Cancer industry desperately needs mammogram screenings to recruit patients and generate repeat business
(NaturalNews) Any time you threaten to take away repeat customer from the businesses that make up the cancer industry, you're in for a political fight. After the United States Preventive Services Task Force released new recommendations advising against mammograms for women under 50 (and recommending only bi-annual screenings after that), the cancer industry went berserk.
Mammograms, you see, are the bread and butter of the for-profit cancer industry. They serve two very important purposes:
Purpose #1: RECRUIT patients. Mammograms are a clever tool for recruiting patients into a highly-profitable regimen of chemotherapy drugs, radiation and surgery that, nine times out of ten, isn't even medically justified. How's that? Because the detection technology behind mammograms is now so advanced it can detect tiny tumors present in virtually everyone, whether they're dangerous or not. This has lead to a huge increase in "false positives" and dangerous over-treatment of cancers that would be better off just left alone (or treated with anti-cancer nutrients and superfoods). Read more...
Ayurstate for Prostate Care
Kamis, 31 Desember 2009
Sabtu, 26 Desember 2009
Ginkgo Won't Prevent Heart Attack, Stroke in Elderly
(HealthDay News) -- Among people aged 75 and older, the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba does not prevent heart attacks, stroke or death, a new study finds.
There is some evidence that the popular herbal remedy might help prevent the leg-circulation problem known as peripheral artery disease, however.
Ginkgo contains nutrients called flavonoids, which are also found in fruits, vegetables, dark chocolate and red wine, and are believed to offer some protection against cardiovascular events, the researchers say. The supplement, which is popular in the United States and Europe, has been touted to improve memory, and to prevent dementia, heart disease and stroke.
However, "ginkgo had no benefit in preventing heart attack or stroke," said study lead researcher Dr. Lewis H. Kuller, distinguished university professor of public health and professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Read more...
Cardiofy Heart Care Supplement
There is some evidence that the popular herbal remedy might help prevent the leg-circulation problem known as peripheral artery disease, however.
Ginkgo contains nutrients called flavonoids, which are also found in fruits, vegetables, dark chocolate and red wine, and are believed to offer some protection against cardiovascular events, the researchers say. The supplement, which is popular in the United States and Europe, has been touted to improve memory, and to prevent dementia, heart disease and stroke.
However, "ginkgo had no benefit in preventing heart attack or stroke," said study lead researcher Dr. Lewis H. Kuller, distinguished university professor of public health and professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Read more...
Cardiofy Heart Care Supplement
Senin, 21 Desember 2009
It's already too late to shut the door on GM foods
(NaturalNews) A report from the British Royal Society has been released that urges support for genetically-modified foods by the British public in order to address what it deems the world's growing demand for food. The report also reveals the disturbing reality about just how far genetically-modified (GM) foods have already penetrated the food supply in England, despite widespread public rejection of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) roughly a decade ago.
Over the years, Brits have been led to believe that their diets are GMO-free. Truth be told, nearly two-thirds of the roughly 2.6 million tons of soy that is imported into the United Kingdom each and every year is GM and most people there are entirely unaware of it. Read more...
Immunice for Immune Support
Over the years, Brits have been led to believe that their diets are GMO-free. Truth be told, nearly two-thirds of the roughly 2.6 million tons of soy that is imported into the United Kingdom each and every year is GM and most people there are entirely unaware of it. Read more...
Immunice for Immune Support
Selasa, 15 Desember 2009
Hormones for Prostate Cancer?
Like breast cancer, prostate cancer is a hormonally driven disease. The main hormone of concern here is testosterone, which is responsible for male secondary sex characteristics as well as some of the sex drive in both men and women. Because most prostate cancers need testosterone to grow, one approach to treatment is to suppress its production with drugs. This therapy used to be reserved for advanced or recurrent prostate cancer, but is now sometimes recommended for men with early stage disease.
It's important to know that not all prostate cancers are testosterone-dependent (just as all breast cancers are not estrogen-dependent). Also, as prostate tumors grow, cells composing them may lose their sensitivity to testosterone. Read more...
Reduce Your Prostate Size
It's important to know that not all prostate cancers are testosterone-dependent (just as all breast cancers are not estrogen-dependent). Also, as prostate tumors grow, cells composing them may lose their sensitivity to testosterone. Read more...
Reduce Your Prostate Size
Rabu, 09 Desember 2009
Soy Isoflavones May Cut the Risk of Prostate Cancer by 60%
A new case-control study recruited 200 Japanese men with prostate cancer ranging from stage 1
(1 man) to stage 4 (24 men). Their dietary intake of soy was evaluated and compared to that of cancer-free men. Intake of the Soy Isoflavones Genistein and Daidzein was significantly associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Read more...
(1 man) to stage 4 (24 men). Their dietary intake of soy was evaluated and compared to that of cancer-free men. Intake of the Soy Isoflavones Genistein and Daidzein was significantly associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Read more...
Jumat, 04 Desember 2009
Prostate Cancer - Caused by a Virus?
