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2008-08-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

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4 Foods To Fight Breast Cancer

2007-10-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

As a woman, reading about an article related to a woman’s body as well as psychological aspect, interest me a lot. As I’ve read about this new article that I’me going to share, it makes me feel responsible to share this to all my readers. It’s something about what we can eat to cut cancer risk

Sometimes, some woman or mother rarely has time to cook because they are working. Figuring out on what to have for dinner is hard enough without having to factor in the latest news about food and cancer.

What to Eat
Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that's believed to have anticancer properties. Aim for two to three servings a week.

Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are powerful cancer fighters and appear to contain chemicals that turn on your body's natural detox enzymes. Eat them raw or slightly steamed (cooking breaks down the protective chemicals). Shoot for five servings a week.

Berries: The more colorful, the better! These fruits are rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage, and strawberries and raspberries contain ellagaic acid, which has been shown to protect against breast cancer in lab studies. Sneak these in wherever you can...toss some in your smoothie or even have some with dessert.

Whole grains: Lowfat sources of fiber, such as quinoa, unbuttered popcorn and cereals like All-Bran and Fiber One, may regulate your levels of estrogen and insulin, two hormones that both have been linked to breast cancer. Aim for 25 grams per day.

What to Watch
Red meat: You don't have to forgo the occasional burger (thank goodness!), but eating more than 1.5 servings of red meat per day can nearly double the chances of developing breast cancer. Limit your intake to three servings of lean cuts (such as filet mignon, flank steak or sirloin) a week or fewer.

Alcohol: As few as two drinks a day may increase breast cancer risk by 20 percent, possibly by raising estrogen levels. There's nothing wrong with having some wine with dinner, but it's safest to average no more than one drink a day. (Savor it! I mix soda water in my white wine to make one glass last through dinner.)

Even 1 drink a day may raise risk of breast cancer

2007-09-30T01:49:00.000-07:00

BARCELONA, Spain -- All types of alcohol -- wine, beer and liquor -- add equally to the risk of women developing breast cancer, U.S. researchers said Thursday.

Previous studies have shown a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, but there have been conflicting messages about whether some kinds of alcohol were more dangerous than others.

The researchers, led by Dr. Arthur Klatsky of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in Oakland, Calif., revealed their findings at a conference in Barcelona.

Researchers analyzed the drinking habits of 70,033 women of various races from 1978 to 1985. By 2004, 2,829 had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Klatsky and his colleagues looked at which types of alcohol the women drank and their total alcohol intake. They compared it with that of women who had less than one drink a day.

They found no difference in the risk of developing breast cancer among women who drank wine, beer or liquor. Compared with light drinkers -- those who had less than one drink a day -- women who had one or two drinks a day increased their risk by 10 percent. Women who had more than three drinks a day raised their risk by 30 percent.

It is not clear how alcohol contributes to breast cancer, but some think it raises hormone levels in the blood to levels that could cause cancer.

Any Type of Alcohol Drink Raises Breast Cancer Risk, New Study

2007-09-30T01:14:00.000-07:00

A large US study suggests that it did not matter whether women drank beer, wine or spirits, they all raised the risk of breast cancer to the same extent. And more than three alcoholic drinks a day raised breast cancer risk by 30 per cent, compared to women who had less than one drink a day, said the researchers.

The study, one of the largest of its kind, was presented yesterday, Thursday, at the European Cancer Conference (ECCO 14) in Barcelona, Spain, and is the work of Dr Arthur Klatsky, adjunct investigator in the Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Oakland, US, and colleagues.

Klatsky and colleagues showed that it made no difference what type of alcoholic drink the women had, it was the fact they contained ethyl alcohol that mattered, and how much was consumed.

The increase in breast cancer risk due to three or more alcoholic drinks a day is similar to that posed by smoking a pack of cigarettes or more a day said Klatsky. It is also similar to the risk posed by taking oestrogenic hormones he added.

Speaking at a news briefing, Klatsky explained that:

"Population studies have consistently linked drinking alcohol to an increased risk of female breast cancer."

"But there has been little data, most of it conflicting, about an independent role played by the choice of beverage type," said Klatsky.

The researchers studied the drinking habits of 70,033 women of different ethnic origin who underwent health exams during the period 1978 to 1985 and looked at the breast cancer incidence in the cohort in subsequent years.

They found that 2,829 of the women had been diagnosed with breast cancer by 2004.

The results showed that:

There was no difference in breast cancer risk between wine, beer and spirit consumption.
Even between red and white wine, the impact was the same.
In terms of overall alcohol intake, women who had between one and two drinks a day had a 10 per cent higher breast cancer risk compared to those who had one drink a day.
The risk went up to 30 per cent for women who had more than three drinks a day.
The results were the same for all age and ethnic groups.

Commenting on the results, Klatsky said that:

"Statistical analyses limited to strata of wine preferrers, beer preferrers, spririts preferrers or non-preferrers each showed that heavier drinking, compared to light drinking, was related to breast cancer risk in each group."

"This strongly confirms the relation of ethyl alcohol per se to increased risk," he added.

Although only a small proportion of women are heavy drinkers, and the risk of breast cancer varies among different groups, a 30 per cent increase in relative risk from drinking heavily probably translates to 5 per cent of all breast cancers being due to this habit.

Klatsky and colleagues have previously linked red wine to reduced heart attack incidence, and he said that different biological mechanisms probably explain the different effects.

The protective effect on the heart from red wine is probably due to increased HDL ("good") cholesterol, reduced blood clotting and reduced diabetes. But none of these has been shown to have anything to do with breast cancer, he said.

"The coronary benefit from drinking red wine may also be related to favourable drinking patterns common among wine drinkers or to the favourable traits of wine drinkers, as evidenced by US and Danish studies," said Klatsky.

Emphasizing that all medical advice should be tailored to the individual patient, Klatsky added that the only general statement that could be made from the findings was that it showed more reasons why "heavy drinkers should quit or cut down".

Klatsky concluded his conference presentation:

"This has been fascinating research. Our group has been involved in studies of alcohol drinking and health for more than three decades, including in the area of heart disease. We are fortunate to have data available about a large, multi-ethnic population with a variety of drinking habits."

According to a report in WebMD, Dr Shumin Zhang, associate professor of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, said the findings were "generally consistent with previous research".

Zhang, who did not take part in the research conducted by Klatsky and colleagues, has also found a link between frequent alcohol consumption and elevated breast cancer risk, said WebMD

Written by: Catharine Paddock
Source: Medical News Today

Sex Dreams Equal 8% of Adults' Dreams

2007-06-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

Antonio Zadra, PhD, asked 109 women and 64 men to keep a dream diary for two to four weeks. Participants were about 30 years old, on average.

According to Zadra, only two other studies have probed the frequency and content of sexual dreams, and both of those studies were done more than 40 years ago.

In Zadra's study, participants jotted down every dream they had, whether it was sexual or not. All in all, they noted 3,564 dreams. Of those dreams, 292 included sexual content.

"Sexual intercourse was the most common type of sexual content, followed by sexual propositions, kissing, and fantasies," Zadra writes.

For men and women alike, sexual dreams accounted for 8% of all reported dreams. Zadra also notes that "masturbation accounted for approximately 6% of both male and female sexual dreams and an orgasm was experienced in approximately 4% of all sexual dreams."

However, there were some gender differences in sex dreams.

By Miranda Hitti

"Men's sexual dreams were more likely to take place in public or unknown settings, to have the dreamer initiate sexual contact, and to involve unknown characters or multiple partners," Zadra writes, adding that "gender differences in the content of everyday sexual dreams may reflect people's waking needs, experiences, attitudes, and concerns with respect to sexuality."

His findings were presented today in Minneapolis at Sleep 2007, a joint venture of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society.

Who Can be at risk for Mesothelioma?

2007-06-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a rare disease caused as a result of malignant cancerous cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is typically associated with exposure to asbestos which has been documented in as many as 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases. This disease is very difficult to assess consistently due to the great variability in time before diagnosis and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma.

Even insignificant exposure to asbestos (commonly reported in such work environments as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or patients. homes) is known to result in mesothelioma, which in many cases does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this cancer-causing substance. In the recent years as many as 2000-3000 cases of have been diagnosed per year. It is also known that family members of workers exposed to asbestos can contract this disease through exposure to the worker's clothing. Smoking greatly increases the risk of contracting this disease.

Mesothelioma, this is a deadly disease that has been in the spotlight for the last decade. Sad but true, the number of under-regulation usage in years past still shows that we are paying for it today. It can be safely said that almost everyone in the world has been exposed to asbestos at one point in their life. Because of the unique nature of the disease, even those who have suffered only small exposure are at risk of contracting the disease. In effect, virtually everyone has some risk of contracting Mesothelioma.

But while this sort of statement is true, it is also open ended and up for debate. While it is certainly true that individuals who have been exposed to small amounts of asbestos for relatively short periods of time have contracted the disease, this is a rarity in most cases. In fact, the vast majority of Mesothelioma cases involve individuals who were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers for an extended period of time.

Most research shows that the industries most in danger of prolonged exposure and thus of contraction are shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, textile work, insulation work, and brake repair personnel workers. There are, however, some other similar factors which can affect the likelihood of contracting this disease. Among these is exposure to radiation. There have been causes in which individuals who were exposed to radiation have subsequently displayed signs of and contracted mesothelioma. However, the studies to attempt to verify this correlation have not proven out this claim in a strong way.

Another more certain and proven cause of the disease was the taking of the Polio vaccines. Some batches of this vaccine were contaminated with Simian Virus 40 which has been detected in a host of rare cancers including Mesothelioma. Some individuals who have been exposed to long periods and high quantities of asbestos have not contracted the disease. As a result, doctors have concluded that genetics play a major role in determining whether or not patients contract the disease. Unfortunately, the gene variability which offers some resistance to the disease also means that some are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, remember that time matters. The faster you consult your doctor and get professional care the better your chances will be of dealing with this dangerous cancer. There are three traditional methods of fighting cancerous mesothelioma: surgery, chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. Please contact your doctor as soon as possible to get more information.

Article Source: Health Guidance

2007-05-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

If you have teenage boys and are unsure about what topics to cover when discussing 'the birds and bees' with them, it may be worth reading the latest piece of research about sexual communication and teenage boys by Marina Epstein and L. Monique Ward from The University of Michigan. The study,1 just published in Springer's Journal of Youth and Adolescence, shows that parental communication, if indeed there is any, more often than not focuses on the negative aspects of sex compared to the rather more positive sexual messages teenage boys receive from the media and their peers.

A total of 286 male undergraduates aged 18-24 were asked to recall who had had the greatest influence on their sexual education and, more specifically, who had discussed or been responsible for which aspects. The authors' goal was to determine whether there is a difference in the information gleaned from parents, peers, and the media, and if the information provided by each group differed in the types of sexual values expressed.

In line with prior studies, the researchers found that most parents had provided some education, but that the type of information provided contrasted sharply to that given by peers and the media. Parents were the strongest supporters of abstinence and provided most information about pregnancy and fertilization. However, for all other topics, parents were seen as having contributed the least.

Communication from peers, conversely, encouraged non relational sex and provided models of dating and sexual behavior and information on being 'cool'. The media appeared to be equally influential and was strongest in promoting gendered sexual stereotypes and in giving messages promoting sexual freedom. However, the authors point out that there was a great variation between the subjects in what had been covered by which source. For example, the media was also seen as providing the most information on AIDS, STDs, and condoms. Issues of love and homosexuality did not appear to be addressed by any of the sources.

The authors conclude that this study raises several important questions, namely: How do young men negotiate these conflicting opinions" What messages win" What might make men heed their parents' advice and not the sexual advice of their peers and the media" But perhaps the most important question for future research is: Which types of messages from which sources are the most influential" Once these questions are answered, we may have some idea of the complex processes of adolescent development and decision making. Thus, we may be better at influencing our teenage sons to make choices that are right for them and help them negotiate peer and media pressure that encourages them to conform to unhealthy stereotypes.
by : Springer

Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer

2007-04-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Most underarm antiperspirants contain as the active ingredient, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, as you will probably remember there has been controversy about Aluminium, since the 1950's when it was a popular metal used for making cooking pots, Saucepans and Fry Pans and that it could be one of the contributing factors to Alzheimer's, now we have another problem that could also be related to Aluminium, Breast Cancer.

Research shows that one of the leading causes of Breast Cancer could be the use of antiperspirants. The human body has a number of areas, that it uses to purge Toxins from the body, these are, behind the knees, behind the ears, the groin area, and the armpits. The toxins are purged from the body in the form of perspiration and antiperspirant as the name clearly suggests prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body from purging Toxins from the armpit area.

These Toxins do not just disappear, Instead, the body deposits them in the Lymph Nodes below the arms, since it is unable to sweat them out. A concentration of Toxins then builds up in the areas such as the armpits, which can then lead to cell mutations, which is cancer.

