Leukemia is a dangerous form of cancer, and it affects thousands of people every year. It affects the white blood cells. The body loses control of the quantity and quality of blood cells, and it becomes very vulnerable because the white blood cells are supposed to protect our organism against infections. There are two main types of leukemia – acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is more dangerous because it spreads much faster, but chronic leukemia can be tricky because it has almost no symptoms.
The first organ that is affected by chronic leukemia is the bone marrow. The bone marrow is a tissue that can be found on some of the main bones in the body and that has the role of producing blood cells (red blood cells and white blood cells).
White blood cells are the guardians of the body. They can be found anywhere in the blood and they attack and neutralize any type of bacteria that enters the body and that can be harmful.
When a patient has chronic leukemia, the white blood cells from his blood are deffective and they are continuously created. A normal person should have less then 10000 white blood cells white a person with leukemia can have more than 100000, but although there are so many the protection against infections is decreased because most of the cells are malfunctioning.
A particularity of chronic leukemia is that patients who have it also have a lower number of red blood cells.
The causes of all types of leukemia are unknown, doctors cannot determine why some people have this illness and other don’t. Though, scientists discovered some factors that increase the risks of becoming ill of leukemia. Among these factors radiations play an important role, many that were exposed to radiations were soon diagnosed with leukemia. Also, a malfunction in the genes can cause the blood cells to transform, so it can have a genetic cause. The causes and risk factors are still being researched.
The bad thing about chronic leukemia is that it usually shows no symptoms that can give he patient an idea about his condition. It’s often discovered during routine lab tests. Some of those suffering from chronic leukemia reported having a general state of weakness and fatigue. As the disease advances blood can start to come out of the nose or of the gums for no reason, and because the organism is weakened and its defense is lowered, leukemia patients can be vruised very easy, and they are often infected with foreign microorganism.
Chronic leukemia treatment depends on each patient. After the diagnose a series of tests are made to determine which therapy the patient responds to. Chemotherapy is used in most situations. The number of people that are cured of chronic leukemia is increasing as time passes, but a there is a notable number of victims too.
New drugs and cures keep being researched by doctors and scientists and the survival rate is rising, so maybe in the near future chronic leukemia will be musc easier to treat.
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Alcohol abuse, or alcoholism, is a serious illness that often requires immediate treatment. Not everyone knows what to look for in terms of alcohol abuse, but the truth is that there are very definitive signs that can quickly confirm the need for treatment.
Many alcoholics drink because they are angry or sad, but often end up feeling guilty either while they are drinking or after the effects wear off. Emotional drinking is a very likely sign of alcohol abuse and should not be overlooked. If the feeling of needing to reduce the level of alcohol consumption begins to occur or when friends and family start to express their concern, it is often time to seek counseling for alcohol abuse.
A large number of alcoholics find themselves lying about their behavior, which is usually an indication of shame. This may be a clue that he/she knows their actions are excessive and they wish to hide it from those closest to them, which means that they realize their actions are unhealthy and there may be a good chance for recovery.
If alcohol becomes a way of dealing with stress, the drinker has an undeniable addiction. Stress is a part of everyday life and, if alcohol is how a person chooses to deal with that stress, drinking too will become an everyday activity. For this reason, anyone that drinks alcohol as a way of coping with stress should consider an alcohol abuse treatment program.
There is no universal definition for alcoholism because it masks itself in a variety of ways. For some, it involves a physical dependency on alcohol while others lose their control over how much they drink. For many, the use of alcohol continues with the knowledge that it harmful to their health. There are many reasons that alcoholism may occur, including links to hereditary genes, stress, the addictive nature of alcohol and even the family environment.
The good news is that alcoholism is treatable and, once the signs of alcohol abuse are noticed, a remedy can often begin immediately. Whether it be via an inpatient or outpatient care facility or simply the willingness to stop drinking with the support of family and friends, alcohol abuse can be a thing of the past. Regaining the control over a life that was once consumed by alcohol is not a process that can happen overnight, but it is one that will be worth the effort. The most important step in working toward a life that is free of alcohol is actually wanting that life.
This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations regarding alcohol abuse. Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.
The four main enzymes that are generally tested for their elevated levels are, aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT or AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) which are together known as transaminases, and alkaline phosphotase (AP) and Gamma- glutamyl Transferase (CGT) together known as cholestatic liver enzymes. These are the few prominent enzymes whose elevations are vital indicators for any liver damage or disease.
