The Pharmacy Mart

Men are you considering a larger penis without drugs or surgery

A penis enlargement device can be the right enhancement you been looking for. If you have an average size penis or not, a penis enlargement device can make your penis longer and make you feel better. With improving your sexual desires.

Penis enlargement devices will give you permanent penis enlargement without having to continue with penis enlargement pills, patches or pain full ugly surgery.

The longer a man wears the penis enlargement device the longer the penis will become. Men can wear the device working, relaxing or exercising.
With the penis enhancement device, it will be a personal thing that can be worn with out embarrassment. Not like penis enlargement pills as men do not like taking pills and with missing, the enlargement pill would take longer to achieve the desire penis enlargement length.

As the device stretches the penis, the tissue is stretch to repair its self to make the length and the firmness of the penis more substantial.
Surgical procedures and fat injections are of no value. Penis enhancement pump fail with no privacy to be able to get the results you are looking for. Men do not want to sit 6 hours a day hook to a pump machine with money, time, and convenience gone.

Are you looking for confidence that is permanent with out having to continue to exercise your penis, costly penis enlargement pills or penis enlargement patches? With being, the first to get the device with out drugs or surgery you will be able to have the length in no time. Not only lengthen the penis you will have the confidence with sexual actives, which will keep women coming back for more.

With in six month you can feel more confident with a penis enlargement that is to 1 inches longer and firmer with erection. With the penis enlargement device, it will be a personal thing that can be worn with out embarrassment.

Not like penis enlargement, pills with missing them would take longer to achieve the desire length, with the penis enlargement device no need to stay at home or join special clubs or skip the dinning out.
Penis enlargement for men could not be better today with a permanent enlargement.

Check out the different types of devices, read the reviews, and order one today.
Lengthening your penis will give you and the women in your life a unique excitement in your sexual desires.

What To Do If Someone You Know Is Diagnosed With Bird Flu

Bird flu is a scary and devastating disease. It has been decades since an influenza virus has had such misfortunate potential. With the virus sweeping through most of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, it is just a matter of time before it reaches every corner of the world. If the virus mutates, an even more deadly issue will be at hand. With such negative predictions, it is almost impossible not to imagine yourself or a love one at the hands of the disease. What would you do if this virus hit home?

The important thing to understand is the infection of bird flu is not necessarily a death sentence. Although a large number of deaths have occurred, almost half of those infected survived the disease. Therefore, with advanced medicine and proper care, a person may be able to live after bird flu.

What you do if someone you know is diagnosed will greatly depend on how well you know the person. Is it a friend? Acquaintance? Family member? Obviously, if it is a close friend or family member, you will want to be as supportive as possible. This will be a difficult time for them and any assistance you can provide will probably be greatly appreciated. On the other hand, if you are only dealing with an acquaintance, you may feel relieved and fortunate to have not suffered the same fate. While you may feel guilt at this thought, you can consider it a wake up call to bring the risk to your attention. You may also use this time to lend a helping hand, although you do not feel emotionally obligated to do so.

When someone you know becomes infected, you should also consider the source of the infection and the severity of the threat present. If a family member becomes ill while working on a family farm, you may ascertain infected agricultural animals are to blame and the threat must be alleviated. On the other hand, if no apparent cause is known, human to human contact may be a consideration. This is not only essential information for you to know, but also health professionals in your area. Currently human contact is not a transmission means; therefore, the onset of such would be of great concern.

The important thing to remember is to be there for your loved ones and feel blessed that you are available to help them as opposed to sharing their fate. You will, of course, want to be careful not to become infected during this time, if it can be avoided.

The Internet has revolutionized a consumer’s ability to research personal health issues and independently discover the available options of finding more affordable ways of obtaining his or her medications.

For the millions of Americans who have prescription drug plans as part of their health insurance, the actual cost of medications is somewhat obscured by the co-payment–usually a nominal fee compared to the actual cost of the drug.

But for the millions of Americans who don’t have access to prescription coverage, who must pay for their medications out of pocket, there is a crucial piece of knowledge that can save them a lot of money: The cost of prescription drugs varies from pharmacy to pharmacy. And in many cases, Internet-based pharmacies can offer even lower costs. For example, a recent survey showed that Walgreens was selling Plavix (75 mg, 90 tablets) for $405.09. SmartChoiceDrugstore.com sold the exact same drug and quantity for $353.49.

