Wednesday, April 13, 2011 | 7:55 am
The current approach to the treatment of myocardial infarction is first to get the suffering patient to the hospital quickly. After a provisional diagnosis has been made, he is moved into a special area of the hospital called a Coronary Care Unit (CCU), which is staffed and equipped expressly for this type of illness. The patient is usually under the constant supervision of doctors, nurses, and electronic machinery, all of which are focusing their attention on detecting the very first sign of any complication. If complications do develop, treatment is much more effective if it is begun early.
The development of the concept of coronary care units is of recent origin. It is the result of increasing medical knowledge and in particular of increasing knowledge about the natural history of coronary artery disease. To achieve a proper frame of reference, it is of interest that Dr. Paul White reports that in 1910 the diagnosis of a heart attack or myocardial infarct was seldom made in a general hospital in this country. His explanation is that, first, the disease itself was much less common than it is today, and, second, that doctors were not aware of the disease itself. In other words, medicine had not advanced to the point where it was commonly recognized that there was such a thing as a myocardial infarct, or what the symptoms of this illness were. By the 1920s the disease pattern was established as a distinct entity, and by World War II large numbers of patients were being treated for this condition.
By the 1960s statistics revealed that about 60 percent of the deaths of persons with atherosclerotic heart disease (the disease that causes heart attacks) were sudden deaths. Furthermore, about 70 percent of these deaths occurred during the first seven days of the illness. Just before this period, the first human being was successfully defibrillated by an electrical shock across the chest. (Ventricular fibrillation is a situation in which the heart quivers rather than beats, and it is fatal within four or five minutes.) This is a common cause of sudden death in persons with heart attacks.
Shortly after this, the technique of closed-chest cardiac massage was devised. By this is meant the application of pressure repeatedly over the chest of a person whose heart has stopped beating. With the proper application of chest compression, blood is forced into and out of the heart in a near normal fashion. The efficiency does not approach that of the normally beating heart, but enough blood can be induced to circulate to the vital organs of the body to postpone death. Formerly, if the heart stopped beating or fibrillated, death of the brain occurred in four or five minutes. Other forms of heart stoppage cannot be treated by defibrillation, but sometimes drugs or other forms of treatment can be used to start the heart again if the patient can be kept alive until they have a chance to take effect.
In 1767 a society for the revival of persons apparently dead by drowning was formed in Amsterdam. One of the methods recommended was mouth-to mouth respiration. This technique was forgotten until about 1960, at which time its revival provided an improved method for giving artificial respiration.
It was now at least theoretically possible for one or preferably two persons to maintain life in a patient who had suddenly stopped breathing, or whose heart had suddenly stopped functioning. A method was now available to “buy a little time” until a person could be transported to a treatment facility, or until special forms of treatment could be brought to him.
Incidentally, no special tools are necessary to perform this cardio-pulmonary resuscitation; the only requirement is trained personnel. Both forms of assistance are usually necessary in a case of cardiac arrest or stoppage of the heart. The body must be supplied with blood that has an adequate amount of oxygen. When the heart stops functioning, breathing stops within less than a minute. Closed-chest cardiac massage is useless without artificial respiration.
To avoid any confusion, it must be pointed out that people cannot be kept alive very long with these techniques. Some hearts are too diseased to recover, and a certain percentage of cardiac arrests cannot be restarted.
*8/309/5*
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(posted in Cardio & Blood-Cholesterol)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 | 3:18 am
The very inflamed joint is also known as an acute joint or a highly active joint. The joint will usually be warm, tender, and swollen. A joint is very inflamed if you experience significant discomfort when you move it through a gentle range-of-motion exercise. There is generally significant morning stiffness in very inflamed joints, as well. You may feel fatigue or muscle discomfort. This is often the level of arthritic activity people mean when they describe their arthritis as flaring up.
General exercise program guidelines for people with very inflamed joints include the following:
1. Move each affected joint through five repetitions of each range-of-motion exercise once or twice per day.
Goal: Maintain motion and flexibility in joints.
Precautions: Do not stretch joints beyond the point at which you feel increased pain. Do not push yourself to extreme fatigue.
2. Tighten each muscle without moving the joint, and maintain tension for six seconds once or twice per day.
Goal: Prevent muscle weakening.