It cannot be ignored, that nearly all Breast Cancer Tumors occur in the upper outer quadrant of the breast area, this is where the Lymph Nodes are located. Men are less likely (but not totally exempt) to develop breast cancer prompted by the use of antiperspirants, because the antiperspirant is more likely to be caught in the armpit hair, rather than directly applied to the skin, but ladies, who shave their armpits, increase the risk by causing imperceptable nicks in the skin, which allow the chemicals to enter easily into the body through the armpits.

This article is aimed mainly at ladies, but please be aware that there are a few antiperspirants on the market that are made from natural products, but basically they would still trap the Toxins in the same areas. The best solution is to use deodorants, rather than antiperspirants, also please remember that the Eight Essential Sugars in Glyconutrients can also help to fight off Toxins. Please view the benefits that Glyconutrients can give you, Check our Web Sites.

Article Source: Health Guidance

Evening Primrose Oil Fights Breast Cancer

2007-03-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the essential omega-6 fat that is found in evening primrose, black currant seed, and borage oil, can inhibit the action of the cancer gene Her-2/neu. This gene is responsible for almost 30 percent of all breast cancers.

40-Fold Increase in Effectiveness

When cancer cells that overexpress the Her-2/neu gene are treated with GLA, it not only helps suppress the cancer-causing gene, but also causes up to a 40-fold increase in response to the drug Herceptin (trastuzumab), which is used as part of breast cancer treatment. GLA also selectively affects cancer cells without damaging normal cells.

Good News for Those With an Aggressive Form of Cancer

This is especially good news because patients who possess the Her-2/neu gene also typically have an aggressive form of the disease and a poor prognosis.

GLA is one of two essential fatty acids, which are necessary for the normal functioning and growth of cells, nerves, muscles and organs. GLA is present in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black current seed oil, among other sources.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute November 2, 2005; 97(21): 1611-1615 EurekAlert November 1, 2005 Northwestern University November 2, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comment:GLA is a powerful nutritional tool that is commonly used to treat:

Inflammation
Arthritic pain
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Although GLA is an omega-6 fat, it is one of the only ones that many people seem to benefit from by takingit insupplement form. It is frequently the "secret" weapon in resolving eczema and many mystery rashes.

It is important to use GLA with a balanced amount of a high-quality omega-3 fish oil or, at this time of year, cod liver oil. They act synergistically to provide a potent anti-inflammatory combination.

If taken as a supplement, I personally prefer the ones made from evening primrose oil, but borage oil hasa higher concentration of GLA, which means you need fewer capsules, and it tends to be less expensive.

However, it has been my experience that many experts insist on using evening primrose oil, even though it is more expensive, as it seems to provide better overall results. This may be related to the fact that these oils are not pure GLA but also have other oils. Nervonic acid is present in borage oil and may contributeto its lack of benefit relative to evening primrose oil.

Since cancer, not heart disease, is now the leading cause of death for most of us, this is an important issue.If you are interested in radically reducing yourrisk of developing cancerI would recommend the following:

1. Control your insulin levels: Make certain that you limit your intake of processed foods and sugars as much as possible. When your insulin levels are increased you will inhibit the action of an enzyme (delta-6 desaturase) that actually allows your body to produce GLA.

2. Get appropriate amounts of animal-based omega-3 fats and make sure you use cod liver oil if you don't have regular access to sun exposure.

3. Get appropriate exercise. One of the primary reasons exercise works is that it drives your insulin levels down. Controlling insulin levels is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risks.

4. Normalize your vitamin D levels with safe amounts of sun exposure. This works primarily by optimizing your vitamin D level. If you have regular access to sun exposure then you should use fish oil, not cod liver oil, as your primary source of omega-3 fats. Ideally, it would be best to monitor your vitamin D levels.

5. Eat according to your metabolic type. The potent anti-cancer effects of this principle are very much underappreciated. When we treat cancer patients in our clinic this is one of the most powerful anti-cancer strategies we have.

6. Have a tool to permanently erase the neurological short-circuiting that can activate cancer genes. Even the CDC states that 85 percent of disease is caused by emotions. It is likely that this factor may be more important than all the other physical ones listed here, so make sure this is addressed. Energy psychology seems to be one of the best approaches and my particular favorite tool, as you may know, is the Emotional Freedom Technique.

7. Only 25 percent of people eat enough vegetables, so by all means eat as many vegetables as you are comfortable with. Ideally, they should be fresh and organic. However, please understand that, frequently, fresh conventionally grown vegetables are healthier than organic ones that are older and wilted in the grocery store. They are certainly better than no vegetables at all, so don't use that as an excuse. If you are a carb metabolic type you may need up to 300 percent more vegetables than a protein metabolic type.

8. Make sure you are not in the two-thirds of the population who are overweight, and maintain an ideal body weight.

9. Get enough high-quality sleep.

10. Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, household chemical cleaners, synthetic air fresheners and air pollution.

11. Boil, poach or steam your foods, rather than frying or charbroiling them.

Article Source: Health Guidance

CDC Recommends HIV Tests, Puts Less Stress on Condom Use

2007-03-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

In a significant shift in strategy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control recently recommended that tests for HIV be extended to all patients entering hospitals and clinics in the U.S. The CDC also recommended that doctors begin offering routine voluntary HIV tests to patients between 13 and 64.

It is estimated that of the more than 1 million people in the U.S. with HIV and AIDS, about 25% are unaware they have HIV. The new strategy is aimed at discovering these cases before HIV develops into AIDS. It is also hoped these measures will curb the spread of the disease since these 250,000 people are carriers who unknowingly infect others.

This marks a departure from the previously followed strategy of testing only people in high risk categories.

This policy change will also involve a shift away from the promotion of abstinence and condom use to prevent the spread of the disease, towards more emphasis being placed on testing for HIV status and early treatment.

According to a spokesperson for the CDC, what explains this change in policy is that drugs now exist that can prevent the development of AIDS from HIV. Early detection can therefore result in early treatment. In the past early detection did not necessarily mean much since there was very little that could be done for someone infected with HIV.

It is also hoped that early detection will result in less transmission of the disease. A recent CDC survey found that sexually-active adults altered their sexual behavior patterns after they were diagnosed with HIV. They were less likely to engage in unprotected sexual activity, in many cases opting for a condom or for not engaging in sex at all.

Drug companies and makers of oral tests stand to benefit significantly from this change of emphasis. It is expected that tests which are now administered at hospitals and clinics will soon be available over the counter. People interested in testing themselves will be able to do it at home. This should result in a significant increase in sales of HIV testing kits.

There should also be a rise in HIV treatment drugs as hundreds of thousands of people learn they have HIV and begin treatment with anti-HIV drugs. Currently anti-HIV drugs account for about $6-billion in sales in the U.S. That number should increase dramatically if the new testing procedures prove to be effective.

Some argue that as in so many areas within the health industry, efforts aimed at prevention will be replaced by promises of a quick cure brought to us compliments of the incredibly influential and increasingly invasive drug companies.

By Rick Hendershot

Breast Cancer Treatment: Coping With A Mastectomy

2007-03-07T00:14:00.000-08:00

As women, especially American women, much of our femininity is centered on our breasts. No matter where you look, there are pictures, billboards, commercials, television shows, and movies with women with these beautiful breasts and ample cleavage. The thought of losing one or both breasts, to breast cancer, can be devastating for many of us. Sure, there's reconstruction, but will it ever really look the same again? Even if you have reconstruction, you'll never have sensation there again and, for many of us, that definitely affects our sexuality.

I went through two separate mastectomies, for my breast cancer, despite the fact that I wanted them both done at the same time. Two different surgeons told me that wasn't necessary. They found out, later, that it was, as I had the same breast cancer in both breasts. Through these surgeries, I learned a few things about what to expect, and how to get up and running again, after a mastectomy for breast cancer.

The first thing to realize is that, apart from the emotional aspect of such an operation, this is a simple surgery. The breast is composed, mostly, of fatty tissue and, of course, milk ducts and lobes. The removal of this breast tissue is way easier than operating on an organ, but carries much more emotional impact for most of us. Most surgeons will get as much of the breast tissue out as they can to help alleviate the chance of a recurrence of your breast cancer. You will typically wind up with a horizontal scar about four inches long. The scar may be red for quite a while but, ultimately, should fade to where you can hardly see it anymore.

You want to be sure to take loose-fitting, button-down shirts (raiding your hubby's closet is helpful) with you, to the hospital, as you won't be able to raise your arms over your head for a while. You will also need a sports bra and I would highly recommend one that fastens in the front. They will put that on you after your surgery. Typically, you should be able to stay in the hospital for one night. If you're going to have lymph nodes removed, a small pillow, to slip under that arm, will help make you more comfortable. Check with your local American Cancer Society as they may have small pillows for you. An extra pillow to hold to your chest, if you need to cough, sneeze, or laugh, can help keep your incision from hurting.

When you wake up, you will have a couple of drain tubes for each side you have done. These tubes are important as they allow the excess fluid, which your body will produce, to drain out. If you didn't have them, the fluid would have to be aspirated with a needle. The drains, even though they're no fun, are better than that. These drains will have to be emptied a couple of times a day and you will have to write down how much fluid you drain so the doctor will know when you've slowed down enough to remove them. You may not know where to put these drains under your clothing. I pinned mine up to the sports bra and that way, they didn't pull when I moved.

When you get home, plan on having someone there to help you for the first few days. You won't be allowed to reach into your cabinets and definitely won't be able to clean house or pick up your children, if you have little ones. You'll be sent home with pain meds and definitely take them if you need them. Studies show that you will heal faster if you keep yourself out of pain, so don't be afraid to take them as prescribed.

If you have a recliner, you might consider moving it into the bedroom as you won't be able to lie flat for a while. You'll need to sleep in a partial sitting position. If you don't have one, or don't have space for it in your bedroom, lots of pillows will work, too. That's what I used. Just be sure you have enough pillows to keep yourself comfortable propped up.

If you would like someone who's been there before you to visit with, be sure to call your local American Cancer Society and ask for a Reach 2 Recovery volunteer. This is an American Cancer Society program where they try to match you with one of their volunteers who have as similar experience as you're facing. This woman will come visit you and will bring you all sorts of brochures and information on conventional treatment. She will also bring you a list of exercises you can start to do to regain your mobility and range of motion.

This is VERY important. It hurts to stretch your arm up, after surgery, but if you haven't had reconstruction, and you don't start soon, you will lose that range of motion. I would recommend starting to gently, slowly reach your arm up … let your body be your guide … the day after your surgery. This is ONLY if you have not had reconstruction. If you have, let your plastic surgeon tell you when to start stretching. Push to where it hurts just a little, but do not push too far past that. Little by little, you'll find yourself able to stretch a little farther every couple of days.

Most of all, allow yourself to heal emotionally, as well as physically. Some of us just can't look at that incision right away. That's OK. Take as much time as you need. I know I felt like some kind of freak with no breasts and, even six years later, I still do sometimes. But remind yourself that these scars are your battle scars. They do not make you less of a woman. They make you a warrior.

By Melissa Buhmeyer

Exercise And Breast Cancer

2007-03-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

One Sunday afternoon, I stopped by a children’s clothing store to distribute a few postcards for my new book. Upon leaving the parking lot, my six year old son caught a glimpse of "those sticker ribbons with two lines". In my half-engaged attention, I acknowledged his observation that there were "more than three" on this one particular car. From his persistence to gain my feedback, I began to focus a bit more on our conversation. I informed him that I was not exactly clear of what he meant by the description of this two-lined ribbon. “You know, the red one, the boob problem, and the…”. Ground zero! I realized that he was speaking of the Awareness Ribbons that so emphatically adorn vehicles these days. I started to chuckle at his innocence in remembering my recent 15-minute explanation of breast cancer as “the boob problem”. However, after briefly giggling at his simplistic notion, I struck a more serious note to remember that the disease is far from funny and can leave heartache and devastation in its vicious path. In fact, according to Dr. Susan Love, breast cancer affects 110 women every day.

One of my first encounters as a Personal Trainer was with a recovering breast cancer client that came to me while working in a swim and racquet club. If you have ever met a breast cancer victor you will notice that their eyes reflect a beautiful understanding and acceptance of life. Even the way she approached me was filled with grace. Wanting to strengthen her body after the illness, she inquired about a weight training routine. She had a beaming, yet subtle smile with each simple question that she asked of me. To look at her would never disclose of her recent pain. Her hair was a short trendy style, her skin tan from frequent sunshine and her legs still presented the years of tennis that kept her fit. I was honored to take the position as her trainer and we worked together on a program toward rebuilding her body for not only the purpose of strength and endurance, but to attain a touch of inner peace as well.

