TESTS FOR CHEST PAIN, VIDEO SYMPTOMS OF HEART BLOCKAGE AND HEART ATTACK MANY CAUSES OF CHEST PAIN

TESTS FOR CHEST PAIN,VIDEO SYMPTOMS HEART BLOCKAGE AND HEART ATTACK MANY CAUSES OF CHEST PAIN

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There are many causes of chest pain. Each year, millions of people seek emergency medical care because of chest pain,(and foolishly many people ignore chest pain when they ought to call 911) the most common symptom of heart attack. For many, heart attack is the clear diagnosis, but annually more than 6 million people are admitted to the hospital because the answer isn’t clear. Besides a heart attack other cardiac causes include angina. Also an aneurysm, a dilation of a blood vessel whose layers may be damaged or a blood clot in the lung could produce chest pain along with a host of other problems. Any chest pain needs to be addressed immediately. Always be extra cautious. Delay could be the mistake of a lifetime. A normal EKG is NOT necessarily enough to rule out a heart related condition.

Why Do Many Doctors Oredr a Fast CT Heart Scan Test to Detect Heart Problems




Many times just the story, the history, is enough to convince the doctor to hospitalize a patient.If the electrocardiogram (EKG) is normal and initial blood tests for "heart enzymes" such as CPK and troponin don’t show signs of dying heart muscle, patients are usually admitted for observation, repeat EKGs, blood tests and other tests to rule out heart problems. Many cases of chest pain are not heart related. Even so, it's pretty obvious that the heart is right up there on the list of causes that the doctor has to think about and identify ASAP. So the doctor starts pointed questions about the chest pain. Questions like

How long does it last?

What is the family history?

What is the personal history, high blood pressure,heart problems?

Where is it located?

What brings it on?

What sort of risk factors does Joe have?





As she enters the room, Joe Johnson's doctor can't help but notice the look of trepidation on Joe's face. She's seen him many times before but this time something is clearly bothering him. As she says hello and asks Joe how he's doing, the reason for Joe's distress is soon apparent. It turns out that he has been experiencing chest pains for the past month that are alarming him.

Many Causes of Chest Pain

In Joe's case, he's been under a lot of stress, sometimes waking up at night with a "feeling" in his chest and it seems to occur also when he's lifting or exerting himself.

The EKG, the Stress Echo, the Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

This certainly sounds like it could be cardiac so the doctor orders an electrocardiogram (EKG) in the office. The EKG is where they attach the wires with little sticky things to the chest and see the wavy lines drawn on graph paper by the machine. Both the doctor and Joe are relieved to see that the EKG as well a chest x ray are both "within normal limits".








But the problem is that a person's EKG can look "normal" and yet the person may still have some blockage of the coronary arteries, the arteries that feed the heart muscle itself.



So what next? Well, the doctor could order a coronary angiogram to look for blockage. In a coronary angiogram, they insert a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin and thread it up to the heart and inject a dye. The dye helps to make the blood vessels of the heart visible on x ray. Using a series of pictures it's possible to see narrowing and blockages of the coronary heart blood vessels. But this is often not the first test that will be ordered.

Pictures and What is an Angiogram



Instead there are a group of "noninvasive" tests that can be used to gauge how the blood supply of the heart is doing.

Non Invasive Tests of Heart Blockage

Many of the non invasive tests involve exercise and then seeing how the heart responds to it. In some cases the patient may not be capable of doing the sort of aerobic exercising needed. In that case, there are ways to "chemically stress" the heart. Among the tests are

Treadmill Test, the Stress Test

Here they have you run in a treadmill while they see how your heart responds on an EKG

Stress Echo

Here you are exercising again but now they are looking at your heart with an ulrasound, like using ultrasound to see a baby in a pregnant woman. The ultrasound is valuable because they can see how your heart is beating, how the walls are moving. When the heart walls don't move properly it can indicate that a part of the heart is functiong incorrectly due to inadequate blood flow.




Watch the Video Classic Symptoms of Heart Disease Click the Arrow to Start

Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (myocardial means heart muscle)


Here again you are exercising. This is probably one of the more informative "non invasive" tests. Here they inject of a small amount of radioactive material which circulates in the bloodstream. The radioactive material accumulates in the heart tissue according to the degree of good blood supply in the heart. If they see that when you exercise there is decreased blood supply compared to resting it indicates ischemia.

PET Scan

The PET Scan can see the blood flow of the heart. PET stands for positron emission tomgraphy. The PET scan is a relatively high tech scan that is not yet widely used. For one thing, it's very expensive. But it works well .

See what the Heart Association Says About Imaging the Heart

Electron Beam CT

You've probably heard this advertised. You don't need to exercise for this test. The special CT scanner looks for the presence of calcium deposits in the arteries.High calcium deposits have been associated with blockage of the arteries.

SHOULD ALL PEOPLE WITH DIABETES USE BLOOD PRESSURE PILL ACE INHIBITOR EVEN WITH NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE ACE INHIBITORS HELP DIABETIC KIDNEY PROBLEM

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Should all people with diabetes take a blood pressure pill ACE inhibitor? Blood pressure pills with names like lisinopril, captopril,etc are used to treat other things beside blood pressure. ACE Inhibitors are known to reduce kidney problems in diabetics.There are two main types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common and tends to occur in older adults(but can happen in kids too). The problem in Type 2 diabetes is frequently "insulin resistance". Your pancreas may produce insulin but your body does not respond properly (resists) to the insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the body has trouble using insulin, even if it is available.



Your brain needs a constant supply of blood glucose(sugar). Not enough glucose to the brain and you faint. Too much glucose circulating in the blood and you feel sick. The job of regulating blood glucose depends on a Yin and Yang relationship of two hormones. Insulin drives sugar from the blood into the cells of the body. Glucagon helps to increase sugar in the blood.

Symptoms of diabetes can include:

increased thirst or hunger

fatigue and weight loss

increased urination, especially at night

blurred vision

sores that do not heal





Among the complications of diabetes is kidney trouble a.k.a diabetic nephropathy. Many diabetic people have high blood pressure. So doctors often prescribe a blood pressure pill. Ace inhibitors are a class of blood pressure pills with names like lisonopril, captopril, enalapril, benzapril,etc. Ace inhibitors treat many things besides blood pressure,migraines,for example. ACE inhibitors block the enzyme ACE in the body from producing angiotensin II, a chemical that does things like narrow blood vessels and cause sodium retention.




"We know that ACE inhibitors slow the progression of diabetic kidney trouble (diabetic nephropathy). So they’re indicated for that, they’re indicated for hypertension why not just put all diabetics on them?" In other words doctors wonder should all people with diabetes be on an ace inhibitor blood pressure pill to protect their kidney even if they don't have a diagnosis of high blood pressure.

