DIAGNOSING CANCER.

DIAGNOSING CANCER.

Many signs indicate the onset of cancer, among them, changes in the size, color, or shape of a wart or a mole; a sore that does not heal; or persistent cough, hoarseness, or sore throat. Many other diseases can produce similar symptoms, however, and for this reason it is important for a person to visit a doctor for regular checkups and diagnosis. Usually, diagnosis calls for fairly routine physical examination, though in the case of cancers of the reproductive organs, “routine” can still be plenty invasive.

Doctors examining women for cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina must palpate the internal organs—that is, examine them by touch. For males, inspection of the rectum and the prostate is included in the physical examination. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and rotates it slowly to feel for any growths, tumors, or other abnormalities. The doctor also palpates the testicles to identify any lumps, thickening, or differences in the size, weight, or firmness. Such examinations, as well as diagnoses for certain other types of cancer in private parts (namely, colon cancer), can be less than pleasant, but they are certainly preferable to an early and painful death.

If the patient has an abnormality that could be indicative of cancer, the doctor may order diagnostic tests. These tests may include laboratory studies of sputum or saliva, blood, urine, and stool (feces). To locate tumors, such imaging tests
as computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, or fiber-optic scope examinations may be used. The most definitive diagnostic test, however, is the biopsy, in which a piece of tissue is surgically removed for examination under a microscope.

Besides confirming whether a patient has cancer, the biopsy also provides information about the type of cancer, the stage it has reached, the aggressiveness
of the cancer, and the extent of its spread.


Screening examinations, conducted regularly by health care professionals, can result in the detection of cancers at an early stage. In addition, advances in molecular biology (an area of biology concerned with the physical and chemical
basis of living matter) and cancer genetics have led to the development of several tests for assessing one’s risk of developing cancers. These new techniques include genetic testing, in which molecular probes are used to identify mutations in certain genes that have been linked to particular cancers. At present, however, there are limitations to genetic testing, a fact that emphasizes the need for better strategies of early detection.

CANCER ! :-(

Cancer

(for schematic representation of cells: click here

Although we are accustomed to hearing of “cancer” as though it were one disease, it is actually many diseases, close to 100 in number. Some of the most common varieties include skin, lung, and colon cancer, as well as breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Blood and lymph node cancers, known as leukemias and lymphomas, respectively, are widespread, whereas cancer of the kidneys, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, bladder, and rectum are included among the cancers that most often affect Americans. As this listing suggests, most cancers attack either body parts or systems and therefore are often classified anatomically or topographically; yet several characteristics unite these conditions. Cancer strikes the genes, which are carriers of genetic information that make up part of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a molecule that appears in all cells. By gaining control at this level, the cancer is like a terrorist who has established a grip on all the communication or transportation systems in a country.


Many genes produce proteins that play a part in controlling the processes of cell growth and division. An alteration, or mutation, to the DNA molecule can disrupt the genes and produce faulty proteins, causing the cells to become abnormal and multiply. The abnormal cell begins to divide uncontrollably and eventually forms a new growth, known as a tumor, or neoplasm. In a healthy person, the immune system can recognize the neoplastic cells and destroy them before they have a chance to divide. Some mutant cells may escape immune detection, however, and survive to become tumors or cancers. (The immune system is discussed in Immunity and Immunology.)

Tumors can be either benign or malignant.A benign tumor is slow growing, does not spread or invade surrounding tissue, and, once removed, usually does not recur. A malignant tumor, on the other hand, invades surrounding tissue and spreads to other parts of the body. Therefore, even if the malignant tumor is removed, if the cancer cells have spread to the surrounding tissues, cancer will return. If the cancer cells are allowed to keep growing in number, migrating from the site of origin and spreading throughout the body, they eventually will kill the patient. Environmental factors that are responsible for the initial mutation in DNA are called carcinogens, and there are many types, which we discuss shortly. Additionally, some cancers have a genetic basis: in other words, a person can inherit faulty DNA from his or her parents, which can predispose the patient to cancer of one kind or another. While there is scientific evidence that both factors (environmental and genetic) play a role, less than 10% of all cancers are purely hereditary.

There are several different types of cancers. In addition to leukemias and lymphomas, mentioned earlier, there are carcinomas, or cancers that arise in the epithelium (the layers of cells covering the body’s surface and lining the internal organs and various glands). These types alone account for about 90% of all cancers. Some forms of skin cancer are melanomas, which typically originate in the pigment cells. Other forms of cancer include sarcomas (cancers of the supporting tissues of the body, e.g., bone, muscle, and blood vessels), and gliomas, or cancers of the nerve tissue.


Know how normal cells transform int ocancer cells : go here

Plastic A Potential threat?

n

Facts ; To just remind, as we all know

• nOnce thrown, it takes some time, roughly just around 30 human generation may witness; or may be more than that (around 1000 years).

• nIf burnt, produces toxic gases nPlastic covers, as well as material kept inside, puts serious threat for water pollution.
  

• nPlastic has become an integral part of our daily life, take for instance the plastic (polythene) bags, Plastic bags have made our life so easy and comfortable

• nBe it vegetable or grocery shopping, or purchase of other items such as books or clothing, everything comes in plastic bags.

• n They are light weight, reusable, water proof and very convenient to carry things, Their usage has increased tremendously in recent years.

• nThese plastic bags cannot be digested or passed by the cows or other animals that eat them, so they stay in their stomachs.

• n This can prevent proper digestion of food and can lead to a very slow and painful death of poor animals

• nPlastic bag litter also affects the marine environment (lakes, rivers, oceans) Many whales, seals and turtles, as well as birds are killed due to plastic bag litter

What we throw comes in our own way?

• nIt’s not a religious statement alone!!! Mother nature can not digest this man made plastic “CREATURE”, it is kept safe for generations.

• nIt’s kind of gift saved for our generation.

• nWater pollution, packed material inside the cover can cause more severe threat to environment, and ultimately humans.

