Spine Injury breach: Paralyzed Man Stands, Moves TIPS

On May 19, 2011, the Bob Summer could not walk but now he does something that other people with the Spine Injury never do. He can stand up from his wheel chair whenever he wants.
He said at the Teleconference that it was emotional and exciting to stand for the first time.
He does it with the help of a Pacemaker-like device that sends a light Electric current through the 16 Electrodes that are planted in the Spine of an injured person.
The Epideural Stimulation triggers the Neurons in his Spine that allow them to receive and respond to the Sensory Information from his legs.

The researcher Susan Harkema PhD of the University of Louisville and his colleagues said that this is a breakthrough and this will make an important impact on the Spine-Injury.Bob Summer

Photo by : southcoasttoday

Harkema said at a News Conference that through this research we have found the new set of mechanism that was never taken in to advantage before. This has opened a new set of mechanism for the Spine-Injury patients for the recent and the old patients of Spine-Injury.

Story of Hard Work:

A Los Angele’s researcher V. Reggie Edgerton, PhD further says that this mechanism is not found overnight. It has taken more than 30 years of animal research by different scientists.
He further says that Bob can control his legs, this is amazing to see. This is something that nobody has shown before. The Epidural Stimulation at the modest levels enables a man to have conscious control of the body’s motion.
A patient of Paralysis for several years can control his movement. This is never done before.
The Bob was a 20 year- old member of championship team. In the year 2006, one day he was putting his bag in to the car while coming back from Gym meanwhile a fast moving car came and knocked the Legs of the Bob. When he woke up he was unable to move his legs or trunk, he was not even able to control his Bladder etc. he was unable to move.
Bob found his way to TIRR research Center in Houston. Here he met the physicians and he became the first of the 5 patients that were given Epidural Stimulation device.
This device is designed and approved for pain relief by the FDA.
This device was implanted in the Spine of the Bob and due to this device, Bob is able to stand and move with his own will.

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Eating Meat Can Increase the Colon Cancer Risk Tips

On May 23, 2011, a new study says that eating Red Meat can increase the risk of Colon Cancer. The processed Meat also has the same bad effect it can also develop the risk of Colon Cancer.Meat

Photo by : wikimedia

This report is given from the American Institute of the Cancer Research. It was funded by the World Cancer Research Fund.
The report says with the evidence that eating less Red Meat and the avoiding processed Meat can reduce the risk of Colon Cancer.
The report says, if this advice is acted up on along with some other diet changes like consuming less Alcohol, increasing Fiber intake, exercise and maintaining body weight etc. all these things can prevent the cases of Colon Cancer up to 45%.

According to the American Cancer Society, the Colorectal Cancer is the 3rd most common type of Cancer after Skin Cancer in the United States.
150,000 cases of Colorectal Cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and more than 40,000 people are diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer.

The most widespread type or Rectal Cancer is Andenocarcnoma.

Elisa Bandera, MD, PhD, an associate professor of Epidemiology, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick says, this is a good news that we can control the Colon Cancer Risk.
Bandera was an active participant of the expert panel. She analyzed the information in the Colon Cancer risk and the factors like diet, exercise and weight.
The report explains that eating less than 18 ounces of Red Meat per week shows a very small increase in the Colon Cancer risk. Red Meat includes Beef, Lamb and Pork etc.
The people who eat 3.5 ounces of Red Meat every day have 17% more risk of Colon Cancer as compare to the people who do not eat meat.
People who eat 7 ounces of meat per day have 34% increased risk of this Cancer.
The people who eat 3.5 ounces of processed Meat will have 36% increased risk of developing Colon Cancer as compare to the people who do not eat meat.
The processed ultimately increase the risk of developing Cancer.

Association of Meat and Colon Cancer Risk

There are several theories that show the link between processed Meat and the risk of Colon Cancer.
Some researchers say that Meat contains chemicals known as Heterocyclicamines which are produced while cooking the Meat. These chemicals may also contribute to develop the risk.
The processed Meat is made with the Smoking, Salting or adding preservatives such as Nitrates. These Nitrates converts into Nitrosamines, these Nitrosamines are believed to increase the risk of Cancer.
The panel member Steven H Zeisel, MD, PhD, The professor of Nutrition at the University of  North Carolina, Chapel Hill says it seems that Red Meat and the processed Meat has some link with the Colon Cancer.
He further says that the risk of Cancer development is increased by the over consumption of the Red Meat, however the moderate amount of Red Meat does not contribute too much. People should balance the risk by addition of other types of Meat and Vegetables in their diet.

Diet Changes

According to the report, drinking a lot of Alcohol can also increase the risk of Colon Cancer.
But staying lean and healthy, taking more Fibers and regular physical exercises can lower the risks of the Cancer.
Bandera says limiting the use of Red Meat, increasing the things like Whole Grains, Vegetables and other substitutes can be a simple solution of controlling the Cancer’s risk.
People should go for Brown Rice instead of White Rice; it will be a good way of increasing Fibers.
Alice Bender, MS, RD of the American Institute for Cancer Research, says that this is an excellent report or the people with the family history of Colorectal Cancer.
She further says that if you have the family history of Colorectal Cancer, then follow these simple tips, they will give you extra protection.

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Tinted Glasses May Provide Relief from Migraine Tips

A new research on May 27, 2011, suggested that wearing tinted lenses can reduce the Migraine Pain that is practiced by the Migraine patients. These lenses normalize the activity of the Brain.
The researcher Jie Huang, PhD, an Associate Professor of Radiology at the Michigan State University says that the patients of Migraine sufferers mostly get the pain due to the Visual Stimuli.
The further tells that these Visual Stimuli creates the discomfort and illusions that are disturbing.
The earlier studies of Jie found that vulnerability to these stimuli is due to the excess functioning of Visual Cortex in the Brain.
This excessive Brain activity can cause Migraine and the Tinted glasses can normalize the Brain’s activity.