Virus Found in Prostate Cancer Patients
By PAUL ELIAS
In a surprising discovery, researchers say they have found a virus in some prostate cancer patients, a finding that opens new research avenues in the most common major cancer among men in the United States.
The virus, closely related to one previously found only in mice, was found in cancerous prostates removed from men with a certain genetic defect. The researchers, with the University of California, San Francisco and the Cleveland Clinic, warn that they have not discovered any links between the virus and prostate cancer, but they were nonetheless excited about prospects for future research.
"It is a very exciting discovery," said Dr. Eric Klein of the Cleveland Clinic, who will present the findings Friday at an American Society of Clinical Oncology prostate symposium in San Francisco. "There is now a suggestion that prostate cancer could be caused by an infectious disease." Read more...
Ayurstate for Prostate Care
By PAUL ELIAS
In a surprising discovery, researchers say they have found a virus in some prostate cancer patients, a finding that opens new research avenues in the most common major cancer among men in the United States.
The virus, closely related to one previously found only in mice, was found in cancerous prostates removed from men with a certain genetic defect. The researchers, with the University of California, San Francisco and the Cleveland Clinic, warn that they have not discovered any links between the virus and prostate cancer, but they were nonetheless excited about prospects for future research.
"It is a very exciting discovery," said Dr. Eric Klein of the Cleveland Clinic, who will present the findings Friday at an American Society of Clinical Oncology prostate symposium in San Francisco. "There is now a suggestion that prostate cancer could be caused by an infectious disease." Read more...
Ayurstate for Prostate Care
Senin, 23 November 2009
How the Liver Detoxifies Harmful Substances?
Basically there are TWO major detoxification pathways inside the liver cells, which are called the Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification pathways.
Phase One - Detoxification Pathway
An example of the phase one pathway is the Cytochrome P-450 mixed function oxidase enzyme pathway. These enzymes reside on the membrane system of the liver cells (called Hepatocytes).
Human liver cells possess the genetic code for many isoenzymes of P-450 whose synthesis can be induced upon exposure to specific chemicals. This provides a mechanism of protection from a wide variety of toxic chemicals. Read more...
Remove Toxins and Body Waste
Phase One - Detoxification Pathway
An example of the phase one pathway is the Cytochrome P-450 mixed function oxidase enzyme pathway. These enzymes reside on the membrane system of the liver cells (called Hepatocytes).
Human liver cells possess the genetic code for many isoenzymes of P-450 whose synthesis can be induced upon exposure to specific chemicals. This provides a mechanism of protection from a wide variety of toxic chemicals. Read more...
Remove Toxins and Body Waste
Kamis, 19 November 2009
Where You Live May Affect Your Cancer Diagnosis
(HealthDay News) -- Living in the city could lead to certain common cancers being diagnosed at much later stages of their development, new research has found.
A study of residents of Illinois finds that city dwellers are more likely to have doctors spot breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer later in the disease's progression than their peers residing in the suburbs or rural areas. The rates for these late-stage cancers were highest in Chicago, the most densely populated and urban of the areas in the analysis, and tapered off the more rural and sparse an area's population became, according to the findings, which were based on a review of the 1998 to 2002 Illinois State Cancer Registry. Read more...
Ayurstate for Prostate Care
A study of residents of Illinois finds that city dwellers are more likely to have doctors spot breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer later in the disease's progression than their peers residing in the suburbs or rural areas. The rates for these late-stage cancers were highest in Chicago, the most densely populated and urban of the areas in the analysis, and tapered off the more rural and sparse an area's population became, according to the findings, which were based on a review of the 1998 to 2002 Illinois State Cancer Registry. Read more...
Ayurstate for Prostate Care
Senin, 02 November 2009
Short-Term, High-Dose Vitamin D2 May Ease Deficiency
Short-Term, High-Dose Vitamin D2 May Ease Deficiency
(HealthDay News) -- Researchers are reporting that eight weeks of treatment with large doses of vitamin D2 can eliminate vitamin D deficiency, and twice-monthly doses can keep the condition at bay for up to six years.
The dosage -- 50,000 international units (IU) every week or two -- was large but did not appear to be toxic, according to the study published in the Oct. 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
Vitamin D is crucial for the body. Among its attributes, it strengthens bones by helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Low levels of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and an adult bone disorder called osteomalacia. Read more...
Improve Your Blood Circulation.
(HealthDay News) -- Researchers are reporting that eight weeks of treatment with large doses of vitamin D2 can eliminate vitamin D deficiency, and twice-monthly doses can keep the condition at bay for up to six years.
The dosage -- 50,000 international units (IU) every week or two -- was large but did not appear to be toxic, according to the study published in the Oct. 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
Vitamin D is crucial for the body. Among its attributes, it strengthens bones by helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Low levels of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and an adult bone disorder called osteomalacia. Read more...
Improve Your Blood Circulation.
Kamis, 29 Oktober 2009
Diet, Exercise Better Than Vitamins in Promoting Health
Harvard men's health watch is telling everyone how dangerous vitamin supplements are. Unfortunately they are not kidding!
Please know that although we have our references to try to refute these statements, your patient's families will be hearing this stuff.
