Opiates are a controversial treatment for fibromyalgia.
According to the Mayo Clinic, at least 2 percent of Americans---mostly women---suffer from fibromyalgia. This debilitating condition can make you feel tired all the time and cause your whole body to ache, yet can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Low doses of opiate medications are a treatment option, but there's some debate over their use.
What are Opiates?
Opiates are drugs used to manage pain, such as oxycodone and morphine. They work by targeting the parts of your brain that process pain messages.
Usage
New guidelines from the American Pain Society and the American Academy of Pain Medication encourage doctors to explore other treatments before resorting to opioid medications, even low doses, for treating non-cancer, chronic pain. The guidelines advise doctors to assess individual patients for several factors, including the potential for abuse.
Success
Studies suggest that low doses of opiates have limited effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia, but some patients report significant benefits.
Risks
The main concerns about opiate treatment of fibromyalgia are risks of abuse and withdrawal. In addition, some studies suggest that long-term use of opiates could actually make you more sensitive to pain.
Alternatives
Pregabalin was the first FDA-approved drug for fibromyalgia treatment. Other common alternatives include antidepressants such as Cymbalta, anti-seizure medications and physical therapy.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon, or large intestine. Rectal cancer, which develops in the rectum (the lower 6 inches of the colon), is often grouped together with colon cancer and both cancers are referred to as colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.
Symptoms
Colon cancer can be difficult to detect because there are often no symptoms in the earliest stages of the disease. Symptoms depend on the location of the cancer and the size. Symptoms may include cramps, abdominal pain, gas, rectal bleeding, bloody stool, pain when having a bowel movement, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, a change in bowel habits or stool that looks different than normal over a period of several weeks.
Treatment Options
The treatment options your surgeon recommends will depend on the size, location and stage of the cancer. Surgery is the preferred treatment and is usually followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Early Stage Procedures
Early stage cancer can often be removed without damaging the abdominal wall. This type of surgery, known as excision, can be done by placing a tube into the colon through the rectum and cutting out the tumor. Polypectomy, surgery to remove a cancerous polyp, can also be done through excision. Polyps are small, fleshy growths that develop in the lining of the colon. These growths are very common as people age and are non-cancerous in most cases. Polyps, if small enough, may even be removed during a colonoscopy. Larger polyps can be removed during laparoscopic surgery. Before this surgery, small incisions are made in the abdomen. A tiny camera mounted on a thin, flexible tube is inserted into one of these openings, allowing your doctor to see the cuts he makes on a video monitor. Laparascopic surgery significantly reduces recovery time and pain following surgery.
Resection
Resection is the type of surgery used for larger cancers and involves cutting out the cancerous area and a limited amount of healthy tissue surrounding the cancer. The remainder of the colon is then stitched together, if possible. In some cases, you will need a colostomy, either temporarily or permanently. During this procedure, an opening will be made in your abdominal wall. Your colon will be connected to the opening and stool will be collected in a bag outside of your body rather than passing through your rectum and anus.
Other Options
Cryotherapy, a treatment that freezes cancer cells, can be useful in some types of colon cancer, as can radiofrequency ablation, a procedure that uses electrodes to kill cancer cells. Targeted drug therapy may be used in cases of advanced cancer. In this therapy, medications stop tumors from developing new blood vessels or interfere with chemical signals that trigger cell reproduction.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
Chemotherapy and radiation may be used following surgery or as stand-alone treatments if surgery is not possible. Rapidly dividing cancer cells are destroyed by potent drugs during chemotherapy treatments. Radiation uses high amounts of targeted X-rays to destroy cancer cells in the colon. Both chemotherapy and radiation can also be used to shrink tumors prior to surgery.
Tags: cancer cells, abdominal wall, colon cancer, Colon cancer, following surgery
A burn is one of the most common injuries and it can be life threatening. Burns are susceptible to infection when the wound is open to germs and bacteria.
Classifications
Burns are classified in three degrees. First degree is a minor burn where the skin is not blistered, but red and painful. This type of burn probably will not be able to get infected because the skin is closed.
Blisters Can Get Infected
Second-degree burns are more serious and may need a doctor's care. Second-degree burns can have blisters that break open allowing germs and bacteria to enter and cause infection.
Serious Burns
Third-degree burns are the worst and are quite serious. You will be under a doctor's care and possibly hospitalized. Burn wound infections are a risk.
Cautions
Never use any butter or grease on a burn to cool it off; this can increase the chance of infection. Do not break or pop any of the blisters in the wound.
Prevention
As the wound heals, you must be very careful to keep it clean and sanitary. Covering it with a sterile gauze pad or bandage can keep the wound clean. Bathe or shower everyday in a clean tub.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an infected burn wound are change in the color of the skin around the burn, swelling, strange odor, the wound sinks deeper into the skin and gets larger, green or yellow pus develops, and a fever.
Tags: doctor care, germs bacteria, Second-degree burns
An object label, such as those used to describe exhibits in museums and galleries, should be as interesting and entertaining as the object itself. Visitors will spend slightly more time reading labels than actually viewing the objects, and your label has the difficult task of educating people on what they are viewing. Keep it short, sweet and to the point, provide only pertinent information and make the narrative easily understood at an eighth-grade level.
Instructions
1. Standardize the specification for your label. This includes the label's size and color and the style, point size and color of the font. According to Alaska State Museums, a label's effectiveness begins with how well it coordinates to the exhibit. Contrast or coordinate the background color with the exhibit's walls, and choose a type point (size) that is large enough to see easily -- at least 18 point -- and a font color that contrasts strongly with the background.
2. Construct the label. The label identifies an object and brings it to the attention of the viewer. What you write on your label depends on what information is available to you regarding the subject. At a minimum it must state the title or describe the object, note the age of the object, name the artist or creator of the object, include a catalog number and list the object's origins and the materials with which it was made. Additional information may be the object's uses in its time period, or some little-known fact about its creator or origin.
3. Proofread your label carefully and check word count. A label that is less than 75 words is ideal. Check that the text flows, pulling the reader from one point into the next, and make certain there is no extraneous information contained within it.
You should call 911 immediately when you suspect someone is having a stroke, even if their symptoms seem to have disappeared. A stroke presents itself differently in different people. Some people display minor symptoms, but otherwise feel OK, whereas others can collapse, or lose consciousness.
Vision
Your vision might become blurred, distorted or otherwise impaired in both of your eyes, or in one eye.
Headache
Stroke victims have complained of sudden, intense headaches prior to the onset of the attack.
Numbness
Your face may go numb, or your limbs. This often happens on just one side of the body, and is accompanied by an inability to move.
Speech
The person's speech can become slurred, or otherwise difficult to understand.
Weakness
Like the feeling of numbness, the patient can become weak on one side of the body.
Comprehension
A person may be disoriented, forget simple facts like their name, or might not understand things that are being said to them.
Multivitamins are used by millions of people every day. Not every multivitamin is good for every individual. Even though a teenager's body is still growing and developing, there is no scientific evidence promoting the idea of vitamins made specifically for them. Many brands of multivitamins are suitable and choosing the right one can be somewhat confusing at times. Learning about the various needs of teenagers can help you choose the right one.
Benefits
According to Science Daily, teenagers who take multivitamins are more physically active, participate in more team and organized sports, and are less likely to spend a lot of time watching television. These teenagers are also more likely to eat a healthier diet.
