Curcumin blocks nicotine effect on head and neck cancer

Posted by Happy Life Monday, October 5, 2009

Patients with head and neck cancer who continue to smoke could benefit from curcumin, the ingredient found in the spice turmeric. For the study, scientists pre-treated cancer cells in vitro with curcumin, and then exposed the cells to nicotine, finding that the curry powder spice blocked the cancer activating properties of the cells.



The findings were presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego. Curcumin has recently been studied for multiple its health benefits. Research shows that curcumin in turmeric has powerful disease fighting properties.

Curcumin from turmeric was studied on neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) growths. Nicotine replacement therapy is often used by patients, who develop head and neck cancer, and many unfortunately continue to smoke. Curcumin could offer a safe solution to prevent head and neck cancer recurrence.

The news that it can block the nicotine effect on existing cancer cells adds to the list of the health benefits of curcumin. There is also a high rate of recurrence.

Several other benefits recently found from curcumin this year include clearing amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease, in combination with Vitamin D; reduce breast cancer risk in women, who have received hormone replacement therapy and treating inflammatory bowel disease. Curcumin found in turmeric also has infection fighting properties.


Nicotine is not cancer causing in itself, but it has been shown to encourage cancer cell growth. The scientists have found a safe bioactive food compound from curcumin that can block the effect of nicotine on cancer cells. We can now add another health benefit from curcumin, now found to block the cancer activating effect of nicotine in cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Source: American Academy of Otolaryngology

Anxiety
Have you ever been in a situation that brought on sweats, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath? You probably weren’t having a heart attack but an anxiety attack.  If you suffer from anxiety disorders, learning to manage it is the first step to overcoming it.



Anxiety is characterized as extreme reactions to fearful situations.  When someone follows you into a dark alley, those anxious feelings of a racing heartbeat and sweaty palms gives way to heightened senses and a rush of adrenalin that can save your life.  This is the fight or flight syndrome. 

In the case of frequent anxiety, the fearful feelings are dread of a particular situation and not the situation itself.  Getting caught in traffic can cause an anxiety attack over what might happen when you get to work late.  Starting a new job can bring on anxiety attacks.  You don’t know anyone and fear of that unknown can send you into a panic.

Everyone experiences panic or anxiety in small ways.  Like the fight or flight example, it can save your life.  In new situations, we get panicky but when the outcome we fear fails to materialize, the anxiety stops.  For someone with chronic anxiety, this is not the case.

Every situation that brings anxiety is not life-threatening.  More than likely it is an extremely stressful situation that has brought on the anxiety as a way of dealing with it.  Unchecked anxiety of this type can lead to depression.

If you suffer from anxiety attacks on occasion or a more frequent anxiety disorder, there are steps you can take to keep your anxiety under control. 

1. See a professional.  This is always a good first step.  Self-diagnosis of any type of physical or mental condition is unwise and can be dangerous.  A professional psychologist can help you understand your anxiety and prescribe medication or other effective techniques.

2. Get a good night’s sleep.  During the sleep cycle, your body repairs itself.  You feel more rested after several hours of restorative sleep, reaching the REM stage.  Most people need eight hours a night which varies within an hour or two each way.

3. Exercise on a consistent basis.  Exercise helps you to use oxygen more efficiently.  It helps to get more oxygen to the brain.  It also increases focus which may help you see solutions to problems rather than simply worrying about them. 

4. Meditate.  Meditation is more than chanting mantras.  Yoga is an exercise that involves quieting the mind and controlling your breathing.  Simple mediation such as taking 5 minutes to clear your mind everyday can work wonders in the fight against anxiety.

5. Manage the worry.  When you feel your pulse start to quicken, count backwards from ten.  As you count, focus on the situation.  What has actually happened? Resist the urge to read anything more into the situation. 

6. Don’t use alcohol.  You might think that the glass of wine is relaxing your tension but alcohol is a depressant.  In anxious situations you could rely too heavily on it and gain another problem in the process.

