HEALTH IS WEALTH

article99

2008-02-13T19:51:00.054-08:00

Herbal supplement benefits and dangerous side effects

After a rise in the popularity of dietary supplements in the 1990s, their use seems to have plateaued, although exposure may continue to increase with the addition of herbal supplements to mainstream multivitamin products, according to an article in the February 14 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. During the last decade the use of alternative medicines, particularly herbal products, has increased considerably, according to background information in the article. Americans spent $4.2 billion on herbs and other botanical remedies in 2001, and their benefits are being cited more and more in the media. The percentage of people using a href="http://herbalcare06.blogspot.com">dietary supplements increased from 14.2 percent in 1998 1999 to 18.8 percent 2002, with a low of 12.3 percent in 2000 and a high of 19.8 percent in 2001. The percentage of people aged 45 to 64 years who took supplements increased by about half between 1998-1999 and 2001-2002. However, the use of Ginko biloba and Panax ginseng declined during the study period. Overall, supplement users were older, more likely to be female (59.9 vs. 55.5 percent) and white (80.7 vs. 75.6 percent). The use of lutein, a component of multivitamin products, increased in both men and women, with a prevalence of 0.3 percent, 0.5 percent, 6.6 percent, and 8.4 percent, respectively, in 1998-1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. "Our observations regarding lute in use were unexpected," the authors noted. This carotenoid antioxidant, which it has been suggested may be protective against macular degeneration, was first added to many popular multivitamins in late 1999 and 2000. Another antioxidant, lycopene, was added to major multivitamins in 2003 as a cancer preventative. "The addition of these supplements to multivitamin products has signaled two subtle, but important, changes in recent years," the researchers suggest. "First, the acceptance of herbal supplements and other dietary supplements as part of the mainstream health milieu has apparently increased. Second, the marketing strategy for multivitamin products appears to have broadened from supplying recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the diet to preventing chronic disease, such as macular degeneration and cancer." "Approximately one quarter of adults in the United States use multivitamins, and this prevalence may increase following the recent recommendation that all adults take a multivitamin daily," the authors write. "Although the deliberate use of herbal products may have reached a plateau in the last few years, exposure to individual herbal ingredients may continue to rise as more of them are added to mainstream multivitamin products."

A benefit of Herbal Supplements People takes herbs and supplements for a variety of reasons. Some people take Echinacea if they have a cold or the flu. You might turn to ginseng to boost your energy, increase sexual stamina, reduce stress or combat the effects of aging, such as memory loss.

The world of herbal medicine offers a wide range of applications and treatments on several different levels, ranging from everyday over-the-counter remedies for more symptomatic relief of minor ailments, to individualized prescriptions prepared specifically for patients after in depth consultation with a qualified medical herbalist. Certainly herbs have their place as self-help for minor infections, coughs, colds, catarrh, stomach upsets, indigestion, constipation and so on. The wealth of information that abounds today about herbs is enabling people to make increasingly informed decisions about the specific remedies they choose to self-administer. In the 10th century, the Arabs invented a process of distillation that allowed for more efficient extraction of the essential oils from plants, and for centuries, cultures from every part of the globe have inhaled aromas, drunken potions, and worn aromatic amulets as healing aids and to protect them from harm.

By extracting the essential oils from plants and herbs, aromatherapy has been, and continues to be, used to address a wide range of physical and emotional ailments, from headaches to herpes, from dry skin to acne, and from arthritis to asthma.

In modern times, France and England have led the attempt to reintroduce many ancient remedies to the world in the early 1900s, and to help aromatherapy gain greater acceptance in the traditional medical community. France still leads the world in rediscovering modern uses for ancient remedies, and many French doctors routinely prescribe aromatic remedies for their patients. That practice is reinforced by the fact that French pharmacies stock a wide variety of essential oils, and insurance companies are willing to pay for treatments involving ancient healing methods.

Side effect of using herbal supplements a study has found that herbal supplements, among the most popular of the products, may pose a special risk. The supplement appears to reduce sharply the effectiveness of the drug saquinavir, researchers report in the current online issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. For the moment, the researchers are advising only those patients being treated with saquinavir to avoid the supplements. But the researchers said more work was needed to determine whether herbal supplements affected Natural herbal supplements are supposed to help boost our immune systems, give us more energy and make us generally healthier. However, many of these "harmless" supplements could cause for more dangerous side effects.

All 55 percent of patients who used herbal supplements took at least two different supplements and at least one on a daily basis. The most popular herbal supplements were chondroitin (22 percent), ephedra (22 percent), echinacea (18 percent) and glucosamine (8 percent).

Chondroitin is often used to treat osteoarthritis. People using chondroitin may suffer from bleeding complications. Particularly when used in combination with doctor-prescribed blood-thinning medications. Ephedra has been known to promote weight loss, increase energy and treat respiratory tract conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have banned this agent because it can raise blood pressure, heart rate and metabolic rate, ultimately causing heart attacks, heart arrhythmia, stroke and even death. Echinacea is often used for the prevention and treatment of viral, bacterial and fungal infections, as well as chronic wounds, ulcers and arthritis. However, it can trigger immunosuppression, causing poor wound healing and infection Glucosamine, often offered in conjunction with chondroitin, Contains chemical elements that mimic human insulin Other common supplements taken by patients in the study that may cause dangerous side effects included gingko biloba, goldenseal, milk thistle, ginseng, kava and garlic. Keywords:- Herbal nutrition supplement, herbal dietary supplement, herbal nutritional supplement, herbal weight loss supplement, herbal diet supplement, natural herbal supplement, herbal supplement for energy, herbal medicine supplement, herbal supplement for woman, herbal supplement for diabetes, herbal supplement side effects, herbal pregnancy supplement,

Before you use any supplements, ask your physician about health risks, and visit with a dietetics professional for the best advice on food, nutrition and supplements.

The key to the success of AyurvedicCure is the quality of the ingredients they use, the way in which formulae are based on ancient Ayurvedic traditions, a careful manufacturing process and an ongoing research program for testing and evaluating new and old products.

Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that contain herbs. An herb (also called a botanical) is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, and/or therapeutic properties.

Finding healing powers in plants is an ancient idea. People in all continents have long used hundreds of indigenous plants, for treatment of various ailments dating back to prehistory. There is evidence that Neanderthals living 30,000 years ago in present-day some of the countries used plants for medicinal purposes. These plants are still widely used in ethnomedicine around the world.

article98

2008-02-13T19:51:00.053-08:00

Cancer In Your Bathroom?

When the alarm rings she slowly gets out of bed, turns on the shower and under the steady stream of warm water, she gently scrubs her body with Ammonia, Formaldehyde and Phenol.

Next, she shampoos her tinted hair with DEA and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Rinsing out the shampoo, she applies a good amount of mutagenic DEA & Propylene Glycol and lets it penetrate while she pops the top on the shaving cream and shaves her legs with A-Pinene.

The shower finished, she towel dries and spreads on an even coat of Contaminant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PHAs) and a dusting of an Asbestos Substance over her skin.

She sprays the scented Aluminum under her arms, brushes her teeth with FD&C Blue#1, Resorcinol, Saccharin, and Fluoride; with a trace of TriSodium Phosphate.

Then she rinses and gargles with Ethanol and Phenol Alcohol.

She combs setting gel through her hair then blows it dry and sprays it with polyvinylpyrrolidine(PVP).

Sitting at her vanity, she carefully applies a thin film of Phenol Carbolic Acid, Dioxin and Propylene Glycol, over her face to reduce the fine lines.

Today, she'll wear foundation and a little FD&C Red #3. And, better add some eye-Iron Oxide, for today she is attending a special meeting.

Oh, and add a little toxic and mutagenic Ascorbyl Palmitate to line her lids, and a stroke of bacteria & Polyvinylpyrrolide (PVP) to her lashes.

A dab of Benzo-A-Pyrene and Benzo-B-Fluroanthene to color her lips. A spritz of her favorite scent, Toluene and Benzaldehyde, and a little carcinogenic nitrosamine, NMPABAO on her face, arms and legs to block the suns rays.

Now, she is set for the day. She looks radiant... "breath-taking" beauty we call it... because her looks are literally KILLING HER!

Do These Ingredients listed above absorb through the skin? Well, if you're wondering if the chemicals mentioned above can absorb through skin, try this experiment... Get a clove of garlic. Cut it open and rub it on the bottom of your foot. See how long it takes for you to taste it in your mouth...

Take note that the skin is not a barrier that keeps chemicals and ingredients out. The skin absorbs almost everything applied to it. [i.e. That is why nicotine patches and diet patches that are adhered to the skin surface work.]

So What's The Cause For Alarm? What has the woman in the above scenario exposed herself to, in a matter of just minutes? What is really being put on and in the body by millions of unsuspecting people, every day?

Let's find out... Let's start with the innocent bar of soap...

* Bar Soap has a pH of 9, which removes the protective acid mantle of the skin making it more alkaline and therefore, more vulnerable to penetration.

Bar Soap also contains Ammonia, Formaldehyde and Phenol, known carcinogens [cancer-causing agents], and Triclocarbans.

* Shampoo contains Cocamide DEA, which is associated with carcinogenic [cancer-causing] Nitrosamines and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a known mutagen.

* Hair Tint contains Quaternium-15, which releases carcinogenic Formaldehyde and the carcinogen, Phenylenediamine.

* Conditioner contains DEA & Propylene Glycol both known mutagenic carcinogens.

* Shaving Cream contains a-Pinene, a chemical that damages the immune system.

*Body Lotion contains Mineral Oil, which, as a cosmetic grade Petroleum product, includes the contaminant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PHAs) known as xenoestrogens that can mimic estrogen in the body.

*Dusting Powder contains Talc, a substance like Asbestos. When talc was combined with a common air pollutant, Benzo(a)pyrene, it induced tumors in 80% of the animals tested.

Many scientists believe Talc should be placed on the "known carcinogens" list.

*Deodorant has Aluminum, which is being tested in connection to Alzheimers.

*Toothpaste contains Saccharin and FD&C Blue#1, which are carcinogens.

It also contains Resorcinol, which can cause a blood disorder (methemoglobinemia), convulsions and death.

Fluoride is also a known carcinogen.

*TriSodium Phosphate, also found in some toothpastes, is a chemical primer that strips grease and dirt off walls and surfaces. It is so caustic that it warns the user to wear gloves at all times and to avoid any skin contact.

*Mouthwash contains 27% Ethanol, which is suspected of causing esophageal cancer.

It also contains Phenol, which can cause fatal poisonings through skin absorption.

*Hair Spray contains Polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) and reports show that it may cause harm if the particles are inhaled. Modest intravenous doses fed to rats caused tumors.

*Skin Moisturizer contains Phenol Carbolic Acid, which can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma and death as a result of respiratory failure.

It also contains PEG-40, which contains dangerous levels of dioxin. And Propylene Glycol, which studies show can negatively alter brain waves and cause liver and kidney disorders.

*Blush contains FD&C Red #3, which caused human breast cells to grow, mimics the effect of natural estrogen at the molecular level and damages the genetic material of human breast cells.

*Eye shadow contains Iron Oxide, which is a suspected carcinogen, teratogen or toxin.

*Eyeliner, contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, and studies suggest that the Palmitates are to be considered carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic.

*Mascara may be contaminated with bacteria. It also contains Polyvinylpyrrolide (PVP), a carcinogen.

*Lipstick contains Paraffin, which is a mixture of Hydrocarbons and is derived from Petroleum. It is known to be contaminated with the carcinogens, Benzo-a-pyrene and Benzo-b-fluroanthene.

*Perfume contains Toluene, a suspected potent carcinogen that has been found in almost every fragrance tested, and Benzaldehyde, which is a central nervous system depressant that may cause kidney damage.

*Sunscreen contains Padimate O and the preservative, BNPD, which together create the carcinogenic nitrosamine, NMPABAO.

Did You Know...

According to recent DAILY USE estimates, 3 personal care products are used on infants and children daily.

Men use 10 personal care products daily.

Women use 6 cosmetics and 13 personal care products daily. Some products are used several times daily.

Assuming mainstream industry products each contain only 2 carcinogens, [cancer-causing agents], this results in daily exposures to 6 different AVOIDABLE carcinogens for infants and children, 20 for men, and 38 for women DAILY.

And while ingredients are listed on product labels, there are NO warnings as to the CANCER risks from any of these ingredients.

It is UNTHINKABLE that women would knowingly continue to inflict such exposures on their infants, children; let alone on themselves, if products routinely used, were visibly labeled with explicit warnings of cancer risks.

So are you asking yourself... "why this has not yet been enforced by laws, that should be protecting bodycare product purchasing consumers?

article97

2008-02-13T19:51:00.052-08:00

Beta Carotin

Beta Carotin is one the Carotinoide existing over 400 in nature. Carotinoide are coloring materials, which arise in numerous plants. Beta Carotin is the most frequently occurring and most well-known Carotinoid.beta Carotin molecule can theoretically into two Vitamin of A-molecules be split. Therefore it is called also Provitamin A. however only one part of the beta Carotin in the human body to Vitamin A is converted. The remainder is stored. In addition the portion of the beta Carotin in the body, converted to Vitamin A, of the status already existing is regulated, so that it can come to no Vitamin A intoxication. Only about 50 Carotinoide possess Provitamin A-effect, and of it beta Carotin is the most active

The best sources of the beta Carotin are orange low-yellow and/or fruits and vegetables as well as dark-green sheet vegetables like for example:

* yellow and/or orange vegetable: Carrots, Bataten (sweet potatoes),; * yellow and/or orange fruits: Apricots, Cantaloupe melons, Papayas, Mangos, Carambolas, nectarines, peaches; * dark-green sheet vegetables: Spinach, Brokkoli, Endivien, Chicor, e, Kresse * as well as the sheets of red patches, white carrots and dandelion; * other vegetable and fruit which is applicable as source: Tomatoes, asparagus, peas, Kohl, Mais, Sauerkirschen, Pflaumen.

The content of beta Carotin in fruit and vegetables can vary: It depends on the respective sort, the season or the degree the ripe one. The bio-availability of beta Carotin from fruits and vegetables depends on the preparation before the consumption. Any referring to the actual beta Carotin content can be thus only estimations.

The following short overview points the beta Carotin content out per 100 9 edible portion:

* Vegetable: Carrots (6.6 mg), Kresse (5.6 mg), spinach (4.9 mg), Brokkoli (1.5 mg), tomatoes (0.5 mg). Fruits: Mangos (2.9 mg), melons (2.0 mg), apricots (1.6 mg), peaches (0.5 mg), oranges (0.1 mg).

Storage in the body Gallensalze are needed for the absorption of the beta Carotin in the upper small intestine. Many factors in the food, so for example fat and proteins, can affect this admission. Approximately ten to fifty per cent of the entire supplied BetaCarotin in the Gastro intestinal tract are absorbed. The portion of the absorbed beta Carotin is reduced with rising supply. Within the intestinal mucosa (Mukosa) beta Carotin is converted with the help of the enzyme Beta-Carotin-15,15' Dioxygenase into Vitamin A (Retinol). This mechanism is adjusted by the Vitamin A status of the respective person. As soon as the body has enough Vitamin A, less beta Carotin is converted. Therefore beta Carotin is a Vitamin A resource of high security. An excessive supply does not lead to a Vitamin A Hypervitaminose. Surplus beta Carotin is predominantly stored in the fat fabrics of the body. The accumulations of fat of adults are often yellow due to the stored Carotin, while they are white with children. A redundant beta Carotin consumption can lead to yellowish skin color, which disappears however after reduction and/or attitude of the supply rapidly. Stability The content of active Carotinoiden in food can decrease something during the storage process. This is the result of enzyme reactions and the effect of light and oxygen. The hydrogenation of plant fats and the drying process of fruit and vegetable are two food-technical procedures, which reduce the biological activity of the Carotinoide substantially. With frozen food against it this activity remains stable. Fundamental reciprocal effects Tobacco smoking and consumption of alcohol let the beta Carotin mirror drop noticeably. Supply/Versorgungastatus Many scientists attribute a protecting effect to the supply of at beta Carotin rich fruits and vegetables with the emergence of certain kinds of cancer. A high supply and/or a very good supplying status of this nutrient is particularly brought to the cancer of the lungs with a reduced occurrence of certain cancer forms, in connection. Groups of risks for a low beta Carotin status

Since it was scientifically confirmed in the meantime that the BetaCarotin need lies substantially more highly than in former times was accepted, one is today convinced of the fact that many humans do not take up sufficient BetaCarotin with the food. Although this applies to the largest part of the population, there are special groups, at which one tightened beta Carotin mirrors in the blood, dropped strongly. In addition belong regular smokers and consumption of alcohol ducks as well as pregnant woman and satisfying women. The Carotinold mirrors in the blood are in principle low under the influence of diseases, with which the fat absorption is impaired, e.g. Sprue and jaundice. Other diseases such as living ore erring trousers and Rheumatismus affect the beta Carotin equilibrium likewise negatively. Recommendations for the daily supply The supply of beta Carotin from food is in the meantime a component of the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances = recommendations for the daily nutrient supply) for Vitamin A in the USA. In the Federal Republic of Germany from the German society for nutrition (DGE) for healthy adults a daily supply from 0,8 to 1,1mg will consider Vitamin - A recommended - without the BetaCarotin admission explicitly. For pregnant woman and satisfying women an increased demand is indicated by 300 RH and/or 1,000 RH. With children the recommendation reads depending upon age of 400 RH for infants to 900 RH for 10 - to 12jährige. Investigations in the USA for example have resulted in that about half Vitamin of A is supplied by way of the average nutrition, from BetaCarotin originate. After computations on the basis of the consumption statistics of the nourishing report 1984 the DGE in the Federal Republic of only approx. 20 per cent Vitamin of A over beta Carotin are supplied. In accordance with the nourishing recommendations of the NCI (national CAN cerium of institutes) of the United States the ideal relationship beta Carotin/Vitamin A lies in the food consumption with 90:10. Beta Carotin does not however only have Provitamin A function, but is like studies occupies - also its own micro nutrient. Nevertheless still no official data for the height of the beta Carotin daily requirement exist. Nevertheless scientific and national organizations endorse like the NCI and the American Ministry Of Agriculture the consumption of beta Carotin rich food. The suggested quantities correspond to one repeated ones of the average beta Carotin value, which is reached in the nutrition of the US citizens. The average food in America contains approximately 1.5 mg beta Carotin daily, whereas the NCI recommendations correspond converted to a quantity of approximately 6 mg per day. Security Due to the regulated transformation of beta Carotin in Vitamin A an excessive consumption does not release Vitamin A intoxication. The gift of very large quantities of Carotinoiden with certain disease arrangements (Hyperlipidämie, diabetes mellitus, Nephroti syndrome, Hypothyreose) can release a Hypercarotinämie, which expresses itself in a yellow colouring of the skin, mainly on the palms and at the soles. The yellow color disappears, as soon as the Carotinoid supply is reduced or adjusted. Investigations at humans were accomplished, in order to occupy security from beta Carotin to. With patients with luminous sensivity as with the Erythropoeti Protoporphyrie even with over years an accomplished oral admission of 50 to 200 mg beta Carotin per day no unfavorable effects were observed. Food enrichment and - technology Margarine and fruit beverages are often enriched with beta Carotin. 1941 led the FDA (Food and Drug administration) in the USA a standardisation for the enrichment of margarine with Vitamin a A. in Germany Vitamin A of the margarine for approximately 50 years are likewise added. Meanwhile the Vitamin A was partly replaced by beta Carotin, whereby the margarine receives also its attractive yellow color. One recognized that beta Carotin is suitable due to its large safety framework for the food enrichment substantially better than Vitamin A. beta Carotin may in the Federal Republic of all food without special permission is added.

article96

2008-02-13T19:51:00.051-08:00

The Truth About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast or a tumor, grow out of control and damages nearby tissue. In women, the most common and fatal type of cancer is breast cancer.

Detection There are often no symptoms in the early stages. Women should be aware of the screening recommendations and follow them. There are varieties of symptoms that may appear as the tumor grows such as:

- The breast changing in size or shape - Breast skin becomes pitted or ridged - Thickening or lump in the underarm or breast - Discharge from nipple or the nipple turns inward - Skin on the breast becomes red or scales

If you have any of these symptoms, have yourself examined by a medical professional. This does not mean you have cancer but you defiantly want to have this checked.

Before the age of twenty, is very rare to get it and not often diagnosed in women less than twenty-five years old. The chances of contacting climbs steadily after 25 and peaks around menopause age in women. It increases less after menopause but as they age, the risk to older women gradually increases.

Risk Factors Nobody really knows what causes this cancer. Some of the elements that are thought to increase the risk are:

Gender: There are more cases of women than men Weight: Overweight women are at higher risk Age: From 25 to menopause, the chances increases. Children: If a woman has not had a child, or had a child after 30 Family History: Women that have a family member that have or had it are at risk.

Male Breast Cancer Yes, it really does happen. It is certainly not as common as in women but approximately one to 1.5% happens to men. Older men most often diagnosed with it and are between sixty and seventy years old. If a man has had previous exposure to radiation, such as for cancer treatment, their risk increases. Approximately 20% of men with a mother, sister or other close female relatives with breast cancer are certainly at higher risk. Some of the symptoms in men includes swelling or a breast lump, retracted nipple or discharge and scaling or redness of the breast skin or nipple.

Statistics The statistics are frightening. Each and ever year, over 182,000 women and 16,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Over 400 men and 43,300 women will die from this terrible disease. During their lifetime, one woman out of eight has or will get breast cancer. Most people have family or friends that have or had breast cancer. Always give them your support and encouragement.

article95

2008-02-13T19:51:00.050-08:00

Whiskey: An Antidote For Cancer?

Some scientists believe that whiskey may be one of the keys to preventing the Big C

For a quite a number of years, liquor has been known not only to bring destructive intoxication and addiction upon its patrons, but also as deterrent to a healthy lifestyle. But as a potential weapon against cancer? Sounds controversial.

Rumors that single malt whiskey may be a tool to combat cancer have begun circulating recently. Whether it actually holds any water has yet to be proven. According to one of the theory's proponents, a consultant to the whiskey industry, Dr. Jim Swan, the antioxidants present in whiskey, particularly ellagic acid, can reduce the risk of developing cancer, since this acid fights the unstable atoms that aid in rapid cell replication. He added that the more cells were produced, the more likely that rogue cancer cells will be born. "Whiskey can protect you from cancer and science proves it," he said, speaking at the EuroMedLab 2005 conference in Glasgow. Dr Swan explained that ellagic acid, which is in greater concentration in whiskey than in red wine, breaks down the harmful free radicals present in our body.

However, Cancer Research UK remains unconvinced. The agency has raised concerns that what Dr Swan and his supporters are pushing might mislead consumers into drinking excessive amounts of whiskey just to avoid cancer. Cancer Research noted that liquor intake can eventually lead to certain kinds of cancer, such as those in the esophagus, throat, mouth, bowel and liver. Dr Swan's idea that whiskey can prevent cancer also received criticism, owing mostly to an absence of population data supporting them. Contrariwise, according to the agency's head of cancer information Lesley Walker, there exists evidence that high alcohol consumption does increase cancer risks. Ms Walker noted that while ellagic acid is a formidable antioxidant and may greatly aid in the fight against cancer, its presence in whiskey is not reason enough for people to begin drinking up, especially as ellagic acid can also be found in certain fruits.

The concept that a certain type of alcohol may help deter cancer is novel and, for frequent drinkers, even noble. What liquor patron would ignore this theory? But, still, Dr Swan's ideas remain untested and there does not exist any known positive link between whiskey and cancer. If there would be something that suggest this is true sometime in the future, then it will be considered revolutionary. However, in the absence of adequate information at present, whiskey as a deterrent to cancer is a dubious thought. While we all hope and pray that an alternative treatment to cancer will surface soon, this is probably not the time to become this optimistic about whiskey's alleged benefits.

article94

2008-02-13T19:51:00.049-08:00

Olive Oil Great Tasting And Good For You Too!

Olive Oil Great Tasting And Good For You Too! By: Lisa Fraley

The Holy Scriptures make reference to olive oil throughout and healthwise it packs a powerful punch!

Did you know that replacing two tablespoons of saturated fats, such as butter and margarine, with olive oil everyday could actually make your heart healthier? Dozens of studies have been done on olive oil which suggest many more health benefits. In this article we will look at a few of them.

Olive oil is 77% monounsaturated fat. Research studies show it may lower heart disease risk by lowering the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-low density lipoprotein) in the blood and leaving the good cholesterol (HDL-high density lipoprotein) intact. It slashes the risk of heart disease because it breaks down the plaque in clogged arteries and reduces the risk of hardened arteries. Olive oil also helps fight other illness such as diabetes, arthritis, breast cancer, constipation, the effects of aging and more according to research studies. How? Olive oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E that protect cells from damage.

Here are some olive oil health tips:

* Replace butter with olive oil to avoid heart disease.

* Cut breast cancer risk by consuming olive oil at two or more meals per day.

* Cook your fish in olive oil to help ease arthritis pain. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (mackerel, salmon, tuna) are good for the relief of arthritis because the omega-3 acids fight inflammation, reduce pain, and decrease the number of affected joints. Olive oil fights inflammation, keeps the pain at bay and lubricates swollen joints. Double whammy attack on arthritis!

* An olive oil rich diet may lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin needs.

