:
An incision is made in a patient's body.
A very thin tube with a deflated balloon on the end is inserted into the affected vein or artery.
The surgeon locates the area where there is a thickening of the artery walls, normally via a camera.
The balloon is inserted into this area, between the walls of the blood vessel.
Water is forced into the balloon, inflating it.
The pressure of the balloon on the fatty deposits compresses them against the sides of the blood vessel, making it easier for blood to flow.
The balloon is deflated and removed.
Optionally, a stent may be inserted into the vein or artery; this can be used if there is a risk of future collapse or blockage of the affected site.
The incision is sutured.
Recovering from angioplasty surgery
Following the operation, the patient will be moved to a specialist medical care unit where they can be observed. They will probably need to stay there a few hours or overnight and will need to lay still to give the blood vessel time to heal properly.
After another few hours, the patient will be allowed to move around slowly and assuming that there are no further complications will be discharged from the hospital.
A patient will receive a list of instructions from their doctor on what they need to do when they get home. This will include information on appropriate exercises, medication, looking for signs of infection, and when to follow-up with a doctor.
Recovery times vary from person to person. Most patients will make a fairly rapid recovery and will be able to return to light work within about a week of leaving the hospital.
Most patients will make a full recovery within about two to four weeks of the operation.
Longer-term lifestyle changes
Patients should also make longer-term lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future plaque building up in their veins or arteries:
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
Avoid foods that are high in fat or overly processed.
Regularly monitor cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels down.
Not smoking.
These lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and will promote a longer and healthier life.
In closing
Although angioplasty is often an emergency medical treatment, patients should make a full and rapid recovery following the procedure. Combining recovery from the surgery with changes to lifestyle will help ensure that patients can continue to enjoy their lives.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Radiation pneumonitis: Symptoms, facts, treatment, and recovery
Copy editing and proofreading of an article on radiation pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs that can occur following radiotherapy of the chest area for cancer.
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Radiation pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs that can occur following radiotherapy of the chest area for cancer. In this article, we explore how and why radiation pneumonitis occurs, the symptoms of the condition, how it can be treated and other useful facts for sufferers.
Areas of expertise
Radiation pneumonitis is a type of radiation-induced lung injury, which can result from radiation treatment (radiotherapy) of the chest area. Radiation treatment is used to reduce and eliminate cancer tumors in the chest, breast, lungs or other organs.
Because radiation also affects normal cells as well as cancerous ones, the normal cells can become inflamed. When this happens to cells in the lungs, they can produce fluid which leads to radiation pneumonitis. This condition does not often present while a patient is receiving radiotherapy, but typically manifests a few weeks or several months after the radiotherapy is completed.
Patients with radiation pneumonitis may not feel unwell or show any outward symptoms, and the pneumonitis is often diagnosed by chest x-rays taken to identify if the cancer has been removed.
Symptoms of radiation pneumonitis
Symptoms of the condition typically include:
Shortness of breath, especially after physical activity.
Difficulty breathing or pain in the chest area.
Fever and raised temperature.
Coughing.
Other facts about radiation pneumonitis
The condition occurs in around 5% to 15% of patients who have radiation treatment of the chest area.
Radiation pneumonitis is most common after treatment for lung cancer, although it can also present following radiotherapy for lymphomas, breast cancer or other thoracic cancers.
It is often identified by an increase in white blood cell count.
Symptoms could occur as much as one to six months following radiotherapy.
The likelihood and severity of the condition depends partly on the amount of radiation used and the areas affected by the initial radiotherapy treatment.
Provided radiation pneumonitis is diagnosed and treated quickly, most patients will fully recover from the condition.
Symptoms normally arise between one and six months after the completion of radiation therapy, depending on the strength (dosage) of radiation therapy used and how widespread the treatment was. As long as radiation pneumonitis is treated quickly, most people can make a full recovery with no long-term effects.
Treatment of radiation pneumonitis
The condition is treated through medication, normally steroids or other medications that reduce inflammation; this includes cortisone drugs such as prednisone. The condition can normally be treated effectively. If left untreated, the condition can develop into pulmonary fibrosis, which is a permanent scarring of the lungs. If this occurs, a patient's lung capacity can be severely diminished.
In closing
If you have had to undergo radiotherapy treatment, pay close attention to any possible symptoms of radiation pneumonitis. If you start to experience symptoms, speak to your specialist as soon as possible; with early diagnosis and treatment you can make a full recovery.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Effective treatments for gallstones (full sample)
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Gallstones are a common medical problem, especially for people over the age of 40. Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments that can treat gallstones. In this article, we'll explore what causes gallstones and find out about the available treatment options.
Areas of expertise
Gallstones are a relatively common medical complaint. They are caused by a buildup of substances in the gallbladder and can cause some pain and discomfort if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to treat gallstones and in this article we'll explore the most common techniques.
What causes gallstones?
Bile is a substance naturally produced by the liver to aid digestion. Gallstones are the result of some of the substances in the bile forming together into clumps. These insoluble chemicals can include calcium, cholesterol and bilirubin.
These clumps, or gallstones, typically form in the gallbladder itself, just below the liver, although they can also form in the bile duct. The medical name for stones located in the gallbladder is cholecystolithiasis whereas the term for stones in the bile duct is choledocholithiasis.
How common are gallstones?
After the age of 40, gallstones become more common, with about a fifth of women and a tenth of men having the condition. Around 80% of people with gallstones may not even be aware that they have the condition as they will not feel any pain or have any other symptoms.
