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Depression is a common problem that strikes many people throughout the world. If fact, about 7 to 18 percent of the population will be clinically diagnosed with depression before they reach 40. Some countries seem to have more people affected by depression sixth as Australia, where one out of every four women and one out of every six men will be diagnosed with depression at least once in their lives. Another surprising statistic is that clinical depression is the leading cause of disability within North America. So what is depression? Depression is a mental disorder that causes people to feel sad, feel worthless, have a lake of interest in activities that they used to e interested in, and have an inability to feel “normal” and happy, even when they try.

While feeling sad is a normal emotion of many people, depression is an entirely different level of these feelings. Some symptoms of depression include a change is sleeping patterns, change in eating patterns, fatigue and loose of energy, feelings of helplessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Many people also wonder what may cause depression. While there is no clear cut description of the causes of depression, there are several factors that people have noticed to contribute to depression. Environmental conditions that contribute to depression include lack of sun or nice weather, cramped living conditions, or money problems. Physical conditions that can lead to depression include genetics, food allergies, and unhealthy diets, sever illnesses and sleep deprivation. There are also interpersonal problems that may lead to depression such as bad break ups, problems with family, and fights with close friends.

While depression is a serious problem, there are many ways that people can get over their depression and be cured by the disease. With proper therapy and sometimes medication, most norms of depression can be cured.

Have you not heard of cystic fibrosis before? It is a hereditary disease (affecting the entire body) that goes on to cause early death and/or progressive disability.

Symptoms

Insufficient enzyme production in the pancreas and difficulty in breathing are the commonest of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Other symptoms of the disease include poor growth, sinus infections, potential infertility (prevalent among males) and diarrhea. In short, cystic fibrosis can cause great damage to you.

Symptoms differ from person to person and include no bowel movements in the initial 24 or 48 hours, salty skin in infants and clay or pale colored foul smelling or floating stools. The patient also experiences wheezing or coughing, fatigue and respiratory infections.

Remember, low immune system and thick mucous production causes frequent lung infections, which may be treated but not cured always.

Causes

Cystic fibrosis is caused when the protein responsible for the normal movement of salt in and out of the cells is altered by a defective gene. The instant outcome is the sticky secretions in the digestive and respiratory tracts. The skin too becomes salty.

If two people carry the defective gene and go on to conceive a baby. The baby has 25% chances of having cystic fibrosis, 25% chances of not having the disease and neither being a carrier of the disease and 50% chances of carrying the cystic fibrosis gene.

Cystic fibrosis can also be caused due to the imbalance of the essential fatty acids. The patients usually have high levels of the arachidonic acid and deficiency of the docosahehexaenoic acid.

How Widespread Is The Disease?

Out of 2500 children, every 1 child suffers from cystic fibrosis. The disease is quite common among the Ashkenazi Jews and the Europeans. Among 22 people of the European descent (more so of Northern European ancestry), at least 1 carries one gene for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) making it a common genetic disease. The Asian Americans and the blacks in the United States also have fairly good chances of getting the disease.

The Cure

The ones suffering from the disease are very unfortunate, as there is no cure for cystic fibrosis. It is sad that a youngster suffering from the disease is sure to die young from lung failure. There is hardly any hope.

Nevertheless, with the introduction of the new treatments, the life expectancy is definitely increasing. When a patient’s condition seriously deteriorates, lung transplantation becomes necessary.

Therefore, one must not delay and go to the doctor immediately for treatment, if lung or digestive disorders are noticed.

Precautions For Protecting A Child From The Disease

The immunizations of the child should be up-to-date.
Regular exercising should be encouraged.
Washing hands before eating is important and should be always maintained. One should make it a habit to have clean hands.
The child should be given a healthy diet.
The child should drink enough liquids to loosen the mucus.
One should keep the child away from smoke.
The child also needs nutritional supplements.

Cystic fibrosis is a fatal disease but one can do his/her own bit to keep it at bay.

