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Multiple Sclerosis – What Types Are There?

By Michael Russell

In our first article in this series on multiple sclerosis we discussed what the disease itself was. In this articles we’re going to go over the different types of multiple sclerosis.

There are actually four different variations of multiple sclerosis. This was defined by an independent survey of neurologists in 1996.

The first form of multiple sclerosis is what is known as relapsing remitting, or as Jed Bartlett calls it in “The West Wing,” the “good kind.” Whether or not there is a good kind of any disease is open for debate. The characteristics of this form of multiple sclerosis are that old symptoms can disappear completely and new ones can come into play, or the old symptoms can still be present or even worsen. After this happens there are periods called remissions where the symptoms completely disappear. The relapsing part is where old symptoms worsen as new symptoms appear and the remitting part is when the symptoms disappear. This is why it is called relapsing remitting, and it usually runs in cycles. Remissions can last for many years or only a few weeks. Recovery can take years or sometimes happen instantly. That is why this is such an unpredictable disease. The majority of the people affected by multiple sclerosis are first diagnosed as having relapsing remitting MS. This usually happens when they are in their 20’s or 30’s. The ratio of women to men who have this form is about 2 to 1.

The next stage of multiple sclerosis is what is called secondary progressive. This stage usually comes many years after the initial diagnosis of relapsing remitting. The characteristics of this stage are the worsening of symptoms between relapses. In the early stages the person may have some relapses and remissions but as this stage progresses the symptoms reach a point where they just progressively get worse each day. This is why it is called secondary progressive. People with secondary progressive have their good and bad days but aside from the occasional relapse, the is no real recovery. It usually takes about 10 years for people with relapsing remitting to move into the secondary progressive stage.

The third stage of multiple sclerosis is what is called Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. This form of multiple sclerosis is progressive right from the moment it is diagnosed, meaning that symptoms continually worsen as the disease itself progresses in time. There is a significant recovery period in this stage but when symptoms return they are progressively worse.

the fourth stage of multiple sclerosis is what is called Primary Progressive. This is the worst form of the disease. It is characterized by a gradual progression of the disease right from the start with no remissions at all. There may be periods where the disease levels off and doesn’t worsen but never a time where the person suffering goes into remission. Other differences between this stage and the other three stages is that primary progressive usually hits a person in their late 30’s or early 40’s and men are just as likely to get primary progressive as women. Initially the disease attacks the spinal cord but eventually makes its way to the brain. However it is less likely to damage the brain as the other stages.

In our last article in this series we’ll discuss treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Multiple Sclerosis

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Different Methods Of Multiple Sclerosis Therapy

By Groshan Fabiola

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that makes it attack the myelin, a substance that protects the nerve endings that are spread throughout the entire body. The central nervous system is responsible for sending the white blood cells and the antibodies attack the viruses and bacteria that threaten to cause infections. When the nervous system is affected by multiple sclerosis it sends these guardian cells against the myelin. The cause of this behavior is not known yet but the scientist believe that it is sometimes genetically-based.

Multiple sclerosis affects more than a million people throughout the world and unfortunately there is no known treatment that can cure it. The only thing that multiple sclerosis therapy can do is to relive its symptoms and modify the way the illness advances and develops.

Multiple sclerosis therapy is done with the help of drugs. The type of drug administered depends on how multiple sclerosis manifests and on the patient. The two main types of medication that are generally prescribed to multiple sclerosis patients are methylprednisolon and methotrexate.

Methylprednisolone can reduce the intensity of the attacks that occur when many antibodies are sent against the nerve endings and lighten the inflammation of the attacked areas. This drug can be in the form of pills and injections.

Methotrexate is a drug that is still in the test phase. It was initially designed to fight arthritis but some tests have found that it’s effective against multiple sclerosis too. The future will tell us how good it is. Some doctors have started prescribing it.

There are some drugs that are administered only when certain symptoms occur. For example if the multiple sclerosis attacks the nerve endings of muscles the patient should take muscle pain relieving medication and do some physiotherapy.

Unfortunately many of the drugs used in multiple sclerosis therapy also have side-effects. The side-effects can be fever, indigestion, irritations of the skin, and drowsiness. Some people prefer alternative therapies because the do not want to experience the side effects of the illness. The most popular alternative therapies are massage, acupuncture, yoga and relaxation tehniquies.

There are a lot of institutions that have the role of helping multiple sclerosis patients get in touch with the latest methods of treating this illness and to help them deal with the condition they have. Seeking help from one of these institutions is highly recommended.

We recommend you clicking this site www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com for more multiple sclerosis subjects like multiple sclerosis information or multiple sclerosis information

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5 Things You Can Do to Save Your Life

By Jeffrey Hauser

Let’s face it. You only have one crack at life, so why take stupid chances? Most people would want to live a long and productive time, yet they attempt to sabotage themselves at every turn. It happens in a variety of ways, many of which most of us don’t even realize. Here are just a few that come to mind.

(1) How often do you floss? If you don’t you are running the risk of a heart attack or contracting heart disease. There is considerable research that bacteria in dental plaque can prompt blood to clot. And the lesions brought about by gum disease can provide a route for germs to enter the bloodstream. So this would lead to the conclusion that keeping your teeth plaque-free would help against heart attack, and that would be through the result of better flossing. In addition, for several years a number of studies have suggested that people with mouth infections run a higher risk of heart disease. Dr A Bazile and colleagues from the Department of Periodontics at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland found precisely that in their research presented in the June, 2002 Journal of Periodontology.

(2) Want to help prevent a stroke? Take a baby aspirin every day. The American Heart Association recommends aspirin use for patients who’ve had a myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, ischemic stroke (caused by blood clot) or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “little strokes). This recommendation is based on sound evidence from clinical trials showing that aspirin helps prevent the recurrence of such events as heart attack, hospitalization for recurrent angina, second strokes, etc. (secondary prevention). Studies show aspirin also helps prevent these events from occurring in people at high risk (primary prevention).

(3) How’s your driving? According to a recent poll, most accidents occurred on quiet streets with no inclement weather or other external conditions. Rather, they were the result of drivers that just weren’t paying attention or easily distracted. A study, sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, offers detailed evidence that inattentive driving causes accidents and that young drivers are much more likely to be distracted. The report labels cell phone use as the most frequent behavior distracting drivers. According to the report, almost 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near misses occur within three seconds of some form of driver distraction. So pay attention on the road, okay?

(4) Are you eating while reading this article? Then you might want to put down that double cheeseburger and pay attention. According to U.S. Health Statistics, Americans are on-the-whole overweight and out-of-shape. Researchers have linked obesity and a lack of exercise to the development of adult onset diabetes, heart disease, many forms of cancers, and to high blood pressure. According to experts, one should also engage in vigorous activity such as fast walking, bicycling, jogging, swimming or doing aerobic exercises for at least 30 minutes, three times weekly. In other words, try a soy burger instead while you’re running to the mailbox.

(5) What’s the air quality like in your home? According to the National Safety Council, air pollution can cause health problems including burning eyes and nose, itchy irritated throat, and breathing problems. Some chemicals found in polluted air can cause cancer, birth defects, brain and nerve damage, and long-term injury to the lungs and breathing passages in certain circumstances. Above certain concentrations and durations, certain air pollutants are extremely dangerous and can cause severe injury or death. So perhaps it’s time to purchase a HEPA based air filter for inside the home.

And these are just five things. There are countless others, but start with these and you’ve probably dodged a bullet this time round. Best wishes for a long life.

Jeffrey Hauser’s latest book is, “Inside the Yellow Pages,” which can be viewed at www.poweradbook.com

He was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master’s Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. Currently, he is the Marketing Director for thenurseschoice.com, a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

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Heart Diseases: New Guidelines for Detection and Treatment of Arterial Disease

By Hector Milla

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association launched different guidelines related to peripheral arterial disease in order to help doctors and all healthcare professionals to treat in a better way this common condition. According to statistics, more than 12 million people suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in the United States.

PAD is a really serious illness, since it can cause amputation of the extremities, rupture of an aortic aneurysm, severe hypertension, kidney failure, but also heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death.

It is a disease in which arteries supply blood to the arteries outside the heart, to parts such as legs, feet, kidneys, and intestines. This arterial disease can cause damages to physical health of people, by diminishing for instance their ability to walk.

According to experts, the new guidelines supply a succinct diagnostic and treatment guidebook for patients suffering from PAD and for physicians, doctors’ assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses who are now offering care to treat them.

“A key source of the power of these recommendations is that they are so broad-based in their origin from every vascular specialty, as they attempt to reach a broad-based audience of clinicians. Everyone can use these Guidelines and a large segment of the public can benefit from them,” said Alan T. Hirsch, chairman of the writing committee.

Some highlights of the guidelines include recommended questions and observations that can uncover hidden signs of peripheral arterial disease; recommendations on when an aneurysm should be treated with surgery or catheter-based therapy, as well as when “watchful waiting” is the best way; among other things.

Article written by Hector Milla, editor of www.heartdiseasesympton.com a website about heart disease symptoms. You may see a full list of 100 heart disease articles at www.heartdiseasesympton.com/xenu.html , thanks for using this heart disease article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.

