Treating your eczema may vary depending on the kind of eczema you have. For most cases eczema treatment can be pretty easy as just changing your kind of laundry soap you use. Though, for some cases it can be much harder. You may have to move to a whole different place with a better climate or treating your eczema can force you to change your occupation. The key to preventing eczema is finding out what triggers your allergic reaction. Here are a few tips to help you.
Your skin can be very sensitive, so its best to keep it moisturized. To do this, avoid taking cold showers. Take warm showers or baths and moisturize your skin after. Use a lotion or cream that is non-irritating and odorless. Make sure the products you use do not contain any ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction.
When picking out your outfit for the day, try to avoid tight-fitting clothing and things that may make you itch or chafe. As much as possible try to wear light and loose clothes. These are definitely more comfortable and will prevent irritating your sensitive skin.
As much as possible, when your skin is irritated avoid making it worse by scratching. The trick here is to cover it with a dressing or by wearing thick gloves that can lessen the damage from scratching. If you find that you can’t control yourself from scratching that annoying itch, then try to do as lightly as possible or finding ways to protect your skin from self-abrasion.
Another thing that you should also remember is that you shouldn’t exert yourself physically when you’re having a break out. Try not to sweat because it aggravates you’re the areas that are affected by eczema. If you feel like you really have to exercise a lot, try to stick with exercise routines that won’t cause your body to sweat as much. Make your routine as light as possible.
If you have taken all these steps and the situation is not getting any better, then you may not have identified what causes the allergy break outs. The next best thing would be to try and decrease the response from allergic inflammation.
To make the rash disappear you have to apply a few things regularly in a certain number of days. Application of hydrocortisone together with anti-itching lotions is usually what you need. You should try to slather these on as often as you can and until your rash has disappeared completely. Benadryl is also a very effective medication though it does make you really drowsy so you have to make sure you’re not doing anything that will require your full attention.
Clean your rashes with hypoallergenic soap to prevent aggravating it. Always remember to moisturize and lubricate the affected areas after washing. You should try to also stay in relaxed environments. Keep away from any physical or mental stress. Keep a healthy diet and rest a lot. This will help prevent flares.
Eczema treatment at home is easier but it results will show slowly and gradually over time. Just trying to cure your eczema in an instant is nearly impossible and most unlikely. Don’t expect a miracle because treating this can and will definitely take time.
Just hope for the best and continue treating it with this guide and help from a doctor.
March 30, 2010
March 29, 2010
The Best Sinus Infection Treatment
Having a sinus infection can be a painful experience for almost everyone who has suffered from it. The pain can be severe to the extent of causing disruptions in day-to-day lives of individuals. However, sinus infection treatment can be used to ease the pain.
The root cause behind a sinus infection is an inflammation of the cavities, known as sinuses, present near the nose. These sinuses play the role of evacuating mucus from the nose. However, due to an inflammation of the sinuses, the mucus is trapped inside causing blockages in the nasal membrane. this causes pain and is known as sinusitis.
The symptoms of a sinus infection are pressure around the nose, a tenderness around the eyes and nose, pain in the jaws, headache, and a thick yellow discharge from the nose. These are often accompanied by an earache. Sinuses are present in pairs and there exist four pairs of sinuses. The symptoms and the corresponding treatment are dependent on the sinus area affected.
Thus, while a pain experienced while lowering the head is a symptom of frontal sinusitis, a pain experienced while the head is in the upright position is a sign of maxillary sinusitis. Similarly, while a pain in the lower part of the nose and around the inner corners of the eyes is a symptom of ethmoid sinusitis, a pain experienced while bending forward or lying backwards is a sign of sphenoid sinusitis.
The sinus infection treatment may include antibiotics and prescription drugs. Decongestants and nasal sprays may also be used. But all these have side-effects and are habit forming. In contrast, home remedies for treating sinusitis are natural and free from any side-effects.
Perhaps the easiest sinus infection treatment is to increase the humidity content in the surroundings. This is so because sinus blockages get aggravated due to dry air. This can be achieved by boiling water and sitting in front of it. The water vapors increase the humidity.
Other sinus infection treatments include inhaling steam from a vaporizer, including steam of eucalyptus oil; drinking warm fluids; eating jalapeño peppers and applying a paste of ginger mixed with water.
If these sinus infection treatments do not relieve the pain, it is advised to consult a doctor immediately.
The root cause behind a sinus infection is an inflammation of the cavities, known as sinuses, present near the nose. These sinuses play the role of evacuating mucus from the nose. However, due to an inflammation of the sinuses, the mucus is trapped inside causing blockages in the nasal membrane. this causes pain and is known as sinusitis.
The symptoms of a sinus infection are pressure around the nose, a tenderness around the eyes and nose, pain in the jaws, headache, and a thick yellow discharge from the nose. These are often accompanied by an earache. Sinuses are present in pairs and there exist four pairs of sinuses. The symptoms and the corresponding treatment are dependent on the sinus area affected.
Thus, while a pain experienced while lowering the head is a symptom of frontal sinusitis, a pain experienced while the head is in the upright position is a sign of maxillary sinusitis. Similarly, while a pain in the lower part of the nose and around the inner corners of the eyes is a symptom of ethmoid sinusitis, a pain experienced while bending forward or lying backwards is a sign of sphenoid sinusitis.
The sinus infection treatment may include antibiotics and prescription drugs. Decongestants and nasal sprays may also be used. But all these have side-effects and are habit forming. In contrast, home remedies for treating sinusitis are natural and free from any side-effects.
Perhaps the easiest sinus infection treatment is to increase the humidity content in the surroundings. This is so because sinus blockages get aggravated due to dry air. This can be achieved by boiling water and sitting in front of it. The water vapors increase the humidity.
Other sinus infection treatments include inhaling steam from a vaporizer, including steam of eucalyptus oil; drinking warm fluids; eating jalapeño peppers and applying a paste of ginger mixed with water.
If these sinus infection treatments do not relieve the pain, it is advised to consult a doctor immediately.
March 28, 2010
Myths About Panic Attacks
Misinformation does not only create vague pictures of a condition but will also likely cause people to believe things that do not actually exist. Among those conditions that typically receive serious amounts of myths are psychological and behavioral disorders, partly because psychological conditions are often hard to understand and seem mysterious. In this article, we would try to debug the myths of one of the more common behavioral conditions—panic attacks.
People with panic attacks are crazy. Crazy is never a good term for people with psychological conditions and people with panic attacks are hardly crazy. They may seem deranged and a bit psychotic for some people when they experience attacks of panic and terror but this does not suggest that they are.
As if to add to the insult, people with panic attacks are sometimes perceived to have schizophrenia, the most advanced form of psychosis which is marked by severe auditory and visual hallucination as well as aggravated delusions and dysfunctional thoughts. Clearly, there is no relationship between people who feel like they are "going crazy" when undergoing attacks and people who have advanced (and even minor) psychological conditions.
People with panic attacks lose control. Wrong. Panic attacks do not rob a person his sense of control. While a person's thoughts may seem distorted for a while during attacks due to physical symptoms that lend themselves towards this possibility such as shortness of breath and heart attack-like symptoms, this does not mean that the person is losing grip of the reality. Anxiety which normally accompanies panic attacks is a body's way to tell you that something is going wrong. Since this is a defense mechanism, it is not dangerous to anyone, not even the person undergoing the panic attack.
It is good to remember that panic attack happens only in the mind, it may, in fact, be unnoticeable for people surrounding the person during the attack. What exacerbates the attack is the person's conscious thought that it could cause embarrassment or harm to other people. It is the sense of losing control of one's self that makes the condition worse, a thought that is manufactured in the brain, never the total lack of sense of control.
People with panic attacks have chronic heart disorders. While this may be partly true due to the link between mitral valve prolapse and panic attacks, this does not make the assertion entirely valid. People have good reasons to believe that they are having heart attacks or heart failures when they experience episodes of panic attacks since some of the symptoms of both conditions are similar. But such symptoms are perfectly rational when seen from the viewpoint of elevated fear.
For example, people subjected under conditions that stimulate fear experience tightening of the chest, faster heart beat, profuse perspiration, shortness of breath and increased respiration. All these signs are also symptoms of heart attacks which make it easy for most people to believe that instead of having a disorder of the mind, they are having dysfunctional hearts. But then again, similarity in symptoms does not make two completely different conditions alike.
Myths often offer a semblance of the reality that is not hard to believe in. But do not be fooled. Knowing what is the exact truth and not the half lies may serve you well when dealing with conditions that root from and are aggravated by thoughts.
People with panic attacks are crazy. Crazy is never a good term for people with psychological conditions and people with panic attacks are hardly crazy. They may seem deranged and a bit psychotic for some people when they experience attacks of panic and terror but this does not suggest that they are.
As if to add to the insult, people with panic attacks are sometimes perceived to have schizophrenia, the most advanced form of psychosis which is marked by severe auditory and visual hallucination as well as aggravated delusions and dysfunctional thoughts. Clearly, there is no relationship between people who feel like they are "going crazy" when undergoing attacks and people who have advanced (and even minor) psychological conditions.
People with panic attacks lose control. Wrong. Panic attacks do not rob a person his sense of control. While a person's thoughts may seem distorted for a while during attacks due to physical symptoms that lend themselves towards this possibility such as shortness of breath and heart attack-like symptoms, this does not mean that the person is losing grip of the reality. Anxiety which normally accompanies panic attacks is a body's way to tell you that something is going wrong. Since this is a defense mechanism, it is not dangerous to anyone, not even the person undergoing the panic attack.
It is good to remember that panic attack happens only in the mind, it may, in fact, be unnoticeable for people surrounding the person during the attack. What exacerbates the attack is the person's conscious thought that it could cause embarrassment or harm to other people. It is the sense of losing control of one's self that makes the condition worse, a thought that is manufactured in the brain, never the total lack of sense of control.