Types
Most over-the-counter multivitamins will be appropriate for teenagers. Several are available that may help with certain issues that you may be concerned with. Teenage boys generally wish to take vitamins that will help in muscle development such as GNC Mega Teen Vitamins. Teenage girls may wish to take supplements that promote healthy-looking skin by taking One-A-Day Teen Advantage in the pink box. One-A-Day Teen Advantage is also available in a blue box for teenage boys. A healthy supply of vitamin D will offer muscle building while vitamins A and C work well for healthy-looking skin.
Considerations
There are many things to consider when choosing the right type of multivitamin for your teenager. An active lifestyle may be the biggest factor. If your teen is active in sports but has developed a less-than-stellar diet, a multivitamin will help. It is important to remember that no matter what the reason for beginning a vitamin regimen, vitamins should never take the place of meals. Kidshealth.org offers a chart detailing how much of each vitamin your teen may need (see Resources). Keep in mind that many vitamins are going to be provided in the food they eat and a teenage-specific multivitamin may not be needed.
Misconceptions
According to David Schardt, senior nutritionalist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, most teenagers do not need a special vitamin and adult multivitamins will work fine. He claims that exceeding the recommended daily allowance in thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 will not provide teenagers with an energy boost. In addition, there is no evidence that multivitamins for teenage boys are any different than those for teenage girls. However, teenage girls do need more iron than boys.
Warning
According to Dr. Lawrence D. Rosen, a New Jersey pediatrician, certain vitamins should not be taken in excess. Vitamin A can cause headaches if the dosage is too high. He also states that some vitamins can cause internal metabolic problems that may not show up until years later if the dosage is too high.
Although ear wax is a natural product of the body, having too much ear wax can cause hearing problems or discomfort in children. If you're looking to try to get rid of ear wax in a child, follow these steps.
Instructions
1. Use hydrogen peroxide. Using a dropper add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to your child's ear. Allow it to bubble, then turn your child's ear to drain. This can help dislodge ear wax.
2. Use the natural approach. A few drops of olive or mineral oil in your child's ear can soften the ear wax. Softened wax will often come out on its own.
3. Rest your child's ear on a warm water bottle or on a warm cloth. Heat can help melt ear wax so it can drain. Be sure that the temperature of the surface is warm and not hot.
4. Purchase an over-the-counter ear wax removal solution or kit.
5. Contact your child's pediatrician. He may have a preferred method of loosening and removing ear wax. The doctor may soften and scrape away the ear wax from your child's ear.
6. Go for prevention. Keep your child's ears clean by using a soft washcloth on the outer ear. You'll also want to be sure to keep your child hydrated. Dehydration can make ear wax harder.
Chi is the vital life force that flows through the body.
Chi is the vital life force -- an energy that flows through the body. Chi is present in everyone and everything, but in different amounts and strengths. When a person is rundown, weak, ill, depressed, no energy or generally drained, their chi is weak. When there is a good sense of well-being, anxious to get going and a smooth flow in life, one has strong chi. When the chi is weak, there are ways to strengthen the chi.
Instructions
1. Strengthening a weakened chi is vital because a blockage of the flow of chi energy is the start of all disease. Acupuncture is an effective way to strengthen chi. Placing the needles in the proper pressure points opens the paths and allows the energy to flow through the body, strengthening the chi.
2. Meditation is an effective way in increasing chi. In a meditative state, the mind connects with the universe, and chi flows through all things throughout the universe. In the meditative state, the practitioner pulls more chi into the body increasing the strength of the flow of chi, and making the vital life force stronger.
3. Performing certain martial arts and yoga exercises can improve the flow of chi by harmonizing the mind and body. Excessive exercise on the other hand will cause the body to wear down, and hinder the flow of chi. The ability to focus and guide chi can lead to enormous power.
Tags: flows through, life force, through body, vital life, vital life force, flows through body, meditative state
The prostate is the male reproductive gland situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum, which produces fluid for sperm. As men age, prostate problems can develop as the prostate gland becomes larger. There are different types of problems such as prostate cancer that can require varying degrees of treatments. The Center for Disease Control reports that in the United States statistics figures for 2005 show that about 185,895 men were diagnosed with this problem.
The Facts
The prostate is walnut-sized and surrounds the urethra. Prostate problems are more prevalent in men who are 50 or older. However, younger men under 50 can experience a problem called prostatitis. For men over 50, a very common problem is prostate enlargement also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate cancer is also a common prostate problem. The National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health report that this type of cancer ranks as the third most common cause of death among men of all ages.
Prostatitis
In some cases, prostatitis can be the result of a bacterial infection. Two types of this condition are acute and chronic prostatitis. Acute prostatitis can have symptoms that include fever, pain while urinating, lower back pain and chills.
Chronic prostatitis is recurrent prostatitis. Even though the symptoms of chronic prostatitis can be milder than acute prostatitis, it may be harder to treat.
When a bacterial infection causes either acute or chronic prostatitis, antibiotics are a treatment used to relieve the symptoms. However, for other cause of prostatitis other alternative treatments might be prostate massage or warm baths.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that usually happens over time. In this condition, the prostate grows and can compress the urethra that in turn causes a blockage of urine flow from the bladder through the urethra. Some symptoms of BPH can be urgent need to urinate frequently and slow urine flow. BPH can also cause urinary tract infection in some cases.
There are many treatment options that include medicines and nonsurgical transurethral procedures such as PVP and TUIP. These procedures remove excess prostate tissue. Another treatment option is surgery (see Resources below).
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a malignant growth in the prostate gland. It can grow very slowly and present very few symptoms in the early stages. As the cancer grows, it can have symptoms similar to BPH like difficulty in urination. However, it can spread to other body organs or parts
Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on patient's age, health and the cancer stage (see Resources). For cancer in its early stage a wait and watch approach is possible. When cancer is confined to the prostate, surgery is an option. Depending on the stage of the prostate cancer, other options can include radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and cryosurgery
Consideration
Prostate problems like prostatitis and BHP are very treatable. However, if prostate cancer is not detected in its early stages, it can be more difficult to treat. It is important for men to know the signs of prostate problems and get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, men who are 40 or older should be screened on a yearly basis for prostate cancer. The screening test should include a digital rectal exam by a doctor and a blood test called prostate specific antigen (PSA) for men over 50.
One of the more common ailments experienced during pregnancy is gestational diabetes. A common side effect of gestational diabetes is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, which is another term for low glucose in the blood stream, can cause a wide array of symptoms, including dizziness, confusion, hunger and headaches. If managed properly, hypoglycemia poses little risk to pregnant women and their unborn child. However, if untreated, hypogylcemia can cause a pregnant woman to pass out. Read on to learn more about manage hypoglycemia during pregnancy.
Instructions
Manage Hypoglycemia During Pregnancy
1. Know the early symptoms of hypoglycemia and pay attention when you feel an attack coming on. The faster you tune into your symptoms, the quicker you can give your body what it needs to end the attack.
2. Be prepared. Pregnant sufferers of hypoglycemia need to make sure they are not caught off-guard by an attack. Keep urine tests and fast-acting carbohydrate snacks (honey, cake frosting, hard candy, etc.) handy at all times. Also, keep a glucagon kit handy just in case you miss the early symptoms and need to treat severe hypoglycemia.
3. Exercise wisely. Exercise can actually contribute to hypoglycemia in pregnancy, especially when performed at the wrong time. Clear any exercise program with a health care provider first, and always wait at least one hour after eating before engaging in any physical activity. Test regularly during exercise, to make sure your insulin levels aren't dropping too low.
