Health Revelation

Fregoli Delusion: a Bizarre Mental Delusion

2012-02-08T19:56:00.002-06:00

Fregoli Delusion is a rare mental disorder that causes aperson to believe that several different people are one person who keepsdressing up in disguises or somehow changing their appearance. This disorder was named after LeopoldoFregoli, an Italian actor who was known for being able to quickly change hisappearance during his stage act. Thevery first case of Fregoli Delusion was found in a 27 year old woman in 1927.

Those who suffer from the disorder are paranoid and believethat they are being singled out and persecuted by the person in disguise. Fregoli Delusion has been associated withverbal threats and aggressive behavior.

Although uncertain, research suggests that Fregoli Delusionmay be caused by a brain lesion. It can also be caused by brain trauma. It is classified as a monothematic delusionand as a delusional misidentification syndrome. READ MORE...

The Hallucinations of Charles Bonnet Syndrome

2012-02-08T19:55:00.000-06:00

Charles Bonnet syndrome causes those with visual loss tohave complex visual hallucinations. Itwas first described by Charles Bonnet, a Swiss philosopher in 1760. Charles Bonnet’s grandfather suffered fromthe condition after losing his sight to cataracts. It is believed that the vision loss may leadto a form of phantom vision.

Charles Bonnet syndrome is recognized as a common conditionand the hallucinations are usually temporary occurring for 12-18 months beforebecoming a lot less frequent. While thehallucinations are usually pleasant, they can become distressing at times. They are vivid, complex and recurrent. In the most common hallucinations, thecharacters are smaller than normal. Hallucinations may also be of faces or cartoons. READ MORE...

The Symptoms of Kuru

2012-01-27T13:51:00.003-06:00

Kuru, a neurodegenerative disorder, was first discovered inNew Guinea in the early 1900’s. It isalso known as Laughing Death, Laughing Sickness and Cannibalism disease. Kuru occurs in three stages and death occurswithin six to twelve months after the onset of symptoms.

The first stage is the Ambulant stage. During this stage coordination deteriorates,develops an unsteady gait, shaking, shivering, slurred speech, twitching eyesand loss of coordination begins in the feet and slowly moves up the legs andarms. The symptoms of the Ambulant stage may not occur for years or evendecades.

The second stage is the Sedentary stage. The symptoms of this stage are an inabilityto walk without support, loss of muscle coordination and severe muscle jerking.

The third stage is the Terminal stage. The symptoms of this stage are an inabilityto sit up without support, fecal and urinary incontinence, difficultyswallowing, coma and eventually death. Read More...

The Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder

2012-01-27T13:46:00.003-06:00

There are many people in this world that can be described asodd or eccentric. They appear to live in their own little made up worlds andtheir idiosyncrasies may be caused by Schizotypal Personality Disorder.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder is often confused withSchizophrenia but it has few similarities to it. This disorder causes a personto be disconnected from reality and they usually don’t have hallucinations,delusions and a loss of touch with reality like those with Schizophrenia. The symptoms vary by person and like with mostillnesses it affects everyone differently.

The symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder usuallybegin in early adulthood and are peculiar thinking, beliefs or behavior, beliefin special powers like telepathy, incorrect interpretation of events,suspicious or paranoid ideas, lack of close friends, persistent and excessivesocial anxiety, flat emotions and idiosyncratic speech. Symptoms may approvewith age. Those who suffer from this disorder occasionally have brief exoticepisodes and while they do speak coherently, they focus on trivial detail.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder is treated with long-termpsychotherapy and medications to ease the symptoms. The exact cause is unknown. Approximately half of the people with thedisorder have a major depressive disorder. Paranoid Personality Disorder is also common with SchizotypalPersonality Disorder. Read More...

Aspirin Allergy Symptoms

2012-01-19T14:05:00.003-06:00

An aspirin allergy is not as common as statistics mayindicate. About 1% of the entirepopulation is allergic to aspirin. Approximately 10% of people who have asthma also have an aspirin allergy. The allergic reaction usually occurs withinthirty minutes of taking it. An aspirinallergy is more common for those who have asthma or allergic rhinitis. Manypeople are sensitive to aspirin, but it’s rare to have a true allergy toaspirin. It’s important not to confuse asensitivity with an allergy.

Aspirin allergies are more likely to begin later inlife. It is possible to tolerate thedrug for many years before developing an allergy to it. Common drugs that contain Aspirin are allbrands and forms of aspirin, Motrin, Advil and anything that containsibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosen, Anapox and Naproxen, Ecotrin, Alka-Seltzer,Pepto-Bismol, Dristan, Kaopectate and Sine-off.

Aspirin is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory or NSAID. It was discovered in the 1800’s in the barkof a willow tree. In 1853 French ChemistCharles Frederic Gerhardt created acetylsalicylic acid. It was later named Aspirin in 1899. Aspirin is used to treat mild to moderatepain, it reduces fever and inflammation and may also be used to prevent heartattack, strokes and angina.

The symptoms of an Aspirin allergy are hives, eye redness,flushing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, chest pain, difficultybreathing, fainting, low blood pressure, facial swelling, mouth swelling,tongue swelling, eye swelling, rapid pulse, severe hives, severe wheezing,vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, bleeding internally and externally andbruising. In rare cases Anaphylaxis canoccur. Aspirin allergy can also lead toReye’s syndrome, which damages internal organs and can be fatal.

Aspirin originally derived from various plant extracts, butit is now prepared synthetically. Aspirin and other NSAID’s are found in manyover-the-counter drugs. If you have an aspirin allergy it’s important to makesure you don’t take any other medication that may contain aspirin. If you’re not sure ask your doctor.

Don't Give Up On Us

2011-03-29T07:53:00.000-05:00

Accept the fact that I am sick and I will show you that I’m still capable of many things despite my illness. Ignore my illness and treat me as if I’m simply crazy or lazy and I will disappoint you countless times. In the lives of those who are chronically sick acceptance and understanding means hope for a better tomorrow. We’re not asking for you to throw us a pity party and we’re not looking to be saved. All we want is to not be shunned for having an illness that we have no control over. No one in their right mind would ask to have a chronic illness especially an invisible one like Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME or Lupus. The only thing worse than having an incurable disease is having one that no one believes is real. Not to mention one that has no effective treatment. We didn’t choose these lives, but it’s what we were given and we’re learning to accept our fate and live our lives as best as we can. Our goal is to keep living…keep surviving even though we’re faced with the thoughts of wanting to die on a regular basis. We don’t want to give up, so please don’t give up on us.

Cure Insomnia by Relaxation

2010-04-19T10:58:00.001-05:00

Cure Insomnia By Relaxation

By: Philip Jubb

Insomnia cures by relaxation have been popular since before man invented fire. We can trace them back, certainly in the case of China, for many thousands of years. It has only been in the last few years that we have been able to confirm the efficiency or otherwise of the Insomnia cure by relaxation.

Insomnia itself is a pernicious affliction bringing with it misery and despondancy. Many sufferers of Insomnia and other sleep disorders lay there night after night staring into the dark checking the alarm clock every five minutes and worring about the effects of sleep loss on their performance during the coming day. Getting more and more tense and finding relaxation ever more difficult.

How can we use relaxation to help to cure insomnia? One of the first stops for the sufferer looking to cure Insomnia by relaxation or any other way is the doctors surgery. This is an excellent idea as a physical checkup will reveal wether or not there is a physical reason for the Insomnia or just the need to relax. The drawback is that if the doctor finds no physical reason for the Insomnia he is likely to reach for his prescription pad.

The drawbacks here are well known. Unbeliveably simply to cure insomnia you could also suffer addiction, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, personality changes, memory impairment, impaired concentration, poor judgment, mood disturbances, and in extreme cases irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. The list goes on and on. A safer insomnia cure may well lie in the direction of lerning relaxation, a more natural remedy.

This is the reason why drug companies can afford large scale advertising such as TV ads and big internet ad campaigns. They know if they can get a hold of you once, they will trap you and continue to make money off of you for years to come. Their mission is to program you. Whenever you have sleep problems, they want you to think about their products.

Used to cure insomnia and many other ailments for thousands of years relaxation rechniques are becoming more and more popular with main stream health care professionals to cure insomnia. As a cure for insomnia you need to practice relaxation regularly , notice the experience of the sounds of the simple things in life.

Look into what causes your need for relaxation. When you discover the ways you create stress, you can look for ways you to relax and avoid these stress creators.

Plan to cure your insomnia - You need to consider the timing of your relaxation. It should be daily. Perhaps a weekend is better suited to a night out so that you don't have to wake early the next morning for work or during the night for the bathroom.

Try relaxing music. Keep your favorite relaxation CD at the office, in the car, or wherever you'll need it most. Certainly by the bedside.

Walk a while. If you have at least ten minutes to spare, walking is one of the best relaxation techniques. I have a dog and we walk as often as we can. Pounding the streets or woodland paths is an excellent way of getting rid of frustrations, relaxing, and ultimately, when gently tired, I can can think much more productively.

Exercise - Find a form of exercise you will enjoy - yoga and tai chi are great for relaxation. Schedule in relaxation time every day - This could be for as little as 30 minutes a day or one hour away from the office during lunch time.

Get into yoga. This type of exercise puts an emphasis on relaxation and breath control. Could have been designed to cure insomnia by relaxation. Practise this at least twice a day, perhaps on waking and when you go to bed. This will train your unconscious mind to be able to quickly take you into abdominal breathing and hence relaxation.

A massage is also a great way to relieve stress from the body and ease insomnia. Its great fun and as long as its not your partner doing it :) It's very conducive to relaxation.

I will make a bold promise to you right off the bat: I will change the way you think about sleep forever.

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Author Bio

Philip Jubb

THE Insomnia Solution

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Hair Loss in Women, Could Stress Be the Culprit?

2010-04-19T10:49:00.001-05:00

Hair Loss in Women, Could Stress Be The Culprit?

By: Melanie Vonzabuesnig

Have you ever noticed that when a person feels stressed-out, their hair often looks frazzled and fried? Or that a depressed persons' hair often looks dull and lifeless, as if to match the way they feel. This is no coincidence. Our hair reflects our emotional state. There is no denying that stress affects the condition of our hair and can ultimately lead to hair loss.

Stress causes actual physiological changes in our body. These changes throw off our entire equilibrium, and affect every system of our body. Hair is very sensitive to any disturbances or changes within our body. If the disturbance is severe or prolonged the hair growth cycle becomes disrupted, causing excessive hair loss and delaying new growth.

Healthy hair growth is dependent on an intricately balanced hormonal system. An over or under production of certain hormones is a common cause of hair loss. When our body perceives stress, our glandular system responds by producing additional stress hormones.

Our body is well equipped to handle stress as long as there is plenty of time to recover between incidents. Unfortunately our busy hectic lifestyles provide little, if any recovery time between stressful events. This type of chronic, cumulative stress causes harmful effects to the body. Hair loss is often the first symptom.

Cortisol is one of the main hormones involved in combating stress. Too much or too little cortisol can cause hair loss. Cortisol is produced from the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands can become dysfunctional trying to keep up with the demands of stress. Any adrenal gland disorder can lead to hair loss.

Another stress hormone involved in hair loss is corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). When stress is perceived, CRH signals the sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil. This oil called sebum creates a waxy substance on the scalp, making it difficult for new growing hairs to permeate. Excess sebum can create weak, thin, slow growing hair and hair loss.

Long-term, chronic stress weakens the entire immune system. When the immune system is suppressed the body is less able to fight off bacteria, yeasts, parasites, viruses, and other invading pathogens. This produces a hazardous environment within the body. Under these conditions the hair often responds by falling out.

Stress can also cause the immune system to lose its ability to turn off when it is no longer needed to fight off invasions. An over-activated immune system can trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions and inflammatory conditions. Hair loss is a symptom of many of these types of conditions.

Stress is known to decrease the release of acid in the stomach and to impair digestion. Hair loss is a symptom of gastrointestinal disorders such as Chrons and Celiac. When the digestive system is not functioning properly we may not absorb the nutrients needed to support hair growth. Large amounts of vitamins, minerals and proteins are secreted in the urine before they have a chance to reach our scalp. Extreme stress depletes important nutrients such as selenium and zinc. A deficiency of these nutrients can lead to hair loss.

Stress hinders proper circulation. Muscles become tense and stiff, restricting blood from flowing to the scalp. The scalp depends on blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, and to remove toxins and environmental pollutants from the scalp.

Cumulative stress can cause cells to age faster and to eventually stop dividing. Hair is formed from cells at the base of each follicle. These cells multiply and differentiate to form each individual strand of hair. Cellular regeneration must occur in order for new hair to form.

Stress is a major factor in many of the medical conditions in which hair loss is a symptom.

Acute stress, when dealt with effectively has no negative effects on hair growth. It is the chronic, cumulative, prolonged stress that is so destructive to our system. This type of stress causes hopelessness, anxiety, depression, insomnia and bad habits. Often the first place this harmful stress shows up is in our hair. Significant changes in hair can be a warning sign of stress that has gone out of control. Hair loss caused by stress responds well to natural therapies such as massage, aromatherapy or reflexology.

Author Bio

Melanie Vonzabuesnig is the author of
Hair Loss in Women... Getting to the Root of the Problem. She is passionate about empowering women with information and solutions involving female hair loss

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

Living and Coping with Arthritis-How to Stay Active and Independent by Richard Clement

2010-04-14T15:39:00.000-05:00

Living And Coping With Arthritis - How To Stay Active And Independent

By: Richard Clement

Arthritis pain can be frustrating. Nagging and crippling arthritis pain can continue day after day. How much happier would you be if you could stop your arthritis pain right now and feel great all day? Knowing the nature of the disease can really bring you the right answers.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions. The word arthritis means "joint inflammation". When joints are inflamed, it causes pain and usually also limits movement of the joints that are affected. For many people, arthritis pain has a large impact on their life. Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than 16 million Americans. Each year, arthritis results in 750,000 hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits. Arthritis is not just an old person's disease. Nearly two-thirds of people with arthritis are younger than 65 years including nearly 300,000 children. Arthritis affects children and people of all racial and ethnic groups but is more common among women and older adults.
The disease can affect different parts of the body. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body's immune system activity. RA is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women. Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally strikes between the ages of 20 and 50. Both sides of the body are usually affected at the same time. Symptoms of RA differ from person to person but can generally include:

Joint tenderness, warmth, and swelling.
Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 1 hour in the morning or after a long rest.
Joint inflammation in the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand.
Fatigue, an occasional fever, and a general sense of not feeling well.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. OA commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people because they have been using their joints longer. Using the joints to do the same task over and over or simply using them over time can make osteoarthritis worse. Younger people can also get osteoarthritis. Athletes are at risk because they use their joints so much. People who have jobs that require the same movement over and over are also at risk. Injuries to a joint increase the risk of arthritis in the joint later on. Excess weight can accelerate arthritis in the knees, hips and spine. The most common symptom of Osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive use. Joint pain is usually worse later in the day. There can be swelling, warmth, and creaking of the affected joints. Symptoms of OA may greatly vary. Some patients can be debilitated by their symptoms. On the other hand, others may have remarkably few symptoms in spite of dramatic degeneration of the joints apparent on x-rays. Symptoms also can be intermittent.
These 2 forms have very different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body, yet they often share a common symptom - persistent joint pain.

What are the causes of arthritis?

Primary OA is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Repetitive use of the joints over the years irritates and inflames the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone outgrowths (spurs) to form around the joints. Sometimes osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint. For example, a young person might hurt his knee badly playing soccer. Then, years after the knee has apparently healed, he might get arthritis in his knee joint.
RA is an autoimmune disease. This means the body's natural immune system does not operate as it should; it attacks healthy joint tissue, initiating a process of inflammation and joint damage. RA is a type of chronic arthritis that occurs in joints on both sides of the body (such as hands, wrists or knees). This symmetry helps distinguish RA from other types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs most frequently in the 30-50 age group, although can start at any age. It is strongly associated with the HLA marker DR4 - hence Family history is an important risk factor. The disease affects Females:Males in a 4:1 ratio.

Other conditions can also cause arthritis. Some include:

Gout, in which crystals build up in the joints. It usually affects the big toe.
Lupus , in which the body's defense system can harm the joints, the heart, the skin, the kidneys, and other organs.
Viral hepatitis ,in which an infection of the liver can cause arthritis.

What can you do about it?

Some people may worry that arthritis means they won't be able to work or take care of their children and their family. Others think that you just have to accept things like arthritis.
While there is not yet a cure for arthritis, much can be done today to reduce pain and boost joint function. Learning how to manage pain over the long term is essential to maintaining a good quality of life. There are things you can do to keep the damage from getting worse. They might also make you feel better.Here are some simple things to do:

Lose weight if you're overweight
Exercise regularly for short periods. Going for a walk every day will help, too.
Use canes and other special devices to protect your joints.
Avoid lifting heavy things.
Don't pull on objects to move them-push them instead
Use heat or cold to reduce pain or stiffness.

The pain and disability that accompany arthritis can be decreased through early diagnosis and appropriate management.So if you have persistent symptoms lasting more than several days - go see your doctor. The doctor will examine you and may take x rays (pictures) of your bones or joints to decide if you have arthritis and what kind you have.
After the doctor knows what kind of arthritis you have, he or she will talk with you about the best way to treat it. The doctor may give you a prescription for medicine that will help with the pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

The good news is that now there is a way to stop your pain with a medication. Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It represents a huge breakthrough in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and stiffness of arthritis. Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unlike the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach.Celebrex doesn't cause the stomach bleeding and ulcers that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might.

You always can visit my site, www.e-drugstore.ws/arthritis.html to find all the information about coping with arthritis burden.

Author Bio

Richard Clement is an online publisher dedicated in helping online users getting appropriate and effective medical care. Visit my site www.e-drugstore.ws/arthritis.html for more info.

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The Walk to Freedom by Sarah Manners

2010-04-14T11:17:00.000-05:00

The Walk to Freedom

By: Sarah Manners

This is the moment four-year-old Reece Wilks dreamed of. His mother Jan arrived to walk him home from school for the first time since pioneering treatment meant she could leave her wheelchair at home.

The mother-of-two, Jan Wilks was once crippled by Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks to a revolutionary stem cell treatment she is now able to walk Reece to his classroom door.

This summer Mrs Wilks, of Stockbridge Lane, Page Moss, had a controversial medical procedure in a private clinic in a desperate attempt to keep her MS at bay. Within hours she was on her feet and free from pain. Three months on, Mrs Wilks's health is going from strength to strength and she can do the school trip to Beechwood Primary School with Reece unaided.