People with panic attacks have chronic heart disorders. While this may be partly true due to the link between mitral valve prolapse and panic attacks, this does not make the assertion entirely valid. People have good reasons to believe that they are having heart attacks or heart failures when they experience episodes of panic attacks since some of the symptoms of both conditions are similar. But such symptoms are perfectly rational when seen from the viewpoint of elevated fear.
For example, people subjected under conditions that stimulate fear experience tightening of the chest, faster heart beat, profuse perspiration, shortness of breath and increased respiration. All these signs are also symptoms of heart attacks which make it easy for most people to believe that instead of having a disorder of the mind, they are having dysfunctional hearts. But then again, similarity in symptoms does not make two completely different conditions alike.
Myths often offer a semblance of the reality that is not hard to believe in. But do not be fooled. Knowing what is the exact truth and not the half lies may serve you well when dealing with conditions that root from and are aggravated by thoughts.
March 27, 2010
How You Can Effectively Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones or "urolithiasis" are known to develop in a person's body when there is a collection of materials—such as minerals—to a small stone. These stones are commonly found in the kidney, but there are also those that stay in the ureter or in the bladder. Also called "nephrolithiasis," by physicians, kidney stones can cause a great deal of pain to an individual when it blocks the urine flow. When this is not diagnosed and given proper treatment as soon as possible, it can lead to a several kidney problems that can last for a long time.
Experts agree that one of the most effective means of treating kidney stones is through prevention. Unlike severe diseases and illnesses, kidney stones can easily be prevented if the person will set his or her mind into healthy lifestyle.
More and more studies show that among the primary causes of kidney stones—aside from clinical history, hereditary factor, and medical condition of a person—is unhealthy. This is by living a sedentary life with no regular physical exercise or routine and by eating foods that are not friendly to the kidney.
In order to prevent kidney stones, the first thing that people need to do is to take in lots of fluid, specifically water. Experts agree that the best way to prevent kidney stones is by flushing it out from the system. And what's the best way to do it? By drinking a large amount of liquids, especially water which is free from major impurities.
Taking in lots of water everyday—at least 8 glasses or more—will flush out waste products in the body and can help dilute the minerals or other stone-forming materials such as salts present in the person's urine. For those who are already suffering from kidney stones or those that are prone to it, experts say that they should avoid drinking liquids with other components such as sodas and other juices to avoid the fast formation of kidney stones.
Next is to develop certain modifications in diet. Undeniably, diet plays a huge role in maintaining good health. Keeping the body free from kidney stones will greatly depend on how balanced the diet of that person would be. Majority of kidney stone-sufferers today share the same type of stone—the calcium oxalate stone.
As the name suggests, this type of stone can only be developed with too many calcium intakes. Experts say that for people to veer away from kidney stones, they should cut down on foods that are high in calcium and oxalate such as dairy products including leafy vegetables, soda-colas, cranberries, chocolates, and peanuts.
To avoid developing stones made of salts, people should also avoid meals that have high sodium content. People should focus on eating foods that are high in fiber and should also increase their citric acid or vitamin C intake. By doing this, you can your kidney stones would be dissolved in no time due to the citric properties of citrus.
Lastly, to effectively prevent kidney stones, people who has it or those who are prone to it must take in proper medication. In severe cases of kidney stones, proper medication would help such as thiazide, sodium cellulose phosphate, oral calcium supplement, allopurinol, polycitra K, thiol, D-penicil-lamine, Acetohy-droxamic acid or AHA, and toradol to help relieve kidney pain and reduce the amount of stone-forming materials in the body.
Experts agree that one of the most effective means of treating kidney stones is through prevention. Unlike severe diseases and illnesses, kidney stones can easily be prevented if the person will set his or her mind into healthy lifestyle.
More and more studies show that among the primary causes of kidney stones—aside from clinical history, hereditary factor, and medical condition of a person—is unhealthy. This is by living a sedentary life with no regular physical exercise or routine and by eating foods that are not friendly to the kidney.
In order to prevent kidney stones, the first thing that people need to do is to take in lots of fluid, specifically water. Experts agree that the best way to prevent kidney stones is by flushing it out from the system. And what's the best way to do it? By drinking a large amount of liquids, especially water which is free from major impurities.
Taking in lots of water everyday—at least 8 glasses or more—will flush out waste products in the body and can help dilute the minerals or other stone-forming materials such as salts present in the person's urine. For those who are already suffering from kidney stones or those that are prone to it, experts say that they should avoid drinking liquids with other components such as sodas and other juices to avoid the fast formation of kidney stones.
Next is to develop certain modifications in diet. Undeniably, diet plays a huge role in maintaining good health. Keeping the body free from kidney stones will greatly depend on how balanced the diet of that person would be. Majority of kidney stone-sufferers today share the same type of stone—the calcium oxalate stone.
As the name suggests, this type of stone can only be developed with too many calcium intakes. Experts say that for people to veer away from kidney stones, they should cut down on foods that are high in calcium and oxalate such as dairy products including leafy vegetables, soda-colas, cranberries, chocolates, and peanuts.
To avoid developing stones made of salts, people should also avoid meals that have high sodium content. People should focus on eating foods that are high in fiber and should also increase their citric acid or vitamin C intake. By doing this, you can your kidney stones would be dissolved in no time due to the citric properties of citrus.
Lastly, to effectively prevent kidney stones, people who has it or those who are prone to it must take in proper medication. In severe cases of kidney stones, proper medication would help such as thiazide, sodium cellulose phosphate, oral calcium supplement, allopurinol, polycitra K, thiol, D-penicil-lamine, Acetohy-droxamic acid or AHA, and toradol to help relieve kidney pain and reduce the amount of stone-forming materials in the body.
March 26, 2010
The Prevention And Cure Of Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
Sinusitis is basically the inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities in the cranium. Sinusitis can be of two types - short term or long term. Long term sinus can also be referred to as chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can last anywhere between three weeks to three months. Chronic sinusitis symptoms are very similar to symptoms of a common cold. The only difference is that these symptoms don't go away with common cold medicines.
Some of the chronic sinusitis symptoms are slow fever, nasal discharge which is filled with pus, intense facial pain and headache. Chronic sinusitis occurs mostly in people who have a history of asthma and other allergies like allergy from pollen grains.
Though symptoms of sinus are very easy to detect, an MRI, CT scan or an x-ray may be used at times. Most doctors confirm a sinus infection by examining several parts of the face.
Most people with chronic sinus symptoms can be cured using antibiotics. Extreme cases may also require surgery. With advances in medical sciences, doctors are coming up with new ways of curing sinus. Some of the methods include flushing the nose with saline water and a syringe. Steroids are also used at times to dislodge the infected mucous. There is a wide variety of medication available for sinusitis.
People with acute chronic sinus symptoms may also have to undergo surgery. In such a case, the infected mucous is removed surgically. This may be done under general or local anesthesia.
There are several ways of preventing chronic sinus. Using a humidifier, cleaning the nose properly can prevent this disease. People who are prone to allergies should make sure that they take medication as soon as the allergy occurs. Decongestants should be used in case of colds. It has been observed that people who smoke or live in smoky environments have greater chances of contracting sinus than people living in a smoke free environment.
It is recommended that a person visits a doctor at the first sign of chronic sinus symptoms. If these symptoms are ignored, they can turn extremely painful and may require surgery.
Some of the chronic sinusitis symptoms are slow fever, nasal discharge which is filled with pus, intense facial pain and headache. Chronic sinusitis occurs mostly in people who have a history of asthma and other allergies like allergy from pollen grains.
Though symptoms of sinus are very easy to detect, an MRI, CT scan or an x-ray may be used at times. Most doctors confirm a sinus infection by examining several parts of the face.
Most people with chronic sinus symptoms can be cured using antibiotics. Extreme cases may also require surgery. With advances in medical sciences, doctors are coming up with new ways of curing sinus. Some of the methods include flushing the nose with saline water and a syringe. Steroids are also used at times to dislodge the infected mucous. There is a wide variety of medication available for sinusitis.
People with acute chronic sinus symptoms may also have to undergo surgery. In such a case, the infected mucous is removed surgically. This may be done under general or local anesthesia.
There are several ways of preventing chronic sinus. Using a humidifier, cleaning the nose properly can prevent this disease. People who are prone to allergies should make sure that they take medication as soon as the allergy occurs. Decongestants should be used in case of colds. It has been observed that people who smoke or live in smoky environments have greater chances of contracting sinus than people living in a smoke free environment.
It is recommended that a person visits a doctor at the first sign of chronic sinus symptoms. If these symptoms are ignored, they can turn extremely painful and may require surgery.
March 25, 2010
What Are The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis affects the CNS.
The central nervous system is the one that controls most, if not all, of the body’s activity and optimal functioning. Just a minor damage to the central nervous system or the CNS can produce a very wide range of symptoms. Multiple sclerosis is only one of the diseases that can result from the damaging of the central nervous system.
Most of the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis are very unique. But having one of the symptoms does not immediately lead to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, there has to be a collective onset of symptoms. Still, however, each and every one of these symptoms could be very life-threatening and deserves medical attention as soon as possible.
Visual symptoms
Optic neuritis is one of the multiple sclerosis symptoms that affect the person’s vision. It consists of an inflammation with an accompanying demyelization of cranial nerve number two which is the optic nerve. There is a blurring of the vision, loss of some, if not all, of the visible color, loss of visual acuity, complete or partial blindness, and its pathognomonic sign which is pain behind the eyes.
Another visual symptom is diplopia, which is only a medical term for double vision. Lesions that occur within the brainstem cause this double vision. It is unfortunate for those with multiple sclerosis that the brainstem is affected because it is where the cranial nerves for eye muscles are located, specifically the sixth cranial nerve or the abducens. In multiple sclerosis, the nerve that operates the lateral rectus muscle is affected, thus, pulling the eye outwards.
Nystagmus is yet another visual symptom associated with multiple sclerosis. It is the rapid and involuntary movement of the eyes. This symptom is predominantly obvious to others but is not immediately noticeable by the person with the complaint. It is like riding on a bus where the scenery just zooms past by.
