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Archive for August, 2009

General Information Regarding Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

16 Aug



The World Health Organization (WHO) makes reports and updates regarding new human cases of infection with bird flu. The only subtype that can cause severe illness to people is Influenza A /H5N1 virus, initially it affects chickens, ducks and other birds by the process of mutation they can become highly pathogenic. Because highly pathogenic viruses can survive for long periods in tissue, water and in the environment, especially when temperatures are low is transmitted very easily in chickens and other birds through direct contact with feces and secretions from infected birds, eggs, feed, water, cages equipment, vehicles and clothing. Public health authorities monitor human illnesses associated with avian influenza. In Hong-Kong occured for the first time infection both in humans and poultry and were killed about 1.5 million chickens.

In China and Hong-Kong avian influenza A (H9N2) virus infection affected two children who recovered. The source was unknown, but suspected the poultry.

In Virginia, 2002 an outbreak of H7N2 among poultry was descovered but,with no human victims. Canada, 2004: human infections among poultry workers with H7N3.

Thailand and Vietnam human infections with H5N1. Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, 2006: Human infections with H5N1 occurred as a result of contact with infected poultry and with infected death swangs. Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, 2005 two persons have been infected with H5N1 as result of consuming uncooked duck blood. China two cases of patogenic infections with avian influenza A (H5N1) have been confirmed in a family travelling through China. Netherlands, 2003 were reported outbreaks of influenza A (H7N7) in several farms, after which in pigs and people, 90 people were confrmed with bird flu virus H7N7 in association with cases of eye conjunctivitis, one death occured at a veterinarian with acute respiratory distress syndrome and other complications after having direct contact with infected poultry. In New York, 2003 there has been registered one case a patient with respiratory symptoms which recovered in few weeks and tests confirmed it had been avian influenza A (H7N2) virus. Signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to other influenza viruses: sore throat and cough, fever, muscle weakness and/or pain, eye infections, with life-threatening complications such as: severe viral pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, multi- organ failure.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests the following antiviral agents supposed to prevent and treat avian influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir. They may be not always effective it has been demonstrated that viruses are resistent to amantadine and rimantadine. In the United States they are not in use any more for the treatment or prevention (prophylaxis) of influenza A. Specialists are monitoring the resistence of avian influenza A viruses to influenza antiviral medications.

 
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Prescription Sleep Aids

14 Aug



Everyone wants a good night of sleep that is complete and uninterrupted. This is actually one of the more important necessities that our body needs in order to survive and keep pace with the ever-changing world. Sometimes, if we can not get the sleep we need prescription sleep aids can help us to get back on track.

Sleep enables your body to gain its strength back and to rejuvenate itself. If you get too stressed out or enter into a restless stage of your life, a goodnight is sleep may be hard to achieve. Prescription sleep aids are available today to help a person be ready to face the world with confidence and more energy. They aid in giving us back all the lost energy that our body has spent throughout the day. They also enable us to get the needed repairs in our body tissues for maximum rejuvenation and optimum health.

Remedies may come in different shapes, sizes and levels of efficacy. All of them carry a promise of making you feel more relaxed and ready to doze off into that wonderful world of sleep land! Because the difficulty in sleeping is often characterized by a number of different factors, we may sometimes be unfamiliar with the proper sleep aid for each situation. Trying to do something about these sleep problems may lead to an infinite number of options. There are musical pieces that aide in our sleep and which offer a wide range of nature-inspired sounds and schemes. There are also moisturizers and face masks which are good for people having skin irritations that prevent them from sleeping properly. Other options include medical treatment tests and procedures that can only be done by a specialist but which help to diagnose the kind of sleep disorder we are experiencing. This is often the final solution which helps us to know the real cause and the available solutions that can be taken to help cure the ailment.

One of the most common and inexpensive prescription sleep aid are sleep drugs. Sleep drugs are being used by many people who are experiencing difficulty in dozing off and who have developed a weird sleeping habit. Such drugs come in many shapes and sizes but the most serious are the class of Benzodiazepines which are prescribed to insomnia patients. They can cause drowsiness during the day and not just at night so they are especially dangerous if not taken according to the strict guidelines of a physician. They should not be taken on a daily basis because they will eventually pose a new risk. Another kind of prescription sleep aid is the Non-benzodiazepines which are the newest option in sleep medicine. They pose fewer risks to the patient is health and only target specific receptors in the brain which need attention. They do not cause much daytime sleepiness and dizziness so they are easier to manage. Yet another kind of sleep aid is the Barbiturates but these are rarely prescribed because they so commonly lead to dependence, addiction and sometimes even overdose. Oftentimes, anti-depressants are prescribed to patients who suffer from the blues and who are also having trouble staying on a normal sleep schedule. If none of these sleep drugs seem to work for you, ask your healthcare provider to assist you in finding the best possible remedy to suit you.

