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Do You Know The 17 Different Signs and Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer?

  • Posted on September 30, 2008 at 4:31 pm



One of the reasons prostate cancer is so common is because it’s very difficult to detect in the early stages. Around 50% of sufferers are 75 years of age or older, and often the symptoms are simply put down to old age. Prostate cancer is sometimes called the silent disease, simply because it sneaks up on the sufferer without any obvious warning.

It’s a sad fact, but many men don’t take the threat of prostate cancer in the manner they should. Perhaps this is because of the embarrassment and joking surround the idea of a prostate examination. Unfortunately, the more advanced the cancer is when it’s discovered, the harder it is to cure. Early detection gives a high chance of recovery. Some medical professionals have suggested an annual blood test to determine if prostate cancer is present, but so far this suggestions hasn’t met with widespread acceptance.

Some of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer are listed below. It’s important to realize that many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, so the presence of one or more may not indicate prostate cancer. However if you experience these symptoms regularly, it’s a good idea to have yourself checked by your doctor, so that he can make an accurate diagnosis of the problem. The symptoms to look for include:

Difficulty commencing urination
Increased frequency of urge to urinate, particularly at night
Feeling like you need to hurry when urinating
Feeling that your bladder isn’t empty when you’ve finished urinating
It takes a long time to finish urinating, with the last part coming out as a dribble
Pain upon urinating
Much weaker urine stream than usual
Painful ejaculations
Urine that contains blood
Pain occurring in the genital area
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Pain isolated in the lower back
Pain in the hip area and pelvic regions

As the disease can progress unnoticed for some time, many men don’t recognize they have a problem until they develop more severe symptoms, such as:

An unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness or fatigue
Isolated pain in the bones of the back, hips, thighs and neck
Anemia

Another element to be aware of is that prostate cancer may run in families. So if you have a close male relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, such as a brother, then your risk of developing the cancer yourself is three times higher than average. If your brother was still under sixty, then your risk is four times higher. Even if the male relative isn’t so closely related, it’s possible your risk level is higher, so annual examinations over the age of fifty are a good idea.

It’s important to consider the age at which male relatives develop prostate cancer, because if the sufferers are fairly young (i.e. between 50 and 60) then it’s highly likely a faulty gene is causing the cancer – and it’s also highly likely that you have the same gene. There’s no way of testing this, so the only prevention possible is to keep having the prostate gland checked by your doctor, so that at least any problems can be detected as early as possible, which gives you a much better chance of a cure.

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Chemo Brain, Is There a Natural Therapy?

  • Posted on September 29, 2008 at 7:14 am



I. Abstract

Chemo brain is a form of cognitive impairment that is found in 25-80% of patients who have received chemotherapy. Studies show that the syndrome is related to an increase in inflammatory cytokines and the problem can last for 10 years or more. No traditional therapies are identified to treat chemo brain. Natural approaches, which are often ignored by medical experts, have known effects in the prevention and treatment of dementia. These include gingko biloba which improves circulation and early dementia by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines and dietary changes. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are known to decrease the risk of dementia while omega-3 fatty acids are known to be anti-inflammatory. These are the keys to prevention and treatment of chemo brain.

II. Introduction

Loss of memory or dementia is one of the greatest fears of aging people. This affliction is by no means limited to the elderly. Cancer survivors can also develop loss of memory. Loss of memory in cancer patients has different names; dementia, cognitive dysfunction, but the most recently coined terms chemo brain and chemo fog suggest chemotherapy may play a major role in its cause. What is chemo brain and how can it be treated? The problem has been recognized for a decade but these important questions have only recently been the focus of experts in the field. Although research into this condition is ongoing and unfortunately many questions remain unanswered and we will discuss that it is not only found in patients who have received chemotherapy.

III. Definition

Chemotherapy causes many acute symptoms such as low blood counts, nausea, hair loss or diarrhea. These often resolve soon after the chemotherapy is stopped. There are however other symptoms that are more chronic. These include fatigue and loss of memory or chemo brain. Common complaints described in studies include not only poor memory but an inability to concentrate at work or juggle multiple tasks. This is very distressing to a patient who has already had to endure a diagnosis of cancer and the physical effects of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Although depression, anxiety, and anemia can contribute to these problems, the symptoms of chemo brain remain after these other problems have been corrected.
Chemo brain is more than a subjective complaint. Measurable abnormalities can be found on formal neuropsychological tests and measures. These tests can evaluate a variety of parameters including attention and concentration, verbal memory, visual memory, visual-spatial and speed of information processing. Published studies have demonstrated a broad range of cognitive deficits thus identifying this as an authentic medical problem.