According to data collected by SmartChoice, Americans pay more for their prescription drugs than people in other countries. The reason is that pharmaceutical manufacturers sell at much higher prices to U.S. wholesale companies because they have no restrictions on pricing. Higher costs are also attributed to pharmaceutical companies spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year in sales and marketing people to push their medications on the U.S. public and doctors who prescribe the medications.

Just like online retailers from whom you’d buy books, appliances or even a car, Internet pharmacies are able to offer lower prices because of lower overhead. With no storefront (and accordant costs) to maintain, there’s less of a markup on the merchandise. The medication you receive from Internet pharmacies such as SmartChoice is identical to the medicines found at a neighborhood or chain drugstore. The only difference is what you pay. And if you take several different medications, the savings can be substantial.

At SmartChoiceDrugstore.com, each and every order is filled by a registered and licensed pharmacist. Like any U.S. pharmacy, SmartChoiceDrugstore.com undergoes rigorous governmental inspections regularly. The site is a full-service pharmacy that has access to all medications that any other pharmacy would have. And like traditional pharmacies, there are policies and procedures in place to validate prescriptions.

One may consider the hair as a persons crowning glory. In fact, most people spend hours in front of the mirror fixing their hair. Aside from making each one of us look good, the hair has yet another function you might be interested in. In todays modern world, there comes another way of detecting drugs in individuals. Yes, using the hair! And it is actually the most accurate method of detecting drug abuse in individuals. It can detect drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates and the like. It is known as the hair drug test.

1. Ten Times More Effective Than Urine Drug Tests

With this kind of modern and convenient method, it is now easy for schools and even employers to test students and employees to determine whether or not they have drugs in their system. Hair drug tests come in handy kits with instructions on how to get hair specimens, then send it to the laboratory for evaluation.

2. How It Works:

According to studies, when a person takes in drugs, as with any other substances, such as food, medicines, or drinks, it mixes with our blood, and as we all know, the blood nourishes all parts of our body, including the head. Hints of these chemicals then become trapped or filtered through the hair follicle, thus, as the hair grows, these chemicals are stored in the hair. Interestingly, these chemicals become a part of the hair itself.

- Very accurate
- Chemicals in the hair can be traced
- Traces not just drugs in system at the time, but over the past three months!
- A two-inch sample can give that persons drug history for a four month period of time
- Hair drug testing is much more costly than urine testing
- Hair testing is now widely used due to its effectiveness

3. How It’s Done:

- A hair drug test involves cutting a minimum of 50 strands of hair
- Hair must be cut approximately one and a half inches from the scalp
- Hair is then sent to the drug testing laboratory
- The hair is actually screened and reviewed, then liquified for final testing
- There are lots of hair drug testing kits available today

4. Hair Drug Testing Kits

Hair drug testing kits, though widely available, are not affordable. Prices range from $50-$69 for a complete kit. Laboratory processing fees are usually included when you make your purchase.

One point of view to consider tough – a positive test result does not automatically mean the person uses illegal drugs. In fact, positive results are sometimes triggered by other legal substances. One maybe is under medication or taking maintenance medications, or over-the-counter medications. It is wise therefore, that when the confirmation test comes back positive, it is important for a doctor, nurse, or other specialist to review the results and determine if illegal drugs are indeed the guilty party.

5. Beating Hair Drug Tests Is Impossible

Now other smart individuals are finding ways and means to beat the hair drug tests. Some say one can pass it through a kind of shampoo, especially from companies that claim that their shampoo cleans off all the toxins in the hair, but they are wrong. These toxins are already part of the hair follicles structure, cleaning it will literally mean taking it all off. The hair is like a plant. If a plant grows in a toxic environment, it will absorb toxins and toxins will become part of its structure – no amount of shampoo will change that.

As we cannot clean off toxins in the hair, can we mask it by bleach or dyeing ones hair? Maybe for a time, yes we can. But then, our skin is made up of fatty tissues. These fatty tissues are responsible for storing toxins in the body. When our body sweats, it gives off skin oil and release toxins, and these will be touched and be absorbed by the hair. Its like a cycle. The masked hair will then be contaminated once more.

Others shave off their hair, but sad to say, toxins don’t leave the body anytime soon. If you are being kept in confinement, your hair will slowly grow back in, and your drug use history will come back for all to see with it.

