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Different Classifications of Anemia

Comments: 0May 30th, 2010 by admin



Approximately 1 out of 77 people in the united states of America suffer from Anemia. And as of 2004, an estimate of over 76 million people worldwide suffer from this ailment. What actually causes Anemia?

For an better overview of the causes, Anemia should be classified. The basic cause of anemia is either an increased loss or destruction of red blood cells or an impaired or decreased rate of production. An etiologic classification is based on the various conditions leading to either of these results.

Blood loss
Acute or chronic hemorrhage results in loss of plasma and all formed elements of the blood. After acute hemorrhage, the body replaces plasma within 1 to 3 days, maintaining blood volume. However, this results in a low concentration of rd blood cells, which are gradually replaced within 3 to 4 weeks. During this period there is usually a normocytic (normal size), normochromic (normal color) anemia, and there are sufficient iron sotries for hemoglobin synthesis.

In chronic blood loss, the actual number of red blood cells may be normal because of continual replacement. However, insufficient iron is available to form hemoglobin as quickly as it is lost. As a result, erythrocytes are usually small in size (microcytic and pale in color (hypochromic).

Excessive destruction
Excessive destruction or hemolysis of erythrocytes can occur from a variety of causes. One of the most common is a result of defect within the red blood cell (intracorpuscular) that shortens the life span of the cell so that production cannot keep pace with destruction. Sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, have decreased erythrocyte life spans because of a defect in hemoglobin synthesis.

Extra-corpular factors are those conditions that cause hemolysis in otherwise normal red blood cells. A classic example is erythroblastosis fetalis. Other causes can be toxic drugs, transfusion reactions, burns, poisonings (such as from lead), infections such as malaria, and splenic sequestration (hypersplenism).

Impaired or decreased production
Impaired or decreased production of red blood cells can occur as a result of either bone marrow failure or deficiency of essential nutrients. Bone marrow failure may be caused by
• Replacement of bone marrow by fibrosis or by neoplastic cells, such as in leukemia,
• Depression of marrow activity from irradiation, chemicals or drugs, or
• Interference with bone marrow activity from other systemic diseases, such as severe infection, chronic renal disease, widespread malignancy (without marrow infiltration), collage disease, or hypothyroidism.

The reason for various systemic disorders affecting erythrocyte production varies according to the condition. For example, in severe chronic infection there is evidence that depression of erythropoiesis is caused by a defect in the conversion of proteoporphyrin into hemoglobin. In addition, there is some degree of hemolysis, although the exact mechanism is not known.

The most common childhood anemia is a result of deficient iron supply, besides iron as an essential component of hemoglobin synthesis, red blood cell production is dependent on amino acids, vitamins B6, B9 and C, folic, copper and possibly cobalt. Chronic malnutrition results in anemia as a result of generalized protein. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies.

Pernicious anemia develops when the gastric mucosa fails to secrete sufficient amounts of intrinsic factor, which is essential for absorption of vitamin B12. This type of anemia is common in the elderly as a result of physiologically decreased gastric secretions. Deprived of vitamin B12, the bone marrow produces fewer but larger (macrocytic) red blood cells. The erythrocytes are usually immature and because of their extremely fragile cell membranes, are more rapidly destroyed during circulation.

Classification based on morphology
A second classification has been made that is based on the morphologic changes within the red blood cell. The major categories
1. normocytic
2. microcytic
3. macrocytic

In addition, each category may be subdivided according to the amount of hemoglobin in the cell, since hemoglobin gives the cell its characteristic red color, the usual classifications are
• normochromic
• microchromic

Classification based on Hb level
Stage I
• mild stage
• Hemoglobin level is 110-90g/l
• Erythrocyte count is 3.5-3.0×10^12/l

Stage II
• Moderate stage
• Hemoglobin level is 90-70g/l
• Erythrocyte count is 3.0-2.5×10^12/l

Stage III
• Severe stage
• Hemoglobin level is Laboratory criteria
Laboratory criteria of anemia in neonatal period are
• 0-14 days – Hemoglobin level is less than 145g/l
• 15-28days- Hemoglobin level is less than 120g/l

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Posted in anemia

Help Protect the Environment With a Cast Iron Kitchen Sink

Comments: 0May 29th, 2010 by admin



You can be environmentally responsible with your purchase of a cast iron kitchen sink because cast iron today is mostly composed of recycled and reclaimed products.