The Benefits

Of the treatment Mrs Wilks, 45, said: "I am feeling great. Everything about my health seems to have improved so much. It is the small things that mean so much to me - the little victories. My legs aren't perfect but I can stand for longer and hang out my own washing on the line. I am not in pain, I feel stronger and I am not sleeping all the time. I can play games with the children. I have more patience and energy. Sometimes I catch myself walking upstairs and can't believe the treatment has worked so well. The kids are made up with me. I feel normal again. I am back at work and everyone says how well I look because all the pain in my face has gone."

One of the highlights of the summer was a family holiday in Cornwall where Mrs Wilks was able to build sandcastles with her sons Reece and Daniel, 12, sit on the beach and go out for the evening with husband Paul.

Treating Multiple Sclerosis

When Jan Wilks was diagnosed with MS in 2000, her condition had no treatment or cure and doctors said it would eventually cripple and then kill her. Her husband, Paul Wilks, 40, spent hours on the internet searching for alternative treatments and discoveredstem cell therapy was being used elsewhere in the world to help slow the progress of diseases such as Parkinson's, cancer and MS. But the expensive procedure was unfortunately not yet available in the UK.

The Wilks family were preparing to sell their home to pay for treatment in Holland when colleagues at the Asda store in Huyton stepped in to help, raising more than £13,000.

Stem Cells - A Controversial Therapy

Stem cells are the building blocks for every tissue and organ in the body. They have the ability to grow outside the body and can be transplanted to produce tissue regrowth in patients with tissue degenerating diseases.

The cells can be taken from a variety of sources, including unborn foetuses - but this makes stem cell therapy controversial because it raises medical ethics issues. Stem cells used to treat Jan came from umbilical cords which would have otherwise been destroyed. Her treatment - which took just a few hours - saw cells put into her body via a drip, and an injection into the spine to repair damage.

This treatment has increased the quality of Jan's life dramatically, not only is she able to walk unaided but has gone back to work and has been able to spend more quality time with her family thereby increasing the quality of their lives as well.

Author Bio

Advanced Cell Therapeutics Ltd. (ACT) is a biotech company specializing in providing safe, easy and ethical access to the latest in Stem Cell Therapies. Based in Zurich, ACTs mission is to provide access to safe and ethical treatments which target the causes as well as the symptoms of degenerative disease and aging.

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Ten Bible Verses on Health

2010-04-05T22:51:00.000-05:00

Ten Bible Verses on Health

What Does the Bible Say About Health
The Bible is a Christians guide to life and leads us on every topic. What does the Bible say about our health? Read these ten scripture verses about Health for a better understanding.

10 Bible Verses About Health

Bible Verse About Health- Scripture from the book of 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
Health Bible Verses- Scriptures from the book of Psalms
Psalm 91:10
No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.

Psalm 103:2-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
Bible Verse About Health- Scripture From the book of 3 John
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
Bible Verses About Heath- Scripture Verse on Healing
Exodus 15:26
And He said, 'If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.'
More Bible Verses About Healing

Bible Verses About Heath- The importance of Spiritual Health
1 Timothy 4:7-8
But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Proverbs 3: 5-8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones.
Bible Verses About Health- Scriptures from the book of Proverbs

Proverbs 4:22
For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their whole body.
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Bible Verses About Health- Peace from the inside
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Please add any other Bible Verses about Health to the comments for others to use and enjoy. Thanks for Reading.

Resources:
New American Standard Bible

Content Source: Bukisa - Ten Bible Verses on Health

Should you Shop for Health Insurance if You are Self-employed?

2010-04-04T21:07:00.000-05:00

Should you Shop for Health Insurance if You are Self-employed?

No matter where you live in the United States, if you work for yourself you are going to need health insurance. You might justify not having health insurance because of the cost; however, what is the cost going to be if you don't carry personal, or self-employed health insurance?
No matter where you live in the United States, if you work for yourself you are going to need health insurance. You might justify not having health insurance because of the cost; however, what is the cost going to be if you don't carry personal, or self-employed health insurance? God forbid if anything were to happen, but as we know accidents happen, our children get sick, new generations come into existence, and a myriad of other medical necessities could happen. Thank goodness we can't be thrown in jail if we can't pay our health care costs due to not being insured. About the worst that would happen is that your credit score would drop in the toilet and you might get sued by your creditors.

It's a no-brainer; the premiums for health insurance go up in direct proportion to the cost of health care going up. Health insurance companies are not run by the government in the United States, but they are regulated at the federal and state levels. If health insurance companies were not regulated, we might be forced to pay even higher premiums than we do.

How do we find the best buy in health insurance when we are self-employed? The best thing you can do is educate yourself on insurance before you sign on the dotted line. You should know just what your policy covers, and what it doesn't cover. You need to put on your high powered reading glasses and read that fine print. The print is tiny for a reason. Most people, (including me) have glossed over the fine print, and then when you feel you have a claim, there might be some loophole that you weren't aware of. I had this happen to me with my insurance on my mobile home. It burned down, but because I wasn't living in it at the time (my mom and dad were) the insurance didn't have to pay, and they didn't. Be sure to read the fine print!

What type of health insurance policy should you purchase when you are self employed? Take your pick. You can purchase a personal plan, group plan, short term health insurance, and you can even self-insure with a health savings plan. To get a ball park figure of what you can afford, go online to get a health insurance quote. You just plug in the information the calculator asks for, and you will be given a list of insurance companies with offers. You will see very low prices on some insurance packages, while there are very high prices on others. What's the difference? The difference is the deductible that you will be responsible for.

What type of health insurance should you purchase? That's up to you. What do you need? Do you have a family? Do you have anyone with special needs in your family? Is everyone fairly healthy? You need to ask yourself all kinds of questions to decide what type of health insurance you should sign up for.

Let's just assume that you and your family (if you have one) are healthy. You go for your yearly checkups. You don't have any young children that will need frequent doctor visits. You might be able to do well with a low premium policy with a higher deductible. You can also open up a health savings account and put money in it for the deductible, should the need arise. Let the money work for you until you need it. There is no sense in paying out the nose for insurance premiums, especially if you never get to use the insurance enough to justify the cost. You can put that extra money (you would have paid for a lower deductible policy) into your health savings account. Then when the need arises you can use the saved money for your higher deductible.

Now let's assume you just had a new baby, and you have 2 more children under the age of 10. Chances are, these children will need well baby and well children visits to their pediatrician. It would not be advisable in this instance to opt for a high deductible to save on insurance premiums. It might be to your advantage to buy a personal policy, a group policy for the self-employed. It is also a good idea, if you have a spouse that still punches a clock, you may be able to get health insurance coverage through your spouse's policy.

No matter what your situation is, there is a health insurance plan that can be designed to fit your needs. When you go online for a quote, the next step is to talk to an agent. You can buy online without ever speaking face to face with someone, but experience has shown me that sitting down face to face with an agent from a local insurance provider can be the best way to decide on the amount and type of health insurance coverage that you need.
No matter where you live in the United States, if you work for yourself you are going to need health insurance. You might justify not having health insurance because of the cost; however, what is the cost going to be if you don't carry personal, or self-employed health insurance? God forbid if anything were to happen, but as we know accidents happen, our children get sick, new generations come into existence, and a myriad of other medical necessities could happen. Thank goodness we can't be thrown in jail if we can't pay our health care costs due to not being insured. About the worst that would happen is that your credit score would drop in the toilet and you might get sued by your creditors.

It's a no-brainer; the premiums for health insurance go up in direct proportion to the cost of health care going up. Health insurance companies are not run by the government in the United States, but they are regulated at the federal and state levels. If health insurance companies were not regulated, we might be forced to pay even higher premiums than we do.

Content Source: Bukisa - Should you Shop for Health Insurance if You are Self-employed?

Concern About Health Care Reform Makes Top News

2010-04-02T12:56:00.000-05:00

Concern About Health Care Reform Makes Top News
Concern about health care reform has been making top news for quite a while, and the outcome will receive no less attention. December 25, 2009 will be remembered as an historic occasion and a special Christmas for millions of Americans. This date marked the US Senate’s voting in favor of supporting health care reform.
Despite Republican opposition, this was the day that The US Senate, along with the US House of Representatives opted to pass the much-needed health care reform legislation.

Content Source: Bukisa - Concern About Health Care Reform Makes Top News

SUGAR CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH

2010-03-31T18:17:00.000-05:00

Sugar can be hazardous to your health

Sugar like all other foods when consumed in large quantities may cause a variety of health problems.
Sugar can be hazardous to your health

Content Source: Bukisa - Sugar can be hazardous to your health

Parkinson's Disease

2010-03-30T22:34:00.000-05:00

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Parkinson’s disease include constipation and daytime sleepiness. These may well be the first clinical manifestations of the disease but are nonspecific. Additional features that commonly precede onset of motor signs include decreased sense of smell and REM behavior disorder (RBD).
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Content Source: Bukisa - Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

1 in a Million-Rare Disease

2010-03-29T21:17:00.000-05:00

1 in a Million- Rare Disease

Michael Jackson was reported to be suffering from a rare genetic disease called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The condition is just one among the 8,000 or so known rare disease worldwide.Acknowledging this challenge for the first time, European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and National Alliances announced February 29, 2008, as the first European Rare Disease Day.
1 in a Million- Rare Disease

Content Source: Bukisa - 1 in a Million- Rare Disease

5 Common Types of Skin Diseases

2010-03-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

Skin Diseases: 5 Common Types

Information about 5 common types of skin diseases. Find out the symptoms of these common skin diseases and the treatment options that are available.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It regulates the bodies temperature, and protects it from infections. Skin diseases can affect your appearance, causing embarrassment and low self esteem. Keeping your skin clean, moisturized, protected from the sun, not sharing towels,clothes, or blankets, removing damp clothing immediately, and covering open wounds can help prevent skin diseases.

5 Common Types of Skin Diseases-Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Most of the more common skin diseases are classified as inflammatory skin diseases. Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, diaper rash and acne are all inflammatory skin diseases. Some of these skin diseases can last for extended periods of time. The symptoms these conditions cause are itching, redness, swelling, blisters, thickening skin, and skin lesions. Topical ointments are usually prescribed to lessen the itching and swelling. If the affected areas get infected, a doctor's visit will be required to treat the infection.

5 Common Types of Skin Diseases-Viral Skin Diseases
Viral skin diseases are caused by viral infections. Viral skin diseases usually only last for a short period of time. Chicken pox, measles, herpes 1, herpes 2, and shingles are viral skin diseases. These are contagious and can be spread through personal contact. The symptoms that accompany these skin diseases are fever, blisters, rash, cold symptoms, and cold sores. Topical and prescription medications are available for viral skin diseases. There are vaccines available for measles and chicken pox.

5 Common Types of Skin Diseases-Fungal Skin Diseases
Microscopic fungi are the cause of fungal infections. The fungi live om the bodies dead skin cells. Candida, athlete's foot and ringworm are all fungal infections. Symptoms of fungal infections are itching, raised areas of skin, redness, and burning. Fungal infections may reproduce rapidly if they are not treated. If you have a fungal infection, you will need to wash all bed linens, towels, and clothes regularly. Treatments can include oral medications, topical ointments, powders, and oral antiseptics.

5 Common Types of Skin Diseases-Bacterial Skin Diseases
Staph is the most common cause of bacterial skin diseases. The bacteria enters the body through small cuts or any breaks in the skin. Impetigo, cellulitis, MRSA, folliculitis, scabies, and necrotizing fasciitis.are all bacterial skin diseases.
Symptoms for bacterial skin diseases are pimples, boils, rashes, thirst, flu symptoms, lesions, fever, and low blood pressure. Treatment may involve antibiotics, draining the area, or in extreme cases, removing the infected area.

5 Common Types of Skin Diseases-Cancerous Skin Diseases
Excessive exposure to the sun or tanning beds can cause skin cancer. Basil cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma are types of cancerous skin diseases. Skin lesions or moles that change shape or color are signs of skin cancer and should be checked by a doctor. Cancerous skin diseases can be prevented by using sunscreen, lip balm with sun protection, and avoiding the use of tanning beds.

Content Source: Bukisa - Skin Diseases: 5 Common Types

Top 10 Killer Diseases

2010-03-10T21:54:00.000-06:00

World’s Top 10 Killer Diseases

What are the 10 deadliest diseases of our present time? Check this out!

Diseases are among the major causes of human deaths. Millions are dying of diseases every year. On the average, 57 million people die annually. Large percentage of this figure is caused by diseases.

Content Source: Bukisa - World’s Top 10 Killer Diseases

Debunking the Common Myths of Fibromyalgia

2010-01-12T12:48:00.001-06:00

One of the most annoying things to deal with when you have Fibromyalgia is all of the annoying myths that surround the illness. All of these myths just confuse people even more and make it harder for those who suffer from Fibromyalgia to explain what’s really going on. Here are some of the most common myths of Fibromyalgia.

MYTH BUSTERS-FM STYLE

It’s important to keep the facts straight and the frustration levels low. Hopefully one day we will have most of the answers, but until then don’t help spread the myths.

Fibromyalgia is Not a Disease by Paula M. Moerland, LMT

2010-01-09T14:48:00.001-06:00

It is not a disease for which, once they find a cure, a pill can be popped and now everything is okay. Fibromyalgia doesn’t have a single cause. It is not a bug or a virus or a parasite. Fibromyalgia is not, despite its name, about muscle pain. Fibromyalgia is not incurable. Fibromyalgia is not in your or anyone else’s head.

For those who live with Fibromyalgia, there is no part of their life that it does not affect: sleep, energy, movement or mood. To what degree it affects one’s life varies from person to person. Some people’s symptoms are so mild, they are not even aware they have a disorder. Other’s are so severe they can think of nothing else except their pain and misery. Read More...

The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

2009-11-19T12:43:00.001-06:00

Fibromyalgia (pronounced fie-bro-my-al-jia) is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, tenderness and a whole host of other symptoms. The pain and fatigue that are associated with fibromyalgia are debilitating and relentless, but this chronic invisible illness involves so much more than that. So many are unaware of the multitude of fibromyalgia symptoms and the effects they have on day-to-day living.

PAIN SYMPTOMS

The most prominent symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain. The pain can manifest in many ways such as burning, stabbing, aching, numbness and tingling. Pain symptoms include headaches, tender points or trigger points, muscle pain, muscle twitching, muscle weakness, paralysis or severe weakness of an arm or leg, joint pain, TMJ syndrome and chest pain. The chest pain can be so severe that it feels like a heart attack. Read More...

10 Uses for Toothpaste

2009-08-06T16:05:00.000-05:00

1. Bug Bites and Bee Stings

Toothpaste works great on itchy bug bites and also stops the burning and stinging from a bee sting. It works by drying out the bite or sting.

2. Acne

Acne can be frustrating especially if you’re a teenager. Dab a little toothpaste on a troublesome pimple before you go to bed. When you wake up it will be gone. The toothpaste dries out the pimple. While this method works well make sure not to do it too often because the toothpaste will eventually begin to harden the skin.

3. Clean Piano Keys

Over time the piano keys can become yellowed and dingy looking. This is usually caused by the constant contact with your fingers as well as the aging of the piano. Scrub the piano keys with toothpaste using a sponge or toothbrush and they will look like new again.

4. Clean Clothes Iron

The bottom of clothes irons often turn black and crusty. This can get on your clothes while you’re ironing and cause stains. Toothpaste is a simple solution to this problem. Rub toothpaste on the bottom and scrub with a toothbrush or sponge.

5. Deoderize Baby Bottle

Baby bottles often smell of sour milk and it’s very hard to get rid of the odor. Scrub the bottles with toothpaste and the smell will disappear. It’s important to make sure that you thoroughly rinse the bottles afterward.

6. Prevent Foggy Bathroom Mirrors

There’s nothing more annoying than a foggy bathroom mirror. Rub toothpaste on the mirror and wipe off before you take your next shower. This will prevent the mirror from fogging up.

7. Shine Chrome Fixtures

Using a toothbrush or sponge, apply toothpaste to chrome fixtures. Rinse and wipe dry and see them shine.

8. Clean Smells on Hands

If the toothpaste can deodorize baby bottles just imagine what it can do for odors on your hands. Simply wash your hands with toothpaste and take the odor away.

9. Remove Crayons From Walls

Did your kids draw a mural on your wall with crayon? Toothpaste will have the crayon off in no time. Just apply the toothpaste and scrub with a sponge or toothbrush.

10. Polish Jewelry

If you find yourself without a jewelry cleaner, use toothpaste. Apply the toothpaste to a soft bristle toothbrush and polish away. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Toothpaste not only cleans your jewelry, but it also makes it shiny.

The Characteristics of Dubowitz Syndrome: A Rare Developmental Disorder

2009-08-02T12:21:00.001-05:00

Babies are born with birth defects every day. Some are very mild and others may be physically and mentally debilitating. Most birth defects occur no matter how much you take care of yourself while pregnant. Every mother feels like it’s her fault if the baby is born with serious birth defects, but unfortunately sometimes it just happens. That’s the case with Dubowitz syndrome.

Dubowitz syndrome is a very rare genetic and developmental disorder that causes growth retardation before and after birth. Dr. Victor Dubowitz, an English physician, first described it in 1965. Dr. John Opitz described it again later. It is currently described as being inherited through an autosomal recessive pattern, but current research is challenging it. Autosomal recessive means that both parents have to carry the mutated gene. Dubowitz syndrome is often accompanied by a deficiency in the growth hormone.

Dubowitz syndrome is present from the very beginning of the fetus development and is characterized by slow grow, small head and characteristic facial features such as sparse hair, flat underdeveloped bones above eyes, increased distance between eyes, drooping eyelids, sparse lateral eyebrows, small lower jaw and a receding chin. Other signs and symptoms of the disorder are mild mental retardation, low birth weight, hyperactivity, high-pitched voice, short attention span and speech delay. Approximately half of those who suffer from the disorder will also have eczema.

A child who has Dubowitz syndrome is also likely to have a weak immune system. This will cause them to get infections repeatedly and they will be more prone to conditions like hypogammaglobulinema, IgA deficiency, aplastic anemia, acute lymphatic leukemia, lymphoma and neuroblastoma.

Currently no medical tests can correctly diagnose Dubowitz syndrome. Diagnosis is usually made through identifying the physical characteristics of the syndrome, like the facial appearance. A pediatric geneticist plays a very important role in obtaining an accurate diagnosis especially when the syndrome is very mild or the symptoms are a little different in some way from other cases of the syndrome.

The treatment for the disorder is targeted at each individual symptom. Creams are given if the child has eczema and surgeries can correct abnormal facial features and cardiovascular affects.

Dubowitz syndrome is often mistaken for Bloom syndrome and Fetal Alcohol syndrome. The syndrome is also very similar and may be linked to Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

The majority of Dubowitz syndrome cases have been reported in the United States, Germany and Russia. Approximately 142 cases have been reported worldwide. The disorder affects all races and males and females equally.