Women often face infection and inflammation of the vulva and vagina which is known as vulvovaginitis. This disease is uncomfortable but it could be easily treated. The common symptoms include itching, irritation or pain in the external genital area and pain in the vagina during intercourse. This vaginal discharge is heavier than usual and is discolored and has an unpleasant odor.

Healthy vaginal discharge is made up of aging cells that cast off from your vaginal walls, secretions from the cervix that help to protect the uterus from infection and aid in fertility and other chemicals produced by vaginal bacteria and fungi.

There could be some changes in the vaginal discharge that could be normal and bear no relation to any possible infection. These changes are governed by the menstrual cycle and shifting hormonal patterns of puberty and menopause.

Very high levels of sexual hormones are necessary to produce vaginal discharge and therefore during childhood and menopause when hormone levels are very low, this discharge is minimal. During the reproductive years, your discharge changes in response to your monthly cycle. And as your hormone level drops after menstrual period, it becomes lighter. When new eggs begin to develop in the ovaries, the level of estrogen and progesterone increases and this leads to a white cream color discharge. At the time of ovulation this discharge changes abruptly and becomes transparent and stretchy like egg white.

How to keep away from such infections?
Various microscopic organs live in an acidic environment that prevents overproduction of any species and repel foreign invaders. Factors that worsen this balance include sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, menopause and chronic illness such as emotional stress and clothing that holds in body heat and moisture.

You should take good care of yours and have healthy, varied diet and maintain proper weight. You need to reduce stress through exercise, meditation and other activities that relieves tension.

For more information, visit our website womensreproductivehealth.info

The Bird Flu and The Immune System: Don’t Leave Home Without It

Pollsters and advertisers tell us that people will spend a fortune getting well, trying to cure or mitigate some disease or condition but will almost never spend a dime preventing disease. This is important when considering your immune system.

Your immune system is your first line of defense against very powerful diseases in fact, against all diseases. Yet, few care about it until they need it. Translation: They are facing a debilitating disease for the first time and realize something is terribly wrong.

Wellwhat if you face a pandemic? That means you face a debilitating disease that has gone global and is infecting people through direct and easyperson to person transmission.

What about bird Flu?

Well. What about bird flureferred to as avian bird flu, Asian bird flu, h5n1 bird flu, among other names?

There is a lot of news concerning bird flu these days.

Influenza A (H5N1 bird flu) is an influenza A virus subtype that occurs mainly in birds. It is highly contagious among birds, and can be deadly to them. Outbreaks of bird flu (H5N1) among poultry are ongoing in a number of countries.
While bird flu does not usually infect people, human cases of the bird flu infection associated with these outbreaks have been reported. Most of these cases have occurred from direct or close contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.
Distressingly, a few rare cases of human-to-human spread of bird flu (H5N1 also) have occurred, though transmission has not continued beyond one person.
Because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, many scientists are concerned that the bird flu virus could mutate and infect humans so as to spread easily from one person to another.
The following paragraph is taken from a statement of the CDC:

Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population and an influenza pandemic could begin. Experts are watching the H5N1 situation in Asia and Europe very closely and are preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more easily from person to person.
Did you notice the cause for alarm? It says, Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them. Since we don’t have prior immunities to H5N1 strains, we are unprotected, allegedly.

Often, we don’t have specific antibodies against many diseasesuntil they contact us. But, then again, that is the reason we have immune systems. Our immune system, if healthy, protects us against viruses – include H5N1 – until it can create antibodies to kill them.

The problem associated with bird flu is simple: the people and the poultry that get infected with it have compromised immune systems.

If you pursue the issue, you will read that the deadliest disease in history is widely regarded as the Spanish Flu epidemic which killed 40 million people in just months. Scientists now believe that the epidemic was a bird flu pandemic. In other words, the virus came from birds and a virus similar to this one -called the H5N1 (a form of bird flu virus). Its origins? Most scientists agree that it originated in Asia, as this one.

The current bird flu (H5N1) is infecting and spreading throughout the poultry industry in Asia. But, there is an initial – and rather nagging – question. Why do these bird flu strains so often originate in Asia as this one and others, including the Spanish Flu?

Answer: Simply putand here is a key to understanding how to deal with bird flu (H5N1) – poultry farms are absolutely filthy. The stench from such farms, especially those throughout Asia, can be picked up a mile away. Those farms are packed with animals that are weak with compromised, weakened, immune systems.

Let these two phrases sink in together: bird flu and weakened immune systems.

