Archive for February, 2009

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Infertility Clinic – Who Gets Involved?

Comments: 0February 28th, 2009 by admin



Infertility is suffering enough. Why burden yourself with additional problems that will cause you only to suffer more?

One good step in decreasing the probability of multiplying your troubles is by selecting an efficient clinic. Know them by the attributes of their services and completeness of their working staff. The working people may not actually be present during your clinical visit but the clinic must at least make an assurance that once personages such as these that will be discussed here are available in case you may need them.

Here are the following people you must look for from an infertility clinic:

Reproductive Surgeon or Reproductive Endocrinologist

This is the person who conducts the follicular recruitment phases in all assisted reproduction technologies. Thus, he stands important in dealing with infertility. And because this personage specializes in many areas related to infertility such as endometriosis, reproductive organ disorders and uterine abnormalities he is vital during surgical repairs and surgery-associated techniques.

Reproductive Immunologist

For infertile patients who have immunological barriers as the primary cause of their infertility, it is essential that a reproductive immunologist is always at hand so as to provide extensive analysis and diagnosis of the condition. Though many areas of conditions that cover immunological barriers are not readily facilitated in standard laboratories, the infertility clinic for which you have subscribed must have a strong affiliation to services that offer treatments with this condition.

Embryologist

The infertility clinic must atleast have one embryologist specializing in fields like pre-implantation embryology, fertilization events (pre- and post), and andrology. An embryologist must be a doctor of medicine or must have a doctorate on physical, chemical or biological science.

Reproductive Urologist

While it is not necessary that an urologist is regularly present in an infertility clinic, the facility must still provide a strong assurance that one will respond in case the patients need him. An urologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility covering male factors.

Andrologist

Andorlogists are more like laboratory specialists rather than people detailing the anatomical background of infertility. They focus on the physiology relating to infertility, treatment cycle for which assisted reproductive technologies are largely based, and biochemistry. They are responsible in developing and handling procedures in aid of fertilization in larger infertility laboratories where they work closely with other specialists in inducing assisted fertilization.

Geneticist

A number of problems in infertility are actually based on the genetic factors that largely affect the capacity of a person to conceive. Thus, the need for an authority in genetics. Some cases of infertility are grounded on genetic abnormalities such as Tay Sachs syndrome, Klinefelters disease, sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

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Posted in anemia

Beginners Guide to Hemoglobin A1c Test

Comments: 0February 23rd, 2009 by admin



Hemoglobin A1c test information

The most common and effective way for medical professionals to determine if you suffer from diabetes is with a test called Hemoglobin A1c. This test is a simple blood test that measures the average amount of glucose in the tested person’s blood stream. This test can determine the range of glucose over a 3 month period.

What does the Hemoglobin A1c test measure?

Glucose or Sugar in the bloodstream attaches to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. This process is called glycosylation. Once the glucose attaches it’s self to the red blood cell, it will remain attached for the duration of the blood cells lifespan.

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Posted in anemia

The Relationship Between Heart Disease And Kidney Disease

Comments: 0February 21st, 2009 by admin



When you suffer from some type of heart disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be very difficult. We all need to eat healthy, maintain a good regular exercise routine and have regular checkups from our health care provider. When heart disease is not managed well the effects on our kidneys can be catastrophic.

The kidneys job is to filter the blood to remove carcinogens that we take in daily through the ingesting of out highly refined and processed foods. In addition it also removes excess fluid from the blood stream. The kidneys filter the waist products from the blood stream by using the natural pressure of the blood supply.

When this excess fluid is not being remove then the heart will have to work harder to pump the blood throughout our bodies by increasing our blood pressure. Higher blood pressure will cause more damage to our kidneys causing less fluid and toxins being removed from the blood stream.
As you can see the cycle of the heart damaging the kidneys which in turn cause more damage to the heart is a leading cause of death for patients suffering from heart disease. This viscous cycle must be control as soon as possible before permanent damage is done to the effected organs.

The leading causes of kidney disease are as follows:

Decreased blood flow to the kidney is usually caused by clogged arteries. Arteriosclerosis, congestive heart disease, plaques or fatty deposits containing large quantities of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood stream can all cause a decreased blood flow to the kidneys.

Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN) is the death of tissue do to a loss of oxygen to the kidney. Long term decreased of oxygen to the kidney can be caused by congestive heart disease, clogged arteries, anemia, iron deficiency, cycles cell anemia and infections such as acute septicemia. Short term loss of oxygen to the kidney can be caused a heart attack or by direct kidney injury.

