Archive for January, 2009

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Knowing More About Anemia

Comments: 0January 14th, 2009 by admin



Red blood cells play a very important role in carrying oxygen for the whole body and use a particular protein called hemoglobin. Anemia means that the amount of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin is lower than the normal. As the output of blood cells is either very less or there has been an increased loss of blood cells which causes the deficiency. Red blood cells are manufactured in the bone marrow with the life expectancy of four months. The concoction to produce red blood cells is iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid and the lack of participation by any of those leads to anemia.

This lack or deficiency of red blood cells makes them work harder and exert more to get the required amount of oxygen around the body. This is a chain reaction, as the blood cells are less the provision of oxygen to the body is less. This makes lungs and heart work harder to get oxygen into the blood and due to which there is difficulty in breathing. Heavy exercise, climbing stairs, which are some of the very menial jobs which gets the anemic person exhausted. This is very common among in females as during menstruation as well as during pregnancy there is loss of blood which makes women more prone to being anemic.

Some of the causes of anemia

* Heavy periods during puberty and pregnancy

* Diet -low in iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid.

* Internal bleeding- an ulcer or a tumor

* Blood diseases – leukemia

* Infections, such as malaria and septicemia, which reduces the life span of red blood cells.

* Inherited disorders – such as thalassaemia or sickle cell disease

* Blood loss – due to trauma, surgery, cancer, peptic ulcer, heavy menstruation, bowel cancer or frequent blood donations

* Chronic diseases – such as rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis

* Hormone disorders – such as hypothyroidism

* Bone marrow disorders – such as cancer

* Certain drugs – including alcohol, antibiotics

Symptoms which are very visible in anemic people

* Tiredness, fatigue

* Giddiness

* Breathlessness

* Angina

* Frequent headaches

* Racing heart or palpitations

* Irritability

* Lack of concentration

* Cracked or reddened tongue

* Loss of appetite due to reduced sense of taste

* Strange food cravings

The best way to protect one is to have a very healthy iron rich diet. This diet would ensure the steady manufacture of red blood cells. The diet should have more iron, folic acid as well as vitamin B12. Vegetarians can have vitamin B12 supplements to avoid deficiency. Some of the normal diet taken should be in proportion with high fiber varieties and rich in vitamins and B complex. There should also be inclusion of fruits and leafy vegetables.

Very few tests are required to diagnose whether the person is anemic by getting the blood test done which would signify the number and size of red blood cells. Anemia which is caused by ulcers, tumors has to be treated by the doctor by surgery or the necessary dose of medicines should be taken by the patient. Even though the thought of just weakness may not very challenging, but if this disease is not treated on time there are chances of you suffering from angina or pain while walking, sitting or standing. The body become very weak and is unable to fight even the smallest infections like cold and cough.

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Haemochromatosis – Causes, Symptoms, Information With Treatment

Comments: 0January 14th, 2009 by admin



Haemochromatosis is one of the most common hereditary diseases. Its main role is in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When too much iron is taken up it slowly builds up in various parts of the body, including the liver, heart and pancreas. It may be many years before there are any symptoms of haemochromatosis and when problems do arise they are often very vague and can be confused with many other conditions. This is the most common of all the genetic conditions; it is even more common than cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy. Sometimes the skin has a ‘sun-tanned’ colour. If the pancreas is affected, diabetic complications may occur. Heart problems such as palpitations and shortness of breath can also happen.

Symptoms of Haemochromatosis

Some Symptoms of Haemochromatosis:

Painful joints

Bronze skin pigmentation

Loss of sex drive

Enlarged liver

Discomfort in the upper stomach

abdominal pain

weight loss

Fatigue

Diabetic symptoms such as excessive thirst and frequent urination.

Treatment of Haemochromatosis

Reducing the amount of iron absorbed by the body – patients are advised to avoid iron-rich foods and alcohol.

Removing excess iron from the body by removing blood from the body (venesection therapy or phlebotomy), often a pint a week, until iron levels in the blood are normal.

Avoiding vitamin supplements containing vitamin C and iron

Avoiding excessive red meat and liver in the diet

Sexual dysfunction and arthritis do not usually improve. Indeed arthritis may appear later even if absent at the time of diagnosis and treatment.

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Description of Lymphoma

Comments: 0January 13th, 2009 by admin



The first notice as painless enlarged lymph nodes (adenopathy or lymphadenopathy) is lymphoma. Generally enlarged lymph nodes do not mean lymphoma. The diagnosis of lymphoma can be determined or excluded by a biopsy and subsequent pathology evaluations of the tissue.

Depending on the type of lymphoma and where the lymphoma is actively growing symptoms can vary. Symptoms like anemia (low red blood cells count) the bone marrow dysfunction are not so common but are present in later stages of the disease and also as side effect of some treatments. MALT lymphomas may present as an upset stomach or an enlarged lymph node can cause a change in bowel movement.