The transaminases (AST and ALT) are generally associated with liver injuries or/and any sort of inflammation, which is called hepatocellular liver injury. When the cells get injured or damaged or inflamed, they prominently leak the ALT along with AST into the body’s blood stream, indicating elevated levels of those particular enzymes. So, by the deduction of these elevated liver enzymes, detection of damage or liver cell inflammation becomes conducive. But the elevated levels of these enzymes do not always signify liver damage or inflammation.
Cholestic liver enzymes (AP and GGT) are linked chiefly to the functioning of the bile ducts. When there is any sort of injury to the bile ducts, or they get blocked or if there is an inflammation of the bile ducts, the cholestic liver enzymes leak out into the bloodstream in excess amounts showing elevated levels of these enzymes on testing the blood.
Causes
There are many diseases and disorders that can lead to the elevation of various liver enzymes. The possible causes for the elevated transaminase levels in the blood include a fatty liver, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, medication or drug induced liver disease, tumors, genetic diseases, herbal toxicity, strenuous exercise, heart failure, etc.
If you have diabetes, then I am sure that you have had – or are about to have – a battery of blood tests. One of those tests is the A1C test that every diabetic is required to have. So what is it?
The A1C test measures the percent of glucose-containing red blood cell molecules in the bloodstream. Now, I realize that none of that makes sense until you understand what all of these words mean.
Hemoglobin A is a protein in red blood cells that is used to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When glucose molecules combine with hemoglobin A in the bloodstream, the hemoglobin A1C molecule is created. Following me? Good. Now here is the kicker: the more glucose in the bloodstream, the more hemoglobin A1C molecules are created. Right? Right. Now that we understand that part, we can go on to what the A1C test measures.
The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin A1C molecules that have formed in the bloodstream. If you have your A1C tested and the result is say, 5, then 5% of the hemoglobin A in the bloodstream has glucose stuck to it and has become hemoglobin A1C. Make sense? In other words, if your A1C is 5, then 5% of the hemoglobin in the bloodstream is hemoglobin A1C. For those of us with diabetes, it is suggested that we try and keep the A1C at or below 7 percent. It is also suggested by the American Diabetes Association that the A1C test be repeated every three months to check for consistency.
Understanding diabetes is tough. Hopefully, understanding the A1C is not.
Food supplements and herbal preparations fill the shelves of drugstores and are sold indiscriminately at times on the web. The billion dollar question is, are they really effective in lowering blood sugar levels?
Scientific research on their effectiveness show different results. People who use them swear by them, while some think it is just a waste of precious money. Judging from experience, they may be effective even if not given to much testing. Actually there are a lot of issues involved when you say you are using a herbal preparation or a food supplement. Now, if only they would really test them so we would all know the truth, bitter or sweet!
Really, it isn’t difficult to judge. If health care professionals and nutritionists advise a fiber rich diet consisting of vegetables, cereals and whole wheat grains to control blood sugar levels, why is a concentrated vegetable or plant in capsule form not acceptable? Some food supplements are actually concentrated, fiber rich vegetable essences, that when you eat the same amount in vegetable form, would weigh a ton! In the first place they were concentrated to provide an optimum amount of fiber that assists in absorbing that noxious glucose or sugar in your stomach and expel it easier than you might imagine.
On the other hand, there are also other herbal preparations that are claimed to lower blood sugar levels. These herbs are not necessarily needed in daily preparation of food so that it would be better to concentrate and encapsulate them:
bitter melon cinnamon Gymnema sylvestre and fenugreek
are the most popular and mostly used herbal remedies that work in lowering blood sugar levels.
the B vitamin biotin, vitamin C, trace minerals zinc and chromium and the anti-oxidant alpha lipoic acid may also be helpful.
A lot of commercial preparations may contain one or two of these ingredients and sell a lot.
Here are some tips in utilizing these food and herbal supplements:
1. Yes, you can take a supplement especially if you hate clearing up all those vegetables on your plate. Supplements that have fiber in them such as bitter melon, cinnamon, fenugreek, and gymnema have no known dangerous side effects. They can help in some ways.
2. Do not stop taking your anti-diabetic drug. This is very important. Food supplements or herbal preparations work in tandem just like diet and exercise do when taken with the right anti-diabetic medication.