Recovery from breast cancer is not so different a program than simply exercising to avoid such a catastrophic event in a woman’s life. If you have followed fitness for any amount of time, visited your doctor or taken a class in school, the informative path to righteous living is well paved with getting the blood flowing and the heart pounding. In turn, you increase your chances of avoiding disease (heart-related, cancer, diabetes). Likewise, if you have successfully battled breast cancer and yearn for a method of counterattack to lessen the unpleasant after affects, the all-knowing finger will be pointing in the same direction…the local gym. Even as early as the 1980’s, research was proving that aerobic exercise improved fatigue levels and nausea in post cancer patients. Fast forward to present and the benefits have multiplied over the years. Subsequent studies indicate that weight training, aerobic exercise, and fitness emphasizing mind and body (i.e., yoga) all have a substantial impact of up to 25-50% improvement on pain, fatigue, overall optimism, the general fitness level of the individual and how much a person can improve their quality of daily life, complete with its energy-draining tasks.

It is clear that exercise plays a tremendous role in helping breast cancer survivors feel better. But what are the details of program design? First and foremost, you want to stay clear of stress on the surgical or stitched area. Next, and just as important, begin with the usual 10-15 minute warm-up, no matter if you are doing weight training sets, a cardio routine or a number of yoga poses. It is after this warm-up that variety begins. For resistance/weight training exercises, you will want to start the initial phase of your program with a lowered weight volume but with up to double the repetitions. Elastic tubing and bands are also a good start for the first phase. Though you may not be directly working the muscle tissue in your surgical area, many muscles work together in stabilizing another muscle’s contraction. The lesser weight will insure that your wound is not overexerted to soon. The standard 2-3 sets are appropriate with 15-20 repetitions. Another area of exercise is that of cardiovascular training. Cardio machines such as the treadmill or elliptical machines are good examples that can be used for 3-4 days per week. In your initial phase of a recovery fitness routine, you may want to follow an interval program where you begin the session with a higher-intensity minute followed by a low-intensity minute, totaling up to thirty minutes. As your condition improves, you can reduce your low intensity minute to 30 seconds and eventually eliminate it all together.

Finally, mind and body exercises such as yoga go a step further in fitness. Not only are you strengthening your body, you are also tapping into inner peace with each slow and controlled breath and a static meditative posture. Ideal for achieving relaxation, this type of training can be utilized for as little as 5-15 minute a day and still present positive results.

While breast cancer awareness has reached far heights as even that of former president, Bill Clinton, who signed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000, it does not stop the fact that the disease continues to take more and more lives all the time. While a cure is currently elusive, preventative measures are not. Engaging in a fitness program that includes healthy eating, routine exercise and positive mental development will only help you in your quest for creating a life that will not only enable you to enjoy the present moment, but also increase the chances of a healthy and prolonged life.

By Sherri L Dodd

Breast Cancer – Problem Faced By Women

2007-02-28T20:10:00.000-08:00

There was a time when Breast Cancer was termed to be as a dreaded disease. But things have changed now. If detected earlier, this could be easily treated. Removal of your breast during the treatment of breast cancer can be one of the painful things you would have to go through. It may not be the same case for all patients. With the increasing knowledge about the cures and treatment breast cancer can be treated very easily.

Breast cancer occurs when cell in our breasts known as tumor grow out of control causing damage to the nearby tissues and spreads throughout. These tumors which are cancerous are known as malignant tumors and cause lot of damage to your body. As it takes lot of time for a tumor to grow, it may not be easy to detect the tumor during self exam. But these can be detected with mammograms.

Breast cancers best treatment - early detection. Once, cancer is detected it becomes easier for the doctors and yourself to fight it out. By the age of 20 all women should start doing Breast Self Examination (BSE) it is one of most easiest and earliest ways of detecting cancer. These check ups should be done few days after your periods. You should do this check up at least once a month. A clinical breast exam should be done at least once a year.

Some of the signs to look for, while doing BSE

A lump found in and around the nipple or underarm
Change in size or shape
Nipple discharge or nipple turning inward
Redness of skin or warmth
Formation of dimple or change in skin texture

Some of the causes of having breast cancer

Gender: Being a woman is one of the common reasons for suffering from breast cancer. Event though men suffer from this disease too, just being a woman puts you in lot of danger.

Age: As you grow older your chances of having breast cancer increases.

Family history: If somebody in the family has suffered from breast cancer your chances of having breast cancer increases.

Being overweight or obese: If you are an overweight women your chances of breast cancer increases after menopause.

Lack of exercise: Being lethargic and lack of any physical activity leads you towards increasing weight and chances of breast cancer.

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol becomes very risky as it increases your chances of breast cancer.

Methods to Prevent Breast Cancer

Turn into a vegetarian
Have plenty of organic food and vegetables
Avoid red meat and any processed foods
Avoid alcohol and colas
You can have something sweet by having Stevia, an herb which is a substitute to any other toxic artificial sweetener
Having whole grains is very good such as Oatmeal, Kamut and Psyllium, which are a good source of fiber and enters directly into your bloodstream
Your diet must include wheat, bran and Cabbage as they are very nutritious food which helps to prevent breast cancer
Garlic, Ginger, carrots, celery, cilantro, parsley and parsnip has some of the highest cancer fighting nutrients. Include them in your daily diet

Article Source: Health Guidance

Breast Cancer Statistics

2007-02-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer statistics show that over 1. 2 million persons will be diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide this year, according to the World Health Organization. For breast cancer and prevention, it has long been known that regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the likelihood of having breast cancer. What has not been known or studied has been the effect of regular physical activity on the breast cancer survival rates or likelihood of death in women that already have breast cancer. That is, until now.

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

Here are these breast cancer statistics: the journal reported that in the study 2, 987 female registered nurses had been diagnosed with breast cancer during the years 1984-1998. What the study found was that the women who had physical activity equivalent to walking at a steady pace of 2. 0-2. 9 miles per hour for 3-5 hours a week had a death rate of only 50% of the death rate of women who had physical activity equivalent to walking less than one hour a week. The conclusion of the breast cancer statistics in the study was that physical activity after breast cancer has been diagnosed may reduce the risk of death from breast cancer. The study found that there was little evidence of any relation between increased physical activity and increased benefit.

It's time to dust off those walking shoes!

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

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

As for basic walking tips:

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

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

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

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

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

And here are some basic walking shoes tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Olinda Rola

How Women Can Protect Themselves From Breast Cancer

2007-01-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

Chances are you know someone - a family member, colleague, or friend who has been affected by cancer. You'll want to learn more about prevention especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. There are over two hundred different types of cancer and the most common one for women is breast cancer. The lifetime probability of a woman developing breast cancer is 1 in 9. The good news is that it is possible for women to protect themselves from breast cancer. When breast cancer is discovered and treated early, the chances for recovery are better.

Every woman should know their own breasts so that any changes are noticed soon and can be reported to a physician. Knowing your breasts includes having a mammogram every two years if you are between the ages of 50 and 69 and getting a clinical breast exam by a doctor or trained health professional at least every two years from the age of 40. Regardless of age, all women should do their own monthly breast self-examination a few days after her period. When doing breast self-examination, things to look for include: puckering of the skin, the appearance of what is sometimes called 'orange peel skin', any place in your breasts that feels lumpy or harder than the rest and bleeding from the nipples or crusting.

It is important to note that most breast problems are not breast cancer and most lumps are not cancerous. When a lump is not cancerous it is referred to as 'benign'. A cancerous lump is called 'malignant'.

While there are no cures yet, researchers have discovered that a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent cancer. Since cancer is a disease that starts in our cells, everything we eat and are exposed to can affect them. Choose to be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke. In regards to diet, choose a variety of lower fat, high fiber foods. Studies have shown that intake of total fat, saturated fat and meat are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Maintain a healthy body weight and limit alcohol consumption. Protect yourself from the sun. At home and at work, follow health and safety instructions when using hazardous materials. The link between an active lifestyle and breast cancer prevention is as yet unclear but general health is improved when regular exercise is an integral part of a person's lifestyle.

Taking care of ourselves is an ongoing commitment that requires self-discipline and knowledge. It is well worth the effort and you'll feel much better for it.

Article Source: Health Guidance

Drugs For Treating Aids May Prevent People From Catching Aids

2007-01-17T22:50:00.000-08:00

In one of the most promising developments in more than 20 years, scientists claim that drugs used to control HIV/AIDS in patients may also be effective in preventing the disease in the first place.
The drugs in question are tenofovir (Viread) and emtricitabine, or FTC (Emtriva), sold in combination as Truvada by Gilead Sciences Inc. Gilead is the California company best known for inventing Tamiflu.
Previous research has been aimed at finding a vaccine against HIV/AIDS, with the intention of conditioning the immune system against the disease. But these drugs work differently. They simply keep the virus from reproducing, and have already been used successfuly by health care workers to prevent them from being infected by the virus carried by patients.
This approach to fighting HIV/AIDS has been tempting researchers for many years, but has only recently become feasible as preventative drugs have been developed that are safe for non-infected persons to take. Previous drugs had unreasonable effects for uninfected persons.
That situation changed when Tenofovir came on the market in 2001. Tenofovir is powerful and safe, and it only has to be taken once a day. It also does not interact with other medicines or birth control pills, and manifests less drug resistance than other AIDS medications.
Monkey studies show exciting results
A major study by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in Atlanta, Georgia involved six macaques. The monkeys were given a combination of Tenofovir and FTC and then administered a deadly combination of monkey and human AIDS viruses. They were given the viruses in rectal doses to simulate contact between gay men.
Each was given 14 weekly exposures of the virus, and none of the monkeys became infected. In a control group which did not receive the drugs, all but one got the disease, normally after just two exposures.
The scientists then stopped giving the drugs to the test group to see if the prevention was only temporary. The results were equally impressive. None of the monkeys contracted the disease. "We're now four months following the animals with no drug, no virus. They're uninfected and healthy," reported a CDC researcher.
Now other research teams are pushing to have this drug combination tested on humans. A $29 million CDC study of drug users in Botswana will now be switched to this new drug combination.
Another study of 400 heterosexual women in Ghana by the Family Health Initiative, and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is studying the effects of tenofovir alone.
But several other studies have failed to materialize because studies of this nature immediately raise suspicions that scientists are using local people as guinea pigs. The fear is that they will intentionally expose the test subjects to the virus.
The cost of tenofovir and Truvada also make testing difficult. In African countries condoms are now liberally donated by companies, aid groups, UN agencies, and western governments. While the drugs are relatively cheap, the cost remains an impediment.
Nevertheless researchers have been reinvigorated by the stunning results out of Atlanta, and new tests are going ahead in pockets of interest around the world.
Article Source: Health Guidance

An hypocaloric diet is never the solution

2006-12-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

An hypocaloric diet is never the solution !!!

Here is the scientifical reason:

First of all, It is necessary to understand the mechanism of the adipocytes:

The adipocyte plays a critical role in energy balance.
Adipose tissue growth involves an increase in adipocyte size and the formation of new adipocytes from precursor cells. For the last 20 years, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adipocyte differentiation have been extensively studied using preadipocyte culture systems. Committed preadipocytes undergo growth arrest and subsequent terminal differentiation into adipocytes.

This is accompanied by a dramatic increase in expression of adipocyte genes including adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and lipid-metabolizing enzymes. Characterization of regulatory regions of adipose-specific genes has led to the identification of the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), which play a key role in the complex transcriptional cascade during adipocyte differentiation. Growth and differentiation of preadipocytes is controlled by communication between individual cells or between cells and the extracellular environment. Various hormones and growth factors that affect adipocyte differentiation in a positive or negative manner have been identified. In addition, components involved in cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions such as preadipocyte factor-1 and extracellular matrix proteins are also pivotal in regulating the differentiation process. Identification of these molecules has yielded clues to the biochemical pathways that ultimately result in transcriptional activation via PPAR-gamma and C/EBP. Studies on the regulation of the these transcription factors and the mode of action of various agents that influence adipocyte differentiation will reveal the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying adipose tissue development.

by PATRICK BEAUFAY

Syphilis test campaign may increase tests

2006-12-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

A social marketing campaign urging gay and bisexual men in San Francisco to get checked for syphilis has been linked to an increase in syphilis tests.

Cartoons advocating the tests were placed in a gay newspaper, and poster-sized reproductions were posted on the streets, on bus shelters, on Webs sites and in gay bars.

The researchers, led by Katherine Ahrens of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, conducted two surveys -- one at six months and one at 2.5 years after the campaign had begun. Gay and bisexual men were asked whether they were aware of the cartoons and about their sexual health.

Ahrens and colleagues found the men who were aware of the cartoons were more likely than those unaware to have been tested recently for syphilis and to have greater knowledge about it. This effect was sustained for almost three years, according to evaluations published in PLoS Medicine.

"The social marketing campaign was effective in augmenting syphilis testing and increasing syphilis awareness and knowledge in the San Francisco gay and bisexual community," say the authors. "This effect might have contributed to decreased syphilis incidence in 2005."