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Cymbalta Fibromyalgia Treatments For Depression

By Matt Ream

Cymbalta, which is an antidepressant, is believed to reduce depression and is also considered to be a possible benefit to women suffering from Fibromyalgia. This illness, which is still considered rare even though it affects millions of Americans, affects more women and men. Even though the cause of it remains unknown, Fibromyalgia is a growing problem that many are forced to cope with on a daily basis. A Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatment is designed to help treat both the emotional and physical symptoms of depression. In general, individuals who are dealing with a chronic illness often become depressed and sometimes turn to the world of medicine for assistance.

It is important to note that Cymbalta is not approved for the treatment of Fibromyalgia, but studies have found that it could be beneficial in depression. Because it is thought to help treat depression, which is often the result of a chronic illness, some experts believe that there are benefits that coincide with this illness and a Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatment.

Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatments can cause various side effects with the most common being nausea, constipation, dry mouth, decreased appetite, etc. Cymbalta is not for everyone, especially to those who are allergic to it’s ingredients. In addition, individuals with liver or kidney problems, have been diagnosed with glaucoma or consume large amounts of alcohol should speak with their physician prior to taking Cymbalta. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Cymbalta and should make their physician aware of any conditions prior to accepting any type of prescription.

Prior to accepting any type of prescription medication, individuals must make sure that their physician is made fully aware of any medicines that are currently being consumed and/or any current illnesses. In order to safely provide treatments, a physician must be made fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the patient’s health.

Patients who are being treated for depression should be monitored closely in order to ensure that the depression does not worsen or become increasingly dangerous to the patient. Individuals who are severely depressed may require hospitalization and extended care beyond that which a prescription-based medicine can offer. Anyone who feels that their depression is worsening should consult their physician for a proper diagnosis and a recommended treatment course.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone with questions regarding a Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatment must consult their physician for further information.

Matt Ream is the health and wellness editor at fibromyalgia-no-more.com. Visit our site to learn more about Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatments, relief from fibromyalgia, and natural treatments for fibromyalgia. Answer our fibromyalgia survey.

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Atypical Depression – The Most Common Form of Depression

By Andrew Bicknell

Atypical depression, a subtype of major depression, is the most common form of depression today. People who suffer atypical depression exhibit all the normal symptoms of depression but they also react to external positive experiences in a positive way. Atypical depression sufferers respond to their environment, enjoying the company of friends but slipping back into deep depression when alone or faced with a stressful situation. It is this aspect of atypical depression that differentiates it from melancholic depression in which external positive experiences still result in depressed feelings.

People who suffer from atypical depression also exhibit other symptoms that aren’t normally associated with “normal” depression including:

• Increase in appetite with a weight gain of ten or more pounds.

• Hypersomnia -over sleeping of more than 10 hours per day.

• Leaden paralysis of the arms and legs

• Long term pattern of sensitivity to rejection in personal situations that causes social or work related withdrawal.

In 1998 Dr. Andrew A. Nierenberg, associate director of the depression clinical and research program at Massachusetts General Hospital, published a study that found 42% of participants suffered from atypical depression, 12% had melancholic depression, 14% had both depression subtypes and the remaining did not suffer from depression.

Studies have also found that atypical depression begins earlier in a person’s life than other forms of depression with most sufferers beginning to show symptoms in their teenage years. Those who suffer from atypical depression are also at greater risk of suffering from other mental disorders such as social phobias, avoidant personality disorder or body dysmorphic disorder. Atypical depression is more prevalent in females than males as well, with nearly 70% of it’s sufferers being women.

Treating atypical depression is an ongoing process. Research has shown that MAOIs such as Nardil or Parnate work reasonably well as do the newer SSRI medications (Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft). Most patients prefer the SSRIs because they do not exhibit the unpleasant side affects of the MAOIs.

It is also important that if you or someone you know suffers from atypical depression that you or they seek psychiatric help. Atypical depression is not easy to diagnose the treatment choices can vary from patient to patient. A general care practitioner does not have the expertise to differentiate between the subtypes of depression and may not know the best course of treatment for their patient.

Andrew Bicknell is a writer and Webmaster of Depression and You.com. Visit his website for more information about Atypical Depression and other depression disorders.

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Overcome Winter Depression with These Tips

By Jill Kane

As one travels further North and South of the equator the equation of day and night changes to the extent that right up north the actual daylight hours are very few. Lack of sunlight can lead to depression and in North America it is estimated that up to 50-60 percent people suffer symptoms of this malaise. Lack of sunlight triggers some sort of a hormonal imbalance where people tend to give in to depression and this manifests itself in the form of symptoms like weight gain, change in sleep patterns, even suicidal thoughts. This has given it the name Seasonal Affective Disorder where the person is victim to the chemical reactions in the brain due to less sunlight.

How does one go about helping such people then? The first thing to do is to make them understand that it is not their fault. It is the length of the day that is causing all these symptoms. Then here are some simple lifestyle changes that one can adopt to ensure that you don’t suffer. What they need to know is that the weather is here to stay and the sooner they get used to this fact the better for them. That’s step number one to fighting depression.

Green houses use a certain type of lighting system where the bulbs are made to closely match the spectrum of the sun. Buy a set of these and make yourself a light corner in your home. This is called light therapy and is step number two towards fighting depression. It’s easy to install as all you need is a light fixture that can hold four long fluorescent bulbs. Don’t buy the standard green as they can actually drain you of energy.

Now schedule a couple of hours every morning to sit in your “sun” and do some activity that will boost your spirits, a good book or some art work, whatever you want to do, that’s the key, and feel your depression melt away. Research has shown that mornings are the best time to benefit from this light therapy.

Next on the agenda is to get yourself a good routine and stick by it. Step number three is your routine. Sleep on time so you are awake on time to do your light therapy, plan your day and tick off all the pending jobs as they are done. Not only does this give you a sense of accomplishment but also gets the work done. Step number four is to get your diet worked out and chalk out a small exercise program. Once your health is back on track you will feel a lot better about everything in general.

Somehow, walking is sort of therapeutic and calming as far as thoughts go, so go for a walk. Another fact to remember is that you need to drink a lot of water. More often than not people forget to drink water and that has its own complications. Our body is mostly made up of water so getting dehydrated is not going to help now is it? Step number five then is to drink lots of water.

Step number six is to yell for help if you feel it is all becoming too much for you. Don’t brood, go talk to someone, anyone, the corner grocer us fine too. Antidepressants will give you momentary relief and long term problems that you really can do without. And last but not the least, get a grip on yourself. Like everything else even bad days go by and good days follow. Think positive then is your step number seven.

For more helpful information about depression and natural cures for depression and visit www.depression-explained.com/

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Alcoholism Recovery: 12 Steps to Stay Sober Over the Christmas Holidays

By Larry Smith

One of the most difficult times of the year for those recovering from alcoholism is the Christmas holidays. If you find yourself struggling during the Christmas season, please remember that you are not alone. Help is only a phone call or a meeting away! Here are some helpful and practical tips to keep you from taking that first drink.

1. Plan Each and Every Day of Your Holiday

Plan to spend the majority of your time with friends and family who are supportive of your recovery. If you are required to be present for a social gathering where alcohol is being served, bring a fellow AA member with you. Plan fun events and outings to replace your old drinking rituals.

2. Find an “Alkathon” in Your Area

During the Christmas season, some AA groups hold a marathon of meetings called an “Alkathon.” It is a time when the members of Alcoholics Anonymous gather together to celebrate their recovery from alcohol addiction. Many AA groups have meetings on the hour every hour to share their experience, strength and hope. If you are a member of the fellowship or think that you might have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Check the local papers for an “Alkathon” in your area.

3. Ask for Support from Your Family and Friends

Those who are truly supportive of your recovery will be happy to help you throughout the holidays. Be up front and tell them your concerns.

4. Have a List of at Least Ten People you can call if you feel the Urge to Drink

Make a list and check it twice. Carry your cell phone and your list of names at all times. The urge to drink is very powerful and can happen at any time.

5. Don’t Forget about Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is an essential component of any balanced recovery program. If you have extra time on your hands, it is a great idea to get out and exercise. Examples include running, skating, cross country skiing, stretching, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates or water aerobics. Instead of napping on the couch after dinner, go for a walk around the block.

6. Stay Away from Slippery Places

There is absolutely no reason to ever check out your former favorite drinking establishments. It is very likely that your old drinking buddies are still there and are still telling the same old stories.

7. Create New Traditions to replace your Old Drinking Patterns

Try something totally different during the holidays. Buy a new board game; take the family on a sleigh ride; prepare a family power point presentation. Use you imagination, be creative and have fun.

8. Write out a Daily Gratitude List

The quickest cure to get you out of the holiday blues is by counting your blessings. Be grateful for what you have by writing out a gratitude list every morning. Don’t stop writing until you have at least 10 items on your list.

9. Volunteer your Services to a Charitable Organization

There are many people in your community who are homeless and hungry. Why not volunteer to work at a soup kitchen or at a special Christmas dinner for those less fortunate than you? You will be helping not only the needy but yourself!

10. Write a Letter to yourself. How I Stayed Sober over Christmas.

The act of writing your ideas on paper is very powerful. Write down all the activities and events that will help you have healthy happy sober Christmas. Now take action on them and make this letter come true!

11. Avoid H.A.L.T.

H.A.L.T. stands for:

• Hungry

• Angry

• Lonely

• Tired

There are very simple solutions for all of the above items. If you are hungry, get something to eat. If you are angry, talk to somebody about it. If you are lonely, go to a meeting or call a friend. If you are tired, get a good night’s sleep.