What about recycling it?

• nRecycling of plastic is a remedy. Plastic bags can be recycled but it is a difficult and costly affair.

• nSo they are usually thrown in landfill sites. These plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade, breaking down into very small toxic particles that contaminate the soil as well as the water channels entering the food chain and posing a health hazard to man and animals.

• nIt is estimated that globally, a million plastic bags are consumed every minute. India is a major contributor to this staggering statistic. This is a disaster already in the making. Why? Unfortunately, the list is long – but here is a flavour:

1. nChoked Drains : Light poly-bags settle in drains. They cause backflow and water logging. Poly-bag induced water logging triggers off landslides in the mountains
2. Soil Degradation : Poly-bags are non-porous and non-biodegradable. They obstruct free flow of water and air, choking the soil and suffocating plant roots. Toxic chemical additives cause soil quality degradation.
3. nAnimal Deaths : Cows eat poly-bags and die. National Geographic estimates that over 100,000 marine animal deaths per year are directly related to ingestion of plastic bags
4. nFood Hazards : Most plastics today come from petrochemicals. Laboratory studies show that some of these chemicals are linked to cancer and kidney damage and may interfere with the reproductive system.
5. nMosquito Breeding : Stray poly-bags act as receptacles of water, sufficient enough for mosquito breeding.
6. nPolluting Industry : Manufacture of poly-bags, mainly in small moulding shops, with no environmental standards involve hazardous materials and emit obnoxious gases posing serious problems for workers and the environment.
7. nDisposal Hazards : If disposed through landfills, poly-bags continue to pollute soil for many years. If burnt they emit hazardous gases that pollute the air.

n

Earth!!! But What about oceans??

• nIf I told you the world’s largest garbage dump was almost twice the size of continental United States would you believe me?

• nThe Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the collective name for two gigantic masses of garbage floating in the Pacific Ocean

• nThe two masses are known as the Western Pacific Garbage Patch and the Eastern Pacific Garbage Patch.

• nThe Great Pacific Garbage Patch was discovered in 1997 by Charles Moore, an American oceanographer. He came across it by chance while taking a short cut home from a Los Angeles to Hawaii yacht race. After steering into the North Pacific gyre, he found himself surrounded by garbage. Not just a little bit of garbage, but a virtual continent of garbage. All day, every day, for about a week, his vessel sailed through a sea of garbage.

n
Following this alarming discovery, Moore sold his oil business and became an environmental activist.

What we can do? This is a global issue!!!

• nCertainly it is global issue and agencies are involved worldwide.

• nWe can contribute by tiny things. As Ocean is nothing but collection of drops.

• nGoing for shopping, always carry bag.

• nWe can target from vegetable shopping.

• nEven purchasing from vegetable malls, after shopping, return their plastic bags, so it can be used by others

• nDo it proudly, others also will see you, and follow you. After all we all are humans.

• nIt goes well with the other grocery items.

• nWhen throwing the garbage, do not put the bio-degradable things inside plastic bags. As it will not degrade, moreover pollute and can cause death of some animal by consuming plastic.

• nKeep the garbage in bucket or paper bags and directly throw to garbage collector

• nSpread awareness in your family, educate children, so they should not make mistakes unknowingly.

• nJust count, how many plastic covers we dump daily. Make target to reduce it daily.

• nEven if you are not able to reach zero plastic bag, throw them consciously.

• nSay proudly, I am the eco-friendly human, will try to leave greener world to coming generation

Always remember it’s the intention, which makes the difference…

“Spread this awareness every where..”

For beauty and good health blueberries are must

Blueberries

For beauty and good eating for years to come, plant a few blueberry bushes this spring. Blueberries are easy-to-care-for, multiple-use plants which have a place in almost any-sized yard. They are attractive, well-behaved shrubs which are rarely bothered by insects or diseases. In the spring, they are covered with white, bell-shaped flowers. Between June and September, depending on variety, mature plants produce lots of delicious berries. Then in the fall, the leaves turn a sensuous scarlet. Blueberry bushes are widely available in local nurseries and are frequently planted solely for their landscape rather than for their food value. Blueberries grow wild over the eastern United States. In Connecticut, we've found the low-bush type growing prolifically at the Branford shore and in New Haven's West Rock State Park. They also do well high in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and in most of Maine. Our farm has many wild high-bush blueberries. All of these plants are loaded with small, flavorful berries. We also have several plantings of the large-berried, cultivated varieties which breeders have developed fairly recently from native types.


Blueberries are important food for wildlife, especially bluebirds, grouse, scarlet tanagers, deer, bears and chipmunks. They were widely used by Native Americans who dried large quantities for the winter. These were powdered to make "Sautauthig," a pudding with cornmeal, honey and water, and were used as a seasoning for smoked meats and stews. The natives were onto a good thing. Besides their wonderful flavor, blueberries have been found to have the highest antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants help prevent cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging. One-half cup of blueberries provides as much antioxidant power as five servings of broccoli, peas or apples. If you are primarily interested in the beauty of the plants and in supporting your local bird population, variety is not important. If you are interested in harvesting a crop of berries for fresh eating and for making jams, pies, muffins and pancakes, you have a wide choice of varieties with different ripening dates, flavors and sizes. With careful selection, it is possible to pick fresh blueberries over a two-to-four-month period. In any case, plant several varieties to ensure good pollination. If you are interested in eating the berries, you need to protect them while they are ripening. Birds have more time to check on the progress of the berries than we do and will eat many or most of them unless the plants are covered. This can be as simple as a net thrown over each individual bush, or it can be a more elaborate cage affair over many plants.

One workable arrangement has five blueberry bushes as a foundation planting on the south side of the house. During fruiting season, the posts of a decorative rail fence in front of the bushes support lightweight pipes which hold up netting, also attached to the house, in a way which allows the picker inside. These five bushes will provide all the blueberries a family could want for fresh eating, drying and freezing. To enjoy delicious blueberries all year, pack freshly-picked berries in plastic freezer containers.