A modern cast iron kitchen sink is now obtainable in a variety of fresh colors through an attractive range of enamel or porcelain coatings that will last for generations to come. The large variety of colors available today also includes natural stone, which can add character to any kitchen counter top.

Previously cast iron kitchen sinks were to be found mostly in the older homes that are more traditional, but with the type of finish available today, they are becoming very popular in the modern kitchen.

This has come about because of the wide variety of modern shapes and sizes and smart functuality options in the current range of these products. They are most easy to fit on any counter top or cabinetry either traditional or contemporary.

The big advance with the latest in surface technology means that this type of kitchen sink of today is so easy to clean. Forget about steel wool or any other type of abrasive cleaner. The latest have a surface that is completely stain resistant and requires nothing more than a light rub over with a soft sponge or cloth. Gone are the days of hard scrubbing and harsh cleaning on the surfaces of the modern sink.

Homeowners who are looking for a cast iron kitchen sink to last – something that looks attractive in the kitchen – something that can be made to stand out with a bold ‘look at me’ color finish – or something that will silently blend in with its surroundings with a quiet more subdued finish, don’t need to look anymore.

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Posted in anemia

NSF – NFD Prevention

Comments: 0May 25th, 2010 by admin



NSF/NFD is a very rare but very serious, and sometimes fatal, condition. It has been closely associated with the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI’s and MRA’s, and so far has only occurred in people with renal insufficiency. Because there is no cure for NSF/NFD, and the condition is very resistant to treatment, there is currently a very heavy emphasis on prevention.

Patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency are at the highest risk for developing NSF/NFD. Anyone with renal insufficiency should avoid gadolinium exposure if possible, but for some people, tests using the contrast agent are necessary. In any event, patients with any level of renal insufficiency should be informed of the risks involved, and have the opportunity to decide for themselves, while taking into consideration the advice of their doctors, whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Dose
The experts in NSF strongly recommend that when tests using contrast agents are absolutely necessary for people with renal insufficiency, the lowest effective dose should be used, especially in those with advanced kidney disease.

Dialysis
Gadolinium is primarily removed from the body by the kidneys. Therefore, people whose kidneys are not functioning properly do not eliminate the gadolinium as quickly and effectively as patients with normal functioning kidneys. Patients with normal functioning kidneys eliminate one-half of the injected gadolinium in 90 minutes while those with moderate to severe renal insufficiency, the half life of gadolinium is extended to up to 30 hours or more. This allows the gadolinium to undergo a chemical change and become distributed throughout the organs of the body The gadolinium is allowed to remain in their systems long enough to get into the skin and cause NSF/NFD.

Hemodialysis immediately after testing may eliminate some of the gadolinium. Typically, two or three, or more, sessions are needed to remove the toxin, but by doing so quickly after testing, gadolinium may not have the chance to spread throughout the body.

Hemodialysis may not be safe for everyone. Many doctors believe that patients who are not already in dialysis should not use the procedure just for gadolinium removal, because initiating dialysis can mean a permanent dependence on the procedure. Each person must be individually evaluated, and the benefits and risks of dialysis must be carefully weighed.

Different gadolinium contrast agents
All gadolinium-based contrast agents are considered to carry a possible risk of causing NSF/NFD, but some are more dangerous than others. So far, of the five gadolinium-based contrast agents approved by the FDA, only three have been linked to NSF/NFD. Most cases have occurred after the use of Omniscan, and some after using Magnevist and OptiMARK.

Some experts worry that low-risk patients will be overly cautious and go without the tests that they need. Each case has to be considered individually based on risk factors and the level of need for tests using the contrast agent.

If you believe you have developed NSF, we strongly advise you to contact your physician for an examination which may involve a skin biopsy. If you are, in fact, diagnosed with NSF, you should consult with an attorney experienced in handling NSF and other pharmaceutical injury cases

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Ovulation And Conception

Comments: 0May 25th, 2010 by admin



Conception and Ovulation are two sides of same coin and a crucial stage in the delicate balance of hormonal system, sperm production and pregnancy. A man produces sperm every day, while women ovulate only once during an ovulation cycle. In this short time period of 7 to 21 days, the egg is fertilized or destroyed, and conception takes place.