Test on Migraine Patients

Huang and his friends know that there are certain patterns that can enhance the Migraine in people.
The researchers selected 2 groups 1 of 11 patients of Migraine and another group of 11 persons without Migraine problem. They made lenses for them known as Precision Ophthalmic Tints for every person.
They also made 2 other colored pair of Lenses such as Gray and other colors as comparison.
Then these participants were placed in the Functional MRI machine and they were exposed to the patterns that can enhance the distortion and discomfort.
The patients reported relief with all the lenses but the precision lenses worked better.
Huang says the use of controlled Lenses reduced the degree of Visual discomfort by 40% compared to without Lenses and the Precision Ophthalmic Tints reduced the discomfort up to 70%.
The Precision Lenses covered up the activation of Brain in the Migraine Patients.
The Migraine and the non-Migraine patients responded in the same way to the non-stressful patterns.
Haung says this shows that wearing the Precision Ophthalmic Tints Sunglasses can more reduce the Visual Stress as compare to wearing ordinary Sunglasses.
Huang says the Visual Stress can also be caused by the activities like reading, watching TV or working on computer etc.
He says the Precision Lenses can be fixed in to the regular Glasses.
The Cerium Visual Technologies, Ltd, in UK provided the Lenses for the research.
Arnold Wilkins the Huang’s co-researcher designed the device that is sued in the study to find the best shade of light for Visual comfort.
Kathleen Digre, MD, Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology at Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah says, the use of Tinted Lenses is a new idea for the reduction of Migraine and Visual discomfort.
The researcher Kathleen was not involved in the research, she reviewed the study later.
Kathleen and her colleagues offer a Filter Lens known as FL-41. It is also useful in patients with the Migraine Problem or other light conditions.
She says the Tinted Lens was first used in England and it can reduce the Headaches by half.
She further says the important result is carried by the use of MRI. Something in the Brain is changed by the use of Lenses.
This research has proved a lot for the patients of Migraine but the work is still in process for further experiments.

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Longer Maternity Leaves Increases the Breast-Feeding Rates Tips

On Monday, May 30, a new study shows that women who stay at home for longer time go for the Breast-Feeding for their babies.
The results of this study publish in the June Issue of Pediatrics. The researchers said that the mothers who stay at home for 3 or more months, they are more likely to Breast-Feed the babies beyond these 3 months.
Dr. Chinelo Ogbuanu, a Maternal and Child Health Epidemiologist in the department of Public Health at the Georgia Community Health in Atlanta says that women should be helped like Government should extend the Family and Medical Leave Act, women should be given Job Security and the mothers who want to Breast-Feed, they should be helped.
She further says that women should be given paid Maternity available to every woman. This will help women to stay at home foe longer time. Some women do not take Maternity Leave because they are not paid for it.

The U.S Family Leave and Medical Act became in the year 1993. It requires that employers should offer 12 weeks of unpaid Maternity Leave to the female workers after the birth of the Child.
This Law does not apply to all the employees. The businesses that have less than 50 workers are exempt and the eligible women should have job for a year or more and worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months.
5 states offer Maternity Leave which goes beyond the Federal Law. California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island provide the half-done compensation to the female employees after the birth of their Child.
Canada provides 17 weeks of Paid Maternity Leave at the 55% of women’s wage. According to the United Nations Division of Statistics, This trend varies province to province.
Sweden offers 16 months of Paternal Leave with 80% of the worker’s Salary. Japan offers 14 weeks with 2/3s pay.
The research proves that the duration of Maternity Leave is the 1 of the most important factor in deciding about the start or the early cessation of Breast Feeding.
The Dr. Deborah Campbell, Director of Neonatology at the Montefiore Medical Center in the New York City says that most of the women have to return to the job within 6 months of their Child’s birth and it takes time to set up Breast-Feeding. Babies do not know how to Breast-Feed. Mothers have to face many feeding challenges. Baby needs time to build a feeding bond with the mother.
The women who have to go back to their work early, they choose the option of Bottle Feeding to their Child. They snatch a very basic right of Breast-Feeding from their Children due to the short Maternity Leave.
Compel said, this study provides the further support that is needed to have more Maternity Leave for women. This will also help to promote the continuation of Breast-Feeding.

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Trend of Using Contraception among Teenagers Tips

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A National Survey has found that more teenaged males use Condoms when they have Sex for 1st time and females are switching Contraceptive patches and Emergency Contraception.

Since 2002, there is an increase of 9% in males who use condoms for first time having sex. There was an increase of 6% points in males, who use Condom making love with their partners using a Hormonal Method of Birth control. Lifestyles condom package

Image by : wikimedia

Teenage girls show a little change in the use of their Contraceptive measures. 2% used Hormonal method of birth control and other use Birth Control Pills in year 2002.
Other methods of Contraception may include Contraceptive Patches, Injectable Devices and Emergency Contraceptives.
A decrease is seen in the trend of Sexual action among young people so; the rate of Teen birth is decreased.

A survey has found that the Black males are more indulge in sexual activities as compare to White and Hispanic males.
Hispanic people use less contraceptive measures. It is not known that why some teenagers don’t use Contraceptive measures but this fact would surely be known in future.
About 41 % of females and 31% of males teens avoid sex because it is against their religion, Customs or Moral.
It is found that involvement of teenagers in sexual activities that decreased in 1990 has not decreased any more up till now.
No more declines are expected by the teenagers in the sexual activities.
This decline is either caused due to the increased threat of AIDS or self-denial of Sex in the year 1990.
Now people who are involved these activities strictly use Contraceptive methods as they are found to be promising but and people should be completely aware of pros and cons relating to consistent use of Contraceptive pills and other such methods. Doctors should focus on looking for best Contraceptive for both male and females, when they are sexually active.

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Vegetable Ragout Tips

Calcium is the major ingredient of our healthy bones. It has the potential to prevent osteoporosis. It’s beneficial for controlling your blood pressure level. Calcium is believed to keep your skin healthy. It’s also useful in preventing the heart ailments. For the health of your bones try the following high calcium content recipe.
Ingredients:
1.    Spaghetti (whole wheat)- 4 ounce
2.    Extra virgin olive oil- 1 tbsp
3.    Leek- 1 (small sized, use the pale green as well as the white portion only, properly washed & sliced finely).
4.    Cherry tomato or grape- 16 (cut into halved)

5.    Vegetable broth- ½ cup
6.    Parmesan cheese- ¾ cups (finely grated)
7.    Freshly ground pepper- ¼ tsp
8.    Basil leaves (fresh) – 2 tbsp (diced)
9.    Sugar snap peas- 1 cup (chopped into halves)
10.    Yellow summer squash- 1 (small sized, firstly cut into lengthwise quartered & then choped into ½ inch portions).
Direction:
•    Take a large pot & pour the water into it.
•    Place it on medium temperature for boiling.
•    Now add the spaghetti along with a few drops of olive oil & boil.
•    Allow it to cool for almost 10-12 minutes (till get tender) or as per the package directions.
•    In the mean time take a medium sized saucepan & heat oil.
•    Pour the leek & stir well for almost 2-4 minutes (till you get the soft texture).
•    Now pour the peas along with the squash.
•    Stir again for almost 5-8 minutes & then add the vegetable broth along with the tomatoes.
•    Stir properly & bring it to a simmer for almost 4-6 minutes (till the tomatoes soften).
•    Pour the chopped basils along with the pepper.
•    Stir well to mix all the ingredients properly & allow it to cook for almost 4-5 minutes more.
•    Take it off from the heat & scatter the grated cheese.
•    Remove or drain out the water from the boiled pasta.
•    Add the pasta into the mixture & toss well for proper coating.

