cash increaser

article117

2008-02-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

Blueberry As Both A Superfood And Skin Care Treatment According To Dr. Perricone

Often times, when we think of superfoods we think of spinach, grapes, green tea and other vegetables and extracts that are primarily listed for their levels of antioxidants. Did you know that the blueberry is one of the most nutritious and powerful superfoods.

According to Dr. Perricone, one of the worlds foremost skin care experts, Blueberry along with the acai berry have one of the highest known levels of antioxidants of any food. Higher levels of antioxidants than red wine and green tea combined. It is full of amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Whole, fresh blueberries are best, but pure blueberry juice and combination blueberry and pomegranate juice can be found at your local grocery store in the produce section.

Blueberries have many uses as blueberry extract has been used in ancient herbal and medicinal treatments for thousands of years. Many skin care treatments now use blends of blueberry extracts along with other herbs to help revitalize the skin and hasten healing. These treatments have been clinically proven to decrease healing time for skin peels, especially deeper skin peels like the TCA skin peel. They have also shown marked ability at reducing scarring in wound and burn treatment, although more research is needed.

Dr. Perricone in his best selling book The Perricone Prescription states that for optimum skin care one should regularly eat high antioxidant foods like blueberry, acai, pomegranate, and spinach. These foods with their high concentrations of antioxidants and nutrients help combat and can even reverse the aging process.

With the right diet full of antioxidant rich foods one can virtually stop wrinkles in their tracks. A good diet along with a good skin care regimen can produce amazing results. A good skin care regimen includes a mild cleanser, a moisturizer packed with antioxidant extracts, and skin peels to increase exfoliation and reduce oily build up. It is also a good idea to use a high spf sun protectant.

The leading medical colleges are currently researching high percentage antioxidant extracts like blueberry for anti cancer properties and possible and promising treatments. In clinical settings there is evidence that these antioxidant rich foods do have a marked effect on several types of cancer. In addition to anti cancer properties, the blueberry has shown an positive effect on the nervous system, and increase in cognitive function and reasoning, and an increase in muscle function and regeneration.

Truly the blueberry has many current and promising functions and, as a superfood like acai according to Dr. Perricone, should be made a staple of every diet for additional health, great skin care and longevity.

article116

2008-02-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

That Furry White Tongue (Candida albicans)

Furry white tongues come in two varieties: a little furry and very furry. A little furry is fine - it's the normal layer of bacteria that every tongue should have. A very furry tongue is often not fine - especially if it's a thick and cheesy-looking white fur coating.

Scrape a fingernail across your tongue and look at the path it carves. A big groove could indicate a problem. A very furry tongue typically indicates an overgrowth of Candida albicans - a yeast that lives in every digestive tract (and that can travel to the mouth, and elsewhere).

When Candida albicans thrives on the tongue, it could just be an annoying local overgrowth. The official name for this is oral "thrush." But bear in mind that a very furry tongue might indicate that Candida is also present in large numbers in the digestive tract, hidden from view, and could have spread beyond the borders of the intestines.

When Candida albicans overgrowth runs rampant in the digestive tract, it mutates from a yeast infection into a fungal infection. The condition is then called Candidiasis.

Candidiasis is capable of pushing through the mucosal intestinal lining that separates the gut flora (intestinal bacteria) from the bloodstream. When this happens, toxins normally eliminated by passing through the digestive tract now "leak" into the bloodstream.

The immune system is forced to deal with this constant drizzle of toxins at the expense of other important tasks - like gobbling up ever-present cancer cells before they nest somewhere (among other things). A compromised immune system is a recipe for chronic health problems.

The first line of defense in a healthy immune system is the intestinal wall and the probiotics (good bacteria) that colonize there. In general, probiotics keep Candida albicans at a manageable level so that Candidiasis does not develop. Antibiotic use and general unwellness, however, can diminish the number of good bacteria and give Candida the upper hand.

Like most fungus infections (miserable toenails anyone?), Candidiasis is a bear to get rid of. And once it gets going, the symptoms display themselves in any number of obnoxious and puzzling ways. There is a long list of symptoms for Candidiasis: bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are the most familiar. Less familiar symptoms include chronic fatigue, frequent headaches and irritability, back and neck pain (muscles), depression, anxiety, irregular menstrual cycles, itchy nose, and even eye floaters and/or blurred vision.

In other words, symptoms are so diverse that you don't know whether to visit your family doctor, allergist, orthopedist, gynecologist, psychiatrist, ophthalmologist, or witch doctor for relief. And yes, women are more susceptible - but don't kid yourselves fellas, it's NOT just a gal-thing.

If you think you have Candidiasis (or a lesser yeast infection), and you have symptoms telling you that "something" is just not right with your overall health, get thee to a doctor for a test. It's painless ... and it's important to track down symptoms that are troubling.

You think you have a sweet tooth? Well so does Candida. You love sugar - Candida loves sugar. Does sugar make you fat and happy? Sugar makes Candida fat and happy as well. And does sugar give you a nice rush of energy? It gives Candida a rush of energy too. To keep Candida under control, you must cut back on sugar.

Yeast get their energy by fermenting sugar (just like cancer cells). But fermentation is a very inefficient way to create energy - in other words, it takes LOTS of sugar to produce a little energy. A high sugar diet feeds Candida (and cancer cells) - and we know all about the dangers of sugar and type 2 diabetes.

Every living thing 'excretes' something. Yeast excrete alcohol. If you 'crave' sugar regularly to cure a shaky feeling or to get rid of headaches (and you don't have diabetes), you might be a victim of Candidiasis. No, you're not an alcoholic. But your body wants its 'fix' of alcohol - and when it doesn't get it, you get low-level withdrawal symptoms that temporarily 'go away' with a bag of jelly beans. Now you know why.

Probiotics and digestive enzymes likewise help to keep Candida at bay. Also consider taking a good garlic supplement (unless you love fresh garlic and have found ways to mix it into your daily food intake). Candida is destroyed by garlic, as are any number of other pathogenic gut bacteria.

Remember: Candida albicans in the digestive tract can never be eliminated - but it can be managed quite effectively. Should you test positive for Candidiasis, an anti-fungal drug may be prescribed - and that's fine. But you can't take such a drug forever, so you must become pro-active in keeping your gut flora in balance.

To learn more about Candidiasis, talk with your doctor and/or do a Google search. There's a wealth of good information on the Internet.

article115

2008-02-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

Why Is Every One Calling Green Tea A Miracle ?

How do you fit a miracle in a cup?

Dating back 4,000 years, Chinese diet green tea has been long revered as a tasty drink that can ward off diseases and improve one's well-being. Since its first recorded use during the period of Emperor Shen Nung, the bond between Chinese diet green tea and good health has not been severed. It's been used as treatment for everything from headaches to depression. At present, various health benefits of green tea are constantly being reported and many scientists are now focusing their attention on the simple, yet elegantly profound beverage that is green tea.

Where It Comes From

Like all three of the major Asian teas in the market, green tea comes from the tree called Carmellia sinensis. Much of the health benefits of green tea diets owe to the steaming method of making it. As opposed to black and oolong tea which undergoes full oxidization, green tea diet is only gently steamed, preserving the natural antioxidants in its original form.

The antioxidants in green tea helps fight away free radicals. These free radicals are the major contributing factors to aging as well as the ensuing degeneration of cells as a result of it. Scientists have reason to believe that free radicals also play a role in various degenerative diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TOP 110 BOOKS ON GREEN TEA

A Drink Steeped With Tradition

According to tradition, Chinese diet green tea could cure anything from headaches, body aches, and pains to constipation and depression. Over the centuries, more health claims are made on account of Chinese diet green tea.

Chinese diet green tea is said to increase the blood flow throughout the body. Because Chinese diet green tea contains a little caffeine, ingesting this drink stimulates the heart and allows the blood to flow more freely through the blood vessels. For the same reason that Chinese diet green tea stimulates blood flow, it also stimulates mental clarity.

Chinese diet green tea detoxifies the body

The presence of polyphenols, a naturally occurring antioxidant in Chinese diet green tea, the beverage is said to combat harmful free radicals and help keep the body free from diseases. In this regard, Chinese diet green tea helps maintain the overall well-being of the body. Antioxidants in Chinese diet green tea can boost immunity, preserve young-looking skin, and brighten the eyes.

Chinese diet green tea aids in digestion and banishes fatigue. Chinese diet green tea is also said to prolong the lifespan. For many years, men of science remained skeptical about the health claims made by Chinese diet green tea enthusiasts. Their doubt was changed to a more positive reception when subsequent researchers proved the disease-preventing attributes of Chinese diet green tea and confirmed most of the health claims.

The Secret to Longevity

That just might be. The role of Chinese green tea in promoting longevity has been investigated upon by many researchers. They found the premise of their study on observing that Japanese women who are greater-than-average Chinese diet green tea drinkers; have lower mortality rates compared to others. This led the researchers to believe that Chinese diet green tea has a protective factor against premature death.

The polyphenols found in Chinese diet green tea may be held accountable. With its high amount of polyphenols, Chinese green tea seems to have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Stronger immune system as a result of drinking Chinese diet green tea helps reduce risks of acquiring any illnesses.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Fighting Cancer There are many health benefits associated with having a green tea diet. One of these green tea diet benefits is preventing cancer. Certain substances present in green tea diets are said to help in destroying cancer cells without harming any neighboring tissues. This substance in green tea diets is called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG.

In the 1994 edition of the Journal of National Cancer Institute, the results of an epidemiological study stated that one of the health benefits of drinking green tea is that it can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by up to 60%. The University of Purdue has also recently concluded a research on how a certain compound present in green tea can stop cancer cells from growing.

A Healthy Drink to a Healthy Heart

Study after study has shown that drinking Chinese diet green tea and eating polyphenol-rich foods reduces the risk of any heart complications. Drinking Chinese diet green tea also helps strengthen the blood vessels that provide oxygen and valuable nutrients to the heart and brain. It has been shown that men who drink Chinese diet green tea have 75 percent less possibility of having a stroke than those who don't drink Chinese diet green tea.

Chinese diet green tea helps lower total cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Study shows that men who drink nine or more cups of Chinese diet green tea daily have lower cholesterol levels than those who drink fewer than two cups.

Lowering Down Cholesterol

Obesity has become one of the major health issues in our society today. In fact, more than half of the American population is overweight or obese. As a result, diet and weight loss plans have become increasingly popular. But not all diet plans work. And not all of them are necessarily risk-free. A safer alternative for people wanting to lose weight are green tea diets.

Green tea diets can be a potential cure to obesity. The catechin polyphenols present in green tea diets can delay the reaction of gastric and pancreatic lipases in the body. These enzymes are actually the ones responsible for converting calories in the body into fats. By delaying these enzymes, green tea diets can therefore stop fat from being stored and prevent obesity in people.

Green tea also has the ability to minimize cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between good (HDL) cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol. The EGCG in green tea can stop blood from forming abnormal clots (thrombosis), a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TOP 124 PRODUCTS ON GREEN TEA

Other Health Benefits

Green tea has always been known to have several health benefits, but who knew that it could contribute to weight loss as well'. A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that green tea extract can increase metabolism and fat oxidation of the body. In theory, scientists believe that the weight loss benefits of green tea extracts are due to their caffeine content but the results of the study show otherwise as they discovered that green tea extracts have weight loss benefits beyond that of caffeine.

In their study, the researchers administered alone the same amount of caffeine as that in green tea extracts but found that it did not make any significant changes in the body's overall energy expenditure. This led them to conclude that green tea extracts have ingredients in them that actively interact with each other, promoting increased metabolism and fat oxidation that lead to weight loss.

Further findings indicated that a certain compound found in green tea extracts might be the ingredient that causes weight loss. These green tea extract compounds, called Flavonoids, may alter the way the body uses norepinephrine, a hormone that monitors how calories are burned. When flavonoids interact with other green tea extract ingredients, more calories are burned thus contributing to weight loss.

Another element that actively contributes to the weight loss benefits of green tea extracts is the compound catechin polyphenols. These compounds also interact with other green tea extract ingredients in order to promote weight loss by fat burning and thermogenesis (a process of losing energy by daytime heat).

The great thing about the weight loss benefit of green tea extracts is that it does not have any adverse side-effects. Unlike other herbal products like ephedra and prescription drugs for obesity, green tea extract does not increase the speed of heart rates or raise blood pressure. Not only that, but it also appears that green tea diets may act as a mild appetite-suppressant because of the presence of caffeine.

Caffeine may be damaging for the body since an excess of it can cause heart palpitations, hypertension, and insomnia. However, because green tea diets contain only very low levels of caffeine, there is no danger of experiencing these side-effects.

In this regard, green tea extract is an effective and safer alternative to other weight loss products which may cause harm to the user.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TOP 38 WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS WITH CHINESE GREEN TEA

The study conducted by the University of Geneva on the weight loss benefit of green tea extract implicated that green tea extract can also help thyroid patients. According to dietitian Lynn Moss, M.S., R.D., green tea extract is a healthier choice for people with thyroid who may be too sensitive to stimulants. Green tea extract can promote weight loss by increasing metabolism without over stimulating the adrenal glands.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Green tea is a great substitute for people who are on weight loss programs because it can help them lead a healthier lifestyle. For instance, instead of drinking coffee and cream which area high in calories, green tea weight loss programs can not only save you from taking in too much calories but also let you take in several energizing substances like polyphenols and flavonoids. Green tea also contains a small amount of caffeine, a key substance used in most weight loss programs because of its appetite-suppressant properties.

Other studies indicate that green tea in weight loss programs can help reduce fat by inhibiting the effects of insulin. Insulin is responsible for changing glucose into energy for the body to be stored into fat. By delaying insulin, green tea weight loss programs enable sugar to be sent directly to the muscles for instant use, thus preventing fats from being stored by the body.

article114

2008-02-19T07:18:00.002-08:00

Mesothelioma Information - Knowing About The Disease Is Our Own Right

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer induced by exposure to asbestos. It affects the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the internal organs of the human body and nearly takes 10-50 years to develop. In the nascent stage of Mesothelioma attack, the pleura or peritoneum are affected and then it gradually spreads to the other parts of the body. Mesothelioma is also termed as 'malignant' mesothelioma where the lining of the chest, the abdomen and the heart are attacked. There are two types of mesothelioma, one being Pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and the other being Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal cancer).

How you can get affected of Mesothelioma

The inhaling of the fine airborne asbestos dust and fibers causes mesothelioma. It is a proven fact, as 70% to 80% of the case histories of patients state that asbestos exposure in factories or industries leads to mesothelioma. Hence all those working in construction based jobs like shipyards, boilermakers, insulators etc. are susceptible to this fatal disease.

The first step to cure of this disease is to find out all the relevant symptoms. But because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, the symptoms come into play even after 30-50 years since the contraction of the disease. Moreover, the symptoms are not conclusive, and are common to most other diseases. This is why the mesothelioma tests are imperative from the doctor's point of view.

The symptoms

The three most prominent symptoms of Mesothelioma are excruciating pain whilst breathing or coughing, breathing problems and a persistent cough, which could even, lead to bleeding. In addition, tiredness, loss of appetite, loss of weight are some of the other symptoms. Amongst some of the very rare symptoms, husky voice, problem in swallowing, swelling of the face and pain around the rib area are considered.

The diagnosis

It is a daunting task to diagnose the victims of mesothelioma. Normally the average age of the victims at diagnosis is around 50 to 70 years. Surprisingly, the white Americans are victimized more than the African Americans. At the time diagnosis begins, the disease had already spread and seems invincible. A victim would normally survive for only one year when the disease becomes quite ominous. However, the survival time of the patient can be stretched to almost two years if the disease is detected early and given proper treatment.

The treatment

There are many factors, which determine the treatment of Mesothelioma viz., stage of the disease, location of the cancer, patient's age and general health. Surgeries, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are amongst the basic treatments for Mesothelioma. In the recent past, treatments like removal of the pleural fluid to relieve pain and control breathlessness are being used. Apart from medication, there are a few helpful techniques that can help relieve pain and stress. These involve a balanced diet preferably prescribed by a general physician or a dietitian, conservation of energy on self-initiative as well as therapies such as aromatherapy, relaxation and massage.

In the inference, it would be worthwhile to mention that Mesothelioma is a dreadful disease and its spread can only be shunned if you are willing to know more about the disease. Then again you should also make sure that you take precautionary measures by piecing together all the information that you have garnered today.

article104

2008-02-19T07:18:00.001-08:00

article113

2008-02-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

Your Heart is the Primary Benefactor of Bamboo Leaf Green Tea

It has been reported that tea drinkers who drink 3 or more cups daily run an 11 percent less risk of heart attack or heart disease as reported in 2001 by the Journal of Epidemiology.

Named mainly by its appearance, Bamboo Leaf tea has become an exquisite drink due to its soft, delightful taste and fresh aroma. In 1964, Buddhist Monk Jue-Kong created a distinctive blend by using leaves that were flat and gleaming. Soon this form of tea had become cultivated in the E-Mei temples throughout Asia.

The Health Benefits of Green Teas

Like most other teas, this drink has many health benefits. Most teas by nature are excellent antioxidants that fight free radicals within the body. Some of these free radicals can produce many illnesses including cancer and heart disease. Drinking a couple of cups of freshly brewed Green tea can help reduce these radicals thus providing a purification or detoxification in the body.

Studies continue to show that drinking tea is an excellent way to promote health. This fine tea can be enjoyed anywhere and has become a widely accepted beverage and is available at most restaurants and coffee houses. Green leaf tea is the most popular tea in Asia, and consumed more than in any other country. How green tea is processed may be a clue to why it is so good for us. Green tea, unlike its black tea cousin is dried or heated only slightly and is never fermented. In fact, it is heated just enough to reduce the grassy flavor but still maintain the natural and fresh taste.

Yet, the fact that the tea is processed so little is almost certain to be the reason for one of green tea's main benefits. Out of all the traditional Asian teas except possibly white tea, which is processed the same; green tea has been reported to have the most medicinal value and lowest caffeine.

A word of caution though, most people cannot drink green tea on an empty stomach. If you want to avoid the unpleasant feeling of being punched in the stomach we recommend you eat a little before imbibing.

Other Medical Breakthroughs of Bamboo Leaf green tea

Green tea and white tea in generral is high in Poly-Phenol, which greatly reduces cancer-causing radicals. One 8oz cup of green tea has as much potency and health benefit as one 8oz cup of blueberries (a highly regarded antioxidant). Studies have shown the more tea that is consumed the less likely they will have certain types of cancer.

Green tea has also been shown to help in weight loss. This is because the EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which is found in higher quantities in green and white tea stimulates our bodies to burn more calories. Tea also contains a certain amount of caffeine though less than coffee. In small quantities, green tea caffeine can help with mild headaches too.

In short, green and white teas such as the Bamboo Leaf tea can help reduce the free radicals that have been shown to contribute to heart disease.

article

2008-02-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

article110

2008-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Florida Medical Insurance

Florida medical insurance is comprised of two main categories: Florida individual medical insurance and Florida group medical insurance. These two categories have many similarities but yet many important differences as well.

Many Florida residents are quite familiar with large group medical insurance through their employer if they have ever worked for a large corporation (in Florida a large group is considered a company or group that has more than 50 employees). However, when it comes to understanding individual medical insurance in Florida and how it works or even understanding small group medical insurance in Florida and how that works it turns out to be somewhat different than the large group medical insurance plan that most have known so well for so long.

Individual medical insurance in Florida is different from group medical insurance in Florida because of the fact that the underwriting departments at each Florida insurance company will scrutinize very closely any pre-existing conditions that an applicant has in their health history (going back up to 10 years) if they are applying for an individual policy.

This scrutiny is geared towards finding any adverse health conditions or precursors to health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, cancer, etc. Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and severe obesity will cause a Florida health insurance company to automatically decline an application for coverage with an individual medical insurance policy.

Less severe pre-existing health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, mild obesity, and heartburn/acid reflux will generally result in a rider being placed on the accompanying policy that will exclude coverage for anything related to that specific pre-existing condition. Riders are generally levied on an indefinite basis or a temporary basis (12-24 months in most cases).

There are a few insurance companies in Florida (one of them presently being Aetna) that do not issue riders on the individual medical insurance side as is most common but will instead "rate up" an applicant they deem presents excess risk due to pre-existing conditions. This "rate up" simply means that they will offer to cover the mild pre-existing conditions but they will offer you a rate increased premium amount that can be 10% more than was initially quoted you, 25% more, 50% more; it all depends on the underwriting department at the insurance company as to what premium amount that they will offer you if they decide to accept you.

Florida group medical insurance is much simpler in that generally there is not as much scrutiny towards an applicant's health history and pre-existing conditions. This is good or bad depending on your present health condition. It is good if you are an unhealthy person with some major pre-existing conditions because it allows you to obtain group medical insurance when you would be declined if you tried to obtain individual medical insurance (due to your pre-existing conditions). However, it is bad from a financial sense if you are a generally healthy person because you are paying a higher premium cost for group medical insurance (as opposed to individual medical insurance) - that is unless your employer is paying the cost for all of your group medical insurance: then you are quite happy (unless you have a family and your employer is not so kind as to pay for them to be on the group medical coverage as well!)

Just from what you have learned so far; which do you think would be more expensive - group medical insurance or individual medical insurance? If you said group medical insurance then you are on the right track to understanding the main difference between the two. Think of the cost of group medical insurance versus the cost of individual medical insurance like this: if your new co-worker at the cubicle next to you has cancer then guess what? They will be able to obtain group coverage on your group plan even though they never would be approved for an individual medical insurance policy. You as a healthy person are in a sense subsidizing the cost of your unhealthy co-worker (and all of the other unhealthy people) in paying their premiums. It follows of course that the premiums will be higher for a group medical insurance plan in Florida where the insurance company has to take on both healthy and unhealthy people as opposed to an individual medical insurance plan in Florida where the insurance company can pick and choose who they will accept.

Be sure to research your Florida medical insurance options thoroughly by consulting with an independent agent who can represent multiple health insurance companies and by comparing Florida medical insurance quotes from multiple companies side by side. (Be sure not to believe any Florida insurance agent who tells you that you will be approved for an individual medical insurance policy whether you have pre-existing conditions or not - chances are they are just trying to unload a close to worthless medical discount plan - not medical insurance).

Florida Medical Insurance

article106

2008-02-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Your Food Consists of Several Awesome Parts

Do you know what is in your food? Did you ever think about what could be there and not there, and do you know what it is doing to you or your loved ones? Is there something good in your food other than making you not hungry? Lots of questions, but are there any answers? Well, yes there are.

Your food is consisting of several awesome parts, and I want to persuade you to start looking at your food differently from now on. Try looking at it as a challenge and a conquest for better health and life.

Many people today do not have a lot of time for vegetarians, but I wonder why. They are very healthy and happy. Vegetarians are getting more of the daily recommended dose of vegetables and fruits than the meat eating population. They are also getting more of the phytochemicals that help fight off the viruses that are in society today.

Fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes are all words you may well make you think to yourself what is that? Well they are the support system of your body. Fruits and vegetables have lots of phytochemicals in them and you can get about 100 different phytochemicals per serving of fruits and vegetables.