Precautions: Do not use elastic bands or perform other forms of isometric strengthening at this point. Simply flex and tighten the muscles.
74/209/5*
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: EXERCISES FOR PEOPLE WITH VERY INFLAMED JOINTSThe very inflamed joint is also known as an acute joint or a highly active joint. The joint will usually be warm, tender, and swollen. A joint is very inflamed if you experience significant discomfort when you move it through a gentle range-of-motion exercise. There is generally significant morning stiffness in very inflamed joints, as well. You may feel fatigue or muscle discomfort. This is often the level of arthritic activity people mean when they describe their arthritis as flaring up.General exercise program guidelines for people with very inflamed joints include the following:1. Move each affected joint through five repetitions of each range-of-motion exercise once or twice per day. Goal: Maintain motion and flexibility in joints.Precautions: Do not stretch joints beyond the point at which you feel increased pain. Do not push yourself to extreme fatigue.2. Tighten each muscle without moving the joint, and maintain tension for six seconds once or twice per day. Goal: Prevent muscle weakening.Precautions: Do not use elastic bands or perform other forms of isometric strengthening at this point. Simply flex and tighten the muscles.74/209/5*
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(posted in Arthritis)
Saturday, March 12, 2011 | 3:11 am
A complex chain of steps is likely required for BDD to develop. As appears to be the case for many, if not most, psychiatric disorders—as well as medical diseases—BDD probably results from a combination of factors. There is no one single cause. Genetic and neurobiological factors likely lay the groundwork for BDD, and psychological and sociocultural factors may also,, contribute. Symptoms most likely result from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors that create a circuitous pathway from the underlying genes to BDD symptoms.
Neurobiological factors probably provide a template for BDD, making the process of preoccupation, excessive worry, and ritualistic behaviors possible. This process likely involves serotonin, other brain neurotransmitters, and certain brain structures. Perhaps neurobiological and genetic factors also increase risk for BDD by conferring an unusual sensitivity to the effect of stressful life events or negative comments about appearance.
Sociocultural and psychological factors—including personality traits, certain life experiences, and cultural values—probably combine with this biologically based vulnerability to further increase the risk of developing BDD. Such factors might also influence the content of BDD preoccupations—for example, the exact location of the perceived defect. It’s possible that evolutionary factors may also influence the content of BDD concerns, as reflected by the high rate of concerns with symmetry and skin blemishes. If BDD and OCD are eventually shown to have similar neurobiological underpinnings, might psychological or environmental factors influence whether BDD, as opposed to OCD, develops? For example, if a family member gets ill, might you be more likely to develop worries about illness and germs (OCD), whereas if you’re teased about your hair, might this channel your obsessive tendencies into BDD?
*202\204\8*
WHAT CAUSES BDD? CONCLUDING THOUGHTSA complex chain of steps is likely required for BDD to develop. As appears to be the case for many, if not most, psychiatric disorders—as well as medical diseases—BDD probably results from a combination of factors. There is no one single cause. Genetic and neurobiological factors likely lay the groundwork for BDD, and psychological and sociocultural factors may also,, contribute. Symptoms most likely result from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors that create a circuitous pathway from the underlying genes to BDD symptoms.Neurobiological factors probably provide a template for BDD, making the process of preoccupation, excessive worry, and ritualistic behaviors possible. This process likely involves serotonin, other brain neurotransmitters, and certain brain structures. Perhaps neurobiological and genetic factors also increase risk for BDD by conferring an unusual sensitivity to the effect of stressful life events or negative comments about appearance.Sociocultural and psychological factors—including personality traits, certain life experiences, and cultural values—probably combine with this biologically based vulnerability to further increase the risk of developing BDD. Such factors might also influence the content of BDD preoccupations—for example, the exact location of the perceived defect. It’s possible that evolutionary factors may also influence the content of BDD concerns, as reflected by the high rate of concerns with symmetry and skin blemishes. If BDD and OCD are eventually shown to have similar neurobiological underpinnings, might psychological or environmental factors influence whether BDD, as opposed to OCD, develops? For example, if a family member gets ill, might you be more likely to develop worries about illness and germs (OCD), whereas if you’re teased about your hair, might this channel your obsessive tendencies into BDD?*202\204\8*
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(posted in Anti Depressants-Sleeping Aid)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 | 2:58 am
Arthritis has a number of causes and can start at any age. It is an inflammation of the joints accompanied by pain and swelling. There are many forms of arthritis. However rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis are the main forms.