7. Find some relaxing activities.  Stress can rob you of your energy.  On a regular basis, do something you like such as gardening, painting, reading or listening to music.  


Anxiety can come into your life at any time.  It’s normal.  When the anxiety becomes frequent you could be at risk for more serious conditions.  If you feel your anxiety is starting to take over your life or increasingly causing you problems, seek professional help immediately.  There is no need to suffer this terrible condition in silence.

Cornea Ulcer

Posted by Happy Life



DEFINITION
Cornea ulcers are open sores in the lining of the outer cornea. The clear structure overlying the iris, which is the colored part of your eye.

CAUSE
  1. Ulcers are usually formed by: 
  2. Bacterial infections cause corneal ulcers and are common in people who wear contact lenses.
  3. Viral infections are also possible causes of corneal ulcers. Such viruses include the herpes simplex virus (the virus that causes cold sores) or the varicella virus (the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles).
  4. Fungal infections can cause corneal ulcers and may develop with improper care of contact lenses or the overuse of eyedrops that contain steroids.
  5. Lack of vitamin A or protein.
  6. Dry eyes (due to the eyelid does not close completely and moisten the cornea). 
SYMPTOMS
Corneal ulcers cause pain, sensitive to light (fotofobia) and increased formation of tears, all of which can be mild.
Corneal spots will appear yellow pus discharge.

Sometimes ulcers formed in the surface of the cornea and penetrate into the eye.
Pus may be formed on the back of the cornea.
The deeper the ulcer is formed, then the symptoms and complications more severe.

Other symptoms are:
- Visual impairment
- Red eye
- Itchy eyes
- Dirt eyes.

With treatment, corneal ulcers can be cured but may be leaving the cloudy fibers that cause the formation of scar tissue and disturb the function of vision.
Other complications are infection in the deeper cornea, corneal perforation (hole formation), abnormal location of the iris and eye damage.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis based on symptoms and results of eye examination.

Diagnostic tests usually done as follows:
- The sharpness of vision
- Test refraction
- Test tears
- Slit-lamp examination
- Keratometri (measurement of corneal)
- Pupillary reflex response
- Scratch ulcer for analysis or culture
- Corneal staining with fluorescent substances.

TREATMENT
Topical fortified antibiotics are used at hourly intervals to treat infectious corneal ulcers. Cycloplegic eye drops are applied to give rest to the eye.Pain medications are given as needed. Loose epithelium and ulcer base can be scraped off and sent for culture sensitivity studies to find out the pathogenic organism. This helps in choosing appropriate antibiotics. Complete healing takes anywhere from about a few weeks to several months.

Refractory corneal ulcers can take a long time to heal, sometimes months. In case of progressive or non-healing ulcers, surgical intervention by an ophthalmologist with corneal transplantation may be required to save the eye. In all corneal ulcers it is important to rule out predisposing factors like diabetes mellitus and immunodeficiency.




Corneal ulcer is an emergency that must be handle by the eye specialist in order to avoid a more severe injury to the cornea.

Toothache

Posted by Happy Life Saturday, October 3, 2009

Toothache is pain in the tooth. Toothache caused by various problems in the teeth and jaw, such as dental caries, gingivitis or jaw disease, and many more.


Toothache is a symptom of heart disease, like angina. Toothache can lead to heart disease and stroke, ears (such as inner or external ear infections), and sinuses (air passages of the cheek bones). For example, the pain of angina (inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle because of narrowing of the arteries to the heart) is usually located in the chest or the arm. However, in some patients with angina, a toothache or jaw pain are the only symptoms of their heart problem. Infections and diseases of the ears and sinuses can also cause pain around the teeth and jaws. Therefore, evaluations by both dentists and doctors are sometimes necessary to diagnose medical illnesses causing "toothache".