During Conception several eggs are released by both ovaries. Ovulation is triggered by the body releasing luteinizing hormone, or LH. If sperm is successful in fertilizing the egg, it results in a series of cell divisions increasing in number every 14 to 18 hours. The embryo, containing about 50 to 100 cells, reaches the uterus about five days after ovulation. It then expands and hatches through the accompanying eggshell to implant and replicate.

Timing the cycle from Ovulation to Conception is important, in that women sometimes are too stressed out or physically unfit to go through with the process. A woman’s emotional and physical health plays a major role in her productivity quotient. To test this quotient, instruments such as Fertility Monitors, Ferning Microscopes or basal body thermometers are useful. Sometimes these tests or instruments prove ineffective if women are going through menopause symptoms, impaired liver or kidney function or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Certain antibiotics, like tetracyclines, affect a woman’s cycle of hormonal contraception, fertility treatments or hormone replacement therapy. Equally important is the timing of birth control pills. Traveling, change of jobs, illness, weight loss or vigorous exercising can affect Ovulation.

On occasions, such as sex during fertile time, some women do not conceive immediately, or the egg does not implant even with Ovulation. The problem is the timing of intercourse, since Conception takes place with Ovulation and it is spoiled by hard work, stress or problems. So plan sex on the day of ovulation or, at most, two days before it, taking into account that men need up to two days to regenerate their sperm reserves. Strategize Conception and Ovulation by maintaining an Ovulation calendar to predict fertile dates, end of menstrual cycle and possible due dates.

Ovulation and Conception are major issues in a woman’s life, Conception is more likely to be successful if a woman maintains a calm attitude through activities and diet that enhance fertility.

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Causes of High White Blood Cell Count

Comments: 0May 24th, 2010 by admin



There are several possible causes for a high white blood cell count. This count is high when there are more disease-fighting cells in your body. The technical term for this condition is leukocytosis.

Different medical practices may have different limits by which they define high white blood cell count. A count of 10,500 leukocytes in one microliter of blood is widely accepted as a high count. The threshold may vary between sex and age.

White blood cells are categorized by five subtypes, and each type has a different activity in fighting disease. When you get the results of your white blood cell count, they will usually specify what the levels are of all the different types. Usually, a high count is only caused by an increase in one type of white blood cells.

A high white blood cell count is indicative of an immune system problem that increases their production; a disease in your bone marrow that causes high blood cell production; a reaction to some drug that is used to enhance cell production; or the increase expected when your body is fighting off an infection.

There are some more specific reasons why your white blood cell count may be high:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that lives in the bone marrow and blood. This disease is a rapidly progressive one. Children are more affected by this than any other type of cancer, although adults can develop the disease as well.

Drugs like epinephrine and corticosteroids can affect your white cell count.

Measles is an infection that affects mainly the respiratory tract. It is very contagious. The signs include skin rash, fever, sore throat, inflamed eyes, runny nose and cough. The measles vaccine is an excellent way to protect children against this disease, but outside of the civilized countries, many children are not vaccinated. This disease will spread rapidly among people who have not had the vaccination.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious type of arthritis from which you will experience joint damage and pain. It attacks your joints’ lining and this causes swelling. In turn, that leads to throbbing, aching pain and possibly eventual deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis, also called RA, can make even the easiest of normal activities hard to accomplish.

Some of the other causes of high white blood cell count include:

Stress, be it emotional or physical
Smoking
Tuberculosis
Tissue damage, like one receives with burns
Acute or chronic myelogenous leukemia
Chronic or acute lymphocytic leukemia
Whooping cough
Severe allergic reactions
Myelofibrosis
Polycythemia vera
Other viral infections
Other bacterial infections

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Health Reform – Yes Or No – Part II

Comments: 0May 22nd, 2010 by admin



You have now read Part I of this series on the human body, learning how to build a better understanding and confidence in each of our bodies. Now you will begin to understand that the intelligence that created this body from one cell, the fertilized egg, is still inside doing its job. We tend to think that this intelligence has somehow been lost and is no longer at work.