Dubowitz syndrome may not be as rare as it was once thought. It may just be under diagnosed. There is not enough awareness about the syndrome to correctly diagnose everyone who has it and less severe cases usually go undiagnosed.

Ten Uses for Olive Oil

2009-07-30T09:39:00.000-05:00

Olive oil is probably best known as something you use for cooking and it's normally found in the kitchen, but it actually has many other uses that have nothing to do with cooking. Ten other uses for olive oil include shaving cream, foot lotion, hair conditioner, hairball remedy, bath oil, floor polish, makeup remover, pre-manicure soak, a snoring remedy and for lice control.

Have you ever found yourself without shaving creme? If you happen to have olive oil then you're in luck because it makes a great substitute for shaving creme.

Our feet often have the tendency to become dry and cracked, especially during the winter months. An easily solution for this problem is olive oil. Rub a little on your feet like lotion and it will soften up those crusty feet.

Hair issues are a big thing, especially for women. No one likes a bad hair day. If you rub a dab of olive oil in dry hair it works as a conditioner. It makes your hair shiny and smooth.

This one is particularly important for cat owners. Hairballs are a common problem in cats. Just add a couple teaspoons of olive oil into a can of your cat's food and your furry family members will be hairball free in no time.

Do you have dry skin? Rub a little olive oil onto your skin or add a little to your bath water. You can take a relaxing bath and soothe your dry skin at the same time.

You can even use olive oil to polish your floors. Just add three parts olive oil to one part white vinegar and get to work. Your floors will be clean and shiny in no time.

Commercial makeup removers can be expensive and some of them don't work very well. Olive oil is an inexpensive solution. Use it just like you would use a normal makeup remover. It works great.

Are you thinking about giving yourself a manicure? Mix some olive oil with water for a pre-manicure soak. It will soften up your hands and cuticles.

Do you keep your spouse up at night with your snoring? Drink a small amount (just a quick sip) of olive oil and it will lubricate your throat and stop the snoring.

Olive oil is also a great way to get rid of lice. The commercial lice shampoos are expensive and a lot of the time they don't work. Saturating the hair with olive oil will suffocate the little critters.

Finding Inner Happiness

2009-07-29T22:18:00.002-05:00

That long enduring relationship is over. The one you spent so much time and love on. Now you’re left wondering if your life will ever be the same. Tears and pain are all you know and you ask yourself the same question every day, “Will I ever find true happiness?”

True happiness comes from within. We just have to learn to bring out our inner happiness. Do you feel you need a man to be happy? It took me two years to realize that if you’re not happy with a man, then you don’t have true happiness with a man. I’ve learned to be happy by myself and my happiness from within is with me through good days and bad days. Inner happiness gives you the strength to move on from those bad times and live your life in peace. Of course it’s hard at first. It may even sound impossible, but anything worth doing or learning is going to be hard. I’ve made it through many obstacles recently because I’ve found my inner happiness and so can you. Don’t wait for a man or a good day to be happy. Happiness is in your heart, and it’s only a heartbeat away.

Many women rely on men and material things to make them happy. Some women feel that the compassion of a man is more important than their own goals and well-being. Having a good man by your side is a nice feeling, but it is more enjoyable when you have taken care of yourself first. Sometimes when we are in relationships we lose connection with our needs. Our goals and dreams get put aside and the man somehow floats to the top of our priority list. It’s not done intentionally but I’ve found in my observations that sometimes it just happens. It happened to me. I didn’t want it to and I denied it for a long time, until I finally woke up and realized that I was behind on all my goals in life, and no matter how hard I tried to be happy I couldn’t be.

Some women would do anything to have a man by her side. These are the women who are always crying about how they need a man and that they can’t handle being single. They don’t need a man but they long for that compassion that only a man can give us. Having a boyfriend will make you happy, but that happiness sometimes feels that it was given to us by an Indian giver. Have you ever been in a relationship where you’re happy one day and you’re totally miserable the next. That Indian giver snatched our happiness right back. I lived this way for two years. My life was a major emotional roller coaster. If my relationship wasn’t going the way I wanted it to I couldn’t be happy about anything. I let material things determine my happiness. This isn’t a healthy way for anyone to live.

The divorce rate is climbing to an unbelievable high and it really amazes me when I see a young couple still hanging in there. Recently I met a twenty-six year old mother of three who has been married for almost nine years. When you enter their home it’s the American Dream. Their love and support for each other cannot even be described in words. Although they married at a young age they continue to conquer their dreams together. They are a perfect example of the long lasting effects of true happiness. They’re living out the American Dream and it’s such an uplifting sight.

I wish everything could be so beautiful but the world is full of so many painful things. We’ve all seen marriages being torn apart by infidelity and insecurities , innocent girls being both physically and emotionally abused by spouses and boyfriends and what I feel is the worst, a young girl in great depression because she can’t find a good man. A girl who doesn’t even have enough faith in herself to live alone much less go after her dreams.

We all must learn to bring out our inner happiness because if we rely solely on material things to make us happy then we are going to miss out on so many important things in life. The world may end tomorrow and we must ask ourselves if we will have anything to show for our time here on earth. We don’t want to die with regrets. It is a given that we all want to be happy and finding our inner happiness is the first step to a happy eventful life, with a side order of accomplished dreams.

Receive happiness from within your heart by achieving your goals, making all your dreams reality, and by knowing that you can take care of yourself, for only then will you know that you can take care of someone else. Leave the past behind and create the destiny of your dreams. This true happiness from within will never fade because it becomes a part of your life that you are proud of and that others will recognize. Leave your mark in his world. As you go through life from here when something goes wrong it may get you down, but this time you’ll see it as only a stumbling block instead of a mountain blocking your way.

Symptoms and Effects of Wyburn-Mason Syndrome

2009-07-24T20:52:00.002-05:00

What would you do if you knew your baby was going to be born with a severe syndrome that is going to greatly reduce their lifespan? This is every parent's nightmare and for the parents of children with Wyburn-Mason syndrome this is their reality.

Wyburn-Mason syndrome is a rare, genetic congenital disorder that is characterized by arteriovenous malformations in the central nervous system and the retina. These malformations affect the visual pathways, the midbrain and subcutaneous facial structures. The syndrome causes pigmented
skin blemishes or birthmarks on the face and sometimes mental changes can occur.

It is also known as Bonnet-Dechaume-Blanc syndrome, Cerebroretinal arteriovenous, Aneurysm syndrome, Neuroretinoaniomatosis, Nororetinal angiomatosis, racemose angioma and Bonnet's syndrome I. The syndrome has recently been defined as a brain-retino-facial angiomatosis.

Paul Bonnet first described Wyburn-Mason syndrome in 1937 and Roger Wyburn-Mason described it again in 1943 as a rare congenital disorder that has the Autosomal Dominant Inheritance trait. Autosomal Dominant Inheritance trait means that only one mutated gene is necessary for the child to have the traits of the disease. In cases of Autosomal Dominant Inheritance, a child with a parent who has the mutated gene has a 50% chance of developing the disease. Read More...

Top 5 Undiagnosed Diseases

2009-07-22T14:10:00.001-05:00

There are many people suffering from diseases that have remained undiagnosed for extended periods of time. Unfortunately there is not a magic button that doctors can push to expedite the diagnosis process and when the condition is complex the diagnosis can be hard to reach. There are 5 diseases that doctors have a hard time accurately diagnosing. Hemochromatosis, Lyme disease, Celiac disease, Polycystic Ovary syndrome and Lupus all have complex symptoms that mimic other conditions. This is why they are the top 5 undiagnosed diseases.

HEMOCHROMATOSIS

Hemochromatosis is the most common form of iron overload disease and the most common genetic disease in the United States. There are two main types of the disease. Primary Hemochromatosis is inherited and Secondary Hemochromatosis is caused by anemia, alcoholism and other disorders.

Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb too much iron and this can cause liver, heart and pancreas failure if the disease is left untreated.

Hemochromatosis is hard to diagnose because the early symptoms of the disease are stiff joints and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions that are far more common than Hemochromatosis.

LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Deer ticks carry the disease and it is the most common arthropod illness in the United States.

Symptoms of Lyme disease are "bulls-eye" rash, fever, headache, muscle pain, stiff neck and swelling of the knees and other large joints.

Although it is extremely common, Lyme disease is still hard to diagnose because of the many manifestations of the disease and the limitations of blood tests.

CELIAC DISEASE

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption from food. Those who have Celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, so when gluten is eaten, the immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. Read More...

2009-07-10T17:43:00.001-05:00

The Three Forms of Multiple System Atrophy
Multiple System Atrophy affects thousands of people in the United States. This disorder causes their entire bodies to malfunction to the point of death. Every system in the body is affected and there is no cure.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1909404/the_three_forms_of_multiple_system.html

2009-07-10T17:41:00.001-05:00

The Challenges of Norrie Disease
Norrie disease was described in the 1920s and again in the 1930s as an inherited form of blindness that affects only males.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1912026/the_challenges_of_norrie_disease.html

2009-07-03T19:37:00.001-05:00

Symptoms of Arachnoiditis: A Severe Chronic Pain Disorder
Arachnoiditis is a debilitating chronic pain disorder that causes severe stinging and burning pain. The treatment for Arachnoiditis is primarily focused on pain relief.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1890290/symptoms_of_arachnoiditis_a_severe.html

2009-06-23T15:49:00.001-05:00

Three Types of Sweet's Syndrome
Sweet's syndrome was first described in 1964 by Dr. Robert Douglas Sweet as Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis. It is characterized by a sudden high fever, increased white blood cell count and a rash.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1764424/three_types_of_sweets_syndrome.html

2009-05-21T20:43:00.001-05:00

Arthritis of the Neck: Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical Spondylosis is a form of arthritis that is caused by the degeneration of the bones of the neck and cushions between the vertebrae.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/460909/arthritis_of_the_neck_symptoms_of_cervical.html

2009-05-15T15:30:00.001-05:00

The Effects of Aniridia: A Genetic Eye Disorder
Aniridia is a rare genetic eye condition that is an extreme form of Iris Hypoplasia. Aniridia runs in families, you're born with it and it occurs in both eyes. The Greek meaning of Aniridia is "without iris."
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1725634/the_effects_of_aniridia_a_genetic_eye.html

Recognizing Polycystic OVary Syndrome

2009-03-16T22:46:00.002-05:00

I was recently diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and I have been totally overwhelmed by it since. It affects you physically and mentally and the worse part of it is that no one understands. Too many people think that it is not a serious condition and that the worse part of it is that you have fertility issues. They are unaware of all the things that PCOS can do to your body and your mind. Here is an article that explains what PCOS is and why it should be taken seriously.

Recognizing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

By: Alyssa Thiessen

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be a leading cause of infertility and is linked to higher rates of obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancers. Although there is no cure for the condition, awareness of its subtle symptoms and prompt diagnosis allow women to work with their physicians towards effective and lasting treatments.

Causes

There is no single consensus as to what causes PCOS. Overproduction of male hormones, hormonal imbalances, and failure of the ovaries to release follicles are factors in the condition, but there is no conclusive answer regarding what causes these irregularities. Some believe genetics play a role, others that diet is to blame, and others that the condition strikes entirely at random.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are multi-faceted. Different women will experience different symptoms, to varying degrees. Some of the most noticeable symptoms include excess hair growth on body or face, excess weight gain, especially in the midsection, frequent or severe acne, and irregular or absent menstruation/ovulation. A woman may also, when charting her basal temperature, find her chart is erratic with no fixed pattern. This, of course, is due to the irregular nature of her ovulation. Other symptoms, diagnosed by a physician, could include higher insulin levels or insulin resistance, higher blood pressure, higher levels of testosterone, and cysts on the ovaries. Not all symptoms are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

Although PCOS cannot be cured, the treatments can increase fertility and prevent further complications stemming from the syndrome. Some treatments that may be prescribed by a physician include – but are not limited to – a change in diet through lowering carbohydrate intake or using a low-glycemic index, weight loss (if the woman is overweight; lean women can also have PCOS), and medications such as Metformin to decrease insulin resistance or regulate blood sugar levels.

Diagnosis

If a woman suspects she has PCOS, she should discuss it with her physician immediately. Her physician should then do further tests to determine whether the symptoms do, indeed, indicate PCOS. Some family physicians may refer the woman to a fertility or women’s health specialist. Although a doctor may suspect PCOS based on the symptoms described, some common methods of providing an accurate diagnosis might also include an ultrasound of the ovaries and/or a number of different blood tests, looking at, for instance, hormone levels, glucose levels, and cholesterol levels.

If you suspect you may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, don’t hesitate! Make an appointment as soon as possible with your physician. The sooner the condition is accurately diagnosed, the better it can be effectively treated.

Abortion Facts for Today's Modern Woman

2009-02-04T21:50:00.003-06:00

In an article that I wrote about abortion it is evident that I am highly against abortion. I feel very strongly about the subject and it's hard for me to present an unbiased view on abortion so I've found an article that could do a better job on presenting facts on abortion without being overly opinionated as I often am.

Abortion Facts for Today's Modern Woman

Author: Roland Jefferson

The word is a controversial one, so much that it can't be brought up without some sort of rhetorical discussion following. Legalized after the landmark decision of Roe vs. Wade in 1973, abortion is just one option available to women who find themselves faced with an unplanned pregnancy. The choice to go through with a pregnancy, or to terminate it, is a very personal one that can only be made by the woman herself. Adoption is another option that women must consider if they are not sure After she has been counseled regarding abortion facts and information, and has had time to familiarize herself with the pros and cons of medical and surgical procedures, she can make the best choice based on what is right for her.

Factual information about abortion-related topics can be found from various websites including the National Abortion Federation at www.prochoice.org , featuring a series of researched guides that cover topics related to abortion facts and abortion care. The safety of different types of procedures is discussed, medical versus surgical removal of the fetus, types of complications from each, prevention of complications, and more useful information about access to abortion, the "day after pill", post-abortion issues, and statistical highlights about the incidence of abortion in the United States and Canada. For instance, consider these abortion facts; almost half of all pregnancies among American women are unintended, and about half of these unplanned pregnancies are ended by abortion. Women who have abortions come from all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds, and tend to be between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five years.

Given that unintended pregnancy is an issue that affects thousands of people each year, abortion is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. Women seek abortion for many reasons, and it isnít just a method of birth control like some may think. Unplanned pregnancies happen, and not every women is emotionally, physically, or financially capable of carrying a healthy baby to term and caring for it afterward. Help for pregnant women including teaching on abortion, development of baby, physical and psychological effects, and more information can be found at local Planned Parenthood agencies and online. Need to speak to someone right away? Visit www.abortionfacts.com where visitors can access a toll free number to call to speak with a live consultant, get abortion facts and links to comprehensive information about all abortion options, and get connected to help and support services locally.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/abortion-facts-for-todays-modern-woman-393687.html

About the Author:
Roland Jefferson III is a web based writer out of Manhattan Beach Village, California. For free resources covering Abercrombie Fitch Outlet, please visit our Abercrombie Fitch Outlet Resource.

Four Strategies to a Quick Weight Loss

2009-02-03T22:12:00.000-06:00

Four Strategies to a Quick Weight Loss
Four Strategies to a Quick Weight Loss
Author: Alan Chai

Whether you want to squeeze into that new dress or drop a few pounds before a special event, knowing some strategies for quick weight loss can have its advantages. Below are a few ideas that might help you.

Get Active

Science has shown that if you can burn 3,500 calories, you can drop a pound of weight. On average, walking for 30 minutes at a moderate pace will burn 500 calories. That means if you want to drop a few pounds fast, the best idea is to start walking either outside or on the treadmill. Remember to keep your calorie intake the same or lower it to boost your calorie burning more. And keep in mind that even more intense activities, such as running and swimming, will burn more calories and that means quick weight loss.

Skip the Soda

Drinking a single can of soda can add around 300 calories to your daily intake – and that’s in a single serving! If you are trying to lose weight, you should only be taking in around 1,600 calories per day. Soda has no place in that routine. If you do need the occasional soda, choose sugar-free and caffeine-free options. An occasional glass of juice can be a good idea, too, especially if you need the vitamins from some fresh produce. Just be sure to choose all-natural juice with no sugar added. However, the best drink choice is always going to be water. Drinking water will keep you hydrated during exercise and will make you feel full so you aren’t as hungry. Also, dropping all of that water will give you a boost from the quick weight loss.

Bring Your Own Snacks

While at the office or at school, most of us have a craving for some type of food between meals. When this urge strikes, we immediately turn to our local vending machines for fulfillment. But if you look in your vending machines, you’ll notice a dearth of healthy choices. Most are candy bars and salty, fried chips. If you know this is going to happen, come prepared. Pack your own nutritional snack. For example, why not eat a handful of walnuts instead of a candy bar. Not only are they better for your calorie and fat wise but they can also help lower cholesterol. If you do want chips or cookies, choose baked versions or low-calorie choices. Buy large bags at home and divided into single serving packages using baggies. Now you have your own affordable snack that won’t derail your desire for quick weight loss.

Watch Less Television

Studies have shown that people who watch the most television are more likely to indulge in bad-for-them foods and in comfort eating. Plus, if you’re glued to the tube, you won’t be out there exercising. Turn off the television and do something more active. If you do have to watch television, why not set up the treadmill or stair climber in the living room so you can combine your workout with your favorite shows. Sometimes the pair can be a great motivation for quick weight loss. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/four-strategies-to-a-quick-weight-loss-754795.html

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5 More Reasons to Have Sex

2009-01-26T00:11:00.002-06:00

Weight loss, reduced depression, migraine relief, regular menstrual cycles and a reduced risk of heart disease aren’t the only reasons to have sex. Five more reasons are a cure for insomnia, immune system booster, lessens stroke risk in men, increases flexibility and relieves stress.

INSOMNIA CURE

Have you had too many sleepless nights? Sex is a great way to get a full night of sleep. The reason sex is great for insomnia is because a hormone called oxytocin is released during an orgasm and this promotes sleep. Sex is considered to be one of the safest tranquilizers. It is 10 times more effective than valium.

BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Are you troubled by colds and the flu every year? Having sex at least once or twice a week helps boost the immune system by 30% and lessens the frequency of colds and other illnesses. What a great way to stay healthy! Read More...

8 Risks of Breast Augmentation

2009-01-07T10:21:00.005-06:00

When I began an article on breast augmentation,I was unaware of the risks that women are willing to take to have bigger breasts. Here are a few of the risks and complications that can occur after a breast augmentation procedure.

Capsular Contracture is when a scar or area around the implant begins to tighten. This causes the breast to feel hard. Capsules of living, tightly-woven collagen fibers naturally form around a foreign body, which in this case is the silicon-shelled breast implant. There is some speculation that the capsule forms to shield the body from a foreign object by creating a fibrous wall of tissue between the two. Capsular Contracture occurs in 5% of patients. There is no way to tell who will develop this problem and who will not.

