Arthritis its debilitating and detrimental effects

Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling diseases? It’s true! Arthritis currently affects more than 40 million Americans and that figure is expected to rise to 60 million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you read this article and find out what this devastating disease is truly about. Arthritis: What it Is Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our next article, “Symptoms of Arthritis” for more information). Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or simply “wear and tear” on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the result of an over active Immune System that results in inflammation. Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in the joints, leading to “Gouty Arthritis”. The joint pain, inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as “Arthralgia”. Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that only affects the elderly. This simply isn’t the case. Yes it’s true that seniors, especially senior women, are effected the greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted between the ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been diagnosed with forms of Arthritis. One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so weakening that it only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental that of the diseases that instill chronic physical disabilities, Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease. The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and cents as well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost by an individual over the course of a lifetime due to the debilitating effects of Arthritis. This is totaled by lost wages, medical treatments, and the cost of medically based needs and care. The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and weakness. It does not only affect seniors, but forms of Arthritis also plagues children. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis and all Arthritis sufferers share one thing in common, chronic joint pain. The top three common forms of Arthritis include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen that Arthritis isn’t cured, but managed. Some steps and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include: · Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the joints) · Increasing their Nutritional Intake · Reducing Stress (both physical and emotional) · Participating in Gentle Stress Free Exercises such as Stretching · Using both Hot and Cold Therapies · Protecting Joints by use of Splints and Braces · Drug Therapies · Surgery If you suffer from Arthritis, don’t give up. There are many people who are discovering that with the proper management and health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and pain free lives. · Stay tuned for the next article in our series on Arthritis, “Symptoms of Arthritis”.

Hepatitis c what you should know

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common, chronic blood-borne infection in the United States, with nearly 4 million Americans (or 2% of the population) infected. The hepatitis C virus can result in a swelling of the liver known as hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is slightly more common among men than women, and while it affects people of all ages, it is most commonly found among those aged 20-39. Hepatitis C infects the liver, which removes waste products and worn-out cells from the blood. If untreated, hepatitis C can lead to scarring of the liver (known as cirrhosis), cancer of the liver and, in some cases, even death. The hepatitis C virus is spread through contaminated blood. Hepatitis C is most commonly spread through intravenous drug use, as users often share needles that are contaminated with the virus. People who had blood transfusions before 1990, when screening blood for HCV began, are also at risk. Tattooing and body piercing may also transmit hepatitis C if dye or needles contaminated with HCV are reused. Hepatitis C is often referred to as a "silent threat" since a majority of people have no symptoms for many years after they become infected. In fact, more than 70 percent of HCV-infected people have no idea that they are infected. Symptoms of HCV may include: • Fatigue • Loss of appetite • Dark urine • Nausea/stomach pain • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). Hepatitis C is a serious disease, but there are many treatment options which may help infected people get rid of the virus. PEG-INTRON® (Peginterferon alfa-2b) Powder for Injection combined with riba-virin is one such treatment which has been shown to clear HCV from the blood in about half of the people taking this medication. Medical, educational and emotional support are also available for HCV-infected individuals and their families. People being treated with PEG-INTRON® and ribavirin, as well as those considering treatment, can enroll in a free patient support program called The Be In Charge® Program. This program offers 24/7 telephone access to a live nurse, many educational materials, and counseling (decisions about medical treatment should always be discussed with a health care professional). In addition to treatment, there are steps that people with hepatitis C can take to live healthier lives. For instance, studies have shown that avoiding heavy alcohol consumption (defined as five or more drinks per day) can reduce liver damage among people with hepatitis C. Obesity can also contribute to more advanced liver disease, and has been shown to lessen the effectiveness of certain medicines that treat HCV. While a diagnosis of hepatitis C should be taken seriously, taking control by seeking treatment, making healthy lifestyle changes, and getting appropriate support can help make HCV a manageable disease.