Causes of toothache?
Common dental causes of toothache include dental cavities, dental abscess, gum disease, irritation of the tooth root, cracked tooth syndrome, temporomandibular disease, impaction, and eruption.

The most common dental causes of toothache are:
  1. Tooth Root Sensitivities - oversensitivity when consuming hot or cold, sweet or sour food and beverages.
  2. Tooth Decay - also known as tooth 'cavities' or tooth 'caries'.
  3. Tooth Abcess - a complication of tooth decay.
  4. Gum Disease - also known as gingivitis and in severe cases periodontal disease.
  5. Jaw Disease - also known as TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) dysfunction.
  6. A Cracked Tooth.
Treatment

Tooth Root Sensitivities occur when bacterial toxins get to work and dissolve the bone arount the root of the tooth, the gum and bone recede exposing the root of the tooth causing the sensitivity and toothache. This is then likely to lead to chronic gum disease.

Treatment: Visit your dentist. Flouride gel and sensitivity toothpastes that contain flouride will both help the root to become stronger and in turn reduce the toothache. If the root sensitivity causes the inner pulp to die a root canal procedure or tooth extraction will need to be carried out to stop the toothache.

Tooth Decay occurs when the minerals of the enamel are dissolved by acid created by bacteria in our mouths (a build up of this bacteria is known as plaque). This demineralisation of the enamel forms a hole in the tooth exposing the dentin causing the toothache. If the toothache is severe then the hole has most likely exposed the inner pulp as well.

The obvious prevention for tooth decay is to eat as little sugar as possible because the acid that causes the enamel to decay is created by the bacteria eating the sugar and starch left in our mouths. So brush your teeth preferrably after every meal or snack with flouride toothpaste. Flossing will also help alot. Being thorough with your brushing and flossing will stop any build of plaque forming.

Treatment: Your dentist will in most cases apply a filling to the tooth cavity, large cavities may need a crown. If the cavity damages the inner pulp then a root canal procedure or extraction of the tooth may be necessary to stop the toothache.

Tooth Abcesses occur when a dental cavity has been left untreated. The bacteria has infected the tooth from the inner pulp all the way up to the bone tissue at the end of the root causing severe toothache.

Treatment: Your dentist will have to carry out a root canal procedure where the pulp of the tooth is removed and then filled and sealed with an inert material. If this is unsuccessful then the tooth will have to be removed.

Gum Disease occurs when the soft tissue in our mouths becomes infected due to a build up of plaque or tartar along the gum line. It is highly likely that your toothcahe will be accompanied with bleeding gums if you have gum disease.

Treatment: In mild cases of gum disease your dentist will help you become more informed in order to improve your oral hygeine, they will also remove any build up of plaque. Root planning may need to be done which is the removal of plaque and tartar from the exposed roots. In more severe cases the surface of the inflamed gum tissue will have to be removed which is known as subgingival curettage. Oral antibiotics will also need to be taken alongside these procedures.

Jaw Disease usually occurs when there has been an impact or injury to the head such as whiplash. Bruxism (grinding of the teeth) often leads to TMJ as well as arthritis and having an over-bite. Jaw disease is often characterised by pain in the muscles around the jaw and limitaions in jaw movement.

Treatment: Your dentist will fit a special intraoral splint for you to wear. If your bite needs to be fixed then crowns and orthodontic treatment are likely as well as medication to relieve the toothache.

Cracked Tooth can occur for many reasons such as an injury to the mouth, bruxism, chewing on hard objects or extreme changes in temperature on your teeth (such as eating hot food immediately followed by an iced drink) can all cause a tooth to crack and expose the dentin or inner pulp. The toothache may occur when the crack closes after releasing the pressure of a bite. The toothache gets worse over time if left untreated as the inner pulp can become infected.

If you have visible a crack in your teeth that is not accompanied by toothache then it is known as a 'craze' line and is considered to be part of the natural anatomy of the tooth, they usually occur as we age.



