Author: admin

  • Health News

    Sometimes it can be confusing reading all the updates in health news. One year eating eggs wasn’t good for you and then the next it is recommended to include eggs in your diet as a good source of protein. What can you do to stay on top of all these changing health news stories? Two of the most important things to look at is the source of the health news (is it reputable and well-known) and the second is the date – do you have the most recent information?

    The reason health news is constantly changing is that there are a multitude of studies that are conducted at any one time. The purpose of these studies could be different (trying to prove different hypotheses) and the process they use to achieve the results will most likely be different too. One way to ensure the information is the best and the advice should be followed from health news is to consult with a doctor. Before you make a drastic change in your diet because of something you read, get your doctor’s thoughts on it. Not only will this ensure the information you received is accurate but your doctor will also be able to tell you if it is the right thing for you as an individual.

    Health news is also full of warnings of different risk factors that can cause various diseases such as cancer. There are common sense ones – quitting smoking reduces the chances of getting lung cancer but there are also ones that bear double-checking with a health professional. If the link seems questionable to you, find a secondary (and trusted) source to collaborate the information you read in the health news. The same advice holds true for new treatments, don’t start a treatment program until you have the go ahead from your family doctor.

  • E-H

    Browse By Letter: E F G H

    Eating Disorders

    Eating disorders are ravaging the health of Americans of all ages.  The evidence is usually visually obvious, especially around the waistline, but less obvious consequences of unhealthy eating behaviors are common, too.  And sometimes an eating disorder is a symptom of other medical conditions.

    For example, adolescent girls with attention-deficit, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are 10 times more prone to eating disorders than ADHD boys of the same age.  ADHD is characterized by behavioral problems that lead to poor relationships with family and friends.  These issues of behavior are often associated with low self-esteem and extreme feelings of self-consciousness.

    This lack of personal confidence, especially at adolescence, triggers eating disorders that include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.  Girls with these eating disorders are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders, too, especially when ADHD compounds the diagnosis.

    Fibromyalgia

    Approximately one of every 50 Americans suffers from fibromyalgia but it’s one of the most baffling medical conditions known.  The musculoskeletal disorder causes excruciating, debilitating pain but leaves no organic evidence of its presence, a situation that gives it its nickname – the invisible syndrome.

    Fibromyalgia feels like intense arthritis pain in the joints but doesn’t produce inflammation like arthritis does.  Some doctors think it’s a physical manifestation of depression but antidepressants don’t ease the pain.  It’s usually misdiagnosed for many years and over- or under-treated along the way.

    The disorder, affecting mostly women, is so maddening that one out of 20 fibromyalgia patients admit to wanting, from time to time, to kill their doctor because nothing’s working to ease the pain.  A recent report in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, however, suggests hope is on the way.

    Researchers using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), discovered an abnormality in cerebral blood flow at the part of the brain associated with pain.  In a study of 30 women, only the 20 with fibromyalgia showed evidence of hypoperfusion (decreased cerebral blood flow).

    This finding is the first-ever physical evidence of this disease that causes such devastating pain.  With an organic clue to work from, there is hope effective therapies can be developed.

    Glaucoma

    Glaucoma is a visual disorder caused by increased pressure inside the eye.  When the pressure becomes extreme, visual impairments, including blindness, result.  In fact, glaucoma is the #1 leading cause of blindness throughout the world, affecting mostly the elderly.

    Pressure can be relieved by medications but sometimes surgery is required to drain the over-pressurized fluid inside the eyeball.  There’s even a ‘smart’ contact lens in the development stage that might make glaucoma treatment much less troublesome some day.

    At the University of California-Davis, biomedical engineers have developed a material, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which can be shaped and worn like any other contact lens.  What makes this lens different is that it’s fitted with precise patterns of powdered silver, an antimicrobial agent that will act as a sensor to detect intraocular pressure.

    The PDMS lens will be able to detect when and how much medication is needed to maintain optimum eye pressure and dispense glaucoma-fighting medications as needed.  It’ll also relay pressure readings and other statistics needed to further the study of the disease.

    Heart Attack

    If you don’t like daylight savings time, it may be more than a case of simple grouchiness.  It may be a matter of survival.

    Swedish doctors recently reported they’d studied the number of heart attacks occurring on Mondays in the fall, before and after daylight savings time ended, and on Mondays in the spring, when the time change begins.  It seems the time changes affect our hearts as well as our schedules.

