Psychic communion is not the easy matter many people  imagine it to be; the slightest impression registered by the human brain has possibly been conveyed by an intricate process from the supernatural world, but many marvellous things have been brought about by it. The hopeless have been given encouragement; the would-be suicide has retained his life; the sorrowful have been made glad, and in the future, I think man’s salvation from his own greedy madness will be by the conscious use of this same power, through which he will be guided wisely to wield the affairs of nations with the help of great discarnate statesmen.

He will then be led to guard against war, epidemic and calamity, for the ramifications of mediumship extend from mere fortune-telling to the powers of prophecy; from curing a cut finger to reading in the book of nature the cure and prevention of diseases such as cancer, bubonic plague, tuberculosis and sleeping-sickness.

At this time there are hundred of groups and organisations scattered over the world, most of which will aid anyone who so desires, to develop the psychic powers lying latent in their personality. There is nothing very mysterious about this process. The would-be medium is expected to sit with with a group of people among whom there will be one, at least, who is a developed medium. They sit in chairs placed in a circular fashion round the room, so that if their hands are joined each person is in contact with the other and their auras will correspondingly interpenetrate.

The medium in charge, as we know, has an aura already sensitized by the guardian, and this same guide now transmits his power into the aura of the medium and it is then transmitted through the contact of his hands to the sitters on either side, whose auras become charged with as much of this power as they are able to receive; they are also in contact with the other sitters and some of the power is transmitted through their hands until it has penetrated the whole of the circle, and for the time being should have the effect of sensitizing, in a greater or lesser degree, the auras of the sitters concerned. If any of these sitters have glands which are at all active, they should be able to register some of the sights or sounds of the supernatural world.

In part 19 we will learn how people have developed mediumship powers through illness.

LEARN HOW TO READ AURAS AND CHAKRAS

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Red
Red has more personal associations than any other colour. Recognised as a stimulant, red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived.
A red person is full of energy, strong and physically active and can tend to be thin or muscular as the result of an active metabolism. Red people are generally out-going, gregarious and love life.
How the colour red affects us mentally and physically:
•    Increases enthusiasm
•    Stimulates energy
•    Encourages action and confidence
•    Gives a sense of protection from fears and anxiety

On the negative side, red people may have a tendency to be headstrong, impatient, bad tempered and become easily heated.  Red people need to watch their blood pressure and also watch out for problems such as boils, rashes and other skin diseases.
Balancing colour:  Blue for softness and calmness.
Orange
Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually a strong positive or negative association to orange and pure orange generally elicits a stronger “love it” or “hate it” response than other colours. Fun and flamboyant, orange radiates warmth and energy.  Orange people are just as vital as red people but are more practically oriented. They are lively and outgoing, cheerful and joyous. Orange people also tend to be practical and make good designers, engineers and architects.
How the colour orange affects us mentally and physically:
•    Stimulates activity
•    Stimulates appetite
•    Encourages socialisation

Orange people, however, can suffer from stress and a battered immune system and they need to watch their energy levels.
Balancing colour:  Indigo for inner calm and intuition.
Yellow
Yellow is the colour of the sun and shines with optimism, enlightenment and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future and instills optimism and energy as well as sparking creative thoughts.  Yellow people are good communicators and capable of logical, clear thinking.
How the colour yellow effects us mentally and physically:
•    Mentally stimulating
•    Stimulates the nervous system
•    Activates memory
•    Encourages communication

Yellow people tend to place more importance on the mind than on the body, the negative aspect of this being that they may neglect to take proper exercise and often have a poor diet. This could result in digestive problems, in particular relating to the liver and spleen.
Balancing colour: Violet is a good balancing colour as this colour brings wisdom.
Green
Green is considered to be the colour of peace and harmony. The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones.  Green people are neither extrovert or introvert and strive to find balance and harmony in their life.  They tend to be close to nature and love the countryside, animals and children. A green person would also identify strongly with the healing arts.
How green effects us physically and mentally:
•    Soothing
•    Relaxing mentally as well as physically
•    Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety
•    Offiers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony

Green people tend not to like taking action and therefore may deliberate on anything they do, finding it hard to make decisions. They may also be possessive, either in relationships or with monetary wealth.

Balancing colour:  Rose Pink, the colour of universal love.