While it was once hoped that supplements of folic acid could help reduce colon cancer, new research has shown that taking more than the minimum daily requirement would be harmful. Simon says other studies underscore the downside to dietary supplements, which are unregulated in the Read more...
Ayurtox for Body Detoxification
Please know that although we have our references to try to refute these statements, your patient's families will be hearing this stuff.
While it was once hoped that supplements of folic acid could help reduce colon cancer, new research has shown that taking more than the minimum daily requirement would be harmful. Simon says other studies underscore the downside to dietary supplements, which are unregulated in the Read more...
Ayurtox for Body Detoxification
Kamis, 22 Oktober 2009
Liver Cancer Patients May Get Hope
(HealthDay News) -- A short strand of RNA (microRNA) may help doctors identify liver cancer patients who would benefit from treatment with interferon, say U.S. and Chinese researchers.
"Interferon is an experimental therapeutic agent that has been used for many years to treat cancer patients, but with modest benefit," study first author Junfang Ji, of the liver carcinogenesis section at the U.S. National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research, said in a news release. Read more...
Ayurstate for Prostate Care
"Interferon is an experimental therapeutic agent that has been used for many years to treat cancer patients, but with modest benefit," study first author Junfang Ji, of the liver carcinogenesis section at the U.S. National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research, said in a news release. Read more...
Ayurstate for Prostate Care
Selasa, 20 Oktober 2009
The pH Miracle Living Diet Can Change Your Life
Plagued by a stubborn roll of belly fat that just won't disappear no matter how hard you diet?
Worn down by the daily grind of life, but your doctor only issues the standard "eat less, exercise more, and get more sleep" advice?
Maybe you need to take a long hard look at the pH Miracle Living Lifestyle and Diet Plan.
It's not really a diet at all in the usual sense, but more of a change in the types of foods eaten.
The idea behind it is to eliminate foods high in acid, like animal protein and dairy, and metabolic acids like lactic acid, estrogen and testosterone which causes the body to retain fat to buffer those dietary and metabolic acids. Read more...
Cardiofy Heart Care Supplement
Worn down by the daily grind of life, but your doctor only issues the standard "eat less, exercise more, and get more sleep" advice?
Maybe you need to take a long hard look at the pH Miracle Living Lifestyle and Diet Plan.
It's not really a diet at all in the usual sense, but more of a change in the types of foods eaten.
The idea behind it is to eliminate foods high in acid, like animal protein and dairy, and metabolic acids like lactic acid, estrogen and testosterone which causes the body to retain fat to buffer those dietary and metabolic acids. Read more...
Cardiofy Heart Care Supplement
Minggu, 18 Oktober 2009
If You Want Help From a Chimp, You'll Have to Ask
(HealthDay News) -- While chimpanzees will help each other upon request, they're not likely to offer help voluntarily, say researchers trying to understand the evolution of altruism.
A Japanese research team studied six pairs of chimpanzees (three mother-offspring pairs and three non-related adult pairs) in experiments designed to find out whether a chimpanzee would give a tool to a partner even if doing so wouldn't bring an immediate benefit. Read more...
A Japanese research team studied six pairs of chimpanzees (three mother-offspring pairs and three non-related adult pairs) in experiments designed to find out whether a chimpanzee would give a tool to a partner even if doing so wouldn't bring an immediate benefit. Read more...
Jumat, 16 Oktober 2009
Asparagus May Ease Hangover
To treat a hangover, drink lots of water, get plenty of rest -- and eat your asparagus, researchers say.
A new study shows that the amino acids and minerals in asparagus extract may ease hangovers and protect liver cells against the toxins in alcohol.
Researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in South Korea analyzed the effect of extracts of asparagus shoots and leaves on human and rat liver cells in the lab. Read more...
A new study shows that the amino acids and minerals in asparagus extract may ease hangovers and protect liver cells against the toxins in alcohol.
Researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in South Korea analyzed the effect of extracts of asparagus shoots and leaves on human and rat liver cells in the lab. Read more...
Rabu, 14 Oktober 2009
Youth and Driving Don't Always Mix Safely
(HealthDay News) -- Teen drivers are more likely than adults to crash their car, due to their youth and inexperience -- but don't try telling them that.
Studies have found that teens have an overblown sense of their driving prowess, one that can and does put them in the middle of some truly terrible crashes. They also don't understand that distractions such as cell phones and teenage passengers can make driving more dangerous.
"Kids tend to judge their experience on getting a license," said Dr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg of the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The truth is that getting a driver's license is the very first step to gaining experience." Read more...
Immunice for Immune Support
Studies have found that teens have an overblown sense of their driving prowess, one that can and does put them in the middle of some truly terrible crashes. They also don't understand that distractions such as cell phones and teenage passengers can make driving more dangerous.
"Kids tend to judge their experience on getting a license," said Dr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg of the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The truth is that getting a driver's license is the very first step to gaining experience." Read more...
Immunice for Immune Support
Minggu, 11 Oktober 2009
Surgical Deaths Linked to Handling of Complications
(HealthDay News) -- The way that a hospital handles the complications of surgery, not just the rate of those complications, determines the hospital's surgical death rate, a new study has found.