    In the springtime, when daylight savings time begins, the number of heart attacks spike rather dramatically, by 6% to 10%, on the first Monday after the change, compared to other Mondays in the spring.  In the fall, the opposite is true.  With the extra hour of sleep in the fall, the number of heart attacks the following Monday drop at about the same rate they rise in the spring.

    This spike, up or down, in heart attacks immediately after these time changes even lingers a few days.  The same fluctuation in the number of Monday heart attacks happens on the Tuesdays and Wednesdays following the time changes, too.

  • First Aid And Emergency Care

    Poisons

    ACETONE: found in some nail polish and paint removers. Small doses (such as the amount in the bottles sold for removing nail polish) are not likely to be dangerous.

    Antidotes: Induce vomiting. Give one to two tea- spoons of bicarbonate of soda in water. Follow with coffee or tea.

    ACIDS: often give off fumes and are highly corrosive to tissues.

    Antidotes: Avoid vomiting. Give large amounts of milk, or repeated tablespoon doses of milk of magnesia. Or give bicarbonate of soda or other household remedies for heartburn and hyperacidity.

    ALKALIES: lye (used in many products for stopped-up drains), strong ammonia water, quick lime.

    Antidotes: Avoid vomiting. Give large amounts of ciuus fruit juices, or vinegar diluted with water, or large amounts of milk.

    ARSENIC: found in various ant, mouse and rat poisons, also in plant sprays. Produces burning stomach pain, thirst, constriction in throat.

    Antidotes: Induce vomiting. Give large amounts of milk, milk of magnesia, egg whites, or universal antidote.

    ASPIRIN: a common ingredient in many household headache and pain remedies. Poisoning produces sleepiness, flushing, ringing in the ears, gastric irritation.

    Antidotes: Induce vomiting. Give soda bicarbonate (baking Soda) in water, one or two teaspoons.

    BARBITURATES: include various kinds of sleeping pills and sedatives.

    Antidotes: Unless victim is comatose, induce vomiting. Follow by large amounts of strong coffee. If victim is comatose, proceed with artificial respiration.

    BELLADONNA: or one of its active ingredients, atropine, found in many medications used for spastic conditions of the intestinal tract. Overdosage produces dilated pupils, dryness, excitement, collapse.

    Antidotes: Induce vomiting. Give strong tea or universal antidote. Repeat induction of vomiting. Combat shock; have victim lie down. Give artificial respiration if necessary.

    BICHLORIDE OF MERCURY: often called corrosive sublimate, and frequently used as a germ-killer. Produces burning pain in mouth, stomach, and throat; also nausea and vomiting.

    Antidotes: Give large amounts of milk, or the whites of several eggs. Induce vomiting. Repeat procedure.

    CARBOLIC ACID (creosote): produces corrosive changes in lips and mouth, with burning in mouth and stomach. Weakness and collapse may follow.

    Antidotes: Do not induce vomiting. Give large amounts of olive or cottonseed oil, or several egg-whites. Follow with Epsom salts in water (one ounce to pint of water.

    CHLORINE: the active agent in various bleaches.

    Antidotes: Give an emetic. Induce vomiting. Follow with dilute ammonia, one teaspoon in water.

    CLEANING FLUIDS: include benzine, kerosene, gasoline, carbon teuachloride.

    Antidotes: Do not induce vomiting (except when poison is specifically carbon tetrad~loride). Give strong coffee or tea. Artificial respiration may be necessary. Occasionally, poisoning may result from inhalation of fumes. Remove victim to fresh air and give coffee.

    CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING: motor exhaust fumes. Produces headache, loss of muscular power, reddish lips & Death.

    Antidotes: Remove victim to fresh air, Give O2

    COPPER SULFATE @lue vitriol, Bordeaux mixture)
    : produces burning pain in mouth, throat and stomach; also irritative symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; also collapse and shock.

    Antidotes: Give whites of eggs, large amounts of milk. Induce vomiting. Repeat procedure. Artificial respiration may be necessary

    DIGITALIS: a widely used heart medication often prescribed in derivatives such as digoxin, digitoxin, gitaligen, having similar propertes. Produces weakness, headache, slow pulse, collapse and delirium.

    Antidotes: If no more than one half hour or so has passed since taking, induce vomiting. If longer, do not induce vomiting. Give strong tea repeatedly. Have victim lie down.

    FLUORIDES: the active ingredient of many ant and mouse poisons.