Now that sounds good, but, what are phytochemicals? Well the most commonly known phytochemical is the antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect our cells from toxic substances and free radicals. You want to keep your cells strong for the long haul of life ahead.

Cholesterol. Yes we all have it and no we dont want to have to worry about it. Well unfortunately we all must in this day and age worry about our cholesterol. A good way to lower your cholesterol is with oats. Just by eating three grams of soluble fiber a day, the same amount found in a large bowl of one hundred percent oat bran or three packages of instant oatmeal, can lower your LDL cholesterol by at least five point six percent in six weeks. That is an awesome decrease in LDL cholesterol and can save your life.

Still worried about your cholesterol and hate the thought of oatmeal three times a day? Try cooking with olive oil. If you are unhappy with the flavor of olive oil then try canola oil. Both are a great source of monounsaturated fat. A great reducer of cholesterol. Other sources of monounsaturated oils are Peanut oil, Walnut oil, Sesame Oil, and Soybean oil. What ever you do though do not, I repeat, do not go overboard with any oil. They all have fourteen grams of saturated fat and one hundred twenty calories per tablespoon. Lets face it we are an obese society; we need all the help we can get to not add extra fat to our bodies.

Did you know the benefits of Nuts? They are surprisingly good for your heart. Macadamia nuts are the best for you as far as monounsaturated fats go. Walnuts are the lowest on the scale for monounsaturated fats. Apparently replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fats found in nuts reduces your risk of heart disease.

Omega three fatty acids found in fish oils are superb at lowering blood fats such as triglycerides. Omega three fatty acids also help reduce blood pressure and may ease the symptoms of arthritis. You should eat fresh fish two to three times a week, however do not take fish oil supplements with out talking to your doctor first.

Vitamin E, is the great protector. Vitamin E helps to fight cancer, heart disease, and cataracts. Now that is one tough antioxidant!

Spinach! I know why Popeye ate his spinach, because it is a powerhouse in the antioxidant family. Not to mention it has every nutrient out there. It is a great source of folic acid, which can reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects. It also protects against cervical displaysia which is a condition that precedes cervical cancer. Women! You must eat your spinach.

Women who eat spinach daily are forty three percent less likely to suffer from a stroke, than those women who only ate spinach once a month or less. Now I dont care those numbers are hard to beat. Eat your spinach ladies and live long happy lives. Women you also need to eat your squashes, which are high in beta carotene. Those of us who eat fruits and vegetables high in carotene reduce our risk of cataracts by thirty nine percent.

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article104

2008-02-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

The Dubious History of Prostate Supplements

Prostate cancer indeed is a serious condition that kills more males than any form of cancer other than lung. While its discovery is relatively recent and may affect what we know in terms of demographic risk, it is clear that males with African heritage have the highest chance of developing prostate cancer at some point in their lives; and Asian males have the lowest chance of developing prostate cancer. This rule has held true in countries that have testing available with Southeast Asia having the lowest rate of incidence in men.

Some drug manufacturers say they have the solution to this widespread problem among males. their point of view is if you regularly take prostate supplements, you may be able to reduce your chances of developing the condition. While it may be wise to take prostate supplements as a precaution, their history of success has been limited. Their actual physiological affects and intended benefits have been challenged.

Many experts assert that these prostate supplements are more of a multi-vitamin than anything else. They contain a number of ingredients which could help you remain in better health (which is also crucial to prevention), but wont necessarily prevent prostate cancer, nor will they do anything that will specifically help the prostate.

While it is still too early to judge whether or not prostate supplements have merit, it is clear that they are not a definite cure or preventative. Given that males have a 50% chance of developing prostate cancer by the age of 50, you may not want to base your entire prevention regimen on the dubious prostate supplements.

You may also want to integrate other lifestyle changes. For instance, you may want to cut down on red meat and animal products, which have been linked to an increased incidence in prostate cancer. You may also want to cut down on over-consumption of alcoholic beverages and of cigarettes, both of which have also been linked to yield a higher chance of getting this disease.

The best preventative steps you can take do not include prostate supplements, such as the ones I mentioned above (as well as regular exercise), but this does not mean you shouldn't take them. If prostate supplements contain ingredients that are not detrimental to your health and may provide some sort of prostate health booster, you may want to stay on the safe side and take them anyway.

article103

2008-02-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

What Is The Truth About Leukemia, And What Can It Mean To Me?

Leukemia hits about 10 times more children than adults. The ACS or American Cancer Society calculates that this year, approximately 30 thousand new cases of leukemia of 2 thousand children and about 27 thousand adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed.

Leukemia, a type of cancer, starts in the inner, soft portion of your blood-forming cell bones, known as bone marrows. This happens when excessive growth of white blood cells is present in your blood, referred to as leukocytes.

Under normal conditions, the blood-forming or hematopoietic cells in your bone marrow produce leukocytes in order to protect your body from infection caused by bacteria and viruses.

However, when some of the leukocytes are broken and stay in their immature state, they turn out to be poor fighters of infection that excessively multiply and never die as should be the case.

Leukemic cells then build up and decrease the manufacturing of oxygen-carrying eythrocytes (red blood cells), normal leukocytes and platelets (blood clotting cells)If left untreated, then the excess leukemic cells overpower your bone marrow and enter your bloodstream, eventually invading other body parts like the spleen, lymph nodes, liver as well as the central nervous system consisting of the spinal cord and brain.

Leukemia symptoms

In children, due to defect of white blood cells that fight infection, they can experience intensified infections and fever episodes.

Other common leukemia symptoms include:

1. Bleed and bruise very easily, going through recurrent nosebleeds or bleed unusually long after going thru minor cuts.

2. Aching joints or inside the bones, sometimes bringing about a limp

3. Swollen or inflamed lymph nodes

4. Poor appetite

5. Abnormal tired feeling

6. Become anemic and experience shortness of breath during playing.

Forms of leukemia

Leukemia and leukemia symptoms can be either chronic or acute and myelogenous or lymphocytic.

In acute leukemia, the abnormally produced blood cells generally are blasts which remained immature thus can not anymore perform their normal tasks. The blasts rapidly increase so the disease quickly worsens.

In chronic leukemia, a few blast cells can be present but generally these are more mature or developed cells that can perform some normal tasks.

These cells appear to be mature but not entirely normal, because these live much longer and result to certain types of white blood cells accumulation. The blasts increases not as rapidly as in acute leukemia, therefore worsens gradually.

Myelogenous and Lymphocytic leukemia refers to the 2 different types of cells where leukemia began. Lymphocytic leukemia grow from lymphocytes and Myelogenous leukemia grow from monocyte white blood cells or granulocyte white blood cells.

Treatment

There are 2 stages of luekemia treatment namely induction therapy and maintenance therapy. The main focus in induction therapy is to lessen leukemic cells and induce a remission.

Remission is the stage whereby the cancer already is responding well to treatment or it is under control.

Remission may be either complete or partial. When the cancer is within complete remission all symptoms and signs of the cancer disappears. Partial remission means the cancer has shrunk but did not disappear completely.

Remissions may last from several number of weeks to years. Complete remissions can go on for years and can be confirmed cures.

The second stage of leukemia treatment happens after an individual suffering from leukemia goes totally into remission. This stage aims to kill remaining cancer cells and extend the remission period for as prolonged as possible.

1. Chemotherapy uses drugs in order to kill leukemia cancer cells.

2. Radiation therapy employs x-rays or other forms of high-energy rays in order to shrink tumors and kill leukemia cancer cells.

3. Bone marrow transplant is a procedure wherein the patient's affected bone marrow is changed with a healthy marrow.

Note that most cancers may be prevented or avoided by making changes in your diet or lifestyle which can lessen risk factors. In leukemia, unfortunately no risk factors are known; therefore it is difficult to prevent it.

article102

2008-02-04T20:14:00.001-08:00

Top 10 E-Mail Health Hoaxes of the Decade

Here, In no particular order, are the 12 worst a-mall health hoaxes of the last decade. Al1 have been thoroughly debunked by health ant medical experts

1. Antiperspirants cause breast cancer. This hoax began circulating In 1999 and claims that the use of antiperspirant (deodorants are safety) is the leading cause of breast cancer. Citing a ''health seminar'' as the source of information, the writer alleges that antiperspirants prevent the body from eliminating toxins through sweat, resulting in the accumulation of toxins in lymph nodes, which eventually leads to cancer. Men are less likely to develop breast cancer through the use of antiperspirants "because most of the antiperspirant product is caught in their (armpit) hair and is not directly applied to the skin. '' .The writer then urges readers to pass on the message ''to anyone you care about ''.

2. Aspartame causes serious disease. Also making its first appearance in 1999, this hoax claims that the artificial sweetener aspartame causes more than a dozen serious medical conditions, including brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and lupus, ant confusion, memory loss, and severe vision loss among diabetics There are two versions the first and more popular was supposedly written by a Betty Martini, an alleged lecturer at the World Environmental Conference. In the second version, a Nancy Markle is the author. The Multiple sclerosis Foundation denies any knowledge of association between aspartame and multiple sclerosis, whale the American diabetes association debunks the allegations regarding aspartame and diabetes. The US FDA attests to the safety of aspartame.

3. Bananas spread flesh- eating disease. This hoax first appeared In January 2000 and claimed that several shipments of bananas from Costa Rica were infected with a flesh-eating bacterium that causes necrotizing fasciistis. The e-mall cites a Manheim Research Institute as the source of the warning. Necrotizing fasciitis is a real but rare infection caused by Group A streptococcus, the same bacterium that causes strep throat. It attacks soft tissues under the skin, resulting In gangrene, amputation and even death. Group A streptococci are spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat of infected persons or by contact with infected wounds or sores. The germ lives in the human body and cannot survive long enough on the surface of a banana.

4. Cough CPR can save your life. In 1999, e-mall purportedly endorsed by the Rochester General Hospital and Mended Hearts (a support group for heart attack victims) claimed that repeated, vigorous coughing could save the life of a person who suffers a head attack while alone. According to urbanlegendsaabout.com, through CPR'' (or "self-CPR'') is a real procedure occasionally used in emergency situations under professional supervision. It is not, however, taught in standard CPR courses, nor is it advised by most medical professionals as a ''lifesaving'' measure for people who experience heart attacks while alone.

5. Fish Contaminated With Deadly 'Zulican Virus '' After Tsunami. Immediately after the Asian tsunami disaster In December 2004, a wave of text messages (SMS) and forwarded e-mails warned Asian consumers to avoid eating seafood ''because fish killed bathe Indian Ocean tsunami are infected with the deadly 'Zulican virus ''. This hoax caused not only fear among consumers but also a drastic drop. In sales of fish and fish products. In several Asian countries HeaIth authorities have since declared that the ''Zulican virus'' is bogus, and there is no evidence suggesting toadfish caught after the tsunami are unfit for consumption.

6. Freezing Water In Plastic Battles Releases Cancer-Causing Dioxin. This widely circulated 2004 hoax purportedly relayed information from a Johns Hopkins newsletter claiming that freezing water in plastic bottles can release toxic dioxin and cause cancer. Johns Hopkins university denied they issued such information in a special news release. Professor Rolf Haiden of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said "This is an urban legend Freezing actually works against the release of chemicals. Chemicals do not diffuse as readily in cold temperatures, which would limit chemical release if there were dioxins in plastic, and we don't think there are ''

7. Woman Catches Leptospirosis From Unwashed Coke Can. In 2002, several variants of this hoax claimed that a woman in North Texas (or Belgium, Botswana, etc was infected with the deadly leptospirosis disease after drinking Coke straight from an unwashed can contaminated with dried rat urine. Leptospirosis is a real disease transmitted via rat urine or feces. Urbanlegends about.com says soda cans are usually stored and shipped in shrink-wrap or cardboard cases and are, therefore, unlikely vehicles for dried rat urine, contaminated or otherwise. Of course, washing off the top of a soda can-or any bottle, for that matter-before drinking. It is always a good idea.

8. Lead In Lipstick. This 2003 hoax claimed that several brand-name lipsticks (Christian Dior, lancome Clinique, YSL, etc ) contain "cancer-causing lead '' and Its presence can be tested by scratching products with a 24-karat gold ring Urbanlegends about com found neither reliable Information to support the claims nor warnings or references of any kind in International medical Journals and the FDA'S online database on the presence of lead in lipstick.

9. Tampons Contain Asbestos. This e-mall scare story began circulating In 1998 It alleges that tampons pose a serious health threat to women because they contain asbestos As usual, the message was unsigned, urged recipients to send It to every Woman they knew, and positively unsettling. Experts dismissed the allegations as absurd ''Tampons do not contain asbestos and never have. No research has been published anywhere to even suggest lid's according to urbanlegends about com

10. Shampoo Causes Cancer. Circulating since 1998, this hoax claims that sodium laureate sulfate, a synthetic chemical found in brand-name shampoos and other personal-care products, causes cancer Again, the message Is unsigned and cites no references to support its claims It Is true that sodium Iaureth sulfate (SLES) is found frequently In shampoos ant occasionally In toothpastes However, the chemical does not appear on any official list of known or suspected carcinogens, says urbanlegends about com

SMART SKEPTIC Why do people create and sent hoax messages? Hoaxbusters com says only the original writer knows, but cites some possibilities to see how far a message would go, to damage a person's or organization's reputation, or simply for the perverse pleasure of spreading misinformation Whatever the motivation may be behind hoax messages, maintain a healthy dose of skepticism when checking your inbox When you receive an e-mall that looks like a hoax, the most prudent course of action Is to verify the Information with a medical professional before acting on or sharing It Or just hit the delete button As hoaxbusters com aptly puts it, ''When in doubt, don't send it out ''

article101

2008-02-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

Which Element of the Horoscope are You?

No doubt that millions of persons begin their journey rushing through the newspapers to see the daily horoscope. We want the horoscope to tell us positive things will happen in the next 24 hours, like how will somebody look at us nicely, how fast we will be rich, or our love compatibility. In contrast, we are less interested to come up with a horror-scope like 'today is not your day for love, business deals are not in the stars for you today. '

But first of all, which element of the horoscope are You? Hmm… don't really know what the horoscope is? Well, the horoscope is an astrological chart for a specific person or group that correlates each zodiac sign as they are crossed by the Sun, Moon and planets and the position of planets in astrology. Now, the elements Fire, Earth, Air and Water are based on ancient Greek philosophy; they are the building blocks of life: the solid earth upon which we stand, the running water we use as a resource, the air we breathe and the fire which keeps us warm and aids in the creation of additional resources. The horoscope elements reflect a quality of human nature and correspond also with the Tarot: Fire = Wands; Earth = Coins; Air = Swords; Water = Cups.

Here are the list of the Sun Signs elements, but if you still don't know, ask mom for your birthday and keep reading this:

1. Earth Signs

Well-grounded, and realistic, your earth sign makes sure you stay in the real world. When it comes to friendship, no-one is more rock steady than you. A builder of long-lasting bonds, you are talented in business and good with money. You find fulfillment in seeing tangible results for your efforts. Earth signs are: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Taurus (April 21 - May 21): They are faithful and generous friends with a great capacity for affection, but rarely make friends with anyone outside their social rank. The ruling planet for Taurus is Venus; the color of choice is Pink, and its star stone is the Emerald. Virgo (August 23 - September 23): They need the stimulus of practical problems to be solved rather than the mere routine or working to set specifications that need no thought. The ruling planet for Virgo is Mercury; the colors are Green and Dark Brown, and its star stone is the Sardonyx. Capricorn (December 22 - January 20): They plan carefully to fulfill their ambitions; they are economical without meanness, and able to achieve great results due to their organizing ability. The ruling planet for Capricorn is Saturn; the color of choice is Brown, and its star stone is the Black Onyx. 2. Fire Signs These three are the sexiest signs in the Horoscope. Enthusiastic and creative, courageous and spontaneous, confident and fun-loving, you are ardent in love. Other cooler signs may be dazzled by your bright flame. Fire signs are: Leo, Aries and Sagittarius. Leo (July 23 - August 22): Their personal magnetism and innate courtesy of mind bring out the best of loyalty from subordinates. The ruling planet for Leo is the Sun; the color of choice is Gold, and its star stone is the red Ruby. Aries (March 21 - April 20): The Arian is a pioneer both in thought and action, adventurous, ambitious, and impulsive. The ruling planet for Aries is Mars; the color of choice is Red, and its star stone is the precious Diamond. Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21): Their strongly idealistic natures can also suffer many disappointments without being affected. The ruling planet for Sagittarius is Jupiter; the color of choice is the Rich Purple, and its star stone is the Topaz.

3. Air Signs

These three are the most intellectual signs of the Horoscope. Their skills make them great thinkers and problems solvers.

Air signs are: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21): Since they lack the quality of conscientiousness, they are apt to fight a losing battle in any attempts they make to be moral. The ruling planet for Gemini is Mercury; the color of choice is Green, and its star stone is the Agate.

Libra (September 24 - October 23): Librans are sensitive and have the psychic gift of understanding the emotional needs of their companions and meeting them with their own innate optimism. The ruling planet for Libra is Venus; the color of choice is Blues, and its star stone is the Sapphire.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19): Many are psychically intuitive to the Age of Aquarius, an age in which mankind will experience a great spiritual awakening. The ruling planet for Aquarius is Uranus; the color of choice is Turquoise, and its star stone is the Turquoise.

4. Water Signs

These three always stay tuned to their feelings, conscious and subconscious, with a level of intuitiveness sometimes bordering on the psychic. Water is the element of the poet, which have them ready to interpret the universe. Air signs are: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Cancer (June 22 - July 22): The Cancerian character is the least clear-cut of all those associated with the signs of the zodiac: It can range from the timid, dull, shy and withdrawn to the most brilliant, and famous. The ruling planet for Cancer is the Moon; the color of choice is Silver, and its star stone is the Pearl. Scorpio (October 24 - November 22): They are like a volcano; they can erupt at any moment. Their tenacity and willpower are immense. The ruling planet for Scorpio is Pluto; the color of choice is dark Red to Maroon, and its star stone is Opal. Pisces (February 20 - March 20): They are more readily concerned with the problems of others than with their own. Their psychic and spiritual qualities can lead them into careers in the church or as mediums and mystics. They are also sexually delicate. The ruling planet for Pisces is Neptune; the color of choice is soft Sea Green, and its star stone is the Moonstone.

article100

2008-02-04T20:10:00.001-08:00

What is Critical Illness Life Insurance?

There are several policies on the marketplace that offer coverage for various reasons. Critical Illness Life Insurance offers a coverage for critical ill conditions. If the policyholder is "diagnosed" with any type of illness that is long-term then the policy will payout "tax-free" lump sums of cash to the policyholder.

The Critical Life coverage provides a 'list' of diseases, including incurable illnesses that the insurance policy will defend. In addition, if the policyholder fall victim to an accident or incident, the policy will cover the holder, if he is enduringly out of work. Most insurance policies will not cover holders that are suffering prior to taking out the policies. Likewise, if you are undergoing life-long illnesses or disease when you apply for Critical Illness Policies, you won't be allowed to use the coverage to receive medical treatment. If you are having difficulty searching for Critical Illness insurance there are Brokers online that can help you find the coverage you need. The Brokers may find you coverage although you are currently suffering, however your premiums will probably be steep, but the coverage may be adequate.

Currently, the government is in the process of raising the age for retirement disability to "67.' Out of the billions of people in the world, "1 in 5" males has been diagnosed with some form of Critical Illness, and '1 in 6" females have been diagnosed with Critical Illnesses. Since the government is making changes, we can never tell if changes will apply to Medicare and Medicaid, therefore getting Critical Illness Coverage and paying a bit higher Premiums may not be a bad idea.

Nowadays, due to chemicals, other types of pollutions and so forth there are thousands, if not millions of people suffer from Critical Ills. Recently, experts have claimed that the common age for ill patients is around "47." Millions around the world everyday make the same fatal mistake. That mistakes is believing that they are singled out to stay healthy for the rest of their lives. Out of the millions, at least a few hundred fall ill everyday.

The statistics claim that "35" percentage of males and '46" percentage of females over the past few years were diagnosed with cancer, while another "78" percent of patients that endured strokes only lived up to a year and then passed on. The cancerous patients lived as long as five live and then passed on. Just recently statistics showed that nearly 41,000 females in the UK alone were establish as having 'breast cancer." This means that over 130 females are at risk of death. The males in UK equaled more than 23, 000 diagnosed with "Lung Cancer" and lead to nearly 100 males dying. As you can see, Critical Ill Coverage may be more critical than we realize.

More often than not, a person will need to pay for transportation, medical costs, treatment centers, burial, and in-home medical treatment if they are diagnosed with diseases or terminal illnesses. The funeral arrangements alone nowadays will cost the average individual near "18, 000" if not more. Few funerals cost less for the basics, however, Cremation prices today have increased even.

When the roads are rocky, Critical Illness Policies can provide you a wealth of hope. Critical Illness Coverage, I found to be one of the better insurance plans available on the marketplace. Most Critical Illness Policies will cover any Unremitting, Incurable, or other severe illness, which includes in-home treatment, outgoing patient care, ingoing care, and so forth. Furthermore, we can never tell when we will fall victim to incidents or accidents, therefore having the coverage now can save you later. To learn more about Critical Illness Policies it pays to go online, since traveling around will only provide you limited resources. Online you can get Quotes and support by qualified Brokers that will help you find the best plans. Furthermore, Critical Illness is often offered when a person or family takes out Life Insurance. Therefore, the policies are often compliments of Life Coverage, and only cost a few dollars more in most instances. The few dollars now can provide you wealth when Critical Ill comes knocking at your door

article99

2008-02-04T20:09:00.001-08:00

Herbal supplement benefits and dangerous side effects

After a rise in the popularity of dietary supplements in the 1990s, their use seems to have plateaued, although exposure may continue to increase with the addition of herbal supplements to mainstream multivitamin products, according to an article in the February 14 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. During the last decade the use of alternative medicines, particularly herbal products, has increased considerably, according to background information in the article. Americans spent $4.2 billion on herbs and other botanical remedies in 2001, and their benefits are being cited more and more in the media. The percentage of people using a href="http://herbalcare06.blogspot.com">dietary supplements increased from 14.2 percent in 1998 1999 to 18.8 percent 2002, with a low of 12.3 percent in 2000 and a high of 19.8 percent in 2001. The percentage of people aged 45 to 64 years who took supplements increased by about half between 1998-1999 and 2001-2002. However, the use of Ginko biloba and Panax ginseng declined during the study period. Overall, supplement users were older, more likely to be female (59.9 vs. 55.5 percent) and white (80.7 vs. 75.6 percent). The use of lutein, a component of multivitamin products, increased in both men and women, with a prevalence of 0.3 percent, 0.5 percent, 6.6 percent, and 8.4 percent, respectively, in 1998-1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. "Our observations regarding lute in use were unexpected," the authors noted. This carotenoid antioxidant, which it has been suggested may be protective against macular degeneration, was first added to many popular multivitamins in late 1999 and 2000. Another antioxidant, lycopene, was added to major multivitamins in 2003 as a cancer preventative. "The addition of these supplements to multivitamin products has signaled two subtle, but important, changes in recent years," the researchers suggest. "First, the acceptance of herbal supplements and other dietary supplements as part of the mainstream health milieu has apparently increased. Second, the marketing strategy for multivitamin products appears to have broadened from supplying recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the diet to preventing chronic disease, such as macular degeneration and cancer." "Approximately one quarter of adults in the United States use multivitamins, and this prevalence may increase following the recent recommendation that all adults take a multivitamin daily," the authors write. "Although the deliberate use of herbal products may have reached a plateau in the last few years, exposure to individual herbal ingredients may continue to rise as more of them are added to mainstream multivitamin products."