Treatment: Your dentist will evaluate the treatment needed depending on the severity of the crack. This can involve bonding for a small crack or a root canal treatment for a large crack where the inner pulp of the tooth has been damaged. In severe cases the tooth may need to be removed to stop the toothache.

10 types of food should be consume

Posted by Happy Life



What is the secret to a long and healthy life?  It is in the food that we eat.  As you well know, all foods are not created equal.  Choosing and eating the right foods may help increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life.

Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!

1. Beans 
If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them.  Soaking them first can help.  Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein.  This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories.  If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol.  You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry.  Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.

3. Fruits
Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A.  Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer.  Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants.  But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health.  The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.

4. Allium foods
This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots.  Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol.  Allium vegetables healp guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments.  They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots.  Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits. 

5. Salmon
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis.  Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults.  Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.

6. Flax seed
Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids.  These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.  You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed.  Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.

7. Peppers
Peppers are colorful.  They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C.  Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department.  All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin.  Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease.  They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.

8. Nuts and seeds
Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind.  Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein.  Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs.  Nuts help to lower cholesterol.  Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.

9. Açai
This berry has been in the news lately.  It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy.  You can get more done and look better while doing it.  You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.

10. Yogurt
The fat free variety is good for you.  Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein.  If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth.  Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.


Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat.  Try these super foods to get started on the right foot. 

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb



1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution 
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook 
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.


10. Choose Your Parents Well 
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

Studies Show Taking Vitamin D Supplements May Cut Fall Risk After Age 65, if Dose Is High Enough



Oct. 2, 2009 -- Taking vitamin D supplements, at a dose of 700-1,000 international units per day, may make falling 19% less likely for people aged 65 and older.

That news comes from a research review published online in BMJ, formerly called the British Medical Journal.

The review is based on eight studies of people aged 65 and older who took vitamin D supplements or placebos. Doses of vitamin D differed among the studies. Participants lived in nursing homes or in their own homes.

The reduction in fall risk was only seen in people who took at least 700 international units (IU) per day of vitamin D. Taking smaller doses didn't appear to help.

The reviewers -- who included Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, MD, MPH, director of the Centre on Aging and Mobility at Switzerland's University Hospital Zurich -- also noticed that the reduction in fall risk was only seen in people who achieved a vitamin D blood level of at least 60 nanomoles per liter.

Vitamin D affects muscle strength, and stronger muscles could mean less likelihood of falling, note Bischoff-Ferrari and colleagues.

The reviewers aren't ruling out the possibility that higher doses of vitamin D supplementation might be even more effective at preventing falls. But the studies they reviewed didn't include doses higher than 1,000 IU per day.

Taking too much vitamin D can cause nausea, constipation, confusion, abnormal heart rhythm, and kidney stones.

In the U.S., the Institute of Medicine (IOM) considers 200 IU of vitamin D to be an "adequate" daily intake for people up to 50 years old, an intake of 400 IU for people aged 51-70, and an intake of 600 IU for people aged 71 and older. The IOM also considers the tolerable upper limit for vitamin D intake to be 2,000 IU per day (1,000 IU per day in the first year of life).


However, many experts argue that the adequate daily intake for vitamin D should be higher. The IOM is reviewing its vitamin D recommendations and is expected to announce the results of that review next year.

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News

Anemia Due to Heavy Bleeding

Posted by Happy Life

DEFINITIONS
Anemia Due to Heavy bleeding is the reduction in the number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin (oxygen carrying protein) caused by bleeding.

CAUSE
Heavy bleeding is a common cause of anemia.
If the body loses blood, body fluids immediately taken from outside the network of blood vessels to keep blood vessels remain filled.
As a result the blood becomes more dilute and the percentage of red blood cells decreases.

In the end, increase red blood cell formation will improve the anemia.
But at first can be very severe anemia, especially if it arises immediately from loss of blood that suddenly, as happened in:
- Accident
- Surgery
- Maternity
- Rupture of blood vessels.