    Antidotes: Induce vomiting. Give large amounts of milk, or calcium tablets.

    IODINE: produces stomach and throat pains.

    Antidotes: Give any starchy substance such as cornstarch, flour or bread. Then in- duce vomiting.

    LEAD: found in some paints, white and red lead. Produces pain in throat and stomach, vomiting, convulsions, collapse. (More chronic forms of poisoning produce headache, high blood pressure.)

    Antidotes: Induce vomiting for acute poisoning. Give large amounts of milk or Epsom salts. Induce vomiting again.

    OIL OF WINTERGREEN: chemically related to aspirin, producing similar symptoms.

    Antidotes: Give one or two teaspoons of baking soda in water. Induce vomiting. Re- peat the baking soda and leave it to be absorbed.

    PHOSPHORUS: found in roach and rodent poisons. It often has a disagreeable garlicky odor.

    Antidotes: Do not induce vomiting. Give half a glass of hydrogen peroxide.

    STRYCHNINE: found in rodent poisons.

    Antidotes: Induce vomiting. Give strong tea and the universal antidote.

    TURPENTINE: produces burning pain, excitement, weakness, nausea, shock.

    Antidotes: Induce vomiting. Give one to two ounces of Epsom salts in a pint of water.

  • Colorectal Cancer

    Colorectal Cancer:  This disorder ranks the second most common visceral cancer in the United States and in Europe, affecting men and women equally.

    Colorectal malignant tumors  are almost always adenocarcinomas (carcinoma derived from glandular tissue or in which the tumor cells form recognizable glandular structures).  About  half of these are sessile (attached by a broad base, as opposed to being pedunculated or stalked) lesions of the rectosigmoid area; the rest are polypoid (resembling a polyp) lesions.  This type of cancer  usually spreads slowly, it’s potentially curable in  most patients if early diagnosis allows resection before nodal involvement.  With improved diagnosis, the overall 5 yea survival rate is estimated at 55%.

    Cause:  The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown.  Studies show concentration in areas of higher economic development, suggesting a connection to a high fat diet.  High risk factors include other diseases of the digestive tract; age over 40; history of ulcerative colitis (average interval before onset of cancer is 11 to 17 years); and familial polyposis (cancer usually almost develops by age 50).

    Symptoms:

    Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer result from local obstruction and, in later stages, from direct extension to adjacent organs (such as; bladder, prostate, uterus, vagina, sacrum) and distant metastasis (usually to the liver).

    Later;  Pallor, cachexia (general ill health and malnutrition), ascites (effusion and accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity). hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), or lymphangiectasis (dilation of the lymphatic vessels).

    On the right side of the colon (which absorbs water and electrolytes), early tumor growth causes no obstruction, because the tumor tends to grow along the bowel rather than the surrounding lumen, and the fecal content in this area is usually liquid.  It may cause black tarry stools; anemia, and abdominal achingpressure, or dull cramps. 

    As the disease progress:  Patient may develop –weaknessfatigue, exertional dyspnea (difficulty breathing), vertigodiarrheaobstipation( intractable constipation), anorexiaweight lossvomiting, and other signs of intestinalobstruction. By this time tumor on the right side may be palpable.

    On the left side of the colon:  ( where stools are denser, a tumor is obstructive even in early stages).  Symptoms  usually will have rectal bleeding , intermittent abdominal fullness or cramping, and rectal pressure. 

    As the disease progress:  Patients may develop – obstipationdiarrhea, or “ribbon” or pencil – shaped stools.  Usually the patient notices that passage of a stool or flatus relieves the pain.  At this stage bleeding from the colon becomes obvious, with blood or mucus in stools.

    A rectal tumor is noted by a change in bowel habits, often beginning with an urgent need to defecate on arising (or morning diarrhea) or obstipation alternating with diarrhea.  Other signs are blood or mucus in the stool and a ‘feeling of ‘ incomplete evacuation.

    Later stage:  Pain begins as a feeling of rectal fullness that later becomes a dull, and sometimes constant, ache confined to the rectum or sacral region.

    Treatment:

    Surgical treatment to remove the malignant tumor and adjacent tissues, as well as any lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells.  -Type of surgery depends on the location and type of tumor.

    For cecum and ascending colon:  Right hemicolectomy for advanced disease may include resection of the terminal segment of the ileum, cecum, ascending colon, and right half of the transverse colon with corresponding mesentery.