4. Prevention is key. Try to prevent an attack before it occurs by eating six to eight small meals and snacks a day, regularly monitoring your blood sugar and exercising wisely.
5. Make sure your insulin dosage is correct. Too much insulin can lead to recurrent bouts of hypoglycemia, so speak with a doctor about your medication levels.
Tags: early symptoms, gestational diabetes, Hypoglycemia During, Hypoglycemia During Pregnancy, make sure, Manage Hypoglycemia, Manage Hypoglycemia During
Orgone is a (currently unmeasurable) bioenergetic force which Wilhelm Reich, an ideologically Freudian psychoanalyst in the 1930s, believed was behind the motivation processes for all observable activity. He associated orgone (energy) with sexuality and creativity. Reich's lifework was strongly focused on understanding and working with the human libido and he regarded many forms of neurosis as related to issues with sexuality. Orgonic transmutation devices that cause (negative to positive) conversion are created by mixing a catalyzed organic medium (fiberglass, polyester, beeswax, etc.) with metal shavings into a resin mixture which is coated around a natural quartz crystal. The matrix contracts as it hardens activating the piezoelectric aspects of the crystal. These devices are used to collect and deliver higher field loads of orgone to assist in healing.
Instructions
Using Orgone
1. Take your Pentel pen apart by unscrewing the bottom and removing the ink shaft. Stand the top part up in your old jar with the open end up (for filling).
2. Melt the beeswax in the microwave and before it hardens back up, stir in the metal shavings and pour the mixture into the open bottom of your pen. (Use your oven mitts while handling the hot measuring glass.) Most metal fabricators will give you metal dust for free or very inexpensively.
3. Slip your crystal into the pen (the top of your crystal toward the pointy end of the pen) and complete filling the pen all the way to the top. Allow the wax to harden before lifting the pen (wax may run out the pointy end if it is still liquid).
4. Screw the end back on the pen and allow the pen to cool completely. This is an orgone crystal wand.
5. Charge your wand by placing it outside in nature for 24 hours (in the crook of a large tree is good).
6. Use your orgone crystal wand by moving it along the site of an injury on your body. The orgone crystal wand is directional so aim the pointy end at the injury. The wand converts dead orgone (negative) to live orgone (positive) and it collects or attracts large amounts of this energy inside the pen.
7. Prevent discharge of your orgone crystal wand by storing the wand in a high orgone condition (nature) and away from electricity and wireless devices.
Tags: crystal wand, orgone crystal, orgone crystal wand, metal shavings, with sexuality
There are many delicious foods allowed on phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. The only restriction is carbohydrates. Phase 1 lasts for two weeks and is the most severe phase of the diet plan. Generally speaking, you should expect to lose up to 12 pounds during this phase.
Beef
When following the South Beach Diet, choose from lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin, tenderloin, top round or eye round.
Vegetables
It is recommended that you eat 4 1/2 cups of vegetables each day during phase 1. Recommended veggies include cauliflower, Bok Choy, radishes and zucchini.
Seafood
During phase 1, you can enjoy any type of shellfish, such as lobster, crab, clams or shrimp.
Eggs
Enjoy eating whole eggs anytime during the first phase of the South Beach Diet, unless your doctor does not recommend you eat eggs. The use of egg substitutes or just egg whites is also allowed.
Cheese
Choose from low-fat or fat-free cheeses, such as American, cheddar, mozzarella or ricotta.
Nuts
When following the South Beach Diet, it is recommended that you only have one serving of nuts each day: almonds, peanuts, pine nuts or walnuts are suggested.
Condiments
It is recommended that you use condiments sparingly. However, minimal use of hot sauce, salsa, soy sauce and steak sauce are allowed.
Tags: Beach Diet, South Beach, South Beach Diet, recommended that, following South, following South Beach
While many of the side effects of chemotherapy treatment are common to most everyone, there still can be differences in how patients react to the cancer fighting drugs. Coping with the effects of chemotherapy varies with the severity of the side effects, the temperament of the patient and the support in place prior to the treatments.
Instructions
1. Utilize relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, listening to soothing music, mediation and yoga. Collect music and narrative tapes and CDs that will provide a relaxing atmosphere when stress and anxiety hit. Play the tapes while lying down or sitting in a calming location.
2. Join a support group of others going through chemotherapy who can understand your feelings and empathize with your symptoms. It can be difficult for people who haven't experienced the devastating consequences of cancer and chemotherapy to understand what you're going through. Others in similar situations can share coping tricks they've learned and act as a sounding board for your concerns.
3. Shop for wigs and hats while you are still feeling well, before you begin the treatments and lose your hair. Ask a friend or family member to join you on a hunt for the perfect hairpieces and head coverings to that you'll have them when you need them. Make a fun day of the outing and laugh as you try on the various wigs.
4. Stock up on food and drinks that can help relieve the symptoms. Diarrhea often is a side effect of chemotherapy and can be treated with clear liquids such as apple juice and broth. Eat nutritious, low-fiber foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Keep potassium levels regulated with food on hand, such as apricots, potatoes and bananas.
5. Add regular exercise to your daily routine to help fight the fatigue that accompanies chemotherapy. Stick to a regimen that you can perform easily, such as a walk to the corner or a round of yoga movements. Forced exercise will help minimize the effects of the drugs even when you don't feel like moving.
Tags: chemotherapy understand, effects chemotherapy, going through, side effects
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is an psychological disease that prompts children in to alternating patterns of impulsive, hyper-active behavior and inactivity. The disease impacts the emotional stability and cognitive processes of people of every age, and the National Institute of Mental Health estimates 3 to 5 percent of children around the world show symptoms of attention deficit disorder before the age of 7.
Anxiety
People with ADD can experience extreme anxiety in everyday situations. They will perceive that people are watching them and have daily feelings of general unease. The anxiety is due in part to the restlessness that is a symptom of ADD.
Anger
Outbursts of anger are another symptom of ADD. People with ADD can experience extreme anger without a stimulant because of the hormonal imbalance in the brain.
Emotional Trauma
ADD is an emotional disorder and emotional trauma can be a symptom of the disorder. People with ADD have trouble processing emotions so a simple event, such as being cut off in traffic, can cause emotional trauma to the individual.
Depression
The inability to focus transfers to mood as well. People suffering from ADD can have severe bouts of depression because of the chemical imbalances in their brain.
Mood Swings
People who suffer from ADD can experience or exhibit rapid mood swings from hyperactivity to inactivity and depression. People can show several different moods throughout the day with external stimulus.
Misconceptions
According to the National Institute of Mental Health roughly one-fourth of people diagnosised with ADD are also diagnosised with bi-polar disorder. It is important to note that ADD does not cause bi-polar disorder and bi-polar disorder does not cause ADD.
Tags: bi-polar disorder, People with, diagnosised with, does cause, experience extreme
If you're having serious problems with your shoulder joint, including pain and restricted movement, your doctor may diagnose your rotator cuff as the problem. One of the most effective ways to treat rotator cuff problems is through surgery. You need to know have a rotator cuff surgery consultation to find out the best way to proceed.
Instructions
Consult With a Surgeon About Rotator Cuff Surgery
1. Ask your doctor for several orthopedic surgeons in the area. You'll likely want to get a consultation with several surgeons before you decide on one. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons can be a good place to find a surgeon too (see Resources below).