What about the Spanish Flu? It followed World War I. That War brought death and destruction. But, what about those who survived it? They faced the bird flu. Why?

The War brought untold trials in the war torn nations, weakening immune system response in millions.

But, why did that bird flu afflict the United States as well? The War brought extreme stress to the soldiers who fought the War, who were now returning from active duty.

The bird flu also brought horrible grief to millions who had already experienced loss of loved onesor, lived with the uncertainties of loss for months.

Then there’s the stress of caring for the wounded, crippled, maimed, depressed or otherwise incapacitated.

War is so stressful that it brings plague with it. The plague is not just a result of the conditions of war. The stress upon people brought on by war goes far beyond other stresses in life.

Certainly, immune system retardation coupled with harsh post-war conditions increases the stress upon life .opening the door to immune deficiency and, thus, bird flu viruses

The horrible conditions of Asian and European poultry farms and their millions of animals with weakened immune systems is the key to this potential pandemic too. The result is weakened immune systems and bird flu.

Why aren’t all the birds dying?

Because of the rapid spread and highly dangerous nature of the bird flu to birds, millions of flocks have been destroyed throughout the afflicted countries. However, that remedy is not working because migratory birds are carrying the bird flu to distant lands, thus spreading its contagion.

Interestingly, the migratory birds are not dying from H5N1 like the chickens. Why? Because their immune systems are much stronger, we are told by scientists.

Let that one sink in too: bird flu is not killing those birds so readily which have strong immune systems. Humbird flu and immune systemsCould be we have something here.

But, what if the bird flu (H5N1) makes the jump to human pandemic potential? Is there a solution? Yes. There is one. Glyconutrition. If that sounds too good to be true, then consider this testimony:

In instances of unusual, epidemic, or virulent infectious agent exposure, glyconutrient supplementation has been found effective for enhancing general immune functions and defense. When supplied at higher levels than available in nature, sugars needed for cellular synthesis can take innate defense systems to a MUCH HIGHER LEVEL THAT ARE EFFECTIVE AGAINST INFECTIOUS AGENTS.

-Dr. H. Reginald McDaniel, Comprehensive Medical Care for Bioterrorism Exposure
Congressional Hearing, November 14, 2001 (emphasis mine)

If you want to learn more about glyconutrition and H5N1 defensesee below.

Medicare prescription drug coverage is now available to all people with Medicare. Everyone with Medicare can join a Medicare drug plan to get this coverage, regardless of your income or what drugs you take. You owe it to yourself to look into it, even if you have coverage now.

Medicare is here to help

Since Medicare prescription drug coverage is brand new, it’s natural to have questions like: Where can I get help choosing a plan? And, where can I get help joining a plan?

You can get answers from Medicare in several ways.

Where can I get help choosing a plan?

• Look for enrollment events in the area. Over the next few months, you’ll be able to get help with your drug plan choices at dozens of places throughout your community, like schools, senior centers, clubs, faith-based organizations, and your pharmacy. Or you can talk with friends and family or call your local office on aging for help. For the telephone number, visit www.eldercare.gov on the Web. The Eldercare Locator can help you find places to go to get personalized assistance.

• Use the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder. Visit www.medicare.gov to get a personalized side-by-side comparison of up to three plans at a time based on cost, coverage and convenience. If you don’t use the Internet, call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to get the same information. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Where can I get help joining a plan?

• Visit Medicare’s Web site. You can join a drug plan at www.medicare.gov on the Web using Medicare’s online enrollment center.

• Call the plan. You can join over the phone by calling the plan’s toll-free number.

• Visit the plan’s Web site. Visit the drug plan company’s Web site. You may be able to join online (not all plans offer this option).

What is Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a symptom and not a condition in itself. Tinnitus describes the symptom of being able to hear things which nobody else can, although in a rare number of cases, this isnt true. Tinnitus is a very common condition with approximately 10% of the population suffering from Tinnitus to one degree or another. It is most commonly found in elderly people although it is becoming much more widespread in the younger population. Also, Tinnitus can be found in one or both ears or sometimes it feels like it is coming from the middle of your head.

The Symptoms of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is most commonly found in elderly people although possibly due to the different lifestyles it is becoming much more common in younger people now. Maybe this is due to the fact that people are living in noisier environments today.

