Archive for November, 2009

« Older Entries

Cure For Leukemia From Nature

Comments: 0November 29th, 2009 by admin



Many people are now looking for natural cures to things such as leukemia. This is becoming more and more common among those that are suffering from this disease. There are many different reasons that people have for looking for natural cures for their illnesses. Some of them are because the patient may not like the chemical treatment that the doctor is offering. There can be severe and dangerous side effects and the patient may not find it worth the risk. If this is the case then they may turn to natural treatments to help them with their battle. You should certainly have hope because there are options for those seeking a cure for leukemia from nature out there.

Medical Treatment for Leukemia

The main medical treatment for leukemia is chemotherapy. The effects of chemotherapy may be detrimental to the patient in many ways. The patient may get fatigue and feel like they don’t want to get out of bed. This can lead to depression and depression is far from good when you are trying to get your body to heal. Chemotherapy can also cause nausea or vomiting this is a side effect that many people simply do not like. It can make you feel very ill and that is not always good for getting your body to want to heal either.

Another common side effect from chemotherapy treatment is that you will often times lose your hair. This is undesirable and may be something that many are not willing to deal with. With chemotherapy you may find that you lose all of you hair and then are in need of a wig just to hide the fact that your hair is missing. You may also lose a good bit of weight as well. This could mainly be the cause of the nausea and vomiting enabling you from being able to eat or even keep down any amount of food.

Natures cure for leukemia

One of the most common known cures for leukemia is vitamin A. It is said that vitamin A has had great cure rates since the studies that have been done on it. In the studies vitamin A was injected directly into the fat of the person with leukemia. This deposit of vitamin A was said to be deposited into a “fat bubble” or into “bubbles of fat” to increase or enhance bio-availability.

There were 34 patients that were in the study and all they received was the vitamin A. Out of these 34 patients that received the vitamin A, 10 of these patients where still cancer free after five years even though none of these patients received the chemotherapy treatments. This was said to be astonishing by those who preformed the study.

These patients received only vitamin A for the natural treatment they did not receive any of the other natural remedies that are proven to help with leukemia as well. There are many other herbs and vitamins that if taken in conjunction with the vitamin A are thought to increase the success rate of the vitamin A treatment.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in leukimia

Herpes and HIV Testing

Comments: 0November 29th, 2009 by admin



Did you know that many STD’s aren’t routinely tested for at your doctor or office visit? Most test for
STD’s are done at your request or if you’re pregnant. A pregnant woman with an STD such as Herpes or HIV is at risk of transferring the virus to her unborn baby resulting in severe illness or death. Because of the rising epidemic of HIV infected individuals and herpes cases today, it is very important to get tested. This is especially so because Herpes and HIV are incurable; with HIV being potentially fatal. People fear getting tested but once you know your status it can empower you to take better care of yourself and be more responsible.

Let’s start with testing done for Herpes. If you have sores on your genitals, a sample can be taken and cultured. The virus multiplies and can be seen under a microscope. Another test involves a solution which contains antibodies that is added to the sample. The virus multiplies and glows when viewed under a special microscope. The only drawback with this type of testing is that the virus is detected only in it’s active form. These test can also tell you what type of herpes you have and how you were infected. HSV 1 can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex and HSV 2 can be transmitted through intercourse or anal sex.

As stated above, the culture detects the herpes virus in it’s active form. False negative results are
possible if the sores have begun healing or if this isn’t your first outbreak. Blood test for herpes are done
when there are no symptoms and are more accurate. However, if you are newly infected it may not show up for several weeks since it takes time for antibodies to the virus to show up in the blood. That is why if you suspect you may be infected you should have a repeat test several weeks after the first one.

The HIV test most commonly used in the US is the EIA or enzyme immunoassay formerly known as (Elisa). This test on blood samples looks for antibodies(http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibodies) to the HIV virus. A positive EIA must be confirmed with a Western Blot(http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_blot)on the same sample. HIV test using oral fluids are obtained from the mouth with a special device. Saliva isn’t used for testing but oral fluids found in the mouth. The test is similar to the EIA test done on blood. If the test is positive then a Western Blot is done on the same oral sample to confirm the results.

There are rapid HIV screening test but if reactive must also be confirmed by the Western Blot. Home testing kits are popular since being licensed in 1997, but only one has been approved by the FDA. The Home Access HIV 1 Test System is a home collection kit. The kit has instructions on how to obtain a sample, mailing it and how to obtain your results. There are supportive services available throughout this process.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in anemia

An Introduction to Cocaine Addiction

Comments: 0November 28th, 2009 by admin



Cocaine..let it roll off your tongue and ring in your ears for a second. Why do highly addictive substances all sound so.. “cool”. Cocaine and its derivatives, such as crack cocaine, are highly addictive substances.

