Browsing the blog archives for February, 2009.

Breast Cancer : Making Breast Cancer History

Cancer, Diseases, Conditions and Treatments

It’s difficult to say why one person would get cancer and another would not. Sometimes it may seem that Cancer cannot be avoided but there are things that one can do to reduce the risk of this most painful and sometimes fatal disease. You can start by living a healthy lifestyle and taking charge of your health. If Cancer can’t be prevented, treatment is more likely to be successful if it’s found early.
Early detection is finding cancer at an early state and is often easier to treat. Recognising symptoms and getting regular checkups help detect cancer early .Be aware of your body and don’t ignore changes, as the sooner a report is made to your doctor ,the sooner a problem can be dealt with.
Screening is the early detection of cancer by testing or checking for disease when one has no symptoms. Some cancers can be discovered this way and can be treated early.
It’s important to note that no screening test for cancer is 100% accurate. For example a screening test can show signs of cancer when there is none, or not show cancer when there is.

Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer starts in the cells of the breast tissue.and covers an area larger than just the breast.It extends up to the colar bone and from the armpit across to the breastbone in the centre of the chest.It can also be found in men but is very rare.Breast Cancer can happen at any age,but most cases occur in women over the age of 50.It can be found and successfully treated if detected early.
Breast Cancer Tests:
Mammography is a low-dose x-ray of the breasts.
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) a physical examination of the breast by a trained professional.
Some women have a higher risk for breast cancer and should consider testing regularly if you had breast cancer before; you have a history of breast biopsies; you have a family history of breast cancer.
You can also be more aware of how your breasts normally look and feel so that changes can be readily recognised. bear in mind that the breast feel different during the menstrual cycle.
Signs to look for:
• A lump or swelling in the armpit.
• Changes in size and shape of breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin(orange peel skin)
• Redness, swelling and increased warmth in the infected breast.
• Inverted nipple, nipple turns inward.
• Crusting or scaling on the nipple.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix and grows very slowly. The cells of the cervix start to change and become abnormal. These abnormal cells are precancerous, meaning that they are not cancer. Precancerous changes to the cervix are called cervical dysplasia. Cervical cancer and cervical dysplasiain the early stages often do not cause any symptoms. Having regular tests can detect both and they can be treated successfully if diagnosed early.
Having multiple sexual partners , or becoming sexually active at an early age can put you at greater risk for developing cervical cancer. These factors increase your risk of being exposed to HPV. HPV is a group of viruses that can be passed easily from person to person through sexual contact. HPV infections are common and usually go away without treatment because the immune systemgets rid of the virus. Certain types of HPV virus can cause changes to cells in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer Tests:
Pap Test : laboratory examination of cells taken from the cervix to detect changes. It can detect changes early before cancer develops.
Pelvic Examination: A physical examination of the organs within the pelvis through the vagina.
These tests should be taken every 1 to 3 years.once you become sexually active.Even if you have stopped having sex, continue to have the tests.
Signs to Look for:
• Abnormal bleeding or bloodstained discharge from the vagina between periods
• Unusually long or heavy periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Watery discharge from the vagina
• Increased discharge from the vagina
• Bleeding from the vagina after menopause

Colorectal Cancer
Most colorectal cancers start in the cells that line the inside of the colon and rectum.Colorectal cancer often grows slowly and in a predictable way.. It may not cause any symptoms in its early stages as the abdomen has lots of room for the cancer to grow and develop.Screening tests often can detect the cancer before symptoms develop ,and it can be successfully treated if diagnosed early.

Colorectal Cancer Tests:
If you are 50 years or older , have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every 2 years.
Colonoscopy: a test that lets the doctor look at the lining of the entire colon, using a thin flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.
Sigmoidoscopy: a test that lets the doctor look at the lining of the rectum and lower part of the colon,using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.
Double Contrast Barium Enema: an x-ray of the colon and rectum,that uses a special dye called barium,that helps the doctor see the lining of the colon more clearly.
Higher risk if:
A family member has the disease; a personal history of colorectal cancer; diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease or polyps; inherited condition of colon cancer.
Signs to look for:
• General discomfort in the abdomen(bloating , fullness, cramps)
• Change in bowel habits eg. Diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stools
• Narrower than usual stools
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Feeling that the bowels have not been completely emptied.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
Weight loss.