Blue
Blue is the overwhelming “favourite colour”. Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed.  The colour of sky and of the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. It invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming. Blue people tend to be gentle and peaceful by nature and are passive and introverted, liking to be surrounded by a loving, harmonious atmosphere.  This caring aspect is why blue is also the colour of the medical profession. Blue is the least “gender specific” colour, having equal appeal to both men and women.
Not all blues are warm and sedate, however. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, engaging colours that express exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring.
How the colour blue effects us physically and mentally:
•    Calming and sedate
•    Cooling
•    Aids intuition

Tending to be introverted, blue people need to watch that they do not become too withdrawn and isolated. They can suffer from depression and may find it difficult to communicate their needs and feelings to others.  This may manifest in the form of throat related problems and may also suffer from low blood pressure.

Balancing colours:  Yellow and orange would be good choices as yellow aids communication while orange brings joy and warmth in relationships.

Deep Blue/Indigo
Indigo or deep blue people are similar in many ways to blue people being strong intellectually, but are also in touch with their intuition and higher self. They generally love music and the arts and with their knowledge comes power. They can also be very idealistic and many great reformers work on the Indigo ray.  Indigo and deep blue people are very loyal and truthful. However, they must make sure they do not abuse their power, working for the good of others and not themselves.
Balancing colour:  Orange brings practicality and earthing qualities.
Violet/Purple
Purple embodies the balance of red stimulation and blue calm.  This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined, at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple people are creative or eccentric types and are often musicians, artists or writers.
Violet is the most intuitive of colours and people choosing this colour are likely to be seeking spiritual development. Violet people are often called to serve and many psychics and healers operate under the violet ray. Because they are so sensitive, violet people can suffer from mental and nervouse disorders.
How the colour purple or violet effects us mentally and physically:
•    Uplifting
•    Calming to mind and nerves
•    Offers a sense of spirituality
•    Encourages creativity

Balancing colour: Yellow for wisdom and to boost personal power.

COLOUR DISLIKES AND COLOUR TESTS
Our short-term attractions relate to a particular stage we are going through at the time and here it is particularly useful to consider the colours we do not like and choose to reject.  If you do not like:
•    Red     –     shows frustration, anger or defeat
•    Orange     –     suffering from exhaustion, mental or physical fatigue
•    Yellow     –     suffering disappointments, feeling powerless
•    Green     –     mental disturbance, loneliness, rejection
•    Blue     –    anxiety or fear, loss of wealth or status, sense of             failure
•    Purple     –    pretentious, conceited, vain, can avoid close             relationships
•    Brown    –    desire to stand out as an individual or to stand on
your own feet
•    Black    –    desire to be in control and not relinquish personal             power

Each colour has both positive and negative aspects. If a person displays negative traits of a colour, this colour energy is blocked and its chakra centre needs to be cleared. To balance energy in a chakra, first use the colour rejected and then its complimentary colour to draw in the opposite, positive traits. You will be taught different ways of clearing these blockages in further lessons in this course. In the meantime, it is important that you are able to diagnose a problem and know which colour energies you or an individual needs.
As an example, a woman who went to a colour therapist for treatment found it very difficult to speak her true feelings for fear of rejection.  She had developed a lump on her thyroid and obviously had a blockage in the throat or blue area. This needed to be cleared and she was then encouraged to communicate and build up her self-esteem. Yellow aids communication and orange helps draw warm loving relationships to oneself.
The following list shows some of the negative qualitites of each colour:

Blockages and Negative Qualities of Colours
Red: Inability to accept life’s responsibilities. Ruthless, pushy, quick-tempered, stubborn.
Orange: Fearful, timid, shy, lack of interest in life. Problems with sexuality and relationships.
Yellow: Jealousy, envy, fear, emotions and living by patterns learned in childhood. Feelings of lack of power, obsessional behaviour, disoriented, muddle-headed.
Green: Insecurity, needing to be loved and protected. Feeling that life is unfair, unjust. Victim mentality.
Turquoise: Confusion, turmoil, inability to move through your own boundaries and limitations. Destructive thought forms.
Blue: Difficult to express oneself, motivational problems. Head in the clouds, daydreaming and not in touch with the real world.
Violet: Fears and phobias, relying too heavily on the intellect and not on your intuition. Doubting and apologising for oneself.
Magenta: Denying own needs, martyrdom and self-sacrifice, inferiority complex, trying to control others.
From the previous section on ‘The Colours and their Meanings’, choose those colours that you think would balance these negative traits.