12. Live One Day at a time and Enjoy your Sobriety!

Stay in the moment. Have present time consciousness. Be in the now. These are all different ways of telling you to live 1 day at a time. Never mind about what happened or what could happen. Enjoy today. Live today. Celebrate your sobriety!

If you follow these simple steps, it is totally feasible to stay sober over the Christmas Holidays. Take action now! Print out this article and plan a Happy and Healthy holiday season.

Dr. Larry Smith Chiropractor and Author of:

Embrace the Journey of Recovery: From Tragedy to Triumph!

Are You Recovering From Alcohol or Drug Addiction?

“If your answer is yes, then this book is for you!”

Embrace the Journey of Recovery will passionately reignite your spirit and teach you how to confront, conquer and powerfully triumph over addiction, cancer or any other life threatening illness! Is addiction a genuine life threatening illness like cancer? If so, then why is it concealed behind a wall of shame and denial?

Discover the answer and experience the remarkable story of two courageous yet ordinary individuals and their astonishing recoveries from heartbreaking tragedy. Find out how a cancer survivor and an alcoholic mutually support each other and passionately embrace the journey of recovery.

Their message is simple. They transformed their lives and you can too!

To find out more about this exciting new book click here:

embracingthejourneybook.com/

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Who Is More Prone To Develop Colorectal Cancer?

By Scott William

The exact reason why colon cancer develops in some persons and not in others is not clear. The incidence of colon cancer is quite varied among different countries and within different ethnic groups inside the same country. Industrialized countries like United States, Canada, UK, Western Europe, Australia and Japan have a much higher incidence of colorectal cancer compared to the less industrialized parts of the world like Asia, Africa, and South America. Colorectal cancer represent over 9 percent of all cancers in men and about 10 percent of all cancers in women world-wide. In industrialized countries the incidence of colorectal cancer can be as high as 12 to 14 of all cancers, and in non-industrialized countries much lower rates of about 7 to 8 percent of all cancers diagnosed may be colorectal cancer.

Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third commonest cancer diagnosed in the United States. Each year over 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer and over 50 percent of these patients will die from colorectal cancer. Colon cancer incidence is not much different between males and females, however colon cancer is slightly more prevalent in women compared to men (ratio of 1.2:1) but the rectal cancer is more common in males (ratio of 1.7:1).

Even though we do not know the exact cause of development of colorectal cancer, scientists have recognized several factors that can increase the risk of development of colorectal cancer. A risk factor for a disease is any condition that makes a person more likely to develop that diseases. Some of the risk factors like dietary factors are modifiable by the person involved while some other factors like age are un-modifiable. These risk factors may act in combination, and this combination of risk factors may be associated with cumulative increase in the risk of development of colorectal cancer. The simple presence of one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that someone will develop colorectal cancer. On the other hand absence of all risk factors does not mean that an individual will not develop colorectal cancer, but generally more risk factors you have higher is the chance of developing colorectal cancer. Environmental factors also may be playing a role in the development of colorectal cancer. People who migrate from areas of low risk to areas of the world with higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, they tend to acquire the risk of the country to which they are migrating. This finding suggests the presence of environmental factors causing higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Changes in dietary factors associated with migration may also be contributing to this increase in risk associated with migration from low risk areas to higher risk areas.

Risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer include the following:

* Age over 50 years
* Increased fat intake
* Large intestinal polyps
* Family history of colon cancer
* Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
* Personal history of other cancers
* Sedentary habits and lack of exercise
* Obesity
* Diabetes
* Smoking
* Alcohol content
* Genetic colon cancer syndromes like Familial adenomatous polyposis or Hereditary Non-polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)

Persons who have high risk of colorectal cancer may undergo screening for colorectal cancer with colonoscopy once every 2 to 3 years. Screening colonoscopy is recommended for every one who is 50 years or older. If someone has a higher than average risk of developing colorectal cancer, the screening may be initiated earlier than 50 years.

The author is the webmaster for medicineworld.org which features many useful articles and news items related to cancer. You can find more information on colon cancer, colon cancer news, and colon cancer treatment at author’s colon cancer page of the website.

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Computer Addiction Affects Young and Old

By Jeanette Joy Fisher

Children are becoming especially vulnerable to becoming computer addicts, because there are an unlimited number of video games available, twenty-four hours a day. If you’re a parent worried about your children, watch them for signs of withdrawals when they can’t play on the computer for an extended period. They’ll become irritable and studies have shown that children develop strong cravings for their games, not unlike a drug addict yearning for a fix.

Adolescents are even more vulnerable, and can spend extreme amounts of time on the computer if given free rein. Spending too much time on the computer damages social skills and can adversely affect friendships, schoolwork, and many other areas of their lives. Teens may be the most likely to become computer addicts, although there is some evidence to show that they may outgrow it to a large extent once they get older.

Older adults are another rapidly growing population of computer addicts. They decide to get a computer and log onto the Internet out of curiosity about all the fuss, and quickly find themselves being drawn into the web. Many of them are attracted to Internet gaming, and there have been cases of some older people losing huge sums on the Internet after being unable to stop themselves from gambling. One of the thing older folks complain about after realizing that they’ve become addicted, is the amount of precious time they’ve been losing, time they really don’t have to spare in many cases.

Computers and the Internet are wonderful things, and there is a huge amount of information available to more people than ever before. However, it seems that some people just can’t seem to know when to say when.

Jeanette Fisher helps home makers create homes for healing and happy living. In her research on happiness, she found that many people today suffer from depression and one big recent problem is computer addiction. Free computer addiction report: www.clickingaddict.com

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Meet Hodgkin’s Disease

By Hendrick Wilbur

Most people have certainly been hearing this term, lymphoma, from others. Some hospital-drama television series usually would have an episode where a patient is diagnosed with lymphoma and most of us are just left hanging on what it really is. Suffice it to say that probably, most are aware that it is a kind of cancer. Cancer in what organ or body part? Caused by what? Many people fall short of enough knowledge about this type of cancer. But no worries, they really can’t be accused of apathy. Lymphoma is actually a very rare type of cancer so it is understandable that awareness on is not as prevalent as to other cancer types.

Lymphoma is considered as a collective term for a variety of cancer. This cancer type has its origin in the lymphocytes or histiocytes — very rare from the latter, though. Lymphoma starts in a B cell in lymph nodes. The cancerous cells reproduce themselves over and over again. The presence of these unnecessary cells sets the ground for the formation of cancer. This is because these cells do not die; they are not needed by the body in the first place, and they spread to other areas, causing further harm.

There are five clusters of specific cancer types under the umbrella concept of lymphoma. The World Health Organization grouped these specific cancer types according to their cell types. The first one is the mature B neoplasms. Second is mature T cell and natural killer cell (NK) neoplasms. Third is the immunodeficiency-associated Lymphoproliferative disorders. Fourth is histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms. Last is Hodgkin lymphoma or more commonly known as Hodgkin’s disease.

The most popular of all is the Hodgkin’s disease. It is named after Thomas Hodgkin, who described the disease in 1832. Hodgkin’s disease is characterized by the abnormal growth of cancer cells in the lymphatic system. Specifically, the Reed-Sternberg cells are the ones involved in Hodgkin’s disease. This disease is very rare that it accounts for only one percent of the total cancer cases or one for every 400,000, at least in America.

The most common symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease are swollen, painful or non-painful lymph nodes. The swelling usually occurs at the neck or nape, armpit, or groin. Some systemic symptoms like drastic weight loss, skin itching, low-grade fever, night sweats, and fatigue can also be indicative of a Hodgkin’s disease case. Enlargement of the spleen, splenomegaly, and/or enlargement of the liver can also happen. People from the age range of 15 to 34, and above 55 are the ones most susceptible to develop Hodgkin’s disease.

Just like the other kinds of cancer, the causes of Hodgkin’s disease is still unknown. But the factor most likely to contribute to the development of it is genetics. People who have relatives, distant or immediate, have been inflicted with Hodgkin’s disease or other types for that matter, are at a very high risk. A deteriorated or damaged immune system, from a previous ailment or operation, is also a very high risk factor. Gender is believed to play a role, too, since most recorded cases are with men.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the usual treatments for Hodgkin’s disease. Radiation therapy is a high technology option, which makes use of high-energy rays capable of damaging cancer cells to stop their growth. This treatment option is administered only in hospitals and clinics, and under the permission of an expert doctor. Radiation therapy is effective for treating cases still on the early stage. A frequency of five therapy sessions in every week for several months is the average treatment period using radiation therapy. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, involves the use of drugs to kill the cancer cells. A combination of different drugs, which can work together, is the usual procedure being given by doctors when using chemotherapy. The drugs can be taken orally, or injected into arteries or even muscles for faster travel inside the body. The most popular drug combination for chemotherapy is the adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine combination called the ABVD regimen. There is a very high chance that Hodgkin’s can be treated, provided that it is detected at an early stage and treated immediately with the most appropriate treatment option. Records have it that early detection and appropriate treatment gives an 85 percent chance of survival and cure.

For more valuable information on infectious diseases and medical advances, please visit www.healthsnippets.com

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Quit Smoking Cold Turkey

By Jeffrey Langfels

The free way

A vast majority of people who try to stop smoking find after a short period of time they resume the habit, many are unsuccessful simply because of the method they used to help them stop smoking. Of the people who have been successful in their quest to stop smoking and who have stopped smoking completely have done it several times before completely kicking the habit. One of the oldest and most reliable methods is to quit smoking cold turkey.