Which very often happens is bleeding chronic (continuous or repetitive), which can occur in various parts of the body:
  1. Nose bleeding and hemorrhoids: clearly visible. 
  2. Ulcer bleeding in the stomach and small intestine or polyps and colon cancer) may not be seen clearly because of the amount of blood a little and did not appear as a red blood in the stool; type of bleeding is called a hidden bleeding. 
  3. Bleeding due to renal tumors or bladder; could lead to the discovery of blood in the urin.
  4. Because of very much menstrual bleeding.
SYMPTOMS
The loss of large amounts of sudden bleeding could cause 2 problems:
  1. Blood pressure decreased because the amount of fluid in the blood vessels decreases.
  2. Body's oxygen supply decreases because the number of red blood cells that carries oxygen decreases.

Both of these problems can cause a heart attack, stroke or death.

Anemia caused by bleeding can be mild to severe, and symptoms may vary.
Anemia may not cause symptoms or may cause: 
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Thirst
- Sweating
- A weak pulse and rapid
- Rapid breathing.

Patients often get dizzy when sitting or standing (orthostatic hypotension).
Anemia can also cause fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and if severe can cause death.

Symptoms are severe or not is determined by the speed of blood loss from the body.
If the blood loss in a short time (within a few hours or less), losing one third of the body's blood volume can be fatal.
If blood loss more slowly (within a few days, weeks or even longer), lost to two-thirds of the body's blood volumer can only lead to fatigue and weakness, or no symptoms at all.

TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the speed and severity of blood loss anemia that occurs.

The only treatment for blood loss in a short time or severe anemia is a red blood cell transfusions.

In addition, the source of bleeding must be found and the bleeding must be stopped.

If blood is lost in a longer time or less severe anemia, the body can produce a number of red blood cells are sufficient to correct anemia without having to undergo transfusions.

Iron necessary for the formation of red blood cells was also lost during bleeding.
Therefore the majority of patients also have anemia, iron supplements, usually given in tablet form.


 

Itching

Posted by Happy Life

Itch (Latin: pruritus) is an unpleasant sensation that evokes the desire or reflex to scratch. Itch has resisted many attempts to classify it as any one type of sensory experience.

DEFINITIONS
itchingConstant scratching can cause redness and scratches in the skin.
Scratching can also cause skin damage,
which in turn will lead to increased itchiness, resulting in a red circle.
Scratching and rubbing in the long term can lead to the formation of scar tissue and thickening of the skin.


CAUSE
Itching can be caused by a skin disease or systemic disease.

Skin disease that can cause great itching is:
  • Infestations parasites (skabies, pedikulosis)
  • Insect bites
  • Chilblain
  • Dermatitis atopic
  • Dermatitis contact
  • Allergic dermatitis.
Contact with wool or irritant substances (such as solvents or cosmetics) can also cause itching.
Dry skin, especially in old age, also causes great itching to expand.

Systemic disease that can cause itching include:
  • Liver disease (especially jaundice)
  • Renal
  • Lymphoma
  • Leukemia
  • Other blood diseases.
Sometimes people with thyroid disease, diabetes or cancer are also experiencing itching.
Itching frequently occurs at the end of pregnancy. Usually this is not a disorder, but can come from a mild liver disorder.

Various drugs can cause itching, namely barbiturates, aspirin and other drugs that cause allergic reactions in certain people.

TREATMENT
It is important to know the cause of the itching, because if the cause is known it can be done to treat the cause of action is.

If the inflamed skin, usually given moisturizing cream or lotion that does not smell and color. Dyes or additional scent can irritate skin and cause itching.

Could also be a compound containing menthol, camphor, chamomile, eucalyptus, and Calamine.

Corticosteroid cream can help reduce inflammation and control itching, only used if the itching is limited to a small area.