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages, usually associated with watery nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes. This condition affects about 20 percent of the American population and is also ranked as one of the most common illnesses in the US. Symptoms typically occur as a result of exposure to dust, dander or certain seasonal pollen. When caused by pollen, the allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever. There is no specific age when the onset of the symptoms could occur; however, a large majority of the patients display symptoms of allergic rhinitis before the age of 30.

Studies have also indicated that boys up to the age of 10 are twice as likely to have symptoms as girls. This is also a condition which can be passed on from parents to children. If one of the parents has the disorder then there is a 30 percent chance of producing offspring with allergic rhinitis. This chance goes up to 50 percent if both of the parents have a history of allergies. Someone suffering from allergic rhinitis can be severely restricted in their daily activities preventing them from going to work or attending school quite often.

The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is made after analyzing the quality of the nasal mucosa. Nasal polyps may also be present. Additional skin testing can confirm the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The first step in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is the reduction of the allergy symptoms and this can be done through antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and allergy shots. Avoiding all the things that trigger your allergic rhinitis is the best way to keep the condition at bay. Staying away from activities that put you in direct contact with these things and installing air purifiers and dust filters is a good method of keeping allergens out.

Acne has been plaguing people, especially teenagers, for a very long time. Hieroglyphics tell us that several pharaohs suffered from this malady and the word “acne” itself comes from an ancient Greek word that means “point” or “peak.”

Fortunately for today’s acne sufferer, the acne skin care treatment options seem a little more civilized than some of those used on pimples of old.

There are several forms of acne and each form will respond to a specific treatment more readily than the others.

Before deciding which acne skin care regimen is best, it helps to know that acne isn’t caused by dirt, lack of cleanliness, or poor hygienic habits at all. Genetics play an important role in who does or does not develop acne. A family history of the condition indicates a strong likelihood of developing it.

Hormonal activity, including the onset of menses and puberty, may trigger an outbreak, as will stress, scratching, certain medications and steroid use, dry skin, and bacteria. Diet may play a role in the severity of acne and dietary changes have been known to clear up a case of acne.

If dead skin cells accumulate without being sloughed away naturally, an effective acne skin care might include chemical exfoliating agents that will have a peeling effect on the top layer of the skin. This peeling isn’t visible or unsightly since it takes place on a microscopic level. Mechanical exfoliating agents should be avoided as they can aggravate any skin irritations already present.

Benzoyl peroxide is an effective part of acne skin care on two levels. It unplugs the pores, which can then release the trapped sebum inside, and it kills the acne-causing bacteria that may be present in these blocked pores.

Antibiotics, used orally or topically, will also work to eliminate the bacteria causing the acne but they are not intended for long-term use. Often the acne will return once the antibiotic treatment is stopped.

Hormone supplements can clear up blemishes. Women can take low-dose oral contraceptives and either gender can usually get relief from cortisone injected directly into a particular spot.

Other treatment options include retinoids, light therapy, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, heat, and even laser treatments.

With any acne skin care regimen, patience is a virtue. Long-term treatment and lifestyle changes are required as it will most likely take several weeks to see the first signs of improvement of the condition and the best, most lasting, results may take several months of regular treatment.

Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

If you have acne prone skin, you need to take proper care of your skin. Following a regular skin care regimen is definitely going to help you avoid acne-attacks.

The Appropriate Skin Care Program

Cleanse the skin: You must get into the habit of cleaning your skin gently, if you have acne prone skin. Clean the face right after perspiring and limit washing the face to twice a day. A non-abrasive, gentle cleanser that does not contain alcohol must be used on the face. Make use of your fingertips for cleansing and washing the face, as this should reduce the irritation of your skin. The use of the mesh sponge or washcloth might aggravate your problem leading to breakouts.

If you have acne prone skin, do not scrub your face, as it may result in further irritation, worsening the acne condition. Lastly, rinse your face with lukewarm water for removing the cleanser thoroughly.