A benefit of Herbal Supplements People takes herbs and supplements for a variety of reasons. Some people take Echinacea if they have a cold or the flu. You might turn to ginseng to boost your energy, increase sexual stamina, reduce stress or combat the effects of aging, such as memory loss.

The world of herbal medicine offers a wide range of applications and treatments on several different levels, ranging from everyday over-the-counter remedies for more symptomatic relief of minor ailments, to individualized prescriptions prepared specifically for patients after in depth consultation with a qualified medical herbalist. Certainly herbs have their place as self-help for minor infections, coughs, colds, catarrh, stomach upsets, indigestion, constipation and so on. The wealth of information that abounds today about herbs is enabling people to make increasingly informed decisions about the specific remedies they choose to self-administer. In the 10th century, the Arabs invented a process of distillation that allowed for more efficient extraction of the essential oils from plants, and for centuries, cultures from every part of the globe have inhaled aromas, drunken potions, and worn aromatic amulets as healing aids and to protect them from harm.

By extracting the essential oils from plants and herbs, aromatherapy has been, and continues to be, used to address a wide range of physical and emotional ailments, from headaches to herpes, from dry skin to acne, and from arthritis to asthma.

In modern times, France and England have led the attempt to reintroduce many ancient remedies to the world in the early 1900s, and to help aromatherapy gain greater acceptance in the traditional medical community. France still leads the world in rediscovering modern uses for ancient remedies, and many French doctors routinely prescribe aromatic remedies for their patients. That practice is reinforced by the fact that French pharmacies stock a wide variety of essential oils, and insurance companies are willing to pay for treatments involving ancient healing methods.

Side effect of using herbal supplements a study has found that herbal supplements, among the most popular of the products, may pose a special risk. The supplement appears to reduce sharply the effectiveness of the drug saquinavir, researchers report in the current online issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. For the moment, the researchers are advising only those patients being treated with saquinavir to avoid the supplements. But the researchers said more work was needed to determine whether herbal supplements affected Natural herbal supplements are supposed to help boost our immune systems, give us more energy and make us generally healthier. However, many of these "harmless" supplements could cause for more dangerous side effects.

All 55 percent of patients who used herbal supplements took at least two different supplements and at least one on a daily basis. The most popular herbal supplements were chondroitin (22 percent), ephedra (22 percent), echinacea (18 percent) and glucosamine (8 percent).

Chondroitin is often used to treat osteoarthritis. People using chondroitin may suffer from bleeding complications. Particularly when used in combination with doctor-prescribed blood-thinning medications. Ephedra has been known to promote weight loss, increase energy and treat respiratory tract conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have banned this agent because it can raise blood pressure, heart rate and metabolic rate, ultimately causing heart attacks, heart arrhythmia, stroke and even death. Echinacea is often used for the prevention and treatment of viral, bacterial and fungal infections, as well as chronic wounds, ulcers and arthritis. However, it can trigger immunosuppression, causing poor wound healing and infection Glucosamine, often offered in conjunction with chondroitin, Contains chemical elements that mimic human insulin Other common supplements taken by patients in the study that may cause dangerous side effects included gingko biloba, goldenseal, milk thistle, ginseng, kava and garlic. Keywords:- Herbal nutrition supplement, herbal dietary supplement, herbal nutritional supplement, herbal weight loss supplement, herbal diet supplement, natural herbal supplement, herbal supplement for energy, herbal medicine supplement, herbal supplement for woman, herbal supplement for diabetes, herbal supplement side effects, herbal pregnancy supplement,

Before you use any supplements, ask your physician about health risks, and visit with a dietetics professional for the best advice on food, nutrition and supplements.

The key to the success of AyurvedicCure is the quality of the ingredients they use, the way in which formulae are based on ancient Ayurvedic traditions, a careful manufacturing process and an ongoing research program for testing and evaluating new and old products.

Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that contain herbs. An herb (also called a botanical) is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, and/or therapeutic properties.

Finding healing powers in plants is an ancient idea. People in all continents have long used hundreds of indigenous plants, for treatment of various ailments dating back to prehistory. There is evidence that Neanderthals living 30,000 years ago in present-day some of the countries used plants for medicinal purposes. These plants are still widely used in ethnomedicine around the world.

article98

2008-02-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

Cancer In Your Bathroom?

When the alarm rings she slowly gets out of bed, turns on the shower and under the steady stream of warm water, she gently scrubs her body with Ammonia, Formaldehyde and Phenol.

Next, she shampoos her tinted hair with DEA and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Rinsing out the shampoo, she applies a good amount of mutagenic DEA & Propylene Glycol and lets it penetrate while she pops the top on the shaving cream and shaves her legs with A-Pinene.

The shower finished, she towel dries and spreads on an even coat of Contaminant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PHAs) and a dusting of an Asbestos Substance over her skin.

She sprays the scented Aluminum under her arms, brushes her teeth with FD&C Blue#1, Resorcinol, Saccharin, and Fluoride; with a trace of TriSodium Phosphate.

Then she rinses and gargles with Ethanol and Phenol Alcohol.

She combs setting gel through her hair then blows it dry and sprays it with polyvinylpyrrolidine(PVP).

Sitting at her vanity, she carefully applies a thin film of Phenol Carbolic Acid, Dioxin and Propylene Glycol, over her face to reduce the fine lines.

Today, she'll wear foundation and a little FD&C Red #3. And, better add some eye-Iron Oxide, for today she is attending a special meeting.

Oh, and add a little toxic and mutagenic Ascorbyl Palmitate to line her lids, and a stroke of bacteria & Polyvinylpyrrolide (PVP) to her lashes.

A dab of Benzo-A-Pyrene and Benzo-B-Fluroanthene to color her lips. A spritz of her favorite scent, Toluene and Benzaldehyde, and a little carcinogenic nitrosamine, NMPABAO on her face, arms and legs to block the suns rays.

Now, she is set for the day. She looks radiant... "breath-taking" beauty we call it... because her looks are literally KILLING HER!

Do These Ingredients listed above absorb through the skin? Well, if you're wondering if the chemicals mentioned above can absorb through skin, try this experiment... Get a clove of garlic. Cut it open and rub it on the bottom of your foot. See how long it takes for you to taste it in your mouth...

Take note that the skin is not a barrier that keeps chemicals and ingredients out. The skin absorbs almost everything applied to it. [i.e. That is why nicotine patches and diet patches that are adhered to the skin surface work.]

So What's The Cause For Alarm? What has the woman in the above scenario exposed herself to, in a matter of just minutes? What is really being put on and in the body by millions of unsuspecting people, every day?

Let's find out... Let's start with the innocent bar of soap...

* Bar Soap has a pH of 9, which removes the protective acid mantle of the skin making it more alkaline and therefore, more vulnerable to penetration.

Bar Soap also contains Ammonia, Formaldehyde and Phenol, known carcinogens [cancer-causing agents], and Triclocarbans.

* Shampoo contains Cocamide DEA, which is associated with carcinogenic [cancer-causing] Nitrosamines and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a known mutagen.

* Hair Tint contains Quaternium-15, which releases carcinogenic Formaldehyde and the carcinogen, Phenylenediamine.

* Conditioner contains DEA & Propylene Glycol both known mutagenic carcinogens.

* Shaving Cream contains a-Pinene, a chemical that damages the immune system.

*Body Lotion contains Mineral Oil, which, as a cosmetic grade Petroleum product, includes the contaminant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PHAs) known as xenoestrogens that can mimic estrogen in the body.

*Dusting Powder contains Talc, a substance like Asbestos. When talc was combined with a common air pollutant, Benzo(a)pyrene, it induced tumors in 80% of the animals tested.

Many scientists believe Talc should be placed on the "known carcinogens" list.

*Deodorant has Aluminum, which is being tested in connection to Alzheimers.

*Toothpaste contains Saccharin and FD&C Blue#1, which are carcinogens.

It also contains Resorcinol, which can cause a blood disorder (methemoglobinemia), convulsions and death.

Fluoride is also a known carcinogen.

*TriSodium Phosphate, also found in some toothpastes, is a chemical primer that strips grease and dirt off walls and surfaces. It is so caustic that it warns the user to wear gloves at all times and to avoid any skin contact.

*Mouthwash contains 27% Ethanol, which is suspected of causing esophageal cancer.

It also contains Phenol, which can cause fatal poisonings through skin absorption.

*Hair Spray contains Polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) and reports show that it may cause harm if the particles are inhaled. Modest intravenous doses fed to rats caused tumors.

*Skin Moisturizer contains Phenol Carbolic Acid, which can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma and death as a result of respiratory failure.

It also contains PEG-40, which contains dangerous levels of dioxin. And Propylene Glycol, which studies show can negatively alter brain waves and cause liver and kidney disorders.

*Blush contains FD&C Red #3, which caused human breast cells to grow, mimics the effect of natural estrogen at the molecular level and damages the genetic material of human breast cells.

*Eye shadow contains Iron Oxide, which is a suspected carcinogen, teratogen or toxin.

*Eyeliner, contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, and studies suggest that the Palmitates are to be considered carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic.

*Mascara may be contaminated with bacteria. It also contains Polyvinylpyrrolide (PVP), a carcinogen.

*Lipstick contains Paraffin, which is a mixture of Hydrocarbons and is derived from Petroleum. It is known to be contaminated with the carcinogens, Benzo-a-pyrene and Benzo-b-fluroanthene.

*Perfume contains Toluene, a suspected potent carcinogen that has been found in almost every fragrance tested, and Benzaldehyde, which is a central nervous system depressant that may cause kidney damage.

*Sunscreen contains Padimate O and the preservative, BNPD, which together create the carcinogenic nitrosamine, NMPABAO.

Did You Know...

According to recent DAILY USE estimates, 3 personal care products are used on infants and children daily.

Men use 10 personal care products daily.

Women use 6 cosmetics and 13 personal care products daily. Some products are used several times daily.

Assuming mainstream industry products each contain only 2 carcinogens, [cancer-causing agents], this results in daily exposures to 6 different AVOIDABLE carcinogens for infants and children, 20 for men, and 38 for women DAILY.

And while ingredients are listed on product labels, there are NO warnings as to the CANCER risks from any of these ingredients.

It is UNTHINKABLE that women would knowingly continue to inflict such exposures on their infants, children; let alone on themselves, if products routinely used, were visibly labeled with explicit warnings of cancer risks.

So are you asking yourself... "why this has not yet been enforced by laws, that should be protecting bodycare product purchasing consumers?

article97

2008-02-04T20:07:00.002-08:00

Beta Carotin

Beta Carotin is one the Carotinoide existing over 400 in nature. Carotinoide are coloring materials, which arise in numerous plants. Beta Carotin is the most frequently occurring and most well-known Carotinoid.beta Carotin molecule can theoretically into two Vitamin of A-molecules be split. Therefore it is called also Provitamin A. however only one part of the beta Carotin in the human body to Vitamin A is converted. The remainder is stored. In addition the portion of the beta Carotin in the body, converted to Vitamin A, of the status already existing is regulated, so that it can come to no Vitamin A intoxication. Only about 50 Carotinoide possess Provitamin A-effect, and of it beta Carotin is the most active

The best sources of the beta Carotin are orange low-yellow and/or fruits and vegetables as well as dark-green sheet vegetables like for example:

* yellow and/or orange vegetable: Carrots, Bataten (sweet potatoes),; * yellow and/or orange fruits: Apricots, Cantaloupe melons, Papayas, Mangos, Carambolas, nectarines, peaches; * dark-green sheet vegetables: Spinach, Brokkoli, Endivien, Chicor, e, Kresse * as well as the sheets of red patches, white carrots and dandelion; * other vegetable and fruit which is applicable as source: Tomatoes, asparagus, peas, Kohl, Mais, Sauerkirschen, Pflaumen.

The content of beta Carotin in fruit and vegetables can vary: It depends on the respective sort, the season or the degree the ripe one. The bio-availability of beta Carotin from fruits and vegetables depends on the preparation before the consumption. Any referring to the actual beta Carotin content can be thus only estimations.

The following short overview points the beta Carotin content out per 100 9 edible portion:

* Vegetable: Carrots (6.6 mg), Kresse (5.6 mg), spinach (4.9 mg), Brokkoli (1.5 mg), tomatoes (0.5 mg). Fruits: Mangos (2.9 mg), melons (2.0 mg), apricots (1.6 mg), peaches (0.5 mg), oranges (0.1 mg).

Storage in the body Gallensalze are needed for the absorption of the beta Carotin in the upper small intestine. Many factors in the food, so for example fat and proteins, can affect this admission. Approximately ten to fifty per cent of the entire supplied BetaCarotin in the Gastro intestinal tract are absorbed. The portion of the absorbed beta Carotin is reduced with rising supply. Within the intestinal mucosa (Mukosa) beta Carotin is converted with the help of the enzyme Beta-Carotin-15,15' Dioxygenase into Vitamin A (Retinol). This mechanism is adjusted by the Vitamin A status of the respective person. As soon as the body has enough Vitamin A, less beta Carotin is converted. Therefore beta Carotin is a Vitamin A resource of high security. An excessive supply does not lead to a Vitamin A Hypervitaminose. Surplus beta Carotin is predominantly stored in the fat fabrics of the body. The accumulations of fat of adults are often yellow due to the stored Carotin, while they are white with children. A redundant beta Carotin consumption can lead to yellowish skin color, which disappears however after reduction and/or attitude of the supply rapidly. Stability The content of active Carotinoiden in food can decrease something during the storage process. This is the result of enzyme reactions and the effect of light and oxygen. The hydrogenation of plant fats and the drying process of fruit and vegetable are two food-technical procedures, which reduce the biological activity of the Carotinoide substantially. With frozen food against it this activity remains stable. Fundamental reciprocal effects Tobacco smoking and consumption of alcohol let the beta Carotin mirror drop noticeably. Supply/Versorgungastatus Many scientists attribute a protecting effect to the supply of at beta Carotin rich fruits and vegetables with the emergence of certain kinds of cancer. A high supply and/or a very good supplying status of this nutrient is particularly brought to the cancer of the lungs with a reduced occurrence of certain cancer forms, in connection. Groups of risks for a low beta Carotin status

Since it was scientifically confirmed in the meantime that the BetaCarotin need lies substantially more highly than in former times was accepted, one is today convinced of the fact that many humans do not take up sufficient BetaCarotin with the food. Although this applies to the largest part of the population, there are special groups, at which one tightened beta Carotin mirrors in the blood, dropped strongly. In addition belong regular smokers and consumption of alcohol ducks as well as pregnant woman and satisfying women. The Carotinold mirrors in the blood are in principle low under the influence of diseases, with which the fat absorption is impaired, e.g. Sprue and jaundice. Other diseases such as living ore erring trousers and Rheumatismus affect the beta Carotin equilibrium likewise negatively. Recommendations for the daily supply The supply of beta Carotin from food is in the meantime a component of the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances = recommendations for the daily nutrient supply) for Vitamin A in the USA. In the Federal Republic of Germany from the German society for nutrition (DGE) for healthy adults a daily supply from 0,8 to 1,1mg will consider Vitamin - A recommended - without the BetaCarotin admission explicitly. For pregnant woman and satisfying women an increased demand is indicated by 300 RH and/or 1,000 RH. With children the recommendation reads depending upon age of 400 RH for infants to 900 RH for 10 - to 12jährige. Investigations in the USA for example have resulted in that about half Vitamin of A is supplied by way of the average nutrition, from BetaCarotin originate. After computations on the basis of the consumption statistics of the nourishing report 1984 the DGE in the Federal Republic of only approx. 20 per cent Vitamin of A over beta Carotin are supplied. In accordance with the nourishing recommendations of the NCI (national CAN cerium of institutes) of the United States the ideal relationship beta Carotin/Vitamin A lies in the food consumption with 90:10. Beta Carotin does not however only have Provitamin A function, but is like studies occupies - also its own micro nutrient. Nevertheless still no official data for the height of the beta Carotin daily requirement exist. Nevertheless scientific and national organizations endorse like the NCI and the American Ministry Of Agriculture the consumption of beta Carotin rich food. The suggested quantities correspond to one repeated ones of the average beta Carotin value, which is reached in the nutrition of the US citizens. The average food in America contains approximately 1.5 mg beta Carotin daily, whereas the NCI recommendations correspond converted to a quantity of approximately 6 mg per day. Security Due to the regulated transformation of beta Carotin in Vitamin A an excessive consumption does not release Vitamin A intoxication. The gift of very large quantities of Carotinoiden with certain disease arrangements (Hyperlipidämie, diabetes mellitus, Nephroti syndrome, Hypothyreose) can release a Hypercarotinämie, which expresses itself in a yellow colouring of the skin, mainly on the palms and at the soles. The yellow color disappears, as soon as the Carotinoid supply is reduced or adjusted. Investigations at humans were accomplished, in order to occupy security from beta Carotin to. With patients with luminous sensivity as with the Erythropoeti Protoporphyrie even with over years an accomplished oral admission of 50 to 200 mg beta Carotin per day no unfavorable effects were observed. Food enrichment and - technology Margarine and fruit beverages are often enriched with beta Carotin. 1941 led the FDA (Food and Drug administration) in the USA a standardisation for the enrichment of margarine with Vitamin a A. in Germany Vitamin A of the margarine for approximately 50 years are likewise added. Meanwhile the Vitamin A was partly replaced by beta Carotin, whereby the margarine receives also its attractive yellow color. One recognized that beta Carotin is suitable due to its large safety framework for the food enrichment substantially better than Vitamin A. beta Carotin may in the Federal Republic of all food without special permission is added.

article96

2008-02-04T20:07:00.001-08:00

The Truth About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast or a tumor, grow out of control and damages nearby tissue. In women, the most common and fatal type of cancer is breast cancer.

Detection There are often no symptoms in the early stages. Women should be aware of the screening recommendations and follow them. There are varieties of symptoms that may appear as the tumor grows such as:

- The breast changing in size or shape - Breast skin becomes pitted or ridged - Thickening or lump in the underarm or breast - Discharge from nipple or the nipple turns inward - Skin on the breast becomes red or scales

If you have any of these symptoms, have yourself examined by a medical professional. This does not mean you have cancer but you defiantly want to have this checked.

Before the age of twenty, is very rare to get it and not often diagnosed in women less than twenty-five years old. The chances of contacting climbs steadily after 25 and peaks around menopause age in women. It increases less after menopause but as they age, the risk to older women gradually increases.

Risk Factors Nobody really knows what causes this cancer. Some of the elements that are thought to increase the risk are:

Gender: There are more cases of women than men Weight: Overweight women are at higher risk Age: From 25 to menopause, the chances increases. Children: If a woman has not had a child, or had a child after 30 Family History: Women that have a family member that have or had it are at risk.

Male Breast Cancer Yes, it really does happen. It is certainly not as common as in women but approximately one to 1.5% happens to men. Older men most often diagnosed with it and are between sixty and seventy years old. If a man has had previous exposure to radiation, such as for cancer treatment, their risk increases. Approximately 20% of men with a mother, sister or other close female relatives with breast cancer are certainly at higher risk. Some of the symptoms in men includes swelling or a breast lump, retracted nipple or discharge and scaling or redness of the breast skin or nipple.

Statistics The statistics are frightening. Each and ever year, over 182,000 women and 16,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Over 400 men and 43,300 women will die from this terrible disease. During their lifetime, one woman out of eight has or will get breast cancer. Most people have family or friends that have or had breast cancer. Always give them your support and encouragement.

article95

2008-02-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

Whiskey: An Antidote For Cancer?

Some scientists believe that whiskey may be one of the keys to preventing the Big C

For a quite a number of years, liquor has been known not only to bring destructive intoxication and addiction upon its patrons, but also as deterrent to a healthy lifestyle. But as a potential weapon against cancer? Sounds controversial.

Rumors that single malt whiskey may be a tool to combat cancer have begun circulating recently. Whether it actually holds any water has yet to be proven. According to one of the theory's proponents, a consultant to the whiskey industry, Dr. Jim Swan, the antioxidants present in whiskey, particularly ellagic acid, can reduce the risk of developing cancer, since this acid fights the unstable atoms that aid in rapid cell replication. He added that the more cells were produced, the more likely that rogue cancer cells will be born. "Whiskey can protect you from cancer and science proves it," he said, speaking at the EuroMedLab 2005 conference in Glasgow. Dr Swan explained that ellagic acid, which is in greater concentration in whiskey than in red wine, breaks down the harmful free radicals present in our body.

However, Cancer Research UK remains unconvinced. The agency has raised concerns that what Dr Swan and his supporters are pushing might mislead consumers into drinking excessive amounts of whiskey just to avoid cancer. Cancer Research noted that liquor intake can eventually lead to certain kinds of cancer, such as those in the esophagus, throat, mouth, bowel and liver. Dr Swan's idea that whiskey can prevent cancer also received criticism, owing mostly to an absence of population data supporting them. Contrariwise, according to the agency's head of cancer information Lesley Walker, there exists evidence that high alcohol consumption does increase cancer risks. Ms Walker noted that while ellagic acid is a formidable antioxidant and may greatly aid in the fight against cancer, its presence in whiskey is not reason enough for people to begin drinking up, especially as ellagic acid can also be found in certain fruits.

The concept that a certain type of alcohol may help deter cancer is novel and, for frequent drinkers, even noble. What liquor patron would ignore this theory? But, still, Dr Swan's ideas remain untested and there does not exist any known positive link between whiskey and cancer. If there would be something that suggest this is true sometime in the future, then it will be considered revolutionary. However, in the absence of adequate information at present, whiskey as a deterrent to cancer is a dubious thought. While we all hope and pray that an alternative treatment to cancer will surface soon, this is probably not the time to become this optimistic about whiskey's alleged benefits.

article94

2008-02-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

Olive Oil Great Tasting And Good For You Too!

Olive Oil Great Tasting And Good For You Too! By: Lisa Fraley

The Holy Scriptures make reference to olive oil throughout and healthwise it packs a powerful punch!

Did you know that replacing two tablespoons of saturated fats, such as butter and margarine, with olive oil everyday could actually make your heart healthier? Dozens of studies have been done on olive oil which suggest many more health benefits. In this article we will look at a few of them.

Olive oil is 77% monounsaturated fat. Research studies show it may lower heart disease risk by lowering the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-low density lipoprotein) in the blood and leaving the good cholesterol (HDL-high density lipoprotein) intact. It slashes the risk of heart disease because it breaks down the plaque in clogged arteries and reduces the risk of hardened arteries. Olive oil also helps fight other illness such as diabetes, arthritis, breast cancer, constipation, the effects of aging and more according to research studies. How? Olive oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E that protect cells from damage.