It can be difficult to identify the meaning of a symptom because some of these may be common to certain stages of lymphoma and to specific treatments. Other medical conditions and illnesses that are unrelated to lymphoma like flu or an ulcer can be developed. There are other informations that doctor must know when he is informed about a symptom like: the intensity, the size and appearance, when it started, how long it has lasted, if it waxes and wanes, the medications and supplements used and the beginning of uses them, how the symptom might change when position is changed, association of the symptom with meals or specific foods, the time of day the symptom might be most intense.

These and other details help the doctor to identify the possible cause or causes, or if further tests are warranted. The common symptoms that appear are unexplained and persistent: anemia, appetite loss, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms – aches, fever, chills, infections associated with low white count, night sweats – drenching, pain; itchy skin (purititis), red patches; jaundice – yellowish tinge (related to liver function), swollen and painless lymph nodes, swollen spleen or liver, thrombocytopenia and weight loss.

B-symptoms are common and a onset of them may suggest that the lymphoma is progressing. Also b-symptoms present unexplained and persistent: fever and chills, drenching night sweats, fatigue, pruritus and weight loss. Other symptoms are flu-like symptoms like aches and pains, localized pain that may occur depending on the location of tumors, and frequent infections resulting from depressed immunity.

The diagnosis of lymphoma (which requires a biopsy) is often delayed because b-symptoms are common to both minor and serious medical conditions. Fever, night sweats, weight loss in excess of 10%, or asthenia, called systemic symptoms are infrequent at presentation of the disease but can be observed in later stages. If a patient develops systemic symptoms the progression to an intermediate-grade or high-grade lymphoma should be considered. To monitor progression monitoring blood for increasing levels of LDH and Human beta-2 microglobulin is used.

If a person present some of these symptoms a doctor should be consult for a proper treatment.

Incoming search terms for the article:

enlarged stomach lymph nodes,haemochromatosis and night sweats

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What Are the Best Blood Sugar Levels For You?

Comments: 0January 12th, 2009 by admin



Have you ever noticed that numbers are important in health? Your date of birth is important. The age women started their menstrual cycle is important. The year you had surgery is important. How many days it takes you to recover from the flu is important. The age you first started smoking is important.

Your heart rate should be 60-72 beats per minute. Your blood pressure is two numbers such as 120/80 and the top number is usually 100 plus your age. (It’s best to keep that number to no higher than 140.) The bottom number is 70 to 80; if it goes past 90, your health care provider is concerned about your blood pressure and he will look to put you on medication.

Blood sugar levels are also important to know. The range is 70 to 110 mg/dl (3.9 to 6 mmol/l) or 80 to 120 mg/dl (4.4 to 6.7 mmol/l) depending on the clinical laboratory that does the testing. When blood sugar is measured, it is taken either after a meal or after a long overnight period of fasting. To determine whether or not someone has diabetes, doctors look at fasting blood sugar levels. When the level is between 100 to 125 mg/dl (5.5 to 6.9 mmol/l), health care providers say you are pre-diabetic. When the level is greater than 125 mg/dl (7 mmol/l) you have type 2 diabetes.

When a person with type 2 diabetes is monitoring his own fasting blood sugar, he should aim for 83 to 87 mg/dl (4.6 to 4.8 mmol/l). This is the ideal fasting blood sugar level. If the level is less than 70 mg/dl (3.9 mmol/l), the health care provider would say that the person had hypoglycemia or low blood sugar at that particular point in time.

There’s one additional number that is important for diabetics: the Hemoglobin A1C value (HbA1c). This number tells the doctor how well you, the patient, has been regulating your blood sugar levels over the last two to three months. This means that anyone who is a diabetic really can’t cheat on their diet and eat meals filled with carbohydrates, (such as pasta, pretzels, ice cream, and doughnuts all at the same meal) and expect that their health care provider won’t figure out that they have been cheating! But actually you would be cheating yourself!

Normal Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels are less than 6.5%. Diabetics usually have levels 7% or higher; sometimes more than 11%!

Stay true to your goal to maintain good health and reverse your type 2 diabetes. Do it with proven methods. Join the ranks of those who have beaten this condition called type 2 diabetes.

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Normal Blood Sugar Range – Types of Blood Test That Will Help

Comments: 0January 12th, 2009 by admin



Sugar in the blood is the blood is the to human and animals. So how does this sugar get into the blood? Sugar is present in our blood mainly because of the foods we eat mainly carbohydrates. The sugar level is controlled by a hormone known as insulin which is made by the pancreases. What this means is the insulin converts these sugars into much needed energy for the body.

So what should be the normal blood sugar range in a person?

Normal Levels: Are 70 – 150 mg

The blood sugar usually moves in-between these two values throughout the day, depending on the types of food we eat. It sometime may go above or below required limit and get back to normal after a while. If your blood sugar is either to low or too high for a long period of time, it is not a good sign.