Read this article suggesting that perhaps most people with diabetes would benefit from certain cholesterol lowering medication



In this article in the medical journal The Lancet, researchers report about putting patients even without a diagnosis of high blood pressure on a fixed dose combination of ACE inhibitor and diuretic.The results were that diabetics who were on ace inhibitors and a diuretic (water pill) did better. "We assessed the effects of the routine administration of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-diuretic combination on serious vascular events in patients with diabetes, irrespective of initial blood pressure levels or the use of other blood pressure lowering drugs".




The findings:



"The relative risk of death from cardiovascular disease was reduced by 18%… and death from any cause was reduced by 14%. Although the confidence limits were wide, the results suggest that over 5 years, one death due to any cause would be averted among every 79 patients assigned active therapy".

Effects of a fixed combination of perindopril and indapamide on macrovascular and microvascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (the ADVANCE trial): a randomised controlled trial

Simplifying Management of Type 2 Diabetes

VIDEO OF BEE STINGING HOW THEY TREAT BEE STINGS DESENSITIZATION AND EPIPEN

HOW THEY TREAT BEE STINGS ALLERGIC REACTION : VIDEO OF A BEE STING AND ALLERGY DESENSITIZATION AND WHAT IS EPIPEN

Remove Stinger Fast Get Away From The Bees

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People who have an allergic reaction to bee stings, peanuts, shrimp or what have you can manifest a variety of degrees of reaction. I have had 3 bee stings simultaneously with no problem but some people can have a bad allergic reaction to even one sting once. Allergic reactions are very unpredictable. Allergic reactions to "insults" such as bee stings range from mild itchiness and redness to hives all the way to a severe drop in blood pressure, closing of the throat and inability to breath i.e. anaphylactic shock, a life threatening emergency. Thankfully, severe reactions are a small fraction of all cases. But one problem is that symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may begin within minutes of the sting or be delayed for hours.





The two types of stinging insects are vespids (wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants) and apids (honeybees and bumblebees). Yellow jackets cause the most allergic reactions in the US. Bee and wasp venoms are different, each containing distinct major allergens (chemicals causing allergy). Vespids are attracted to bright colors and strong odors and can sting repeatedly without provocation.












The severity of any sting depends on the volume and toxicity of venom injected, the site of the sting and the allergic status of the person stung. Nowadays the advice is to get the stinger out quickly. Time is important since more venom is expected the longer the stinger stays in. Many recommend scraping off the stinger with a credit card. Then get immediate medical attention.



Advice on bee sting treatment should not overlook that a response to stings from bees defending their nests should be to get away from the vicinity of the nest. There is an alarm pheromone (chemical secreted by an animal,that influences the behavior) emitted at the base of a honey bee's sting, which makes other bees more likely to sting, and aids them in locating the victim. This is particularly important with Africanized bees, as they are more likely to respond to the release of alarm pheromone with large numbers of sting.



In an allergic reaction, tissues in different parts of the body release histamine and other chemicals in reaction to an allergen( a substance that causes allergic reaction). That is why doctors prescribe anti histamines for mild allergic reactions. The anti histamines block the effects of the histamine chemical. But in a severe allergic reaction just antihistamines are not enough. Histamines and other chemicals are released. The chemicals can cause constriction of the airways, resulting in wheezing, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, fluid leakage and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.






In a fraction of stings people experience anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole body allergic reaction. After an initial exposure to a substance like bee sting toxin, the person's immune system becomes sensitized to that allergen. The same immune system, which protects the body from infections, for some reason, becomes sensitized to the bee venom or other material and the next time there is an exposure to the material the immune system launches an attack. This reaction is sudden, severe, and involves the whole body.

Scottish Man Killed by Bee




















Very allergic persons may carry a small device called an EpiPen. It's a prepackaged dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) that a person can self administer. Adrenaline helps reverse the acute emergency consequences of a severe allergic reaction. The EpiPen has an auto injector that fires when the tip is pushed against the muscles.


People who are severely allergic to the venom of stinging insects, such as bees can undergo a desensitization process. First, skin testing is performed by an allergy specialist to determine the type of insect responsible for the venom allergy. Then the patient receives a series of injections of the venom from the same insect. The starting dose is minute but increasingly larger doses are given until venom doses several times larger than a single insect sting, can be tolerated. This type of program must be administered by an allergy specialist over a period of time.



"Hypersensitive persons should never be alone when hiking, boating, swimming, golfing, fishing or involved outdoors since help is likely needed in starting prompt emergency treatment measures if stung. It is wise for the person to carry a card or to have an identification bracelet or necklace, such as "Medic Alert," identifying the person as hypersensitive to an insect sting. It will alert others to the condition in an emergency when sudden shock-like (anaphylactic) symptoms or unconsciousness (fainting) occurs after one or more stings". Medic Alert tags can be purchased at Medic Alert Foundation, 2323 Colorado Avenue, Turlock, California 95380, 888-633-4298 or 209-668-3333 from outside the U.S. also Medic Alert Web Site





Watch a Video of a Bee Stinger Going Into the Skin (Don't Do This It Could Be Very Dangerous) Click the Arrow to Start






Watch Video Talking About Epipen Click the Arrow to Start

The Danger of Bee Stings

Bee and Wasp Stings Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet




Video About Using an Epipen as One Might in a Severe Allergic Reaction
Click the Arrow to Start

About Bee and Wasp Stings

Venom Allergy

Shutting down... for a while...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to ALL!

We're going on holiday... back in Jan!

Two vaginas?

And THIS?!


Click the image to see it full size...

Yowsers. Will have to wait for SA Doc's comment on this. She's still at work.

I think this is two vagina lady's blog: I have two vaginas!

A quote from the article, if you will...

When I was dating, I'd just say, "So I have a little something to tell you." I never got any other reaction except, "Oh, my God, that's so cool," because they'd want to have sex in both sides and see what it felt like. Apparently, the right side is, well, more normal. The left side is a lot smaller. But they're both tight. That's a plus. I've got two G-spots, too, so I've always appreciated men who were extra dexterous with their fingers. I get to have two orgasms at the same time.

So, who calls bullshit?

TREATMENT FOR WRINKLES HOW BOTOX INJECTION WORKS ON FACIAL WRINKLES SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX VIDEOS ABOUT BOTOX AND ACTRESS VIRGINIA MADSEN

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Injections of Botox wrinkle treatment have become the fastest growing facial cosmetic procedure in the country. Everyone (men included)seems to want facial wrinkle removal.Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) a nerve blocker, is applied for wrinkles on the forehead and to reduce crow's feet wrinkles near the eyes. Many wrinkles are caused by repeated contraction of muscles in the face. Botox is used as as anti-aging treatment to block the nerve impulses for muscle contractions in the face. Celebrities use it and the actress Virgina Madsen has decided to talk about her experiences to help people considering treatments. Botox is also being used to shut down sweat production in the skin.