2. Make a list of questions to ask at your consultation. You'll want to ask general questions about how long the surgeon has been practicing, what types of rotator cuff surgery she performs and what you can expect as a result of your surgery.
3. Talk to the surgeon about the types of anesthesia he uses. Be aware that people who have heart disease, high blood pressure or are diabetic can have a higher risk of side effects due to anesthesia. Talk to the surgeon about whether general or local anesthesia will be required.
4. Find out if the surgeon recommends arthroscopic surgery or open incision surgery. These two types of surgeries have different costs and recovery times. Ask which one is best for your situation.
5. Ask your surgeon if she knows any excellent physical therapists. You'll be in physical therapy for up to 2 months after surgery. If the surgeon knows several therapists, you can have a consultation with each of them before your surgery as well.
6. Talk about how you will benefit after surgery. Your surgeon should be able to tell you if your rotator cuff problems will likely go away completely after surgery or if there is a chance that they will reoccur.
Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment for many different types of cancers. Chemotherapy utilizes drugs in order to directly kill cancer cells. These cancer-destroying cells are sometimes called antineoplastics or simply "anti-cancer drugs." There are over 100 different types of drugs out there nowadays that are used in order to conduct chemotherapy. As with any type of medical treatment, there is the possibility of dangerous side effects as a result of chemotherapy.
Anaphylaxis
One dangerous side effect of chemotherapy is anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that needs immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can cause low blood pressure, shock and even fatality. Some symptoms of anaphylaxis include rash, swelling, systemic reactions, hives, flushing and breathing problems.
Risks
Some common dangerous side effects and risks associated with chemotherapy treatment are infection, fever (these were the most common causes for hospitalization and emergency room trips), dehydration, electrolyte disorders, and also low platelet or white blood-cell count.
Leukemia
Chemotherapy treatments can also increase the possibility of leukemia in an individual (particularly for chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment). According to Dr. Carol Kaplan from the Breast Cancer Organization, this is because certain chemotherapy treatments are connected to permanent bone marrow toxicity, which can cause leukemia or a pre-leukemic diagnosis like myelodysplastic syndrome.
Negative Effects
There are various other negative side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment. These possibly dangerous side effects include heart disorders, muscle pain, nerve pain, decrease in red blood-cell count, and neuropathy or other damage to the central nervous system.
Drug Combinations
Some chemotherapy drug combinations have been known to have the potential to cause deadly complications. The combination of the drugs doxorubicin and docetaxel, according to "The Journal of the American Medical Association," has been known to cause neutropenia, which is a chemotherapy complication that results from lessened immune white blood cells and fever. Neutropenia has been known to result in death.
Tags: been known, dangerous side, dangerous side effects, side effects, associated with, associated with chemotherapy, blood-cell count
If you have a clumsy cat at home or an aggressive fire inspector at work, you might not be able to have a burning candle sitting around. But you don't have to give up on fresh or flowery scents. An electric coffee mug warmer can provide enough heat to activate essential oils in a wickless candle and fill the air with a pleasant aroma. You can make your own scented, no-flame-necessary candles with old jars and a few craft products.
Instructions
1. Purchase wax and vials of essential oils from a craft supplier or commercial store. Homemade candles are popular, and many stores carry varieties of wax specific for making wickless candles. A vast selection of fragrant oils is available, with scents ranging from flowers to desserts to clean laundry. Only use one oil per candle to prevent possible unpleasant aromas.
2. Clean your jars with soap and hot water. While not necessarily affecting the quality of the final product, a clean, clear glass jar will be more visually appealing; you can also use a ceramic container or a small flower pot. Selecting jars with sealing lids gives you an option to contain the candle scent when you want to, such as when you're cooking.
3. Melt your wax according to the manufacturer's instructions in a heavy saucepan or microwaveable dish.
4. Mix in several drops of your scented oil and stir the mixture with a spoon. Add more drops as needed until you achieve the intensity of aroma you desire.
5. Add a few drops of dye and check the color of your candle mixture. Continue adding dye until you achieve a pleasant color. If using a ceramic vessel, the dye is optional as you likely will not see much of the wax inside the container.
6. Place your candle container on a trivet or hot pad on your counter. Slowly pour the hot candle mixture from the pan or microwaveable dish into the candle container. Allow the candle to cool completely before moving the container.
Cervical cancer is the result of unusual cell growth over the cervix--the narrow end of the uterus that opens into the upper part of the vagina. In its early stages, the cell growth normally affects the top layer of cells of the cervix and is almost 100 percent curable. As it progresses to deeper cell layers, the chances of stopping it plummet.
Significance
Almost 13,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and nearly 4,500 of these women will die because the disease was diagnosed too late.
Importance of Early Detection
Cervical cancer is nearly completely curable if diagnosed in its early stages and treated promptly. An abnormal Pap test is usually the best and first way to detect something is wrong. The death rate for cervical cancer has decreased by 75 percent since Pap tests began.
Symptoms
An abnormal Pap test result could be considered the first symptom of cervical cancer. As it progresses, women may notice irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, bleeding during intercourse or unusual vaginal discharge.
Women at Risk
Women who do not see a gynecologist regularly are at risk, along with those who smoke or have sexually transmitted diseases. African American women are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer.
Treatment
Cervical cancer may be treated with Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (or LEEP) and conization, hysterectomy, cryosurgery or electrocautery.
Tags: abnormal test, cell growth, cervical cancer, early stages
Knowing your body fat percentage is necessary to help determine if you are carrying extra fat and placing yourself at a higher risk of medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. While it is just as important to maintain a healthy weight, you also need to know what percentage of your weight is muscle and what percentage is fat. There are various ways to determine your percent body fat.
Instructions
Formula for Females
1. Write down your current weight and multiply it by 0.732. Add 8.987 to your answer.
2. Measure your wrist at the widest point. Divide this number by 3.140. Measure your waist at the widest point and multiply this number by 0.157.
3. Measure your hips at the widest point and multiply this number by 0.249. Measure your forearm at the widest point and multiply this number by 0.434.
4. Add your answer from step 1 to your wrist measurement answer from step 2. Subtract your waist measurement answer from step 2 from this number. Then, subtract your hip measurement answer from step 3.
5. Add your answer from your forearm measurement (step 3) to your answer in step 4. This is your lean body mass. Subtract your lean body mass from your current weight. Multiply that answer by 100. Divide your answer by your current weight. This number is your percentage of body fat.
Formula for Males
6. Write down your current weight and multiply it by 1.082. Add 94.42 to your answer.
7. Measure your waist at the widest point and subtract is by your answer in step 1. This is your lean body weight. Subtract your lean body weight from your current weight.
8. Multiply your answer in step 2 by 100. Divide your answer by your current weight. This number is your percentage of body fat.
Tags: your answer, current weight, your current, your current weight, answer from
Despite its roots in Asia, qigong is widely practiced in the U.S.
Tan tien -- or tantien -- breathing is one of the components of qigong, a 5,000-year-old Chinese health system that also includes movement, muscle relaxation and meditation to optimize the flow of energy through your body. Tan tien is the location in the lower abdomen that qigong followers believe to be the primary energy source. Tan tien breathing exercises activate the muscles in that region, reducing pressure on the lungs and increasing their capacity, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. (See Reference 1, "Clinical Summary" and "Mechanism of Action") There are many different tan tien breathing exercises. Try out a couple of the simplest ones as a beginner.