If the levels go above 150mg for a period of time then the person is said to have high blood sugar or hyperglycemia and if the levels is lower than 70mg then the person is known to have low blood pressure or hypoglycemia

If you constantly have high blood sugar and do not cure it on time it results in diabetes. If diabetes is not treated on time it can lead to eye, kidney, heart and nerve damage.

Types Of Blood Test To Diagnose Diabetes

1.Fasting Blood Test

The best way to measure the sugar levels in the blood is to do a blood test. If a person is being diagnosed for diabetes the first test he normally undergoes is the fasting blood test, where the patient fasts for 8 hours before the blood test, if his blood sugar levels are between 70mg and 99mg then he is safe.

2. 2 hour Postprandial Blood Sugar Test

This test is done 2 hours after eating meals, In this test the blood sugar levels should be in between 70-145 mg.

3.The Random Testing Method.

This test id done several time a day , the normal levels for this test should be in between 70-125mg, if the results vary then this may indicate a problem.

Incoming search terms for the article:

normal blood sugar range,sugar level range

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Low Blood Pressure – Symptoms & Prevention

Comments: 0January 9th, 2009 by admin



Low blood pressure is a condition in which the blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged. Unlike high blood pressure, which is defined on the basis of blood pressure alone, low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow. In fact, some individuals may have a blood pressure of 90/50 and have no signs or symptoms of low blood pressure, and, therefore, not have low blood pressure while others who normally have a blood pressure of 130/80 may develop Low Blood Pressure Symptoms and signs of low blood pressure if their blood pressure drops to 100/60.
Some people with low blood pressure are in good physical condition with strong cardiovascular systems and a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. But low blood pressure can also signal an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or is accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:

o Dizziness or lightheadedness

o Fainting (syncope)

o Lack of concentration

o Blurred vision

o Nausea

o Cold, clammy, pale skin

o Rapid, shallow breathing

o Fatigue

o Depression

o Thirst

There are two main mechanisms, or causes, of low blood pressure. The most common mechanism is reduced blood volume, which can have many different causes. Hemorrhage, or massive blood loss; not drinking enough fluids such as water or juice; or persistent diarrhea or vomiting can all cause reduced blood volume. Another cause of hypovolemia is excessive diuretics use. This causes the body to produce excessive amounts of urine, which can reduce the amount of fluid in the body very quickly. Another mechanism that causes low blood pressure is decreased cardiac output. This is usually caused by heart failure of some type. This cause of hypotension can quickly lead to cardiogenic shock, or shock caused by a lack of blood circulation.

Low blood pressure can accompany anemia especially when you change positions from sitting to standing. Anemia is from a low blood count that can be brought on by excessive bleeding or iron deficiency. There are some natural treatments you could also try if your blood pressure is mildly low and if you have moderate symptoms.

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Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue For Men – A Review

Comments: 0January 7th, 2009 by admin



When seeking out the ultimate in fragrance and skin care for men, there are many options available. Ideally men seek out a scent that embodies an air of power and that is notably male without being overpowering. Today we examine the Light Blue line by Dolce and Gabbana. Long known as leaders in the fashion industry, the company is now becoming surprisingly popular in the world of fragrance as well, with many fragrance lines for both men and women. While D&G’s Light Blue line is available for both genders, this review is examining the line of products intended for men.

The Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue line for men offers a fresh and unique scent. The products work hard to capture the essence of Mediterranean sensuality. There is a refreshing citrus blend that is mixed with subtle spices and very masculine woods in order to create a scent that is both powerful and subtle and that exudes a certain air of sophistication. The scent works well to be remarkably pleasing without ever becoming overwhelming. It is certainly among one of the best high end fragrances offered by the company, even given D&G’s track record for remarkable scents and products.

The Light Blue line for men offers a number of products. There are eau de toilettes as well as aftershave, after shave lotion, and deodorants as well as shower gels. Each product boasts the same remarkable scent and offers men a chance to get the all-over fragrance without the need to use a great deal of the cologne. The deodorant and body wash offer very subtle fragrances, making them ideal for a shower before work or before heading out for an evening of dinner and dancing. The entire line manages to correctly find the balance between scent and subtlety that so many fragrance manufacturers miss.

In all, the Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue line for men is certainly highly recommendable. The scents are attractive and alluring without being too strong or overpowering. The products themselves are quite effective and the price point is ideal for a product of this quality. There are really no complaints to offer about the line, which is rare for a line of designer fragrances. In short, I would certainly recommend Light Blue to any man who is seeking a cologne or a fragrance line that offers masculinity and intrigue and who is seeking a scent that will attract attention of the entirely positive variety.