Isotechnika Enrols First Patient in European/Canadian Phase III Psoriasis Clinical Trial

2006-12-22T18:51:00.000-08:00

Edmonton, Canada (ots/PRNewswire) - Isotechnika Inc. (TSX: ISA) announced today that the Company has enrolled its first patient in a pivotal Phase III European/Canadian clinical trial for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis with its lead immunosuppressive drug, ISA247.

The Phase III European/Canadian psoriasis trial (ESSENCE trial) will be performed at thirty-six clinical centres in Canada, Germany, and Poland involving a total of 500 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. The 24-week trial will be conducted as a randomised, orally administered placebo and cyclosporine controlled study with 300 patients receiving ISA247 (0.4 mg/kg twice daily), 100 patients receiving cyclosporine (1.5 mg/kg twice daily), and 100 patients receiving placebo. In an effort to maximise the benefit to patients randomised to the placebo group, those patients will be administered the ISA247 0.4 mg/kg twice daily dose subsequent to the first 12 weeks of the trial.

To determine successful completion of the trial, the following parameters will be measured; Static Physician's Global Assessment (SPGA) scores, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and kidney function.

"Enrolling our first patient prior to year-end should facilitate us achieving our psoriasis development timelines," stated Dr. Randall Yatscoff, Isotechnika's President & CEO. "We are confident that ISA247 will continue to demonstrate a strong safety and efficacy profile when directly compared to cyclosporine."

About Isotechnika Inc.

Isotechnika Inc. is an international biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Drawing upon its expertise in medicinal chemistry and immunology, the Company is focused on the discovery and development of novel immunosuppressive therapeutics that are safer than currently available treatments. Its entrepreneurial management and world-class team of scientists are building a pipeline of immunosuppressive drug candidates for treatment of autoimmune diseases and for use in the prevention of organ rejection in transplantation. Isotechnika looks to become the leader in development of immunosuppressant therapies.

Isotechnika's lead compound, ISA247 has completed an extension protocol of a Canadian Phase III human clinical trial for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and a North American Phase IIb human clinical trial for the prevention of kidney graft rejection. The Company also has an additional immunosuppressive compound in its drug pipeline, TAFA93 which successfully completed Phase I clinical trials.

Isotechnika Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ISA. More information on Isotechnika can be found at www.isotechnika.com.

Partnerships with Isotechnika Inc.

Isotechnika Inc. signed a collaboration agreement with Hoffman La Roche on April 9, 2002, which licensed the worldwide rights to develop and commercialise ISA247 for all transplant indications.

On September 30, 2005, Isotechnika Inc. entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Atrium Medical Corporation for the use of ISA247 and TAFA93 specifically with drug eluting devices for the non-systemic treatment of vascular, cardiovascular, target vessel and tissue disorders.

Isotechnika Inc. and Cellgate Inc. signed an option agreement on April 25, 2006, granting Isotechnika the option to obtain an exclusive license to develop and commercialise conjugates consisting of Cellgate's patented transporter technology for the topical delivery of ISA247 in patients suffering from mild to moderate psoriasis.

On May 25, 2006, Isotechnika Inc. signed an agreement with Lux Biosciences, Inc. of Jersey City, New Jersey granting Lux Biosciences worldwide rights to develop and commercialise Isotechnika's lead drug, ISA247 for the treatment and prophylaxis of all ophthalmic diseases.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, including the Company's belief as to the potential of its products, the Company's expectations regarding the issuance of additional patents and the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the ability to economically manufacture its products, the potential of its products, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialise its products, the ability of the Company to defend its patents from infringement by third parties, and the risk that the Company's patents may be subsequently shown to be invalid or infringe the patents of others. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Overweight women’s breast cancer risk lower: study

2006-12-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Overweight and obese women have a lower risk of breast cancer prior to menopause, researchers said on Monday in a finding they said both puzzles them and contradicts conventional wisdom.

The researchers admitted they do not know why the extra pounds (kg) may protect premenopausal women from breast cancer, but noted obesity actually greatly boosts breast cancer risk after menopause, when the disease more often is diagnosed.

“It is so puzzling. And it is not a good public health message,” said Karin Michels, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and lead researcher in the study.

“I don’t want women to use this as an excuse to be overweight. Therefore, it’s even more important for us to find out what the mechanisms are. I mean, the last thing we want is, in this day and age, to advise people to gain weight,” Michels said in a telephone interview.

The findings, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, were based on medical data from 113,130 premenopausal registered nurses tracked from 1989 to 2003. During that time, 1,398 cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed.

Women with a body mass index (a weight-for-height scale) of 30 or above — considered obese by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — had a 19 percent lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer than women in a normal weight range (body mass index between 20 and 22.4), the study found.

The lower risk was especially evident in young adults. Those with a body mass index at age 18 of 27.5 or higher, which makes them overweight or obese, had a 43 percent lower risk of breast cancer before menopause than women of normal weight at the same age.

Being overweight is linked to a broad range of health risks. The World Health Organization describes obesity as a growing problem in high-income nations as well as increasing numbers of low- and middle-income nations.

OVULATION FACTORS

Michels said some experts had suspected the reduced premenopausal breast cancer risk was the result of these women not ovulating as much due to their larger body size.

Some overweight women have irregular or long menstrual cycles, or develop a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome in which ovaries malfunction. These are linked to disruptions in ovulation that lower levels of certain hormones.

The suspicion had been that these lower hormone levels might explain the diminished breast cancer risk. But the researchers weighed these factors and concluded that they did not appear to be the cause.

“Now we’re back to square one in trying to explain with which kind of mechanisms a larger body size might protect women from breast cancer,” Michels said, adding she plans further research.

She speculated the findings might be explained by the fact that obese women are less likely to be screened for breast cancer, and that is harder to detect tumors in these women.

“If we just detect the cancer later and therefore delay the time of diagnosis of the cancer into their post-menopausal years, then that might be an explanation,” Michels said.

Michels said the link between weight and breast cancer risk varies by age. High weight at birth and then after menopause is linked to a heightened risk, while high weight in young adulthood is associated with a reduced risk, she said.

Source: Yahoo News

Too young for breast cancer?

2006-12-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

BOSTON -- Eleven thousand women under age 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year -- a small but significant percentage of the overall cancer population. One doctor is reaching out to help young patients deal with the cancer.

Cynthia Shelton is enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. The 35-year-old single mom works full-time and is in the Army Reserves. Two years ago, she also found out she had breast cancer. “I had just got divorced a couple of months before I found out, so it was a bad year all around,” Shelton said.

Suddenly, questions like would she date again and could she -- or should she -- have more children became more complicated. “I was afraid that breast cancer would run genetically in a female,” Shelton explained.

Breast Cancer Specialist Ann Partridge, M.D., from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, helps young women like Shelton cope with their diagnosis. “Younger women, in general, have a harder time finding one another to discuss the issues related to their breast cancer and treatment,” Dr. Partridge said.

Those issues include premature menopause, emotional issues, such as dating with one breast or scars, and preserving fertility. Options include freezing eggs, freezing ovarian tissue, and in-vitro fertilization. Dr. Partridge continued, “The only technique that has been actually shown to work is the IVF prior to chemotherapy.” But there is good news. “To date, there is no evidence that having a pregnancy after a diagnosis of breast cancer increases the risk that a breast cancer would return.”

Dr. Partridge’s passion comes from the experience of her friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30. “She was initially told, ‘Oh, you have nothing to worry about, you’re too young to get breast cancer.'” She urges young women to never tolerate such a response if they notice lumps or a skin change.

Dr. Partridge works closely with the Young Survival Coalition, a network of young breast cancer survivors. The non-profit group advocates for more studies about young women and breast cancer, educates young women about detecting cancer, and brings together survivors to talk about some of their unique issues.

By: Ivanhoe Newswire

Abortion Pill May Help Prevent Breast Cancer

2006-12-11T12:43:00.000-08:00

cancer in women at high risk for the disease.

New research finds the chemical compound in RU486 prevented tumors from growing in mice that were genetically engineered to carry the BRCA1 breast cancer gene.

RU486, or mifepristone, blocks the production of the hormone progesterone, and this anti-progesterone effect could have prevented the growth of tumors in these mice, the authors speculated. RU486 aborts a pregnancy via the same mechanism.

Still, all this is a far cry from recommending RU486 as breast cancer therapy in people, experts cautioned.

"It's an interesting observation," said Dr. Jay Brooks, chairman of hematology/oncology at Ochsner Health System, in Baton Rouge, La. "It's basically showing that this particular agent can change some of the mammary function, but it's a real leap to say that it may be useful in cancer prevention."

The study appears in the Dec. 1 issue of Science.

Genes can greatly influence breast cancer risk. Experts have long known that women with mutations in the BRCA1 gene are at a much higher risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer. The mutations mainly affect hormone-responsive tissues, although experts have been unclear as to why.

For this study, researchers studied mice that carried the mutated form of BRCA1, causing them to be highly susceptible to breast cancer.

As it turned out, the mice's mammary epithelial cells accumulated high levels of progesterone receptors and then divided and proliferated at an abnormally rapid rate.

However, Mice treated with RU486 did not develop breast tumors by the time they reached 1 year of age. On the other hand, untreated mice developed tumors by eight months.

Progesterone may encourage the proliferation of mammary cells that carry a breast cancer gene, the researchers said.

Although the study was done in mice, the same mechanism occurs in human cells, said study author Eva Lee, a professor of developmental and cell biology and biological chemistry at the University of California, Irvine.

She speculated that clinicians may one day be able to use progesterone-blocking compounds to prevent breast cancer in women with a genetic predisposition.

But RU486 may not be the best candidate, however.

"It is the most widely available anti-progesterone drug," Lee said. "We are currently testing a more specific anti-progesterone drug to see whether it has the same effect and if that's proven, we'll go to a small clinical trial to see if that anti-progesterone is effective in a high-risk population."

by: HealthDay .

Silicone Implants available with local doctors

2006-12-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

The wait is over. Women who want silicone breast implants can now have them -- thanks to the lifting of a 14-year ban by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The implants were taken off the market in 1992 after some women complained that they leaked silicone into their bodies and caused serious health problems. Several extensive studies have since been conducted in and outside the United States, and some doctors say claims the implants are harmful have not been proven.

"Essentially, they found through fairly exhaustive studies that the new generation silicone implants are safe for people," said Dr. Peter Butler, a plastic surgeon with Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery in Gulf Breeze. "The main factor is that leaking does not cause tissue problems —— simply put, we don't want silicone leaking into our systems."

Butler and his partner, Dr. Jocelyn Leveque, both certified plastic surgeons, have been involved in a four-year U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study, which began in 1997. The agency appointed the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct the study, which was underwritten by two California companies, Allergan Medical and Mentor Medical, manufacturers of the gel-based silicone implants.

Both doctors have enrolled some of their patients in the study, and each patient will be followed for at least 10 years.

"To date, Dr. Leveque has used silicone implants in 99 of her patients; I have used the implants in 73 cases in Pensacola," Butler said. Before then, Butler practiced in North Carolina. So far, he said none of their patients has experienced any problems.

When the implants were taken off the market, women were concerned that leaking silicon implants were causing a number of diseases. At the time, the doctors said, there was no research to disprove the claims. But new studies have found that the gel implants are much more cohesive and are safe for use.

This is good news for Jan Carlo, one of Butler's patients, who is also part of the study. Four months ago, Carlo, 50, was fitted with the implants following gastric bypass surgery. But not before doing some personal research.

"When you have surgery, you lose a lot of breast volume," said Carlo, a registered nurse. "I knew the silicone implants were more natural feeling and looking. I feel comfortable making the decision to have them."

Still, the FDA will continue to monitor the products and is requiring each company to conduct follow-up studies. Both companies are expected to track about 40,000 women for 10 years after they receive implants. The agency said package labeling should alert women who opt for the silicone implant to consider these factors as well:

· Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and a woman will likely need additional surgeries on her breast at least once over her lifetime.

· Many of the changes to a woman's breast following implementation are irreversible.

· Rupture of a silicone gel-filled breast implant is most often silent, which means that usually neither the woman nor her surgeon will know that her implants have ruptured.

· A woman will need regular screening MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exams over her lifetime to determine if a rupture has occurred; a woman should have her first MRI three years after the initial implant surgery and every two years thereafter. The cost of MRI screening over a women's lifetime may exceed the cost of her initial surgery and may not be covered by medical insurance. And if the implant rupture is noted on an MRI, the implant should be removed and replaced, if needed.

"FDA has reviewed an extensive amount of data from clinical trials of women studied for up to four years, as well as a wealth of other information, to determine the benefits and risks of these products," said Dr. Daniel Schultz, FDA director, Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "The extensive body of scientific evidence provides reasonable assurance of the benefits and risks of these devices. This information is available in the product labeling and will enable women and their physicians to make informed decisions."

by: Pensacola News Journal

Condom talks not publicized

2006-12-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Two unpublicized meetings happened about the proposed initiative to bring condoms to the residence halls about three weeks ago, Residence Hall Association President Justin Ginter said.