Osteoarthritis affects the hips, knees, and shoulders and is part of the ageing process but it can also affect other joints such as in the spine and hands. Gout is a form of this where uric acid crystals form in the joints. These two forms of arthritis are rare in children and adolescents.
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as Still’s Disease, is a disease of the connective tissue and commonly occurs in the young. It is thought to be a disease of the auto-immune system in which the body produces a disordered immunological response. The symptoms include swollen joints, skin rashes, enlarged lymph glands, and possibly enlarged liver and spleen.
Children may run a temperature of 40°C for several weeks and develop an inflammation of the tissues around the heart and lungs. They will become lethargic and complain about not feeling well. They may even develop abnormally, commonly developing a receding chin line.
Children between the ages of 2 and 12 can develop arthritis and it is more common in girls than boys. It is a debilitating and chronic disease with long term treatment which is aimed at relieving the symptoms and stopping the joints deteriorating.
To alleviate the pain and reduce the discomfort, diet is very important. A diet low in fats and moderate in the intake of protein is the first step. Avoid all organ meats such as liver, kidney, rams, heart, and sweetbreads. Do not eat shellfish of any kind, preserved meats such as salami, tinned fish, oranges and tomatoes Plenty of milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables, butter and whole-grain or stone-ground breads (avoiding whole wheat) should be the basis of the child’s diet.
Do not give aspirin. Reduce red meat consumption to three) times a week but eat steamed chicken or fish as often as desired. Supplement this diet with а В complex, vitamin C, pantothenic acid and a cod liver oil supplement. To keep the body flushed of toxins, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.
Fish oil has been shown to help in the relief of the pain of arthritis as it has anti-inflammatory properties. The herbs celery seed and guaiacum are very useful as they also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Recent scientific studies have found celery seed extremely helpful. Celery complex relieves the inflammation and helps detoxify the joints. White willow bark acts as an analgesic as it has similar properties to aspirin without many of the side effects.
Exercise is a great benefit to pain relief and encourages healing but should be restricted to non-jarring activities such as swimming and walking.
Supplements
Celery Complex - children 6-12 years one tablet with food morning and night 12 years to adults, 2 tablets with food 3 times daily
Celery extract - follow directions on bottle
Fish oil 1000 - children 6-12 years
one capsule mixed with food twice daily over 12 years and
adults up to 4 capsules daily with food
Multi vitamin and mineral 1 daily or as directed
To help reduce pain and fever use a formula containing:
White willow bark - 2700 mg children 6 to 12 years
up to 3 daily
adults and children over 12 years
up to 6 daily
*1/199/5*
ARTHRITISArthritis has a number of causes and can start at any age. It is an inflammation of the joints accompanied by pain and swelling. There are many forms of arthritis. However rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis are the main forms.Osteoarthritis affects the hips, knees, and shoulders and is part of the ageing process but it can also affect other joints such as in the spine and hands. Gout is a form of this where uric acid crystals form in the joints. These two forms of arthritis are rare in children and adolescents.Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as Still’s Disease, is a disease of the connective tissue and commonly occurs in the young. It is thought to be a disease of the auto-immune system in which the body produces a disordered immunological response. The symptoms include swollen joints, skin rashes, enlarged lymph glands, and possibly enlarged liver and spleen.Children may run a temperature of 40°C for several weeks and develop an inflammation of the tissues around the heart and lungs. They will become lethargic and complain about not feeling well. They may even develop abnormally, commonly developing a receding chin line.Children between the ages of 2 and 12 can develop arthritis and it is more common in girls than boys. It is a debilitating and chronic disease with long term treatment which is aimed at relieving the symptoms and stopping the joints deteriorating.To alleviate the pain and reduce the discomfort, diet is very important. A diet low in fats and moderate in the intake of protein is the first step. Avoid all organ meats such as liver, kidney, rams, heart, and sweetbreads. Do not eat shellfish of any kind, preserved meats such as salami, tinned fish, oranges and tomatoes Plenty of milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables, butter and whole-grain or stone-ground breads (avoiding whole wheat) should be the basis of the child’s diet.Do not give aspirin. Reduce red meat consumption to three) times a week but eat steamed chicken or fish as often as desired. Supplement this diet with а В complex, vitamin C, pantothenic acid and a cod liver oil supplement. To keep the body flushed of toxins, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.Fish oil has been shown to help in the relief of the pain of arthritis as it has anti-inflammatory properties. The herbs celery seed and guaiacum are very useful as they also have anti-inflammatory properties.Recent scientific studies have found celery seed extremely helpful. Celery complex relieves the inflammation and helps detoxify the joints. White willow bark acts as an analgesic as it has similar properties to aspirin without many of the side effects.Exercise is a great benefit to pain relief and encourages healing but should be restricted to non-jarring activities such as swimming and walking.