A complete and regular schedule of sleep makes a person ready to face the many troubles and activities that last throughout the day. Not everyone has the best time sleeping, especially those with rigid and rather intense lifestyles! Those people who tend to do more rigorous work are more prone to having sleep-related problems and should consult a doctor if the problem persists. By dealing with this sleep issue while it is still just a small problem, it will save you a lot of trouble in the future and help you to maintain that busy schedule that you really want to keep. It is really just as simple as that and you will be on the road to a happier and healthier lifestyle from now on!

 
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Sinus Surgery

13 Aug



The physician usually suggests sinus surgery when sinus infection is too recurrent or is non -reactive to medications for sinus relief. Sinus surgery is suggested to patients who are suffering from chronic sinusitis. There are innumerable medications available in the market along with the popular home medicines that is a matter of common knowledge for sinus relief, but when these fail to get the desired respite sinus surgery comes into light as the last yet not lost resort.

The two most obvious question that one might ask regarding sinus surgery:

Why a surgery when one can simply get relief one way or the other? Or Is sinus surgery painful?

Well then the answers are:

If chronic sinusitis is not treated on time then there is a strong possibility of damage in the sinuses or cheekbones that would need a surgery to repair these damaged parts and after all a ‘stitch in time saves nine’.

With new developments in technology at aid “surgery” would in fact be too big a term to be used for this simple procedure performed more often than not by an E.N.T (ear, nose, throat) specialist. The latest of the operations performed for sinus relief is very simple, not painful yet effective. The primary motive of this sinus surgery is to enable the flow of liquid or mucus freely that is clogged in the sinuses because of inflammation or any other reason that is not allowing the draining of these unwanted substances by making this passage broad. Depending on the type of sinusitis i.e., frontal, ethmoid or maxillary the surgery would be performed under, behind the eyebrow, next to the nose or scalp or inside the nose itself, upper lip respectively.

There are different types of sinus surgeries:

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): This is done with an endoscope to remove the unwanted and dead tissues. Image guided surgery: This is performed with the help of a three-dimensional mapping system etc., which becomes a must in a little complicated cases of severe chronic sinusitis. Caldwell Luc operation: This technique is used to treat maxillary sinus i.e., the one of the cavities under the eye by which a passage is made to connect the maxillary sinus with the nose.

The primary aim of the sinus surgery let it be of any type is to make the passage broader or to clear the dead tissues that bock the passage and create discomfort and all other symptoms of sinus.

 
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Wheat Gluten Allergies

12 Aug



Nobody wants to live with an allergy. It’s especially troubling when you’re allergic to a particular type of food. An allergy to wheat can be especially troubling since it’s found in so many foods. Gluten is a rubbery protein that’s contained in grains. It’s common in breads that are made from wheat, barley, rye and oats. It’s these proteins that people are allergic to. Albumin, globulin, gluetnin and gliadin are the four basic proteins that can be found in wheat.

As with any allergy it’s best to recognize your wheat allergy symptoms. While it’s possible for them to vary, depending on the person, the most common signs and symptoms of a gluten wheat allergy are swelling, hives, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, asthma and a skin rash. These symptoms can range from mild to extremely painful. In the worst case scenario these symptoms could be life threatening. However this is the case only if the person is highly sensitive to gluten.

It’s a good idea to see a doctor if you think you may suffer from an allergy to wheat & glutton. He or she will be able to perform an allergy test that will show exactly what grains you’re allergic to. Your doctor will also be able give you helpful information on how to treat your wheat and gluten allergies.

After you’re diagnosed, you will have to pay special attention to your diet. It’s important to read the labels on all the foods you eat. While there is no sure fire wheat allergy solution, with a little careful planning, you’ll be able to live a happy healthy life free of symptoms of wheat glutton allergies for the rest of your life.

 
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Dealing With Fruit Allergies – Important Facts You Must Know

12 Aug



Fruits are very important in a diet as they supply all the vitamins, minerals and fiber that the body needs to maintain strength and health. But not everyone is able to consume fruit as some people find that taking fruits can cause allergic reactions in their bodies. The allergic reactions which fruits cause can be easily recognized and it is always quite easy to say which fruit is allergic to a person. So once the fruit is identified as causing an allergy the person can best avoid the fruit.