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Devilled Eggs Tips

In diabetes people can experience tiredness with very little urge for any sort of activities. Frequent visits to the washroom are one of the major sign of diabetes. It also can be the cause of vaginal infection as well as is able to enhance your blood pressure level. Sometimes it even leads to several heart ailments. So you need to control your lifestyle specially your food habit. But when you are suffering from diabetes, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all tasty things. With some conscious process you can get the taste of your favourite foods.
Ingredients:
1.    Cottage cheese (fat free) – 1/3 cup
2.    Salt- As per taste
3.    Egg (large sized) – 12 (hard boiled)
4.    Mayonnaise (low fat) – ¼ cup
5.    Fresh chives/scallion greens – 3 tbsp (diced)
6.    Yellow mustard- 2 tsp
7.    Sweet pickle relish- 1 tbsp
8.    Paprika- For decoration
Direction:
•    Use a sharp knife to chop the eggs lengthwise into halves.
•    Slowly remove the yolks.
•    From these 24 yolk halves use only 16.
•    Place these 16 halves into a food processor along with the mayonnaise, salt, relish, and cottage cheese, mustard & chives/scallion greens.
•    Blend until you get the smooth texture.
•    Use a tsp & place two tsp of yolk mixture into the half portion of the hard boiled eggs.
•    Fill every half gently & sprinkle some paprika before serving.

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5 “Bad” Foods: Myth vs. Reality Tips

Some foods are rich in protein, some in vitamins, but each food has its own specialty and importance. For some people coffee is an addiction but for others it’s a way of relaxing or getting some mental relief or having some break after a long work. However it’s still believed that having excessive joe is not quite good for health. Similarly for nuts some things that it can increase your body weight, and for some it is a good brain food. In this article we are going to list 5 food who are quite often consider as bad food with numbers of odd factors, but its not the reality, these food contains some vitamins which is good for health, lets have a look on 5 Bad Foods with some facts, can say myth vs reality.

1. Nuts

Nuts are known as a fatty ingredient; however it’s found to be quite heart friendly unsaturated types.  These nuts are also a rich supplier of various other valuable nutrients, like pistachios are an excellent supplier of lutein as well as zeaxanthin, antioxidants which support your eyes to stay healthy. You can find a good amount of vitamin E in almonds & heart friendly omega-3 in walnuts. You just need to monitor the serving portions.

2. Coffee

In some present studies some types of coffee is considered fine with breastfeeding as well as pregnant women. Though caffeine is one of the main compounds of coffee, but it’s not restricted within it. Some other compounds are able to lower the possibility of diabetes, dementia, liver cancer etc. As per Joyce Hendley’s Eating well magazine’s march/april issue, betterments are connected with having 2-4 cups daily.

3. Corn

Corn is also considered not quite healthy because of its HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) ethanol.  However according to Carolyn Malcoun a contributing food editor, it’s not the sweet variety of corn that we commonly get which has the high contents of HFCS and ethanol. The sweet variety has about 4 gms of fibre per cup. However like some other vegetables (green) zeaxanthin as well as lutetin is also present in the corn.

4. Cheese

Cheese is a source of high quantity saturated fat, which could contribute to your cholesterol problem, blood pressure, heart ailments etc. However it’s also a rich source of calcium & protein. So adding a little portion of cheese in your diet could contribute to your healthy living. If you want you can also consult with your dietician.

5. Bread

People nurture a misconception that eating bread is not healthy; however this is not really true. Having excessive refined grains is bad, because of that people are advising to switch to whole grain breads. A recent study has also exposed that people who are having more whole grains live quite longer than others.

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p 10 Foods that Helps you to Snooze Tips

The tight sleep after working whole day long is the dream of ever person.
It is a fact that what you eats affect your sleep. One can enjoy the sleep when their Brain is also at complete rest.
If you change the diet, you can sleep peacefully for a longer time till the sun rises. Here are some foods that contribute to the restful sleep. The foods that contribute to the sleep are known as sleepers.
Some foods make an individual calm, some makes relax and some wake up the Nervous System.
The troubling events are mostly the cause of sleepless nights. When nothing else works than the people think about the foods that can make them sleep.
The foods containing high Sugar can cause indigestion and it interrupts with the Hormones that affect sleep.

The researcher Ritika Samadda, Regional Head, Diabetics at Max Healthcare in New Delhi says that anyone who is suffering from difficulty in sleeping, waking up too early could be suffering from Insomnia. It is a medical condition that can range from Medical conditions to irregular eating habits.
Don’t rely on pills for the sleep rather go for eating right food that may help you to enjoy tight sleep.
Ishi Khosla, the clinical Nutritionist and Director say that the chemical Tryptophan is present in the foods; it is a raw material that Brain uses to release the sleep Hormones. Serotonin and Melatonin are the sleep Hormones. The higher level of Serotonin produces sound sleep.

Here are 10 best snooze foods that may give you sound sleep

1. Warm Milk

   The old wives say that a glass of Milk can give you better sleep. It can help in the inducing sound sleep because it contains Tryptophan, Which creates the sleeping-Hormones.
   
   Almost all the dairy products are rich in Tryptophan.
   
   

2. Whole Wheat products

   Whole Wheat products contain Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 in it. All these nutrients are the sleep friendly nutrients.

3. Vegetables

   All the Vegetables are rich in Tryptophan. So, they can also contribute to bring the peaceful sleep. One should incorporate them in the Day’s and Night’s Meal. A German study shows that Vegetables like Lettuce, Spinach, Broccoli and Kale contains Vitamins fights against Stress and induces peaceful sleep.

4. Carbohydrate Foods

   The Carbohydrate foods can breakdown early during the process of Digestion and they have higher ranking of Glycemic. These foods can make you fall asleep earlier by speeding up the release of Tryptophan, The chemicals which promote Sleep.

