Breast Cancer, The Most Frequently Diagnosed Cancer In Women

The latest data from National Cancer Institute revealed that about 232,340 female and about 2,240 male are diagnosed with breast cancer in the USA annually and death counts reaches up to 40,000 each year. The numbers are stunning, but the good news is that this cancer will be fading away soon as researchers work hard to find their way through. In fact, breast cancer incidence is still higher in developed countries like the USA in contrast to developing countries in Asia and Africa. This is attributed to the difference in lifestyle and life expectancy between different regions. 

Breast cancer develops as a consequence of exposure to different risk factors. Age and gender is already an established risk factor for this cancer. Females that are 40 years old or older have higher risk of developing it compared to males. Family history is also a key risk factor. Studies have shown that females have 4 times higher risk of developing breast cancer in the presence of first degree relatives with the disease, and five times higher if there are at least three members of the family who have this disease. Moreover, a history of ovarian cancer in the family is also associated to increase risk of acquiring breast cancer. Lifestyle related factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are also risk factors. Other risk factors that are important to mention are getting pregnant at a later age, not being able to bear a child, and an early onset of menses and late age of menopause. These are all hormone-related risk factors proven to contribute to increased risk of exposing to this disease.

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MDR and XDR Tuberculosis - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is defined as tuberculosis infection that is resistant to Isoniazid and Rifampicin, the two most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs. MDR-TB usually results from missed doses, inappropriate therapy or incomplete TB treatment. Such patients need to be treated with at least five anti-TB drugs for at least 18-24 months. This second-line treatment is much costlier and has more side-effects. Extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is defined as tuberculosis infection that is resistant to the two main first-line anti-TB drugs and also to a few second-line drugs. This condition also arises due to inappropriate management of tuberculosis, and is treated on the same lines as MDR-TB.

Since the treatment of MDR and XDR - TB is very costly and toxic, the treatment options for such patients narrow down drastically and increase the mortality rate. This is especially true for patients residing in poor and developing countries. Ayurvedic medicines can be used as an additional therapy both to improve the therapeutic effect as well as to reduce the potential toxicity of modern medicines. In addition, Ayurvedic medicines can also boost the immune status in such patients so that the body is in a better position to fight and control the infection. 

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Herpes and Its Viral Consequences to Anyone

Herpes simplex can be described as a viral disease. It is caused by the popular simplex virus. There are many infections that cause this and these infections are categorized based on the part of the body that gets infected. There is also oral herpes that affects the face and the mouth. It can result in small blisters in groups that is often called as the cold sores and fever blister. It can also just cause a simple sore throat and have you down for a few days. Genital herpes is also often simply known as herpes and can have a few and minimal symptoms that can form various types of blisters. These blisters can break open and result in small ulcers.

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The Stages Of Herpes And The Various Symptoms

The stages of herpes that develop physically for those who have the condition are, for the most part, the same for all people. The HSV-1 virus and the HSV-2 virus vary slightly in their manifestation areas, but for the most part, even the two different strains of the virus develop identically. This results in the physical characteristics of both oral and genital herpes outbreaks being essentially the same.

The early stages of herpes are characterized by redness in the area that first came in contact with the virus. As the redness begins to settle in the area, a pain or itch may develop. In some cases, the area will begin to swell. The swelling can range from being practically unnoticeable, to very severe.

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Everything You Need To Know About Herpes

Herpes is brought by two types of viruses: herpes simplex type 1 and 2. The most unique thing with the virus is that only one in five people show signs of infection. Due to this many people don't know that they have been infected. Signs of Herpes Infection It's good to note that the signs of infection usually show during the first outbreak. This is a period between 2 days and 2 weeks. If you are infected you will have tingling and itchy sensations on your genitalia.

The glands in the groin may become swollen and sensitive and if you aren't knowledgeable enough you may think that you are having flu. You can also have pains in your nerves near the developing blisters. It's also common for blisters and small blisters to appear in genital areas. The blisters last for 24-48 hours, after which they burst leaving you with small, red and painful sores. The sores usually heal after 3-10 days. Other signs include painful urination. Women may have vaginal discharge and they may occasionally be unable to empty their bladders. 