Motor symptoms
Multiple sclerosis causes paresis within the individual. It is simply a medical term for partial or mild paralysis that is usually described as muscle weakness. According to research and studies, this muscle weakness is caused by the lesions that are formed along the motor nerve pathways.
Spasticity is comprised of involuntary muscle contractions that are not coordinated with the movement of the other muscles. In multiple sclerosis, the normal pattern of reverse contractions that occur between muscles is disrupted, which further leads to the contraction of many muscles at the exact same time. Since the transmission of sensation and control messages are not properly sent to the receiver, the muscles receive information and sensory feedback that is not at all appropriate.
Dysarthria is the medical term for speech problems. In multiple sclerosis, the muscles that are involved in controlling speaking or the nerves that control the corresponding muscles are destroyed. The resulting muscle weakness and incoordination give rise to dysarthria.
Sensory symptoms
Paresthesia is described as a collection of abnormal sensations in just about every part of the body. It is composed of prickling, tingling, electrical-type buzzing, skin crawling, burning, or itching of any random part of the body. Paresthesia is most commonly referred to as pins and needles with the accompaniment of partial numbness and a variety of neuropathic pain.
Another sensory symptom associated with multiple sclerosis is the L’Hermitte’s sign. This is basically the electrical buzzing sensations that occur in the limbs and the body that is brought about by any movement of the neck. When the person with multiple sclerosis lowers the head part in a way that the chin touches the chest, L’Hermitte’s sign is triggered.
The central nervous system is the one that controls most, if not all, of the body’s activity and optimal functioning. Just a minor damage to the central nervous system or the CNS can produce a very wide range of symptoms. Multiple sclerosis is only one of the diseases that can result from the damaging of the central nervous system.
Most of the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis are very unique. But having one of the symptoms does not immediately lead to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, there has to be a collective onset of symptoms. Still, however, each and every one of these symptoms could be very life-threatening and deserves medical attention as soon as possible.
Visual symptoms
Optic neuritis is one of the multiple sclerosis symptoms that affect the person’s vision. It consists of an inflammation with an accompanying demyelization of cranial nerve number two which is the optic nerve. There is a blurring of the vision, loss of some, if not all, of the visible color, loss of visual acuity, complete or partial blindness, and its pathognomonic sign which is pain behind the eyes.
Another visual symptom is diplopia, which is only a medical term for double vision. Lesions that occur within the brainstem cause this double vision. It is unfortunate for those with multiple sclerosis that the brainstem is affected because it is where the cranial nerves for eye muscles are located, specifically the sixth cranial nerve or the abducens. In multiple sclerosis, the nerve that operates the lateral rectus muscle is affected, thus, pulling the eye outwards.
Nystagmus is yet another visual symptom associated with multiple sclerosis. It is the rapid and involuntary movement of the eyes. This symptom is predominantly obvious to others but is not immediately noticeable by the person with the complaint. It is like riding on a bus where the scenery just zooms past by.
Motor symptoms
Multiple sclerosis causes paresis within the individual. It is simply a medical term for partial or mild paralysis that is usually described as muscle weakness. According to research and studies, this muscle weakness is caused by the lesions that are formed along the motor nerve pathways.
Spasticity is comprised of involuntary muscle contractions that are not coordinated with the movement of the other muscles. In multiple sclerosis, the normal pattern of reverse contractions that occur between muscles is disrupted, which further leads to the contraction of many muscles at the exact same time. Since the transmission of sensation and control messages are not properly sent to the receiver, the muscles receive information and sensory feedback that is not at all appropriate.
Dysarthria is the medical term for speech problems. In multiple sclerosis, the muscles that are involved in controlling speaking or the nerves that control the corresponding muscles are destroyed. The resulting muscle weakness and incoordination give rise to dysarthria.
Sensory symptoms
Paresthesia is described as a collection of abnormal sensations in just about every part of the body. It is composed of prickling, tingling, electrical-type buzzing, skin crawling, burning, or itching of any random part of the body. Paresthesia is most commonly referred to as pins and needles with the accompaniment of partial numbness and a variety of neuropathic pain.
Another sensory symptom associated with multiple sclerosis is the L’Hermitte’s sign. This is basically the electrical buzzing sensations that occur in the limbs and the body that is brought about by any movement of the neck. When the person with multiple sclerosis lowers the head part in a way that the chin touches the chest, L’Hermitte’s sign is triggered.
March 24, 2010
The Pathophysiology Of Multiple Sclerosis
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that is non-contagious. It predominantly affects the brain and the spinal cord. It is mainly characterized by a wide variety of neurological symptoms that are caused by the demyelization of the neurons. Moreover, it is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s very own immune system attacks the central nervous system’s cells and underlying tissues.
What causes it?
The ultimate cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown. This means that multiple sclerosis is an idiopathic disease. According to scientific research, some viral infections or other environmental factors related to childhood are able to trigger the abnormal reactions associated with the immune system.
On a molecular level, a structural similarity can be discovered between an infectious agent that is not identified and some components of the central nervous system. This similarity causes confusion in the immune system’s fighter cells when the body matures later as the body ages. This whole process is termed as molecular mimicry. And since there is no such thing as a multiple sclerosis virus, it can be declared that the disease is not at all contagious.
Where the WBC come in
The body’s white blood cells, more commonly referred to as WBC, have a special subset of cells termed as T cells. These T cells are key players in the development of multiple sclerosis. Normally, these lymphocytes have the ability to differentiate substances or components that belong to the body from those that are foreign. Whenever a foreign body is recognized, the whole immune system is put on alert and the body’s fighter cells attack the foreign body to maintain homeostasis within the body.
However, since multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, it tends to attack itself. The T cells recognize the healthy parts of the central nervous system as something harmful and foreign and attack them as if it is a response aimed at a virus or bacteria.
The T cells attack predominantly attack the myelin which insulates the axons of the nerve cells. This fatty substance is very important, especially when it comes to proper nerve conduction.
About the BBB
There is a normal barrier that goes between the blood and the brain that medical professionals have coined as the blood-brain barrier or the BBB. This BBB is made up of endothelial cells that line the blood vessel walls.
It is during multiple sclerosis that the BBB breaks down and the auto-reactive T cells enter the BBB, when they are clearly not supposed to. After crossing the BBB, the T cells then trigger an inflammatory response that is further mediated by other immune cells namely the cytokines and antibodies. After further inflammatory responses, there is a much bigger opening of the BBB and a wide variety of symptoms are produced.
Moving on, the macrophages are alerted, there is an activation of the MMPs, including other proteases. In short, this all leads to the destruction of the myelin, a process that is termed as demyelization.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that is non-contagious. It predominantly affects the brain and the spinal cord. It is mainly characterized by a wide variety of neurological symptoms that are caused by the demyelization of the neurons. Moreover, it is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s very own immune system attacks the central nervous system’s cells and underlying tissues.
What causes it?
The ultimate cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown. This means that multiple sclerosis is an idiopathic disease. According to scientific research, some viral infections or other environmental factors related to childhood are able to trigger the abnormal reactions associated with the immune system.
On a molecular level, a structural similarity can be discovered between an infectious agent that is not identified and some components of the central nervous system. This similarity causes confusion in the immune system’s fighter cells when the body matures later as the body ages. This whole process is termed as molecular mimicry. And since there is no such thing as a multiple sclerosis virus, it can be declared that the disease is not at all contagious.
Where the WBC come in
The body’s white blood cells, more commonly referred to as WBC, have a special subset of cells termed as T cells. These T cells are key players in the development of multiple sclerosis. Normally, these lymphocytes have the ability to differentiate substances or components that belong to the body from those that are foreign. Whenever a foreign body is recognized, the whole immune system is put on alert and the body’s fighter cells attack the foreign body to maintain homeostasis within the body.
However, since multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, it tends to attack itself. The T cells recognize the healthy parts of the central nervous system as something harmful and foreign and attack them as if it is a response aimed at a virus or bacteria.
The T cells attack predominantly attack the myelin which insulates the axons of the nerve cells. This fatty substance is very important, especially when it comes to proper nerve conduction.
About the BBB
There is a normal barrier that goes between the blood and the brain that medical professionals have coined as the blood-brain barrier or the BBB. This BBB is made up of endothelial cells that line the blood vessel walls.
It is during multiple sclerosis that the BBB breaks down and the auto-reactive T cells enter the BBB, when they are clearly not supposed to. After crossing the BBB, the T cells then trigger an inflammatory response that is further mediated by other immune cells namely the cytokines and antibodies. After further inflammatory responses, there is a much bigger opening of the BBB and a wide variety of symptoms are produced.
Moving on, the macrophages are alerted, there is an activation of the MMPs, including other proteases. In short, this all leads to the destruction of the myelin, a process that is termed as demyelization.
March 23, 2010
Learn How You Can Treat Lymphoma
Experts say that aside from being unfamiliar with signs and symptoms of lymphoma, this condition can be hard to notice because the usual signs can be quite common. Some may even be mistaken for common ailments such as fever and even colds. But if you are one of those that are at risk—somebody who have cancer history in their families or those that have weak immune system that are prone to infections—it would be best to have an appointment with your doctor.
The most common signs of lymphoma would include enlarged nodes that can be seen as lumps the neck, groin or armpits, non stop fever, loss of appetite, drastic weight loss, too much sweating during bedtime, itchiness on all parts of the body, exhaustion or the constant feeling of being weak, and breathlessness that is usually accompanied by swollen face and neck.
It is advisable that the person who experiences at least three of the mentioned symptoms would go to the doctor for a check up. Once the doctor suspects that you might be suffering from lymphoma, he or she would request for diagnostic procedures including biopsy to confirm the suspicions and to also determine how much damage have the cancer cells brought to the organs of the body.
Once final diagnosis has been made, a series of tests will soon follow in order to get detailed accounts of the disease. These reports are crucial in determining what kind of treatment should be given to the patient.