Nipple sensitivity or loss of sensitivity usually disappears after several weeks, but for some it may become permanent. It can increase or decrease after surgery. The range of changes varies from intense sensitivity to no feeling in the nipple or breast following surgery. Changes in feeling may affect sexual response or ability to nurse a baby.

Rippling is when the breast begins to have indentations. This is often caused when the implant moves. This occurs most often with saline filled implants, because the fluid in the implant is less viscous than the silicone gel. Many patients favor sub muscular placement of the implants because it offers more soft tissue coverage over the implant. It is rare for rippling to be seen or felt through the muscle.

Ruptures and deflation occur when breast implants tear and/or leak. This may require a 2nd operation to replace the implant. Ruptures and deflation are caused by trauma to breast, injury from surgical instruments, normal wear and tear on implant and mechanical damage prior to or during surgery. Overfilling and under filling may cause too much tension on the implant shell making it more prone to rupture.

Immune system disorders are also a serious risk. Symptoms include joint pain and swelling, fever, fatigue, breast pain, tightness, redness or swelling of the skin, swollen glands or lymph nodes, excessive hair loss, memory problems, headaches, muscle weakness or burning.

Synmastia (bread loafing or uniboob) occurs when the implants cross over the breast bone and actually touch under the tissues. This results in no cleavage and con-joined breasts. This is a technical complication caused by over dissection of the medial pocket over the sternum in the sub glandular plane. Synmastia is also caused by an over-division of the pectoralis muscle origin along the sternum in a sub muscular plane. Over-sized implants also contribute to the problem.

Bottoming out occurs when the lower poles or halves of the breast lose tissue support and the natural crease slowly lowers itself. It is the loss of internal implant support where implant placement with partial, or no muscle coverage. This allows slow downward migration of the implants. This results in the implants end up too low on the chest and the nipples end up positioned too high on the chest wall. The nipples end up positioned too high on the breast mounds and they tend to pop out of the bra or bathing suit top.

Double bubble (double boob or quadruple boob) is a slang term for when the implant is placed under the muscles of a patient with ptotic or sagging breasts. The breast tissue may fall further and create one set of breasts. The implants stay in there rightful pocket under the muscle and creates the second set of breasts.

As I said before these are only a few of the risks and complications that can occur from a breast augmentation procedure. Why are women willing to risk all this to have bigger breasts. Is it a result of insecurity or just plain vanity? I would really like to know. The thought of breast augmentation has crossed my mind a time or two in my life, but I never knew the risks until now. The thought will never cross my mind again. Why do women do it? Are they unaware of the risks? Do they just want bigger breast that bad? A part of me wants to understand the almost obsession with breast augmentation, but the other part can no longer fathom the thought. I don't feel that any "want" is worth a risk that great.

5 Reasons not to Have Sex

2009-01-06T11:22:00.001-06:00

We all want to justify having sex, but sometimes the reasons we come up with aren’t good ones. Revenge, mercy, money and gifts, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and being on the rebound may seem like good reasons to have sex, but when it comes down to it, that pleasure will end in regret.

REVENGE

Revenge is never a good reason to have sex. Even if your significant other slept with your best friend, revenge is not the answer. You could sleep with their best friend and it might even be fun, but in the end it’s not going to solve the problem. In this situation, it’s best to take the higher road and just move on.

MERCY

Yes we all are very aware of pity sex, but is it good idea? No. Feeling sorry for someone is no reason to have sex with them. The only thing that gets you is a very awkward situation. Every time you see them you’re going to shutter and every time they see you they’re going to want to jump in the sack again. So just don’t do it! Read More...

Living with Chronic Pain

2009-01-04T00:05:00.001-06:00

Pain is the body’s natural response to an injury. Everyone knows that if you smash your finger in a car door that you are going to experience intense pain. Fortunately the pain will eventually stop and the wound will heal. Those who suffer from chronic pain are unable to gain permanent relief from their pain. So imagine smashing your finger in the car door every day and you can get a glimpse into the life of a person suffering from chronic pain.

When chronic pain persists, the pain becomes only part of the misery. Depression, anxiety and anger all become components of chronic pain. The pain takes control of your life and starts affecting every part of it. In my opinion, this is where the anger sets in. You get angry with yourself first. You just want to be normal again and it’s easy to get angry at your body for feeling the way it does. It may sound crazy to someone who doesn’t know how chronic pain feels, but you begin to blame yourself for not doing the things you use to do and for losing yourself in the pain. Then the anger tends to project onto the doctors for not being able to tell you why you have chronic pain or not even believing that something is wrong with you. You know you’re hurting and that your life is hell, but if they can’t see it, most doctors don’t believe it. Dealing with friends and family usually brings about more anger. If they don’t understand or are not even willing to try to understand it makes you angry…very angry. How can you make someone else understand what you’re going through, when you don’t even understand it and it’s like a big circle, you become angry at yourself again. It’s never-ending.

The depression and anxiety go hand in hand in my world. You get to the point where you just want to give up. Nothing stops the pain, you feel like nobody believes you and you can’t do everything you use to be able to do. The bad thing with depression is that it actually causes more pain, so you are stuck in this vicious circle that is destroying your life. What are you suppose to do if even the doctors can’t help you? The anxiety causes you to become a recluse and the little outings with friends and family seem more and more like torture than fun. When you’re by yourself you don’t have to worry about trying to make someone understand that you are really in pain. You don’t have to listen to anyone’s criticism. This isn’t a good place to be. It’s lonely, but it’s the only way you can deal with it.

Pain, depression, anxiety and anger are a dangerous combination, but it’s the reality of chronic pain. If you suffer from chronic pain don’t stop searching for answers. You can’t give up on your life and you can’t let the pain win. If one doctor won’t listen keep searching until you find one that will.

What Are Your Health Issues?

2008-12-31T01:08:00.001-06:00

I think it’s fair to say that everyone deals with some kind of health issue. It may be allergies or it could be cancer. Health issues can certainly change our lives no matter how big or small. The one thing I have found in dealing with my health issues is that talking about it helps me make a little more sense out of it. What health issues are you facing and how to do you deal with it? It doesn’t matter what it is. Someone else may be going through the same exact thing and your story could help them in some way.

Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

2008-12-13T18:57:00.002-06:00

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS is a widely disputed condition that affects about 30% of the population. A large portion of the medical community view MCS has a psychological disorder rather than a physical condition. The physicians who do recognize it as a medical condition refer to it as chronic non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis. Those with MCS are strongly affected by chemicals. They have allergic-like reactions to even the smallest amount of chemicals. This can be caused by on one-time large exposure to a chemical or multiple small exposures.

There are many different symptoms of MCS. They include fatigue, difficultly concentrating, depressed mood, memory loss, weakness, dizziness, headaches, heat intolerance, joint pain, muscle pain, sneezing, altered sense of smell, trouble seeing at night (especially during a reaction), sensitivity to temperature change, rapid heart rate, chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, flushing, nausea, choking, trembling, numbness, coughing, hoarseness, earache, stuffy head or congestion, itching, sore throat, bloating and gas, diarrhea, skin rash or hives, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, irritated eyes, impaired balance, sensitivity to light, noise and touch, urinary urgency, excessive hunger and thirst and yeast infections. The symptoms of MCS will improve when the trigger chemicals are removed.

The list of MCS triggers is even longer than the symptoms, but some of those triggers include gasoline, perfume, cleaning products, paints, air fresheners, tobacco smoke, nail polish remover, newspaper ink, hair spray, pesticides, preservatives in food, new carpet and chlorine. Some people can tolerate certain things while others are unable to tolerate anything that is not organic or purified.

Those who live with MCS have to totally change their lifestyles. I'm in the beginning stages of that transformation and I'm already so overwhelmed that I don't know what to do. One of the first things is to find products that are safe for you. I've created a store that has a lot of products that are useful. Organic Living is a place where you can find air purifiers, organic products and things like that. I'm not sure that all the products will be 100% tolerated because every reacts differently, but take a look and if you have any suggestions let me know.

For more information on MCS:

http://www.multiplechemicalsensitivity.org/

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec25/ch306/ch306d.html

Labrador Lung

2008-12-11T18:45:00.000-06:00

Labrador lung is a chronic lung disease that is caused by breathing in dust that has a mixture of iron, silica and a type of asbestos called anthophylite. Labrador lung, which is a form of pneumoconiosis, received its name because it was found in miners in Labrador, Canada.

Symptoms of Labrador lung are lung opacities, pleural thickening, impaired lung function, lung fibrosis, breathing problems, cough, tight chest and wheezing. There may be no symptoms during the early stages of the disease. Read More...

Klein-Levin Syndrome

2008-12-10T20:34:00.001-06:00

Klein-Levin Syndrome is a rare sleep disorder that manifests in adolescence. The syndrome is characterized by episodes of excessive sleep and altered behavior. The symptoms are a lack of concentration, mood changes, anxiety, excessive food intake, disorientation, lack of energy and hypersensitivity to noise. Some people may also experience hallucinations and an abnormally uninhibited sex drive. Read More...

The Symptoms of Gaucher's Disease

2008-12-09T17:25:00.000-06:00

Gaucher’s disease is a rare and inherited metabolic disorder. It is caused by a collection of excessive amounts of a fatty substance called glucocerebroside in the spleen, liver, lungs and the bone marrow. The disease can also affect the brain in some cases. This creates symptoms like bone pain and fractures, an enlarged spleen, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Bruising and bleeding will also occur because of the anemia and thrombocytopenia. Read More...

Signs and Symptoms of Paine Syndrome

2008-11-23T17:37:00.000-06:00

Paine syndrome is a rare genetic condition that is present at birth. A baby with Paine syndrome is born with a smaller than average head. There are also several abnormalities in the brain that cause severe mental and physical retardation, movement disorders and vision problems. Babies with this syndrome rarely live past a year.

Signs and symptoms of Paine syndrome are poor swallowing, physical and mental retardation, myoclonic jerks, opisthotonic fits, seizures, disinterest in environment, small head, low birth weight, low birth height, spastic limbs, increased reflex response, optic atrophy, underdeveloped cerebellum and mild aminoaciduria. Read More...

Symptoms of Progeria: The Rapid Aging Syndrome

2008-11-23T05:14:00.000-06:00

Progeria is a rare and fatal disease that affects approximately 1 in 8 million children. The name is derived from the Greek and means “prematurely old”. Progeria is also known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. It was named after the doctors who first described it. Dr. Jonathan Hutchinson described it in 1886 and Dr. Hastings Gilford described it in 1887.

Progeria usually begins to show around 6-12 months. The first noticeable symptoms are a failure to gain weight and skin changes. Other symptoms of Progeria are failure to grow during the first year, narrow, shrunken or wrinkled face, baldness, loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, short stature, large head for size of face, delayed, absent or abnormal teeth formation, open soft spot, small lower jaw, dry, scaly and thin skin, limited range of motion, prominent scalp veins, high pitched voice, prominent eyes, hip dislocation and loss of body fat and muscle. The symptoms of Progeria strongly resemble normal human aging. Signs of Progeria include the presence of insulin-resistant diabetes and early atherosclerosis of blood vessels that causes abnormal stress tests of the heart. Read More...

What is Micropsia?

2008-11-22T05:55:00.000-06:00

One minute everything in the world seems normal and then the next minute everything changes. You look around and everything is abnormally small. Even when you close your eyes you can’t shake the abnormal images. Suddenly you feel like the girl in Alice in Wonderland. The reason this is happening is because of condition called Micropsia.

Micropsia is characterized by a change in visual perception and causes a person to see objects much smaller than what they really are. The syndrome continues even when the eyes are closed and the sufferer knows that the way they perceive the objects isn’t how they really look. Micropsia is usually a temporary condition, but it can be chronic.

The symptoms of Micropsia are an altered body image (especially the head and hands), distortion of visual perception, distorted time perception, distorted touch perception and distorted sound perception. Peripheral Symptoms are anxiety, apraxia and agnosia. Micropsia has been linked to Epilepsy, Migraine headaches, the Epstein-Barr Virus, Mononucleosis and the use of recreational drugs. Micropsia has also been associated with hallucinations. Read More...

Top 5 Reasons for Divorce

2008-11-21T05:43:00.000-06:00

In the United States approximately 49% of marriages will end in divorce for various reasons. The top reasons for divorce include infidelity, addiction, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, mental illness and financial issues.

INFIDELITY

Infidelity is hard to recover from. Once that trust has been lost it can become impossible to save a marriage. Some couples can overcome this, but for others infidelity often leads to divorce. Cheating is something that may be forgiven, but it’s never forgotten. The spouse that cheats usually lives every day thinking that their husband/wife will cheat on them and this causes more and more trust issues that eventually breakdown the marriage and results in divorce.

ADDICTION

Addiction is hard on any relationship especially a marriage. An addiction can be devastating whether it is alcohol, drug, sex or gambling. Getting along with an addict is impossible. They change into people you don’t even recognize anymore and if they are unwilling to get help the marriage quickly goes downhill. Read More...

Symptoms of Orthostatic Intolerance Syndrome

2008-11-20T17:39:00.001-06:00

Have you ever stood up and felt extremely dizzy? This is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and something those suffering with Orthostatic Intolerance Syndrome deal with on a regular basis along with a multitude of other symptoms. Those who suffer from Orthostatic Intolerance Syndrome may also have difficulty taking showers, brushing their teeth or doing the dishes.

Approximately 5,000 Americans suffer from an Autonomic disorder that is not understood. Orthostatic Intolerance Syndrome or Dysautonia is caused by a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls the involuntary bodily function. Orthostatic Intolerance Syndrome causes an excessive increase in heart rate when standing up. This causes the cardiovascular system to work harder in order to control blood pressure and blood flow to the brain.

Orthostatic Intolerance Syndrome affects people under the age of 35 and it affects women more than men. The onset is usually sudden and can majorly affect lifestyle and the ability to work. There are three categories that are used to describe Orthostatic Intolerance Syndrome; Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, Mitral Valve Prolapse Dysautonomia and Idiopathic Hypovolemia. Read More...

5 Reasons to Have Sex

2008-10-23T21:02:00.001-05:00

Not many people actually need a reason to have sex, but knowing the health benefits of sex might make it that more enjoyable. Sex can aid in weight loss, reduce depression, provide migraine relief, regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of heart disease in women.

WEIGHT LOSS

You can burn at least 200 calories during a vigorous sex session. Sex will also raise your heart rate from the normal 70 beats per minute to 150 beats per minute, which is equivalent to an athlete giving it his all. So you can go run or you can have sex. It’s your choice.

REDUCED DEPRESSION

Who needs anti-depressants? Just have sex. Studies have shown that women who have sex with male partners who don’t use condoms are less likely to become depressed than those whose partners wore condoms. The reason behind this theory is that the hormone prostaglandin that is found in semen may be absorbed into the female genital tract and it can regulate our wonderful female hormones. This doesn’t mean to go out and have unprotected sex with whoever you come across. It may be better to try this one out when you’re doing the monogamous thing. Read More...

2008-10-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is a common and usually mild inherited bleeding disorder. It is characterized by a lifelong tendency toward easy bruising, frequent epistaxis and menorrhagia. It was first described by Erik Adolf von Willebrand in 1926. This Finnish doctor was coincidentally named von Willebrand.

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a glycoprotein produced by platelets and by cells lining blood vessels. Platelets are blood cells involved in clotting. It is made up of several smaller proteins bound together. Von Willebrand disease results when there is a defect in any of these proteins. When a blood vessel tears and bleeding occurs, platelets are called to the area to plug the hole and stop the bleeding. The cascade of blood clotting factors lead to the production of fibrin. Fibrin is the material that scars are made of. This more permanently seals the vessel. The Von Willebrand Factor acts as glue and holds the platelets together. It holds them to the surface of the torn blood vessel. The Von Willebrand Factor carries one of these clotting factors in the blood. It is called Factor
VIII.

WHO GETS VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE?

Von Willebrand Disease is a hereditary disorder that is caused by an abnormal gene. Each cell of the body contains structures that are called chromosomes. A chromosome is a long chain of chemicals known as DNA. DNA is arranged into hundreds of units called genes. Genes determine things such as the color of a person’s eyes. Each cell contains 46 of these chromosomes. They are arranged into 23 pairs. Von Willebrand Disease is caused by a defect on chromosome 12. This defect could be on the chromosome 12 from the mother or from the father.

There are two ways to get Von Willebrand Disease. It can be passed from a parent who is the carrier, to the child at birth. The second way is due to a genetic mutation. One of the baby’s genes undergoes a change. In this case the parents are normal.

TYPES OF VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE

Type 1 There is less Von Willebrand Factor in the blood than normal. The symptoms may be so mild that they are never diagnosed, but the condition can be made worse by taking aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because they block blood from clotting. Those with Type 1 Von Willebrand Factor usually don’t bleed spontaneously. However there is significant bleeding with injuries, surgery or when they have a tooth pulled. Type 1 is the most common and the mildest form of Von Willebrand Disease.

Type 2 The body makes a Von Willebrand Factor that is abnormal. This leads to bleeding problems. Fifteen to twenty percent of those with Von Willebrand Disease have Type 2. Within this type there are two kinds of Von Willebrand Disease.

Type 2A The building blocks that makeup the factor are smaller than usual or they breakdown too easily.

Type 2B The factor sticks to the platelets too well. This leads to clumping of the platelets. This causes a low platelet count.

Type 3 Patients have severe bleeding problems. The patient has no measurable Von Willebrand Factor and they have very low Factor VIII levels.

Pseudo, or platelet type This is similar to Type 2B, but the defect is in the platelets instead of the factor.

SYMPTOMS OF VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE

Milder symptoms of Von Willebrand Disease are frequent nose bleeds, occasional bleeding from the gums and heavy menstrual periods in women (menorrhagia). Over half of all women with Von Willebrand Disease have excessive menstrual bleeding.

More severe symptoms include blood in urine; bruising easily; black, tarry or bloody stools and bleeding into joints, resulting in stiffness, pain and swelling. Bleeding into the joints is a rare symptom.

The severity of the symptoms varies greatly, even within the same family.

DIAGNOSIS OF VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE

Diagnosis is made by a combination of blood tests.

The Von Willebrand Factor antigen is a test that measures the amount of the Von Willebrand Factor in the blood.

Ristocetin Cofactor activity shows how well the Von Willebrand Factor works.

Von Willebrand Factor Multimers shows the makeup or structure of the Von Willebrand Factor. This test helps in diagnosing the type of disease that is present.

Platelet Function test measures how well platelets are working.

TREATMENT OF VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE

The most common treatment is desmopressin. Desmopressin causes a temporary increase in the Von Willebrand levels. It can be given intravenously or intranasally. This treatment may be ineffective in treating Type 2A or Type 2B.