The study, which included more than 84,000 people who had surgery in U.S. hospitals, found about a twofold difference in surgical deaths between hospitals with the lowest rate and those with the highest -- 3.5 percent vs. 6.9 percent. This occurred despite a small difference in the overall rate of complications -- 24.6 percent in the hospitals with the lowest surgical mortality rate and 26.9 percent in those with the highest.
The emphasis in recent years has been on reducing the rate of surgical complications, said Dr. Justin B. Dimick, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Michigan and a co-author of the study, published in the Oct. 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Many hospitals have established point-by-point checklists that surgeons go through before operating. Read more...
Ayurtox for Body Detoxification
The study, which included more than 84,000 people who had surgery in U.S. hospitals, found about a twofold difference in surgical deaths between hospitals with the lowest rate and those with the highest -- 3.5 percent vs. 6.9 percent. This occurred despite a small difference in the overall rate of complications -- 24.6 percent in the hospitals with the lowest surgical mortality rate and 26.9 percent in those with the highest.
The emphasis in recent years has been on reducing the rate of surgical complications, said Dr. Justin B. Dimick, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Michigan and a co-author of the study, published in the Oct. 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Many hospitals have established point-by-point checklists that surgeons go through before operating. Read more...
Ayurtox for Body Detoxification
Kamis, 08 Oktober 2009
Green Foods Protect Against The Acids That Cause Heart Dis
Green Foods Protect Against The Acids That Cause Heart Dis-ease
Researchers have discovered a possible reason why green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are good for the heart.
Their work suggests a chemical found in the vegetables can boost a natural defennce mechanism to protect arteries from disease.
The Imperial College London team hope their work could lead to new dietary treatments to prevent heart problems.
Details appear in Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
"Heart disease is caused by the build up of metabolic and dietary acid that is bound to fat leading to fatty plaques in the arteries known as atherosclerosis," states Dr. Robert O. Young, Director of Research at the pH Miracle Living Center in San Diego, California.
"However, arteries do not get clogged up with these acidic fatty plaques in a uniform way."
"Bends and branches of blood vessels - where blood flow is disrupted and can be sluggish due to excess acidic waste - are much more prone to the build-up," according to Dr. Young. Read more...
Researchers have discovered a possible reason why green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are good for the heart.
Their work suggests a chemical found in the vegetables can boost a natural defennce mechanism to protect arteries from disease.
The Imperial College London team hope their work could lead to new dietary treatments to prevent heart problems.
Details appear in Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
"Heart disease is caused by the build up of metabolic and dietary acid that is bound to fat leading to fatty plaques in the arteries known as atherosclerosis," states Dr. Robert O. Young, Director of Research at the pH Miracle Living Center in San Diego, California.
"However, arteries do not get clogged up with these acidic fatty plaques in a uniform way."
"Bends and branches of blood vessels - where blood flow is disrupted and can be sluggish due to excess acidic waste - are much more prone to the build-up," according to Dr. Young. Read more...
Senin, 05 Oktober 2009
How Grapes Protect Your Heart
A diet enriched by grapes may prevent the downhill sequence of heart failure after years of high blood pressure. A study suggests that grapes may prevent heart health risks beyond the simple blood pressure-lowering benefits that come from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Read more...
Jumat, 02 Oktober 2009
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Validates The Benefits of Alkalinity
I thought you might be interested in a message from the founder of Transadental Meditation, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi confirming Dr. Young's theories on meditation and alkalinity.
From an audio recording (No 2) made in Hochgurgelin in 1962 - (Thanks to Jörg Schenk)
"Question: I have the feeling that the state of restful alertness (during TM) is concentrated in the forehead...
Maharishi: Some day in the first week of the course, I think I have said, that the whole brain matter becomes illuminant. Illuminant means nothing remains inactive and nothing remains active.
A state of all the experiencing nerves between talamus and cortex, they are neither active nor passive. Just ready to be either active or passive. In that state of pure consciousness, in that glow...
Question: Can this state of suspension be prolonged indefinite and if so, what is the effect on the brain cells? Read more...
From an audio recording (No 2) made in Hochgurgelin in 1962 - (Thanks to Jörg Schenk)
"Question: I have the feeling that the state of restful alertness (during TM) is concentrated in the forehead...
Maharishi: Some day in the first week of the course, I think I have said, that the whole brain matter becomes illuminant. Illuminant means nothing remains inactive and nothing remains active.
A state of all the experiencing nerves between talamus and cortex, they are neither active nor passive. Just ready to be either active or passive. In that state of pure consciousness, in that glow...
Question: Can this state of suspension be prolonged indefinite and if so, what is the effect on the brain cells? Read more...