Treatment options
For those who are diagnosed with lymphoma, it is a must to undergo treatment in order to open up to greater chances of recovery. However, since there are almost 35 different types of lymphoma, the treatment options may also vary and could be on a case to case basis.
When it comes to treatment, experts say that it would be possible to use the same treatment for at least three or more types depending on their nature and the way the patient's body reacts to it. To get better understanding in lymphoma treatment, here is some overview of the four major treatment options available for you:
1. Chemotherapy. Here, drugs are administered including infusions in the patient's veins or can be used as in the form of pills. The most common chemotherapy schedules are ABVD, R-CHOP and CHOP.
2. Radiotherapy. This is a treatment options wherein high energy rays are used and directed exactly towards the tumor. Experts say that this can be delivered over small areas which involves field radiation or in large areas which involves extended field radiation.
3. Antibody therapy. Also known as "biological therapy", this type of treatment make use of drugs such as "rituximab" which is specially designed to target special molecules that are present on the cancer cells' surface.
4. Bone marrow or stem cell transplant. This is probably the most painful, not to mention the most expensive—lymphoma treatment available. Here, high doses of radiation or chemotherapy are used in order to eliminate all cancer cells by killing them. What is good about this is that while it targets cancerous cells, it helps save the bone marrow through stem cells or through the use of marrow transplant.
The most common signs of lymphoma would include enlarged nodes that can be seen as lumps the neck, groin or armpits, non stop fever, loss of appetite, drastic weight loss, too much sweating during bedtime, itchiness on all parts of the body, exhaustion or the constant feeling of being weak, and breathlessness that is usually accompanied by swollen face and neck.
It is advisable that the person who experiences at least three of the mentioned symptoms would go to the doctor for a check up. Once the doctor suspects that you might be suffering from lymphoma, he or she would request for diagnostic procedures including biopsy to confirm the suspicions and to also determine how much damage have the cancer cells brought to the organs of the body.
Once final diagnosis has been made, a series of tests will soon follow in order to get detailed accounts of the disease. These reports are crucial in determining what kind of treatment should be given to the patient.
Treatment options
For those who are diagnosed with lymphoma, it is a must to undergo treatment in order to open up to greater chances of recovery. However, since there are almost 35 different types of lymphoma, the treatment options may also vary and could be on a case to case basis.
When it comes to treatment, experts say that it would be possible to use the same treatment for at least three or more types depending on their nature and the way the patient's body reacts to it. To get better understanding in lymphoma treatment, here is some overview of the four major treatment options available for you:
1. Chemotherapy. Here, drugs are administered including infusions in the patient's veins or can be used as in the form of pills. The most common chemotherapy schedules are ABVD, R-CHOP and CHOP.
2. Radiotherapy. This is a treatment options wherein high energy rays are used and directed exactly towards the tumor. Experts say that this can be delivered over small areas which involves field radiation or in large areas which involves extended field radiation.
3. Antibody therapy. Also known as "biological therapy", this type of treatment make use of drugs such as "rituximab" which is specially designed to target special molecules that are present on the cancer cells' surface.
4. Bone marrow or stem cell transplant. This is probably the most painful, not to mention the most expensive—lymphoma treatment available. Here, high doses of radiation or chemotherapy are used in order to eliminate all cancer cells by killing them. What is good about this is that while it targets cancerous cells, it helps save the bone marrow through stem cells or through the use of marrow transplant.
March 22, 2010
Knowing Your Cancer, Hodgkin’s disease Information
Hodgkin's lymphoma or otherwise known as Hodgkin's disease is one of two kinds of lymphoma or a cancer of the lymphatic system. Thomas Hodgkin was the first person who published documented studies of the disease hence the cancer was named after him. Hodgkin's lymphoma is different from the other kind of lymphoma mainly through the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the cancer cells. These Reed-Sternberg cells can be seen through an open biopsy. In contrast, cells seen on non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are mutated B-cells or T-cells.
It has been observed that Hodgkin’s lymphoma oftentimes begin to develop in the lymph nodes in the neck. This is again quite different from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which beings in different locations in the body. Nonetheless, since this is cancer we’re talking about, from the neck lymph node spreading to other lymph node groups, the lungs, spleen, and bone marrow is only natural and inevitable if no treatment is undergone. It seems also that Hodgkin's lymphoma targets the immediate nearby lymphatic regions before leaving eventually the lymphatic system and spreading throughout other organs of the body.
According to studies, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more likely to develop in young adolescents particularly those within the age range of 15 to 24 as well as those who are more than 60 years old. Again this is quite different from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which rarely happens in young people and instead is more common to people aged 60 years old and above.
In determining a diagnosis, one can actually self-diagnose at least initially. A doctor’s expertise is still needed, of course, for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease. The symptoms that have been reported are not that different from the other kinds of lymphoma. The presence of a painless lump in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin, recurrent fevers, unexplained weight loss, night sweats and itchy skins are among the warning signals of developing lymphoma.
Among the usual tests your doctors would require you to undertake includes blood tests to check abnormalities in the blood counts, blood chemistry, and abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), X-rays to look at the lymph nodes, computerized tomography or CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scans of the chest, pelvis, and abdomen to see if the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
Other scans that could be used to properly diagnose and determine the stage of the cancer are the positron emission tomography or PET scan which scans the cancer at a cellular level and the gallium scan which looks for radioactive intake of gallium which can mean the onset of the disease. There are other tests and procedures which doctors might conduct on you all in the aid of a proper and accurate diagnosis.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma has several sub-types, namely nodular sclerosis (NS) which hits the lower neck, chest and collarbone, lymphocyte predominance (LP) which is made of malignant L&H cells which have a "popcorn", mixed cellularity (MC) which has lymph nodes that are usually contain Reed-Sternberg cells and inflammatory cells, lymphocyte depleted (LD), and nodular lymphocyte predominant (NLP).
As they say, knowing is half the battle. Knowing more about Hodgkin’s disease is a good thing. You can contribute fully to the decision making process if you know exactly the situation you are in.
It has been observed that Hodgkin’s lymphoma oftentimes begin to develop in the lymph nodes in the neck. This is again quite different from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which beings in different locations in the body. Nonetheless, since this is cancer we’re talking about, from the neck lymph node spreading to other lymph node groups, the lungs, spleen, and bone marrow is only natural and inevitable if no treatment is undergone. It seems also that Hodgkin's lymphoma targets the immediate nearby lymphatic regions before leaving eventually the lymphatic system and spreading throughout other organs of the body.
According to studies, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more likely to develop in young adolescents particularly those within the age range of 15 to 24 as well as those who are more than 60 years old. Again this is quite different from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which rarely happens in young people and instead is more common to people aged 60 years old and above.
In determining a diagnosis, one can actually self-diagnose at least initially. A doctor’s expertise is still needed, of course, for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease. The symptoms that have been reported are not that different from the other kinds of lymphoma. The presence of a painless lump in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin, recurrent fevers, unexplained weight loss, night sweats and itchy skins are among the warning signals of developing lymphoma.
Among the usual tests your doctors would require you to undertake includes blood tests to check abnormalities in the blood counts, blood chemistry, and abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), X-rays to look at the lymph nodes, computerized tomography or CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scans of the chest, pelvis, and abdomen to see if the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
Other scans that could be used to properly diagnose and determine the stage of the cancer are the positron emission tomography or PET scan which scans the cancer at a cellular level and the gallium scan which looks for radioactive intake of gallium which can mean the onset of the disease. There are other tests and procedures which doctors might conduct on you all in the aid of a proper and accurate diagnosis.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma has several sub-types, namely nodular sclerosis (NS) which hits the lower neck, chest and collarbone, lymphocyte predominance (LP) which is made of malignant L&H cells which have a "popcorn", mixed cellularity (MC) which has lymph nodes that are usually contain Reed-Sternberg cells and inflammatory cells, lymphocyte depleted (LD), and nodular lymphocyte predominant (NLP).
As they say, knowing is half the battle. Knowing more about Hodgkin’s disease is a good thing. You can contribute fully to the decision making process if you know exactly the situation you are in.
March 21, 2010
Cosmetic Dentistry, What Is It All About
The Cosmetic dentistry is currently the “it” thing right now when it comes to physical reconstruction. And it is about time that people recognize the value of a great smile. It is after not only just the skin and the figure that needs to be great-looking, one must also have great sets of teeth. This is especially needed for people who have careers that involve meeting people and convincing them. A great smile gives a person an aura of trustworthiness and dependability. Numerous studies have proven this.
Most people who undergo these procedures are often in fields that involve a lot of people. Celebrities and models have probably fixed their smiles way before their careers took off. They need this if they are always in the limelight. Their jobs, most of the time, depend on how they look. People who are in the marketing and sales field also need great smiles. As mentioned before, people with a beautiful set of teeth when they smile come off as very trustworthy. These people need to give this impression if they want to sell their products and convince other people to believe in their products.
But because it is currently the mod right now to get a cosmetic dental surgery, the procedures can be pretty expensive. This can be a bummer considering that the procedures are actually the same as the usual procedures that ordinary dentists can perform. You will probably go through some extractions and root canals. You might have braces and retainers put on you. It all depends on how drastic the changes the cosmetic dentist need to do on your teeth. The price difference however depends on the level of experience and the training that these cosmetic dentists have. Remember that these dentists have what they call the aesthetic advantage, meaning that beyond taking care of your teeth and making sure that your teeth are healthy, they are also making sure that your teeth are aligned perfectly together for a great smile. Not all dentists can do this.
This is perhaps why it is also very hard to really a great cosmetic dentist right now even with all the new dentists setting shop. When it comes to your appearance, you really want something that will really give you the best smile. So if you are thinking of getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure, check with your friends and with hospitals for referrals. Look into the credentials and check for training and experience. Make sure also that the dentist has a license to practice and do the procedures. If you do not have the money, I suggest that you forego with the plans and wait until you have saved for it.