Antihistamines per-oral (eg hydroxizin and diphenhydramine) can help reduce the itching, but these drugs cause drowsiness.
Antihistamines are usually not given in the form of direct spread to the skin because it can cause allergic reactions.

Leukemia

Posted by Happy Life

Leukemia (British English: leukaemia) (Greek leukos λευκός, "white"; aima αίμα, "blood") is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal proliferation (production by multiplication) of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes). Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases. In turn, it is part of the even broader group of diseases called hematological neoplasms.

CAUSE
Leukemia cells are usually of white blood cells.
The cause of most types of leukemia is unknown.
The virus causing leukemia in some animals (eg cats).

Viruses HTLV-I (human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I), which resembles the virus that causes AIDS, is thought to cause a rare type of leukemia in humans, namely T-cell adult leukemia.

Exposure to radiation (radiation) and certain chemicals (eg benzene) and the use of anticancer drugs, increases the risk of leukemia.
People who have certain genetic disorders (such as Down syndrome and Fanconi syndrome), are also more susceptible to leukemia.

These changes often involve the rearrangement of parts of chromosomes (genetic material of complex cells).
Chromosome rearrangement (translocation chromosomes) disrupt the normal control of cell division, so that cells divide uncontrollably and become malignant.

In the end these cells over bone marrow and replace the cells that produce blood cells normally.
This cancer can also infiltrate into other organs, including liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidneys and brain.

There are 4 main types of leukemia, which are named based on the speed of progression of the disease and the type of white blood cell affected:

Most forms of leukemia are treated with pharmaceutical medications. Some are also treated with radiation therapy. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant is useful.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Progresion : FAST
White blood cells infected : Limfosit

A Wright's stained bone marrow aspirate smear of patient with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.Management of ALL focuses on control of bone marrow and systemic (whole-body) disease. Additionally, treatment must prevent leukemic cells from spreading to other sites, particularly the central nervous system (CNS) e.g. monthly lumbar punctures. In general, ALL treatment is divided into several phases


  • Induction chemotherapy to bring about bone marrow remission. For adults, standard induction plans include prednisone, vincristine, and an anthracycline drug; other drug plans may include L-asparaginase or cyclophosphamide. For children with low-risk ALL, standard therapy usually consists of three drugs (prednisone, L-asparaginase, and vincristine) for the first month of treatment.
  • Consolidation therapy or intensification therapy to eliminate any remaining leukemia cells. There are many different approaches to consolidation, but it is typically a high-dose, multi-drug treatment that is undertaken for a few months. Patients with low- to average-risk ALL receive therapy with antimetabolite drugs such as methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). High-risk patients receive higher drug doses of these drugs, plus additional drugs.
  • CNS prophylaxis (preventive therapy) to stop the cancer from spreading to the brain and nervous system in high-risk patients. Standard prophylaxis may include radiation of the head and/or drugs delivered directly into the spine.
  • Maintenance treatments with chemotherapeutic drugs to prevent disease recurrence once remission has been achieved. Maintenance therapy usually involves lower drug doses, and may continue for up to three years.
  • Alternatively, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation may be appropriate for high-risk or relapsed patients.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) 
(mielositik, mielogenous, mieloblastik, mielomonositik)
Progresion : FAST
White blood cells infected : Mielosit

Many different anti-cancer drugs are effective for the treatment of AML. Treatments vary somewhat according to the age of the patient and according to the specific subtype of AML. Overall, the strategy is to control bone marrow and systemic (whole-body) disease, while offering specific treatment for the central nervous system (CNS), if involved.