Fortunately, if gallstones do not cause discomfort, they do not need to be treated as they are otherwise harmless and will probably go away by themselves. If someone with gallstones does start to experience pain then they should see a doctor as the gallstones may need to be treated to avoid further complications.
What treatments are available for gallstones?
There are several techniques that can be used to treat gallstones.
Wait and see if the gallstones go away by themselves - Although having gallstones can be painful, they will often dissolve and go away by themselves in 30-50% of cases. In most of these cases, the patient will not have a recurrence, so no further treatment is needed. If it is a patient's first incident of gallstones, many doctors will choose not to do anything other than prescribe pain medication, preferring to see if the issue resolves itself.
Using a bile salt to dissolve the stones - Patients can take bile salt medications, typically the drug Actigall (ursodiol). In some cases, gallstones could take months or years to dissolve completely and recurrence of gallstones is common if the patient stops taking the drug.
Shock-wave therapy to dissolve the stones - A specialist can use dedicated equipment that produces sound-waves to break down and dissolve the gallstones.
Contact dissolution surgery - A surgeon will insert a tube through the abdomen, into the gallbladder. They can then inject a drug to dissolve the gallstones directly through the tube. This can break gallstones down quickly.
Removal of the gallbladder - If a person's gallstone problem is persistent and painful, or their gallstones cause other complications, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder. This is an extremely common procedure and although a person may need to make changes to their diet following the surgery, they can lead a full and healthy life without a gallbladder.
In closing
Gallstones and the symptoms they cause are very common. Fortunately, there are a number of well-developed techniques for dealing with them. If you suspect you may be suffering from gallstones, your doctor will be able to work with you to help you decide on the most effective treatment.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Popliteal aneurysm surgery: What it is, how it works, recovery (full sample)
Copy editing and proofreading of an article on popliteal aneurysm surgery, a surgical procedure carried out on the artery that supplies blood to the leg.
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A popliteal aneurysm is caused due to a weakening of the walls of the popliteal artery which supplies blood to the legs. In this article, we explore what a popliteal aneurysm is, how it is diagnosed, what the surgery involves, likely recovery times and possible complications.
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Popliteal aneurysm surgery or PAS is a surgical procedure carried out on the artery that supplies blood to the legs. In this article we'll explore what's involved in PAS, what you can expect, possible complications and expected recovery times.
What is a popliteal aneurysm?
A popliteal aneurysm occurs due to the weakening of the wall of the popliteal artery, which supplies blood to the thigh, knee and calf. When the artery wall weakens, this causes a bulge in the artery, known as an aneurysm. If left untreated, the aneurysm can burst, leaking blood into the surrounding leg tissue. This can become a life-threatening condition for several reasons:
Internal bleeding from the artery, resulting in significant blood loss and low blood pressure.
Blood not being supplied to the leg, meaning the limb is not receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function.
Blood clots forming in the artery and surrounding areas; these blood clots can cause a blockage in the circulatory system or a stroke if they reach the brain.
For these reasons, surgery is an urgent requirement as soon as an aneurysm is detected.
How are popliteal aneurysms diagnosed?
A popliteal aneurysm may be detected during a routine exam by a doctor or occasionally as a result of localized pain or weakness in the leg, especially behind the knee or in the foot. If a doctor suspects a popliteal aneurysm, they will request an ultrasound exam of the affected area. This exam will confirm if there is an aneurysm or any blood clots.
How is popliteal aneurysm surgery performed?
PAS is normally a low-risk procedure and the repairs made during the surgery are often long-lasting and durable. During the procedure, a surgeon will:
Make an incision in the leg close to the site of the aneurysm.
Repair the aneurysm by using another section of a patient's vein or an artificial artery substitute; this is known as a bypass.
Ensure that blood is flowing correctly following the repair.
Suture the incision site.
What is the recovery time from this type of surgery?
Depending on the patient, recovery times can vary. Typical recovery times are:
A hospital stay of three to five days after the operation.
Walking with assistance after three to five days.
Removal of sutures or staples after seven to ten days.
Light walking activities and exercise after two to three weeks.
Normal walking activities and exercise after four to six weeks.
Are there likely to be any risks or complications as a result of PAS?
If the artery was completely blocked, recovery can be much more prolonged and could take several weeks to several months.
Recovery times can also be impacted by a patient's level of fitness, lifestyle, nutrition and several other factors.
Most patients will not need crutches as a result of the surgery.
In closing
If you believe that you may be suffering from a popliteal aneurysm, you should be examined by your doctor as soon as possible. Providing that it is identified and treated early, a popliteal aneurysm need not have any ongoing or long-term impact on a patient's quality of life.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Blood alcohol content, what it means, and its impact (full sample)
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It is important to understand the impact that alcohol can have on your body, and one way of doing this is through the blood alcohol level or how much alcohol is present in a person's blood. This article explores the main topics around blood alcohol levels including a guide to the behavior of people with different concentrations of alcohol in their systems.
Areas of expertise
Many people enjoy a drink, and whether it's beer in a bar with your friends, a glass of wine with dinner, or a cocktail on a sunny day, responsible drinking is a normal part of people's lives. The amount of alcohol that we have in our body at a specific time can be measured through something called blood alcohol level, and this article explores what that means and the effect that it can have.
Simply put, an individual's blood alcohol level measures the percentage of alcohol (ethanol) in a person's blood. This level is increased by the alcoholic drinks a person consumes and is reduced by time as a person's body (especially the liver) cleanses the blood and removes the alcohol.
Factors that affect someone's blood alcohol level
The following factors affect the amount of alcohol in a person's body:
The number of alcoholic drinks they have had.