Later, they can be added to muffin, cake or pancake batters straight from the freezer without defrosting. Blueberries require acid soil, which is what we have mostly everywhere in Connecticut. They need plenty of sunshine for plentiful yields. Blueberries have shallow roots and appreciate a steady supply of moisture. This means they should be planted with lots of organic matter and compost in the root zone. Blueberries are also helped by a mulch of wood chips, sawdust, oak leaves or shredded bark, which help keep the soil acid. Plant them about six-to-eight-feet apart. They will bear a full crop after six to eight years, and with care, can produce berries for decades.


Plant some blueberry bushes this spring for years of delicious, healthy eating.

Eat beans and live healthy

Beans

Health researchers have determined that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables leads to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Nutritionists at the National Cancer Institute and other health professionals recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Snap beans are a fair source of Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and potassium. Beans should be light yellow in color or green; firm and crisp in texture; and smooth with no evidence of seeds bulging. Avoid beans with flabby, tough pods and bulging seeds. Boiling or steaming fresh beans in water kills many food-borne, illness-causing organisms that may be present. This is a viable option for individuals who are especially susceptible to these organisms (immune compromised persons and young children) to reduce their potential risk.


Storage: Store unwashed in perforated plastic bags in the warmer part of the refrigerator. They will keep up to a week. Wash beans with large amounts of cold tap water. Double washing is recommended. After the initial washing, transfer the beans to a colander in order to offer a secondary washing to remove any remaining potential soil that may have stuck to the beans as it was removed from the initial wash. Do not use soap because beans and other vegetables are porous and can absorb detergent ingredients.


Food safety tip: The level of acid in green beans is very low. Keep in mind when canning greenbeans, a pressure canner is a must. A boiling water bath for processing does not get hot enough to kill bacteria. By not heating the beans enough, you create an atmosphere that is just right for botulism.

Rickets

Rickets

A bone abnormality of childhood. The term refers to a group of disorders in which there is a defect in the mineralization of bone matrix or osteoid. In adults, the disorder is referred to as OSTEOMALACIA, as the defect occurs only in the matrix and the growth plates have already sealed. In children, the disorder is referred to as rickets because the mineralization abnormality is located at the growth plate. Rickets is often classified as calcium- or phosphate-deficient rickets.

The major skeletal problems are seen at sites in the body where there is rapid bone growth, such as in the forearm, knee, and the costochondral junctions. Thus, the child with rickets may have bone abnormalities, such as a bowing of the legs and the wrists. Abnormalities may also be seen at the ends of ribs, such as a beading known as rachitic rosary.

Rickets can cause growth abnormalities as well as be associated with abnormalities of nerve and muscle function, depending on the cause. Children with severe metabolic abnormalities have bone pain, sweat excessively, and are more prone to developing infections.


Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets

Type 1 and type 2 rickets are caused by rare congenital errors of vitamin D metabolism. With type 1 rickets, there is a defect in the enzyme in the kidney
that coverts vitamin D stores to its most active form. Children with type 1 rickets typically have symptoms in their first two years of life. Calcium and 2,5-dihydroxyvitamin D levels are low, while, parathyroid hormone levels are elevated. Large doses of vitamin D preparations are used to treat this condition.
In children with type 2 rickets, the children are resistant to the effects of vitamin D. Their vitamin D blood levels are normal or elevated. This disorder is usually diagnosed in children before they reach age two. Rarely, this condition has been diagnosed in adults. Very large doses of vitamin D are needed by patients to correct their low calcium levels and to lead to normal bone mineralization.


Hypophosphatemic Rickets

Another form of rickets is hypophosphatemic rickets.
This disorder causes an abnormal reabsorption of phosphorus from the kidneys. Typically, male children are affected. They present with growth problems, low blood phosphorus levels, and lowerleg abnormalities. The abnormal gene that causes this disorder has been named PHEX. There have been rare reports of females with a mild form of this disorder. Growth hormone has been effectively
used with patients to improve growth, although these children are not growth hormone deficient.

Radioactive iodine

Radioactive iodine

A substance used for both diagnostic purposes and therapeutic reasons in suspected or known cases of thyroid disease. The iodine isotopes I-123, I-125, and I-131 can all be used for radioactive iodine uptake studies and scans of the thyroid gland. Typically I-123 is chosen, although technetium pertechnetate is also often used as it is less expensive and more readily available. For uptake purposes, only an iodine isotope can be used.


Radioactive iodine is given orally. It is absorbed from the gut and then trapped by the thyroid
gland. The more active the thyroid is, the more iodine trapped in the gland. Thus, a radioisotope
uptake scan will provide an excellent measure of the physiological activity of the thyroid.

The patient is brought into the nuclear medicine department, and the amount of radioactive activity taken up by the thyroid is counted and reported as a percentage. The typical normal range in the United States is from 15–30 percent. With GRAVES’ DISEASE, the percentages usually range from 40–100 percent. In THYROIDITIS, however, the percentage is usually very low, in the 0–5 percent range.

The amount of iodine that is trapped by the thyroid depends on the diet and the amount of iodine available in the food supply, and it also varies greatly around the world; however, it is fairly consistent throughout the world.

Technetium is more often used to scan the thyroid gland or, in essence, to obtain a picture of the
thyroid. It can also help to determine if a palpable abnormality is a nodule; whether the activity in the thyroid gland is homogenous or heterogeneous; if there is other active thyroid tissue around the thyroid gland or elsewhere; and whether functional and/or nonfunctional hot nodules are present.

Nodules that take up iodine or technetium are known as hot nodules and are rarely malignant.
Nonfunctional or cold nodules may have a 5–15 percent risk of malignancy.

