South Beach Diet is a weight-loss program that focuses on eating the good carbs. It was created by a heart doctor with the goal of improving his patients' health and it consists of three phases. The first cleans out your system, the second teaches you eat good carbs, like whole grain and high fiber bread. When you hit your goal, you move on to Phase 3, for maintenance.
Instructions
1. Check out South Beach Diet's official website. There are tons of tools on there, including a community of other dieters. You can become a part of the Beach Buddies program, where the site matches you up with other dieters who share some of your same characteristics.
2. Surf the web. There are several South Beach support groups online. One of the more popular groups is hosted by Prevention Magazine. It's been around for years, and so have many of its members. Not only do they offer support, they're experts on the plan.
3. Start your own support group. Get the conversation started with friends and co-workers who complain about being overweight. There is power in numbers. Convince them to start South Beach with you and hold your own weekly meetings. Holding each other accountable goes a long way toward being successful.
Tags: South Beach, Beach Diet, South Beach Diet, Beach Diet Support, Diet Support, Diet Support Groups
Peyronie's is a disease that occurs in adult males. Peyronie's disease is characterized by a noncancerous lump that causes the penis to bend. The disease can be both physically and emotionally painful.
Lump
The main symptom of Peyronie's disease is a hard lump that forms on the layers of the penis that contain erectile tissue. The lump is visible in both the non-erectile and erectile state.
Bending
One symptom of Peyronie's disease is bending of the penis. This is usually noticed during an erection.
Inflammation
One of the symptoms of Peyronie's disease is an inflamed penis.
Sexual Difficulties
Men with Peyronie's disease may have difficulties with sexual intercourse due to pain and bending of the penis.
Time Frame
The symptoms of Peyronie's disease may appear within a few days or take several years to develop. Seek medical attention immediately if you have any symptoms of Peyronie's disease.
According to the Foundation, one out of every six men will develop at some point in their life. How curable prostate cancer is depends upon how advanced the cancer is and how early treatments begin. The type of treatment used for prostate cancer will depend upon the stage or advancement of the disease.
Statistics
According to the , the survival rate for men with prostate cancer is nearly 100% over a five-year period. Ten- and 15-year survivability statistics are 91% and 76%, respectively. These statistics take into consideration that approximately 80% of all diagnosed prostate cases are in the early stages of the disease.
Surgery
When the cancer is localized, prostate surgery has a very good success rate for eliminating the cancer. The most common surgery is complete removal of the prostate via abdominal surgery. After surgery, the prostate, any tumors and some of the surrounding tissues are examined to make sure all of the cancer was removed.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is used to destroy or shrink cancer cells in the prostate or surrounding tissue. The radiation may be done externally, much like an x-ray, or internally where doses of radiation are sent into the prostate itself. According to the American Cancer Society, the effectiveness of radiation therapy on prostate cancer is approximately the same as surgery.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone treatment focuses on blocking testosterone, which may stop or slow the cancer's growth. Hormone therapy may be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments to improve the chances of curing the disease.
Advanced Stages
Advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized or spread to surrounding organs, tissues or bones is less likely to be curable than the earlier stages of the disease. Survivability statistics depend upon how far and fast the cancer is spreading. Treatments for advanced prostate cancer may include radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. These treatments are often used to extend the length and improve the quality of life.
Tags: prostate cancer, According American, According American Cancer, American Cancer, American Cancer Society
Caduet is a combination drug, containing both Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Norvasc (amlodipine). Lipitor is a statin that lowers cholesterol, and Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker that helps treat high blood pressure and angina. By taking both drugs at once, you can help treat several conditions, but be aware of side effects.
Effects
Norvasc opens up the blood vessels, making more room for blood to move and making it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body. Lipitor affects the liver, where cholesterol is made, and lowers cholesterol production.
Contraindications
Caduet shouldn't be used by people with liver problems, or by pregnant women or by women who may become pregnant in future.
Common Effects
Common but non-severe side effects of Caduet include mild constipation, nausea, stomach pain, gas and diarrhea. They also include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, tiredness and weakness.
Severe Effects
Caduet can cause serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you experience: fainting, a fast heartbeat, changes in urination, muscle pain or weakness (this symptom is especially dangerous with fever or exhaustion), severe stomach pain, ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine or yellow eyes or skin.
Treatment
If you're having problems with Caduet, don't stop taking it right away--stopping your medication cold turkey can actually worsen side effects. Speak with your doctor and lower the dose or stop taking Caduet gradually.
Grapefruit
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Caduet, as the fruit can increase the amount of medication in your body.
Tags: side effects, Effects Caduet, lowers cholesterol, stomach pain, stop taking, taking Caduet, your doctor
The Cabbage Soup Diet is very popular. There are many websites devoted to it and the number of recipes that can be used to create it are seemingly endless. But some people just don't like cabbage and would like an alternative diet with similar results. There are actually several soup diets available and they are all easy to make.
The Basics of Soup Diets
Soup diets are both boring and extremely low-calorie. That is why they work. The idea is that because you are eating the same thing over and over you will get bored and want less of it over time. The already low calorie count will thereby be decreased even further. Soup is also very filling, even when low in calories. The combination of the heat and liquid volume make you feel full quickly.
All soup diets have in common a clear broth. Not only are these diets low in calories they are, in most cases, virtually fat free.
Tomato Soup Diet
This diet is simple but repetitive. It lasts a week so you will need 14 cans of tomato soup. In a soup pot, empty 2 cans of soup and add 2 cans of water. This makes about 6 cups of soup. Eat one cup at a time whenever you want throughout the day. You can spice this up by adding cayenne pepper to taste.
The Boullion Diet
As the name says, you eat boullion. The easiest form of this diet is to use boullion cubes. You heat 1 cup of water, drop in the bullion cube, stir until dissolved and eat. This is the most restrictive of all soup diets, and it is strongly recommended that you take a multivitamin while on this diet.
The Vegetarian Vegetable Soup
This soup is so popular that many people have forgotten that it was ever part of a soup diet. The actual vegetables in the soup may vary according to what you like. Use 2 48-ounce cans of vegetable juice. You may use a spicy variety if you prefer. Pour them into the pot along with 3 cans of water. Add 4 cups of the raw vegetables of your choice. Cook until the vegetables are tender and eat as much of it as you like.
The Modified Soup Diet
This is one of the few soup diets that could be used for a long period of time. The trick to this one is to eat a cereal like Total for breakfast. Total provides a full day's supply of essential vitamins and nutrients. For breakfast you have one serving of Total cereal with skim milk. For lunch you choose a can of condensed soup prepared according to the instructions on the can. Eat half for lunch and reheat the other half for dinner.
Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in the foods we eat, and are created by the body to store excess energy for later use. Each time we consume more calories than we need, our bodies transform those extra calories into triglycerides, which are then stored in fat cells. Triglycerides are necessary for good health, but high levels of triglycerides in the blood have been linked to heart disease, particularly in conjunction with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. High triglycerides can be caused by genetics, an underactive thyroid or some diseases; however, the most controllable factors are obesity, overeating and excessive .
Instructions
1. Limit your alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking can increase triglycerides and is one of the easiest dietary and lifestyle changes to make when lowering triglyceride levels.