Here are some olive oil health tips:

* Replace butter with olive oil to avoid heart disease.

* Cut breast cancer risk by consuming olive oil at two or more meals per day.

* Cook your fish in olive oil to help ease arthritis pain. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (mackerel, salmon, tuna) are good for the relief of arthritis because the omega-3 acids fight inflammation, reduce pain, and decrease the number of affected joints. Olive oil fights inflammation, keeps the pain at bay and lubricates swollen joints. Double whammy attack on arthritis!

* An olive oil rich diet may lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin needs.

* Olive oil is wonderful as a skin moisturizer and you can even make an herbal scented oil (with lavender or rosemary sprigs, etc.)! A little goes a long way and your skin absorbs it, not immediately but a little after you apply it.

* Just two tablespoons of olive oil in the morning (on an empty stomach) has a positive effect on chronic constipation. It has a mild laxative effect.

The types of olive oil include: extra virgin, pure, light or mild, and olive pomace oil.

Extra virgin - made from cold pressing select olives without any further refining. Best you can buy and is produced in limited quantities so it costs more.

Pure olive oil - this is a blend of refined olive oil and extra virgin or virgin olive oil.

Light or mild olive oil - this is a refined oil with just enough extra virgin oil added to give it a light flavor and color. It is NOT lighter in calories. It has the same caloric and fat content as the other oils.

Olive pomace oil - extracted from the pomace which is the remaining portion of the olive oil after pressing. The resulting oil refined and blended with virgin olive oil to add flavor.

Olive oil will help you tantalize your taste buds while at the same time providing healthy nourishment.

* Use instead of butter on popcorn.

* Add a teaspoon or more to each serving of hearty soup or stew.

* Add some to your tossed salad.

* Use pure olive oil as an all purpose cooking oil.

* Baste turkey and chicken with olive oil.

* Pour olive oil into a plastic container (or recycled margarine tub) and freeze. When solid, store it in the refrigerator and use as a spread instead of butter or margarine!

* Season your cast iron cookware with olive oil.

Storing Olive Oil:
You can store olive oil in an airtight container, away from light, in a cool place like your cupboard. Some refrigerate it (I don't personally), if you do it will become cloudy and eventually it will solidify. To use once this happens, let it come to room temperature and it will clear up/liquify again. Neither quality nor flavor will be affected. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If stored properly, olive oil will keep its flavor for up to two years making it a great addition to your stockpile!!

If you're adding another flavor to olive oil:
Blanch fresh herbs in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel. Add herbs to oil and let stand overnight at room temperature. Refrigerate any oil not immediately used.

Try serving olive oil in a cruet or a decanter. Serve flavored oil in a smaller container to prevent waste (use it up in one day).

Clear glass containers show off olive oil's great color.

These are just a small portion of the health benefits and uses for olive oil, there are many more. Why not research them for yourself and make olive oil a healthy addition to your diet and life.

**The information provided in this article is not intended as a substitute for medical intervention and/or advice. This article serves as informative only. If you have medical issues or concerns I encourage you to seek the advice of your health practitioner. Copyright © Lisa Fraley

article93

2008-02-04T20:04:00.002-08:00

Microwave Cooking is Killing You

MICROWAVE COOKING is Killing You!

By Stephanie Relfe B.Sc. (Sydney)

Microwave cooking is one of the most important causes of ill health. It is certainly one of the most ignored.

There was a lawsuit in 1991 in Oklahoma. A woman named Norma Levitt had hip surgery, but was killed by a simple blood transfusion when a nurse "warmed the blood for the transfusion in a microwave oven!"

Logic suggests that if heating is all there is to microwave cooking, then it doesn't matter how something is heated. Blood for transfusions is routinely warmed, but not in microwave ovens. Does it not therefore follow that microwaving cooking does something quite different?

A little evidence of the harm caused by microwaving cooking was given by the University of Minnesota in a radio announcement:

"Microwaves ... are not recommended for heating a baby's bottle. The bottle may seem cool to the touch, but the liquid inside may become extremely hot and could burn the baby's mouth and throat... Heating the bottle in a microwave can cause slight changes in the milk. In infant formulas, there may be a loss of some vitamins. In expressed breast milk, some protective properties may be destroyed.... Warming a bottle by holding it under tap water or by setting it in a bowl of warm water, then testing it on your wrist before feeding, may take a few minutes longer, but it is much safer".

There have been very few scientific studies done on the effect of eating food microwaved food. This is rather surprising when you think about the fact that microwaves have been with us for only a few decades - and that in that time the incidence of many diseases has continued to increase.

Two researchers, Blanc and Hertel, confirmed that microwave cooking significantly changes food nutrients. Hertel previously worked as a food scientist for several years with one of the major Swiss food companies. He was fired from his job for questioning procedures in processing food because they denatured it. He got together with Blanc of the Swiss Federal Institute of Biochemistry and the University Institute for Biochemistry.

They studied the effect that microwaved food had on eight individuals, by taking blood samples immediately after eating. They found that after eating microwaved food, haemoglobin levels decreased. "These results show anaemic tendencies. The situation became even more pronounced during the second month of the study".

Who knows what results they would have found if they had studied people who ate microwaved food for a year or more?

The violent change that microwaving causes to the food molecules forms new life forms called radiolytic compounds. These are mutations that are unknown in the natural world. Ordinary cooking also causes the formation of some radiolytic compounds (which is no doubt one reason why it is better to eat plenty of raw food), but microwaving cooking causes a much greater number. This then causes deterioration in your blood and immune system.

In addition, they found that the number of leucocytes increases after eating microwaved food - something which haematologists take very seriously, because this is often a sign of highly harmful effects, such as poisoning.

Also, after eating microwaved food, cholesterol levels increased. Hertel said "Common scientific belief states that cholesterol values usually alter slowly over longer periods of time. In this study, the markers increased rapidly after the consumption of the microwaved vegetables." He believes his study tends to confirm new scientific data that suggest cholesterol may rapidly increase in the blood secondary to acute stress. "Also," he added, "blood cholesterol levels are less influenced by cholesterol content of food than by stress factors. Such stress-causing factors can apparently consist of foods which contain virtually no cholesterol - the microwaved vegetables."

The results were published in "Search for Health" in the Spring of 1992. How was this research greeted? A powerful trade organisation, the Swiss Association of Dealers for Electroapparatuses for Households and Industry somehow made the President of the Court of Seftigen issue a `gag order'. Hertel and Blanc were told that if they published their findings they would face hefty fines or up to one year in prison. In response to this, Blanc recanted his findings. Hertel, on the other hand, went on a lecture tour and demanded a jury trial.

FINALLY, in 1998 the Court `Gag Order' was removed. In a judgment delivered at Strasbourg on 25 August 1998 in the case of Hertel v. Switzerland, the European Court of Human Rights held that there had been a violation of Hertel's rights in the 1993 decision. The Court decided that the `gag order' prohibiting him form declaring that microwaved food is dangerous to health was contrary to the right to freedom of expression. In addition, Switzerland was sentenced to pay compensation of F40,000.

In Summary: Blanc and Hertel found that eating microwaved food:

Increases cholesterol

Increases white blood cell numbers

Decreases red blood cell numbers

Causes production of radiolytic compounds (compounds unknown in nature)

RUSSIANS BAN MICROWAVE OVENS

After the World War II, the Russians also experimented with microwave ovens. From 1957 up to recently, their research has been carried out mainly at the Institute of Radio Technology at Klinsk, Byelorussia. According to US researcher William Kopp, who gathered much of the results of Russian and German research - and was apparently prosecuted for doing so (J. Nat. Sci, 1998; 1:42-3) - the following effects were observed by Russian forensic teams:

1. Heating prepared meats in a microwave sufficiently for human consumption created:

* d-Nitrosodiethanolamine (a well-known cancer-causing agent)

* Destabilization of active protein biomolecular compounds

* Creation of a binding effect to radioactivity in the atmosphere

* Creation of cancer-causing agents within protein-hydrosylate compounds in milk and cereal grains;

2. Microwave emissions also caused alteration in the catabolic (breakdown) behavior of glucoside - and galactoside - elements within frozen fruits when thawed in this way;

3. Microwaves altered catabolic behavior of plant-alkaloids when raw, cooked or frozen vegetables were exposed for even very short periods;

4. Cancer-causing free radicals were formed within certain trace-mineral molecular formations in plant substances, especially in raw root vegetables;

5. Ingestion of micro-waved foods caused a higher percentage of cancerous cells in blood;

6. Due to chemical alterations within food substances, malfunctions occurred in the lymphatic system, causing degeneration of the immune system=s capacity to protect itself against cancerous growth;

7. The unstable catabolism of micro-waved foods altered their elemental food substances, leading to disorders in the digestive system;

8. Those ingesting micro-waved foods showed a statistically higher incidence of stomach and intestinal cancers, plus a general degeneration of peripheral cellular tissues with a gradual breakdown of digestive and excretory system function;

9. Microwave exposure caused significant decreases in the nutritional value of all foods studied, particularly:

* A decrease in the bioavailability of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, essential minerals and lipotrophics

* Destruction of the nutritional value of nucleoproteins in meats

* Lowering of the metabolic activity of alkaloids, glucosides, galactosides and nitrilosides (all basic plant substances in fruits and vegetables)

* Marked acceleration of structural disintegration in all foods.

As a result microwave ovens were banned in Russia in 1976; the ban was lifted after Perestroika.

KINESIOLOGY CONFIRMS DANGERS OF MICROWAVE OVENS.

Standing in front of a microwave is also highly damaging to your health. Perhaps you have already felt this intuitively? We know that cells explode in the microwave - just fry an egg in your microwave. We are made up of trillions of cells. So work out how many are getting damaged if you stand in front of your microwave for 5-10 minutes.

In the past I had been told that it was important for people to stop eating microwaved food, but I did not pay too much attention to this because I had been microwave cooking for years. I never thought much about it but I suppose that I figured that if something was so bad for us, then there wouldn't be so many people using it. Little did I know.

When I first began seeing clients for sessions of kinesiology (http://www.kinesiologist.us), I did not worry too much about telling them to give up eating microwaved food. However, I kept a record of all of the corrections that were needed for each client when they came in. Now, once a correction is made, it is to be hoped that the correction will stay in place for a long time to come, hopefully months if not years. People often ask me "How long will it last?" May answer to them is "That depends on your lifestyle".

Most of my clients came back to see me after about two weeks. In the early days I found that many who came back were not much better. I found that they were again `out of balance'. That is, their electrical circuits were not working correctly (which is common for many people). It was therefore not surprising that they were not much better, because the body does not begin to fully fix itself until the electrical circuits are in balance.

The question was, why did their electrical circuits go out of balance? The answer had to be something that was highly stressful, to effect the body in such a short space of time. Once that answer was remedied, the client would begin to get better. Using muscle testing, I went through the process of testing if the cause was electrical, chemical/nutritional, emotional or structural. Again and again the same answer would come up - electrical. When I then went through a range of possible electrical causes, the same answer again came up again and again - the person had eaten microwaved food! Incidentally, this answer never came up when a person had NOT eaten microwaved food.

I began to tell all of my clients on the first visit that under NO circumstances were they ever to do microwaved cooking again. I gave this a higher priority than any of things that are normally considered as health risks, such as cigarettes or alcohol. Immediately I began to get a marked improvement in the results I was getting. Long term problems such as headaches, back aches and emotional instability went away within a few weeks.

Other kinesiologists can confirm these results. David Bridgman, who has years of experience as a kinesiologist, said "Of all the people I test for allergies, 99.9% so far show severe sensitivity to any microwaved food".

I experienced the effect of eating microwaved food for myself one time. I had been doing quite a lot of kinesiology and feeling on top of the world when for no apparent reason I began to feel rather `grey' and rather low. I realised that I needed a balance from a kinesiologist. Sure enough, I was out of balance. When the kinesiologist used muscle testing to see why my body had gone out of balance, the answer came up ... microwaved food! The trouble was, I couldn't remember eating any. Until I remembered a particular vegetarian restaurant I had been to. When I went back to the restaurant and asked them if they microwaved their food, they told me that they did.

So be warned! Many restaurants use microwaved cooking, even `health' restaurants. Ask if the "steamed vegetables" are in fact steamed - or are they microwaved? I have sent meals back when they have not been what they were described on the menu, much to the surprise of the restaurant owners.

ALTERNATIVES TO MICROWAVE OVENS

The alternative to heating up or defrosting food is to place it in a saucepan with a little water and lid. Or use a convection oven.

Some of the above information on microwaved food was published in an Eight Volume Lawyers Cyclopedia which is used by lawyers who sue in medical cases. Who knows? One day there may be a class action lawsuit against microwave ovens

article92

2008-02-04T20:04:00.001-08:00

Cancer - The Crab

In Astrology the sign of Cancer (The Crab) being the second of the cardinal signs steps up one level in iconic symbolism and begins a new series of images for us to reflect upon. Cancer traditionally rules the family, emotions, the mother, women, and the Moon. Curiously enough the original crustacean employed as a totem image for Cancer was the crayfish, while in ancient Egypt it was connected with the talismanic scarabeus, Kephra or "dung beetle". So why would one ask is a crab now employed and what is the symbolic connection between sea-dwelling crustaceans, and the astrological sigil for Cancer? The answer lies in the peculiar asymmetrical arrangement of the sigil itself. Firstly, the emblem resembles the clasped arms of a nurturing mother round a child. Secondly, the association with the Moon. Secondly, the association with the Moon is literally reflected in the fact that the Moon is like a mirror and that mirrors have the power to reverse images. Secondly, the two halves of looped coils are reminiscent of the claws of the crab and the spiral alternation of lunar energy from waxing and waning quarters. The whole of this symbol is very similar to the Chinese yin/yang symbol. The crab is also capable of inhabiting both sea and land and in this sigil we may detect a reference to the two halves of its shell and its peculiar eye stalks. The crab's shell is its home and is used to carry its young on it back, therefore the association with close family ties. The empty shell of this crustacean not only makes a suitable dish in which commodities may be stored but resembles a boat. In the 14th - 17th century many boats were converted into dwellings when they ceased to be suitable for ocean-going, simply by inverting them. Here again we can see the power of inversion strongly connected with the gestalt imagery of Cancer. Emotions are powerful forces and in adverse circumstances can truly invert or pervert the will or reason of any individual. Similarly, the Moon as an astrological influence has a power which can be utilised for good or evil. In fact the word "Utility" and "Dependency" is of vital importance in understanding the symbolism of this zodiac sign. Cancerians are by nature tenacious, mercenary and acquisitive in their general attitude. The sigil suggests positive and negative traits can be deduced from the qualities of the sign. It depends largely on the personality and will power of who uses it - which has some bearing on the next sigil governing the sign of Leo, the Lion. http://astrostargazer.co.uk/astro04.html

article91

2008-02-04T20:03:00.001-08:00

Prostate Cancer Symptoms And Treatments

Prostate cancer is one of the most common type of cancer affecting 1 in every 6 males. In its early stages, prostate cancer has few symptoms and many of the symptoms associated with this disease are also symptoms found in other less serious illnesses. Prevalent symptoms of prostate problems which may or may not signal cancer include: frequent urination, bloody urine, burning urination, lower back pain or pain in the pelvis or upper thighs, blood in semen, pain during ejaculation, stopping and starting urination along with not being able to urinate.

The treatment course for prostate cancer differs depending on the location and size of the tumor as well as the patients health. In some cases, if the cancer is a slow growing one and you are advanced in age, the treatment may simply be that of watchful waiting. If the cancer is not causing any symptoms, then your physician may opt to simply keep and eye on its growth. This will entail a PSA blood test every few months as well as biopsies every year to see if and how fast it is growing. If it starts to grow faster, additional treatment may be recommended.

Some treatments for prostate cancer include:

A surgical procedure called a radical prostatectomy may be done to remove the cancer provided it has not spread outside of the prostate. The whole gland and surrounding tissue is removed in the hopes of removing all the cancer.

Radiotherapy employs x-rays to treat cancer and is relatively pain free. During this course of treatment, radiation is pointed towards your prostate in the hopes of shrinking or even eliminating the cancer. This technique can have adverse effects such as impotance and diarrhea.

Brachytherapy, is a method of radiotherapy on which something is implanted in the patient to treat the cancer. This method of treatment involves less visits to the hospital as opposed to radiation therapy (which is typically done every day) although it does require a little external radiotherapy also.

Hormone therapy is used to lower the level of androgens which cause prostate cancer to grow. This treatment is mostly used in men whose cancer has spread or returned after earlier treatments. While it will not cure the cancer, it can shrink it or slow its growth and may be used in conjunction with other treatments.

Chemotherapy is typically not effective against prostate cancer although newer drugs developed in recent years have shown the ability to relieve symptoms in men with advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy may be employed if the cancer has spread outside the prostate in order to shrink the cancer or slow its growth.

While many prostate symptoms indicate a problem other than cancer, it is vital that you see your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. Prompt treatment is your best chance for a cure.

article90

2008-02-04T19:58:00.001-08:00

Why Is Sauna Used In Cancer Therapy?

Sauna Therapy Used in Cancer Therapy.
This is a new and experimental procedure. It shows a great promise in some cases when used properly. American researchers favor careful monitoring of the tumor temperature; whereas, the successes reported in Japan make no mention of such precaution. Infrared healing is now becoming the leading edge in the care of soft tissue injuries to promote both relief in chronic or intractable "permanent" cases, and accelerated healing in newer injuries.

Localized infrared therapy using lamps tuned to the 2 ~ 25 micron waveband is used for the treatment and relief of pain by over 40 reputable Chinese Medical Institutes.

Give Your Entire Body A Workout!
The oxygen needs of the body increase by about 20 percent so the lungs, another important eliminator of body wastes, join in the body's quickened pace. (The lungs' rapid exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen is hindered in some sweat baths. In high humidity water condenses on the tiny alveoli where this exchange takes place and breathing may be slightly more difficult. On the other hand, if the air is too dry, as occurs in many American saunas, mucous membranes may become dry and damaged.) Clogged respiratory passages are opened by heat, giving relief from colds and other minor respiratory problems. Sweat bathing is not recommended for those suffering from pneumonia or other acute respiratory diseases. (see Sauna)

Understanding Infra-Red Sauna
Radiant heat is simply a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process called conversion, without having to heat the air in between. Radiant heat is also called Infrared Energy (IR). The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum is divided into 3 segments by wavelength, measured in microns or micrometers (a micron = 1/1,000,000 of a meter); 0.076 ~ 1.5 microns = near or close; 1.5 ~ 5.6 = middle or intermediate; 5.6 ~ 1,000 = far or long wave infrared. The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum occurs just below or ¡°infra¡± to red light as the next lowest energy band of light. We can, however, feel this type of light that we perceive as heat. Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum.

After A Sauna Session
When the bocly is slowly cooled, the effects of heat are reversed--the heart calms, sweat pores close, dilated blood vessels contract and body temperature returns to normal. The German Sauna Society recommends a warm foot bath to re-open closed blood vessels.On the other hand, abrupt cooling brought on by a plunge into snow or icy water creates a more dramatic effect. For this reason, people with weak constitutions should avoid rapid cooling. Vessels near the skin's surface contract, but since the skin's metabolism returns to normal slower than the circulatory system, wastes accumulate that are normally washed out by the blood.

For more comprehensive information on the sauna benefits, please visit http://www.saunadetox.info

article89

2008-02-04T19:57:00.002-08:00

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that primarily affects the cells around the lungs and ribs. The only known cause of this type of cancer is exposure to asbestos. There exist different types of mesothelioma that can be found in the human body. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The most common are

pleural mesothelioma peritoneal mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatment will be based upon which type the subject has.

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the pleura or lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs. Its only known cause in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos fibers, including chrysotile, amosite or crocidolite. This exposure is likely to have happened twenty or more years before the disease becomes evident, since it takes many years for the disease to "incubate." It is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all cases. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor of this membrane. Its only known cause in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos, but it can be many years after exposure before the disease appears. Peritoneal mesotheliomas account for about one-fifth of all mesotheliomas. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.

While the great majority of mesotheliomas are in either the pleura or the peritoneum, malignant mesotheliomas sometimes occur in other parts of the body, including the testicles (a variety of peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (a variety of pleural mesothelioma.) These are also caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

Treatment of mesothelioma using conventional cancer therapies has unfortunately not proved successful and patients have a short median survival time of 6 - 12 months after presentation. Surgery, either by itself or used in combination with pre- and post-operative adjuvant therapies has also proved disappointing with a 5 year survival rate of less than 10%. Treatment regimens involving immunotherapy have yielded variable results but most of them have been disappointing, which has initiated great interest in the development of alternative forms of therapy, especially those capable of specifically destroying diseased cells without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.

article88

2008-02-04T19:57:00.001-08:00

How Effective Are Herbal Remedies As Natural Cures for Prostate Cancer?

The debate surrounding the effectiveness of using natural cures for prostate cancer has gone on for quite some time. Although some people are advocating the use of herbal medicines and other natural processes in treating cancer, most of the scientific community is still hesitant to endorse such options.

According to some medical societies, natural cures for prostate cancer are not accurately termed since these natural procedures and materials cannot really cure cancer but are mostly used to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Natural treatment methods are usually based on proper nutrition. Herbs, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are the most common basic ingredients of these so-called natural cures.

Most natural treatment options are based on herbs or antioxidants. In studies advocating the use of natural methods for treating prostate cancer, saw palmetto is often highlighted. This herb is primarily known for its anabolic properties and is more commonly used in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The herb operates by inhibiting the synthesis of growth-stimulating dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and promoting DHT elimination through the lowering of estrogen levels.

According to several clinical studies, saw palmetto is actually more effective in treating enlarged prostate than the prescribed drug, Proscar. These studies also argue that using the herb is better than using Proscar since the latter is more expensive and is associated with several side effects that include erectile dysfunction.

Another popular herbal remedy promoted by a number of studies is pygeum. Pygeum is an indigenous African remedy derived from tree bark. This herbal remedy contains chemicals that inhibit DHT synthesis and is often used to treat enlarged prostate. Aside from saw palmetto and pygeum, there is another herbal remedy that has become popular among natural cure advocates, and this is Cernilton. This herbal product is prepared from the extract of rye pollen and is used to treat BPH and prostatitis. In some parts of the world, the herb stinging nettle is also used to cure prostate disorders. This herb is marketed in the Europe under the name Bazoton.

Some natural remedies for prostate cancer and other prostate disorders use antioxidants as their primary ingredients. Lycopene, resveratrol and selenium are among some of the more common of these antioxidants. Most herbal remedies or antioxidant-based cures are marketed as supplements since absolute confirmation of their ability to cure cancer has yet to be issued by medical and health authorities.

The effectiveness of natural cures for prostate cancer has not yet been fully agreed on and some medical societies still oppose the use of these remedies. Nevertheless, advocates of these methods are continuously promoting them as treatment options for cancer.

article87

2008-02-04T19:56:00.001-08:00

Prostate Symptoms and Treatment Tips

The prostate is a glandular organ present only in males. It surrounds the neck of bladder & the first part of urethra and condributes a secretion to the semen. The gland is conical in shape and measures 3 cm in vertical diameter and 4 cm in transverse diameter.It has got five lobes anterior,posterior,two lateral and a median lobe. Since the first part of the urethra pass through it any lesion in the prostate will produce difficulty in passing urine.