Information taken from the Complete guide and practice to colour therapy diploma course - www.onlinhomestudies.com

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Of late years a new technique of healing has made its appearance. Spiritualists and Christian Scientists have discovered a way to metaphysical healing which has yielded amazing results. Without the use of drug, knife or herb, cripples have been cured and dying people brought to the fullness of health. Certain persons have been found whose radiations are of a slightly different nature to that of the ordinary person, and disease, on coming into the area of their magnetism, becomes transmuted into health. The Spiritualist healers have performed, and still are performing, amazing cures, merely by holding their hands in the area of the aura and transmitting this curative power. By touch and by prayer this great work goes forward. 

It is interesting to watch such a healer at work on a tumour or cancer, when, by certain movements of the hands in the area of the disease, the fungi-like mass of vibration becomes temporarily broken-up and dispersed into the main area of the aura, or in some cases is drawn out, by magnetic effect upon the growth, and no doubt, in course of time, deprives it of life. There are countless authentic instances of cancer cures in the annals of the Spiritualist movement.

In diseases of exhaustion, such as nervous prostration, tuberculosis, etc., the aura of the patient appears to sop up the healing vibrations, as a damp sponge may absorb water, and a corresponding brightening of the electrical field can be observed. It appears that even as the physical body radiates electricity, so also can it absorb it, either from another person, from natural sources as sun, air or water, or from machines manufactured from its transmission.

From various data the fact emerges that the human healer appears to radiate a power which is different from any other power, since cures by such means are recorded in which ordinary electrical treatment had failed to secure satisfactory results. We must, therefore, conclude that human electricity is a thing entirely individual to each man and woman, and in such healers Mr.W.T Parrish, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Steadbben, to name but a few, we see it developed and utilized to the fullness of its extent. Jesus the Christ was the greatest exponent in history of the power by which human electricity, reacting upon the aura, can produce results in the physical body. It has been said that Jesus was an amazing reiki healer.

There is another aspect of Spiritualistic healing which must receive our consideration. In many cases the cures are attributed to the power brought by discarnate personalities knows as guides, who transmit their own electrical radiations through the aura and the hands of the medium. It is interesting to watch the aura of a healer who works in this manner. In many cases the guide (the name for a discarnate personality) stands at a distance from the medium and projects what appears as rays from his own person. These rays strike the aura of the medium, causing it to acquire a new brilliancy of colouring and to increase in size. When the healer places his hands in the aura of the patient, these same rays become focussed into his hands and for a few minutes the patient, the healer, and the guide are linked into a unity by the waves of dazzling light which pass from one to another with incredible rapidity.

Learn to heal with your hands

Nasal and throat allergies
Technically known as allergic rhinitis, this condition is the inflammation of the membrane that lines the nose and throat. The inflammation occurs following an allergic reaction, after inhaling specific allergens such as dust or pollen. When allergic rhinitis occurs during the spring or summer it is commonly known as hay fever. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, irritated eyes and nose. The use of Hopi ear candles on a monthly basis may help to reduce the incidence of these allergic reactions and more frequent use of the candles, 1-2 times a week, during more intense attacks may help to reduce their severity.

•    Relief of a build up in pressure (often after flying or diving)
Many people experience the feeling of a change in pressure in their ears when flying. This happens when the eardrums bulge towards the area of lower pressure. During normal function, the pressure inside and outside the eardrum should remain equal, the Eustachian tubes help to regulate this pressure. However, when flying, the eardrum can be pushed inwards as the pressure builds near to the ground. For most people this change in pressure is easily and naturally corrected, often through the action of chewing, swallowing or yawning, but when these actions fail to right the pressure imbalances the use of Hopi ear candles may be required.

The warmth of the candles appears to help the Eustachian Tube to function correctly, this in addition to the slight suction that is applied with the candle, can help the eardrum to correct itself. Ear candling can be very beneficial for correcting ear pressure for people who have recently flown, treatment in the days after the pressure imbalance is recommended.

•    Sinusitus
The sinuses are the air filled cavities around the eyes and nose. Sinusitis is described as the swelling and inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. The condition is brought about when swelling causes the openings in the sinuses to become blocked and prevents mucus from draining effectively through the nose. As the mucus builds up, this leads to an increase in pressure and often to pain. Sinusitis is a relatively common issue and feels like a standard head cold, often with headaches, though cases can be both short term and long term. Hopi ear candles can be used on a daily basis in the first few days of sinusitis, and if symptoms persist can be used on a weekly / monthly basis in the long term.