It is not easy to quit smoking cold turkey you need to be prepared. Most people are under the impression that you can just quit and that will power will be the motivation to not start again. Most smokers will find this is not really feasible. The suggestion is to make sure that you are prepared for any type of method used to quit smoking. Many smokers also think that when you quit smoking cold turkey, it means you quit smoking without using any smoking cessation aids such as nicotine gum or patches.

The cold turkey method to help you quit smoking can work quite well if you use smoking cessation aids like gum or nicotine patches because those aids can help you if you start to go through nicotine withdrawal symptoms, which are often associated when you stop smoking. When you quit smoking cold turkey, you tap into probably the most popular albeit not the most successful method for quitting.

A smoker may improve the chances for permanently quitting with the cold turkey method if they follow a few simple guidelines: such as understanding what the withdrawal symptoms are and how they can affect the process, and making sure that you treat them properly. Drinking plenty of water will help to get the toxins out of your system. Keeping your mouth busy by chewing gum or using a toothpick and keeping a chart of what you are experiencing when you have a craving will help you to keep track on what is happening with your body as you try to quit smoking.

You can help you increase the chances of being successful during your effort to quit smoking by taking a walk or talking to a friend when you crave a cigarette . Willpower is a vital component and your success will rely on how badly you want to quit smoking and also whether or not you believe that you can quit. Now keep in mind that not everyone will have feelings of withdrawal. You may experience no withdrawl symptoms or maybe just one or two withdrawl symptoms and they will differ from person to person and from time to time.

Why not quit today? When you quit smoking cold turkey, you can use the only method that is very low cost or can be totally free and will put money back in your pocket because you are no longer supporting the habit, and you can do it at any time. The good news is, if you are unable to quit smoking by trying the cold turkey method, then you will be happy to know that there are more effective treatments available now that can more than double your chances of quitting successfully.

Byron Watson has been helping smokers of all ages quit smoking. Discover 7 tips to a successful smoking cessation program by visiting the quit smoking website.

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An Outline Of Enlarged Prostate Treatment

By Donald Saunders

The first question that you need to ask when it comes to enlarged prostate treatment is whether or not you should treat the condition at all.

Once the condition has been diagnosed by your doctor (an important step to make sure that the symptoms that you are experiencing are due to an enlarged prostate and not something else), you will need to decide whether or not the condition is bothering you. If it isn’t, then for many men, the answer is not to treat it at all but simply to let your doctor check the condition for you every few months.

If, however, you are bothered by the symptoms, or your doctor feels that there is a risk of developing complications from the problem, then enlarged prostate treatment should be sought.

The first line of defense will be drug treatment and there are a number of drugs currently in use and others under active testing and development. On the whole drug treatment will not cure the condition but it can give relief from the symptoms of a swollen prostate. You will need to discuss drug treatment with your doctor as many patients in the age group for which an enlarged prostate is common will already be on drug treatment for other conditions. Your doctor will also discuss the range of likely side effects which enlarged prostate treatment drugs carry with them.

If you are not felt suitable for drug treatment (or you doctor does not feel that drug treatment will be effective in your case) then the next step is to consider minimally invasive surgery. There are a range of procedures available today some of which can be undertaken on a day-patient basis and some of which will require a short stay in hospital. In most cases minimally invasive surgery is designed to shrink the prostate gland or to remove prostate tissue from the area around the urethra and thus ease constriction on the urethra and restore the flow of urine from the bladder.

If these forms of treatment are not suitable, or have been tried and proved ineffective, then enlarged prostate treatment will move on to surgery. Two commonly performed operations are the TURP and TUIP both of which can be carried out laparoscopically or using robot technology and require a stay in hospital of between 2 and 3 days. In other cases, and especially where the prostate is exceptionally enlarged, traditional open surgery may be performed with hospitalization typically lasting about a week.

For additional information on enlarged prostate treatment please visit Prostate Cancer Explained

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Saunders

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Alcoholism Recovery: 12 Steps to Stay Sober Over the Christmas Holidays:

By Larry Smith

One of the most difficult times of the year for those recovering from alcoholism is the Christmas holidays. If you find yourself struggling during the Christmas season, please remember that you are not alone. Help is only a phone call or a meeting away! Here are some helpful and practical tips to keep you from taking that first drink.

1. Plan Each and Every Day of Your Holiday

Plan to spend the majority of your time with friends and family who are supportive of your recovery. If you are required to be present for a social gathering where alcohol is being served, bring a fellow AA member with you. Plan fun events and outings to replace your old drinking rituals.

2. Find an “Alkathon” in Your Area

During the Christmas season, some AA groups hold a marathon of meetings called an “Alkathon.” It is a time when the members of Alcoholics Anonymous gather together to celebrate their recovery from alcohol addiction. Many AA groups have meetings on the hour every hour to share their experience, strength and hope. If you are a member of the fellowship or think that you might have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Check the local papers for an “Alkathon” in your area.

3. Ask for Support from Your Family and Friends

Those who are truly supportive of your recovery will be happy to help you throughout the holidays. Be up front and tell them your concerns.

4. Have a List of at Least Ten People you can call if you feel the Urge to Drink

Make a list and check it twice. Carry your cell phone and your list of names at all times. The urge to drink is very powerful and can happen at any time.

5. Don’t Forget about Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is an essential component of any balanced recovery program. If you have extra time on your hands, it is a great idea to get out and exercise. Examples include running, skating, cross country skiing, stretching, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates or water aerobics. Instead of napping on the couch after dinner, go for a walk around the block.

6. Stay Away from Slippery Places

There is absolutely no reason to ever check out your former favorite drinking establishments. It is very likely that your old drinking buddies are still there and are still telling the same old stories.

7. Create New Traditions to replace your Old Drinking Patterns

Try something totally different during the holidays. Buy a new board game; take the family on a sleigh ride; prepare a family power point presentation. Use you imagination, be creative and have fun.

8. Write out a Daily Gratitude List

The quickest cure to get you out of the holiday blues is by counting your blessings. Be grateful for what you have by writing out a gratitude list every morning. Don’t stop writing until you have at least 10 items on your list.

9. Volunteer your Services to a Charitable Organization

There are many people in your community who are homeless and hungry. Why not volunteer to work at a soup kitchen or at a special Christmas dinner for those less fortunate than you? You will be helping not only the needy but yourself!

10. Write a Letter to yourself. How I Stayed Sober over Christmas.

The act of writing your ideas on paper is very powerful. Write down all the activities and events that will help you have healthy happy sober Christmas. Now take action on them and make this letter come true!

11. Avoid H.A.L.T.

H.A.L.T. stands for:

• Hungry

• Angry

• Lonely

• Tired

There are very simple solutions for all of the above items. If you are hungry, get something to eat. If you are angry, talk to somebody about it. If you are lonely, go to a meeting or call a friend. If you are tired, get a good night’s sleep.

12. Live One Day at a time and Enjoy your Sobriety!

Stay in the moment. Have present time consciousness. Be in the now. These are all different ways of telling you to live 1 day at a time. Never mind about what happened or what could happen. Enjoy today. Live today. Celebrate your sobriety!

If you follow these simple steps, it is totally feasible to stay sober over the Christmas Holidays. Take action now! Print out this article and plan a Happy and Healthy holiday season.

Dr. Larry Smith Chiropractor and Author of:

Embrace the Journey of Recovery: From Tragedy to Triumph!

Are You Recovering From Alcohol or Drug Addiction?

“If your answer is yes, then this book is for you!”

Embrace the Journey of Recovery will passionately reignite your spirit and teach you how to confront, conquer and powerfully triumph over addiction, cancer or any other life threatening illness! Is addiction a genuine life threatening illness like cancer? If so, then why is it concealed behind a wall of shame and denial?

Discover the answer and experience the remarkable story of two courageous yet ordinary individuals and their astonishing recoveries from heartbreaking tragedy. Find out how a cancer survivor and an alcoholic mutually support each other and passionately embrace the journey of recovery.

Their message is simple. They transformed their lives and you can too!

To find out more about this exciting new book click here:

embracingthejourneybook.com/

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Smith

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Addicted to Shopping?

By Karla Ruzycki-Davis

Do you shop for therapy or necessity? In a day and age with so much to do and see, and buy and become it isn’t surprising that we as North American’s purchase tens of thousands of dollars per year in stuff. We never actually realize how much we have consumed until it is time to move! Why is it that while others have so little we all continue to spend like money is going out of style? Some shop for groceries, which are a necessity. Some shop for Christmas gifts, birthday presents and others just shop to shop. That’s right, shopping as a form of entertainment to pass the time. Find out if you are a good shopper or if you are shopping for therapeutic reasons that you may have never even considered before. Shopping is fun, just don’t make it all that you do for fun.

Signs that You Might be Shopping for Therapy:

1.You shop after you get really disappointed, angry or need a breather.

There is nothing wrong with going for a nice little village window shop now and then. There is a problem when you use it as a way to escape a current situation or reality. Many women in particular shop after a boyfriend has dumped them or they didn’t get the promotion they were expecting. Some do it in the form of changing their image such as their appearance (clothes, hair, shoes, accessories) and others just simply buy whatever they see. These items in some way make them feel like they have replaced something that is missing in their life and heart. Like food to some people, shopping is their comfort.