5. Bananas

   Bananas are rich in Potassium and Magnesium. It helps to relax the muscles and gives a peaceful night sleep.
   Bananas also help to lower the Blood Pressure while sleeping.
   

6. Popcorn with Cheese

   Popcorn with Cheese is a good combination of Carbohydrates and Dairy. Dairy contains Tryptophan in it, which helps in releasing sleep Hormones and the Carbohydrates in the Popcorn helps to absorb the Tryptophan from Brain.
   One can go for home made Popcorns at night time.

7. Top your Salads with the Chia Seeds

   The Chia Seeds contain sleep inducing nutrient known as Amino Acid. It raises the level of Melatonin and Serotonin in the Blood that enhances stable sleep.
   Just 2 ounces of Chia Seeds helps you to snooze for a longer time.

8. Tart Cherry Juice

   Tart Cheery Juice is rich in Melatonin, a sleep Hormone that regulates the sleeping patterns.
   Drink this juice, an 8 ounces in the Morning and 2 hours before going to bed at Night.
   
   To get full benefit of this drink, try to take it at the scheduled time every day.
   

9. Turkey Burger with Spinach on Whole Wheat Bun

   It is a best Meal for perfect sleep. The Turkey Meat contains Tryptophan in it. It not only contains the
   Tryptophan, it also creates the Serotonin, which helps to regulate the sleep.
   
   The Spinach contains Iron in it, which is known for the relief of symptoms of restless leg.

10. Valerian Tea With Honey

    A cup of Valerian Tea with Honey before going to bed is an old trend. This Tea contains Natural compounds that help to decrease the amount of time taken to fall asleep.The Glucose in Honey helps to relax while sleeping.

The above mentioned are the few foods that helps in enjoying peaceful sleep.
Try to avoid eating late at night; it is not a good habit because it forces your body and Brain to digest instead of taking rest. Avoid eating 3 hours before going to bed at night.

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Abortion: What is Abortion and What are the Side Effects of Abortion Tips

One of the most controversial issues that still persists across the world in all cultures and not to mention politics today. Though abortion has been legalized in some nations, this decision is still being questioned by competing groups and these competing groups have either wanted more liberties and access with the procedures or have fought to resist the procedures. In fact this topic is reason for some of the most heated debates amongst religious organizations, judges, political activists and state legislatures. Read on to find out more about what is abortion and what are the side effects of abortion.

What is Abortion?

Abortion is defined as the termination of a pregnancy by removal of the fetus from a woman’s uterus which can either occur naturally or it could be induced through medical procedures. The spontaneously and naturally occurring abortion is termed as miscarriage. Natural and spontaneously occurring abortion arises due to complications that occur during pregnancy. Induced abortions should only be performed in safe environments and under medical supervision only as abortions performed unsafely are responsible for a number of disabilities and deaths around the world.

Therapeutic Abortion

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Types of Abortion

As mentioned above, spontaneous abortion is a natural process of expulsion of the fetus or embryo and this occurs due to complications in pregnancy, stress or both intentional and accidental trauma. One of the other common reasons for abortion in the first trimester is due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, infection, hormonal problems, diabetes as well as abnormalities in the uterus of the mother. At times, previous history of abortion or advanced maternal age is also a reason for abortion. This condition could occur before 22 weeks and any incident occurring after 22 weeks and if the fetus dies during delivery or in the uterus after 22 weeks the condition is known as still birth.
Induced abortion is of two types, therapeutic as well as elective. The abortion is termed as therapeutic when it is performed to save the mother’s life, terminate a pregnancy when it might result in congenital disorder, to reduce the number of fetuses in order to decrease the health risks for a mother. It is elective, when the abortion is performed on the request of the women for various reasons.

History of Induced Abortion

The history of abortion can be traced back to as early as ancient times. The earliest records of what is abortion and records of induced abortions have been traced back to early 1550 BC in Egypt. There have been recorded proof of royal concubines resorting to abortion was back in 515 BC. In the ancient times, primitive methods were made use of to induce abortion and there were non-surgical. While some cultures used physical activities such as climbing, strenuous labor or even weightlifting to induce pregnancy, the others made use of irritant leaves, lying on a heated coconut shell, fasting and even using mercury to induce abortions. There are Sanskrit texts dating back to the 8th century which talks about what is abortion and how to induce it, Japanese documents that dates back to early 12th century also shows records of induced abortion.
Abortions in the past have been prevalent especially in impoverished and poor people.  Other than these techniques a number of botanical preparations were also used to abort pregnancy. However these techniques were often not always safe and some of the popular techniques used to induce abortions in pregnant women, even made use of poisonous herbs. Tansy, root of worm fern, Italian catnip, savin, parsley, lavender, marjoram and even thyme have known to be used in concoctions that were prepared to induce abortion. It was only during the 19th century when there were advancements in the field of medicine that safer techniques were introduced. However this was not without resistance from the masses as abortion was looked upon as a crime. But during the latter half of the 19th century the social perception about abortion began to change and it was looked at as a last resort for unwed women and in other situations. However over the years while some countries have legalized abortion, others are still have divided views on induced abortion.

Contemporary Methods of Abortion

Medical Abortions

Today a pregnancy can be aborted in different ways, but this is largely dependent on the region, laws and the preference of the doctor or the patient. Abortions can be medical or surgical depending on the period and other factors. Pharmaceutical drugs are used in case of medical abortions, but this method works only when the drug is consumed within 49 days of gestation.

Surgical Methods of Abortion

The surgical methods of abortion are opted for only when the medical abortion methods are unsuccessful. Vacuum abortion is the most common surgical method that is opted for within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The fetus, membranes and placenta are removed using an electric or a manual vacuum and it does not involve dilation of the cervix. This is often used in early pregnancy.

Dilation and Curettage

Dilation and curettage is the second most common procedure that is used to induce abortion. This process involves cervical dilation and then emptying the cervix using surgical instrumentals. This is procedure is performed between the 15th and the 26th week of pregnancy. Curettage is nothing but using the curette to clean the uterine walls. This procedure is recommended only when manual vacuum abortion is not an option.

Intact Dilation and Extraction

Some of the other techniques employed to induce abortion after the 16th week of pregnancy is by intrauterine cranial decompression also known as intact dilation and extraction. This process requires the decompressing the fetus’s head surgically before the evacuation process.

Hysterotomy Abortion

Hysterotomy abortion is also another surgical abortion method and this procedure is very much similar to a C section.