The body is a collection of systems, each with specific jobs. The lowest of these is the skeletal system that forms the body frame. This frame holds the factory for blood cells, act as an attachment for all muscles, and encases and protects with ribs the vital organs heart and lungs. The skull protects the brain, and the spine protects the spinal cord.

You have other systems with responsibility such as the muscular system that allows for motion of the body, the digestive system that takes nutrients out of the foods we eat to use as fuel, the reproductive system that allows the human body to be reproduced, as well as the endocrine system, renal system, pulmonary system, cardiovascular system, and the nervous system.

The nervous system, you will recall, is the first to develop from the mass of tissues that became you, and comprises the brain and all of the nerves that go out into the body to control, regulate and maintain ALL FUNCTIONS directly or indirectly. (Grey’s Anatomy Medical Text). The body is meant to be healthy and IS healthy as long as everything is functioning as it is suppose to and will only get sick when the normal, natural function of the body is interfered with, which can be sudden as in a trauma, or gradual as in heart disease of the development of cancer, etc.

There are all sorts of medical specialists that take care of your heart (Cardiologist), your bones (Orthopedist), female organs (Gynecologist), or who treat specific diseases like cancer (Oncologist). Then you have non-medical practitioners such as Dentists for your teeth and Podiatrists for your feet and ankles.

Another area of care is Chiropractic, which deals with the spine and, though many look on Chiropractors as back doctors, the specialty deals with the relationship of the nervous system and the balance of the spine in the maintenance and restoration of health, as mentioned earlier, the nervous system is what controls the function of the body and therefore maintains your health when there is no interference due to structural imbalances.

You also have those who try to help the body as Nutritionist, Herbalist, and then the treatment methods that stimulate body function such as in the various techniques in body therapy. From Asia you have acupuncture which uses fine needles to stimulate body function through various points in the body. All of these are available to the informed patient who understands more about how there body is working and the possible conditions that might need attention. Most medical doctors only understand the drugs they give and not other professions, so, referrals to more conservative alternative care are rare.

Now that you have an overview of the body and the areas of care, it must be repeated that it is better to stay healthy than to try to get well. Prevention is always the best approach to health. Prevention in itself can be a little confusing, so we will get to the basics that everyone needs to know. These articles are only meant to get you started, to gather some interest. What you need to do from this point on is to educate yourself and your family. You will need to learn what is available to you and your loved ones through the internet and the many sights offering information. Always look at “opinions” as something everyone has and not always fact. Some opinions are more hype that educational, but I am sure as you read through the material you will discover that for yourself.

Health is the optimum function of the human body. There are several things that can interfere with the body’s function. The most noted is NUTRITION. We all know we need to have good nutrition. Many of us were raised with “eat your vegetables, they’re good for you”, or other such statements. We could write reams of articles, as have already been written, about nutrition and what you should and should not eat. But, for the purpose of these short articles this will not be done. Good nutrition is essential to give the body the “fuel” it needs to operate and to maintain itself.

EXERCISE is the next topic. This is one where people do not do anything (the coach potato) or the fanatic who goes to the gym 7 days a week. There is an old saying that goes back years, “Use it or lose it!”. It is still true today. You need to use the body and keep it active. That does not mean you have to do an hour of workout at the gym, it means that you keep your body active and you use it when you can. If you are inactive and sitting at a computer all the time or someone who is driving all the time (truck driver, bus driver) you are going to have to make the effort to find time to do activities for your body to be healthier.

The more you do the better off your body will be, again I am not saying you have to work out 7 days a week, but you can park a little further away from the mall doors and get more walking in, or take walks after dinner, or enjoy the beach in warm weather, or other physical things. We now have the Wii where you can do exercising in conjunction with your computer. The main thing is to recognize if you are getting enough activity in your life. If you are stiff, if you are overweight, if you are physically weak, you are probably not getting enough.

Other factors for better health are; ENVIRONMENT, REST, POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, GENETICS, and a BALANCED BODY. Notice that I never mentioned anything about pills, drugs, or such treatment. These are things that should be used only in emergency or as a last result. Again, PREVENTION is the best thing you can do for the body.

