Cushing's Syndrome

Consumption of Cortone Acetate based medicines orally, for a long length of time is the normal cause of Cushing’ syndrome. Prednisone is the usual medicine used this way.
The succeeding cause of Cushing's syndrome is Cushing's disease. Tumors forming in the adrenal glands or in the other parts of the body can also lead to Cushing's syndrome.
The pituitary gland located on the bottom of the brain controls the body's production of cortisol. Cushing's syndrome is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. These small tumors force the adrenal glands to make too much cortisol. These tumors, if enlarged, can cause problems with eyesight.

Cushing's Syndrome & Disease Gives Away These Symptoms

A fat middle torso with thin arms and legs, fragile and easily injured skin, cuts and normal bruises take much longer to heal, pink or purple stretch marks develop all over the body, swollen complexion, lack of energy, interrupted period cycle in women with increasing body hair, hypertension and osteoporosis, and higher than usual blood sugar levels.
Removal of the tumor from your pituitary gland is the treatment for this disease, and radiation treatments are sometimes used after surgery to lower the risk of reoccurrence.

Learning Disabilities or Disorders - An Introduction

Learning disabilities or disorders affect the brain’s ability to receive, process, analyze or store information for future use. All these problems make it difficult for an individual to learn or store information.

Learning Disabilities and Disorders

Learning disabilities or disorders are basically neurological in nature. They result from the differences in the way an individual’s mind works. They may also be the disorders found in normal people who experience problems in learning some specific set of skills due to some underlying reasons. The problems are difficulty in writing, reading, spelling or organizing information.
In most of the cases, these disabilities occur in children. However, if they are not noticed on time and given attention, they may progress with age and affect them in adult life too. Fortunately, these problems do not last forever, with timely help and care; an individual can overcome these learning disorders.
Learning disabilities are a common occurrence in people all over the world. You may not be aware of it but, Albert Einstein was unable to read till the age of 9, Walter Disney, General George Patton, and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller had problems reading all their lives. However, these disabilities did not affect their journey to success. Whoopi Goldberg and Charles Schwab are some of the celebrities who facing learning disorders at young ages and defeated them.
If your child or any loved one is suffering from any learning disability or disorder, don’t worry! With a little care and attention… they can be cured.

Important Facts About Learning Disorders

• 15% of all US population is suffering from learning disorder of one type or another, according to the National Institutes of Health
• Among all the learning disabilities, difficulty in basic reading and language skills affects almost 80% of students
• These learning disabilities often run in the family which are inherited by  children
• This should be kept in mind that learning disabilities are not to be confused with other disorders such as mental retardation, autism, deafness, blindness and other behavioral disorders
• These disabilities are also not to be taken in the same way as lack of educational opportunities or attendance problems

Attention disorders such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or ADD may also occur at the same time with learning disabilities but they are not same and should be treated accordingly.

Impacts of Learning Disabilities/ Disorders

Learning disorders can have a profound impact on individuals suffering as well as their families. They can cause complexes or problems in a child when s/he is treated differently from his/her fellows and incorporate a sense of being different from them.
It has also been observed that in some cases, people suffering from learning disabilities were smarter than their peers but had difficulty in only one area of their life. Learning about such abilities and disorders can help in overcoming them and helping such people.

Some of the Common Learning Disabilities are

• Dyslexia – It is a language disability in which a person has problem understanding written words. It is also a reading disability or reading disorder.
• Dyscalculia – A mathematical disability in which a persons may have problems solving mathematical problems and grasping mathematical concepts
• Dysgraphia – A writing disability in which makes it difficult for a person to form letters or write within a defined space
• Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders – Sensory disabilities in which cause difficulty in understanding language despite normal hearing and vision
• Nonverbal Learning Disabilities – A neurological disorder which originates in the right hemisphere of the brain. It causes problems with visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational, evaluative and holistic processing functions.

ADHD is not a learning disorder, yet it can interfere in one’s ability to learn properly and succeed. It entails lack of attention and hyperactivity which cause hindrances in learning and understanding.
Parents and teachers can help such people by encouraging their strengths, knowing their weaknesses and teaching them, keeping in mind their learning disabilities.

A Concise Introduction on Birth Control Methods

Birth control methods are an effective way to avoid unwanted pregnancies and a good start of family planning. With the passage of time, many new kinds of birth control methods have now become available that include oral medication as well as surgical alternatives.

What is Birth Control

Any kind of medical or preventive steps taken to avoid pregnancy is birth control. Birth control helps a woman make a decision regarding her pregnancies. Birth control allows the woman to choose the number of children she wants to have and the space between each child. Various surgical methods are also available for both the sexes in this regard.
Natural family planning and morning after pill are some other contraceptive methods; however the only 100% effective birth control method is abstinence. The process of birth control may be called the first step towards family planning.

Types of Birth Control Methods

There are a number of birth control steps that can be employed in order to avoid pregnancies. These methods include protection with medication as well as surgical methods.

Means of Protection

Condoms

Usually made of latex or polyurethane, condoms are used during sexual intercourse to prevent the risk of pregnancy. Condoms are very effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea and syphilis. A new condom should be used every time before an intercourse and should be immediately discarded after usage to avoid leakage.