Scrimping is a no-no because although it is considered minor surgical procedure, it is still a medical procedure and under the hands of an incompetent doctor, you might get into trouble. It is also important that you check your schedules because a cosmetic dentistry procedure can take a few days and sometimes even a few months. Make sure that you will not have problems with your work or school.
Most people who undergo these procedures are often in fields that involve a lot of people. Celebrities and models have probably fixed their smiles way before their careers took off. They need this if they are always in the limelight. Their jobs, most of the time, depend on how they look. People who are in the marketing and sales field also need great smiles. As mentioned before, people with a beautiful set of teeth when they smile come off as very trustworthy. These people need to give this impression if they want to sell their products and convince other people to believe in their products.
But because it is currently the mod right now to get a cosmetic dental surgery, the procedures can be pretty expensive. This can be a bummer considering that the procedures are actually the same as the usual procedures that ordinary dentists can perform. You will probably go through some extractions and root canals. You might have braces and retainers put on you. It all depends on how drastic the changes the cosmetic dentist need to do on your teeth. The price difference however depends on the level of experience and the training that these cosmetic dentists have. Remember that these dentists have what they call the aesthetic advantage, meaning that beyond taking care of your teeth and making sure that your teeth are healthy, they are also making sure that your teeth are aligned perfectly together for a great smile. Not all dentists can do this.
This is perhaps why it is also very hard to really a great cosmetic dentist right now even with all the new dentists setting shop. When it comes to your appearance, you really want something that will really give you the best smile. So if you are thinking of getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure, check with your friends and with hospitals for referrals. Look into the credentials and check for training and experience. Make sure also that the dentist has a license to practice and do the procedures. If you do not have the money, I suggest that you forego with the plans and wait until you have saved for it.
Scrimping is a no-no because although it is considered minor surgical procedure, it is still a medical procedure and under the hands of an incompetent doctor, you might get into trouble. It is also important that you check your schedules because a cosmetic dentistry procedure can take a few days and sometimes even a few months. Make sure that you will not have problems with your work or school.
March 20, 2010
How is Tooth Restoration In Cosmetic Dentistry
Losing the freedom to smile the way you want to all because of a missing or chipped tooth is not the best way to go through life. Fortunately, cosmetic dentists can rescue you from a lifetime of being self-conscious with your smile.
Compared to the dark old days of accepting teeth loss (disease, fights, accidents) as inevitable, today’s men and women already have several options of getting back their winsome smiles and be their old selves again.
There are several ways in restoring damaged or missing teeth in a person. Some are downright good and natural-looking you cannot tell the difference. Today’s technology has made it so that there are now individual ways to fix, repair, mend and restore teeth, with each one tailor-fitted to the damage.
Crowns and tooth cracks
Dental crowns are the latest ways of fixing teeth cracks. Cracked teeth are usually caused by tooth decay, teeth grinding, and sometimes by accidents.
These crowns are fitted right on top of each damaged tooth to cover the crack and hold the tooth together. Crowns can be used on almost any tooth. They are custom-designed and are seldom noticed.
Inlays and tooth decay
Inlays are very stable restorative treatments on delicate and decaying teeth. They are usually used to repair decayed front teeth which are very visible when people smile or simply talk.
Inlays are bonded to the affected tooth (or teeth) to fill out the decayed areas and reduce any other structural damage in the tooth caused by the decay.
Bonding and stained teeth
Sometimes, stains on teeth do not respond well to teeth whitening treatments and brushing. The next alternative is bonding treatment that can brighten up the smile.
Dental bonding is a natural tooth-colored composite used to fill over the damaged natural tooth to make it appear naturally smooth again.
Bonding is also used to fill out teeth cracks, stains and hide chipped teeth. It is sculpted to fit the tooth perfectly while covering up the flaw.
Direct bonding is regularly used as an alternative to more extensive “smile makeover” procedures like veneers and crowns.
Veneers and uneven teeth
As a rule, dental veneers are usually used in unevenly spaced teeth or those with large gaps between their teeth. They are made with porcelain or composite resin and designed to cover the whole tooth.
They help in covering up cracks, discolorations, and fill out any big gaps between teeth. Veneers protect the surface of the damaged tooth and make dental surgery unnecessary. Presently, veneers are typically more costly than dental bonding but they can give you a complete smile makeover.
Dental implants and missing teeth
A dental implant is a replacement for your lost natural tooth. This is directly inserted into the gum structure, and is sometimes used as a dental bridge support.
Implants are selected and designed to look like your own natural teeth. They also have the extra benefit of reducing jawbone loss.
The technology and techniques used in cosmetic dentistry are still evolving, making the procedures less invasive, less painful, and less costly. The other good news is that cosmetic dentists are getting more and more aesthetically adept as well.
Compared to the dark old days of accepting teeth loss (disease, fights, accidents) as inevitable, today’s men and women already have several options of getting back their winsome smiles and be their old selves again.
There are several ways in restoring damaged or missing teeth in a person. Some are downright good and natural-looking you cannot tell the difference. Today’s technology has made it so that there are now individual ways to fix, repair, mend and restore teeth, with each one tailor-fitted to the damage.
Crowns and tooth cracks
Dental crowns are the latest ways of fixing teeth cracks. Cracked teeth are usually caused by tooth decay, teeth grinding, and sometimes by accidents.
These crowns are fitted right on top of each damaged tooth to cover the crack and hold the tooth together. Crowns can be used on almost any tooth. They are custom-designed and are seldom noticed.
Inlays and tooth decay
Inlays are very stable restorative treatments on delicate and decaying teeth. They are usually used to repair decayed front teeth which are very visible when people smile or simply talk.
Inlays are bonded to the affected tooth (or teeth) to fill out the decayed areas and reduce any other structural damage in the tooth caused by the decay.
Bonding and stained teeth
Sometimes, stains on teeth do not respond well to teeth whitening treatments and brushing. The next alternative is bonding treatment that can brighten up the smile.
Dental bonding is a natural tooth-colored composite used to fill over the damaged natural tooth to make it appear naturally smooth again.
Bonding is also used to fill out teeth cracks, stains and hide chipped teeth. It is sculpted to fit the tooth perfectly while covering up the flaw.
Direct bonding is regularly used as an alternative to more extensive “smile makeover” procedures like veneers and crowns.
Veneers and uneven teeth
As a rule, dental veneers are usually used in unevenly spaced teeth or those with large gaps between their teeth. They are made with porcelain or composite resin and designed to cover the whole tooth.
They help in covering up cracks, discolorations, and fill out any big gaps between teeth. Veneers protect the surface of the damaged tooth and make dental surgery unnecessary. Presently, veneers are typically more costly than dental bonding but they can give you a complete smile makeover.
Dental implants and missing teeth
A dental implant is a replacement for your lost natural tooth. This is directly inserted into the gum structure, and is sometimes used as a dental bridge support.
Implants are selected and designed to look like your own natural teeth. They also have the extra benefit of reducing jawbone loss.
The technology and techniques used in cosmetic dentistry are still evolving, making the procedures less invasive, less painful, and less costly. The other good news is that cosmetic dentists are getting more and more aesthetically adept as well.
March 19, 2010
Types Of Cardio Exercise Equipment
Cardiovascular exercises are activities which engage large muscle groups to exercises. These exercises are known to have an impact on a person’s blood pressure, calorie burning and weight loss. To enhance its benefits, cardio exercise equipments can be used. Cardio exercise equipment makes it possible to engage in a workout even when living in a controlled space, like your home.
Since cardiovascular exercises aim to increase heart rate using large muscles, it is common to use leg muscles like in walking and running. To make the whole body moving, leg and arm movements are incorporated in the workout regime. There are different types of cardiovascular exercise equipment.
• Treadmill
There are studies showing that exercising in the treadmill is better than other fitness equipment since it is natural for people to walk and run. You could adjust it settings, allowing you to walk, jog or run even in your living room. There are automatic and manual treadmills which can be purchased based on the customer’s preference. Aside from that, maintenance and storage is not that demanding. There are treadmills which can be bought for as much as $200.
• Stationary step machines
This exercise equipment burns calories big time, which makes it a fixture in most fitness gyms. It also helps in toning or enhancing hips, legs and butts. Stationary step machines or stair climbers would allow you to check how much calories you have burned when exercising.
Some people find this equipment to be the most difficult of all the cardio exercise equipment. They provide great workout for the lower body as long as you use it properly. It could cause problems on knees and feet if the weight and force are not used properly.
• Exercise stationary bikes
These are mounted bikes which are steadily attached on the ground. A great way to get a cardio workout at home, especially for beginners since it does need special skill to operate or use. There is also a smaller risk of injury. According to studies, about 30 minutes on the stationary bike would be enough.
They are also ideal if you have limited space. They are mobile and can be moved to different places of the house. There are also some bikes that do not need to be plugged into an outlet.
• Elliptical trainers
Along with treadmills, elliptical trainers are among the most popular cardio exercise equipment. The great thing about elliptical trainers is that there is little or no impact at all which makes it ideal for people who have been suffering from joint muscle. It proved to be a great exercise equipment for seniors and the elderly who have knee and joint problems.
• Rowing machines
They are not that popular compared to treadmills or elliptical trainers but they provide an overall and intense cardio workout. Rowing machines would sometimes include monitors that provide you information how much calories you are burning. They can also be folded and stored easily.
What makes cardio exercise equipment notable is that they provide better results, not only in enhancing your physical appearance but also in improving overall health. Before making any purchase, you could try cardio exercise equipment in a fitness gym to help you get an idea about the equipment and if you would be able to use it in the long run.
Since cardiovascular exercises aim to increase heart rate using large muscles, it is common to use leg muscles like in walking and running. To make the whole body moving, leg and arm movements are incorporated in the workout regime. There are different types of cardiovascular exercise equipment.