IV. Incidence

Review articles on chemo brain have demonstrated that this is a common problem. There have been approximately eleven groups that have published reviews on this subject mostly in patients with breast cancer but others are also included. Symptoms of chemo brain can be found in 25% to 80% after their therapy. Interestingly, chemo brain has been found in 35% of patients before chemotherapy is ever given suggesting that there may be a predisposition to the illness in addition to effects produced from the cancer itself and possibly surgery. This appears to be a problem that is more complex but far reaching. Many of the 10 million cancer survivors have received surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and 35% to 80% may exhibit some cognitive dysfunction.

V. Etiology

The cause of chemo brain is thought to be the result of vascular, metabolic, or inflammatory changes in the brain. Sophisticated radiology scans have found interesting and provocative changes in the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrated widespread decrease in gray matter of the brain suggesting atrophy of the brain related to a toxic effect of chemotherapy. More recently, researchers have measured metabolic activity in the brain with positron emission topography (PET) scanning. Studies utilizing PET scans have demonstrated decreased metabolism in the frontal cortex, prefrontal gyrus, Broca’s area and their corresponding contralateral areas in the brain. Interestingly, these areas are responsible for memory and concentration. When patients were given simple memory tests to perform, abnormalities in these areas were again demonstrated whereas there were no abnormalities found in people without cancer.

The cause of the metabolic abnormalities in the brain may very well be the same problem that has been implicated in Alzheimer’s Dementia, namely inflammatory cytokines (IC’s). Inflammatory cytokines are substances secreted by the immune system to help fight infections. When IC’s are chronically elevated they lead to a variety of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, strokes, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis and dementia. Multiple studies in both animal and human models have demonstrated the correlation of chemo brain with inflammatory cytokines. Although inflammatory cytokines do not consistently increase with the administration of chemotherapy, the presence is chemo brain is found when the inflammatory cytokines are elevated. Curiously, fatigue is also a common chronic complaint in cancer patients and inflammatory cytokines are also elevated in these patients.

VI. Therapy

The treatment of chemo brain should target the root causes. Of course, problems such as anemia, depression, infection, anxiety must all be addressed and treated. Methylphenidate or Ritalin has been recommended by some experts but it only treats the symptoms of the disease.
Since inflammatory cytokines seem to be a major contributing factor to the etiology of the disease, therapies aimed at decreasing these should be offered. Steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone are commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. There is no proof they are useful in chemo brain and some researchers have suggested they might cause chemo brain. Additionally, they have too many side effects to be useful for long term use. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen have been found to be helpful in delaying the onset of dementia in patients with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This may be a possible therapy for chemo brain but is not likely to be a curative modality.
There are two therapies that are overlooked by modern medicine that can effectively treat dementia and chronic inflammatory cytokines these are gingko biloba and diet.

Gingko biloba has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It has many beneficial effects including improving blood circulation which is helpful in patients with claudication. It has also been found to improve function in early dementia due to either vascular disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Gingko improves circulation by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore it seems reasonable to suppose that gingko would be beneficial to patients with chemo brain since their form of dementia is caused by inflammatory cytokines.

Perhaps the most forgotten therapy to prevent and treat diseases is diet. Too often patients look for a pill to treat their illness when a change in diet can be very beneficial. The typical American diet is high in animal fats, trans-fats, corn oil, refined sugars, and carbohydrates and it lacks fruits and vegetables. This type of diet leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. We know that inflammatory cytokines play a major role in the etiology of these diseases. Multiple studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can prevent theses diseases by their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant actions. In many ways, we are causing the very chronic diseases that plague us.

The treatment or prevention of chemo brain is a simple process that focuses on the root cause of the dementia namely inflammation. We already know that certain diets and gingko can treat and prevent certain diseases caused by inflammatory cytokines. The most prudent approach to treating or preventing chemo brain is a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and gingko biloba.

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Causes of Dental Implant Failure

  • Posted on September 28, 2008 at 11:22 pm



Statistics have shown that risk of dental implant failure is about five percent for lower jaw implants and ten percent for upper jaw implants. But one of the most confusing aspects of dental implant failure is that in one person having multiple implants, perhaps all but one of the implants will be successful. There has been no way, to this point, to determine what causes selective dental implant failure.