3. Be sure to order the genuine ones. Surf the web, ask your friends what they take, and read labels.
4. It doesn’t mean though that when you take herbal preparations you can eat anything. You still have to stick with your diabetic food plan.
5. It shouldn’t mean going back to your days as a couch potato.
So there you are. Enjoy your healthy lifestyle. Take some food supplement as well as your anti-diabetic medication and watch you blood sugar levels fall.
What attracts gay people to drug taking?
Poor self-esteem, alienation and homophobia among gay men and lesbians can increase their risk for drug addiction and alcohol abuse. At present drugs and alcohol are a central aspect of gay club and bar culture, joining in can foster a sense of belonging, and can help you stay up all night dancing. Sharing a line or a pill is seen as sophisticated and decadent. this can be the first step towards drug addiction or alcohol abuse.
Are some drugs gayer than others?
You name it, gay people take it. From the dope-smoking bohemians of the 1950s, to the cocaine freaks of the disco years, via ecstasy, crystal meth, amyl nitrate, ketamine, GHB and beyond, drugs are part of gay life. More recently there have been studies linking gay people and abuse of anabolic steroids and also Viagra. It seems that some gay men’s obsessions with having a buff hard body is spilling over into their drugs of choice.
What’s being done to address the issue?
Some health promotion groups are calling for more social alternatives to the bar and club scene. They believe that gay people are less likely to want to take drugs if there are more places to meet. There is also a need for gay specific drug rehab programs. The feeling is that a gay man or lesbian will be more likely to go to drug rehab if the drug rehab is at a minimum a gay friendly drug rehab.
If you are looking for a gay drug rehab go to www.gay-rehab.com or call the national drug rehab helpline at 1-800-511-9225. To locate a gay friendly drug rehab in your area go to www.lakeviewhealth.com.
Do you know what may be causing your eczema? Usually eczema outbreaks are brought on by external influences. The best thing you can do to avoid or at least minimize future outbreaks is to determine what is causing your eczema to flare up, and then avoid those causes in the future. Here are three of the most common causes for eczema and what you can do to avoid them.
Skin Irritation
Eczema sufferers often are also prone to delicate skin that is susceptible to irritation from outside factors. Eczema can be caused or at least be aided by skin irritations. This skin irritation can be caused by something like rough clothing or towels, as well as by temperature changes and harsh soaps and cleansing products. Even sweating as a result of hot temperatures or working out can bring on eczema. Toss that itchy sweater and opt for soft and comfortable clothing. Toss your towels in the dryer to soften them up and pat yourself dry after a shower. Avoid long hot baths or showers and only use mild soaps and cleansers to prevent your skin from getting dry or irritated. Follow each bath or shower with a gentle moisturizer.
Stress Could Be The Culprit
Eczema outbreaks can often be linked to increased stress. Whenever possible try to eliminate at least some of the stress that is bad enough to result in your skin breaking out. Consider it a warning sign from your body to start slowing down. Obviously this isn’t always possible, but take a good look at your life and determine what little changes you can make to feel less stressed.
A second strategy is to learn to manage the stress better and relax more. Mediation is a great way to manage your stress levels. Start with some simple breathing techniques and then move on to more advanced types of meditation. There are plenty of books, CDs and even classes available on the topic. But even something as simple going for a long walk or taking a warm (not hot) bath can do wonders to reduce stress as well to prevent future eczema outbreaks.
Allergies As A Cause Of Eczema
Another surprising cause for eczema is the foods we eat and the products we use on a daily basis. Eczema can actually be a symptom of an allergic reaction to something. It may be well worth your time to keep a food journal for a few weeks to see if you can detect a connection between your eczema outbreaks and certain food you eat. You should also jot down changes you are making in the type of skin care products or laundry detergents you use.
One in six men experience prostate cancer. It is one of the leading causes of death in American men. If left untreated, it can gradually spread to other parts of the body and become irreversible.
Even though you have prostate cancer, you may not notice the symptoms at all especially in the initial stage. If you are over 40 years old, it is recommended that you have your prostate examined to detect any cancer cells.
You can take Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) tests to detect prostate cancer. However, they are not accurate. Always check with your doctor for other prostate examinations.
If you have prostate cancer, your level of PSA will be high enough to be detected. But sometimes, the results can be tampered by other factors which can cause your PSA to rise.