Type 3 and in some cases Types 2A and 2B are treated with humate P. This medication is derived from human plasma. It contains both Factor VIII and Von Willebrand Factor. It is given intravenously.

Von Willebrand Disease is estimated to affect fewer than three percent of the population in the United States. The prevalence world wide is estimated at 0.9-1.3%.

The Symptoms and Treatment of Leptospirosis

2008-10-01T15:20:00.000-05:00

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by the bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Leptospirosis is often referred to as Swineherd’s disease, swamp fever, cane-cutter fever, mud fever, canicola fever, hemorrhagic jaundice, icterohemorrhagic fever, rice-field fever, Stuttgart disease and Weil’s disease. Outbreaks are usually caused by exposure to water that is contaminated with the urine of an infected animal. The organism enters the body when the mucous membranes or abraded skin comes in contact with the contaminated environmental source. The infection causes a systemic illness that often leads to renal and hepatic dysfunction.

Leptospirosis was first recognized as an occupational disease of sewer workers in 1883. Occupational exposure accounts for approximately 30-50% of human cases. Occupational groups that are at risk include farm workers, veterinarians, pet shop owners, field agricultural workers, abattoir workers, plumbers, meat handlers and slaughterhouse workers, coal miners, workers in the fishing industry, military troops, milkers and sewer workers.

In 1970 Leptospirosis was also recognized as a recreational disease. Recreational activities that put you at risk include traveling to tropical areas, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, swimming, waterskiing, wading, riding trail-bikes through puddles, whit-water rafting and other outdoor sports that are played in contaminated water. Camping near and traveling to endemic areas also add to the risk of exposure to Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis can cause a wide array of symptoms in humans, but some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting. Other more severe symptoms include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and rash.

Clinical signs that have been reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness, depression, stiffness, sever muscle pain and inability to have puppies. Sometimes pets do not have any symptoms. Younger animals are more seriously affected than older animals.

If no treatment is received kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and respiratory distress could develop. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal chord. Leptospirosis usually begins abruptly with high fever.

Diagnosis is made by reviewing the history of exposure and clinical suspicion. Blood tests rarely confirm illness in time to affectively treat it, but they can be used to confirm presence of the disease later on. Diagnosis can be confirmed early by identifying Leptospira in cultures of blood, urine or cerebrospinal fluid samples. Diagnosis is also made by detecting antibodies against the bacteria in the blood.

Infected people who don’t develop jaundice usually recover. Jaundice indicates liver damage. This increases the death rate to ten percent. The death rate increases more in people over Sixty years of age. Doxycycline, an antibiotic, can prevent the disease. It is given to people that are exposed to the same source as an infected person. Penicillin, ampicillin and similar antibiotics are given to treat the disease. The more severe infections are treated intravenously with antibiotics.

There are one to two hundred cases of Leptospirosis reported every year in the United States. Fifty percent of these cases occur in Hawaii.

Coulrophobia: The Fear of Clowns

2008-10-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone experiences a fear of something at some time in their lives. Fear is natural, but sometimes it becomes irrational and develops into a phobia. A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons. The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. One particular phobia affects as many as one in seven people. Coulrophobia, the fear of clowns, is clinically known.

Coulrophobia is the official name for the fear of clowns. This condition is one of the most remarked-upon phobias on the Internet. Coulrophobia was coined during the 1990's and is based on the Greek word Koulon or limb. Related derivatives are suggestive of stilts and stilt walking. For example the Greek word Kolobathristes means one who goes on stilts. Clowns are often known to walk on stilts and so this how the relationship developed and the word Coulrophobia was made.

Those who suffer from Coulrophobia, do so, for many reasons. The most fear-inducing aspects of clowns is the heavy make-up that is accompanied by the big red nose and different color hair. These things completely conceal the identity of the wearer. It is also possible that the costume conceals a darker personality. Although clowns are known for being happy and creating a fun atmosphere, Coulrophobes tend to fear who the clown is as a real person.

Another reason for fearing clowns, is the clowns ability to act outside social boundaries. Clowns have been around for thousands of years and they serve an unique role in many societies. In Egypt and China as early as 1800 B.C. Court Jesters were allowed to mock and criticize Kings when no one else was allowed to. They can get in your face and squirt you with water and generally make fun of you without suffering any consequences. It is because of this that some people feel uncomfortable in the presence of a clown.

Coulrophobia is most commonly triggered by a traumatic experience during childhood. Authors and Screenwriters also play a role in the fear of clowns by portraying clowns as evil. Stephen King did this best in his novel “IT”, which is now also a movie. Stephen King's starring character is an evil clown who is called Pennywise. Pennywise harasses and kills young children. Not only is the clown evil, but it is very unattractive with sharp, yellowed teeth. The movie Poltergeist also did a good job in portraying an evil clown. The clown comes to life and attempts to strangle a young boy. Try getting that out of your head while you’re at the circus surrounded by clowns. One other fictional evil clown is the Joker, Batman's clown-like nemesis.

Fictional evil clowns are one thing, but it's the real-life evil clowns that create the worst images for Coulrophobes. John Wayne Gacy was convicted in 1978 for sexually abusing and murdering thirty-three young men and boys. During the time he was doing these horrible acts, he was performing as “Pogo” or “Patches” at children's parties and also at hospitals. Gacy's favorite oil painting subject, while on death row, was also clowns.

Phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread. Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders. It is estimated that between 8.7% and 18.1% of Americans suffer from phobias. So whether you experience Coulrophobia or one of the many other phobias, you are not alone.

Female Genital Mutilation

2008-10-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Female Genital Mutilation is the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia, which includes the clitoris labia, mons pubis (the fatty tissue over the pubic bone), and the urethral and vaginal openings. Female Genital Mutilation is often called Female Circumcision. This implies that it is similar to male circumcision, but the degree of cutting is much more extensive and it often impairs a woman's sexual and reproductive functions.

Most girls undergo Female Genital Mutilation between the ages of 7 and 10. Female Genital Mutilation seems to be occurring at earlier ages in several countries because parents want to reduce the trauma to the children. Parents also want to avoid government interface and/or resistance of the children as they get older and form their own opinions. Some women undergo Female Genital Mutilation during early adulthood when they marry into a community that practices Female Genital Mutilation or just before or after the birth of their first child. This is common in Mali and Nigeria.

Female Genital Mutilation is practiced in at least 26 of the 43 African countries. Female Genital Mutilation is also found among ethnic groups in Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. It is also found in parts of India, Indonesia and Malaysia. Female Genital Mutilation has become an important issue in Australia, Canada, England, France and the United States due to continuation of the practice by immigrants from countries where Female Genital Mutilation is common.

THE FOUR TYPES OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
TYPE I This is the most common form of Female Genital Mutilation. The clitoris is held between the thumb and index finger and then pulled out and amputated with one stroke of a sharp object. The bleeding is stopped by packing the wound with gauze. A pressure bandage is then applied. Modern trained practitioners may insert one or two stitches around the clitoral artery to stop bleeding.

TYPE II The degree of severity varies a lot in this type. The clitoris is amputated as in Type I. The Labia Minora are partially or totally removed, often with the same stroke. The bleeding is stopped with packing and bandages or by circular stitches that may or may not cover the urethra and part of the vaginal opening. Types I and II account for 85% of all Female Genital Mutilation.

TYPE III An extensive amount of tissue is removed. This is the most extreme form. It involves a complete removal of the clitoris and labia minor along with the inner surface of the labia majora. The raw edges of the labia majora are brought together to fuse. Thorns, poultices or stitching are used to hold them together for two to six weeks. The healed scar creates a hood of skin that covers the urethra and part or most of the vagina. This acts as a physical barrier to intercourse. A small opening is left at the back to allow the flow of urine and menstrual blood. The opening is surrounded by skin and scar tissue. It is usually 2 to 3cm in diameter and may be as small as the head of a matchstick.

TYPE IV This type is unclassified and deals with a variety of procedures. (1) Pricking, piercing, stretching or an incision of the clitoris and/or the labia. (2) Cauterization by burning the clitoris and surrounding tissues. (3) An incision is made to the vaginal wall. (4) Scraping or cutting of the the vagina. (5) An introduction of corrosive substances or herbs into the vagina. Some of these procedures often result in vesicovaginal fistulae and damage to the anal sphincter.

THE HARMFUL PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Female Genital Mutilation does irreparable harm. It can result in death through severe bleeding leading to hemorrhagic shock, neurogenic shock as a result of pain and trauma and severe, overwhelming infection and septicemia. Female Genital Mutilation is routinely traumatic. Many girls enter a state of shock that is induced by severe pain, psychological trauma and exhaustion from screaming.

Other harmful physical effects include failure to heal, abscess formation, cysts, excessive growth of scar tissue, urinary tract infection, painful sexual intercourse, increased susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases, reproductive tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, painful menstruation, chronic urinary tract obstruction, bladder stones, urinary incontinence, obstructed labor, increased risk of bleeding and infection during child birth.

THE REASONING BEHIND FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Female Genital Mutilation is practiced for several reasons. (1) To control or reduce female sexuality. (2) An initiation for girls into woman-hood, social integration and for the maintenance of social cohesion. (3) Hygiene and aesthetic reasons because it is believed that the female genitalia is dirty and unsightly. (4) It is believed that it enhances fertility and child survival. (5) It is believed that Female Genital Mutilation is a religious requirement.

Since 1998, 16 states have instituted criminal sanctions against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in the United States. The states include California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

A federal law criminalizing the practice was passed in 1996 and became effective in April, 1997. Female Genital Mutilation that is performed on a person under the age of 18 is a federal crime, unless the procedure is necessary to protect the health of a young person or for medical purposes that are connected with labor or birth. The penalty is a fine or imprisonment for up to five years or both. The law specifically exempts cultural beliefs or practices as a defense for conducting Female Genital Mutilation.

It is estimated that 130 million girls and women have undergone Female Genital Mutilation. Approximately 2 million are subjected to this practice worldwide each year worldwide. Female Genital Mutilation is a violation of the rights of girls. It is discrimination and it violates the rights to equal opportunities, health, freedom from violence, abuse, torture, cruel or inhuman and degrading treatment, protection from harmful traditional practices and to make decisions concerning reproduction. These are all rights that are protected in international law.

Lead Poisoning Symptoms and Prevention

2008-09-30T19:10:00.000-05:00

Is your home safe? The walls and water in your home could be harboring a deadly substance that could cause great danger and even death. This substance enters the bloodstream and inhibits the productions of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is needed by red cells to transport oxygen. It locks onto and inactivates essential enzymes in the brain and nervous system. If not caught on time it will slowly kill you. What is this deadly substance? It is highly toxic lead. Is your family a victim of lead poisoning?

SYMPTOMS OF LEAD POISONING

Lead poisoning symptoms in adults include metallic taste in mouth, personality changes, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, blue-grey line along gums in the mouth, pregnancy problems, reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, cataracts, memory problems, concentration problems, muscle pain and joint pain.

Lead poisoning symptoms in children include slowed growth, headaches, hearing problems, brain damage, nerve damage behavior problems, learning problems, hyperactivity, vomiting, staggering, convulsions, drowsiness and confusion.

Lead is extremely dangerous even in small amounts. Small amounts can cause irreversible damage to the brain. High levels of lead in the body can lead to comatose, convulsions, mental retardation and death.

TREATMENT FOR LEAD POISONING

The first treatment for lead poisoning is to stop the source of exposure. This is critical for the reduction of the lead levels. The longer the person is exposed to lead, the more damage to the person’s health will occur. If the source of lead cannot be removed alternatives must be sought to reduce the likelihood that the lead will continue to cause problems. Examples of this can be to seal in, rather than remove, old lead paint. Your local health department can be contacted to possibly recommend resources to identify and reduce lead in your home or community. Classes I and II lead levels may be reduced sufficiently by stopping exposure.

More severe cases may require chelation therapy in addition to the removal from lead exposure. Chelation therapy consists of taking a medicine that is a chelating agent. This medicine combines with the lead so that it is excreted from the body. Class III and most of Class IV cases can be treated with an oral drug called succimer or dimercaptosuccinic acid.

Lead levels that are greater than Class IV or V are treated with a chemical called ethylenediaminetetraccetic acid or EDTA. EDTA is given by injections into your veins and may be combined with a drug called dimercaprol. It may take more than one treatment depending on the level of lead. This treatment may not reverse the damage that has already been caused by severe lead intoxication.

PREVENTION OF LEAD POISONING

Simple measures can be taken to reduce or offer protection from lead poisoning. Have a professional check your home for lead hazards. Get a lead inspection and risk assessment done by the appropriate professionals. Although home lead tests are available they are not recommended by the EPA due to reliability issues. A lead inspection is limiting due to it only checking for lead presence in painted surfaces in your and home. It does not determine whether the paint has dangerous levels of lead. Risk assessment is a better alternative because it will tell you if dangerous lead sources such as peeling paint are present in your home. It can also tell you how to reduce or control the hazards.

Awareness of lead poisoning is the key to surviving its deadly effects. It is important to have your home checked out by a professional. If symptoms of lead poisoning are present seek medical attention promptly. It could be the difference between life and death.

Ten Most Popular Aromatherapy Oils

2008-09-21T05:24:00.000-05:00

The term aromatherapy simply means treatment using scents. Aromatherapy is the holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils. It is the art and science of utilizing the natural extracts of aromatic essences from plants in order to balance and promote the health of the body, mind and spirit. The best thing about aromatherapy is that it is a natural, non-invasive treatment that is designed to affect the whole person not just a symptom or a particular disease.

Aromatherapy has been used for more than 6000 years. The Greek, Romans and Egyptians all used aromatherapy oils. The modern era of aromatherapy began in 1930. This is when the term ‘aromatherapy’ was coined by the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse.

The ten most popular aromatherapy oils are Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Clary Sage, Tea Tree, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary and Peppermint.

Eucalyptus is helpful in the treatment of respiratory problems such as cough, colds and asthma. It also helps to boost the immune system and to relieve muscle tension.

Ylang Ylang is used for relaxation. It also reduces muscle tension and can be used as an antidepressant.

Geranium is good for relaxation and it is also uplifting. It balances hormones in women. It is also good for balancing the skin and as an antidepressant.

Lavender is used for relaxation. It is also useful in treating wounds, burns and other skin care.

Lemon is uplifting and relaxing. It is helpful in treating wounds and infections. It can also be used for house cleaning and deodorizing.

Clary Sage is a natural pain killer and is helpful in treating muscular aches and pains. It is also relaxing and can help with insomnia. It is also helpful in balancing hormones.

Tea Tree is a natural anti-fungal oil. It is good for treating fungal infections such as vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, athlete’s foot and ringworm. It also boosts the immune system.

Roman Chamomile is relaxing and helps with sleeplessness and anxiety. It is also good for muscle aches and tension and treating wounds and infections.

Rosemary is stimulating and uplifting. It helps mental stimulation and also stimulates the immune system and the digestive system. It is also good for muscle aches and tension.

Peppermint is useful in treating headaches, muscle aches and digestive disorders such as slow digestion, indigestion and flatulence.

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. Scientific research continues to be done that verifies the emotional and physical benefits of aromatherapy.

The Medicinal Purposes of Bachelor's Button

2008-09-20T23:20:00.000-05:00

Bachelor’s Button is a daisy like plant that produces small flowers that are shaped like buttons. They are usually blue, but some plants produce pink, purple or white blossoms. It is a perennial member of the aster family. Bachelor’s Button is also known as feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium featherfew, flirtwort, altamisa, featherfort, febrifuge plant, midsummer daisy, nosebleed, Santa Maria, wild chamomile and wild quinine.

Bachelor’s Button has been used for over 2000 years for medicinal purposes. The uses of Bachelor’s Button can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks who used it for headaches, joint pain, stomach aches and fever. It can also be used for migraines, as a slight sedative, dizziness, arthritis, colds, fevers, cramps, worms, menstrual cycle regulation, as an antiseptic, psoriasis, toothaches, insect bites, labor pain, infertility, asthma, allergies, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting. A tea made of the leaves or flowers can be used for colic, colitis, indigestion, colds, arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, alcoholism, flatulence, menstrual cramps and tendonitis. The dried leaves of Bachelor’s Button are used to make supplements that include capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. Sometimes the leaves are eaten fresh.

Bachelor’s Button has side effects that include canker sores, swelling and irritation of the lips and tongue and loss of taste, nausea, digestive problems and bloating. There is also a possibility of allergic reaction. Bachelor’s Button has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety effectiveness or purity.

Medical Uses for Turmeric

2008-09-20T17:20:00.000-05:00

Turmeric is the root of a ginger-like plant and primarily grows in South East Asia. Turmeric is known as an ancient spice and it is also one of the cheapest spices and it is only used in the ground form. Many languages simply refer to Turmeric as yellow root. The uses of Turmeric dates back almost 4000 years to the Vedic Culture in India where it was used as culinary spice and it also had religious significance.

The active component in Turmeric is curcumin and it is believed to have medicinal properties. This is most likely the reason why Turmeric has been used in traditional Asian Medicine for a long time. It is used to treat gastrointestinal upset, arthritis and it also was used to increase energy. In India it has been used for stomach aches and liver ailments.

Turmeric can also used topically to heal sores. Sprains and swelling, skin disorders and insect bites can be treated with a paste that is made with Turmeric powder. It can also be used as a mouth wash to treat toothaches and other dental pain. Other uses include the treatment of asthma, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, bacterial infections and even anemia because it is rich in iron. Other health benefits that Turmeric may provide include healthy skin care, healthy cholesterol levels and it may even provide gallbladder health.

Laboratory studies that were done at the University of Texas found that Turmeric is useful in preventing the growth of certain cancers such as melanoma tumor cells, breast cancer and colon cancer.

Turmeric is considered a safe health food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if only the recommended dose is taken.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

2008-09-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

Narcolepsy is the second leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is the first. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that occurs in the area of the brain that regulates when to sleep and when to be awake. Narcolepsy is believed to be caused by a deficiency of the brain chemical orexin A and B. The symptoms usually appear between the ages of 10 and 25 years of age. However the disorder can start before the age of 10 or well into the 20’s and 30’s. It is rare for the disorder to begin after the age of 40.

The main symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of falling asleep that can last anywhere from several seconds to more than 30 minutes. Sleep attacks can occur at anytime including while driving. Other symptoms include the sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone (cataplexy), vivid hallucinations during the onset of sleep or when waking up, brief episodes of total paralysis at the beginning or end of sleep, restless nighttime sleep and occasional automatic behavior. 40% of people with narcolepsy experience automatic behavior.

The effects of narcolepsy include accidents and injuries; problems at work or school; social problems; impaired memory, thinking or the ability to concentrate and depression. Narcolepsy can be disabling if it is left untreated. Medication and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms. Currently there is no cure.