Effects of Radioactive Iodine
The major, long-term effect of radioactive therapy is HYPOTHYROIDISM that necessitates the use of lifelong thyroid hormone therapy. Concern has been raised that the use of radioactive iodine therapy may lead to an exacerbation of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (bulging eyes), although most endocrinologists do not feel this is a significant problem.

When there is concern about the possible worsening of these EYE PROBLEMS, patients are often pretreated with a glucocorticoid medication, such as prednisone, to help minimize the impact.

What is cow? What is cow-urine?

What is cow? What is cow-urine?

From vedic reference:
In a calm voice a cow Nandini says to King Dilip "Na kevalam payasa prasutim - ve hi man kam dugham prasannam"
Trans : "Whenever I am pleased and happy I can fulfill all desires. Don't consider me to be just milk supplier"Cow is abode of gods. She is Kamdhenu (desire fulfiller) personified. She is receiver of the auspicious rays from all heavenly constellations. Thus it contains influences of all constellations.

Wherever there is a cow, there is influence of all heavenly constellations, blessings of all gods are there. Cow is the only divine living being that has a surya ketu nadi (vein connected to sun) passing through her backbone. Therefore the cow's milk, butter and ghee has golden hue. This is
because Surya ketu Vein, on interaction with solar rays produces gold salts in her blood. These salts are present in the cow's milk and cow's other bodily fluids.


What is cow urine?

In cow blood there is pran shakti (Life Force). Cow urine is cow's blood that is filtered by kidney.
Kidneys filter blood. Whatever elements are present in blood are present in cow urine also.

Tips For Healthy Skin

The following tips will help maintain healthier skin:

• Bathing – Adjust the water temperature when
showering or bathing so it is warm, rather than hot.
Mild bar or liquid soaps, with built-in moisturizers,
should be used when possible. Excessive bathing can
lead to dry skin. In the winter, unless physical exercise
has led to sweating, older adults can bathe every
second or third day. It is important to shower after
swimming in a chlorinated pool.

• Moisturizers – Apply skin lotion to the entire body
after toweling off. Inexpensive, basic moisturizing
lotions generally are as effective as more expensive
ones. Gentle, fragrance-free lotions are available for
sensitive skin.


• Fluids – Make certain to drink plenty of water daily.

• Sun Protection – Many skin problems are the result of
sun damage. Always wear a sunscreen with a Sun
Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 when going
outdoors. Consider looking for a body lotion with a
built-in sunscreen. Always wear a wide-brimmed hat
and sunglasses when outdoors.

• Moisture in the Home – Air in a home can become
especially dry in the winter months when furnaces are
running and humidity outdoors is generally low.
Running a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the
home.

•Warning Signs – Make an appointment with a family
physician if skin is excessively dry, flaky and itchy.
Also talk to a doctor about moles that change in
appearance, skin infections or rashes, skin growths or
changes in skin color.

atherosclerosis/arteriosclerosis

Atherosclerosis/arteriosclerosis

A complex pathological condition in which the body reshapes and also damages the surface of the blood vessels as a direct consequence of various interactive metabolic processes that involve lipids (fats), white blood cells, antibodies, platelets, and other hormones and proteins. The current theory about what causes atherosclerosis is that most atherosclerosis is a product of an inflammation of the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels that comes into direct contact with circulating blood). This inflammatory process is ongoing and may progress and regress, depending upon the local conditions to which the endothelium is exposed. If the damaging process to the vessel continues, the blood vessel may become occluded (blocked).


However, more frequently, plaque accumulates from within the endothelium and finally ruptures into the lumen of the blood vessel, exposing lipids and other proteins directly into the bloodstream. This sets off a massive cascade of events that perpetuates the problem locally. The body harnesses the white blood cells, proteins, hormones, interleukins (hormones made by the white blood cells),
and the platelets, ultimately creating an occlusive blood clot (thrombus).
This clot results in even more blocking of blood flow and also prevents sufficient oxygen from reaching the affected organ. Depending on the severity of the blood flow blockage, atherosclerosis may lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other serious
medical problems. Experts now know that most myocardial infarctions
(heart attacks) occur in blood vessels that are only initially less than 50 percent blocked but, because of less stable caps on the vessel’s lining, are much more likely to rupture. In contrast, vessels that have not yet ruptured but have progressed to 80–99 percent occlusion have thick, fibrous coverings which, although they limit blood flow, are much less likely to rupture and lead to a complete occlusion. In addition, as the condition has typically progressed slowly, the tissue that is endangered has often had sufficient time to develop collateral
blood vessels upon which to rely. These are vessels that have bypassed the diseased area and, thus, help the organ—and the patient—to survive.


Risk Factors

Risk factors for atherosclerosis, include the following:
• High levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density
lipoproteins)
• Low levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density
lipoproteins)
• Obesity
• DIABETES MELLITUS
• Hypertension
• An age of 65 and older (the risk for atherosclerosis
increases with age)
• Lack of exercise
• Insulin resistance syndrome
• A family history of atherosclerosis

Anovulation

Anovulation

The failure to release an egg in the ovulation process, which then leads to INFERTILITY.
Women with regular menstrual cycles typically have predictable times of ovulation. Those women with AMENORRHEA (failure to menstruate) usually have complete anovulation and, thus, do not ovulate at all. Women with irregular cycles (oligomenorrhea) have an erratic pattern of ovulation. Anovulation has many different etiologies (causes).

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) is often a cause of anovulation. Patients with PCOS often have insulin resistance syndrome (IRS). In addition to IRS, LUTEINIZING HORMONE secretions are often abnormal.


The combination leads to hyperandrogenism, the likely underlying cause of the anovulation. Other causes of anovulation are HYPOTHYROIDISM and MENOPAUSE. The physician should screen the patient for thyroid dysfunction before attempting any direct treatment for anovulation.


Said Brinda N. Kalro, M.D., in a 2003 article in Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics, “With the availability of ovulation-inducing agents, there is a possibility that thyroid disorders may be overlooked in women presenting with menstrual irregularities and anovulation. Pregnancy in women with overt thyroid disease is uncommon, but when it does occur, it can be fraught with complications and have grave consequences. Therefore, evaluation of the thyroid axis in women presenting with thyroid problems is imperative.”