To be healthy you need to make sure you are getting the right nutrition and I will let you read many articles on that at your leisure and you need to make sure you are getting the motion in your daily activities. All of this helps the body to work as it was intended. Remember the INNATE intelligence in your body and make sure you are not doing things that interfere with its ability to function as it was designed. You want to make sure you are not abusing the body by forcing it to store more foods (as fat) than it need to be healthy, thus gaining weight that it has to carry around all the time putting stress on your frame and on your various other systems such as your heart.

Since “child obesity” is in the news so much and has been discussed repeatedly in the past several years as this problem became more and more evident, and now with the First Lady Michele Obama taking on the cause, we need to mentions something that is most important. This condition is NOT as disease to be treated medically, but a CHOICE that is made (a bad choice) and what has to be done is to make better choices, by the child and most important by the parents. If your child is mimicking you and you are way over weight as we see so often with heavy set families, there needs to be an all out effort for all effort to make better choices; in what you buy, in what you cook, and in the proportions you serve.

What we are trying to get the reader to understand it the responsibility of taking care of the body so it can do what it is suppose to do and that is to maintain your health. You see… the body maintains its health if you do not interfere with bad nutrition, lack of muscular activity, stress, repetitive traumas, toxic environment, or a body that has been traumatized and is not in balance as it should be, this interfering with the nervous system and the function that it controls. If you take care of your body then your body will take care of you.

If you know there is any weakness in your body that needs help, then you need to do specific exercises, nutritional supplements, meditation, chiropractic adjustments or other natural services to help overcome these weaknesses. The last thing you should subject your body to are drugs that can cause other problems with your liver and kidneys.

The body can take care of itself, if you allow it to do so. You can learn more about the specific systems of the body should you want to know more about a problem area. Try to keep in mind the miracle of the body and how it works.

This is the only body you get and it was created to be perfect and help you all of your life, but you need to take care of it. The “spare parts” are not as good as they are hyped to be, the drugs so many rely on causes more damage, and when you cut things out you will never have the benefit of that natural balance that was created. Accidents are accidents, but you need to be sure you take care of them is a way that restores the body to the best balance and condition you can. So many people wait until their body is falling apart before they make any attempt to take care of it, and many times there has been damage that cannot be corrected. This means it has to be mentioned again… PREVENTION, PREVENTION, PREVENTION!

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The Fastest Cancer Killer

Comments: 0May 19th, 2010 by admin



“Multiple Myeloma” is a Cancer in the bone marrow. It is part of a broad group of diseases called Hematological malignancies. It is a malignancy of the plasma cells. These are the cells that bring out antibodies for the immune system.

It’s called “Multiple Myeloma” because the cells gather in many places in the body and then it grows out of control. “MM” brings extreme pain in the bones and deterioration of the bones. It brings pain in the spine and ribs which usually gets worse with activity. Plus it can and it does cause kidney problems. Persistent localized pain may indicate a pathological bone fracture. It may also be spinal cord compression. The breakdown of bone also leads to release of calcium into the blood, leading to” Hypercalcemia”.

It increases infection, what is then followed by Death! 40,000 Americans suffer from this disease, with close to 14,000 new cases last year. It’s the fastest growing type of cancer, in the USA. It’s most common in the aged person, and gaining in the younger persons. There is NO cure, not yet. Though it is regarded as incurable, remissions can be induced with steroids. Chemo therapy, Stem Cell transplants, and Thalidomide.

“Multiple Myeloma” is not called a “Bone Cancer,” because it begins in the blood cells, and then goes on to effect the bones.

There is no exact known cause, but it does appear to have something to do with the overall environment. Studies are of course ongoing today with the this kind of Cancer. This is known as the Fastest Killer!

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Pathomorphology and the Clinical Manifestation of Anemia

Comments: 0May 19th, 2010 by admin



The pathologic changes from sickle cell anemia are primarily the result of

• Increased blood viscosity and
• Increased red blood cell destruction. The entanglement and enmeshing of rigid sickle-shaped cells with one another increases the internal friction to the suspension, thus increasing blood viscosity. The thickened blood slows the circulation, causing capillary stasis, obstruction by elongated and pointed erythrocytes, and thrombosis. Eventually, tissue ischemia and mecrosis result with pathologic changes in the following sites.