2.Shopping for Entertainment.

It’s Saturday and you’re bored, you call up a friend and go shopping for the afternoon which gets followed up with a dinner and drinks. Does this sound familiar? You intended to just window shop and found that cute pair of heels on sale and a great belt and wondered the mall with a Starbucks in hand. Then somehow after the shopping is over you are hungry and there isn’t anything appealing at home. So, what’s a girl to do? Eat out of course, and why not have a special drink to conclude another successful day of good shopping-NOT! You need to find other forms of entertainment. This is not only costly, but not healthy. Why not get in a workout or take a cooking class, do some spring cleaning or spend some time volunteering or honing that new skill you promised to follow through with. Like other forms of entertainment it allows you to take your mind off any problems and realities that exist.

3.Searching for a Purpose.

Some people truly have never sat down and determined what they want out of life, what their goals are and how to achieve them. Furthermore many are working at a job that does not fulfill them or allow them to be ignited with passion. There is then a longing for purpose in life. Many women are stay-at-home moms and are happy to be but wonder if there is also another purpose for their life. So begins the next therapy session, shopping for purpose in life. Let’s face it, when we clip coupons and look for great deals in the weekly flyers we feel empowered. We often then get it in our mind that we are going to get some great deals and conquer the stores. We now have a purpose, looking for the items on sale and others alike for a deal. It gives us something to do with our time and makes us feel a sense of reward when we come home with our bargains. Now might be a good time to re-evaluate what you want out of life and find a less-costly means of accomplishing that.

***Just remember every time you shop your credit card increases, your bank account decreases and you get nothing but a false sense of purpose and happiness. When you pick up each item ask yourself if you really need it or if you simply want it? Next, ask yourself what this item solves and if you can live without it. Most of the items we purchase because they seem like a great deal we never really needed. Think about all the items you bought and have never really used. If you got dumped, shopping might make you feel better for an hour after making your purchases but after that you are still on your own. My goal is to help people in any way that I can. I have certainly been guilty of all the above points and want to see women in particular excel in life and drop all of the unnecessary things that can often rob us of our dreams and weigh us down.

Karla Davis is the President of Restoring Order. She is a Professional Organizer, Interior Decorator as well as Public Speaker. She specializes in organizing homes, office spaces and has over 10 years of experience and success within inside/outside Sales and Marketing. Karla is also the wife of Author, Paul Davis and is currently writing two books of her own. Karla’s life mission is to positively transform the homes and lives of everyone she meets.

Please contact Karla for your Professional Organizing, Interior Decorating, or Professional Speaking needs at:

Karla Davis
Restoring Order
P.O. Box 684
Goldenrod, FL 32733
U.S.A.
W: (407) 284-1705
kruzycki@hotmail.com
www.paulnkarla.com

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Six Types of Insomnia

By Christopher Ruane

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is the experience of inadequate sleep or of poor quality sleep often typified by one or more of the following insomnia symptoms:

Difficulty getting off to sleep
Difficulty staying asleep or frequent night waking
Early morning waking, or
Sleep that doesn’t have a refreshing affect

With the daytime consequences being

Tiredness
Low energy levels
Irritability, and
Lack of concentration

Around 30 to 40 percent of adults experience some level of insomnia within any year, and of these around 10 to 15 percent suffer from severe or chronic insomnia. As we have already seen, insomnia increases with age but is also more commonly experienced by women.

Sleeping disorders occur from infancy through to old age with a significant rise in incidence in old age. Most people don’t consult a doctor about their problem or resort to sleeping pills or tranquilizers to help. Lack of sleep accumulates into what is known as a sleep debt, with many people carrying a huge sleep debt without realizing. People with greater sleep debts are slower to recover from illness and are more vulnerable to catching infections, viruses and other illnesses.

How is insomnia diagnosed?

If you have disturbed sleep and think you have insomnia it is important to see a doctor. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, noting the patterns of your sleep (or lack of them) and your daily routines.

You will need to discuss your sleep diary with your doctor. It may be necessary for your doctor to do a physical examination as well as taking notes of your medical history. In some cases, you may be referred to a specialist sleep center.

Types of Insomnia

Acute Insomnia

This is defined as periods of sleep loss that last from between one night and a few weeks. Acute insomnia can often be caused by emotional worries and anxiety or physical discomfort. Some common examples include:

Significant life stress, such as bereavement or marital breakdown Acute illness, or Environmental disturbances such as noise, light or temperature

Jet lag also counts as acute insomnia.

Chronic insomnia

This is defined as periods of sleep loss that occur for at least three nights per week for one month or longer. Chronic insomnia can be caused by various different factors acting on their own or in combinations. These factors may occur along with other health problems.

Insomnia associated with psychiatric, medical or neurological disorders

Psychiatric disorders are a common source of chronic insomnia, however they account for less than 50 percent of cases. Anxiety and mood disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions that are associated with insomnia. Insomnia is also associated with a wide range of medical and neurological disorders.

Factors that cause problems throughout the day such as pain, immobility, breathing difficulties, dementia, and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or menopause can also cause insomnia. Many medical disorders worsen at night such as asthma or acid reflux which is worsened by lying down.

Insomnia associated with medication and substance use

A variety of prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs can lead to wakefulness and poor-quality sleep. Some drugs, legal and non-legal, that are commonly related to insomnia include:

Caffeine
Nicotine
Alcohol
Stimulating antidepressants
Steroids
Some over the counter cold and flu remedies
Beta blockers, and
Recreational drugs such as ecstasy, amphetamines and cocaine

Insomnia associated with specific sleep disorders

Insomnia can be associated with specific sleep disorders including:

Sleep apnea
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders such as jet lag

Primary Insomnia

When other causes of insomnia have been investigated and ruled out, difficulty with sleep may be classified as primary insomnia. Factors such as chronic stress, hyper-arousal and behavioral conditioning may be contributors to Primary Insomnia.

Sleep patterns do alter as we get older with older, people tending to sleep more lightly. As our bodies age our quality of sleep becomes poorer and becomes lighter, less efficient and less restful.Your physician or other practitioner may prescribe insomnia medication to help you get to sleep, commonly known as sleeping tablets.

For more related information visit: www.DepressionSymptomsTreatment.com – a site that offers advice for avoiding, coping with depression. Get professional knowledge on dealing with symptoms, drug side effects and improving your life!

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Depression and Its Treatments

By Jarred Dee

One in five Americans suffer from depression in their lifetime. It affects more than 17 million Americans each year. According to a statistic from the National Institute of Health, the estimated cost of depression to the U.S. is between 33 and 44 billion dollars a year. Depression is linked to the more than 30,000 suicides a year. (Ainsworth 3-5) The depression being discussed is not merely a day of feeling blue but a clinical diagnosis, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD (Clinical Practice Guidelines).

The statistic of one in five Americans would include at least one of my family members, probably two. My family has had 4 members who have battled clinical depression, including myself. Depression is a bigger problem than most Americans realize and it demands immediate attention. Although the new technology of antidepressant medications can be effective, negative side effects and healthy alternatives should make antidepressant medications your last resort.

Depression is not a new thing, and neither are its treatments. Antidepressant medications have evolved from monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) to tricyclics (TCA) to the most recent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). SSRI’s are much more effective than earlier medications, and some versions such as Prozac have even been called “miracle drugs” (Ainsworth 93). It would be ignorant of anybody to say that antidepressants have no place in the medical field. With over 54 million Americans having been prescribed Prozac alone (Prozac), SSRI’s have established a large role in the treatment of depression. Such medications are capable of correcting some problems that nothing else can.

However, these medications do not come without their negative aspects, and there are many. SSRI’s are notorious for their negative side effects. Ainsworth states that some smaller side effects can include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and stomachaches (89). It can be argued that these small side effects are nothing when compared to the symptoms that a depressed person faces daily, but that doesn’t make them any less harmful.

SSRI’s also have much larger side effects that must be taken into consideration. One of the larger side effects that SSRI’s can cause is sleep disturbances. Ironically, depression itself is noted for its symptoms of bad sleep patterns, insomnia or excessive sleep (Ainsworth 57). SSRI’s do not help these sleeping problems. Psychology Information Online (PIO) states that one very common and large side effect of some SSRI’s is the constant feeling of drowsiness and the feeling of never having slept enough. The medication that is supposed to stop depression is actually adding to one of its worst symptoms, proving it a non-preferred method of treatment.

Another major negative side effect that antidepressants can cause is the inability to reach orgasm (PIO). An interview with Sarah reveals that depression alone has caused the inability to reach orgasm for her, and that this is a common problem for males and females as well. Medications add to this problem rather than solve it. Antidepressant medications once again fail to treat the symptoms of the very illness that they are trying to cure.

The application of antidepressants is not an exact science, and it still poses risks. SSRI’s alter the amount of chemicals in your brain, either by supplying chemicals or preventing the use of certain chemicals in the brain. Earlier medications, such as MAO’s, proved to be quite dangerous while proper dosage amounts were found for each patient. PIO explains that an overdose of certain MAO’s can be fatal. The newer medications such as SSRI’s have greatly reduced this risk, but fatal overdosing still remains as a very small possibility. Accidental suicide can be caused by the very medication that is supposed to be treating depression, a large cause of suicides in the United States (PIO).

