Wunderlich

Dating can be a fun and exciting way to make new friends and find that someone special. But at the same time it can be stressful, worrying and quite difficult!

All men and women share some basic concerns. The same dating worries plague disabled people too. But in addition there are some special concerns that revolve around disability itself.

A glance at the message board of any disabled dating site reveals the host of anxieties that cloud the horizon. Dating presents a real challenge for disabled people and queries range from handling the first date to fertility issues.

Some of the common concerns are -

Self consciousness - Feeling that everyone-is-looking-at-me is quite often a constant companion of disabled singles. However, for a relationship to work, both parties have to like the other for themselves. So, while the dating partner has to look beyond the disability, the disabled person too has to stop constantly trying to assess the others reactions!

Companionship - Most singles share this concern and for those living with a limiting disability, it is one of the primary reasons for entering into a dating relationship. Finding the right partner and coping with the future as a single are a constant worry. Hence combating feelings of loneliness and a need for companionship rank high on the list of concerns.

Attitudes towards the disabled - When dating able bodied persons, disabled people are concerned about how their disability will be received. Two people may have been connecting online for a while but when they decide to meet in person, both are worried about the disability angle. They are conscious that believing something in theory and being able to live out those beliefs in reality are different ball games altogether. And hence the fear of whether the impairment will prove repulsive and how it will affect the relationship surfaces. The dating site Lovebyrd advises -You are not defined by your disability, so do not let your disability represent you on your date.

Sustaining long term relationships - Many of those who are in dating relationships wonder whether they will be able to sustain them in the long run. For the disabled in particular, the worry is how their partner will cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with a disability.

Sexual desirability and performance - While dating, disabled people tend to be very conscious of how desirable they appear to their partner. Feelings of inadequacy and low self-image raise their ugly heads and if these thoughts are not combated successfully they can hamper the relationship and prevent both partners from having a good time. Sexual performance can be hampered by impairment and problems like impotency and loss of libido are very real. How this will impact the relationship depends on the strength of the bond formed earlier.

Fertility issues - Fertility problems and the possibility of not being able to have children are issues that many disabled people are challenged with. The dating relationship can be affected by this and the reaction of the partner becomes vital to the continuance of the alliance.

The only solution to this is an open discussion. Do not be afraid to voice your concerns only then will you know what the person at the other end feels. Be confident about yourself and it will all work out!

Disabled dating sites go a long way in helping people overcome their fears and venture into an exciting world - the dating scene welcomes one and all

Are you looking for one of the best disabled dating sites on the internet? If so, visit DisabledDatingClub.com now. We have a huge database of friendly people who want to meet you. Disabled dating and disabled personals dating have never been this easy! Disabled Dating Club not only has many members, but it also has many ways to meet them through chatrooms, instant messaging and of course email. Membership is free, so sign up right now.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn, also called acid indigestion and acid reflux, is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD. It occurs when the acids from absorbing foods back up into the lower throat region. The refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Although it can be a nuisance at any time of day, for most people it is worse after a meal at night.

Acid Reflux affects millions of people daily. Ten percent of the population suffers from it at least once a week, and twenty-five percent of pregnant women experience daily heartburn. Other causes of heartburn are lying down after a meal, bending over, and a persistent hiatal hernia.

Its symptoms

Symptoms of acid reflux may include persistent sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, heart-like chest pain and a feeling of a lump in the throat. It feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Heartburn pain can be mistaken for the pain associated with heart disease or a heart attack, but there are differences. Acid reflux disease can cause a number of symptoms in addition to heartburn, including: Regurgitation, a bitter or sour taste at the back of your throat, belching, bloating and early satiety (feeling full too soon).

The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last as long as 2 hours and is often worse after eating. Elevating the head of the bed on 6-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge reduces heartburn by allowing gravity to minimize reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

Foods That Trigger Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Find out what foods in your diet can aggravate heartburn and acid reflux. Certain foods and beverages to avoid are chocolate, fried or fatty foods, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and acidic foods.

Common foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include citrus fruits, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza.

Remedies

Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Riopan, are usually the first drugs recommended for quick relief of heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms. Antacids taken regularly can neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach and stop heartburn. However, because antacids are short acting and do not prevent heartburn, they are less useful for frequent or severe heartburn.

Herbal remedies can include ginger, and even chamomile, but a natural cure for heartburn could be as simple as opening your food cupboard as many healthy foods are well known for their beneficial effects on our internal system.

Decreasing the size of portions at mealtime may also help control symptoms. Smoking is also a contributor of GERD symptoms and should be eliminated if symptoms persist. Testing your pH regularly is helpful in monitoring the acidity level of the esophagus.

Over time, patterns can be established and many people report elimination or reduction of acid reflux symptoms after changing their diet accordingly to eliminate problematic food or drink.

Medical Treatment

See your health care provider if you have had symptoms of GERD and have been using antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications for more than 2 weeks.

Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers can relieve symptoms and heal the esophageal lining in almost everyone who has GERD. Because drugs work in different ways, combinations of medications may help control symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes or medications, you may need additional tests. Endoscopic techniques used to treat chronic heartburn include the Bard Endo Cinch system, NDO Plicator, and the Stretta system.

Surgery is an option when medicine and lifestyle changes do not help to manage GERD symptoms.

Ann Stewart is author of inspirational book and articles. Her latest newsletter, Youth Makeover, provides weekly Health Tips.
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