Some diseases of the prostate gland include the following:

1) Prostatitis:-

This is the inflamation of the prostate gland due to bacterial infection.

2) Benign enlargement of the prostate:-

This is a non cancerous tumour of the prostate seen after the age of 50. 3,Cancer of the prostate:-This is the 4th most common cause of death from malignant diseases in males.

Cancer of the prostate.

Cancer of the prostate is directly linked with the male sex hormones(androgens). If the levels of sex hormone increases the growth rate of cancer also increases. It is found that after the removel of testes there is marked reduction in the size of tumour.

Site of tumour:-

Prostate cancer is seen mainly in the posterior lobe. Non cancerous enlargement is seen in other lobes.

Changes in the gland in cancer:-

The gland becomes hard with irregular surface with loss of normal lobulation. Histologically prostate cancer is an adeno carcinoma(cancer of the epithelial cells in the gland)

Growth :-

Growth rate is very fast in prostate cancer. The tumour compresses the urethra and produce difficulty in urination.

Spread of tumour:-

Metastasis in cancer of prostate is very early.

1) Local spread:-

From the posterior lobe the cancer cells go to the lateral lobes and seminal vesicles. Tumour cells also move to the neck and base of the urinary bladder.

2) Lymphatic spread:-

Through the lymph vessels cancer cells reach the internal and external illiac group of lymph nodes. From there cells move to retroperitonial(Behind the peritonium) and mediastinal lymph nodes(in the chest)

3) Spread through the blood:-

Spread of cancer cells takeplace through the periprostatic venous plexus and reaches the vertebral veins while coughing and sneezing and finally enders the vertebral bodies of the lumbar vertebrae.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer:--

Signs and symptoms depend upon the stage of the cancer. The following symptoms may be seen.

1) No symptoms:-

Tumour is small and only in the posterior lobe. This is diagnosed accidentely.

2) Slight difficulty in urination:-

Here the tumour is enlarged and urethra is slightly compressed. Shortly there will be frequent urge for urination with difficult urination.

3) When the tumour spread to all nearby areas including neck of bladder and urethra there will be painful urination with bleeding.Urine comes drop by drop.

4) Retention of urine:-

When the urethra is completely compressed there will be retention of urine. This can lead to hydronephrosis, renal failure ect.In this condition patient may get convulsions due to renal failure and finally coma.

5) Signs of metastasis:-

Some patients come with the signs and symptoms of metastasis.

a) Lumbo sacral pain due to spread of cancer cells to lumbar and sacral vertebrae.

b) Fracture of spine due to cancerous growth in the spine.

c) Swelling, pain and fluid collection in the abdomen due to lesion in the abdomen.

d) Respiratory complaints due to cancer of mediastinal lymphnodes and lungs.

e) General weakness due to spread of cancer to different parts of the body.

f) Anaemia due to involment of bone marrow and increased destruction of RBCs.

Clinical examination :-

Includes per rectal examination to feel the prostate gland, palpation of abdomen to feel the swelling in kidneys and any tumours. Patient is examined from head to foot to find out any lesions.

Investigations:-

1) Complete blood investigations;-

RBC,WBC,Platlets,ESR,bleeding time ,clotting time ect.

2) Urine analysis:-

Microscopic examination to detect pus cells,occult blood,casts,Crystals ect.

3) Renal function tests:-

Blood urea level,serum creatinine level,electrolyte level ect.

4) Serum acid phosphatase:-

Increased in cancer of prostate.

5) x-ray of the spine:-

To detect any tumour or fracture.

6) Ultra sonography;-

Gives idea about prostate,bladder,kidney ect.

7) C T scan:-

More detailed information about organs and tumour.

8) MRI of the spine:-

Gives detailed information about spine ,disc and nearby soft tissues.

9) Lymphangiography:-

Gives idea about lymphatic spread of cancer.

10) Biopsy to confirm cancer:-

Biopsy is taken from the tumour and is send for histopathological examination under the microscope. This will detect the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment:-

1) If there is retention of urine catheterisation is needed. 2) Dialysis if kidney failure. 3) If there is coma monitoring of all vital functions along with parentral nutrition and electolyte supply. 4) Specific treatment is prostatectomy(removal of prostate)

Partial prostatectomy :-

Here only the affected lobe is removed.

Radical prostatectomy :-

Total removal of prostate along with nearby lymphnodes.

5, Hormone therapy :-

Stilbestrol is given to reduce tumour growth.Since this treatement increases the chance for cardiovascular disease phosphorylated diethyle stilbesterol is used nowadays.

6) Chemotherapy:-Drugs like cyclophosphamide, cisoplatim ect are given.

7) Radiotherapy is also done for some cases.

8) Homoeopathy:-

Homoeopathic drugs like carcinocin, conium, sabal, crotalus, thuja, iodum, selinium, staphysagria, sulphur ect can be given according to symptoms. Constitutional homoeopathic medicine will give great relief and can increase the life span.

article86

2008-02-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Early Symptoms Prostate Cancer: The Debate on Whether Diagnostic Testing Is Advisable at This Stage

Early symptoms prostate cancer is very rare. If the condition is at its earliest stage, chances are, there wouldn't be any sign at all. In majority of early stage cases, cancer in the prostate is often diagnosed accidentally either by prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal examination (DRE) which could be part of a routine checkup. Because of the increased attention given to the disease, most men, especially those who are aged 45 and above, often go for routine tests to make sure that their prostate glands are in good health.

The use of tests to evaluate early symptoms prostate cancer became more common during the 1990s. Statistics have shown that death rates due to cancer of the prostate have declined following the increased use of these diagnostic methods. Despite their apparent usefulness, the scientific community has been divided on whether it is advisable for men to undergo such tests even with the absence of symptoms.

PSA and DRE methods have potential problems attached to them. For one, these screening techniques are not 100 percent accurate. A person's PSA level can become irregular due to reasons other than cancer. Medications and other health factors might cause this, which in turn could result to faulty evaluation. The DRE, primarily used to detect irregularities in the shape, texture and size of the prostate, might also be misinterpreted since the irregularities might be caused by other prostate conditions.

Several medical societies have advised against the use of routine testing during the early stages since inconclusive results might lead to anxiety or confusion. If the results are normal, a patient might get a false sense of security that could lead to neglect or eliminate caution all together. Furthermore, a man who gets a positive result from a PSA or DRE test might opt to get a biopsy despite the minor risks and discomfort associated with the process.

Some experts are recommending that routine examinations be offered to patients only if they are aged 50 and above. Except for men who belong to high risk groups, routine prostate cancer testing is not recommended to men who are below the age of 50. For high risk individuals, like those who have first degree relatives with prostate cancer, testing should be done as early as at age 45. Yearly monitoring is also recommended to these individuals since their chances of having the condition are higher than the ordinary man.

Before deciding on whether to get a PSA or a DRE test to confirm early symptoms prostate cancer, factors such as age and health should be considered. If a man is young and is genetically predisposed, then early tests are recommended since he would have a better chance of treating the disease if it is caught early. If a patient is old and in poor health, then he needs to discuss his options first with his physician. There might not be any need for tests since prostate cancer is a slow developing condition. It might not become a problem and the person might even die of other causes before it can even impact his life.

article85

2008-02-04T19:54:00.002-08:00

Bands With A Cause - Silicon Wristbands

The latest craze to hit the fashion scene is the silicon wristbands. Though some fashion experts are terming them as a passing fad, they are the hottest selling fashion items right now. Lance Armstrong, the cycle champion who survived cancer, has popularized them.

Types of Silicon Wristbands

Livestrong Band: These were the first band that came into the market. Lance Armstrong introduced them in support of people battling cancer. Its sale shot up after the talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, popularized it on one of her talk shows.

Celebrate Hope Band: This purple band is a memorial band worn in honor of all the people who have lost their lives to deadly cancer of all types.

Live Free Smoke Free Band: This band is orange in color and is worn as a moral support to encourage people to quit smoking.

Courage Band: This band is red in color with a stamped ribbon marker on it. This is in support of people battling AIDS, people who lost their lives to it and also in support of AIDS research.

Anti Racism Band: These bands were introduced in the wake of increase in racism after 9/11. There are two bands in one, the black one crossing over the white one. By wearing them, you can show your dedication to cultural tolerance and racial equality.

Tsunami Relief Band: The band is aqua blue in color. It is in remembrance of people who lost their lives in the Asian Tsunami of December 26th; 2004.The band is etched with the word's "one world one cause" and recognizes the world as one family.

Support Our Troops Band: This is a yellow ribbon that is worn to show support to US troops stationed worldwide.

Radio 1 Bully Band: It is sold in support of bullying awareness programs. It is blue in color.

Breast Cancer Band - This band is pink in color and is worn in support of women who are suffering from breast cancer.

Purples Paw Band - This is a purple band sponsored by 'Crafts n scraps' in support of cruelty free campaigns and animal shelters. The profits will help Maxfund, a shelter for abused animals.

article84

2008-02-04T19:54:00.001-08:00

Breast Cancer Statistics - How Breast Cancer Survival Rates Increased 50%

Breast cancer statistics show that over 1.2 million persons will be diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide this year, according to the World Health Organization. For breast cancer and prevention, it has long been known that regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the likelihood of having breast cancer. What has not been known or studied has been the effect of regular physical activity on the breast cancer survival rates or likelihood of death in women that already have breast cancer. That is, until now.

The breast cancer statistics and findings as reported by the American Medical Associations Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in May 2005 were astounding! Certain participants in the study of women with Stage I, II or III breast cancer achieved a 50% reduction in the death rate from breast cancer.

Here are these breast cancer statistics: the journal reported that in the study 2,987 female registered nurses had been diagnosed with breast cancer during the years 1984-1998. What the study found was that the women who had physical activity equivalent to walking at a steady pace of 2.0-2.9 miles per hour for 3-5 hours a week had a death rate of only 50% of the death rate of women who had physical activity equivalent to walking less than one hour a week. The conclusion of the breast cancer statistics in the study was that physical activity after breast cancer has been diagnosed may reduce the risk of death from breast cancer. The study found that there was little evidence of any relation between increased physical activity and increased benefit.

It's time to dust off those walking shoes!

As a physical activity, walking can be done almost anytime by anyone anywhere. All that is needed is a good pair of walking shoes. Walking is fun and reduces stress. As for injuries, walking has the lowest injury rate of all the various kinds of exercise.

You can walk with a partner, friend, family member or dog, maybe even a neighbors dog. Or you can walk with your favorite headset and music. If you are walking outdoors with a headset, keep one ear open to hear the sounds around you.

As for basic walking tips:

• As you begin regular walking, take it easy. Standard advice is to check with your physician before starting any exercise program. If it has been years or decades since you walked regularly, perhaps you can begin with 5 minutes of walking and slowly increase your time and distance.

• Walking at a pace of 75-95 steps a minute will have you walking at a speed of about 2-3 miles per hour.

• Walk with your head up, looking out in front of you. Do not walk looking down right in front of you except to navigate any obstacles.

• Really take it easy the first 5 minutes of walking to warm up. Afterwards, gently stretch for 5-10 minutes while your muscles are warm.

• Practice good walking form. Your arms should swing naturally in the direction you are walking, not from side to side across your body. Your foot should strike the ground on your heel, then a rolling motion forward toward the ball of your foot, then pushing off with your toes.

And here are some basic walking shoes tips:

• Buy your walking shoes from a sporting shoes store with large selections. Doing so will give you plenty of choices. And buy your walking shoes later in the day when your feet will be larger.

• Buy cushioned, supportive walking shoes. To see if a shoe is supportive, do this test: take a shoe and turn it upside down. Holding each end of the shoe, try to fold it. If you find the shoe bends in the middle, then that shoe is not a supportive shoe. A supportive shoe should bend where your foot normally bends, near your toes.

• You should allow the width of your index finger between the end of your shoe and the end of your longest toe, or about one-half inch.

• Buy two pairs of walking shoes, one for home and one for the car or workplace. And if one pair gets wet, you can use the other pair that day.

Walking is the closest thing to the perfect exercise. In today's fast-paced society, regular walking can be a welcomed break from the stress of the day. Maybe you will get to know your neighborhood or neighbors better. There may be walking trails you have never seen but wanted to.

Wherever and however you choose to walk, not only can the experience be fun, you will know you are being good to your body in a variety of ways. Besides the incredible breast cancer statistics and findings of the breast cancer study, walking helps with weight control and bone strength, elevates mood, helps build and maintain healthy muscles, joints and heart. With so many great health benefits, why not get started walking today!

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

article83

2008-02-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

Cure alternative pancreatic vaccine

Our mission is to empower patients with no side effects at our center with the curing of the pancreatic cancer. This information is the basic or the initial information in order to provide support and hope, as well as to facilitate informed decisions.

A new or recurrent diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer often results in fear and confusion for patients and their family members. Understanding treatment options, accessing new and innovative therapies through clinical trials, as well as understanding the role of supportive care and complementary and alternative medicine are essential which are given at our center. We cure the disease with natural and herbal supplements which do not cause any side effects at all.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious of cancers. It develops when cancerous cells form in the tissues of your pancreas -- a large organ that lies horizontally behind the lower part of your stomach. Your pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates.Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it's a leading cause of cancer death.

Signs and symptoms may not appear until the disease is quite advanced. By that time, the cancer is likely to have spread to other parts of the body and surgical removal is no longer possible. For years, little was known about pancreatic cancer. But researchers are beginning to understand the genetic basis of the disease -- knowledge that may eventually lead to new and better treatments. Just as important, you may be able to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer with some lifestyle changes.

Cancer cells are always being created in the body. It's an ongoing process that has gone on for eons. In fact, the immune system developed components whose job it is to seek out and destroy cancer cells. It has been around as long as mankind, but the only thing is that it exploded in the recent days with the rapid growth of it. Contributing to this explosion are the huge amounts of toxins and pollutants we are exposed to, high stress lifestyles that zap the immune system, poor quality junk food that's full of pesticides, irradiated and now genetically modified, pathogens, electromagnetic stress, lights and just about anything that wasn't around 200 years ago. All these weaken the immune system, and alter the internal environment in the body to an environment that promotes the growth of cancer.

Cancer is not a mysterious disease that suddenly attacks you out of the blue, something that you can't do anything about. It has definite causes that you can correct if your body has enough time, and if you take action to change the internal environment to one that creates health, not cancer, while at the same time attacking cancerous cells and tumors by exploiting their weaknesses. Cancer tumors begin when more cancerous cells are being created than an overworked, depleted immune system can destroy.

Constant exposure to tens of thousands of manmade chemicals from birth onward, chlorinated and fluoridated water, electromagnetic radiation, pesticides and other toxins, leads to the creation of too many free radicals and excessive numbers of cancerous cells. Alone this would be enough to raise cancer levels, but combined with an immune system weakened by a diet of refined and over processed food, mineral depleted soils, and too much exposure to artificial light at night, the immune system at some point no longer is able to keep cancer in check and it starts to grow in your body.

The risk of developing cancer of the pancreas is usually low before the age of 40, but the risk subsequently increases sharply, with most people diagnosed between their sixties and eighties. Risk factors for the development of this disease include environmental factors, medical/surgical factors, genetic factors, and occupational exposures. • The incidence of pancreatic cancer is relatively low in individuals up to age 50, after which it increases significantly. The age group 65 - 79 has the highest incidence of cancer of the pancreas. • Smokers develop pancreatic cancer more than twice as often as nonsmokers. • Frequency of pancreatic cancer may be associated with high intakes of meat and fat. • Pancreatic cancer is more common among individuals with histories of the following conditions: cirrhosis (a chronic liver disease), chronic pancreatitis, diabetes and a history of surgery to the upper digestive tract. • Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as gasoline and related compounds, as well as certain insecticides, may increase the risk of developing cancer of the pancreas. • Possibly 3% of cases of pancreatic cancer are related to genetic disorders.

The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is usually delayed because symptoms are nonspecific. Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin, is present in approximately 50% of patients at the time of diagnosis and may be associated with less-advanced disease. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, discomfort in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and glucose intolerance.

In addition, the patient may experience pain in the abdomen and back. The pancreas may produce too much insulin, causing such symptoms as dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, chills, or muscle spasms. The patient may not even notice the gradual onset of these relatively nonspecific symptoms. The doctor may interpret them as being caused by something else. So, it is the first thing to take the right decision to cure the disease and be free from it and lead a healthy life.

article82

2008-02-04T19:52:00.002-08:00

November Is a Great Time to Quit Smoking

November is a great time to try again to kick the smoking habit.

I say "again" because, as a 30-year-smoker who tried to quit for 25 of those years, I'm pretty sure all smokers try to quit again and again.

During November, carrying on the work of journalist Peter Jennings, ABC News is presenting a series of reports on quitting smoking and lung cancer prevention.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and November 17th is the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. It's a perfect time for the 51 million Americans who still smoke cigarettes to make a serious effort at quitting so they won't be part of the 160,000 who die from smoking each year in the U.S.

There is help, especially during November

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute, and the North American Quitline Consortium is providing resources to help people quit smoking. There's a national network of quitlines, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which automatically connects callers to their state-based quitlines, and to the Web site smokefree.gov for additional resources on quitting and lung cancer.

ABCNews.comÂ is devoting a portion of its Web site to "Quit to Live: Fighting Lung Cancer." The section includes links to smoking cessation resources; and a "Quitters Blog" documenting peoples' attempts to quit smoking.

The Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout helps smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever.

A big mistake

Smoking cigarettes was the biggest mistake of my life.

To quit, I tried everything from shock therapy to hypnosis. My wife left me in a motel in my underwear for days so I couldn't buy cigarettes. I finally was able to quit during a 10-day hospital stay with a collapsed lung. Something about having a steel rod shoved into my chest with no anaesthetic to reinflate the lung made me really want to quit.

But the damage was done. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and worst of all, allowing my wife's and daughter's lungs to be polluted year after year by my second-hand smoke.

The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke. Today, lung cancer deaths are falling in states with strong tobacco control laws.

Chemicals and nicotine

The Cancer Society says cigarette smoke contains 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known to cause cancer. The tobacco burns while a cigarette is smoked, exposing the smoker and others to these deadly chemicals, tars and gases.

Nicotine does not cause cancer, but it does keep many people addicted to smoking. Each puff of a cigarette delivers a concentrated dose of nicotine straight to the brain -- and reinforces the need for the next puff.

Even after you've given up nicotine, you may still want to smoke. To maximize your chances of staying smoke-free for good, you need a plan.

The Cancer Society can help you come up with a plan, taking you step by step through making the decision, preparations, and following through.

Moving from one step to the next requires careful thought and preparation. And, no, it won't be easy. But this time, this month, it might just work.

Watch the news. Think about it. Call the quitline. Work on your plan.

It's a great time to try again.

article82

2008-02-04T19:52:00.001-08:00

November Is a Great Time to Quit Smoking

November is a great time to try again to kick the smoking habit.

I say "again" because, as a 30-year-smoker who tried to quit for 25 of those years, I'm pretty sure all smokers try to quit again and again.

During November, carrying on the work of journalist Peter Jennings, ABC News is presenting a series of reports on quitting smoking and lung cancer prevention.

There is help, especially during November

The Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout helps smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever.

A big mistake

Smoking cigarettes was the biggest mistake of my life.

But the damage was done. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and worst of all, allowing my wife's and daughter's lungs to be polluted year after year by my second-hand smoke.

The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke. Today, lung cancer deaths are falling in states with strong tobacco control laws.

Chemicals and nicotine

Even after you've given up nicotine, you may still want to smoke. To maximize your chances of staying smoke-free for good, you need a plan.

The Cancer Society can help you come up with a plan, taking you step by step through making the decision, preparations, and following through.

Moving from one step to the next requires careful thought and preparation. And, no, it won't be easy. But this time, this month, it might just work.

Watch the news. Think about it. Call the quitline. Work on your plan.

It's a great time to try again.

article81

2008-02-04T19:51:00.001-08:00

November Is a Great Time to Quit Smoking

November is a great time to try again to kick the smoking habit.

I say "again" because, as a 30-year-smoker who tried to quit for 25 of those years, I'm pretty sure all smokers try to quit again and again.

During November, carrying on the work of journalist Peter Jennings, ABC News is presenting a series of reports on quitting smoking and lung cancer prevention.

There is help, especially during November

The Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout helps smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever.

A big mistake

Smoking cigarettes was the biggest mistake of my life.

But the damage was done. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and worst of all, allowing my wife's and daughter's lungs to be polluted year after year by my second-hand smoke.

The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke. Today, lung cancer deaths are falling in states with strong tobacco control laws.

Chemicals and nicotine

Even after you've given up nicotine, you may still want to smoke. To maximize your chances of staying smoke-free for good, you need a plan.

The Cancer Society can help you come up with a plan, taking you step by step through making the decision, preparations, and following through.

Moving from one step to the next requires careful thought and preparation. And, no, it won't be easy. But this time, this month, it might just work.

Watch the news. Think about it. Call the quitline. Work on your plan.

It's a great time to try again.

article80

2008-02-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

Silicon Wristbands - Enhance Your Personality

Wristbands/bracelets are encircling strips that are worn on the wrist to enhance the personality of a person. The term is used to refer to bracelet-like bands of a wristwatch, worn to the cuffs or to the sleeves that cover the wrists. They are also used to decorate the wrists or act as functional bands worn over the wrists by both men and women. One of the best types of wristbands includes the loops of plastic that are placed on the wrists for identification purposes.

With the hype of charity spreading far and wide, silicon wristbands/bracelets are much in vogue in today's world. The bracelets are worn to demonstrate the wearer's support for a cause or charitable organization and are similar to awareness ribbons. Silicon bracelets/wristbands were first made by charitable organizations as a way to demonstrate support for a cause. That particular silicon wristband was yellow "Livestrong wristband" created in 2004 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Silicon web wristbands/bracelets

The other type of silicon wristband/ bracelet is called web band. It is basically an online band that can be purchased through Internet. Although the band evokes a sense of surprise, yet the cause of purchasing the bracelet is noble. Just the moment you make an online purchase of the web band, the price goes to the cause in question. Not only do the silicon bracelets establish the world of fashion, but they also contribute to the charitable missions of today.

Depiction of colors in silicon wristbands/bracelets

The companies of today make custom bracelets for small organizations that are interested in raising funds for awareness purposes. The most interesting part of silicon bracelets is their color significance.