How does Botox work? What is it? Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox Cosmetic) is a chemical produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent toxic substances in nature. When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction.




Botox is injected into the muscles, reducing muscle contraction for a period of three to six months. The treatment is designed to break the habit of frowning or squinting and so reduce the appearance of the lines and also reduce the development of further facial lines. After Botox treatment it takes 2-3 days for the effects to start to be seen reaching its maximum effect at 7-10 days. The treatment can last from to 3-6 months, on average 4 months.

Click and Read and See Video How Are Dermal Fillers Like Juvederm and ArteFill Used For Wrinkle Treatment




Watch a Doctor inject Botox for Facial Wrinkles Click the Arrow to Start










I admire the actress Virgina Madsen who has discussed publicly her use of Botox."Approached by Allergan to work for its campaign called "Keep the Wisdom. Lose the Lines"..."Stressing that Botox and Juvéderm are medicines ,they are prescription medicines" Madsen said, "I think a lot of people have lost sight of that with the growing popularity of these products. I don't think anyone would ever consider having their eyes examined anywhere else but in a doctor's chair. It is very similar."

Virginia Madsen: My Botox Confession







Video Explaining How Botox Injections Are Administered and Botox Works Click the arrow to start













Watch a Video of Virgina Madsen and Her Mom Talking About Botox Click the Arrow to Start









Possible Side Effects and Complications from Botox Injections:



Although there is no chance of contracting botulism from Botox injections, there are some risks associated with the procedure. There is a small risk of eyelid drooping (ptosis) and slight puffiness following treatment. The incidence of ptosis is about 5% but always ask your doctor what problems they have had with treatments as this will differ between doctors.

If too much toxin is injected, for example (which has happened in the past) it can cause problems or if it is injected into the wrong facial area. Rarely, according to the drug insert, people have had allergic reactions including anaphylaxis (life threatening allergic reaction). You can read the manufacturer's insert by clicking

Botox Prescribing Information



Aminoglycoside antibiotics and other chemicals that interfere with neuromuscular transmission can interact with Botox. Pregnant women and people with neuromuscular disorders are advised to avoid Botox.

Welcome to Injectable Safety

Botox Cosmetic: A Look at Looking Good

TREATMENT FOR WRINKLES HOW BOTOX INJECTION WORKS ON FACIAL WRINKLES SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX AND VIDEOS ABOUT BOTOX AND THE ACTRESS VIRGINIA MADSEN

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Injections of Botox wrinkle treatment have become the fastest growing facial cosmetic procedure in the country. Everyone (men included)seems to want facial wrinkle removal.Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) a nerve blocker, is applied for wrinkles on the forehead and to reduce crow's feet wrinkles near the eyes. Many wrinkles are caused by repeated contraction of muscles in the face. Botox is used as as anti-aging treatment to block the nerve impulses for muscle contractions in the face. Celebrities use it and the actress Virgina Madsen has decided to talk about her experiences to help people considering treatments. Botox is also being used to shut down sweat production in the skin.






How does Botox work? What is it? Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox Cosmetic) is a chemical produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent toxic substances in nature. When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction.

Click and Read and See Video How Are Dermal Fillers Like Juvederm and ArteFill Used For Wrinkle Treatment



Botox is injected into the muscles, reducing muscle contraction for a period of three to six months. The treatment is designed to break the habit of frowning or squinting and so reduce the appearance of the lines and also reduce the development of further facial lines. After Botox treatment it takes 2-3 days for the effects to start to be seen reaching its maximum effect at 7-10 days. The treatment can last from to 3-6 months, on average 4 months.






Watch a Doctor inject Botox for Facial Wrinkles Click the Arrow to Start







I admire the actress Virgina Madsen who has discussed publicly her use of Botox."Approached by Allergan to work for its campaign called "Keep the Wisdom. Lose the Lines"..."Stressing that Botox and Juvéderm are medicines ,they are prescription medicines" Madsen said, "I think a lot of people have lost sight of that with the growing popularity of these products. I don't think anyone would ever consider having their eyes examined anywhere else but in a doctor's chair. It is very similar."

Virginia Madsen: My Botox Confession











Video Explaining How Botox Injections Are Administered and Botox Works Click the arrow to start







Watch a Video of Virgina Madsen and Her Mom Talking About Botox Click the Arrow to Start









Possible Side Effects and Complications from Botox Injections:



Although there is no chance of contracting botulism from Botox injections, there are some risks associated with the procedure. There is a small risk of eyelid drooping (ptosis) and slight puffiness following treatment. The incidence of ptosis is about 5% but always ask your doctor what problems they have had with treatments as this will differ between doctors.

If too much toxin is injected, for example (which has happened in the past) it can cause problems or if it is injected into the wrong facial area. Rarely, according to the drug insert, people have had allergic reactions including anaphylaxis (life threatening allergic reaction). You can read the manufacturer's insert by clicking

Botox Prescribing Information



Aminoglycoside antibiotics and other chemicals that interfere with neuromuscular transmission can interact with Botox. Pregnant women and people with neuromuscular disorders are advised to avoid Botox.

Welcome to Injectable Safety

Botox Cosmetic: A Look at Looking Good

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME COMMON WORK INJURY TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS AND WHO GETS CARPAL TUNNEL

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME REPETITIVE WORK AND TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS AND WHO GETS CARPAL TUNNEL

Yoga for Carpal Tunnel What's an EMG Test

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Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist. Symptoms of carpal tunnel can be numbness in the hand or burning or a feeling of pins and needles. You may have weakness in the hand or trouble grasping or holding. You can think of the nerves as electrical wiring in your hand. Inflammation of the narrow tunnel or tube that travels through your wrist, puts pressure on the nerves. Pressure on nerves interferes with nerve impulses and can feel like burning or numbness. People who do repetitive motion tend to get carpal tunnel. So, for example, people who work at cash registers, typists or carpenters might be more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome.









The carpal tunnel in your wrist is an actual tunnel, sort of a tube in the wrist that is surrounded by bone on three sides and a ligament (a band of tissue) over the top. Tendons (connectors for muscles) and nerves are all stuffed into this narrow tube. 3 nerves travel into the hand. The nerve of the middle fingers, the median nerve, is most often implicated in carpal tunnel. Imagine a plastic tube about one and a half inches across stuffed with wires, cables and pipes.



Carpal tunnel affects an estimated 3 percent of adult Americans and is approximately three times more common in women than in men. Carpal tunnel can feel like tingling or burning or numbness. It can be in just certain fingers or all fingers. It can be on one hand or both hands. People with carpal tunnel syndrome can feel pain and numbness radiating to the forearm, elbow, and shoulder too.