    For proximal and middle transverse colon:  Right colectomy includes – transverse colon and mesentery corresponding to midcolonic vessels, or the surgeon may perform segmental resection of the transverse colon and associated midcolonic vessels.

    For sigmoid colon tumors:  Surgery is usually limited to the sigmoid colon and mesentery.

    Upper rectum tumors:  usually call for anterior or low anterior resection.  A newer procedure, using a stapler, allows for resections much lower than were previously possible.

    Lower rectum tumors:  Usually abdominoperineal resection and permanent sigmoid colostomy.

    Chemotherapy is indicated for patients with metastasis, residual disease, or a recurrent inoperable tumor.

    Drug therapy

    Radiation Therapy – may be use before or after surgery

    Biotherapy – is still experimental

  • Ask A Doctor

    We have all had it happen to us – we have a ton of things that we want to ask our doctor when we go into our next appointment, but then as we get into the room we blank and totally forget about everything that we were going to discuss with them.

    There are, however, several things in particular that you can do in order to be able to remember what to ask a doctor, so that you can remember all of those things that you meant to at your appointment.

    The first idea of how to remember what to ask a doctor is quite simple – make yourself a list beforehand. Every time you think of something that you want to ask a doctor before you go into your next appointment, make sure that you mark it down on the list, and then you can just bring the list in and refer to it once you actually go in for the appointment.

    This is the easiest method, however another one is to think about what you want to ask a doctor and then do your own research, and this will not only help you to better figure out just what questions you want to ask, but as well may help to answer some of your questions before you even get into the actual appointment.

    Regardless of which method you end up using, or if you create one of your own, the important thing is that you are not going to get into the doctor’s office and completely forget everything that you were going to ask, because this happens far too often, and then you never end up getting any answers for the issues that were bothering you.

    Make your doctors appointments count by making sure that you have a way of remembering what you wanted to speak to the doctor about, and using these methods is just one great idea of doing so.

  • Ask The Doctor

    Figuring out what you should ask the doctor at your next appointment is certainly not something that has to be difficult, although most times it seems to be. There always seems to be a ton of things that you want to make sure to ask the doctor at the next appointment, and it can often be overwhelming.

    Thus we try to narrow down the list of questions however this can often cause an array of problems. For one, we may then end up not asking a question that actually could have been very important, and as well we may then end up causing further or more serious problems for ourselves.

    However there are certain things that you can do in order to ensure that this does not happen. For one, there are various different online medical forms and chat rooms that you can use which will help to answer at least some of your questions, and then obviously you will not need to ask the doctor again when you go in to your appointment.

    Another idea is to call a toll-free clinic, and there are many of these as well, and here you will be able to speak to qualified and experienced medical professionals who will be able to give you proper advice regarding your medical questions.

    Shortening the number of questions that you are going to ask the doctor at your next appointment is not only going to save you time, but as well your doctor. After all, most doctors are double booked with patients these days and so as little time as you have to take up of theirs is incredibly appreciated.

    This is why taking this bit of time beforehand is so important and you are really helping out others, besides yourself, by doing so, which makes it even more valuable.

  • Find A Doctor

    There are so many things to think about when you are having children, however one of the most important issues of all is surprisingly enough then one of the most forgotten of soon-to-be parents, and that is the issue of find a doctor for the children.

    After all, there is such a sparseness that is present across the world when it comes to the availability of doctors, and so thus this can make it incredibly hard to find one for your children.

    There is obviously the option of using your own doctor for your children, however they may not be experienced in the pediatrics area, or they just may not have any room for new patients.

    Either way, you are going to have to find a doctor for your children, and so there are several steps that you are going to have to take here. The first thing is to speak to your doctor, and if they are not able to take on your child, then see if they have any physician friends or comrades who are taking new patients.

    As well if you are trying to find a doctor for your children, you are going to want to start doing some research, and for instance this means making a list of all the different doctors that are actually in your area, so that you know what is available, and then start calling each one and see if they are taking patients.

    This process of having to find a doctor for your children can take quite a long time, but it is a very important process and thus is worth all of the time and effort that you put into it.

    There are also professionals available who can help you through a process such as this, and so if you are willing to pay a bit more money, then you can make the process a lot easier on yourself.

  • Giving Birth Video

    Watching a ‘giving birth video’ can indeed be a rewarding experience, especially for would-be mothers. You can watch a ‘giving birth video’ if you fail to attend childbirth classes. The video will help you learn how to remain calm and relaxed, when giving birth.