Damage to the kidneys can be the result of over exposure to metals, solvents, drugs and other pollutants.

Excessive amounts of alcohol will cause death of muscle and organ tissue. When tissue dies myoglobin is released into the blood supply. Myoglobin is very toxic to the renal tubular epithelium and may cause kidney failure. One of the blood test done after a heart attack is the testing for the amount of myoglobin in the blood stream. The larger amount of myoglobin found has a direct correlation to the amount of damage caused to the heart muscle by a heart attack.

High blood pressure will also cause damage to the filtering process of the kidneys.
Prevention is always better than a cure and knowing you are at risk for heart or kidney disease should go a long way in your ability to prevent long term damage to these vital organs. Take steps today to maintain a health life style and to improve the quality of life.

Common vitamins and and minerals can help with preventing disease such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, Cranberry Juice, Natural diuretics and Garlic.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Vitamin B taken together as a team perform vital biological processes including aiding in the healing process for congestive heart failure and reduces fluid retention. It is required for the development of red blood cells.

Vitamin C has been shown to combat the development of cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Within a few hours after receiving vitamin C patients showed a sharp decline in the cholesterol levels of the blood. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.

Vitamin E is known to help the red blood cells to live longer and keep them from breaking down too soon.

Cranberry Juice may also help prevent kidney and bladder infections. If you are taking COUMADIN then check with your doctor before using cranberry.

Natural diuretics are contained in cranberries, anything that has caffeine and apple cider vinegar. Fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumbers contain a lot of water and will help increase urination.

Garlic counteract the usual result of high fats in the diet and to help reduce high blood pressure.

This report is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

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Why Am I Congested? Do I Suffer From Hay Fever?

Comments: 0February 20th, 2009 by admin



Hay Fever: What is it?

Hay fever is a condition that is seasonal that is the direct result of an allergic reaction to pollen. There are tests available that can determine if you have a pollen allergy as well as which type of pollen you are more sensitive to.

What Are The Symptoms of Hay Fever?

Sneezing Runny Nose Watery Eyes Congestion Itchy Nose Fatigue

There will be days when your symptoms might seem better than others and this can be due to the weather. Climate has an impact on how high the pollen count will be. When there is rain this tends to lower the pollen count as it cleans the air. However windy days will kick up the pollen and make symptoms worsen.

How Can I Control My Pollen Allergy?

There are several things that you can do to help control your allergy to pollen. Some of the easy ways to help control your allergy are:

Take a shower after you have been outside as pollen can cling to skin Change clothes after being outside as pollen also can cling to your clothes Try to stay indoors during high allergy alerts Talk to your doctor about possible over the counter or prescription medication options to help you get relief

If you suffer from hay fever or think that you might it is a good idea to get tested for pollen allergies. There are some people who actually move to get away from the plants and climate that worsen their condition.

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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

Testing For Genital Warts

Comments: 0February 19th, 2009 by admin



There are a few tests that can be done to check for genital warts and these involve examining the genital areas to see if there are any warts. The warts usually appear as very small warts however in some occasions these are so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye.

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New Vaccine For Malaria and Cholera Developed Using Plants!

Comments: 0February 18th, 2009 by admin



A biomedical researcher at the University of Central Florida, (UCF) has developed the first low-cost vaccine capable of eradicating malaria and cholera. He accomplished this feat by using botanical techniques to grow the vaccine, which was later injected into experimental mice. The use of plants to develop the vaccine made it very cheap to produce, which is great news for peoples of developing and underdeveloped countries, who will not have any problem buying this vaccine, (UCF). The plant-grown vaccine is very cheap to develop because it requires less labor and technology, (UCF).

Currently there is no FDA-approved vaccine capable of preventing malaria, (UCF). What is malaria? According to Dorland’s Medical Dictionary (DMD), malaria is a serious infectious disease seen in many warm regions of the world, caused by the protozoal parasite Plasmodium, and is transmitted by mosquito of the Anopheles genus. Malaria is one of the world’s leading causes of death, although the majority of patients recover after becoming infected with the malaria parasite, (DMD).

When a mosquito bites an infected person, it sucks up blood infected with the malaria parasite residing in the person, then directly transmit it into the bloodstream of the next person the mosquito bites. While inside the infected human, the parasites enter liver cells first and then the bloodstream, where they penetrate red blood cells (erythrocytes). They later burst out of the red blood cells-rupturing them after several reproductive cycles. This is when symptoms of chills and a fever of 104 degrees and above occur, (DMD). Malaria kills over 1 million people annually, (UCF).