Acne skin care taboos should be an absolute ‘no-no’: Rubbing alcohol, using astringents or getting a good tan is not going to help get rid of acne. All the people with acne prone skin must take care to avoid products like exfoliators, astringents, toners and masks. In fact, these products can make your acne-problem more acute.

Try avoiding greasy hair-care products that can drip into the skin and clog the pores, adding to the woes of your acne prone skin. In case you have oily hair, you will need shampooing regularly.

Use noncomedogenic cosmetics: If you have acne prone skin and/or are suffering from acne, you can still use makeup, cosmetics, sunscreen as well as moisturizers. Just take care to choose products that are labeled comedogenic, as these will not clog your pores. Always use the non-comedogenic products that suit you.

People with acne prone skin should try their best to avoid facing the glare of the sun. Use sunglasses, sunshades and clothes that protect your body from the harmful rays of the sun.

Other Tips

If you get acne in spite of taking all the above precautions, make sure that you get into the habit of using clean towels. Try and keep your hair off your face by neatly tying it up. Having a skin type prone to acne makes you more sensitive to cosmetics; therefore, you should always apply a cosmetic behind your ear and check if it is safe to use on the face.

For God’s sake, never squeeze or pick at your pimples, as this will aggravate your skin problem. Take care to keep your skin clean, but refrain from washing the face too often as this will make your face dry.

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

Most strains of the Staphylococcus bacterium are harmless, some even beneficial, but when a colony reaches the point of making us sick, we get a staph infection.  Most staph infections can be cured with antibiotics but one very disturbing strain, the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) type, can become deadly in a very short period of time.

This form of staph, as its name implies, is unaffected by common antibiotics and other treatment options aren’t always effective either.  This strain is thought to be a mutation of a more common staph strain that emerged around 1985 and was most likely to be found in hospitals and nursing homes.  Its resistance to treatment has earned it the nickname, SuperBug.

No longer confined to institutional settings, MRSA is reaching epidemic proportions in some areas and schools are a common site for infection these days.  Some recent MRSA-related findings include:

• In 1999, 127,000 hospitalized Americans developed MRSA infections.
• By 2005, that count had more than doubled, to 280,000 infections.
• The number of Americans being hospitalized with MRSA infections rose by 62% between 1999 and 2005.
• Wounds and openings in the skin, such as surgical incisions and where IV needles are attached, are the point of entry for the MRSA bacteria.
• Many deaths from MRSA infection are caused by blood poisoning and pneumonia.
• Approximately 90,000 Americans each year die from MRSA infections contracted during hospital confinement.
• MRSA infection is the #6 leading cause of death in the US.
• When hospitalized for another reason, a MRSA infection can add as much as $35,000 to a patient’s medical bill.
• A MRSA infection often doubles the cost of confinement for other reasons.
• MRSA is sometimes controlled by the very powerful antibiotic, vancomycin, but the bacterium is becoming resistant to it, too.

Some states have passed recent bills that make it mandatory to report MRSA infections to public health authorities and a growing number of health experts say MRSA research and education programs should become public health priorities.

Neuroblastoma

One of the most common forms of cancer affecting children, neuroblastoma is a tumor-causing solid cancer, as opposed to those affecting the blood or lymphatic system.  Although only about 650 new cases are reported in the United States each year, about 50% of them are in children younger than two.

Neuroblastoma affects the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the production of adrenaline (epinephrine) and the stress-related flight-or-fight response.  Once it’s spread (metastasized), the adrenal glands, which produce adrenaline, are most often affected.

If not discovered in time, neuroblastoma can spread throughout the body, where solid tumors (lumps or masses) develop in the face and head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvic areas.

The specific cause of neuroblastoma is unknown but the generally accepted explanation is that cellular mutations in normally developing adrenal glands trigger the cancer.

The first symptoms of neuroblastoma – fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite – are so vague and common that it often goes undetected until it’s spread to other body parts.  Symptoms associated with metastasis depend upon the organ(s) affected.