* Olive oil is wonderful as a skin moisturizer and you can even make an herbal scented oil (with lavender or rosemary sprigs, etc.)! A little goes a long way and your skin absorbs it, not immediately but a little after you apply it.

* Just two tablespoons of olive oil in the morning (on an empty stomach) has a positive effect on chronic constipation. It has a mild laxative effect.

The types of olive oil include: extra virgin, pure, light or mild, and olive pomace oil.

Extra virgin - made from cold pressing select olives without any further refining. Best you can buy and is produced in limited quantities so it costs more.

Pure olive oil - this is a blend of refined olive oil and extra virgin or virgin olive oil.

Light or mild olive oil - this is a refined oil with just enough extra virgin oil added to give it a light flavor and color. It is NOT lighter in calories. It has the same caloric and fat content as the other oils.

Olive pomace oil - extracted from the pomace which is the remaining portion of the olive oil after pressing. The resulting oil refined and blended with virgin olive oil to add flavor.

Olive oil will help you tantalize your taste buds while at the same time providing healthy nourishment.

* Use instead of butter on popcorn.

* Add a teaspoon or more to each serving of hearty soup or stew.

* Add some to your tossed salad.

* Use pure olive oil as an all purpose cooking oil.

* Baste turkey and chicken with olive oil.

* Pour olive oil into a plastic container (or recycled margarine tub) and freeze. When solid, store it in the refrigerator and use as a spread instead of butter or margarine!

* Season your cast iron cookware with olive oil.

Storing Olive Oil:
You can store olive oil in an airtight container, away from light, in a cool place like your cupboard. Some refrigerate it (I don't personally), if you do it will become cloudy and eventually it will solidify. To use once this happens, let it come to room temperature and it will clear up/liquify again. Neither quality nor flavor will be affected. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If stored properly, olive oil will keep its flavor for up to two years making it a great addition to your stockpile!!

If you're adding another flavor to olive oil:
Blanch fresh herbs in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel. Add herbs to oil and let stand overnight at room temperature. Refrigerate any oil not immediately used.

Try serving olive oil in a cruet or a decanter. Serve flavored oil in a smaller container to prevent waste (use it up in one day).

Clear glass containers show off olive oil's great color.

These are just a small portion of the health benefits and uses for olive oil, there are many more. Why not research them for yourself and make olive oil a healthy addition to your diet and life.

**The information provided in this article is not intended as a substitute for medical intervention and/or advice. This article serves as informative only. If you have medical issues or concerns I encourage you to seek the advice of your health practitioner. Copyright © Lisa Fraley

article93

2008-02-13T19:51:00.048-08:00

Microwave Cooking is Killing You

MICROWAVE COOKING is Killing You!

By Stephanie Relfe B.Sc. (Sydney)

Microwave cooking is one of the most important causes of ill health. It is certainly one of the most ignored.

There was a lawsuit in 1991 in Oklahoma. A woman named Norma Levitt had hip surgery, but was killed by a simple blood transfusion when a nurse "warmed the blood for the transfusion in a microwave oven!"

Logic suggests that if heating is all there is to microwave cooking, then it doesn't matter how something is heated. Blood for transfusions is routinely warmed, but not in microwave ovens. Does it not therefore follow that microwaving cooking does something quite different?

A little evidence of the harm caused by microwaving cooking was given by the University of Minnesota in a radio announcement:

"Microwaves ... are not recommended for heating a baby's bottle. The bottle may seem cool to the touch, but the liquid inside may become extremely hot and could burn the baby's mouth and throat... Heating the bottle in a microwave can cause slight changes in the milk. In infant formulas, there may be a loss of some vitamins. In expressed breast milk, some protective properties may be destroyed.... Warming a bottle by holding it under tap water or by setting it in a bowl of warm water, then testing it on your wrist before feeding, may take a few minutes longer, but it is much safer".

There have been very few scientific studies done on the effect of eating food microwaved food. This is rather surprising when you think about the fact that microwaves have been with us for only a few decades - and that in that time the incidence of many diseases has continued to increase.

Two researchers, Blanc and Hertel, confirmed that microwave cooking significantly changes food nutrients. Hertel previously worked as a food scientist for several years with one of the major Swiss food companies. He was fired from his job for questioning procedures in processing food because they denatured it. He got together with Blanc of the Swiss Federal Institute of Biochemistry and the University Institute for Biochemistry.

They studied the effect that microwaved food had on eight individuals, by taking blood samples immediately after eating. They found that after eating microwaved food, haemoglobin levels decreased. "These results show anaemic tendencies. The situation became even more pronounced during the second month of the study".

Who knows what results they would have found if they had studied people who ate microwaved food for a year or more?

The violent change that microwaving causes to the food molecules forms new life forms called radiolytic compounds. These are mutations that are unknown in the natural world. Ordinary cooking also causes the formation of some radiolytic compounds (which is no doubt one reason why it is better to eat plenty of raw food), but microwaving cooking causes a much greater number. This then causes deterioration in your blood and immune system.

In addition, they found that the number of leucocytes increases after eating microwaved food - something which haematologists take very seriously, because this is often a sign of highly harmful effects, such as poisoning.

Also, after eating microwaved food, cholesterol levels increased. Hertel said "Common scientific belief states that cholesterol values usually alter slowly over longer periods of time. In this study, the markers increased rapidly after the consumption of the microwaved vegetables." He believes his study tends to confirm new scientific data that suggest cholesterol may rapidly increase in the blood secondary to acute stress. "Also," he added, "blood cholesterol levels are less influenced by cholesterol content of food than by stress factors. Such stress-causing factors can apparently consist of foods which contain virtually no cholesterol - the microwaved vegetables."

The results were published in "Search for Health" in the Spring of 1992. How was this research greeted? A powerful trade organisation, the Swiss Association of Dealers for Electroapparatuses for Households and Industry somehow made the President of the Court of Seftigen issue a `gag order'. Hertel and Blanc were told that if they published their findings they would face hefty fines or up to one year in prison. In response to this, Blanc recanted his findings. Hertel, on the other hand, went on a lecture tour and demanded a jury trial.

FINALLY, in 1998 the Court `Gag Order' was removed. In a judgment delivered at Strasbourg on 25 August 1998 in the case of Hertel v. Switzerland, the European Court of Human Rights held that there had been a violation of Hertel's rights in the 1993 decision. The Court decided that the `gag order' prohibiting him form declaring that microwaved food is dangerous to health was contrary to the right to freedom of expression. In addition, Switzerland was sentenced to pay compensation of F40,000.

In Summary: Blanc and Hertel found that eating microwaved food:

Increases cholesterol

Increases white blood cell numbers

Decreases red blood cell numbers

Causes production of radiolytic compounds (compounds unknown in nature)

RUSSIANS BAN MICROWAVE OVENS

After the World War II, the Russians also experimented with microwave ovens. From 1957 up to recently, their research has been carried out mainly at the Institute of Radio Technology at Klinsk, Byelorussia. According to US researcher William Kopp, who gathered much of the results of Russian and German research - and was apparently prosecuted for doing so (J. Nat. Sci, 1998; 1:42-3) - the following effects were observed by Russian forensic teams:

1. Heating prepared meats in a microwave sufficiently for human consumption created:

* d-Nitrosodiethanolamine (a well-known cancer-causing agent)

* Destabilization of active protein biomolecular compounds

* Creation of a binding effect to radioactivity in the atmosphere

* Creation of cancer-causing agents within protein-hydrosylate compounds in milk and cereal grains;

2. Microwave emissions also caused alteration in the catabolic (breakdown) behavior of glucoside - and galactoside - elements within frozen fruits when thawed in this way;

3. Microwaves altered catabolic behavior of plant-alkaloids when raw, cooked or frozen vegetables were exposed for even very short periods;

4. Cancer-causing free radicals were formed within certain trace-mineral molecular formations in plant substances, especially in raw root vegetables;

5. Ingestion of micro-waved foods caused a higher percentage of cancerous cells in blood;

6. Due to chemical alterations within food substances, malfunctions occurred in the lymphatic system, causing degeneration of the immune system=s capacity to protect itself against cancerous growth;

7. The unstable catabolism of micro-waved foods altered their elemental food substances, leading to disorders in the digestive system;

8. Those ingesting micro-waved foods showed a statistically higher incidence of stomach and intestinal cancers, plus a general degeneration of peripheral cellular tissues with a gradual breakdown of digestive and excretory system function;

9. Microwave exposure caused significant decreases in the nutritional value of all foods studied, particularly:

* A decrease in the bioavailability of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, essential minerals and lipotrophics

* Destruction of the nutritional value of nucleoproteins in meats

* Lowering of the metabolic activity of alkaloids, glucosides, galactosides and nitrilosides (all basic plant substances in fruits and vegetables)

* Marked acceleration of structural disintegration in all foods.

As a result microwave ovens were banned in Russia in 1976; the ban was lifted after Perestroika.

KINESIOLOGY CONFIRMS DANGERS OF MICROWAVE OVENS.

Standing in front of a microwave is also highly damaging to your health. Perhaps you have already felt this intuitively? We know that cells explode in the microwave - just fry an egg in your microwave. We are made up of trillions of cells. So work out how many are getting damaged if you stand in front of your microwave for 5-10 minutes.

In the past I had been told that it was important for people to stop eating microwaved food, but I did not pay too much attention to this because I had been microwave cooking for years. I never thought much about it but I suppose that I figured that if something was so bad for us, then there wouldn't be so many people using it. Little did I know.

When I first began seeing clients for sessions of kinesiology (http://www.kinesiologist.us), I did not worry too much about telling them to give up eating microwaved food. However, I kept a record of all of the corrections that were needed for each client when they came in. Now, once a correction is made, it is to be hoped that the correction will stay in place for a long time to come, hopefully months if not years. People often ask me "How long will it last?" May answer to them is "That depends on your lifestyle".

Most of my clients came back to see me after about two weeks. In the early days I found that many who came back were not much better. I found that they were again `out of balance'. That is, their electrical circuits were not working correctly (which is common for many people). It was therefore not surprising that they were not much better, because the body does not begin to fully fix itself until the electrical circuits are in balance.

The question was, why did their electrical circuits go out of balance? The answer had to be something that was highly stressful, to effect the body in such a short space of time. Once that answer was remedied, the client would begin to get better. Using muscle testing, I went through the process of testing if the cause was electrical, chemical/nutritional, emotional or structural. Again and again the same answer would come up - electrical. When I then went through a range of possible electrical causes, the same answer again came up again and again - the person had eaten microwaved food! Incidentally, this answer never came up when a person had NOT eaten microwaved food.

I began to tell all of my clients on the first visit that under NO circumstances were they ever to do microwaved cooking again. I gave this a higher priority than any of things that are normally considered as health risks, such as cigarettes or alcohol. Immediately I began to get a marked improvement in the results I was getting. Long term problems such as headaches, back aches and emotional instability went away within a few weeks.

Other kinesiologists can confirm these results. David Bridgman, who has years of experience as a kinesiologist, said "Of all the people I test for allergies, 99.9% so far show severe sensitivity to any microwaved food".

I experienced the effect of eating microwaved food for myself one time. I had been doing quite a lot of kinesiology and feeling on top of the world when for no apparent reason I began to feel rather `grey' and rather low. I realised that I needed a balance from a kinesiologist. Sure enough, I was out of balance. When the kinesiologist used muscle testing to see why my body had gone out of balance, the answer came up ... microwaved food! The trouble was, I couldn't remember eating any. Until I remembered a particular vegetarian restaurant I had been to. When I went back to the restaurant and asked them if they microwaved their food, they told me that they did.

So be warned! Many restaurants use microwaved cooking, even `health' restaurants. Ask if the "steamed vegetables" are in fact steamed - or are they microwaved? I have sent meals back when they have not been what they were described on the menu, much to the surprise of the restaurant owners.

ALTERNATIVES TO MICROWAVE OVENS

The alternative to heating up or defrosting food is to place it in a saucepan with a little water and lid. Or use a convection oven.

Some of the above information on microwaved food was published in an Eight Volume Lawyers Cyclopedia which is used by lawyers who sue in medical cases. Who knows? One day there may be a class action lawsuit against microwave ovens

article92

2008-02-13T19:51:00.047-08:00

Cancer - The Crab

In Astrology the sign of Cancer (The Crab) being the second of the cardinal signs steps up one level in iconic symbolism and begins a new series of images for us to reflect upon. Cancer traditionally rules the family, emotions, the mother, women, and the Moon. Curiously enough the original crustacean employed as a totem image for Cancer was the crayfish, while in ancient Egypt it was connected with the talismanic scarabeus, Kephra or "dung beetle". So why would one ask is a crab now employed and what is the symbolic connection between sea-dwelling crustaceans, and the astrological sigil for Cancer? The answer lies in the peculiar asymmetrical arrangement of the sigil itself. Firstly, the emblem resembles the clasped arms of a nurturing mother round a child. Secondly, the association with the Moon. Secondly, the association with the Moon is literally reflected in the fact that the Moon is like a mirror and that mirrors have the power to reverse images. Secondly, the two halves of looped coils are reminiscent of the claws of the crab and the spiral alternation of lunar energy from waxing and waning quarters. The whole of this symbol is very similar to the Chinese yin/yang symbol. The crab is also capable of inhabiting both sea and land and in this sigil we may detect a reference to the two halves of its shell and its peculiar eye stalks. The crab's shell is its home and is used to carry its young on it back, therefore the association with close family ties. The empty shell of this crustacean not only makes a suitable dish in which commodities may be stored but resembles a boat. In the 14th - 17th century many boats were converted into dwellings when they ceased to be suitable for ocean-going, simply by inverting them. Here again we can see the power of inversion strongly connected with the gestalt imagery of Cancer. Emotions are powerful forces and in adverse circumstances can truly invert or pervert the will or reason of any individual. Similarly, the Moon as an astrological influence has a power which can be utilised for good or evil. In fact the word "Utility" and "Dependency" is of vital importance in understanding the symbolism of this zodiac sign. Cancerians are by nature tenacious, mercenary and acquisitive in their general attitude. The sigil suggests positive and negative traits can be deduced from the qualities of the sign. It depends largely on the personality and will power of who uses it - which has some bearing on the next sigil governing the sign of Leo, the Lion. http://astrostargazer.co.uk/astro04.html

article91

2008-02-13T19:51:00.046-08:00

Prostate Cancer Symptoms And Treatments

Prostate cancer is one of the most common type of cancer affecting 1 in every 6 males. In its early stages, prostate cancer has few symptoms and many of the symptoms associated with this disease are also symptoms found in other less serious illnesses. Prevalent symptoms of prostate problems which may or may not signal cancer include: frequent urination, bloody urine, burning urination, lower back pain or pain in the pelvis or upper thighs, blood in semen, pain during ejaculation, stopping and starting urination along with not being able to urinate.

The treatment course for prostate cancer differs depending on the location and size of the tumor as well as the patients health. In some cases, if the cancer is a slow growing one and you are advanced in age, the treatment may simply be that of watchful waiting. If the cancer is not causing any symptoms, then your physician may opt to simply keep and eye on its growth. This will entail a PSA blood test every few months as well as biopsies every year to see if and how fast it is growing. If it starts to grow faster, additional treatment may be recommended.

Some treatments for prostate cancer include:

A surgical procedure called a radical prostatectomy may be done to remove the cancer provided it has not spread outside of the prostate. The whole gland and surrounding tissue is removed in the hopes of removing all the cancer.

Radiotherapy employs x-rays to treat cancer and is relatively pain free. During this course of treatment, radiation is pointed towards your prostate in the hopes of shrinking or even eliminating the cancer. This technique can have adverse effects such as impotance and diarrhea.

Brachytherapy, is a method of radiotherapy on which something is implanted in the patient to treat the cancer. This method of treatment involves less visits to the hospital as opposed to radiation therapy (which is typically done every day) although it does require a little external radiotherapy also.

Hormone therapy is used to lower the level of androgens which cause prostate cancer to grow. This treatment is mostly used in men whose cancer has spread or returned after earlier treatments. While it will not cure the cancer, it can shrink it or slow its growth and may be used in conjunction with other treatments.

Chemotherapy is typically not effective against prostate cancer although newer drugs developed in recent years have shown the ability to relieve symptoms in men with advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy may be employed if the cancer has spread outside the prostate in order to shrink the cancer or slow its growth.

While many prostate symptoms indicate a problem other than cancer, it is vital that you see your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. Prompt treatment is your best chance for a cure.

article90

2008-02-13T19:51:00.045-08:00

Why Is Sauna Used In Cancer Therapy?

Sauna Therapy Used in Cancer Therapy.
This is a new and experimental procedure. It shows a great promise in some cases when used properly. American researchers favor careful monitoring of the tumor temperature; whereas, the successes reported in Japan make no mention of such precaution. Infrared healing is now becoming the leading edge in the care of soft tissue injuries to promote both relief in chronic or intractable "permanent" cases, and accelerated healing in newer injuries.

Localized infrared therapy using lamps tuned to the 2 ~ 25 micron waveband is used for the treatment and relief of pain by over 40 reputable Chinese Medical Institutes.

Give Your Entire Body A Workout!
The oxygen needs of the body increase by about 20 percent so the lungs, another important eliminator of body wastes, join in the body's quickened pace. (The lungs' rapid exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen is hindered in some sweat baths. In high humidity water condenses on the tiny alveoli where this exchange takes place and breathing may be slightly more difficult. On the other hand, if the air is too dry, as occurs in many American saunas, mucous membranes may become dry and damaged.) Clogged respiratory passages are opened by heat, giving relief from colds and other minor respiratory problems. Sweat bathing is not recommended for those suffering from pneumonia or other acute respiratory diseases. (see Sauna)

Understanding Infra-Red Sauna
Radiant heat is simply a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process called conversion, without having to heat the air in between. Radiant heat is also called Infrared Energy (IR). The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum is divided into 3 segments by wavelength, measured in microns or micrometers (a micron = 1/1,000,000 of a meter); 0.076 ~ 1.5 microns = near or close; 1.5 ~ 5.6 = middle or intermediate; 5.6 ~ 1,000 = far or long wave infrared. The infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum occurs just below or ¡°infra¡± to red light as the next lowest energy band of light. We can, however, feel this type of light that we perceive as heat. Our sun produces most of its energy output in the infrared segment of the spectrum.

After A Sauna Session
When the bocly is slowly cooled, the effects of heat are reversed--the heart calms, sweat pores close, dilated blood vessels contract and body temperature returns to normal. The German Sauna Society recommends a warm foot bath to re-open closed blood vessels.On the other hand, abrupt cooling brought on by a plunge into snow or icy water creates a more dramatic effect. For this reason, people with weak constitutions should avoid rapid cooling. Vessels near the skin's surface contract, but since the skin's metabolism returns to normal slower than the circulatory system, wastes accumulate that are normally washed out by the blood.

For more comprehensive information on the sauna benefits, please visit http://www.saunadetox.info

article9

2008-02-13T19:51:00.044-08:00

Ayurveda Training

Ayurveda training is founded on the principles of preventing disease, treating disorders, and bringing the body into balance. Ayurveda schools educate students about ayurveda sciences, which are comprised of many alternative health sciences, but focus primarily on Ayurvedic techniques and practices. Curriculums include Ayurvedic perspectives of the human anatomy, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Chikitsa-treatment, Yoga, Mantra, sound therapy, aromatherapy, color therapy, gem therapy, and the use of medicinal herbs and herbal therapy.

Ayurveda school sciences actively promote toxin elimination from the body that increase immunity and bring about overall well-being. They teach students to balance the "dosha," one of the three biological humors or energies (kapha, pitta, vata) which combine in various proportions to determine individual constitution and mental and physical disorders. At Ayurveda school, students also learn methods to improve digestive functions, and enhance the body's immune system, and develop spiritual growth. Ayurveda schools instruct in therapeutically balanced diets, weight loss, exercise and meditation, and massage therapy.

Ayurveda school tuitions range between $1,000 and $2,000 per semester. Ayurveda school certification takes approximately one to two years to complete on a part-time basis. There are currently no licensing requirements for Ayurveda practitioners, however a group of practitioners and instructors are in discussions to create state and national professional associations focused on licensing and certification requirements of Ayurveda practices. Ayurveda school medical degrees are not recognized or regulated in the U.S. or Canada, but in India, Ayurveda practitioners receive state-recognized, institutionalized training that parallels an education in traditional medicine.

If you are interested in learning more about Ayurveda Schools and programs of study, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

article89

2008-02-13T19:51:00.043-08:00

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that primarily affects the cells around the lungs and ribs. The only known cause of this type of cancer is exposure to asbestos. There exist different types of mesothelioma that can be found in the human body. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The most common are

pleural mesothelioma peritoneal mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatment will be based upon which type the subject has.

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the pleura or lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs. Its only known cause in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos fibers, including chrysotile, amosite or crocidolite. This exposure is likely to have happened twenty or more years before the disease becomes evident, since it takes many years for the disease to "incubate." It is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all cases. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor of this membrane. Its only known cause in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos, but it can be many years after exposure before the disease appears. Peritoneal mesotheliomas account for about one-fifth of all mesotheliomas. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.

While the great majority of mesotheliomas are in either the pleura or the peritoneum, malignant mesotheliomas sometimes occur in other parts of the body, including the testicles (a variety of peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (a variety of pleural mesothelioma.) These are also caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

Treatment of mesothelioma using conventional cancer therapies has unfortunately not proved successful and patients have a short median survival time of 6 - 12 months after presentation. Surgery, either by itself or used in combination with pre- and post-operative adjuvant therapies has also proved disappointing with a 5 year survival rate of less than 10%. Treatment regimens involving immunotherapy have yielded variable results but most of them have been disappointing, which has initiated great interest in the development of alternative forms of therapy, especially those capable of specifically destroying diseased cells without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.

article88

2008-02-13T19:51:00.042-08:00

How Effective Are Herbal Remedies As Natural Cures for Prostate Cancer?

The debate surrounding the effectiveness of using natural cures for prostate cancer has gone on for quite some time. Although some people are advocating the use of herbal medicines and other natural processes in treating cancer, most of the scientific community is still hesitant to endorse such options.

According to some medical societies, natural cures for prostate cancer are not accurately termed since these natural procedures and materials cannot really cure cancer but are mostly used to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Natural treatment methods are usually based on proper nutrition. Herbs, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are the most common basic ingredients of these so-called natural cures.

Most natural treatment options are based on herbs or antioxidants. In studies advocating the use of natural methods for treating prostate cancer, saw palmetto is often highlighted. This herb is primarily known for its anabolic properties and is more commonly used in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The herb operates by inhibiting the synthesis of growth-stimulating dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and promoting DHT elimination through the lowering of estrogen levels.

According to several clinical studies, saw palmetto is actually more effective in treating enlarged prostate than the prescribed drug, Proscar. These studies also argue that using the herb is better than using Proscar since the latter is more expensive and is associated with several side effects that include erectile dysfunction.

Another popular herbal remedy promoted by a number of studies is pygeum. Pygeum is an indigenous African remedy derived from tree bark. This herbal remedy contains chemicals that inhibit DHT synthesis and is often used to treat enlarged prostate. Aside from saw palmetto and pygeum, there is another herbal remedy that has become popular among natural cure advocates, and this is Cernilton. This herbal product is prepared from the extract of rye pollen and is used to treat BPH and prostatitis. In some parts of the world, the herb stinging nettle is also used to cure prostate disorders. This herb is marketed in the Europe under the name Bazoton.

Some natural remedies for prostate cancer and other prostate disorders use antioxidants as their primary ingredients. Lycopene, resveratrol and selenium are among some of the more common of these antioxidants. Most herbal remedies or antioxidant-based cures are marketed as supplements since absolute confirmation of their ability to cure cancer has yet to be issued by medical and health authorities.

The effectiveness of natural cures for prostate cancer has not yet been fully agreed on and some medical societies still oppose the use of these remedies. Nevertheless, advocates of these methods are continuously promoting them as treatment options for cancer.

article87

2008-02-13T19:51:00.041-08:00

Prostate Symptoms and Treatment Tips

The prostate is a glandular organ present only in males. It surrounds the neck of bladder & the first part of urethra and condributes a secretion to the semen. The gland is conical in shape and measures 3 cm in vertical diameter and 4 cm in transverse diameter.It has got five lobes anterior,posterior,two lateral and a median lobe. Since the first part of the urethra pass through it any lesion in the prostate will produce difficulty in passing urine.

Some diseases of the prostate gland include the following:

1) Prostatitis:-

This is the inflamation of the prostate gland due to bacterial infection.

2) Benign enlargement of the prostate:-

This is a non cancerous tumour of the prostate seen after the age of 50. 3,Cancer of the prostate:-This is the 4th most common cause of death from malignant diseases in males.

Cancer of the prostate.

Cancer of the prostate is directly linked with the male sex hormones(androgens). If the levels of sex hormone increases the growth rate of cancer also increases. It is found that after the removel of testes there is marked reduction in the size of tumour.

Site of tumour:-

Prostate cancer is seen mainly in the posterior lobe. Non cancerous enlargement is seen in other lobes.

Changes in the gland in cancer:-

The gland becomes hard with irregular surface with loss of normal lobulation. Histologically prostate cancer is an adeno carcinoma(cancer of the epithelial cells in the gland)

Growth :-

Growth rate is very fast in prostate cancer. The tumour compresses the urethra and produce difficulty in urination.

Spread of tumour:-

Metastasis in cancer of prostate is very early.