    What Can You Learn From A ‘Giving Birth Video’?
    A baby story is all that you need to learn before and after giving birth to your child. The ‘giving birth video’ is specifically for those, who are unable to attend a regular childbirth class. The video will center round Lamaze philosophy and how to prepare self before and during the birth. The video will teach you and instruct you about up-to-date medical information from veteran obstetrical registered nurses. The Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators can also render useful information about the preparation before childbirth.

    The plus point about this video is that, you can grab the lessons from the comforts of your home. The videos are available at affordable price and you do not have to lose any time at work or driving across town in order to attend classes.

    It Is Exciting To Watch Giving Birth Video
    The market is now flooded with many baby stories captured in videos. Many eager mothers are filming childbirths and sharing them with the mass at large. Many of these giving birth videos show the mothers giving birth to their babies in ocean with dolphins surrounding them. The videos are breath taking and they are evidences of the amount of love and trust the mothers have bestowed on nature and their links to nature. You will surely love the footage and may give a thought of giving birth to your child like these women.

    How To Shoot A ‘Giving Birth Video’?
    If you want to shoot a mother delivering a baby, then you should make it a point that you do not embarrass the mother or her family in any way. Do not try to show too much skin of the mother, use the zoom to focus only on the baby. Do not talk or narrate while you are shooting. This can muddle up the whole video shoot.

    You can also make a video of your own and show it to your child, when he or she grows up. Your own ‘giving birth video’ can be a precious asset you can cherish your whole life.

  • Pregnancy Calendar

    Many women are using special calendars while they are pregnant to help them along the way. If you haven’t yet heard of a pregnancy calendar, basically this is a calendar that is a record of the changes and important events that will affect your baby as well as your body. Using one of these calendars can help you to get prepared for your future with the baby. A pregnancy calendar offers a great deal of helpful information that is sure to be an excellent help to you throughout the entire pregnancy.

    Find out How Your Baby is Changing
    One of the best uses for a pregnancy calendar is finding out how your baby is changing. From week to week your baby is constantly growing and changing, and more than likely you want to know what is going on with that little person inside you. These calendars give you week by week information on what is happening with your baby. You’ll learn how your baby is developing and how big your baby is at each point as well.

    Find out What Changes in Your Body are Natural
    Of course your body is constantly changing throughout the pregnancy as well. You may not know what is normal for you, especially if you have never been pregnant before. A pregnancy calendar usually has information about the changes that will be occurring in your body from week to week. This will help clue you in on any changes that are normal and will let you know if things you are experiencing are abnormal too.

    Get Helpful Tips on a Regular Basis
    New moms can definitely use some great tips while they are pregnant, and using a pregnancy calendar can help to provide you with all the tips you need. From tips on eating and exercising to tips on products to help along the way, these calendars will provide you with valuable tips you can definitely use.

  • Child Birth Video

    Captivate the special moment of your life in a child birth video. It will not be just another child birth video capturing the process of giving birth, but the whole video will catch all the emotional phases you go through.

    What You Can Learn From A Child Birth Video?
    A child birth video gives you all necessary information for a problem-free childbirth. The experts appearing in the video will convey precise and up-to-date information on childbirth. Lamaze certified childbirth educators and obstetrical registered nurses will provide wide knowledge on the various techniques of keeping your mind and body in control while giving birth to your child. The videos are quite interesting in that you can bring the childbirth classes straight to your home, without taking all the trouble of traveling to the classes. Most important of all, you can progress at your pace, such as repeat an exercise or progress only when you feel comfortable. For “repeat” parents, the video serves as the refresher course.

    Watching A Child Birth Video Is An Excellent Experience
    It is a wrong notion, that all childbirth videos are the same. Every child birth video has a different story to say. The videos are customized in a way to inform, empower and encourage. Many women prefer to film their own videos, so that they can share the divine experience with all the other mothers. Those watching the videos can feel the pulse of the crucial moment.

    Newer and more innovative ways of giving birth are coming to the forefront. Russia is now following a new trend, where mothers prefer to give birth under water. This process has been proved scientifically and is now being considered by many mothers worldwide. The whole concept is very pure and immediately unites you with Mother Nature.

    The preparation you should take prior to the birth, during birth, and immediately after birth of the child – all these you can learn from the video. Your partner can also pick good experience from the video. He will learn how to support you in this phase and how his support will give you the mental as well as physical strength.