Due to the function of antidepressant medications, they can cause complex problems that are unrelated to depression. As antidepressants alter the amount of chemicals in your brain at any given time, the disruption of such a complex system can lead to many other problems. One example of this is brought up in Elkin’s Depression and Natural Medicine when it says, “While they [SSRI’s] raise the level of a certain type of serotonin, they lower another. There is also a concern that these drugs act as nervous system stimulants, which can result in altering one’s perception of reality and impairing judgment” (32). Impairing judgment is one of the side effects of alcohol, and we know how dangerous that can be. These side effects must be considered when deciding on treatments for depression. When taken with other prescription drugs, SSRI’s can cause serious problems. Ainsworth reports that “SSRI’s interact with many other medications by altering the speed or efficiency of liver enzymes that break down the other medications” (93). The result can cause serious side effects. This is an especially big problem for the large percentage of elderly people taking antidepressants in combination with other prescriptions. Ainsworth explains that “It is wise to discuss with your physician any medication combinations that include an SSRI” (95). Any use of antidepressant medication has its risks, and must be evaluated carefully.

Many of the negative side effects of antidepressant medications have been evaluated against their risks and benefits. I do not wish you to believe that the only road to treat depression is dangerous. There is an alternative, less risky method for treating depression that is much less intrusive. Healthy alternatives to antidepressant medications exist naturally, and can be just as effective. One such healthy alternative can be found by monitoring the diet. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids make up our body, and provide chemicals to our brain through our body’s natural processes. Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can cause a lack of serotonin and norepinephrine, the primary chemicals involved in mood regulation (Elkins 26). This deficit can be caused by eating unhealthily, or simply by not eating enough. Diets, a fad among Americans, are also related to depression. Elkins writes “The most common reason for abandoning a diet is dealing with the serotonin depletion we experience. The classic symptoms of dieting, which include irritability, depression, moodiness, and nervousness can be the direct result of a serotonin deficiency, created by a lack of carbohydrates” (114). A natural consequence of a low carbohydrate intake is lower levels of serotonin in the brain, suggesting that a healthy diet results in a healthy amount of serotonin in the brain. Elkins supports this idea by saying, “If serotonin levels are so crucial to both depression and carbohydrate craving, amino acid and vitamin therapy may be extremely valuable in helping to control neurotransmitter levels” (114). The purpose of antidepressant medications is to help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can also be accomplished naturally by the proper intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The healthy alternative offers no negative side effects.

As discussed earlier, sleep plays a major role in depression as well. I conducted an interview with a therapist by the name of Terry Route. He is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and has been a practicing therapist for over 20 years. He has worked extensively with patients suffering from depression throughout his employment. I asked him what the first thing he suggested to a patient suffering from depression was. He responded with, “Fix their sleep. Get them to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Sleep where you will not be disturbed, in the basement with earplugs, in the dark, away from your spouse if necessary.” Route continued by saying that when they actually followed this advice, the depression was overcome in 75% of all cases.

I must admit that there is some controversy here, due to the fact that depression causes sleep abnormalities. If depression causes un-restful and interrupted sleep, how can sleeping be a cure for depression? The trick here lies with the neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin helps regulate sleep cycles. “If serotonin levels are abnormally low, sleeping intervals decrease. In other words, you tend to wake up easier than you are supposed to” (Elkins 194). Lower serotonin levels means that your sleep is interrupted easier than it should be. By following Route’s advice you actually improve your restful sleep and allow your body to replenish depleted serotonin levels while you rest. Sleep, a natural process without negative side effects, has been proven to aid in relieving symptoms of depression.

According to Justice Wirz’s article in the Archives of General Psychiatry, one other factor that can naturally combat depression without negative side effects is sunlight. As light is received in the pineal gland through the eyes, it triggers the shutdown of the production of melatonin, another chemical found in the body. Melatonin is a key chemical that induces the production of serotonin. When a person does not receive enough sunlight, the production cycle of melatonin is disrupted. The pineal gland does not function properly and does not produce enough melatonin, resulting in an insufficient amount of melatonin to trigger the production of serotonin. (861-862)

Doesn’t artificial light cause the same reaction in the pineal gland as sunlight? Dr. Richard Wurtman, Ph.D. of MIT points out that “artificial lights that are typically used to illuminate interiors provide only around one-tenth of the light which would be found outside under one shady tree on a sunny day” (qtd. in Elkins 93). The information suggests that there is no replacement for good old fashion sunlight, and our body knows it.

Another good natural combatant to depression is exercise. Prolonged exercise produces endorphins in the body. Endorphins can cause a feeling of euphoria, also known as “runner’s high,” which counteracts the sad moods of depression. It has been suggested and studied that endorphins in the body help restore chemical imbalances to their natural state, aiding in the treatment of depression. An article posted on the web page for the American Psychology Association reads, “The greater the length of the exercise program and the larger the total number of exercise sessions, the greater the decrease in depression with exercise” (Psychology Matters). Antidepressant medications and their negative side effects have been discussed, as well as positive healthy alternatives. Each has been weighed for its benefits and risks. Negative side effects can be extreme or mild, depending on the case. Antidepressant medications have been proven to treat depression, but not without their risks. Such medications should only be used when absolutely necessary, when other methods have been exhausted. A depressed person may have a hard time getting themselves out of the hole they are in even when they want to try natural treatment methods. In such cases, medication can be used as a means to get the person started towards a more healthy treatment method. The least intrusive method of treatment should be our first effort. If natural methods do not work, then the risks of antidepressant medications become a worthy option for treatment.

I have suffered from deprssion in my own life. I have had a front row seat as my loved ones suffered. Nobody knows better than myself how nasty depression can be, and how hard it is to conquer. My family members and I have tried every possible medication and we remain unsatisfied. The negative side effects are horrible. I have done everything I can to treat my depression without the use of antidepressant medications and succeeded, at times. Other times, I have done everything in my power and it has not been enough. Antidepressants were my last resort, and they worked. I did have to deal with many ugly side effects, but they were absolutely necessary and I knew that because I had already tried everything else.

If you have more than 5 loved ones, chances are that you will deal with depression first hand. Many people run to their doctor and ask for “miracle drugs” without considering natural alternatives that don’t hold the risks or negative side effects of antidepressant medications. It is our responsibility to know the options available so that when depression hits, we are prepared to assist our loved ones with the best solution to their circumstance. Medications can be effective, but should be used as a last resort due to the availability of healthy alternatives that offer no negative side effects.

Works Cited

Ainsworth, Patricia M.D.. Understanding Depression. Mississippi: University Press of Mississippi, 2000.

Clinical Practice Guidelines. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). 15 Apr. 2002

11 Aug. 2005 .

Elkins, Rita. Depression and Natural Medicine. Pleasant Grove: Woodland Publishing Inc., 1995.

Prozac fluoxetine hydrochloride. How PROZAC Can Help. 2005. 11 Aug. 2005 >http://www.prozac.com/how_prozac/how_prozac_can_help.jsp?reqNavId=2>.

Psychology Information Online. Side Effects of Antidepressants. 2002. 11 Aug. 2005 .

Psychology Matters. Exercise Helps You’re your Psyche Fit. 2005. American Psychological Association. 10 Aug. 2005. .

Route, Terry LCSW. Personal Interview. 9 Aug. 2005.

Sarah. Personal Interview. 8 Aug. 2005

Wirz, Justice. “Beginning to See the Light.” Archives of General Psychology. 55.10 (1998): 861-862.

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Diabetes- Getting Down to the Basics

By Don Ford, M.D.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease where your blood glucose (sugar) levels are above normal. It results from the inability of the glucose to get into your cells. As a result your cells are starving for their food (glucose). It would be like a starving person surrounded by tables of wonderful food but their mouth has been sewn closed and they can’t eat.

About 17 million Americans are believed to have diabetes and one-third of those patients don’t even know they have it. Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. And most diabetics develop heart disease. In fact, just having diabetes carries the same risk of having a heart attack as someone who has already had such an event. Therefore it is very important for patients that have diabetes to also have a physician that closely monitors and treats their cholesterol levels as well as their blood pressure. Additionally, any use of tobacco products multiplies the risks and should be stopped.

Are there different kinds of diabetes?

Certainly. But the basic features of the disease are same. In any form of diabetes there is some underlying reason why your body is not able to utilize glucose (sugar) for energy, and that causes the levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood build up above normal. There are three areas that are important for you to understand in diabetes. First, the cells in your body which use the glucose are important as they must be able to remove sugar from the blood and put it inside the cell as a fuel. Secondly, the insulin which is made by your pancreas (an organ near your stomach) is important to allow the sugar to enter the cell (the key to unlock the door to enter), and lastly, glucose which is broken down from your food or from muscle and liver from a storage form of glucose called glycogen. Now if you think of the disease diabetes as involving a locking gas cap on your car, it will be easier to understand.

If you understand how a locking gas cap works, then you can understand how diabetes works. All of the cells in your body have a locking gas cap on them. Insulin is the key to the locking gas cap, and glucose would be the fuel for the car. In one form of diabetes, the body totally quits making insulin (keys) so you can’t get glucose (fuel) into your cells. In other forms of diabetes, your body makes some insulin (keys) but not much as your body needs. Therefore, only a few of the cells can be unlocked and opened to put the glucose (fuel) inside. Another thing that happens is that some of the locks on the cells become rusty and won’t work properly. So even if you have insulin (keys) you can’t get the cells to open. This is called insulin resistance. If the cells won’t open, you can’t get glucose (fuel) inside the cell for energy. The result of all of this is excess glucose in your blood.