In general, most oncologists rely on combinations of drugs for the initial, induction phase of chemotherapy. Such combination chemotherapy usually offers the benefits of early remission and a lower risk of disease resistance. Consolidation and maintenance treatments are intended to prevent disease recurrence. Consolidation treatment often entails a repetition of induction chemotherapy or the intensification chemotherapy with additional drugs. By contrast, maintenance treatment involves drug doses that are lower than those administered during the induction phase.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
(including the Sezary syndrome and hairy cell leukemia)
Progresion : SLOW
White blood cells infected : Limfosit

Decision to treat
Hematologists base CLL treatment upon both the stage and symptoms of the individual patient. A large group of CLL patients have low-grade disease, which does not benefit from treatment. Individuals with CLL-related complications or more advanced disease often benefit from treatment. In general, the indications for treatment are:
  • falling hemoglobin or platelet count
  • progression to a later stage of disease
  • painful, disease-related overgrowth of lymph nodes or spleen
  • an increase in the rate of lymphocyte production
  • Typical treatment approach
CLL is probably incurable by present treatments. The primary chemotherapeutic plan is combination chemotherapy with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide, plus a corticosteroid such as prednisone or prednisolone. The use of a corticosteroid has the additional benefit of suppressing some related autoimmune diseases, such as immunohemolytic anemia or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. In resistant cases, single-agent treatments with nucleoside drugs such as fludarabine, pentostatin, or cladribine may be successful. Younger patients may consider allogeneic or autologous bone marrow transplantation.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
(mieloid, mielogenous, granulositik)
Progresion : SLOW
White blood cells infected : Mielosit

There are many possible treatments for CML, but the standard of care for newly diagnosed patients is imatinib (Gleevec) therapy. Compared to most anti-cancer drugs, it has relatively few side effects and can be taken orally at home. With this drug, more than 90% of patients will be able to keep the disease in check for at least five years, so that CML becomes a chronic, manageable condition.

In a more advanced, uncontrolled state, when the patient cannot tolerate imatinib, or if the patient wishes to attempt a permanent cure, then an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation may be performed. This procedure involves high-dose chemotherapy and radiation followed by infusion of bone marrow from a compatible donor. Approximately 30% of patients die from this procedure.

Anemia (lack of blood)

Posted by Happy Life

Anemia (pronounced /əˈniːmiə/, also spelled anaemia or anæmia; from Ancient Greek ἀναιμία anaimia, meaning "lack of blood") is a decrease in normal number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. However, it can include decreased oxygen-binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule due to deformity or lack in numerical development as in some other types of hemoglobin deficiency.

Definiton
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin (oxygen carrying protein) in red blood cells is below normal.

Peripheral blood smear microscopy of a patient with iron-deficiency anemia.
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which allows them to carry oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts of the body.
Anemia causes reduction in the number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells, so that blood can not carry oxygen in the body as needed.


CAUSE
Common cause of anemia: 
1. Bleeding
* Acute (sudden)
- Accident
- Surgery
- Maternity
- Broken blood vessels
* Chronic
- Nose Bleeding
- Hemorrhoids (haemorrhoids)
- Peptic ulcer
- Cancer or polyps in the digestive tract
- Tumor kidney or bladder
- Menstrual bleeding
2. Reduced red blood cell formation
- Iron deficiency
- Lack of vitamin B12
- Lack of folic acid
- Lack of vitamin C
- Chronic Disease
3. Increased destruction of red blood cells
- Enlarged spleen
- Mechanical damage to red blood cells
- Autoimmune reaction against red blood cells
- Paroksismal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
- Sferositosis hereditary
- Elliptositosis hereditary
- G6PD deficiency
- Sickle cell disease
- Hemoglobin C disease
- Diseases of hemoglobin S-C
- Hemoglobin E disease
- Thalasemia
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms caused by the oxygen supply is not sufficient for this, vary. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, lack of energy and headaches. If the anemia got worse, can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Diagnosis
Simple blood test can determine the existence of anemia.
The percentage of red blood tracks in total blood volume (hematocrit) and the amount of hemoglobin in a blood sample can be determined. Inspection is part of a complete blood count (CBC).


Treatments for anemia
There are many different treatments for anemia and the treatment depends on severity and the cause.