Ginter was not able to attend the meetings, but he said the Interim Chief Diversity Officer Roger Worthington moderated both.

Ginter said the meetings were held to get a “cross-section” of people, especially because the people at the first public meeting were overwhelmingly in favor of the proposal.

Worthington was unavailable for comment.

The initiative, originally sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, proposed providing free condoms and sexual health information in restrooms and common areas of residence halls.

Deaton halted the plan in mid-October, with the reasoning that he wanted more discussion about the plan.

Deaton has declined to state what the next step will be after holding one public forum.

In addition, a forum to discus the plan was held for student staff members of the residence halls at 5 p.m. on Monday.

“(Residential Life Director Frankie Minor) wanted to make sure their voices were heard,” Ginter said.

RHA is compiling letters from several organizations in support of the proposal.

Ginter said RHA would present Deaton with the letters in late January or early February, unless he has rescinded his decision.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs conducted the first meeting, but was unavailable for comment.

Representatives from RHA, the Missouri Students Association, the Legion of Black Collegians and Sexual Health Advocacy Peer Education also spoke at the first meeting, which was held in early November.

By Roseann Moring,

Keeping cancer away

2006-12-03T12:38:00.001-08:00

Watching what you eat and getting regular exercise are important to your health. And this advice is especially important if you're a cancer survivor according to a new report.

If you're a cancer survivor, living a healthy lifestyle should be a top priority.

"Our message to cancer survivors, absolutely, is eating well, being active is really important to get you through cancer treatment and certainly as you look forward to that life beyond cancer," Colleen Doyle of the American Cancer Society said.

The American Cancer Society's new report finds that a healthy lifestyle will help patients feel better during treatment, and could reduce their risk of cancer coming back.

"There is much more evidence that being overweight, as a cancer survivor, has some really bad effects," Doyle said. "In particular for breast cancer survivors, breast cancer survivors who are overweight at diagnosis or have gained weight after diagnosis are more likely to have cancer occurrence and also are more likely to die of that cancer."

The cancer society's best advice:

"Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, eat a lot of whole grains, breads, cereals, pastas, cut back on high-fat meat, high-fat dairy products," Doyle said. "Watch the amount of saturated fats you eat. These are the same type of things we tell anybody that is trying to improve their health and reduce their risk of chronic disease."

Let's talk about sex: Stats, safety, STIs

2006-12-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

Justin Timberlake may think he brought "Sexyback," but sexy never left the college campus.

Whether you're in the classic make-grandma-happy relationship or had a casual romp after a night at the Street, it is not hard to believe that many Princetonians are sexually active. So how effectively is University Health Services (UHS) aiding those students in making critical decisions, dealing with unplanned consequences and properly maintaining their sexual health?

According to a survey done by Trojan, at least, the University is doing a pretty good job. In 2005, out of 100 different private and public schools, Princeton ranked sixth with a 3.4 GPA on its "Sexual Health" report card. Yale topped the list, while Stanford ranked fourth and Duke eighth.

Trojan gave a letter grade to every school in the following categories: condom advice and availability, HIV and STI testing, sexual assault counseling and services, contraception advice and availability, advice column or Q-and-A feature for sexual issues or relationships; counseling service, peer counseling, campus events, and other outreach. Princeton received an "A" in every category except two "C"s in HIV and STI testing and the advice column section.

The most common STIs on college campuses are genital warts, chlamydia and herpes. UHS treats genital warts most often, according to the website of women's and men's health services. This STI is spread through skin-to-skin contact, but 80 percent of women and men show no traceable signs, according to UHS. The infection is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The warts can be removed by topical creams or gels prescribed by a doctor, freezing them with cryotherapy or using an acidic chemical.

When the vaccine for a different HPV, the one that causes cervical cancer, hit the market for consumer use in June 2006 after gaining approval from the FDA, UHS embraced the medical marvel, and the vaccination is currently available to students. While some insurance companies are considering covering the vaccination, the Student Health Plan currently does not cover the $402 treatment, which is administered in three shots over the course of six months.

Despite the cost, students are generally supportive of UHS offering the new HPV vaccine. "If you are sexually active, then I think you should get it," said Paige Floyd '10. The vaccine has been recommended for girls between the ages of 11 and 26. "It's a good thing for people to be aware of, even if they aren't sexually active," added Karen Jeng '08.

By: Naomi Nix

General Info about Breast Cancer

2006-12-03T12:33:00.001-08:00

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Breast cancer mostly occurs in women over the age of 50, and the risk is especially high for women over age 60. Breast cancer is also found to occur more often in white women than African American or Asian women.

Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes. Within each lobe are many smaller lobules (milk producing glands). Lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules and bulbs are all linked by thin tubes called ducts (milk passages that connect the lobules and the nipple). Fat surrounds the lobules and ducts. These ducts lead to the nipple in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola. There are no muscles in the breast, but muscles lie under each breast and cover the ribs.

Each breast also contains blood vessels and lymph vessels. The lymph vessels carry colorless fluid called lymph, and lead to small bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest. Lymph nodes are also found in many other parts of the body.

Fashion show designed to heighten breast cancer awareness among teens

2006-12-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

Jupiter High School senior Lindsey Martin and two of her fellow DECA club members, Samantha Spiliadis and Jessica Wilson, are getting a taste of the big time Saturday morning.

The trio is joining with Nordstrom in the Gardens Mall to host a fashion show, from 8 to 10 a.m.

Martin, who has been accepted into the fashion merchandising program at Florida State University, said the idea for the came from the three members of DECA wanted to merge fashion with a cause.

"We wanted to do a fashion show, but at the same time to help bring awareness to other teens about breast cancer," said Martin. "We went to the Gardens Mall because our original idea was to have the fashion show in the center court, but they don't do that with outside groups. Nordstrom loved the idea, so we are doing it there."

In October, the three teens held modeling auditions at Jupiter High School, where 40 potential models entered the competition. From that number, they chose 15 girls who have spent that past week trying on the cosmetics and going to Nordstrom to have a clothes fitting. Nordstrom is providing all the fashions for the show.

"We like to reach back to the community and help girls who are trying to build their personalities and help their schools at the same time," said Rhonda Yasin, manager of the BP department at Nordstrom. "Our BP department, which is the juniors department, carries most of the clothing trends, and this is where the clothes come from that the girls will be modeling on Saturday." In addition, Craig Martin, Lindsey's father, who is vice president and general manager of Jupiter Ritz-Carlton, will provide the food and beverages and one of the silent auction baskets. Other businesses have helped as well, providing the red carpet for the runways, and, in the case of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation donated information and brochures regarding the disease to distribute at the fashion show.

The show will take place inside Nordstrom, with access from the Gardens Mall inside entrance on the second floor. It is free.

What: Fashion show, featuring teen and adult misses apparel.

When: From 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.

Where: Second floor, Nordstrom, entry from the Gardens Mall interior to the store.

Who: Hosted by three Jupiter High School DECA Club members, together with Nordstrom, which is providing the fashions for the 15 JHS models.

Why: To help raise awareness of breast cancer among teens.

By: KIT BRADSHAW

Groups gear up for AIDS day

2006-12-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

Numerous organizations are holding events today to mark World AIDS Day and raise awareness among college students of the world's HIV crisis.

"One in 500 college students has HIV," said Katie Koehler (senior-biobehavioral health), co-coordinator of World AIDS Day at Penn State. "It's an issue that needs to be addressed."

The Global AIDS Initiative (GAI), the Penn State chapter of the Student Global AIDS Campaign, will be sponsoring events between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. today in Alumni and Heritage halls in the HUB-Robeson Center.

Along with allied organizations, GAI will be distributing literature and other materials, recruiting new members and accepting donations. The group will also be displaying several portions of the AIDS Memorial Quilt -- swatches that each memorialize the life of a person lost to AIDS -- as part of a national initiative sponsored by the NAMES Project Foundation.

World AIDS Day, founded in 1988 at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention, has annually announced a theme addressing some aspect of the fight against HIV/AIDS. This year's theme is "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise," encouraging citizens to hold leaders accountable in following through on initiatives to combat AIDS globally, according to the Web site worldaidsday.org.

University Health Services (UHS) is also offering free HIV testing at the LGBTA Student Resource Center and the Center for Women Students between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with no appointment required. Results are always confidential, said Susan Kennedy, associate director of UHS.

"Results do not become a part of your medical record," she said.

Kennedy works in the Office of Health Promotion and Education, a division of UHS. Her office sponsors a number of sexual health programs, including an awareness table in the HUB and "safer-sex parties."

"The safer-sex parties are geared towards female students and promote sexual health awareness, including the use of condoms," Kennedy said. "RAs and other leaders can request a safer-sex party for their floor group, and we'll provide them with a trained facilitator to run the event."

Kennedy's office also conducts Biobehavioral Health 297B, called "SISTA," which is a small, individual-focused seminar that discusses personal and self-esteem issues, targeting black female students.

"We've run the SISTA class for three semesters, and we've always had consistent enrollment," Kennedy said.

Kennedy has plans to expand the office's Influential Peers program, an initiative that uses outgoing student volunteers to promote sexual health awareness in their fellow students.

"We're looking to recruit 100 Influential Peers, and we have about 15," Kennedy said. "We're hoping that World AIDS Day will generate more interest."

UHS also supports the HIV/AIDS Risk Reduction Advisory Council (HARRAC), a student organization dedicated to "enhancing the sexual health of Penn State students through student-directed health promotion and activism," according to its Web site. HARRAC runs the "Banana in the Canyon" program, distributing free condoms every other Friday night outside Canyon Pizza, 260 E. Beaver Ave., via a volunteer in a banana costume.

"We give out a few thousand free condoms every time," Tabitha Hamon(senior-business administration), a volunteer at HARRAC, said. "Everyone loves the banana."

Danielle Wilt (freshman-premedicine) attended a health education event hosted by her RA and sponsored by UHS. Called "Risky Business," the session included information on safe drinking and how to avoid rape.

"I thought it was informative," Wilt said. "They gave us a ton of pamphlets, and we held races while wearing a pair of beer goggles."

The group members also did not leave the session empty-handed.

"My friend took 60 condoms away with her," Wilt said.

Anissat Salami (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) observes one of the 20 sections of the Memorial Aids Quilt in the HUB Alumni Hall yesterday. The quilt promotes awareness of World AIDS Day and was created by families of AIDS victims.

By: Andrew McGill

New Help For Cancer That Has Spread

2006-11-27T00:14:00.000-08:00

Drug Fights Cancer And Tumors

Nov. 29 - When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can be deadly. But now a new drug that seems to be able to stop advanced breast cancer from progressing and even reduces the size of tumors.

About 10 years ago, Karen Pike got the news. The mother of two had breast cancer.

Karen Pike, Breast cancer survivor: "I don't have any history in my family, so at 37, it was pretty scary. Our kids are 5 and 7, and I just went numb."

Karen's faith - and family - helped her stay strong. She needed the strength when the cancer came back three more times.

Karen Pike: "I couldn't have done any of this without my family. I know that I couldn't."

Karen has also relied on a team of doctors - and is now part of a clinical trial on a drug called sutent. In a study, the pill shrank tumors by one-third or more in 15 percent of patients - significant because they had very advanced disease and didn't have any luck with other treatments.

Doctor George Sledge says Sutent could be used as a frontline treatment for breast cancer that has spread.

George Sledge, M.D., Oncologist: "This holds out so much promise that I think if you are a physician dealing with breast cancer research you can only be excited about this."

Karen's only been on the drug for a month, but the lump in her neck has already drastically gone down in size - keeping her optimistic for the future.

Karen Pike: "Seeing both of my kids graduate from college, get married, have children, live a long life and be healthy for the rest of my life."

A simple dream she hopes will come true.

Sutent is an interesting drug. It has also shown promise in treating gastrointestinal and kidney tumors when other treatments start to fail. Right now, right now, it's just under investigation but could become FDA approved for certain cancers in the next year.

Researchers say, this drug is part of an entirely new class of agents and is working through mechanisms that haven't been used before.