The sounds which are heard vary from patient to patient. Some patients hear a musical tone, although most patients hear something which sounds more like a hissing or whistling or a buzzing or a ringing noise. For a lot of patients, it is more of an inconvenience and doesnt affect their daily lives although for a number of patients, it is so bad that they need some kind of treatment to relieve the symptoms

The Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is caused by damage to the nerves in the inner ear (cochlea). These nerves transmit electrical impulses to the brain which the brain then interprets as sounds. When these nerves are damaged, the signal becomes distorted. When this distorted signal gets to the brain, the brain interprets it as a noise which is Tinnitus.

In elderly people, it is seen as part of growing older and is called presbyacusis. However, in younger people medical professionals believe it is due to be exposed to loud noises.

There are other causes of Tinnitus as well which include Anemia where the thin blood rushes around the body so quickly that it can cause a sound. Excessive wax in the ear can also cause tinnitus. Menieres Disease which is a condition affecting balance can also have a side effect of Tinnitus. Some drugs both legal and illegal can cause Tinnitus as the body reacts to them.

The Treatment of Tinnitus
For most patients, there is no cure for Tinnitus. Most treatments simply relieve the symptoms by masking the cause of Tinnitus.

Tinnitus is sometimes strongly related to the patients level of stress. By managing this level of stress via the use of sedatives, tranquilizers or anti-depressants, the symptoms of tinnitus can be relieved.

Some drugs which affect the conduction of electrical impulses in the affected nerves have been found to relieve the symptoms of stress.

There are a number of self help measures which patients can employ either on their own or in tandem with any assistance that a doctor can prescribe. These include listening to soothing music on a personal stereo before the patient goes to sleep. There are white noise generators which can mask the noise inside your head. This means that you cant hear the noise generated by tinnitus.

For those suffering from arthritis in the spine, palindromic arthritis, viral arthritis, and/or cervical arthritis, coping techniques are simply not the answer. Lumbar arthritis, shoulder arthritis, viral arthritis, and/or psoriasis arthritis sufferers, for example, desire permanent arthritis pain relief, arthritis treatment, new arthritis medication, and/or effective arthritis drugs.

What is shoulder arthritis, arthritis rheumatism, neck arthritis, infectious arthritis, and/or psoriatic arthritis pain? Foot arthritis pain, back arthritis pain, rheumatic arthritis pain, knee arthritis pain and other pains mean something is wrong in your body. Signs and symptoms of arthritis, signs of arthritis, or arthritis pain may begin as morning stiffness. And for millions of us, arthritis can become a crippling disease.

Alternative Treatments For Arthritis

Many arthritis sufferers have tried unusual and rather nasty cures for their disease like enduring bee-stings or covering themselves in cow-manure. The benefits must have been rather less spectacular than the cures or else everyone else would have done the same.

One arthritis cure suggests that half a glass of raw potato juice followed by chewing two or three juniper berries will do the trick! While this may be so, many doctors and scientists researching arthritis have studied the benefits of taking nutritional substances like vitamins. In fact, studies have shown that people with arthritis are mostly deficient in the B group of vitamins, though whether this is due to the disease, or to the fact that taking aspirin depletes the bodies stores of this vitamin is not clear.

Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis preventative measure.

Osteoarthritis can cause thinning of the bones, and so can prednisone, often given to treat it. It makes sense then to increase the amount of Vitamin D and calcium, both of which are bone-builders. As far back as 1974, British scientists found that lack of vitamin D contributed to bone fractures in the elderly with arthritis. Lack of sunlight and an unhealthy diet both contributed to the lack. The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D is 400 IU or 600 IU if for those over the age of 60. A daily dose of 1200 IU is the limit as this vitamin is toxic if too much is taken.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, working in a similar way to vitamin C. Studies in Germany have proven that it can help to reduce pain. Good sources of this vitamin can be found in wheat germ, sunflower seed, corn oil, legumes and whole grains.

While some people swear by the arthritis cure that their copper bracelet brought, there is no scientific link to copper as being an aid to arthritis. In fact the opposite is true. Those with RA often have higher levels of copper in their blood. Too much copper can make you sick.

Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts and beans will provide selenium.

Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results. Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.

The pain of arthritis can also be relieved by hot-packs, deliberately focussing on something else like pleasant music, humor, gentle exercise and losing weight.

The Healing Continues: What Do I Do Now After Drug Rehab?