Instructions
Warm-up
1. Position yourself facing a wall just a few inches away. (See Reference 2, page 13)
2. Stand with your feet parallel to each other and shoulder-width apart. (See Reference 2, page 13)
3. Squat to loosen the hip joints and sacrum. Use the wall to return to an erect position if you start leaning forward. (See Reference 2, page 13)
4. Breathe into the lower abdomen -- tan tien -- while keeping your chest muscles relaxed. During this step, you may feel two opposing energies simultaneously: One that pulls you up and another that forces you down as you remain in the squatting position. (See References 2, page 13)
Pelvic Area Strengthening
5. Stand with your feet parallel to one another and shoulder-width apart. Focus your attention on the area that makes the back of your anus. (See Reference 2, pages 16 and 17)
6. Breathe in, inhaling only half of the breath as you flatten your belly. Hold the breath. (See Reference 2, pages 16 and 17)
7. Inhale the remainder of your breath while contracting the back section of your anus. Hold your breath. (See Reference 2, pages 16 and 17)
8. Exhale slowly, tightening the back of your anus more strongly. (See Reference 2, pages 16 and 17)
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Narcolepsy is a disorder of the nervous system. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired vision, sudden loss of muscle control and disturbed nocturnal sleeping patterns. Light therapy is often used to reduce symptoms and recondition the body to more natural sleeping patterns.
Narcolepsy
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, narcolepsy affects one in every 2,000 people. The main symptom, excessive daytime sleepiness, causes the patient to fall asleep extremely easily, and often in inappropriate times and places. It frequently happens when the person is relaxed, such as while reading, watching television, sitting in a meeting, waiting for a bus or engaging in conversation.
Narcolepsy is thought to be caused by abnormalities in structure and function of hypocretin neurons, a group of nerve cells in the brain. These neurons in the hypothalmus normally secrete neurotransmitter substances called hypocretins. Low hypocretin levels can cause the excessive sleepiness and other symptoms of narcolepsy.
Light Therapy
Light therapy has proved effective in helping to cure the symptoms of narcolepsy. The body has a natural internal clock that prompts it when it is time to sleep and when it is time to be awake. The normal clock induces a person to sleep at night, but sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, throw off that internal clock entirely. Light therapy is the process of resetting that natural internal clock, and reconditioning the body to fall into normal patterns of sleep and wakefulness.
The patient is exposed to bright artificial light for several intervals throughout the day to induce wakefulness. When he begins to feel fatigue or sleepiness again, another dose of the artificial light is used to keep him from falling asleep and to allow his body to condition itself into a pattern of sleeping only when it is dark, or at night as he should.
Types of Light Therapy
Light box. This is the most used form of light therapy. Small enough to sit on a desk or table, a light box houses several tubes that produce bright light. The patient sits 18 to 24 inches away and completes tasks such as work or reading, without looking at the light itself. This helps regulate the controls that keep her awake or allow her to sleep.
Desk lamp. This works the same as the light box, but it is smaller and not as bright. It blends in better in an office.
Light visor. This light source is worn on the head and hangs over the eyes, much like a tennis visor.
Dawn simulator. This uses lights to gradually make the room brighter or darker. The lights start out bright in the morning, and they slowly dim until evening. This helps to condition your internal clock to follow more natural patterns.
Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which your nasal passages become inflamed. Symptoms associated with this condition generally include itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose. The condition affects roughly one in five Americans and can develop at almost any age.The condition is usually chronic and, if left untreated, can result in colds or other illnesses. It can also be a genetic condition, but depending on environmental factors, it can bother and become troublesome for almost anyone. The following are guidelines on treat and prevent the illness.
Diagnosis
Allergic rhinitis, if left untreated, can often become severe enough to interfere with your life and everyday activities. If it does become severe enough to disrupt your life, a trip to your medical doctor may be necessary. The doctor will likely do a physical exam and inquire about your medical and family history. Your doctor will note any swelling of the eyes or nasal passages and other physical signs of allergic rhinitis such as dark circles under the eyes. Once it has been established that you are suffering from allergic rhinitis, your doctor will come up with a treatment and prevention plan for you to follow. There are a variety of treatments, as described below.
Types of Treatment
A number of medications are used to treat allergic rhinitis. Some are available over the counter, and others are available only by a prescription. Over-the-counter medications include Benadryl and Claritin. The time of day that you must take this medication will determine the one you choose to use. Some medications, like Benadryl or Diphenhydramine, carry a warning that it may cause drowsiness. Others, such as Claritin or Chlorpheniramine Maleate, ease the same symptoms but generally will not cause daytime drowsiness. There are also medications that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Advil Allergy tablets. However, due to new FDA warnings about the possible dangers of pseudoephedrine, these types of medications are available only through the pharmacy and are kept behind the counter.
Prescription medications for allergic rhinitus include extra strength Zyrtec, Clarinex or Allegra. Some of these medications are a combination of antihistamine and decongestant. Your medical doctor will choose the one he thinks is right for you. There are also prescription and over-the-counter nasal sprays. Prescription nasal sprays include Flonase and Nasonex. Over-the-counter sprays include ones such as Ocean and Afrin, and are saline solutions that help moisturize and soothe dry, inflamed nasal passages. Nasal sprays may be used for a short or extended amount of time, depending on what your doctor recommends.
Another option could be allergy shots, which are given at your doctor's office. Allergy shots are given at regular intervals with increasing doses, sometimes over the course of several years. Allergy shots are generally given to sufferers of severe allergic rhinitis after other treatments have been tried and proven unsuccessful. Talk with your doctor about which treatment method would be best for your unique situation.
Prevention
Allergic rhinitis, although sometimes genetic, can be triggered by such environmental factors as pet dander, pollen, dust and mold. Although there isn't a cure for the illness, finding your triggers can greatly increase your chances of being more symptom-free. Wearing a dust mask while outside or mowing the lawn can reduce the number of allergens that can worsen your symptoms.
Avoiding open windows during the spring and fall seasons when symptoms can be at their worst can also help, as well as changing your air conditioner filters regularly and vacuuming your carpets, preferably with an allergen-reducing vacuum cleaner. If you suffer from severe symptoms, an air purifier may also be necessary. Reducing allergens as much as possible, along with a treatment plan, can make allergic rhinitis less debilitating and more manageable.
Tags: doctor will, your doctor, nasal passages, allergic rhinitis, Allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, available only
Violet wands are highly specialized electrical devices dating back to the late 1800s. During the 1920s and 30s, violet wands became popular as advertised cure-alls for a host of medical maladies. Today violet wands are still produced, but used mostly in alternative medicine practice.
What are Violet Wands?
Violet wands, also sometimes called violet-ray devices, are hand-held Tesla coil electrical transformers specially designed to safely stimulate the skin. Violet wands create sensation through a stream of low current, high-frequency electricity. Measuring about a foot long and with an electrical cord that plugs directly into a socket, the transformer is shaped like a missile and delivers a series of sparks through its nose cone.
Glass tube electrodes are designed to plug into the violet wand as accessories; the glass is most commonly purple, giving the violet wand its name.
Historical Treatments
Violet wands were once prescribed, however dubiously, for use in treatments of various diseases and discomforts, and their virtues were extolled by famous healer and psychic Edgar Cayce. According to a 1930s instruction manual for a then-contemporary violet wand, "all human ailments, with the exception of certain highly contagious and infectious diseases, can be traced to faulty circulation and impure blood."