Successful diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease may resolve a woman’s anovulation. If the cause cannot be determined, sometimes ovulation can be stimulated with fertility drugs. These drugs should be administered and monitored by a physician who is experienced in treating women with infertility.

adrenal cortical cancer

Adrenal cortical cancer

A malignant tumor of the cortex of the adrenal gland, also known as an adrenocortical carcinoma or adrenal cancer. Only about one or two people in a million develop this very rare form of cancer. When it occurs, it is usually found among adults who are in their 40s or 50s, although adrenal cortical cancer also can be seen in children under the age of five years. It more commonly occurs in females. Sometimes adrenal cortical cancer is found among patients diagnosed
with MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA, type 1 (MEN 1). A tumor found in the adrenal medulla or in an area other than the adrenal cortex is known as a
PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA. Some tumors actively secrete hormones, while
others do not. Different studies have shown variable percentages of patients with actively secreting tumors. Patients with actively secreting hormones are discovered upon a physical evaluation of the patient, who typically presents with signs and symptoms of CUSHING’S SYNDROME or virilization (male symptoms in females). This includes hair where it is not typically seen in females, such as on
the chest, face, and so forth.

In the case of patients who have a nonsecreting tumor, the tumor is usually identified because of symptoms caused by its large size. In other cases, the tumor is found serendipitously when the patient has had an imaging study for an unrelated issue. An inactive tumor is more commonly seen in older patients. This type often progresses at a faster rate than those that are hormonally active.
An adrenocortical tumor is usually curable only when it is identified in an early stage, when the tumor is still confined to the adrenal gland. At this point, that particular adrenal gland can be surgically removed. Patients can then live a normal life, with the other adrenal gland taking over full duty to make the appropriate levels of hormones needed by the body. However, discovering this tumor at an early stage is not common. In fact, an early tumor, if discovered, is usually found accidentally.

By the time adrenal cortical cancer is usually identified, it has often metastasized (spread to other organs), typically to the lung, liver, lymph nodes, and bones.

endocrine glands

Endocrine glands

Ductless glands in the endocrine system that secrete hormones needed for normal functioning as well as for the sustaining of life. These glands work via hormones that are typically secreted into the bloodstream and travel to other organs to have their effects. If the hormones act upon nearby cells, even upon other cells within
the same gland, they display the paracrine effect.


The endocrine glands are the following: the adrenal glands, hypothalamus, ovaries, pancreas, parathyroid glands, pineal gland, pituitary gland, testes, thyroid gland, and the thymus. As researchers learn more and more about the human body, all organs in the body can clearly act as endocrine glands, which is to say, they secrete hormones.

For instance, the gastrointestinal tract is now known to synthesize and secrete over 40 hormones, many of whose function and operation are still unknown. The heart makes a hormone called atrial natriuretic factor or peptide that is involved
in the body’s salt and water balance.

Osteoporosis and Seniors

Osteoporosis and Seniors

Middle-aged and younger people may develop OSTEOPOROSIS. However, it is the most dangerous when present among elderly individuals because of the increased risk for bone fractures. In addition, the rate of hospitalization for vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis increases dramatically with age. For example, among people between the ages of 65–74 in the United States, 6.7 people per 1,000 are hospitalized because of an osteoporotic vertebral fracture. This rate nearly quadruple for people age 75–84, to a rate of 26 people per 1,000. The rate of hospitalization for vertebral fractures rises still higher for people ages 85 and older, with a rate of 39 people per 1,000.



Many people believe that only older women are at risk for osteoporosis. However, older men are at risk as well. In some studies, such as the Rotterdam Study, bone loss in men ages 70–75 was actually worse than the bone loss found among same-aged women.

Some experts believe that bone loss is linked to declining levels of growth hormone among elderly individuals, but studies to date have not borne out this hypothesis. Further studies are needed to determine if administering growth hormone could improve bone density levels in older individuals.

However, studies on providing another substance, vitamin D, to elderly individuals who were deficient in vitamin D have demonstrated that bone density can improve with this supplementation. In one study, femoral bone density increased 2–7 percent over 18 months in elderly women given vitamin D, while it declined 4–6 percent in the group that received the placebo.

Osteoporosis is considered primary osteoporosis if no illness or cause can be found for it. It is usually reated with medications such as alendronate (Fosamax) to build up the bones. Other drugs that are prescribed for osteoporosis are risedronate (Actonel), raloxifene (Evista), and calcitonin (Miacalcin).

Osteoporosis is considered to be secondary if other factors have caused this medical problem. Many older people have secondary osteoporosis that
was originally caused by hypogonadism, THYROTOXICOSIS, and HYPERPARATHYROIDISM. Some medications, such as GLUCOCORTICOIDS and anticonvulsants, can also cause secondary osteoporosis. Some lifestyle
choices, such as alcohol abuse and smoking, can induce secondary osteoporosis as well. With secondary osteoporosis, a variety of treatment
recommendations can be made based on the underlying cause of the osteoporosis. For example, people who smoke should immediately stop smoking.


Endocrine diseases and disorders such as hypogonadism, thyrotoxicosis, and hyperparathyroidism can and should be treated. If medications are inducing secondary osteoporosis, physicians may change the drug or lower the dose. For example, if glucocorticoid drugs have caused secondary osteoporosis, physicians may decide to prescribe thiazide diuretics to correct this problem.

Never be depressed for you now know why

Depression

Clinically abnormal condition of low mood state with the inability to enjoy life and function at optimal levels. Depression may be caused by events in a person’s life, or it may be triggered by an endocrine disorder or other illness. In some cases, depression is misdiagnosed when the underlying problem is actually an endocrine disease, such as HYPOTHYROIDISM or CUSHING’S SYNDROME, and the patient is not truly clinically depressed. It is also true that patients may have an endocrine disorder as well as depression.