Cocaine – or coke is smoked, snorted, injected, and probably even stuffed in places you don’t want to know about. The user receives almost instant gratification and may feel euphoric, alert, powerful, or even sensual. Often times these “symptoms” are mixed with anxiety and or restlessness..or maybe just all out disregard. Eventually (usually sooner than later) the high wears off and the users either uses more cocaine or “crashes”.

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug, hence cocaine users will frequently go to extreme lengths in order to get another “hit” or “fix”. Cocaine addicts are not limited to bums or teenagers, people of all statures are liable to become addicted to cocaine – no one is perfect. Cocaine addiction often effects not only the user, but people around the user as well. Friends, family or even jobs may be neglected, lied to and mislead in order to hide or satisfy the addiction. The user may go to extremes and concoct grand schemes in order to get the drug. This is one of the reasons addiction to cocaine or crack cocaine is often considered to be serious.

Signs of cocaine abuse include:

Change in mood, unusual appetite, altered sleep cycles, depression, absence at work and at home, running/sniffly nose, new group of friends and a drop in school grades. Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities are also common signs of cocaine use or other substance abuse.

People without their own money source (such as teenagers) may also have a frequent need for money, without good reason. Confronting the suspected user is the best solution. Cocaine addiction should not go overlooked and rehab options should be discussed and reviewed as soon as possible. Long term effects of cocaine use can include: irritability, mood swings, restlessness, paranoia, possible auditory hallucinations, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, social ineptitude, financial problems, liver and kidney problems, respiratory problems, and many other physical and mental health problems. And of course, addiction and dependence on cocaine.

The good news is that treatment options are available for cocaine addicts. Rehab centers are located all over North America and are designed to give recovering addicts a safe and healthy atmosphere in which they can overcome their addiction and conquer withdrawal. Many of these facilities are top-notch but I still recommend you research each facility thoroughly before committing a loved one. Rehab centres offer a variety of comforts for recovering addicts, some of these include drug detox sessions, group and private therapy, positive reward systems, limited opportunities to buy drugs, supervision, sports and games, and a self-contained environment. Some rehab centers even offer yoga, volleyball and other fun activities to keep their occupants..well occupied.

Cocaine users who intend on quitting should expect to go through withdrawal. This can last from days to weeks and may feel horrible, but will be well worth it in the end. Withdrawal can include nausea, vomiting, disorientation, dizziness, numbness, cold sweats, fever, diarrhea, restlessness and many other mostly mild symptoms. With proper care and attention withdrawal can be managed without any major concerns.

Cocaine users must be confronted and pointed (but not forced) towards therapy and hopefully rehabilitation. Even after a drug addict has quit using the drug, the cravings and or habits may stick around for a long time. Some suggest that habits take about 7 months to fade entirely when not in use, however many drug addicts report craving their favored drug many years later. Only knowledge and experience keeps them from giving in.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Alcohol

Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

Comments: 0November 28th, 2009 by admin



Ovarian cancer is a gynecologic sarcoma, which is second most frequently diagnosed. In the United States, females have a 1.4 % to 2.5 % chance of developing ovarian cancer. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), has standardized the staging of gynecological cancers. It is the most frequently used prognostic tool. Both surgical and pathological findings are taken into account. The cancer is staged according to whether it is still in the ovary or spread beyond.

Staging is generally done at the time of surgery. Samples of tissues are taken from various parts of the pelvis and abdomen and studied under intense observation. Staging is very important because the prognosis or the course of action to be taken varies at different stages in case of any cancer. It is important that the staging is accurate. It is possible to miss the spread of the ovarian cancer outside the ovary if it is not staged properly.

Stage IV is the last category of the stages of ovarian cancer. Patients in this stage typically exhibit parenchymal liver metastases and extra-abdominal metastases. Thirteen percent of patients alive are in stage IV. The most common areas where the cancer spreads are generally the liver and lungs. One-third of all ovarian cancer patients have pleural effusions and most of them contain malignant cells. The spleen also gets affected may require splenectomy. Only 0.1% of patients show metastases of the brain.