Oral allergy syndrome is very common to fruit allergies as consuming a certain fruit will cause swellings in certain parts like the tongue, mouth, lips and throat etc. The moment the fruit comes into contact with our mouth or lips they begin to burn or swell.
This syndrome is not restricted to fruits alone but also vegetables. Many people display the same allergic symptoms when they eat certain vegetables. This is caused by the chemical reactions which take place between the pollens and proteins. It is common that people who have fruit allergies are also allergic to pollens. Only when the fruits and vegetables are eaten fresh do they cause allergies in people not when they are cooked and eaten. This is because the pollens and proteins which are present get destroyed when cooked.

Some of the other symptoms which fruit allergies cause are skin irritations, redness and rashes or hives. Sometimes due to fruit allergies the blood pressure can also drop drastically cutting off oxygen supply to the brain. The mouth throat and airways begin to swell restricting air to the lungs and this leaves the person gasping for breath which in turn leads to death.

We sometimes notice that only certain classes of fruits tend to cause allergies to us. Like for instance if we are allergic to rag weed then we will find that when we eat fruits like bananas, and melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew will also cause allergy reactions.

In the case of Birch tree allergy you will find certain fruits like apples, pears, cherries, kiwi and stone fruit which are more likely to cause allergies also. Certain other fruits like lemons, oranges limes and grapefruit which belong to the citrus variety can also cause allergies. This is mainly due to the acidic nature of the citrus fruits which cause allergic reactions.

The best way to avoid fruit allergies is not to eat those fruits so that all that rashes, swelling and skin irritations can be avoided. There are people who have become resistant to fruit allergies because of the allergy injections which they have taken. Though there is another option which is to have the fruits cooked and eaten to avoid allergic reactions in your body.

 
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Cholestatic Liver Disease

11 Aug



The term “cholestasis” literally means “standing still of bile.” When the flow of bile in your body is disrupted, anicteric cholestasis levels in the body will rise. Middle-aged women over the age of 40 are the ones who usually suffer from the chronic type of cholestatic liver disease. This type of disease is called “primary biliary cirrhosis.”

Diagnosis

About 90 percent of patients diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis are women over the age of 40. Women living in northern Europe tend to be more susceptible to this disease compared to women in other parts of the world. Women in Japan have the lowest rate of diagnosed cases of this disease.

The diagnosis of cholestatic liver disease is based on a combination of many findings and tests. Some of these factors include findings of cholestatic liver enzymes, a positive anti-mitochondrial antibody, and characteristic liver biopsy. The most common laboratory finding is the detection of elevated serum alkaline phosphates of liver origin. The presence of anti-mitochondrial antibody is the most characteristic laboratory finding in cholestatic liver disease. Over 95 percent of all who suffer from this disease will test positive for anti-mitochondrial antibody.

Signs and Symptoms

Fatigue is the most common symptom of this disorder. Seventy to eighty percent of all the patients suffering from this disease experience this symptom. However, fatigue is generally not an indication of the severity of this disorder. As the disorder progresses, other symptoms may arise, such as hypertension. As the disorder progresses even more, the ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins will continue to decrease. As the disorder progresses further, autoimmune disorders will begin to develop. For example, a patient with this disease may begin to develop an autoimmune thyroid disease, as well as an inflammatory bowel disease once this disorder is left to progress.

 
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Discover This Night Shift Health Problem

11 Aug



Is the extra money you earn for working the night shift worth the risk to your health? Is this night shift health problem recently discovered going to have you thinking again?

Before you answer consider the findings of an international group of experts.

You’ll be surprised to learn there’s growing evidence that night shifts are bad for you – though few who work them and are then diagnosed with cancer make any connection between the two.

One of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reports, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, showed a 36% greater risk of breast cancer for women who had worked night shifts for more than 30 years, compared with women who had never worked at night.

As a result, the Danish government is making the first ever payments as compensation to women who’ve gotten breast cancer after long periods of working nights.

This decision follows a ruling by the IARC, an arm of the UN’s World Health Organization that night shifts might just up the risk of developing cancer.

In fact, working these shifts is considered just one level below a category one cancer risk like asbestos.

Working nights has been added to a list of chemical agents that includes lead compounds and anabolic steroids; creosotes and diesel exhaust; sun lamps and sun beds.