The amount of alcohol consumed in each drink (i.e., the strength and amount of drink consumed).
The length of time the drinks have been consumed over.
How long it has been since the person stopped drinking.
The person's weight.
The speed of a person's metabolism.
The person's gender.
Because there are so many factors to take into account, it is difficult to accurately predict how consuming a specific amount of alcohol will affect an individual without directly measuring their blood alcohol level.
Despite this, there are some rough estimates that can be made; for example: a man weighing 160 lbs can expect to increase his blood alcohol level by roughly 0.02 for every drink he has. In this instance a drink would be considered one shot of liquor or spirits, one glass of wine or one can or bottle of beer.
How blood alcohol levels are measured
There are a few ways to measure blood alcohol levels, two of the more popular are through breathalyzer tests and drawing and testing an individual's blood.
Breathalyzer - A breathalyzer is a small instrument carried by law enforcement officials that can provide a fast and relatively accurate measurement of a person's blood alcohol level. It does this by getting a sample of exhaled breath from a person and performing analysis to find out how concentrated the alcohol is in the exhalation. It is then able to estimate the level of alcohol in a person's blood and if they are legally fit to drive.
Drawing and testing blood - Blood can also be drawn from a person and sent to a lab for blood alcohol level testing. This provides a very accurate result on the alcohol in a person's system and is often completed as a follow-up to a breathalyzer test.
The effects of different blood alcohol levels on an individual
Please note that the blood alcohol levels below and the number of drinks shown next to each are approximate and should not be taken as a guide to how much a specific individual could drink to reach that particular blood alcohol level. Everyone is different and it is important to understand your own tolerance to alcohol and to moderate your drinking accordingly.
Blood alcohol level of 0.0 (equivalent to no drinks)
This alcohol level indicates that there is no alcohol in a person's system and that they are acting, reacting and behaving normally.
Blood alcohol level of 0.01-0.029 (roughly equivalent to one drink)
With this low level of alcohol, an average person will appear normal and specialized testing would probably be required to find out if they had consumed any alcohol as there are unlikely to be any physical or behavioral signs.
Blood alcohol level of 0.03-0.059 (roughly equivalent to two to three drinks)
At this level, the effects of alcohol are more apparent. Individuals with this level of intoxication are likely to experience relaxation, joyful feelings, a reduction in their inhibitions, talkativeness and difficulty with concentration. In many parts of Europe, people cannot legally drive a car with a blood alcohol level of higher than 0.05.
Blood alcohol level of 0.06-0.09 (roughly equivalent to three to four drinks)
With concentrations of this level, the effects of alcohol consumption are more pronounced. Individuals will feel more disinhibited and extroverted. They may well have problems with perception, especially depth perception and seeing things in their peripheral vision. They will also encounter problems with reasoning. In the UK and the US, people cannot legally drive a car with a blood alcohol level of higher than 0.08.
Blood alcohol level of 0.1-0.19 (roughly equivalent to four to six drinks)
At this level, individuals are becoming very inebriated. Typical behaviors include boisterousness and mischief-making, a decreased sex-drive, over-expression, and possibly anger or sadness. People will start to see significant issues with reflexes, hand-eye coordination and motor control and may experience staggering and slurred speech. It is also possible that people with a low tolerance for alcohol may experience temporary alcohol poisoning.
Blood alcohol level of 0.2-0.29 (roughly equivalent to six to eight drinks)
Individuals with blood alcohol levels above 0.2 are becoming significantly intoxicated. With this much alcohol in their system, people have the possibility of falling into a stupor or falling unconscious, they will have loss of understanding and awareness of their surroundings, impaired sensations and memory blackout.
Blood alcohol level of 0.3-0.39 (roughly equivalent to eight to ten drinks)
At this blood alcohol level, the amount of alcohol in a person's system is becoming dangerous. They may experience a depression of their central nervous system, likely unconsciousness, problems with their bladder function and their breathing. At this level, there is a risk of death to individuals with poor alcohol tolerance, due to interference with the heart rhythm, breathing and other bodily functions.
Blood alcohol level of 0.4 to 0.5 (roughly equivalent to ten to twelve drinks)
Individuals with this amount of alcohol in their blood should receive medical assistance as there is a significant risk to life with blood alcohol concentrations this high. At this level, there is a general lack of responsiveness and behavior from a person, they may experience a seriously depressed nervous system, there is a significant risk of alcohol poisoning and vital bodily functions may be disrupted.
Blood alcohol level of 0.5 or higher (roughly equivalent to twelve drinks or more)
At this level, an individual is at severe and immediate risk of alcohol poisoning and death. They must receive medical attention as soon as possible.
Reducing blood alcohol level
There are several ways for an individual to manage and reduce their blood alcohol level:
Reduce the amount of alcohol that they drink through alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks.
Slowing down their consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Consuming alcoholic drinks with a lower alcohol by volume measurement.
Drinking over a longer period of time (a person's blood alcohol level drops by 0.01 after every 40 minutes or so).
Note that caffeine, food, fresh air and the like are not effective ways of reducing blood alcohol levels.
In closing
Alcohol can be a perfectly normal part of an individual's life and in moderation can be a good addition to a social gathering. It is important to know your own limits and controlling your alcohol intake will ensure that you can enjoy your drinks in a safe, secure and responsible way.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (full sample)
Copy editing and proofreading of an article on arthritis including the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Illnesses that affect joints are known as rheumatic diseases and two of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In this article we explore the main differences between the two conditions and how they can affect patients.