1) Local spread:-

From the posterior lobe the cancer cells go to the lateral lobes and seminal vesicles. Tumour cells also move to the neck and base of the urinary bladder.

2) Lymphatic spread:-

Through the lymph vessels cancer cells reach the internal and external illiac group of lymph nodes. From there cells move to retroperitonial(Behind the peritonium) and mediastinal lymph nodes(in the chest)

3) Spread through the blood:-

Spread of cancer cells takeplace through the periprostatic venous plexus and reaches the vertebral veins while coughing and sneezing and finally enders the vertebral bodies of the lumbar vertebrae.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer:--

Signs and symptoms depend upon the stage of the cancer. The following symptoms may be seen.

1) No symptoms:-

Tumour is small and only in the posterior lobe. This is diagnosed accidentely.

2) Slight difficulty in urination:-

Here the tumour is enlarged and urethra is slightly compressed. Shortly there will be frequent urge for urination with difficult urination.

3) When the tumour spread to all nearby areas including neck of bladder and urethra there will be painful urination with bleeding.Urine comes drop by drop.

4) Retention of urine:-

When the urethra is completely compressed there will be retention of urine. This can lead to hydronephrosis, renal failure ect.In this condition patient may get convulsions due to renal failure and finally coma.

5) Signs of metastasis:-

Some patients come with the signs and symptoms of metastasis.

a) Lumbo sacral pain due to spread of cancer cells to lumbar and sacral vertebrae.

b) Fracture of spine due to cancerous growth in the spine.

c) Swelling, pain and fluid collection in the abdomen due to lesion in the abdomen.

d) Respiratory complaints due to cancer of mediastinal lymphnodes and lungs.

e) General weakness due to spread of cancer to different parts of the body.

f) Anaemia due to involment of bone marrow and increased destruction of RBCs.

Clinical examination :-

Includes per rectal examination to feel the prostate gland, palpation of abdomen to feel the swelling in kidneys and any tumours. Patient is examined from head to foot to find out any lesions.

Investigations:-

1) Complete blood investigations;-

RBC,WBC,Platlets,ESR,bleeding time ,clotting time ect.

2) Urine analysis:-

Microscopic examination to detect pus cells,occult blood,casts,Crystals ect.

3) Renal function tests:-

Blood urea level,serum creatinine level,electrolyte level ect.

4) Serum acid phosphatase:-

Increased in cancer of prostate.

5) x-ray of the spine:-

To detect any tumour or fracture.

6) Ultra sonography;-

Gives idea about prostate,bladder,kidney ect.

7) C T scan:-

More detailed information about organs and tumour.

8) MRI of the spine:-

Gives detailed information about spine ,disc and nearby soft tissues.

9) Lymphangiography:-

Gives idea about lymphatic spread of cancer.

10) Biopsy to confirm cancer:-

Biopsy is taken from the tumour and is send for histopathological examination under the microscope. This will detect the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment:-

1) If there is retention of urine catheterisation is needed. 2) Dialysis if kidney failure. 3) If there is coma monitoring of all vital functions along with parentral nutrition and electolyte supply. 4) Specific treatment is prostatectomy(removal of prostate)

Partial prostatectomy :-

Here only the affected lobe is removed.

Radical prostatectomy :-

Total removal of prostate along with nearby lymphnodes.

5, Hormone therapy :-

Stilbestrol is given to reduce tumour growth.Since this treatement increases the chance for cardiovascular disease phosphorylated diethyle stilbesterol is used nowadays.

6) Chemotherapy:-Drugs like cyclophosphamide, cisoplatim ect are given.

7) Radiotherapy is also done for some cases.

8) Homoeopathy:-

Homoeopathic drugs like carcinocin, conium, sabal, crotalus, thuja, iodum, selinium, staphysagria, sulphur ect can be given according to symptoms. Constitutional homoeopathic medicine will give great relief and can increase the life span.

article86

2008-02-13T19:51:00.040-08:00

Early Symptoms Prostate Cancer: The Debate on Whether Diagnostic Testing Is Advisable at This Stage

Early symptoms prostate cancer is very rare. If the condition is at its earliest stage, chances are, there wouldn't be any sign at all. In majority of early stage cases, cancer in the prostate is often diagnosed accidentally either by prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal examination (DRE) which could be part of a routine checkup. Because of the increased attention given to the disease, most men, especially those who are aged 45 and above, often go for routine tests to make sure that their prostate glands are in good health.

The use of tests to evaluate early symptoms prostate cancer became more common during the 1990s. Statistics have shown that death rates due to cancer of the prostate have declined following the increased use of these diagnostic methods. Despite their apparent usefulness, the scientific community has been divided on whether it is advisable for men to undergo such tests even with the absence of symptoms.

PSA and DRE methods have potential problems attached to them. For one, these screening techniques are not 100 percent accurate. A person's PSA level can become irregular due to reasons other than cancer. Medications and other health factors might cause this, which in turn could result to faulty evaluation. The DRE, primarily used to detect irregularities in the shape, texture and size of the prostate, might also be misinterpreted since the irregularities might be caused by other prostate conditions.

Several medical societies have advised against the use of routine testing during the early stages since inconclusive results might lead to anxiety or confusion. If the results are normal, a patient might get a false sense of security that could lead to neglect or eliminate caution all together. Furthermore, a man who gets a positive result from a PSA or DRE test might opt to get a biopsy despite the minor risks and discomfort associated with the process.

Some experts are recommending that routine examinations be offered to patients only if they are aged 50 and above. Except for men who belong to high risk groups, routine prostate cancer testing is not recommended to men who are below the age of 50. For high risk individuals, like those who have first degree relatives with prostate cancer, testing should be done as early as at age 45. Yearly monitoring is also recommended to these individuals since their chances of having the condition are higher than the ordinary man.

Before deciding on whether to get a PSA or a DRE test to confirm early symptoms prostate cancer, factors such as age and health should be considered. If a man is young and is genetically predisposed, then early tests are recommended since he would have a better chance of treating the disease if it is caught early. If a patient is old and in poor health, then he needs to discuss his options first with his physician. There might not be any need for tests since prostate cancer is a slow developing condition. It might not become a problem and the person might even die of other causes before it can even impact his life.

article85

2008-02-13T19:51:00.039-08:00

Bands With A Cause - Silicon Wristbands

The latest craze to hit the fashion scene is the silicon wristbands. Though some fashion experts are terming them as a passing fad, they are the hottest selling fashion items right now. Lance Armstrong, the cycle champion who survived cancer, has popularized them.

Types of Silicon Wristbands

Livestrong Band: These were the first band that came into the market. Lance Armstrong introduced them in support of people battling cancer. Its sale shot up after the talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, popularized it on one of her talk shows.

Celebrate Hope Band: This purple band is a memorial band worn in honor of all the people who have lost their lives to deadly cancer of all types.

Live Free Smoke Free Band: This band is orange in color and is worn as a moral support to encourage people to quit smoking.

Courage Band: This band is red in color with a stamped ribbon marker on it. This is in support of people battling AIDS, people who lost their lives to it and also in support of AIDS research.

Anti Racism Band: These bands were introduced in the wake of increase in racism after 9/11. There are two bands in one, the black one crossing over the white one. By wearing them, you can show your dedication to cultural tolerance and racial equality.

Tsunami Relief Band: The band is aqua blue in color. It is in remembrance of people who lost their lives in the Asian Tsunami of December 26th; 2004.The band is etched with the word's "one world one cause" and recognizes the world as one family.

Support Our Troops Band: This is a yellow ribbon that is worn to show support to US troops stationed worldwide.

Radio 1 Bully Band: It is sold in support of bullying awareness programs. It is blue in color.

Breast Cancer Band - This band is pink in color and is worn in support of women who are suffering from breast cancer.

Purples Paw Band - This is a purple band sponsored by 'Crafts n scraps' in support of cruelty free campaigns and animal shelters. The profits will help Maxfund, a shelter for abused animals.

article84

2008-02-13T19:51:00.038-08:00

Breast Cancer Statistics - How Breast Cancer Survival Rates Increased 50%

Breast cancer statistics show that over 1.2 million persons will be diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide this year, according to the World Health Organization. For breast cancer and prevention, it has long been known that regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the likelihood of having breast cancer. What has not been known or studied has been the effect of regular physical activity on the breast cancer survival rates or likelihood of death in women that already have breast cancer. That is, until now.

The breast cancer statistics and findings as reported by the American Medical Associations Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in May 2005 were astounding! Certain participants in the study of women with Stage I, II or III breast cancer achieved a 50% reduction in the death rate from breast cancer.

Here are these breast cancer statistics: the journal reported that in the study 2,987 female registered nurses had been diagnosed with breast cancer during the years 1984-1998. What the study found was that the women who had physical activity equivalent to walking at a steady pace of 2.0-2.9 miles per hour for 3-5 hours a week had a death rate of only 50% of the death rate of women who had physical activity equivalent to walking less than one hour a week. The conclusion of the breast cancer statistics in the study was that physical activity after breast cancer has been diagnosed may reduce the risk of death from breast cancer. The study found that there was little evidence of any relation between increased physical activity and increased benefit.

It's time to dust off those walking shoes!

As a physical activity, walking can be done almost anytime by anyone anywhere. All that is needed is a good pair of walking shoes. Walking is fun and reduces stress. As for injuries, walking has the lowest injury rate of all the various kinds of exercise.

You can walk with a partner, friend, family member or dog, maybe even a neighbors dog. Or you can walk with your favorite headset and music. If you are walking outdoors with a headset, keep one ear open to hear the sounds around you.

As for basic walking tips:

• As you begin regular walking, take it easy. Standard advice is to check with your physician before starting any exercise program. If it has been years or decades since you walked regularly, perhaps you can begin with 5 minutes of walking and slowly increase your time and distance.

• Walking at a pace of 75-95 steps a minute will have you walking at a speed of about 2-3 miles per hour.

• Walk with your head up, looking out in front of you. Do not walk looking down right in front of you except to navigate any obstacles.

• Really take it easy the first 5 minutes of walking to warm up. Afterwards, gently stretch for 5-10 minutes while your muscles are warm.

• Practice good walking form. Your arms should swing naturally in the direction you are walking, not from side to side across your body. Your foot should strike the ground on your heel, then a rolling motion forward toward the ball of your foot, then pushing off with your toes.

And here are some basic walking shoes tips:

• Buy your walking shoes from a sporting shoes store with large selections. Doing so will give you plenty of choices. And buy your walking shoes later in the day when your feet will be larger.

• Buy cushioned, supportive walking shoes. To see if a shoe is supportive, do this test: take a shoe and turn it upside down. Holding each end of the shoe, try to fold it. If you find the shoe bends in the middle, then that shoe is not a supportive shoe. A supportive shoe should bend where your foot normally bends, near your toes.

• You should allow the width of your index finger between the end of your shoe and the end of your longest toe, or about one-half inch.

• Buy two pairs of walking shoes, one for home and one for the car or workplace. And if one pair gets wet, you can use the other pair that day.

Walking is the closest thing to the perfect exercise. In today's fast-paced society, regular walking can be a welcomed break from the stress of the day. Maybe you will get to know your neighborhood or neighbors better. There may be walking trails you have never seen but wanted to.

Wherever and however you choose to walk, not only can the experience be fun, you will know you are being good to your body in a variety of ways. Besides the incredible breast cancer statistics and findings of the breast cancer study, walking helps with weight control and bone strength, elevates mood, helps build and maintain healthy muscles, joints and heart. With so many great health benefits, why not get started walking today!

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

article83

2008-02-13T19:51:00.037-08:00

Cure alternative pancreatic vaccine

Our mission is to empower patients with no side effects at our center with the curing of the pancreatic cancer. This information is the basic or the initial information in order to provide support and hope, as well as to facilitate informed decisions.

A new or recurrent diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer often results in fear and confusion for patients and their family members. Understanding treatment options, accessing new and innovative therapies through clinical trials, as well as understanding the role of supportive care and complementary and alternative medicine are essential which are given at our center. We cure the disease with natural and herbal supplements which do not cause any side effects at all.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious of cancers. It develops when cancerous cells form in the tissues of your pancreas -- a large organ that lies horizontally behind the lower part of your stomach. Your pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates.Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it's a leading cause of cancer death.

Signs and symptoms may not appear until the disease is quite advanced. By that time, the cancer is likely to have spread to other parts of the body and surgical removal is no longer possible. For years, little was known about pancreatic cancer. But researchers are beginning to understand the genetic basis of the disease -- knowledge that may eventually lead to new and better treatments. Just as important, you may be able to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer with some lifestyle changes.

Cancer cells are always being created in the body. It's an ongoing process that has gone on for eons. In fact, the immune system developed components whose job it is to seek out and destroy cancer cells. It has been around as long as mankind, but the only thing is that it exploded in the recent days with the rapid growth of it. Contributing to this explosion are the huge amounts of toxins and pollutants we are exposed to, high stress lifestyles that zap the immune system, poor quality junk food that's full of pesticides, irradiated and now genetically modified, pathogens, electromagnetic stress, lights and just about anything that wasn't around 200 years ago. All these weaken the immune system, and alter the internal environment in the body to an environment that promotes the growth of cancer.

Cancer is not a mysterious disease that suddenly attacks you out of the blue, something that you can't do anything about. It has definite causes that you can correct if your body has enough time, and if you take action to change the internal environment to one that creates health, not cancer, while at the same time attacking cancerous cells and tumors by exploiting their weaknesses. Cancer tumors begin when more cancerous cells are being created than an overworked, depleted immune system can destroy.

Constant exposure to tens of thousands of manmade chemicals from birth onward, chlorinated and fluoridated water, electromagnetic radiation, pesticides and other toxins, leads to the creation of too many free radicals and excessive numbers of cancerous cells. Alone this would be enough to raise cancer levels, but combined with an immune system weakened by a diet of refined and over processed food, mineral depleted soils, and too much exposure to artificial light at night, the immune system at some point no longer is able to keep cancer in check and it starts to grow in your body.

The risk of developing cancer of the pancreas is usually low before the age of 40, but the risk subsequently increases sharply, with most people diagnosed between their sixties and eighties. Risk factors for the development of this disease include environmental factors, medical/surgical factors, genetic factors, and occupational exposures. • The incidence of pancreatic cancer is relatively low in individuals up to age 50, after which it increases significantly. The age group 65 - 79 has the highest incidence of cancer of the pancreas. • Smokers develop pancreatic cancer more than twice as often as nonsmokers. • Frequency of pancreatic cancer may be associated with high intakes of meat and fat. • Pancreatic cancer is more common among individuals with histories of the following conditions: cirrhosis (a chronic liver disease), chronic pancreatitis, diabetes and a history of surgery to the upper digestive tract. • Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as gasoline and related compounds, as well as certain insecticides, may increase the risk of developing cancer of the pancreas. • Possibly 3% of cases of pancreatic cancer are related to genetic disorders.

The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is usually delayed because symptoms are nonspecific. Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin, is present in approximately 50% of patients at the time of diagnosis and may be associated with less-advanced disease. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, discomfort in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and glucose intolerance.

In addition, the patient may experience pain in the abdomen and back. The pancreas may produce too much insulin, causing such symptoms as dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, chills, or muscle spasms. The patient may not even notice the gradual onset of these relatively nonspecific symptoms. The doctor may interpret them as being caused by something else. So, it is the first thing to take the right decision to cure the disease and be free from it and lead a healthy life.

article82

2008-02-13T19:51:00.036-08:00

November Is a Great Time to Quit Smoking

November is a great time to try again to kick the smoking habit.

I say "again" because, as a 30-year-smoker who tried to quit for 25 of those years, I'm pretty sure all smokers try to quit again and again.

During November, carrying on the work of journalist Peter Jennings, ABC News is presenting a series of reports on quitting smoking and lung cancer prevention.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and November 17th is the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. It's a perfect time for the 51 million Americans who still smoke cigarettes to make a serious effort at quitting so they won't be part of the 160,000 who die from smoking each year in the U.S.

There is help, especially during November

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute, and the North American Quitline Consortium is providing resources to help people quit smoking. There's a national network of quitlines, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which automatically connects callers to their state-based quitlines, and to the Web site smokefree.gov for additional resources on quitting and lung cancer.

ABCNews.comÂ is devoting a portion of its Web site to "Quit to Live: Fighting Lung Cancer." The section includes links to smoking cessation resources; and a "Quitters Blog" documenting peoples' attempts to quit smoking.

The Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout helps smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever.

A big mistake

Smoking cigarettes was the biggest mistake of my life.

To quit, I tried everything from shock therapy to hypnosis. My wife left me in a motel in my underwear for days so I couldn't buy cigarettes. I finally was able to quit during a 10-day hospital stay with a collapsed lung. Something about having a steel rod shoved into my chest with no anaesthetic to reinflate the lung made me really want to quit.

But the damage was done. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and worst of all, allowing my wife's and daughter's lungs to be polluted year after year by my second-hand smoke.

The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke. Today, lung cancer deaths are falling in states with strong tobacco control laws.

Chemicals and nicotine

The Cancer Society says cigarette smoke contains 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known to cause cancer. The tobacco burns while a cigarette is smoked, exposing the smoker and others to these deadly chemicals, tars and gases.

Nicotine does not cause cancer, but it does keep many people addicted to smoking. Each puff of a cigarette delivers a concentrated dose of nicotine straight to the brain -- and reinforces the need for the next puff.

Even after you've given up nicotine, you may still want to smoke. To maximize your chances of staying smoke-free for good, you need a plan.

The Cancer Society can help you come up with a plan, taking you step by step through making the decision, preparations, and following through.

Moving from one step to the next requires careful thought and preparation. And, no, it won't be easy. But this time, this month, it might just work.

Watch the news. Think about it. Call the quitline. Work on your plan.

It's a great time to try again.

article81

2008-02-13T19:51:00.035-08:00

November Is a Great Time to Quit Smoking

November is a great time to try again to kick the smoking habit.

I say "again" because, as a 30-year-smoker who tried to quit for 25 of those years, I'm pretty sure all smokers try to quit again and again.

During November, carrying on the work of journalist Peter Jennings, ABC News is presenting a series of reports on quitting smoking and lung cancer prevention.

There is help, especially during November

The Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout helps smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever.

A big mistake

Smoking cigarettes was the biggest mistake of my life.

But the damage was done. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and worst of all, allowing my wife's and daughter's lungs to be polluted year after year by my second-hand smoke.

The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke. Today, lung cancer deaths are falling in states with strong tobacco control laws.

Chemicals and nicotine

Even after you've given up nicotine, you may still want to smoke. To maximize your chances of staying smoke-free for good, you need a plan.

The Cancer Society can help you come up with a plan, taking you step by step through making the decision, preparations, and following through.

Moving from one step to the next requires careful thought and preparation. And, no, it won't be easy. But this time, this month, it might just work.

Watch the news. Think about it. Call the quitline. Work on your plan.

It's a great time to try again.

article80

2008-02-13T19:51:00.034-08:00

Silicon Wristbands - Enhance Your Personality

Wristbands/bracelets are encircling strips that are worn on the wrist to enhance the personality of a person. The term is used to refer to bracelet-like bands of a wristwatch, worn to the cuffs or to the sleeves that cover the wrists. They are also used to decorate the wrists or act as functional bands worn over the wrists by both men and women. One of the best types of wristbands includes the loops of plastic that are placed on the wrists for identification purposes.

With the hype of charity spreading far and wide, silicon wristbands/bracelets are much in vogue in today's world. The bracelets are worn to demonstrate the wearer's support for a cause or charitable organization and are similar to awareness ribbons. Silicon bracelets/wristbands were first made by charitable organizations as a way to demonstrate support for a cause. That particular silicon wristband was yellow "Livestrong wristband" created in 2004 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Silicon web wristbands/bracelets

The other type of silicon wristband/ bracelet is called web band. It is basically an online band that can be purchased through Internet. Although the band evokes a sense of surprise, yet the cause of purchasing the bracelet is noble. Just the moment you make an online purchase of the web band, the price goes to the cause in question. Not only do the silicon bracelets establish the world of fashion, but they also contribute to the charitable missions of today.

Depiction of colors in silicon wristbands/bracelets

The companies of today make custom bracelets for small organizations that are interested in raising funds for awareness purposes. The most interesting part of silicon bracelets is their color significance.

Following are some of the different colored bracelets depicting different thoughts and ideas:

§Black - denotes mourning on someone's death §Black/white - denotes anti-racism [stand up and speak up] §Dark-blue - denotes anti-smoking, anti-child abuse, colon cancer awareness, pro-peace, diabetes cure and catholic relief services §Electric-blue - cystic fibrosis awareness, anti-drunk driving, organ transplantation, anti-drugs, pro-tolerance, got guts, pro-life, Ford Fan day, and stand strong against wrong day §Camouflage - support our troops §Light blue - autism awareness, arthritis awareness, hurricane relief, prostrate cancer awareness and fight hunger/cultivate peace §Lavender - epilepsy awareness §Green/blue - anti-sectarianism §Dark green - better hearing awareness §Gold - children's cancer awareness §Light green - rainforest preservation, pro-ecology, kidney disease awareness, organ donation, ovarian cancer awareness, army support, genocide ending mission §Orange - self harm awareness, leukemia awareness, and bowel cancer research §Pink - diabetes awareness, breast cancer awareness, chronic pain awareness §Purple - animal rescue awareness, asthma awareness, pancreatic cancer awareness §Red- AIDs awareness program, anti-tobacco, labor party, cystic fibrosis band together campaign, love/hope support program §White - chastity/abstinence, innocence and peace §Yellow - work safe week, Parkinson's disease awareness and all cancers day

Silicon wristbands/bracelets are simply wonderful and add a lot of meaning to the personality of the person.

article8

2008-02-13T19:51:00.033-08:00

Ayurveda - Undestanding Our False Ego

All Ayurvedic methods are complex. For example, the very interesting method "Panchakarma" consists of five components: cleansing enemas, cleaning of the nose, using laxatives, urging vomiting and bleeding. Before Panchakarma, a week of manipulations is needed, including oil treatment inside and outside, taking a steam bath in special chambers.

It is necessary to meditate. Without meditation, the mental activity of a person will not go in the right direction. According to Ayurveda, most of our problems appear because our brain is too disordered and easily becomes dependant on the false ego. Our false ego creates a set of bad habits, for which we will be punished.

The doctor's objective is to tell the patient which habit or characteristic leads to a certain disease. If this is carried out to the person's consciousness successfully, and he starts working on his problems, then, the disease leaves him. Sometimes, complete general rejuvenation is also the result of this complex treatment.

The legends of Ayurveda tell us about, where people, who had achieved a certain enlightment, left the fussiness of the world, and came back completely rejuvenated: even their lost teeth and hair grew back again. They got married, had children. In this way, they demonstrated the real power of Ayurvedic knowledge.

Of course, it is hard to know for sure whether or not these legends are true, however, many miracle Ayurvedic methods are now very famous and accessible. Often, people come to India not to see the beauty of Taj-Mahal or to sunbathe on the beaches of Goa, but to get Ayurvedic knowledge in Keralla - the center of Ayurvedic medicine. This province of India is famous because of all the efforts it takes to educate the young generation. In school, children not only learn foreign languages, they also study the art of Ayurveda. A very organized cast of people live there, they carry out traditional knowledge to the world. The most famous experts of Ayurveda are from Keralla.

article79

2008-02-13T19:51:00.032-08:00

Real Medicine

Immunology began with a cow called "Blossom". She put blisters onto the fingers of her milkmaid, Sarah Nelmes. The milkmaid in turn saw her doctor, Edward Jenner.

Jenner had heard that when you get such blisters - due to vaccinia, the cowpox - you do not get variola, the smallpox.

Jenner speculated that the blisters might contain some mysterious substance, to which he gave the name "virus", which carries the disease.

So he asked a gardener - some people say his own gardener - whether he might experiment upon the gardener's son. Surprisingly, the gardener agreed.

In May 1796, Jenner took some of the fluid from the blisters - some of the "serum" - and transferred it from Sarah Nelmes to nine-year-old James Phipps. The boy developed a blister, too.

In the meantime, Jenner researched the smallpox outbreaks in the area. It was known that whilst most smallpox kills, sometimes the disease is survivable. Such a milder "strain" was highly prized. One could take the "serum" from such cases and use it for "inoculation". People who had been inoculated with a mild strain had a better survival chance.

Two months later, he was ready. He had found the mildest strain, and put it into the skin of James Phipps. IT HAD NO DISCERNABLE EFFECT.

Such is the real medicine. Medicine is a miracle. However, it is not supernatural. Rather, one would say it is natural - but nature at its best.

Nature had shown the way. Jenner was surprised and delighted. From the total absence of side-effects it was obvious that this was a major discovery. One might imagine that the world would beat a path to his door. Fame and fortune seemed to be guaranteed.

Instead came RIDICULE and SABOTAGE. There was - and is - a criminal gang who took over the government of Britain. They immediately decided to halt this progress. Their belief is that as long as there are plagues, epidemics, poverty and despair, people will turn to them and beg of them, and be ruled by them.

Cartoons appeared in the press. They showed people with pieces of cow emerging from their bodies - horns, head, udders. The whole idea of giving a bovine disease to humans had to be made to seem disgusting. Otherwise, people might submit to the treatment and the "miracle" might spread.