Diaphragms

A diaphragm is a small, dome shaped cup that covers the cervix so as to stop the sperm from entering inside. It is used with spermicidal gel or cream, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus and reduces the chances of pregnancy. A diaphragm has to be inserted at least 6 hours before the intercourse and left in place for 24 hours for repeated intercourse with additional spermicidal gel.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

A t-shaped device inserted in the uterus by a doctor, IUD is one of the most effective forms of birth controls, with the success rate of 99%. Made of flexible plastic; at the end of an IUD hang two transparent strings that ensure that the IUD remains intact. IUD provides protection from pregnancy from about 5 to 12 years.

Birth Control Medication

Birth Control Pills

The most commonly used contraceptive medications are pills. They contain synthetic female hormone estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent pregnancy by either preventing ovulation or by keeping the mucous thick in the cervix so as to keep sperm from entering it. There are some birth control pills which have to be taken before intercourse while morning-after pills are also available.

Contraceptive Patches

It is one of the newest forms of birth control also sold under the brand name of Ortho Evra. Contraceptive patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks or upper body which helps in secretion of estrogen and progesterone in the bloodstream. This helps to suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining. Worn for a period of 3 weeks, the contraceptive patch is applied once a week.

Injections (Depo-Provera)

A progestin injection is taken once in every three months that inhibits ovulation and prevents sperm from reaching the eggs and prevents egg from implanting in the uterus. However, as Depo-Provera injects large amount of progestin in body it causes side effects like weight gain, dizziness, headache, depression and hair loss. Serious health complications like breast cancer, cervical cancer and infertility can also occur with constant use of Depo-provera.

Surgical Birth Control Methods

Tubal ligation

A permanent kind of birth control surgery for women, tubal ligation is also known as getting tubes tied or female sterilization. It is a surgical procedure in which a woman's fallopian tubes are cut or tied so as to stop the eggs from reaching her uterus. This process also blocks the sperm from reaching along the tube to meet the eggs. A tubal ligation process is reversible.

Vasectomy

A procedure that takes away a man’s ability to impregnate a woman by sterilizing him. Vasectomy renders a man infertile by severing the tubes that carry sperm into a man’s ejaculation that is the vas deferens. It is a simple procedure of 30 minutes that effectively prevents any unwanted pregnancies.
With modern researches and technology, a large number of new birth control methods have been developed. These medicines and surgical methods are designed to provide you with easy and risk free sexual intercourse. However, birth control methods should be according to one’s body needs and doctor’s recommendation.

A Brief Discussion On Cancer Affecting The Health Of Women

Though ever-new forms of diseases and ailments are affecting today’s women, one that is perhaps taking the greatest toll on the general health of American women is cancer. Due to a number of problems, the highest ratio of afflicting disease found in women is cancer in its various forms.
A survey carried out by the National Cancer Institute as of years 2001-2002 predicted that by the end of 2003, there would be an estimated 658,000 women diagnosed with cancer. Out of this huge figure, some 270,000 women will eventually die of the same disease.

Different Types of Cancer Complications in Women

The most common types of cancers prevalent today include cancer of the breasts; cervical cancer, ovarian cancer; endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, lung and tobacco related cancers. This also includes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and its associated malignancies.
A comparison of the advancements in treatment and medications for cancer since the decade of 1990s reveals that statistics of cancer somewhat remained static, in particular for women patients.
However, today the situation is more than encouraging as both the treatment strategies have increased and the mortality rates too have been significantly brought down. With new modes of treatment, early diagnosis of cancer has become easy which leads to early treatment and helps in saving many precious lives.
Thus, the advancements in the modes of treatment and discoveries of other therapies, the role of vital institutions as the National Cancer Institute, the Office of Research on Women's Health and the National Institute of Health truly demand praise and respect. These institutes especially cater to the general health of women, particularly focusing on those suffering from various forms of cancer.

What Men Need to Know About Baldness

Hair loss especially in men causes a great deal of anxiety. Men have come to symbolize hair loss as a ‘un-manly’ trait. In a survey about the fears, men hair loss is ranked number two after impotence.
Not even major superstars like Sean Connery a.k.a. James Bond, Bruce Willis or Vin Diesel have been able to make baldness acceptable and fashionable. However, most men still fear a receding hairline and try various methods to get some treatment for baldness.

Common Reasons for Baldness in Men

For some men hair loss starts early in life, but for most it happens in their late 30’s.

• It is a known medical fact that hair loss is not due to poor circulation, lack of nutrition or clogged hair follicles. In most cases, hair loss is due to a genetic sensitivity of the hair follicles.
• In hereditary hair loss, also known as male pattern baldness, hair is lost around the temple areas and the crown of the head. This is because of an over sensitivity of the hair follicles to normal levels of testosterone in the body.

But not every hair follicle is oversensitive that is why some hair fall out while some doesn’t. This type of hair loss is usually irreversible. Hair transplantation is the only option for a person suffering from androgenic alopecia, the scientific name given to hereditary hair loss.
Other reversible hair loss causes include; iron deficiency, non-functioning of the thyroid gland, scalp infections, some prescription medication, chemotherapy and severe stress. Most of these conditions can be corrected by medication and the hair can grow normally back again.

Treating Baldness in Men

It is important to seek out a doctor’s advice when it comes to treating baldness. This is because a doctor can distinguish between typical male pattern baldness and hair loss as a result of anemia, hypothyroidism or the side effects of medication.

• A huge market has come into existence to cater to men and women with hair loss and baldness problems. Bizarre treatments have included rubbing curry on the head or having a cow lick the scalp.
• What needs to be kept in mind is that there is no cure for hair loss, but it can be stopped and its effects reversed to a certain extent. At present, there are two available medications for treating hair loss, Propecia and Rogaine.
• Propecia is a prescription medication for men only. It works by preventing the destruction of the hair follicles. Rogaine on the other hand is a topical medication that works by stimulating the hair follicle and keeps it growing.
• The most direct forms of hair loss treatment are wigs and hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is a very expensive process and can be very painful. However, it is a permanent solution for baldness in men.