Watch A Video Explaining Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Click the arrow to start







See Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Surgery,Drugs and Yoga

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel and Nerve Conduction Study

By listening to the symptoms and hands on exam, a doctor can often make the diagnosis of carpal tunnel. Doctors also order a nerve conduction study. In a nerve conduction study EMG they test to see how fast electrical impulses travel thru the affected nerve. You expect changes with carpal tunnel syndrome.



Click to See a Video About EMG Tests for Carpal Tunnel Click the Arrow to Start








People with carpal tunnel syndrome might:

avoid repetitive wrist and hand motions

avoid using vibratory tools like jackhammers, chain saws, drills, polishers floor sanders
It may help to wear a special splint that keeps the wrist in a neutral position while you sleep.You might also wear the splint during the day. Exercises to stretch the carpal tunnel may help. Steroid pills such as prednisone or steroid injections near the carpal tunnel might help the hand feel better for a longer time. If your symptoms bother you a lot or do not get better after two steroid injections, you might need carpal tunnel release surgery.

CHOCOLATE CHEMICALS WHY IS CHOCOLATE SOOTHING WOMEN CHOCOLATE ANDTHE BRAIN

CRAVING CHOCOLATE PHARMACOLOGY AND WOMEN AND CHOCOLATE THE BRAIN

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Women are said to have a craving for chocolate before and during menses.In fact just about everyone loves chocolate, finds it soothing and feels chocolate relaxes them. Yet researchers have yet to agree if this is a biological or psychological phenomenon. Is some chemical in the chocolate causing the attraction or is it because chocolate is just plain yummy? Dr. Debra Zellner, a professor at Montclair State University in New Jersey believes the woman chocolate thing is a cultural phenomenon," that women in the U.S. have the craving because they've turned chocolate into a nutritional taboo". For example, she found that women in Egypt are not longing for chocolate.

Psychoactive Chemicals in Chocolate

There are a variety of chemicals in chocolate that have been held up as candidates to explain it's soothing almost caressing properties. In fact according to published reports, chocolate contains more than 300 known chemicals.

This Is Your Brain on Chocolate



There are psychoactive chemicals in chocolate but the naysayers ask how could they possibly have an effect in the small quantities that are present.
Among the psychoactive chemicals in chocolate are:

caffeine

theobromine

related to caffeine

tyramine

Tyramine is a nervous system stimulant that is made naturally from the amino acid tyrosine. It's found in a variety of food products such as cheese and wine. People on the anti depressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors are cautioned to avoid tyramine containing foods because tyramine accumulates in these people with nasty side effects like high blood pressure and migraine headaches.

sugar

phenylethylamine

What is this Thing About Chocolate?

Chocolate and A Brain Chemical That Mimics Marijuana

Anandamide, a substance that acts in our brain like the active ingredient in marijuana is a chemical that is produced in our brains in addition to being found in chocolate. Anandamid has been touted as the purported source of the "runners high".

Study Links Marijuana Buzz to 'Runner's High'.

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Anandamide (arachidonyl ethanolamide) is a chemical produced in our brain that scientists think is natural mimic of marijuana. Anandamide activates receptors in the brain that are activated by tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana.Our body produces a chemical or chemicals that have endogenous cannabis (marijuana) like properties. The brain has marijuana receptors called thc receptors which is odd since marijuana is not a natural body chemical.



It turns out that chocolate has anandamide as well as two other chemicals,

N-oleoylethanolamine and

N-linoleoylethanolamine.


Daniele Piomelli, a scientist at the University of California, Irvine studies "the function of lipid-derived messengers, with particular emphasis on the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol. In 1996, Emmanuelle di Tomaso and Piomelli found three substances in chocolate that "could act as cannabinoid mimics either directly (by activating cannabinoid receptors) or indirectly (by increasing anandamide levels)." Anandamide is also synthesized in areas of the brain that are important in memory and higher thought processes and in areas that control movement.That implies that anandamide's function is not just to produce bliss



In this audio interview Danielle Piomelli explains why he studies chocolate and the pharmacology of chocolate

Page from Exploratorium With Real Audio Interview With Piomelli.

Why Chocolate Makes Us Feel Good

Chocolate Treatment and Psychiatry

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME REPETITIVE WORK EMG TREATMENT SURGERY A VIDEO AND WHO GETS CARPAL TUNNEL

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME REPETITIVE WORK AND TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS AND WHO GETS CARPAL TUNNEL

Yoga for Carpal Tunnel What's an EMG Test

---

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist. Symptoms of carpal tunnel can be numbness in the hand or burning or a feeling of pins and needles. You may have weakness in the hand or trouble grasping or holding. You can think of the nerves as electrical wiring in your hand. Inflammation of the narrow tunnel or tube that travels through your wrist, puts pressure on the nerves. Pressure on nerves interferes with nerve impulses and can feel like burning or numbness. People who do repetitive motion tend to get carpal tunnel. So, for example, people who work at cash registers, typists or carpenters might be more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome.





The carpal tunnel in your wrist is an actual tunnel, sort of a tube in the wrist that is surrounded by bone on three sides and a ligament (a band of tissue) over the top. Tendons (connectors for muscles) and nerves are all stuffed into this narrow tube. 3 nerves travel into the hand. The nerve of the middle fingers, the median nerve, is most often implicated in carpal tunnel. Imagine a plastic tube about one and a half inches across stuffed with wires, cables and pipes.



Carpal tunnel affects an estimated 3 percent of adult Americans and is approximately three times more common in women than in men. Carpal tunnel can feel like tingling or burning or numbness. It can be in just certain fingers or all fingers. It can be on one hand or both hands. People with carpal tunnel syndrome can feel pain and numbness radiating to the forearm, elbow, and shoulder too.



Watch A Video Explaining Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Click the arrow to start

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel and Nerve Conduction Study

By listening to the symptoms and hands on exam, a doctor can often make the diagnosis of carpal tunnel. Doctors also order a nerve conduction study. In a nerve conduction study EMG they test to see how fast electrical impulses travel thru the affected nerve. You expect changes with carpal tunnel syndrome.



Click to See a Video About EMG Tests for Carpal Tunnel Click the Arrow to Start








People with carpal tunnel syndrome might:

avoid repetitive wrist and hand motions

avoid using vibratory tools like jackhammers, chain saws, drills, polishers floor sanders
,br>

It may help to wear a special splint that keeps the wrist in a neutral position while you sleep.You might also wear the splint during the day. Exercises to stretch the carpal tunnel may help. Steroid pills such as prednisone or steroid injections near the carpal tunnel might help the hand feel better for a longer time. But only for a limited time. If your symptoms bother you a lot or do not get better after two steroid injections, you might need carpal tunnel release surgery.