• Treadmill
There are studies showing that exercising in the treadmill is better than other fitness equipment since it is natural for people to walk and run. You could adjust it settings, allowing you to walk, jog or run even in your living room. There are automatic and manual treadmills which can be purchased based on the customer’s preference. Aside from that, maintenance and storage is not that demanding. There are treadmills which can be bought for as much as $200.
• Stationary step machines
This exercise equipment burns calories big time, which makes it a fixture in most fitness gyms. It also helps in toning or enhancing hips, legs and butts. Stationary step machines or stair climbers would allow you to check how much calories you have burned when exercising.
Some people find this equipment to be the most difficult of all the cardio exercise equipment. They provide great workout for the lower body as long as you use it properly. It could cause problems on knees and feet if the weight and force are not used properly.
• Exercise stationary bikes
These are mounted bikes which are steadily attached on the ground. A great way to get a cardio workout at home, especially for beginners since it does need special skill to operate or use. There is also a smaller risk of injury. According to studies, about 30 minutes on the stationary bike would be enough.
They are also ideal if you have limited space. They are mobile and can be moved to different places of the house. There are also some bikes that do not need to be plugged into an outlet.
• Elliptical trainers
Along with treadmills, elliptical trainers are among the most popular cardio exercise equipment. The great thing about elliptical trainers is that there is little or no impact at all which makes it ideal for people who have been suffering from joint muscle. It proved to be a great exercise equipment for seniors and the elderly who have knee and joint problems.
• Rowing machines
They are not that popular compared to treadmills or elliptical trainers but they provide an overall and intense cardio workout. Rowing machines would sometimes include monitors that provide you information how much calories you are burning. They can also be folded and stored easily.
What makes cardio exercise equipment notable is that they provide better results, not only in enhancing your physical appearance but also in improving overall health. Before making any purchase, you could try cardio exercise equipment in a fitness gym to help you get an idea about the equipment and if you would be able to use it in the long run.
March 18, 2010
One Important Insight about Cardio Exercise Equipment
You always find yourself standing in a room full of different cardiovascular machines at the gym. There are just too many of them: treadmills, stair steppers, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and rowing machines. If you are finding it hard to decide which to use in the gym, it surely would be harder to make up your mind about which cardio exercise equipment to choose and buy for your use at home.
Ask yourself: which cardio exercise machine to use: the one that brings the most fit, the tool that burns the greatest amount of calories, or the equipment that brings about least impact on your own joints? All these are of course valid concerns that you should not be neglecting. Bryant A. Stamford, an exercise physiologist, asserts that none of the questions could be considered as the most important to ask yourself. Instead, one good and logical question you should ask yourself is: ‘Which cardio exercise machine do you truly want to use?’
When it comes to weight management and exercise training, the usual case is that someone who desperately needs to shed off excess weight is usually the one who is easily turned off by any cardio exercise. Many experts argue that it is the worst to mold anyone into accepting an exercise program that other people say is the best. To make the most of any cardio exercise program, you need to know what is good for you, not what is good for other people. Surely, the best cardio exercise equipment for your neighbor is not as effective to you.
Instead of quickly choosing elliptical trainer that your friend recommended or the popular treadmill specifically for its calorie-burning factor, you should first and foremost figure out and identify the exercise machine that truly feels best to you. Everything else should be secondary. In other words, the best and most effective piece of all exercise equipment is that which you are most willing to regularly use. It would not make sense choosing a machine that you do not feel like using everyday. You have to exude a genuine interest on the equipment.
How could you determine the best cardio exercise equipment that is best for you? You may jumpstart on your decision-making process by taking the choice while you are at the gym. The venue surely is complete with all the necessary and important cardio exercise machines. Take time to try out each of the equipment. This way, you could easily identify which one is the most effective and most comfortable for you.
Prioritize comfort. It is important that you find cardio exercise equipment that you are enjoying to use. You would not enjoy using a machine if it does not feel comfortable using it. Thus, the best cardio exercise machine is the one that you certainly would use. It is not the equipment that is most popular in the market or that which is recommended by your peers. It is what your body wants to use.
Ask yourself: which cardio exercise machine to use: the one that brings the most fit, the tool that burns the greatest amount of calories, or the equipment that brings about least impact on your own joints? All these are of course valid concerns that you should not be neglecting. Bryant A. Stamford, an exercise physiologist, asserts that none of the questions could be considered as the most important to ask yourself. Instead, one good and logical question you should ask yourself is: ‘Which cardio exercise machine do you truly want to use?’
When it comes to weight management and exercise training, the usual case is that someone who desperately needs to shed off excess weight is usually the one who is easily turned off by any cardio exercise. Many experts argue that it is the worst to mold anyone into accepting an exercise program that other people say is the best. To make the most of any cardio exercise program, you need to know what is good for you, not what is good for other people. Surely, the best cardio exercise equipment for your neighbor is not as effective to you.
Instead of quickly choosing elliptical trainer that your friend recommended or the popular treadmill specifically for its calorie-burning factor, you should first and foremost figure out and identify the exercise machine that truly feels best to you. Everything else should be secondary. In other words, the best and most effective piece of all exercise equipment is that which you are most willing to regularly use. It would not make sense choosing a machine that you do not feel like using everyday. You have to exude a genuine interest on the equipment.
How could you determine the best cardio exercise equipment that is best for you? You may jumpstart on your decision-making process by taking the choice while you are at the gym. The venue surely is complete with all the necessary and important cardio exercise machines. Take time to try out each of the equipment. This way, you could easily identify which one is the most effective and most comfortable for you.
Prioritize comfort. It is important that you find cardio exercise equipment that you are enjoying to use. You would not enjoy using a machine if it does not feel comfortable using it. Thus, the best cardio exercise machine is the one that you certainly would use. It is not the equipment that is most popular in the market or that which is recommended by your peers. It is what your body wants to use.
March 11, 2010
Learn How You Can Treat Multiple Sclerosis
When it comes to treating multiple sclerosis, a variety of ways can be depended on. These treatment methods, no matter how different they may be, are all focused on one thing and one thing only, and that is to treat the disease’s general symptoms.
Treatments vary from the parenteral medications that can reduce the flare-ups to the medications that are aimed at treating fatigue, inflammation and the resulting muscle spasticity. Also, there are different kinds of diet that have been established to help a lot in reducing multiple sclerosis symptoms. Moreover, and fortunately, most of these diets have been tested to have the ability to reverse the total disease process.
Doing it the conventional way
Even treating multiple sclerosis has a conventional type. Usually, a Beta Interferon is injected into the body as it decreases the flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. With the use of a protein that has already undergone some genetic engineering; the medication is able to reduce the disease’s general activity. However, the Beta Interferon does not have any power when it comes to reversing what has already been damaged.
Despite the fact that the protein being used in this treatment method is very similar to a protein that is already inside the human body, many still find it difficult to successfully tolerate the medication. This is mainly because the drug’s side effects can oftentimes be unmanageable. With this in mind, physicians usually prescribe or suggest this kind of treatment for those who have the relapsing type of multiple sclerosis.
Alternative drugs
Since the Beta Interferon is only for those with complaint but can still walk, physicians prescribe other drugs that can also treat the symptoms of the subject in topic. However, these drugs can only serve to prolong life by making it more comfortable for the person living it. Most of these alternative drugs do not have the power to reduce the process of the pathogenicity of the disease nor can it reverse the disease.
For flare-ups, doctors usually prescribe an analgesic, which is the medical term given to pain relievers, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids.
Masking symptoms is a no-go.
Covering up symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis is never a great idea. The only best way to treat, according to statistical research, is that people should improve their life by modifying their lifestyle. For instance, those who have multiple sclerosis should know which food are safe to eat and which ones should be avoided.
Physicians and nutritionists state that a diet rich in vegetables and fresh fruits is best for multiple sclerosis. Also, a reduced amount of saturated fats has been proven to be very helpful and beneficial.
As much as possible, those who have multiple sclerosis must avoid stress at all costs. To attain this, they have to do some relaxation techniques or exercising that renders them and their system stress-free. Examples of such exercises are walking, yoga, swimming and tai chi.
Also, it is important that people with multiple sclerosis keep a positive attitude above all. Although attitude cannot do anything for definitely curing the disease, it can help in reducing the stress. And once stress is reduced, if not totally avoided, then the symptoms are greatly reduced as well.
Treatments vary from the parenteral medications that can reduce the flare-ups to the medications that are aimed at treating fatigue, inflammation and the resulting muscle spasticity. Also, there are different kinds of diet that have been established to help a lot in reducing multiple sclerosis symptoms. Moreover, and fortunately, most of these diets have been tested to have the ability to reverse the total disease process.
Doing it the conventional way
Even treating multiple sclerosis has a conventional type. Usually, a Beta Interferon is injected into the body as it decreases the flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. With the use of a protein that has already undergone some genetic engineering; the medication is able to reduce the disease’s general activity. However, the Beta Interferon does not have any power when it comes to reversing what has already been damaged.
Despite the fact that the protein being used in this treatment method is very similar to a protein that is already inside the human body, many still find it difficult to successfully tolerate the medication. This is mainly because the drug’s side effects can oftentimes be unmanageable. With this in mind, physicians usually prescribe or suggest this kind of treatment for those who have the relapsing type of multiple sclerosis.
Alternative drugs
Since the Beta Interferon is only for those with complaint but can still walk, physicians prescribe other drugs that can also treat the symptoms of the subject in topic. However, these drugs can only serve to prolong life by making it more comfortable for the person living it. Most of these alternative drugs do not have the power to reduce the process of the pathogenicity of the disease nor can it reverse the disease.
For flare-ups, doctors usually prescribe an analgesic, which is the medical term given to pain relievers, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids.
Masking symptoms is a no-go.
Covering up symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis is never a great idea. The only best way to treat, according to statistical research, is that people should improve their life by modifying their lifestyle. For instance, those who have multiple sclerosis should know which food are safe to eat and which ones should be avoided.
Physicians and nutritionists state that a diet rich in vegetables and fresh fruits is best for multiple sclerosis. Also, a reduced amount of saturated fats has been proven to be very helpful and beneficial.