2. Eat smaller portions. Extra calories are turned into triglycerides every time you overeat. Determine your body's daily caloric needs with the help of your health care provider or a nutritionist and work to stay within that limit each day.
3. Limit your trans fat and saturated fat consumption. Get in the habit of reading labels when you shop and cook. This will help you recognize the amount of trans fats and saturated fats that you normally consume and will help you make informed decisions about your fat intake.
4. Switch to low fat dairy products, or cut dairy our of your diet completely. Low fat milk, cheese and yogurt are readily available in any grocery store. Non-dairy alternatives, such as rice milk, soy milk, soy ice cream and soy yogurt, are available at some chain grocers and most natural food stores.
5. Limit sugar consumption. Sugar adds unnecessary calories to food and drink and is an easy way to unknowingly calories than your body requires. Your body then turns those excess calories into triglycerides, raising the level of triglycerides in your blood. Switching to diet or sugar-free drinks is a good step to lower your triglycerides.
6. Increase your fiber consumption. A diet centered on healthy whole grains will increase your fiber intake and help decrease the triglycerides in your blood. Oatmeal is one healthy option that is easy to prepare and incorporate into your diet.
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Lyrica is Pfizer's brand name for the drug pregablin. The FDA approved Lyrica for the treatment of fibromyalgia in 2007. It is also used to treat other nerve-related pain disorders in 2007.
History
Lyrica was originally approved by the FDA to assist in managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia. The 2007 approval to expand Lyrica to treat fibromyalgia made the drug the first medicine to receive FDA approval to specifically treat that disease. Prior to this, fibromyalgia treatment involved a cafeteria style of management that included pain relievers, anti-depressants, and muscle relaxers.
Function
The establishment of Lyrica's efficacy in treating fibromyalgia was the result of two successful clinical studies. The studies utilized a random, double-blind approach using a placebo as the control medication. The result of these studies indicated that a dose between of either 300 mg or 450 mg a day could improve reduce pain and improve patient function. The results were confirmed when patients showed a marked relapse when they stopped receiving their daily dosage of Lyrica.
Benefits
Lyrica achieves these results by soothing the damaged nerves that create pain. In particular, Lyrica is effective at reducing the specific kind of sharp burning pain experienced by patients suffering from diseases like shingles and fibromyalgia, as well as those who suffer from diabetic nerve pain.
Theories/Speculation
An exact explanation for how Lyrica works has yet to be identified. Studies using animals have led researchers to speculate that Lyrica works by somehow reducing the number of electrical charges produced by the nerves that have been damaged. Other studies suggest that the medication actually affects how the brain allows patients to experience pain.
Effects
The side effects of Lyrica include such things as dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, constipation, heightened sensitivity, swelling, and difficulty concentrating. As with all medications, the side effects that any individual experiences will vary, including the possibility that a person may experience no negative effects at all. Consult with a doctor before taking Lyrica.
Warning
Lyrica may interact with other drugs. Among those listed as having the greatest potential for interaction are alcohol, antihistamines, barbituates, certain drugs to treat diabetes (including Avandia and Actos) , medications that treat Parkinson's (including Stalevo and Tasmar), certain relaxation or sleep aids such as Xanax and Valium, and tricyclic antidepressants. When consulting with a physician about the possibility of taking Lyrica, be sure to mention all other medications you are currently taking.
Considerations
Lyrica should be taken only at the prescribed dosage. If you forget to take the medication, take it immediately unless it is nearly time for a second dose, in which case you should only take one dose. Never combine dosages, but instead take them at the time intervals indicated on the label. Even if you begin feeling relief from the pain, take the next dose on schedule. Always consult with your physician before deciding to stop taking Lyrica.
When pollen, pet dander, perfumes or other environmental irritants are inhaled, it's common to develop allergic rhinitis--also known as "hay fever" or "pollinosis." Depending on the allergen, allergic rhinitis may occur seasonally or year-round. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to achieve symptom relief and ward off future allergy episodes.
Causes
is caused by the body's overreaction to particular substances. Common allergy triggers include pollens, pet dander, dust mites and mold. Allergic rhinitis sufferers are typically sensitive to multiple triggers. When your body is exposed to an offending allergen, antibodies are produced to fight off the intruder. These antibodies signal your body to release histamine--a chemical that causes sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing and runny nose.
While people don't inherit specific allergies from their parents, it's believed that children inherit the tendency to develop allergic rhinitis. You may also acquire allergies if you're exposed to particular allergens when your body's immune system is weak. This may occur after you've been ill, or when your body is overly tired.
Mild Symptoms
Most people are mildly symptomatic when exposed to allergy triggers. Mild symptoms are generally local, and include sinus congestion, watery eyes, hoarseness, rashes, repetitive sneezing, post-nasal drip and overall fatigue. Most mild allergy symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter drugs, but your physician may prescribe stronger antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids or eye drops to make your discomfort more bearable.
Severe Symptoms
For some, allergies can be serious or even life-threatening. A local rash may begin spreading to other body parts, or mild wheezing symptoms may turn into severe respiratory distress. The most severe allergic response is anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition that causes a full body reaction to an allergen. When a patient goes into anaphylaxis, they may experience serious breathing problems, throat swelling, diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal cramping, dizziness and disorientation.
Treatment
If you're aware of specific substances that trigger your allergic rhinitis reaction, the best thing to do is avoid them. This may mean staying indoors during high-pollen times, removing a pet from your home or wearing a respirator when you dust your house. However, when it's not possible to avoid allergy triggers, there are a number of other management solutions. Mild hay fever symptoms can be treated effectively with over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops.
If your allergic rhinitis is more severe, you may be a candidate for immunotherapy shots. During immunotherapy, increasingly larger allergen doses are injected into your blood stream. Over time, you become immune to these allergens, decreasing your symptomatic response. Allergy shots are usually administered over a one- to three-year period, depending on the severity of the trigger and the number of allergens that need to be addressed.
Warnings
Most allergy sufferers deal with mild symptoms that are easily managed with immunotherapy or occasional medications. If you begin experiencing intense itching, breathing difficulties or ear pain, however, it's important to see your health practitioner. If left untreated, allergic rhinitis can cause middle ear infections, sinus infections, intense coughing or voice changes. At worst, it can cause headaches, sleep problems and severe apnea.
In general, pregnant women should avoid taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications unless they are specifically approved by an OB/GYN or other health care professional who is aware of the pregnancy, since medications may cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Some doctors provide patients with a list of medications that are considered safe during pregnancy on their first prenatal visit, and require approval for anything else.
Types
The main types of medications pregnant women might take include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural remedies. None of these types of medications, including one that are all natural, are necessarily safe. In general, topical and low-dose medications such as anti-itch creams and sore throat sprays are more likely to be okay than those that are taken internally, especially at high or regular doses, but pregnant women should still avoid them without a doctor's approval. While some drugs, including those that affect the blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors and many migraine medications, are known to be potentially harmful during pregnancy, the risk of other drugs is still under debate.