Most physicians consider depression highly treatable, and many patients respond very well to antidepressant medications. Most of the modern selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have response rates in the 80 percent range. Many different types of antidepressants are available.

Consequently, even if the first medication does not work, another medication may be efficacious.

Patients may also need to receive short-term therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in which the therapist teaches the patient how to identify and challenge irrational beliefs that are self-defeating and destructive.

Mother's first contribution to the intellectual child

Breast-feeding

Providing nutrition to newborns, older infants, and sometimes toddlers through milk produced by a woman’s breasts. Breast-feeding is also known as lactation. Breast-feeding is strongly encouraged as a positive and nutritious way to feed a baby.


Some studies have indicated that women with HYPOCALCEMIA (below-normal levels of calcium in their blood) may actually show improvement in this condition during pregnancy and lactation, largely because of the production of PROLACTIN, a hormone linked to pregnancy, childbirth, and breast-feeding. Some women who were hypocalcemic may even become temporarily hypercalcemic while breast-feeding, as may some women with previously normal calcium blood levels.

A very small number of women, however, such as women with DIABETES MELLITUS who have proliferative retinopathy (an eye disease that may cause blindness), should consider refraining from breastbreast-their babies. The act of breast-feeding can worsen their retinopathy. Physicians have also discouraged breast-feeding among women being treated
for hyperthyroidism, although this view is moderating. A recent report in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, which studied 51 infants who were nursed by mothers taking methimazole (Tapazole), an antithyroid drug, revealed that the babies had normal THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) levels as well as other normal thyroid levels.

The children’s intellectual development, at 48 and 74 months, was normal as well.

Be aware of bone related diseases

Bone diseases

Illnesses that cause an underproduction of bone mass, such as osteoporosis, an overproduction of bone, such as PAGET’S DISEASE and ACROMEGALY, or abnormal bone, seen to varying extents in OSTEOPOROSIS, fibrous dysplasia, and Paget’s disease. Disorders of bone may be induced by nonendocrine causes, such as cancer, infection, vitamin deficiency, disorders of cartilage production, and genetic defects.



Bone density can be measured using a variety of techniques, most commonly with the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DEXA SCAN). Bone biopsies are helpful in some cases. Blood and urine tests can help to determine the activities of the major cells within the bone, namely, the osteoclasts, which help to break down the bone, and the osteoblasts, which help to create the new bone.

WEAVING AND BONDING HAIR

WEAVING AND BONDING HAIR

Both weaving and bonding are procedures which use hair pieces to cover bald patches.

The hair piece is made of three basic parts.

Part one: is a synthetic base which is made of material that blends into the skin as far as possible ,
Part two: is the artificial hair, which can be human or synthetic hair, and isplanted into the synthetic base,
Part three: is the tape or clips which attach the hair piece to the scalp.

When the attachments is done with tapes, it is known as weaving and when done using clips, it is known as bonding.

ADVANTAGES: In the last stages of baldness where even hair transplanttation doesen't work, weavingand bondig are more effective and sometimes the only choice of treatments. Unlike hair transplant there is no medication involved and so there is no danfer of any side effects. However, there are certain factors to consider before doing these procedures.


Factors to be kept in mind for weaving and bonding:

The main factor to consider is the hair line stability.
Since the hair piece is attached along the hairline, it should b done only after the hair line is first made stable. If's it's done without stabilizing the hair line, a gap begins to appear between the hair piece and the natural hair after sometime . If this happens the hair pice and the natural hair after sometime. If this happens the hair piece is rendered useless and the entire procedure has to be repeated.

Weight loss drugs may harm growing brain

Weight loss drugs may harm growing brain

A drug from new clas of weight loss treatments disrupted wiring needed for brain development in young mice, American researchers raising concern about using such medications i nchildren.


At he MIT studied the effects of a chemical tha supresses appetite by blocking cannabinnoid receptors in the braingn, the same brain mechanisms that make people hungry when they smoke marijauna.

Docs warn of skin lightening creams

Docs warn of skin lightening creams:

British doctors have issued a warnig about illegal skin lightening creams after a case in which a women fell sick from using a product laced with a powerful steroid.

The woman was extremely obese, had thin, bruised, stripy skin and suffered from muscle weakness.

She had been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for the previous 18 months even
though she had regular periods.

The creams she used contained the steroid clobetasol, a powerful corticosteroid usually used against psoriasis and eczema.

Pepper may help cure skin conditions

Pepper may help cure skin conditions:

Black pepper could lead to better treatments for a disfiguring skin condition that affects about 1% of the world's population.


A team at king's college showed in a dtudy of mice that piperine the compound that gives black pepper it's spicy pungent flavour and it's synthetic derivatives stimulated pigmentation in the skin of people with vitiligo.

A miracle remedy

A miracle remedy

If we offered you a miracle remedy that prevents cardiac disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and varicose veins, would you buy it?

Certainly you would.

There is such a product. But it is not a recent discovery and you won’t find it in a pharmacy but at the grocery store. We are talking about fiber.

A study conducted in Holland on 871 men, over a period of ten years, showed that subjects who had a low fiber diet were three times more susceptible to mortal disease - causes notwithstanding - than those who ate a lot of fiber (Future Youth).

This said, it cannot be confirmed at present that fiber prevents the above mentioned diseases in all cases. But there is conclusive proof that they occur more frequently in populations with low fiber diets which is precisely the case in the west.

According to The Lancet (the British Medical Journal) a diet which contains at least 37 grams of fiber per day (the equivalent of one cup of bran, one apple, one potato and a half cup of cooked spinach) can effectively protect the organism against chronic illnesses common to western society.

So fiber is useful in combatting many disorders besides constipation.