Spleen
Initially the spleen becomes enlarged from congestion and engorgement with sickled cells. Eventually the sinuses are compressed and infarctions result. The functioning ells are gradually replaced with fibrotic tissue. The functioning cells are gradually replaced with fibrotic tissue, until eventually severe stages of the disease the spleen is decreased in size and totally replaced by a fibrous mass.

As a result of splenic infarction, the spleen loses its ability to filter bacteria and to promote the release of large numbers of phagocytic cells. Consequently children with sickle cell anemia are much more susceptible to infection.

Liver
The Liver is also altered in form and function. Liver failure and necrosis are the result of severe impairment of hepatic blood flow from anemia and capillary obstruction. The liver is usually enlarged as focal necorsis and subsequent scarring, cirrhosis eventually occurs.

Kidney
Abnormalities are probably the result of the same cycle of congestion of glomerula capillaries and tubular arterioles with sickle cells and hemosiderin. Tissue necrosis, and eventual scarring. The principal results of kidney ischemia are hematuria, inability to concentrate urine, enuresis, and occasionally nephritic syndrome.

Bones
The hyperplasia and congestion of the bone marrow results in osteoporosis, widening of the medullary spaces, and thinning of the cortices. As a result of the weakening of bone, especially in the lumbar and thoracic region, skeletal deformities, occur. From chronic hypoxia, the bone becomes susceptible to osteomyelitis, frequently from salmonella, Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head from chronic ischemia is an occasional problem.

Vaso-occlusive crises can result in a variety of skeletal problems. One of the more frequent is the hand-foot syndrome, which is caused by infarction of short tubular bones. It is characterized by pain and swelling of the short tubular bones. It is characterized by pain and swelling of the soft tissue over the hands and feet. It usually resolves spontaneously within a couple of weeks. Localized swelling over joints with arthralgia can occur from erythrostasis with sickle cells. Many of the skeletal abnormalities that are seen in thalassemia are also present in sickle cell anemia but are seen in thalassemia are also present in sickle cell anemia but are usually less prominent.

Central nervous system
Changes in the central nervous system are primarily vascular from the same cyclic reaction of stasis, thrombosis, and ischemia. Stroke or cerebro-vascular accident is a major complication and can result in permanent paralysis or death. Any number of neurological symptoms can herald a minor cerebral insult, such as headache, aphasia, weakness, convulsions, or visual disturbances. Loss of vision is usually the result of progressive retinopathy and retinal detachment.

Heart
Cardiac problems are mainly attributable to the stress of chronic anemia, which can eventually result in decompensation and failure. Myocardial infarctions may also occur from stasis and thrombosis.

Blood
With the formation of sickled erythrocytes, mechanical fragility is increased, thereby decreasing the red blood cell’s life span. Hemolysis occurs both during intra-vascular circulation and as a result of stagnation of sickled cells in the congenital spleen. Although, the body attempts to compensate through stimulated erythropoietic activity, as evidenced by a hyperplasic bone marrow, the rate of destruction exceeds the rate of production. It results in a normocytic, normochromic anemia. With increased hemolysis, hemosiderosis (increased storage of iron) is present in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, kidneys and lymph nodes.

Other signs and symptoms
In addition to the effects of sickling on various organ structures, the child with sickle cell anemia may have a variety of complaints, such as weakness, anorexia, joint, back, and abdominal pain; fever; and vomiting. Chronic leg ulcers are common in adolescents and adults and are thought to be the result of thrombosis and decreased peripheral circulation. Other generalized effects include growth, decreased fertility. If the child reaches adulthood, sexual development and adult height are usually achieved.

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Are Flu Shots Bad or The Ultimate Flu Buster?

Comments: 0May 18th, 2010 by admin



If you are concerned about adverse reactions to flu shots, bad batches of flu vaccines or any of the controversy over flu shots, then you may be considering a “flu buster”. This could be any natural herbal or botanical product that boosts the immune system to help protect you from catching the flu. Some of these same flu buster products may be used to reduce recovery time and the likelihood of developing complications from a flu virus, if you happen to catch one.