By :ABC7

Parents and school both part of sex ed

2006-11-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

Our sex education system, at this moment, doesn't cut it.
But it's not for want of trying. For there are many people working hard to improve what we teach young people about sex in school across this country.
And what the educational curriculum is meant to provide is important stuff: information about puberty, STDs, birth control, feelings, etc., etc. According to the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN), over two-thirds of Canadians have sexual intercourse before they're 20.
So it makes sense that schools are the place where standardized sexual health information is taught — the one place all kids pass to adulthood. But the problem seems to be the current goals for sex education are not realistic. Why?
A document prepared last year by the information council called Sexual Health Education In The schools: Questions & Answers, gives some answers.
"Despite declines in the teen pregnancy rate, close to 40,000 teens become pregnant each year and most of these pregnancies are unintended," it says. "Sexually transmitted infection rates among Canadian teens are unacceptably high and have been rising."
In fact, chlamydia rates climbed 41.9 per cent between 1997 and 2002 among 15- to 19-year-old females.
So though sex education in schools is essential, it's not getting the job done.
Ann Barrett, sex educator with Toronto Public Health for 15 years, says the sex education's aim is multifaceted. The hope is students will have the basic knowledge and skills to deal with sexuality by grades 9 or 10 when some are likely to find themselves in harm's way.
"The ideal thing would be, and this is assuming that each year it gets taught by a teacher who is knowledgeable and comfortable with it, we would hope that they (students) feel comfortable being able to deal with sexual health topics," says Barrett. The Catholic school board incorporates sexual education into one of five themes within a Family Life curriculum: personhood, relationships, sexuality, living in commitment and living in the world.
"We try to give them the skills on how to make a good moral decision," says Ralph Peter, with the Toronto Catholic board's Religious Education and Family Life Department. Is it working?
"I would say that we provide them with the foundations for that," Peter says.
Problem is "the foundations" are usually all there is time for.
"Let's look at the reality," says Barrett. "If we're looking at the school as a source of sexual health information, a student will get anywhere from maybe three to five hours in a year. ... The amount of time that goes into the sexual education, we wouldn't expect anyone to come out with everything they need ."
But our kids these days are living in a sexually saturated world, and it takes a little bit more than three hours to help kids sort through all the messages they receive about sex.
Still sex educators aren't kidding themselves — they know what they're up against.
"There's just too much stuff in the curriculum," says Barrett. "A teacher simply can't accomplish all of it."
The time allotted isn't the only issue.
Some teachers just aren't comfortable teaching what's asked of them.
Stephanie Mitelman is a certified sex educator based in Montreal. She'll be in Toronto next Friday delivering a training workshop called "Understanding Adolescent Sexuality and Teaching Sex Ed" as part of a cross-country tour with her teen sexuality initiative Sexpressions.
"Unfortunately there's not enough money funnelled into this area," Mitelman says. "I think there are a lot of teachers who do a wonderful job at sex ed. But a lot would benefit from additional training and resources."
With all of the talk about abstinence-only sex ed flowing up from the States, and the constant concerns over budget cuts here at home, the chance that more funding will go to sex ed isn't good. It then falls to family and other community members to fill in the sexual-information gap and Mitelman agrees.
It makes sense to scrutinize the sex education our children are getting at school. But let's not forget about the ongoing sex ed they should be getting from the other adults in their lives.
by: MEGAN MCCHESNEY

Sex education 'only does so much'

2006-11-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

Sex education alone is not enough to cut pregnancies and abortions among teenagers in the UK, say experts.
A Medical Research Council study, in the British Medical Journal, examined sex education in 25 secondary schools.
It found pregnancy and abortion rates among girls taught with an enhanced sex education scheme were the same as among girls given conventional sex education.
The authors say other sexual health strategies are urgently needed to cut the UK's teenage pregnancy rate.
Patchy provision
The rate in the UK is the highest in Western Europe.
All schools in England and Wales have to teach sex education to 11-14-year-olds as part of the science curriculum.
In Scotland, schools are not obliged to provide sex and relationship education, so provision is patchy.
England has also had a strategy for reducing teenage pregnancy rates running since 1999, with a target of halving the under-18 conception rate in England by 2010.
Pregnancy rates among under-18s are currently at their lowest for 20 years in England.
Part of the strategy is improving the provision of sex and relationship education, which has sparked mixed views.
Some believe education will help and recommend children as young as 10 should be taught about contraception.
But others say it fuels the problem, encouraging children to be promiscuous.
Investigators from the Medical Research Council evaluated the impact of an enhanced sex education programme, known as SHARE.
The main difference from conventional sex education is SHARE's intensive teacher training and focus on developing skills using role-playing, rather than simply providing information and discussing values.
For example, teachers are trained how to teach children skills so they can negotiate sexual encounters, handle condoms and access services.
Economic factors
The study, which focused on 25 Scottish secondary schools, found SHARE did have a positive impact on sexual health knowledge and quality of relationships, and was preferred to conventional sex education by both pupils and teachers.
But it had no impact on the number of pregnancies or abortions among school girls.
Lead researcher Dr Marion Henderson said: "It is clear that economic circumstances still largely determine the likelihood of teenage pregnancy.
"To have a stronger impact, alternative interventions should be considered."
She suggested parents should be more involved in providing guidance to their children.
Director of the fpa (Family Planning Association) in Scotland, Tim Street, said: "SHARE and other sex education programmes like it are good. But they are just one tiny piece of the jigsaw.
"There are very few areas in the UK that are doing the whole gambit of information, services and education.
"Adults are not setting the best examples for children. There is also a severe lack of funding for sexual health."
A Department for Education and Skills spokesman said: "Sex education is only part of the story.
"High quality Personal Social Health Education is a vital part of a successful strategy which must also include easy access to advice and contraception for young people.
"Our research shows that areas which deliver their strategies in this way have seen much greater successes in bringing down rates and our latest guidance urges all local authorities and primary care trusts to work in this way."
By: BBC News

Royal Free launches GUM text appointment booking

2006-11-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

A new text messaging service allowing patients to make appointments for treatment at a time convenient for them is to be launched at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London in the new year.
The hospital's Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) and Sexual Health clinics will use the system to provide a 24-hour appointment service connected to the hospital's existing database. The system is intended to reduce the amount of time patients spend waiting on the phone to arrange an appointment, and also help map and plan demand for sexual health services.
Dr Daniel Ivens, lead clinician in genitourinary medicine, said: “We will be piloting this project in January 2007 in conjunction with the DH. The idea is not to guarantee an appointment using the text service, but to try and manage demand for appointments, which usually ties up our phone lines.”
The service will give patients a specific number to text when they want an appointment. When the patient replies, the system will search the appointment database and find three available appointments over a 48-hour period. It will then sends these to the patient by SMS.
The patient can then choose which appointment they want and are provided with a booking reference. Their file is identified by their mobile number, which acts as a temporary patient number.
The system operates in two modes: a manually operated 24-hour booking service, and an automated out-of-hours service. The manual service is operated by call centre and or text message, and can provide a comprehensive booking service for all future appointments. Appointments may be booked by phone call, text message or by a browser interface. Booked appointments and available slots are uploaded from the system to the clinic software each half day.
The out-of-hours service operates makes available slots over the following 48-hours period viewable by SMS booking or via a web browser. Booked appointments and available slots are uploaded from the system to the clinic software at the start and end of each working day.
The system was jointly developed by software developers Software Medical, Avanquest and Computer Communications Ltd.
A spokesperson from Avanquest told E-Health Insider: "Texting is getting more popular in the UK. Twenty-eight billion were sent in the UK last year and research suggests that 98 per cent of them were read. It makes sense to use these for hospital appointments and the trial in the sexual health department should demonstrate this.
Dennis Armstrong, chief executive officer of Computer Communications Limited, told EHI: “Using text messages to allow the patient to choose their appointment and re-confirm their appointments will help save time, making appointment booking more fast and efficient, and saving both the trust and patients money on phone bills.”
By: E-HEALTH-MEDIA LTD

Fast track treatment for sexual health

2006-11-19T02:32:00.000-08:00

FAST-track testing and treatment for sexual diseases is to be introduced across north Manchester.
A £500,000 cash boost and new testing technology will see patients with concerns about their sexual health dealt with in less than 48 hours.
The rapid treatment will become available to patients across Bury, Heywood, Middleton, Oldham and Rochdale in the New Year, thanks to a centralised booking system for four clinics and new testing procedures.

Dr Helen Lacey of the Pennine Acute NHS Trust said: "The 48-hour access target is challenging but we're determined to meet it.
"To do this, we're expanding and bringing together services across Pennine, making them accessible to all patients."
Under the new system, if a patient in one clinic needs an urgent appointment but none are available they will be seen at one of the other nearby clinics.
Also new, non-invasive test technology will see the setting up of special fast-track clinics run by nurses for the screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

These will free doctors to deal with the more complex sexual health cases.

By: Manchester Evening News

Dark chocolate 'guards against blood clots'

2006-11-18T02:56:00.000-08:00

TWO tablespoonfuls of dark chocolate a day is good for your health, a new study has found.
The sweet treat has a similar biochemical effect to aspirin and can reduce the likelihood of blood clotting.
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health made the discovery when 139 people were disqualified from a larger study looking at the effects of aspirin on blood platelets.

These "offenders" were told to to refrain from indulging in a number of foods known to affect platelet activity - including chocolate. But they could not break their habit.
Professor Diane Becker said: "What these chocolate 'offenders' taught us is that the chemical in cocoa beans has a biochemical effect similar to aspirin in reducing platelet clumping, which can be fatal if a clot forms and blocks a blood vessel, causing a heart attack."
Researchers have known for almost two decades that dark chocolate can lower blood pressure and has other beneficial effects on blood flow.
The latest findings, which will be presented today at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago, identified the effect of normal, everyday doses of chocolate found in ordinary foods.
"Eating a little bit of chocolate or having a drink of hot cocoa as part of a regular diet is probably good for personal health, so long as people don't eat too much of it, and too much of the kind with lots of butter and sugar," Prof Becker said.

By : Manchester Evening News

Life in 2056: longer, healthier - and not alone

2006-11-17T02:12:00.000-08:00

· Scientists predict bonding with aliens and animals
· Advances in physics could finally explain big bang
A limitless supply of spare organs, hard evidence for aliens and a machine that puts you in the mind of an animal.
These are some of the predictions about the world of 2056 by a batch of the planet's most prominent scientists, including the psychologist Steven Pinker, the philosopher Dan Dennett, the astronomer royal, Sir Martin Rees, and the architect of the Beagle 2 Mars mission, Colin Pillinger.
New Scientist magazine has assembled their thoughts to mark its 50th anniversary, and high on the list was proof that we are not alone.

A visit from little green men in flying saucers seems unlikely by 2056, but the experts are convinced the universe will soon feel a less lonely place. Freeman Dyson at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton is undeterred by our failure to find any cosmic neighbours so far. He told the magazine: "That proves life is rarer than we hoped, but does not prove that the universe is lifeless." Once we find proof of extraterrestrials, further discoveries will follow quickly, as we will know what we are looking for, he said.
Paul Davies, a physicist at Arizona State University in Tempe, speculated that we may not have to look far. "There could be aliens right here, under our noses. Most life is microbial, and you can't tell just by looking whether a microbe is 'our' life or alien," he said. "The search for terrestrial aliens has only just begun. If they are here, they could be identified soon."
"How different might alien life be?" asked Chris McKay at NASA, "It might be as different as English and Chinese."
Life on Earth will also be transformed, scientists predict, with farms designated to grow human organs. By 2056, even the most sophisticated medicine of the 20th century will begin to look barbaric.
There will be no need to take transplant organs from dead people, according to Bruce Lahn, a human geneticist at the University of Chicago. Instead, human organs will be grown in animals such as pigs. "When a patient needs a new organ - a kidney, say - the surgeon will contact a commercial organ producer and supply them with the patient's immunological profile ... One organ that is probably off limits though is the brain."
Another way forward is drugs to regrow lost limbs and organs. "Advances in heart regeneration are around the corner, digits will be regrown within five to 10 years, and limb regeneration will occur a few years later," Ellen Heber-Katz at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia told the magazine. "Within 50 years whole-body replacement will be routine."
Fertility treatment and our understanding of sexual reproduction could see science transform sex just as the invention of the pill caused a revolution for the baby-boomer generation. Carl Djerassi at Stanford University, co-inventor of the pill, predicts that women will routinely extend their reproductive lifespan by a decade or more by storing ovarian tissue or eggs extracted in their youth.
Scientists also expect major advances in the understanding of sexual pleasure and sexual health problems, according to Beverly Whipple, secretary general of the World Association for Sexual Health. She told New Scientist of her hopes to see sexual health recognised as a universal human right. "Sexual violence and abuse will be eliminated, universal access to sexual health education will be promoted, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections will be halted," she added.
Advances in particle physics, astronomy and astrophysics may finally shed light on where life, the universe and everything came from.
Nearly 14bn years ago, the universe exploded into being and has since cooled and expanded, leaving clumps of matter we see as planets, stars and galaxies. But the cause of the big bang, what existed before it and what fills much of the universe are still mysteries. "We can say with confidence what the universe was doing one second later, but our best theories all break down at the moment of the big bang. There is good reason to hope that this will change," said Sean Carroll, theoretical physicist at Caltech.
Sir Martin Rees, the astronomer royal, hopes we will also know whether ours was just one of a series of big bangs. "The decades to come might very well be when the human race finally figures out where it all came from," said Dr Carroll.
As science unravels the mysteries of the universe, humans will take their first tentative steps to set up colonies away from Earth, according to J Richard Gott, an astrophysics at Princeton University. "Establishing a self-supporting colony on Mars ... would provide a life insurance policy against whatever catastrophes might occur on Earth," he told the magazine.
It might not lead to an elixir for life, but by 2056, scientists anticipate unravelling the crucial complex molecular mechanisms that govern wear and tear in our cells, causing damage that manifests as ageing. Richard Miller, professor of pathology at the University of Michigan, envisages "the first class of centenarians who are as vigorous and productive as today's run-of-the-mill sexagenarians".
Sticking his neck out among the future-gazers is Daniel Pauly, director of the Fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia, with predictions of a device allowing humans to experience the emotions and "fleeting, inarticulate thoughts of animals".
Rather than ushering in an era of obedient pets and happy cattle, Dr Pauly sees it as the saviour of the oceans and the demise of meat-eating humans. "It would cause, obviously, a global revulsion at eating flesh of all kinds, and we would all become vegetarians," he told the magazine.
By : James Randerson and Ian .