Suggested treatments ranged from the innocuous (stimulation of skin) to the dangerous (stimulating the prostate by inserting a violet wand electrode into the rectum). In 1951, the Master Electrical Company was sued for libel in regard to mislabeling its violet wands as medical cures for various ailments, and the wands were ordered to be turned over to the Food & Drug Administration as contraband.
Violet wands continued to be manufactured abroad and enjoyed a brief resurgence as curiosities in the 1960s and '70s.
Contemporary Treatment Uses
Some holistic and alternative practitioners still use violet wands in hopes of relieving pain and swelling and treating local infections and acne. The wands emit ozone and small amounts of UV, which theoretically can kill bacteria but are of unproven medical value. Contemporary dermatologists sometimes use devices based upon violet ray technology to treat hair loss and for various cosmetology procedures.
The vast majority of violet wands available for sale today are antique collector's items. Extreme care should be used when using violet wands for any sort of self-administered medical treatment; on high settings, they can produce intense and even painful sensations.
About 75,000 nerve endings in your foot connect to other body parts. Massage the toes, medial or inside nerves and lateral or outside plantar nerves in the foot. This will improve nerve flow to the muscles and encourage better movement. It is possible to restore energy, relieve stress and improve blood circulation when you massage foot nerves.
Instructions
1. Find a comfortable position for the person lying on her back. Apply massage oil to the first foot.
2. Use a gentle light stroke with your thumbs on the top of the toes, and increase the pressure as you continue to work on the top of the foot toward the ankle.
3. Put oil on the other foot and repeat the massaging process on the top of the foot.
4. Choose either a back or stomach lying position to work on the bottoms of the feet. Have the soles of the feet facing you to massage foot nerves.
5. Wrap your fingers and hands around the foot as you wiggle your thumbs to put light pressure on the bottom of the toes. Start with the big toe, and work across the rest of the toes to the small toe.
6. Knead the foot with your fingertips and thumbs, and increase the pressure as you move from the toes to the heel of the foot. Rub the middle of the foot and then both sides.
7. Repeat the process for the other foot to massage foot nerves.
Tags: foot nerves, increase pressure, other foot, with your, your thumbs
Perspiration is something we all deal with on a day-by-day basis. Everyone sweats. We sweat more in the summer because of the heat than we do in the winter. Some of us sweat more than others. Antiperspirants and deodorants help treat perspiration and keep body odor away but they don't help everyone the same way. Some people have tried different home remedies to treat their excess perspiration and have had better luck with them than with deodorant.
Instructions
1. Take a bottle of milk of magnesia and shake it well. Apply to the underarms like you would regular deodorant. The difference is you would have to apply it by hand instead of rolling it on like deodorant. You can also use a cotton ball or wash cloth. Some people might think using milk of magnesia for an antiperspirant is gross but it has worked for lots of people. It doesn't stain and dries on clear.
2. Take 1 part vinegar and 1 part water and apply it to your underarms. You would have to use a cloth or cotton ball to apply it to your underarms. Make sure you dilute it enough or the vinegar will sting. Women who try this home remedy should apply it before shaving their underarms because it will sting.
3. Take a dime size amount of baking soda and apply it to the underarms without mixing it with water. Anymore than a dime size amount of baking soda can cause irritation.
4. Steep 5 tea bags in 1 quart of hot water for 15 minutes. Soak your hands and feet in the tea for 30 minutes. By steeping the tea bags in hot water, this makes an acid called tannic acid. Tannic acid helps treat excessive perspiration on the hands and feet. The only problem with this is that it can stain your hands and feet so use this remedy with caution. Tannic acid also comes in topical medications but is more expensive than making it from tea.
5. Take 3 unpeeled lemons and roll them on a hard surface until soft. Cut them in half and rub each half on your underarms. The acid from the lemons kills the odor from perspiration. If you have hairy underarms, make sure to shave them before using this remedy. Take a shower or bath afterwards.
6. Take 1 tablet of zinc with food or milk everyday. Zinc gets rid of odor and perspiration completely. You can buy zinc at any drug or vitamin store.
Tags: hands feet, your underarms, amount baking, amount baking soda, apply your
The lemon detox diet is designed to detoxify the body by cleaning out the colon. While some people use the lemon diet as a method of losing weight, its main function is to internally cleanse the body. While those who seek to lose weight may be disappointed with the actual amount of weight lost, people who seek to detoxify their bodies are usually pleased with the results. The ingredients of the lemon detox diet both cleanse the body and supply nutrients. The diet is relatively simple to follow and can be done inexpensively.
Using the Diet
The lemon detox diet is a liquid food diet. It can be done in a few ways. Some people do the diet one day a week, while others follow a seven-day plan for deep cleaning. During the diet the only sustenance is the lemon detox drink. The drink is made with lemons, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. This drink is taken throughout the day whenever a person feels hungry. The lemon detox is not designed for long-term dieting. It is a short diet that really cleans out the system. By eliminating the accumulated fecal matter that is in the colon, the body is able to perform at optimum levels. Having too many toxins in the body can cause disease and impedes the body's ability to self-clean. All that waste also interferes with the proper functioning of other systems in the body. If these harmful wastes are not removed, they are reabsorbed by the body.
Creating the Drink
The lemon detox diet has just three ingredients -- lemons, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and, of course, water. It is suggested on LemonDetox.com that 60 ounces of the detox drink be taken each day of the diet. Making the drink once in the morning is a good idea. For each 8 ounces of cold or hot water, add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and just a pinch of cayenne pepper. The syrup should not be the kind you find in the supermarket, but instead Madal Bal tree syrup or organic maple syrup. Madal Bal is a special kind of syrup made from maple and palm trees. Both syrups can be purchased online or in health food stores.
Getting the Benefits
The lemons contain citric acid which helps to clean out the digestive tract. Lemons are also a good source of vitamin C, a known antioxidant. Vitamin C is also good at fighting infections. The Madal Bal tree syrup provides nutrients for the body such as important minerals. The glucose or sugars in the Madal Bal and organic maple syrup create energy so the dieter can continue normal body functions. The cayenne pepper is a stimulant. The pepper increases metabolism and circulation. The ingredients work together to bring about bowel movements that remove debris and waste from the colon. The syrup also adds a sweet taste to the liquid food.
The South Beach Diet is a program intended to create healthy diet changes which can be maintained for the rest of your life. These changes include recognizing the difference between "good" and "bad" carbohydrates and limiting the consumption of sugar and heavily processed foods. When shopping for South Beach diet foods, you should look for whole, natural foods and check nutritional labels for hidden sugars. Keeping a few basic rules in mind will help you stay on track and reach your nutritional goals.
Instructions
1. Buy large amounts of fresh vegetables from the produce section. The South Beach Diet involves eating plenty of vegetables, especially during the initial two-week restrictive phase. Examples of vegetable choices suitable for this diet include artichokes, avocados, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, mushrooms, radishes, snow peas, spinach, squash, tomatoes and zucchini.
2. Look for lean cuts of meat. For instance, Canadian bacon or turkey bacon are better choices than regular bacon due to its high fat content. Beef and pork chops can be trimmed at home but ground meat and lunch meats should be purchased in low-fat varieties. Any meat with the word "honey" on the label is not appropriate for the South Beach Diet, as it contains added sugars.