There is only one vaccine in existence to fight cholera, (UCF). However, it is too expensive for people of developing or underdeveloped countries to afford. So, outbreaks commonly occur in these countries after floods or other natural disasters because people are unable to buy the vaccine. So, children lose immunity after three years of getting the vaccine if they did get it in the first place, (UCF).

What exactly is cholera? Cholera is a sometimes-fatal acute infectious inflammatory disease of the intestine. It is prevalent in Asia, and is caused by Vibrio cholerae, (DMD). The disease is characterized by severe diarrhea, and vomiting, causing extreme fluid and electrolyte loss, accompanied by muscle cramping and weakness, (DMD). It is sometimes called Asiatic cholera, (DMD).

These diseases are definitely serious health challenges posed to the unlucky peoples of developing world. So, any medical advances that tackle diseases commonly found in their environment, brings great hope for these people. With all this said, what exactly is the process by which plants are used genetically to develop the malaria-cholera vaccine? What plants are involved? Are they familiar to us?

The research team used genetically engineered tobacco and lettuce plants to produce the malaria and cholera vaccine. The team injected mice with freeze-dried plant cells containing the vaccine. The scientists also introduced the freeze-dried plant cells containing the vaccine orally to mice, and then exposed the mice to the cholera toxin and the malaria parasite, (UCF). Mice that did not receive the vaccine were also exposed to the cholera toxin and the malaria parasite. The mice that were injected with the vaccine did not contract cholera infection or malaria. However, mice that did not receive vaccination treatment were sickened very quickly by both diseases. The interesting thing is that mice that were treated with the plant-grown vaccine, showed long lasting immunity for more than 300 days, which is equivalent to 50 years in human, (UCF).

Mankind could be onto something big here. Not only is the development of the malaria-cholera vaccine ground breaking, but it is also very inexpensive to produce. This bode well for people of underdeveloped or developing countries because they will be able to pay for the vaccine very easily.

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Posted in anemia

Ovulation Calendar Choices – Find The Best For You

Comments: 0February 17th, 2009 by admin



If you are woman trying to find your online ovulation calendar, you could start with a google search and get lots of results. This summary of ovulation calendars will help you cut to the chase and make an informed decision quickly.

First let’s review three techniques for determining when ovulation occurs:

1) Calendar method:
This method uses the starting date of the woman’s period and the cycle length. Assuming a regular cycle, ovulation occurs 14 days before the next period date. It’s the simplest of methods that works reasonably well for a majority of women. It does not work too well for women with irregular cycles.

2) Basal temperature:

During the days prior to ovulation, a rise in the level of luteinizing hormone LH causes a slight drop in body temperature. When ovulation occurs, the body temperature goes up. A basal thermometer is accurate enough to detect the changes in body temperature and can be used to determine when ovulation occurs. It’s more accurate than the calendar method but of course it comes with the price of having to remember to measure the temperature every morning. The biggest change in temperature is noticeable when ovulation has occurred, meaning a woman may not know about her most fertile days until after the fact.

3) Cervical Mucus (CM)

During the days prior to ovulation, the cervical mucus thins as its pH level rises. The thinner mucus allows the sperms to pass through the cervix and reach the fallopian tubes, where they wait for an ovum to be released. Shortly after ovulation the mucus reverts to being thicker again. So by performing daily checks of the cervical mucus, a woman can detect how fertile she is.

Now let’s take a look at the tools you are most likely to find when searching for it on the internet. Most of the sites offer the calendar method which requires the minimum effort for the user. I grouped the sites into two main categories. Category one is sites that use the calendar method only. Category two is sites that use a mix of methods, category, basal temperature and cervical mucus. Finally, a third category lists a few offerings for download to a desktop or PDA.


CALENDAR METHOD: WEB


The following are free and don’t require registration:

pregnancy.about.com americanpregnancy.org marchofdimes.com ibabydust.com babyhopes.com babycenter.com yourdays.com is free but requires registration.

CALENDAR METHOD: WIRELESS


LadyTimer.com is the only ovulation calendar choice for women who prefer to use their cell phone. Ladytimer is free with registration.