•    Glue ear / blocked ear
The term ‘glue ear’ refers to the repeated collection of fluid in the middle ear, very common in young children. In this condition the middle ear can become filled with think, sticky, glue-like fluid and can lead to a degree of loss of hearing. When the Eustachian tube becomes blocked, often due to infection, the middle ear can fill with fluid, leading to the development of symptoms such as partial deafness and ear infection. The development of glue ear usually occurs over several months and can often go unnoticed initially. However, once diagnosed, Hopi ear candles can help to alleviate the symptoms and speed up recovery.

•    Colds
The common cold is one of the most widespread conditions throughout the modern world, with around 50% of the population of Europe and North America estimated to be affected each year. With symptoms consisting of a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and coughing, a cold can be a great inconvenience to everyday life and often results in lost work days. Hopi ear candling, done once or twice a day, can help to clear the congestion and blockages that arise from colds and therefore to ease the symptoms.

•    Headaches & Migraines
For most people the occasional headache is nothing to worry about, but for those people that suffer from regular headaches or migraines it can be very debilitating. Hopi ear candling can help to relax the client and also to clear the sinuses and airways, helping to relieve the discomfort of headaches and migraines.

•    Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the term used to describe the condition of sounds and ringing being heard in either one or both ears. These sounds are actually formed within the ear itself and are frequently described as ringing, buzzing or whistling. Whilst the causes behind tinnitus are still unclear, any sufferers point to ear candling as being beneficial in terms of promoting relaxation.

Learn how to do Hopi Ear candling and gain an accredited qualification online

There are many methods of healing which go back hundreds if not thousands of years. But one of the most powerful methods is using crystals. These stones have been known to hold amazing powers and the egyptians knew this only too well. Reiki is another form of healing and dates back some say to when Jesus was on earth. In fact it is believed that this was how he healed when using hands on healing. Learning how to see auras and understanding how the colour surrounding our aura can affect us is also another method of healing and in this case hopes to heal the body before the illness manifests itself. Its believed that the aura will be affected before the physical body, so if it is noticed and treated early it will not cause you any problems. If you want to learn how to heal then our courses are simple to follow with diagrams and pictures to make learning easy. Once you have learnt the skills necessary then dont forget to pass it on to your children, it could be one of the most important lessons you ever pass on.

Learn to heal using - Crystals - Reiki - Angels - Colour - feng shui etc..

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The aura is an energy field, which emanates from the surface of a person or object. Everyone and everything has an aura. The field of energy around our physical body forms our aura and is visualized as an outline of cascading colour. Every thought, feeling and experience we have affects the vibration of this energy field.

Recognition of the fact that humans are surrounded by an aura dates back through the millennia - Christian saints are traditionally shown with a halo around the head, the ancient Egyptians did the same for their gods or important human beings, as did the Hindus, Buddhists, Greeks and Romans.

The aura is generally recognised as having seven layers. The outer auric layers are concerned with the soul and spirit while the inner layers relate to the mind, emotions and health.

The aura is oval in shape and is made up of fibrous light surrounding the whole of the physical body. To some, it is like a heat haze radiating all around the person, shimmering with light and energy. It has every colour imaginable including those that are beyond the visible spectrum and connects us to the vibrations around us.

The colour vibration emitted from the physical and etheric bodies extends 3-4 inches around the body. See how that colour can describe your personality and what your future may hold in store.

What Do The Colours Mean?

The colours surrounding your body might change several times a day. The energy reflects how you feel and will change with your mood. For most people, several different colours appear within their energy field at one time. Aura photography is now in great demand. Everyone has energy around him or her, and each aura is unique. Your colours can change according to major life changes. A divorce, new job or baby can all alter your colours and show you where there is particular stress involved.

How Do I Read An Aura?

It’s quite simple. When you have found the person whose aura you want to read, stand facing them, close your eyes and take several deep breaths. When you feel ready to open your eyes again, stare at the person, making sure you feel as though you are almost seeing straight through them. You will then see the figure in front of you start to blur.

Then What?