If diagnosed while still localized (before spreading), neuroblastoma is thought to be generally curable.  A test for urine catecholamine level can detect the disease before clinical symptoms appear and some countries routinely test children for it at various stages of infancy, depending on the individual country’s medical policy.

Osteoarthritis

The wasting away of a joint’s bone and cartilage leads to a very painful and debilitating disease known as osteoarthritis, which affects more than 21 million Americans.  As more bone and cartilage tissue wears away, the disease progresses.

Many people turn to nutritional supplements, especially those containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, to slow the progression of disease or to minimize the pain but a recent study, the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), failed to find any evidence that these supplements slow the loss of tissue.

The GAIT study involved 357 patients with 581 arthritic knees.  Divided into five groups, one group took daily doses of glucosamine; one took chondroitin; a third got a combination of the two; the fourth got Celebrex, a popular drug often prescribed for osteoporosis; and a the fifth group took placebo, or dummy, pills.

After 18 months of assigned treatment, there was no significant change noted in any study group.  Using x-ray technology to measure cartilage loss, the level of osteoarthritis in the study participants’ knee joints had not subsided to any notable degree.

Prostate Cancer

Many men think of prostate issues as an undesirable but natural part of the aging process, even when problems with the prostate lead to cancer.  A new study, conducted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, suggests the possibility of an early screening test that reveals which men are more at risk of developing prostate cancer than others.

Older men are routinely screened for PSA levels in their bloodstreams but PSA tests are rarely given to men younger than 50 who show no signs of prostate impairment.  The Sloan-Kettering study followed hundreds of younger men who had been PSA tested between 1974 and 1986 to see if anyone developed prostate cancer in the following years.  After an average of 17 years, the men with the top 20% highest PSA readings had developed prostate cancer and 65% of them were caught at stages early enough for effective treatment.

Knowing one’s risk of prostate cancer might lead to lifestyle changes – diet, exercise, minimal alcohol consumption, and others – that could prevent cancer development or delay its onset.  In 2006, 27,000 American men died from prostate cancer.  No final statistics are yet available but, for 2008, an estimated 230,000 new prostate cancer diagnoses are expected.

Moles, Warts & Skin Tags Removal

Skin Cancer: The most common of these cancers include; malignant melanoma,
basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Malignant melanoma: A cancer that arises from melanocytes ( the cell which
produces the melanin – synthesizing ). More common between the ages of 45 and
55.
There is 3 type of melanoma: 1.) superficial spreading melanoma, 2.) nodular
malignant melanoma, and 3.) lentigo malignant melanoma.

Melanoma spreads through the lymphatic and vascular systems and metastasizes to
the regional lymph nodes, skin, liver, lungs, and the CNS ( central nervous system ).
Superficial lesions are usually curable, while deeper lesions tend to metastasize
(transfer of disease from one organ or part of the body to another). Prognosis varies
with tumor thickness. Prognosis is better for a tumor on an extremity (which is
drained by one lymphatic network) than for one on the neck, head, or trunk ( drained
by several networks)

The cause of malignant melanoma is unknown. Risk factors include, a family history
of melanoma, excessive sunlight exposure, skin type ( more common with those who
have blond or red hair, fair skin, and blue eyes), and history of severe sunburns.
Pregnancy may increase risk and exacerbate tumor growth.

Symptoms:

Suspect melanoma when any skin lesion or nevus ( a circumscribed stable
malformation of the skin and occasionally of the oral mucosa) is enlarge, if it changes
color, becomes inflamed and or if it is sore, itches, ulcerates, bleeds, change texture, or
shows signs of surrounding pigment regression.

* Superficial Spreading melanoma: Most common type.
Characteristics; red, white, and blue color over a brown or black background
Irregular, notched margins
Irregular surface
Small, elevated tumor nodules that may ulcerate and bleed.
May have a horizontal growth pattern.

* Nodular malignant melanoma: It usually metastasizes early. Usually grows
vertically and invades the dermis. May be grayish, resembling a blackberry.
Occasionally, it may match the skin color. It may have pigment flecks around the
base, which may be inflamed.