Identification
Most prescription and over-the-counter drugs contain warnings for pregnant women on outside of the box or in the information pamphlet. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labels drugs as class "A," "B," "C," "D" or "X" for use during pregnancy. Class "A" drugs have been proven safe for pregnant women. Class "B" drugs have not been proven safe for pregnant women, but may have been safe in animal studies. Class "C" drugs have been proven harmful in animals, and have not been proven safe in humans. Class "D" drugs have been proven to cause birth defects or other harm, but their benefits may outweigh the risks in some cases. Class "X" drugs are known to be harmful to pregnant women or their babies, and should be completely avoided during pregnancy.
Time Frame
Some medications are most harmful during the first trimester of pregnancy, while others only need to be avoided during the last few weeks. For some drugs, the FDA may assign them one classification in early pregnancy and another classification in late pregnancy. Medications such as accutane (a prescription acne drug) and Thalidomide can cause severe birth defects if taken in early, or even shortly before, pregnancy, and Soriatane or acitretin (a psoriasis drug) can cause birth defects up to 3 years after a woman stops taking it. Other medications, such as aspirin, may cause excessive bleeding if a woman takes them in the hours or days before delivery.
Effects
Some medications, such as thalidomide, are now well known to cause severe birth defects such as missing limbs, heart problems and digestive disorders. For other medications, the effects are less clear. Drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve) may cause heart defects in the baby, especially late in pregnancy, but may be safe at occasional, low doses earlier on. While some medications such as anti-depressants may not cause obvious birth defects or complications, doctors still aren't sure whether they may have more subtle long-term effects on a child's development.
Considerations
In many cases, the effects of medications on pregnant women and their babies have not been adequately studied. Since doctors cannot say for sure that many drugs do not cause birth defects or pregnancy complications for the mother, they often recommend avoiding medications unless they are absolutely necessary to be on the safe side. In each case, the doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits of a drug, and any less risky alternatives, before recommending which medications a pregnant woman should take. For example, doctors may continue to treat women who have a disorder that makes them prone to blood clots with daily doses of aspirin, but recommend that women who have mild headaches use a safer alternative, such as acetaminophen, cold compresses or relaxation techniques instead.
Tags: pregnant women, birth defects, have been, been proven, Class drugs
A peptic ulcer is caused by an infection that occurs from the bacteria Helicobacter pylori or from medications that can thin the stomach or the duodenum's lining (located in the first section of the small intestine). When viewed via an examination using a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end (known as an endoscope), a peptic ulcer can cause major complications, including bleeding and obstruction.
Bleeding
A peptic ulcer not only creates a sore area in the stomach, it also can erode blood vessels in the stomach or duodenum. This causes bleeding in the stomach that can result in symptoms such as vomiting blood, experiencing bloody stools or black, tarry stools. Additional symptoms include fatigue, weakness, fainting or cold, clammy skin.
Perforation
Perforation occurs when stomach acid breaks through the intestinal wall to the abdominal cavity. This can cause infection in the abdominal cavity, also known as acute peritonitis. Perforation can onset suddenly, causing pain and the abdomen to become hardened. Immediate surgery often is required when perforation occurs.
Obstruction
Peptic ulcers can repeatedly appear in the same position, which can cause a build-up of scar tissue in the digestive tract. When the scar tissue develops where the stomach and duodenum meet, the duodenum may become blocked with fluid or food. Symptoms of obstruction include a swollen stomach, pain, nausea or vomiting.
Penetration
An ulcer also can extend beyond the stomach or duodenum's wall to another organ, such as the liver or pancreas. In addition to symptoms such as piercing pain at the affected area, pain may occur in other areas of the body and can become sharper with movement. A physician can prescribe medications to heal the ulcer, though surgery may be needed to treat more severe cases.
Sleeplessness
Pain due to a peptic ulcer can result in an inability to sleep, which can cause symptoms such as depression, dizziness, hallucinations, irritability, blurred vision or heart disease. A physician may prescribe medications both to treat the ulcer and to provide relief for temporary sleeplessness.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development, better known as HUD, is a government agency that is designed to provide access to low-cost housing for those who cannot afford standard rental rates. HUD doesn't provide housing assistance directly to families in need, but instead helps to fund state, county, and city housing projects. Applying for HUD-backed housing assistance is generally very easy, and mostly requires you to fill out paperwork and provide some basic documentation.
Instructions
1. Contact your local city or county officials to request information about housing assistance, specifically the location of the nearest housing authority. Should you not be able to contact the city or county officials that you need, you may also learn the location of the housing authority from the closest HUD field office (which you can locate in the government section of your phone directory or by visiting the HUD Field Office directory on the HUD website.)
2. Visit the housing authority to fill out an application. You will likely be required to provide proof of income, proof of identity, and a listing of anyone who will be living with you. Additional information may be requested by the housing authority office as well, which you may have to collect and return to them by a specific date.
3. Request information about Section 8 rent subsidies while at the housing authority. Section 8 subsidies are income-dependent, so you may not qualify for them if you make too much money. Additionally, not all rental property owners will accept Section 8 subsidies.
4. Purchase or request a list of rental properties from the housing authority or any other civic group in your area that provides them (such as a local Chamber of Commerce.) Contact the owners of low-cost housing on the list to inquire about whether they accept Section 8 vouchers or other forms of HUD and housing authority assistance.
5. Arrange a meeting with the manager or owner of rental properties that seem promising and who accept the type of HUD-backed assistance that you have applied for. This will let you view the properties and determine exactly how much you'll have to pay in rent each month.
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Anyone who exercises on a regular basis will deal with knee problems from time to time. Knee problems need to be taken seriously, because a knee problem that is ignored can lead to permanent damage--and permanent pain.
Instructions
1. Take it easy for a few days. Orthopedists (doctors who specialize in the skeleton and its joints) recommend following a routine they refer to as "RICE." Rest your knee as much as possible. Ice your knee often to keep swelling down. Compress the knee with a knee brace or bandage. Elevate the knee as often as you can.
2. Get fitted for good exercise shoes while you are taking a break from exercise. Go to a specializes in getting a good fit. Look for a store that has a return policy for shoes that cause foot or knee pain. The person who fits you should measure both feet and your arches. In addition, the person should look at the way your foot and knee turn in or out while walking. This helps the salesperson find a shoe that will support your foot well.
3. Practice good posture. Bad posture can throw your knees out of line and lead to knee injuries. Sit up straight and try performing stretches that promote good posture.
4. Take a mild pain reliever like Motrin or Advil. These pain relievers will not only reduce pain, they will lessen the swelling in the knee.
5. Stretch carefully before each workout, once the pain subsides enough for you to resume exercise. Begin doing a light yoga routine daily to keep muscles loose.
6. Begin low impact workouts before jumping back into what you were doing when the injury occurred. Swimming and biking are excellent choices. These will allow you to get a good workout without damaging your knee.
7. Do squats to build strength. Start slowly, doing only a few squats. If you can do them without pain, the next day increase your repetitions. As the squats become easier to handle, add hand weights to challenge your body--and your knees.
8. See a doctor if pain persists. Knee pain is common but it is not normal. A doctor can run tests to check for damage to the knees. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to fix the knee.