Areas of expertise
The range of illnesses that affect the limbs and joints are known as rheumatic diseases, and there are more than one hundred different types. Among these conditions, two of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Despite both being rheumatic diseases, they differ substantially from each other.
Rheumatoid arthritis
The specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known, although scientists believe it is caused when the immune system of the patient malfunctions and attacks their own body; this is known as an autoimmune disease. These attacks most often affect an individual's hands and feet and unlike most other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis tends to attack both sides of the body at once, in a symmetrical fashion.
Osteoarthritis
This illness most often affects older people and is a degenerative joint condition. It occurs because the cartilage that cushions and protects the bones in the joints wears out, allowing the bones to rub together. This can cause substantial discomfort for the patient.
Other differences between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis include:
Rheumatoid arthritis could occur at any time in a person's life, whereas older people are the main age group that suffers from osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis slowly worsens over the course of several years, whereas rheumatoid arthritis can strike swiftly, over weeks and months.
Osteoarthritis makes joints tender with little swelling while rheumatoid arthritis aggravates joints, making them swollen, stiff and painful.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a person to feel generally unwell, whereas the symptoms of osteoarthritis are limited to the affected joints.
The cause of osteoarthritis is normally a joint wearing out due to repetitive stress and use of joints, or as the result of an accident or injury. It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis is generally caused by genetic predisposition and triggering events, although no specific cause has been found.
Osteoarthritis affects just over 20 million people in the United States, with rheumatoid arthritis affecting just over 2 million people.
In closing
If you believe that you may be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, it is vital that you see a doctor as soon as possible to get diagnosed and begin treatment. Identifying the disease early and starting on a medical plan is the most effective way to preserve your quality of life.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Side-effects of intravenous Solu-Medrol treatment (full sample)
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Intravenous Solu-Medrol, or IVSM, is a medical procedure used to deal with several conditions and illnesses. Although IVSM can be effective in treating and managing certain conditions, its side effects can be challenging. In this article we look at what patients can expect as a result of IVSM treatment and provide suggestions and advice on how to deal with the side-effects.
Areas of expertise
Intravenous Solu-Medrol (IVSM) is a technique used to help sufferers of various illnesses, such as inflammation and allergies, manage their conditions. IVSM treatment involves injecting high doses of glucocorticoid steroids, specifically methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol®) via an intravenous line. IVSM is often used to treat acute flare-ups of certain conditions, and although it can be effective in helping sufferers deal with their illnesses, the side effects of the treatment itself can be difficult to deal with. In this article we'll explore some of the methods that patients can use to minimize and control the side effects and discomfort caused by IVSM.
Conditions treated by IVSM
Some of the conditions and illnesses that can be treated by IVSM include:
Blood disorders and diseases.
Cancers of various types.
Serious allergic reactions.
Some eye conditions.
Some diseases of the skin, intestines, lungs or kidneys.
Immune system disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
IVSM works by reducing the response of a patient's immune system to various diseases, resulting in a beneficial lessening of pain and swelling.
Managing the side effects of IVSM
The side effects from IVSM are many and varied and will be individual to the patient being treated. The following techniques can be used to minimize the problems and discomfort caused by IVSM.
Finding veins for an IV line - If your nurse is finding it difficult to locate a vein into which to insert an IV needle, make sure to drink plenty of fluids beforehand. Being well hydrated will make it easier to see a vein and insert an IV needle.
Dealing with headaches as a result of IVSM - If you regularly suffer with headaches due to IVSM, speak to your nurse about slowing down your IVSM treatment. For example, if you normally take your IVSM over 90 minutes, you might want to take it over two hours. This can reduce the likelihood of headaches.
Reducing anxiety - Using IVSM can cause patients to feel hyper-alert and anxious because of the stress that the medication itself can cause. As a result, it's important to rest and reduce sensory stimulation after an IVSM treatment.
Managing heartburn, acid reflux or digestive pain - IVSM can increase digestive acid production, resulting in discomfort. Taking Zantac or other antacid medications as directed by your physician will help control and reduce the effects of digestive acid.
Dealing with a horrible taste in the mouth - Use of IVSM can leave some patients with a metallic taste in their mouth. Drinking grape juice, sucking on mints or hard candies can help to reduce these tastes.
Coping with feelings of hunger - Healthy, potassium-rich foods can help a patient deal with the hunger pangs that are often caused by IVSM. Bananas, apricots, beets and beans can all reduce these feelings of hunger due to their high potassium content.
Getting to sleep - IVSM can cause insomnia. Find out if you can be prescribed insomnia medication, for example Zolpidem or Ambien for the short-term to help deal with this.
Living with mood-swings, depression or anxiety - Some of the more common side effects associated with IVSM are depression, anxiety and mood-swings. If you are experiencing any of these, first speak with your family and friends and get some support from them. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe some short-term anti-anxiety medication.
Coping with a weakened immune system - Because IVSM does weaken the immune system and puts your body under stress, you may be more susceptible to infection. If you start to suffer from a cough, cold or fever, talk to a physician.
In closing
IVSM is very much the lesser of two evils. Although it can help manage and treat various conditions, its side effects can be very challenging. When you understand how IVSM will affect you, you can take steps to minimize it’s impact on you and make it easier to deal with.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
TENS units and how they can help you manage pain (full sample)
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices use low voltage electricity to provide temporary relief for muscular pain. These devices are readily available from pharmacies and can provide relief from mild muscular discomfort. This article explains how the TENS unit works and the benefits people can expect to experience.