Some people also use different hairstyles to minimize the appearance of baldness like old fashioned ‘comb overs’ to show off a fuller head of hair.
While hair loss is a prevalent in many men, most of them still suffer emotional distress, lack of self esteem and in some cases even depression over a receding hairline. What men need to realize is that hair loss is not the end of the world. By not making it an issue, they can live more productive, satisfied and happier lives.

Pregnancy - Different Abortion Types and Health Risks for Women

Abortion is when a pregnancy is ended or terminated deliberately on will. It can also happen naturally and is called miscarriage. An abortion is carried out by surgery or by use of some drugs. Abortion involves removal of the fertilized egg or the embryo from the womb.
The decision of an abortion may be taken due to a number of reasons such as gap between children or control over the number of children a couple wants to have. Abortion is conducted in various ways either surgically or by taking medicines. Most of the abortions are carried out in case of unplanned pregnancies.
Having an abortion on time and by a practiced physician is very important. It is necessary to have it the legal way otherwise it may cause complications and prove harmful. A qualified doctor should be consulted who makes sure that abortion at any stage of pregnancy will not be a risk to the mother’s health. Sometimes, at the hands of unpracticed, illegal people, many mothers lose their lives or suffer harmful consequences.

Different Types of Abortion

If a woman wants to have an abortion, the first thing to do is to consult a doctor. The doctor will decide keeping in mind the woman’s health and stage of pregnancy and which type of abortion is suitable. Different types of abortion may include both medical and surgical method.

Abortion by Medicines

Also known by the name of medical abortion, it applies to an abortion brought about by medication taken to end pregnancy.

• Mifepristone is a drug that is given to induce abortion.
• Misoprostol is also sometimes given along with mifepristone to abort an embryo.
• Methotrexate is a medicine used for medical termination of pregnancy.

The process of medical abortion involves bleeding like menstrual period and other side effects. Most of the time, medicines are able to abort pregnancies with a success rate of 75-95%. They are also less of a threat rather than surgery which may involve injury to internal body organs of women.

Surgery

• Dilation and extraction procedure is accomplished by cervical preparation similar to case of evacuation, where the fetus is removed keeping intact.
• Early termination is performed with little cervical dilation and with help of a hand syringe or canola attached to a suction machine.
• Sometimes with help of drugs, labor is induced for birth in which fetus can be removed.
• Dilation and curettage is also a surgical method in which the uterus is emptied with a sharp metal curette so that no remains of fetus are found.

Health Risks for Women Involved In Abortions

• The medicines can leave a side effect on woman’s body that can effect the circulation of blood or lead to clotting of blood.
• The medicines can also lead to some internal injury that can hinder future pregnancies.
• The surgical instruments if not properly sterilized can lead to complications.
• The use of surgical tools my lead to some further injuries in a woman’s body.

The methods of abortion should be thoroughly discussed and planned with the doctor so that proper care and handling is carried out without causing any further problems.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s – A Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is basically a form of dementia, a brain disorder that affects the areas of the brain immediately responsible for the execution of everyday activities.
Alzheimer is the most common form of dementia in older people. It is known to affect the brain cells that are in charge for controlling the thoughts, memory and language.
Consequently, people suffering from the Alzheimer’s disease become exceedingly delusional and estranged, with no regard to their surroundings, environment and atmosphere. While it is mostly prevalent in older age groups, it has also been known to affect younger people, though on a much smaller scale.

Important Knowledge Regarding Alzheimer’s Disease

The prevalence of the disease among older age groups is something that tends to be stressed considering the fact that while about 5% of men and women aged 65 to 74 have Alzheimer’s, nearly half of those age 85 and older may have suffer from this disease.
Moreover, it would be relevant to acknowledge that the key reason due to which alternative measures to the disease are being considered significantly is that the statistics indicate that as many as 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

History of Alzheimer’s Disease

The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor who took keen interest in particularly uncharacteristic alterations in the brain tissues of a woman who died of an unknown mental illness in 1906.
Upon examination, doctor Alzheimer found abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers. As a result of significant achievement in medical science, these clumps and bundles have been defined as amyloidal plaques and neurofibrillary tangles respectively. Contemporary research has established that other brain changes in people with Alzheimer’s disease include the dying of nerve cells in areas of the brain vital to memory and other mental abilities.
Furthermore, another thing that has frequently been associated with Alzheimer’s disease is the dramatic reduction of the chemicals in the brain that are particularly responsible for conveying signal messages back and forth between nerve cells. It is evident, that this disease appears to impair thinking and memory in as much as disrupting the normal path of these signals.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that begins relatively slowly.

1. The first symptom is usually mild forgetfulness that is typically apparent such as the incapacity to recall recent events, activities, the names of familiar people and/or things. However, as the disease begins to progress, the symptoms begin to grow steadily and dramatically worsen.
2. People suffering from the mid-stage of Alzheimer’s may forget to perform perfunctory tasks such as brushing their teeth or combing their hair.
3. People with advanced stage disease may become anxious or aggressive and even wander away from their homes as a result of absolute disorientation.