When that did not work, two fake doctors took virulent smallpox serum and used it to contaminate the "vaccine" of Jenner. The idea was that Jenner would "vaccinate" and his patients would die. He would be blamed.

What had seemed like a simple task - to spread the good word - had become an ordeal. Jenner was undeterred, but his valuable time was taken up by years of campaigning to try to convince the world of the importance of his discovery.

Eventually, he succeeded. His name became known internationally, and the British government even turned to him for help in the freeing of British prisoners of war.

Napoleon Bonaparte replied to a letter from Jenner, saying "I can refuse nothing to that name", and the prisoners were released.

What then of the cure for cancer? Would such a thing lead to immediate recognition? It would not.

One can expect ridicule, one can expect sabotage. Fame and fortune are unlikely to result from such a discovery.

Suppose in 1962 your mother dies of an alleged cancer. All the internal organs collapse directly after the administration of a chemotherapy dose. Surely it was an overdose?

You spend time pondering. It becomes clear that the disease cannot have been the cancer it was said to be, because the symptoms were all wrong. You begin to distrust doctors.

Then a report says that exactly half of the AIDS deaths were due to cancer, whilst the other 50.0 percent were due to microbes. You realise that AIDS is the collapse of the immune-system. It becomes obvious that it was the immune system that was holding the cancers at bay.

So immunology, which began with Blossom and Jenner, is the study of the control of CELL COLONIES. It relates not just to the "virus", or other microbes that come from outside the body, but also to internally-generated rogue tissue. Such tissue is called "neoplasms", or "cancer".

The worlds of "oncology" (cancer science) and "immunology" converge.

The author has a history as given above. His mother was indeed killed in the manner described, and the reasoning process that led to the convergence of the sciences took place. There was another factor in the story.

At the time of his mother's death, an advertisement had been put in the London Times, asking for help. An Australian living in Paris had been trying to save his wife. She died, but the Australian came to London and spoke to the author - saying that he had found two doctors with an unconventional approach.

According to the Australian, the doctors "believed that cancer was a virus". This might not be true - but it cast immediate doubt upon their work. It is, after all, known that radiation can cause "sarcoma" - a deep-seated cancer. Also, certain chemicals on the skin can cause "carcinoma" - a surface cancer. Neither radiation nor simple chemicals can conjure up a virus.

In the years that followed, it became clear that there are certain viruses - the RETRO-viruses - that put DNA into human cells, thereby changing them. Amongst the retroviruses that cause cancers are the papilloma, polyoma and Epstein-Barr viruses. So certain cases are indeed of viral origin.

The 50.0/50.0 split was a freak. Had the number of cases been an odd number, it could not have been so exact. However, the freak numbers were shouting out that the immune system treats germs and cancers EQUALLY.

So we have found not an answer to the question of the CAUSE of cancer. That is not a particularly interesting question, anyway. Instead, we can see from this result that the CONTROL of cancer is a job for the IMMUNE SYSTEM. The logic leads unerringly to the CURE.

The author appeared on television, being very careful because of the dark forces that would wish to suppress such progress. However, the message went out - the cure is to be found in the IMMUNE SYSTEM. The cure is ANTIBODIES.

The silence was deafening. It was as if the government had issued orders to suppress any further mention of the matter.

As with Jenner two hundred years before, the author had to run a campaign. The search for the cure for cancer had taken thirty-four years, and at the time of writing the spreading of the word of the discovery has taken a further decade.

In answer to one of the author's leaflets, the Head of Science of the BBC replied with thanks. The author was told to watch out for a future broadcast, in which a discovery inspired by the author's tip-off would be broadcast.

It turns out that when a person has bladder cancer, and BCG vaccine against tuberculosis is put into the bladder once a week for six weeks, the condition is cured. The success-rate is seventy to eighty percent.

The author contacted the BBC, and was sent a post-production script of the item. Further research revealed that the original discoverer was one of the two doctors mentioned by the Australian. Forty years of work had paid off. The name is only withheld to protect the doctor from danger.

The author had already decided that the immune system detects rogue cells by means of unfamiliar protein. We can call this protein the "characteristic protein" of the cells.

Medical intervention would involve using a second type of protein, which we can call the "marker protein" or "label protein".

The BCG treatment was therefore known to the author to be effective because the "marker protein" is water-soluble. It is something known as "tuberculin". The alcohol-soluble proteins in the TB germ are called "new-style". It is specifically the "old-style tuberculin" which is of interest.

The author realised that the inside of the bladder is WET. Old-style tuberculin will soak OUT of the vaccine and INTO the fronds of bladder cancer. There is a LABELLING, or MARKING process at work.

Some cases will fail because during the six treatments the patient did not fully empty the bladder. The old-style tuberculin will have been too dilute. In other cases, the patient will have consumed liquid too soon after the treatment. The bladder will have filled up before the transfer of the marker protein was adequate.

In yet other cases, the marker will have had no effect because the immune system will have failed to detect it. It will have been a PASSIVE MARKER. It is essential that the patient has a reasonably recent history of vaccination against TB, using BCG, so that the BCG old-style tuberculin marker will be recognised by the immune system.

A recognised protein, which has a matching antibody, is known as an ANTIGEN.

So to be an ACTIVE MARKER, the BCG requires that the patient is "tuberculin positive". This is tested by putting old-style BCG tuberculin on the prongs (tines) of a plastic comb, and pressing the comb into the skin. Within three days, the immune system will have detected this marker and caused local inflammation. This shows as the appearance of pimples.

Failure of such a "tuberculin tine test" suggests that the patient should first be vaccinated with BCG. Otherwise, the bladder-cancer treatment will fail.

Putting all this knowledge together should, in the absence of sabotage, raise the cure rate to a hundred percent.

What is happening is that the marker protein, being an antigen, attaches to its antibody. The antigen-antibody pair summons the T-cells. These cells are also called "white cells", or "leucocytes", "leukocytes" and similar. They eat up the tissue that contains the marker-antibody pair.

The T-cells are then washed into the lymph nodes. Here they pass on data to the B-cells. It is the B-cells that make the antibodies. Fed constantly with cancerous tissue inside the T-cells, the B-cells eventually develop a new family of antibodies. These new antibodies are CANCER ANTIBODIES.

So it is by STEERING the immune system that the condition is cured. It is because data on the "characteristic protein" is constantly arriving that the B-cells can finally "discover" that protein and make an antibody against it.

By extension, one could take a case of melanoma skin cancer and simply paint it with old-style tuberculin. In a tuberculin-positive patient, the T-cells will constantly deliver data on the melanoma to the B-cells until the immune system latches on.

Any carcinoma that is accessible can simply be treated by painting a marker protein onto the skin. Indeed, it need not be BCG and old-style tuberculin. It is just a marker to summon the immune system - and medical science has a choice of such things. It is just that tuberculin is most widely known and widely available.

Sarcoma can be treated by biopsy, and making what the author calls an "autovaccine". This is a vaccine made from the patient's own tumour.

There are detergents that are used in laboratories to remove DNA from samples. So the biopsy tissue should be ground up, and the DNA removed to prevent it having the power to replicate.

Now the protein from that tumour - with or without the husks of the cells - is treated, perhaps with new-style tuberculin. This is allowed to evaporate dry. Alcohol-soluble proteins will cling, even when the autovaccine is bathed in body fluid.

A certain amount of old-style tuberculin should also be used. This is because it is known to cause a strong reaction in vaccinated subjects.

The autovaccine is injected by sliding the needle sideways into the skin. The top skin layer is like cling-film, the CUTIS. Beneath that is the RETE MUCOSUM, a ripple of mucus where any skin-pigment such as suntan is located. Beneath that is the EPIDERMIS. This is the topmost layer of actual skin, and the place where the immune system is most active. That is where the vacine is placed.

By not going any deeper, one ensures that the reulting swelling will be shallow. A deep-seated inflammation would be more painful, and the abundant body fluids would wash the marker away too fast.

So a lung cancer, for example, could be treated by taking the characteristic protein of that cancer, combined with an active marker, and tucking it into the topmost layer of skin.

What one would expect is that after a little inflammation, throbbing, itching and swelling at the site of vaccination, the tumour itself will display the selfsame signs. That signifies that the immune system has latched on.

All good medicine is of this form - simple but sensible. Bombastic words are used by fake doctors to keep control of the patients by making them feel inadequate. However, it is from the world of simple logic that true progress arises. After all, giving vaccinia to protect against variola is a very simple idea.

Precautions are always necessary. For example, one must ensure that there are no tumours of any large size near any vital orrgan. Immunological treatment makes them swell before they go. So a large tumour in the brain might cause epilepsy, whilst a large tumour in the chest might stop the heart. Such matters must be attended to.

With all safety considerations dealt with, one can rest assured that the tumours will vanish from wherever they may be. Antibodies go wherever the blood goes. These are the "magic bullets" that science was looking for, and they come from nature.

When the treatment is complete, the antibodies stay for a time - perhaps for life. This is, after all, the CURE. One may suffer from some other cancer - but the treatment "levels the playing-field" in that one lives with the same risk as other people. A cancer with the identical characteristic protein cannot recur, however, because of the antibodies that the treatment leaves behind.

Some antibodies - to smallpox and cowpox, for example - are passed on in mother's milk. Others - as described in "Lamarck's Signature" (Steele et al.) - are handed on in the genes. So it is possible that a cancer survivor may pass on the specific immunity to his or her children.

It does not get much better than this.

Charles Douglas Wehner

article78

2008-02-13T19:51:00.031-08:00

Economy Drives Regulation, Innovation and Investment in Renewable Energy, Water Industry and Healthcare

China's Attempt to Balance the Environment and a Rapidly Growing Economy Drives Regulation, Innovation and Investment in Renewable Energy, Water Industry and Healthcare

July 2006, China-AsiaStocks.com

With China's growth at double digit rates into the first half of the year, the environmental concerns and pollution problems are escalating as quickly as the economy, with an estimated 76 reported pollution incidents in the past 8 months. The impact of rapid industrialization has created massive environmental problems in the water air and soil, creating disease and multiple health problems for people living in the affected areas. China is working to create and restore balance and harmony in their environment through pending law, regulation, and investment in new technology. Public companies Vitasti, Inc. (OTCBB: VITS), CECO Environmental Corp (NASDAQ:CECE), Hendrx Corp (OTCBB: HDRX) and Bridgetech Holdings International, Inc. (OTC.PK: BGTH); in renewable energy, air and water treatment and healthcare discuss how the serious problem of pollution has created business opportunities for their respective sectors. The All China Environment Federation (ACEF) was launched in Beijing in 2005, receiving backing from high-level government officials as part of a movement to show that China is becoming very serious about the environmental damage and repercussions of the rapid economic growth. It's receiving global support as evidenced by The World Bank loan of $668 million to the People's Republic of China to support projects to address environmental problems and developing transport infrastructure. China may be positioning to change its global image from environmental disasters to an environmental leader, as it was recently recognized as the world leading investor in renewable energy. In order to pave the road to change, China is changing policy and legal framework to incite investment and innovation in technology.

Renewable Energy; Regulation and Investment Driving the Sector

China has set a target of twenty percent of its power to come from renewable sources by 2020. That kind of aggressive strategy sets the stage for renewable energy companies to participate in the anticipated growth in wind, solar and energy efficient technologies.

Wind energy technology is on the rise and China's largest wind electric power generator manufacturer, Goldwind Science and Technology Co. Ltd., is currently pursuing a U.S. IPO, following on the tracks of several renewable IPO's. The company plans to go public to finance its anticipated substantial growth as China demands green energy solutions as evidenced by its 6 billion U.S. investment in renewable energy in 2005.

Vitasti, Inc.'s (OTCBB: VITS)Director , Mr. deDelley, a wind farm developer targeting China commented " The stage is set to provide environmentally friendly power to fulfill the needs of a electrically thirsty nation and stave the pollution associated with the massive developments China is experiencing. Our Company, Vitasti/Welwind ,has been moving projects ahead to develop 1000 megawatts of wind powered generation along the coast of the south China sea. All levels of government and industry are accepting the wind technology with great enthusiasm and willingness, making our work easier. "

Mr. deDelley went on to state" With the political and industry relationships Welwind has forged within China we are looking at continued support to advance the projects and to ensure successful wind farms, creation of rural employment, mitigation of pollution, and provide a greatly needed commodity : wind powered electricity."

Chinese officials have announced plans for the country's first energy "basic law" passed by the legislature in two years with a goal of reducing national energy consumption by 20 percent from 2006 to 2010 and creating an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly society. The law would encourage domestic energy exploration and international energy cooperation, optimize energy reserves and emergency response systems, scaling and development of renewable and new energies and enhance energy efficiency.

The China Environment Fund, http://www.cefund.com/, a leading VC fund in sustainable investment in China is investing in energy efficiency, solar and bio-diesel.

China's Water and Air Pollution and Solutions

Recent news in China including the toxic spill into the Desha River have made China's officials and global leaders take action into addressing the urgent environmental and water issues. It's currently estimated that 300 million people, representing one-quarter the population, drink unsafe, water. Additionally, only one third of the 3.7 billion tons of wastewater discharged is treated.

China is taking steps to create law and regulation to address critical water issues including recently ratifying an international treaty to preserve the marine environment and prevent pollution on the high seas.

Global funding to address water problems has been approved by the World Bank. The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors recently announced loans of $668 million to the People's Republic of China in support of four projects to address environmental problems including water treatment and waste treatment.

Hendrx Corp (OTCBB: HDRX), a manufacturer of water purification technology with operations in China describes, "Senior management of our company is evaluating our current capabilities and seeking complimentary engineering, service and reporting capabilities to remedy and prevent future occurrences that will harm the environment. Our objective is to use computer age technology and instant monitoring of contributing factors that may predict future weaknesses and thereby enabling operating management to implement the appropriate safety measures."

According to a Hendrx spokesperson, "In as much as the regulatory agencies have not yet begun to create the inquiries, we expect that we will be able and ready to respond to such inquires as they are forthcoming. Realistically, we don't expect any one entity to be selected to find a solution to the different challenges; rather we expect to be part of a team that will over time solve the total problem."

"Hendrx is in a unique position to be optimistic about our chances to be part of the "problem- solving team" because we already have more than 200 employees in the Fujian province of China. Our technical know how and our reputation is well respected on both sides of the Pacific."

In terms of air pollution, according to a 2006 report by the World Watch Institute, China is home to 16 of the 20 cities with the most polluted air in the world.

According to Phillip DeZwirek, Chairman & CEO of CECO Environmental (NASDAQ: CECE), a world leader in clean air solutions, "CECO Environmental is the largest independent air pollution control company in N.A. and having been in business since 1907 has established a customer base of over 2000 companies including most of the Fortune 500. As many of our customers have established manufacturing operations in China they imported our technology and expertise into their Chinese facilities. Chinese based companies recognized the multiple benefits that CECO's environmental installations brought to these new U.S. owned factories and are now hiring CECO to solve their environmental challenges. The market for air pollution control systems in China is vast and with the imminence of the 2008 Olympics plus the pollution potential from the rapidly expanding Chinese economy the demand for all methods of pollution control is and will be enormous."

Healthcare - The Impact of Air and Water Pollution on Human Health

If you survey any average person on the street that saw Julia Roberts play Erin Brockovich, they can make the instant connection that industrial water pollution can cause multiple forms of cancer. It's no different in China, but the problem is multiplied beyond anything North America has experienced. Last November, for example, a factory explosion resulted in benzene, a cancer-causing chemical linked to forms of leukemia, to run into the Songhua River, effecting millions of people in northeast China. More recently, the Dasha River was contaminated when a truck overturned dumping in 60 tons of potentially carcinogenic coal tar.

According to a 2006 report by the World Watch Institute, (http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3881), "a Chinese research institute found that 400,000 premature deaths are caused every year in China by diseases linked to air pollution."

Bridgetech Holdings International, Inc (BGTH:OTCBB), a medical and healthcare company sees China's environmental situation creating a major impact on the country's healthcare, as well as influencing the product mix their company is bringing to the Chinese market.

According to Michael Chermak, Bridgetech's Chairman & CEO, "Over the near term Bridgetech will specialize in introducing oncology products. This is a direct response to the fact that China is experiencing dramatic changes in the types of cancer and in the overall cancer incident rate. This rate is growing at the unprecedented pace of 3.3 percent per year. The environmental problems associated with rapid industrialization, like coal fired power plants, certainly contribute to this high growth rate. The growth of cancer has affected women most severely. In the last fifteen years the incident rate for women has grown from 89 per 100,000 women to 138 per 100,000. For men it is now at 200, up from 148. "

At present, Bridgetech is very encouraged by developments in China's regulatory system. The government's moves to protect intellectual property and to stem the favoritism and traditional practices in China's product distribution system hold much promise for Bridgetech's future because they will allow the company to introduce the very best in foreign technology with less fear that technology might be unfairly appropriated and because the company will be able to apply professional business practices to more effectively distribute its products throughout China. Faced by the demands of a evolving healthcare system and challenged by sudden changes in the nation's epidemiological profile, China's State Food and Drug Administration recognizes the need to supplement its domestic pharmaceutical industry with foreign medications and is proving a fast track to approval for medications that have undergone the approval process of other regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This is another positive development for Bridgetech because these are exactly the types of medications the company is seeking approval for.

The Ultimate Goal

We often hear and use the expression "follow the money" to watch and understand industry trends. In China, it's a case of "smell the water and the air" to understand what is needed and where the money should be going in China.

Ironically, information on disasters and health crises may not always be available to the public if the Chinese government has its way, based on newly drafted legislation that will allow them to fine newspapers up to $12,000 if they report on these types of emergencies without first getting permission.

But we won't be in the dark completely if renewable energy companies like Vitasti have their way. As Vitasti, Inc states, "The country knows that it cannot proceed with the economic development and ignore the environment in future growth"

Consumers in China are readily embracing the environmental movement as evidenced by recent info released by Greenpeace International stating that their surveys showed Chinese consumers were prepared to pay more for environmentally friendly PCs than any other country. It's a step towards the ultimate goal of creating balance and harmony with technology and the environment.

The environmental race is one that China cannot afford to loose and based on recent news, they are making serious efforts to repair the damage of the past and find solutions for the future. The question remains - are they moving fast enough? The outcome of the balancing act of managing rapid economic growth and the environmental concerns will impact the world for generations to come as the pollution moves outside of China's borders.

China-AsiaStocks.com (CAS), a portal within the InvestorIdeas.com content umbrella, does not make recommendations, but offers investors research, news and links to public companies within the China-Asia sector. www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com™ (RES), www.EnvironmentStocks.com (ES) and www.water-stocks.com (WS) offer investors research, news, interviews, articles, blogs and links to public companies within the renewable energy, clean tech and water sectors. We provide a variety of renewable and green content through: Clean Energy News Blog, Renewable Energy Blog and articles by solar expert, J. Peter Lynch, all available on RenewableEnergyStocks.com™ Disclaimer: Portals are compensated by Featured advertising companies. InvestorIdeas.com Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp ©Copyright InvestorIdeas 2006

article77

2008-02-13T19:51:00.030-08:00

Breast Cancer: Steps To Aid In Early Detection

I learned some interesting facts about breast cancer that I feel every woman should know. The sources I used for this article included the American Cancer Society, The National Cancer Institute, and the Avon Foundation's Breast Cancer Crusade.

Early breast cancer isn't usually detected by pain. In fact, when breast cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. That is why regular exams are important. If you have anything that makes you suspect breast cancer, contact your doctor immediately. Don't wait around to see what happens. Let the professional decide. Some symptoms that may indicate breast cancer include, but are not limited to, the following:

Nipple discharge or tenderness

Lumps in breast and/or underarm area

Visual changes which include: size of breast including swelling; inverted nipple; and pitting. Pitting means the skin looks like the skin of an orange. Scaling of the breast skin could also be a symptom.

Early detection of breast cancer is important. There is a 97% five-year survival rate when breast cancer is detected early since this can help prevent it from spreading. Below are some guidelines to early detection. I hope they help save someone's life.

Get a Mammogram

A mammogram is a specialized x-ray of the breast to help detect cancers which cannot be detected by feel. Some women are confused as to how often they should get a mammogram. Here is what the professionals say about mammograms.

At age 40 begin getting annual mammograms by a licensed technician. A mammogram will take about twenty minutes. When getting a mammogram avoid wearing deodorant, powders, or cream under your arms. Sometimes they can interfere with the results. Make sure to contact the center if they do not inform you of the results within thirty days. It is very important that results are compared from one year to the next. Hence, be sure you know where your mammogram film is being held.

Clinical Breast Exam

This is an exam by a health care professional. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years and women 40 or older should have an exam each year.

Self-Examination

Starting at age 20 women should begin doing a self-exam. Ask your doctor if you are not exactly sure how to do this or if you are not sure you are doing it correctly. Here are a few guides to follow: Lie down and place one arm behind your head. Using your three middle finger pads press firmly across your breast in overlapping dime-size circular motions. Use three different levels of pressure: light, medium, and firm. This allows you to feel the tissue close to your skin, to feel a little deeper, and to feel the tissue closest to your chest and ribs.

Move across your breast in an up and down pattern, starting from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone, repeating the pressure.

Stand in front of a mirror with your hands pressing down on your hips and look at your breasts for any changes in size, shape, contour, or dimpling. Also, do this with your arms slightly raised. Make sure you check under your breasts as well.

I hope that this information proves helpful to you. I am not a health care provider and by no means a professional on breast cancer. I am simply sharing with every woman possible the importance of detecting breast cancer early and some simple guidelines that might save a life.

My sources for the above information are:

American Cancer Society The National Cancer Institute Breast Health Resource Guide by the Avon Foundation's Breast Cancer Crusade

article76

2008-02-13T19:51:00.029-08:00

Sunscreen and Skin Cancer- Protecting the Skin Just Got Easier

Astounding ground breaking news on sunscreen and skin cancer is revealed. It is a new sunscreen product that promises to be the cornerstone of every anti-aging skin care regime.

On 7/24/04 the FDA approved a new over-the-counter sunscreen, Anthelios SX, developed by L'Oreal.

A sunscreen that now goes farther than ever before to protect against sun damage and skin cancer. The news world is abuzz with the newest FDA approval of Anthelios SX, a long lasting OTC sunscreen with a new ingredient to the USA market, ecamsule.

It seems like the Fountain of Youth just got a little closer to discovery...

The FDA news release, #P06-103, states "Anthelios SX is a sunscreen product that contains a combination of three active ingredients. One of the ingredients is a new molecular entity (NME), ecamsule. Ecamsule has not been marketed in the United States, but has been marketed in Europe and Canada as Mexoryl SX since 1993. The other two active ingredients, avobenzone and octocrylene, are generally recognized as safe and effective under the current OTC monograph for sunscreens."

ABC News reporter Joy Victory addresses the sunscreen and skin cancer protection by explaining, "For the first time since 1988, the Food and Drug Administration today approved a new type of sunscreen compound that protects skin from shortwave ultraviolet A light and doesn't break down as easily as other products.

Most sunscreens available in the United States protect only against long-wave UVA and both forms of ultraviolet B light. But the new compound, known as ecamsule, has long been available in Europe and Canada. It is made by the L'Oreal cosmetics company.

The new product is considered a superior sunscreen chemical because of its ability to block UVA light -- a harmful, wrinkle-causing form of sunlight -- and because it lasts longer in the sun. The product, Mexoryl SX, contains two standard sunscreen chemicals as well as ecamsule and will be sold as a daily moisturizer cream. It should be on pharmacy shelves sometime this fall, but it's not known how much it will cost. It will be sold under the name Anthelios SX."

Victory wrapped up her report with an interview comment from Dr. Vincent DeLeo, chairman of the dermatology department at Columbia University, reporting that Dr. DeLeo stated that "... the European equivalent was sorely needed in the United States. It produces a product which gives us almost perfect protection against sunshine." Other news organizations are reporting that Anthelios SX will play a very important role in offering additional protection against skin cancer and aging skin care issues caused by sun damage.

Sunscreen and skin cancer protection, a very exciting combination, especially for those concerned about the sun and aging skin care issues. Just think about it, anti-aging skin care just advanced lightyears!

article75

2008-02-13T19:51:00.028-08:00

How To Get Compensation For Mesothelioma Cancer?

There are various types of cancer. Some of these types are relatively easy to treat and even heal others are more difficult. In average the figure has passed 50% when it comes to full restoration from cancer. But like I said, the variety is large. Mesothelioma cancer is one of the deadliest disease conditions encountered in people living at the areas of industries that manufacture the asbestos and the related materials. The mesothelioma cancer is being treated at the specialized hospitals that take this as a challenge. It is important to note that you won't exhibit signs of mesothelioma until 30-40 years after exposure to asbestos.

There are different stages of the mesothelioma cancer. However, the advanced stages are more difficult to cure. Mesothelioma cancer cannot be called as the lung cancer. If you're hailing from Illinois, you can consult the Illinois mesothelioma attorneys for getting settlement from the defenders.

The cells associated with the development of mesothelioma cancer are seen outside of lung tissues and are also noticed in the areas of abdominal cavity outside of the peritoneal membrane of the body.

Recently subtraction hybridization techniques are being employed in the therapy of these mesothelioma cancer conditions, in addition to the application of the gene therapy.

However, once the cancer stages are in the advanced stages, then the treatment becomes more difficult in reality due to the extensive involvements that are encountered in the affected persons.

Illinois mesothelioma Lawyers are always available like those in case of Chicago to help the victims of asbestos or asbestos containing materials. The lawyers help the affected persons to sue against those who are responsible for such occurrence of cancerous growths.