3. Check the nutrition label on condiments to determine the sugar content. Ketchup and many salad dressings contain high amounts of sugar and should be avoided. Look for low-carb or sugar-free salad dressings and naturally low-sugar products such as mustard, soy sauce, salsa or Tabasco sauce.
4. Buy low-fat dairy products. Milk, cottage cheese, yogurt and cheese are all available in reduced-fat varieties. Aim for products made with no more than 1-2 percent milk fat.
5. Purchase complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, old-fashioned oatmeal, whole-grain bread and whole-wheat pasta rather than their white counterparts.
6. Choose diet beverages or vegetable juice when it comes to drinks. Fruit juices are often high in both calories and sugar content, and the South Beach Diet recommends avoiding them. Products such as Crystal Light or other powdered drink mixes can be used to add flavor to water without any additional sugar. Coffee and tea are also permitted.
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Pittas are the “Supermen” and “Superwomen” amongst us: often athletic, bespectacled and deceptively mild-mannered, they can leap tall buildings in a single bound (well, not really). They can, however, bike commute 20 miles to work, run the morning meeting and eat as much as they like—to the dismay of calorie-counting co-workers. Good-natured, competitive, driven and smart, Pittas are leaders. Downtime is important to Type A Pittas so that they do not overextend and express their heat and become demanding, domineering, bossy or insensitive (and, this, just at home.) Pittas are one of the three mind-body types found in Ayurveda, which dates back 5,000 years to India. Doing an oil massage, or abhyangana, is recommended for all types and Pittas benefit to let their active minds and bodies rest and restore.
Instructions
1. Heat 2 tbsp. of olive or canola oil in a small pan. Let cool. Add 1 tbsp. of primrose, walnut or coconut oil. Set aside.
2. Rinse the body and cleanse with a mild soap such as castile soap. Pat dry. Apply the oil to the body, starting from the feet and working up to the head. Do the front side of the body first and back body second.
3. Don a warm robe and prepare a cooling drink to turn down the infamous flame of ambitious Pitta. Drink a lassi made from diluted yogurt with ground cardamom, cinnamon and fennel added. Lounge for at least 10 minutes.
4. Rinse off in warm water to remove excess oil from the body. Pat dry. Moisturize and apply sunscreen as normal.
Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for women in the U.S. However, the mortality rate has dropped significantly over the last four decades due to the growing number of women getting routine Pap tests that can detect precancerous cells before they become malignant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and nearly 4,000 women will die from the disease.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
According to the National Institute of Health, cervical cancer is caused by various types of a virus (spread through sexual contact) called human papillomaviruses HPV. Most of the time women are able to fight off the virus, but it occasionally leads to cancer.
Diagnosing Cervical Cancer
The NIH says it can take many years for normal cells in the cervix to develop into cancer cells. In its early stages, cervical cancer may not present any symptoms. But as the disease progresses, you may experience vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
Stage III Cervical Cancer
Stage III cervical cancer is divided into two sub-stages depending on how far the cancer has spread.
In stage IIIA the cancer has moved to the lower part of the vagina but has not yet reached the pelvic wall.
In stage IIIB the malignancy has spread to the pelvic wall and/or it has become large enough to obstruct the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. This can cause the kidneys to swell and not function properly.
Stage IV Cervical Cancer
Stage IV cervical cancer is also separated into two categories. In stage IVA, cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum and could also be in the pelvic lymph nodes.
By the time cervical cancer has reached late stage IV or stage IVB the malignancy has moved into other areas of the body. There may be cancer in the abdomen, liver, lungs or intestinal tract.
Hysterectomy and Advanced Cervical Cancer
A radical hysterectomy may be performed as therapy for later stage cervical cancer. During this procedure, the uterus and much of the neighboring tissue, including the upper section of the vagina and internal lymph nodes are removed.
In extreme cases, all of the organs in the pelvis, including the rectum and the bladder are removed.
Radiation and Chemotherapy
Radiation treatments are commonly used when cervical cancer has spread beyond the pelvis or a treated malignancy has returned.
Chemotherapy drugs may also be used to help fight late stage cervical cancer. The drugs could be pills or medicines given through an IV (intravenous) tube.
Prognosis
The American Cancer Society says the overall (all stages combined) five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is about 71 percent.
The National Cancer Institute says for women with later stage cervical cancer the five-year survival rate can be as high as 57 percent or as low as 17 percent depending on the exact level of advancement.
Tags: cancer spread, cervical cancer, cervical cancer, stage cervical, Cancer Stage, Cancer Stage cervical, cervical cancer
Removal of the wisdom teeth is one of the most common major dental procedures. About 85 percent of wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, must at some point be removed, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. When left to grow, they can create severe dental problems.
The Basics
Early humans ate a steady diet of foods that were harder to chew than what modern humans are accustomed to. Their teeth wore down more quickly and shifted position, allowing more space for the wisdom teeth, which typically erupt between ages 17 and 25 -- older and wiser than when the rest of your adult teeth come in.
When to Have Surgery
Given the lack of extra space in modern humans' mouths, wisdom teeth rarely grow in straight. Instead, they frequently become impacted, meaning their way is blocked by gum or bone tissue or another tooth. The potential results are infection, pain, damage to adjacent teeth or roots, and crowding. In a few cases, a fluid-filled cyst forms around the tooth and can require serious surgery.
The dental profession generally recommends having your wisdom teeth removed by your late teens or early 20s, when they tend to erupt or become impacted. Regular dental X-rays often reveal wisdom teeth that have yet to erupt but are likely to cause problems eventually. With time the teeth grow larger, their roots extend, and the surgery and recovery become more difficult, so waiting until age 25 or older may be too late to avoid problems.
Older patients also face a higher risk of gum disease and other problems in the tissues near the wisdom teeth, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation. Dr. Dan Peterson, a Nebraska dentist, writes on his practice Web site that age 16 or 17 is a good time for wisdom tooth extraction because the jaw bone is softer, so there is less likelihood of nerve damage or other damage.
The Procedure
Wisdom tooth removal can usually be done in the surgeon's office. Depending on how complicated the doctor thinks the procedure will be, your overall health, and your preference, the operation may be performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. How the tooth is positioned, how developed its root is, and whether it is impacted largely determine how difficult the procedure will be.
Wisdom tooth extraction is to be taken seriously. It requires an incision in the gum and, quite often, the removal of bone. Sometimes, to get the tooth out, the surgeon must break it into pieces.
Expect soreness and swelling for two to five days after surgery. You'll likely be sent home with pain medication. Cold compresses may help, as well. Just as importantly, get plenty of rest and stick to a diet of soft foods such as mashed potatoes and soup. Follow your surgeon's instructions for cleaning the mouth.
Tags: wisdom teeth, Oral Maxillofacial, wisdom teeth, according American, according American Association, American Association, American Association Oral
There are a myriad of things that can impair or be detrimental to our health. Something as simple as a bout of constipation can lead to impacted stools if left unattended. Recognizing and addressing such issues at the onset can prolong our lives and offer a healthy and invigorating lifestyle.
Identification
Impacted stools (or fecal impaction) can be caused by a number of things, one being an overextended period of constipation. Other signs of impacted stool are nausea and vomiting, weight loss, constant urges to have a bowel movement (or if bowel movement occurs it may be very loose, like liquid), loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen (this usually occurs after a meal) and headaches. A general feeling of sickness may be present in addition to the symptoms.