Using a DRE procedure, your doctor can distinguish between prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia (BHP) or prostatitis (inflammation of prostate) which is not cancerous. Your doctor will examine for abnormality of the prostate by putting his finger into your anus. By scrutinizing the size, shape, and texture of the prostate, it will reveal whether the prostate is in good health or not.
These symptoms may not signify that you have prostate cancer. Some of the common signs in the early stage that you need to be aware of are:
1. Problem in urinating
2. Increased urination at night
3. Pain during urination
4. Presence of blood in the urine
5. Painful ejaculation
6. Erectile dysfunction
When the cancer spreads to bone and lymph nodes, you will feel pain in your lower back, spine, pelvis, upper thighs, and ribs. This may also weaken your legs and lead to involuntary urination or defecation.
Sometimes, prostate cancer symptoms mimic BHP. Difficulty and increased night time urination are usually accompanied with BHP.
There are several prostate cancer treatments to choose from. Choice of treatment depends on your doctor’s advice. Among the treatments are prostate radiation therapy, chemotherapy, active surveillance and surgery.
Early detection of prostate cancer can prevent unnecessary surgery or radiation therapy. You can seek alternative treatment instead. Be aware of these symptoms and signs. It is not something you can ignore even though they are mild and are not affecting your daily routines. Taking care of your prostate health can help you enjoy your retirement years happily.
Unless you are traveling overland from southern Africa or Egypt, flying is by far the most convenient way to get to Kenya. Nairobi is a major African airline hub and flights between Kenya and the rest of Africa are common and relatively cheap. It’s important to note that flight into Kenya availability and prices are highly seasonal.
Conveniently for Europeans, the cheapest fares usually coincide with the European summer holidays, from June to September. An economy return flight ticket from London can be about UKP400, but during December and January flight prices soar and availability plummets.
It’s also worth checking out cheap charter flights to Mombasa from Europe, although these will probably be part of a package deal to a hotel resort on the coast. Prices are often absurdly cheap and there’s no obligation to stay at the resort you are booked into.
A few adventurous and resourceful souls with their own vehicles still travel overland to Kenya from Europe, but most routes pass through several war zones and should only be considered after some serious planning and preparing.
Entering Kenya
Entering into Kenya is generally pleasingly straight forward, particularly at the international airports, which are no different from most western terminals. Visas are typically available on arrival for most nationalities (passport photos required), but you should contact your nearest Kenyan diplomatic offices to get the most up-to-date information. Currency Exchange offices or moneychangers are always present and visa fees can be paid in local currency or dollar.
Airlines in Kenya
Including the a national carrier, Kenya Airways, four Kenya domestic flight operators of varying sizes now run scheduled flights within Kenya. All appear to have a virtually clean slate safety-wise. Destinations served are predominantly around the coast and the popular southern national parks, where the highest density of tourist activity takes place.
With all these Kenyan airlines, be sure to book well in advance (this is essential during the high season). You should also remember to reconfirm your return safari flights 72-hours before departure, especially those that connect with an international flight. Otherwise, you may find that your seat has been reallocated.
The following airlines fly domestically in Kenya
If the tuberculosis bacilli lie dormant in the body, a person does not get the symptoms of the disease and he cannot spread it to others. However, once the bacilli get active, the symptoms begin to appear and at this point the person is infectious and can spread the disease to others.
Overview of the Symptoms of Tuberculosis:
The most common organ to be infected by tuberculosis bacilli are the lungs. The symptoms begin gradually and most people do not notice them because they are mild. The most common symptoms of tuberculosis of the lungs are as follows:
o Fever
o Chills
o Night sweats
o Cough with thick sputum, which can sometimes be bloody
o Fatigue
o Weakness
o Loss of appetite
o Loss of weight for no apparent reason
o Chest pain
o Shortness of breath
Many of these symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia and lung cancer. That is why it is best to visit a doctor and get yourself tested for tuberculosis before jumping to any conclusions.
The symptoms of tuberculosis in other organs depend on the area of infection. For instance, tuberculosis of the spine will lead to back pain; while that of the lymph nodes will lead to swelling of the neck.
Most symptoms are not obvious until the disease reaches an advanced stage. And, many times the symptoms are attributed to another disease or disorder and people neglect going to a doctor.
Most people who get infected with tuberculosis bacilli will get the disease in the first few years, but it is quite possible for the bacilli to lie dormant in the body for years before causing an infection.