One of the first colours you’ll probably see will be white. Soon after other colours may start to appear in splodges. If you can’t see them, imagine a colour instead. The first colour to pop into your mind is more often than not the colour of the subject’s aura. Rub your hands together, and then place them above the person’s head. Slowly move your hands towards and away from the head, and once you have linked with the aura you may feel a sensation of tingling, heat or even coldness. With practice, you will learn how to relate the sensations and colours you pick up to specific things going on in someone’s life. Below is a basic list of what certain colours indicate.

White – denotes purity, joy, innocence and healing powers

Purple – denotes a strong spiritual character, wisdom, power, pride and a sense of justice.

Blue – shows someone is tranquil, creative and sensitive, with a gift for healing.

Green – hints at material wealth, but can also be a sign of emotional stress.

Yellow – shows a happy spirit, with sharp intellect and a zest for life.

Orange – indicates an ambitious, sociable nature.

Red – lusty and passionate, also implies courage, strength, vitality and severity.

Grey – can reveal that someone feels trapped.

Pink – shows a romantic soul who is loving, kind and a good friend. Highly fertile.

Black – can show past trauma and illness.

Gold – highly spiritual, working with the divine.

Brown – a down-to-earth, grounded personality.

Did You Know?

Some children up to the age of 5 can see auras without being taught.

Scientists believe that it’s the electromagnetic energy field that surrounds our bodies. Visible to those who are tuned in and through aura cameras, it looks like layers of coloured clouds, one on top of the other. The appearance of your aura suggests your personality and mood. Experts can also pinpoint any stress or illness you may be experiencing.

source: www.lifestudys.com

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Now that was this morning and as we all know with our dreams things seem to fade and doubts start to appear - did I really dream that I should carry on? If so will my angels help me with my rent? Will my old car make it through its service? ( I dont actually own a shiny new purple one yet!), well just as doubt was beginning to surface, which I of all people should know better than to let in, I had a call for a Tarot reading. I have been reading the tarot for many years and although a useful and insightful tool for others, when dealing with your own you sometimes let yourself get in the way, which is why in this case I preferred to consult my angels and not my cards.

Now the lady who came for a reading to me was more than impressed with her reading, however not nearly as impressed as I was, as you will see.  For when this lady came to me she also came with angels as I will explain.  I had picked up in the reading that this lady was undergoing a spiritual change, and I felt she had been guided and had sensed or felt something she was unsure of. She then proceeded to tell me that a few months previous she had been sat at home comtemplating her last cigarette of the night, when all of a sudden she was surrounded by angelic beings. She was in awe and could only  look in amazement as they circled round her. She had never told anyone about this as she thought they would think she was mad. As soon as she told me this story I too was in awe and knew I was meant to hear this story so that I would  have no doubts about my own angels guidance. I was also able to loan her a fantastic book on angels which I have no doubt will help her understand her vision so that she too may know the  beauty of letting angels into our lives.

So I am off to practice what I preach, to trust and believe that all things are possible and if you are ever unsure then just ask for angelic guidance they are always happy to oblige.  If you too would like how to learn or connect with your angels then check out the Angel Course on www.onlinehomestudies.com

Background
Respiration allows a person to replenish their body by breathing in Oxygen for fuel, and exhaling Carbon Dioxide as waste. It only takes 3 minutes before the cells in our bodies start to die as a result of Oxygen starvation.

Symptoms
Respiratory problems can be the result of any number of conditions, such as a result of an injury that has damaged the chest wall, or a disease such as cancer or emphysema. Other breathing problems can be more treatable, such as asthma (refer to the previous condition) or hyperventilation both of which can have a rapid onset.

Treatment
Abdominal Thrusts are carried out by a person standing behind the sufferer, and using your hands to exert sufficient pressure to the diaphragm thus compressing the lungs and expelling any object lodged in the airway.

You should take great care when carrying out this procedure as it can severely bruise the abdomen or in extreme cases fracture to the ribs.

An individual can carry out their own abdominal thrust by the use of a rail or the back of a chair to assert pressure onto the diaphragm - again care must be taken so they do not injure themselves.

Choking

Background
Choking occurs when a foreign object is lodged at the back of a person’s throat that becomes blocked or causes a muscular spasm. Young children are especially susceptible when they choke on food or put small objects into their mouth that blocks their airway. The most common cause of choking in adults is during eating, if the blockage is mild they may be able to clear it by coughing, drinking a glass of water or a simple slap on the back.

Should the choking episode continue, it can result in asphyxiation which is potentially fatal.