Many times, the legal representatives come across cases of peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural mesothelioma cases due to the long-standing exposure to this asbestos. The lawyers may not get any consultation fees and they often work on the contingent fees, which is a highly negligible one.

The fee may be paid at the end after the winning of the case against the corporation or the firm that is responsible for the cancerous growths in the pleura or the peritoneum. Through out the USA, the cases are often filed in both Chicago and Illinois. The experienced mesothelioma attorneys are famous for the knowledge on the asbestos and they are capable of finding out the responsible persons for the development of such conditions in the victims.

article74

2008-02-13T19:51:00.027-08:00

The Benefits Of Cancer Information Are Enormous

Finding out you or someone that you love has been diagnosed with cancer is to say the very least a devastating blow. It will become not only a hard road emotionally, physically but also financially. This is why you need to find as much cancer information as you can. This may be in the form of advice and support from doctors, counselors, specific cancer organizations, family and friends including other cancer sufferers as well. Talking to people who have been in the same situation as yourself can be an enormous support and also a wonderful source of cancer information can be shared.

Apart from speaking to people in person there are other ways to gain more info about this situation. There are many books that you can read both for the patient and or families and friends. I suppose the easiest way to find out more is on the internet. In the U.S alone there are many websites that are full of relevant cancer information. To start with you have the American Cancer Society. Obviously there are many different cancers so there will be many different informative sources on all of them and you will no doubt be looking for a particular type for your own circumstances. But in the end every one who is suffering from any one of these cancers will still need the same help and support regarding coping stategies and so on.

This is where speaking to people in the same situation will be helpful. There are forums and chat rooms that will give you the opportunity to speak to some of these people. It can be very positive to speak to someone who has gone through what you are and now have fully recovered. Just being able to talk about medications and treatments with someone who really understands can be an amazing therapeutic comfort. You must remember that having this illness does not only affect your physical side but also your mental side and this needs to be looked after as well.

Another good reason to find as much cancer information as possible is to find out other forms of treatments that may be able to help you either on their own or as a combination along side of the usual forms. Usually at this time in someone's life things become very confusing with all the medical jargon as well as all the emotional turmoil and the often draining effects of medication and treatments to be able to think properly. This is when you should be gathering up as much info as you can and just taking your time reading through it so you can get a better picture of what is going on and how to make the best of it.

If you are someone who has a loved one that has been diagnosed with this type of illness then you should be finding out as much as you can to be able to do the right things emotionally to help support this person. You also can read up on their particular condition so you can help answer any questions when they arise. Support from family and friends is a very important part of recovery for someone suffering from cancer.

article73

2008-02-13T19:51:00.026-08:00

Green Tea: Raise a Cup to Your Health!

The Western world is just now catching on to what the Asians have known for 4,000 years, that one cup of green tea has an abundance of health benefits. As a matter of fact, for centuries the Chinese people have been drinking green tea as treatment for everything from depression to headaches.

Today, both the Western world and the Eastern world are conducting studies to produce scientific evidence of the health benefits of green tea. One of the most notable of these studies was published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute In 1994, it discussed how the results of an epidemiological study showed that one of the health benefits of drinking green tea is that it can actually reduce the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese women and men by up to 60%.

Research shows that the heavy presence of a particular catechin polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is an antioxidant, is the main reason why green tea has so many amazing health benefits. At the John Innes Center in England and at the University of Murcia in Spain, researchers have demonstrated that the EGCG in green tea binds cancer cells to an enzyme, which actually prevents them from growing. Thus, this powerful antioxidant can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and can even destroy the cancer cells without harming the healthy cells.

Another notable study was taken by The University of Purdue, which has also done research on how a particular compound that is present in green tea can stop cancer cells from growing.

As if its cancer fighting properties weren't enough, green tea has yet another great health benefit - its ability to lower cholesterol levels as well as to improve the ratio between good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). On top of inhibiting and fighting cancer cells, the antioxidant EGCG can also lower LDL cholesterol levels and stop blood from forming abnormal clots (thrombosis), which is a leading cause of strokes and heart attacks.

Compared to other Chinese teas like black tea and oolong, green tea has more health benefits. All of these different teas come from the tea plant Camellia sinensis, but green tea is different in the process by which it is made. Green tea owes much of its wonderful health benefits to how the leaves of the Camellia sinensis are steamed. The steaming process of green tea keeps the EGCG antioxidant from oxidizing. Oolong and black teas differ in that the leaves are fermented instead of being steamed, thus creating a less potent form of the EGCG.

Green tea not only offers medicinal benefits, though, it also has fitness benefits. Green tea has been shown to help a person burn more calories than normal. A study taken on green tea has shown that drinking it regularly can help dieters lose weight. In 1999, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that showed that men who took both green tea and caffeine burned more calories than men who only took in caffeine or a placebo.

And it doesn't end there, green tea also has bacteria-destroying properties. Drinking green tea can actually help prevent tooth decay and may even prevent food poisoning because the substances found in green tea can kill the bacteria that cause food poisoning and those that cause the formation of dental plaque.

So raise a cup to your health! Now that we know of its countless medicinal and health benefits, I'd say it wouldn't be a far stretch to say that green tea is nothing short of a miracle, and now I'm off to get my daily fill!

article72

2008-02-13T19:51:00.025-08:00

Breast Cancer - A Death Sentence Caused By Neglect

The biggest majority of women who concern themselves over developing breast cancer are the ones who do not even bother to do a self examination (Not all)

Self inspection of the breasts should be a main priority for every woman. Breast cancer caught in the early stages of growth will give better odds for the patient to control the disease with the help of today`s modern medicines and technology.

Breast cancer is common among the female species and can be a death sentence if ignored. By neglecting yourself in this department with absent regular check ups then you can expect a painful road ahead - congested of heartache and pain for those close to you as well. Breast cancer is treatable, so now is the time to set a date in the diary for regular self breast examination.

One of the first signs or symptoms of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. You will find that most breast lumps discovered early are rated as 9 out of 10 as being benign. Breast lumpiness can be that of breast change which usually becomes more obvious just before the start of a period, particularly in women over the age of 35

Also cysts/sacs of fluid is not uncommon in the breast tissue causing a feel of lumpiness. Fibroadenoma is a collection of fibrous glandular tissue which is more notably known to occur in younger women If you notice a change in the shape/size of the breast or a lump even thickening then always check this out with your doctor. Other signs to look out for is dimpling of the skin or nipple shape changing, for example, if the nipple turns in or sinks back into the breast. Blood-stained discharge from the nipple or an unusual blemish or rash around the surrounding area needs to be checked out.

A swelling or lump under your armpit can also be a sign. If you have found that you have any of the above symptoms then seek medical attention right away.

Do not worry at this stage because breast lumps as such do not necessarily mean cancer. However the above mentioned inverted nipple or blood stained discharge etc can mean another type of ailment, either way these will need attention

The doctor will examine the breast and if necessary will refer you to a specialist for further checks. If the results from a mammogram or ultra sound shows a cyst, then to have it removed may entail draining it through a fine needle. If the lump is solid then treatment will be with the use of a very fine needle where a sample of tissue will be taken and tested for cancer cells.

This is a disease you can fight but once it spreads, then the breast cancer becomes a battlefield leaving you fighting for survival. Early detection can stop this war.

article71

2008-02-13T19:51:00.024-08:00

Why Radiotherapy Is Used For Multiple Myeloma?

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a malignant tumour of a type of white blood cell (the plasma cell).

Blood cells of all types are made in the bone marrow, which in adults occupies the central position of bones such as the vertebrae, ribs, pelvis and skull.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that, as a result, make excessive amounts of antibody (termed paraprotein or 'M' band). In common with all cancers, the plasma cells in myeloma are identical ('clonal'), because they originate from a single abnormal cell that starts to multiply out of control. The protein produced is, therefore, also identical ('monoclonal' meaning the product of a single clone).

The main treatments for Multiple Myeloma

Chemotherapy is nearly always the main treatment for myeloma. Radiotherapy and biological therapy are also used. If you are fit enough, your specialist may suggest intensive treatment using high dose chemotherapy with bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

The aim of your treatment is to try to get the disease under control. When there is no sign of active disease in your body, the cancer is said to be in remission.

What radiotherapy is?

Radiotherapy means using radiation to treat cancer. The radiation used is similar to that used for X-rays.

Why radiotherapy is used for Multiple Myeloma

Myeloma can cause a lot of damage to bones. Radiotherapy can treat areas where there is localised bone damage or pain. The myeloma destroys area of bone until it is full of holes, like a piece of lace. Obviously, this weakens the bone. Sometimes it causes it to break (fracture). Radiotherapy kills off the cancer cells in the bone and shrinks the cancer. This reduces the pressure caused by the cancer growth in the bone and helps to reduce bone pain.

Sometimes, a bone needs to be pinned to keep it stable and stop it from fracturing. This is done during an operation. The surgeon puts a metal pin into the bone to strengthen it and hold it together. This is done if there is a strong risk of the bone breaking before radiotherapy has had time to work. If you have an operation to fix a bone, you might still need to have radiotherapy afterwards to kill off the cancer and strengthen the bone.

If you have pain because of very widespread myeloma in your bones, or other treatments for myeloma are no longer controlling your myeloma, your doctor might suggest hemi body irradiation. This means that half your body is treated with radiotherapy at a time - the top half and the bottom half. The treatment is given in 2 halves because having your whole body treated has too many side effects. The damage to your bone marrow would be so severe that you would not be able to make enough blood cells and would be at serious risk of infection. Hemi body irradiation can make you feel sick and tired. Usually, your radiotherapist will prescribe anti-sickness tablets for you to take before each treatment. It is important to take these. They will make a big difference to how the treatment makes you feel.

article70

2008-02-13T19:51:00.023-08:00

Mammograms for Breast Augmentation Patients

Despite the possibility of your implant rupturing from the pressure, doctors still recommend that women who have undergone a breast augmentation have a mammogram.

Women who are considering breast augmentation should be aware that implants can interfere with finding breast cancer during a mammogram. This is because the implant shows up as a solid white shape, obscuring tumors above or below. In addition to making tumors more difficult to detect, implants cause "false positive" results as well when extensive scarring and calcium deposits mimic the appearance of cancer, making the deposits difficult to distinguish from tumors on a mammogram. Biopsy may be necessary to determine whether these are cancerous.

Specific mammogram techniques have been developed to ensure that as much breast tissue as possible is examined in women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery. This requires taking extra images, called displacement views, which expose the woman to more radiation.

In 2004, Miglioretti and her colleagues published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicating that 55% of breast tumors were not initially detected on mammograms for women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery, although the extra images were used.

This compares to about 30% of tumors that were not initially detected for women who did not have breast augmentation surgery. These tumors were subsequently detected in later mammograms.

Another problem is that calcium deposits can be seen on mammograms and can be mistaken for possible cancer, resulting in additional surgery to biopsy or remove the implant to distinguish these deposits from cancer. Calcium deposits may be felt as modules or bumps under the skin around the implant.

The displacement views do not protect against rupture, which becomes a greater problem as implants age. Dr. Lori Brown, an FDA scientist, published an article in 2004 in the Journal of Women's Health, indicating that the FDA has received dozens of reports of implants rupturing or leaking during mammography.

Ultrasound and MRIs can be used to detect breast cancer instead of mammograms, but this adds to the cost of screening and may not be covered by health insurance.

The bottom line is to ask yourself if the benefits of breast augmentation outweigh the risks of more serious diseases and complications. No one can answer this question for you, except you and of course, your doctor.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you or someone you know is considering breast augmentation surgery, please seek professional medical advice for the risks and benefits of this type of surgery.

article7

2008-02-13T19:51:00.022-08:00

Ayurveda - Modern Adaptation

Ayurveda arises a question in many people: how suitable are the recipes that were created thousands of years ago in India, for the modern Western civilization?

A big scientific research is being conducted now. This research confirms the hypothesis of ancient doctors about the ageing processes in the organism, which lead to different diseases. Research is being conducted in the area of oncology and allergology, the methods of controlling allergic reactions and stimulating the immune system are being studied.

Study shows that ancient science, which was mostly led by intuitiveness, came to the same conclusions. Modern scientists with Western education use the knowledge of Ayurveda, after adapting it to the modern circumstances. For example, different herb preparations are created more efficiently by using herb extracts, instead of pure herbs.

Based on ancient knowledge, new technological methods for getting preparations and medicines are created. Therefore, no one can blame Ayurveda for being a stagnant and old science, which cannot be transformed in any way.

On the contrary, it is a live science, and the increasing number of doctors that use this knowledge practically means that they will develop and transform according to needs of modern civilization.

However, if you study Ayurveda attentively, it becomes obvious that most of its recommendations and recipes don't need any adaptation at all. For example, Ayurveda not only allows us, but even recommends us to use products that grow in our country. We don't have to eat only exotic food that only grows in India.

It is enough to understand the meaning of recommendations about preferred products and ways of cooking them (the ingredients, temperature, time of eating and so on) to get results from treatment. Food has to be medicine, and medicine has to be food. And if our north climate makes us spend a lot of calories, to keep the organism active, then our food has to have more calories than food in warm countries. We can Ayurveda, and be right, in any climate, social and other circumstances.

article69

2008-02-13T19:51:00.021-08:00

Flax Facts - Naturally Healthy Properties Of Flaxseed

The flax seed is an amazing seed indeed - it is a bit larger than a sesame and it has a shell. The flax plant has provided food as well as fiber for clothing as far back as recorded history. Flaxseed oil also contains an omega-3 fatty acid that is being investigated for its ability to reduce risk of many conditions including hypertension, stroke, some cancers and immune and inflammatory disorders and certain skin ailments. Flaxseed oil is highly unsaturated and good for the heart. They are high in fiber and are even thought to be able to treat cancer.

1. Flax Seeds Slow Cancer

As was mentioned above, cancer is one of the things that the simple flax seed can help treat. Eating just a few teaspoons a day is all you need to slow the progression of cancer until you can get some real treatment.

2. Promotes Ovulation And Normal Hormonal Balance

For women trying to get pregnant, the lignins found in flaxseed can promote natural ovulation and extend the progesterone dominant second half of the cycle. Consistent ovulation improves their chances of conception. For women who are experiencing pre-menopausal symptoms such as headaches, sleep difficulties, breast cysts, fluid retention, anxiety, lowered sex drive and heavy bleeding can use flaxseed to help restore normal hormonal balance.

3. Heart Healthy

Flax is an essential fatty acid important for cell membranes, regulation of blood pressure and other functions. This omega-3 acid may reduce blood clotting reducing the chance of a fatal heart attack and lowering total blood cholesterol. It also is known to lower LDL or bad cholesterol. Flax is also found in soybean oil, walnuts and canola oil.

4. Rich In Fiber

You couldn't ask for a more healthy choice - flax is great for your heart and helps to stabilize blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Magnesium also is found in flaxseeds and help to reduce the severity of asthma by keeping airways open and relaxed. It can even cure headaches!

article68

2008-02-13T19:51:00.020-08:00

Flax Facts - Naturally Healthy Properties Of Flaxseed

1. Flax Seeds Slow Cancer

2. Promotes Ovulation And Normal Hormonal Balance

3. Heart Healthy

4. Rich In Fiber

article67

2008-02-13T19:51:00.019-08:00

Over Weight Induces Breast Cancer

Over weight is considered as the health condition that has uncountable visible and invisible side effects in the form of diseases and with more research on this topic more medical conditions found linked to obesity. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart related problems are the common one related to over weight that is commonly understood as obesity. Over weight can even act as source of growth for breast cancer in women. So never even in dreams take over weight as a normal health condition as it is capable of bringing unimagined medical conditions including the highly dangerous like cancer. A study has proved this fact that one in every four cases of breast cancer in post-menopausal women who have not used hormone replacement therapy is caused by weight gain, but the risk can be substantially lowered by losing weight, researchers reported today. If weight loss is extremely urgent affair than put your faith on weight lossmedications meant for quick weight loss like phentermine, phendimetrazine and Adipex.

Researchers found that if the women lost at least 22 pounds, they could reduce their risk of breast cancer by about 40 percent. If they managed to keep the weight off for at least four years, the risk was reduced by 60 percent. So weight loss is the only proved mantra to minimize chances of disease known as breast cancer linked to over weight.

Weight is one of the few risk factors for breast cancer women can do something about," said lead author A. Heather Eliassen, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. A recent report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, is the first to look at the effects of losing weight after menopause. Previous studies have established the connection between fat and breast cancer. Fat tissue produces estrogen, which increases the chances substantially for tumor growth in some kinds of breast cancer.

Other risk factors for breast cancer include a family history of the illness, early onset of menstruation, smoking and alcohol consumption. A recent report, which taken in account opinion of more than 87,000 women for 26 years, confirmed that gaining weight increases the chance of breast cancer.

A recent report has proved the fact that women, who gained 55 pounds or more after age 18, increased their breast cancer risk by 45 percent. Gaining 22 pounds or more after menopause increased the risk of breast cancer by about 20 percent.

Among the women who gained 55 pounds or more throughout adulthood, those who did not use hormone replacement therapy increased their breast cancer risk by 98 percent, while those who did use the therapy increased their risk by 20 percent. If you want to keep the life long tension of breast cancer away from you than always make sure to keep check on your weight. Those women who are obese must start looking for the effective method to bring down their weight as soon as possible. Weight loss medication like phentermine and phendimetrazine are of great help in movement against havoc of term obesity in real life. Life is going to change once again for women who loose their weight to subsidize the chances of cancer occurrence as it was found in recent study that over weight women is more prone to breast cancer.

article66

2008-02-13T19:51:00.018-08:00

Multiple Myeloma: Commonest Form Of Blood Cancer!

Multiple Myeloma is the commonest form of cancer of blood cells, accounting for 15 per cent of all blood cancers. There are about 2500 new cases per annum in the UK, giving rise to 10-15,000 patients with the condition at any one time. The overall incidence is rising, and is higher in Afro-Caribbeans.

Multiple myeloma is treatable, but it cannot be considered a curable condition.

Types of Myeloma
There is really only one main type of myeloma, but in different people, the cancerous plasma cells make different antibodies. Doctors more often call these antibodies 'immunoglobulins'. In each case of myeloma, only one type of immunoglobulin is overproduced, but this varies from patient to patient. There are 5 basic immunoglobulins - A, G, M, D and E. In myeloma, the commonest one that is overproduced is IgG and the rarest IgE.

Controlling your symptoms
Even if it is not possible to get your myeloma into remission, you can have treatment to help control the symptoms it causes. This may be mild chemotherapy to damp it down. Or you may have radiotherapy to any trouble spots in your bones. Bisphosphonates can also be used to try to slow down the progress of the myeloma. And to reduce the levels of calcium in your blood if this is too high. Your doctor may suggest a treatment called plasma pharesis if the level of abnormal immunoglobulin protein is too high in your blood. Too much protein in the blood can make it too thick and plasma pharesis will take out the excess protein.

Smouldering myeloma
You may also hear the term 'smouldering myeloma'. This is a condition that is much the same as MGUS. The only difference is that the immunoglobulin levels are slightly higher than in MGUS. But they are not rising and the condition is usually stable for long periods of time. There is a risk that the condition will speed up and develop into full blown multiple myeloma.

How does one develop myeloma?
The cause of myeloma is not known. It is not inherited and it is not contagious. In common with other blood cancers there is an increased incidence in patients exposed to radiation.

article65

2008-02-13T19:51:00.017-08:00

Cancer Sign North Node - Your Soul's Mission and Path to Fulfillment!

The nodes (south and north node) are two points in an astrological chart that possess priceless information about one's karmic past and soul-destined future. Calculated by using the birth data of the individual, the nodes symbolize the unique life path that one is on and can answer many questions about his own, as well as his partner's, inner struggles and desires -- answers that can transform not only his relationship but his life.

Since there are twelve signs of the zodiac, there are also twelve unique nodal positions -- each pair of nodes (north and south) representing two opposite signs of the zodiac. For instance, a Cancer Sign North Node is paired with a Capricorn Sign South Node because they are opposites. And because they are opposites, they create a clear picture of the dualistic struggle that resides within the Cancer north node/Capricorn south node individual.

Often, the individual is unaware of the war taking place inside, a situation that could go on for years. As time passes he is dumfounded by his inability to progress in life - professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. He doesn't understand why he keeps repeating the same mistakes over and over again and continues to dwell on the past as he desperately dreams of the future.

All of us have our own set of visible (and invisible) struggles to work through -- obstacles that the Nodes of the Moon can help us isolate and resolve while simultaneously freeing us to move forward on our destined path.

We all know that knowledge is power...and that's why I offer a bit of it to you...to give you the strength and courage you need to not only live, but thrive.

This week I'd like to begin with a brief overview of the Cancer North Node/Capricorn South Node position.

To start, let's take a look at some keywords. These words describe the polarity between these two opposing signs and can offer you a glimpse of the soul journey that the individual with this nodal position is on.

Just remember that the south node represents old patterns of being - patterns that have accumulated over lifetimes that now need to be acknowledged and released. The north node, on the other hand, represents the soul's potential - the direction of the future...the behavioral habits that will lead the individual to greater happiness and the kind of life that will fulfill him.

Here are some Capricorn South Node behavioral patterns -- patters that the individual must part with if he is to live an emotionally rich life:

Overly ambitious...pessimistic...insensitive...overly cautious...arrogant...obsessed with the past...disciplinarian...always needs rules...materialistic...unresponsive...stern...stubborn.

Here are some Cancer North Node behavioral patterns that the individual might find foreign at first, but ones that he needs to aspire to if he is to connect to his true potential and the existence his soul both needs and desires:

Nurturing...sensitive...intuitive...maternal...supportive...faithful...tenacious...protective...romantic...values family...devoted...focuses on home...empathetic...emotional.

The journey from a Capricorn south node to a Cancer north node will take some work. But so does everything else that holds so much potential. The key is to never lose sight of the ultimate goal and move towards it until it firmly lies within your hands.

The Cancer north node reveals a soul that has spent numerous incarnations as an opinioned, well-respected, and accomplished member of the community. It worked hard to achieve it's once prominent level of recognition and enters this lifetimes wanting, needing, and pursuing the same prestige it once had.

The Cancer north node individual also arrives with much inner pride. He has vivid memories of the dignified social presence he once had and can't understand why now, in his present life, he is not getting the respect he knows he deserves. As a result, he spends much of his life trying to regain what he feels he has lost.

In addition to pride, the Cancer north node individual also brings with him memories of past hardships as well as the desire to avoid all imperfection; especially within himself. He works harder than most yet fails to accomplish all that he sets out to do. And if he feels that a situation might make him seem inadequate, he will go far out of his way to escape the embarrassment; even if it means making himself emotionally and/ or physically ill.

Karmic residues of materialism and self-righteousness are also not foreign to him. Rarely will he accept the advice of others; secretly thinking that he knows best. Seldomly will he share his honest feelings because he believes in personal privacy and is unable to accept any form of criticism. And being the opportunist that he is, will strategically place himself in situations where there is something to be gained; not hesitating for one moment if offered the chance to use another's weakness for his own benefit. All of this is done secretly of course, as to not damage the respectful image he has worked so hard to create for himself.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you want to look at it, the Cancer north node will ask him to leave his rigid ways behind and to soften his walls when dealing with others. He will be asked to trade his arrogance for emotional honesty and will be shown the benefits of nurturing and being nurtured. And most importantly, he will asked to gradually open himself up to his Cancerian sensitivity. At times he might feel the urge to resist this transformation; feeling comfortable with the habits he has come to know so well. Yet life, being the wise teacher that it is, will certainly make sure that he stays on his soul-destined path.

As time goes by, he will begin to value life and family more than money, emotional connectedness more than calculated control and new creation more than old baggage. His soul will teach him that the rock which was once him, is now ready to give way and allow some water to seep in. His soul will help him see that one of his greatest pleasures and achievements in this lifetime will be to nourish others; both in physical and spiritual ways. His Capricorn south node has overfilled his vessel...and so now it is his turn to share its abundance with those who need it.

Having said all that, it might be a good idea to fill your surroundings with as many symbolic representations of the Cancer Sign as possible. Surrounding yourself with Cancer sign colors, Cancer sign fragrances, and Cancer sign ornaments will remind you of the soul mission you're on and help you find your unique path to fulfillment.

Now if it's your mate that has the Cancer sign north node, and you do that for your mate, well...that's about the greatest gift that you could ever give him/or her. Because there's nothing like the feeling one gets when he realizes that he has found someone who really gets him -- a true friend...lover...and the irreplaceable soul companion he's been searching for his entire life.

...that soul companion who is you!

article64

2008-02-13T19:51:00.016-08:00

Protecting Cats From Cancer

Cancer does not just affect human beings, cats can also be prone to the ill affects of this deadly disease. I have a cat who is called Pip and in this article I will be writing about my families experience in protecting her from cancer, which the vet has informed us, has ultimately saved and prolonged her life.

Pip is a beautiful and loving cat and is very much part of our family. She is treated like our third child and has what we hope to be a very happy and comfortable life.

I have been surrounded my animals for most of my life as my parents run an animal sanctuary in the Birmingham area of England. I have learnt quite a lot about these different animals and have a particular love of cats and dogs.

