Champion Articles

Edema is a form of swelling caused by excess fluids trapped in the tissues of your body. It is most commonly found at the ankles, feet, legs, arms and hands. Edema can be a result of a temporary condition such as during pregnancy or after an injury. Edema can also result from heart, kidney or liver disease, or it can be a side effect of a medication. Edema can also be peripheral, which means it is found in the ankles, feet, legs, arms, and hands, or it can be central, which means it is found around internal organs such as the lungs. 1.  Identifying Peripheral Edema a.  Check for common symptoms.  Peripheral edema is characterized by puffiness of the ankles, feet, arms, and hands. The puffiness may cause your skin to appear stretched or shiny. If you press a finger into the swelling and the indentation (or pit) remains for a while, you may have pitting edema. Pitting edema often occurs after a long period of sitting. b.  Evaluate your risk factor...

Whether you're interested in becoming a proficient fighter or you just want to be able to defend yourself in a street fight, knowing how to take a punch is often the difference between winning and losing - or life and death. Read on to learn how to take a punch to the stomach or head without getting hurt. 1.  Getting in Position a.  Wear protective equipment if possible.  If you're boxing or participating in a similar sport, wear a helmet and mouth guard. Your head is one of your most vulnerable areas, so don't pass on safeguards. Even while wearing a helmet, you should still protect your face as described below. b.  Clench your fists.  Curl your fingertips right up against your palm and place your thumb against the outside of your knuckles. These techniques "buttress" your fist, creating a shape that's four times as stable as an open hand.  This stability will help you block blows, and land a punch yourself if necessary. c.  Raise ...