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Why Home Health Care Is The Best Option

Have you found yourself in a position that you never thought you would be in? Young or old, it eventually happens to us all at one time or another. Perhaps you were walking down your steps as you do every day, and your foot slips. You wake up the next day to find that you had surgery to fix your two broken legs, a fractured wrist, and a broken arm. Your first thoughts are about your job and how you are going to pay your bills. For some, they have the luxury of a family member or children that are old enough to help. But what if they aren't available?

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Herpes and Pregnancy - How to Safeguard Your Unborn Baby

Herpes and pregnancy can occur at the same time. In fact 20% to 25% of pregnant women worldwide have genital herpes - some are active and some are asymptomatic.

Although the mothers-to-be are not at risk, the unborn baby may be in danger.

The degree of risk the baby faces is dependent on three major factors: 

The herpes infection timeline.

Whether antibodies are present in the mother-to-be.

Whether there has been enough time for antibodies to develop in the baby before the onset of labor.

Let me explain:

As a result of a herpes primary infection, the system produces antibodies to the particular type of virus involved.

If a woman contracts herpes, approximately six weeks after the primary outbreak the resultant antibodies in her system will prevent infection of an additional form of her particular HSV infection.

What's more important regarding herpes and pregnancy, after six to nine weeks, the baby will acquire antibodies via the placenta.

Once that has happened, it is extremely difficult for cross infection to occur while the infant is still in the womb. It also makes it unlikely that the baby will become infected if the mother happens to be in the viral shedding stage during birth.

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Herpes With Pregnancy - Things You Need To Know

The herpes simplex virus is contagious and can be passed on easily through direct contact. Children are likely to come in contact with HSV-1 from infected adults. Be it genital herpes or cold sores, once you are infected with herpes, it stays for life. There's a small risk of complication during pregnancy, if you are infected with herpes. But as the condition can be devastating, it is imperative to undertake and follow certain preventive measures that would reduce the risk of infection.

PROTECTING THE BABY DURING PREGNANCY

If a mother acquires herpes before getting pregnant, she is very unlikely to transmit the infection to the infant. The antibodies will protect the baby from contracting herpes. Moreover, doctors can help protect the baby with proper and suitable medications. In case the mother is infected during late pregnancy, the baby is at a greater risk and has a real chance to contracting herpes. The mother does not have antibodies to act against the herpes virus in this case.

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Is Aspirin Easy to Use?

Aspirin to some, acetylsalicylic acid to others, this synthetic compound helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation. So it comes to no surprise that many doctors recommend it when dealing with fevers or pain recovery. A few even believe it can help prevent heart attacks.

But is this pill really some sort wonder pill? Aspirin is already a source to use to help reduce fevers, relieve pain especially in muscular joints, and stop headaches. Now a study earlier this year suggests aspirin can combine with enzyme GAPDH which causes human cells to die on purpose.

By limiting GAPDH, aspirin could limit cell death and thus stop diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Another recent study shows that daily usage of a low doses (81-100 milligrams or less) of aspirin for at least a decade can reduce the threat of cancer up to 35-50 percent. These studies are coming out now because scientists only recently began to figure out why aspirin works even though it has been regularly used for more than a century. Its medicinal uses were actually first theorized way back around 400 B.C. by a physician named Hippocrates. He claimed that if a bark of a willow tree was ground into powder, it could treat pains and fevers. Because of his work and discovers, Hippocrates is now regarded as the father of modern medicine.

Yet it wasn't until 1829 when the salicin was a compound found in the bark as the real reason for the successful treatment. Salicin helps in headaches, but is hard on the stomach and cause bleeding in the digestive tract. Decades later, the compound was mixed in with sodium and acetyl chloride, thus creating acetylsalicylic acid. By 1899, the German pharmaceutical company Bayer had trademarked the name Aspirin and was selling the pill for medicinal purposes. Oddly, it wasn't until the 1970s when scientists began to figure out how aspirin worked.