Skin cancer
The different kinds of skin cancer begin in different kinds of cells in the skin.(Basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma cell
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your self from the sun. Protect skin from the sun especially between 11a.m. and 4p.m.,or when the UV index is 3 or higher. Stay in the shade or indoors , out of the sun during these times. Cover your skin if you have to be exposed to the rays of the sun,and wear a hat. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Wearing sunglasses can prevent damage to the eyes. Avoid using indoor tanning equipment. Check skin regularly.

Signs to Look for:
Changes in shape colour and size of birthmarks and moles
Sores that don’t heal
Patches of skin that bleed itch,or become red and bumpy.

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Candida Diet

Yeast Infection

Candida, known in the medical world as Candidiasis and in the laymen’s terms as thrush, is a fungal infection commonly caused by the organism, Candida albicans. Unknown to many, this type of yeast is actually a part of the body’s normal flora. It can be found in the mouth, esophagus, digestive tract, bladder, and the vagina, in particular.

Their numbers, however, are being kept in check by the other microorganisms that are likewise part of that flora. They all coexist symbiotically inside the body, on a never-ending check and balance state, up until a disturbance will arise, or a change in temperature or pH, perhaps. At this stage, it becomes every species for itself, thus giving rise to what are called opportunistic infections.

Candidiasis is one of the more common opportunistic infections to plague mankind. The condition can range from superficial infections, such as vaginitis and oral thrush, to systemic and even life-threatening ones, especially for those whose immune systems have been severely compromised, as in the case of AIDS, cancer, or transplant patients.

Apart from a weakened immune system, the other risk factors to the development of this disease would include pregnancy, bad yeast diet, the use of oral contraceptives, steroids, antibiotics, and douching. The common thread to all of these factors is its creation of a suitable environment that allows the yeast cells to multiply uncontrollably.

Manifestations would depend on where the overgrowth is. For oral thrush, it would present as white patches around the mouth or on the tongue and soft palate. For vaginitis, on the other hand, symptoms of candida would include severe itching, soreness, and irritation on the vulva, and the appearance of a white or whitish-gray, curd-like discharge. Penile candidiasis, although uncommon, may also occur from having sexual intercourse with an infected person. Sores that are red and patchy may appear on the head of the penis or on the foreskin, along with the itchiness, the soreness, and even the whitish discharge.

Common treatment methods for candidiasis include the use of antifungal medications, like clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole, and ketoconazole. Severe infections may need stronger meds, such as amphotericin B, caspofungin, or voriconazole. Local treatment may also be used. These include vaginal suppositories or medicated douches.

candida may become a recurring nuisance, whenever the optimal conditions for overgrowth are given; therefore, prevention is definitely better than cure. Hygiene and a strong immune system are the keys to keeping this opportunistic organism in check.

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Free Useful Advice – 3 Natural Steps To Get Rid Of acne

Skin Problems / Acne

Want to get rid of acne the natural way? It can be done. In fact, natural acne treatment is often more successful in the long and short term than taking medication. You just have to make some changes in your lifestyle and especially, your diet.

Step 1 – Planning

Read this article through then sit down and think about whether you are prepared to make all or some of the changes that we describe. Write down exactly which changes you plan to make, how and when. Then talk it through with whoever cooks your food, if you don’t do that yourself.

Don’t skip this step! It is the most important. The main reason for people failing to cure or control their acne, after they know what they need to do, is that they did not plan.

Step 2 – Diet

Here you will cut down or cut out processed foods, sugar, fatty foods and dairy products.

First, cut out soda completely, either sugared or diet. Drink fruit juice or water instead. Water is great for your skin. Aim to drink 4 pints of water spread through the day.

Then start to make healthy choices in other areas of your diet. Avoid french fries and potato chips. Choose steamed vegetables instead of stir-fried. Eat fresh fruit for snacks. Nuts are fine too in small quantities. Cut out or cut down on refined sugar. Buy some gum that is 100% xylitol to deal with any sugar cravings and give your teeth a break.

Cut out dairy products completely if you are sensitive to them – many people are. Have yourself tested for dairy intolerance by a dermatologist or run a 2 week no-dairy test to check. If you are sensitive your skin may break out worse than ever in the first week during detox, but it should be much improved by the end of 2 weeks. Take a calcium supplement to ensure you don’t suffer from any deficiency.