ARGENTINA: Flaws in Acclaimed Sexual Health Plan

2006-11-16T03:20:00.000-08:00

The National Consortium for Monitoring Reproductive and Sexual Rights (CONDERS), an umbrella group of 570 organisations and individuals dedicated to reviewing the plan's operation, said that the most frequent failing is the lack of awareness about the programme on the part of the population at large. Monitoring was carried out in 14 of the country's 23 provinces. In some, provincial authorities have added to the input materials provided by the central government, but in others this has not happened.
In general, the plan is working better in the provincial capitals than in the hospitals and health centres in outlying areas of the provinces. Among the problems found, there were allegations of the sale of intrauterine devices (IUDs), which the national State distributes to be fitted free, as well as the rationing of free contraceptive pills and condoms, which means beneficiaries have to make more frequent visits to the health centres.
In addition, there were problems involving inadequate training of health centre staff, who were blocking people's access to benefits by insisting on unnecessary requirements, and failures to provide counselling on reproductive health, as required by law. The group also found discontinuity in supplies of some birth control methods, and an almost total lack of emergency contraceptives (the "morning-after pill"), which are guaranteed by law. CONDERS considered it a shortcoming that 95 percent of all beneficiaries were women, and that only 21 percent of the total were under 20 years old.
These figures suggest that the service has no effective strategy for reaching men, and particularly teenagers of both sexes, who should be the primary targets of the programme, the experts said. "We are concerned that more teenagers are not encouraged to use the service," Dr. Mabel Bianco told IPS. She is the head of the Foundation for Studies and Research on Women (FEIM), one of the organisations on the CONDERS coordinating committee. In Argentina, one out of every six births are to mothers aged 15 to 19, according to the United Nations Population Fund's Report for 2005.
Experts interpret this statistic as a sign of a lack of sex education and of access to contraceptive methods. One of the goals of the National Programme of Sexual and Reproductive Health, which began to be implemented in 2003, is to lower the teen pregnancy rate. But CONDERS found that in some provinces, teenagers inquiring about contraception were required to be accompanied by an adult, a condition that is not part of the project. According to the report, in some provinces young women only approach the sexual and reproductive health service after they have become mothers.
"Teen-friendly services are needed, where they don't have to wait too long, or have to wait alongside pregnant women," Bianco argued. She also said that a basic step towards attracting men to use the plan was removing sexual and reproductive services from the maternal and child health care area, and relocating them as part of primary health care. This change has been carried out at the level of national agencies, but has not yet been adopted in provincial health centres. Men are unlikely to visit obstetrics and gynaecology services, Bianco said.
That is why, in her opinion, the change of service area is essential. "It's important to involve men, because contraception is their responsibility too, and the programme also includes prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as uterine and breast cancer and prostate cancer," she pointed out.
The CONDERS report has the support of the centre-left administration of President Néstor Kirchner. "The monitoring study was excellent," Valeria Islas, coordinator of the National Programme of Sexual and Reproductive Health at the ministry of Health, told IPS.
"There are some problems with the implementation of the plan, and we are trying to improve it through better training and better distribution of birth control methods," she said. According to the official, rather than publicity campaigns, what is needed is specific social work to empower potential beneficiaries to "stand up for their rights" in matters of sexual and reproductive health. This approach, through community organisations, "will broaden the strategies" for attracting participants to the plan, Islas said. After years of fierce resistance by conservative sectors linked to the Catholic Church, the programme was put into effect in 2003, after the law of Sexual Health and Responsible Procreation was passed.
The law recognises sexual and reproductive rights and guarantees freedom of choice when it comes to birth control methods. The law maintains that it is the State's obligation to inform people about reproductive health, provide contraceptive methods and offer this service to teenagers without requiring them to be accompanied by an adult. Since then the number of participants in the programme has grown 18-fold, and the number of health promoters dedicated to this service has been multiplied by 14. The ministry said that between 2003 and 2005, the total number of women who had an IUD fitted at public institutions rose from 12,200 to nearly 112,000. Women taking oral contraceptives were up from 63,000 to 1.3 million, and those using contraceptive injections also grew in number from 2,400 to nearly 223,000. And in 2003 the programme distributed 31,150 condoms, a number that climbed to 601,000 in 2005. However, CONDERS found that there was resistance among health personnel to requests for contraceptives, and that they were reluctant to recommend IUDs or emergency contraception. Patients were not always treated with the respect they deserved, waiting times for appointments were overly long, and attention was focused on methods of avoiding pregnancy and not on other sexual health issues. In many cases, the services were "centred on women of child-bearing age," and attention for teenagers, older women, men, and sexual and ethnic minorities was "poor or insufficient," the study added.

How the condom became a metaphor for caution

2006-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

The UK government has spent £4million on an advertising campaign to encourage young people to carry condoms on a night out. Using pictures of men wearing underpants that read ‘I’ve got chlamydia’, and other such unsavoury images, the campaign’s aim, according to public health minister Caroline Flint, is to make ‘carrying and using a condom’ among 18- 24-year-olds ‘as familiar as carrying a mobile phone, lipstick or putting on a seat-belt’.
Well, isn’t that nice? Another few million pounds of taxpayers’ money (apparently a further £46million has been pledged to the campaign over the next two years) spent on another tawdry and fruitless campaign encouraging teenagers to treat their sexual activities with the same degree of thought and planning as the university admissions process.
Flint points out that ‘some STIs [sexually transmitted infections] like chlamydia are on the increase among 18- to 24-year-olds and it is vital that we deliver strong messages about using condoms to prevent them’. But what is the deal with chlamydia, and what exactly are the government’s ‘strong messages’ trying to say?
Chlamydia is an unpleasant, often symptomless little disease that people can carry without knowing it, and it can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. It is easily treated through a course of antibiotics. Many argue that, if left untreated, chlamydia can lead to fertility problems for women in later life – although this effect is often exaggerated, and some, such as the fertility expert Lord Robert Winston, have disputed this link altogether. Chlamydia may well be on the increase among young people, but it is hard to know how much of this is due to increased awareness of the disease, through countless government-sponsored chlamydia-awareness campaigns, and the fact that there has been a national screening programme for chlamydia in place for the past few years.
There’s nothing about chlamydia itself that makes it a public health menace. But the symbolism of chlamydia as a public health message has grown year by year.
Over the past few years there have been numerous public health campaigns seeking to achieve what the Great AIDS Panic did in the late Eighties, and popularise the notion that Casual Sex Kills. Young people soon got wise to the fact that AIDS was not going to strike down British-born heterosexual teenagers, and as the predicted epidemic failed to materialise health authorities found that they could no longer make use of those attractive tombstone leaflets and other dire warnings of doom. So they focused on chlamydia instead – something that doesn’t kill you but might, just might, make you infertile if you’re a woman and fail to use a condom, and can spread silently, without your knowledge. It’s classic disease-as-metaphor stuff – chlamydia being the metaphor for the risks of casual sex, and condoms being the metaphor for how you protect yourself against those risks.
But in boosting the metaphorical cache of chlamydia and condoms, government campaigns subvert certain realities. For example, as Ann Furedi, chief executive of the abortion and advice service bpas has pointed out, as a form of contraception condoms are relatively unreliable, and promoting the use of condoms could possibly lead to a rise in unwanted pregnancies. ‘Historically, whenever there has been a shift away from hormonal contraception like the pill, towards barrier methods like condoms, rates of unplanned pregnancy have risen as a result’, says Furedi.
Unwanted pregnancy is a more immediate problem for young women than chlamydia – it isn’t symptomless, you cannot ignore it for longer than nine months, and dealing with an unwanted pregnancy is a much bigger deal than getting treatment for a bog-standard sexually transmitted infection. In this respect, condoms are not necessarily the responsible choice – and for the government to promote this form of contraception over all others is in many ways quite irresponsible.
Does this bother the health authorities? No. Because this is not a real health campaign so much as a symbolic moral campaign. And from AIDS onwards, condoms have suited the moralism of governments much better than effective contraceptive methods like the pill. The pill retains its aura of sexual liberation, of being ready for the moment – you take it every day so that a spontaneous sexual encounter will not be a problem. Condoms, on the other hand, might sometimes be rubbish at stopping pregnancies but they are a great symbol of the need to Think Before You Act – taking them with you on a night out, stopping mid-fumble to put them on.
Furthermore, the category of ‘barrier contraceptive’ sums up the attraction of the condom for our risk-averse times. A condom is a barrier between you and your sexual partner, symbolising your suspicion that the person sharing your bed is about to infect you or somehow hurt you. If your sexual partner is not wearing underpants reading ‘I’ve got chlamydia’, the condom assumes that the message is there.
When the government talks about popularising ‘strong messages’ to prevent diseases like chlamydia, the message it is promoting is not awareness of chlamydia, but fear of intimate relationships with other people. There is a shoulder-shrugging recognition that young people today sleep around, and while nobody in authority these days has the bottle to say that casual sex is wrong, nor can they accept that casual sex is all right. So they bombard young people with grotty little ad campaigns and insidious warnings of disease and danger, in the vague hope that when people do get laid they will do it with the requisite amount of doubt and guilt.
‘Improving the nation’s sexual health is a key government priority’, says Caroline Flint. Fine, when it means access to sexual health services to treat problems like chlamydia or an unwanted pregnancy. But when a significant part of ‘improving the nation’s sexual health’ means official warnings about what might be in our partner’s underpants, we should get our knickers in a twist.

By: Jennie Bristow

Yoga And Sex: Kundalini Yoga Favors Sexual Energy For Mental Strength

2006-11-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

Kundalini Yoga-- This age old yoga practice is quite wary of other ancient religious practices for gaining elevated spiritual state.

While most of the religious practices prefer ascetism and sexual abstinence as a way to uplift soul, Kundalini yoga considers carnal indulgence as a medium to increase self exploration. This practice of yoga lays great emphasis on leading a healthy sexual life.
Kundalini yoga suggests to “feel sex” instead of “merely performing sex.” According to this Yogic philosophy there could no better way to mutual exploration process than act of copulation. This yoga vehemently condemns the widespread connotation that sex is an impediment in attaining higher state of being.
Kundalini yoga practice is basically termed as fiery practice as it requires you to be very active. It doesn't help you in gaining increased level of sexual prowess but also contributes to your worldly success by providing you with required mental peace and energy. The concept of kundalini says that spinal sexual energy is potent enough to offer great mental strength and wisdom.
The energy associated with kundalini concept is said to be of most powerful kind that flows in an energy canal inside the body that is known as Shushumna. Along with it there exists an additional canal in men and women. In women this additional channel of energy is termed as “Pingala” while men possess “Ida” canal of energy.
The kudalini suggests male and his female partner to first attain equal level of energy before going for copulation. For that they are first directed to get indulged in various tantric yoga meditations and asanas that help them attain complete rejuvenation as well as higher level of being. And energy gained after undergoing these Tantric Yoga practices happens to be unmatchable. Equipped with incredible energy and elevated physical and mental state a couple could experience optimum sexual pleasure and mutual exploration.
The hallmark of kundalini Yoga lies in its philosophy of strong connection between carnal indulgence and spirituality. But many people find it too difficult to get accustomed with refraining from orgasm that is not a preferred kundalini practice. According to the concept avoiding orgasm could result in increased level of kundalini energy in the body.
Kundalini's way of masturbation results in great physical and mental relaxation. Like other yoga forms kundalini is also gaining world wide popularity. You can also opt for kundalini for above mentioned advantages, but I would suggest you to take up kundalini practices in consultation with an expert tantra yogi only.
by KANISHK MANCHANDA

How To Seek Back Pain Relief ?

2006-11-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

After many a valiant searches and researches, it is now universally accepted that, it is not medication but yoga that is the most effective treatment for various types of back pain.