Types
As a result of the foods we eat, water intake and exercise habits, the stool can take on different shapes and forms. Use this guide to help identify whether or not your stool is normal and intact or in need of a little help.
Smooth, long: This is normal and an indication of regular, daily trips to the bathroom.
Lumpy, long: This will usually require some straining, but movements should be regular.
Small, hard and separated: This indicates that fiber and water are missing from daily diet and will require an enormous amount of uncomfortable straining, which may result in bleeding.
All liquid and no substance: This usually indicates diarrhea.
Size
Stool sizes vary from person to person, just like the regularity of bowel movements varies from one individual to the next. Stools can range in size from 1 to 2 cm (small, hard and separated), to 3 to 4 cm (lumpy and long) back to 1 to 2 cm (smooth and long).
Prevention/Solution
Eliminating or preventing some of the symptoms listed above can deter the unfavorable effects of impacted stools all together. To avoid constipation, maintain a healthy supply of fiber in your daily diet (about 25 to 30 g daily). You can take a fiber dietary supplement; even better, add foods that are high in fiber to your diet (carrots, beans, fresh fruits, broccoli, whole grains). Drink plenty of liquids every day, namely water (at least six to eight glasses daily); this prevents the stool from becoming dry and hard. Another way to avoid impacted stool is to exercise regularly. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to get a membership at your local gym, but daily or regular exercise such as a brisk walk for about 20 minutes or so will help promote and keep bowel movements consistent, thus avoiding constipation.
Warning
If you experience a prolonged period of constipation and are unable to pass gas or expel any stool, you should contact your doctor immediately. It is not advisable to use any laxatives at this point. If you notice stool is really thin (almost like a pencil), you are experiencing abdominal pain and/or there is blood in the stool, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Tags: bowel movement, bowel movements, contact your, contact your doctor, daily diet, doctor immediately
LED red light therapy is an effective, noninvasive method to treat facial wrinkles. You can either receive light therapy treatments (also called photorejuvenation) from a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, or you can use a number of hand-held devices at home. Remember, before performing any medical procedure, you should first consult a doctor or dermatologist to ensure that the treatments are safe for you.
Facial Light Therapy
According to the article, "Facial Light Therapy" at Wrinkle-Free-Skin-Tips.com, LED red light therapy works by fostering the production of collagen and elastin, two chemicals that increase elasticity and smoothness. Collagen and elastin also make skin more firm and supple, therefore reducing the appearance of wrinkles and in some cases slowing their development. LED light therapy can also increase circulation in the skin, which in turn creates new skin cells and provides healthier, less-aged skin.
Procedure
Depending on which device you choose, the basics of LED red light therapy are the same. First, be sure to read the instructions that come with the device. LED light therapy products have different frequencies (measured in nanometers) which determine how long your treatment will last. In some cases, you may need to have a timer or stopwatch handy to ensure you don't over-treat your skin.
You want to wash your face with a mild cleanser and dry off by blotting it with a towel. Turn on the device and follow the instructions. If you're going to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon's office to receive the treatment, it is much the same except they will use a much larger device and apply it for you.
According to the article, "A Hand at Light Therapy Machines" by Alexandra Drosu, when testing a Tända Regenerate Anti-Aging Light Therapy Treatment versus the Pretika Light Sonic Pulsating Light Skin Care System, the Tanda proved more effective at reducing wrinkles and fine lines although it had a higher price.
Risks
Because LED red light therapy is a noninvasive procedure, there are very few risks involved. However, if you have any skin inflammations, open wounds, rashes, or other severe blemishes, you should first consult with a dermatologist before undergoing LED red light therapy for wrinkle reduction. You should also take special care to follow the directions included with your device if you choose to utilize a do-it-yourself home procedure.
You are working in your backyard when suddenly you happen upon a snake curled up and hissing. Would you know what type of snake it was but more importantly, whether it was poisonous or not? This article will arm you with that information. Read on to learn recognize a North American poisonous snake.
Instructions
1. The first thing you will want to know is that all snakes will bite, and just because a snake is not poisonous, it does not mean it will not hurt you if it does. Even a non-poisonous snake can give you a nasty infection, so the first step is to leave it alone.
2. There are four types of poisonous snakes in North America. The first is the rattlesnake. There are many variations of rattlesnakes found in America, and all of them are dangerous. They generally can be recognized by the rattle on the end of their tails, and the sound that the tail emits when you are to close. Also, the rattlesnake has the typical diamond-shaped head, and pits in its snout. This snake is armed with two large fangs that deliver varying amounts of venom.
3. The next snake you will want to recognize is the cottonmouth, or water moccasin. This is a heavy-bodied snake that varies in color. It also has the diamond-shaped head and pits. This snake is not slow in showing off its two fangs, as it often will open its mouth in anger if you get close. Another identifying characteristic is the white inside of the mouth. If you are close enough to see this, then you are too close.
4. The next type of poisonous snake you might come across is the copperhead. This snake has a less defined diamond-shaped head, and again the two pits. This snake is one of the most commonly misidentified as it resembles some non-poisonous snakes. Make no mistake, however, this snake is dangerous, and will bite.
Tags: This snake, diamond-shaped head, diamond-shaped head pits, head pits, North American
Fibroids are benign tumors that grow on the lining of the uterus. They are generally caused by an excess of the hormone estrogen, which is supposed to work in a careful balance with the hormone progesterone. Estrogen thickens the uterine lining, a process that occurs naturally during the first half of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone circulates in the blood during the first half of the cycle, and it acts during the second half to eliminate the thickened uterine lining. When there is too much estrogen and not enough progesterone, the uterine lining thickens more than it should, causing growths that turn into fibroids. Fibroids can cause difficult menstrual periods, as well as back pain and abdominal pain.
A healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone both dissolves fibroids once they have grown, and it also prevents them from growing in the first place. Take the steps in this article simultaneously rather than chronologically; together, they can restore or maintain proper hormonal balance.
Instructions
Dissolve Fibroids
1. Limit exposure to substances that can cause excess estrogen production. These include birth control pills, hormone replacement drugs, chemical pesticides, plastic cookware and growth hormones found in meat and dairy products that come from factory farmed animals. Your body will produce less estrogen if you limit your exposure to these substances, and your fibroids will start to dissolve.
2. Find a diet plan that works for you and stick to it. Fat cells produce estrogen. Minimizing body fat can lessen the amount of estrogen that your body produces. Exercise regularly to turn fat tissue into muscle. Without the extra fat tissue, your estrogen level will drop, enabling your body to start dissolving fibroids.
3. Minimize stress. When we experience chronic stress, our bodies convert progesterone into a stress hormone called cortisol. This process upsets the balance of estrogen and progesterone, causing us to grow fibroids. By restoring a healthy balance, you can shrink and dissolve the fibroids that grew as a result of the original imbalance.
4. Eat high fiber foods to increase bowel movements that excrete estrogen. Avoid foods that put extra strain on your liver, such as caffeine, alcohol, salt and sugar. When you're liver is busy processing them, it can't break down estrogen as effectively. Eat fish such as tuna and salmon, which can help reduce inflammation, shrinking fibroids.
5. Consider enzyme therapies to control estrogen levels and shrink fibroids. A supplement called Vitalzym contains systematic enzymes that dissolve fibrin, an important component of uterine fibroids. Consult your health care practitioner about dissolving fibroids with Vitalzym, and carefully follow the dosing guidelines on the package.