Following are some of the different colored bracelets depicting different thoughts and ideas:

§Black - denotes mourning on someone's death §Black/white - denotes anti-racism [stand up and speak up] §Dark-blue - denotes anti-smoking, anti-child abuse, colon cancer awareness, pro-peace, diabetes cure and catholic relief services §Electric-blue - cystic fibrosis awareness, anti-drunk driving, organ transplantation, anti-drugs, pro-tolerance, got guts, pro-life, Ford Fan day, and stand strong against wrong day §Camouflage - support our troops §Light blue - autism awareness, arthritis awareness, hurricane relief, prostrate cancer awareness and fight hunger/cultivate peace §Lavender - epilepsy awareness §Green/blue - anti-sectarianism §Dark green - better hearing awareness §Gold - children's cancer awareness §Light green - rainforest preservation, pro-ecology, kidney disease awareness, organ donation, ovarian cancer awareness, army support, genocide ending mission §Orange - self harm awareness, leukemia awareness, and bowel cancer research §Pink - diabetes awareness, breast cancer awareness, chronic pain awareness §Purple - animal rescue awareness, asthma awareness, pancreatic cancer awareness §Red- AIDs awareness program, anti-tobacco, labor party, cystic fibrosis band together campaign, love/hope support program §White - chastity/abstinence, innocence and peace §Yellow - work safe week, Parkinson's disease awareness and all cancers day

Silicon wristbands/bracelets are simply wonderful and add a lot of meaning to the personality of the person.

article79

2008-02-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

Real Medicine

Immunology began with a cow called "Blossom". She put blisters onto the fingers of her milkmaid, Sarah Nelmes. The milkmaid in turn saw her doctor, Edward Jenner.

Jenner had heard that when you get such blisters - due to vaccinia, the cowpox - you do not get variola, the smallpox.

Jenner speculated that the blisters might contain some mysterious substance, to which he gave the name "virus", which carries the disease.

So he asked a gardener - some people say his own gardener - whether he might experiment upon the gardener's son. Surprisingly, the gardener agreed.

In May 1796, Jenner took some of the fluid from the blisters - some of the "serum" - and transferred it from Sarah Nelmes to nine-year-old James Phipps. The boy developed a blister, too.

In the meantime, Jenner researched the smallpox outbreaks in the area. It was known that whilst most smallpox kills, sometimes the disease is survivable. Such a milder "strain" was highly prized. One could take the "serum" from such cases and use it for "inoculation". People who had been inoculated with a mild strain had a better survival chance.

Two months later, he was ready. He had found the mildest strain, and put it into the skin of James Phipps. IT HAD NO DISCERNABLE EFFECT.

Such is the real medicine. Medicine is a miracle. However, it is not supernatural. Rather, one would say it is natural - but nature at its best.

Nature had shown the way. Jenner was surprised and delighted. From the total absence of side-effects it was obvious that this was a major discovery. One might imagine that the world would beat a path to his door. Fame and fortune seemed to be guaranteed.

Instead came RIDICULE and SABOTAGE. There was - and is - a criminal gang who took over the government of Britain. They immediately decided to halt this progress. Their belief is that as long as there are plagues, epidemics, poverty and despair, people will turn to them and beg of them, and be ruled by them.

Cartoons appeared in the press. They showed people with pieces of cow emerging from their bodies - horns, head, udders. The whole idea of giving a bovine disease to humans had to be made to seem disgusting. Otherwise, people might submit to the treatment and the "miracle" might spread.

When that did not work, two fake doctors took virulent smallpox serum and used it to contaminate the "vaccine" of Jenner. The idea was that Jenner would "vaccinate" and his patients would die. He would be blamed.

What had seemed like a simple task - to spread the good word - had become an ordeal. Jenner was undeterred, but his valuable time was taken up by years of campaigning to try to convince the world of the importance of his discovery.

Eventually, he succeeded. His name became known internationally, and the British government even turned to him for help in the freeing of British prisoners of war.

Napoleon Bonaparte replied to a letter from Jenner, saying "I can refuse nothing to that name", and the prisoners were released.

What then of the cure for cancer? Would such a thing lead to immediate recognition? It would not.

One can expect ridicule, one can expect sabotage. Fame and fortune are unlikely to result from such a discovery.

Suppose in 1962 your mother dies of an alleged cancer. All the internal organs collapse directly after the administration of a chemotherapy dose. Surely it was an overdose?

You spend time pondering. It becomes clear that the disease cannot have been the cancer it was said to be, because the symptoms were all wrong. You begin to distrust doctors.

Then a report says that exactly half of the AIDS deaths were due to cancer, whilst the other 50.0 percent were due to microbes. You realise that AIDS is the collapse of the immune-system. It becomes obvious that it was the immune system that was holding the cancers at bay.

So immunology, which began with Blossom and Jenner, is the study of the control of CELL COLONIES. It relates not just to the "virus", or other microbes that come from outside the body, but also to internally-generated rogue tissue. Such tissue is called "neoplasms", or "cancer".

The worlds of "oncology" (cancer science) and "immunology" converge.

The author has a history as given above. His mother was indeed killed in the manner described, and the reasoning process that led to the convergence of the sciences took place. There was another factor in the story.

At the time of his mother's death, an advertisement had been put in the London Times, asking for help. An Australian living in Paris had been trying to save his wife. She died, but the Australian came to London and spoke to the author - saying that he had found two doctors with an unconventional approach.

According to the Australian, the doctors "believed that cancer was a virus". This might not be true - but it cast immediate doubt upon their work. It is, after all, known that radiation can cause "sarcoma" - a deep-seated cancer. Also, certain chemicals on the skin can cause "carcinoma" - a surface cancer. Neither radiation nor simple chemicals can conjure up a virus.

In the years that followed, it became clear that there are certain viruses - the RETRO-viruses - that put DNA into human cells, thereby changing them. Amongst the retroviruses that cause cancers are the papilloma, polyoma and Epstein-Barr viruses. So certain cases are indeed of viral origin.

The 50.0/50.0 split was a freak. Had the number of cases been an odd number, it could not have been so exact. However, the freak numbers were shouting out that the immune system treats germs and cancers EQUALLY.

So we have found not an answer to the question of the CAUSE of cancer. That is not a particularly interesting question, anyway. Instead, we can see from this result that the CONTROL of cancer is a job for the IMMUNE SYSTEM. The logic leads unerringly to the CURE.

The author appeared on television, being very careful because of the dark forces that would wish to suppress such progress. However, the message went out - the cure is to be found in the IMMUNE SYSTEM. The cure is ANTIBODIES.

The silence was deafening. It was as if the government had issued orders to suppress any further mention of the matter.

As with Jenner two hundred years before, the author had to run a campaign. The search for the cure for cancer had taken thirty-four years, and at the time of writing the spreading of the word of the discovery has taken a further decade.

In answer to one of the author's leaflets, the Head of Science of the BBC replied with thanks. The author was told to watch out for a future broadcast, in which a discovery inspired by the author's tip-off would be broadcast.

It turns out that when a person has bladder cancer, and BCG vaccine against tuberculosis is put into the bladder once a week for six weeks, the condition is cured. The success-rate is seventy to eighty percent.

The author contacted the BBC, and was sent a post-production script of the item. Further research revealed that the original discoverer was one of the two doctors mentioned by the Australian. Forty years of work had paid off. The name is only withheld to protect the doctor from danger.

The author had already decided that the immune system detects rogue cells by means of unfamiliar protein. We can call this protein the "characteristic protein" of the cells.

Medical intervention would involve using a second type of protein, which we can call the "marker protein" or "label protein".

The BCG treatment was therefore known to the author to be effective because the "marker protein" is water-soluble. It is something known as "tuberculin". The alcohol-soluble proteins in the TB germ are called "new-style". It is specifically the "old-style tuberculin" which is of interest.

The author realised that the inside of the bladder is WET. Old-style tuberculin will soak OUT of the vaccine and INTO the fronds of bladder cancer. There is a LABELLING, or MARKING process at work.

Some cases will fail because during the six treatments the patient did not fully empty the bladder. The old-style tuberculin will have been too dilute. In other cases, the patient will have consumed liquid too soon after the treatment. The bladder will have filled up before the transfer of the marker protein was adequate.

In yet other cases, the marker will have had no effect because the immune system will have failed to detect it. It will have been a PASSIVE MARKER. It is essential that the patient has a reasonably recent history of vaccination against TB, using BCG, so that the BCG old-style tuberculin marker will be recognised by the immune system.

A recognised protein, which has a matching antibody, is known as an ANTIGEN.

So to be an ACTIVE MARKER, the BCG requires that the patient is "tuberculin positive". This is tested by putting old-style BCG tuberculin on the prongs (tines) of a plastic comb, and pressing the comb into the skin. Within three days, the immune system will have detected this marker and caused local inflammation. This shows as the appearance of pimples.

Failure of such a "tuberculin tine test" suggests that the patient should first be vaccinated with BCG. Otherwise, the bladder-cancer treatment will fail.

Putting all this knowledge together should, in the absence of sabotage, raise the cure rate to a hundred percent.

What is happening is that the marker protein, being an antigen, attaches to its antibody. The antigen-antibody pair summons the T-cells. These cells are also called "white cells", or "leucocytes", "leukocytes" and similar. They eat up the tissue that contains the marker-antibody pair.

The T-cells are then washed into the lymph nodes. Here they pass on data to the B-cells. It is the B-cells that make the antibodies. Fed constantly with cancerous tissue inside the T-cells, the B-cells eventually develop a new family of antibodies. These new antibodies are CANCER ANTIBODIES.

So it is by STEERING the immune system that the condition is cured. It is because data on the "characteristic protein" is constantly arriving that the B-cells can finally "discover" that protein and make an antibody against it.

By extension, one could take a case of melanoma skin cancer and simply paint it with old-style tuberculin. In a tuberculin-positive patient, the T-cells will constantly deliver data on the melanoma to the B-cells until the immune system latches on.

Any carcinoma that is accessible can simply be treated by painting a marker protein onto the skin. Indeed, it need not be BCG and old-style tuberculin. It is just a marker to summon the immune system - and medical science has a choice of such things. It is just that tuberculin is most widely known and widely available.

Sarcoma can be treated by biopsy, and making what the author calls an "autovaccine". This is a vaccine made from the patient's own tumour.

There are detergents that are used in laboratories to remove DNA from samples. So the biopsy tissue should be ground up, and the DNA removed to prevent it having the power to replicate.

Now the protein from that tumour - with or without the husks of the cells - is treated, perhaps with new-style tuberculin. This is allowed to evaporate dry. Alcohol-soluble proteins will cling, even when the autovaccine is bathed in body fluid.

A certain amount of old-style tuberculin should also be used. This is because it is known to cause a strong reaction in vaccinated subjects.

The autovaccine is injected by sliding the needle sideways into the skin. The top skin layer is like cling-film, the CUTIS. Beneath that is the RETE MUCOSUM, a ripple of mucus where any skin-pigment such as suntan is located. Beneath that is the EPIDERMIS. This is the topmost layer of actual skin, and the place where the immune system is most active. That is where the vacine is placed.

By not going any deeper, one ensures that the reulting swelling will be shallow. A deep-seated inflammation would be more painful, and the abundant body fluids would wash the marker away too fast.

So a lung cancer, for example, could be treated by taking the characteristic protein of that cancer, combined with an active marker, and tucking it into the topmost layer of skin.

What one would expect is that after a little inflammation, throbbing, itching and swelling at the site of vaccination, the tumour itself will display the selfsame signs. That signifies that the immune system has latched on.

All good medicine is of this form - simple but sensible. Bombastic words are used by fake doctors to keep control of the patients by making them feel inadequate. However, it is from the world of simple logic that true progress arises. After all, giving vaccinia to protect against variola is a very simple idea.

Precautions are always necessary. For example, one must ensure that there are no tumours of any large size near any vital orrgan. Immunological treatment makes them swell before they go. So a large tumour in the brain might cause epilepsy, whilst a large tumour in the chest might stop the heart. Such matters must be attended to.

With all safety considerations dealt with, one can rest assured that the tumours will vanish from wherever they may be. Antibodies go wherever the blood goes. These are the "magic bullets" that science was looking for, and they come from nature.

When the treatment is complete, the antibodies stay for a time - perhaps for life. This is, after all, the CURE. One may suffer from some other cancer - but the treatment "levels the playing-field" in that one lives with the same risk as other people. A cancer with the identical characteristic protein cannot recur, however, because of the antibodies that the treatment leaves behind.

Some antibodies - to smallpox and cowpox, for example - are passed on in mother's milk. Others - as described in "Lamarck's Signature" (Steele et al.) - are handed on in the genes. So it is possible that a cancer survivor may pass on the specific immunity to his or her children.

It does not get much better than this.

Charles Douglas Wehner

article78

2008-02-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

Economy Drives Regulation, Innovation and Investment in Renewable Energy, Water Industry and Healthcare

China's Attempt to Balance the Environment and a Rapidly Growing Economy Drives Regulation, Innovation and Investment in Renewable Energy, Water Industry and Healthcare

July 2006, China-AsiaStocks.com

With China's growth at double digit rates into the first half of the year, the environmental concerns and pollution problems are escalating as quickly as the economy, with an estimated 76 reported pollution incidents in the past 8 months. The impact of rapid industrialization has created massive environmental problems in the water air and soil, creating disease and multiple health problems for people living in the affected areas. China is working to create and restore balance and harmony in their environment through pending law, regulation, and investment in new technology. Public companies Vitasti, Inc. (OTCBB: VITS), CECO Environmental Corp (NASDAQ:CECE), Hendrx Corp (OTCBB: HDRX) and Bridgetech Holdings International, Inc. (OTC.PK: BGTH); in renewable energy, air and water treatment and healthcare discuss how the serious problem of pollution has created business opportunities for their respective sectors. The All China Environment Federation (ACEF) was launched in Beijing in 2005, receiving backing from high-level government officials as part of a movement to show that China is becoming very serious about the environmental damage and repercussions of the rapid economic growth. It's receiving global support as evidenced by The World Bank loan of $668 million to the People's Republic of China to support projects to address environmental problems and developing transport infrastructure. China may be positioning to change its global image from environmental disasters to an environmental leader, as it was recently recognized as the world leading investor in renewable energy. In order to pave the road to change, China is changing policy and legal framework to incite investment and innovation in technology.

Renewable Energy; Regulation and Investment Driving the Sector

China has set a target of twenty percent of its power to come from renewable sources by 2020. That kind of aggressive strategy sets the stage for renewable energy companies to participate in the anticipated growth in wind, solar and energy efficient technologies.

Wind energy technology is on the rise and China's largest wind electric power generator manufacturer, Goldwind Science and Technology Co. Ltd., is currently pursuing a U.S. IPO, following on the tracks of several renewable IPO's. The company plans to go public to finance its anticipated substantial growth as China demands green energy solutions as evidenced by its 6 billion U.S. investment in renewable energy in 2005.

Vitasti, Inc.'s (OTCBB: VITS)Director , Mr. deDelley, a wind farm developer targeting China commented " The stage is set to provide environmentally friendly power to fulfill the needs of a electrically thirsty nation and stave the pollution associated with the massive developments China is experiencing. Our Company, Vitasti/Welwind ,has been moving projects ahead to develop 1000 megawatts of wind powered generation along the coast of the south China sea. All levels of government and industry are accepting the wind technology with great enthusiasm and willingness, making our work easier. "

Mr. deDelley went on to state" With the political and industry relationships Welwind has forged within China we are looking at continued support to advance the projects and to ensure successful wind farms, creation of rural employment, mitigation of pollution, and provide a greatly needed commodity : wind powered electricity."

Chinese officials have announced plans for the country's first energy "basic law" passed by the legislature in two years with a goal of reducing national energy consumption by 20 percent from 2006 to 2010 and creating an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly society. The law would encourage domestic energy exploration and international energy cooperation, optimize energy reserves and emergency response systems, scaling and development of renewable and new energies and enhance energy efficiency.

The China Environment Fund, http://www.cefund.com/, a leading VC fund in sustainable investment in China is investing in energy efficiency, solar and bio-diesel.

China's Water and Air Pollution and Solutions

Recent news in China including the toxic spill into the Desha River have made China's officials and global leaders take action into addressing the urgent environmental and water issues. It's currently estimated that 300 million people, representing one-quarter the population, drink unsafe, water. Additionally, only one third of the 3.7 billion tons of wastewater discharged is treated.

China is taking steps to create law and regulation to address critical water issues including recently ratifying an international treaty to preserve the marine environment and prevent pollution on the high seas.

Global funding to address water problems has been approved by the World Bank. The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors recently announced loans of $668 million to the People's Republic of China in support of four projects to address environmental problems including water treatment and waste treatment.

Hendrx Corp (OTCBB: HDRX), a manufacturer of water purification technology with operations in China describes, "Senior management of our company is evaluating our current capabilities and seeking complimentary engineering, service and reporting capabilities to remedy and prevent future occurrences that will harm the environment. Our objective is to use computer age technology and instant monitoring of contributing factors that may predict future weaknesses and thereby enabling operating management to implement the appropriate safety measures."

According to a Hendrx spokesperson, "In as much as the regulatory agencies have not yet begun to create the inquiries, we expect that we will be able and ready to respond to such inquires as they are forthcoming. Realistically, we don't expect any one entity to be selected to find a solution to the different challenges; rather we expect to be part of a team that will over time solve the total problem."

"Hendrx is in a unique position to be optimistic about our chances to be part of the "problem- solving team" because we already have more than 200 employees in the Fujian province of China. Our technical know how and our reputation is well respected on both sides of the Pacific."

In terms of air pollution, according to a 2006 report by the World Watch Institute, China is home to 16 of the 20 cities with the most polluted air in the world.

According to Phillip DeZwirek, Chairman & CEO of CECO Environmental (NASDAQ: CECE), a world leader in clean air solutions, "CECO Environmental is the largest independent air pollution control company in N.A. and having been in business since 1907 has established a customer base of over 2000 companies including most of the Fortune 500. As many of our customers have established manufacturing operations in China they imported our technology and expertise into their Chinese facilities. Chinese based companies recognized the multiple benefits that CECO's environmental installations brought to these new U.S. owned factories and are now hiring CECO to solve their environmental challenges. The market for air pollution control systems in China is vast and with the imminence of the 2008 Olympics plus the pollution potential from the rapidly expanding Chinese economy the demand for all methods of pollution control is and will be enormous."

Healthcare - The Impact of Air and Water Pollution on Human Health

If you survey any average person on the street that saw Julia Roberts play Erin Brockovich, they can make the instant connection that industrial water pollution can cause multiple forms of cancer. It's no different in China, but the problem is multiplied beyond anything North America has experienced. Last November, for example, a factory explosion resulted in benzene, a cancer-causing chemical linked to forms of leukemia, to run into the Songhua River, effecting millions of people in northeast China. More recently, the Dasha River was contaminated when a truck overturned dumping in 60 tons of potentially carcinogenic coal tar.

According to a 2006 report by the World Watch Institute, (http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3881), "a Chinese research institute found that 400,000 premature deaths are caused every year in China by diseases linked to air pollution."

Bridgetech Holdings International, Inc (BGTH:OTCBB), a medical and healthcare company sees China's environmental situation creating a major impact on the country's healthcare, as well as influencing the product mix their company is bringing to the Chinese market.

According to Michael Chermak, Bridgetech's Chairman & CEO, "Over the near term Bridgetech will specialize in introducing oncology products. This is a direct response to the fact that China is experiencing dramatic changes in the types of cancer and in the overall cancer incident rate. This rate is growing at the unprecedented pace of 3.3 percent per year. The environmental problems associated with rapid industrialization, like coal fired power plants, certainly contribute to this high growth rate. The growth of cancer has affected women most severely. In the last fifteen years the incident rate for women has grown from 89 per 100,000 women to 138 per 100,000. For men it is now at 200, up from 148. "

At present, Bridgetech is very encouraged by developments in China's regulatory system. The government's moves to protect intellectual property and to stem the favoritism and traditional practices in China's product distribution system hold much promise for Bridgetech's future because they will allow the company to introduce the very best in foreign technology with less fear that technology might be unfairly appropriated and because the company will be able to apply professional business practices to more effectively distribute its products throughout China. Faced by the demands of a evolving healthcare system and challenged by sudden changes in the nation's epidemiological profile, China's State Food and Drug Administration recognizes the need to supplement its domestic pharmaceutical industry with foreign medications and is proving a fast track to approval for medications that have undergone the approval process of other regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This is another positive development for Bridgetech because these are exactly the types of medications the company is seeking approval for.

The Ultimate Goal

We often hear and use the expression "follow the money" to watch and understand industry trends. In China, it's a case of "smell the water and the air" to understand what is needed and where the money should be going in China.

Ironically, information on disasters and health crises may not always be available to the public if the Chinese government has its way, based on newly drafted legislation that will allow them to fine newspapers up to $12,000 if they report on these types of emergencies without first getting permission.

But we won't be in the dark completely if renewable energy companies like Vitasti have their way. As Vitasti, Inc states, "The country knows that it cannot proceed with the economic development and ignore the environment in future growth"

Consumers in China are readily embracing the environmental movement as evidenced by recent info released by Greenpeace International stating that their surveys showed Chinese consumers were prepared to pay more for environmentally friendly PCs than any other country. It's a step towards the ultimate goal of creating balance and harmony with technology and the environment.

The environmental race is one that China cannot afford to loose and based on recent news, they are making serious efforts to repair the damage of the past and find solutions for the future. The question remains - are they moving fast enough? The outcome of the balancing act of managing rapid economic growth and the environmental concerns will impact the world for generations to come as the pollution moves outside of China's borders.

China-AsiaStocks.com (CAS), a portal within the InvestorIdeas.com content umbrella, does not make recommendations, but offers investors research, news and links to public companies within the China-Asia sector. www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com™ (RES), www.EnvironmentStocks.com (ES) and www.water-stocks.com (WS) offer investors research, news, interviews, articles, blogs and links to public companies within the renewable energy, clean tech and water sectors. We provide a variety of renewable and green content through: Clean Energy News Blog, Renewable Energy Blog and articles by solar expert, J. Peter Lynch, all available on RenewableEnergyStocks.com™ Disclaimer: Portals are compensated by Featured advertising companies. InvestorIdeas.com Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp ©Copyright InvestorIdeas 2006

article77

2008-02-04T19:47:00.002-08:00

Breast Cancer: Steps To Aid In Early Detection

I learned some interesting facts about breast cancer that I feel every woman should know. The sources I used for this article included the American Cancer Society, The National Cancer Institute, and the Avon Foundation's Breast Cancer Crusade.

Early breast cancer isn't usually detected by pain. In fact, when breast cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. That is why regular exams are important. If you have anything that makes you suspect breast cancer, contact your doctor immediately. Don't wait around to see what happens. Let the professional decide. Some symptoms that may indicate breast cancer include, but are not limited to, the following:

Nipple discharge or tenderness

Lumps in breast and/or underarm area

Visual changes which include: size of breast including swelling; inverted nipple; and pitting. Pitting means the skin looks like the skin of an orange. Scaling of the breast skin could also be a symptom.

Early detection of breast cancer is important. There is a 97% five-year survival rate when breast cancer is detected early since this can help prevent it from spreading. Below are some guidelines to early detection. I hope they help save someone's life.

Get a Mammogram

A mammogram is a specialized x-ray of the breast to help detect cancers which cannot be detected by feel. Some women are confused as to how often they should get a mammogram. Here is what the professionals say about mammograms.

At age 40 begin getting annual mammograms by a licensed technician. A mammogram will take about twenty minutes. When getting a mammogram avoid wearing deodorant, powders, or cream under your arms. Sometimes they can interfere with the results. Make sure to contact the center if they do not inform you of the results within thirty days. It is very important that results are compared from one year to the next. Hence, be sure you know where your mammogram film is being held.