Areas of expertise
A TENS unit is a small electrical device that stimulates muscles and nerves via electrical impulses to help the user manage his or her pain and discomfort. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and the device functions as follows:
The patient attaches wires to the battery-powered TENS unit.
The other end of the wires attach to pads that conduct electricity.
These pads are applied to the body over the affected area, normally using a gel for good conductivity.
The TENS unit is turned on; the strength and rate of the electrical pulses can be easily altered.
A typical TENS treatments lasts for between 10 and 30 minutes.
The pads are then removed and cleaned.
Pain relief typically lasts for two to three hours.
The experience of using a TENS unit is not uncomfortable, since it only uses low voltage impulses to stimulate the nerves and muscles. A patient will feel a tingling or slightly stronger sensation, but it does not hurt. The pulses that the TENS machine produces are typically either quite rapid (more than 40 or 50 per second) or quite slow (5 to 10 per second).
The principle behind using a TENS unit is that the electrical impulses alternately stimulate and relax muscles around the affected area. Among other benefits this can promote relaxation in the muscles and promote blood flow to stimulate healing.
TENS units are most effective at treating mild sprains, pulls, aches and pains, including low-grade chronic pain in muscles and can provide relief for several hours. It is often useful to combine TENS treatments with standard pain-reducing anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen. The best time to use TENS is in the mid to late evening, prior to sleep to make it easier to fall asleep if you have pain.
TENS units should not be used on the front of the neck, on the chest if you have a pacemaker, through the chest (i.e., pads placed on both your chest and back), close to open wounds or directly over the spinal column.
TENS treatment is not very effective for acute or substantial pain, which should always be referred to a doctor or other medical specialist.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Common symptoms and treatment for whiplash (full sample)
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Whiplash is a common injury, normally occurring in road traffic incidents. Understanding the symptoms and treatments of whiplash and whiplash-associated disorder can help the people affected by it to better deal with their condition. This article summarizes what whiplash is, and the most common symptoms and treatments.
Areas of expertise
Whiplash is an injury that occurs to a person's back, normally in the upper back/neck area, as a result of a sudden jolt that causes the head to move rapidly backward and then forward. The most common cause of whiplash incidents is as the result of a road traffic incident, especially those involving a collision where the car is hit from behind. It is estimated that whiplash injuries cost the US economy up to $30 billion a year due to sick leave, disability, lost work productivity, damages, medical costs, and litigation.
Whiplash can involve injury both to the bones of the spine and to the ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues around the spine and in the neck. Although whiplash can be an unpleasant and uncomfortable injury that requires rest and rehabilitation to recover from, it is not life-threatening.
Generally, symptoms from whiplash can be separated into two categories:
1. Symptoms from whiplash itself.
2. Symptoms from whiplash-associated disorder.
Symptoms from whiplash itself
Symptoms from whiplash include the following which generally occur within 24 hours of an incident that could cause whiplash (commonly an automobile accident) but they can take a week or more to arise:
Pain in the head, neck, shoulders, back, and spine.
Decreased range of motion of the head and neck.
Stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Tenderness, especially in and around the neck.
Headaches, especially in the base of the skull, dizziness, and fatigue.
Jaw pain.
Arm pain and weakness.
Disturbances in eyesight and hearing including tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Symptoms from whiplash-associated disorder
Whiplash-associated disorder can occur in patients who have had whiplash for an extended period. This disorder tends to manifest as neurological and psychological symptoms including:
Mild depression.
Mood swings.
Anger, frustration, and irritability.
Anxiety and stress.
Drug dependency (prescription or recreational).
Insomnia.
Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
Treatment for whiplash
There are several treatments for whiplash that vary in their effectiveness. Although it was originally believed that a soft cervical (neck) collar was the best way to treat whiplash by restricting head and neck movement, it is now generally thought that encouraging gentle movement and physical therapy of the neck and spine are more beneficial to a rapid recovery. These movements can include gentle rotational exercises and other education and movement as directed by a physical therapist or doctor.
These exercises help strengthen muscles to support the neck and spine. Painkillers, heat, and ice can also be used to help reduce discomfort and provide pain relief; additionally, ice will help control and reduce swelling.
Whiplash-associated disorder can be treated through counseling, therapy, antidepressants, or other medications.
In all cases, diagnosis and treatment of whiplash and its associated symptoms should be made by a medical professional. Whiplash is easily treatable via exercises and pain medication and quick diagnosis combined with an effective treatment plan can help you recover from your symptoms quickly.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Cautionary investments - a guide and review (full sample)
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About this content
This guide covers various types of investments that you might want to think carefully about before you part with any money. In this guide, we’ll explore:
Algorithmic trading
Collectibles
Technical and swing trading
Selling stocks short
Initial Public Offerings
Editing services provided
Areas of expertise
Cautionary investments — A review
This guide covers various types of investments that you might want to think carefully about before you part with any money. In this guide, we’ll explore:
Algorithmic trading
Collectibles
Technical and swing trading
Selling stocks short
Initial Public Offerings
Algorithmic trading
Algorithmic trading and the people who practice it (known as "quants") use dedicated trading algorithms to buy and sell stocks automatically. These algorithms are programmed, tested, and tweaked on specialized trading platforms. When they are launched, they analyze the markets to find stocks that meet their criteria and then buy and sell them.
How does it work?
Investors and traders with computer coding knowledge can write specialized trading algorithms that identify stocks based on certain features (both fundamental and technical indicators). These algorithms are then back-tested on stock market data to see how they perform. They can then be launched into a live trading account where they will buy and sell stocks based on those criteria.
What are the risks?