An illustration of the dilation and curettage medical procedure

Source: Wikimedia Commons

A diagram of a vacuum aspiration abortion procedure at 8 weeks gestation.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Side Effects of Abortion

When performed legally under certified medical supervision abortion is usually safe in most cases. Side effects of abortion are most common in unsafe cases. Bleeding, dizziness, headaches, cramping, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever and chills are some of the side effects associated with medical abortion.  In rare cases women can also develop an infection, which might lead to infertility and at times this can also lead to death.   All surgical abortion methods run a risk of serious complications. Some of the side effects of abortion are cramping, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting is also some of the side effects of abortion.
At times women also react to anesthesia; develop a uterine pelvic infection, uterine perforation and more. Though it is normal for bleeding to occur after abortion, in some cases if the uterus has been punctured or the cervix is torn, then there are chances of a hemorrhage which can have severe consequences. Some other side effects of abortion are scarring of the uterus, which could lead to pelvic infection and in extreme cases this infection could develop into a whole body infection known as sepsis. Sepsis is known to have claimed the lives of most women. In extreme cases side effects of abortion can also affect other internal organs such as the bladder and the bowel.
Apart from these side effects of abortion, there are long term as well as emotional side effects to abortion. Long term side effects include, risk of developing breast cancer. Women are often haunted by guilt, depression as well as anger after an abortion. Women also tend to develop eating disorders or indulge in substance abuse. With so many side effects to abortion, dealing with an abortion is not at all an easy task.

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Cervical Polyps Tips

What are Cervical Polyps?

Cervical polyps are small, soft, abnormal fingerlike growths which protrude on the mouth of the cervix, the part of the uterus which is also referred to as the neck of the womb. This is very typically during pregnancy and is attributed to hormonal changes which occur in the body of the woman. During this stage, she may have more than one polyp which can grow in the mouth of her cervix.
Cervical polyps are often less than one centimeter in diameter and are distinguished due to its bright red color and spongy texture. This may be found attached to the cervix through a stalk or at times it may prolapse into the vagina wherein it is often mistaken as a submucosal fibroid or endometrial polyps. Only less than 1% of cervical polyp show neoplastic changes and form cervical cancer.

Are cervical Polyps Cancerous?

Almost 99% of polyps are not cervical cancers but it may cause blockage to the cervix which will result to pregnancy related problems. Moreover, once removed it is very unlikely to re-grow.
Nevertheless, doctors always recommend a biopsy examination of the polyp just to guarantee that it is not cancerous in any way. Furthermore, patients should never be hesitant when the doctor recommends that it be removed through surgery because there is a possibility that it may grow in size and pose more danger to the body.

Cervix

Source : wikipedia

What are the Types of Cervical Polyps?

Cervical polyps are of two types namely ectocervical polyps and endocervical polyps.

Ectocervical Polyps

Ectocervical polyps are tissues which form outside the surface layer of the cervix and are very common in postmenstrual women.

Endocervical Polyps

Endocervical polyps on the other hand are tissues which develop from the cervical glands and inside the cervical canal. These on the contrary are mostly likely to develop in pre-menopausal women.

Cervical Polyp Causes

The development of cervical polyp is yet to be understood by medical science yet physicians have reason to believe that this may be associated with the inflammation of the cervix as a result of the abnormal response of the women to the female hormone estrogen.
Cervical polyps may come off on its own during menstruation or sexual intercourse but this rarely happens thus most doctors recommend the surgical removal of these tissues. Moreover, the tissue must also be tested just to guarantee that it is not cancerous in any way. Cervical polyps are common in females with history of uterine polyps. Cervical polyp during pregnancy is a major concern because of its benign nature.

Cervical Polyp Symptoms and Signs

Cervical polyp symptoms include bleeding after sexual intercourse, painful menstruation, heavy bleeding during menstruation, foul smelling discharge if there is infection etc. Sometimes cervical polyps remain asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of Cervical Polyps

Cervical polyps are often diagnosed after the patient undergoes a Pap smear examination during which the gynecologist carefully examines her uterus and cervix. Nevertheless, if you experience bleeding after intercourse, between periods, after menopause; watery yet bloody discharge from the vagina and abnormal heavy bleeding during your regular menstrual cycle then do not wait too long and immediately request an appointment with your gynecologist.

Cervical Polyp Prevention

The best way to prevent cervical polyps is to practice good physical hygiene. You should maintain the cleanliness of your external reproductive organ and refrain from using products that may cause irritation to it. Guarantee that you take a bath daily or as often as possible. Accompany this routine with the regular changing of your undergarment. Avoid wearing very tight clothes because this may trigger an allergic reaction to your reproductive organ.
Avoid performing sexual intercourse during menstruation because you may get infected with unwanted illnesses since the immunity level of the uterus and cervix is slightly lowered during these days.
Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C. Drink plenty of water so as to help your body release unwanted toxins which may have accumulated in it. Follow your doctor’s prescription and take additional supplements to further supply your body with its needed nutrients.
Have a regular annual check-up which includes Pap smear examination and pelvic exams. This gives you a heads-up in case there are certain irregularities developing in your cervix or uterus.
Immediately consult your doctor for any abnormality which may appear in you body or any uneasiness that you may experience during or after sexual intercourse or menstruation. Never be ashamed to discuss these matters with your gynecologist because this is the only way you can prevent any unwanted reproductive diseases from spreading to the different organ systems of your body.

Cervical Polyp Treatment

Cervical polyp is best treated through cervical polyp surgery. This is done by a highly skilled surgeon inside the doctor’s office. The doctor will use a special instrument called the cervical polyp forceps so it can grasp the base of the polyp stem and gently pluck it from the mouth of the cervix through a gentle twisting motion. The patient may experience bleeding but this will be brief and limited. After which, the physician will prescribe a mild medication to help relieve the patient of pain, discomforts and cramps.
On the other hand if the polyp has grown abnormally large in size, general anesthesia may be applied before cervical polyp surgery. This will also require a few days in the hospital for faster recovery and observation.

Reference

• http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijgo/vol5n1/polyp.xml

• http://www.jkscience.org/archive/volume31/Endocervical%20polyp.pdf

• http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/117-1206/1181/

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Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases Tips

Over 750,000 women are suffering from acute pelvic inflammatory diseases and approximately one (1) in every eight (8) sexually active adolescent have a chance of developing pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms the moment even before they reach the age of twenty (20).