Aspirin reduces pain by limiting prostoglandins, a hormone-like compound formed by the body's enzymes. When in pain, prostoglandins are created to provide neural response to the brain. With aspirin bonding with them, it limits the process and limits the pain. The compound also is bond with platelets which initiates blood clotting. The bonding again limits the process, helping to prevent blood clots. Aspirin also affects the hypothalamus which regulates body temperature, thus causing fevers to go down. However, prostoglandins also do some good as it is the compound which keeps stomach lining thick.

Taking aspirin too often can cause stomach bleeding as the lining are no longer keeping the stomach acids contained to just digesting one's food intake. Also, the benefits of aspirin can sometimes be overstated. While it can reduce a second heart attack, it won't stop heart attacks or strokes from occurring in people with no previous hereditary issue. Even the safety coating of aspirin to protect against stomach bleeding could only result in the small intestine to suffer from bleeding. Still, many doctors recommend many people to take it every day, but should they?

Those who do take it regularly should be on the lookout for potential negative side effects. Also, aspirin isn't for everyone. People who have stomach ulcers and bleeding disorders shouldn't be taking aspirin. Some people are allergic to aspirin or ibuprofen. Children under ages of 16 shouldn't take it unless under specific medical supervision. Speaking of medical supervision, there are other groups who should be wary of taking aspirin and should consult a physician before doing so.

Those include people who suffer from asthma, who have liver and kidney problems, or women late in their pregnancies. So while aspirin can be safe for some, it could produce more harmful effects for others. In other words, be sure to consult with a doctor about one's medical condition before using it daily.

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Botox - Know the Pros and Cons

Botox injections have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for most common cosmetic procedures performed today. This includes eliminating frown lines, crow's feet, and other facial wrinkles. Some other uses of Botox are to relieve uncontrollable tightening of the neck muscles, migraine headaches, eyelid muscles, and to control severe underarm sweating.

The consensuses among many people who have had Botox injections are that they are very happy with the results. However, Botox may not be right for everyone and more importantly the results will depend on the skill of the practitioner injecting the drug.

What is Botox? It is a purified neurotoxin that is made by a distinct kind of bacteria. Neurotoxins are toxic substances that usually damage or destroy neurons, which are the main building blocks of our nervous system. When a tiny amount of the neurotoxin, not bacteria, is skillfully injected in the right spot, anti-aging results happen such as facial wrinkles disappearing. If bacteria were to be ingested, the result would be botulism, which is a dangerous disease of the nervous system.

Botox temporarily prohibits neurons from communicating with muscles where it is injected. The elimination of frown lines and skin creases is because the muscle is unable to move under the skin. To maintain a smooth brow, retreatment every 3 to 6 months is recommended.

Before you invest in a Botox procedure know the pros and cons.

Pros:

Botox injections are a quick simple procedure done in a doctor's office

No downtime - you can resume to work and other activities

Fast results

Many people are satisfied with the results and return for re-treatments.

Cons:

Results are only temporary

Bruising or bleeding at the injection site are possible side effects

Treatment costs can vary anywhere from $200 to $500 per facial area. The doctor's experience and country location may also factor into the cost

Not knowing if your doctor is using a FDA approved Botox serum

Safety should always be taken before any Botox procedure. Thing to keep in mind:

Ensure that the doctor is an experienced specialist in either dermatology or facial plastic surgery.

Inquire how many years the doctor has been in practice and how many patients they have treated with Botox injections over the past year.

Ensure that the Botox being injected is an authentic product.

Refrain from taking any ibuprofen (i.e. Advil or Motrin) or aspirin for a week before a Botox treatment to minimize bruising and bleeding.

Botox treatment when done properly is safe and effective and produces stunning results. The key is to do your home and find the right doctor.