Tags: your knee, foot knee, good posture, knee often, store that, with knee
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the mental health field there are several important things to consider. Most counseling jobs require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree, with most requiring a Master's degree. It is important to research the requirements in the state in which you you plan to practice to find out what the exact requirements are for your state. There are some consistencies but each state has its own guidelines regarding education, licensure and experience required in order to become a counselor.
Instructions
1. Contact your state board to find out the requirements for working as a counselor. The name of the board may vary from Board of Mental Health Professions to Board of Counseling, but the purpose is the same. This board regulates the practice of counseling in your state.
2. Identify an accredited school to receive your counseling education. It is essential to find a school that has been accredited by CACREP or COAMFTE to receive your counseling degree so that your school courses and internship hours will count towards licensure in your state. Write to potential schools and request more information to find out about their programs and the opportunities provided. To become a licensed practicing counselor you will need to obtain a minimum of a Master's degree before you can begin working on your counseling residency.
3. Begin residency hours. Once you have received a degree in counseling it will be necessary to complete a residency in the state in which you plan to practice. Most states require between 3,000 to 4,000 supervised hours in order to become licensed. Your residency will provide you with opportunities to practice counseling, learn group models, process the administrative duties associated with counseling and gain experience working with clients.
4. Take the . Each state requires clinicians to pass a licensing exam in order to begin practicing on their own. Some states use a national test like the NCE (National Counselor Exam), and others have their own test they prefer to administer. You can get study guides to prepare for these tests and should begin preparing months in advance.
5. Pay your license fee. This fee varies depending on the state but is usually around $150 and must be renewed yearly. Once you have completed these steps and have received your license you can begin practicing unsupervised. It is necessary in most states, however, to receive continuing education credits in order to maintain your license.
Tags: your state, your counseling, your license, begin practicing, have received, licensing exam, Master degree
Mylar is a polymer film used in magnetic audio recording.
A particularly strong industrial polyester film developed in the 1950s, Mylar or polyethylene terephthalate, quickly replaced cellophane during the 1960s. By the 1970s, the handling qualities of Mylar opened new consumer markets including photography, magnetic audio and video tape, electrical components, and medicine. Mylar allows for different applications such as coatings for solar reflective screens on its microscopically textured side (the other side is smooth). The properties of Mylar explain the useful diversity of this 21st century product.
Service Life
Known for its durability and strength, the service life of Mylar (American product name) depends on how much severe stretching and bending it experiences. Severe flexing is the time required to reach 10 percent elongation under different humidity and working temperature resulting in decreased service life. Typically, compromising the dimensional stability with too much strain, too much heat, or leaving Mylar in water too long also decreases the service life. Coating or enclosing Mylar prolongs its beneficial uses.
Heat Aging
Recommended temperature for Mylar is 302 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum service while retaining all properties. Severe or extensive heat exposure may require reducing service temperatures to Mylar. 428 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes costs nearly 10 percent of its tensile (bend and stretch) strength. Heated for less than a minute at 455 degrees Fahrenheit makes Mylar turn brittle and shatter. Special coatings to the film increases Mylar's resistance to heat.
Hydrolytic Stability
Over exposure to humidity under high temperatures causes decomposition of Mylar reacting to water (hydrolytic stability). Heating Mylar at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours removes any damaging moisture absorbed by the film. Enclosing Mylar in an airtight container ideally frees the plastic film from of any over exposure to unwanted moisture.
Tensile Properties
Mylar's ability to stretch and return to its normal state (tensile strength) makes it a diverse product. Various temperatures affect the typical 38 hundreds ratio before yield and 58 hundreds after yield properties of Mylar. Using manufacturing guides included with the product allows for necessary adjustments and precautions when using Mylar under higher temperatures.
Creep
The scale of the load, the time applied, and temperature determines the "creep" or deformation of Mylar film. Under testing, Mylar shows no large levels of creep. In a 212 degree Fahrenheit oven after 4,000 hours, 35 hundred millimeter gauge and 50 100,000 lbs. per square inch Mylar experiences an insignificant creep of 9/10 percent.
Compressive Properties
Packaged in 1 inch by 1 inch cylindrical tubing, stacking or compressing reveals Mylar recording tape does not buckle, shatter, or fracture when tested under this standard warehousing and shipping application.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that results in painful inflammation to a person's joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is believed to be caused by an immune system problem that causes healthy joints to be attacked by white blood cells, precipitating swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is much more frequently seen in women than in men and most cases occur in people between the ages of 40 and 60 years old. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis cannot cure the affliction but can allow a person to be able to have more flexibility and less pain in the affected joints. In addition to drugs such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can help with the pain and inflammation, there are several other treatments available for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
The joint damage attributed to rheumatoid arthritis can often be minimized by a type of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Drugs of this nature are normally prescribed by a physician to a patient with rheumatoid arthritis when the condition first appears. They can work to slow the advance of the arthritis and to keep joints such as the hands, knees, and wrists from becoming severely damaged. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have to be taken over a span of weeks and sometimes even months before any appreciable benefit is noticed. Plaquenil, Azulfidine, Minocin, Rheumatrex, and Ridaura are all types of this medication.
TNF-alpha Inhibitors
A cell protein called TNF-alpha is active in causing the inflammation that goes with rheumatoid arthritis. There is strong evidence that TNF-alpha inhibitors--drugs designed to block the affects of these proteins--can keep rheumatoid arthritis from worsening. TNF-alpha inhibitors such as Enbrel, Remicade and Humira are usually taken in conjunction with other medications. However, there are serious side effects linked to these drugs, with possible blood disorders, lymphoma, and an increased chance of infections among them.
Anakinra
Anakinra, also called Kinaret, is designed to be much the same as a chemical that occurs naturally in the human body. This chemical, called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, helps to short-circuit chemical signals that result in inflammation in instances of rheumatoid arthritis. People that have severe cases of the condition may be aided by Anakinra, as it can limit swelling in the joints. Daily shots of Anakinra are self-administered just under the skin. A side effect of this medication is a potential reaction where the shot is given. Other possible problems include headaches, lowered white blood cell counts and upper respiratory infections.
Abatacept and Rituxan
Abatacept is able to bring inflammation under control and reduce the damage to joints that occurs during rheumatoid arthritis. It does so by affecting the white blood cells that cause the trouble. Given monthly by intravenous injections, Abatacept can cause headaches and nausea. Rituxan does its work by keeping down the amount of B cells in an individual with rheumatoid arthritis. B cells are also involved in the inflammation process but Rituxan, taken in a manner similar to Abatacept, can reduce these cells significantly. Symptoms that resemble those of the flu, chills and nausea have been connected to this rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Surgical treatments
Sometimes medications cannot halt the damage done by rheumatoid arthritis to joints or control the level of pain in a patient. Surgery is a possibility for some people that have this problem. Total joint replacements are frequently performed when joints such as hips, knees and ankles have been ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis. Surgeons can remove the lining of joints in some cases, eliminating swelling and painful symptoms of the ailment. Surgery to repair affected tendons can also be an option.
Tags: rheumatoid arthritis, with rheumatoid, with rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
This article provides an overview of the categories and causes of deafness.