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease  is an infection which occurs in the uterus lining, ovaries and fallopian tubes of women yet Pelvic inflammatory disease men is also known to exist which is medically defined as inflammation in the penis.

Chlamydia

Source : wikimedia

What are the Signs of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

PID in women and men vary from one another. Women Pelvic Inflammatory Disease patients are most likely to experience pain or tenderness in their lower abdomen, fever and chills, bleeding between their menstrual periods, pain during sexual intercourse, nausea and vomiting, increase or sudden decrease of vaginal discharge and frequent or painful urination. As for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease men symptoms it is characterized by the experience of pain or burning sensation during urination and pus-like discharge from the penis which is quite similar with symptoms of other sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

What are the Causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic inflammatory diseases in both male and female are commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Take for example acute pelvic inflammatory disease which is a type of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, there are nine know cause of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease for these type that includes sexually transmitted diseases, N. gonorrhea, Mycoplasma, streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Curettage, Endometrial biopsy and Hysteroscopy.
Other causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease include bacterial passage through office or surgical procedures such as miscarriage, childbirth, elective or therapeutic abortion, and insertion of intrauterine device (IUD). Thus, it is strictly prohibited for any doctor, surgeon, nurse or medical practitioner to perform any surgery without properly sanitizing their medical instruments, equipments and materials and most importantly themselves.

Who are at higher risk of suffering from Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

It is very saddening to note but the following individuals are more likely to suffer from Pelvic Inflammatory Disease if they do are not conscious about their personal hygiene.

1. individual with past history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
2. individual with multiple sex partners
3. individual who has recently undergone insertion of IUD
4. individual who has other sexually transmitted diseases
5. individual who experienced his or her first sexual activity during adolescence
6. individual who do not use safety protection like condom during sexual intercourse

What are the different Types of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease diagnosis?

The following Pelvic Inflammatory Disease diagnosis can be done in order to accurately distinguish if an individual is indeed suffering from pelvic inflammatory diseases.
If the fever is accompanied by abdominal tenderness then a pelvic examination which shows cervical discharge, tenderness in the ovaries or uterus, pain experienced whenever the cervix moves and bleeding in the cervix already poses a high possibility that she is indeed a victim of pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms. Nevertheless, lab tests like WBC count, C-reactive protein and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate will make it easier for doctors to conduct Pelvic Inflammatory Disease diagnosis on their patients. Other test which may also prove helpful includes Serum HGC or pregnancy test, CT scan, pelvic ultrasound, and culture of vaginal tests.

What is the possible Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Treatment that patients can safely use?

PID treatment includes antibiotic shot or injection plus antibiotic pills which need to be taken for two (2) weeks. Nevertheless, for extreme case of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease symptoms then hospital stay for several days may be required by the doctor to observe the condition of the patient. However if the prescribed antibiotics reduces the pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms then a close follow up with your condition through your health care provider will be enough.
Women who are commonly hospitalized because of pelvic inflammatory disease are those which suffer these characteristics: pregnant women or individual who does not positively respond even through oral or intravenous methods of medication; individual who has revealed abscess on their fallopian tube as seen in the diagnostic tests; severe illness characterized by nausea, high fever and vomiting; lastly those who complain of the earlier described symptoms yet doctors find it difficult to rule out his or her condition.
In worst cases and situations, your doctor may even offer surgical operations especially so if an abscess does not go away amidst providing him or her with the prescribed Pelvic Inflammatory Disease treatment medications.

What are the ways of Preventing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease development?

Faithfulness stands tall amidst all the other preventive measures which can be done. Using only your husband or wife during the rise of sexual desires will free you from worries that you sexual partner may not be as clean as she or he may seem to be.
Other scientific approach includes yearly Chlamydia testing for all sexually active women aged 25 and younger. There are certain clinics which even offer these types of assessments with a promise that it will bring relief to patients.
For more information with regards to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease treatments, symptoms and diagnosis you may read through the articles posted at Division of STD Prevention.

References

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1763681/pdf/v078p00018.pdf

• http://www.cdc.gov/std/PID/pidfactsheet-lowres-2010.pdf

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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – Alcohol and the Unborn Baby Tips

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ( FAS )

Fetal Alcohol syndrome also known as FAS is the name given to the pattern of physical as well as mental defects that often develops in the fetus when the expecting mother consumes alcohol while she is pregnant. In fact this is the term given to the entire range of defects and not just one. Alcohol that is consumed by the mother can easily pass through the placenta and reach the fetus when the woman is with child. This is one of the reasons why consumption of alcohol is considered to be risky while a woman is pregnant.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Source : wikipedia

The alcohol directly affects the brain of the fetus and the risk is often high even   if small amounts of alcohol is consumed regularly, which is why there two major factors that result in fetal alcohol are frequency and the timing of alcohol consumption. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the most extreme form in the whole spectrum of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and when the alcohol crosses the placental barrier then it can damage the brain structures and neurons in the fetus, stunt the weight or growth and also create very distinctive facial stigmata leading to various physical, behavioral as well as psychological problems.

Some of the other terms used to describe alcohol related symptoms in babies are

• Alcohol related birth defects also known as ARBD, is a condition where there are only physical defects in the baby due to exposure to alcohol as a fetus.

• Alcohol related neuro-development disorder, also known as ARND, where the behavioral and the mental problems in the baby are due to exposure to alcohol.

• Fetal alcohol effects also known as FAE, is a mild version of the severe fetal alcohol syndrome.

How does Alcohol Affect the Fetus?

When alcohol is consumed by a pregnant woman, the alcohol passes easily through the placental barrier and passed on to the fetus. However since the liver of the fetus is not well developed enough to detoxify the alcohol that is in its system now, this alcohol remains in the blood of the fetus in higher concentrations and for a long duration and this causes the ethanol in the alcohol and its breakdown product acetaldehyde to affect the organs and the brain of the fetus and the consequences of which are lifelong. Usually FAS develops when the mother drinks frequently during pregnancy and cases of binge or occasional drinking leads to ARND or FAE.