Some dental surgeons have suggested that this kind of dental implant failure is the result of bacteria present in the jawbone before an implant is inserted; when the implant is screwed into the bone, it unleashes the bacteria and turns them loose in the tissue surrounding the implant. As long as the other implants are placed in bacteria free bone, they will heal cleanly and quickly, but the germ-infested implant will eventually become inflamed, never healing correctly, and the implant will eventually fail.

Dental Implant Rejection

Dental implant failure is not the same as dental implant rejection. Dental implants are made of titanium, a metal which, because of its “inert” nature, has been used for nearly forty years in hip replacements. Titanium causes no adverse reactions in human tissue, and when it is commercially pure, no allergic reactions.

A dental implant, however, can become contaminated at the factory where they are made, even though all dental implant manufacturers must comply with strict FDA quality standards. Or it could get contaminated in the dentist’s office during the implantation procedure, although all dental surgeons and periodontists are also expected to follow the highest sanitation practices.

Whatever the underlying cause of a dental implant failure, the failure is most likely to surface shortly after the implant procedure. Anyone experiencing excessive discomfort or bleeding after an implant procedure should contact their dental surgeon immediately.

Additional Caused For Dental Implant Failure

But dental implant failure can also be the result of the patient’s neglect of aftercare. The dental surgeon will provide a clear set of instructions on caring for the new implant, and it is essential that the instructions be followed. If, in spite of maintaining the implant properly, the patient still develops swelling or tenderness around the implant, it could be a sign of infections and the dentist should be consulted as soon as possible.

A dental implant failure can also occur if the implant has been improperly situated. A poorly placed implant will be disturbed by the mouth’s biting motion; and people who know they grind their teeth in their sleep should ask their dentists if they are good candidates for dental implants. In most cases the dentist will simply supply you with a mouth keep your teeth grinding at a minimum.

And if, in spite of your best efforts, you experience dental implant failure, you can simply have the implant replaced when the cause of the failure has been determined and eliminated.

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Septic Shock – Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

  • Posted on at 7:46 am



Septic shock is a serious medical condition. During septic shock, the body tissues and organs do not get enough blood and oxygen. Septic shock may progress to cause “adult respiratory distress syndrome,” in which fluid collects in the lungs, and breathing becomes very shallow and labored. Septic shock occurs most often in the very old and the very young. It also occurs in people who have other illnesses. Serious bacterial infections at any body site, with or without bacteremia, usually are associated with important changes in the function of every organ system in the body. Septic shock can lead to multiple organ failure including respiratory failure, and may cause rapid death. Toxic shock syndrome is one type of septic shock. Septic shock is usually preceded by bacteremia, which is marked by fever, malaise, chills, and nausea. The first sign of shock is often confusion and decreased consciousness. Bacteremia may be primary (without an identifiable focus of infection) or, more often, secondary (with an intravascular or extravascular focus of infection).

Septic shock occurs more often in neonates, patients > 35 yr, and pregnant women. Septic shock is severe sepsis with organ hypoperfusion and hypotension that are poorly responsive to initial fluid resuscitation. The condition develops as a response to certain microbial molecules which trigger the production and release of cellular mediators, such as tumor necrosis factors. Toxic shock syndrome most often occurs in menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons. It occurs in about 40% of patients with gram-negative bacteremia and in about 20% of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Hyperventilation with respiratory alkalosis occurs early, in part as compensation for lactic acidemia. Serum HCO3 is usually low, and serum and blood lactate increase. One of the major causes of the condition leading to septic shock is infection by gram negative organism. The cell walls contain endotoxins which trigger the release of inflammatory mediators which causes vasodilation and increase in capillary permeability leading to shock.

Septic shock is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment of bacterial infections is helpful. Septic shock is treated initially with a combination of antibiotics and fluid replacement. Treatment primarily consists of antimicrobial chemotherapy, removal of the source of infection, and haemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic support. Coagulation and hemorrhage may be treated with transfusions of plasma or platelets. Dopamine may be given to increase blood pressure further if necessary. High doses of intravenous antibiotics are given as soon as blood samples have been taken for laboratory cultures. Surgery may be performed to remove any dead tissue, such as gangrenous tissue of the intestine. Despite all efforts, more than 25% of people with septic shock die. Corticosteroid therapy appears beneficial. Treatment is with replacement, rather than pharmacologic, doses. Scrupulous aseptic technique on the part of medical professionals lowers the risk of introducing bacteria into the bloodstream.

Treatment for Septic Shock Tips

1. Antimicrobial chemotherapy, removal of the source of infection, and haemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic support.