Definition
The word "deaf" refers to a lack or loss of the sense of hearing, especially with a limited ability to understand speech.
Types
There are two medical categories of deafness: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive deafness is the result of an outer-ear obstruction or malfunction of the middle ear, usually a problem with the ossicles, small bones linked to the ear drum. Sensorineural deafness is caused by damage to the auditory nerve or cochlear inner ear cells.
Early Deafness
Individuals who are deaf at birth generally have sensorineural hearing loss, which may arise as a birth defect, side effect of another illness or a genetically acquired trait. Some multi-generational deaf families exist because of such genetic abnormalities, but nine out of 10 deaf children are born to hearing parents.
Late Deafness
The majority of deaf people lose their hearing later in life. The most common forms of sensorineural deafness are noise-induced, from prolonged exposure to loud sounds, or presbycusis, age-related hearing loss. Some ototoxic medications used to treat serious illnesses also cause sensorineural deafness.
Repeated ear infections, head trauma or other abnormalities in the middle ear may result in conductive hearing loss.
Prevention
To prevent noise-induced hearing loss, always use ear protection in noisy work environments, refrain from prolonged use of headphones or earbuds and keep music at low-volume levels.
Tags: hearing loss, from prolonged, most common, sensorineural deafness
A painful sunburn is just one of the dangers of spending too much time in the sun. Overexposure can result in age spots, wrinkles and even skin cancer. It takes two to four hours for sunburn damage to appear, and it takes up to 24 hours for the pain, redness and swelling to reach its peak. To avoid sunburn, wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or stronger and try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. If you do get burned, try these methods for pain relief.
Cool the Burn
Soak a cloth in cold water and place it on the sunburn. This helps drop the skin's temperature and reduces swelling and inflammation. Do not use ice, which can cause further damage to the burned skin through frostbite. If the sunburn affects a large area, soak in a cool bath. This also will help rehydrate the skin.
Aloe Vera
Gently rub aloe vera gel on the sunburn. Sunburn pain is caused by the release of prostaglandins, and aloe vera counters this effect. When purchasing aloe gel, look for a product that is 98 percent to 100 percent pure.
Prickly pear cactus gel has some of the same soothing effects as aloe. Prickly pear leaves can be found in the produce aisle of some grocery stores. Split the cactus leaf open and scrape out the gel, then apply directly to the sunburn.
Sunburn Relief Spray
Pour 1/2 tsp. lavender essential oil, 1/2 cup aloe gel, 1 tsp. vitamin E oil and 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on your sunburn. When applying to the face, avoid contact with your eyes and instead spray on a piece of gauze and dab it on face. Store the spray in the refrigerator to make it extra cooling; it will keep for up to four months. This spray promotes new cell growth and healing while reducing inflammation.
Other Remedies
Smear the sunburn with plain yogurt, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. The dairy protein in the yogurt helps seal in moisture. Another cooling remedy is to fill a spray bottle with witch hazel and spray on skin. Place the spray in the refrigerator to chill.
Pain Relief
Medications that can provide pain relief include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. Topical anesthetic ointments also offer temporary relief. Look for products containing lidocaine, which are sold in cream or spray form. Sprays are easier to apply to sunburn. Do not spray on the face; instead spray into gauze and dab it on the burn.
You can still have a baby even if you've undergone a partial hysterectomy.
A partial hysterectomy is a medical procedure during which a physician removes a woman's upper uterus while she is under anesthetic. On occasion, a woman might need to have her cervix, the lower part of her uterus, removed in addition to her upper uterus. A woman who has undergone a partial hysterectomy can still use several methods to ultimately have the family she wants. She can do so even though she cannot physically carry a baby to term herself.
Instructions
1. Undergo an in vitro fertilization procedure. During this process you are prescribed medications to vastly increase the number of eggs you produce during a single menstrual cycle. After the eggs have grown to a sufficient size, they are removed from your body under anesthesia and fertilized with your partner's sperm. After several days, the eggs are monitored to determine which ones are in best condition to make a baby. The embryos chosen by the embryologist are placed in the uterus of a gestational carrier who can carry the baby to term for you.
2. Pursue adoption. Adopting a baby is possible for a woman with a partial hysterectomy provided she meets other criteria, such as age. You might need to pass a home study and pay adoption fees.
3. Hire a surrogate mother, which is a legal option in many states. Pick a woman to carry a baby for you. The surrogate agrees to be inseminated with your partner's sperm and her own eggs. After she gives birth, she agrees to turn over the baby to you and your partner to adopt. Surrogacy is an option for a woman who has undergone removal of her ovaries or finds that her ovaries aren't working properly. Surrogacy can also be an option for a woman who is taking medications that might compromise her egg quality.
Tags: carry baby, your partner, your partner sperm, , carry baby term, might need
Lavender is not only beautiful, but it has other benefits as well.
Lavender is a garden decoration that emits a calming and sweet aroma. Lavender essential oil is touted as providing many health benefits, including acting as a natural mosquito repellent when mixed with other oils and natural ingredients.
Significance
Lavender may not be effective against mosquitoes when used as a standalone product. However, combining lavender with other essential oils like citronella or eucalyptus and then diluting the oils with distilled witch hazel creates a mixture that acts as an effective mosquito repellent.
Benefits
Lavender essential oil is safe to use on both adult and children skin. You can apply it directly to exposed areas such as arms and legs to deter mosquito bites. Essential oils can be used in a rub or mixed into a spray.
Considerations
Organic repellents using lavender essential oils offer a pleasant smell and are free from potentially dangerous ingredients found in over-the-counter sprays, which may spell unpleasant to some users and cause adverse skin reactions.
Tags: essential oils, mosquito repellent, with other
Neck pain--whether it's the result of an injury, the aftereffects of a workout or from sleeping in the wrong position--is enough to ruin your day. It can leave you feeling tense, tired, and cranky. Fortunately, something as simple as chewing gum can help provide temporary relief from your . Studies show that the rhythmic motion of chewing gum suppresses pain responses in the body and can provide up to 30 minutes of relief.
Instructions
Pain Relief From Chewing Gum
1. Choose your gum of choice. If you're dealing with a chronic pain issue, choose a sugar-free variety, so you can chew as often as you need to without harming your teeth. If you are sensitive to aspartame or sucralose, try a gum sweetened with maltitol or xylitol.
2. Begin chewing the gum. Chew gently and rhythmically. Over-zealous chewing can trigger jaw and neck pain, so it's important that you chew gently. Rhythmic chewing is important for the pain relief you're trying to achieve.
3. Chew the gum for at least 20 minutes. Switch pieces in the middle if the gum's flavor becomes unpleasant or if its texture becomes too rubbery for comfortable chewing.
4. Expect relief to last for 30 minutes after you finish chewing.
5. Repeat as often as necessary for ongoing relief, but if you notice pain developing in your jaw, take a break from chewing for a couple of hours.
Members can also file an appeal or grievance with their health insurance company if they feel payment was warranted.
The way a claim is coded and billed determines how an insurance carrier processes the claim for payment. Providers file appeals and grievances for claims that are either denied, processed incorrectly or were never processed because it was filed past the timely filing deadline. Members can also file an appeal or grievance with their health insurance company if they feel payment was warranted. Appeal requests must be made in writing and all supporting documentation attached for medical review.