Supplements Celery Complex - children 6-12 years one tablet with food morning and night 12 years to adults, 2 tablets with food 3 times dailyCelery extract - follow directions on bottleFish oil 1000 - children 6-12 years one capsule mixed with food twice daily over 12 years and adults up to 4 capsules daily with foodMulti vitamin and mineral 1 daily or as directed
To help reduce pain and fever use a formula containing: White willow bark - 2700 mg children 6 to 12 years up to 3 daily adults and children over 12 years up to 6 daily*1/199/5*
—admin | no comments
(posted in Arthritis)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 | 2:40 am
A careful neurologic exam does not necessarily require a neurologist. If your physician is concerned about some of the findings or discovers suspicious abnormalities, he may want to refer you to a specialist, a child neurologist.
“You mean that’s all there is? You tell us our son has had a seizure and you’re only going to talk to us and examine Peter. Aren’t you going to do any tests?” you ask. The physician’s appropriate response to that question is, “There is no laboratory test for a seizure. The diagnosis of a seizure depends on your description of what happened.”
Some tests can be of help in looking for a cause of the seizure. Certain tests help the physician rule out other peculiar episodes that simulate seizures. He may want to do an electrocardiogram if he is concerned about abnormalities of heart rate or rhythm. He may order blood tests if he suspects anemia, diabetes, or other chemical problems. But the diagnosis of a seizure itself can only be made by direct observation of the spell by a physician or by his careful interpretation of the observations of others.
The most common tests performed when a child has had a seizure are an EEG and a CT or MRI scan. Some people think that a brain wave test, an electroencephalogram (EEG), will diagnose epilepsy. But an EEG does not diagnose a seizure unless a seizure occurs during the EEG. The EEG may, however, be very helpful in suggesting the appropriate treatment of children with seizures. A CT scan or MRI may, in the proper circumstances, be useful in searching for the cause of the seizure, but a brain scan does not diagnose epilepsy itself. Nor does it rule it out. Although they may be useful in determining the cause of a seizure, both EEGs and scans can be normal in the child who has had a seizure and either or both may be abnormal in an otherwise normal child who has not and never will have a seizure.
Just as after a first febrile seizure, after a first afebrile seizure you will have many questions: “Will it recur?” “Can it be prevented?” “What are the risks of prevention?” The remainder of the book will address these questions for you.
Your first questions may be, “Will he have more seizures?” “Can’t they be prevented?” Yes, there is some risk of another seizure occurring. There are medications that may prevent further seizures, but they entail risks. Therefore, let’s begin by discussing risks and benefits.