CARPAL TUNNEL TREATMENTS INCLUDING SURGERY,DRUGS AND YOGA

Best Of All Scrubbed Up (Part 1)

Not enough bloggers take the time to go back in the archives and rehash some of their best material... Egotistically speaking of course.

But we're different.

So, in case you didn't catch it the first time round - here's a quick series of posts with the REALLY funny stuff, the most viewed, the most commented, the dugg, the undugg...

Welcome to Best of All Scrubbed Up!

- - - - -
Talkin' about foreskin

More than a year ago, we started this blog with but two simple goals. Have some fun and make some statements about the South African (and international medical fraternity). What better way to start than an expose on what really matters to guys.

Their... well, thingies and the end of their thingy.

FORESKIN EXPOSE PART 1 - To chop or not to chop

FORESKIN EXPOSE PART 2 - Revenge of the Sif.

- - - - -
TV Doctor Showdown...

Doctors are all over the tube. They're in our face and up our proverbial skirts. And mostly... (well according to SA Doc at least)... they're a bunch of bollocks. So how would they fair when placed in a real-world tough-gun situation. Say... ummm... a night in Baragwanath in the TRAUMA ward (AFTER a Chiefs vs Pirates soccer game).

Find out here :)

TV Doctor Showdown - Meredith Grey
TV Doctor Showdown - Perry Cox
TV Doctor Showdown - Gregory House

- - - - -
And there ends the lesson. What do you think of the BEST OF selection? Let us know in the comments...

FISH OIL OMEGA 3 HEART BENEFITS LISTEN TO PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OMEGA 3 FOR THE HEART

THE BENEFITS OF OMEGA 3 FISH SEAFOOD: LISTEN TO A PODCAST AND READ WHAT ARE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OMEGA 3 FOR THE HEART

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From Inuit eating fish oil rich with Omega 3 to the American Heart Association recommendation on Omega 3 fish oil to the Institute of Medicine findings on seafood and fish oil and the heart,a litany of reports have implicated oily fish and omega 3 oils in health benefits for everything from the heart to the head. Omega 3 benefits, for the heart at least, seem to be accepted by mainstream medicine. For example, "fish and omega-3 fatty acids in fish are good for your heart. A Mayo Clinic specialist tells how the heart-health benefits of eating fish usually outweigh any risks".

Click to Also See WHAT FOOD IS GOOD FOR MY HEART INCLUDING HEART ASSOCIATION LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

Omega-3 in Fish: How Eating Fish Helps Your Heart








The whole fish Omega 3 phenomenon started with the Eskimos,now called the Inuit peoples. Hugh Sinclair, a British nutrition-scientist confirmed earlier observations that Eskimos had a reduced cardiovascular mortality (fewer dying from heart problems). Initial post-war correspondence on the subject in The Lancet medical journal led to Sinclair joining forces in the 1970s with two Danish scientists, Bang and Dyerberg, who also studied the Inuit way of life. They showed extended bleeding times in the Inuit population but despite "the vast amount of whale meat and blubber they were eating", they had cholesterol levels similar to those in the UK and Denmark, but lower triglycerides and lower rates of coronary heart disease.






The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences has said that eating certain fish is beneficial.In 2006 they reported that "The committee confirmed that eating fish and shellfish may reduce people's overall risk for developing heart disease. It is not certain whether this is because substituting the lean protein of seafood for fatty cuts of meat reduces consumers' intake of saturated fat and cholesterol or because of the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in relatively high amounts in many fish species. Americans generally consume too much saturated fat and cholesterol and too little of "good fats" such as the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in fish








Salient points of the report included:

Lean fish are good sources of protein, are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and provide moderate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Predatory fish with long life spans such as swordfish, shark, and tilefish contain levels of methylmercury that are too high for pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Fatty fish such as salmon are good sources of protein and provide the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain higher levels of saturated fat and cholesterol and can accumulate higher amounts of pollutants such as dioxin and PCB, depending upon the source. Their methylmercury burden is lower than that of many lean fish.

Shellfish and crustaceans are good sources of protein and low in saturated fat, although some contain moderate amounts of cholesterol. They present the greatest risk of microbial infection if eaten raw.

For all seafood categories, levels of contaminants such as dioxin and PCBs in commercially obtained fish generally do not pose health risks when consumed in amounts recommended by federal agencies. These contaminants tend to be geographically specific problems. State advisories are intended to alert the public about contaminated fish and shellfish from regional and local sources.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic acid



Click to listen to a podcast:

"A Salmon A Day Balancing the Benefits of Seafood"

1. Females who are or may become pregnant or who are breast-feeding (All recommendations for pregnant women must be approved by the obstetrician):

May benefit from consuming seafood, especially those with relatively higher concentrations of EPA and DHA.

A reasonable intake would be two 3-ounce (cooked) servings, but they can safely consume 12 ounces per week.

Can consume up to 6 ounces of white (albacore) tuna per week.

Should avoid large predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, tilefish, or king mackerel

2. Children up to 12 years of age:

May benefit from consuming seafood, especially those with relatively higher concentrations of EPA and DHA.

A reasonable intake would be two 3-ounce (cooked) or age-appropriate servings, but they can safely consume 12 ounces per week.

Can consume up to 6 ounces of white (albacore) tuna per week.

Should avoid large predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, tilefish, or king mackerel.

3.Healthy adolescent and adult males and females (who will not become pregnant):

May reduce their risk for future cardiovascular disease by consuming seafood regularly (as suggested by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans).

Who consume more than two servings a week should ensure that they select a variety of seafood to reduce the risk for exposure to contaminants from a single source.

4. Adult males and females who are at risk of coronary heart disease:

May reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease by consuming seafood regularly.

Although supporting evidence is limited, there may be additional benefits from including seafood selections with high levels of EPA and DHA.

Who consume more than two servings a week should ensure that they select a variety of seafood to reduce the risk for exposure to contaminants from a single source.

INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE
Food and Nutrition Board
COMMITTEE ON NUTRIENT RELATIONSHIPS IN SEAFOOD: SELECTIONS TO BALANCE BENEFITS AND RISKS

BRIEFING ON RECOMMENDATIONS TO EAT FISH BY THE IOM

WHAT IS LIPOLYSIS LIPODISSOLVE FAT MELTING INJECTION AND VIDEO

LIPODISSOLVE FAT MELTING LIPOLYSIS INJECTION PROCEDURE VIDEO

Controversial "Fat Melting" Procedure: Some Swear By It Some Swear At It

Physicians Spar Over Injections Touted As an Easy Alternative to Liposuction

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A way to lose fat without dieting. Lipodissolve and lipolysis like just about anything having to do with weight loss and fat reduction, is fraught with controversy. "Come in on your lunch hour, have a few injections and melt away those stubborn bulges of fat. That promise has made injection lipolysis also called lipodissolve and mesotherapy one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures in the country, with centers sprouting up almost as fast as Starbucks stores" and according to the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post, the latest "miracle" lipo dissolve is right up there in the controversy department.