As much as possible, those who have multiple sclerosis must avoid stress at all costs. To attain this, they have to do some relaxation techniques or exercising that renders them and their system stress-free. Examples of such exercises are walking, yoga, swimming and tai chi.
Also, it is important that people with multiple sclerosis keep a positive attitude above all. Although attitude cannot do anything for definitely curing the disease, it can help in reducing the stress. And once stress is reduced, if not totally avoided, then the symptoms are greatly reduced as well.
Here's A Checklist How To Make Your Workplace Crime- And Violence Free.
Violence and crimes take many forms inside the workplace. Sexual harassment, coercion, profanity, raised voices, intimidation, threat, robbery, homicide and other forms of physical harm can happen at any given time. Commonly, it is something minor like theft, but in some cases, lives are taken because of a disgruntled employee.
Protect your workers from any act of violence or crime by carefully planning a safety system. Start with assessing the vulnerability of the workplace by asking yourself the questions below.
Does the workplace have an appropriate security system in place?
Do you have phone systems, office access controls? Safe rooms, security detail, panic and emergency buttons, sign-in policies, good lighting and safety training?
These should be enough to protect all your employees from violence coming from inside the organization and outside the workplace premises.
What is the policy adopted by your company when it comes to hiring and firing?
Your company should prevent anyone with criminal violence from entering your organization. It should look into employment gaps, educational records, and history references before it absorbs someone into the company.
What are your company’s termination procedures? Do these clearly define policies on advance notice, placement services, and severance pay? The company should minimized the chances of these causing dissatisfaction among terminated employees.
Is there anyone in your organization who can potentially become a source of violence or crime?
Does anyone in your organization exhibit any of the following?
- Chronic absenteeism
- Frequent raising of voice
- Depression
- Beyond normal impatience
- Increased irritability
- Memory and concentration problems
- Other worrisome and unusual behaviors
If so, what does your company do to prevent workplace problems related to any of the abovementioned conditions from erupting? Does your company have policies on handling workplace violence? There should be a system in place that encourages employees to report unusual behaviors among their colleagues. The management should also provide a program that helps in assisting employees in distress.
How about the structural integrity of your workplace?
Are the doors, windows and other entry and exit points secured? These should be safe from mechanical override. Your company should also adopt effective policies on reporting, maintaining and fixing broken doors, windows and locks. Also, additional security measures should be placed to guarantee the personal security of every member of the organization within and outside workplace premises.
Does your company provide equipment that help secure valuable objects, belongings and information?
Are the employees secured in common trouble spots such as reception areas, garages, elevators, restrooms, etc.? Are there areas in the workplace that have dim lighting? These and other problem areas such as blind spots should be properly addressed.
Is sensitive and confidential information safe in your workplace or can outside people breach your office security that can lead to information leaks?
Does your company adopt a formal document destruction policy?
After assessing your office's vulnerability to crime and violence, take steps to reduce this. Adopt a comprehensive violence prevention program which covers not only the most common scenarios involving violence, but also the worst-case scenarios that could happen within the workplace premises. It should also encompass issues such as physical security, practices relating to hiring and firing employees, and employee vulnerability. Lastly, this program should be implemented and supported by all levels of employees, from upper management down.
Protect your workers from any act of violence or crime by carefully planning a safety system. Start with assessing the vulnerability of the workplace by asking yourself the questions below.
Does the workplace have an appropriate security system in place?
Do you have phone systems, office access controls? Safe rooms, security detail, panic and emergency buttons, sign-in policies, good lighting and safety training?
These should be enough to protect all your employees from violence coming from inside the organization and outside the workplace premises.
What is the policy adopted by your company when it comes to hiring and firing?
Your company should prevent anyone with criminal violence from entering your organization. It should look into employment gaps, educational records, and history references before it absorbs someone into the company.
What are your company’s termination procedures? Do these clearly define policies on advance notice, placement services, and severance pay? The company should minimized the chances of these causing dissatisfaction among terminated employees.
Is there anyone in your organization who can potentially become a source of violence or crime?
Does anyone in your organization exhibit any of the following?
- Chronic absenteeism
- Frequent raising of voice
- Depression
- Beyond normal impatience
- Increased irritability
- Memory and concentration problems
- Other worrisome and unusual behaviors
If so, what does your company do to prevent workplace problems related to any of the abovementioned conditions from erupting? Does your company have policies on handling workplace violence? There should be a system in place that encourages employees to report unusual behaviors among their colleagues. The management should also provide a program that helps in assisting employees in distress.
How about the structural integrity of your workplace?
Are the doors, windows and other entry and exit points secured? These should be safe from mechanical override. Your company should also adopt effective policies on reporting, maintaining and fixing broken doors, windows and locks. Also, additional security measures should be placed to guarantee the personal security of every member of the organization within and outside workplace premises.
Does your company provide equipment that help secure valuable objects, belongings and information?
Are the employees secured in common trouble spots such as reception areas, garages, elevators, restrooms, etc.? Are there areas in the workplace that have dim lighting? These and other problem areas such as blind spots should be properly addressed.
Is sensitive and confidential information safe in your workplace or can outside people breach your office security that can lead to information leaks?
Does your company adopt a formal document destruction policy?
After assessing your office's vulnerability to crime and violence, take steps to reduce this. Adopt a comprehensive violence prevention program which covers not only the most common scenarios involving violence, but also the worst-case scenarios that could happen within the workplace premises. It should also encompass issues such as physical security, practices relating to hiring and firing employees, and employee vulnerability. Lastly, this program should be implemented and supported by all levels of employees, from upper management down.
March 9, 2010
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
Traditional dentistry is basically centered on general oral hygiene – diagnosing, preventing and treating oral diseases on a person. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is generally viewed as focused more on the improvement of a person’s appearance by way of his teeth, mouth and smile.
Cosmetic dentistry is more on providing desired treatments and services ordered by the patient. These treatments and services provide restorative benefits and not just from the point of view of aesthetics.
An example would be the case of simple dental fillings. In the old days, dental fillings are made of gold, amalgam and other materials that leave dark spots on the teeth.
Today, you may choose the color of your dental fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that match the color of your natural teeth. In this regard, dental fillings fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry.
There are now more dental services categorized under cosmetic dentistry at present.
Inlays /onlays / bonding
Inlays and onlays are also known as indirect fillings. These are long-lasting cosmetic fillings for teeth with structural damages caused by tooth decay and the like.
They are made in dental laboratories before being fitted and bonded into place by adhesives. (In the old days, fillings were painstakingly molded into place within the mouth during dental visits.)
Composite bonding corrects teeth that are broken, chipped, decayed or discolored. The composite material (looking like enamel and dentin to blend with the patient’s natural teeth color) are applied into the cavity, sculpted and shaped into place, and hardened by lasers.
Teeth whitening
This is one of the most common cosmetic dental services availed of today. Teeth stained from smoking, food and colored drinks (and maybe also due to poor oral hygiene) are treated by bleaching them, thus enhancing one’s smile.
Dental veneers
These are laminates made of composites or porcelain that are bonded to the surface of the tooth to correct and repair chips, cracks, worn appearance or severe teeth discoloration.
Sometimes, they are administered to correct gaps in the teeth, or dark surfaces not corrected by teeth whitening.
Dental implants
These are artificial tooth root replacements used in prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry. These are to replace a missing tooth (or more) in the gums to project a perfect set of teeth.
This procedure results in enhanced, healthy-looking smile in a person. (A perfect set of teeth projects health.)
Smile makeover
Basically, this is a comprehensive assessment in the aesthetics of your smile (crooked, ugly, lopsided, etc.) and the procedures to improve its overall appearance. This may take not just one or two cosmetic dentistry procedures.
These can include dental veneers, implants, gingival (gums) sculpting, teeth whitening and other procedures on both lower and upper dental arches.
Full mouth reconstruction
This procedure basically provides treatment to correct altogether the many functional problems with your mouth, your bite, related muscles, teeth and bone structure.
With today’s available materials and technology, this procedure can be executed by a competent cosmetic dental professional to give you those natural-looking enhancements.
For people who are not pleased with the color, size or shape of their teeth, including the way their mouths open when they smile, cosmetic dentistry might just be able to help.
Cosmetic dentistry is more on providing desired treatments and services ordered by the patient. These treatments and services provide restorative benefits and not just from the point of view of aesthetics.
An example would be the case of simple dental fillings. In the old days, dental fillings are made of gold, amalgam and other materials that leave dark spots on the teeth.
Today, you may choose the color of your dental fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that match the color of your natural teeth. In this regard, dental fillings fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry.
There are now more dental services categorized under cosmetic dentistry at present.
Inlays /onlays / bonding
Inlays and onlays are also known as indirect fillings. These are long-lasting cosmetic fillings for teeth with structural damages caused by tooth decay and the like.
They are made in dental laboratories before being fitted and bonded into place by adhesives. (In the old days, fillings were painstakingly molded into place within the mouth during dental visits.)
Composite bonding corrects teeth that are broken, chipped, decayed or discolored. The composite material (looking like enamel and dentin to blend with the patient’s natural teeth color) are applied into the cavity, sculpted and shaped into place, and hardened by lasers.
Teeth whitening
This is one of the most common cosmetic dental services availed of today. Teeth stained from smoking, food and colored drinks (and maybe also due to poor oral hygiene) are treated by bleaching them, thus enhancing one’s smile.
Dental veneers
These are laminates made of composites or porcelain that are bonded to the surface of the tooth to correct and repair chips, cracks, worn appearance or severe teeth discoloration.
Sometimes, they are administered to correct gaps in the teeth, or dark surfaces not corrected by teeth whitening.
Dental implants
These are artificial tooth root replacements used in prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry. These are to replace a missing tooth (or more) in the gums to project a perfect set of teeth.
This procedure results in enhanced, healthy-looking smile in a person. (A perfect set of teeth projects health.)