Instructions
1. Call the insurance company. Find out exactly why the line items in question did not process to pay.
2. Ask where to send the appeal and attention the envelope to the correct department.
3. Print out chart notes from the encounter and review the documentation to be sure it supports what you are appealing.
4. Attach outside resources that validate your request for an appeal. Consider using information from the American Medical Association or a publication from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service.
5. Write an appeal letter identifying the patient, date of service and claim number. Clearly state why you are appealing the insurance company's decision, reference the supporting documentation and request correspondence as to the outcome of your request.
6. Attach a copy of the payer's Explanation of Payment (EOP) or Explanation of Benefits (EOP) and mail out the appeal.
Tags: insurance company, also file, , appeal grievance, appeal grievance with, company they, company they feel
Electrotherapy is the practice of sending electric currents through various parts of the body to treat medical problems. Electrotherapy is used to treat a range of problems, from chronic pain to depression.
History
The first recorded use of electricity in a medical procedure dates to the time of Aristotle, around 350 B.C. At the time, the shock of the Mediterranean torpedo fish was prescribed for the treatment of gout and headaches. Notable advancements did not occur until 1747, when Jean Jallabert, a physics professor in Geneva, was able to alleviate paralysis in a locksmith's arm.
Types
There are number of different types of electrotherapy which are virtually without pain and effective. The most common include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) and interferential current (IFC). TENS, which stimulates muscles at relatively low frequencies, may be used in a clinic or in a patient's residence. IFC, on the other hand, stimulates at a higher frequency, and thus much more deeply.
Applications
Various kinds of electrotherapy may be used to treat pain, stimulate muscles, increase blood circulation, treat lesions, repair damaged tissue and treat depression.
Traditional chemotherapies are often ineffective for pancreatic cancer
Despite tremendous advances in cancer treatment and survival rates, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most deadly afflictions and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The relative survival rate for those stricken remains at a discouraging 5.5 percent as of 2005, according to the National Cancer Institute. Relative survival rates are a representation of the number of those stricken still alive after five years relative to the general population. Complicating specialists' efforts is the cancer's ability to grow without producing symptoms in the victim until it is often too late.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, weight-loss and abdominal pain, though these rarely present in the patient before the cancer is in the advanced stages. Body imaging--including x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET)--and a general physical exam and patient history are all tools used by physicians to locate and stage .
Treatment
Surgery is the most effective aid in combating pancreatic cancer, but survivability rates even for surgical candidates lag far behind those of patients with other cancers that are surgically resected. Early diagnosis is key to achieving higher survivability, but pancreatic cancers don't present outward symptoms until the tumor is well established, so getting the early diagnosis is often complicated. Both radiation and chemotherapy treatments are used, either in conjunction with or instead of surgery, but chemotherapies have proven less effective with pancreatic cancer than with other cancers.
Risk Factors
Pancreatic cancer is more prevalent in men than in women, with a higher incidence among African-Americans. A diet rich in saturated fats and cholesterol is believed to be an aggravating factor. Chronic pancreatitis is a leading indicator of future risk. Pancreatitis is linked to alcohol abuse, which, according to a study by Stephanie Smith-Warner at the Harvard Institute of Health, increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by 22 percent.
Alternative Therapies
The American Cancer Society has been reluctant to endorse alternative therapies, particularly with the shorter time line of pancreatic cancer, as the organization's position is that the time spent pursuing them could be better used in conventional treatment. ACS approves of the use of complementary therapies such as acupuncture for pain, meditation for stress and peppermint tea for nausea.
Future Possibilities
In 2010, researchers at the Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville branch began targeting an oncogene--a gene that, when mutated, helps turn healthy cells into cancer cells--called PKCi. Pancreatic cancer patients with high levels of the PKCi oncogene survived an average of just 492 days while those with low levels of PKCi survived an average of 681 days. Aurothiomalate, a drug used to target PKCi in arthritis sufferers, began phase-one clinical trials in 2010 in the hope that it could be a stand-alone treatment for pancreatic cancer or at least make current chemotherapies more effective.
Tags: pancreatic cancer, , levels PKCi, other cancers, patients with
Calluses are the body's way of protecting itself against constant pressure. This hardened or thickened area of skin generally forms on hands and feet in places that become irritated by things like regular manual labor or ill-fitting shoes. You can take steps to remove existing calluses and keep new ones from forming.
Instructions
1. Watch calluses disappear. Stop the pressure that caused the callus, and it should go away on its own over time. For example, switch to better-fitting shoes or stop using the tool causing pressure to your hand.
2. Soak calluses on your hand or foot in warm water to remove them quicker. Use a pumice stone or specially designed file to gently rub away the buildup of dead skin. Repeat this process every day for about a week if the callus is large.
3. See a doctor if you cannot remove calluses on your own. A doctor can use chemicals to dissolve calluses or, in severe cases, can use a surgical procedure to .
4. Prevent more calluses from forming. Wear gloves to cushion hands while performing ; wear shoes that fit properly; use arch supports in shoes and don't wear high heels everyday to avoid constant pressure on heels the balls of feet.
Tags: calluses your, constant pressure, from forming, manual labor, remove them, your hand
Colon cancer is a disease that affects the digestive system. The colon is part of the body's large intestine. It is important to know the stages of colon cancer in case this type of cancer affects you personally in the future.
Stage 0
In Stage 0, the cancer cells are just forming. The cells can be found in the inner layer of the colon.
Stage I
Stage I colon cancer means that the cancer cells have spread from the inner layer of the colon to deeper layers. It has not spread to anywhere other than the colon.
Stage II
In Stage IIA, the cancer has spread from the colon's outer layers but it has not gotten to other organs yet. In Stage IIB, the cancer has spread through the colon to .
Stage III
In Stage IIIA, the cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the colon. In Stage IIIB, it may have spread not only to lymph nodes but other organs. In Stage IIIC, the cancer may have spread to lymph nodes but not through the actual wall of the colon.
Stage IV
Stage IV colon cancer means the cancer has now spread to other organs such as the liver or lungs.
Tags: Stage Stage, cancer spread, colon Stage, other organs, colon cancer
Belly fat is generally considered unsightly in men, and it poses health risks. The causes are many and the cures are as abundant as the extra pounds.
Significance
According to Dr. Michael Jensen, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, men who carry too much belly fat run a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.
Identification
If a man cannot see below his belt and he is not sure were his feet are planted, his belly is too big, according to the Mayo Clinic. A tape measure that reaches 40 or more inches around a man's waist is indicative of a high amount of belly fat.
Age
As a man ages, belly fat becomes more likely to accumulate, according to Dr. Jensen. Muscle loss can be apparent even if a man exercises. This muscle loss can decrease the number of calories burned, and consequently lead to increased belly fat.
Theories/Speculation
Belly fat may be linked to inherited traits, but more often than not, lifestyle and diet are to blame, according to Dr. Jensen. Excessive alcohol consumption, for example, can cause belly fat in men, although there is some disagreement as to whether wine is as big a culprit as other forms of spirits.