Clinical Breast Exam

This is an exam by a health care professional. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years and women 40 or older should have an exam each year.

Self-Examination

Starting at age 20 women should begin doing a self-exam. Ask your doctor if you are not exactly sure how to do this or if you are not sure you are doing it correctly. Here are a few guides to follow: Lie down and place one arm behind your head. Using your three middle finger pads press firmly across your breast in overlapping dime-size circular motions. Use three different levels of pressure: light, medium, and firm. This allows you to feel the tissue close to your skin, to feel a little deeper, and to feel the tissue closest to your chest and ribs.

Move across your breast in an up and down pattern, starting from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone, repeating the pressure.

Stand in front of a mirror with your hands pressing down on your hips and look at your breasts for any changes in size, shape, contour, or dimpling. Also, do this with your arms slightly raised. Make sure you check under your breasts as well.

I hope that this information proves helpful to you. I am not a health care provider and by no means a professional on breast cancer. I am simply sharing with every woman possible the importance of detecting breast cancer early and some simple guidelines that might save a life.

My sources for the above information are:

American Cancer Society The National Cancer Institute Breast Health Resource Guide by the Avon Foundation's Breast Cancer Crusade

article76

2008-02-04T19:47:00.001-08:00

Sunscreen and Skin Cancer- Protecting the Skin Just Got Easier

Astounding ground breaking news on sunscreen and skin cancer is revealed. It is a new sunscreen product that promises to be the cornerstone of every anti-aging skin care regime.

On 7/24/04 the FDA approved a new over-the-counter sunscreen, Anthelios SX, developed by L'Oreal.

A sunscreen that now goes farther than ever before to protect against sun damage and skin cancer. The news world is abuzz with the newest FDA approval of Anthelios SX, a long lasting OTC sunscreen with a new ingredient to the USA market, ecamsule.

It seems like the Fountain of Youth just got a little closer to discovery...

The FDA news release, #P06-103, states "Anthelios SX is a sunscreen product that contains a combination of three active ingredients. One of the ingredients is a new molecular entity (NME), ecamsule. Ecamsule has not been marketed in the United States, but has been marketed in Europe and Canada as Mexoryl SX since 1993. The other two active ingredients, avobenzone and octocrylene, are generally recognized as safe and effective under the current OTC monograph for sunscreens."

ABC News reporter Joy Victory addresses the sunscreen and skin cancer protection by explaining, "For the first time since 1988, the Food and Drug Administration today approved a new type of sunscreen compound that protects skin from shortwave ultraviolet A light and doesn't break down as easily as other products.

Most sunscreens available in the United States protect only against long-wave UVA and both forms of ultraviolet B light. But the new compound, known as ecamsule, has long been available in Europe and Canada. It is made by the L'Oreal cosmetics company.

The new product is considered a superior sunscreen chemical because of its ability to block UVA light -- a harmful, wrinkle-causing form of sunlight -- and because it lasts longer in the sun. The product, Mexoryl SX, contains two standard sunscreen chemicals as well as ecamsule and will be sold as a daily moisturizer cream. It should be on pharmacy shelves sometime this fall, but it's not known how much it will cost. It will be sold under the name Anthelios SX."

Victory wrapped up her report with an interview comment from Dr. Vincent DeLeo, chairman of the dermatology department at Columbia University, reporting that Dr. DeLeo stated that "... the European equivalent was sorely needed in the United States. It produces a product which gives us almost perfect protection against sunshine." Other news organizations are reporting that Anthelios SX will play a very important role in offering additional protection against skin cancer and aging skin care issues caused by sun damage.

Sunscreen and skin cancer protection, a very exciting combination, especially for those concerned about the sun and aging skin care issues. Just think about it, anti-aging skin care just advanced lightyears!

article75

2008-02-04T19:46:00.002-08:00

How To Get Compensation For Mesothelioma Cancer?

There are various types of cancer. Some of these types are relatively easy to treat and even heal others are more difficult. In average the figure has passed 50% when it comes to full restoration from cancer. But like I said, the variety is large. Mesothelioma cancer is one of the deadliest disease conditions encountered in people living at the areas of industries that manufacture the asbestos and the related materials. The mesothelioma cancer is being treated at the specialized hospitals that take this as a challenge. It is important to note that you won't exhibit signs of mesothelioma until 30-40 years after exposure to asbestos.

There are different stages of the mesothelioma cancer. However, the advanced stages are more difficult to cure. Mesothelioma cancer cannot be called as the lung cancer. If you're hailing from Illinois, you can consult the Illinois mesothelioma attorneys for getting settlement from the defenders.

The cells associated with the development of mesothelioma cancer are seen outside of lung tissues and are also noticed in the areas of abdominal cavity outside of the peritoneal membrane of the body.

Recently subtraction hybridization techniques are being employed in the therapy of these mesothelioma cancer conditions, in addition to the application of the gene therapy.

However, once the cancer stages are in the advanced stages, then the treatment becomes more difficult in reality due to the extensive involvements that are encountered in the affected persons.

Illinois mesothelioma Lawyers are always available like those in case of Chicago to help the victims of asbestos or asbestos containing materials. The lawyers help the affected persons to sue against those who are responsible for such occurrence of cancerous growths.

Many times, the legal representatives come across cases of peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural mesothelioma cases due to the long-standing exposure to this asbestos. The lawyers may not get any consultation fees and they often work on the contingent fees, which is a highly negligible one.

The fee may be paid at the end after the winning of the case against the corporation or the firm that is responsible for the cancerous growths in the pleura or the peritoneum. Through out the USA, the cases are often filed in both Chicago and Illinois. The experienced mesothelioma attorneys are famous for the knowledge on the asbestos and they are capable of finding out the responsible persons for the development of such conditions in the victims.

article74

2008-02-04T19:46:00.001-08:00

The Benefits Of Cancer Information Are Enormous

Finding out you or someone that you love has been diagnosed with cancer is to say the very least a devastating blow. It will become not only a hard road emotionally, physically but also financially. This is why you need to find as much cancer information as you can. This may be in the form of advice and support from doctors, counselors, specific cancer organizations, family and friends including other cancer sufferers as well. Talking to people who have been in the same situation as yourself can be an enormous support and also a wonderful source of cancer information can be shared.

Apart from speaking to people in person there are other ways to gain more info about this situation. There are many books that you can read both for the patient and or families and friends. I suppose the easiest way to find out more is on the internet. In the U.S alone there are many websites that are full of relevant cancer information. To start with you have the American Cancer Society. Obviously there are many different cancers so there will be many different informative sources on all of them and you will no doubt be looking for a particular type for your own circumstances. But in the end every one who is suffering from any one of these cancers will still need the same help and support regarding coping stategies and so on.

This is where speaking to people in the same situation will be helpful. There are forums and chat rooms that will give you the opportunity to speak to some of these people. It can be very positive to speak to someone who has gone through what you are and now have fully recovered. Just being able to talk about medications and treatments with someone who really understands can be an amazing therapeutic comfort. You must remember that having this illness does not only affect your physical side but also your mental side and this needs to be looked after as well.

Another good reason to find as much cancer information as possible is to find out other forms of treatments that may be able to help you either on their own or as a combination along side of the usual forms. Usually at this time in someone's life things become very confusing with all the medical jargon as well as all the emotional turmoil and the often draining effects of medication and treatments to be able to think properly. This is when you should be gathering up as much info as you can and just taking your time reading through it so you can get a better picture of what is going on and how to make the best of it.

If you are someone who has a loved one that has been diagnosed with this type of illness then you should be finding out as much as you can to be able to do the right things emotionally to help support this person. You also can read up on their particular condition so you can help answer any questions when they arise. Support from family and friends is a very important part of recovery for someone suffering from cancer.

article73

2008-02-04T19:45:00.001-08:00

Green Tea: Raise a Cup to Your Health!

The Western world is just now catching on to what the Asians have known for 4,000 years, that one cup of green tea has an abundance of health benefits. As a matter of fact, for centuries the Chinese people have been drinking green tea as treatment for everything from depression to headaches.

Today, both the Western world and the Eastern world are conducting studies to produce scientific evidence of the health benefits of green tea. One of the most notable of these studies was published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute In 1994, it discussed how the results of an epidemiological study showed that one of the health benefits of drinking green tea is that it can actually reduce the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese women and men by up to 60%.

Research shows that the heavy presence of a particular catechin polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is an antioxidant, is the main reason why green tea has so many amazing health benefits. At the John Innes Center in England and at the University of Murcia in Spain, researchers have demonstrated that the EGCG in green tea binds cancer cells to an enzyme, which actually prevents them from growing. Thus, this powerful antioxidant can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and can even destroy the cancer cells without harming the healthy cells.

Another notable study was taken by The University of Purdue, which has also done research on how a particular compound that is present in green tea can stop cancer cells from growing.

As if its cancer fighting properties weren't enough, green tea has yet another great health benefit - its ability to lower cholesterol levels as well as to improve the ratio between good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). On top of inhibiting and fighting cancer cells, the antioxidant EGCG can also lower LDL cholesterol levels and stop blood from forming abnormal clots (thrombosis), which is a leading cause of strokes and heart attacks.

Compared to other Chinese teas like black tea and oolong, green tea has more health benefits. All of these different teas come from the tea plant Camellia sinensis, but green tea is different in the process by which it is made. Green tea owes much of its wonderful health benefits to how the leaves of the Camellia sinensis are steamed. The steaming process of green tea keeps the EGCG antioxidant from oxidizing. Oolong and black teas differ in that the leaves are fermented instead of being steamed, thus creating a less potent form of the EGCG.

Green tea not only offers medicinal benefits, though, it also has fitness benefits. Green tea has been shown to help a person burn more calories than normal. A study taken on green tea has shown that drinking it regularly can help dieters lose weight. In 1999, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that showed that men who took both green tea and caffeine burned more calories than men who only took in caffeine or a placebo.

And it doesn't end there, green tea also has bacteria-destroying properties. Drinking green tea can actually help prevent tooth decay and may even prevent food poisoning because the substances found in green tea can kill the bacteria that cause food poisoning and those that cause the formation of dental plaque.

So raise a cup to your health! Now that we know of its countless medicinal and health benefits, I'd say it wouldn't be a far stretch to say that green tea is nothing short of a miracle, and now I'm off to get my daily fill!

article72

2008-02-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Breast Cancer - A Death Sentence Caused By Neglect

The biggest majority of women who concern themselves over developing breast cancer are the ones who do not even bother to do a self examination (Not all)

Self inspection of the breasts should be a main priority for every woman. Breast cancer caught in the early stages of growth will give better odds for the patient to control the disease with the help of today`s modern medicines and technology.

Breast cancer is common among the female species and can be a death sentence if ignored. By neglecting yourself in this department with absent regular check ups then you can expect a painful road ahead - congested of heartache and pain for those close to you as well. Breast cancer is treatable, so now is the time to set a date in the diary for regular self breast examination.

One of the first signs or symptoms of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. You will find that most breast lumps discovered early are rated as 9 out of 10 as being benign. Breast lumpiness can be that of breast change which usually becomes more obvious just before the start of a period, particularly in women over the age of 35

Also cysts/sacs of fluid is not uncommon in the breast tissue causing a feel of lumpiness. Fibroadenoma is a collection of fibrous glandular tissue which is more notably known to occur in younger women If you notice a change in the shape/size of the breast or a lump even thickening then always check this out with your doctor. Other signs to look out for is dimpling of the skin or nipple shape changing, for example, if the nipple turns in or sinks back into the breast. Blood-stained discharge from the nipple or an unusual blemish or rash around the surrounding area needs to be checked out.

A swelling or lump under your armpit can also be a sign. If you have found that you have any of the above symptoms then seek medical attention right away.

Do not worry at this stage because breast lumps as such do not necessarily mean cancer. However the above mentioned inverted nipple or blood stained discharge etc can mean another type of ailment, either way these will need attention

The doctor will examine the breast and if necessary will refer you to a specialist for further checks. If the results from a mammogram or ultra sound shows a cyst, then to have it removed may entail draining it through a fine needle. If the lump is solid then treatment will be with the use of a very fine needle where a sample of tissue will be taken and tested for cancer cells.

This is a disease you can fight but once it spreads, then the breast cancer becomes a battlefield leaving you fighting for survival. Early detection can stop this war.

article71

2008-02-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

Why Radiotherapy Is Used For Multiple Myeloma?

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a malignant tumour of a type of white blood cell (the plasma cell).

Blood cells of all types are made in the bone marrow, which in adults occupies the central position of bones such as the vertebrae, ribs, pelvis and skull.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that, as a result, make excessive amounts of antibody (termed paraprotein or 'M' band). In common with all cancers, the plasma cells in myeloma are identical ('clonal'), because they originate from a single abnormal cell that starts to multiply out of control. The protein produced is, therefore, also identical ('monoclonal' meaning the product of a single clone).

The main treatments for Multiple Myeloma

Chemotherapy is nearly always the main treatment for myeloma. Radiotherapy and biological therapy are also used. If you are fit enough, your specialist may suggest intensive treatment using high dose chemotherapy with bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

The aim of your treatment is to try to get the disease under control. When there is no sign of active disease in your body, the cancer is said to be in remission.

What radiotherapy is?

Radiotherapy means using radiation to treat cancer. The radiation used is similar to that used for X-rays.

Why radiotherapy is used for Multiple Myeloma

Myeloma can cause a lot of damage to bones. Radiotherapy can treat areas where there is localised bone damage or pain. The myeloma destroys area of bone until it is full of holes, like a piece of lace. Obviously, this weakens the bone. Sometimes it causes it to break (fracture). Radiotherapy kills off the cancer cells in the bone and shrinks the cancer. This reduces the pressure caused by the cancer growth in the bone and helps to reduce bone pain.

Sometimes, a bone needs to be pinned to keep it stable and stop it from fracturing. This is done during an operation. The surgeon puts a metal pin into the bone to strengthen it and hold it together. This is done if there is a strong risk of the bone breaking before radiotherapy has had time to work. If you have an operation to fix a bone, you might still need to have radiotherapy afterwards to kill off the cancer and strengthen the bone.

If you have pain because of very widespread myeloma in your bones, or other treatments for myeloma are no longer controlling your myeloma, your doctor might suggest hemi body irradiation. This means that half your body is treated with radiotherapy at a time - the top half and the bottom half. The treatment is given in 2 halves because having your whole body treated has too many side effects. The damage to your bone marrow would be so severe that you would not be able to make enough blood cells and would be at serious risk of infection. Hemi body irradiation can make you feel sick and tired. Usually, your radiotherapist will prescribe anti-sickness tablets for you to take before each treatment. It is important to take these. They will make a big difference to how the treatment makes you feel.

article70

2008-01-28T02:08:00.000-08:00

Mammograms for Breast Augmentation Patients

Despite the possibility of your implant rupturing from the pressure, doctors still recommend that women who have undergone a breast augmentation have a mammogram.

Women who are considering breast augmentation should be aware that implants can interfere with finding breast cancer during a mammogram. This is because the implant shows up as a solid white shape, obscuring tumors above or below. In addition to making tumors more difficult to detect, implants cause "false positive" results as well when extensive scarring and calcium deposits mimic the appearance of cancer, making the deposits difficult to distinguish from tumors on a mammogram. Biopsy may be necessary to determine whether these are cancerous.

Specific mammogram techniques have been developed to ensure that as much breast tissue as possible is examined in women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery. This requires taking extra images, called displacement views, which expose the woman to more radiation.

In 2004, Miglioretti and her colleagues published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicating that 55% of breast tumors were not initially detected on mammograms for women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery, although the extra images were used.

This compares to about 30% of tumors that were not initially detected for women who did not have breast augmentation surgery. These tumors were subsequently detected in later mammograms.

Another problem is that calcium deposits can be seen on mammograms and can be mistaken for possible cancer, resulting in additional surgery to biopsy or remove the implant to distinguish these deposits from cancer. Calcium deposits may be felt as modules or bumps under the skin around the implant.

The displacement views do not protect against rupture, which becomes a greater problem as implants age. Dr. Lori Brown, an FDA scientist, published an article in 2004 in the Journal of Women's Health, indicating that the FDA has received dozens of reports of implants rupturing or leaking during mammography.

Ultrasound and MRIs can be used to detect breast cancer instead of mammograms, but this adds to the cost of screening and may not be covered by health insurance.

The bottom line is to ask yourself if the benefits of breast augmentation outweigh the risks of more serious diseases and complications. No one can answer this question for you, except you and of course, your doctor.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you or someone you know is considering breast augmentation surgery, please seek professional medical advice for the risks and benefits of this type of surgery.

article69

2008-01-28T02:07:00.000-08:00

Flax Facts - Naturally Healthy Properties Of Flaxseed

The flax seed is an amazing seed indeed - it is a bit larger than a sesame and it has a shell. The flax plant has provided food as well as fiber for clothing as far back as recorded history. Flaxseed oil also contains an omega-3 fatty acid that is being investigated for its ability to reduce risk of many conditions including hypertension, stroke, some cancers and immune and inflammatory disorders and certain skin ailments. Flaxseed oil is highly unsaturated and good for the heart. They are high in fiber and are even thought to be able to treat cancer.

1. Flax Seeds Slow Cancer

As was mentioned above, cancer is one of the things that the simple flax seed can help treat. Eating just a few teaspoons a day is all you need to slow the progression of cancer until you can get some real treatment.

2. Promotes Ovulation And Normal Hormonal Balance

For women trying to get pregnant, the lignins found in flaxseed can promote natural ovulation and extend the progesterone dominant second half of the cycle. Consistent ovulation improves their chances of conception. For women who are experiencing pre-menopausal symptoms such as headaches, sleep difficulties, breast cysts, fluid retention, anxiety, lowered sex drive and heavy bleeding can use flaxseed to help restore normal hormonal balance.

3. Heart Healthy

Flax is an essential fatty acid important for cell membranes, regulation of blood pressure and other functions. This omega-3 acid may reduce blood clotting reducing the chance of a fatal heart attack and lowering total blood cholesterol. It also is known to lower LDL or bad cholesterol. Flax is also found in soybean oil, walnuts and canola oil.

4. Rich In Fiber

You couldn't ask for a more healthy choice - flax is great for your heart and helps to stabilize blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Magnesium also is found in flaxseeds and help to reduce the severity of asthma by keeping airways open and relaxed. It can even cure headaches!

article68

2008-01-28T02:06:00.000-08:00

Flax Facts - Naturally Healthy Properties Of Flaxseed

1. Flax Seeds Slow Cancer

2. Promotes Ovulation And Normal Hormonal Balance

3. Heart Healthy

4. Rich In Fiber

article67

2008-01-28T02:05:00.000-08:00

Over Weight Induces Breast Cancer

Over weight is considered as the health condition that has uncountable visible and invisible side effects in the form of diseases and with more research on this topic more medical conditions found linked to obesity. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart related problems are the common one related to over weight that is commonly understood as obesity. Over weight can even act as source of growth for breast cancer in women. So never even in dreams take over weight as a normal health condition as it is capable of bringing unimagined medical conditions including the highly dangerous like cancer. A study has proved this fact that one in every four cases of breast cancer in post-menopausal women who have not used hormone replacement therapy is caused by weight gain, but the risk can be substantially lowered by losing weight, researchers reported today. If weight loss is extremely urgent affair than put your faith on weight lossmedications meant for quick weight loss like phentermine, phendimetrazine and Adipex.

Researchers found that if the women lost at least 22 pounds, they could reduce their risk of breast cancer by about 40 percent. If they managed to keep the weight off for at least four years, the risk was reduced by 60 percent. So weight loss is the only proved mantra to minimize chances of disease known as breast cancer linked to over weight.

Weight is one of the few risk factors for breast cancer women can do something about," said lead author A. Heather Eliassen, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. A recent report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, is the first to look at the effects of losing weight after menopause. Previous studies have established the connection between fat and breast cancer. Fat tissue produces estrogen, which increases the chances substantially for tumor growth in some kinds of breast cancer.

Other risk factors for breast cancer include a family history of the illness, early onset of menstruation, smoking and alcohol consumption. A recent report, which taken in account opinion of more than 87,000 women for 26 years, confirmed that gaining weight increases the chance of breast cancer.

A recent report has proved the fact that women, who gained 55 pounds or more after age 18, increased their breast cancer risk by 45 percent. Gaining 22 pounds or more after menopause increased the risk of breast cancer by about 20 percent.

Among the women who gained 55 pounds or more throughout adulthood, those who did not use hormone replacement therapy increased their breast cancer risk by 98 percent, while those who did use the therapy increased their risk by 20 percent. If you want to keep the life long tension of breast cancer away from you than always make sure to keep check on your weight. Those women who are obese must start looking for the effective method to bring down their weight as soon as possible. Weight loss medication like phentermine and phendimetrazine are of great help in movement against havoc of term obesity in real life. Life is going to change once again for women who loose their weight to subsidize the chances of cancer occurrence as it was found in recent study that over weight women is more prone to breast cancer.

article66

2008-01-28T02:04:00.000-08:00

Multiple Myeloma: Commonest Form Of Blood Cancer!

Multiple Myeloma is the commonest form of cancer of blood cells, accounting for 15 per cent of all blood cancers. There are about 2500 new cases per annum in the UK, giving rise to 10-15,000 patients with the condition at any one time. The overall incidence is rising, and is higher in Afro-Caribbeans.

Multiple myeloma is treatable, but it cannot be considered a curable condition.

Types of Myeloma
There is really only one main type of myeloma, but in different people, the cancerous plasma cells make different antibodies. Doctors more often call these antibodies 'immunoglobulins'. In each case of myeloma, only one type of immunoglobulin is overproduced, but this varies from patient to patient. There are 5 basic immunoglobulins - A, G, M, D and E. In myeloma, the commonest one that is overproduced is IgG and the rarest IgE.

Controlling your symptoms
Even if it is not possible to get your myeloma into remission, you can have treatment to help control the symptoms it causes. This may be mild chemotherapy to damp it down. Or you may have radiotherapy to any trouble spots in your bones. Bisphosphonates can also be used to try to slow down the progress of the myeloma. And to reduce the levels of calcium in your blood if this is too high. Your doctor may suggest a treatment called plasma pharesis if the level of abnormal immunoglobulin protein is too high in your blood. Too much protein in the blood can make it too thick and plasma pharesis will take out the excess protein.

Smouldering myeloma
You may also hear the term 'smouldering myeloma'. This is a condition that is much the same as MGUS. The only difference is that the immunoglobulin levels are slightly higher than in MGUS. But they are not rising and the condition is usually stable for long periods of time. There is a risk that the condition will speed up and develop into full blown multiple myeloma.

How does one develop myeloma?
The cause of myeloma is not known. It is not inherited and it is not contagious. In common with other blood cancers there is an increased incidence in patients exposed to radiation.

article65

2008-01-28T02:03:00.002-08:00

Cancer Sign North Node - Your Soul's Mission and Path to Fulfillment!

The nodes (south and north node) are two points in an astrological chart that possess priceless information about one's karmic past and soul-destined future. Calculated by using the birth data of the individual, the nodes symbolize the unique life path that one is on and can answer many questions about his own, as well as his partner's, inner struggles and desires -- answers that can transform not only his relationship but his life.