Symptoms
It is easy to recognise that the person is choking, when it is mild obstruction they find it difficult to speak, breathe or cry. If the object is lodged more firmly, without assistance they could eventually loose consciousness.

Treatment
There are different ways to treat choking depending upon the severity and the age of the person. Your aim is to calm the patient, remove the obstruction and to arrange urgent medical assistance if the object cannot be removed.

Treatment for infants
If you can see the obstruction, encourage the child to cough and very gently remove it from their mouth.

If the infant is distressed, unable to cry, cough, or breathe: please take the following action:
1.    Attempt to calm them.

2.    Lay the child face down along your forearm.

3.    Keep their head low, and support their back and head.

4.    Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulders, with the heel of your hand.

5.    Check the infant’s mouth and remove any obvious obstructions.

If the obstruction is still present:
1.    Turn the infant onto his back and give up to 5 chest thrusts.

2.    VERY GENTLY using two fingers, push inwards and upwards (towards the head) against the infants breastbone, a fingers’ breadth below the nipple line.

3.    Attempt to relieve the obstruction with each chest thrust.

4.    Check the mouth.

5.    If the obstruction does not clear after three cycles of back blows and chest thrusts: telephone the emergency services, but continue until help arrives.

Treatment for older children
1.    Calm the Child and encourage them to cough.

2.    If this does not work then encourage the child to bend over and use the Back Slap.

3.    Using the heel of the hand give a hard blow to the upper back of the child, you continue with this on average 5 – 10 times.

The Back Slap can also be used on Adults who have not responded to coughing.  This can help clear the airways and thought to be safe.

Dizziness

Background
Dizziness can mean different things to different people, for example some people experience light-headedness, can feel unsteady on their feet, or others feel that the room is revolving around them (this tends to be vertigo, especially if this feeling is accompanied by nausea and vomiting).

The most common causes of dizziness are viral infections, especially those that affect the head or the ear. The fluid-filled canals in the inner ear that control our balance become inflamed. Another common cause of dizziness is the result of low blood pressure. If a person’s blood pressure tends to be low, they are more likely to experience dizzy spells.

Many attacks of dizziness can be caused by momentary, harmless drops in blood pressure, leading to a reduction in the blood supply to the brain. This is often the result of a person suddenly rising from a sitting or a lying position – this is known as postural or orthostatic hypotension. This may be aggravated by certain medications, especially those that are used to control high blood pressure.

Anxiety and panic attacks especially when accompanied by hyperventilation can lead to dizzy spells and in some cases the person experiences tingling fingers and headaches. Another possible cause is Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and is easily remedied by eating some sugary food.

In most cases, dizziness is a minor annoyance that can be treated by calming the patient and getting them to sit or lie down with their feet raised higher than their heart.

Symptoms
There are a few warning signs but there may be a more serious underlying problem, these could include loss of consciousness, unusual behaviour, new severe headaches or a family history of diabetes or epileptic fits.

Treatment
If someone complains of feeling dizzy on several occasions and then passes out, they should be seen by a doctor. It may be a simple faint that can be easily explained. But if this happens on more than one occasion they should visit their doctor to get it checked out.

Epileptic Fits

Background
An epileptic fit is normally a result of a disturbance in the electrical activity in the brain that causes involuntary contractions of muscles in the body. These seizures can be sudden, dramatic and many sufferers can experience a brief warning period just before a seizure (a strange feeling or a special smell or taste).

An Epileptic fit can be caused by a head injury, disease, and shortage of oxygen to the brain or the intake of certain poisons including alcohol. The most common cause of this disruption is epilepsy.

Symptoms
A seizure can be recognised by the person’s lack of consciousness, they appear rigid often arching the back - breathing may slow or even cease. The lips may show a grey-blue tinge (cyanosis) and the face and neck may become red and puffy.

Convulsive movements begin - the jaw clenches and breathing can become very noisy. Saliva can appear from the mouth and be blood-stained if the lips or tongue have been bitten. There may be loss of bladder or bowel control as the muscles relax.

As they move towards the end of the seizure, muscles relax and breathing becomes more normal with the person recovering consciousness within a few minutes. They become disorientated, dazed, and may act in an unusual manner.  They can be exhausted, feel tired and fall into a deep sleep.

Treatment
The following actions should be taken if you suspect that a person is suffering a seizure:
1.    No matter what the cause of the seizure, an open, clear airway must be maintained.  You should monitor the person’s vital signs, their level of response to stimuli, their pulse and their breathing.