*40\208\8*
EVALUATION OF THE CHILD WITH A FIRST SEIZURE WITHOUT FEVER: EXAMINATIONS AND TESTSA careful neurologic exam does not necessarily require a neurologist. If your physician is concerned about some of the findings or discovers suspicious abnormalities, he may want to refer you to a specialist, a child neurologist.”You mean that’s all there is? You tell us our son has had a seizure and you’re only going to talk to us and examine Peter. Aren’t you going to do any tests?” you ask. The physician’s appropriate response to that question is, “There is no laboratory test for a seizure. The diagnosis of a seizure depends on your description of what happened.”Some tests can be of help in looking for a cause of the seizure. Certain tests help the physician rule out other peculiar episodes that simulate seizures. He may want to do an electrocardiogram if he is concerned about abnormalities of heart rate or rhythm. He may order blood tests if he suspects anemia, diabetes, or other chemical problems. But the diagnosis of a seizure itself can only be made by direct observation of the spell by a physician or by his careful interpretation of the observations of others.The most common tests performed when a child has had a seizure are an EEG and a CT or MRI scan. Some people think that a brain wave test, an electroencephalogram (EEG), will diagnose epilepsy. But an EEG does not diagnose a seizure unless a seizure occurs during the EEG. The EEG may, however, be very helpful in suggesting the appropriate treatment of children with seizures. A CT scan or MRI may, in the proper circumstances, be useful in searching for the cause of the seizure, but a brain scan does not diagnose epilepsy itself. Nor does it rule it out. Although they may be useful in determining the cause of a seizure, both EEGs and scans can be normal in the child who has had a seizure and either or both may be abnormal in an otherwise normal child who has not and never will have a seizure. Just as after a first febrile seizure, after a first afebrile seizure you will have many questions: “Will it recur?” “Can it be prevented?” “What are the risks of prevention?” The remainder of the book will address these questions for you.Your first questions may be, “Will he have more seizures?” “Can’t they be prevented?” Yes, there is some risk of another seizure occurring. There are medications that may prevent further seizures, but they entail risks. Therefore, let’s begin by discussing risks and benefits.*40\208\8*
—admin | no comments
(posted in Epilepsy)
Monday, February 14, 2011 | 2:32 am
It is absolutely essential that, from the outset, the patient and the clinician share the realistic expectations of what weight loss might be achieved. One specialist clinic asked female patients how much weight they expected to lose. The average response was 37% of their total body weight. They said they would consider a 25% bodyweight loss as satisfactory, would be reluctant to accept 17% and would be disappointed with only 10%. It is therefore quite common that at initial presentation the first appointment turns into disappointment, as the patient is helped to recognize more realistic goals. Of course, it is possible for patients to lose much more than 10% body weight, even as much as 40-50%, but this is uncommon and the vast majority of patients should reasonably expect to be able to lose and maintain 10% of their body weight.
The medical benefits of this 10% weight loss should be emphasized to the patient (and the clinician!) and should help promote acceptance. The concept of attempting to return the patients to their ‘ideal weight’ is outdated and should be unceremoniously dumped. The use of ‘ideal weight’ as a target is highly likely to lead to unrealistic and unachievable weight loss goals and ultimate failure. It is important that, from the outset, the initial aim of the weight management programme should be stressed to be modest weight loss followed by weight maintenance.
For the majority of obese adults a weight loss goal of 10% over a period of 3-6 months is achievable. This could be achieved by losing 0.5-1 kg per week on average. This would lead, on average, to weight loss of anywhere between 5 and 20 kg and would require a kcal deficit of 500-600 kcal to be achieved daily.
Many patients will express disappointment at this projected rate of weight loss, describing it as ‘too slow’. This needs to be addressed at the outset, perhaps by encouraging them to consider that as weight gain has occurred over a prolonged period, weight loss should also be a gradual process. Even at a rate of weight loss of 1-2 lb per week, weight reduction will be much more rapid than the original gain. Additionally, it is recognized that those who lose weight rapidly are more likely to regain afterwards. In arriving at agreed weight loss goals with the patient, the following measures of progress should also be discussed:
- appropriate weight loss
- avoiding subsequent weight regain
- management of other risk factors
- improvements in mental and emotional well-being.