Types Of Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and only accounts for 5-10% of diabetes patients. In type 1 diabetes the pancreas doesn’t make any insulin (keys) at all.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. It accounts for 90-95% of all the cases of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either your body doesn’t make enough insulin (keys), or the cells in your body ignore the insulin (the lock is rusty and doesn’t work) so they can’t utilize glucose like they are supposed to. When your cells ignore the insulin, as mentioned above, it is often referred to as insulin resistance.

Other types of diabetes which only account for a small number of the cases of diabetes include gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that only pregnant women get. If not treated, it can cause problems for mothers and babies and usually disappears when the pregnancy is over. Other types of diabetes resulting from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses may account for 1% to 2% of all cases of diabetes.

How do you get diabetes?

There are risk factors that increase your chance of developing diabetes. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. Risk factors are less well defined for type 1 diabetes than for type 2 diabetes, but autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in developing this type of diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

People who think they might have diabetes must visit a physician for a diagnosis. They might have SOME or NONE of the following symptoms: frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden vision changes, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, feeling very tired much of the time, very dry skin, sores that are slow to heal, more infections than usual. Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains may accompany some of these symptoms in the abrupt onset of type 1 diabetes.

Glucose is sugar! So all I have to do is avoid sweets, right?

It is not that simple. The truth is, most food, and all of the carbohydrates you eat, are broken down into its simplest structure, glucose. As food arrives in your stomach, the acid starts to break the food down immediately. Proteins are broken down for their amino acids, and carbohydrates for their glucose. Once your gastrointestinal system breaks your food down into something your body can utilize, the blood picks it up and carries it to your cells to for energy. In healthy people, the blood picks up the glucose absorbed from the GI tract, and sends a signal to your pancreas (an organ near your stomach) to make and release insulin. Remember, in Type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make enough insulin (keys), or some of your cells ignoring the insulin that is there. (The locks are rusty and won’t work) In both situations, your cells don’t get the glucose they need for energy and they are starving while all the extra glucose is just floating around in your blood and can’t be used. The worst part is, when all that extra glucose is floating around in your blood, it is causing damage to your blood vessels and organs and that damage increase your risk of heart disease. That is why it is very important to keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. When the glucose levels get really high, the glucose starts to leak out into your urine.

How do you treat diabetes?

There are several things you need to do to help control your diabetes. For type 1 diabetes, Healthy eating, physical activity, and insulin injections are the basic therapies. The amount of insulin taken must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. For patients with type 1 diabetes, blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose testing.

For type 2 diabetes, healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing are the basic therapies. In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels. Some of the oral medications work by stimulating your pancreas to make more insulin (keys). Other oral medicines work to make the rusty locks start working again. In a sense they are kind of like WD-40 for the rusty locks on the cells. It fixes the lock on the cells so the insulin (keys) can open the cell to allow the glucose (fuel) inside. Once the glucose (fuel) is allowed inside the cells, your blood sugar levels will drop back down to normal.

What medicine am I going to have to take for my diabetes?

There are many different types of medications that your doctor may prescribe for diabetes; however these prescriptions can cause certain nutritional deficiencies that may increase your risk for chronic degenerative diseases. NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients® supplement was designed to work with your diabetic medications by replacing lost nutrients reducing the risk of dangerous side effects, and promote better health

The main classes of diabetic medications include sulfonylureas, biguanides, and thiazolidinediones.

Sulfonylureas include the following medications:

Orinase ,Tolinase, Diabinese, Glipizide, Glyburide, Amaryl, Prandin, Strarlix The main function of sulfonylureas is to increase insulin production in the beta cells of the pancreas. Sulfonylureas can interfere with the body’s normal metabolism of Coenzyme Q10. Because CoQ10 is necessary to make energy in all tissues of the body, this effect may decrease your body’s natural ability to utilize or “burn up” sugars, and may even reduce the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin over time.

Biguanides include the following medications:

Glucophage (Metformin)

Glucovance (metformin + glyburide)

The main functions of biguanides are to lower the production of glucose by the liver thereby reducing blood glucose levels. Your doctor may prescribe this type of medicine in combination with sulfonylureas insulin, or a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones. Unfortunately, biguanides have been shown to deplete vitamin B-12, folic acid and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A few of the problems which may arise from deficiencies of folate and vitamin B-12 include the following: Heart disease, stroke, anemia, arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain, and neuropathies (nerve damage). Because diabetes increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and neuropathy, it is especially important to prevent nutritional deficiencies which may add to these risk factors. Therefore to reduce potential side effects of nutrient deficiencies you should take NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients® supplement as long as you are on your diabetic medication.

Because both medication types listed above can deplete CoQ10, it is important to understand some of the symptoms of a deficiency. CoQ10 deficiency has been linked to the following diseases and symptoms: Congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, rhabdomyolysis (muscle break down), muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. Therefore to achieve maximum benefit from the diabetes medications and minimize potential side effects of nutrient deficiencies, you should compliment your prescription medication by taking NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients® supplement. By doing this, you will balance the risk/benefit ratio further in your favor.

In summary, diabetic medications prescribed by your doctor are necessary to treat your condition; however, you should also be aware that the long term potential nutritional side effects may be just as big a risk factor for your health as the disease you set out to treat in the first place. Put the odds in your favor and maintain your health with NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients® supplement

How do I know I am keeping my blood sugar under control? Frequent blood tests are used to monitor your blood sugar. Most patients with diabetes should have a home blood monitoring kit. Some doctors ask their patients to check their blood sugar as frequently at 6 times a day, though this is an extreme. The more information you have about your blood sugar levels, the easier it will be for you to control it. People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care, and keep blood glucose levels from going too low or too high.

When your blood sugar is too high, your doctor refers to it as hyperglycemia. When your blood sugar is too high, you may not experience any symptoms, but the high levels of glucose in your blood is causing damage to your blood vessels and organs. That is why it is important to have your body utilize the sugar properly and get it out of your bloodstream.

When your blood sugar is too low, your doctor refers to it as hypoglycemia. Having low blood sugar can be very dangerous and patients taking medication for diabetes should watch for symptoms of low blood sugar. It is also important that your monitor your blood sugar regularly to avoid both low as well as high blood sugar. It is important that you keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible at all times.

How does my doctor know if I am keeping my blood sugar under control? Some patients are may not follow the proper diet and exercise except for the days leading up to a blood test in the doctor’s office. They want to look like they are doing a good job controlling their blood sugar. This way their fasting blood glucose test results will be good for the doctor. But, there is a test that will show your doctor the real picture over the past 3 months or so. It is called the hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test. Hemoglobin is the part of your blood, or red cells, that carries oxygen to your cells. Glucose sticks to the hemoglobin in your red cells of the blood as they emerge from the bone marrow where they are made.

The amount of sugar on the red cell is proportionate to the blood sugar level at the moment the red cell goes into circulation, and remains at that level for the life of the red cell. So if there has been a lot of extra glucose in your blood, there will be a lot of glucose stuck all over your hemoglobin. Since the average lifespan of the hemoglobin in your blood is 90-100 days, a HbA1C test shows a doctor how well you have been controlling your blood sugar over the last 3 months. This test is a check on the overall sugar control, not just the fasting blood sugar. So it is important to control your blood sugar at all times, and not just before visiting the doctor. The most important reason to control your blood sugar is so that you can live a longer, healthier life without complications that can be caused by not controlling your diabetes.

What happens if I do not control my diabetes? The complications of diabetes can be devastating. Both forms of diabetes ultimately lead to high blood sugar levels, a condition called hyperglycemia. The damage that hyperglycemia causes to your body is extensive and includes:

Damage to the retina from diabetes (diabetic retinopathy) is a leading cause of blindness.

Diabetes predisposes people to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These independently and together with hyperglycemia increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and other blood vessel complications.

Damage to the nerves in the autonomic nervous system can lead to paralysis of the stomach (gastroparesis), chronic diarrhea, and an inability to control heart rate and blood pressure with posture changes.

Damage to the kidneys from diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) is a leading cause of kidney failure.

Damage to the nerves from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) is a leading cause of lack of normal sensation in the foot, which can lead to wounds and ulcers, and all too frequently to foot and leg amputations.

Diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries”, and the formation of fatty plaques inside the arteries, which can lead to blockages or a clot (thrombus), which can then lead to heart attack, stroke, and decreased circulation in the arms and legs (peripheral vascular disease).

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs from time to time in most people with diabetes. It results from taking too much diabetes medication or insulin, missing a meal, doing more exercise than usual, drinking too much alcohol, or taking certain medications for other conditions. It is very important to recognize hypoglycemia and be prepared to treat it at all times. Headache, feeling dizzy, poor concentration, tremors of hands, and sweating are common symptoms of hypoglycemia. You can faint or have a seizure if blood sugar level gets too low.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition in which uncontrolled hyperglycemia (usually due to complete lack of insulin or a relative deficiency of insulin) over time creates a buildup in the blood of acidic waste products called ketones. High levels of ketones can be very harmful. This typically happens to people with type 1 diabetes who do not have good blood glucose control. Diabetic ketoacidosis can be precipitated by infection, stress, trauma, missing medications like insulin, or medical emergencies like stroke and heart attack.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome is a serious condition in which the blood sugar level gets very high. The body tries to get rid of the excess blood sugar by eliminating it in the urine. This increases the amount of urine significantly and often leads to dehydration so severe that it can cause seizures, coma, even death. This syndrome typically occurs in people with type 2 diabetes who are not controlling their blood sugar levels or have become dehydrated or have stress, injury, stroke, or medications like steroids.