Care and Treatment

It is important to know that eventually patients with significant cases of Alzheimer’s will require total medical care and attention. In some cases, the patients were known to lose their complete mental balance and had to be cared for like a small child.
While there is no known cure for this disease in spite of the extensive ongoing research that is being carried out; there are particular drugs that have proven to be instrumental for slowing down some of the symptoms.
Some medicines, for instance, may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's patients. Controlling these symptoms is necessary as it makes the patients more comfortable, subsequently easing the job of those responsible for treatment.

Heart Diseases are Mostly Caused by Bad Diets

There are many things that you need in order to remain healthy. If you do not adhere to particular ways of living, your health will deteriorate. One main factor for living a healthy life includes eating well. A balanced diet that caters to all the body’s needs is what you need to focus on.

Heart Diseases and Bad Diets

Focusing on a good diet is essential not only for older people but also for younger people. This is because people often take their age for granted. When one is young, there are fewer chances of a person having repercussions of bad diets. Some young people who do not eat well will not experience deteriorating at this stage.
However, this does not mean that everyone can get away with not eating well. However, there are also some people who begin to experience effects of bad diet quite early. Still, many young people do not take these signs seriously and due to this, their conditions may worsen slowly and steadily.
In context to this, it must also be noted that there have been many young people who have suffered from heart problems and attacks. This is clearly because of the life styles that they have been leading. Though there may some genetic influences as well in some cases, it is largely believed that these people have not been focusing on the basics of preventing health problems. This refers to eating properly and exercising sufficiently.
If one does not eat properly, it is obvious that the human body is denied of nutritional supplies in some way. If one is not denied nutritional supply, they could also be overeating particular food substances. In view of this, it must be asserted that too much of any thing in excess is never good.
Hence if particular foods are consumed in excess it could mean trouble for you. This refers to the consumption of cholesterol-rich foods.

How Bad Diet Causes Heart Diseases

• In a proper diet, the intake of cholesterol rich foods is reduced. However, when one does not pay attention to his or her diet, there is bound to be trouble.
• People who are often too engrossed in their work or simply leading a carefree life style may overlook what types of foods they eat. They would normally eat a lot of junk food and other foods that are high in cholesterol.
• The high levels of cholesterol that people normally consume, result in a build up of cholesterol in areas that can severely harm them. Cholesterol deposits itself on the inside of arteries and with the passage of time blocks up the arteries.

This leads to restricted blood flow in many parts of the body, but mainly in the heart. In addition to the heart having to work extra in order to pump blood around the body where cholesterol is already blocking passages, it is also denied of proper supply of oxygen-carrying blood to its cardiac muscles. Hence, there are actually two conditions worsening at once and you may not even know it.

Other Disadvantages of a Bad Diet

In addition to this bad condition worsening quickly, it must be said that there are other activities that can worsen your health.

• One such factor which can worsen your heart condition is smoking.
• Also, lack of exercise and stress may worsen the condition.
• However, a poor diet is believed to be the biggest cause of a heart attack.

In order to avoid a heart attack, regardless of age, one has to develop better eating habits and become more aware of what causes an increase in cholesterol levels.
Consuming food substances that contain low cholesterol is believed to be the best way to reduce its intake. In addition to this, adequate exercise is advised along with quitting bad habits such as smoking as it can provoke heart attack.

Treatment of Obesity

Obesity has risen to epic proportions in the US. Unfortunately, there is no typical treatment or medicine that would cure it within a short period. Numerous treatments for obesity have failed as more than medicines, diet control and exercise is needed. Many of the obese people were unable to follow these treatments and as a result suffered serious consequences.
However, there are other treatments of obesity to control weight that include either surgery such as the Lap-band surgery or a change in life style supported by medicines.

Various Treatments Of Obesity

Surgery

Lap-Band surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity. It has had its share of success and aims to reduce the size of the digestive tract so that a person does not feel as hungry as s/he ordinarily would. As a result they would consume less food that would lead to weight loss.
In contrast to this approach, a change in life style is needed, one that emphasizes on eating less and exercising more.

Medicines

Medicines are given to obese people to help them reduce their huge appetites. There are no serious side effects of such medicines and they simply lower the appetite level that leads to lesser consumption of food. New medicines are being worked out in this regard because of the research unearthing the action of enzymes and other chemicals in one’s appetite.
Two of the medications sold in the US are very effective for obesity. Though they are not known to be harmful to anyone, it is suggested that one adhere to doctor’s advice regarding dosage.

Sibutramine (Meridia)

It is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medicine for treating obesity. It is given to individuals whose weigh 30 pounds more than their normal weight. According to clinical data, obese people lost 5 to 10% weight using Meridia. It even helps to maintain the weight loss achieved by its use.
Meridian works on hunger pangs i.e. it is controls the hunger enzymes ensuring that the individual feels less hungry. This automatically results in less consumption of food.
One of the reported side effects of this medicine is high blood pressure. People taking anti-depressant medicines should also avoid Meridia.

Orlistat (Xenical)

It is also an FDA approved medicine prescribed for those whose weight is 30% more than what it should be. It can also be taken by people who have a BMI greater than 30.
It is known that that those who take Orlistat for about a year lose 13.4 pounds, on the average. This is almost 8 pounds more than one would lose using any ordinary diet. Orlistat works by absorbing fat from the intestinal tract. Side effects of this medication include diarrhea.

Some Other Medicines to Treat Obesity

Aside from the above mentioned medicines that are used to curtail appetite, there are others too. However these are not considered safe and non-prescribed usage is not advised. They are not FDA-approved, and therefore are sold illegal as well.
These medications include the following:

• "Phen-fen" and Redux
• Ephedra
• Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)

It should be remembered that the safest way to reduce obesity and eventually get rid of it means that one has to change his or her life style. This includes exercising more and eating less.
However, eating less is now supported by medications that curtail one’s appetite. As long as there are no serious side-effects, it is fine to go about losing weight and control obesity this way.