Narcolepsy affects males and females equally and it occurs in all racial and ethnic groups. The rates do vary by country. Only 2% of those with narcolepsy have a close relative with the disorder. 1 in 2,000 people are affected by narcolepsy in the United States.

Types of Diabetes

2008-09-19T17:30:00.000-05:00

Diabetes is a disease where the blood glucose levels are abnormal. Diabetes restricts the body’s ability to convert food to energy. There are three types of Diabetes; Type I, Type II and Gestational Diabetes.

TYPE I DIABETES

Type I diabetes use to be called Juvenile Diabetes and Insulin-Dependent Diabetes. This type of Diabetes develops because the beta cells of the pancreas are no longer able to make insulin because the immune system has attacked and destroyed them.

The symptoms of Type I Diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and the absence of the menstrual cycle.

TYPE II DIABETES

Type II Diabetes is the most common type of Diabetes. It used to be called Adult-Onset or Non Insulin-Dependent Diabetes. Type II Diabetes is develops when the cells in the muscles, liver and fat do not use insulin properly. This type of Diabetes is a chronic condition, but it is preventable in most cases. Read More...

Symptoms of Premature Ovarian Failure

2008-09-19T12:17:00.000-05:00

Premature ovarian failure occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop working before the age of 40. It was formerly called premature menopause, but premature ovarian failure is not the same as menopause. During menopause, a woman’s period stops completely and they can no longer become pregnant. A woman with premature ovarian failure can still have periods even though they may be irregular and there is still a slight chance that she can become pregnant. Other names for premature ovarian failure are primary ovarian insufficiency, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and ovarian hypofunction.

The symptoms of premature ovarian failure are infertility, hot flashes, absence of periods, night sweats, irritability, moodiness, sleep disturbance, decreased libido, hair coarseness and vaginal dryness. Early indications include lack of breast development during puberty, menstrual cycles that last less than 21 days and very frequent or light menstrual periods, absence or cessation of periods.

The causes of premature ovarian failure are unknown in most cases. It can be caused by genetic factors such as chromosome abnormalities. It can also occur with autoimmune disorders that disrupt normal ovarian function and from chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Premature ovarian failure affects approximately 1 out of every 1000 women between the ages of 15 and 29 and 1 in ever 100 women between the ages of 30 and 39.

Signs and Symptoms of Fourth Nerve Palsy

2008-09-19T05:11:00.000-05:00

Fourth Nerve Palsy, also known as Superior Oblique Palsy, Limited Eye Movement and Trochlear Nerve Palsy, is a neurological defect that results from dysfunction of the fourth cranial nerve. It is the most frequent isolated cranial nerve palsy. The fourth cranial nerve gives impulses to one of the muscles on the surface of the eye which is called the superior oblique muscle. The main function of the superior oblique muscle is to move the eye downward. The main characteristic of Fourth Nerve Palsy is one eye is slightly higher than the other and this improves or worsens with different head positions.

Fourth Nerve Palsy was mentioned in ophthalmology texts that date back to the mid nineteenth century, but received only brief mention and was hardly recognized. In 1935 it was recognized as the most common cause of vertical diplopia. It can affect just one or both eyes. The weak or paralyzed eye movement causes double vision that disappears when either eye is closed.

Fourth Nerve Palsy can be congenital or acquired and is often idiopathic, meaning that the cause is unknown. It can be the result of other disorders such as Myasthenia gravis, diabetes, meningitis, microvascular disease and any other cause of increased intracranial pressure. Rare causes include aneurysms, tumors and multiple sclerosis. Another cause is closed head trauma. This can cause unilateral or bilateral Fourth Nerve Palsy. Bilateral Fourth Nerve Palsy usually occurs after severe trauma with a period of unconsciousness.

The symptoms, signs and history needed to make a diagnosis include: complaint of diplopia, asthenopia (especially while reading), head tilt, facial asymmetry and trauma. Diplopia means double vision. This can occur vertically, torsional or both. Asthenopia is a condition caused by weak eye muscles and causes the eyes to get tired easily. Symptoms of Asthenopia include eye pain, headache, dim vision, dizziness and nausea. Facial Asymmetry is secondary to the head tilt. The fuller side of the face is opposite of the head tilt.

Treatment is usually conservative because most cases of Fourth Nerve Palsy are idiopathic. A six month to one year waiting period is needed to look for spontaneous improvement. A prism may resolve or improve double vision during this period so that the patient can continue on with daily tasks and activities. Surgery may be required if the double vision gets worse, head tilt causes neck pain and if there is a poor cosmetic appearance. The prognosis of Fourth Nerve Palsy depends on the underlying cause. Read More...

HHT: What is Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

2008-09-18T17:02:00.000-05:00

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder of the blood vessels that results from a missing or broken gene. This causes the development of multiple abnormalities in the blood vessels. HHT was first described as a hereditary disorder in 1896 by Dr. Rendu.

There are four different types of the disorder. Those with Type 1 may develop symptoms earlier. Type 2 patients have a higher risk of liver involvement. The fourth type is called Juvenile Polyposis/Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia syndrome.

Children with HHT form blood vessels that lack the capillaries between an artery and vein. Capillaries are small blood vessels where the arteries drop off oxygen and then flow into the veins. When the capillaries are not there the arterial blood flows directly into the vein at full force and the pressure can rupture the vessels and result in bleeding.

The symptoms of HHT include frequent nosebleeds and telangiectases (red-violet spots) that may bleed easily and may be seen on the tongue, lips, nasal mucosa, face, ears, fingertips, nails, whites of eyes and skin. In HHT the spots occur because the blood vessel is fragile and bleeds easily. Lesions can occur in the digestive tract and there is also a possibility for GI bleeding. Seizures or small strokes can also occur because of bleeding into the brain.

A physical examination is usually the only thing needed to make a diagnosis. There is often a family history of HHT and an experienced physician can detect telangiectases during a physical examination. X-rays, echocardiogram, blood tests, blood gas tests and endoscopies are other tests that may be used to help in the diagnosis of HHT.

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia affects 1 in 5,000 people and affects all genders and races equally. Genetic Counseling may be needed for parents who have a family history of the disorder.

The Devastating Effects of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

2008-09-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

It’s safe to assume that almost everyone has heard of Alzheimer’s disease and the devastating effects that it has on the patients and their families. As far as mental illnesses go it’s hard to believe that there could be anything worse, but there is.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare, degenerative brain disorder that is characterized by rapidly progressive dementia. This disease is fatal and 90% of the patients will die within a year of diagnosis. There are approximately 200 cases per year in the United States. The cause of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is unknown, but one theory suggests that it is caused by a protein called prion.

There are three categories of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; Sporadic, Hereditary and Acquired. These categories are all considered Classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and have been recognized since the 1920’s, but there is a variant of the disease that is related to Mad Cow disease that has only been recognized since the 1990’s. Read More...

The Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Stress

2008-09-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

Stress is the body's natural reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts with physical, mental and emotional stress. Stress is a normal part of life. Things around us and things we do can put stress on the body. Stress is experienced from the environment, the body and our thoughts. The human body is designed to experience stress and to react to it.

Positive stress keeps us alert and ready to avoid danger. Negative stress on the other hand is when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. This type of continuous stress causes a condition called distress which is a reaction to negative stress.
Negative stress disturbs the body's internal balance or equilibrium. This leads to physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, back, shoulder and neck pain, tension and migraine headaches, hair loss, muscle tension, fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, weight gain or weight loss, eating disorders, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat or palpitations, chest pain, upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, sweaty palms or hands, cold hands or feet, skin problems such as hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics and itching, periodontal disease, jaw pain, reproductive problems, immune system suppression such as more cold, flu or infections and growth inhibition.

Stress can also cause emotional symptoms and relational symptoms. Emotional symptoms include nervousness, anxiety, depression, moodiness, "butterflies", irritability, frustration, memory problems, lack of concentration, trouble thinking clearly, feeling out of control, substance abuse, phobias and overreactions. Relational symptoms include increased arguments, isolation from social activities, conflict with co-workers or employers, frequent job changes, road rage, domestic or work place violence and overreactions. Stress can often cause rapid deterioration of relationships with family, friends, co-workers or even strangers.

Possible causes of stress can be from the state of the country, world or any community to which a person belongs, unpredictable events, the environment in which a person lives or works, work itself and family. Stress can also come from a persons own irresponsible behavior, poor health habits, negative attitudes and feelings, unrealistic expectations and perfectionism.
There are three different kinds of stress. Acute Stress, Episodic Stress and Chronic Stress. Acute Stress results from the demands and pressures of recent, past and anticipated demands and pressures of the near future. Acute stress may feel almost exciting, but too much eventually becomes exhausting on the body, mind and spirit.

Episodic Stress is experienced by those who experience acute stress frequently. A person experiencing episodic stress lives a life that feels as if it is in perpetual crisis, chaotic and out of control. A person is likely experiencing episodic stress if they are always rushing and always late, take on too much, feel over-aroused, short tempered, anxious and/or tense most of the time, have nervous energy and worry all the time about everything.

Chronic stress wears a person down day after day and year after year. It seems as if it is endless. The common causes of chronic stress are poverty and financial worries, dysfunctional families, caring for a chronically ill family member, feeling trapped in unhealthy relationships or career choices, long-term unemployment, personal belief systems and traumatic experiences. Chronic stress goes on for so long that it often is not recognized by those experiencing it.

Stress is linked to six of the leading causes of death which include heart disease, lung ailments, cancer, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. Forty-three percent of adults suffer adverse affects from stress. Seventy-five to ninety percent of all doctor's office visits are from stress-related ailments and complaints. It is impossible to completely rid your life of stress therefore learning to cope with stress is the body's only defense.

Ten Unusual Headaches

2008-09-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

Life is full of headaches, literally. Most headaches are caused by a stressful day at work or because the kids have refused to listen to anything you have had to say. There are many different kinds of headaches and while most headaches are a harmless nuisance there may be a serious underlying cause, therefore all headaches should be taken seriously. Tension headaches and migraines are the most common type of headache, however there are ten other types of headache that are often deemed unusual.

PRIMARY COUGH HEADACHE

A primary cough headache is a head pain brought on by coughing or other valsalva maneuvers. They are not brought on by prolonged physical exercise in an absence of any intracranial disorders. A primary cough headache is considered a rare condition. It accounts for 0.4% of all headaches. It is a sudden-onset headache and it lasts from one to thirty seconds. It tends to be bilateral and posterior. This headache happens only after fifty years of age and is more frequent in men.

PRIMARY EXERTIONAL HEADACHE

A primary exertional headache occurs following a strenuous, exertional effort such as physical exercise, athletic activity or weight lifting. It is also a sudden onset headache and it is bilateral in location. Unlike the cough headache, the pain is often pulsatile and lasts anywhere from five minutes to forty-eight hours.

HANGOVER HEADACHE

A hangover headache is caused mostly by acute alcohol withdrawal and dehydration. A pounding head is the result of dilated blood vessels in the brain, lowered blood glucose and substances in alcohol that dilates blood vessels.

ICE CREAM HEADACHE

An ice cream headache occurs in 1/3 of the population. It is best known as “brain freeze”. Ice cream headache creates a stabbing or aching pain that lasts around thirty seconds. It rarely persists for more than 2-5 minutes.

MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE-INDUCED HEADACHE

A monosodium glutamate-induced headache is caused by the food additive monosodium glutamate. This additive is often found in Chinese foods, therefore this headache is often referred to as “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”. The additive is also an ingredient in many processed meats and tenderizers. A MSG-induced headache usually begins within thirty minutes of consuming the ingredient and is typically dull and constant. It may be at the front or both sides of the head. If you experience a MSG-induced headache, you are also likely to feel other symptoms such as flushing and pressure in the face; burning feeling in the chest, neck or shoulders; dizziness; and digestive discomfort. The headache usually goes away 72 hours after eating a food containing MSG.

POST LUMBAR PUNCTURE HEADACHE

A post lumbar puncture headache may occur after a spinal tap, which is a procedure where spinal fluid is drawn from the back. The headache is often accompanied by stiffness in the neck, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, nausea and hearing impairment. The headache may begin when you stand up and go away when you lie down. It will usually develop within one week after a spinal tap and will resolve after one week or after a doctor treats the spinal-fluid leak.

SEX HEADACHE

A sex headache can occur with masturbation or any kind of sex. They are rare with only 1 out of 360 headaches being sex headaches. Most are not serious, but some are signs of other medical problems. Sex headaches are considered a bigger phenomenon of exertional headaches.
Men have higher rates of sex headaches most likely due to the man possibly being the most active partner, more likely to orgasm or more likely to masturbate more than a women. They are felt at the base of the skull, usually they can be felt all over. The pain ranges from mild to exploding. They do not occur with every sex act and some go for years between episodes.
Sex raises the blood pressure which also raises the pressure in the head. This alone can cause a sex headache. Another factor resulting in a sex headache is due to the muscle tightening that occurs while having sex. Mosts sex headaches occur due to a combination of both factors.

THUNDERCLAP HEADACHE

A thunderclap headache is a sudden and very severe headache that may go to extreme pain in sixty seconds. They are usually like a migraine, in the sense that it has no other cause and they won't do permanent damage. There is not much you can do to prevent this type of headache.
Thunderclap headaches can sometimes be a sign of serious problems. One half of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (when an artery bleeds in the brain), report to have thunderclap headaches as major symptom. Other possible causes are un-ruptured aneurysms, carotid or vertebral artery dissections, pituitary apoplexy, cerebral vasospasm, Occipital neuralgia and Erve Virus. It is important to see a doctor right way if you experience a thunderclap headache to rule out a possible serious cause.

Headaches are a common occurrence for most people and while most are harmless, it is always a good idea to get them checked out if they reoccur often. However unusual the headaches or the causes of the headaches may be, it is important that they are always taken seriously.

Anger Management: The Rageaholics Mind

2008-09-17T00:25:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been so angry that you felt like you could breathe fire? Anger is one of our most primitive emotions. Feeling angry creates an adrenaline rush in our bodies and our brains. This feeling overcomes you and you feel like superman taking over the world. The rage keeps the adrenaline pumping and for most this is a great feeling and we want to keep feeling it so we stay on a semi-constant state of range. We stay on the verge of outrage. It’s almost like being drunk. You become a rageaholic.

Rageaholics react to strong emotions, such as feelings of fear, sadness, shame, inadequacy, guilt or loss with rage. Raging gives the rageaholic a feeling of power. Rage sets up a neurochemical reaction in the brain that can be addictive, producing what is know as rageaholism or rageaholics.

A rageaholic is someone who feeds on expressing rage. Like the alcoholic, the rage-aholic is addicted to blowing up. This is usually caused by the rageaholic stuffing back real feelings and emotions until it builds up the point that the rage-aholic snaps and goes crazy. Stress of any kind can be a trigger. It is a cry for love, but a fear to accept it.

All addictions have symptoms, which allow us to recognize these problems as addictive diseases. The signs of addictive diseases are self-stimulation, compulsion, obsession, denial, withdrawal and craving syndrome and unpredictable behavior.

Rageaholics feel that expressing anger is self-stimulating. It triggers the compulsion for more anger. Rageaholics can be compared to Alcoholics. The more an alcoholic drinks the more they want to drink. It’s the same with a Rageaholic. The more they rage, the more they want to rage.

Compulsion or loss of control is the inability to stop expressing anger once we have begun. The inability to control angry words is a certain sign of rageaholism. The loss of control is an addiction. Anger addiction or “rageaholism” is the compulsive pursuit of a mood change by repeatedly engaging in episodes of rage despite adverse consequences. Rageaholics will continue to range compulsively without regard to the negative consequences.

Rageaholics are frequently thinking about resentment and they have fantasies of revenge. Sometimes this is all they think about. When the force of anger becomes so strong it is sometimes irresistible and the anger is followed by action. The “wrongs” of others and the want for revenge continually leads to rage. The life of a rageaholic eventually becomes chronically revenge-oriented. At that point anger takes over completely.

Denial keeps anger trapped. Rageaholics, like those with other addictions, refuse to admit that there is a problem. They believe in their minds that everything is fine and they will seldom admit that they are ever wrong. Denial ensures that the process of rage and righteous indignation will continue.

Anger has a detoxification period, just with any addiction. Craving is high during this time. Those who restrain themselves from name-calling, profanity and yelling during detoxification have more depression than usual for the first three months. Ragers will feel vulnerable and spend a lot of time thinking and hoping for a situation that will allow them to use violence for some heroic purpose. After 90 days the rageaholic may no longer think in profane or disparaging terms. They may even find it shocking to hear it when others do it.

Rageaholics have very unpredictable behavior. Like an alcoholic who may drink appropriately from time to time, a rageaholic may express anger in the proper way from time to time. When alcoholics begin to drink no one knows what will happen. This is the same for a rageaholic. When they start to express anger no one knows how far it is going to go. The most likely thing is that they will explode, rant and rave.

Cutting down on stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine can help control anger. Caffeine can make you feel irritable and on edge. In order to cut down on the level of nicotine in your cigarettes switch to a lighter brand. Some rageaholics have a steady diet of caffeine, nicotine or both. These chemicals must be reduced and eventually eliminated idealistically.

It is important for a rageaholic to have a steady diet of three meals a day. Rageaholics rarely take the time to nutritionally nurture themselves. Stress creates a high risk for rage. Taking the time to prepare a proper meal can have a calming effect on the mind.

Supplements are also necessary to prevent rage. Most rageaholics lead very stressful lives. This stress depletes the body of essential vitamins and minerals. Rage attacks cause further nutritional depletion, which promotes more raging behavior. Taking a good, solid multi-vitamin containing the antioxidant selenium on daily basis is helpful. B Vitamins are also of great significance.

Rageaholics may have heart and blood-pressure difficulties. Vitamin E helps with both of the illnesses. Both of these illnesses have been tied to stress factors and unresolved anger. Deficiencies in Vitamin E have also been linked to breast and bowel cancer.