Posted in Allergy And Sinus

Natural Hay Fever Treatments With Homeopathy

Comments: 0January 5th, 2009 by admin



There are probably as many natural hay fever treatments as there are people suffering with it. But at the core, the reason you suffer is that you have a lowered immunity.

Many people have little idea of what an immune system is because you can’t touch it. It isn’t tangible. Rather, it is only known by your ailments and how you manage them without any help.

Those people with high energy and no ailments, or ailments which are dealt with by an intense fever which is quickly over, have strong and healthy immunity. Those who have low energy and seem to catch everything around which lasts for days or weeks, have low immune systems.

The hay fever part simply means that this is your personal area of weakness. Or one of them.

So how can you raise your immunity?

Here, we are concerned with two important ways, although I’m sure there are many more.

By taking control of your health and looking after yourself. Here are some long term suggestions.

Eat well (no processed food, limit dairy, cut back on animal protein, increase fruit and vegetables). Get out into the sun and into nature. Learn to relax. Take time out. Take regular exercise. Deal with stresses holistically, as they arise.

That’s all very well, but what about now? Isn’t there a way to quickly raise your immune system by using natural hay fever treatments? The good news is that there is. And it comes from homeopathic treatment.

Pulsatilla is a great homeopathic medicine that will bring your hay fever to a halt, as long as your symptoms agree.

Here are some of the common and strong symptoms of Pulsatilla type hay fever:

with sneezing which is worse in a warm room, the sun or hot weather worse in the evening or, less commonly in the afternoon better in open air, especially cool, cool weather with chronic nasal obstruction especially right nostril

Other symptoms include a general lack of thirst – you’re always being told to drink more. And changeable symptoms, including moods. One minute you may be very emotional and weepy, then next you may be irritable.

This medicine is especially good for children, but not exclusively.

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Connection Between HPV and Herpes

Comments: 0January 3rd, 2009 by admin



Is HPV caused by Genital Herpes? Is HPV and advanced stage of genital herpes? What is the connection between HPV and Herpes? I have seen this question many times getting asked. The simple answer is that both are totally different diseases. Both are sexually transmitted diseases but the similarity ends there. I think that some people confuse between the tow diseases because of the nature of transmission and growth of these diseases. Let us see how.

Herpes Virus causes Genital Herpes. HPV is the name of virus group that has more than 100 virus types. The full name is Human Papilloma Virus. Some types of this virus cause ordinary warts. some cause genital warts and some cause Cervical cancer. HPV itself is not a disease.

The only possible similarity between the two diseases is that both are sexually transmitted and both are incurable. Whereas in Genital Herpes blisters form in Genital warts caused by HPV warts form on or near the genitals.

Another similarity between the tow diseases is that people who show no outward sign may transmit both. These people are called silent carriers. They may transmit the diseases to their partner. Sometimes they may not be aware that they are infected themselves.

A blister that is caused by Genital Herpes may get misdiagnosed as a pimple or a boil. But it goes away after sometime. In case of genital warts, the warts do not disappear. They have to be removed.

I hope that the above note will clear whatever confusion any of you may be having about HPV and Genital Herpes. To repeat, both are as different as cheese and chalk.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

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Bayer Blood Gas Analyzers

Comments: 0January 3rd, 2009 by admin



Blood gas analyzers are used for measuring the concentration of lactate, hemoglobin and electrolytes in the blood at a faster rate. With these equipment, you can easily assess acid-base status and amount of oxygen in the blood, plasma and serum. Thus it becomes quite easy to detect and cure respiratory diseases and metabolic conditions causing abnormal pH. Bayer Blood Gas Analyzers are characterized by efficiency, flexibility and reliability.

Bayer Blood Gas Analyzers with Innovative Features

Bayer blood gas analyzers measure pH, pCO2, pO2, ionized sodium, glucose, chloride and calcium. They are available in different versions such as Bayer 860, Bayer 865, Bayer 248, Bayer 288 etc. All these versions possess almost similar features with one or two added advantages. These have many capabilities like fully automated sample delivery and sample entry.

These instruments can perform automatic calibration at intervals you choose and can store 1500 patient sample reports. They offer superior performance with an array of features like automatic reagent-path cleaning cycle, on-board roll printer with paper take-up spool, archive and backup capabilities and quality control tracking. The latest models come with certain advanced features such as video guidance to simplify workload, and are monitored remotely by the central laboratory. Other features which make them versatile are:

• Reagents, controls and consumables are available
• Advanced on board data management
• Waste system designed for bio safety
• Customized printing options
• Minimum operator involvement
• Requires low maintenance
• Service contracts may be available

Buy Standard Products from Reliable Dealers

Bayer Blood Gas Analyzers enjoy great demand in the clinical and laboratory field. There are a number of dealers supplying new and refurbished models in excellent condition. So before making a purchase, find a reliable dealer in the industry who can supply you with superior quality products.

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