My doctor says I have pre-diabetes? What is that? Pre-diabetes is a common condition related to diabetes. In people with pre-diabetes, the blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Pre-diabetes increases your risk of getting type 2 diabetes and of having heart disease or a stroke. Pre-diabetes can be reversed without insulin or medication by losing a modest amount of weight and increasing your physical activity. This can prevent, or at least delay, onset of type 2 diabetes. When associated with certain other abnormalities, it is also called the metabolic syndrome.

What are normal blood glucose levels? The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood changes throughout the day and night. Your levels will vary depending upon when, what and how much you have eaten, and whether or not you have exercised. The American Diabetes Association categories for normal blood sugar levels are the following, based on how your glucose levels are tested:

A fasting blood glucose test: This test is performed after you have fasted (no food or liquids other than water) for eight hours. A normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dl. A diagnosis of diabetes is made if your blood glucose reading is 126 mg/dl or higher. (In 1997, the American Diabetes Association lowered the level at which diabetes is diagnosed to 126 mg/dl from 140 mg/dl.)

A “random” blood glucose test can be taken at any time. A normal blood glucose range is in the low to mid 100s. A diagnosis of diabetes is made if your blood glucose reading is 200 mg/dl or higher and you have symptoms of disease such as fatigue, excessive urination, excessive thirst or unplanned weight loss.

Another test called the oral glucose tolerance test may be performed instead. For this test, you will be asked, after fasting overnight, to drink a sugar-water solution. Your blood glucose levels will then be tested over several hours. In a person without diabetes, glucose levels rise and then fall quickly after drinking the solution. In a person with diabetes, blood glucose levels rise higher than normal and do not fall as quickly.

A normal blood glucose reading two hours after drinking the solution is less than 140 mg/dl, and all readings between the start of the test until two hours after the start are less than 200 mg/dl. Diabetes is diagnosed if your blood glucose levels are 200 mg/dl or higher.

What else do I need to do if I have diabetes? People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will monitor their diabetes control and help them learn to manage their diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes may see endocrinologists, who may specialize in diabetes care; ophthalmologists for eye examinations; podiatrists for routine foot care; and dietitians and diabetes educators who teach the skills needed for daily diabetes management.

Diabetes, and its precursor, the metabolic syndrome, can lead to a multitude of problems if not adequately controlled. These include vascular diseases that result in heart attack and stroke, kidney damage leading to kidney failure, damage to nerves (neuropathy), retinal damage leading to blindness, high blood pressure, and various metabolic defects such as high triglycerides or high cholesterol. It is therefore crucial to control the diabetes as well as all the other risk factors for artery diseases that cause heart attack and stroke.

To do this, your doctor will insist on a good diet and regular exercise. Medications are added to lower the blood sugar, and if these are inadequate, insulin or other injectable medication will be required. The medications that treat diabetes may cause depletion of folic acid, which in turn can cause a high homocysteine, which is a risk factor for artery disease that underlies heart attack and stroke. You can shift the risks in your favor by taking NutraMD Diabetes Essential Nutrients along with your doctor prescribed medications.

www.essential-nutrients.net/

Donald Ford, MD, Diplomate of the American Board Internal Medicine. Dr. Ford has practiced general internal medicine for the past 22 years. He is a native Texan and trained at Baylor University, the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and Scott and White in Temple. He is a Clinical Assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. In addition to general Internal Medicine, his practice includes travel medicine, vascular disease prevention, and Integrative Medicine with nutrients. He has been interested in the body’s ability to heal itself since medical school, and has used nutrients throughout his career to help patients use less prescription medication, or avoid it altogether.While he sees the tremendous value prescription medications can provide, he is also aware of the value and place for nutrients.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Ford,_M.D.

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Heart Attacks – Are They Preventable?

By Graham Hobbs

We know that heart attacks are common (understatement of the day), but did you know that heart attacks are actually preventable. It seems hard to imagine that if such a rampant killer as a heart attack were truely preventable that more people wouldn’t take the measures necessary to prevent becoming the victims of them.

What causes a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs primarily because of a blockage in one or more of the main arteries that deliver blood to the heart. A build-up of fatty deposits on the arterial walls gradually narrows the vessel, allowing less blood through to the heart. Add to this a surface buildup of plaque and over time the regular flow of blood can be slowed considerably.

Often in this situation the outer plaque will rupture, causing a blood clot to form inside the artery. Here you have the makings of an immediate and quite major heart attack. But whether it is a blood clot or simply gradual narrowing of the arteries, the area of heart muscle directly ahead of the blockage will begin to die due to lack of oxygen (oxygen usually carried in the blood). It is the extent or size of this dying tissue that will determine the severity of the resultant heart attack.

Even if you are not at risk now, it is worth educating yourself on heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, sudden cardiac arrest, etc. The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, is certainly true of heart attacks.

The statistics

The statistics regarding heart attacks and heart disease in general speak for themselves:

* One heart attack occurs approx. every 20 seconds in the US, with one heart attack death about every minute.

* 1.5 million heart attacks occur in the United States each year. In 500,000 of those cases death occurs.

* Over 13 million Americans have a history of heart attack or angina (pains relating to a pending heart attack).

* US medical costs related to heart attacks are in excess of 60 billion dollars per year.

The Main Preventatives

So, how do you prevent heart disease and more especially heart attack?

* Stop smoking – if you do. This is the number one prevention against heart attacks to stop smoking . Smoking even one to two cigarettes a day greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular condition. In fact smokers are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smokers.

* Lower your body’s cholesterol. Fatty substances in your blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries. The deposits over time reduce or block the blood flow and oxygen to your heart. This makes you much more prone to heart attacks.

*Bring down high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and kidneys, increasing your risk of a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.

* Maintain a healthy body weight. The heavier you are, the harder your heart has to work. Overweight individuals are much more likely to suffer a heart attack than are their slimmer counterparts.

* Exercise your body. Your heart, like any other muscle, needs a workout to stay strong. Activity and exercise, coupled with a healthy body weight, interact with many other risk factors and help you prevent heart disease and heart attacks.

* Follow a healthy diet. The old saying, “You are what you eat,” rings true especially when it comes to cardiovascular disease. Four cardiac risk factors result from dietary mismanagement: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity, and all of these conditions help contribute to heart attacks.

Conclusion

Yes, heart attacks are preventable. The 6 points above each contribute to a healthier lifestyle, but perhaps more importantly to a healthier heart. Don’t take your heart health for granted. Without proactive measures on your part it is too easy to become just another heart attack statistic.

Graham Hobbs is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Automated External Defibrillator, where he takes a closer look at heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrest and the automated external defibrillator.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_Hobbs

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The Benefic Effects of Cannabis on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

By Groshan Fabiola

According to recently conducted experiments, cannabis can be considered an effective remedy for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While at first the symptomatic improvements experienced by patients with multiple sclerosis who have been administered cannabinoid products were thought to be determined solely by psychological factors, later research has revealed that cannabis actually reduces muscular spasms and stiffness characteristic to multiple sclerosis sufferers. The benefic effects of cannabis on patients with multiple sclerosis have been confirmed by short-term and long-term controlled medical studies.

In 2003, a team of researchers from the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, UK have made public the results of a series of short-term and long-term studies on the effects of cannabinoids among patients with multiple sclerosis. The previously conducted studies involved the active participation of around 600 patients with advanced-stage multiple sclerosis. The participants were divided in two distinctive groups: the first group received cannabinoid compounds in equal doses, while the second group received placebo medications over a period of 15 weeks. By the end of the experiment, the majority of patients who were administered cannabinoids experienced considerable symptomatic improvements, having less muscular pain and being confronted with milder muscular spasticity (less pronounced muscular spasm). Unlike the group that received cannabinoid compounds over the entire period of the study, the control group (patients who received placebo medications) experienced no improvements in their overall condition.

In order to confirm the relevancy of the findings and to discard any doubts concerning the efficiency of cannabis in ameliorating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, the study was later repeated. The ulterior study was performed over a period of 12 months, and involved the participation of the same subjects. However, this time the participants were divided into 3 distinctive groups instead of 2 as in the case of the previous experiment. The first group received pills of D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the active component in cannabis, the second group received natural cannabis extracts, while the third group received placebo medications.

At the end of the experiment, patients were carefully evaluated and examined by a team of physiotherapists and neurologists. The best results were obtained among the patients belonging to the first study group, the majority of subjects who have received equal doses of THC experiencing considerable improvements in their symptoms. The patients in the second study group experienced slight improvements in their symptoms, while the patients in the third group felt no changes in their condition.

Despite the fact these studies clearly suggest that cannabis is an efficient remedy for multiple sclerosis, medical scientists aren’t still convinced that cannabinoids can be successfully used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. However, after performing additional studies on the matter and more elaborate research, doctors may consider to introduce cannabinoid compounds in the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the near future.

We recommend you clicking this site www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com for more multiple sclerosis subjects like multiple sclerosis treatment or symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Groshan_Fabiola

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