2.    They must be protected from self harm as they are unaware of what they are doing during a seizure.

3.    Throughout a seizure you should aim to protect the person, care for them when they regain consciousness and arrange for them to be hospitalised as appropriate.

4.    Because an epileptic fit is caused by a disturbance in the brain, the onset can be sudden and unexpected. In some cases the individual may have a few minutes warning, sufficient for them to get them to a place of safety.  However this is not always possible, if you see the person falling try to catch them to help their fall. Gently lower them to the ground, make space around them and ask bystanders to move away.

5.    Always remove potentially dangerous items, such as hot drinks and sharp objects. If possible, protect the person’s head by placing soft padding underneath it and loosen clothing around their neck.

6.    Note the time when the seizure started, and stay with them until the seizure passes. Place them into the recovery position and monitor their vital signs.

You must NOT move the person unless they are in immediate danger or put anything in their mouth or use force to restrain them.  If the person is unconscious for more than 10 minutes or the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, they are having repeated seizures or this is their first seizure – please telephone the emergency services.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Background
A foreign object in the eye can occur anywhere in the home, the workplace, or even outside as a result of a speck of dust, a loose eyelash, or even a contact lens.  All of these can invade the surface of the eye causing pain and temporary loss of vision.  .

Symptoms
Eyes are running, red, sore and blurred and the irritation cannot be rinsed off with eyewash or clean water

Treatment
For foreign objects in the eye, please take the following action:
1.    You must clean your hands and then ask them to sit down facing the light with their head tilted backwards.

2.    Stand behind them and gently with your finger and thumbs separate the eyelids and examine every part of the eye whilst asking the person to look up, down, left and right.

3.    If you can see an object on the white of the eye that you can remove safely then wash it out with clean water poured from a glass or a sterile eyewash bath. This can be done by inclining the person’s head towards their injured side and placing a towel or pad on their shoulder.

4.    Gently pour the water from the bridge of the nose allowing it to run through the eye to flush it out. If this does not remove the object, then very delicately lift the object from the white of the eye with a moist swab, the damp corner of a tissue or a clean handkerchief.

5.    Should objects become lodged under a person’s upper lid, ask them to pull the upper lid down over the lower lid as the lower lashes may brush the object clear.

If this is still unsuccessful then seek medical help.
Do not touch anything that is sticking or embedded in the eyeball or the iris as this can cause damage - simply place an eye pad over the eye and take the person directly to hospital.

Keep the person calm, take them to Accident and Emergency and ensure they get medical attention quickly.

Heart Attacks

Background
A Heart Attack or Myocardial infarction (Mi) is a result of the blood supply to the heart being interrupted. The most common cause is a blood clot that causes the blood supply to the heart muscle to be blocked. If the heart stops beating it can cause irreparable damage or death and therefore it is vitally important that the person is taken to hospital as a matter of urgency.

Symptoms
The classical symptoms of a heart attack are a sudden persistent chest pain that is often described as a heavy crushing pressure. The pain often radiates to the jaw, neck and down one or both arms, but in particular down the left side of the body.

The person normally experiences anxiety, breathlessness, or may even vomit or complain of pain in the abdomen. Their pulse is weak but rapid and irregular. The skin often appears sweaty, ashen and has a blue tinge to their lip.  They may be gasping for air and eventually collapse. On average 75 % of heart attacks show one or more of the above symptoms, but on occasions a person may simply collapse with little indication of the problem.

Treatment – Immediately telephone for an Ambulance (as any delay may cause further damage to the heart or even death).
However, before the medical services arrive take the following action:
1.    Attempt to calm the person and make them as comfortable as possible. There are certain positions that allow the patient to rest minimising breathing difficulties. The most recommended position is a half-sitting with knees bent; this allows the individual to receive more oxygen which helps there breathing.

2.    If the person is fully conscious and there are no contraindications such as an allergic reaction, give them a 300mg aspirin tablet to chew on slowly. If they already have medication, help them to take it.

3.    Attempt to obtain basic information from the person as this can assist the medical services.  This is always useful as they may have lost consciousness or unable to communicate when the medics arrive.

4.    Continue to monitor and record vital signs, along with breathing and pulse rate. Should the person become unconscious you need to open the airway, check breathing and be prepared to resuscitate them.

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