Step 3 – Keeping It Clean

Although cleanliness is important in stopping acne from spreading, the main causes of acne are internal (diet and hormones). That’s why this step comes last.

- Change your pillowcase often – every day if possible. Or turn it one day, and replace it the next, so you never sleep on the same side two nights.

- Try not to touch your face without washing your hands first. Itches will soon go if you do not scratch.

- Massage the face gently with clean fingertips. This will stimulate the skin and help it to clean out pores.

- For men who have acne in the beard area, use clippers to shave instead of a razor to avoid aggravating the skin.

- Use natural cleansing products such as apple cider vinegar (check for allergies first).

These 3 simple Steps have helped many people to get rid of acne naturally. Will you be the next?

Regards

Kim
HealthE-Solutions

Read More About Health E-Solutions to Skin Ailments.

And make sure you know about immune system boosters – you need to help yourself.

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How To Prevent Yeast Infection?

Yeast Infection

What is a Yeast Infection?

Candida albicans, and other forms of yeast, grow in the vagina, rectum, and mouth. In a healthy vagina, the presence of some yeast may not be a problem. When a woman’s system is out of balance, yeast-like organisms can grow profusely and cause a thick, white discharge. A yeast infection is not necessarily an STI; however, treating a woman and her sexual partner may help prevent recurrent yeast infections.

Is it Common?

Yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection women experience (bacterial vaginosis is the most common). Over 70% of women develop at least one yeast infection during their life and over 40% of women have had more than one infection.

What causes Yeast Infections?

Factors that may disturb the vagina’s balance include:

* Antibiotic treatments
* Oral contraceptives
* Hot weather or non-ventilating clothing, which increase moisture and warmth, fostering fungal growth
* Repeated intercourse over a short period of time
* Stress
* Suppressed immune system (including HIV)
* High carbohydrate intake, especially refined sugars and alcohol
* Pregnancy
* Diabetes

Other causes can be irritants such as soaps, powders, new detergents and other products

What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of a typical yeast infection may include:

* Vaginal itching
* Vaginal irritation
* Thick, white, possibly curd-like vaginal discharge
* Redness, swelling, and/or cracking of the vulvar skin
* Burning sensation during urination
* Itching of the rectal opening
* Pain during sexual intercourse.

Can men get Yeast Infections?
Yes, men can contract a yeast infection if they have unprotected sexual activity with a partner who has a yeast infection. If both partners are not treated, they can keep re-infecting each other. Male sexual partners may develop genital irritation and genital itching, especially if they are uncircumcised, but usually there is no discharge.

How is it Diagnosed?
Yeast infections should be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. There are over-the-counter medications available for women who have had professional guidance about how to recognize the symptoms. Otherwise, it is necessary to meet with your medical provider because it’s easy to think you have a yeast infection when you may really have a more serious infection or condition such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. In fact, recent studies found that many women misdiagnose their own yeast infections and use one of the over-the-counter treatments when no yeast infection is actually present. Over time, a woman’s body may become drug-resistant to yeast infection medication, and the real problem is never treated.

To diagnose a yeast infection, your medical provider will perform a vaginal exam. Samples of vaginal discharge are obtained for examination under a microscope. If you have recurring infections, some of the discharge may be cultured to see if yeast or another type of organism is present.

How is it Treated?
Once your medical provider has confirmed that you have a yeast infection, s/he will prescribe an antifungal pill such as Diflucan, or an over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository such as GyneLotrimin or Monistat. These medications vary from a single-dose treatment to a week-long series of treatments. You can pick up your prescription, cream, or suppository treatment in the pharmacy at Health Services.

If you have a strong suspicion that you have a yeast infection because of past experiences with yeast infections and there has been no change in your sexual history (no new partner, no unprotected genital contact), you may elect to try one of the over-the-counter yeast treatments first. If your symptoms do not go away, you should then see your medical provider for an exam.

Sexual partners who have no symptoms of a yeast infection usually don’t need treatment. A partner (male or female) with symptoms should see a provider for evaluation and concurrent treatment. While the treatment is underway, a latex barrier during sex may prevent passing the infection to a partner. HOWEVER, if you are using yeast creams or suppositories, the ingredients may damage the latex of condoms, diaphragms and dental dams. So, using a latex barrier is not recommended with these treatments because the latex may break. To minimize the risk of passing the infection to a partner and to speed healing, it is generally recommended that you abstain from sexual activity until all of your symptoms have resolved.