Reducing your cholesterol

Reducing your cholesterol

To reduce cholesterol:
· First cut down on saturated fats. To do this:
· Eat lean meat. Select lean cuts and ask your butcher to cut off
the fat.
· Drink skim milk instead of whole milk.

Do the same for all dairy products.

Note that vegetarians have a much lower cholesterol level (almost twice as low as average) which is perfectly understandable, since cholesterol is only found in products derived from animals.

· Alcohol - in moderation. Not more than two glasses a day.

However, it does appear that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol raises the number of HDL lipids (the good ones!), which break down cholesterol. (Moderation = two 4 oz. glasses of wine or two 12 oz. beers.)

· Do regular exercise, for example walking.

· Take Vitamin E. It reduces the risk of coronary disease.

· Calcium brewer’s yeast, Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6 also combat the accumulation of cholesterol. And don’t forget lecithin, which helps fight excess cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, hypertension.

Digest better

There is a plant for each type of digestion problem.

· AIGREMOINE is useful when the stomach problem is accompanied by enteritis, diarrhea and/or chronic liver infection. It helps tone a lazy digestive system. And it also helps regularize acidity and soothe ulcers by improving metabolism.

3 or 4 cups a day. 3 1/2 to 4 tablespoons per quart of water.

· ANGELICA is a digestive, an aperitif, a stimulant, a tonic. It decongests and soothes stomach pains and swelling.

Prepare an infusion (tea) preferably using the fresh plant: 3 1/2 tablespoons of roots per quart of water. If your stomach is very swollen, prepare and drink 3 cups per day made of 5 tablespoons of seeds per quart of water.

· ANISE is a soothing digestive. It aids digestion and the elimination of intestinal gas, it soothes stomach cramps, aerophagy, dyspepsia (contractions of the digestive organs, dizziness and a heavy feeling after eating).

2 or 3 cups per day, after meals: 2 tablespoons of seeds per quart of water.

· CAMOMILE: a digestive, sedative, anti-inflammation agent and tonic. It helps painful or difficult digestion, stomach cramps, gastro-intestinal spasms, loss of appetite, and it helps expulsion of gas

Stop catching colds

Stop catching colds

As much as possible, avoid coming into close contact with infected persons, especially if they cough or sneeze.

A person with a cold is extremely contagious: he or she fills the air with fine particles of saliva or mucous which transport the virus microbe. Even if the person is careful to wipe his nose with tissue or a handkerchief, the microbes will be transported to his hands.

And studies have shown that these viruses are transmitted through hand contact. So if you have to shake hands with someone who has a cold, you would better wash soon after!


What can you do if you do catch a cold?

It is useless to take antibiotics: they have no effect on viruses.
However, there are certain substances found in alcohol which help decongestant sinuses, that is why a good hot toddy can work wonders.

But take care of your liver: a toddy is just as good with a little rum as with a lot.

You don’t have to get drunk to get better. You don’t even have to drink it - just sniff some strong alcohol like cognac or brandy and breathe in the fumes.

Use heat to cure

Use heat to cure

Everyone has heard about how good a sauna feels, and of the relaxing effect of a steam bath which bathes you in hot vapor.

But there are other heat treatments which are equally beneficial.

Heat relaxes the muscles and ligaments. When applied locally, for example, with hot towels, it can ease muscle spasms. It can also reduce arthritic pain. Heat dilates the blood vessels, which in turn activates circulation.

Applied to a wound, it can prevent infection by helping white blood corpuscles and fresh oxygen surround the area more quickly.

How to combat fatigue

How to combat fatigue

First make sure you are sleeping enough.If its o.k, check

Is your nutrition sufficient?

In general women need at least 1200 calories per day and men 1500.

Avoid monotony: a varied diet will be more likely to provide the nutritive elements you need to conserve your energy.

The sensation of fatigue may be stress-related, especially when you experience emotional stress.



Do you feel tense at work or at home?

Lastly, don’t neglect physical exercise. Tired or not, get out in the fresh air every day. Walking is the minimum effort necessary for staying in shape.

Protect yourself against cancer

Protect yourself against cancer

Radical liberals are not a political group, but a kind of very active molecule that is suspected of being one of the causes of cancer.

How can you protect yourself?

Diet plays an important role here, especially in the absorption of anti-oxidants.

The strongest anti-oxidizing agent is Vitamin E, which is found in wheat germ oil and sunflower seeds.
Next comes Vitamin C (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, red peppers etc.).

Beta carotene also absorbs large amounts of radical liberals.

This substance seems to act as a protecting agent against most types of cancer.


Where do you find it?

In red vegetables (like tomatoes), orange ones (carrots), yellow (squash), and dark green (broccoli). All these are rich in beta carotene. So make them a regular part of your menu!

Prevent high blood pressure

Prevent high blood pressure

Research has shown that people whose diet is rich in potassium (vegetarians for example) are less likely than others to develop high blood pressure.

Calcium is also beneficial. Fortunately, potassium and calcium are abundantly present in a large variety of foods.

Fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, fowl and lean meats are full of potassium.

Calcium is a little more restricted. Foods rich in calcium usually also contain large amounts of sodium and fat, which can increase blood pressure.

However, moderate amounts of milk are recommended, as well as yogurt, almonds, bananas, grapes, broccoli, potatoes, beans, tofu and sardines.

Iron strong health

Iron strong health

Without iron, there would be no hemoglobin in the blood.

Hemoglobin gives red corpuscles their color. And it is the hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.

If you lack iron, an insufficient supply of oxygen in your hemoglobin will produce sensations of fatigue, headaches and shortness of breath.

Men don’t have to worry too much: most men have a reserve of iron stored in their body that could last 3 years !

But women, because of the menstrual cycle, need twice as much iron as men. And the amount is even higher for pregnant women. Vitamin C doubles the amount of iron the body absorbs: so it is a good idea too add a glass of tomato or orange or grapefruit juice to every meal.

On the other hand, tea reduces the amount of iron absorbed by 50% and coffee by about 39%.