2. Corticosteroids, especially if combined with a mineralocorticoid, can reduce mortality among patients.

3. Activated protein C can reduce mortality in patients with multi-organ failure.

4. Coagulation and hemorrhage may be treated with transfusions of plasma or platelets.

5. Dopamine may be given to increase blood pressure further if necessary.

6. Surgery may be performed to remove any dead tissue, such as gangrenous tissue of the intestine.

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How to Stop Ringing in the Ears!

  • Posted on September 27, 2008 at 6:06 am



If you need to discover more about tinnitus treatments that expel buzzing, ringing noises in your ears make sure download this 130pg free tinnitus book. Often the biggest problems with tinnitus is a total lack of knowledge on this terrible ailment, so make sure you check the free book out. It is packed full of really good tinnitus information that will help educate you on what your best tinnitus options are.

With the millions of people affected by tinnitus, it is not surprising if millions of people find ways on how to stop ringing in the ears. If you are one of these people, you may have gone to your doctor and asked what can be done to totally eliminate it, and the response that you may have received is that you may just have to learn to deal and live with it.

Ear ringing is a symptom and not an infection or disease in itself, so finding a cure for it is like finding a cure for an itch. But, this does not mean that you have to live with it for the rest of your life. You can actually live a quiet life again by stopping tinnitus from being a factor in your life. Given that you know which steps to take, you can actually make the unwanted sound ignorable, which is much like having cured from it.

First, the root cause of the ringing in your ears must be identified; seek the help of your doctor for this. The determination of the source of the unwanted sound is crucial in finding the right remedy as ear ringing is primarily treated based on what caused it.

The next thing to do is to get the appropriate remedy, specifically, the homeopathic tinnitus remedy. There are homeopathic remedies prepared for the conditions that are the most likely causes of the ringing in your ears: noise-induced cochlear damage, stress, sinusitis or allergies, and Meniere’s Disease. The substances used prepare them are derived from nature, so they do not have side effects.

The homeopathic remedies should be backed up with treatments that help you manage stress. Stress is one of the triggering and aggravating factors of tinitus, and the remedies would not make much of an impact if you keep on getting stressed. Counseling, hypnotherapy, meditation, relaxation therapy, and Stress Relief Formula are good examples of treatments that help you manage and control stress.

How to stop ringing in the ears also require you to make efforts to boost your immune system. If your immune system is in a bad state, then you are exposed to infections and diseases that may increase the level of the unwanted sound. Evaluate your diet, and you can consult a dietitian for this. Make sure that it is healthy and contains a good amount of zinc, a mineral known to keep the immune system strong. Exercise properly and regularly. Furthermore, make sure to get enough sleep at night. If it becomes a problem because of tinnitus, then you may opt to listen to white noise maskers.

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Dental Implants Can Fix a Bad Smile and Broken Teeth

  • Posted on at 4:08 am



What is a dental implant and why would a person stand want them installed in his/her mouth?

We live in an image obsessed society and a lot of emphasis are put on a person smile. There were many at yours and actresses who are known for their impressive smiles and perfect teeth. While the average person does not have to have perfect teeth, if he’s not looking for $20 million role in Hollywood, damaged ones can be a major eyesore.

You would not believe the way someone’s confidence can be affected if they have chipped, cracked, or missing teeth. A person who has these attributes are more likely not to smile and be reclusive. I know from experience that a lot of times I’m actually embarrassed for person who has bad teeth because you know in your mind that they’re probably missing out.

Why not do something about it? In 2009, the world of dentistry has made tremendous strides with research and technology. I am referring to dental implants. These are what I like to call permanent “false teeth.”

How are they installed? First, the dental surgeon will take a metal rod and drill it into your jawbone. The top portion that is sticking out will usually be threaded. The surgeon will then proceed to screw on a dental prosthetic (the dental implant) which looks exactly like a real tooth. After the prosthetic has been screwed on and fitted permanent caps and crowns are then installed. A person will not be able to tell that the teeth you have in your mouth or anything less than 100% real.

Once you have installed dental implants into your mouth you will not have to worry about them any longer. There is no additional maintenance you have to do other than what you would normally do to your real teeth like brushing them and tossing them daily.

You can have this procedure done for one tooth or several teeth. Part of a dental surgeon’s job is to make the teeth you do install look natural. When you install a new tooth you may want to think about whitening your teeth so that the older ones blend in with your new one.

Because this procedure involves drilling into your gum line and jawbone the after affects of this procedure can be painful. Nevertheless, afterward the confidence of an individual is greatly increased. The embarrassment is gone and the person who got this procedure usually has a sense of relief and satisfaction.

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