MULTIPLE METHODS (Calendar, Temperature, CM):


Cyclepage.com used to be a pay site, but now it is free with signup required. Webmd.com offers the calendar based ovulation calendar free. They charge $20 per month for the extended service version. MyMonthlyCycles.com is free with a somewhat lengthy signup requirement. In return the member gets to see cute little rabbit pictures on the calendar showing fertile days. FertilityFriend.com and FertileDays are the same. Basic charts are free with signup required, and they promote a paid VIP services. I couldn’t find any contact info on their site, which also seemed to generate user complaints on reviews on Epinions.com Ivillage.com offers the fertility planner at 8$ per month with initial free trial.

There are also many downloadable ovulation calendars for your desktop or PDA, way too many to attempt to produce a complete list.
Here is a short list:
Idreamofbaby.com is free fertility software iKonceive costs around $30 ovulation-calendar.com costs around $30

Hopefully this summary of popular available ovulation calendars will help you find your best option.

Incoming search terms for the article:

free ovulation calendar,ovulation calendar,cervical mucus after ovulation,ovlation calendar

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Flu Season

Comments: 0February 17th, 2009 by admin



This time of year we all have a terrific opportunity to keep from being dreadfully sick over the next few months… by getting a flu shot. Every year people seem to hesitate, procrastinate, as well as get anxious over the many myths that persist about the flu shot. Most people know that you don’t get sick from the flu shot. It is actually comprised of small pieces of the dead virus that stimulate your own body to make the protection.

Very mild reactions (malaise, headache, runny nose, soreness) are possible during the first couple days but go away promptly in 1 or 2 days. Most people have no reaction at all. More severe reactions are truly uncommon unless you are allergic to eggs or have had previous problems with flu shots. You should never get a flu shot when you are sick with a fever. You can avoid feeling miserable if you act now. Most people don’t realize that 35,000 people die each year in the U.S. from flu and its complications. Since it takes a minimum of 2 weeks for your immune system to develop any protection it’s important to plan ahead….now.

The FluMist is a nasal spray that is available for people between ages 5 to 49 yrs. old. FluMist is a live attenuated (weakened) virus that actually stimulates your body to make the protection you seek without getting the actual illness. There has been some concern about getting the flu or a flu-like illness form a person who was recently vaccinated with the FluMist. In theory, the live “weakened” virus, could spread to another person and cause some reaction. However the studies thus far indicate this is quite uncommon if not rare.

Very young children or adults who were older or debilitated with compromised immunity might be more susceptible. Like any medicine risk of allergic reaction is possible but very small. A few people should definitely avoid getting the FluMist. Pregnancy, young adults on aspirin therapy, past history of an uncommon nervous disorder such as Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome as well as some chronic disease are reasons to avoid the live virus FluMist. If you’re over 50, you need to stick with the traditional flu shot.

Either way there is something for just about everybody that can make a big difference in preventing illness this winter. Believe me the season is upon us. There is still time to get protected. You don’t want to miss a couple weeks of work or school while you feel miserable wishing someone could put you out of your misery!

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How To Treat Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

Comments: 0February 17th, 2009 by admin



There are many people who are consuming vitamin B12 supplements do not know that vitamin B12 and folate are B complex vitamins that are necessary for normal red blood cell. Vitamin B12 is rarely found in vegetables, which is why vegetarians and especially vegans who don’t eat dairy products or meat, are especially at risk. This vitamin b12 along with folic acid are necessary to keep homocysteine in the blood down to healthy levels. Therefore any deficiency will lead to some health complications.

What are the deficiency symptoms?

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are manifest not because people are taking less vitamin B12 than recommended. Deficiency of vitamin B12 affects every cell in the body, but is most severely felt in the tissues where the cells normally divide rapidly, as in the blood-forming -tissues of the bone marrow and in the gastro-intestinal tract. The deficiency can also lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. It also include mood disorders, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, night terror etc. It can also include fatigue, weakness, nausea, constipation, flatulence (gas), loss of appetite and weight. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, like those of many other treatable health conditions, can be virtually identical to age dementia symptoms, senile dementia symptoms and Alzheimers symptoms.

Symptoms of B12 deficiency include insufficient equilibrium, forgetfulness, and cognitive decline and, according to a study conducted by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), may be linked to osteoporosis. Symptoms of severe vitamin B12 deficiency (regardless of the cause) may include burning of the tongue, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, intermittent constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, menstrual symptoms, psychological symptoms, and nervous system problems, such as numbness and tingling in the feet and hands. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, including sensory neuropathy, myelopathy, and encephalopathy, can occur within days or weeks of exposure to nitrous oxide anesthesia in people with sub-clinical vitamin B12 deficiency.