Aging with a healthy body and mind

Aging with a healthy body and mind

Did you know that sexual activity can keep you looking good as you age? Studies conducted in Sweden have shown that elderly people who have sexual partners have much more vitality and a better memory than those who do not.

So don’t let your golden years deprive you of the pleasures of sex !

Just forget about the obsession of having to “perform” - the final result is less important than the stimulation itself.

How to put an end to heartburn

How to put an end to heartburn

Heartburn usually results from excess acidity in the stomach, or from improper functioning of your digestive system.

At the point where the esophagus and stomach join, a special muscle opens and closes the esophagus. When we swallow food this muscle relaxes to let the food pass into the stomach after which it closes again.

But it can happen that the muscle malfunctions. The contents of the stomach then rise back up the esophagus, irritating the area. And this results in the infamous feeling of heartburn.

How to stop it?

Avoid acidic foods (lemons, etc.), alcohol, fat or fried food, food that is overcooked, coffee, juice, tomato base products and chocolate. But don’t deprive yourself too much. Rather, observe which foods bring on heartburn and avoid them.

Also, don’t go to sleep right after eating (you should eat supper around 7 o’clock) and don’t smoke, especially after meals.

How to prevent Flatulence

How to prevent Flatulence (Aerophagy)

Aerophagy results simply from “eating” air. The condition is not dramatically serious, but it does bloat the stomach and can prove embarrassing (stomach gurgles, etc.)

How to prevent it?

Above all chew your food properly and savor it fully. Swallowing too much is a direct cause of aerophagy. So don’t swallow needlessly.

Don’t drink a lot when you eat. Avoid tobacco and alcohol, cabbage, radishes, doughy bread, strong spices and bubbly drinks.

Don’t eat food that is too hot or too cold.

And pay attention to the kinds of food you eat together: make a note of any combination that seems to provoke an attack and avoid it in future.

The anti-allergy vitamin

The anti-allergy vitamin

So much has been said in praise of Vitamin C. So it is not surprising that it is also effective in treating allergic reactions like hayfever.

We recommend taking Vitamin C in the form of ascorbate rather then ascorbic acid. When taken in ascorbic acid form, it can cause gastro-intestinal disorders.

To fight an allergic reaction, you should consume up to 8 grams.

5 grams are necessary, on average. Start with a dose of 3 grams.

Every three hours, take another 1 or 2 grams, until the symptoms disappear completely.

How to prevent motion sickness - naturally

How to prevent motion sickness - naturally

Did you know that half a teaspoon of ground ginger is more effective than chemical medication in suppressing motion or sea sickness? And unlike most medication, it will not make you drowsy.

Ginger has been used in the Orient for centuries to prevent sea sickness.

Researchers asked subjects who were especially susceptible to motion sickness to sit in a reclining chair that spun around at high speed. All the subjects who ingested a well known medication or who took a placebo experienced violent nausea and/or vomiting.

On the other hand, six of the twelve subjects who took ginger twenty minutes before the test experienced no discomfort. They consumed only 840 milligrams of ground ginger, which is the equivalent of half a teaspoon.

The Japanese have a very curious method of treating all kinds of motion sickness. They use an adhesive plaster to fasten an “umeboshi” (a very salty fermented plum, available in most health food stores in the West) to their navel. The idea may seem a little strange, but what have you got to lose!

Menstrual cramps - suffer no more!

Menstrual cramps - suffer no more!

To reduce the intensity of menstrual symptoms, you can change your diet:

· Less sugar, and slightly more protein.

· Diuretic foods such as eggplant, cucumbers and parsley can help diminish water retention.

· Calcium supplements (1 gram per day) and magnesium (500 milligrams) can help reduce anxiety (always take both).

· Vitamin B-6 (not more than 50 milligrams per day) can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension.

· Vitamins E and C also help reduce the intensity of cramps.

· Aspirin has a mildly soothing effect.

· And once again you can turn to plants to relieve your pains:

* ANGELICA in infusion: 3 1/2 tablespoons of root per quart of water.

* MATRIX (derived from the Latin for womb): 2 teaspoons of flowers per quart of water.

Treat diarrhea without medication

Treat diarrhea without medication

If you have ever been to a tropical country, you have probably experienced diarrhea: frequent and uncontrolled evacuation of liquid stool caused by bacteria in local water, milk or food.

Diarrhea can also be caused at home by excesses in diet (a diet that is too rich) or an allergic reaction to certain foods or medication or even by stress.

To treat diarrhea, avoid all solid food on the first day. Drink liquids like water, apple juice, meat or vegetable boullion and tea.

These will compensate for your loss of water - dehydration being one of the main dangers of diarrhea - and will give your intestines a period of rest.

If you have stomach cramps, rub your hands together for about a minute. Then place both palms on your abdominal region. The heat will soothe the pain.

On the second day, eat small quantities of solid food. Among the least irritating are cooked cereals (especially rice), biscuits and soft boiled eggs.

You can also try charcoal. It comes in tablet or capsule form (you can also get it off burnt toast!)
Chinese medicine has always considered ginger one of the best remedies for diarrhea. Dilute a tablespoon in hot water and add honey.

How to get rid of liver spots

How to get rid of liver spots

If you have liver spots, it is up to you to get rid of them.

May be you took too much sun, without using the proper precautions like sunscreen, gradual exposure, etc. If you continue ignoring your skin in this way, you might end up looking like a lizard!

Liver spots can also result from a thyroid deficiency. The thyroid gland must therefore be stimulated through a variety of means. For example, brown seaweed tablets: take one a day every morning, for fifteen days a month.

Or apply a cream composed of 1 teaspoon oxygenated water and 4 1/2 tablespoons lanovaseline every morning and night. Aloe vera is very effective in treating skin
disorders. Daily application of aloe vera over a period of time can eliminate liver spots completely.

Also take a look at your nutrition: the real problem might lie in what you do or don’t eat, like a diet too high in fat.