Understanding adhd in adults

When thinking about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), most people picture a hyperactive child in the grocery store, a disruptive kid in the classroom or a child who takes longer than necessary to finish a homework assignment. But what you may not realize is that while ADHD affects millions of children, it is also a disorder that affects approximately 8 million adults. What Is Adult ADHD? Although many people tend to think of ADHD as a childhood disorder, up to 80 percent of children with ADHD will exhibit symptoms into adolescence and up to 65 percent of children will continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. Adults with untreated ADHD may be perceived as "scatterbrained," "disorganized" or "lazy," but what many people are unaware of is that ADHD is an impairing neurological disorder, not merely an organizational or behavioral problem. In his new book entitled "Scattered Minds," Dr. Lenard Adler, director of the Adult ADHD Program at New York University, presents the latest information for the growing number of adults who suspect or know that they have ADHD. The book reviews previously unrecognized signals of ADHD, misconceptions about this disorder and information on getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. How Is ADHD Diagnosed? While there is no single objective test to determine if someone has ADHD, "Scattered Minds" includes a simple self-screener, adopted by the World Health Organization, that helps the reader assess whether they have symptoms of ADHD. Dr. Adler urges readers to fill out the screener and bring it to their physician for a formal evaluation. How Is ADHD Treated? Although there is no "cure" for ADHD, there are accepted treatments that specifically help patients control its symptoms. In his book "Scattered Minds," Dr. Adler explains that the most common treatments include educational approaches, psychological or behavioral modification, and prescription medication. Adults with untreated ADHD may experience greater risk for lower educational and occupational achievement, problems in relationships with family and friends, and greater risk for driving accidents and traffic tickets. Adults who have not been treated for ADHD are 50 percent more likely to be unemployed as well as twice as likely to smoke cigarettes. "Scattered Minds" reveals the previously unrecognized signals for adults who suspect they may have ADHD and underscores that ADHD is a very real and accepted medical condition. Adults with ADHD may have greater difficulty dealing with everyday problems when compared to their peers and may even face challenges in their personal lives and careers that their peers do not encounter. If you suspect you or somebody you know may have adult ADHD, pick up a copy of "Scattered Minds" and take the simple screening test.