Arthritis

Arthritis is actually not a disease; it is really a joint disorder. It literally means inflammation of the joints. It is derived from the Greek word Arthron, which means joint. It is actually a general term for a group of more than 100 diseases.
Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction fighting off various diseases. Inflammation can also be caused by injury, infection, autoimmune disease or the body’s own “wear and tear” (of joints) process. Inflammation that lasts for a long time can lead to tissue damage. Inflammation that does not go away or results in long term pain or deformity is considered arthritis.
In a healthy body, the joints care covered by a smooth spongy material called cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the joints, and allows the joints to move without pain. Each joint is enclosed in a fibrous casing called synovium. This synovium lining produces a synovial fluid which nourishes the joints and helps in limiting friction.
Ligaments connect the bones and keep the joints stable, while muscles and tendons support the joints enabling movement. In arthritis, the area in and around the joints becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes pain, stiffness in the joints and difficulty moving.
Arthritis occurs in both men and women, and can strike at any age; however it is more common in older people. Around 70 million or 1 in 3 Americans suffer from some form of arthritis, and it is a major cause of lost work time and a serious disability for many people. In people over the age of 55, women are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis. This is the most common variety of arthritis in the U.S.

The Different Types Of Arthritis Include

• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Osteoporosis
• Paget’s disease
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Scleroderma
• Psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Reiter's syndrome/Reactive arthritis
• Adult Still's disease
• Tertiary Lyme disease
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Pseudogout
• Raynaud's Phenomenon
• Repetitive Stress Injury
• Sjögren's Syndrome

These different types of arthritis mostly have causes that are unknown. Researchers however, believe that genetics (heredity) and lifestyle behaviors play an important part in the development of arthritis.
And though the exact cause of arthritis is not known, there are several risk factors. They include;

• Age
• Gender
• Obesity
• Work factors
• History of trauma
• Various genetic or metabolic diseases

As a person gets older, their risk of developing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis increases considerably. Older women in general tend to suffer more from arthritis than men. Being overweight also puts extra stress on various joints in the body, increasing the body’s natural wear and tear process, thus increasing the risk for developing arthritis. Jobs that require heavy lifting or repetitive movements causing stress and injury to joints also lead to arthritis.

People With Arthritis May Suffer From Some Or All Of The Following Symptoms;

• Joint pain or swelling
• Early morning stiffness
• Warmth around a joint
• Redness of skin around a joint
• Reduced ability to move a joint &
• Unexplainable weight loss, fever or weakness/fatigue that occurs with joint pain

Different types of arthritis have different symptoms and all the symptoms vary from person to person. Osteoarthritis does not generally cause any symptoms outside the joint.
To treat arthritis, treatment varies with each particular cause. It depends on firstly, how severe the arthritis is, then, which joints are affected, after that, to what degree the patient is affected and lastly the person, age, job and activities.
The goal of arthritis treatment is usually to provide pain relief and increase joint strength and mobility. Remember arthritis is not curable, but it can be treated effectively for one to go on and lead a healthy life.

Treatment Options For Arthritis Include;

• Medication – Medications reduces joint pain and swelling. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), acetaminophen, aspirin, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs are used to ease the pain caused by arthritis.
• Exercise – Exercise is very important as it keeps the joints flexible. Simple stretching exercises can be extremely beneficial.
• Surgery – Surgery is usually the last resort. It is done to rebuild the joint (arthroplasty) or to replace the joint (total knee joint replacement) and help the person lead a more normal lifestyle. The decision to perform surgery is made when other alternatives, such as lifestyle changes and medications are no longer effective.
• Use of joint protection – Knee or elbow caps are often used by people to ease the pain and increase mobility.

If diagnosed early most types of arthritis can be managed, and the damage to joints minimized. Early treatment of arthritis manages both pain and disability. In rheumatoid arthritis for example, early aggressive treatment can prevent damage and disability in the long run. In some cases, simple modifications to daily activities can help ease the pain of arthritis.
Arthritis is not preventable, but you can take certain steps to reduce your risk for developing this disorder. They include;

• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Exercising regularly.
• Using joint protection devices and techniques at work.
• And eating a healthy diet.

Acne - An Overview

Acnes or pimples as they are most commonly known, are spots that appear on the face, neck, chest, back & other areas of the body.
These are caused when the pores of the skin get blocked. The big question that comes to ones mind is why do these pores get blocked and what can be done to prevent them from appearing as these can be an ugly sight on ones face. The details given down tries and answer these questions.

Types of Acne Conditions

Acnes or pimples are a condition of the skin which comes in two categories there are blackheads and white heads.
This usually happens when the pores on the skin collapse on themselves and block the escape root of sebum. Sebum is the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands; with perspiration it moistens and protects the skin.
Nobody knows why this happens but it is a condition that happens to most people. The cause of this is suspected to because of hormones, diet, evolutionary biology, vitamin deficiency, stress, and more. To understand this condition we will have to take a look at what happens below the skin to see what actually happens.
Normally people think that the pores are on the skin where the hairs grow, but this perception is wrong.
On the surface hair is grown, then comes the skin, below the skin are the sebaceous glands which are attached to the strand of hair which excrete the oil which helps to protect the skin. The pores which are also known as follicle are located near these glands under the skin.
These are found all over the body except for places like the lips, palms and the upper part of the feet. The places where there are found most is the face, chest and the upper neck. These naturally become the areas to be infected with acne.
When males reach the age of puberty the hormones in the body cause the sebaceous glands to excrete extra sebum. Since there is extra sebum that is excreted and if it gets mixed with dead cells it would form a kind of acne, comedones; these are more commonly known as white heads and black heads.
Below the strands of hair reside bacteria which are known as Proprionibacterium acnes. This is a big word but the important thing to known is this is a bacteria and its usual feast is sebum oil. Once these start to infest their create infections which usually turn out to be pimples.