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Prostate Cancer Signs, Symptoms, Diagnostic Tests and Treatment Options

Let's begin with the basics. Prostate is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system which is present right under the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer generally starts with abnormal growth in the gland cells. The size and the shape of the gland cells may be altered. Even today, prostate cancer is very common among older men.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms that indicate the possibility of prostate cancer are:

• Urine flow is interrupted or weak.
• Sudden surges to urinate.
• Patient may have to urinate more frequently - especially at night.
• Trouble urinating.
• Patient may experience pain or burning while urinating.
• Blood in the urine stream.
• Pain in the back, hips and pelvis that does not go away.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fast heartbeat
• Dizziness, pale skin and tired feeling.

If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, make sure you consult your doctor immediately.

Diagnostic tests

There are several tests that can be used to detect and diagnose this cancer. Here are a few of them:

• Physical exam: This includes observing the patient for all the above mentioned signs and symptoms. It also includes a physical examination to detect any abnormal growth or lumps on the prostate gland. In short, it is a procedure that helps detect any unusual growth in the gland. The doctor may also ask questions about the patient's health habits and past illnesses as well as the treatments taken.
• Digital Rectal Exam: In this process, the doctor or nurse may insert a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum in order to examine the prostate gland for lumps.
• Prostate Specific Antigen Test: This examination measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is found in greater amounts in the blood of patients suffering from prostate cancer.
• Trans-rectal Ultrasound: A probe is inserted into the rectum which is used to detect cancer. High energy sound waves are bounced back. These are used to create an image of the body tissues called as sonogram.
• MRI: A strong magnet, radio waves and a computer is used to create images of the areas inside the body. A probe is inserted in the rectum which helps the MRI machine to create clear images of the prostate and the nearby tissues. This can also detect whether the cancer has spread to the nearby tissues.
• Biopsy: This includes the removal of a few cells from the prostate gland so that they can be observed under a microscope.

Treatment options

Treatment options and recovery chances are generally decided after the stage of the cancer is diagnosed. This means that it is necessary to understand how much of the prostate gland is affected by the cancer and how much has it spread to other parts of the body. The other important factor is the age of the patient and whether the cancer is diagnosed for the first time or has reoccurred. Prostate cancer treatment options are plenty and the good news is that most patients who are diagnosed with this cancer do not die of it.

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High Blood Pressure and Its Relation With Sleep

One in every three adults are reported to have a problem of high blood pressure and two of three people with diabetes are estimated to have it too.

High Blood Pressure is often termed as a "silent killer"- as you would not know about it until your health care provider figures it out when you give a visit to him.

Hypertension can also lead to risk factors like heart attack and heart failure, as with this serious condition, the heart cannot pump enough blood required by the body. In addition to this, this has serious implications on:

The Brain: High BP (Hypertension) is considered as the most critical risk factor for stroke.

Vision: It may even cause blurred or impaired vision or even worse, as could result in blindness also.

Arteries: Plague buildup in arteries could also be one of the reasons for hypertension as this will make your heart and kidney work harder.

Kidneys: It can also lead to narrow blood vessels in kidneys due to which kidneys don't function properly and toxins builds up in the blood.

Are there any warning signs of High blood pressure?

Well, in most of the cases, there are rarely any symptoms. People usually relate it to increased levels of stress, nervousness and tension, but the truth is that even a relaxed person can have high blood pressure.

So instead of assuming on your own, the best way to know if you have hypertension is by getting it checked by your health care provider. This should be done regularly as this disease of elevated blood pressure can develop over time. Prompt treatment of it can also reduce your risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and heart attack.

High Blood pressure and Sleep apnea

Missing out on sleep can leave you feeling irritated and slow-witted in the morning, but let us tell you that the consequence does not end here. Over the time, sleep may also take a toll on your heart and BP.

High BP and Sleep apnea are associated with each other and the studies show that it can result in even graver conditions like heart failures, irregular heart rates and heart related diseases. The simple reason for hypertension with Sleep apnea are sudden drops in oxygen levels due to sleep apnea which will increase the blood pressure and stress will be put on heart.