Iron deficiency from nutritional causes is rare in non-menstruating adults (men and post-menopausal women). The diagnosis of iron deficiency mandates a search for potential sources of loss such as gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers or colon cancer. Mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia is treated by iron supplementation with ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate. Vitamin C may aid in the body's ability to absorb iron.

Vitamin supplements given orally (folic acid) or subcutaneously (vitamin B-12) will replace specific deficiencies.

In anemia of chronic disease, anemia associated with chemotherapy, or anemia associated with renal disease, some clinicians prescribe recombinant erythropoietin, epoetin alfa, to stimulate red cell production.

In severe cases of anemia, or with ongoing blood loss, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

Blood transfusions for anemia
Doctors attempt to avoid blood transfusion in general, since multiple lines of evidence point to increased adverse patient clinical outcomes with more intensive transfusion strategies. The physiological principle that reduction of oxygen delivery associated with anemia leads to adverse clinical outcomes is balanced by the finding that transfusion does not necessarily mitigate these adverse clinical outcomes.

In severe, acute bleeding, transfusions of donated blood are often lifesaving. Improvements in battlefield casualty survival is attributable, at least in part, to the recent improvements in blood banking and transfusion techniques.

Transfusion of the stable but anemic hospitalized patient has been the subject of numerous clinical trials, and transfusion is emerging as a deleterious intervention.

Four randomized controlled clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate aggressive versus conservative transfusion strategies in critically ill patients. All four of these studies failed to find a benefit with more aggressive transfusion strategies.

In addition, at least two retrospective studies have shown increases in adverse clinical outcomes with more aggressive transfusion strategies.

Hyperbaric oxygenation
Treatment of exceptional blood loss (anemia) is recognized as an indication for hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.The use of HBO is indicated when oxygen delivery to tissue is not sufficient in patients who cannot be transfused for medical or religious reasons. HBO may be used for medical reasons when threat of blood product incompatibility or concern for transmissible disease are factors. The beliefs of some religions may prohibit the receipt of transfused blood products.

In 2002, Van Meter reviewed the publications surrounding the use of HBO in severe anemia and found that all publications report a positive result

Start Your Day With Health In Mind

Posted by Happy Life Thursday, October 1, 2009

Keep in mind that if you don’t start your day with health in mind – healthy fat loss will be difficult to achieve. Now at this point you may Healthy Fat Lossbe asking yourself – What do I need to do to start my day off healthy? There are a couple of things you can do to get your day started right.

The first and most important thing you will want to make sure you do is eat breakfast. Don’t let this meal pass you by. It is the most important part of a healthy fat loss diet. Breakfast is what gets your metabolism started for the day. If you skip breakfast in the morning then your metabolism will be running on low all day till lunch time.

For most of us this goal of eating breakfast can be a real chore. Due to the fact that most Americans stay up late causing us to over sleep – not giving us time to eat breakfast. So the first hurdle you might have to over come is getting enough sleep to where you give your self time in the morning to eat breakfast.

Healthy Fat Loss DietOptimizing your schedule to where you wake up with enough time in the morning will not only give you time to eat. But will also leave you well rested and your morning should be less stressful. Being well rested and having less stress will cause you to be healthier and in return help you loss more weight.

But for some of us a set down breakfast just isn’t going to happened on a daily basis. If this is you then there are many alternatives. The best one being a protein supplement that comes in powers that can be mixed into drinks or protein bars are a quick and easy breakfast that you can eat on your way to work. Or you might try stocking up on protein supplements or other healthy alternatives at your desk or locker at school or work so they can be ready for you when you get there in the morning.

Never ending Health Blog every journey is begins with a single step, Even the longest journey must begin where you stand. Our life is priceless, no matter how rich or how powerfull we are, all of those is useless when we losing our health. Health is not gift, its a choice, and with the good health we will accompany our life with happiness. Aren't we is of all agree, health is one of factor from happiness.

Lets start our happines with this part : HEALTY LIFE

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