If the tumor is widespread, treatment begins with surgery, which may include total hysterectomy, followed by chemotherapy. If some tumor remnant is left after chemotherapy, further forms of chemotherapy may be needed. It is important for a patient to find out about the staging procedure and the stage. In this way the patient will and can take part in making vital decisions about the required treatment.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in cancer

Foods to Eat When Pregnant to Maintain a Proper Pregnancy Diet

Comments: 0November 28th, 2009 by admin



Knowing what foods to eat when pregnant, and applying what you know, can help you feel better during your pregnancy as it provides you with the necessary energy to carry on with your daily activities as your baby develops inside you. It also provides your baby with all the nutrients required to grow and develop normally to full term. We realize that it is not that easy to keep a balanced diet when you are craving strange foods or suffering from severe morning sickness. However, with a little extra effort to maintain a healthy pregnancy diet, we are confident that both you and your precious baby will be rewarded with great health.

One of the most common pregnancy myths is the myth that you are required to eat for two. So this means that if your normal diet consists of 2000 calories, you’ll need to consume 4000 calories when you are pregnant. Here is some good news for you: This is absolutely wrong. All the calories your baby needs in the first trimester are 100, and 300 in the second and third trimesters. An extra snack of a cup of yogurt and a piece of fruit can do just fine.

You have to know that being pregnant does not mean you have to give up all the foods you like, but you do have to make smarter choices. For example, you can substitute potato chips with homemade baked potatoes, and replace soda drinks with fresh fruit or vegetable juices. Potato chips and soda drinks are just empty calories and they do not give your baby the nutrients he needs to grow in a healthy way. In fact some irresponsible food choices could lead to miscarriage.

So what are the kinds of foods to eat when pregnant? First, you have to know what nutrients your body and your fetus need in order for you to choose what is considered a healthy pregnancy diet.

Start off with choosing foods that are rich in iron. Iron is essential for the production of more blood, which in turn helps prevent anemia. You can find iron in green leafy vegetables like spinach, whole grain bread and some kinds of cereals, all constituents of a healthy pregnancy diet.

Another very important nutrient is protein. Protein aids with cell wall development of all the main organs including the heart and lungs, so 3 servings of foods rich in protein are required. Examples of foods rich in protein are meat, fish, poultry, cereals, tofu and beans.

Calcium is crucial for the development of your baby’s bones and teeth. It is also essential for the mother because it is known that during pregnancy the mother’s bones and teeth can become weaker. An average intake of 1200 mg of calcium is recommended, and foods to eat when pregnant that contain calcium include milk, yogurt and cheeses (try to avoid soft cheeses).

There are some other vitamins and minerals that should be provided during pregnancy including vitamin D and folic acid (folate), but these kinds of vitamins are prescribed in supplements by your doctor as part of your healthy pregnancy diet.

All mothers worry about the health of their baby’s. They always want what is best for them, and good health is mainly accomplished through knowing what are the best foods to eat when pregnant, because that is where the baby’s health is determined.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in anemia

The Truth About the Herpes Simplex Virus – Helpful Advice That You Must Know

Comments: 0November 24th, 2009 by admin



What is herpes simplex

Herpes Simplex is one of the most common Sexually transmitted diseases out there. There are two forms

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in anemia

Life Expectancy For Leukemia

Comments: 0November 24th, 2009 by admin



Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells. The bone marrow produces uncharacteristic white blood cells that do not function properly. These white blood cells eventually crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. One blood cell of a person suffering from leukemia goes awry and the body produces large numbers of this cell. In most cases the cell that goes awry is the white blood cell. There are four main types of leukemia. These vary on the type of white blood cell affected and the speed of progression. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) are the four main types. Life expectancy of a patient suffering from leukemia varies from one type to another.

The medical fraternity’s understanding of and ability to treat leukemia has developed considerably in recent decades. In 1960, the 5-year survival rate for all types of leukemia was about 14%. It has now increased to about 50%. Children suffering from leukemia have a higher life expectancy rate, while people over the age of sixty have a comparatively lower life expectancy rate. The two main forms in which leukemia can be broadly termed are chronic and acute. Acute leukemia means that the disease grows rapidly and the usually life expectancy without treatment varies from a few weeks to a few months. Chronic leukemia, however, progresses gradually and with the appropriate cure, life expectancy can be up to 20 years or more after the onset of sickness.

Life expectancy of patients depends on the different factors such as health, age of the patient, severity of the disease, and treatment provided. While the life expectancy amongst ALL and AML is short due to its rapidly progressing nature, life expectancy amongst CLL and CML extend from three years to twenty years.