Rabu, 30 September 2009
Top Quality Colon Cleansing: Oxy-Powder
Top Quality Colon Cleansing
Oxy-Powder will help melt away and eliminate the compaction from the small intestine, large intestine and colon, safe and effectively. This is important because a clean, constipation-free, intestinal tract is the beginning of obtaining optimal health. It will also add oxygen directly into the bloodstream. 120 Vegetarian Capsules. (OXYP)
Learn more about Oxy-Powder: http://www.dreddyclinic.com/products/oxypowder.htm
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/products/ghchealth/supplements.htm
Oxy-Powder will help melt away and eliminate the compaction from the small intestine, large intestine and colon, safe and effectively. This is important because a clean, constipation-free, intestinal tract is the beginning of obtaining optimal health. It will also add oxygen directly into the bloodstream. 120 Vegetarian Capsules. (OXYP)
Learn more about Oxy-Powder: http://www.dreddyclinic.com/products/oxypowder.htm
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/products/ghchealth/supplements.htm
Rabu, 23 September 2009
Drinking in Adolescence May Lead to Risky Choices Later
In a study that shows that doing JELL-O shots is never a good idea, adolescent rats that consumed alcohol-laced gel were more likely to make risky decisions long after the alcohol had worn off. Read more
Selasa, 08 September 2009
Motivation May Be at Root of ADHD
The trouble concentrating that affects people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be related to motivation, a new study has found. Read more
Jumat, 14 Agustus 2009
Health Tip: Children Need Exercise, Too
(HealthDay News) -- Exercise is important for everyone, even children. Kids should spend at least one hour each day exercising, whether it's playing tag, swimming, walking or jumping rope.
Read more
Read more
Sabtu, 01 Agustus 2009
Media Blasts Oprah for Supporting Alternative Medicine
In January of this year, Oprah Winfrey invited Suzanne Somers on her show to talk about health tips. The 62-year-old actress uses bio-identical estrogen cream and progesterone on her other arm two weeks a month. Read more
Jumat, 17 Juli 2009
Swine Flu Vaccine on Track for Fall: CDC
U.S. health officials said Friday that development of a vaccine for the H1N1 swine flu is on track, with the first doses possibly ready by the fall. Read more
Sabtu, 04 Juli 2009
10 Diseases Linked To Soda
Statistics shows that Americans drink more soda than ever before. They account for more than 25 percent of all drinks consumed in the United States. More than 15 billion gallons were sold in 2000 -- about one 12-ounce can per day for every man, woman and child. Read more
Minggu, 21 Juni 2009
Calling All Heart Patients
Telephone or Internet-based interventions may help heart attack survivors and other cardiac patients improve their heart health and reduce their risk of future cardiac events, Australian researchers say. Read more
Jumat, 12 Juni 2009
Couples in Good Relationships Sleep Better
(HealthDay News) -- Happy at home and sleeping well? New research shows that relationship satisfaction and sleep quality might be linked. Read more
Minggu, 07 Juni 2009
4 Ways to Shed Belly Fat
1. Exercise. You can't exercise to spot reduce, but it will help you shed excess pounds -- and often, the fat your body sheds first comes from your belly. Abdominal crunches can help tone muscles to make your stomach look flatter, but to truly get rid of fat, you have to burn it off through aerobic activity. Read more
Minggu, 31 Mei 2009
Women Who Run May Benefit From Extra Folic Acid
(HealthDay News) -- High-dose folic acid supplementation improved vascular function in young female runners who stopped menstruating (amenorrhea) because their caloric intake was lower than their energy output, researchers say. Read more
Sabtu, 23 Mei 2009
Insider Reveals How FDA Demolished “Safe” Mercury Levels
Dr. Jane Hightower explains the dubious history of safety standards concerning mercury levels. Current levels of "safe" mercury content are now based on this misleading data. Read more
Minggu, 17 Mei 2009
Man Dies of Brain Inflammation Caused by Deer Tick Virus
(HealthDay News) -- In what scientists say might be the first case of its kind, a new report details the story of a 62-year-old man in New York state who died last year of meningoencephalitis, apparently after being bitten by a deer tick infected with deer tick virus. Read more
Sabtu, 09 Mei 2009
Music For Health?
I've heard that listening to Gregorian chants can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety and depression. Is this a myth or is there actually some truth behind it? Read more
Minggu, 03 Mei 2009
Health Tip: Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy
(HealthDay News) -- While you're pregnant, all that extra weight can lead to significant back pain.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers these suggestions to help prevent or relieve that pain in your back:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers these suggestions to help prevent or relieve that pain in your back:
- Avoid completely flat or high-heeled shoes; something in between with a low heel and supportive arch is best.
- Don't lift heavy objects by yourself.
- If you have to be on your feet for a long time, prop up one foot on a stepstool or stair.
- Sleep on a firm mattress or place a board between the mattress and box spring.
- Bend at your knees rather than at the waist.
- Place a small pillow behind your lower back when sitting in a chair, or use a chair with a lot of back support.
- Sleep on your side, and place pillows between your legs.
- Gently massage your lower back, or apply a heating pad or ice pack.
Senin, 27 April 2009
Rabu, 22 April 2009
Experts Highlight Inroads to Preventing Cancer
(HealthDay News) -- Scientists looking at everyday factors that influence cancer risk are finding important new clues that could affect cancer prevention strategies.