Phyto estrogen reduce the risk of certain cancers

"Phyto-estrogen interaction with estrogen receptors in human breast cancer cells," J. (2002) Effect of soy phytoestrogens on hot flashes in postmenopausal women with breast cancer: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Case-control study of phyto-oestrogens and breast cancer. Concentrated phytoestrogen supplements appear to have oestrogenic actions in the breast and may interfere with the therapeutic use of tamoxifen. Growing evidence indicates phytoestrogens may reduce the risk of certain cancers, Hormone dependent cancers such as breast and prostate are most affected. In addition, phyto-estrogens are alleged to have a cardioprotective effect and protect against breast cancer based on epidemiological data. You will be shocked to learn that phyto-estrogen compounds found in soy may actually increase the risk of breast cancer. In sum, phytoestrogens interact with the estrogen receptors of human breast cancer cells in culture and, therefore, may affect estrogen-mediated events in these cells. That phytoestrogens prevent breast cancer also cannot be substantiated. Several papers have reviewed the potential roles of phytoestrogens in preventing breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Observational studies of countries in which dietary phytoestrogen intake is high have very low incidences of breast cancer. Incidentally, Japanese women have one fifth the risk of breast cancer as do their Western counterparts." Another phyto-estrogen with great potential is black cohosh. The amount of phytoestrogen or estrogen available to the body will determine the final size of the breast. Epidemiological data suggest that phytoestrogens have a preventive effect against various estrogen-related diseases/symptoms such as breast cancer, menopausal symptoms, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. Our case control study investigated the role of phyto-oestrogens in human breast cancer. We considered dietary soy oil content and soy derived phyto-estrogen, genistein, as potential modifying agents for C3H/HeJ mouse AA. Soy sauce and soy oil are not good sources of phytoestrogens. Specifically, you'll find concentrations of phytoestrogens in foods that contain soy, such as soy milk, tofu, tempeh and soy flour and flax seed. Americans consume phytoestrogens primarily in traditional soy foods, soymilk and isolated soy protein added during food processing or consumed as a beverage. The clinical relevance of the placebo effect and the small additional effect of soy phytoestrogens must be evaluated by each woman individually. On phytoestrogens, they comment: "Large amounts of phytoestrogens such as isoflavones can be ingested daily by humans, especially in a vegetarian diet. Studies like this are important in understanding why simplistic arguments about the quantity of phytoestrogens in the diet are misleading. The present study tests the hypothesis that administration of a phytoestrogen-rich diet enhances motor and cognitive performance in young and aged mice. Long-Evans rats (males and females) received a life-long exposure to a high-phytoestrogen containing diet (Phyto-600, from conception to adulthood). Short-term effects of phytoestrogen-rich diet on postmenopausal women. Add pythoestrogens gradually to the daily diet, increasing the foods containing phytoestrogen to 30 to 50 mg per day. Ginsburg and Prelevic, a reduced prevalence of hot flashes in Asiatic populations has been attributed to women having a phyto-estrogen-rich diet. "These results show that women who are at risk for osteoporosis may directly benefit from eating a phytoestrogen-rich diet. "These results show that women who are at risk for osteoporosis may directly benefit from eating a phytoestrogen-rich diet. The consumption of a phytoestrogen-rich diet has been linked to reduced rates of heart disease and cancer. However, when phytochemicals are not part of the diet, undesirable estrogen metabolites (bad estrogens) increase, and allow oxidation to damage DNA and promote cancer. They also consume a lower fat, higher fiber diet, with a large intake of phytoestrogens. But there are no reports of adverse effects in populations, such as the Japanese and Chinese, whose traditional diet includes phytoestrogens. This is usually attributed to the fact that the Japanese diet is richer in phyto-estrogen containing foods, i. e., plant based estrogens. But to recommend a phytoestrogenic diet for all men because it statistically lowers the occurrence of prostate cancer is going one step to far. Pueraria Mirifica capsule Pueragold THAI FDA. G. 10/2003 (E) Pueragold is a premuim grade Thai herbal product derived mainly from the White Kwao Krua (Pueraria Mirifica) which contains. Phytoestrogen (Natural Plant Estrogen). This all-natural herbal formula stimulates and rebalances older women and men hormones level. Pueraria Mirifica CAPSULE Pueragold THAI FDA. G. 10/2003 (E) ALL Natural Dietary Supplement High Phytoestrogens (especially isoflavones): *Reduces Menopausal/Post-Menopausal symptoms *Increases sensitivity and vitality *Enhances physical and mental ability *Darken white hair & increases hair growth *Alleviates sleep disorder & improves eyesight *Enhances Breast and Skin Appearance *Supports Healthy Prostate Function *Supports Healthy Bone Structure Ingredients: Pueraria Mirifica and other herbs Packaging: 60 capsules per box Recommended Dosage: Men/Post-Menopausal Women: Take 1 capsule after breakfast and dinner everyday Precautions: *If should not be used in pregnant women, nursing cervix mothers, or women diagnosed with tumors in estrogen-sensitive organs, e. g., ovary, uterus and breast. phuketherb/phytoestrogen-natural-plant-estrogen. html