Over the years statistics have shown that life expectancy among people suffering from leukemia has grown considerably. This increase can be attributed to advanced studies and research. Innovation and invention of new and effective treatment procedures have also contributed to such an increase.

Incoming search terms for the article:

chronic lymphocytic leukemia life expectancy,chronic myeloid leukaemia life expectancy,LIFE EXPECTANCY AND CLL,los angeles web design,types of leukemia

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in leukimia

Facts About the Flu Shot

Comments: 0November 23rd, 2009 by admin



In order to protect yourself from the influenza virus, you may be considering getting a flu shot this year. In order to help you make an informed decision, here are some facts about flu shots and vaccines in general.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises that the single best way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine every year, but it should be noted that there is some controversy about the safety of flu shots and other vaccines. Most of the controversy involves an ingredient called thimerosal, which is commonly used by manufacturers of the flu shot and other vaccines as a preservative. Thimerosal is a mercury based preservative and over the last twenty years or so, it has been removed from many health care products in order to protect public health. Most recently, doctors and scientists believe that they have established a link between thimerosal presence in vaccines and autism. Because of this link, New York recently passed a bill banning the use of thimerosal in vaccines or flu shots to be given to young children and pregnant women.

Thimerosal is a known neurotoxin, meaning it is a poison that damages or destroys nerve tissue. In small amounts, the human body can deal with the poison, but in larger amounts it can cause illness and death. A yearly flu shot alone may not contain enough mercury to cause problems, but because of environmental pollution, yearly flu shots are not the only source of possible mercury contamination. It is the possible effects of mercury from many sources including a yearly flu shot that causes concern. Preservative free flu shots are currently available for adults and children, but you may need to request them specifically.

Flu shots contain dead influenza viruses. About two weeks after receiving a flu shot, antibodies providing protection against some strains of the influenza virus develop in the body. By studying the strains of the virus that are currently circulating, committees of the FDA and the World Health Organization decide which strains should be including in the flu shots for the upcoming year. Currently there is no flu shot that provides protection from the avian influenza strains of the virus.

The nasal spray flu vaccine, which is sometimes preferred over the flu shots, contains a live, weakened flu virus and is approved for use in healthy people from 5 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. Like the flu shot, the nasal spray vaccine is only effective in preventing certain strains of the flu virus and does not protect against avian flu.

The CDC recommends that there are some people who should not take the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine without consulting a physician. This bears mention because some pharmacies offer flu shots prior to the beginning of the flu season. If you are allergic to eggs, had a reaction to a flu shot in the past, developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after a flu shot in the past or if you currently have a fever or other illness, you should consult your physician before taking a flu shot or a nasal spray vaccine. In addition flu shots are not approved for use in children under the age of 6 months.

Side effects of flu shots include fever, aches, soreness, redness or swelling at the point where the shot was given. The nasal spray vaccine which contains live virus can cause the following side effects in adults; runny nose, headache, sore throat and cough. In children the nasal spray vaccine can also cause vomiting, muscle aches and fever. Flu shots may also be associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease in which the body damages it’s own nerve cells, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis and sometimes permanent nerve damage. The swine flu shots in 1976 were the first to be associated with the syndrome. A study of subsequent flu shot vaccines suggested that some people who take the flu shot may be at risk of developing the syndrome.

The CDC further advises that people can protect themselves from the risk of contracting the flu and other viruses by practicing good health habits (wash hands frequently, avoid touching the mouth or nose after touching public surfaces, avoid people who are sick), getting proper nutrition, getting adequate rest and regular exercise. Because of the controversy surrounding the flu shot, many people focus on proper nutrition, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements that boost and protect the immune system. Andrographis paniculata, beta glucan, olive leaf extract, quercetin, bilberry extract, L-cysteine, magnesium, manganese and zinc may all contribute to a healthier immune system. Regular use of products containing these ingredients is considered by many in both the conventional and natural medicine communities to be an effective alternative to the yearly flu shots. These products alone cannot guarantee proper nutrition, but by eating a well-balanced diet, taking a daily multi-vitamin and an immune system booster, an annual flu shot for a healthy adult or teenager may be unnecessary.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu

Should I Get a Flu Shot This Year?

Comments: 0November 22nd, 2009 by admin



The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that everyone under the age of 6 and over the age of 50, in addition to other groups of people with specific medical conditions, should get the influenza (flu) vaccine. And in general pretty much everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot. But is there any evidence that it will actually be helpful for you? The answer is probably not.