"Many of us believe that prevention is better than trying to identify drugs for people after they get cancer," said Dr. Peter Shields, deputy director of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and interim chairman of the Department of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. "As we understand risk factors better, it may be possible to personalize cancer prevention."
Shields moderated a Monday teleconference highlighting cancer prevention-related findings that are being presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, in Denver.
One study found that two common gene variants do not protect individuals from the ill effects of smoking.
In the study, smoking boosted the odds for the two most common types of colorectal polyps: adenomas and hyperplastic polyps, although the association was stronger in the latter.
People who had smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for a year had a 68 percent increased risk for adenomas but a 238 percent increased risk for hyperplastic polyps. Those still smoking had the same risk for adenomas as former smokers but a more than threefold increased risk for the second type of polyp.
Polyps can be precursors to colon cancer, but if they're detected early, the disease can often be prevented.
There was also a slight though not statistically significant risk from "charred" (well done) meat.
"Susceptibility to smoking did not vary by this gene, and everyone needs to be concerned [about the risk of smoking]," said Andrea N. Burnett-Hartman, a doctoral student at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
"This gene is not going to protect you from the carcinogenic effects of smoking, at least in colorectal tissue," she said. In terms of meat consumption, she added that "everything in moderation" remains a good rule.
Another study found that specific genetic variations in the cox-1 and cox-2 genes indicate different risks for colorectal cancer. This might help determine who would benefit from the cancer-prevention benefits of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Although NSAIDs, including aspirin and cox-2 inhibitors, have been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, that benefit may be nullified by an increased risk of heart disease seen in some cox-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx, which was removed from the market.
Other findings being presented at the society's meeting include:
"Many of us believe that prevention is better than trying to identify drugs for people after they get cancer," said Dr. Peter Shields, deputy director of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and interim chairman of the Department of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. "As we understand risk factors better, it may be possible to personalize cancer prevention."
Shields moderated a Monday teleconference highlighting cancer prevention-related findings that are being presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, in Denver.
One study found that two common gene variants do not protect individuals from the ill effects of smoking.
In the study, smoking boosted the odds for the two most common types of colorectal polyps: adenomas and hyperplastic polyps, although the association was stronger in the latter.
People who had smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for a year had a 68 percent increased risk for adenomas but a 238 percent increased risk for hyperplastic polyps. Those still smoking had the same risk for adenomas as former smokers but a more than threefold increased risk for the second type of polyp.
Polyps can be precursors to colon cancer, but if they're detected early, the disease can often be prevented.
There was also a slight though not statistically significant risk from "charred" (well done) meat.
"Susceptibility to smoking did not vary by this gene, and everyone needs to be concerned [about the risk of smoking]," said Andrea N. Burnett-Hartman, a doctoral student at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
"This gene is not going to protect you from the carcinogenic effects of smoking, at least in colorectal tissue," she said. In terms of meat consumption, she added that "everything in moderation" remains a good rule.
Another study found that specific genetic variations in the cox-1 and cox-2 genes indicate different risks for colorectal cancer. This might help determine who would benefit from the cancer-prevention benefits of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Although NSAIDs, including aspirin and cox-2 inhibitors, have been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, that benefit may be nullified by an increased risk of heart disease seen in some cox-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx, which was removed from the market.
Other findings being presented at the society's meeting include:
- A tool that looks simultaneously at several genetic variants and family history might more accurately predict who is at risk for prostate cancer and who could benefit from more aggressive prevention efforts. Men who had at least 15 of the gene variants included in the tool were found to have a 34 percent increased risk of developing prostate cancer in a 20-year span, or 45 percent increased risk if they had a family history of the disease. But without the combination of genetic information, their risk would have been estimated at only 13 percent.
- Rats born to mothers who had been given folic acid supplementation during and after pregnancy were found to have experienced changes in DNA methylation in both the liver and the colon. DNA methylation is a process whereby genes can be turned off or on. Folic acid is recommended before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in babies. Folic acid intake in North America has soared since these recommendations were implemented in 1998.
- Abnormal collections of cells were found in the blood of 38 percent of people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) as early as 10 years before their diagnosis -- something that could be a clue in the so-far fruitless search for causes of the disease. "Apparently, these cells are cranking out proteins years before people get CLL," said Dr. Neil Caporaso, a section chief at the U.S. National Cancer Institute. "We can try to understand what causes people to get these abnormalities and, more importantly, what causes somebody to progress from having relatively benign protein abnormalities to developing leukemia. We can search for environmental agents and genes that could cause this next step."
More information
The American Cancer Society has more on preventing cancer.
Rabu, 15 April 2009
Impotence Drugs Don't Harm Vision: Study
(HealthDay News) -- The erectile dysfunction drugs Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) didn't appear to damage vision in men who took the medications daily for six months, according to a drug company study.
These drugs, called selective phodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, treat erectile dysfunction by interfering with the action of the compound PDE5 in the blood vessels of the penis. But there are concerns that PDE5 inhibitors may also act on similar compounds in the retina, the part of the eye that receives and transmits images to the brain, according to background information in the study.