Pip herself is ninety-five percent white in colour, the other five percent is black. I am aware that cats which are mainly white are basically at a higher risk of catching a type of skin cancer than other cats. In the summer Pip would always love to sunbathe, basking in the sun. I would ensure that I put sun cream on her, mainly around her ears and tried to encourage to sleep more in the shaded areas of our garden. Pip is however quite stubborn and insisted on resting out of the shade.

Over the years I would check Pip out at regular intervals and one day noticed that she had some little black spots in and around her ears. These spots had not been there the last time I had checked her over and therefore I decided to take her to the vets. I felt confident that everything would be fine but just wanted to make sure.

The vet examined Pip and looked quite worried. He told us that Pip had a form of pre-cancer and that the only way that she would survive, in his opinion, would be to have her ears amputated.

This was very sad but we realised that in a way we had no choice. This all happened four years ago and Pip is still going strong today, unaware of how close she was to losing her life. The vet has stated that if I had not checked her out and brought her in to be examined that the cancer would have spread and that Pip would have only lived for around three to six months.

My advice for anyone who has a cat as a pet, especially if they are white in colour, is to check the cat every week or so and if you spot anything out of the ordinary, to take them to the vets.

article63

2008-02-13T19:51:00.015-08:00

Breast Cancer, Prevention is The Cure

October has been Breast Cancer Awareness month since 1985. In the coming days, pink ribbons will emerge in abundance, symbolizing the efforts of educational and fund raising events that take place to find the "cure", and offering hope to those already diagnosed. These local and national events will generate millions of dollars. As the "Race for the Cure" continues, how can women incorporate preventative measures into their daily lives? Prevention is the hope that you will not be one of the growing numbers of women being diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Women are repeatedly told that "early detection is the best protection". Early detection is vital if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, but this is not the same as prevention. While researching for this article, I realized that "early detection" is often confused with actual "prevention".

Sue Macleod, a breast cancer survivor and health care professional, observes that since the petro-chemical era of the 1930's, the incidence of breast cancer has risen from 1 in 50 women to 1 in 8 by the year 2000. To date, research continues to explore the links between breast cancer and the environment. The study, "State of the Evidence: What is the Connection Between Chemicals and Breast Cancer?" presented by the Breast Cancer Fund and Breast Cancer Action explores and summarizes the research about links between breast cancer and the environment. The document points out that we can no longer ignore the increasing evidence that repeated exposure to certain chemicals are contributing to the rising incidence of breast cancer each year. Chemicals such as parabans, pesticides, cleansers and pharmaceutical drugs act like estrogens in our bodies. This is troubling, because a woman's vulnerability to breast cancer increases as her lifetime exposure to estrogen increases.

The mounting evidence linking synthetic chemicals to the rising rates of breast cancer is empowering women to make healthy choices in their everyday lives. These choices are preventative.

What can be done to prevent breast cancer and minimize risk? *Choose 100% pure, synthetic chemical free cosmetics. Individuals can make healthy choices regarding the personal products they use daily. Many of these, including lotions, cosmetics, shampoos and conditioners, contain chemicals that have been linked to breast cancer. According to industry estimates, on any given day, a woman may use as many as 25 different cosmetic and personal care products containing more than 200 different chemical compounds. Avoid rubbing these toxic cocktails into your skin by choosing healthy, organic and natural products.

*Be a more informed consumer. Ask critical questions about "pink ribbon promotions" before you purchase a product. The cosmetic industry has been criticized for raising money for breast cancer research by promoting products that may actually contribute to the rising tide of breast cancer. See www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org for ways to demand safer products from cosmetic companies.

*Include high dietary intake of carotenes: dark leafy greens and green and yellow produce.

*Eat foods rich in Vitamin E and Selenium: sunflower seeds, freshly ground wheat, olive oil, flax oil, garlic, onions, and mushrooms.

*Reduce consumption of animal foods that contain hormones, such as milk, chicken, beef, and pork.

*Increase consumption of organically grown foods.

*Create sufficient consumption of Vitamin D: sunlight, 10 minutes daily; sardines and tuna.

*Discover what really moves you and keep moving: gardening, yoga, dance, walking, etc.

*Reduce or eliminate the use of plastic containers for food storage.

*Avoid unnecessary radiation; radiation is cumulative over a lifetime.

*Avoid using pesticides (weed killers, insecticides, etc) in your yard or home.

Join community action groups that support organizations that are investing in research that focus on cause and prevention. Support the "race for the cause".

So when you see those pink ribbons emerge this month, consider that they proclaim "Prevention is the Cure". Laura Weinberg, co-president of The Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition says it best, "The old pink ribbon is hope for the future. This pink ribbon is saying there is something we can do today."

Resources: Breast Cancer? Breast Health, Susan Weed

State of Evidence, www.bcaction.org, www.breastcancerfund.org

Pathways to Prevention, The Breast Cancer Fund

Stop Cancer.org

Cancer risk: Could beauty products have an ugly side? Sue Hutchinson, San Jose Mercury News, September 20 2005.

Use With Discretion, India Statesman, Women's Feature Service, September 4, 2005

### Pamela Cronan-Maddox, herself an ovarian cancer Survivor, is the visionary and president of The Alchemist's Apprentice, Inc. www.alchemistsapprentice.com., an online apothecary dedicated to providing 100% pure, organic and healthy personal care products.

article62

2008-02-13T19:51:00.014-08:00

Cancer mesothelioma - It is a born killer

What is mesothelioma?

The pericardium is the mesothelial tissue that surrounds and acts as a safeguard to the heart. The pleural mesothelium membrane covers the lungs and chest cavity and peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that enfolds the organs in the abdominal cavity.

What is actually cancer mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a dual layered membrane with which our chest, lungs, abdomen and the heart is wrapped safely.

Cancer Mesothelioma can damage any of these cells, although pleural mesothelioma is more common; it metastasizes and at an advanced stage the disease reach to the other parts of the body like the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

How is cancer mesothelioma caused?

Though asbestos exposure is the primary reason in 70% to 80% of the cases, mesothelioma can be caused by other means, like exposure to the chemical zeolite that is also present in asbestos.

Asbestos has become part of our daily life being in cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. The asbestos fibers take their toll by going into our windpipe and settling in the internal organs causing the formation of carcinogenic tumors.

The overall scenario regarding cancer mesothelioma

Though there is a ban on certain asbestos products, around 1000 people in France and above 2000 people in the U.S are faced with this nightmare each year.

Mostly, workers from shipyards, asbestos mines and mills are prone to this mishap, due to a constant exposure to asbestos. However, it takes 30 to 50 years for the disease to surface and show symptoms though they are not always accurate.

Cancer mesothelioma is proving more than a menace and the average person live for 12-24 months; the earlier it is detected, the better is the cure process.

The recent picture

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have put restrictions towards maintaining acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos are geared up with individual protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. Even the family members of the workers are prone to the disease, so they are advised to take a shower before leaving for home.

Symptoms of cancer mesothelioma

- Feeling out of breath and pain in the chest due to an accretion of fluid in the pleura - Peritoneal mesothelioma comprises weight loss and abdominal pain and a bulging abdomen due to accumulation of fluid - Bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever - Pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face

However, a registered medical practitioner can diagnose you correctly.

Diagnosis of cancer mesothelioma

Diagnosis commences with an assessment of the patient's medical history, as well as any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including: - X-rays of the chest or abdomen - A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a sequence of comprehensive pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine - In an MRI, a strong magnet connected to a computer is used to draw meticulous pictures of areas affected by cancer mesothelioma inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed - A biopsy regarding the taking out of a sample tissue for examination is needed to verify a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Types of biopsy depending on the location of the tumor are thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy

Lastly, the stage of the disease is important to the doctor for the correct diagnosis.

Cancer mesothelioma treatment

Treatment of cancer mesothelioma yields results depending on the site of the cancer, the phase of the disease, and the patient's physical condition. The usual treatments for cancer mesothelioma are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Occasionally, these treatments are combined.

Surgery is an effective way to remove tumor but the age of the person matters. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are good ways to ward off the symptoms.

Often, high-end drugs are given to the patient to reduce the fluid formation in body.

Thus, it is better for the workers to get a medical check up at equal intervals and be aware of its symptoms. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer mesothelioma at the earliest stage, the treatments might do wonders for him.

article61

2008-02-13T19:51:00.013-08:00

Breathing Problems And Backaches? It May Be Cancer!

Multiple Myeloma

In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) build up in the bone marrow, forming tumors in many bones of the body. These tumors may prevent the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells. Normally, the bone marrow produces stem cells (immature cells) that develop into three types of mature blood cells:

1. Red blood cells that carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues of the body. 2. White blood cells that fight infection and disease. 3. Platelets that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form.

As the number of myeloma cells increases, fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made. The myeloma cells also damage and weaken the hard parts of the bones. Sometimes multiple myeloma does not cause any symptoms. The following symptoms may be caused by multiple myeloma or other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

1. Bone pain, often in the back or ribs. 2. Bones that break easily. 3. Fever for no known reason or frequent infections. 4. Easy bruising or bleeding. 5. Trouble breathing. 6. Weakness of the arms or legs. 7. Feeling very tired.

A tumor can damage the bone and cause hypercalcemia (a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood). This can affect many organs in the body, including the kidneys, nerves, heart, muscles, and digestive tract, and cause serious health problems.

Other factors affecting prognosis

There are other factors that can affect your prognosis, apart from the stage of your cancer. One consideration is how well you are overall. Doctors call this your 'performance status'. You may see this written PS. A score of 0 means you are completely able to look after yourself. A score of 1 means you can do most things for yourself, but need some help. The scores continue to go up, depending on how much help you need. This is relevant to survival because overall, the fitter people are, the better able they are to withstand their cancer and treatment. This is particularly important in myeloma because fitter patients can withstand more intensive treatment.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer or 'cytotoxic' drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. As they circulate in the blood they can reach cancer cells wherever they are in your body.

Chemotherapy by mouth

Your doctor is more likely to suggest treatment with tablets if you are aged over 70 or are not fit enough to have a stem cell transplant. You will usually have the chemotherapy drugs melphalan or cyclophosphamide. Doctors often give a steroid drug called prednisolone with this chemotherapy. So you may see or hear it called MP or CP.

Occasionally doctors use chemotherapy tablets as initial treatment for people going on to have a stem cell transplant. They might use the chemotherapy drug idarubicin (Zavedos) with steroids. This combination is called Z-Dex.

article60

2008-02-13T19:51:00.012-08:00

Major breakthrough in the understanding of cancer

Hunting for Genetic Mutations and Cancer

The current paradigm in medical research holds that the cause of most cancers is a genetic mutation. For instance, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), an institute at the NIH, "all cancers are based on genetic mutations in body cells." In fact, mutation hunting is big business. Just look at the NIH budget allocated to discoveries of genetic mutations, the number of biotech companies chasing genetic mutations, the magnitude of the licensing agreements between biotech and pharmaceutical companies aimed to utilize newly discovered genetic mutations, and the number of stories in the media on genetic mutations and their so-called "link" to disease. However, this huge effort and billions of dollars has produced few discoveries and little benefits to the public. The reason for this limited success is simple. The cause of cancer is not a genetic mutation.

The story of the BRCA1 gene is a typical example of mutation hunting.

The Mystery of BRCA1

Genes, in general, produce proteins, which are the building blocks of cells. The concentration of the protein is tightly regulated. A mutated gene produces an abnormal concentration of its protein, which may lead to disease. In 1994, Mark Skolnick, PhD, discovered the BRCA1 gene (BRCA1 is short for BReast CAncer 1). Following the discovery, scientists observed an abnormally low level of the BRCA1 protein in breast cancer tissues. The BRCA1 protein is a cell cycle suppressor, which means that the protein prevents cell replication. This observation created a lot of excitement. At the time, scientists believed that they were on the verge of finding the cause of breast cancer. The reasoning was that breast cancer patients must have a mutated BRCA1 gene, which would explain the decreased production of the protein, and the excessive replication of breast cancer cells in tumors.

In the United States, 180,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year. However, the BRCA1 gene is mutated in less than 5% of these cases. In more than 95% of breast cancer patients the gene is not mutated.

So here is the mystery. If the gene is not mutated in the great majority of the breast cancer patients, why are the tumors showing low levels of the BRCA1 protein? Today, this is one of the biggest mysteries in cancer research.

The BRCA1 gene is not unique. Many normal (non-mutated) genes exhibit a mysterious abnormal (increased or decreased) production of proteins in cancer. Moreover, studies also report abnormal gene expression of normal genes in other diseases, such as atherosclerosis, obesity, osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, alopecia, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus, thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and graft versus host disease.

According to Dr. Raxit J. Jariwalla in his European Journal of Cancer paper: (Jariwalla RJ. Microcompetition and the origin of cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2005 Jan;41(1):15-9): "The prevalent view of the nature of cancer holds that it is a complex genetic process resulting from the progressive accumulation of mutations in specific cellular genes, such as proto-oncogenes or tumor-suppressor genes, leading to perturbations in processes involving signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and/or apoptosis. Genetic instability in tumors has been known for decades, however, the role of genomic instability in causing and promoting tumor growth remains controversial. Furthermore, although many studies report abnormal gene expression in cancer cells, often, no mutations or chemical modifications are observed around the locus of the dysregulated gene(s), suggesting that a genetic alteration is not the initiating event of cancer."

The Discovery

A virus is a collection of genes. To replicate, some viruses settle in the nucleus of the host cell and use the cell machinery to replicate. What is the effect of a viral gene on the production of cellular proteins?

Think of a gene as an assembly line of a protein. Like all assembly lines, the gene has two parts, a conveyor (the gene coding section), and a control panel (the gene promoter/enhancer). Imagine a cellular shop that assembles a product called BRCA1. One of the many buttons on the control panel is called N-box. Pressing the button increases production. However, only a small number of operators (called transcription factors), those who pass a special certification (called the p300 test), have permission to press this button. What happens when a virus opens a shop across the street from the cellular shop (called latent infection) to produce its viral products? The control panel in the viral shop also has an N-box button. To start production, the virus begins to hire away some of the certified operators. What is the effect of this "hiring away" on the number of available BRCA1 units? The number decreases. Moreover, the decrease becomes apparent even before the virus starts production (the "hiring away" is what creates the effect, not the viral proteins). The viral assembly line competes with the BRCA1 assembly line for the certified operators, and by hiring them away prevents the cellular shop from producing the optimum, or "healthy" number of BRCA1 units. The lower number of BRCA1 units leads to excessive cell replication and breast cancer. (See a more technical description in a recent paper published in the European Journal of Cancer.)

The infection with the latent virus causes abnormal production of other genes, and as a result, the development of other chronic diseases. This sequence of events easily explains why people who suffer from obesity are also more likely to suffer from diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, and why a recent large scale study found that a low-fat diet does not protect against breast cancer. It also explains another surprising observation that male pattern baldness is associated with heart disease and prostate cancer. In general, this sequence of events easily explains the numerous observations indicating a co-existence or co-morbidity of some chronic diseases.

This discovery was first described by Dr. Hanan Polansky in his book, Microcompetition with Foreign DNA and the Origin of Chronic Disease, published by The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease.

In his European Journal of Cancer paper, Dr. Raxit J. Jariwalla reports an interesting observation on the microcompetition discovery: "The key point of the theory is that the competing DNA sequences do not bind each other but compete for binding to a limiting transcription complex. In the example cited, the viral DNA and BRCA1 do not bind each other but compete for binding to the limiting GABP*p300/cbp transcription complex. It is interesting that when explaining observations reported in the literature, biologist tend to rely on the traditional physicochemical philosophy which centers on binding/non-binding events, or physical contact between molecules. In contrast, microcompetition with foreign DNA, which in essence is a reallocation of a rare resource, seem to draw on economic rather than physicochemical principles."

To summarize: the cause of cancer, and other chronic diseases, is not a genetic mutation, it is a reallocation of a scarce genetic resource caused by the latent presence of a virus (or other types of foreign DNA).

Reaction of the Scientific Community

What is the scientific community saying about Dr. Polansky's discovery?

Consider what the famous heart surgeon and "Living Legend," Michael E. DeBakey, said about the discovery, "The theory underlying the basic concept concerning the origin of chronic diseases presented by Dr. Polansky is most interesting, indeed fascinating ... Perhaps a symposium could be held to provide a forum for further discussions and critiques of this fascinating theory."

Elena N. Naumova, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, said, "Dr. Polansky's work compellingly demonstrates a framework that could bring together researchers from different fields. His proposed theory will work its magic by clarifying ambiguous definitions, identifying similarities and differences in various biological processes, and discovering new pathways ... I believe that Dr. Polansky's book will catalyze the scientific learning process, promote interdisciplinary cross-fertilization, stimulate development of treatment strategies and drug discovery, and leave the reader inspired."

Sivasubramanian Baskar, PhD, Senior Scientist from the National Cancer Institute, NIH, said, "At first, I wish to congratulate Dr. Hanan Polansky for his scientific bravery to take such a unique, novel approach to further stimulate our understanding of the origin and establishment of chronic diseases. The philosophy underscored is an excellent one ... The amazing correlation between theoretical predictions and observed in vivo effects seems to bring us a step closer to a deeper understanding of such complex biologic processes."

Marc Pouliot, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Canada, said, "The concept of microcompetition will change our approach in the study of chronic diseases and will furthermore give scientists a higher level of understanding in biology. Presentation of this concept undoubtedly provides a new set of opportunities for attacking chronic diseases ... They lead the way to new approaches in chronic disease treatment."

Howard A. Young, PhD, Section Head, Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, said, "In summary, Dr. Polansky is to be applauded for his attempt to provide a unifying basis for chronic diseases. His theories are stimulating and offer a basis for experimental testing and possible treatment."

article6

2008-02-13T19:51:00.011-08:00

Ayurveda - Eating and Cleaning

Ayurveda gives great importance to these two factors, considering them the most important things in achieving a healthy way of life. As a result of inappropriate food, "ama" - toxins build up in our organism. They are food for bacteria and viruses, they cause allergies and depression.

It is enough to reconsider the way we look at food to decrease the level of ama, and thus, lessen the risk of illnesses. Still, no matter how hard we try, it is very hard to achieve perfection, therefore, from time to time, we need to completely clean our organism.

Every Ayurvedic program contains enemas, cleaning procedures with boiled in water, butter, and milk healing herbs. Herbs are chosen individually. Our local herbs, like milfoil, chamomile, and nettle can be used.

For example, in Western clinics it is widespread practice to use local herbs, which were grown in ecologically clean areas. Although such clinics is not strictly Ayurvedic, the cleansing and rejuvenating methods we use agree with Ayurveda's main principle.

As an addition to cleaning preparations, Ayurveda recommends natural stimulants and special mixtures - jams, such as Chayavanprash, which are made from more than 100 minerals, herbs, and metals that have a very strong stimulating effect. They stimulate mental activity, clean the skin, normalize the peristaltic of the intestines, and the work of the inner organs.

Now, it is easy to buy such preparations - they are licensed and are prepared well on quality equipment. They are now also available in Western countries. These countries have been using healing herb recipes of Ayurveda for a long time.

For example, Germany, which is sensitive to money and will not pay too much for some mystification, has been the biggest client of Ayurvedic productions in Europe since the 70s. There are many German sites and special courses for those, who want to study Ayurvedic science.

article59

2008-02-13T19:51:00.010-08:00

Breast Cancer

Epidemiology

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second most common (after lung cancer) cause of death in this group. However, to some extent, it concerns men as well.Different countries in the world have varying incidence of breast cancer. The West Europe countries and the USA have the highest incidence rates, adequately 35-60/100 000 and 65/100 000, whereas the Far East countries have the lowest rate (i.e. in Japan it is five times lower than in the USA).

Risk factors

Risk factors point to increased risk, that is at higher probability of falling ill among specimens of a given population. The most important risk factors include:

1. Woman's age

Incidence of breast cancer increases with age.

2. Ethnic/geographical factors

These factors, although they have been taken into consideration for years, are extremely difficult to interpret. High breast cancer incidence occurs in the USA and in West Europe, low - in Asian, Far East and African countries. Breast cancer is usually developed in Caucasian women living in a quite cold climate in the highly developed countries. It is dependent upon the influence of the following factors: race, climate, nutrition style, types of the undergone diseases, lifestyle and culture style, family planning, age of the first pregnancy, number of children, breastfeeding's popularity, etc. Black and yellow women become ill more rarely.

3. Family factors

The more affected relatives and the closer degree of kinship to them, the bigger probability of suffering from cancer. The risk increases, if these tumours occurred in ones mother and sister under the age of 35 . Genetically determined breast cancer, which amounts to 10% of all the breast tumours, most often being the result of BRCA1, BRCA2, p53 and ATM genes mutation. Breast cancer can also occur in the course of some inheritably associated syndromes, among others in Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Lynch II syndrome, Cowden's disease, Peutz-Jaeghers syndrome, ataxia-teleangiectasia, Klinefelter syndrome

4. Age of first menstruation and menopause

Appearance of first menses before the age of 12 significantly increases (by about 40%) the risk of breast cancer. Natural menopause appearing after age 55 increases risk of breast cancer twofold. Thus, the most important factor is the total number of years of ovulation activity.

5. Age of first pregnancy and delivery

Women who give birth to their first child in the age of between 20 and 30 have a lower risk of breast cancer. Nulliparous women are more exposed to breast cancer, by almost 50%.

6. Breastfeeding

Women with much lower risk of falling ill protected from breast cancer development by breastfeeding. Even relatively short time of breastfeeding gives some protection

7. Ionising radiation

High doses of X radiation (applied during routine "X-rays") can cause breast cancer. It is worth to stress that the contemporary mammography apparati expose a woman to a minimal dose of radiation.

8. Alcohol and diet

Excessive alcohol consumption for a long period of time increases the risk of breast cancer development, because the liver damage impairs estrogen metabolism (high estrogen concentration increases the risk of falling ill). It is suspected that one of the factors, which increases the breast cancer risk, is food with high content of saturated fat

9. Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer development, as it is more difficult to find breast changes in obese people . moreover, fat cells produce estrogens

10. Exogenous hormones (hormone contraceptives)

It is believed that oral contraceptives (which include mainly estrogens), even if they are connected with breast cancer, act as a factor facilitating and accelerating the development of the disease, which has already appeared, rather than a factor causing genetic mutations and evoking disease. It is also believed that pills that are made only of progesterone and so called minipills don't increase the breast cancer risk. The pills may increase the risk in genetically loaded women or women using oral contraceptives for at least 8 years until first pregnancy. It is believed that preparations which include progesterone alone, don't affect the risk for breast cancer appearance. However, preparations that include progesterone and estrogens may influence the tumour appearance. The risk is growing for women taking hormone medications longer than 8 years.

Treatment

Breast cancer is treated locally or generally, although some patients may undergo both types of treatment. Local treatment consists in surgical removal or destruction of the lesion. General treatment (chemotherapy, hormone therapy) aims at inhibiting the tumour process or decreasing the size of tumour before operation and it is also applied in significant disease progression instead of surgery. Surgical treatment is the most common way to treat breast cancer. Patients in I0 and II0 clinical progression are qualified for the surgical treatment . The most often performed surgery is the modified breast amputation by Patey's way (excision of the breast gland together with the axillary lymph nodes, without removing the breast muscles). Some patients are qualified for breast conserving treatment.

Such possibility exists in the following cases:

- TisN0M0

- T1N0M0

- T1N1M0

- T2N0-1M0 (tumour not bigger than 3cm in a mammographic measurement)

- Possibility of removing the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue

- Satisying cosmetic effect foreseen

- Patient's consent to breast conserving treatment

- The lack of contraindications

The absolute contraindications include:

1. Multicentric cancer

2. Cancer relapse after the previous breast conserving treatment

3. Previous undergoing of breast irradiation

4. No possibility of getting the margin of healthy tissue

The relative contraindications include:

1. Pregnancy

2. Foreseen unsatisfying cosmetic effect

3. Connective tissue disease (collagenosis)

Breast Conserving Treatment (BCT) includes replacing tumour within healthy tissues and regional axillary lymph nodes. The following ways of breast tumour removal are distinguished:

- tylectomy

- removing the tumour with a margin of at least 2cm. If the margin from the muscles' side is smaller than cm, the tumour must be removed together with fascia,

- wide excision, lumpectomy

- removing the tumour together with the bulk unchanged tissues margin of 1 cm. This margin can be smaller from the muscles side, but then fascia has to be removed.

article58

2008-02-13T19:51:00.009-08:00

Don''t Be Fooled By Cosmetic Claims

The label on a cosmetic product may reassure you that the product is natural and caring, free of harsh and unwanted ingredients, or has special or gentle properties, but the terms used can be downright misleading as they have no standard meaning. We decode some questionable claims to reveal the plain truth.

Natural or Organic

NATURAL can mean anything to anybody. Some manufacturers may use the term to imply that the product will not moldy, or is harmless.

The term however, is more commonly used to describe ingredients which are extracted directly from plants or animal products, as opposed to being produced synthetically.

But in what concentration the natural ingredient occurs- whether its 100%, 80% or just 50%- is anyones guess. As far as allergies or irritations go, natural is no better than synthetic.

Some natural ingredients in cosmetics can cause allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to certain plants or animals, you could have an allergic reaction to cosmetics, containing these ingredients. For instance, lanolin, extracted from sheep wool, is an ingredient in many moisturizers and is a common cause of allergies.

According to a 1996 Danish survey, 35% of natural cosmetics have allergenic fragrances and it is common for natural perfumes to have the most allergenic fragrance.