Rage is a shame based expression of anger. It is by definition abuse. If a rageaholic wants live then they have to be free of anger just as an alcoholic has to be free from alcohol. Finding help is easy but accepting it takes strength and courage. A normal life awaits the rageaholic.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

2008-09-16T21:23:00.000-05:00

I was unaware of how different the heart attack symptoms are for men and women. The symptoms in women can easily be mistaken for many other illnesses. The symptoms for women include indigestion or gas-like pain, dizziness, nausea or vomitting, unexplained weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath, discomfort/pain between the shoulder blades, recurring chest discomfort and anxiety in which you have a sense of impending doom. I recently had a scare, which prompted me to look up all of this. I developed a metal like taste in my mouth and my lips started to burn. My blood pressure went up very high, I had a pain in the center of my chest and I just didn't feel right. Prior to this I had what I thought was heart burn, but I couldn't figure out what could have caused it and I couldn't get rid of it. I kept myself calm because I knew that if I freaked out it would only make it worse. Eventually my blood pressure went down and I felt some better so I decided to stick out and go to the doctor the next morning. My doctor who just happens to be a heart specialist among other things (lucky me)put me on a blood pressure medicine and it's helping a great deal. It scares me to think that I could have had a heart attack and not even realized what was going on. Heart attacks can be a silent killer. It is so important for women to be aware of the symptoms, because we don't always experience the classic symptoms. Heart attacks claim the lives of more women than men each year and are a greater threat to women than all forms of cancer combined.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

2008-09-15T22:09:00.000-05:00

Apnea is a Greek word that means ‘without breath’. Those who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea stop breathing repeatedly during sleep for a minute or longer. This can happen hundreds of times during the night.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be caused by a complete obstruction of the airway, which is called obstructive apnea, or a partial obstruction, which is called obstructive hypoapnea. Both of these types of apnea can cause the person to wake-up.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. This causes the airway to narrow or close and stop breathing for a moment as the person breaths in. The brain senses the inability to breath and causes the person to wake-up. This usually happens briefly and the person usually never realizes that it has happened.

The symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea include loud snoring, periods of not breathing, awakening not rested in the morning, abnormal daytime sleeplessness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times, morning headaches, recent weight gain, limited attention, memory loss, poor judgment, personality changes and lethargy. Other symptoms that may be associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea are hyperactive behavior (especially in children), high blood pressure, automatic behavior (performing actions by memory without conscious knowledge) and leg swelling if the disorder as become severe.

There are many risk factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Older men who are obese seem to be at higher risk, but 40% of people with the disorder are not obese. Nasal obstruction, large tongue, narrow airway and certain shapes of the palate and jaw may increase the risk. A large neck or collar size is strongly associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OAS) affects more than 18 million people in the United States. There are approximately 5.4 million people who have not been diagnosed with the disorder.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression

2008-09-15T15:07:00.000-05:00

The brain works through electrochemical processes. These processes may become impaired by mental illnesses. Electroconvulsive Therapy is believed to work by altering some of these processes. This medical treatment is performed by highly skilled doctors and nurses under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

Electroconvulsive Therapy has a higher success rate than any other form of treatment for depression and other mental illness. It is most useful for those who suffer from psychotic depression or intractable mania, those who can’t take antidepressants because of health problems or because they simply don’t work for them and for pregnant women who have mania or depression. It is also the treatment of choice if someone is set on committing suicide. Antidepressants can take up to three weeks to start working. Electroconvulsive Therapy provides treatment much faster.

The procedure is done by putting electrode pads onto the head. Electricity is delivered to the brain that causes seizure activity. Medicine is given through an intravenous catheter located in the arm or hand to keep the seizure from spreading throughout the body. General Anesthesia is also given through the intravenous catheter. The procedure can be done while hospitalized or on an outpatient basis. It is administered three times a week. The minimum amounts of treatments are three to four. The maximum amount is twelve to fifteen.

The side effects may include headaches, nausea, muscle aches and confusion. Memory loss may occur. It is usually just temporary, but long lasting memory problems can occur.

The effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy in treating mental illness is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, the Food and Drug Administration and the US Surgeon General’s Office. It is also recognized by similar organizations in many other countries.

Benefits of Valerian Root

2008-09-15T07:05:00.000-05:00

Valerian Root has been used for over 1,000 years as a sleep aid. My brother first told me about it. Until then I had no idea it even existed. He told me to take three capsules before bed to help with insomnia. You can also take one capsule three times a day. I tried it for a while. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t and the smell is absolutely horrible.

Ancient Greeks used Valerian Root for liver problems, digestive ailments, urinary tract disorders, nausea and insomnia. It is traditionally been used for sleeplessness, epilepsy, nervousness, hysteria and also as a diuretic.

Valerian Root helps to relax the central nervous system, promote feelings of calm, decrease levels of anxiety and stress and it enhances sleep. It is most effective in treating irritability, depression, fear, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, hysteria, delusions and nervous tension.

Common names are Valerian, Tobacco Root, Garden Heliotrope and All-Heal. Valerian is a Latin word that means “to be strong or health”. It is native to Europe, South Africa and parts of Asia. It was later introduced to North America. Valerian herbal products are made from the roots and stems of the Valerian plant. The dried roots are prepared as teas or put into capsules or tablets.

Valerian Root does not cause the grogginess like over-the-counter sleeping pills. It also does not have the side-effects and risk of dependency like many other medications. If you can get past the smell Valerian Root can provide many healthy benefits.

The Benefits of Cinnamon

2008-09-15T01:04:00.001-05:00

Cinnamon has a long history as not only a spice, but also as a medicine. Studies have shown that just ½ teaspoon of cinnamon a day can lower LDL cholesterol. This teaspoon of cinnamon contains 28 mg. of calcium, almost 1 mg. of iron, more than a gram of fiber and vitamins C, K and manganese.

There are two varieties of cinnamon-Chinese and Ceylon. They have a similar flavor, but the Ceylon is slightly sweeter, more refined and more difficult to find. In traditional medicine cinnamon has been used for digestive ailments such as indigestion, gas, bloating, stomach upset and diarrhea.

There are many other benefits of cinnamon. Studies have shown that it has the ability to stop yeast infections. It may be able to regulate blood sugar, which makes it beneficial for those with Type 2 Diabetes. It is also a natural food preservative-it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage. It also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect and the scent of cinnamon can actually boost brain function.

The healing abilities of cinnamon come from three basic types of components in the essential oils that are found in the bark of a cinnamon tree. The oils contain active components that are called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol. The ability of cinnamon to stop bleeding comes from the cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamon is not a common allergenic food and it is considered safe as long as only the recommended doses are taken. Pregnant women shouldn’t take cinnamon supplements and they shouldn’t consume excessive amounts of cinnamon.

The Four Degrees of Uterine Prolapse

2008-09-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

Giving birth and aging can weaken the pelvic floor. This causes uterine prolapse to occur. Uterine prolapse is the falling or sliding of the uterus from the normal position in the pelvic cavity into the vaginal canal. Other names for uterine prolapse are pelvic relaxation and pelvic floor hernia. If the uterus slips or drops into the vagina, creating a lump or bulge, it is referred to as an incomplete prolapse. A complete prolapse occurs in more severe cases when the uterus slips so far that the tissue drops outside of the vagina.

A mild case of uterine prolapse may not produce any symptoms. More severe cases can produce symptoms such as a sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis, pain during intercourse, something protruding from the vagina, lower back pain, heavy periods, milk-like vaginal discharge, difficulty passing stools and an increase in the frequency of urination. There may also be a burning sensation during urination if there is an infection present. The symptoms may not be as bad in the morning, but they tend to get worse throughout the day.

Uterine prolapse typically occurs in post-menopausal women, but it can occur in younger women. A hysterectomy is considered to be the best treatment for women who are experiencing a great deal of symptoms. This may be why it is harder to treat women who are still having children.

There are four stages or degrees of uterine prolapse.

First Degree: The cervix drops into the vagina.
Second Degree: The cervix sticks to the opening of the vagina.
Third Degree: The cervix is outside of the vagina.
Fourth Degree: The entire uterus is outside of the vagina. This is also called procidentia and is caused by weakness in all of the supporting muscles.

5 Common Myths about Drinking Alcohol

2008-09-13T17:05:00.000-05:00

Here are 5 common myths about drinking alcohol.

Myth 1: Alcohol kills brain cells.
Fact: Alcohol does not kill brain cells. It does damage dendrites however. Dendrites are the branched ends of nerve cells that bring messages into the cell. This damage is completely reversible. Moderate consumption is actually associated with better thinking and reasoning skills and memory. Years of alcohol abuse can cause serious neurological damage, but there is no evidence that alcohol kills brain cells.

Myth 2: A “beer belly” is caused by drinking beer.
Fact: Researchers have found no significant link between drinking beer and gaining weight or the “beer belly”. A “beer belly” is simply caused by eating too much. Drinking alcohol is actually associated with small weight loss in women.

Myth 3: Drinking coffee will sober up an intoxicated person.
Fact: Drinking coffee will not sober you up. Nor will cold showers. The only thing that sobers you up is time. You’ll be good to go in several hours.

Myth 4: Switching between beer, liquor and wine will lead to intoxication faster than just drinking one type of alcoholic beverage.
Fact: Your Blood Alcohol Content determines how drunk you are not the flavor or type of alcoholic beverage. The combination, however, will make you very sick.

Myth 5: The United States has lenient underage drinking laws.
Fact: The United States actually has the strictest underage drinking laws in the western world. The United States also has the highest minimum drinking age in the world.

The Effects of Jimson Weed

2008-09-13T05:04:00.000-05:00

Jimson weed is the common name for a plant known botanically as Datura stramonium. It is an annual herb that grows up to five feet tall. The main ingredients in the plant are belladonna alkaloids, atropine and scopolamine. Atropine is among the active ingredients in prescription drugs of Donnatal, Lomotil and Unrised.

It has been used as a medicine and intoxicant for centuries. Uses included treatment for cough and bronchitis and it was smoked for the relief of asthma in many parts of the world. Although it is known for its medicinal purposes, all parts of the Jimson weed is poisonous and it is not recommended for medicinal use. Ingestion of Jimson weed caused a mass poisoning of soldiers in Jamestown, Virginia in 1676.

Teens commonly misuse it for the hallucinogenic and euphoric effects. Other effects of Jimson weed are dry mouth, dilated pupils, high temperature, reduced sweating, skin reddening, enlarged pupils, fast irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, confusion and delirium. Misuse can cause serious illness or death. Jimson weed has pronounced drying effects and may also cause diminished urination and extreme constipation.

The symptoms of Jimson weed poisoning include incoherent speech; impaired coordination; rapid heart beat; dry, flushed or hot skin; seizures; intense visual or auditory hallucinations and cardiac arrest.

Other names for Jimson weed include thornapple, stinkweed, locoweed, angel’s trumpet, angel’s tulip, apple-of-peru, devil weed, devil’s apple, devil’s trumpet, estramonio, green dragon, tolguacha, gypsyweed, inferno, Jamestown weed, loco seeds, mad apple, moon weed, stramoine, stechapfel, trumpet lily, zombie’s cucumber and thornapple leaf.

Jimson weed is not considered a controlled substance and addiction usually doesn’t occur because the effects are generally not considered pleasant. Jimson weed causes death by paralyzing the nervous system. A 100 mg. or more of atropine can be fatal. This amount of atropine is equal to approximately 15 to 100 grams of a Jimson weed or 15 to 25 grams of the seeds.

Symptoms of Depression

2008-09-12T22:30:00.000-05:00

Depression affects work, relationships and just about every aspect of a person’s life. It’s normal to feel down or have a bad day every now and then, but when it gets to the point where you can no longer function as a normal person then there is a problem. As many as one and three people are affected by depression and women are more likely suffer from it than men.

Symptoms of depression include feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, appetite or weight changes, sleep changes, psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of energy, self-loathing, concentration problems, irritability, aches and pains, less interest in sex and thoughts of death. Other physical complaints include indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, headache, backache and anxiety.

There is no single cause for depression and it often runs in families. Genetics combined with stress or physical illness may trigger an imbalance in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Contributing factors of depression include heredity, stress, medications, illnesses, personality, post partum depression, hormones and alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse.

Medications used to treat depression include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Heterocyclics and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Forms of therapy used to treat depression include psychotherapy, light therapy and electroconvulsive therapy.

Sexsomnia: The Causes of Sleep Sex

2008-09-12T11:15:00.000-05:00

Sexsomnia or Sleep Sex is sexual behavior that occurs during sleep. It appears to occur predominantly among males, but there are reported cases of women who initiate the sexual behavior while sleeping. The condition can range in severity from disruptive moaning to unwanted, sometimes violent sexual advances. Those who experience sleep sex usually do not remember what happened. Sexual behaviors that can occur during sleep include sexual vocalizations, masturbation, fondling another person, intercourse and even sexual assault.

The exact cause of Sexsomnia is unknown, but is possibly caused by abnormalities in the brain’s arousal mechanisms and is believed to be a variant of sleepwalking. Sexsomnia could also be caused by other sleep disorders that are combined with emotional problems. Those who suffer from Sexsomnia may also suffer from other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, REM behavior disorders, apnea, bed wetting, seizure disorders and night terrors. Some may also have substance abuse problems and other psychological issues such as undefined emotional problems.

There are at least 11 different sex-related sleep disorders and they are easily treated with medication. If Sexsomnia is not treated there can be very negative consequences such as the person suffering from the disorder may actually rape their spouse or someone else.

Hope for the Deaf: Cochlear Implants

2008-09-11T22:32:00.001-05:00

Having the ability to hear is an important part of life and there are many that lack that ability. Those who are deaf learn to adapt to that way of life and wouldn’t change it even if they could, but others want to be able to hear. Cochlear Implants become a viable option for the hearing impaired who want the opportunity to hear.

A Cochlear Implant is a small implanted electronic hearing device that helps provide sound to a person who is a deaf or severely hard of hearing. Cochlear Implants are used when there is damage to tiny hair cells in the cochlea. The implant bypasses the damaged parts of the auditory system and stimulates the hearing nerve. There are many different types of implants, but they consist of several of the same parts.

There is an external part that goes behind the ear and an implanted part that is surgically placed under the skin. The external part consists of a microphone, sound processor and a transmitter system. The implanted part consists of a receiver and electrode system. A magnet holds the external system next to the implanted system.

Cochlear Implants are designed for those that do not benefit from hearing aids and the candidate must be at least a year old. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes around 3-5 hours to complete. Sometimes the surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, but hospitalization may be required in certain cases that can range anywhere form overnight to several days. The total cost is around $40,000.

A Cochlear Implant recipient will not have perfect hearing and they may not be able to understand conversation over the telephone. Cochlear Implants also carry risks such as infection, dizziness, bald spot from surgery and facial paralysis. The implants are also controversial in the deaf community because some view it as just trying to “fit in” among the rest of society.

Health Risks of Pica, A Behavorial Eating Disorder

2008-09-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

Pica is a serious behavioral problem that is characterized by a persistent craving and a compulsive urge to eat items that are not food. It is classified as a feeding and eating disorder of childhood. The disorder affects children, pregnant women, certain cultures and the mentally disabled. Substances that may be ingested include, but are not limited to, chalk, hair, glue, paper, toothpaste, soap, baking soda, cigarette butts, vinyl gloves, light bulbs, needles, string, wire, matches, erasers, fingernails, coal, plastic, feces, pebbles, stones, clay, paint, wool, ashes, dirt, ice and laundry detergent.

RISK FACTORS AND HEALTH RISKS

Risk factors for developing Pica include developmental disabilities, mental retardation, children between ages of 2 and 3, nutritional deficiencies and cultural factors. It has also been associated with Sickle Cell disease. Pica is more common in tropical countries because of cultural practices and diets. It is actually a culturally sanctioned practice in some societies. It is also more common in deprived and neglected children. Symptoms in children are poor weight gain or weight loss, constipation, excessive crying, irritability and apathy.

There are many health risks associated with Pica including poisoning that results in death, abdominal problems, teeth damage and parasitic infections. Pica can also result in lead poisoning and Anemia.

SUBGROUPS OF PICA

There are several subgroups of Pica that define what is ingested: Acuphagia (sharp objects), Amylophagia (starches), Cautopyreiophagia (burnt matches), Geophagia (sand, dirt and clay), Lithophagia (stones), Pagophagia (ice), Trichophagia (hair), Xylophagia (wood), Urophagia (urine), Hyalophagia (glass), Hematophagy (blood), Plumbophagia (lead), Mucophagy(mucous), Emetophagia (dust) and Bibliophagia (pages of a book).

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

A person must ingest non-food for at least a month before a diagnosis of Pica can be made. There is no single test that can confirm Pica, but blood tests can be done to see if nutrient levels are abnormal and if Anemia is present. Both of these are associated with Pica. Medications may help reduce abnormal eating and other therapies such as Aversion Therapy may also be used to treat Pica. The symptoms of pregnant women with Pica usually go away after the child is born.

CAUSES

The exact cause of Pica is unknown. Possible causes include vitamin, mineral, iron or other dietary deficiency, underlying physical or mental illness or stress.

PROGNOSIS AND PREVENTION

Prognosis depend on the substances ingested and if treatment works. Severe cases of pica can result in death due to complications such as bowel perforation or infection. There is no way to prevent Pica.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pernicious Anemia

2008-09-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Pernicious Anemia was first described in 1855 by English physician Thomas Addison. The disorder received its name in 1872 by German physician Anton Biermer. Pernicious means highly injurious, destructive or deadly. Although Pernicious Anemia used to have a high death rate, that is no longer the case.

Pernicious Anemia, a type of megaloblastic anemia, occurs when the body cannot absorb Vitamin B-12 and there is a decrease in red blood cells because the body does not produce a protein called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein in the stomach that allows the body to absorb Vitamin B-12, which is needed to form red blood cells.

OTHER NAMES

Pernicious Anemia is also known as macrocytic achylic anemia, congenital pernicious anemia, juvenile pernicious anemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency, Addison anemia, addisonian anemia and Biermer anemia.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia usually develop slowly over time and include fatigue, weakness, bright red, smooth tongue, pale yellowish skin, low grade fever and dizziness upon standing. Neurological symptoms include numbness or tingling, depression, memory loss, irritability, loss of balance, confusion, dementia, spasticity, incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Symptoms in infants include unusual movements and failure to thrive. Mental changes and nerve problems may occur before anemia is even diagnosed.

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for developing Pernicious Anemia include a family history of the disorder, Scandinavian or North European descent, history of autoimmune endocrine disorders, not eating meat and dairy products, having an intestinal disease and a lack of the intrinsic factor.

DIAGNOSIS

Primary Care Physicians can diagnose and treat the disorder, but other specialists such as neurologists, cardiologists, hematologists and gastroenterologists may also be needed. There are several tests used to diagnose Pernicious Anemia. A Complete Blood Count or CBC is done to check the hemoglobin level and the hematocrit level, the number of red blood cells, the number of white blood cells, the number of platelets in the blood and the red blood cell size. A test is done to check Vitamin B-12 level and other tests are done to check the presence of the intrinsic factor, parietal antibodies, levels of bilirubin, potassium and cholesterol, serum iron and the number of reticulocytes. The Schilling Test and Bone Marrow tests may also be performed.

TREATMENT

Pernicious Anemia is most often treated with injections of Vitamin B-12. Other medications that may be used include injections of cyanocobalamin, cobal, cyanoject, cyomin, vibal, cyanocobalamin given through the nasal passages and nascobal.

