If you've had the misfortune of having a heart attack or stroke, you know the rehabilitation process is not easy, but you CAN do it. The good news is now you are on road to recovery. Keep up the positive attitude and count your blessings! Remember to take all of your new medications regularly to help your body recuperate and keep it in a healthier place going forward.
In addition to the medicines you are on for cholesterol and blood pressure, your doctor has most likely also prescribed a blood thinning medication like Aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix. All of these are effective options to keep your blood less thick, think of it as less "clotty" so that it can flow more easily through your veins and arteries.
While these drugs are effective they also have some side effects. One such side effect is that they often make you bruise easily. A bruise occurs when a force causes blood vessels to break. Blood leaks into areas under the skin, resulting in pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.
With "thinner" blood, on an injury or blow, blood can easily escape the blood vessel. Also as the blood is less "clotty" bruises can often be more pronounced in size and shape. Bruises results in pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.
The good news is that there is a Pharmacist Developed, Natural Cream that works to speed the healing of bruises, treats pain and inflammation and reduces discoloration. Zax's Original Bruise Cream is ideal for anyone on a blood thinning medication. Made with Arnica, Witch Hazel and a hint of menthol, this natural formula is just what you need to speed the healing of those unwanted bruises on your hands a body that seemingly appear un-anounced.
For best results apply the cream 3 times daily for up to 7 days and start applying it as soon as possible after the bruise-related injury occurs. Zax's Original Bruise Cream is sold through leading pharmacies (like Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs etc) and health food stores in Canada. For more information on Zax's Original Bruise Cream - see the Bruise Cream page at www.zaxhealth.com. Click HERE for a $2.50 Coupon to save on Zax's Original Bruise Cream at leading retailers. For all over-the-counter products such as this one, please make sure you read and follow the label thoroughly.
What are Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs?
Plantar Fasciitis is a common painful condition caused by overuse of the plantar fascia or arch tendon of the foot. Its estimated that 15% of foot complaints are due to plantar fasciitis, which is also often called a heel spur, although they are not exactly the same. A heel spur is a bony growth that occurs at the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone (calcaneus). In patients with a plantar fasciitis, a heel spur can be present 70% of the time.
Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs are common in activities which involve running, dancing or jumping. As well, change in excercise, footware or weight gain can also be causes. Finally, as we age, the fat pad at the bottom of the foot thins out, leading to less protection at the bottom of the foot.
How are Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs?
Non-Pharmacologic Treatment
- Calf stretches, rest, custom orthotics, insoles, and heel cushions
Pharmacologic Therapies
- corticosteroid injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drgus (like Ibuprofen etc)
Natural Topical Treatment
- Zax's Original Heelspur Cream - made with a blend of natural anti-inflammatories that work complementary to the Non-pharmacologic treatments above. Click HERE for a $2.50 Coupon to save on Zax's Original Heelspur Cream at leading retailers.
Surgical Procedures
- Its its estimated that 5% of Heel spur sufferers will require surgery.
Have no fear, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are very treatable! Be sure to get a treatment plan and stick with it!
As we age, dark spots (or age spots) are a common occurren
ce. These spots occur from excess production of melanin (the skin pigment). Medically termed hyper-pigmentation, excefssive sun exposure over time is the most common cause of this skin condition. Overtime, hyperpigmentation can be reversed with natural ingredients that either block the production o melanin and/or absorb darkening UV rays.
Hydroquinone has long been considered one of the most effective skin-lightening agents. In Canada and the United States, hydroquinone is classified as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that may be used in concentrations of up to 2%. Most prescription-strength hydroquinone formulations contain 3–4%. Be aware, that hydroquinone has potential mutagenic and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States "has cancer-causing potential." Hydroquinone is strictly regulated in many African and Asian countries, and its use is banned in the European Union (EU) and Japan. Your should definately be looking for alrtnernatives to this ingredient.
What alternatives should you consider?
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract has clinically proven skin-lightening effects. Thought to be from a specific form of vitamin C, which inhibits melanin production.
Licorice Extract
Licorice Extract absorbs UVA and UVB rays. It also is a de-pigmenting agent by inhibiting the production of melanin.
Aloe
Aloe has subtle skin lightening properties, from absorption of UV light and moisturizes ageing skin.
Niacinamide
A unique form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound and is also good for dry, flaking, ageing skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has Anti-oxidant properties that help protect and rejuvenate ageing skin
Consider products with multiple of these ingredients for the best chance at fading age spots or darkspots safefy.
Wiith the start of hockey season we typically see a spike in bruise-related injuries. Be prepared this hockey season, consider picking up a tube of Zax's KIDS Bruise Cream in the first aid section of your local pharmacy, its great to have in your child's hockey bag or in family medicine cabinet. Save $2.50 with a coupon for our PTPA Award winning cream at www.zaxhealth.com
Made with a unique blend of Natural ingredients - Arnica and Witch Hazel - this cream reduces pain and discouloration, speeds heeling. Its Health Canada approved, and made here in Canada and pharmacist developed. Give us a try! From our family to yours, say goodbye sooner to unsightly painful bruises.
Alyssa, RD, MHSc, Mom & CEO of Zax Healthcare