Dr Vincent Cogliano of the IARC said the conclusion was reached after looking at lots of studies that involved both humans (mostly female nurses and flight attendants) and animals.

There’s evidence to support the hypothesis that changes in sleep patterns may suppress the production of melatonin – a hormone that’s important for regulating our body clock and a powerful antioxidant – which seems to have some beneficial effects in preventing cancer.

Cogliano, part of a group that published a series of research reviews in December 2007 says, “The level of evidence is really no different than it might be for an industrial chemical.” Working nights may be just as dangerous to your health as exposure to an industrial chemical it may well be.

The evidence also suggests night shifts may bring risk of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, low birth weight babies and longer pregnancies.

To date, just about 40 Danish women have won the right to the groundbreaking compensation but it isn’t easy to qualify. Women with a family history of breast cancer have been denied payments.

Cogliano said that nearly one fifth of workers in Europe and North America work night shifts across all industries in both the public and private sectors and suggests, “More studies are needed to examine this potential risk in other professions and for other cancers.”

So while night work might earn you more money, many who’ve done it long term and been diagnosed with breast cancer would change things now, if they could.

These workers also dealt with symptoms like disturbed sleep and fatigue, digestive problems and increased risk of accidents at work. The disruption of sleeping and eating patterns was difficult too.

If you do work nights, be sure to establish a regular daytime sleeping routine (your body needs about 5-9 hours every 24 hours).

Go to bed and get up at the same time, even on days off, vacations or holidays. Keep you sleeping space restful, quiet and a comfortable, constant temperature. Keep the room dark by using black out lining in your curtains or blinds.

By doing all you can to maximize the sleep you get, you should be able to work nights without creating a “night shift” health problem.

 
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Arthritis and Aromatherapy

07 Aug



Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized by pain, stiffness,
swelling, decreased range of movement and at a more serious stage deformity.
Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness by means of
aromatic, plant derived scents. It is very much a traditonal method as well as a
science that encompasses the intuitive and creative aspects of preparing special
purpose blends.

Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure
essential oils, but also from hydrosols and — more recently — phytols. For
application to the skin they have to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base
or a carrier lotion. Essential Oils must always be used diluted when applied to
the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as
very effective and safe.

Since the reasons for the occurance of arthritis are still not completely
established, it is difficult to find a cure for the disease. Arthritis could be
genetic, it could have to do with bone density loss, it could also be a type of
infection caused by toxins released in the body. Even more likely it is a
combination of several factors. It is — at this stage — only possible to treat the
pain and symptoms caused by arthritis but not it’s underlying cause.

Aromatherapy is one form of arthritis treatment, using a variety of essential
oils. They can be added to the bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled or applied
as compresses. The right mixture of essential oils will help to relax, promote
pain relief and alleviate fatigue. Essential oils can also provide psychological
benefits like improving the mood and reducing anxiety.

Some of the more suitable arthritis oils are Lavender, Juniper, Thyme,
Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica
Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.

One of the most effective ways to use aromatherapy for relieving pain and
reducing inflammation are hot compresses:

1. Fill a medium size bowl with hot, but not scalding water.

2. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil.

3. Fold a piece of sterile cotton cloth and dip it into the bowl.

4. Squeeze out excess water, but not too much.

5. Place the wet, hot cloth onto the affected area until it has cooled down to body temperature.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 at least two to three times.

7. Wrap the treated area in a dry and warm towel or blanket and leave the
patient to rest for a while.

Another good way to use aromatherapy for arthritis relieve is to rub diluted
essential oils (see above for dilution) onto pulse points and affected areas
during the day. Applying essential oils throughout the day can help to alleviate
pain and tension. The essential oils on the skin are quickly absorbed and enter
the bloodstream. This is an excellent form of arthritis relief and works also well
as a preventative measure.

Aromatherapy is a natural, safe and economical option to deal with the pain
and symptoms of arthritis. And above all, it has no negative side effects as so
many of the conventional treatments do. In mild cases of arthritis,
aromatherapy is often all that is needed to make a person comfortable.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is presented for
information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace
professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. It cannot and
should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.

 
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Breast Cancer Symptoms

05 Aug



Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer can spread through the bloodstream and invade nearby tissues. It can spread into the lymphatic system into other parts of one’s body.
There are numerous types of cancer. Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs is carcinoma. Leukemia is a form of cancer that begins in blood forming tissue such as bone marrow and will cause a large number of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood stream. Multiple myeloma and lymphoma cancers start in the cells of the immune system. Cancer that begins in the bone, cartilage, fat, blood vessels, or muscle is sarcoma.
Each year in America, 211,000 women learn they have breast cancer. Other than skin cancer breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women is this country.
Common symptoms of breast cancer include a change in how the breast or nipple feels and a change in how the breast or nipple looks.