Since there are twelve signs of the zodiac, there are also twelve unique nodal positions -- each pair of nodes (north and south) representing two opposite signs of the zodiac. For instance, a Cancer Sign North Node is paired with a Capricorn Sign South Node because they are opposites. And because they are opposites, they create a clear picture of the dualistic struggle that resides within the Cancer north node/Capricorn south node individual.

Often, the individual is unaware of the war taking place inside, a situation that could go on for years. As time passes he is dumfounded by his inability to progress in life - professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. He doesn't understand why he keeps repeating the same mistakes over and over again and continues to dwell on the past as he desperately dreams of the future.

All of us have our own set of visible (and invisible) struggles to work through -- obstacles that the Nodes of the Moon can help us isolate and resolve while simultaneously freeing us to move forward on our destined path.

We all know that knowledge is power...and that's why I offer a bit of it to you...to give you the strength and courage you need to not only live, but thrive.

This week I'd like to begin with a brief overview of the Cancer North Node/Capricorn South Node position.

To start, let's take a look at some keywords. These words describe the polarity between these two opposing signs and can offer you a glimpse of the soul journey that the individual with this nodal position is on.

Just remember that the south node represents old patterns of being - patterns that have accumulated over lifetimes that now need to be acknowledged and released. The north node, on the other hand, represents the soul's potential - the direction of the future...the behavioral habits that will lead the individual to greater happiness and the kind of life that will fulfill him.

Here are some Capricorn South Node behavioral patterns -- patters that the individual must part with if he is to live an emotionally rich life:

Overly ambitious...pessimistic...insensitive...overly cautious...arrogant...obsessed with the past...disciplinarian...always needs rules...materialistic...unresponsive...stern...stubborn.

Here are some Cancer North Node behavioral patterns that the individual might find foreign at first, but ones that he needs to aspire to if he is to connect to his true potential and the existence his soul both needs and desires:

Nurturing...sensitive...intuitive...maternal...supportive...faithful...tenacious...protective...romantic...values family...devoted...focuses on home...empathetic...emotional.

The journey from a Capricorn south node to a Cancer north node will take some work. But so does everything else that holds so much potential. The key is to never lose sight of the ultimate goal and move towards it until it firmly lies within your hands.

The Cancer north node reveals a soul that has spent numerous incarnations as an opinioned, well-respected, and accomplished member of the community. It worked hard to achieve it's once prominent level of recognition and enters this lifetimes wanting, needing, and pursuing the same prestige it once had.

The Cancer north node individual also arrives with much inner pride. He has vivid memories of the dignified social presence he once had and can't understand why now, in his present life, he is not getting the respect he knows he deserves. As a result, he spends much of his life trying to regain what he feels he has lost.

In addition to pride, the Cancer north node individual also brings with him memories of past hardships as well as the desire to avoid all imperfection; especially within himself. He works harder than most yet fails to accomplish all that he sets out to do. And if he feels that a situation might make him seem inadequate, he will go far out of his way to escape the embarrassment; even if it means making himself emotionally and/ or physically ill.

Karmic residues of materialism and self-righteousness are also not foreign to him. Rarely will he accept the advice of others; secretly thinking that he knows best. Seldomly will he share his honest feelings because he believes in personal privacy and is unable to accept any form of criticism. And being the opportunist that he is, will strategically place himself in situations where there is something to be gained; not hesitating for one moment if offered the chance to use another's weakness for his own benefit. All of this is done secretly of course, as to not damage the respectful image he has worked so hard to create for himself.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you want to look at it, the Cancer north node will ask him to leave his rigid ways behind and to soften his walls when dealing with others. He will be asked to trade his arrogance for emotional honesty and will be shown the benefits of nurturing and being nurtured. And most importantly, he will asked to gradually open himself up to his Cancerian sensitivity. At times he might feel the urge to resist this transformation; feeling comfortable with the habits he has come to know so well. Yet life, being the wise teacher that it is, will certainly make sure that he stays on his soul-destined path.

As time goes by, he will begin to value life and family more than money, emotional connectedness more than calculated control and new creation more than old baggage. His soul will teach him that the rock which was once him, is now ready to give way and allow some water to seep in. His soul will help him see that one of his greatest pleasures and achievements in this lifetime will be to nourish others; both in physical and spiritual ways. His Capricorn south node has overfilled his vessel...and so now it is his turn to share its abundance with those who need it.

Having said all that, it might be a good idea to fill your surroundings with as many symbolic representations of the Cancer Sign as possible. Surrounding yourself with Cancer sign colors, Cancer sign fragrances, and Cancer sign ornaments will remind you of the soul mission you're on and help you find your unique path to fulfillment.

Now if it's your mate that has the Cancer sign north node, and you do that for your mate, well...that's about the greatest gift that you could ever give him/or her. Because there's nothing like the feeling one gets when he realizes that he has found someone who really gets him -- a true friend...lover...and the irreplaceable soul companion he's been searching for his entire life.

...that soul companion who is you!

article64

2008-01-28T02:03:00.001-08:00

Protecting Cats From Cancer

Cancer does not just affect human beings, cats can also be prone to the ill affects of this deadly disease. I have a cat who is called Pip and in this article I will be writing about my families experience in protecting her from cancer, which the vet has informed us, has ultimately saved and prolonged her life.

Pip is a beautiful and loving cat and is very much part of our family. She is treated like our third child and has what we hope to be a very happy and comfortable life.

I have been surrounded my animals for most of my life as my parents run an animal sanctuary in the Birmingham area of England. I have learnt quite a lot about these different animals and have a particular love of cats and dogs.

Pip herself is ninety-five percent white in colour, the other five percent is black. I am aware that cats which are mainly white are basically at a higher risk of catching a type of skin cancer than other cats. In the summer Pip would always love to sunbathe, basking in the sun. I would ensure that I put sun cream on her, mainly around her ears and tried to encourage to sleep more in the shaded areas of our garden. Pip is however quite stubborn and insisted on resting out of the shade.

Over the years I would check Pip out at regular intervals and one day noticed that she had some little black spots in and around her ears. These spots had not been there the last time I had checked her over and therefore I decided to take her to the vets. I felt confident that everything would be fine but just wanted to make sure.

The vet examined Pip and looked quite worried. He told us that Pip had a form of pre-cancer and that the only way that she would survive, in his opinion, would be to have her ears amputated.

This was very sad but we realised that in a way we had no choice. This all happened four years ago and Pip is still going strong today, unaware of how close she was to losing her life. The vet has stated that if I had not checked her out and brought her in to be examined that the cancer would have spread and that Pip would have only lived for around three to six months.

My advice for anyone who has a cat as a pet, especially if they are white in colour, is to check the cat every week or so and if you spot anything out of the ordinary, to take them to the vets.

article63

2008-01-28T02:02:00.001-08:00

Breast Cancer, Prevention is The Cure

October has been Breast Cancer Awareness month since 1985. In the coming days, pink ribbons will emerge in abundance, symbolizing the efforts of educational and fund raising events that take place to find the "cure", and offering hope to those already diagnosed. These local and national events will generate millions of dollars. As the "Race for the Cure" continues, how can women incorporate preventative measures into their daily lives? Prevention is the hope that you will not be one of the growing numbers of women being diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Women are repeatedly told that "early detection is the best protection". Early detection is vital if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, but this is not the same as prevention. While researching for this article, I realized that "early detection" is often confused with actual "prevention".

Sue Macleod, a breast cancer survivor and health care professional, observes that since the petro-chemical era of the 1930's, the incidence of breast cancer has risen from 1 in 50 women to 1 in 8 by the year 2000. To date, research continues to explore the links between breast cancer and the environment. The study, "State of the Evidence: What is the Connection Between Chemicals and Breast Cancer?" presented by the Breast Cancer Fund and Breast Cancer Action explores and summarizes the research about links between breast cancer and the environment. The document points out that we can no longer ignore the increasing evidence that repeated exposure to certain chemicals are contributing to the rising incidence of breast cancer each year. Chemicals such as parabans, pesticides, cleansers and pharmaceutical drugs act like estrogens in our bodies. This is troubling, because a woman's vulnerability to breast cancer increases as her lifetime exposure to estrogen increases.

The mounting evidence linking synthetic chemicals to the rising rates of breast cancer is empowering women to make healthy choices in their everyday lives. These choices are preventative.

What can be done to prevent breast cancer and minimize risk? *Choose 100% pure, synthetic chemical free cosmetics. Individuals can make healthy choices regarding the personal products they use daily. Many of these, including lotions, cosmetics, shampoos and conditioners, contain chemicals that have been linked to breast cancer. According to industry estimates, on any given day, a woman may use as many as 25 different cosmetic and personal care products containing more than 200 different chemical compounds. Avoid rubbing these toxic cocktails into your skin by choosing healthy, organic and natural products.

*Be a more informed consumer. Ask critical questions about "pink ribbon promotions" before you purchase a product. The cosmetic industry has been criticized for raising money for breast cancer research by promoting products that may actually contribute to the rising tide of breast cancer. See www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org for ways to demand safer products from cosmetic companies.

*Include high dietary intake of carotenes: dark leafy greens and green and yellow produce.

*Eat foods rich in Vitamin E and Selenium: sunflower seeds, freshly ground wheat, olive oil, flax oil, garlic, onions, and mushrooms.

*Reduce consumption of animal foods that contain hormones, such as milk, chicken, beef, and pork.

*Increase consumption of organically grown foods.

*Create sufficient consumption of Vitamin D: sunlight, 10 minutes daily; sardines and tuna.

*Discover what really moves you and keep moving: gardening, yoga, dance, walking, etc.

*Reduce or eliminate the use of plastic containers for food storage.

*Avoid unnecessary radiation; radiation is cumulative over a lifetime.

*Avoid using pesticides (weed killers, insecticides, etc) in your yard or home.

Join community action groups that support organizations that are investing in research that focus on cause and prevention. Support the "race for the cause".

So when you see those pink ribbons emerge this month, consider that they proclaim "Prevention is the Cure". Laura Weinberg, co-president of The Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition says it best, "The old pink ribbon is hope for the future. This pink ribbon is saying there is something we can do today."

Resources: Breast Cancer? Breast Health, Susan Weed

State of Evidence, www.bcaction.org, www.breastcancerfund.org

Pathways to Prevention, The Breast Cancer Fund

Stop Cancer.org

Cancer risk: Could beauty products have an ugly side? Sue Hutchinson, San Jose Mercury News, September 20 2005.

Use With Discretion, India Statesman, Women's Feature Service, September 4, 2005

### Pamela Cronan-Maddox, herself an ovarian cancer Survivor, is the visionary and president of The Alchemist's Apprentice, Inc. www.alchemistsapprentice.com., an online apothecary dedicated to providing 100% pure, organic and healthy personal care products.

article62

2008-01-28T02:01:00.001-08:00

Cancer mesothelioma - It is a born killer

What is mesothelioma?

The pericardium is the mesothelial tissue that surrounds and acts as a safeguard to the heart. The pleural mesothelium membrane covers the lungs and chest cavity and peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that enfolds the organs in the abdominal cavity.

What is actually cancer mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a dual layered membrane with which our chest, lungs, abdomen and the heart is wrapped safely.

Cancer Mesothelioma can damage any of these cells, although pleural mesothelioma is more common; it metastasizes and at an advanced stage the disease reach to the other parts of the body like the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

How is cancer mesothelioma caused?

Though asbestos exposure is the primary reason in 70% to 80% of the cases, mesothelioma can be caused by other means, like exposure to the chemical zeolite that is also present in asbestos.

Asbestos has become part of our daily life being in cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. The asbestos fibers take their toll by going into our windpipe and settling in the internal organs causing the formation of carcinogenic tumors.

The overall scenario regarding cancer mesothelioma

Though there is a ban on certain asbestos products, around 1000 people in France and above 2000 people in the U.S are faced with this nightmare each year.

Mostly, workers from shipyards, asbestos mines and mills are prone to this mishap, due to a constant exposure to asbestos. However, it takes 30 to 50 years for the disease to surface and show symptoms though they are not always accurate.

Cancer mesothelioma is proving more than a menace and the average person live for 12-24 months; the earlier it is detected, the better is the cure process.

The recent picture

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have put restrictions towards maintaining acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos are geared up with individual protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. Even the family members of the workers are prone to the disease, so they are advised to take a shower before leaving for home.

Symptoms of cancer mesothelioma

- Feeling out of breath and pain in the chest due to an accretion of fluid in the pleura - Peritoneal mesothelioma comprises weight loss and abdominal pain and a bulging abdomen due to accumulation of fluid - Bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever - Pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face

However, a registered medical practitioner can diagnose you correctly.

Diagnosis of cancer mesothelioma

Diagnosis commences with an assessment of the patient's medical history, as well as any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including: - X-rays of the chest or abdomen - A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a sequence of comprehensive pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine - In an MRI, a strong magnet connected to a computer is used to draw meticulous pictures of areas affected by cancer mesothelioma inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed - A biopsy regarding the taking out of a sample tissue for examination is needed to verify a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Types of biopsy depending on the location of the tumor are thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy

Lastly, the stage of the disease is important to the doctor for the correct diagnosis.

Cancer mesothelioma treatment

Treatment of cancer mesothelioma yields results depending on the site of the cancer, the phase of the disease, and the patient's physical condition. The usual treatments for cancer mesothelioma are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Occasionally, these treatments are combined.

Surgery is an effective way to remove tumor but the age of the person matters. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are good ways to ward off the symptoms.

Often, high-end drugs are given to the patient to reduce the fluid formation in body.

Thus, it is better for the workers to get a medical check up at equal intervals and be aware of its symptoms. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer mesothelioma at the earliest stage, the treatments might do wonders for him.

article61

2008-01-28T01:59:00.000-08:00

Breathing Problems And Backaches? It May Be Cancer!

Multiple Myeloma

In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) build up in the bone marrow, forming tumors in many bones of the body. These tumors may prevent the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells. Normally, the bone marrow produces stem cells (immature cells) that develop into three types of mature blood cells:

1. Red blood cells that carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues of the body. 2. White blood cells that fight infection and disease. 3. Platelets that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form.

As the number of myeloma cells increases, fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made. The myeloma cells also damage and weaken the hard parts of the bones. Sometimes multiple myeloma does not cause any symptoms. The following symptoms may be caused by multiple myeloma or other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

1. Bone pain, often in the back or ribs. 2. Bones that break easily. 3. Fever for no known reason or frequent infections. 4. Easy bruising or bleeding. 5. Trouble breathing. 6. Weakness of the arms or legs. 7. Feeling very tired.

A tumor can damage the bone and cause hypercalcemia (a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood). This can affect many organs in the body, including the kidneys, nerves, heart, muscles, and digestive tract, and cause serious health problems.

Other factors affecting prognosis

There are other factors that can affect your prognosis, apart from the stage of your cancer. One consideration is how well you are overall. Doctors call this your 'performance status'. You may see this written PS. A score of 0 means you are completely able to look after yourself. A score of 1 means you can do most things for yourself, but need some help. The scores continue to go up, depending on how much help you need. This is relevant to survival because overall, the fitter people are, the better able they are to withstand their cancer and treatment. This is particularly important in myeloma because fitter patients can withstand more intensive treatment.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer or 'cytotoxic' drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. As they circulate in the blood they can reach cancer cells wherever they are in your body.

Chemotherapy by mouth

Your doctor is more likely to suggest treatment with tablets if you are aged over 70 or are not fit enough to have a stem cell transplant. You will usually have the chemotherapy drugs melphalan or cyclophosphamide. Doctors often give a steroid drug called prednisolone with this chemotherapy. So you may see or hear it called MP or CP.

Occasionally doctors use chemotherapy tablets as initial treatment for people going on to have a stem cell transplant. They might use the chemotherapy drug idarubicin (Zavedos) with steroids. This combination is called Z-Dex.

article60

2008-01-28T01:52:00.000-08:00

Major breakthrough in the understanding of cancer

Hunting for Genetic Mutations and Cancer

The current paradigm in medical research holds that the cause of most cancers is a genetic mutation. For instance, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), an institute at the NIH, "all cancers are based on genetic mutations in body cells." In fact, mutation hunting is big business. Just look at the NIH budget allocated to discoveries of genetic mutations, the number of biotech companies chasing genetic mutations, the magnitude of the licensing agreements between biotech and pharmaceutical companies aimed to utilize newly discovered genetic mutations, and the number of stories in the media on genetic mutations and their so-called "link" to disease. However, this huge effort and billions of dollars has produced few discoveries and little benefits to the public. The reason for this limited success is simple. The cause of cancer is not a genetic mutation.

The story of the BRCA1 gene is a typical example of mutation hunting.

The Mystery of BRCA1

Genes, in general, produce proteins, which are the building blocks of cells. The concentration of the protein is tightly regulated. A mutated gene produces an abnormal concentration of its protein, which may lead to disease. In 1994, Mark Skolnick, PhD, discovered the BRCA1 gene (BRCA1 is short for BReast CAncer 1). Following the discovery, scientists observed an abnormally low level of the BRCA1 protein in breast cancer tissues. The BRCA1 protein is a cell cycle suppressor, which means that the protein prevents cell replication. This observation created a lot of excitement. At the time, scientists believed that they were on the verge of finding the cause of breast cancer. The reasoning was that breast cancer patients must have a mutated BRCA1 gene, which would explain the decreased production of the protein, and the excessive replication of breast cancer cells in tumors.

In the United States, 180,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year. However, the BRCA1 gene is mutated in less than 5% of these cases. In more than 95% of breast cancer patients the gene is not mutated.

So here is the mystery. If the gene is not mutated in the great majority of the breast cancer patients, why are the tumors showing low levels of the BRCA1 protein? Today, this is one of the biggest mysteries in cancer research.

The BRCA1 gene is not unique. Many normal (non-mutated) genes exhibit a mysterious abnormal (increased or decreased) production of proteins in cancer. Moreover, studies also report abnormal gene expression of normal genes in other diseases, such as atherosclerosis, obesity, osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, alopecia, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus, thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and graft versus host disease.

According to Dr. Raxit J. Jariwalla in his European Journal of Cancer paper: (Jariwalla RJ. Microcompetition and the origin of cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2005 Jan;41(1):15-9): "The prevalent view of the nature of cancer holds that it is a complex genetic process resulting from the progressive accumulation of mutations in specific cellular genes, such as proto-oncogenes or tumor-suppressor genes, leading to perturbations in processes involving signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and/or apoptosis. Genetic instability in tumors has been known for decades, however, the role of genomic instability in causing and promoting tumor growth remains controversial. Furthermore, although many studies report abnormal gene expression in cancer cells, often, no mutations or chemical modifications are observed around the locus of the dysregulated gene(s), suggesting that a genetic alteration is not the initiating event of cancer."

The Discovery

A virus is a collection of genes. To replicate, some viruses settle in the nucleus of the host cell and use the cell machinery to replicate. What is the effect of a viral gene on the production of cellular proteins?

Think of a gene as an assembly line of a protein. Like all assembly lines, the gene has two parts, a conveyor (the gene coding section), and a control panel (the gene promoter/enhancer). Imagine a cellular shop that assembles a product called BRCA1. One of the many buttons on the control panel is called N-box. Pressing the button increases production. However, only a small number of operators (called transcription factors), those who pass a special certification (called the p300 test), have permission to press this button. What happens when a virus opens a shop across the street from the cellular shop (called latent infection) to produce its viral products? The control panel in the viral shop also has an N-box button. To start production, the virus begins to hire away some of the certified operators. What is the effect of this "hiring away" on the number of available BRCA1 units? The number decreases. Moreover, the decrease becomes apparent even before the virus starts production (the "hiring away" is what creates the effect, not the viral proteins). The viral assembly line competes with the BRCA1 assembly line for the certified operators, and by hiring them away prevents the cellular shop from producing the optimum, or "healthy" number of BRCA1 units. The lower number of BRCA1 units leads to excessive cell replication and breast cancer. (See a more technical description in a recent paper published in the European Journal of Cancer.)

The infection with the latent virus causes abnormal production of other genes, and as a result, the development of other chronic diseases. This sequence of events easily explains why people who suffer from obesity are also more likely to suffer from diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, and why a recent large scale study found that a low-fat diet does not protect against breast cancer. It also explains another surprising observation that male pattern baldness is associated with heart disease and prostate cancer. In general, this sequence of events easily explains the numerous observations indicating a co-existence or co-morbidity of some chronic diseases.

This discovery was first described by Dr. Hanan Polansky in his book, Microcompetition with Foreign DNA and the Origin of Chronic Disease, published by The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease.

In his European Journal of Cancer paper, Dr. Raxit J. Jariwalla reports an interesting observation on the microcompetition discovery: "The key point of the theory is that the competing DNA sequences do not bind each other but compete for binding to a limiting transcription complex. In the example cited, the viral DNA and BRCA1 do not bind each other but compete for binding to the limiting GABP*p300/cbp transcription complex. It is interesting that when explaining observations reported in the literature, biologist tend to rely on the traditional physicochemical philosophy which centers on binding/non-binding events, or physical contact between molecules. In contrast, microcompetition with foreign DNA, which in essence is a reallocation of a rare resource, seem to draw on economic rather than physicochemical principles."

To summarize: the cause of cancer, and other chronic diseases, is not a genetic mutation, it is a reallocation of a scarce genetic resource caused by the latent presence of a virus (or other types of foreign DNA).

Reaction of the Scientific Community

What is the scientific community saying about Dr. Polansky's discovery?

Consider what the famous heart surgeon and "Living Legend," Michael E. DeBakey, said about the discovery, "The theory underlying the basic concept concerning the origin of chronic diseases presented by Dr. Polansky is most interesting, indeed fascinating ... Perhaps a symposium could be held to provide a forum for further discussions and critiques of this fascinating theory."

Elena N. Naumova, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, said, "Dr. Polansky's work compellingly demonstrates a framework that could bring together researchers from different fields. His proposed theory will work its magic by clarifying ambiguous definitions, identifying similarities and differences in various biological processes, and discovering new pathways ... I believe that Dr. Polansky's book will catalyze the scientific learning process, promote interdisciplinary cross-fertilization, stimulate development of treatment strategies and drug discovery, and leave the reader inspired."

Sivasubramanian Baskar, PhD, Senior Scientist from the National Cancer Institute, NIH, said, "At first, I wish to congratulate Dr. Hanan Polansky for his scientific bravery to take such a unique, novel approach to further stimulate our understanding of the origin and establishment of chronic diseases. The philosophy underscored is an excellent one ... The amazing correlation between theoretical predictions and observed in vivo effects seems to bring us a step closer to a deeper understanding of such complex biologic processes."

Marc Pouliot, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Canada, said, "The concept of microcompetition will change our approach in the study of chronic diseases and will furthermore give scientists a higher level of understanding in biology. Presentation of this concept undoubtedly provides a new set of opportunities for attacking chronic diseases ... They lead the way to new approaches in chronic disease treatment."

Howard A. Young, PhD, Section Head, Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, said, "In summary, Dr. Polansky is to be applauded for his attempt to provide a unifying basis for chronic diseases. His theories are stimulating and offer a basis for experimental testing and possible treatment."