The often quoted figure is that 36,000 people die from the flu every year. However about half of those are deaths relate to ‘flu like illness’. Amongst the half that is due to the flu, there are several different strains of influenza virus, and the flu vaccine is going to target only a selected number of them. Add to that that the vaccine is made before the flu season starts, and they don’t know which strains will be showing up that year, that means that a lot of people are not going to get a flu shot that actually protects them against the flu. In addition many of the deaths are in the elderly who may have compromised immune systems, so the flu shot won’t work for them anyway. In fact the only group for which there is evidence that flu shots might save lives is with people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is caused by smoking.

But I can’t afford to lose time from work with the flu, you say. Actually no studies have shown that flu shots reduce time lost from work either.

The experts in the literature are actually saying not to use flu vaccines, although noone seems to listen to them. Quoting epidemiologist Tom Jefferson below: from an article in BMJ. “The optimistic and confident tone of some predictions of viral circulation and of the impact of inactivated vaccines, which are at odds with the evidence, is striking. The reasons are probably complex and may involve a ‘messy blend of truth conflicts and conflicts of interest making it difficult to separate factual disputes from value disputes’ or a manifestation of optimism bias (an unwarranted belief in the efficacy of interventions).”

Translation: Politicians think that flu vaccines work (but they don’t).

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu

Pregnancy and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Comments: 0November 22nd, 2009 by admin



Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) causes your ovaries to act abnormally and leads to irregular or lack of menstrual periods, abnormal or absent ovulation, and therefore, infertility. PCOS is a common cause of infertility and occurs in about 5 to 10 percent of reproductive-age women. Symptoms of PCOS do not typically show up until after puberty, when menstruation begins. In some women, hormonal changes may begin as early as the very first menstrual cycle. In most women with PCOS, changes occur gradually, over time.

PCOS Symptoms:

o Increased body and facial hair

o Acne

o Darkened color of the skin along the neck, armpits, groin, and inner thighs

o Obesity

o Irregular menstrual periods or no periods

o Vaginal yeast infections

Pregnancy and PCOS

The circumstance that causes PCOS usually originates in your pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is considered your body’s master gland because it triggers the release of hormones for your entire body. Instead of the normal reproductive hormonal balance, PCOS causes your hormones to become out of sync. PCOS also causes higher concentrations of male hormones (androgens). The result of this complex hormonal imbalance is that ovulation occurs irregularly, if at all.

In a normal ovary with normal ovulation function, one follicle matures and an egg is released each month, and this corresponds to rising progesterone levels. In a polycystic ovary, there are many follicles, but they do not mature and, therefore, no egg is released. Because the eggs are not released, progesterone levels remain low and out of sync with the other hormone counterparts, androgen and estrogen. This results in irregular periods and continues the cycle of PCOS hormonal imbalance. In addition, many women with PCOS produce too much insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly. Insulin is a hormone that controls your body’s use of sugar (glucose) but also usually plays a role in PCOS. Insulin interrupts the normal growth of the follicle in the ovaries. The affected ovaries contain such a large number of immature egg follicles; that they become abnormally enlarged and function abnormally.

Causes of PCOS

Women with PCOS often have a family member with the condition. In fact, PCOS is considered a genetic disorder. This means that if you have PCOS, most likely you were born with the condition. Remember that PCOS might also be passed to your female children.

Diagnosing PCOS

To diagnose PCOS, your doctor will ask you questions about your health, your menstrual cycle, and your family history. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and order blood tests to check your hormone levels. If PCOS is suspected, a pelvic ultrasound may be performed to closely view your ovaries.

Treating PCOS

Treatment depends on your symptoms and your desire for pregnancy. A low carbohydrate diabetic diet along with regular exercise may be prescribed to lower your insulin levels. Additionally, research has shown that approximately 75 percent of women with PCOS respond well to fertility medication. In some cases, laparoscopic surgery is required to remove ovarian cysts that resulted from PCOS.

Women with PCOS should be aware of potential long-term health risks. They are at an increased risk of developing uterine cancer and are at risk of developing diabetes. PCOS has also been linked to heart disease, abnormal lipid profile and high blood pressure. Because of these increased health risks, women with PCOS should be evaluated carefully by their doctor on an annual or more frequent basis. PCOS is a condition that you are born with, so you can never truly be cured. However, with proper treatment, your symptoms can be relieved and you can live a healthy and normal life. Becoming pregnant is certainly possible but may require some advance planning and treatments to be determined between you and your doctor.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in cancer

« Older Entries