If there are changes in how the nipple or breast feels, possibly a thickening or lump in or around the breast or underarm area, such a change can be a symptom of breast cancer. So can tenderness in the nipple.

Changes in how the nipple or breast looks may be the nipple turning inward into the breast. Another change could be a different shape or size of breast. Still other changes that might occur in the breast, nipple, or areola may be red, scaly or swollen skin. The skin may have ridges or pitting and look like the skin of an orange.

Still, another sign that there could be breast cancer is a nipple discharge. The nipple may discharge a fluid if there is breast cancer.

In early stages breast cancer usually does not cause pain. If a woman is having pain or other symptoms that do not go away she should see her health care provider. It is likely the symptoms are not due to breast cancer. Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. If a woman does have these symptoms she should tell her doctor. Any problems that might exist can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

 
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What OTC Medicines Can Help Me Sleep?

04 Aug



Are you having trouble sleeping? Sleep – it seems like it should be so easy yet over 50% of people will, at some point in their life, have trouble falling asleep. There are a bunch of different kinds of insomnia -short term, chronic, trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, waking up early or poor sleep in general.

Stress, anxiety, depression, medications, tobacco, alcohol and caffeine can cause or worsen trouble sleeping. What do we do to the next morning to combat our sleepiness? Caffeine! -which worsens stress/anxiety/depression and quite often alcohol the next night -all in attempt to trick our bodies and mind into feeling “well rested.”

Our thoughts don’t help either…we have trouble falling asleep, what do we start thinking? “Oh bother, I can’t fall asleep…now I will only get 5 hours of sleep…what if I don’t fall asleep…then tomorrow is going to suck…” and on and on -a vicious cycle!

Trouble sleeping is often linked with anxiety, stress and depression.

Some things we can do…when we are having trouble sleeping but not ready to talk to the physician about it yet…

First, life-style changes:

· Caffeine -(Redbull, soda, coffee, tea, chocolate…) Besides the obvious (it keeps you up and awake) it can also make anxiety and depression much worse -which can lead to sleeping trouble. FYI for those that just heart a soda -most clear sodas do not have caffeine.

· Tobacco and alcohol -Both tobacco and alcohol can also cause anxiety and sleep issues. I often have a glass of wine after work but the truth is-alcohol can have a really bad affect on sleep quality.

· Medications -Feel free to contact us or your local pharmacist and ask if your meds can be causing your sleep issues (some popular ones that cause trouble sleeping: phentermine, asthma medications, prednisone, thyroid meds).

· Some changes you can make -Exercise daily (at least 6 hours before bedtime); do not eat 2 hours before going to bed but don’t go to bed hungry either; try to keep a regular bedtime and wake time (this one is tough-especially on the weekends -I know!); avoid distractions -so have a dark room with limited noise; drink herbal (non caffeinated) tea like chamomile); no tv or radio at bedtime; relax and keep a sleep journal (including: I went to bed at_______; woke up at_______; got out of bed___, etc).

Okay, now- what OTC meds can help?

· Diphenhydramine -this is the medication in almost EVERY OTC sleep aid (Tylenol PM, Advil PM, Sominex)

- 25 to 50 mg at bedtime

- It is the exactly the same medicine in Benadryl (an antihistamine usually used to treat allergy/cold symptoms) -90% of Benadryl bought is used as a sleep aid!

- Can really dry you out so be sure to drink extra water during the day

- It is best to start with a low dose (maybe even 12.5mg) to see how if affects you -some people feel slightly “hungover” the next morning

- The rest of the OTC drugs have doxylamine in them (like Unisom) -it is also an antihistamine

· Melatonin- a natural hormone that we produce in our bodies. It is also available in an herbal medication that makes most people drowsy. It is helpful in regulating sleep rhythms. Works especially well to treat jet lag

· Valerian -herbal medication that is used occasionally but hasn’t really been shown to help too much.

So, there you have it -the available OTC sleep meds. If you are having ongoing issues with trouble sleeping, even after trying the above lifestyle changes, go ahead and talk to your doctor. There are all kinds of prescription sleep aids. There are also a ton of different things that can cause trouble sleeping and often it is better to treat the cause not the symptom.

Sleep well!

 
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