DISEASE ASSOCIATION

Pernicious Anemia can be associated with Type 1 Diabetes, hypoarathyroidism, Addison's disease, hypopituitarism, testicular dysfunction, Graves's disease, chronic thyroiditis, Myasthenia Gravis, Secondonary amenorrhea and vitiligo.

Rare Diseases

2008-09-10T22:28:00.000-05:00

There are many conditions that are listed as a rare disease by the Office of Rare Diseases of the National Institutes of Health. These diseases only affect approximately 200,000 people in the United States. Diseases such as ABCD syndrome, Richter syndrome, Pancreatic Adenoma and Say syndrome are just a few of the rare diseases that many have never heard of before.

ABCD SYNDROME

ABCD syndrome is an inherited autosomal recessive syndrome. ABCD is an acronym for Albinism, Black Lock, Cell Migration disorder of the neurocytes of the gut and sensorineural deafness.

The signs of ABCD syndrome include abnormal gastrointestinal tract, albinism, autosomal recessive inheritance, deafness, feeding difficulties in infancy, hearing loss, Hirschsprung’s disease, Polyglobulia, retinal albinism, stillbirth or neonatal death and severe vision loss.

Symptoms include deafness, intestinal dysfunction, albinism, black lock of hair and lack of nerves in small intestine.

ABCD syndrome is a variant of Shah-Waardenberg syndrome. It is caused by a mutation in the endothelin B receptor gene.

RICHTER SYNDROME

Richter syndrome is a rare and aggressive type of acute adult leukemia. It is also referred to a Richter transformation.

Symptoms include fever, loss of weight and muscle mass, sudden swelling of lymph nodes, night sweats, sickness or abdominal pain. The symptoms come on quickly and you become very sick.

PANCREATIC ADENOMA

Pancreatic Adenoma is a tumor in the pancreas that can be benign or malignant.

Symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor. They include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, biliary obstruction, low blood sugar, increased insulin secretion, increased gastrin secretion, sweating, diarrhea, weight loss.

SAY SYNDROME

Say syndrome was first described in 1975. Characteristic signs of the syndrome include cleft palate, microcephaly, large ears, short stature and transient low blood glammaglobulin levels.

Other signs and symptoms include a small head, reduced muscle tone, finer anomalies, hypospadias, developmental delay, delayed bone age, Robin Sequence, kidney abnormalities, low set thumbs, tapered end bones in fingers and curved middle fingers.

This is only a small sample of rare diseases. There are more than 6,000 diseases listed by the Office of Rare Diseases. Many of these diseases are genetic.

Signs and Symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

2008-09-10T15:36:00.000-05:00

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a condition that affects children under the age of 10. It is most common in children ages 6 months to 4 years. It is characterized by acute kidney failure, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. It is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in children. Hemolytic uremic syndrome was first described in 1955 by Gasser and coworkers.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is also known as hamburger disease because it is most often caused by a type of E. coli bacteria. Hemolytic uremic syndrome can also be associated with Shigella and Salmonella. Ninety percent of hemolytic uremic syndrome cases are caused by infectious viruses such as diarrhea. The infectious disease produce toxic substances that destroy red blood cells. The other ten percent is caused by upper respiratory infection. Transmission can be made by person to person contact, public water supplies and by petting a cow. Read More...

The Deadly Puffer Fish

2008-09-09T22:16:00.003-05:00

The puffer fish is a delicacy in Japan and a single serving can cost more than a $100. It tastes great, but could it kill you? There are 120 different species of the Puffer fish, which is also known as globe fish, swellfish and blowfish. The general name for the fish in Japan is fugu. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that the puffer fish can “produce rapid and violent death”.

Chefs must get a special license from the Department of Health in order to serve the puffer fish. In order to get this license they have to pass a written exam, prepare the fish using their technique and then eat it. Only 25% pass the test. I assume that if they die, they don’t pass.

What makes the puffer fish so poisonous? The fish contains a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin. If the fish is not prepared properly and too much of this poison is ingested the end result is not good.

Even if Chefs are careful and take special care in preparing the puffer fish it could still cause numbness in the tongue or lips when eaten. More serious effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting and paralysis of the face and extremities. The most severe effects include acute paralysis, respiratory distress, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmia, speech impairment and death. The effects happen quickly and death can occur within one hour. Read More...

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

2008-09-06T23:46:00.004-05:00

Have you been diagnosed with Irritable bowel Syndrome? Are you still experiencing your symptoms even with treatment? It may not be Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but a tumor in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal Stromal tumors are tumors of the

gastrointestinal tract. They are the most common mesenchymal tumors. The gastrointestinal tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and the colon.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors begin in special cells that are called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC’s). They are found in the intestinal tract and are part of the autonomic nervous system, which sends signals to the intestinal tract. Not all of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors are cancerous. They stay in one place when they first develop and are referred to as localized tumors. Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors can spread to other parts of the body and are then referred to as metastatic tumors. The size of the tumors can range from a few millimeters to over thirty centimeters.

The symptoms of a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor may mimic those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but the symptoms do not respond to the IBS treatment. There is also a possibility of there being no symptoms at all. Symptoms include vague abdominal pain, early feeling of fullness, vomiting, abdominal bleeding (blood in stool or vomit), fatigue due to anemia, anorexia, nausea, weight loss, fever, bloating, flatulence and constipation. The bleeding occurs because of an ulcer that forms in the gastric mucosa that is above the tumor. A palpable abdominal mass in the abdomen may be found during an examination if the patient has an exogastric tumor. The symptoms usually depend on the size and location of the tumor.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors are hard to diagnose and treat because the tumor is often hidden in the abdomen and it may not cause any physical symptoms. They often become very large before they are diagnosed and there becomes a risk of them spreading to other organs such as the liver. The tumors are resistant to chemoradiation so surgical removal of the tumor is the only effective treatment.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors where considered to be a rare occurrence at one time, but now there are 4,500 to 6,000 new cases each year in the United States. The tumors most often occur between the ages of 40 and 80, but they can occur at any age. Fifty percent of the tumors occur in the stomach, twenty-five percent occur in the small intestine, ten percent in the colon and fifteen percent occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

There are no known risk factors for developing a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, but there may be a slight risk if there is a family history of the tumor. With no known risk factors, there is no way to prevent the tumor from occurring.

Causes of Sleep Eating

2008-09-06T23:44:00.001-05:00

Sleep Eating is a rare, but documented sleep-related disorder. Those who suffer from sleep eating experience recurrent episodes of eating while they are asleep. They usually eat foods that are high in sugar and fat and they seldom remember the episodes. Other names include sleep-related eating disorder, nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder and sleep eating syndrome.

Symptoms of sleep eating include little or no appetite for breakfast, eating more food after dinner than during a meal, eating more than half of daily food intake after dinner, weight gain, daytime fatigue and unexplainable bruises.

The exact cause is unknown, but possible causes include encephalitis, auto-immune hepatitis, narcolepsy, cessation of drug or alcohol abuse or smoking, stress, low levels of melatonin and cortisol and fluctuations in hormone levels. Some studies have shown that it may primarily be neurological.

Sleep eating sometimes affects people who have other problems such as alcoholism, diabetes or other sleep disorders. Sleep disorders that can trigger a sleep eating episode include sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Sleep eating can also occur during sleepwalking, but it is not as common as sleep walking.

Sleep eating can result in significant weight gain and diabetes if it continues for a long period of time. The disorder is more common in women than men and there are no tests to diagnose the disorder.

Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome

2008-09-06T23:42:00.001-05:00

Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome (LVAS) is an uncommon disorder described as sudden and progressive sensorineural hearing loss. The vestibular aqueduct is a narrow, bony canal that connects the inner ear and the cranial cavity. It is related to the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. LVAS is also known as Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct syndrome (EVAS) and Vestibular Aqueduct syndrome (VAS). LVAS received its name in 1978 simply because the large vestibular aqueduct was the only part of the disorder visible on a CT scan.

LVAS develops when the vestibular aqueduct becomes larger than it is suppose to be. It should not be larger than 1.5 millimeters. This is the result of an abnormal or delayed development of the inner ear. LVAS usually begins in infancy, but it also can occur in childhood and more rarely adolescence. In a patient with LVAS progressive hearing loss may be triggered by head trauma or anything else that may cause a sudden fluctuation in the cerebrospinal fluid.

CT Scans are the test of choice to provide the evidence needed to make a diagnosis of LVAS. Other tests that may be used to confirm diagnosis include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and a Axial CT Scan.

LVAS can be associated with Pendreds syndrome and Mondini’s syndrome, but it can occur by itself. Characteristics of LVAS include large vestibular aqueduct on a CT scan, hearing loss, sudden hearing loss after minor head trauma and vertigo or dizziness.

Causes of Flatulence

2008-09-06T23:41:00.001-05:00

We all experience flatulence. If you say that you don’t then you’re either lying or something is really wrong with you. Flatulence occurs when there is an excessive amount of stomach or intestinal gas. We all know the feeling. Stomach cramps and bloating can be very uncomfortable and the burping and farting can be extremely embarrassing. It’s definitely not something we like to share with the world.

Flatulence for the most part is a normal occurrence but there are many other causes and excessive flatulence should be taken seriously. Causes include swallowing air on a regular basis, eating too quickly, bowel fermentation, dyspepsia, irritable Bowel syndrome, gall bladder disease, colon cancer, diverticulosis, peptic ulcer, stomach infection, gallstones, food allergies, high fiber diet, partial bowel obstructions, pancreatic disease, short bowel syndrome, hypersalivation, Carbohydrate Malabsorption and carcinoma of the colon. Certain foods such as nuts, beans, raisins, onions, cabbage, brussel sprouts, prunes and apples can also cause flatulence.

What causes your flatulence? Flatulence is embarrassing but unfortunately it’s just another one of those facts of life. Just make sure that you’re out of hearing and smelling range from everyone else so that you don’t share your flatulence. After all, there are some things in life that you shouldn’t share.

Risk Factors of MRSA

2008-09-06T23:39:00.001-05:00

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus or MRSA is a potentially fatal Staph infection. It is caused by the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria and is resistant to several types of antibiotics including methicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin. MRSA is responsible for serious skin and soft tissue infections and for a serious form of pneumonia.

MRSA was first described in the 1960’s and was found mostly in hospitals and nursing homes at that time. In the late 1990’s a new type of MRSA was discovered. This type is more common in children and adults who are otherwise healthy. It is also known as MERSA.

MRSA grows in clusters, multiplies rapidly and causes different types of infections. Infections range from simple infections such as boils to infections of the bloodstream and toxic shock syndrome.

There are two different types of MRSA. Hospital-associated MRSA occurs in hospitals, nursing facilities and other healthcare facilities. Community-associated MRSA occurs among athletes who are involved in contact sports such as football or wrestling, prisoners and the military.

Risk factors for developing Hospital-associated MRSA include hospitalization, living in a long-term care facility, use of invasive devices such as dialysis, catheters or feeding tubes and use of certain antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones or cephalosporin. Community-associated MRSA risks include young age, contact sports, sharing towels or athletic equipment, weakened immune system, living in crowded or unsanitary conditions and association with health care workers.

Symptoms of MRSA include cellulites, boils, abscesses, sty, carbuncles and impetigo. The skin infection can spread to almost any other organ of the body. This is when the infection can become life-threatening. Symptoms of internal organ involvement include fever, chills, low blood pressure, joint pains, severe headaches, shortness of breath and rash that covers most of the body. MRSA looks like a pimple or a boil that is red, swollen and painful. It may have pus or drainage.

There have been many deaths that are related to MRSA. Those who have a weakened immune system have a higher risk of death from MRSA.

Symptoms of Roseola

2008-09-06T22:49:00.001-05:00

Roseola is a viral illness that affects children between the ages of six months and two years. It is also known as sixth disease, exantheum, subitum and roseola infantum. Roseola is a very common childhood disease, but it can also occur in adults. The Human Herpes Virus (HHV) type 6 and possibly 7 are closely related to Roseola and may actually be the cause of it.

The symptoms of Roseola include fever, rash, fatigue, irritability in infants and children, mild diarrhea, decrease appetite, swollen eyelids, swollen neck glands, runny nose and a bulging soft spot on the neck. The fever will last approximately three to five days and will usually go away without treatment. The rash develops after the fever subsides and is pink and can be flat or it may have raised bumps. It isn’t itchy and is usually found on the truck or neck, but it can occur on the legs, arms and face.

Older infants have a higher risk of developing the illness because they don’t have their own antibodies yet to fight against viruses. Roseola will usually go away on it’s own within nine to ten days.

The Symptoms of Chiari 1 Malformation

2008-09-06T22:48:00.001-05:00

Chiari 1 Malformation is the most common form of the Chiari Malformations. German pathologist, Professor Hans Chiari first described abnormalities of the brain at the junction of the skull with the spine in the 1980’s. Chiari 1 Malformation is a common, but misunderstood disorder of the craniovertebral junction.

Chiari 1 Malformation usually occurs during the early stages of fetal development and is the result of an underdeveloped posterior cranial fossa. This is at the back bottom of the head. Conditions associated with the disorder are syringomyelia and hydromyelia. The disorder occurs more frequently in women than men.

Chiari 1 Malformation has many symptoms that include neck pain, vertigo, disequilibrium, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, difficulty swallowing, palpitations, sleep apnea, impaired fine motor skills, chronic fatigue, painful tingling of the hands and feet, facial numbness, absent gag reflex, facial sensory loss, tongue atrophy, vocal cord palsy, posterior headaches, ataxia associated with straining and fainting with a cough. Symptoms may not appear until adolescence or early adulthood. Occasionally symptoms are seen in young children. It is possible not to experience any symptoms.

Surgery is a major treatment option with a goal of relieving pressure. Over 20 different operations are being used to treat Chiari 1 Malformation.

Chiari 1 Malformation is frequently misdiagnosed and until recently it was regarded as a rare condition. There are an estimated 200,000 to 2 million Americans with the condition. The frequency of diagnosis has increased because of advanced MRI Scanning.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

2008-09-06T22:43:00.001-05:00

As many as 12 million Americans suffer from a pain no one else can see. They are called lazy and sometimes crazy because no one understands what they are going through. It’s overwhelming and very lonely. It’s Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic arthritis-related syndrome and while it affects a lot more, only 3.7 million Americans have been diagnosed with the condition. Unlike arthritis, Fibromyalgia affects the muscles and ligaments, not the joints. Fibromyalgia has also been referred to as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism, tension myalgias, fibromyositis and myofacial pain syndrome.

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia are multiple tender points on the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hips, shins, elbows and knees, fatigue, sleep disturbances, body aches, reduced exercise tolerance, chronic facial muscle pain or aching. Other symptoms may include headaches, irritable bowel or bladder, temporomandibular joint disorder, pelvic pain, noise sensitivity, temperature sensitivity, restless leg syndrome, depression, anxiety, numbness or tingling sensations in hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, chest pain, dry eyes, skin and mouth, painful menstrual periods, dizziness and anxiety.

It can take up to five years for a Fibromyalgia diagnosis to be made because it is so misunderstood and there are no tests that can diagnose it. There are 18 tender point sites on the body and a diagnosis is based on having at least 11 of these tender points. The tender points are located in the neck, shoulders, chest, rib cage, lower back, thighs, knees, arms/elbows and buttocks. Tests are done to rule out similar conditions such as Ankylosing spondylitis, Lupus, Carpal tunnel Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Polymyalgia rheumatica and Restless Legs syndrome.

Fibromyalgia affects more women than men and usually develops during early to middle adulthood. If you have a family history of Fibromyalgia or if you have a rheumatic disease such as Lupus or Rheumatoid arthritis then there is a higher risk for developing Fibromyalgia. Other possible causes include sleep disturbances, injury, infection, abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system and changes in muscle metabolism. Ninety percent of Fibromyalgia patients have severe fatigue and sleep disorders.

The Symptoms of Emphysema

2008-09-04T11:07:00.002-05:00

Millions of Americans are feeling the effects of Emphysema. They will have to be on medication for the rest of their lives and some will have to rely on an oxygen tank for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately the rest of their lives won’t be as long as it should be.

Emphysema is a serious lung disease that involves damage to the lungs air sacs and effects breathing. About 85% of the deaths associated with Emphysema are caused by smoking. Stopping smoking can slow down the disease. It is also important to avoid anything that will irritate the lungs, such as air pollution, smog, certain perfumes and candles. Read More...

The Symptoms of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

2008-09-04T11:01:00.003-05:00

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and can be acute or chronic. The pancreas is a large gland that is behind the stomach and close to the duodenum or the upper part of the small intestine. Pancreatitis can occur in people of all ages, but it is rare in children. There are almost 100,000 cases of Pancreatitis a year in the United States.

Acute Pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas and can range from mild to life-threatening. It usually affects more women than men. The main causes are Gallstones and Alcoholism. Acute Pancreatitis usually requires hospitalization even if it is just a mild case. It usually will go away after a short period of time after the pancreas returns to its normal state. Read More...

Two Form of Gonococcal Arthritis

2008-09-04T10:56:00.002-05:00

There are many types of arthritis and while some are well known there are others that most have never heard of. One such type of arthritis is Gonococcal Arthritis. Gonococcal arthritis is the most common type of acute septic arthritis and can be best described as a bacterial infection of a joint. It is caused by the gram-negative deplococcus Neisseria gonorrhea. It is also known as Disseminated Gonococcal infection or DGI.

Neisseria gonorrhea is a highly infectious organism that is capable of colonizing in diverse mucosal surfaces. A single contact with this organism can produce a risk of infection that is estimated at 60-90% for women and 20-25% for men. This type of infection has been decreasing since the 1990’s. Read More...

The Symptoms of Trichotillomania

2008-09-04T10:50:00.002-05:00

Do you know someone who is constantly pulling out their hair? Some people may bite their nails or pick at scabs, but some people pull out handfuls of their own hair. These people suffer from a mental condition known as Trichotillomania. This condition leads to patchy bald spots on the head.

Trichotillomania is a psychological condition that causes the urge to pull out hair. The hair is pulled out from the roots at the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or the pubic area. The quantity of the hair pulled varies from person to person. Some may pull large handfuls of hair while others may only pull one strand at a time.

Trichotillomania is a type of compulsive disorder and those who suffer from the condition may also bite their nails or pick at their skin. Depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder are all common problems in those with Trichotillomania. Read More...

The Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

2008-09-04T10:48:00.003-05:00

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop after a traumatic or terrifying event that caused someone harm and/or put their life in grave danger. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are biology and genetics, life experiences, temperament and changes in the natural chemicals of the brain. Traumatic events that can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are rape, torture, war, child abuse, kidnapping, car, plane or train accidents, bombings and natural disasters. Other risk factors for the disorder include mothers who have an unusually difficult delivery during child birth, patients who gain partial consciousness during surgery and those with cancer or who have heart attacks may also be at risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Read More...