*66/312/5*
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: GOALS SET BY CLINICSIt is absolutely essential that, from the outset, the patient and the clinician share the realistic expectations of what weight loss might be achieved. One specialist clinic asked female patients how much weight they expected to lose. The average response was 37% of their total body weight. They said they would consider a 25% bodyweight loss as satisfactory, would be reluctant to accept 17% and would be disappointed with only 10%. It is therefore quite common that at initial presentation the first appointment turns into disappointment, as the patient is helped to recognize more realistic goals. Of course, it is possible for patients to lose much more than 10% body weight, even as much as 40-50%, but this is uncommon and the vast majority of patients should reasonably expect to be able to lose and maintain 10% of their body weight.The medical benefits of this 10% weight loss should be emphasized to the patient (and the clinician!) and should help promote acceptance. The concept of attempting to return the patients to their ‘ideal weight’ is outdated and should be unceremoniously dumped. The use of ‘ideal weight’ as a target is highly likely to lead to unrealistic and unachievable weight loss goals and ultimate failure. It is important that, from the outset, the initial aim of the weight management programme should be stressed to be modest weight loss followed by weight maintenance.For the majority of obese adults a weight loss goal of 10% over a period of 3-6 months is achievable. This could be achieved by losing 0.5-1 kg per week on average. This would lead, on average, to weight loss of anywhere between 5 and 20 kg and would require a kcal deficit of 500-600 kcal to be achieved daily.Many patients will express disappointment at this projected rate of weight loss, describing it as ‘too slow’. This needs to be addressed at the outset, perhaps by encouraging them to consider that as weight gain has occurred over a prolonged period, weight loss should also be a gradual process. Even at a rate of weight loss of 1-2 lb per week, weight reduction will be much more rapid than the original gain. Additionally, it is recognized that those who lose weight rapidly are more likely to regain afterwards. In arriving at agreed weight loss goals with the patient, the following measures of progress should also be discussed:- appropriate weight loss- avoiding subsequent weight regain- management of other risk factors- improvements in mental and emotional well-being.*66/312/5*
—admin | no comments
(posted in Weight Loss)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 | 2:25 am
It seems that every time I turn around lately I have my period. I’m bleeding on and off every two to three weeks, do I need a D & C? Do I have so much blood inside me that I should have it scraped out? Where is it all coming from?
—E.B.
Boulder, Colorado
AD&C, dilatation and curettage, is an operation in which the opening of the cervix is gently and gradually enlarged with a series of specially-rounded instruments called dilators. Then a small, spoonlike curette is inserted through the opening into the uterus to scrape out excessive tissue. A woman who needs a D & C usually bleeds very heavily and has extremely long periods—indications that there is tissue built up which the uterus cannot get rid of by itself. The uterus cramps, the woman is in pain, and a D & C can help her.
This woman, however, does not bleed heavily. She has irregular bleeding which indicates a hormonal imbalance, not a tissue buildup. AD&C probably will not change her condition at all, and women, in general, should avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.
She might need to have her menstrual flow regulated with a progesterone tablet, such as Provera. She could take two tablets a day for five days. Then, two or three days after she has stopped taking the tablets her uterus will contract and a new bleeding will begin. Such a progesterone-induced bleeding is often referred to as a “medical curettage.”
After treatment with progesterone tablets, this woman’s menstrual cycle is likely to resume regularity. If the tablets do not work, then she might try birth control pills for a few months to regulate her flow.
*50\333\2*
DEALING WITH UNPREDICTABLE PERIODS: I’M BLEEDING ON AND OFF EVERY TWO TO THREE WEEKS; DO I NEED AD&C?It seems that every time I turn around lately I have my period. I’m bleeding on and off every two to three weeks, do I need a D & C? Do I have so much blood inside me that I should have it scraped out? Where is it all coming from?—E.B.Boulder, ColoradoAD&C, dilatation and curettage, is an operation in which the opening of the cervix is gently and gradually enlarged with a series of specially-rounded instruments called dilators. Then a small, spoonlike curette is inserted through the opening into the uterus to scrape out excessive tissue. A woman who needs a D & C usually bleeds very heavily and has extremely long periods—indications that there is tissue built up which the uterus cannot get rid of by itself. The uterus cramps, the woman is in pain, and a D & C can help her.This woman, however, does not bleed heavily. She has irregular bleeding which indicates a hormonal imbalance, not a tissue buildup. AD&C probably will not change her condition at all, and women, in general, should avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.She might need to have her menstrual flow regulated with a progesterone tablet, such as Provera. She could take two tablets a day for five days. Then, two or three days after she has stopped taking the tablets her uterus will contract and a new bleeding will begin. Such a progesterone-induced bleeding is often referred to as a “medical curettage.”After treatment with progesterone tablets, this woman’s menstrual cycle is likely to resume regularity. If the tablets do not work, then she might try birth control pills for a few months to regulate her flow.*50\333\2*
—admin | no comments
(posted in Women's Health)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 | 9:27 am
When a patient complains of a pain in the chest extending towards the left arm, diagnosis is almost coronary blockages. Pain usually aggravates on exertion and is relieved by taking rest. It is more apparent after meals, especially after a heavy meal. Many patients complain of breathlessness on exertion but not of pain in the chest. Many of these patients have diabetes and are overweight. Palpitation is also a common complaint of a heart patient.