* Lentigo malignant melanoma: Rare type. Usually develops over many years
from a lentigo maligna on an exposed skin surface. The lesion usually looks like a
large ( 2.5 to 6.4 cm ), flat freckle. Color range from, white, slate, tan, brown, and
black. It may have scattered black nodules on the surface and may become
ulcerated.

Diagnostic test: May include: physical examination, skin biopsy, lab studies, CT scan,
X-ray

Treatment:

Wide surgical resection is imperative for malignant melanoma. The extent of resection
depends on the size and location of the primary lesion.

Surgery may also include regional lymphadenectomy.

Chemotherapy with DTIC and cisplatin, and biotherapy with interferons or interleukin
-2 to eliminate or reduce the number of tumor cells, for deep primary lesions.

Radiation therapy is usually reserved for metastatic disease. Prognosis depends on
tumor thickness.

* Call your doctor if you suspect any of the above symptoms promptly.

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Basal cell carcinoma: This is a slow growing destructive skin tumor. The exact
cause is unknown, but precipitating factors include prolonged sun exposure, arsenic
ingestion, radiation exposure, burns, and very rare,- vaccinations. It is more common
with those with blond, fair skinned, white males. There is three types of basal cell
carcinoma, 1.) noduloulcerative, 2.) superficial, and 3.) sclerosing basal cell
epitheliomas.

Symptoms:

* Noduloulcerative basal cell epitheliomas – occur most often on the face, particularly
on the forehead, eyelid margins, and nasolabial folds.
Early stage – lesions are usually small, smooth, pinkish translucent papules with
telangiectatic (a vascular lesion formed by dilation of a group of small blood vessels)
vessels on the surface and occasional pigmentation.
Late stage – lesions are enlarged, with depressed centers, firm and elevated borders.
They eventually become ulcerated becoming locally invasive. Ulcerated tumors rarely
metastasize. These occur if late stage lesions are not treated. If left untreated, they
can spread to vital areas and become infected, and invade bone, or cause massive
hemorrhage if they invade large blood vessels.

* Superficial basal cell epitheliomas – occur most often on the chest and back and
appear as oval or irregularly shaped, light pigmented plaques with sharply defined,
slightly elevated thread – like borders. They may be scaly with small atrophic areas in
the center that resemble psoriasis or eczema. Such lesions are usually chronic and
noninvasive.

* Sclerosing basal cell epitheliomas – occur on the head and neck. they appear as
waxy, sclerotic, yellow to white plaques without distinct borders and often resemble
small patches of scleroderma.

Diagnostic test: physical examination, biopsy and family history.

Treatment:

Treatment varies depending on size, location and depth of the lesion.
Treatment may include curettage and electrodesiccation for small lesion.
Chemotherapy with topical 5 – fluorouracil
Surgical excision, irradiation, or Moh’s microsurgery

* Regular follow up with your doctor is important

Call your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms.

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Squamous cell carcinoma: The skin cancer is an invasive tumor with metastatic
potential. It may be caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays, X – ray therapy,
chronic skin irritation and inflammation, ingestion of herbicides containing arsenic, and
exposure to local carcinogens such as tar, and oil. Risk factors include being white
male, and over age 60. Those who work outdoors and are expose to the sun, those
who have a pre malignant lesion. Squamous cell carcinoma commonly develops on
sun damaged areas of the skin.

Symptoms:

A nodule growing on a firm indurated base, there may be some ulceration at the lesion
site ( if carcinoma develops in normal skin )
A pre malignant, preexisting lesion may be inflamed and indurated. Metastasis to
regional lymph nodes may cause pain, malaise, fatigue, weakness, and anorexia

Diagnostic test – Excisional biopsy of the lesion confirms the diagnosis

Treatment:

Depending on the lesion, treatment may consist of wide surgical excision or
electrodesiccation and curettage.
Radiation therapy ( usually used for older or debilitated patients)
Moh’s surgery also may be indicated.