Time investment and expertise - As you've guessed, it requires computer coding, math, investment, and trading knowledge to create algorithms that can perform well. Algo trading has a steep learning curve.
Lack of control - Because algorithms trade automatically, it takes control away from the investor, not something you really want to happen.
Historic results don't equal future results - A popular aspect of algo trading is back-testing the algorithm to see how it performs. Unfortunately, good past results don't guarantee good future ones.
Specialized platform - Algorithms need to be deployed on specialized software that links with a brokerage account.
Fees - Algo trading can involve relatively frequent buying and selling; broker commissions and transaction fees can eat up a lot of profit.
If you want to algo trade, what can you do?
Algo trading is not recommended for new investors.
You can algo trade through various software packages like NinjaTrader or retail investment algo platforms like Quantopian.
Collectibles including wine, art, and memorabilia
Investing doesn't have to involve stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments; some people invest in more tangible areas - including wine, art, antiques, autographs, books, and other memorabilia - in the hope they will increase in value.
How does it work?
An investor in collectibles will typically buy items that they hope will increase in value over time. They may hold these items themselves or they may be held on their behalf by a specialist broker. There are many different types of collectibles that an individual can choose to invest in, including:
Fine art by sculptors, painters, and other artists, both historic and modern.
Wine and liquor - Old and rare wine and liquor including whiskey, brandy, and port.
Memorabilia - Sports team memorabilia, uniforms and the like; signed photos and autographs of celebrities.
Books - First editions and other folios from writers.
Antiques - Beautiful and historic craftsmanship.
Other memorabilia - Early examples of important inventions and historic artifacts from other fields.
What are the risks?
Supply and demand market - The world of collectibles is based almost entirely on rarity and supply and demand; predicting what types of collectibles will significantly increase in value can be difficult.
Lack of liquidity - To make money on a collectible, you need to find someone willing to buy it from you. Unlike many other investments, it can be difficult to find a buyer, particularly one who wants to pay the price you are asking.
Capital outlay - Collectible investing can require large amounts of capital outlay to buy a good selection of high-quality collectibles; additionally, a dealer is normally putting a hefty markup of their own on the collectible when selling it to you.
No interim income - Unlike most investments, collectibles don't provide any interim income.
Unpredictable - It can be difficult to predict exactly which collectibles are going to increase in value substantially.
If you want to get involved with collectibles, what can you do?
Collectibles are not recommended for new investors.
There are specialized brokers, dealers, and traders in every type of collectible.
Technical and swing trading
Traditional stock investing relies on analyzing and understanding the fundamentals of a business (value, earnings, and other factors) to predict long-term growth. Technical trading (or swing trading) uses shorter-term, technical indicators to try to predict price movements over shorter periods. Swing traders typically hold stocks for a few days to a few weeks.
How does it work?
A swing trader will look at various technical indicators to help them decide if the stock is going to go up or down in price. There are dozens of these indicators (e.g., moving average, volume, Bollinger Bands, relative strength) that change on an hourly and daily basis. Investors will then attempt to use these indicators to buy into and sell out of stocks.
What are the risks?
Trading, not investing - Swing trading isn't investing; it's using short-term indicators to try to make money on relatively random stock movements. It can be very difficult to predict if prices are going to go up or down in the short term, making it difficult for a novice investor to make money with this type of trading.
A different way of thinking - Swing trading approaches stocks in a very different way. Rather than looking at reliable, fundamental, long-term indicators, they concentrate on short-term movements. This involves a whole new way of thinking, and new terminology.
Time-consuming - Like day trading, swing trading needs a lot of time and attention from the people who practice it.
Fees - Due to the relatively frequent buying and selling involved in swing trading, broker commissions and transaction fees can eat up a lot of profit.
If you want to swing trade, what can you do?
Swing trading is not recommended for new investors.
If you do want to swing trade, you can do it through your online broker account, but be aware of commissions and any other fees.
Selling stocks short
Investors normally count on stock prices increasing over time, but by selling stocks short, investors can profit from falling stock prices. In other words, as a company's share price falls, your return on that share increases.
How does it work?
Short-selling works through investors "borrowing" shares from their broker. You effectively sell the shares before owning them with the promise that you will buy them back in the future. If the price of the share falls, you receive the difference in value as profit. If the price rises, you will take a loss.
What are the risks?
Investing in failure - When you sell a stock short, you're hoping that the value of the stock and the company behind it will go down over time. This means that you're relying on the failure or weakness of the company; unfortunately, it can be as hard to pick losers as it is to pick winners.
No limit to how much you can lose - With a normal stock position (where you invest in the hope the price will go up) the most you could lose is your initial investment. When you sell short, you could lose more than you invest. For example, if you short sell 100 shares in Amazing Blue Widget Co. at $10 each ($1,000 borrowed) and the price then goes up to $30 each, you'd be liable for $3,000 worth of stock, a $2,000 loss.
Liable for dividends - With most stocks, you profit from dividends they pay out because you own the stock; this is not the case with short-selling. If the stock pays dividends, you are liable for them and your broker will deduct the total value of the dividend payment from your account.
Uptrend over time - The trend of the markets is to increase over time. This means that you're trying to pick a losing stock and wanting to buck the general trend of the overall market. This can be tough.
If you want to invest in short-selling stocks, what can you do?
Short-selling stocks is not recommended for new investors.
You can short-sell stocks through your online broker account; you simply put the stock position in as a "Sell" without buying the stocks first.
Remember that you could lose more than your original investment so make sure that you put "limit orders" in place to reduce your risk of this happening.