Three out of four women will experience at least one yeast infection during her life, many experience recurrent infections. Practicing some of these prevention techniques may help reduce your risk.

Here’s How:

1. Always wear white cotton panties. Nylon and Lycra may trap air and create a breeding ground for yeast. Never wear panty hose alone — always wear cotton panties underneath.
2. Never use petroleum-based lubricants for vaginal lubrication during sexual intercourse. Always use water-based lubricants when vaginal dryness is an issue.
3. Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the yeast which normally inhabits the intestinal tract from being transferred to the vaginal area.
4. Eating one cup of yogurt a day helps some women prevent the yeast infections that often follow antibiotic treatment; however, eating yogurt will not cure a yeast infection.
5. Don’t use perfumed bath products or powders in the vaginal area, these can cause irritations which can lead to infection.
6. Don’t use douches! Douches wash away the natural protective mucous of the vagina leaving the vagina more susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections.

Tips:

1. Before you get a yeast infection decide if you prefer prescription or over-the counter (OTC) treatment.
2. At the first sign of yeast infection call your physician for prescribed medication, or go to your pharmacy to buy one of the FDA approved products that are available OTC.
3. Never self-treat a yeast infection unless you have previously been diagnosed for a yeast infection by a healthcare professional.
4. Always call a healthcare professional for diagnosis if you are not sure a subsequent infection is yeast. Other vaginal infections or STDs may have similar symptoms.
5. Eat a balanced diet.
6. Get enough sleep.
7. If you go swimming, get out of your swimsuit as soon as possible.
8. Don’t wear pads or panty-liners beyond the length of your period.
9. Don’t use deodorant tampons.
10. Avoid feminine deodorant sprays and douches. They irritate the vulva and vaginal areas.
11. Wipe from front to back after urination and bowel movement.
12. Antibiotics can also cause a yeast infection, since they kill or decrease normal flora. If you need to take antibiotics, you can ask for an anti-yeast prescription, or you can buy over-the-counter creams or suppositories.
13. Avoid tight-fitting clothing and wear cotton, rather than synthetic, underwear.

Is a Yeast Infection Dangerous?

Yeast infections can cause severe discomfort but rarely cause serious health problems. Left untreated, vaginal yeast infections often clear up on their own, usually when menstruation begins. Menstrual blood raises the vaginal pH, causing the number of yeast cells to decrease because they can’t grow in the pH present during menstruation.
Recurring yeast infections may be difficult to prevent or cure. There are significant differences between occasional, easily treatable yeast infections and recurring infections that seriously affect a woman’s life. Women who have recurring yeast infections should be tested for underlying causes so that the appropriate treatment can be chosen.

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Problems Mount for Organic Food

Health and Fitness

We all know just how vital is a healthy diet.; and we know that organic is important.

If you are on a healthy detox – organic is pretty much essential. And even day-to-day, we should minimize the amount of chemical additives we eat. These are known to be at greater levels in non-organic. Reducing these is helpful; and may stop the development of some serious diseases.

Put fewer chemicals in – and the detox diet becomes less necessary!

Organic? When Times Get Better!
Now there is some bad news for organic food – London’s biggest organic supermarket has been affected by the credit crunch.

Whole Foods Market in Kensington, London opened in June 2008 hoping for great things. However, sales of their organic foods have disappointed. US Parent company, Fresh and Wild, lost nearly

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How To Cure Yeast Infection Fast

Yeast Infection Videos

To Cure Yeast Infection Fast

At last a safe, homeopathic remedy is available that eases multiple symptoms of yeast infection in both Men and Women!

Candida albicans is the yeast organism which causes yeast infections, and when an infection strikes, all you can think about is getting it to stop! The itching alone can drive you crazy--and nothing seems worse than having an infection sneak up on you when you can’t get to the doctor for a prescription.

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Is it Safe to Take Acai Berry During Pregnancy?

Acai FREE Sample

Many people who use the acai berry diet to control their weight worry that using the acai supplements may have potential side effects. The good news is that most people actually suffer no negative side effects because the properties of the acai fruit are completely natural.

In fact, the only side effect you might experience is an allergy that causes a rash or skin irritation. Most people will not have an allergy to any of the components that make up the fruit unless they are allergic to other berries such as raspberries or strawberries. In this case you might want to proceed with caution.