Tips to Prevent Acne

Acne is not restricted to the face only. Acnes could sprout on your back or on areas that are lower than your neck. There are various remedies and preventions that you can apply to yourself to keep away from Acnes.
Drink a lot of water; stop the intake of fizzy drinks. It is normally required to take in 8 glasses of water or the equivalent of two liters in a day. This helps the skin in keeping itself hydrated and dead skin cells are shed off easily. If this is not maintained it could be the result of blocked pores and blemishes.
The diet of one should also be kept in control although there is no definite possibility of a link between the two. However, research has shown that refined carbohydrates and sugar which have shown to be responsible for acnes too. Eating of fresh fruits, vegetables would be a good idea. If you feel hungry in between meals nuts and seeds wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Vitamins supplements are advised if you have Acnes on your body. The food that we eat may not have the correct supplements to keep the skin healthy and alive.
Although stress is not the root of the problem it can certainly magnify the problem. Stress in the body causes a hormone to be released in the body known as cortisol which aggravates acnes. Learn to control it if you suffer from stress, if you don’t learn the symptoms and signs of reducing stress. You must learn to prevent acne not only treat it.
In line with this you should avoid caffeine, tea, hot chocolates and energy drinks as the consumption of these beverages increases the level of stress in the body which eventually leads to acne.

Diabetes - An Overview

Diabetes is a disease in which sugar is not utilized by the blood due to low levels of insulin produced by the body. Keeping your blood and sugar level low can help a lot in controlling your diabetes. Genetic and environmental factors as well as eating habits can be attributed for causing diabetes.

Introduction to Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts sugar, starch and other foods into energy that is needed by the body to perform its daily chores.
It can be caused both by genetic and environmental conditions as well as imbalanced diet and overweight.

Diagnosis of Diabetes

A test called Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is carried out by a physician to check whether a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes. With FPG test, glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signal pre-diabetes.
An individual with glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher is said to suffer from diabetes.
In OGTT test, an individual’s glucose level is measured after a fast and 2 hours after drinking a glucose rich beverage. If the glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl, the person has pre-diabetes, however, if the after 2 hour blood glucose level is at 200 mg/dl or more, the person has diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

This kind of diabetes results from body’s failure to produce insulin that allows the glucose to enter the body cells and fuel them. A very small number of people suffer from this kind of diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

It results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body fails to make proper use of insulin combined with insulin deficiency. Most of the people have this kind of diabetes.

Signs of Diabetes

Most of the symptoms of diabetes are harmless and go unnoticed. Some of them include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual loss of weight
• Blurry vision
• Increase in fatigue

Treatment of Diabetes

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

People with Type 1 diabetes need to be injected with insulin injections to use the glucose they obtain from food. Insulin can either be injected using a needle and syringe or it can be administered externally by a pump, pen or injector.
Insulin cannot be taken as a pill as it’s a protein and would break down during digestion. It must be balanced with diet and activities.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

People with Type 2 diabetes need diabetes medicine or extra insulin to help their bodies use their own insulin better, as their bodies do not use the insulin produced.
Diet and exercise often bring glucose level to normal, otherwise medications are given.

Oral Medication for Diabetes Patients

Oral medication may include:

• Sulfonylurea drugs, they stimulate the production of insulin in pancreas
• Biguanides, they decrease the amount of sugar made in the liver
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, they slow the starch absorption
• Meglitinides, help in stimulation of insulin in pancreas
• Thiazolidinediones, they make body more sensitive to insulin

Diabetes is an important medical condition and needs prompt attention and treatment. If diabetes is not diagnosed and treated on time, it can cause severe complications like loss of vision, heart problems, loss of coordination and other problems. It is advised that if you are suffering from diabetes, get proper medical help.

Depression – A Disorder

It is quite normal to feel sad or discouraged at one time or another during difficult times in your life. But if these feelings of sadness and depression persist for long, that is, for more than two weeks, then they are not normal. They become an illness called as depression.

What is Depression?

Depression is the most commonly found disorder among all mental illnesses that are treatable. It is found that every fourth woman and every tenth man is suffering from depression. However, 80-90 % of those people are able to get rid of this illness with help of effective treatment plans.
Most of the people do not recognize their mental illnesses and continue to live with them without even knowing it. This lack of knowledge increases the intensity of their illness. Most commonly, if a person is feeling sad, suffering from eating or sleeping disorder then it is related to flu. But if we give importance to these symptoms some and analyze them collectively, then we will know that it is depression.
The term ‘depression’ sometimes becomes confusing because it also describes normal emotional reactions. This makes it difficult to diagnose. It has symptoms that are easily mixed up symptoms of other common diseases that are also curable. People do not want others to know that they are suffering from depression. This attitude leaves depression untreated that causes further problems.
It is not necessary that all the depressed people have feelings of sadness. Other feelings include hopelessness, irritation and helplessness.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