Smile makeover
Basically, this is a comprehensive assessment in the aesthetics of your smile (crooked, ugly, lopsided, etc.) and the procedures to improve its overall appearance. This may take not just one or two cosmetic dentistry procedures.
These can include dental veneers, implants, gingival (gums) sculpting, teeth whitening and other procedures on both lower and upper dental arches.
Full mouth reconstruction
This procedure basically provides treatment to correct altogether the many functional problems with your mouth, your bite, related muscles, teeth and bone structure.
With today’s available materials and technology, this procedure can be executed by a competent cosmetic dental professional to give you those natural-looking enhancements.
For people who are not pleased with the color, size or shape of their teeth, including the way their mouths open when they smile, cosmetic dentistry might just be able to help.
3 Best Countries When Medical Touring
There are several countries today competing to get accreditation from the top governing bodies, to hopefully become one of the best when it comes to providing medical tourism packages. There are 3 nations you have to specially consider, though, since these have been very consistent in giving quality care, as well as the most attractive tourist spots this side of the globe. Here are some more details on what to expect and why they're the best.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is situated just between Nicaragua and Panama. It is located between the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, so you can expect tranquil and breathtaking views and great weather most of the year. Costa Rica is only a 2.5-hour flight from Miami, Florida. Compared to other nations in Central America, Costa Rica has high standards of living, as well as a peaceful democratic rule. Some of the favorite activities by medical tourists are scuba diving, surfing, swimming, parasailing and sunbathing.
Costa Ricans mainly speak Spanish, although a lot of medical institutions in the area require most of their staff to be good at English as well. Some of the main reasons why you have to consider Costa Rica for your medical tour are its top quality health institutions, modern equipment and facilities and a highly ranked health care system. The system is actually better compared to the United States and you only pay a fraction of the cost. A couple of hospitals are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most preferred procedures in the country include dental work, weight loss operations, cosmetic surgery and orthopaedics.
India
India is situated in southern Asia with several countries surrounding its borders like Pakistan, Myanmar, China and Bangladesh. India has gone through a huge growth in terms of technology and medicine in recent years. It has also been very active in providing programs and aims to get more accreditation in its many hospitals to become one of the top medical tourist destinations in the world.
At present, there are 13 hospitals in the country that are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most common procedures that patients look for when visiting include cosmetic surgery, dental work, heart surgery and cancer treatment. The cost of care in India is considerably lower compared to other medical tourist spots. Patients can also communicate better with health care providers since majority of Indians are very good at speaking English. Visitors can enjoy their vacation more because of the India's rich culture and unique sights, sounds and attractions.
Thailand
Thailand is arguably the most popular medical tourist destination globally. It is located in Southeast Asia, just west of Cambodia and south of Myanmar. Visitors like traveling to Thailand because it is conveniently located near other Asian countries, so you can cross the borders and go to several other nations in just one trip. Top quality medical services are offered with a number of private hospitals earning JCI accreditation.
Some of the most popular procedures done in the country include spinal fusions, orthopaedics, prostate surgery, coronary artery bypass grafts and gastric bypass. There are also medical institutions in Phuket, Thailand that specialize in cosmetic surgery, dental work and eye surgery. A lot of hospitals in the area at present have English-speaking staff.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is situated just between Nicaragua and Panama. It is located between the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, so you can expect tranquil and breathtaking views and great weather most of the year. Costa Rica is only a 2.5-hour flight from Miami, Florida. Compared to other nations in Central America, Costa Rica has high standards of living, as well as a peaceful democratic rule. Some of the favorite activities by medical tourists are scuba diving, surfing, swimming, parasailing and sunbathing.
Costa Ricans mainly speak Spanish, although a lot of medical institutions in the area require most of their staff to be good at English as well. Some of the main reasons why you have to consider Costa Rica for your medical tour are its top quality health institutions, modern equipment and facilities and a highly ranked health care system. The system is actually better compared to the United States and you only pay a fraction of the cost. A couple of hospitals are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most preferred procedures in the country include dental work, weight loss operations, cosmetic surgery and orthopaedics.
India
India is situated in southern Asia with several countries surrounding its borders like Pakistan, Myanmar, China and Bangladesh. India has gone through a huge growth in terms of technology and medicine in recent years. It has also been very active in providing programs and aims to get more accreditation in its many hospitals to become one of the top medical tourist destinations in the world.
At present, there are 13 hospitals in the country that are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most common procedures that patients look for when visiting include cosmetic surgery, dental work, heart surgery and cancer treatment. The cost of care in India is considerably lower compared to other medical tourist spots. Patients can also communicate better with health care providers since majority of Indians are very good at speaking English. Visitors can enjoy their vacation more because of the India's rich culture and unique sights, sounds and attractions.
Thailand
Thailand is arguably the most popular medical tourist destination globally. It is located in Southeast Asia, just west of Cambodia and south of Myanmar. Visitors like traveling to Thailand because it is conveniently located near other Asian countries, so you can cross the borders and go to several other nations in just one trip. Top quality medical services are offered with a number of private hospitals earning JCI accreditation.
Some of the most popular procedures done in the country include spinal fusions, orthopaedics, prostate surgery, coronary artery bypass grafts and gastric bypass. There are also medical institutions in Phuket, Thailand that specialize in cosmetic surgery, dental work and eye surgery. A lot of hospitals in the area at present have English-speaking staff.
February 24, 2010
All You Need to Know About Lymphoma
Whenever you get sick, what’s the first thing that you do? Know what you have. Either it’s a simple fever or a complicated illness, the very first thing that you do is to gather information to find out your current condition. The same thing with lymphoma, whether you research things on your own or go to a doctor (although this should always be the case since self diagnosis can bring you only so far) for advice, your target is to get all you need know about the disease.
Lymphoma is basically a cancer of the lymphatic system. The system is composed of various nodes or glands situated in different places of our body. These glands are connected by vessels that carry the lymph fluid or the white blood cells which help fight diseases. As you might have remembered in your high school biology class, the white blood cells help fight the bacteria and diseases that enter our body. And because these glands are connected to each other, once lymphoma hits a gland, there’s a good chance that the cancer cells spread throughout the body via the lymph vessels. You should know this fact out front: no cure has been discovered yet that would eliminate the disease. Nonetheless, there are new techniques, medicines and medical procedures that have brought more positive treatments for people with lymphoma.
There are two kinds of lymphoma, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The first one, the Hodgkin’s disease owes its name to Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866). He was the first one who published a paper about the disease. This kind of lymphoma is capable of spreading from one lymph node to another. It is also observed that people diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma has the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells which can only be detected by the aid of a microscope.
The other kind of lymphoma is the non-Hodgkin kind. This kind is described as having larger than normal lymph nodes and is accompanied by fever and weight loss. There are about 16 sub-types which do not fall under the conditions described by Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These sub-types are grouped according to aggressiveness which basically means the cancer cells are fast-growing. NHL lymphomas include chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), Burkitt lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and immunoblastic large cell lymphoma.
Treatment is either radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The age, sex and stage of the cancer’s development plays a role in determining the kind of treatment patients will undergo. Early detection is crucial. Most of the patients do survive the treatment especially if they have been diagnosed during the early stages of the lymphoma.
Some of the more common symptoms of lymphomas include painless swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, underarm, or groin. People with lymphomas also might experience fever, tiredness, weight loss, itchiness, red patches on the skin, nausea, vomiting and sometimes abdominal pain.
Those with low-grade lymphomas will encounter a very slow growth of the cancer cells and will experience very few of the symptoms. The problem with low-grade lymphomas is that even though they respond well to chemotherapy, they oftentimes return and is considered incurable unlike high-grade lymphomas. With the latter, treatment involves chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy.
Admittedly, the information above is not all that you need to know about lymphoma. There are more facts that you need to find out for yourself especially if you have been diagnosed with having lymphoma.
Lymphoma is basically a cancer of the lymphatic system. The system is composed of various nodes or glands situated in different places of our body. These glands are connected by vessels that carry the lymph fluid or the white blood cells which help fight diseases. As you might have remembered in your high school biology class, the white blood cells help fight the bacteria and diseases that enter our body. And because these glands are connected to each other, once lymphoma hits a gland, there’s a good chance that the cancer cells spread throughout the body via the lymph vessels. You should know this fact out front: no cure has been discovered yet that would eliminate the disease. Nonetheless, there are new techniques, medicines and medical procedures that have brought more positive treatments for people with lymphoma.
There are two kinds of lymphoma, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The first one, the Hodgkin’s disease owes its name to Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866). He was the first one who published a paper about the disease. This kind of lymphoma is capable of spreading from one lymph node to another. It is also observed that people diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma has the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells which can only be detected by the aid of a microscope.
The other kind of lymphoma is the non-Hodgkin kind. This kind is described as having larger than normal lymph nodes and is accompanied by fever and weight loss. There are about 16 sub-types which do not fall under the conditions described by Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These sub-types are grouped according to aggressiveness which basically means the cancer cells are fast-growing. NHL lymphomas include chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), Burkitt lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and immunoblastic large cell lymphoma.
Treatment is either radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The age, sex and stage of the cancer’s development plays a role in determining the kind of treatment patients will undergo. Early detection is crucial. Most of the patients do survive the treatment especially if they have been diagnosed during the early stages of the lymphoma.
Some of the more common symptoms of lymphomas include painless swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, underarm, or groin. People with lymphomas also might experience fever, tiredness, weight loss, itchiness, red patches on the skin, nausea, vomiting and sometimes abdominal pain.
Those with low-grade lymphomas will encounter a very slow growth of the cancer cells and will experience very few of the symptoms. The problem with low-grade lymphomas is that even though they respond well to chemotherapy, they oftentimes return and is considered incurable unlike high-grade lymphomas. With the latter, treatment involves chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy.
Admittedly, the information above is not all that you need to know about lymphoma. There are more facts that you need to find out for yourself especially if you have been diagnosed with having lymphoma.
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