Having gone through alcohol or drug rehabilitation is a major undertaking. Congratulations. Now you might be wondering several things. Where do I go from here? What do I do with my new life? What are the best strategies for staying clean and sober? The information in this article answers all of these important questions. It comes mostly from the experts: people, like you, who were once in a treatment center and have been in recovery for many years. Additional information has also been contributed from professionals that have helped recovering alcoholics/addicts after the alcohol or drug rehabilitation process.

Taking ActionThe Process

* Create a plan for after you leave. Work with your therapist, counselor or the treatment center you attended to assist you in developing an after care treatment plan. These are designed to give you a strategy for staying clean. Its a plan that will keep you on track in the recovery process. Lay person and professional experts in recovery know that an outlined plan detailing the things you can do to stay sober is valuable. Here are some of the most common, and maybe not so common, steps/actions/objectives that can be part of your plan towards a goal of staying healthy, sober and free from addiction.

* Continue with therapy. Follow up sessions with a trusted counselor or professional helps to address those issues or problems that are new for you. Life after addiction comes with new or confusing situations you will be faced with. For example, there was a man that after having been in a drug induced state for years did not know how to order his eggs at a restaurant. He would say, I just let them throw the eggs on the plate, anything to get some food in my belly. I never paid attention to or cared how they were cooked. When you are confronted with something you dont know how to handle, frustration and desire to turn to what you know best (getting high) may become overwhelming. There is no problem too small or large that a trained professional cant help you with. Its better to seek their advice and look for solutions than to return to abusing drugs or alcohol.

* Keep your body healthy. This part of the after care plan should involve listing ways you can keep your body functioning at optimum levels. Some steps may include:

* Nutrition and eating right are essential. There have been studies recently showing that the right intake of calories, vitamins and nutrients, staves off the craving for drugs and alcohol. When your body feels good, the chances are you can better fight the cravings for addictive substances.

* Drink lots of water. Water hydrates the body and maintains your body temperature. Proper hydration allows for smoother waste elimination, and keeps the body emotionally balanced. Experts that work in the crisis industry (rape crisis centers, nurses in emergency or triage, etc.) have long known the power of water in regulating a persons mood. It has a calming effect. An added bonus among many, water keeps your skin from drying out too.

* Exercise. Find an exercise routine and stick with it. If you like the gym or workout centers get a membership Take evening walks in your neighborhood after dinner. Use stairs wherever you go instead of elevators. Remember to find exercises that will bring your heart rate up (aerobic) and those that include warm-up, stretching and free-weights.

* Keep your teeth clean. One of the first things to not only put on your plan but to arrange is a dental exam. Drug use and alcohol abuse damage teeth and gums severely over time. Studies have shown that excessive plaque and tartar on the teeth carries through to our blood stream and creates a plaque build up in the arteries. This means potential heart problems and cardiovascular disease. Also, clean teeth means you will smile more and that alone will better your social life.

* Make social activities part of your plan. When youre developing your after care plan, be sure to include activities that make you happy. Socializing will decrease depression and keep you from feeling isolated. On this note, make sure to not include former drinkers or drug using buddies. Chances are very high that if you begin associating with your former partying partners (that are still using) you will quickly begin abusing the substance again. Find people that have been in recovery for a long time or others that have never had a substance abuse problem. Seek new friends, return to favorite hobbies, whatever it takes to get you out and busy.

* Find your spiritual path. Whatever spirituality means to you, discover or re-discover what it is that gives you strength through the hard times. Returning to a spiritual place that made you feel connected, worthy or special will help.

* Find the creativity within. Do you draw, paint, dance or read? Bring the creative you back to life. Creativity gives a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. This is important for anyone recovering from an addiction. By the way, start your creative processes with your treatment plan. Give thought to the social activities you like. Outline some ideas to eat foods that will not only nourish you but make you feel good, alive and energetic. There are many healthy foods that can give this feeling. Bring your creativity to your plan and make it uniquely yours.

When preparing your after care plan, make sure its what you want. There is nothing worse than having a plan that fits someone elses needs or expectations. Often in alcohol or drug treatment and detox centers we hear quite a bit about what we should do. Our days are planned with activities, counseling, meal times and social events. We become accustomed to what others think we should do to remain sober. Family and friends offer advice, your counselor or therapist may suggest items for your plan but in the end, the treatment plan belongs to you. It needs to be tailored with the purpose of achieving your goal. Your goal is to remain sober and clean. If the plan is one you want and can live with, the chances are you will respect it, follow through with the steps/objectives and stay sober for many years to come.