Initial Public Offerings
An IPO happens when a company launches its stocks onto the stock market for the first time (initial), allowing you (the public) to buy (the offering) into the business through investing in those stocks.
How does it work?
When a privately owned business grows and becomes profitable, it will often want to become public by offering stocks for sale on the open market. This allows the business to raise more money, increase its valuations, and reward the private investors who originally put money into the business.
What are the risks?
IPOs tend to be heavily marketed and over-hyped. This increases demand for the shares, drives the price up, and can overvalue shares in the business, which means that IPO investors often pay a premium to get in early.
The stock price on IPOs can take a while to normalize and will often fall in value in the few months following an IPO as the euphoria fades and financial realities set in. Strong businesses will continue to grow their share value over the medium to long term.
Because there are very little public earnings, valuation, or fundamental analyses available, it can be difficult to measure the true worth of a business at its IPO.
Be aware of the "lockup" period. Certain people who already hold shares in a business before an IPO have a lockup period during which they cannot sell their shares (generally three months to two years). Once this period expires, they can sell large numbers of their holdings which can affect the share price.
If you want to invest in IPOs, what can you do?
Don't buy into an IPO on the day of launch or for some time afterward; wait for the hype to die down and for the share price to normalize.
Carry out the same analysis and due diligence on IPOs as you would on any other business you're considering investing in.
Delay investing in a new business until you can get a good idea of earnings potential, history, and other essential and objective fundamental factors; you may also want to wait for the lockup period to expire.
You can normally invest in IPOs via your online broker account.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Guide to reviewing your investments (full sample)
Copy editing and proofreading of a guide to reviewing your investments on a quarterly and annual basis so you can maximize your returns.
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Learn how to review your investments on a quarterly and annual basis by carrying out an investment review. This article shares some best practices that you can use to explore your investments and decide what to do with them. It also covers areas like taxes, fees, and financial goals.
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How to Review Your Investments
A vital part of investing is reviewing your investments on a regular basis and making changes to your portfolio based on how they are doing. This will help you keep your portfolio in good shape and ensures that you're still working towards your financial goals.
Reviews don't have to be time-consuming or complicated, and simple quarterly and annual reviews are good enough to keep you on track. Here are some simple principles that you can use on a quarterly and annual basis to manage your investments.
Carry out a quarterly review
Every three months, you should look at individual investments and your portfolio and ask the following questions.
How has each of your investments been doing over the last quarter and the last year?
Start by understanding the performance of each of your investments and your overall portfolio. You'll want to look at both capital gains / losses (the change in the purchase price of the investment) and any interim gains or dividends (money that's paid to you over the life of the investment). You can compare these returns to the market and to your financial goals and plans.
Do you need to make any changes to your under-performing investments?
If some of your investments have been under-performing, you might want to explore them in more depth, to understand why they are under-performing. If you're still confident in the investment, it's probably worth holding on to so that it can increase in value over time. If you've lost confidence in the investment, think about reducing your holding or selling it altogether.
Do you need to deal with dividends or other returns on your investments?
If you've received interim payments in your account, it's possible that they have been automatically reinvested. If they haven't, you'll need to decide if you want to withdraw them or reinvest them. In most cases, unless you need the money, it's better to reinvest.
Are you still on track with your financial goals?
Finally, as part of your quarterly review, look at your overall financial goals. Make any small tweaks or changes to your investments to keep you on track.
Carry out a more thorough yearly review
In addition to a quarterly review, it's also worth completing a more thorough annual review. When you're carrying out your annual review, ask yourself the following questions.
Do you understand what your tax burden is likely to be?
You'll probably need to pay taxes on any profit that you make on your investments, whether that's through interim payments or on any capital gains if you sell an investment. Talk to your accountant to learn how much tax you'll need to pay and ensure that you put enough aside to make the payment.
Your tax adviser or accountant can also give you advice on how to minimize your tax burden; for example, you'll normally have to pay a higher rate of tax if you sell an investment less than a year after buying it. It's also important to note that you could offset any losses that you've made against your gains.
Can you reduce the fees that you have to pay on your investments?
You'll often have to pay fees when you invest. Sometimes you'll need to pay them when you buy or sell investments, and sometimes they'll be levied on an annual basis as a "management fee" based on the value of your investments. Review the fees that you've paid over the last year and deduct them from your returns to see the impact they have had.
Go through each of the fees to understand if there are better options or other providers where you can pay lower fees. If there are, consider moving your investments.
Do you need to make any major changes to your portfolio?
Look at your risk profile and financial goals and compare this to your investment performance. See if you need to make changes to your portfolio to keep your likely risks and rewards in your comfort zone, this might involve re-balancing your portfolio by selling some investments and buying others so that you can reduce your risk.
Has an investment performed well enough that you might want to sell it?
If an investment has done well, you might want to consider selling it and realizing the gains. You should generally only do this if you need the money, if you're investing to a specific goal, or if you think you can get a better return elsewhere. Otherwise, continue to hold money in the investment and let it grow more over time.
Remember that if you sell an investment, you may have to pay transaction fees and taxes on any profits that you make.
Getting into the habit of carrying out regular investment reviews will help you meet your financial and life goals. With practice, you can complete each of the reviews in an hour or two. This will be time well spent, as the decisions you make can reduce your risk and make it easier to build your wealth.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Guide to the right programming platform for your website (full sample)
Copy editing and proofreading of a guide to choosing the right platform to host or develop your website.
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Choosing the right programming platform is one of the most important decisions when you're building a new website. This article explores several options, frameworks, and languages for web development. It covers areas including blogging frameworks, online website builders, locally installed software, and various programming languages.