There are many signs and symptoms of depression. Some of them are listed below:

• Depressed people suffer from change in their appetite. There is a possibility of gaining or losing weight that would not be attributed to diet.
• Depressed people suffer from change in their sleeping pattern. It may be their inability to sleep or they sleep too much; they have fitful sleep or they awake early morning.
• Ongoing sad, worried, or empty moods are some common symptoms of depression. Depressed people worry about things that are not to be worried about.
• Feelings of hopelessness and gloom. Depressed people think that they do not have anyone who loves them or cares for them.
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness. They become over conscious about their guilt. They feel that they have nothing in them to make them valuable.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities.
• Decreased energy or feelings of being tired or slowed down. Their work progress slows down gradually and sometimes suddenly too as their feelings of loneliness and worthlessness increase.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions. They start forgetting important things too. Their decision power decreases. They even hesitate concentrating on things as they feel that they would not be able to remember anything.
• Restlessness or irritability. They do not feel comfortable. Something inside them makes them restless and their feelings of depression increase.
• Ongoing physical pain not caused by an illness or injury.
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.

The symptoms increase to such an extent that such people do not want to go to the doctor and discuss their problem because they think that nothing good can happen to them. They also get advice from their family, co-coworkers and family but they refuse to take any offer of help.
There is no age limit for depression treatment. But it is found that children and adolescents have the best chances to get rid of this illness. Depression can also appear late in life. It becomes difficult to diagnose depression in older ages because some symptoms of depression such as slow movement, memory impairment and slowed speech are also found in the patients of stroke or senility.

Depression Treatment

Many drugs are used for treatment of depression. The newer drugs are found to have fewer side effects. Some therapies are very effective for the treatment of depression.
Among the effective psychotherapies are Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These therapies become more effective when they are used in combination with antidepressant drugs.

Impotence: An Overview

Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction

Impotence is also known as Erectile Dysfunction or more commonly as ED. It is a sexual dysfunction in men characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis for satisfactory sexual intercourse. According to an estimate, Erectile Dysfunction affects 18 million men in the U.S. alone. Erectile dysfunction is different from other conditions that it interferes with sexual intercourse, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation and orgasm.
Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction varies in severity. Some men have a total inability to achieve an erection, others have an inconsistent ability to achieve an erection and still others can sustain only brief erections. The variations in severity of Erectile Dysfunction make it very difficult to estimate the frequency of its occurrence. Being a very personal and a bit embarrassing topic, many men are reluctant to discuss Erectile Dysfunction with their doctors and thus the condition is under-diagnosed.
While Erectile Dysfunction can occur at any age, it is uncommon among young men and more common in the elderly. By age 45, most men have experienced Erectile Dysfunction at least some of the time. According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, complete impotence increases from 5% among men 40 years of age to 15% among men 70 years and older. Population studies conducted in the Netherlands state that some degree of Erectile Dysfunction occurred in 20% of men between ages 50 to 54 and in 50% of men between ages 70 to 78. In 1999, the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey counted 1,520,000 doctor-office visits for Erectile Dysfunction.

Causes of impotence

There can be a number of reasons for impotence in men. They may be medical reasons as well as unhealthy life style. Also, the causes of Erectile Dysfunction may be physiological or psychological. Psychological impotence can often be helped by almost anything that the patient believes in as there is a very strong placebo effect.
The most important cause of the development of ED is the presence of illnesses like:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes mellitus
• high cholesterol levels
• cardiovascular disease

These diseases, if not cured for a long time, can lead to a degeneration of the penile blood vessels, leading to restriction of blood inflow through the arteries and also to leakage of blood through the veins during erection.
There may be numerous other causes which lead to impotence in men and cause degeneration of the erectile tissue and the development of ED. They may include:

• Smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, particularly over a long period of time, will compromise the blood vessels of the penis.
• Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle will contribute to the development of ED.

Improvement in these conditions will contribute to overall health and may relieve some individuals from mild impotence. Treatment of many medical conditions can interfere with normal erections. Drugs used to treat these risk factors sometimes also lead to or worsen ED. Patients undergoing surgery or radiation therapy for cancer of the prostate, bladder, colon or rectum are at high risk for the development of ED.

Kidney Problems

With growing population, maladies are still emerging all over the world. Medical science has developed exponentially in the last century and some remarkable breakthroughs have been achieved; for example, Penicillin, open-heart surgery, and human organ transplants.
But there is still much to be done, specially to combat genetic and hereditary diseases. Polycystic Kidney Disease is also a genetic problem.

The Basis of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

In this disease, many cysts start developing in the kidneys. These cysts are filled with fluid, which gradually keep growing, until the kidneys are blocked and eventually lead to complete failure.
PKD is identified in three different forms:

Autosomal Dominant

In this form indications of the problem commonly come forward betwixt the age of 30 to 40, but sometimes can develop at a young age.

Autosomal Recessive

ARPKD is not common it is hereditary. Its symptoms can start at the earliest age, might even when the child is not born.

Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease

Or ACKD builds up with other prolonged dysfunctions, it particularly strikes those who have been suffering from kidney failure, and are dependent upon dialysis. This is not a genetically transferred disease.