Impure and unsafe

And natural plant extracts does not mean pure, clean of perfect either. According to the cosmetic trade journal, Drug and Cosmetic Industry, all plants (including those used in cosmetics) can be heavily contaminated with bacteria, and pesticides and chemical fertilizers are widely used to improve crop yields.

Some plants can also contain toxin ingredients. For example, comfrey (an ingredient in certain herbal cosmetics) which contains substances known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids , is potentially poisonous if absorbed through cracked or broken skin.

Unnatural

Because natural beauty and hygiene items are becoming big business, some not-so-natural manufacturers are trying to capitalize on the market and putting the word natural on their product labels.

Their products may sound natural, with their jojoba oil, honey, herbs and wheatgerm oil for example, but they may also contain such unnatural ingredients as artificial colours, fragrances and preservatives.

Natural products which use natural preservatives, like naturally occurring Vitamins E and C, are not any safer either. According to Alexander Fischer, M.D author of Contact Dermatitis, Topical Vitamin E is a potent sensitizer which can produce both delayed allergenic contact dermatitis and immediate allergic hives.

Gerald McKnight, author of The Skin Game, warns that organic essences and ingredients which are being increasingly used in cosmetics today, are not only more likely to set up allergic reactions, they also tend to deteriorate more quickly.

Cruelty free or Not tested on animals

THERE are no legal definitions for these or other similar terms used on product labels. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some companies product may apply such claims solely to their finished cosmetic products. However, these companies may rely on raw material suppliers or contract laboratories to perform any animal testing necessary to substantiate product or ingredient safety.

Many raw materials used in cosmetics today were tested on animals years ago when they were first introduced. A cosmetic manufacturer might use only those raw materials and base their crulty free claims on the fact that the materials or products are not currently tested on animals.

Hence while claims that a product has not been tested on animals are basically true, the inished products- labeled or not- rarely are. According to experts, the term cruelty free is also used rather loosely. While for some companies it can mean that the product is not tested on animals, for others it means the product contains no animal ingredients.

For still others, it could mean that the company has declared a moratorium on animal testing, or didnt test on that particular product, but still tests other products on animals, or at least hasnt ruled out testing in the future.

(see also separate topics on safety of animal tests, and animal by-products in cosmetics)

Unscented & Fragrance free

THESE two terms sound alike but they are not. Unscented means that nothing has been added to a product to enhance its smell. However, something could have been added to mask another smell e.g: the fatty odor of soap, or other unpleasant odors in unscented antiperspirants and vaginal lubricants)

Fragrance free usually means that no perfumes, oils or scents have been added toa product. However, even this definition is not foolproof. A small amount could still have been added to mask unpleasant base odors or chemical smells.

According to the US FDA, the above expressions have no legal definitions and are presently used by the cosmetic industry virtually without restriction. Beware of non-fragranced or without perfume products too. These often have aromatics such as sandalwood oil and lavender essence that create a slight scent. Other similarly suspicious terms are lightly scented and non-lingering fragrance.

Oil free

DOES oil free mean that a product contains no oil? It depends on how you define oil free, and unfortunately, the cosmetics industry defines oil differently than a consumer might. In the cosmetics industry, an oil is defined as having a specific chemical formula. If an ingredient does not have this formula, it does not have to be called an oil, even if it behaves like an oil.

In other words, a product can obtain a substance that clogs pores (just like an oil), but if it does not have the chemical formula for oil, it is not considered an oil. Unless you have oily or acne-prone skin, there is nothing wrong with oils in cosmetics- they are fundamental ingredients that have been used for centuries to care for the skin.

Some manufacturers will state their product is non-greasy, although it may contain mineral oil for instance- it comes down to a subjective judgment about how you think the product feels. Oil free may be a desirable factor in a cleanser for instance, if you have oily skin. But dont be misled. According to Face Facts, a 1994 book published by the Australian Consumers Association, the phrase has been spotted describing products such as toners which you wouldnt expect to contain oil anyway.

100%...

100% of something is another popular labeling trick used to describe a cosmetic product. There is no standard use of this claim. A product may be promoted as containing 100% aloe vera. However, this does not necessarily mean that the entire product is aloe vera.

It could mean that the amount of aloe vera used in the product is 100% (ie pure aloe vera which has not been diluted with anything). But the product itself is not wholly made up of aloe vera, and has other ingredients as well. It is also questionable whether the 100% ingredient has been included in an amount that is sufficient to have any effect. Or is it there just to help sell the product?

Non-comedogenic or Non-acnegenic

NON-COMEDOGENIC is an unnecessarily big word with a simple meaning- that a product will not clog pores. A clogged pore causes comedones (white heads which may eventually become blackheads and then pimples)

This term (another variation is non-acnegenic) on a product means that the manufacturer has tried to eliminate the chemicals that have been known or tested in a laboratory animal to have comedones. Besides being an ethical question in itself, animals do not necessarily react as humans do- so the results may not be totally accurate.

In addition, a product could have oils in it that are comedogenic, but if the product passes certain tests, it can be labeled non-comedogenic.

Alcohol free

ALCOHOL FREE products are believed to be gentler on the skin or hair, and less dryng. Cosmetic products claimed to be alcohol free usually not contain ethyl alcohol (also known as grain alcohol) which has a drying effect.

But according to the US FDA, cosmetic products, whether labeled alcohol free or not, may contain other alcohols suc as cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin- all of which are called fatty alcohols- although these have a different set of effects on the skin or body. The bottom line is alcohol free is also a misleading term.

article57

2008-02-13T19:51:00.008-08:00

Boost Your Immune System Naturally

The main function of the immune system is to protect the body against various infections. It is the most important body component that helps in determining ones state of health. The effectiveness of immune system varies from person to person. In case of weak immune system the person is more susceptible to infections and other health problems. Immune system forms various antibodies that fight against germs. The main components of the immune system are bone marrow, antibodies, cells, lymph nodes, spleen, chemicals, thymus glands and tonsils. There are many foods that interfere with the working of immune system and various nutrients and herbs that enhance the immune system. The two main herbs that are highly beneficial for immunity enhancement are:

Amla

It is the richest natural source of vitamin C. It is considered as a versatile and powerful antioxidant that protects the body against all types of cancer, fights against virus that is responsible for causing AIDS and HIV. Amla also helps in lowering the blood pressure. Other than a rich source of vitamin C it is a good dietary source of various minerals and amino acids. It is helpful in raising the total protein level and the body weight. Due to its antibacterial and astringent properties it helps to fight against various infections, thus, making the immune system strong. In Ayurveda it is considered as an acrid, cooling, refrigerant, diuretic, laxative and with anabolic effect. Various other benefits of amla are:

Helps in good iron absorption from the dietary sources.

It increases the protein synthesis that strengthens the body muscles.

Helps in better food absorption making the digestive system strong and balances the stomach acid.

It strengthens the liver and helps in the easy removal of toxins and morbid matter from the body.

It is also responsible for strengthening the hair, nails, bones and teeth. It prevents the premature graying of hair and dandruff.

It provides nourishment to the brain and heart making the nervous system strong and lowering the blood cholesterol.

It is considered best tonic for eyes .

All these benefits make amla a strong immune enhancer

Pure Herbal Amla Supplements at

Ashwagandha

In Ayurveda the herb ashwagandha is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, anti-oxidant, rejuvenating, aphrodisiac and immune enhancing properties. It is considered as an adaptogen that stimulates the immune system and improves the memory. It also helps to fight against stress due to its anti-stress properties. It increases the count of white blood cells and prepares the body to produce antigens against various infections and allergies. It is also considered as a tonic for the heart and lungs as its regular intake controls the blood pressure and regulates the heartbeat. It has a strong nourishing and protective effect on the nervous system. Various other benefits of ashwagandha are:

It reduces the inflammation of the joints, eases arthritis and increases the energy level of body.

It is also considered as a sex stimulant for both men and women.

It helps in preventing miscarriages in pregnant women by balancing the hormones that stabilizes the pregnancy.

Its regular use helps in the maintaining the sugar and cholesterol levels.

It is the only herb that supports the immune system of HIV patients.

It has been used in prolonging life, improving overall health, enhancing mental function, increasing fertility and libido, augmenting physical energy, and preventing infections. Thus, acting as an immune booster.

article56

2008-02-13T19:51:00.007-08:00

Using Ayurvedic Principles In Your Daily Diet

The ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda believes that what you eat is equally important as what your body does with the food you just ate. This combination and not just the food alone, is what really shapes your health and well-being.

In Ayurveda, each body is unique with unique dietary needs. Your Ayurvedic practitioner will check your body constitution, age, the environment you live in, what is currently causing you to have an imbalance between mind and body. However, there are key Ayurvedic diet principles that are universal and the following are simple ways to integrate the Ayurvedic way of eating into your usual eating habits.

First, it is suggested that you add the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon to a hot cup of water or add lemon zest to your herbal tea. This should be drunk first thing in the morning before breakfast. This warm lemon juice is good for all body types because it aids intestinal cleansing by slowing the growth of disease-causing bacteria in the digestive system. It enhances digestion and helps reduce bloating while stimulating the digestive juices. This juice also helps in elimination so your tummy is naturally flushed clear in the morning. Lemon juice is also an antioxidant that helps fight other disease-causing free radicals in the body while keeping your skin clear.

Second, refrain from drinking cold beverages. According to Ayurveda, having iced or cold drinks especially with or right after a meal will hamper effective digestion. It's like emptying cold water over hot coals-this is what you do to your digestive system when you drink iced beverages with any meal. Instead, choose lukewarm water or fennel tea to help digestion and prevent bloating. You can also drink cumin tea or ginger-mint tea. Warm spiced tea can stimulate digestion and help your body absorb nutrients from the food you are eating. They also flush toxins from your system.

Third, eat slowly and mindfully. Try to present food beautifully. Well-presented food can engage all your other senses that will later aid in digestion. Eating should be a delightful and creative experience, with aromas, colors and flavors blending and coming together for your full enjoyment. Your dining area should be clean and free of clutter. Nothing else but food should be on the table during mealtimes. Try to eat in a peaceful and happy atmosphere as much as you can.

Fourth, eat lunch properly. Most of us skip lunch or just grab a bite because we're too busy. In Ayurveda, lunch is THE most important meal of the day. Mid-day is the time when digestion is at its natural peak for your body to complete the digestion process fully. A heavy meal at night is discouraged because eating a heavy dinner results in a lot of undigested food that gets clogged in your system. It's harder to fall asleep after a heavy dinner. Weight gain can also be inevitable. After eating a full lunch, it is suggested that you take time to relax and sit quietly. This gives your body a chance to digest well before you resume your daily activities.

article55

2008-02-13T19:51:00.006-08:00

Knowing Hinduism or Hindu Religion

Hindus are concentrated in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and these places have been the hot spot of this culture since time immemorial. Unlike other religions, Hinduism does not recognize a single prophet and has multitude of gods and goddesses, mythologically numbering at around 30 millions! Such a figure is given in mythology by people of wisdom who have included all such perceptible forms as things of worship, so that man can see god in them and respect the existence of such all forms (plant, animal, stone, sky, stars, soil, water, rain, fellow human being, etc.

While failing to appreciate such deep meaning of the practices and beliefs, few people from within and outside have started criticizing negatively the Hindu way of life as something of superstition and irrelavancy.The same people have done precious little in appreciating the basic tenets, principles, thoughts, etc. of Hinduism while magnifying the seemingly negative and negative things.

Also, Indian communists never miss an opportunity to point out that the name 'Hindu' or 'Hinduism' is not ancient and that the name has been given by Persian invaders. Yes, it might me true, but the way of life, its culture being followed since thousands of years in India, Nepal and in earlier days, in many other countries surrounding India, does not cease to exist, just because it does not have a indigenous name. For example, though coconut and rice are predominantly grown in south of India, they are mandatory for religious purposes in all parts of the country. Lord Srirama or Sri Krishna, though are believed to hail from the northern India, and are worshipped through out all the three nations.

The Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, though follow their own religions are still part of the Hindu way of life in that they worship the Hindu gods and goddesses and even name themselves after the Hindu names. Thus the term Hinduism, irrespective of the time and origin, represents the much older native culture and traditions of ancient India, comprising of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, etc.

Unlike the earlier Islamic invaders, known for violent way of promoting their religion by invading and destroying the local cultures and Christianity which is known for aggressive promotion through missionary activities, Hinduism is never known to have been promoted aggressively or purposively.Hindusim or people of the ancient culture of India have allowed religions like Buddhism to take root in India. In act Buddhism has not been promoted in other countries by Indians who traveled abroad, but it has been taken by those people from other countries who have traveled to India and back to their countries.

Another great aspect of Hinduism is that it has promoted spirituality and recommended restraint in becoming overly materialistic. The knowledge gained by learned people, has been used for general good of the public (such as Ayurveda, Yoga etc). I believe, no other religion or religious literature has such copious mix of spiritualism and knowledge related to daily life applications.

Even many traditional practices, have a scientific background relevant either to the olden times or even the present day. For example cow dung mixed with water is sprinkled in the front yard daily after sweeping and even the mud floors are applied with a dung paste periodically. Sprinkling dung mixed with water is known to be germicidal.

Die hard detractors of Hinduism (read communists of India), should note that the good old traditions cannot be looked with oversight and that Hinduism is not equivalent to casteism alone, which they frequently refer to.

Explaining the Hindu way of life (Dharma)in an article such as this, though may not do justice, it will give insights for further research and understanding the ancient Indian way of life.

article54

2008-02-13T19:51:00.005-08:00

Increase Libido

Many people are in search of a solution to increase libido. This is to have a healthy and pleasure filled sexual life. Many companies have introduced several products, which help to increase libido to the levels that match teenage years. Some of these products offer increase in libido within hours.

There are many reasons for the decreased libido. The most common causes for the decrease in libido includes psychological issues, physical conditions such as surgery or illness, pain, and fatigue. For women, the main factors that contribute to decreased libido are pregnancy and aging. The decreased libido in the late reproductive years is associated with a pronounced fluctuation in total testosterone over time. Vaginal dryness, depression, and living with children are other independent risk factors.

According to the Ayurveda, the libido problems are due to sex done by compulsions, without liking, anxiety and stress, consuming spicy, salty and hot food, excessive indulgence in sexual activities, and due to controlling the sexual urges for longer duration. Persons between age group from 21 to 70 can be treated via Vaajikarana to increase libido. Vaajikarana is the treatment adopted in Ayurveda to increase libido. As the name 'Vaaji means a horse, the strength of a man to perform sexual act increases by this therapy. This therapy helps in determining the level of imbalance present in energetic forces of male reproductive system, which in turn helps to take the effective preventive measures.

A good number of natural herbs are available in the market which increase libido. These herbal ingredients help by rejuvenating the energy levels and by stimulating pelvic circulation, resulting in an increased desire. Even though these libido enhancers work efficiently take care in using only a safe one. It is better to consult a physician before using libido enhancers.

By making some changes in daily habit one can increase libido. Reducing weight, eating more nutritious foods, reading sexy novel and finally the belief in ones sensuality can improve low libido. Moderate exercise can also increase libido.

article53

2008-02-13T19:51:00.004-08:00

Triphala Herb for Colon Cleansing

To cope up with the fast moving environment, we are undergoing several changes in our day-to-day life, thus causing great stress on our mind and health leading to too many ailments and disorders. The use if various medicines and drugs to cure these problems are causing various side-effects on ones physical structure. Fed up from these side-effects people are moving towards different natural remedies that have been proved to be inexpensive and gives no side-effects. One of the natural remedies is Ayurveda which is regarded as a traditional system of healing. One of its gift is Triphala which has been proved beneficial in curing many diseases. It is the most popular herb used in ayurveda.

The composition of triphala consists of three fruits, amla, harada and behada. Amla is the richest source of vitamin C that is highly beneficial for stomach problems and enhancing the immune system. Harad contains maximum B-complex vitamin that protects the lung from any damage. Behada is the richest source of vitamin A and has a property of astringent and laxative. Triphala restores and balance body functions so that the body achieves maximum potential of the nutrients. It is considered as a highly nutritious compound that cleanses, detoxifies and toxifies the deepest organic levels without causing depletion of the body reserves. It is considered as an effective laxative that helps in the body strengthening. It is regarded as the best rejuvenating agent that strengthens the immune system. It is considered as one of the important and valuable preparations of ayurveda.

Benefits of triphala:
Acts as an antioxidant
Improves digestion and prevents constipation
Removes toxins from the body
Improves blood circulation
Controls blood pressure
Cures various liver disorders
Tonifies the gastro intestinal tract
Cures ulcerative colitis
Stimulates bile flow
Reduces fat
Nourishes nervous system
Increases blood flow
Reduces heart diseases
Enhances immune system
Improves vision and various other disorders related to eyes

Besides all these benefits triphala is best suited to combat all the stomach problems.

article52

2008-02-13T19:51:00.003-08:00

Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine

If you're familiar with the terms "pitta" and "vata", then chances are you've been acquainted with one of the most ancient medical practices of Asia. Ayurveda (pronounced eye-your-VAY-da) has just began to break through mainstream Western medical consciousness as more and more people have began to look for drug-free and natural remedies to cure their ailments and spirits.

Ayurveda is the natural system of medicine that has been traditionally practiced in India for more than 5,000 years. It is a Sanskrit word that literally translated means "the science of life" and "science of longevity". Ayurveda is the health care system that was slowly and steadily developed by traditional seers and natural scientists through centuries of meditation, observation, discussion and experiments. These Ayurvedic teachings were then orally passed on from teacher to student until the sixth century BC, where detailed Sanskrit texts were finally written. It is said that even the ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Chinese and Tibetan medicine systems are said to be derived from Ayurveda. Because of its rich history and philosophy, this multifarious medical system is still the treatment method of choice even for most of modern India and Southeast Asia.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention of disease rather than its treatment. It has systems that aim for the rejuvenation of our body and the extension of life span. The Ayruvedic tradition believes that five elements -- space, air, fire, water and earth -- make up the world we live in. Each element is found in the human body and called the "dosha". The forces and principles that are found in all of nature are also seen in our human systems. In Ayurveda, our minds (or consciousness) and our bodies are not separate - they are united as one, called the "mind-body". Ayurvedic philosophy and practices reconnect us to ourselves and reminds us that we are one with nature and with the entire cosmos. Mental and physical health are one and the same, so in Ayurveda, symptoms and diseases in the mind (like thoughts and feelings) are just as vital as symptoms and diseases of the body (like pain and physical difficulties). These produce imbalance and illness, so both mind and body are treated simultaneously by restoring their natural balance. In short, to be healed, your whole physical lifestyle must be in sync with what you feel inside.

The Ayurvedic objective is to live a long balanced life that achieves our fullest potentials and expresses our true inner nature by adhering to certain daily practices that prevent disease. However, Ayurvedic treatments do not simply dwell on herbal medications. The system emphasizes the inclusion of meditation, yoga, massage and proper diet. It believes in integrating the mind, body and spirit to maintain good health and long life.

In India, Ayurvedic practitioners undergo state-recognized and institutionalized training, much like Western doctors. Only recently has there been a slow acceptance of Ayurveda in the West with the positive research outcomes of meditative techniques and yoga in Western medical literature. Today, more prominent and published studies have documented the success of the Ayurvedic approach in healing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels, certain cancers, infectious diseases and most stress-induced illnesses.

article51

2008-02-13T19:51:00.002-08:00

Want to Look Beautiful in the Natural Way

Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing complexion. Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.

Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.

Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.
Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)
Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.
Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.
Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.
Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.

Try out some of these simple natural remedies for smooth, clear and radiant complexion.

article50

2008-02-13T19:51:00.001-08:00

Mental Disorder and its Natural Herbal Cure

A very common problem now a day is mental disorder. It is a very general term that covers all the problems that are related to our mind. These problems arise when our mind is hit harshly by external and internal problem. These problems are the facts that are consciously or subconsciously not acceptable to our mind. This unwanted feeling of acceptance of the result of the given problem leads to the creation of psychic disease, which is termed as mental disorder. Our bodys mechanism is such that it tries to come in harmony by it self but if the person is not able to come out of the problem that is prevailing, it leads to mental sickness. This results in imbalance in mind; behavior, attitude, reactions, tolerance, manners, actions and outlook or simply we can say the person becomes abnormal in his day-to-day activities. These conditions can involve any person, of any age, either of the two sexes, of any place and of any socioeconomic background. Ayurveda has mentioned lot about mental disorders under the heading UNNMAD.

Now two types of queries might be sticking your mind.
1. How to cure this mental sickness?
2. How to maintain stable state of mind that keeps us away from having these problems?

Answer to your query is only one i.e. AYURVEDA and YOGA Basic principal on which ayurveda was designed was how to maintain a health of a healthy person and how to cure a diseased person. First of all I will mention about some urges which person should adapt of a peaceful living as mentioned in ayurveda. These are called dharniye Vega or the urges that should be adapted in life. These are: - 1. Should not be greedy
2. Should not be afraid of any one
3. Should not be short tempered
4. Should not be jealous on anyones success.
5. Should not speak bad words to any one.
6. Should always be helpful to others.

There are certain herbs that are mentioned in ayurveda, which has wonderful effects in treating mental disorders, and improve brains efficiency.

Some of those are mentioned below

1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Commonly known as Indian Pennywort is generally found everywhere in India especially above 4000 ft. of height. This herb is most extensively used in Indian system of medicine as brain tonic and stress reliever. Due to its laghu (light) gunna (property), it is able to affect mind very easily thus giving mind a nourishment to develop. It is considered to be the nerve stimulant that helps in perceiving in better reflexes from brain. It is considered to be a nerve-rejuvenating herb, which has been used by ayurvedic practitioners un reluctantly since ages in any condition in which brain is found affected or in psyche related disorders. Good results have also been found in epilepsy attacks. Its action as non-sedative tranquilizer has made it a drug that can be used in anxiety and hypertension. Whole plant part is used in preparing medicines. Read more about Brahmi http://www.morphemeremedies.com/brahmi.htm

2. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) commonly called winter cherry is one of the herbs that produce wonderful results in problems caused by vata disorders. Its main function is to maintain the harmony of vata whether it aggravates or become suppressed by effects of other dosha. Because of its ushan virya (hot potency) it acts directly on unstable vata thereby helping vata to remain in stable state. Thereby having good effect on nervous system, circulatory system as well as joint related problems.

Ashwagandha plays major role in suppressing anxiety and hypertension. It has proved very affective in relieving stress and stress related problems. It has given wonderful results in joint pains and arthritic conditions. It has also proven it worth in improving body immunity and bodies overall strength to fight against the disease. It has also been found effective in treating weakness and mental fatigue of the body. Good results in depression and other mental ailments have also been seen. Plant part used is root. Read more about Ashwagandha http://www.morphemeremedies.com/ashwagandha.htm

3. Memocare A rich mixture of herbs likes Brahmi, ashwagandha, mulethi, red chandan and vacha. It blends of most powerful herbs that have time proven results in promoting mental health and fighting against mental ailments. As mentioned earlier ashwagandha and Brahmi has a great efficacy in treating mental disorder along with it memocare contains mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which is sheet (cold) virya in property helps in improving mental strength and increase mental alertness. It has been rated one of the best medya rasayan as mentioned by charaka in his book charak samhita. Due to its property it has also been found very effective in treating anxiety and hypertension. It has been found effective in curbing depression and mind related problems. It has also been found effective in treating headaches and rheumatoid arthritis. It also possesses properties that lead to development of good quality of sperms. It has been found useful in providing strength to our nervous system and thereby helpful in countering nervous disorder. Being sheet virya in property it finds use in skin related problems.

Plant part used is root. Along with mulethi it also contains Vacha (Acorus calmus) commonly known, as sweet flag is an herb very much in use in India presently by ayurvedic doctors. Its main property is of ushan virya that make is kapha vata suppressor and pitta increaser. Its actions also possess the property of pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It is generally found in damp climatic condition with the height of 6000 feet. Because of its property it is also known for anti depressant and stress reliever. Moreover it is also consider good as brain tonic. It improves general body condition and helps in marinating normal mental structure. Plant part used is root and lower part of stem.

artilce5

2008-02-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

Softening Cracked Heels through Herbal Ayurveda Remedies

According to ayurveda the cracked heel is caused by vitiation of Vata. Due to vitiation of vata the skin becomes dry, rough and fissured.

Walking bare foot for long distances vitiates vata causing cracked heels.

Dry and cold weather increases vata in body and may cause cracks on the heels. The same weather conditions worsen the already present cracks or fissures on heels.

Usually the process of sweating keeps our skin moist and soft. Absence of or inactive sweat glands cause dryness of skin. Vitiated vata dries up sweat glands.

People who have dry skin tend to develop cracked heels easily.

Continued pressure on feet causes cracking of skin on heels. This may be due to prolonged standing or over weight.

Thin soled shoes, Open backed shoes, heel spurs, Surgery of lower extremities, flat feet, high arched feet and diseases like psoriasis, eczema etc also cause fissured heels.

Self care for cracked heels

Avoid thin soled shoes or footwear and open backed shoes.

Use pumice stone bars to remove thick, dead skin of heels.

Apply medicated herbal balm which keeps the skin of heels soft and closes fissures.

Liberal application of herbal moisturizing lotion keeps your feet soft and attractive.

The skin of feet lacks oil glands. Hence apply herbal moisturizing lotion before going to bed and put on cotton socks. This tip helps to maintain the softness of skin of heels.