* Regular follow up with your doctor is important

Call your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms.

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CancerTreatments:

Cancer treatments seek to destroy malignant cells while sparing normal ones, to
reduce pain, and to induce cure or remission. A single primary treatment or a
combination of treatments may be used. These treatments can provide local and
systemic therapy and offer doctors the advantage of attacking cancer cells with
several mechanisms. They include:

* Chemotherapy – which interrupts malignant cells life cycles, inhibiting or destroying
their ability to divide

* Radiation – which also inhibits cell division by impairing DNA synthesis and causing
cell membrane lysis. Radiation can be used as a primary treatment or as an adjunctive
procedure intended to kill cancer cells that may have survived other treatments.

* Biotherapy ( immunotherapy ), which employs biological response modifiers that
act on malignant cells by inhibiting division and by enhancing the body’s immune
responses to such cells.

* Bone marrow transplantation, which is used to replace or replenish the bone
marrow of patients with leukemia or multiple myeloma

* Surgery, which removes tumors or reduces their size. Surgery enables other
treatments because there are fewer malignant cells to combat.

* Several new cancer treatments are emerging. surgical treatments using lasers and
intraoperative radiation can effectively remove tumors or reduce their size at the time
of initial surgery and staging. Hyperthermia – the use of heat to destroy cancer cells is
being investigated as a single modality and in combination with radiation and
chemotherapy.

We’ve compromised a decent sized list of medical resources to help you find anything you could not find here. Most of these sites are from well-known organizations or government agencies, so you know you can trust the information provided. However, it is still always wise to consult an actual physician or medical professional before taking the advice provided within.

Lasik eye surgery is a form of refractive laser eye surgery, which is performed under the supervision of an experienced ophthalmologist. Such a surgery is done for the proper rectification of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. In recent times, most people prefer going for a Lasik eye surgery rather then opting for Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, PRK because the former is a comparatively less complicated procedure and an absolute painless eye cure operation. Some even choose to go for Lasik surgery in place of corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The popularity of Lasik surgery is increasing day by day and now it is much in demand. In this kind of operation, the ophthalmologist neatly cuts a tiny flap in the cornea by using a kind of knife called microkeratome and then makes use of an excimer laser to restructure the inner part of the cornea. An excimer laser is a sort of ultraviolet chemical laser that can exercise a remarkable focus and it is capable of a highly delicate control.

The Lasik Eye operation procedure

Before the Lasik operation takes place, the doctor closely examines the patient. At the time of examination, several pictures of the cornea are taken from every angle to have a better understanding of what corrections to make for a better vision. However, matters like the over all health condition of the patient and existing ailment of the eye should also be considered before deciding for a Lasik eye surgery.

The post operative care of Lasik Surgery

After the operation is over, the patient is allowed to go home and within a short span of time the person can get back to his usual activities. In most cases, the patient gets back normal vision a few days after the surgery. This eye surgery in case of some patients comes with fewer side effects like night blindness and extreme sensitivity to light. Often carelessness causes infection too; thus, you have to stay careful during the operation and in the post-operation period.

A person having eye problems goes through an eye surgery in order to avoid a complete dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Researches are still going on to discover more innovative methods of performing Lasik eye surgery.

You have to be very careful while choosing a capable Lasik surgeon. A Lasik eye surgery does not take more than ten minutes and after the operation is over, the patient’s vision becomes very clear. In fact, a Lasik eye surgery gives your eye a new clarity of vision, a new lease of life to see the world.

MD Health Network is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Browse By Letter: Q R S T

Q Fever

Q fever is said to be the most infectious disease in the world since a single organism can lead to illness whereas other bacterial infections don’t cause illness until colonization has reached illness-inducing proportions. The bacterium that causes it, Coxiella burnetii, is found everywhere on earth except New Zealand.

Called Q (for query) at a time before its source had been isolated, the bacterium is rather uncommon but it affects humans as well as animals and is more likely to be found in livestock and other domesticated animals, including dogs and cats. Infection occurs when contaminated particles are inhaled or from direct contact with the wool, meat, milk, and other body fluids of infected animals.