Are flu shots bad? Only a few people make the claim that flu shots are bad for everyone. The idea behind the flu vaccine is a good one. They are designed to protect those who are at highest risk for complications from the influenza virus and the public in general from an epidemic. Whether or not the possible risks associated with the flu shot are worth the possible benefits is the question. Even people who take the flu shot may still develop the flu and still be in need of a flu buster. The flu shot is not the ultimate flu buster, it can only protect you from certain strains of the flu virus and there may be any number of different viruses circulating at any one time.

Many people are concerned about the safety of flu shots, bad reactions to them or just the number of chemicals that they contain. Doctors, researchers and scientists have linked flu shots to autism, Alzheimer’s and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Suspicions concerning the relationship between flu shots and the onset of chronic fatigue syndrome have been raised. Are flu shots bad? Some people think so.

As an alternative, naturalists, herbalists and researchers have studied many herbs and botanicals that could have flu buster effects. In clinical studies, andrographis paniculata has been shown to reduce flu recovery time and reduce the risk of post-influenza complications. It is believed to stimulate the immune system. Herbalists believe that by combining this flu buster with other herbs, botanicals and vitamins that are believed to naturally boost the immune system, you may be able to reduce your risk of catching the flu. People who use these types of natural immune system boosters say that they never get the flu or even the common cold. Answering the question “are flu shots bad” is not simple. And while not all natural products are completely safe andrographis paniculata has been shown in numerous studies to have very low toxicity in animals. Concern over ingredients in flu shots, bad reactions to flu shots and even flu shot shortages have sent many people looking for alternatives. Andrographis paniculata is just one natural flu buster.

Scientific research has shown that an extract from the olive leaf has anti-viral properties and could be used as a flu buster. Many botanicals and herbs are known to have anti-viral properties including bilberry, black cumin, and green tea. Herbs and botanicals were the first medicines and people are returning to them more and more, not only because of concerns about flu shots, bad reactions to all modern medications are possible. Some prescription and over the counter medications that were believed to be safe turn out to be not so safe. While natural does not always mean safe, it is possible to investigate the ingredients in a flu buster before you need it. Herbalists will honestly advise you of any possible side effects associated with any herbs and botanicals. For more information about natural immunity boosting products, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

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Make Your Own Ovulation Chart

Comments: 0May 18th, 2010 by admin



An ovulation chart is the best method to ensure that you can chart your own ovulation, so you can either make sure that you do, or do not, get pregnant. Although some people would love to go looking for an ovulation chart online or in a store, many would rather just do it themselves at home. In this article I will teach to make your very own ovulation chart.

If you are thinking what is an ovulation chart and what can it do to help me, then here it is:

Experts say that determining your ovulation cycle is the most important factor in getting pregnant. As a rule women tend to ovulate 14 days before their next period (I know this is the truth for e because I get a big pimple 14 days after my period). A normal cycle is between 23 and 35 days. This would be simple if it was not for the fact that few women have the exact same number of days within every cycle. Coupled (no pun intended, or maybe that was just a bad joke) with the fact that sperm can live for two to three days after intercourse and the egg only survives between 12 and 24 hours after a woman ovulates, the optimum time is between one to three days before ovulation.

An ovulation chart is necessary therefore to be able to track and thus predict your most fertile days. Now on to how to make the chart….

How to make an Ovulation Chart

If you are only interested in tracking your monthly periods (that is that you are perfectly regular) then it is just fine to just use your calendar. If you want to make a separate graph, then get yourself a piece of graph paper. On the graph paper make a column for your menstrual cycle days.

The first day of bleeding should be Day 1. The End of cycle is the last day before your period is to begin again. The horizontal lines should be to chart your basal temperature (body temperature of the body at rest). It is your choice if you want to buy a basal thermometer.

On the bottom of the chart there should be room to chart changes in cervical mucus (light discharge occurs before your period), Another good thing to document is how you are feeling, breast tenderness, mood-swings, trouble sleeping). It may help to also document how you are feeling on any day as depression can contribute to shifts in ovulation cycles.

Now you can look at all the signs and see that ideally you are fertile when the cervical mucus is most slippery. Your body temperature should increase a few days after the LH surge, and ovulation occurs just before. If all matches up then you have figured out your fertile days (Chart developed by Serdar H. Ural, M.D.).

I hope your ovulation chart helps you to best achieve your goals.

Good Luck and Enjoy Practicing!

Melly Schaum

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