Read healty medical Blog What is Liposuction and Videos How Its Done

Click here and read about Laser assisted fat removal Smartlipo device vs traditional liposuction



"Marketed as a safer and less invasive alternative to liposuction, proponents say lipo-dissolve is useful for treating small "problem areas" such as love handles, bra fat and a softening jaw line. The idea is to get rid of resistant fat deposits using a series of injections to the same area such as the abdomen. A growing number of doctors, nurses and even spa personnel are offering the procedure known in medical circles as injection lipolysis.

Click Here to See Lipo Dissolve Fat Melting Pros and Cons



"Driving the demand for a fat-dissolving miracle is the insatiable quest for thinnerness, a rise in noninvasive cosmetic procedures specifically injectables such as Botox and Restylane and doctors who want to capitalize on both. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery members reported performing injection lipolysis on nearly 29,000 patients in 2006, six times more than in 2005".








"The idea behind injection lipolysis arose in the 1950s in France, where doctors began practicing what was known as mesotherapy, a broad term for injecting substances under the skin. They weren't targeting fat but were injecting different vitamins to treat a variety of ailments. In the late 1960s, doctors in Germany started injecting PCDC, a mixture of phosphatidylcholine (a chemical found in soybeans) and sodium deoxycholate (derived from cattle bile) into the fat layer under the skin to break it down."

Read healty medical Blog about a new noninvasive lipolysis procedure




Video About Lipodissolve Lipolysis Click the Arrow to begin














"Never mind that neither the procedure nor the drug cocktail used has FDA approval. Never mind that Kansas and Nebraska are trying to ban the procedure. Never mind that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery do not condone the procedure". Critics say there is no convincing evidence that lipo-dissolve is effective or safe and they warn patients to stay away from fat-loss shots.

Can Shots Safely 'Melt Away Fat'?

Lipo Dissolve: A New Way To Lose Inches?

Can You Dissolve Fat Away?

CERVICAL CANCER IN WOMEN RISK FACTORS HPV AND THE TEST FOR CERVIX CANCER

RISK FACTORS CERVICAL CANCER HPV AND THE TEST FOR CERVIX CANCER

Test for Cervical Cancer in Women Saves Many Could Save Even More

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The best screening test for cervical cancer in women is probably underutilized. The Pap smear CERVICAL CANCER test is an especially great test because it can pick up pre-cancerous cells in the cervix. The cervix is the "neck" of the woman's uterus aka the womb. By getting regular pap smears a woman increases the chances of finding precancerous cells and getting rid of the risk before the cancer can spread.




Some (many?) women avoid getting the test because of the embarrassment or perceived potential discomfort. But if you look at it on a risk reward ratio the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of getting the test. There is little if any downside and a tremendous upside. Not having a pap smear can literally be the mistake of a person's life. If you don't like or have confidence in a health care provider than go elsewhere for the pap smear but get a pap smear!

What are some risk factors for cancer of the cervix in women?

Women who are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer include:

women with many sexual partners, or whose partners have had many partners

women who smoke are about twice as likely to develop the disease as non-smokers

women who had sexual intercourse at a younger age have a higher risk

Pap Smears: What They Are and What the Results Mean

The Pap Test from Women's Health

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the development of cervical neoplasia are strongly associated. Human papilloma viruses are a group of more than 100 different viruses.

About 40 types of HPV are spread during sex.

Some types of HPVs can cause cervical cancer when not treated.

HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

About 75 percent of sexually active people will get HPV sometime in their life.

Most women with untreated HPV do NOT get cervical cancer.

Some HPVs cause genital warts but these HPVs do not cause cervical cancer.

Since HPV rarely causes symptoms, most people don't know they have the infection.



Most women never know they have HPV. It usually stays hidden and doesn't cause symptoms like warts. When HPV doesn't go away on its own, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Pap tests usually find these changes.

The Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear

Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented

A STUDY OF RED AND PROCESSED MEAT INTAKE IN RELATION TO CANCER RISK AMPLIFIES CONCERNS ABOUT CANCER AND EATING TOO MUCH RED MEAT AND PROCESSED MEAT

Too Much of A Good Thing A Thumbs Down to Too Much Processed Meats Bacon, Pastrami and Salami, as well as Hot Dogs and Sausages

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Diet is thought to influence the incidence of several cancers but it's hard to unravel which aspects of diet are important.A new study in PLOS Medicine tries to shed light on cancer and what we eat. Let's face it, hot dogs,sausages,hamburger,steak,cold cuts all taste good. It would be an "unappetizing" notion to stop eating these tasty foods. However moderation certainly seems to be something to think about. The evidence that the intake of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and of processed meat (for example, bacon, ham, and sausages) is linked to cancer risk has been suspected and reported previously.A study released by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) said that excess body fat as well as consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meats like bacon, hot dogs and so on increase your risk of developing cancer.



PLOS Medicine reports on a new study of a link between processed and red meats and cancer. "Nearly half a million US men and women aged 50–71 years old joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The participants none of whom had had cancer previously, completed a questionnaire about their dietary habits over the previous year and provided other personal information such as their age, weight, and smoking history". The study used these data and information from state cancer registries to look for associations between the intake of red and processed meat and the incidence of various cancers".



The prospective study( i.e a study in which people are identified and then followed forward in time) provided "strong evidence that people who eat a lot of red and processed meats have greater risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer than do people who eat small quantities". They also indicate that a high red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of esophageal and liver cancer, and that one in ten colorectal and one in ten lung cancers could be avoided if people reduced their red and processed meat intake.




"Red meat intake was calculated from the frequency of consumption and portion size information of all types of beef, pork, and lamb; this included bacon, beef, cold cuts, ham, hamburger, hot dogs, liver, pork, sausage, and steak. The processed meat variable included bacon, red meat sausage, poultry sausage, luncheon meats (red and white meat), cold cuts (red and white meat), ham,regular hot dogs,and low fat hot dogs made from poultry.



"Although the researchers allowed for factors such as smoking history that might have affected cancer incidences, some of the effects they ascribe to meat intake might be caused by other lifestyle factors. Furthermore, because the study's definitions of red meat and processed meat overlapped—bacon and ham, for example, were included in both categories—exactly which type of meat is related to cancer remains unclear".