Burning sensation in the middle of the chest, choking sensation, uneasiness over the chest region, chest pain during excitement, sometimes shoulder pain, right sided pain and jaw pain are also indicators of heart disease.
No age group is exempted from angina. Occurrence of angina at a younger age is a recent trend — basic reason being the process of atherosclerosis (deposition of fats and triglycerides) in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Angina is unlikely till the blockage is more than 70%. The period over which these blockages are formed depends on the life-style of a person. If many risk factors are present and stress is predominant, angina can occur even at the age of 25 years. Previously angina was seen only at the age of 50-60 but now many patients with angina are in the age group of 30-35.
Recognition of angina depends on the patient’s knowledge about the disease and physical activity. If he performs heavy physical activity from time to time (where the heart rate is raised beyond 120-130/minute) he can identify angina early. People who do not physically exert themselves feel and recognize angina quite late, because they never reach a higher heart rate. Many such physically inactive persons sometimes get severe heart attacks which may even result in death, simply because they could not identify angina and take preventive care.
Angina does not occur at blockages of 40% to 50% which is widely prevalent. If it occurs, it is more likely to be precipitated by a sudden episode of coronary artery spasm which is the most common manifestation of stress.
The Symptoms of Angina
1. Chest pain: Angina may vary from mild to severe, whereas the pain of a heart attack is very severe. It usually occurs in the centre of the chest and radiates to the left arm, but at
times it may even radiate to the right arm, shoulders or the lower jaw. The pain usually lasts for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Breathlessness or shortness of breath.
3. Sweating.
4. Nausea and vomiting.
5. Dizziness and fainting.
6. Pain or heaviness in the chest especially after heavy meals.
7. Choking sensation in the throat.
8. Heaviness or tightness in the chest or upper abdomen.
9. Weakness and fatigue.
*3/283/5*
HEART DISEASE: ANGINA – HOW TO RECOGNISE IT?When a patient complains of a pain in the chest extending towards the left arm, diagnosis is almost coronary blockages. Pain usually aggravates on exertion and is relieved by taking rest. It is more apparent after meals, especially after a heavy meal. Many patients complain of breathlessness on exertion but not of pain in the chest. Many of these patients have diabetes and are overweight. Palpitation is also a common complaint of a heart patient.Burning sensation in the middle of the chest, choking sensation, uneasiness over the chest region, chest pain during excitement, sometimes shoulder pain, right sided pain and jaw pain are also indicators of heart disease.No age group is exempted from angina. Occurrence of angina at a younger age is a recent trend — basic reason being the process of atherosclerosis (deposition of fats and triglycerides) in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Angina is unlikely till the blockage is more than 70%. The period over which these blockages are formed depends on the life-style of a person. If many risk factors are present and stress is predominant, angina can occur even at the age of 25 years. Previously angina was seen only at the age of 50-60 but now many patients with angina are in the age group of 30-35.Recognition of angina depends on the patient’s knowledge about the disease and physical activity. If he performs heavy physical activity from time to time (where the heart rate is raised beyond 120-130/minute) he can identify angina early. People who do not physically exert themselves feel and recognize angina quite late, because they never reach a higher heart rate. Many such physically inactive persons sometimes get severe heart attacks which may even result in death, simply because they could not identify angina and take preventive care.Angina does not occur at blockages of 40% to 50% which is widely prevalent. If it occurs, it is more likely to be precipitated by a sudden episode of coronary artery spasm which is the most common manifestation of stress.The Symptoms of Angina1. Chest pain: Angina may vary from mild to severe, whereas the pain of a heart attack is very severe. It usually occurs in the centre of the chest and radiates to the left arm, but attimes it may even radiate to the right arm, shoulders or the lower jaw. The pain usually lasts for 5 to 10 minutes.2. Breathlessness or shortness of breath.3. Sweating.4. Nausea and vomiting.5. Dizziness and fainting.6. Pain or heaviness in the chest especially after heavy meals.7. Choking sensation in the throat.8. Heaviness or tightness in the chest or upper abdomen.9. Weakness and fatigue.*3/283/5*
—admin | no comments
(posted in Cardio & Blood-Cholesterol)
Sunday, January 9, 2011 | 9:14 am