Heart Disease Alternative Therapy

Heart is the most important part of the cardiovascular system. Its primary functions are to deliver oxygen and vital nutrition to cells throughout the body and to aid in the removal of cellular waste products. Heart diseases and stroke are among the most common heart and vascular problems that affect most of the people over the world.
Referred as silent killers, these conditions are responsible for 43% of all deaths in the world. The most effective way to treat heart diseases is medication and adopting a healthy life style that is based on balanced diet and adequate exercise.
Along with this, heart disease alternative therapies are used to treat heart diseases and recover from stroke. These heart disease alternative therapies use natural ways to help patients in recovery.
The various alternative therapies available to prevent/cure heart diseases are as follows:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy for heart diseases. It offers valuable therapeutic benefits for stroke patients and treats pain or disease by inserting the tips of needles at specific points on the skin. The patients receiving acupuncture therapy are evaluated by three measurement systems: the Motor Assessment Scale for stroke patients, Sunnaas Index of ADL and Nottingham Health Profile.
The patients opting for acupuncture show significantly improved quality of life as compared to other patients. The results of acupuncture therapy indicate that ‘acupuncture gives an additive therapeutic benefit when given to stroke patients during their rehabilitation program’. Acupuncture does not cause any side effects apart from slight dizziness.

Herbal Therapy

Commonly used herbs such as garlic, ginger and even green tea can be very effective medicines and alternative therapy for treating heart disease. Since ancient times, herbs have been used for their healthy and medicinal effects. Nowadays, most of the medicines contain herbs and plant extracts due to the healing powers they possess.
Researchers are now focusing on finding herbs that contain hypolipidemic, anti platelet, anti tumor, or immune-stimulating properties. These herbs are helpful in preventing and treating chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. It has been proved that many herbs consist of potent antioxidant compounds that offer protection from chronic diseases, saving millions of lives.
Many of these compounds are known to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, inhibit lipid peroxidation, or have antiviral or anti tumor activity. The essentials oils and other agents present in these herbs and spices slow down mevalonate synthesis and restrict cholesterol and tumor growth.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

A traditional Chinese herbal preparation known as Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is known to treat patients suffering from coronary heart diseases. It has shown significant recovery in patients who were administered with this drug for 15 days.
Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is known to effectively remove the oxygen free radicals from the blood stream thus reducing the lipoperoxide (LPO) injury and regulating the apolipoprotein metabolism in the patients. Thus, it is an effective Chinese alternative therapy for heart diseases.

The Sunshine Remedy

According to latest research, a dose of sunshine can save the heart attack victims. Patients who recover in the sunniest part of intensive care unit are most likely to survive their stroke. Lack of adequate sun light is known to cause depression and melancholy, while on the other hand, sunlight is known to cheer and give a new lease of life to patients.
Sunlight alters the way brain responds to a mood chemical known as serotonin. It is not known why the sun affects heart attack victims but it is effective heart disease alternative therapy for lifting the mood and causing cheerful feelings.

Vegetarianism

According to researchers, vegetarians suffer from significantly lower mortality rate resulting from heart diseases as compared to non-vegetarians. The main reason behind this is the low cholesterol level found in vegetables as compared to meats that contain high animal fat.
For most of the people suffering from heart diseases, it is recommended that they increase their intake of vegetables and cut down fats and meats from their diet. Red meat especially contains lots of fat that can lead to high cholesterol level. High cholesterol level is attributed as the primary risk factor for heart problems.

Osteoporosis Treatments

Osteoporosis is a preventable disease according to most experts. In fact experts believe if one takes care of their bones from a young age, they can avoid getting osteoporosis altogether.
By making a few simple lifestyle changes like exercising and eating right, one can prevent the onset of this disease.
However, if you do get osteoporosis, there are many treatments and medications available.

 

The following are treatments for osteoporosis currently available;

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Bisphosphonates
• Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
• Vitamin D derivatives and calcium supplements &
• Potential therapies that include Tibolone (Livial) & Parathyroid Hormone

Hormone Replacement Therapy is an effective way to deal with osteoporosis in women and at the same time relieves menopausal symptoms like, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. When taken at the initial stages of menopause, HRT prevents bone loss and increases bone density over the period of time it is taken.
According to research, HRT reduces the risk of spinal fractures by 40%. However, once this therapy is stopped, bone loss resumes. HRT needs to be taken only after a proper evaluation by a doctor as it increases the risk stroke, heart disease and breast cancer. Sometimes testosterone treatments are given to men due to the lack of male sex hormones, but these cases are rare.
Bisphosphonates are non-hormonal drugs used in the prevention of bone loss. They help by stopping the break down of bones. These drugs are taken on a daily or weekly basis, but can only be used to treat proven cases of osteoporosis with fractures.
The most common bisphosphonates include; Fosamax, Actonel and Didrocal. However, side effects from this treatment include stomach upsets.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are drugs that have similar effects on the bone as estrogen-HRT. They also help to maintain bone density and reduce the risks of fractures.
These drugs work by blocking certain estrogen receptors in the body. This medication’s side effects include a slight increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis and hot flushes.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are very important and beneficial for older people as they help reduce the risk of hip fractures. It is especially important that young women get plenty of calcium in their diet.
A 1000mgs of calcium is the recommended daily intake by experts; this is equal to a liter of milk. Sitting in the sun for even just 15 minutes a day can boost vitamin D production and build healthy bones. Consult your doctor about how much calcium and Vitamin D supplements you need.

Potential Therapies

Potential therapies being used to treat osteoporosis include Tibolone (Livial) & Parathyroid Hormones.
In Tibolone studies underway, tests are being conducted to see if it has the same effects as HRT and if it can prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
While in parathyroid therapy, Calcitonin is being used to increase bone formation and the absorption of calcium.
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that slows the breaking down of bone cells. It is administered via injection and has recently become available for use in Australia.