Reduce body weight and do not stand for a long time.

Never cut hard edges of fissures with blade, scissors or razor.

Diabetic patients should immediately consult their physician if the fissures persist for a long time and show color changes.

A regular foot bath and foot massage helps to keep the skin on heals healthy and soft.

article49

2008-02-13T07:24:00.028-08:00

Approaches to the Treatment of Obesity and A Free Weight Loss Formula

The general approach for treatment of obesity is to suggest a low calorie diet and increased physical activity. Ther are many weight loss programmes in the market. Some over-the-counter wellness products are also very popular these days as they claim to produce the results fast. But many of these products are not researched properly and medical community has expressed doubts about their effectiveness in long term.

Many weight loss programmes are based on low carbohydrate diet although its long term effect is not very much different than that of low calorie carbohydrate rich diet, according to a recent research. Low carbohydrate diet produces ketosis which causes low cholesterol levels and reduced body weight. However, there are differences of opinion in medical community as to whether the low carb diet is safe in long run.

Other systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Homeopathy also have their own approach for treatment of obesity. According to Ayurveda, obesity is recognized as a disease called "Medoroga". Meda means fat and it is one of the seven Dhatu's that are sequentially produced from food in the human body. Obesity is considered as a nutritional disorder mainly produced due to sedentary life style. Ayurveda puts more emphasis on prevention of the disease and adopting a healthy life style. The medicines for the treatment of obesity contain the substance known as Guggulu which is responsibe for reducing weight. Ayurveda uses natural products in the preparation of medicines and these medicines are generally safer than chemical based medicines and drugs. Also, the Ayurvedic medicines have a long history of use and hence, are more reliable.

Homeopathy has its own approach. It treats the patient, not the disease. It takes into account the constitution of a person for treatment of diseases. The constitution is the physical, emotional and intellectual make up of the person. Hence there are no ready made prescriptions for obesity which can produce uniform results. The patient should have enough patience to take Homeopathic medication otherwise no significant results can be produced.

Another approach that can help in curing obesity is that of Yoga. Yoga advocates a healthy life style with its specific techniques to clean the body from toxins and improve emotional and intellectual balance. It covers a broad spectrum of life. Besides physical aspects, it also covers emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of life which are mostly ignored by modern science when treating a patient. Certain types of pranayama (breathing techniques) greatly help in the cure of obesity. Meditation can reduce mental stress which is also a cause for tendency of over-eating.

A person should be kept motivated and focused on the goals in order to implement a particular weight loss programme. Hence behavioral therapy is also popular these days which suggests to set specific goals and have a reward other than food for achieving those goals. Regular recording of weight and activities is also important to track the progress.

An integrated approach is required which can address the issue more appropriately. A good weight loss plan should be based on a synthesis of different approaches for treatment of obesity. A weight loss formula is available at http://www.free-weight-loss-formula.com that incorporates the following steps:

article48

2008-02-13T07:24:00.026-08:00

Fighting Obesity - An Ayurvedic Way

Definition of Obesity

Excess amount of body fat is Obesity. Excess weight of muscles, bone, fat and water in the body (like body builders and athletes) is Overweight. Over weighted persons are at increased health risk than normal persons. They are more prone to chronic diseases like heart diseases, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and few types of cancers.

Is fat necessary to our body?

Certain amount of body fat does the following function

1. Heat insulation.

2. Absorption of shock.

3. Storage of energy. Etc.

Ayurveda describes the functions of body fat as

Medaha sneha swedaudhrudatwam pushtim asthyancha This means in normal conditions the body fat keeps the body moisturized, causes sweating, gives energy to body (by storing energy) and nourishes bones. (By protecting them from shock)

Distribution of fat

Women have more body fat than men. In women usually the fat accumulates around hips giving them a pear shape. In men it accumulates around belly giving them an apple shape. The obesity related problems start when fat accumulates around waist.

In ayurveda the distribution of fat is described as follows:

Medastu sarvabhutaanamudarenvasthi thishtathi

Ata evodare vriddhihi prayo medaswino bhavet

Fat gets deposited in and around belly in all living beings. It is also present in bone. Hence when a person becomes obese his stomach bulges out.

And also the characters of an obese person are described as "Medo mamsa ativriddhatvaachalasphigudarastanaha" which means the hips, belly and breasts of an obese person sag and sagged parts flap as that person moves. An obese person will not be active.

Causes of Obesity

When a person consumes more calories than he burns then the excess calories get stored in the form of fat causing obesity.

1. Genetic factorsObesity tends to run in families. If parents are fat then the offspring also show a tendency to accumulate fat. Even the diet and lifestyle habits which are practiced in family also contribute to obesity.

2. Environment. A persons eating habits and the level of physical activities a person has also contribute for excess deposition of fat. When a person eats food containing more calories and has a sedentary work then the calories consumed are more than calories burnt. The excess amount calories are stored as fat.

3. Psychological disturbances.- There is a tendency to over eat in response to negative emotions like boredom, sadness or anger. This leads to obesity.

4. Binge eating disorder.

5. Diseases and conditions like Hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, Depression, and certain neurological problems lead to overeating which in turn leads to accumulation of fat.

6. Medicines such as steroids and some antidepressants may cause weight gain.

Causes of obesity according to Ayurveda

The causes of obesity are very clearly explained in ayurveda. The following reasons which are mentioned in ayurveda increase the deposition of fat.

Avayamadivaaswapnashleshmalaaaharasevinaha | Madhuroannarasaha prayaha snehamedhovivardhati || According to ayurveda the causes of obesity are defined as:

1. Avyayama: Not exerting physically

2. Divaswapna: Sleeping in afternoon.

3. Shleshmala Ahara Vihara: The diet and life styles which increase Kapha

4. Madhura Annaha: Consuming sweetened foods.

Health risks due to Obesity

Obesity leads to the following problems.

1. Type-2 diabetes

2. Heart disease.

3. High Blood pressure.

4. Stroke

5. Few types of Cancers

6. Gall stones

7. Liver diseases

8. Osteo arthritis.

9. Gout

10. Infertility

11. Irregular menstruation in women.

According to Ayurveda the obese persons are more prone to the following diseases.

1. Diabetes.

2. Kidney related problems.

3. Hepatitis.

4. Low libido.

5. Low energy levels.

6. Skin problems.

7. Fistula

8. Piles.

9. Filariasis . etc

Tips to reduce Obesity

1. Determine with the help of your physician how much weight has to be reduced.

2. Set several short term realistic goals .

3. Reward yourself each time you make progress (Not food items)

4. Even small weight losses have shown to be beneficial.

5. Make gradual changes in eating habits.

6. You will lose weight when you burn more calories than you consume. Hence eating less and being more active help in losing weight.

7. Sound eating habits keep you out of putting on weight.

8. Stay motivated to lose weight.

9. Slow weight loss is the safest and most effective. ( one to one and half pound per week).

10. Gradual weight loss, promote long term loss of body fat.

11. A person who is moderately active needs daily, 33 calories per kg of body weight to maintain his weight .

12. Reducing calories intake by 300 per day and increasing the physical activity to burn 200 calories per day results in weight loss of 400 Gms per week.

13. To satisfy basic nutritional needs eat a variety of foods every day. Choose from each of the five food groups milk, meat, fruit, vegetable and cereals. Balanced food plans encourage making wise choices about everyday food choices. This type of diet helps to stay at your proper weight for life.

14. Allow for an occasional treat.

15. Evaluate your eating pattern.

16. Try to cut down on foods high in fats and sugar.

17. Most successful weight loss plans stress on reduction in both calories and the amount of fat eaten

Physical activity:

1. Determine the type of physical activity that suits your life style.

2. Regular aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging or swimming, is a key factor in achieving permanent weight loss and improving health

3. Health experts recommend exercising 30 minutes or more on all, days of the week for maximum benefits. The exercises should be moderately vigorous to be most effective but not exhausting.

4. Incorporate few simple measures to burn calories effectively. Like- taking an after dinner walk, using stairs instead of escalators or elevators, parking the car farther away to have a longer walk etc.

5. Exercises also improve sense of well being ,decreases stress and decreases appetite in some.

Ayurvedic tips to reduce Obesity

Numerous tips to reduce obesity have been mentioned in ayurveda. The following ayurvedic tips help you to reduce the obesity.

1. Very good exercises. Exercises like brisk walking, jogging, playing out door games etc help to reduce weight.

2. Physical and mental exertion. Exerting physically like doing house hold works, walking to distant places to bring groceries, vegetables etc, walking long distances to bring the child back from school, walking to working place, climbing stairs etc are types of physical exertion. Exerting physically as much as you can help to burn more calories. Mental exertion like worrying or involving in finding solutions to problems also restrict food consumption in some and there by reduces the intake of calories.

3. Having sex frequently is also a good physical exertion.

4. Consumption of honey. This is advisable for non diabetic patients. Consuming 2 tea spoon of honey with a glass of herbal tea which includes weight reducing herbs help a lot in weight reduction. Honey along with these herbs scrapes and dissolves the Kapha and medha (body fat).

5. Sleeping for less hours. Avoiding sleeping in afternoons help to increase the burning of calories. This avoids slowing of basal metabolic rate.

6. Avoiding the food and beverages which increase kapha and medha. The foods which increase kapha and medha are sweets, sweetened drinks, large quantities of carbohydrates and oily food.

7. Consuming wheat products than rice products help to reduce obesity.

8. Using Green gram and horse gram help in reduction of kapha and medha.

article47

2008-02-13T07:24:00.025-08:00

Scientific and Astrological Significance of Rudraksh

WHAT IS RUDRAKSH:-

There are different conceptions regarding Rudrakshas in Shiv Puran and other Pauranic scriptures but one thing is upheld in all of these that:-

DIVYA VARSHA SAHASRAM TU CHAKSHURUNMEELITMAYAA, PASCHANMAAKULAKSHIBHYAH PATITA JALBINDAVAH

SHIV UVACH : - For one thousand divine years I kept closed my eyes then tear drops fell from my eyes.

TATRASHRUBINDTO JAATA MAHARUDRAKSH VRISKSHKAH MAMAAGYAYAA MAHASEN SARVESHAM HITKAMYAYAA

Those drops of tear which fell from my eyes gave birth to the tree of Maharudraksh on my command for the benefit of all.

VARIETIES OF RUDRAKSH: -

There are different views on how many types of Rudrakshas can be found because at some places there are references of 32-faced Rudraksh. Therefore it is believed that 32-faced Rudrakshas were found in Satyuga whereas in Kaliyuga only 14-faced Rudrakshas can be found. Occasionally 18-faced Rudrakshas are also found.

EKAM VADANAMARABHYA SHODASHASHTADASHAVADHI KADACHID DEVI JAYANTE RUDRAKSHANI MAHITALE

In the same manner, sometimes Gaurishankar and Gomukh Rudrakshas are also found by someone who may be fortunate enough.

Gaurishankar Rudraksh is a kind of twin Rudraksh joined together like two bananas are sometimes joined together but are found somewhat rarely. These are known as Gaurishankar Rudraksh.

GAURISHANKARSANGYAM CHA TATHAA GOMUKHSANGYITAM RUDRAKSHAM JAAYATE DEVI KADACHID DAIVAYOGATAH

O Goddess! Gaurishankar and Gomukh Rudrakshas are born by divine coincidence in some trees and found by some fortunate person.

AYURVEDIC SIGNIFICANCE OF RUDRAKSH:-

There are many names of Rudraksh like:- 1. Rudraksh 2. Shivaksh 3. Neelkanthaksh 4. Haraksh 5. Bhutanashan 6. Shivpriya 7. Paavan 8. Sharvaksh. Rudraksh is also known by the name of Shivbindu.

Today Rudraksh is only worn on head, in neck etc. and it is made worshippable but it is put to no other use. Rudraksh is Aml, Ushna, Vataghna and Kaphanashak. It saves one from evil spirits and planetary malefic influences.

In Ayurveda it is said that if the paste of bead of Rudraksh is applied on boils it can cure it. Therefore Rudraksh works on septic.

In jaundice and other such diseases related to the Pitta Dosha in Ayurveda if seeds of papaya are worn with the beads of Rudraksh then it can cure the ailment.

Five Mukhi Rudraksh is useful in controlling high blood pressure and heart diseases.

Rudraksh is not only to be worn but it has great significance in Ayurveda also.

COLOURS OF RUDRAKSH : -

Usually Rudrakshas naturally occur in 4 different colours : -

1. White (Shweta Varna) Rudraksh 2. Crimson red (Rakta Varna) Rudraksh 3. Mixed Colour (Mishrita Varna) Rudraksh 4. Black (Krishna Varna) Rudraksh.

Even though sometimes Rudrakshas of other colours are also found but these are the main 4 colours in which Rudrakshas are found in nature.

HOW TO USE RUDRAKSH : -

Usually Rudraksh Rosary (Mala) of 108 or 54 beads are used and Rudraksh Rosary is especially to be used for chanting of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.

By wearing 5-faced Rudraksh bead in a red thread high blood pressure can be cured whereas 1-faced Rudraksh should be worn in the neck or should be kept at the place of worship or should be kept in the locker.

Rudraksh can also be used in combinations like two beads of 6-faced Rudraksh and one bead of 4-faced Rudraksh are worn in a combination in a red thread by a student it gives improvement in education.

Even one bead of Rudraksh if worn can give improvement in health, education and wealth.

HOW TO PURIFY RUDRAKSH : -

Purification of Rudraksh is of as much significance as is the purification of gemstones. At Astrological Research Centre (ARC) we have experimented and observed a number of times that Rudraksh works only when it is original and is purified with the help of correct mantra otherwise there is no such difference between a Rudraksh on tree or a Rudraksh worn by someone. On the other hand, we also tried to purify Rudrakshas but we found that different mantras should be used for purifying different faceted Rudrakshas. (which we will describe in our future articles related to Rudraksh).

MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING RUDRAKSH : -

Today Rudraksh is viewed like if someone will wear a Rudraksh he will become a great devotee of Lord Shiva and will be freed of all the sufferings.

We found at Astrocent that whereas Rudraksh can be used as a medicine in Ayurveda it is merely made a worship item and even duplicate Rudrakshas are available in the market nowadays and the genuine Rudraksh produced in a year of 365 days makes up for only 15 day stock of the market. Therefore, to make up for the rest of 350-day stocks duplicate Rudraksh is being sold in the market.

There are a number of different views regarding the purification of Rudrakshas as well. But we have found in our experience that to purify a Rudraksh in the morning of the bright half Monday the Rudraksh should be purified with its specific corresponding mantra in keeping with the different faceted Rudrakshas and then worn.

There is a great need for pursuing research on Rudrakshas.

CAN ANYONE WEAR A RUDRAKSH : -

Usually it is thought that Rudrakshas are beneficial for everyone but at astrocent we found in our experiments that everyone cannot wear Rudrakshas. They have also to be tried first like gemstones and then worn. Because when we tried Rudraksh on different people we found that sometimes some Rudrakshas did not suit some people. And when we tried different faceted Rudrakshas on those (whom Rudrakshas did not suit) we found that none of the Rudrakshas suit them.

Therefore we found in our research at astrocent that Rudrakshas also did not suit everyone.

HOW ARE RUDRAKSHAS RELATED TO PLANETS : - Rudrakshas are also thought to be related with planets as we have also found at astrocent.

One Mukhi Rudraksh neutralizes the influence of the Sun and helps in leadership and on the other hand is also useful in increasing wealth and reducing the losses from enemies.

In the same manner, Two Faced Rudraksh neutralizes the malefic influences of the Moon (which we will discuss in our future articles). Therefore, at astrocent we have tried to assess the significance of Rudraksh in our original research.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED FOR THE WEARING OF RUDRAKSHAS : -

The one who wears the Rudraksh should not drink liquor or eat flesh etc. and also should not use garlic and onion and also at the time of sexual intercourse it should be kept aside. But even then if someone of these activities is undertaken by mistake while wearing a Rudraksh then it should be purified again with pure water and then again worn.

CONCLUSION : -

Where by wearing Rudraksh the malefic influence of planets can be reduced it can also be used as a medicine in Ayurveda. On the other hand, we have also researched at astrocent that although Rudraksh usually should suit everyone but still it need not necessarily suit everyone. Whereas the white, Crimson red, Mixed and Black colours of Rudraksh are also related to the caste of a person in which if a person wears a Rudraksh corresponding to his or her caste it should be more fruitful instead of the Rudraksh corresponding to a different caste.

article46

2008-02-13T07:24:00.024-08:00

Heartburn Relief - The Way Through The Taste!

Heartburn relief can be achieved through the six kinds of taste that are used ayurvedic medicine to classify all food that we eat. By getting aware of these six taste in what we eat, we can empower ourselves in making the appropriate choice to get rid of Heartburn.

Taste of food that we eat can affect our overall health and particularly the health of our stomach because it is the first place where food goes and stays. The common problems like heartburn can easily be overcome by this knowledge derived from the ancient ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda classifies all the food materials on the basis of taste of food material. There are six taste types sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. First five tastes are familiar to all of us as they are commonly present in our diet. Astringent taste is little used in diet.

Sweet is the natural taste of milk, dairy products, candies, natural taste of most fruits, wheat, rice and other cereals, coconut and fat. Sour taste is present in lemon and citrus fruits, some unripe orange and apple, curd, whey or buttermilk. Salt is usually added to taste the food.

Bitter taste is present in turmeric, margosa leaves, valerian root, bad almonds and most of crude herbs. Pungent taste is present in pepper, chilies, ginger, black pepper, coriander, cumin seeds, radish, basil leaves, cardamom, asafoetida and several other herbs and spices. Jaman fruit, Terminalia arjuna bark, cluster fig or country fig fruit and triple myrobalan or Triphala and many other herbs are some of the examples of astringent taste.

The purpose of the examples of different taste is not to provide a comprehensive list but to introduce you to some less common taste types so that you can relate with them easily.

Now let us come to realize how this information can be of practical help in heartburn. All the diseases in our body occur as a result of vitiation of three of the bodily humors Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Pitta is vitiated in heartburn. This fact will guide us to use the taste of food to get heartburn relief.

Sweet, bitter and astringent food articles pacify Pitta and thereby heartburn and its related complaints like hyperacidity, nausea, vomiting, pain in abdomen and chest area. The rest three types of taste - sour, salt and pungent, increases Pitta and thereby aggravates heartburn and related complaints.

Sweet taste food articles like milk, banana, raisin, grapes, and mango are great in pacifying heartburn. A cup of cold milk without sugar when sipped over some time is as effective as any general antacid syrup.

Banana is found to have great antacid and ulcer healing properties. They can strengthen the mucosal barrier in stomach and esophagus to prevent the complications of hyperacidity. Raisin with milk at night is a good dietary adjuvant that can be taken daily at night. Sweet tasting fruits are good in providing energy as they are easy to digest and help in combating the loss of appetite that is fellow complaint in heartburn.

Bitter tasting herbs and food neutralize acid in stomach and they reduce its secretion. Astringent tasting herbs like Triphala is good for ulcer healing. They keep the cell junctions of stomach wall tight against the damage by acid. Astringent taste diminishes the tendency of bleeding from any ulcer. Triphala mixed with equal quantity of sugar is a good supplement for heartburn that can be taken daily twice or thrice daily. Triphala is a combination of fruits of three myrobalans Amla, Haritaki and Vibhitaki (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia belerica respectively).

Apply these principles in diet and in choosing herbal supplements to get great benefit in heartburn. It will help to reduce the trouble caused by heartburn and prevent or heal it naturally.

Even if someone is affected by some serious complications of hyperacidity like ulcer in stomach lining or by side effects of ulcer causing drugs like pain killers, we can choose appropriate food stuff. A great eating with good work out of taste can help you a lot in heartburn day in and day out.

article45

2008-02-13T07:24:00.023-08:00

Ayurveda Can Help Stop Hair Loss

Most hair loss sufferers seek solutions from Western medicine or turn to remedies derived from local traditions. Some experts however argue that the ayurvedic system of medicine has much to offer in dealing with hair loss conditions.

Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine practiced in India and Sri Lanka. It is a complete approach to health care designed to promote a way of life rather than an occasional treatment. As a holistic system of medicine ayurveda focuses on our uniqueness and takes into account our mental attitude, lifestyle and spirit which should not be treated in isolation from each other.

According to ayurveda, the following principles are beneficial to healthy and plentiful hair:

- The scalp must be kept cool, so protection from sun and washing in cold or lukewarm water are paramount.

- Sound nutrition is key, so a hair-friendly diet should emphasize proteins, iron, zinc, sulfur, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-Complex and essential fatty acids.

- Use should be made of hair analysis to ascertain toxicity levels and nutritional deficiencies.

- Oils, for example sesame and coconut, should be applied to the scalp to nourish, lubricate and strengthen the roots. This will also improve circulation to the head.

You can find out more about alternative hair loss treatments by visiting the site listed below.

article44

2008-02-13T07:24:00.022-08:00

Ayurveda - Principles & Practice

Ayurveda which has been evolved around 600 BC, apart from treating ailments concentrated more in its prevention. This was followed by the Aryans & Dravidians who were inhabiting India and has been practiced ever since. In the 21st century, Ayurveda has become an indispensable branch of medicine due to its naturalistic approach, that depends on the diagnosis of ones physical base ie Vata, pitta and kabha, and to maintain a right balance.

One of the important principle of Ayurveda treatment is that , treatment is given not only to the ailments or the affected part, but to the person as a whole. This creates an enviornment for purifying your body naturally, which eliminates all toxic imbalances from your body, enabling you to regain natural resistance from diseases and attain good health.

Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests, which caters to the demand for herbs and medicinal plants, and the cool monsoon season (June-November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Every object-plant, animal or human - according to the Panchabhootha Philosophy (5 elements of philosophy), is constituted of Vata, Pitta, Kapha.

The concentration of these elements vary in each individual and therefore the time, place, duration and kind of treatment required to restore the balance also needs to change. This is why Ayurveda have a separate system of diagnosis and treatment for each patient. And a season for undergoing Ayurvedic programmes - the monsoon. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

Rejuvenative Programmes The following are the major rejuvenational therapies practacied in Ayurveda.

Rasayana chikitsa Tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases Ojas (primary vitality) and improves Sattva (mental clarity) and thereby increases the resistance of the body. Includes head and face creams, body massage with herbal oil or powder by hand and foot intake of rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths are also used.

Kayakalpa Chikitsa Prime treatment for retarding the ageing process, arresting the degeneration of body cells and immunization of the system. Includes intake of Rasayana (special Ayurvedic medicines and diet) and comprehensive body care programmes. Most effective for either sex if undertaken before the age of 50.

Sweda Karma Medicine steam baths eliminate impurities from the body, improve the tone and complexion of the skin, reduce fat and are recommended for certain rheumatic diseases, particularly for pain. Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body for 10 to 20 minutes daily.

Hand massage with herbal oils or herbal powder improves blood circulation and tones up the muscles.

Meditation and Yoga Mental and physical exercises meant to isolate the ego from the body and mind-designed to home your concentration, improve health and help attain peace of mind through 8 stages of training.

Disciplined behaviour yama Self purification niyama Bodily postures such as the lotus position asana.

Control of breathing Pranayama Control of the senses Pratyahara, fixing of the mind on a chosen object dharsana. Meditation dhyana and Samadhi - a state of being where you experience absolute tranquility and well being.

Beauty care Herbal face pack, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion and beautifulness of the body.

Body Slimming Medicated herbal powder and medicated herbal oil massages, and Ayurvedic diet of herbal juices etc. are part of the programme.

Overal Fitness Panchakarma Treatment A five fold treatment for mental and physical well being tunes the body, organs, mind, breath, nerves and purifies the blood.

Therapeutic Programmes Treatment for chronic head-aches, insomnia, mental tension and cases of hysteria, hallucination and insanity.

Dhara: Herbal oils, medicated milk or buttermilk and decoctions are poured on the forehead/whole body in a special manner. Variations include Oorhwanga Dhara (good for diseases of the eyes, ears and skin). Takra Dhara (for those suffering from memory loss, severe headache or insanity) and Sarvanga Dhara (for both head and body). Treatment to alleviate osteoarthritis, leukemia etc.

Snehapanam: Medicated ghee is given internally in a gradually increased quality of specific periods.

Treatment for spondilosis, rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, nervous weakness and nervous disorders. Pizhichil: Lukewarm herbal oil is applied with fresh linen all over the body by trained masseurs in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 to 11/2 hours daily for 7 to 21 days. Treatment for diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obsety and certain rheumatic ailments.

Udvarthanam: Therapeutic massage with herbal powders. Treatment for musculoskeletal ailments due to trauma or accidents.

Marma Chiksta: Treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the 107 marmas).

Treatment for nasal ailments: Nasyam: Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoction oils, ghee etx. to eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area.

Treatment for ear ailments Karnapooranam: Medicated oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as well as treat specific ailments.

Preventing cataract and strengthening vision: Tharpanam: A treatment for the eyes effective in preventing cataract and strengthening the optic nerve.

Treatment for wasting of muscles, all types or rheumatism, sports injuries, pain in the joints, emaciation of the body or parts of the body and certain kinds of skin diseases.

Navarakizhi: The whole body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated rice packs in the form of blouses tied in muslin bags. Treatment for dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, facial paralysis and burning sensation in the head.

Sirovasti: Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for specific durations as per physician's recommendation.