Breast cancer early detected can save your life

July 14, 2010 by  
Filed under Health & Wellness

Early signs of breast cancer.
Image via Wikipedia

Breast cancer is curable, but with only one condition, to be diagnosed in time …

How breast palpation is done correctly and that is during the month when should be done?
Breast self-exam to detect cancer early may improve survival rate of the patients with breast carcinoma. In fact, most breast cancers are initially detected by palpation by the patient and not by the physician. Although in young women are reduced incidence of breast cancer, learning the art of self-examination is important, so it can become a habit.

Breast self-exam is done in front of a mirror while you are in an orthostatic position (vertical) or sitting, to detect breast asymmetry. Skin retraction can be observed by raising the arms above the head or placing your hands on hips.

In the case of premenopausal, monthly breast examination is indicated in the first week after menstrual period. If the doctor can not confirm changes detected by the patient, must be repeated after one month or immediately after the next menstrual period.

What should alarm us and when we need immediate medical attention?

Mammary tumors, especially cancer, are asymptomatic, being discovered by palpation or by screening (mammography and self-examination). Minimum changes occur in the breast during the menstrual cycle. During
premenstrual phase, may temporary occur a slightly elevated swelling. This persistent nodules at palpation, especially present in postmenopausal women, with irregular edges, require immediate medical attention. Moreover, the nipple secretion in women not breastfeeding and its hemorrhagic nature, in the absence of breast palpation, require the need to establish its origin.

What are the main investigation for breast cancer detection and what they entail?

The main investigation applied to the breast are the mammogram, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Breast ultrasound is an imaging technique, commonly used, but not having the same accuracy in detecting breast cancer compared with mammography. Its indications are limited to assessing a benign-looking density, impalpable, detected by mammography.

MRI is a costly investigation, which is generally indicated by evaluating mammograms.

Breast cancer diagnosis is established only by examining tissue taken by biopsy. Who are people susceptible to breast cancer? Breast cancer is approximately one third of all cancers that occur in women and is considered the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. Here are some of the risk factors:

* Family history of breast cancer – increases the overall relative risk;
* Diet high in fat, alcohol consumption;
* Hormonal factors;
* Lack of lactation (breastfeeding seems to have a protective role)

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About restless legs syndrome

July 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Health & Wellness

Restless legs syndrome
Image via Wikipedia

According to the National Institute of Health in the United States, approximately 12 million Americans suffer from restless legs syndrome. Although lately began to make studies about the disease and became known in professional circles, a large number of experts think is a bad disease and most often overlooked.

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological movement disorder characterized by sensory and motor abnormalities. Experts say that imposing a correct diagnosis may take up to two years … Patients often feel frustrated by these symptoms, which they consider an inconvenience rather than a disease in the true sense of the word. But studies indicate that restless legs syndrome is a condition which can be treated.

Classical symptoms of this disease are the uncomfortable feeling of the lower limbs, feelings that are becoming increasingly annoying during the night.

People who suffer from this disease have a diminished quality of life. But what is more sad is that it is very likely not even to be aware that they have the classic symptoms of a disease that can be diagnosed and treated. It is also important that doctors be aware of this syndrome, to adequately diagnose this disease and prescribe proper medication, if necessary.

In severe cases, unusual sensations felt in the legs. And in rare and severe cases, sensation may be present in the genital area or torso. Symptoms develop, especially when ill person is resting (relaxation times). This sensation is often confused with “nervousness”.

The symptoms associated with this disease are:

ï Periodic limb movement, characterized by a distortion of the foot, either during sleep or during a period when the person is awake – a stereotypical repetitive motion of the foot. Most people who suffer from restless legs syndrome also suffer from this syndrome.

ï Sleep disturbances and fatigue. Most patients show sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty sleeping. Because of this, 50% of patients are unable to have a restful sleep at night. Those who suffer from this serious forms of disease manage to have a few hours of sleep a night, which means they are characterized by fatigue during the day. These sleep problems are usually associated with the worst forms of restless legs syndrome.

ï During the period of rest and relaxation, patients may experience uncontrolled movements. These movements, which may occur during the day or night, can be extremely fast.

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How to get rid of allergies

July 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Allergy

Pollen from a variety of common plants: sunflo...
Image via Wikipedia

An “allergy” is a sensitivity to something that normally do not rise any health problems. When the body
attempt to escape “allergen (foreign substance), experience the sensation of sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, rhinorrhea and itching. Classical allergens include animal dandruff, pollen, dust mites and molds.

The medical term for symptoms of nasal allergies is “allergic rhinitis (“rhinitis”comes from the word ” Rhine “, from Ancient Greek, meaning nose, and “itis”meaning inflammation).

Seasonal allergic rhinitis describes nasal allergies that change with the seasons because of plant pollen. In these people, symptoms come and go depending on the pollen of certain trees and weeds. Their pollen levels can vary from day to day, depending on factors including weather.

Tips to cope with allergies

* Try to stay inside your house between 5 am and 10 am.
* After you’ve been outside, change your clothes and make a quick shower.
* Keep windows closed.
* Use air conditioning and change filters often.
* Do not smoke in the house. Cigarette smoke is irritating and may intensify symptoms of allergies.
* When driving, keep windows closed and use air conditioning (set to recirculation) to reduce exposure to pollen.