Anemia is the first sign that the body is not getting an adequate supply of Vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia is the name given more than a century ago to describe the then-fatal vitamin B12 deficiency anemia that results from severe gastric atrophy, a condition that prevents gastric cells from secreting intrinsic factor.

How to treat vitamin B12 deficiency?

Folic acid can correct the anemia that is caused by a B-12 deficit. Folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and vitamin B12 supplementation can reduce total homocysteine levels, however, this reduction does not seem to help with secondary prevention of death or cardiovascular events such as stroke or myocardial infarction in people with prior stroke. Folic acid intake from food and supplements should not exceed 1,000 μg daily in healthy individuals because large amounts of folic acid can trigger the damaging effects of vitamin B12 deficiency. Pernicious anemia usually develops over the age of 50. It is usually caused by an inability to absorb vitamin B12 (cobalamin) that is naturally found in certain foods.

Can Diet Help The Deficiency?

Dietary changes that may be helpful, vitamin B12 is found in significant amounts only in animal protein foods – meat and poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Foods high in vitamin b12 can only be obtained from animal sources, so vegetarians and vegans should ensure B12 is included in their daily vitamin supplements.

Conclusion

Deficiency of vitamin B12 is rarely a result of the vitamin’s. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can affect both men and women in equal numbers. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in fatigue and apathy, back pain, weight loss, bone loss, problems with balance andreflexes, abnormal gait, tingling fingers, tinnitus, eye disorders, hallucinations and migraine headaches.

Therefore, Eddy Kong has started a useful vitamin supplement information guide that help you to choose the vitamin you are looking for or simply providing the right information to vitamin supplements.

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How to Find a Skin Firming Cream That Really Works

Comments: 0February 15th, 2009 by admin



What is the best firming over the counter night cream? Why should anyone care about it? Just how important is it to know about the best night cream? And just how important is it to use it? The moment someone talks about night creams, these are some of the questions that pop up in most people’s minds. Without knowing the answers for these questions, it is really hard for anyone to choose the right night cream to take care of their skin. So, lo and behold – here are the answers for those questions.

What is the best firming over the counter night cream?

I need to give a detailed answer to this question. You cannot just point out to a product and say that it is the best night cream ever. There are certain things you need to look out for in a product. There is a combination of factors that make a night cream effective. So, you need to look out for those factors – organic products in general are considered better than artificial cosmetic creams, some organic ingredients are considered better than other, and so on. Based on these details, you can find the best over the counter night cream easily.

Why should I care about it?

Well; you should. Just take a look around you. There are a lot of people, even in their twenties and thirties, suffering from premature aging. Better yet, take a look at your face. If your skin is loose and saggy, you know how important it is to use a night cream. If, fortunately, you have flawless skin, you might want to keep it that way. Again, a good night cream can help you do that. So, either way, you need a firming cream that really works.

Why should I bother to find out the best firming cream? Why can’t I use just any night cream?

It is very simple. If you want to get the best results, go for the best product. If you think you will be satisfied with even the slightest improvement in your skin, you can go for other mediocre products. Naturally, anyone will opt for the former. So, the question ‘what is the best firming over the counter night cream’ gains a lot of importance.

Okay, how do I find the best firming cream?

In order to find a firming cream that really works, there are two things you need to do. First, reject anything that involves artificial chemicals and go for organic products. Second, you need to find a night cream that has specific organic ingredients that can give you the best results. Let us take a detailed look at that.

There are a bunch of artificial chemicals that you should stay away from. They include alcohols, phenol carbolic acid, parabens, triclosans, and artificial fragrance. These chemicals are capable of causing serious health problems including allergic reactions, rashes, depression, anemia, paralysis, renal failure, and cancer. The worst part, unfortunately, is that these chemicals are found commonly in most of the artificial cosmetic products. This is the reason why you should stay away from such products and use only organic products which are very, very safe.

A firming cream that really works must have the best ingredients. According to skin experts, phytessence wakame, manuka honey, cynergy TK, and nano-lipobelle HEQ10 are some of the best organic ingredients to treat saggy skin. They are rare, extremely effective, and, most importantly, very safe to use. They can have a great effect on any type of skin and can produce the best results within the shortest possible time. So, buy a firming cream with these ingredients to get the best results.

Now that you know the answer to the question ‘what is the best firming over the counter night cream’, get yourself one right now. And get the younger looking, flawless skin you’ve always wanted.

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