Due to this fact, the berry is usually safe to consume during pregnancy because it is natural. However, every supplement pill is made up of different properties, so the safest way to find out if it will harm your child, is by bringing your diet supplement with you to your next doctor’s visit.

For the most part, the berry is purely natural and has been used by Amazonian women for thousands of years during and after childbirth. However, should not is the operative term here, so always consult a doctor before you take the acai berry supplement while pregnant.

Also, if you want to continue taking the supplement while pregnant, make sure you take a pure acai berry diet supplement, so that you are not exposing your child to any added chemicals. The most effective supplements are the ones that contain pure acai pulp anyhow so you should only be using these in the first place!

An another important property of acai berry fruit is it retains its magical properties when preserved. Thus leading to very effective weight loss supplements. Weight loss supplements are designed to work with the dieting process to help improve vitamin and mineral levels that may be missing in the diet.

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These supplements are made from pure acai pulp have helped many people over the years achieve their weight loss targets. The body will be far more likely to get rid of unnecessary weight if it is absorbing the right amount of nutrients and acai berry will take care of it. We are so confident that you will lose weight, that we are offering a 100% free trial.

If You are serious about losing weight, go get your free trail. We would be QUITE surprised if you don’t 10 pounds in the trail period.

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Some Useful Tips to Prevent Yeast Infections

Yeast Infection

It’s pretty simple really. There are a number of simple and easy to follow ways in preventing yeast infection. You don’t have to make things as complicated as they sound. Simple, straight to the point prevention tips as well as solutions or cure can help make your life a lot easier and a lot comfortable compared to having a yeast infection. A couple of tips to prevent yeast infection are to follow so sit tight and continue reading.

Yeast infection results from the hyper growth of the fungi Candida. The fungus is present in most of us so there’s no actual ways of preventing contact with the said bacteria. However, what you can avoid is having contact with a moist environment. Fungus grows well in a warm, most environment, and Candida is not an exception.

Among the things that you better avoid in order to prevent the full development of the infection includes wet clothing especially bating suits. These are quite obvious since we just mentioned that fungus likes growing in warm and wet environment. Tight fitted pants, most especially jeans are a no-no. You should avoid leotards and spandex as well. The tight contact of the clothes to your skin prevents the area to breathe. The close skin contact also might cause some uncomfortable feelings and also trigger some reactions worsening the situation.

Nylon material on your underwear is also a good thing to avoid. Cotton would be good choice being clean and has a fabric that allows breathing space. Likewise, avoid pantyhose. Or you really want to wear pantyhose, just wear cotton underwear underneath.

Other tips that we suggest cover your personal hygiene. Stayingclean especially down there is something that all women should do. Keeping your vagina clean and dry after you take a bath or a shower will help prevent the unnecessary growth of the Candida fungus. If you’re accustomed in using deodorant napkins, perfumed tampons, or other feminine hygiene products that have been colored or perfumed, start avoiding them right away. Stick with the all natural stuff. It’s better for you, for the environment, and especially better for me.

If you have a hyper sex life, be sure to insist using condoms. Although yeas infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, having safe sex is just a good advice. Okay, let’s move on shall we?

Normally medicines should be good for you but in order to prevent yeast infection, it is best to avoid antibiotics since this will upset the balance of microorganism in your body favoring the growth of the Candida fungus. Unless prescribed by your doctor, stay away from antibiotic pills for a while.

Also, foods high in carbohydrates and sugar are a source of food for the yeast as well. So unless you want to keep feeding your yeast something that will help it grow, then you better stick with some fresh foods like vegetables and fruits for a while. Also, in eating your food, it has been recommended to eat fresh fruits and vegetables separately from cooked food. When you combined cooked and fresh, the food will tend to ferment in your stomach. The fermented food will harbor the growth of more bacteria aside from the fungus that you already have.

The more you should learn to control your food intake if you are diabetic. Monitoring and keeping the appropriate amounts of sugar level is a good way to keep you healthy as well as keep the fungus at bay.

These are but a few tips to prevent yeast infection. As you move along your research, you will get to understand more about the techniques that can be used to avoid yeast infection as well as other methods that would help you cure the infection, in case you already have one.

Learn more about natural yeast infection and candida yeast infections. You will find a whole lot of up-to-date resources on natural yeast infection treatment & remedies. And boosting immune system will help you to protect the strength of your organism in its fight with infections.

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