FAS Choline

Source : wikipedia

Symptoms and Signs of FAS

As mentioned earlier the signs and symptoms of FAS include growth deficiency, facial stigmata, damage of the brain structure and neurons among others. Intrauterine growth retardation also known as IUGR, and low birth weight are also noticed in babies with FAS. In most cases the babies fail to thrive after birth. As far as the craniofacial abnormalities are concerned children are born with a thin upper lip, decreased eye width, and a groove between the upper lip and nose is flat. Babies have also been born with small upper jaw, flat cheek bones, short nose, sunk nasal bridge and short palpebral fissure. The central nervous system is also damaged in case of FAS. Apart from this there is observable damage to the brain structures too which is the main cause for microcephaly. The damage to the central nervous system is the main cause for low IQ levels, delayed mental development, delay in development of skills such thinking, speech and movement. Children have also displayed poor co-ordination, learning difficulties as well as behavioral problems. In certain cases, there have been apparent problems with hearing and vision, irritability, hyperactivity, extreme anxiety states as well as short attention span. In some cases signs and symptoms also involve defects in the heart such as atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect and other birth defects such as hydrocephalus, cleft lip spina bifida and cleft palate.

Diagnosis of FAS

For diagnosis of FAS the criteria that have to be met are growth deficiency that could be prenatal or postnatal weight or height or both, presence of FAS facial features, central nervous system damage and prenatal alcohol exposure. While the alcohol intake is confirmed by having an interview with the biological mother, a qualified physician or a pediatric neuropsychologist can access the growth deficiency, facial features and the central nervous system damages.

Prevention and Management of FAS

The only way to prevent FAS is to avoid alcohol consumption while planning pregnancy or during pregnancy.  There are no cures for FAS as most of the mental and the physical abnormalities caused by FAS are irreversible, which is why a lot of importance is placed on prevention of this syndrome.
Some of the points that a pregnant woman needs to keep in mind are to abstain from alcohol and learn about the consequences of drinking. Pregnant women need to know that no amount of alcohol is acceptable when they are pregnant as it can cause all sorts of complications. Usually it has been recommended that women who are pregnant stop alcohol consumption immediately after conceiving. In cases where women are unable to stop drinking alcohol, help can be sought from support groups or rehabilitation centers.
While there is no cure for FAS as mentioned above, in certain cases an early diagnosis of FAS and treatment may improve the child’s life in certain ways.

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Natural Skin Care Remedies for a Young and Glowing Skin Tips

The skin is an essential part of the human body and these days as people are becoming more and more conscious about their looks, skin care is top on their agenda. What makes skin care an essential routine these days is also the fact that this outer cover of the body is vulnerable to smoke, dust, pollution, climatic changes and more. Emotional, mental as well as physical well being also affects the skin thus making skin care an important activity in our daily routine.
There are two ways in which you can take care of your skin, one is by consuming the right balanced diet and nutritious food items that keeps your skin glowing, supple and radiant and the other is by external methods by using natural remedies as well as cosmetic ones. However the natural skin care remedies and herbs are preferred by a wider audience than their chemical counterparts as these natural skin care remedies have no side effects. Given below is everything that you wanted to know about anti aging herbs and natural as well as home remedies for skin care.

Natural Skin Care

Source : wikimedia

Anti Aging Herbs

Staying young not only means staying in shape but it also has a lot to do with the aging of the skin. Today there are a number of anti aging herbs that are easily available in the market that helps you retain the youthfulness of your skin. In fact these anti aging herbs have been around for centuries now for their powerful anti gaining properties as well as effectiveness.

These anti ageing herbs are being used in skin care remedies even in beauty salons and spas. Anti aging herbs are available in different forms such as soaps, creams, gels and more. Some of the most powerful and commonly used anti ageing herbs are Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Reishi mushroom, grape seed extract, ginkgo, bilberry and more. These anti ageing herbs are also used in natural skin care remedies to give the best results.
Ginseng helps reduce effects of stress and keeps you physically as well as mentally stimulated. Ginseng is a perennial herb is used in anti aging skin care remedies.  Ginseng is available in different forms such as pills, teas, extracts, capsules and tinctures. Bilberry herb also helps slow down the aging process and acts as a good antioxidant. The best natural skin care remedy is to consume 80 to 160 mg of bilberry extract for the best results.
Other than these anti aging herbs, there are a number of natural home remedies for skin care that you can use. These remedies can be prepared with commonly available ingredients and also offer best results ranging from anti aging to making your skin glow and look radiant.

Natural Skin Care Remedies

Aloe Juice or Gel

Aloe juice or gel is an excellent healing agent and it helps keep your skin smooth and supple. It also helps remove age spots and this plant is really easy to grown in your own garden. Aloe is a low maintenance plant that does not require any special care or attention. All you have to do is extract fresh juice from the aloe plant and apply it all over your face and on the age spots. You will be able to see great results over a month when you use this natural skin care remedy religiously.

Green Tea

Green tea is a great source of antioxidants and is one of the best home remedies for skin care as well as anti aging. These antioxidants in green tea also help reduce weight and prevent cancer.

Green Tea

Source : wikipedia

Banana & Papaya Mash

Mashed ripe papaya and banana also helps nourish your skin and is a great home skin care remedy. All you have to do is choose ripe papaya and banana and mash it well and apply it to your face and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. After half an hour wash off the mixture with lukewarm water and you will immediately notice the glow on your skin.

Yoghurt Paste

Another natural skin care remedy for glowing and beautiful skin is to apply a mixture of yoghurt and rice powder on your face. This paste should be applied three times in a week for 15 minutes and washed off with lukewarm water. This skin care remedy does wonders for your skin.  You can also add honey or milk to this paste.

Potato Juice

Potato, not only satiates your hunger, but is also great for your skin. Dab raw potato juice all over your face and also on your scars. This juice helps clear your complexion and reduces the scars thus leaving your face glowing and rejuvenated.

Fruit Facials

Fruit facials are not only beneficial for your skin but they also help clear up your skin and leave it relaxed and rejuvenated. These fruit facials can be easily prepared in the comforts of your own home. This skin care remedy is easy to make and gives you best results too. Couple it with your regular scrubbing and cleansing routine for amazing results. Papaya pulp mixed with honey and orange juice makes an excellent fruit facial.

Homemade Scrub

Scrubbing is an important part of your skin care routine and it is a great skin care remedy that helps exfoliate your skin and clears your pores. You can now prepare homemade scrub with crushed oatmeal and almond oil. Simple crush the oatmeal and mix it with almond oil and then apply it on your skin and massage in circular motions. Wash it off with lukewarm water and enjoy your clear and beautiful skin.