Prevention/Solution
Cutting calories, watching alcohol intake, and exercising more are the most effective ways to lose the spare tire.
According to a National Health Interview Survey conducted by the CDC in 1993, there were 7.8 million diagnosed cases of diabetes in the United States with another estimated 7 million undiagnosed cases (NIH Guide, Vol. 26 #35 October 17, 1997). And according to Wikipedia, 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes cases in North America are believed to be type 1. For years, type 1 diabetics have had to rely on the hormone insulin to keep their blood sugar levels balanced, but new technology has opened up new possibilities for treatment
The Range of Options
Currently, diabetes is most reliably managed by insulin injections along with diet management and exercise. There is a plethora of so-called "herbal" or natural treatments. However, there is little to prove that any of these treatments are beneficial and some may even be harmful. In the mainstream medical community, a variety of surgical options are rising along with genetic manipulation of the body's cells. But even these treatments present challenges. And there are so-called complementary treatments that alone have no proven effect on diabetes, but they may have in impact on the overall well-being of the patient, which in turn affects his diabetes management.
"New" Old Treatments
The herbal and dietary supplement industry have made substances like echinacea household names. But, there is little evidence to support that many of these "treatments" live up to their hype. Although many of these herbs have been around for years, some of them have never been approved for treatment of diabetes. But, WebMD says that there are no recommendations for the use of any of these supplements as diabetes treatments, and some have even been outright banned by the FDA.
Cutting Edge Treatments
According to the website, pancreas transplantation has become an option for diabetes treatment. As with any surgery, there are risks, and no guarantees. The Mayo Clinic reports that in some patients, pancreas function drops off after about 5 years.
An alternative to pancreas transplant is islet cell transplant. Islet cells are the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Instead of doing an entire pancreas transplant, the Mayo Clinic says that islet cells can be harvested from a donor and implanted into the liver. Islet cells are placed in the liver because it is more accessible than the pancreas and the islet cells can produce insulin in the liver as well as the pancreas.
According to the CDC website, a third high-tech alternative diabetes treatment involves genetic manipulation. It is possible to manipulate the body's fat and muscle cells to transform them into "pseudo islet" cells. Pseudo islet cells are tissue cells that are genetically converted to produce insulin.
There has been some success with each of , however, there are still many challenges with each. And, a cure for diabetes is still years away.
A Little Less Extreme
If you're not ready for major surgery, some patients with both type1 and type 2 diabetes believe that acupuncture has helped alleviate their symptoms. However, according to one article by Robin Parks, MS (health.yahoo.com) acupuncture and massage are considered "complementary therapies." There is no scientific evidence to prove that acupuncture, massage or herbal treatments have any measurable effects on diabetes. However, such treatments may help patients with stress reduction which can, in turn, alleviate some symptoms of diabetes.
What's the Best Approach?
There is still much research to be done on the treatment of diabetes. Many new treatments are on the horizon. But, currently the best options remain controlling your blood sugar levels with diet, exercise and insulin management. There are still many "complementary" treatments that may help reduce stress and improve your overall health, but as always, consult with your physician before undergoing any alternative treatments of any kind.
Tags: these treatments, Mayo Clinic, produce insulin, acupuncture massage, along with
Almost 6,000 Americans died of throat cancer in 2008, according to the American Cancer Society, many of whom were smokers as they run the highest risk of developing the disease. Throat cancer, also known as pharyngeal cancer, can begin in any of the three areas of the pharynx--the nasopharynx, the hypopharynx or the oropharynx. The nasopharynx is located in back of the thread and behind the nose, while the hypopharynx is found on the throat's bottom. The oropharynx is made up of the tongue's base, soft palate and the back of the mouth.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms may include a lump or a sore that refuses to heal, a continual cough or sore throat or problems swallowing and hoarseness. The disease occurs in four stages, according to the degree the cancer has spread. The first three stages are considered early stages because the cancer isn't large and is contained locally. Usually radiation therapy or surgery can stop the disease before it spreads further. It is important to know the stage so that your doctor can determine if cancer has spread--and if so where. Besides an examination of the throat, other diagnostic devices may include X-rays and laboratory tests.
Stage I
Most throat cancers develop on the vocal cords, and then later spread to the larynx or voice box. At Stage I the cancer is small and measures less than 1 inch or about 2 cm. At this point, it hasn't spread to the lymph nodes so the prognosis for recovery is good if treatment begins immediately. If located in the glottis of the larynx (supraglottis), vocal cords are able to move normally.
Stage II
Although Stage II is still considered an early stage, by this time the cancer has grown, now measuring from 1 to 2 inches (or greater than 2 cm, but less than 4 cm). The outlook for recovery is good as it hasn't extended out to the lymph nodes and is still confined to either the pharynx or larynx.
Stage III
As the cancer enters Stage III, it has grown to more than 2 inches (4 cm or more). It's also begun to spread to a lymph node located on same neck side where the primary cancer originated. The size of the cancer in the lymph node measures slightly more than 1 inch. If the cancer is small enough and it is possible to remove the single involved lymph node, Stage III is still considered early. However, Stage III cancers that are larger are termed "locally advanced." Treatment usually calls for surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapies.
Stage IV
By Stage IV, the cancer has grown large and has traveled to the lips and mouth, besides spreading to several lymph nodes on the same neck side. On the other hand, it could have spread to the lymph node situated on the alternate side. One lymph node can also have a diameter that is larger than 3 inches (or more than 6 cm).
Tags: lymph node, considered early, , more than, spread lymph
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Its severity is measured in five stages, from Stage 0 to Stage IV. These stages are based on the thickness of the original tumor and whether the cancer has spread.
Stage 0
In this stage, the cancerous cells are only located in the very top layer of the skin.
Stage I
Stage I melanomas are classified two ways: The tumor is either no more than 1 millimeter thick and is ulcerated; or, the tumor is between 1 and 2 millimeters thick but is not ulcerated. In Stage I, the cancer has not spread to any other surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
Stage II
There are also two possibilities for Stage II melanomas. In this stage, the tumor is at least 1 millimeter thick and is ulcerated, or it is more than 2 millimeters thick, with or without ulceration. In this stage, there is still no spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
Stage III
This stage is characterized by the spread of the cancer to surrounding tissues. This may be the surrounding skin or one or more of the nearest lymph nodes.
Stage IV
Stage IV melanoma has spread to tissues that are far from the original tumor site. This includes , internal organs and areas of skin not adjacent to the original tumor. Stage IV melanoma sometimes spreads to the brain.
Battling a weight problem can be very difficult. After all other diets and exercise routines have failed, a person may elect to get weight loss surgery. Recently, the lap band surgery has been deemed a safer alternative to gastric bypass surgery. The lap band surgery is reversible and provides a safer alternative to other weight loss surgeries.
Common Symptoms
Many people who have had lap band surgery report that band slippage, increased flatulence, diarrhea, and erosion of the band around the stomach as a frequent side effect of the lap .
Physical Symptoms
While the lap band surgery has few complications, many people experience bloating, nausea and ulcers. Hair loss has also been reported due to the procedure.
Weight Symptoms
The lap band procedure was intended to help aid in weight loss, however, some potential side effects of the lap band surgery are weight regain or lack of weight loss.