How to cope mold

You can reduce exposure to mold by monitoring the level of increase in house, avoiding places where they grow and reducing activities that can arouse their spores. Here’s what to do to reduce exposure to mold allergens:

Outside:

* Avoid areas such as – basements, garages, barns, stacks of wood.
* In the garden, avoid activities that increase exposure to pollens and molds, such as mowing, digging … If you must do these things, wear a filter pollens and molds mask.

Inside:

* Keep humidity in the house at a lower level of 50% to discourage mold growth. If humidity is high, use air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Also consider installing a dehumidifier in the basement or other closed areas.
* Do not leave wet laundry in the washer sit for long
* Clean the fridge regularly
* Clean shower curtain with substance to destroy and prevent mold.
* Reduce the number of houseplants as soil encourages mold growth.
* Open curtains to allow sunlight to enter the house.
* Avoid using pillows, mattresses and furniture filled with foam, as sweat can mold them. Choose objects labeled “hypoallergenic”
* If you use a humidifier, follow manufacturer’s instructions closely and carefully clean on a regular basis. If the humidifier has traces of mold, mold spores can spread into the air we breathe.

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Broccoli helps to fight breast cancer

June 21, 2010 by  
Filed under Preventive Medicine

Studies show that broccoli may help in the pre...
Image via Wikipedia
Scientists have discovered a new benefit that offers broccoli consumption: can prevent and even treat breast cancer.
It seems that effect is given by the contents of sulforaphane, which attack cancer stem cells that contribute to tumor growth. Thus, consumption of broccoli may help women both in preventing and treating disease.
“Anti-cancer effects of sulforaphane were investigated, but this study shows that this substance stop the developing of the tumor,” said Prof. Duxin Sun, University of Michigan.
The study was conducted on mice with breast cancer who were injected with broccoli extract. Researchers have observed a significant reduction of cancer stem cells after treatment with sulforaphane. In mice, broccoli extract was able to stop tumor growth. Experts say that sulforaphane used in the study were in amounts greater than found in broccoli. They also do not recommend supplements of sulforaphane, considering that the survey was not conducted on humans.
Previous studies have suggested that an efficient broccoli consumption can prevent other cancers, such as gallbladder cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer.
Discovered in time, breast cancer is curable. The breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Like other cancers, breast cancer is completely curable if diagnosed and treated in early stages. For early detection of tumor requires a monthly autopalpare to the right breast and presentation to your doctor if any suspicions. Also, annual gynecological exam should include the correct clinical breast exams.
As with any type of cancer, symptoms typically appear when it’s too late, the tumor was in an advanced stage. These comprise: indolora palpable mass, pain, deformity, nipple discharge (especially unilateral), redness (erythema) and skin ulceration.
Broccoli consumption is recommended for …
Strong bones. This vegetable contains high amounts of calcium and vitamin C, important nutrients for bone health.
Healthy digestive system. According to a study, broccoli can eliminate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), due to the content of sulforaphane.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Scientists have discovered that a diet based on broccoli, tea, onions, apples (all rich in flavonoids), reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Strengthening the immune system. Not only is rich in vitamin C, but broccoli contains beta-carotene, zinc, selenium and other minerals that help immune defensive actions.
A healthy pregnancy. Broccoli contain folic acid, vitamin B, necessary for proper division of cells into DNA synthesis. With a deficiency of folic acid, nervous system cells of the fetus does not divide properly.
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All you need to know about the benefits of apple vinegar

June 20, 2010 by  
Filed under Health Misc.

apple vinegar drink
Image by T. Chen via Flickr

Over time, the vinegar was used in the most various purposes: in gastronomy (for preparation of various kinds of pickles and salads), for the extermination of harmful plants, to clean kitchen utensils … Also (and not merely accidental) have been assigned important curative properties. Research conducted in recent years have highlighted the fact that apple vinegar is a highly effective tonic. Its beneficial effects have been demonstrated successfully in the case of diseases like diabetes or obesity.

Apple Vinegar – universal remedy?

Apple vinegar has become known especially since the late ’50s, when a famous American doctor, DC Jarvis, has treated this issue in a paper titled “Health Guide. Moreover, in recent years, alternative medicine has experienced a great revival and the apple vinegar to be more recommended (and successfully used) as a tonic, especially in diets.

Not surprisingly, if you think that is indicated in improving digestion, detoxification, treatment of rheumatism, cholecystitis, anemia and migraines, and these are only some examples …

Diabetes. Effect of apple vinegar on blood glucose level is among the most important discoveries in the field. There have been many researches regard this. An example: in a study conducted in 2007, 11 people suffering from diabetes type II, who took two tablets of apple vinegar, found that blood glucose decreased by 4 to 6%.

Be careful! If you have diabetes, do not take apple vinegar without medical advice. Chromium content of the product could
affect insulin levels.

A series of surveys conducted in 2006 established that apple vinegar is a great effect on people whose cholesterol levels exceed normal values. To exclude possible but undesirable side effects, you should ask your doctor before resorting to this procedure.

Hypertension. For this, it is recommended frequent consumption of apple vinegar and olive oil.

Cancer. American doctors have concluded after some research, administration of apple vinegar can “kill” cancer cells or slow down their proliferation. It also may prevent esophageal cancer.

Every morning, drink a cup of water into which you put a spoonful of apple vinegar. After two weeks, you’ll find that you lose, on average, three-four kilograms. Be careful, though! It is not advisable to repeat the diet.

On the other hand, however, should not be omitted possible risks of consuming apple vinegar, although you can say about them are that are insignificant. But if you take large amounts for a long time, problems can occur.

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