How to control High Blood Pressure?

The risk factors like age, family history and ethnicity are among the ones that are not in our control. So when we talk about the preventive measures for hypertension, our focus would be on the factors that you can actually change.

Try to follow the below mentioned lifestyle changes to eliminate any reasons for high blood pressure and to bring down the numbers in case of elevated blood pressure.

Maintain Healthy weight - People who are overweight should look for methods to lose weight and get a healthy body. Talk with your doctor about the ideal weight you can have and try to achieve it.

Follow a balanced diet - Taking a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables and limiting your intake of calories, fat and sugar will surely help in eliminating even the minor signs.

Cut back on salt - Living on a low-sodium diet helps in keeping the symptoms of high blood pressure at bay. You should cut back on your total salt intake per day by avoiding high-sodium processed foods and by limiting the use of salt in your daily meals.

Do regular Exercise - A moderate exercise of about 30 minutes, three times in a week will be a good start to control hypertension. Furthermore, keep in mind, the more you exercise the better.

Limit the alcohol consumption - Drinking too much of alcohol leads to hypertension. Thus, one should limit its intake to get a hold of the symptoms of high blood pressure.

Monitor your blood pressure - Above all, it is very important to get your blood pressure checked at regular intervals of period. In case, your doctor determines that you are at an increased risk of developing hypertension, he may recommend you extra steps as a safety.

Check for Sleep Apnea - Your uncontrolled blood pressure, despite of prescribed medications could also be the result of sleep apnea. So, its better you meet a sleep physician and on his advice, undergo polysomnography to get diagnosed for sleep apnea. They may recommend you a treatment to bring down your BP.

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Migraine Headaches: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

A migraine headache is recognizable by intense pulsing or throbbing in an area of the head often accompanied by sensitivity to sound or light, nausea, and vomiting. Sufferers can be in pain for hours or even days and may be forced to lie down in a dark, quiet location. Understanding what causes these painful headaches, how to prevent them, and how to treat a migraine before it worsens can improve the lifestyle.

Causes and Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

Researchers have not pinpointed definite causes of these headaches but genetic predisposition and factors related to the environment seem to play roles. Brain chemical imbalances and changes within the brainstem and how it interacts with the major pain pathway called the trigeminal nerve may also be causes. Female hormonal changes, certain foods or drinks, stress, sensory stimuli such as bright lights, medications, and weather changes can trigger a migraine.

The headache often progresses through several stages, each with different symptoms. One to two days before onset, the individual may experience irritability, depression, hyperactivity, a stiff neck, excessive yawning, constipation, or cravings for certain foods. Just before or during a headache, a disturbance called an aura may occur. Though this is usually visual, it may instead be a verbal, sensory, or motor disturbance.

This is followed by throbbing or pulsing pain on one or both sides of the head, blurred vision, lightheadedness, sensory sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. Each headache typically lasts for between four and 72 hours. After experiencing a migraine, the individual usually feels drained of energy. If symptoms include a headache that is severe and abrupt or accompanied by double vision, numbness, difficulty speaking, or a stiff neck, immediate medical attention is recommended.

Prevention and Treatment of Migraine Headaches

Aerobic exercise on a regular basis is one way to reduce tension that may lead to this type of headache. If an odor or food is a known trigger, avoidance is a good preventative measure. A daily routine that includes consistent meal times and regular patterns of sleep may be helpful. Controlling stress is also recommended and can be done through meditation, yoga, or simply enjoying some quiet time.

Though medication is a common treatment, many people prefer to avoid it. Alternative treatments include spinal manipulation therapy provided by a chiropractor. Results of clinical trials include a substantial reduction of attacks and headache intensity. Some studies indicate that chiropractic treatment may be as effective as medications for migraine prevention.

Would you like to learn more about how a Lake in the Hills Chiropractor can help you with your migraine problems? AlgChiro.com has been helping its clients treat migraines for years and we can probably help you too!

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