Food / Eating Symptoms
People who get lap band surgery may notice that they are unable to eat the foods that they once were accustomed to. Difficulty swallowing may occur, or sickness from certain textures may induce vomiting. Furthermore, the vomiting can lead to dehydration.
Bowel Problems
The lap band surgery can lead to constipation of frequent diarrhea. In addition, a person's bowel movements may be inconsistent and irregular.
Tags: band surgery, weight loss, band procedure, Lapband Surgery, Lapband Surgery Side,
Detox, or detoxification, is the process of ridding the body of toxins and drugs. There is much unsupported acclaim for the naturally occurring psychoactive compound ibogaine as an effective treatment for drug addiction. However, ibogaine is illegal in the United States, and there is a lack of legitimate ibogaine research conducted on humans to support such claims.
Identification
Ibogaine is a hallucinogenic compound produced within the root of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. According to Ibogaine.org, Howard S. Lotsof performed the initial research regarding ibogaine as a treatment for cocaine and heroin addiction in 1962 and 1963. Lotsof, and those who administer ibogaine at ibogaine detox centers, claim that ibogaine reduces withdrawal symptoms, and the craving for drugs, which often accompany detoxification.
Legality
The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classifies ibogaine as a Schedule I substance, meaning that the U.S. federal government prohibits the use of ibogaine, and recognizes no medicinal value. Ibogaine research is hampered by its illegal status. Much of the acclaim regarding ibogaine detox treatment is anecdotal and speculative.
Detox
Detoxifying from such drugs as alcohol, cocaine and heroin can produce difficult withdrawal symptoms. Ibogaine treatment centers, which operate outside of the United States, administer ibogaine to those seeking treatment for addiction. Ibogaine.org states that ibogaine does not treat addiction by becoming a substitute drug, but rather that it can be administered effectively in a single dose.
Administration
Theraputic doses of ibogaine can vary between 500 mg to 800 mg for singles doses. According to 2007 research described in "The Townsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine", effects of the initial dose can be felt for approximately a week, and that after this period some patients may take smaller doses as boosters.
Effects
Ibogaine is a hallucinogen, which means it alters the perception and cognition of the user. Accordng to Ibogaine.org, the effects of ibogaine can be felt within 45 minutes. The user may then experience three to five hours of vivid visualizations. The Villa Serena Ibogaine Clinic in Cancun, Mexico, advises patients to use their time under the influence of ibogaine to analyze the conditions and choices that underlie drug addiction.
Function
According to 2005 research published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, decreases the functioning of a nerve growth factor known as the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor, or GDNF. Research conducted on rats indicates that ibogaine promotes GDNF functioning and blocks the behavioral effects of addictive drugs.
Side Effects
According to Iboga Therapy House, a Canadian nonprofit ibogaine detox center, side effects of ibogaine can include the loss of control of bodily movement, tremors, increased sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. Drugs.com states that deaths have been connected to ibogaine use.
Tags: drug addiction, , administer ibogaine, cocaine heroin, effects ibogaine, regarding ibogaine, states that
Knee surgery is a complicated and painful surgery. Recovery from this surgery is a long and hard road, but knowing some of the complications you may come across can mentally prepare you for the worst possible.
Infection
Infection from a knee surgery is rare, but it is higher than other surgeries. This can occur if bacteria enters the wound through the air, or from the operating instruments. Many contemporary surgeries have lowered the rate of infection by providing clean air filters, and the sterilization of equipment.
Blood Clots
Blood clotting, also called phlebitis, is the most common complication of knee surgery. If the clots stay in the area of the legs, it is a minor problem, but if the blood clots loosen they can cause blood poisoning, move to the heart and even the lungs. Blood thinning tablets can can break up these free floating clots, but can also cause wounds to open.
Wounds
Sometimes after knee surgery, the skin over the knee does not heal properly. Due to the location of the incision, movement of the leg and knee can cause tearing. This can be prevented through slow introduction of exercise, and if the wound will not heal, skin grafting over the wound.
Nerves
Nerve damage is rare but can occur after knee surgery. It usually does not effect the entire leg, but can cause the nerves that are responsible for raising the foot up towards the ceiling to falter. This complication can usually be reversed through therapy.
Arteries
This is a very serious complication possible during knee surgery. The arteries in the leg are placed behind the knee, and it is possible that during surgery one can be damaged. If this occurs, further surgery by a vascular surgeon is required.
Range of Motion
After knee surgery, the ability to move your knee in its former range of motion can be seriously compromised. This can manifest in a difficulty to bend the knee or straighten the leg completely. This is caused by scarring within the knee joint.
Pain
Pain is the most likely complication after any surgery, and due to the range of motion involved in using your legs, knee pain can be the most acute of all. This can be solved through physiotherapy and time for recovery.
Tags: knee surgery, after knee, surgery, range motion
Osteoporosis is a condition caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. It results in a loss of bone mass, making the bones brittle and porous. Commonly in cases of osteoporosis, bones fracture with little or no cause, creating a poor quality of life in those affected by it. It's never too early to take steps to ensure that osteoporosis doesn't affect you.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Nothing is more important to bone growth and development than a daily supply of vitamin D and calcium. Calcium determines how fast and how healthy our bones grow from birth. It's more important when we are younger and still developing. Vitamin D improves bone health but it has another important role in the body, helping with calcium absorption, making the calcium we consume usable for the body. The best known supply of calcium of the body is from dairy products. You can get vitamin D from the sun but also from fish and egg yolks.
Exercise
A good daily exercise regimen can keep your bones strong and healthy. Exercise also allows you to grow muscle around the bone so that bones are properly protected and supported. Surprisingly, exercises that are better for osteoporosis prevention include strength-training and weight-bearing exercises in which the bones are tested to build up strength. Low-impact exercise like swimming and biking is helpful to the cardiovascular system but does very little for the bones.
Soy
Milk just seems to be good for the bones. It doesn't matter if the milk comes from a cow or a soy plant. With soy, it's not about calcium but rather the estrogen in the plant that makes for healthy bones by adding density.
Smoking, Alcohol and Caffeine
Smoking is not only bad for your health, it's bad for your bones as well. Other substances like alcohol and caffeine detract from the body's ability to properly absorb calcium. Caffeine is best enjoyed in moderation and under the stipulation that your diet that provides enough calcium to compensate for the loss of absorption.
Stainless steel pans make a bright and eye-catching display in the kitchen, but when it comes to using them there seems to be a universal problem: Everything sticks to the surface. It seems no matter what you use for oil or what temperature setting you use, you end up with the same caked-on mess.
But there's a knack to cooking in stainless steel, and once you learn the process you'll find that cooking successfully in stainless steel isn't too complicated.
Instructions
1. Turn on the burner to the desired heat setting and set the dry pan on the burner.
2. Allow the burner and the pan to preheat to the desired temperature, approximately five minutes.
3. Add the desired amount and type of cooking oil, as stated in the recipe you are following.
4. Turn the pan slightly with a circular motion to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the pan with oil.
5. Proceed with your recipe, adding ingredients as desired. Your food will not stick to the stainless steel pan.