People, usually men, who work with these animals are at highest risk of infection but ticks can transport the bacterium, too. Spreading infection from one human to another is so rare it’s almost nonexistent.

Illness usually begins two weeks after exposure, with an abrupt onset of flu-like symptoms that include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, coughing and chest pains, and gastrointestinal distress. The disease usually lasts one to two weeks.

Complications of Q fever include pneumonia and hepatitis, both of which can be life threatening if not properly treated. When chronic, Q fever can cause endocarditis, or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. When untreated, the endocarditis is usually fatal but adequate treatment reduces the mortality rate to just 10%.

In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed to successfully treat Q fever and people who’ve never experienced a bout of Q fever can usually be vaccinated effectively with just a single injection.

Renal Disease

Many diseases affect our kidneys directly while others weaken the kidneys as a side effect of the main disease. Medications, alcohol, and other ingested toxins jeopardize kidney health, too, but a new study suggests getting a good night’s sleep is highly beneficial in fending off renal disease and keeping kidneys functioning at optimum capacity.

The University of Toronto study was conducted on hamsters but researchers suggest the kidney-damaging effects may carry through to humans, too. The hamsters were not allowed to sleep in the dark and they slept in erratic cycles. After a rather short period of this simulated sleep deprivation, the hamsters developed dangerously enlarged hearts and scarring of the kidneys enough to threaten healthy function.

People working night shifts or erratic schedules, such as truck drivers, airline flight crews, and emergency medical personnel are at particularly high risk for the neuropsychological risks associated with sleep deprivation but should also consider cellular damage that might be occurring. The body requires sleep to repair, restore, and replace tissue on the cellular level. When adequate sleep is regularly missed, this renewal process is thwarted.

For the best safeguard against renal disease, a regular sleep-wake cycle is vital. When sleep occurs during hours of darkness, the body’s circadian rhythms work best.

Shingles

Most people who had chickenpox as a child hardly remember being sick. Unfortunately, a bout of shingles later in life is a painful reminder of that usually mild childhood illness.

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, causes very painful blisters that develop in band-like patterns in clusters on just one side of the body. The pain, which can become severe and debilitating, can last as long as several years.

The varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes both chickenpox and shingles. Once exposed to the virus, it can remain dormant for decades but it often becomes reactivated as we age. After age 50, the likelihood of a shingles outbreak increases and becomes more likely each year after that.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued some interesting facts about shingles:

• More than 95% of the American population has been exposed to VZV.
• That means more than 95% of the population is at risk for developing shingles.
• Shingles affects half the population age 85 and older.
• One-third of all Americans will develop a shingles outbreak at some point during their lives.
• The risk of serious complications as a result of shingles increases after age 60.
• When antiviral treatments are begun in the first 72 hours of an outbreak, symptoms, including pain, are usually minimized and length of the outbreak is shortened.

A recently approved shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is recommended for everyone age 60 and older, whether or not a person has already experienced a bout with shingles. One side effect of the vaccine, however, is that a shingles outbreak might occur shortly after vaccination.

Tuberculosis

The debilitating and highly contagious respiratory disease, tuberculosis, was thought to be on the verge of eradication in some parts of the world but a 2008 report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) says it’s more common that one might think. In addition, the bacterium responsible for the disease is mutating in a way that makes it increasingly more resistant to the drugs commonly used to treat the disease.

According to WHO, “about one in twenty cases of tuberculosis in the world is resistant to the first line of drugs” used to treat the disease. Recent outbreaks in Azerbaijan and China have been of the drug-resistant strain.

One possible cause of these tuberculosis outbreaks is that these countries have not invested in the equipment, laboratories, and staff needed to detect disease at the earliest possible opportunity and curb the spread of infection. In other instances, the necessary drugs are unavailable to treat patients when they develop the disease. It’s these places where the drug-resistant strain is most likely to emerge.