Eczema treatment

: What is Eczema? Eczema is a skin condition commonly known as dermatitis which can result in dry flaky skin which can be itchy and feel hot. This sensation often leads to vigorous itching which in turn can damage the skin. The word Eczema comes from the Greek words that mean “to boil over”. The word Dermatitis comes from the Greek word for skin. Both words refer to the same condition though. There are four types of eczema, (atopic, varicose, discoid and contact/dermatitis). Atopic Eczema is the most common form of Eczema. It is linked to hay fever and asthma. There is a tendency for it to be inherited, but there are also environmental factors which are important as well. Atopic means extra sensitivity to certain substances (allergens) e. g. dust mites, cat and dog fur etc. It affects 15-20% of young children in the UK, however, in about 70% of these cases, it clears up. If it doesn’t clear up, then it is likely that the condition will get worse as the patient gets older. For some reason, the number of cases of Atopic eczema have increased in recent times. Varicose Eczema affects the lower legs of patients. It is associated with varicose veins and is often a pre-cursor to varicose vein problems. It is also associated with poor circulation. Unlike Atopic eczema, it tends to affect the middle aged and the elderly. Contact/Dermatitis Eczema can be either an acute or chronic skin reaction where there is a sensitivity to a particular material. This reaction may be an allergic or non-allergic reaction. This condition is caused when the bodies immune system reacts with a particular substance. Discoid Eczema can occur at any point in a persons life, however, it tends to appear at a later stage in life. It tends to affect the lower legs and feet and shows itself as a distinct round patch of eczema. What are the symptoms of Eczema? Atopic This type of Eczemas symptoms normally include red, dry, itchy skin. There may also be some small water blisters which can weep on the hands and feet. Scaly areas will develop as well where the skin has been continually scratched. Varicose The symptoms for Varicose Eczema start with a mild itchiness just above the ankle. This will then become speckled and inflamed as well as becoming itchy. On occasion, ulcers can form. Contact/Dermatitis This type of Eczema usually starts out with a rash in the area where the trigger substance has come into contact with the skin. Once the eczema has been triggered, then the eczema can spread through the body. Discoid Normally, one or a number of round patches of red skin appear. They may be itchy and become blistered. It is also quite common for these patches to be infected with bacteria. What is the treatment for Eczema? As with all conditions and diseases, it is usually best to talk to your doctor before embarking upon any course of treatment. The information below is purely for information purposes only and I always recommend that you read the information below and then go and talk to a medical professional. There doesn’t appear to be a cure for eczema, however, there are a number of treatments which can control the symptoms of this very uncomfortable condition. There are a number of over the counter creams which will help to soothe your eczema of which there are two types. These are emollients which are moisturisers which will soothe and hydrate the skin. A good time to apply these creams is straight after a bath while your skin is still slightly moist. There are also mild steroid creams. These creams can calm flare ups of eczema by suppressing your bodys inflammatory response. Even though these creams are available to anybody, it is wise to ask the pharmacists advice before using either emollients or mild steroid creams. Your doctor may prescribe some prescription medicine if the emollients and mild steroid creams don’t work. Your doctor may advise you to take anti-histamine drugs which will help you to sleep although they won’t directly relieve your eczema. If your eczema is severe enough, it is possible you could have to go to hospital where the staff there will be able to keep you away from any trigger allergens and also to ensure that you take the medicine prescribed for you.

How bird flu kills

The bird flu virus is supposed to be really affecting the birds only. However, because of the nature of flu viruses that can be able to mutate and transfer from one species to the other. The bird flu virus that has been killing birds has now been affecting humans as well. The good news is that bird flu virus has only killed few humans as of the moment. That’s why health officials are working overtime to prevent bird flu from becoming an outbreak. How the virus works on humans is still a complete wonder. There are still more and more studies undertaken to fully understand this virus. What is known however is that there are 15 types of avian flu virus that affects birds. That’s why birds also have running noses as well, only theirs is a running beak (corny). The current outbreak of bird flu is caused by the H5N1 strain. This strain is very contagious and can cause rapid fatalities. This strain, unlike the others, can be transmitted to humans, which makes it deadlier. Remember the SARS scare we experienced years back? Compared to Bird Flu, SARS is just an ordinary cold. Their symptoms are similar but the virus that causes them is completely different. SARS is also less contagious because the person infected can just be isolated. There could be low pathogenic virus or high pathogenic virus that can affect birds. The low pathogenic virus can affect birds in minor ways only. Ruffled feathers and reduced egg production are some. Highly pathogenic virus cause severe diseases such as respiratory diseases. In domestic birds, when the symptoms appear, they die the same day. Other symptoms of the bird flu on birds are: loss of appetite, nervousness like chicken little, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, and depression. Yes, birds do get depressed and they might end up being suicidal, drinking your Prozac. Just as in the birds, the highly pathogenic forms are the ones that greatly affect the humans as well. These highly pathogenic forms are what cause deaths in humans as well. The incubation period of the bird flu on humans is still not yet known clearly. The ill effects might develop one to five days from exposure to the virus. Sometimes, the only indication that a person has been infected is an eye infection or conjunctivitis. However, having conjunctivitis, you might only think that it’s ordinary sore eyes. Then other symptoms that are common to flu are also developed. That’s why it really is hard to know that the person has been affected by the virus. Other symptoms include, cough, fever, and sore throat. It will then develop to life threatening complications that include viral pneumonia, and respiratory failure and distress. That’s why health officials and scientist are scrambling for ways to just make ways to prevent outbreaks. Because they would not want a person to have misconceptions that he or she only has ordinary flu, but is the already life-threatening bird flu.