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Building a great website - Choosing the right programming platform
Choosing the right programming platform and language for your website is vital. The approach affects the functions, technology, and many other aspects of your website. There are dozens of platforms and programming languages available, depending on your needs. Your options include:
Blogging frameworks like WordPress and Blogger.
Online website builders.
Locally installed website building software.
Custom languages and development platforms.
Blogging frameworks
There are two main blogging frameworks: Blogger and WordPress. Blogger, by Google, is an online-only platform designed around content creation. It lets bloggers and writers create content quickly, upload images, and design beautiful blogs with a minimum of fuss. Google hosts all blogs created on the platform. You don't need to worry about web hosting, speed, or anything besides creating great content. Customization on Blogger is limited, and you will need to use various widgets for any advanced functionality.
WordPress is the most popular website technology platform in the world. Over 75 million websites publish on WordPress, and half of the world's top blogs use the technology. WordPress isn't limited to blogging, though. The platform is used by many businesses, membership websites, and online stores. WordPress has a vast amount of community support, together with templates, tutorials, and plugins. This makes the platform highly customizable, and it's a good choice, whether you want to build a website yourself or hire a developer.
Online website builders
Another popular option for designing and publishing a website is to use an online website builder. These solutions are focused on the pages, themes, and structure of your website. You can drag and drop various elements onto your pages and create content.
These website builders are easy to use, inexpensive, fast, and functional. The four most popular website builders are Squarespace, Weebly, Jimdo, and Wix. Each has a free trial, so you can try them out and see if they work for you. You can set up shops, membership programs, and more, but they are best for simple websites without unusual requirements.
Locally installed website building software
Locally installed software is often used by professional web developers to create a website on their local machine. They can then upload it to a hosting service. Popular solutions include Adobe Dreamweaver, Aptana Studio, and Microsoft Visual Web Developer.
The software supports many types of programming languages. One of the main features is a "What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG)" editor, which shows you exactly how your website will look. The software lets web developers customize websites to a high degree, and allows for great flexibility in web design.
Custom language and development platforms
There are many specialized programming languages used to build websites. These include:
Simple languages such as HTML and CSS.
Intermediate languages such as JavaScript and Python.
Advanced languages such as Drupal or Joomla.
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
HTML is the standard language used to build the vast majority of websites. HTML code tells your web browser about the content of your website and where to display it. If you look at the source code of a website, most of what you see will be HTML.
CSS affects the visual elements of your website. The styles in CSS tell your web browser how to display the fonts, colors, spacing, borders, navigation, and other parts of your website. This makes it easy to change styles and colors across a website without having to edit the HTML on each page.
JavaScript and Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP)
After HTML and CSS, JavaScript is the most popular web programming language. It's often used to add interactive widgets, quizzes, and other functions to a website. A good JavaScript developer can create entire apps and games.
PHP is another popular choice for web development and runs on a web server (where your website is hosted) rather than in a browser. PHP is a flexible language allowing a website to interact with databases, membership sites, logins, and much more. There's lots of community support and tutorials for the language, although it needs a professional developer to make the most of it.
Python and Ruby
Python is a multi-purpose programming language used for many different types of development. One of its main advantages is a wide variety of pre-coded functions that make writing complex web applications a little easier.
Ruby is a programming language that's growing in popularity due to its ease of use. It's also good at handling large volumes of website traffic, so if you're expecting lots of visitors, it's a good choice.
MySQL
MySQL is a relational database platform designed to allow websites to store and retrieve information. It's an open-source platform, so using it is free. Many websites use MySQL to provide personalized information, products, and services to customers.
Joomla and Drupal
Joomla is a language developed for content management systems (CMS). It specializes in allowing people to create, upload, and share content. Consider using Joomla if you have multiple contributors to your website.
Like Joomla, Drupal is a CMS. It's also extremely customizable, allowing professional developers to create websites to exacting standards. Drupal is specially designed for web developers who want to customize every piece of their code.
Many of these programming languages require specific expertise. If your website needs a more customized approach, think about hiring a professional web developer. The right programming and technology makes a big difference to the functionality, usefulness, and success of your website. If you're not sure what you need, speak to an expert to learn about your options.
Content originally written by Paul Maplesden, a freelance writer, and edited by me.
Medical and nursing wound care articles
Copy editing and proofreading of wound care articles, monographs, reports, abstracts, protocols, and studies for a telehealth company specializing in wound care.
Information on various types of copy editing and proofreading projects.
Brief description
Copy editing and proofreading of wound care articles, monographs, reports, abstracts, protocols, and studies for a telehealth company specializing in wound care.
Approximate length of content edited
10,000 words or more
Notes on copy editing and proofreading this content
Worked closely with the two company directors to edit wound care content.
Helped them to launch a new nursing consulting website.
Worked on reports, online content, abstracts, protocols, and more.
HR recruitment, assessment, and management content
Copy editing and proofreading of manuals, training materials, and assessments for an HR recruitment and training business.
Information on various types of copy editing and proofreading projects.
Brief description
Copy editing and proofreading of manuals, training materials, and assessments for an HR recruitment and training business.
Approximate length of content edited
10,000 words or more
Notes on copy editing and proofreading this content
I worked for this business for five years and edited hundreds of pieces of work.
They worked with financial businesses including banking and insurance.
Ares of expertise required included HR, sales, recruitment, insurance, law, personal assessments, reports, PowerPoint, workbooks, website, communications skills, course outlines and notes, research, and networking.
Edited all work to meet extensive style guide requirements.