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New Health Chronic Pancreatitis Tips

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is actually swelling in the pancreas, which is a big gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum – the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas release digestive enzymes through a tube called the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, where these enzymes mix with bile to digest food. The pancreas also releases the insulin and glucagon hormones into the bloodstream, which help the body, control the glucose it takes from food for energy. Usually, digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas do not get dynamic until they reach the small intestine. But when the pancreas is sore, these enzymes attack from the inside and harm the same tissues that create them. Pancreatitis can either be acute or chronic and in either state, it is serious and can lead to difficulties. In extreme cases, the patient will experience infection, bleeding, and permanent damage in the tissues. Men are known to suffer from both kinds of pancreatitis more than women.

Pancreatic Cancer

Image by : wikimedia

How does Chronic Pancreatitis differ from Acute Pancreatitis?

Unlike acute pancreatitis, which tends to be painful, chronic pancreatitis may be asymptomatic for a long time. The pancreatic enzyme levels in the blood tend to be normal in chronic pancreatitis, whereas they are elevated in the acute condition.

What Causes Chronic Pancreatitis?

• Alcohol abuse
• Genetic causes
• Obstruction of the pancreatic duct (stones, tumors, trauma)
• Autoimmune pancreatitis
• Cigarette smoking
• Unidentifiable cause (Idiopathic)

Signs or Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis

• Abdominal pain that radiates to the back, occurs soon after meals and is better by sitting up or leaning forward.
• Fat malabsorption resulting in loose, greasy stools, foul smelling stools. The pancreas secretes enzymes that are responsible for digestion of fat and in chronic pancreatitis, this can be affected.
• Diabetes because of destruction of pancreatic cells by the chronic inflammation.

How can Chronic Pancreatitis be Diagnosed?

The diagnosis can be challenging, especially since a lot of signs and symptoms of pancreatitis may not be present in the chronic condition and may not occur until very late in the disease.

• Lab Studies

  Measuring pancreatic enzymes, full blood counts, liver function tests and presence of inflammatory markers could be helpful, but are usually normal.

• Fecal Elastase

  Measuring the quantity of elastase in the patient’s stool samples can be a good way of catching chronic pancreatitis early.

• Imaging

  Looking for calcifications on an X ray, or using CT, MRI, ERCP and ultrasound can reveal the morphological abnormalities seen in chronic pancreatitis.

• Pancreatic Function Tests

  These tests try to stimulate the pancreas and then analyze the contents of intestinal fluid to look at whether the pancreas is able to provide the required enzymes for digestion.

• Genetic Testing

  Diseases like cystic fibrosis and hereditary pancreatitis are linked with specific mutations that can increase the patient’s chances of developing chronic pancreatitis in his or her lifetime.

What other Diseases can be Confused with Chronic Pancreatitis?

The signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis may overlap with other diseases of the gastro intestinal tract. The major diagnosis that needs to be ruled out is pancreatic cancer, but the symptoms could also be due to gallstones, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome and of course, acute pancreatitis.

What are the Complications of Chronic Pancreatitis?

Some of the more common complications of chronic pancreatitis involve pseudocyst formation and obstruction of the common bile duct. Pseudocysts are formed due to mechanical destruction of the pancreas and can get infected. Bile duct obstruction can cause jaundice if severe and symptoms after meals. Liver function may be affected.

Pancreas

Image by : wikimedia

Pancreas Duodenum

Image by : wikimedia

• If the patient develops diabetes mellitus, insulin supplementation may need to be done. Other hypoglycemic agents can be tried, although diabetes because of chronic pancreatitis usually requires the patient to be put on insulin therapy.

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New Different Types of Eating Disorders Tips

Current popular culture places an extreme emphasis on losing weight and attaining the perfect body. Women’s magazines, models, actors all convey the same message, that thinness is an essential component of attractiveness. These social messages have a deep impact on impressionable adolescents and ultimately play a major role in the development of eating disorders in this vulnerable population.

Eating Disorders

Image by : wikimedia

What are Eating Disorders?

Anorexia Nervosa

This eating disorder is characterized by an unreasonable fair of gaining weight, unhealthy targets of weight loss and body weight and a distorted image of one’s true body weight. The patient might feel that they are grossly overweight when in fact, his or her body weight is on the lower range of normal. Females might stop getting their regular menstrual period.

Bulimia Nervosa

Repeated binge eating with inappropriate methods of losing weight indicates that you may have bulimia nervosa. These episodes must occur at frequent and regular intervals. Binge eating occurs when you eat an amount of food much larger than what normal people would eat and are significantly stressed about it. Binge eaters have very little control over how much they eat and it is hard for them to stop. Binge eating often occurs after a prolonged period of strict calorie restriction followed by self-induced vomiting to get rid of the excess calories.

Anorexia-Nervosa

Image by : wikimedia

Other Eating Disorders

Just because your eating patterns do not fit the above disorders does not mean you do not have an eating disorder. Any abnormal eating patterns, or abnormal weight loss habits like purging, binge eating and night time eating may indicate an eating disorder.

Who gets Eating Disorders?

Anorexia nervosa occurs mostly in young girls in their teenage years. Bulimia can occur in any age group. The lifetime prevalence in women is estimated to be about 1-2%. However, just because women and girls are more susceptible to eating disorders does not mean that men cannot suffer from these conditions. More and more men with eating disorders are being identified.

Why do you get Eating Disorders?

Genetic, social, psychological, family and environmental factors can all contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Risk factors are children or adolescents obsessed with losing weight or going on diets, parental or peer pressure to lose weight and remain thin or participating in a sport (gymnastics, ballet, athletics etc.) where being lean is emphasized. If family members suffer from eating disorders, you might be more susceptible.

Image by : tollieschmidt

Source by : Flickr

Questions to ask yourself or someone you suspect has an eating disorder

• Do you ever feel the need to make yourself throw up after eating?

• Do you think you are too fat when friends or family keep saying you’re thin?

• Does food control your life?

• Have you lost a lot of weight recently?

What can be Done to Treat Eating Disorders

It is important to get professional help if you suspect that you or someone else has an eating disorder. Occasionally, medical complications from eating disorders can become serious enough to need hospitalization. Good therapy involves addressing the disease from all its aspects.

• Medical Therapy

A doctor needs to address any medical issues or complications that arise from an eating disorder. Repeated vomiting or lack of food can result in serious electrolyte imbalances.

• Nutritional Therapy

A dietician needs to be involved in the care of the patient to ensure that all nutritional deficiencies are corrected and the patient’s diet is gradually normalized.

• Psychological Therapy

Both medication and counseling can address the psychological factors in an eating disorder. Involving a psychiatrist in the rehabilitation of the patient is essential.

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