"Most of the study participants were non-Hispanic white, so these findings may not apply to people with different genetic backgrounds. Nevertheless, they add to the evidence that suggests that decreased consumption of red and processed meats could reduce the incidence of several types of cancer".

A Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to Cancer Risk

PDF of Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to cancer Risk

This seems to go along with the previous report by the American Institue of Cancer Research which recommended:

Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.(they say to stay away from things like hot dogs and bacon)
"To reduce your cancer risk, eat no more than 18 oz. (cooked weight) per week of red meats, like beef, pork and lamb and avoid processed meat such as ham, bacon, salami, hot dogs and sausages."

"Red meat refers to beef, pork and lamb, - foods like hamburgers, steak, pork chops and roast lamb. The term processed meat refers to meats preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives. Examples include ham, bacon, pastrami and salami, as well as hot dogs and sausages.

healty medical Blog Ten Recommendations to Prevent Cancer




"The evidence from the Expert Report that red meat is a cause of colorectal cancer is convincing. This evidence is much stronger now than it was in the mid-1990s. Red meat contains substances that are linked to colon cancer. For example, heme iron, the compound that gives red meat its color, has been shown to damage the lining of the colon.Studies also show that people who eat a lot of red meat tend to eat less plant-based foods, so they benefit less from their cancer-protective properties".



There is also convincing evidence that choosing processed meat increases the chances of colorectal cancer. The expert panel advises limiting red meat and avoiding processed meat. Studies show we can eat up to 18 ounces a week of red meat without raising cancer risk. Research on processed meat shows cancer risk starts to increase with any portion.



"When meat is preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives, cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) can be formed. These substances can damage cells in the body, leading to the development of cancer".

Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.

Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat).

Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.

If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.

Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium). (You will be shocked when you look at a food label of some processed foods and see how much sodium they contain)."Consuming too much salt can be harmful to our health, increasing our risk of stomach cancer as well as high blood pressure".



Our daily intake of salt should be less than 2,400 milligrams. We actually need much less than this. Most people in the Untied States currently consume more than 2,400 mg, but there are simple ways to cut down on our intake.



"The Expert Panel found that salt and salt-preserved foods probably increase the chance of developing stomach cancer. Studies have shown that high salt intakes can damage the lining of the stomach. This is one way in which it might increase the risk of stomach cancer".



"Most of the salt in our diets comes from processed foods. We are not always aware that these foods are high in salt because they may not taste ‘salty,’ so make sure to read the sodium content on the Nutrition Facts label. Watch out for breakfast cereals, bread, frozen meals, pizza and chips. Also, check the amount of sodium in canned products, such as soups and sauces, and avoid processed meats. Even sweet foods like cookies can contain high levels of salt".

Don't use supplements to protect against cancer.

Special Population Recommendations

It is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods.

After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.

And always remember – do not smoke or chew tobacco.

Put down the Bacon! Report Emphasizes Cancer-fat Links

A Global Expert Panel
"The report was compiled by 21 of the world's top researchers in this area, with the support of independent observers. Each scientist brought a special area of expertise to the Report".

Food Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer The Full Report Online

Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

A STUDY OF RED AND PROCESSED MEAT INTAKE IN RELATION TO CANCER RISK AMPLIFIES CONCERNS ABOUT CANCER AND EATING TOO MUCH RED MEAT AND PROCESSED MEAT

Too Much of A Good Thing A Thumbs Down to Too Much Processed Meats Bacon, Pastrami and Salami, as well as Hot Dogs and Sausages

---

Diet is thought to influence the incidence of several cancers but it's hard to unravel which aspects of diet are important.A new study in PLOS Medicine tries to shed light on cancer and what we eat. They indicate that a high red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of esophageal and liver cancer, and that one in ten colorectal and one in ten lung cancers could be avoided if people reduced their red and processed meat intake.Let's face it, hot dogs,sausages,hamburger,steak,cold cuts all taste good. It would be an "unappetizing" notion to stop eating these tasty foods. However moderation certainly seems to be something to think about. The evidence that the intake of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and of processed meat (for example, bacon, ham, and sausages) is linked to cancer risk has been suspected and reported previously.A study released by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) said that excess body fat as well as consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meats like bacon, hot dogs and so on increase your risk of developing cancer.











PLOS Medicine reports on a new study of a link between processed and red meats and cancer. "Nearly half a million US men and women aged 50–71 years old joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The participants none of whom had had cancer previously, completed a questionnaire about their dietary habits over the previous year and provided other personal information such as their age, weight, and smoking history". The study used these data and information from state cancer registries to look for associations between the intake of red and processed meat and the incidence of various cancers".



The prospective study( i.e a study in which people are identified and then followed forward in time) provided "strong evidence that people who eat a lot of red and processed meats have greater risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer than do people who eat small quantities".




"Red meat intake was calculated from the frequency of consumption and portion size information of all types of beef, pork, and lamb; this included bacon, beef, cold cuts, ham, hamburger, hot dogs, liver, pork, sausage, and steak. The processed meat variable included bacon, red meat sausage, poultry sausage, luncheon meats (red and white meat), cold cuts (red and white meat), ham,regular hot dogs,and low fat hot dogs made from poultry.



"Although the researchers allowed for factors such as smoking history that might have affected cancer incidences, some of the effects they ascribe to meat intake might be caused by other lifestyle factors. Furthermore, because the study's definitions of red meat and processed meat overlapped—bacon and ham, for example, were included in both categories—exactly which type of meat is related to cancer remains unclear".










"Most of the study participants were non-Hispanic white, so these findings may not apply to people with different genetic backgrounds. Nevertheless, they add to the evidence that suggests that decreased consumption of red and processed meats could reduce the incidence of several types of cancer".

A Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to Cancer Risk

PDF of Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to cancer Risk

This seems to go along with the previous report by the American Institue of Cancer Research which recommended:

Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.(they say to stay away from things like hot dogs and bacon)
"To reduce your cancer risk, eat no more than 18 oz. (cooked weight) per week of red meats, like beef, pork and lamb and avoid processed meat such as ham, bacon, salami, hot dogs and sausages."

"Red meat refers to beef, pork and lamb, - foods like hamburgers, steak, pork chops and roast lamb. The term processed meat refers to meats preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives. Examples include ham, bacon, pastrami and salami, as well as hot dogs and sausages.

healty medical Blog Ten Recommendations to Prevent Cancer




"The evidence from the Expert Report that red meat is a cause of colorectal cancer is convincing. This evidence is much stronger now than it was in the mid-1990s. Red meat contains substances that are linked to colon cancer. For example, heme iron, the compound that gives red meat its color, has been shown to damage the lining of the colon.Studies also show that people who eat a lot of red meat tend to eat less plant-based foods, so they benefit less from their cancer-protective properties".



