Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Enema
Overview & Description
An enema is a way of cleaning out the large intestine, which is called the colon or bowel. Various solutions are inserted into the rectum to soften the stool. This causes the colon and rectum to stretch and expand and helps the bowel to empty.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
Enemas may be given:
Enemas used to be given to anyone having surgery and to women who were in labor. This is practice is no longer common.
How is the procedure performed?
The person will be asked to lie on his or her left side. The right leg should be bent up toward the chest. This position helps the enema solution flow easily into the colon. The solution most commonly used is a mixture of mild soap and warm water, and is known as a soapsuds enema. This solution is placed into a small plastic container with a flexible tube. Lubricating jelly is applied to the tip of the tube. The tube is then gently inserted into the rectum about 4 to 6 inches. Next, the solution is slowly released through the tube into the bowel.
A fleets enema is a small, prefilled enema with a prelubricated tip. An oil retention enema is useful for hard stool, because the stool absorbs the oil and is softened.