Men taking PDE5 inhibitors have reported mild and temporary blurred vision, altered light perception, and blue-tinged vision.
This Eli Lilly study included 244 men, ages 30 to 65, who were randomly selected to take either 5 milligrams of tadalafil, 50 mg. of sildenafil, or a placebo daily for six months. The men underwent thorough eye tests before, during and after treatment.
By the end of the study, the researchers found no significant differences in vision between the men who took the drugs and those who took the placebo. The findings were published in the April issue of the journal Archives of Ophthalmology.
"There are several reasons ophthalmologists need to be acquainted with the pharmacologic profiles of PDE5 inhibitors and their potential side effects," the authors wrote "The frequency of erectile dysfunction, which is a form of peripheral vascular disease that impairs men's abilities to achieve and maintain an erection, increases dramatically with age and in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, many men who take PDE5 inhibitors to treat their erectile dysfunction will also be followed up by ophthalmologists for ocular disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and ocular vascular disease."
"Furthermore, PDE5 inhibitors can exert direct effects on the retina, and such effects probably account for many of the visual side effects such as blue-tinged vision and light sensitivity that have been reported," they concluded.
But they said their "results indicate that there is no cumulative damage or effect of clinical significance for either 5 milligrams of tadalafil or 50 milligrams of sildenafil taken daily for six months."
More information
The American Urological Association has more about erectile dysfunction.
These drugs, called selective phodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, treat erectile dysfunction by interfering with the action of the compound PDE5 in the blood vessels of the penis. But there are concerns that PDE5 inhibitors may also act on similar compounds in the retina, the part of the eye that receives and transmits images to the brain, according to background information in the study.
Men taking PDE5 inhibitors have reported mild and temporary blurred vision, altered light perception, and blue-tinged vision.
This Eli Lilly study included 244 men, ages 30 to 65, who were randomly selected to take either 5 milligrams of tadalafil, 50 mg. of sildenafil, or a placebo daily for six months. The men underwent thorough eye tests before, during and after treatment.
By the end of the study, the researchers found no significant differences in vision between the men who took the drugs and those who took the placebo. The findings were published in the April issue of the journal Archives of Ophthalmology.
"There are several reasons ophthalmologists need to be acquainted with the pharmacologic profiles of PDE5 inhibitors and their potential side effects," the authors wrote "The frequency of erectile dysfunction, which is a form of peripheral vascular disease that impairs men's abilities to achieve and maintain an erection, increases dramatically with age and in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, many men who take PDE5 inhibitors to treat their erectile dysfunction will also be followed up by ophthalmologists for ocular disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and ocular vascular disease."
"Furthermore, PDE5 inhibitors can exert direct effects on the retina, and such effects probably account for many of the visual side effects such as blue-tinged vision and light sensitivity that have been reported," they concluded.
But they said their "results indicate that there is no cumulative damage or effect of clinical significance for either 5 milligrams of tadalafil or 50 milligrams of sildenafil taken daily for six months."
More information
The American Urological Association has more about erectile dysfunction.
Jumat, 10 April 2009
A Creamy Treat for "Lungevity"
Step one for preventing lung cancer: say no to tobacco. Step two: have a tablespoon of . . . Read more.
Senin, 06 April 2009
Nicotine Replacement May Help Smokers Quit Gradually
(HealthDay News) -- For smokers who want to cut down on the number of cigarettes they smoke, using nicotine replacement therapy not only helps them smoke less but makes it twice as likely that they will quit altogether, British researchers report.
Although using nicotine replacement therapy -- such as gum, inhalers, patches and lozenges -- as a way to reduce smoking is approved in Britain and other countries, it remains unapproved and controversial in the United States. Some think it sends the wrong message -- that cutting down on smoking is OK. Others think that because tobacco companies make other nicotine delivery devices, this approach is merely a boon to the tobacco industry.
"We looked at papers that took people who said, 'I don't want to stop smoking, but I am prepared to reduce my smoking,' " said lead researcher Dr. Paul Aveyard, from the School of Health and Population Sciences at the University of Birmingham. They were given either a nicotine replacement product or a placebo, "and twice as many in the active treatment groups quit smoking compared with the placebo side," he said.
The results are similar to studies on the use of nicotine replacement therapy among people who said they wanted to quit.
In addition, Aveyard said, there were no serious adverse effects from the use of nicotine replacement while people continued to smoke.
The findings were published online April 3 in BMJ.
For the study, Aveyard's team reviewed seven studies that compared the use of nicotine gum or inhalators with placebos to see which was more effective in gradually getting smokers to quit. The studies included a total of 2,767 people.
Over six to 18 months, 6.75 percent of those using nicotine replacement stopped smoking for six months -- double the proportion of those using placebos. The researchers said it meant that 3 percent of smokers quit who otherwise would not have.
Participants in the studies who used nicotine replacement also received regular behavioral support and monitoring, and the researchers said that this support may have been as important as the nicotine replacement itself.
Aveyard said that use of nicotine replacement would allow treatment of many more smokers than the small number who say they want to quit. "It potentially opens the door to treat almost all smokers with treatments that were formally reserved for people who are wanting to quit right now," he said.