There is also convincing evidence that choosing processed meat increases the chances of colorectal cancer. The expert panel advises limiting red meat and avoiding processed meat. Studies show we can eat up to 18 ounces a week of red meat without raising cancer risk. Research on processed meat shows cancer risk starts to increase with any portion.



"When meat is preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives, cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) can be formed. These substances can damage cells in the body, leading to the development of cancer".

Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.

Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat).

Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.

If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.

Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium). (You will be shocked when you look at a food label of some processed foods and see how much sodium they contain)."Consuming too much salt can be harmful to our health, increasing our risk of stomach cancer as well as high blood pressure".



Our daily intake of salt should be less than 2,400 milligrams. We actually need much less than this. Most people in the Untied States currently consume more than 2,400 mg, but there are simple ways to cut down on our intake.



"The Expert Panel found that salt and salt-preserved foods probably increase the chance of developing stomach cancer. Studies have shown that high salt intakes can damage the lining of the stomach. This is one way in which it might increase the risk of stomach cancer".



"Most of the salt in our diets comes from processed foods. We are not always aware that these foods are high in salt because they may not taste ‘salty,’ so make sure to read the sodium content on the Nutrition Facts label. Watch out for breakfast cereals, bread, frozen meals, pizza and chips. Also, check the amount of sodium in canned products, such as soups and sauces, and avoid processed meats. Even sweet foods like cookies can contain high levels of salt".

Don't use supplements to protect against cancer.

Special Population Recommendations

It is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods.

After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.

And always remember – do not smoke or chew tobacco.

Put down the Bacon! Report Emphasizes Cancer-fat Links

A Global Expert Panel
"The report was compiled by 21 of the world's top researchers in this area, with the support of independent observers. Each scientist brought a special area of expertise to the Report".

Food Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer The Full Report Online

Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

Medical Adwords

Google Adwords is context sensitive. Meaning it scans your blog posts and displays relevant advertising for your content / supposed audience. This has resulted in billions of dollars. And usually works FOR you.


Sometimes it doesn't.

FRIENDLY BACTERIA PROBIOTICS MAY HELP SOME MEDICAL PROBLEMS CAN PROBIOTICS HEALTH FOOD HELP DIARRHEA OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

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Probiotics are the so called "friendly bacteria, live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut". Some studies imply that probiotics may help fight some medical problems.In the United States alone, retail sales of probiotic containing foods and supplements totaled an estimated at $764 million in 2005 and are projected to reach $1 billion in 2010. Probiotics are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods.








According to the National Institutes of Health (which is studying probiotics) there is "limited evidence supporting some uses of probiotics. Much more scientific knowledge is needed about probiotics, including about their safety and appropriate use. Effects found from one species or strain of probiotics do not necessarily hold true for others, or even for different preparations of the same species or strain."



Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common type of microbes used in probiotics. They have been used in the food industry for many years, because they are able to convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. This not only provides the characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, but acts as a preservative, by lowering the pH (pH measures acidity) and creating fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow.



The NIH says" Why this interest in probiotics? It starts on a universal scale; the world is full of microorganisms (including bacteria), and so are people's bodies, in and on the skin, in the gut, and in other orifices. They take up residence in babies soon after birth. Friendly bacteria are vital to proper development of the immune system, to protection against agents that could cause disease, and to the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Each person's mix of bacteria (good and bad)varies. Interactions between a person and the microorganisms in his body, and between the microorganisms themselves, can be crucial to the person's health and well-being".



This bacterial "balancing act" can be thrown off in two major ways:

By antibiotics, when they kill friendly bacteria in the gut along with unfriendly bacteria. Some people use probiotics to try to offset side effects from antibiotics like gas, cramping, or diarrhea. Similarly, some use them with the intent to ease symptoms of lactose intolerance, a condition in which the gut cannot digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar in milk.

"Unfriendly" microorganisms such as disease-causing bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites can also upset the balance. Researchers are exploring whether probiotics could halt these unfriendly agents in the first place and/or suppress their growth and activity.

Hacking Your Body's Bacteria for Better Health

Some Bacteria for Brunch?





"In November 2005, a conference that was convened by the American Society for Microbiology explored.. possible uses of probiotics. According to the conference report, some uses for which there is some encouraging evidence from study of specific probiotic formulations are as follows" according to the NIH:

To treat diarrhea (this is the strongest area of evidence, especially for diarrhea from rotavirus)

To prevent and treat infections of the urinary or reproductive systems, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis

To treat irritable bowel syndrome









The National Institutes of Health is hosting a conference (in December,2007)where top scientists will discuss recent advances. According to the New York Times "Even without all the answers from science, probiotics are a multibillion-dollar global industry. In the United States alone, retail sales of probiotic-containing foods and supplements totaled an estimated at $764 million in 2005 and are projected to reach $1 billion in 2010".

An Introduction to Probiotics from The National Institutes of Health



In a related development probiotic bacteria might shield severely burned patients from the ravages of severe infection."Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common type of microbes used in probiotics. They have been used in the food industry for many years, because they are able to convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. This not only provides the characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, but acts as a preservative, by lowering the pH and creating fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow". Israeli scientists have published an article about their findings using lactobacillus probiotic bacteria. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeast.

Products With Good Bacteria Get Popular




"Experts have debated how to define probiotics more specifically. One widely used definition, developed by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization, calls probiotics "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." (Microorganisms are tiny living organisms--such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi--that can be seen only under a microscope.)"



"Lactobacillus bacteria food additives may be clinically beneficial in patients with a total burned body surface area of 41% to 70," Lior Koren wrote in the journal Burns.



Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and The Burn Unit and the Skin Bank of Soroka University Medical Center studied the effects of probiotic supplementation on 28 patients with second and third degree burns on less than 70 per cent of their body.



"The retrospective cohort study recruited 56 burns patients and half were given placebo and half were given lactobacillus supplements - 25 patients received capsules containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (Solgar Company) and three received "Actimel" yogurt containing Lactobacillus casei.



At the end of the study, the researchers report that, while no significant difference was observed in mortality with respect to all the participants, among those with burns covering between 41 and 70 per cent of the total body surface a significant benefit of probiotic supplementation was observed.



In that subgroup, none of the patients died, compared to five patients in the corresponding control group.

Probiotics Show Potential Against Burns

Good Bacteria Can Save Severely Burned Patients

Burns (Elsevier)
August 2007, Volume 33, Issue 5, Pages 594-598, doi:10.1016/j.burns.2006.09.007
"The effect of Lactobacillus bacteria supplement on sepsis and its complications in patients with acute burns"
Authors: L. Koren, R. Gurfinkel, R. Glezinger, Z.H. Perry, S. Lev-Ari and L. Rosenberg