Attempts to unravel the cause of cancer really began in the eighteenth century; perhaps the first milestone was the work of the British surgeon Percival Pott, who in 1775 made the observation that cancer of the scrotum was more common in men who had worked as chimney-sweeps in boyhood. The guess chat some substance in soot was causing this cancer on rne skin has been borne out by work in the following two centuries. Pott’s work also illustrated another important principle. The cancer occurred in men who had worked as chimneysweeps years before, demonstrating the delayed effect of expo-save so some cancer-generating substances. Also in the late eighteenth century, physicians described possible links between snuff-taking and tobacco-smoking and cancers occurring on the note or on the lip, all of which have been borne out by subsequent observation. The nineteenth century saw further efforts to detect underlying causes for cancers. Physicians and surgeons studied the occurrence of uterine cancers and related these to the reproductive and sexual histories of the patients. They studied the relationship between cancer in the bladder and occupational exposures to chemicals in the dye industry, and they studied the links between industrial exposure of some miners and lung cancer. These valuable studies generated insights into the causes of cancer. The observations were mainly of strong associations. That is to say the risk of suffering from the cancer was greatly enhanced by the particular exposures that were considered. The number of patients included in these studies was usually relatively small and would not have served as a basis for detecting less obvious but important factors in the cause of cancer.
*13\194\4*
CANCER CAUSE: HISTORYAttempts to unravel the cause of cancer really began in the eighteenth century; perhaps the first milestone was the work of the British surgeon Percival Pott, who in 1775 made the observation that cancer of the scrotum was more common in men who had worked as chimney-sweeps in boyhood. The guess chat some substance in soot was causing this cancer on rne skin has been borne out by work in the following two centuries. Pott’s work also illustrated another important principle. The cancer occurred in men who had worked as chimneysweeps years before, demonstrating the delayed effect of expo-save so some cancer-generating substances. Also in the late eighteenth century, physicians described possible links between snuff-taking and tobacco-smoking and cancers occurring on the note or on the lip, all of which have been borne out by subsequent observation. The nineteenth century saw further efforts to detect underlying causes for cancers. Physicians and surgeons studied the occurrence of uterine cancers and related these to the reproductive and sexual histories of the patients. They studied the relationship between cancer in the bladder and occupational exposures to chemicals in the dye industry, and they studied the links between industrial exposure of some miners and lung cancer. These valuable studies generated insights into the causes of cancer. The observations were mainly of strong associations. That is to say the risk of suffering from the cancer was greatly enhanced by the particular exposures that were considered. The number of patients included in these studies was usually relatively small and would not have served as a basis for detecting less obvious but important factors in the cause of cancer.*13\194\4*
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(posted in Cancer)
Sunday, January 2, 2011 | 9:06 am
In the past, people were content to leave asthma management to their doctors. But today’s doctors are actively encouraging asthma patients to share more of the responsibility in the management of their illness. Learning to recognize the warning signs of an impending attack is the first step in learning to deal with asthma.
Asthma attacks can develop over a few days, a few hours and even a few minutes. Sudden asthma attacks mean just that — they start very suddenly and unexpectedly, particularly in asthmatics who are not on a regular medication regime.
It is not only chronic and severe asthmatics who suffer acute or life threatening attacks. Even mild and occasional asthmatics are at risk. All asthmatics should have guidelines by which to recognize a serious deterioration in their lung capacity, as well as an action plan for use in the event of an acute attack.
*48\148\2*
LIVING WITH ASTHMAIn the past, people were content to leave asthma management to their doctors. But today’s doctors are actively encouraging asthma patients to share more of the responsibility in the management of their illness. Learning to recognize the warning signs of an impending attack is the first step in learning to deal with asthma.Asthma attacks can develop over a few days, a few hours and even a few minutes. Sudden asthma attacks mean just that — they start very suddenly and unexpectedly, particularly in asthmatics who are not on a regular medication regime.It is not only chronic and severe asthmatics who suffer acute or life threatening attacks. Even mild and occasional asthmatics are at risk. All asthmatics should have guidelines by which to recognize a serious deterioration in their lung capacity, as well as an action plan for use in the event of an acute attack.*48\148\2*
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(posted in Asthma)
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