Because most nicotine replacement drugs are available over-the-counter but are not approved in the United States for smoking reduction, Aveyard suggests that people who want to try this approach should first consult with their doctor.
Dr. Norman H. Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, predicted that the topic is going to be widely discussed in the United States.
"In Britain, they are a little bit ahead of us," Edelman said. "Right now, the FDA approval for nicotine replacement therapy is as an aid to cessation. The next issue is whether we should use nicotine therapy to reduce smoking without worrying about whether people quit or not."
The American Lung Association says that it should be used to help people quit smoking, but the group has "not adopted the idea of using nicotine replacement therapy for risk reduction," Edelman said.
And whether the Food and Drug Administration will approve its use to cut down on smoking is unclear, he said.
"It's a hot potato topic," Edelman said. "Cigarette companies are manufacturing nicotine delivery devices of all kinds, and there is a tendency to be negative about that. Nobody feels kindly disposed to letting tobacco companies make nicotine delivery devices."
And using nicotine replacement to reduce smoking sends the message that you can benefit by just smoking less, and "the American Lung Association is very opposed to that," Edelman said. "We do not support risk reduction by just smoking fewer cigarettes."
In a related article in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, researchers reported that programs to help people quit smoking are cost-effective even for people with lung cancer.
A research team led by Dr. Christopher Slatore, from the University of Washington in Seattle, found that a smoking cessation program started before lung resection surgery was cost-effective both one and five years after surgery. They based their analysis on length of survival and improvement in the person's quality of life.
Although the results of the study apply only to people eligible for resection, all lung cancer patients should take part in smoking cessation programs, the researchers concluded.
More information
The American Lung Association has more on quitting smoking.
Although using nicotine replacement therapy -- such as gum, inhalers, patches and lozenges -- as a way to reduce smoking is approved in Britain and other countries, it remains unapproved and controversial in the United States. Some think it sends the wrong message -- that cutting down on smoking is OK. Others think that because tobacco companies make other nicotine delivery devices, this approach is merely a boon to the tobacco industry.
"We looked at papers that took people who said, 'I don't want to stop smoking, but I am prepared to reduce my smoking,' " said lead researcher Dr. Paul Aveyard, from the School of Health and Population Sciences at the University of Birmingham. They were given either a nicotine replacement product or a placebo, "and twice as many in the active treatment groups quit smoking compared with the placebo side," he said.
The results are similar to studies on the use of nicotine replacement therapy among people who said they wanted to quit.
In addition, Aveyard said, there were no serious adverse effects from the use of nicotine replacement while people continued to smoke.
The findings were published online April 3 in BMJ.
For the study, Aveyard's team reviewed seven studies that compared the use of nicotine gum or inhalators with placebos to see which was more effective in gradually getting smokers to quit. The studies included a total of 2,767 people.
Over six to 18 months, 6.75 percent of those using nicotine replacement stopped smoking for six months -- double the proportion of those using placebos. The researchers said it meant that 3 percent of smokers quit who otherwise would not have.
Participants in the studies who used nicotine replacement also received regular behavioral support and monitoring, and the researchers said that this support may have been as important as the nicotine replacement itself.
Aveyard said that use of nicotine replacement would allow treatment of many more smokers than the small number who say they want to quit. "It potentially opens the door to treat almost all smokers with treatments that were formally reserved for people who are wanting to quit right now," he said.
Because most nicotine replacement drugs are available over-the-counter but are not approved in the United States for smoking reduction, Aveyard suggests that people who want to try this approach should first consult with their doctor.
Dr. Norman H. Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, predicted that the topic is going to be widely discussed in the United States.
"In Britain, they are a little bit ahead of us," Edelman said. "Right now, the FDA approval for nicotine replacement therapy is as an aid to cessation. The next issue is whether we should use nicotine therapy to reduce smoking without worrying about whether people quit or not."
The American Lung Association says that it should be used to help people quit smoking, but the group has "not adopted the idea of using nicotine replacement therapy for risk reduction," Edelman said.
And whether the Food and Drug Administration will approve its use to cut down on smoking is unclear, he said.
"It's a hot potato topic," Edelman said. "Cigarette companies are manufacturing nicotine delivery devices of all kinds, and there is a tendency to be negative about that. Nobody feels kindly disposed to letting tobacco companies make nicotine delivery devices."
And using nicotine replacement to reduce smoking sends the message that you can benefit by just smoking less, and "the American Lung Association is very opposed to that," Edelman said. "We do not support risk reduction by just smoking fewer cigarettes."
In a related article in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, researchers reported that programs to help people quit smoking are cost-effective even for people with lung cancer.
A research team led by Dr. Christopher Slatore, from the University of Washington in Seattle, found that a smoking cessation program started before lung resection surgery was cost-effective both one and five years after surgery. They based their analysis on length of survival and improvement in the person's quality of life.
Although the results of the study apply only to people eligible for resection, all lung cancer patients should take part in smoking cessation programs, the researchers concluded.
More information
The American Lung Association has more on quitting smoking.
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