This is, however, not to say that all types of yoga exercises relieve back pain. Your yoga teacher will be able to tell you, depending upon the severity of your back pain, the types of exercises you need to start with.
There are specific poses for relieving the back pain. Yoga exercises should not be done under pressure or with artificial compulsion. That is, hold on to each poses for 5 to ten seconds. Yoga is never done on bare floor. Use a mat or any soft supportive surface. Yoga exercises need to be done regularly. Morning hours are preferred though.
Some of the important yoga postures mentioned in relation to back pain are Cat Stretch, Wind Releasing pose, Corpse pose, Sage Twist, Palm Tree, Fish pose, Locust, Bending forward pose and many more.
The problem with the modern lifestyles, whether in office or at home, is that your body gets limited type of physical exercise. For example, you sit in a particular position in the office, for 8 to 10 hours. Other parts of the body are virtually left lazy. Even blood circulation is at times impaired. Toxins get deposited and the blood circulation is not proper so the problems start in that area.
Treatment for back pain has much to do with muscle relaxation. If muscles are stressed in particular part of the body, that surely means you have pain. Your local herbal medicine specialist or the Chinese Medical practitioner will be able to help you relieve your back pain, with medical formulations tested for back pain for thousands of years. The virtue of this sort of treatment is that they do not create any side effects.
Medication is okay, when you have back pain, herbal or any other. But, the real solution to get rid of the problem once and for all is to understand your body alignment. An insignificant looking thing may be the cause of your recurring back pain.
For example, the chair on which you sit. You sit in this chair for hours together and even if the alignment is slightly wrong, you suffer for the whole day. You feel uncomfortable, go on shifting from angle to angle, but over a period of time, your body will protest in the way, it should- by reporting pain. Unless the basic cause of the pain is treated, any medication is not going to do you any good.
So, home back pain relief methods are the best, only you have to chose your method and follow it with regularity and sincerity.

by KANISHK MANCHANDA

The Effects of Coffee and Meat In Sexual Activity

2006-11-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

Our relationship with our partner is one of our priorities especially in marriage. In maintaining a good relationship, there are, however, many things, which we should consider. One of the vital factors that contribute to the stability and deepening of a relationship is sex.
Sex is essential in a relationship. It's not only enough to be responsible in terms of love and commitment but we should also seek satisfy them in terms of our sexual relationship. That's why there are a lot of issues raised regarding sexual capacity and performance such as foreplay, penis size, libido, orgasm etc. Apparently, many times, a lot of relationships and marriages fail because of lack of satisfaction and unsolved problems in lovemaking.

The role of sex in a relationship is not solely confined to physical pleasure. The performance especially of a man in sex also is a manifestation of his affection for his partner and his concern for the relationship. A man, who desires the happiness of his woman, should strive to be a good partner in bed then.

Today, there are a lot of information and products out in the market, which help men to enhance their sexual relationships like pills that enlarge the penis size or medicines that increase the libido. There are also natural methods for those who are reluctant to take the medicines.

Good and healthy diet plays an important role for both man and woman in the process of lovemaking. This information provided by science is actually just a rediscovery of a tradition that is traced back to history. Even during the ancient civilization, men already discovered and started using aphrodisiacs for arousal and in order heighten their sexual activity. Among these sexually stimulating food and beverage are coffee and meat. While there is weak evidence established regarding their connection of the with penis enlargement, coffee and meat have been known to produce strong stimulating effects for couples in sex.

Both the coffee and the meat have components that irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive system. The mucous membrane of the digestive tract is similar to that of the genital organ. If coffee and meat then irritate the digestive tract, they likewise cause the same effect to the genital organs of people. This chemical process inside the body is what leads to the increase of sexual excitement. No wonder why there are couples who pay attention to the details of food intake before sex since they seek to achieve a good sex through aphrodisiacs. After all, there is no good sex without a strong sexual excitement between the couple during the entire lovemaking.

Although, it has been stated that coffee and meat are effective sexual stimulants, one must learn to control the use of these. High diet in caffeine and protein may lead to several health disorders and diseases. Moreover, in sex, too much intake of these may result to over stimulation of the genital organs and uncontrolled excitement thus leading to early orgasm in the sexual activity. In this case, the couple will have already reached orgasm even before they start to enjoy their love making session. Moderate use of these aphrodisiacs must be observed then. As they say, too much of the same thing is unhealthy.

New Sexual Health Campaign Reveals 'Essential Wear' For Young Adults

2006-11-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

Combating Rise in Sexually Transmitted Infections

A hard-hitting new sexual health campaign will urge sexually active young adults to make condoms essential wear when they are out on the "pull."

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia are spreading fast among 18 to 24 year olds. However, while 90 per cent of girls and 70 per cent of boys own a pair of special "pulling pants" for when they hit the town, fewer than 20 per cent carry a condom which means more than 80 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds are putting themselves at risk of an STI.

Television, magazine and radio ads alongside on-line advertising will specifically target young men and women who are most at risk of infection. The TV ad shows couples getting together in scenarios where the name of an Sexually transmitted infection is clearly displayed on their clothing or jewellery, highlighting the stark reality that these infections are not easy to spot. Images used in the magazines and on-line advertising continue this theme, while radio adverts focus on the physical consequences of catching an STI.

Launching the campaign Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said:

"Improving the nation's sexual health is a key Government priority and improving access times to sexual health clinics, chlamydia screening and this campaign will all help to drive down the number of cases of Sexually transmitted infections.

"Some STIs like chlamydia are on the increase amongst 18 to 24 year-olds and it is vital that we deliver strong messages about using condoms to prevent them. The aim of this campaign is to make carrying and using a condom among this age group as familiar as carrying a mobile phone, lipstick or putting on a seat-belt. This is not about encouraging promiscuity, but saying to those who are already sexually active: sex without a condom is seriously risky, so always use one.

"The message of this campaign is that you can't tell just by looking whether someone has an STI. Some infections often have no noticeable symptoms and others cannot be cured, so taking responsibility for your own sexual health should always be your key priority."

Baroness Gould, Chair of the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV, said:

"The IAG on Sexual Health and HIV welcomes the Government's commitment to helping improve young people's sexual health. This campaign is absolutely necessary in tackling the increasing rate of STIs. On-going health promotion is a vital tool in increasing awareness, understanding and, ultimately, prevention of STIs."

Anne Weyman, Chief Executive of the Family Planning Association, said:

"Using a condom is a very normal and completely essential part of any sexual relationship. The benefits of empowering young people - through this campaign - not only to know this fact but to act on it cannot be overestimated. Sustaining the campaign so it can make the biggest impact possible over the longest period of time will be key to its success."

The new TV advert will be on air from 20 November. It will be screened on satellite channels, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Magazine adverts will appear in key titles for the 18 to 24 year old market. Radio and on-line advertising will run from the 27th November. The campaign is initially scheduled to run for the pre-Christmas and Valentines periods - times of the year where rates of STI contraction are traditionally higher.

The new £4 million campaign is part of a wider Government initiative to improve sexual health and tackle teenage pregnancy. It complements the existing campaigns, 'R U Thinking?' which is aimed at the under 16s, and 'Want Respect? Use a condom', aimed at 16 to 18 year old socially excluded teenagers. Both are delivered by the Department for Education and Skills.

The Department of Health is also involved in on-going work with stakeholder groups to increase the availability of condoms to those most at risk of having unprotected sex.

The new adult sexual health campaign is part of DH's Sexual Health and HIV Strategy, which is a long-term plan to improve and modernise sexual health services. The strategy includes, rollout of chlamydia screening for the under 25s, 48hr access to GU clinics, the development of service standards and in improving access to contraception.

By: Department of Health UK

Victims of cancer cannot afford drugs

2006-11-13T06:34:00.000-08:00

drugs only because of the fact they have not enough money for the prescription charges - campaigners warns.

According to Charity Breast Cancer Care, 42% of breast cancer patients, which is almost a half, had financial problems as they were forced to pay prescriptions charges for their medicine.
Patients ill with cancer do not receive treatment with vital drugs only because of the fact they have not enough money for the prescription charges - campaigners warns.
According to Charity Breast Cancer Care, 42% of breast cancer patients, which is almost a half, had financial problems as they were forced to pay prescriptions charges for their medicine.
In England and Scotland 164 women participated in the survey and 15% of them declared they had not taken the drugs to hold the recurrence of the cancer simply because the cost of it was too high.
Breast Cancer Care has introduced a campaign - Prescription for Change - and is trying to influence on the Government to cancel prescription charges for cancer treatment. Those people who fulfil certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes and those who suffer from some kinds of epilepsy) already receive free prescriptions.
The survey, conducted by the charity, discovered that the yearly cost of prescriptions for patients ill with breast cancer started from around “90 and finished in about hundreds of pounds! Obviously, the heaviest costs had patients who were forced to take a number of medicine for several years” e.g. those put on a treatment courses lasting up to 10 years.
The charity stated that the financial hardship could hit patients suffering from advanced or terminal phases of cancer, who might be forced to quit work and live on a lower earnings.
Breast Cancer Care’s chief executive, Christine Fogg, stated: “Thankfully more people with cancer are now surviving than ever before but many are now being treated long term which comes at a price. Prescription charges, on top of all the added costs that can come with cancer can place enormous strain on individuals and families. After 40 years it’s time for change. The Government must commit to an urgent review of the current list of exemptions. No-one should ever be forced to pay prescription charges for what may be life-saving treatment.”">Patients ill with cancer do not receive treatment with vital drugs only because of the fact they have not enough money for the prescription charges - campaigners warns.
According to Charity Breast Cancer Care, 42% of breast cancer patients, which is almost a half, had financial problems as they were forced to pay prescriptions charges for their medicine.
Patients ill with cancer do not receive treatment with vital drugs only because of the fact they have not enough money for the prescription charges - campaigners warns.
According to Charity Breast Cancer Care, 42% of breast cancer patients, which is almost a half, had financial problems as they were forced to pay prescriptions charges for their medicine.
In England and Scotland 164 women participated in the survey and 15% of them declared they had not taken the drugs to hold the recurrence of the cancer simply because the cost of it was too high.
Breast Cancer Care has introduced a campaign - Prescription for Change - and is trying to influence on the Government to cancel prescription charges for cancer treatment. Those people who fulfil certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes and those who suffer from some kinds of epilepsy) already receive free prescriptions.
The survey, conducted by the charity, discovered that the yearly cost of prescriptions for patients ill with breast cancer started from around “90 and finished in about hundreds of pounds! Obviously, the heaviest costs had patients who were forced to take a number of medicine for several years” e.g. those put on a treatment courses lasting up to 10 years.
The charity stated that the financial hardship could hit patients suffering from advanced or terminal phases of cancer, who might be forced to quit work and live on a lower earnings.
Breast Cancer Care’s chief executive, Christine Fogg, stated: “Thankfully more people with cancer are now surviving than ever before but many are now being treated long term which comes at a price. Prescription charges, on top of all the added costs that can come with cancer can place enormous strain on individuals and families. After 40 years it’s time for change. The Government must commit to an urgent review of the current list of exemptions. No-one should ever be forced to pay prescription charges for what may be life-saving treatment.”

by PAUL DOUGLAS

Impotence a Hurdle for Men's Sexual Health

2006-11-11T01:38:00.000-08:00

Bring back the appetite for sex

Appetite for sex falling at a constant rate can cause a jerk to the daily routine.

You sit still and start thinking as to what might be the factor responsible. Erectile dysfunction and men's health never goes hand in hand. What might possibly explode with results in depression thus needs a powerful solution at the very root. Erection in men is more psychological than a mere physical process; the brain tunes fantasies at a better rate than what others might imagine. Men's health and wellness thus plays fair the bet only with the mind being able to cross serious hurdles. Where the mind fails to stimulate, erectile dysfunction results, and often the result is the ultimate truth to overcome impotence with drugs like Cialis and Viagra. Tune your health with information on Cialis. Buy Cialis and Viagra to recall the stimuli ignited deep down the brain.

Opportunity cost of the delay

Men's health plays an active role in keeping pace with a proper sex life. The ambiance for an addiction to sex is what Cialis and Viagra provide to those with serious erectile dysfunctions. Why not grab the opportunity? Worth while isn't it for a serious consideration. You are never mistaken. Information on Cialis is available online and that shouldn't take you a long way away. Prescription drugs with powerful effects, Cialis and Viagra could provide you with a long lost glory of those memorable moments. What you have right now is nothing to hide and no fear of the future should block your present urge. Buy Cialis and Viagra as this is the time when day dreams and castles in the air has the best chance of getting materialized

A basket full of blessings

Activities back into life could turn out to be a blessing; collect a basket full of blessings with Cialis and Viagra. Erectile dysfunction when causes a hindrance to your sexual health, Cialis and Viagra offers the way out. Men's health is never at stake and the moment has come with the ultimate erection pointing to a new road to comfort. Take the pointer and remind yourself that the goal is always at hand; Cialis and Viagra takes care of the rest. Bad moments fading, the clock ticks to call for a new hour of pleasure. Take it and leave the rest to the pills.

by HAYLEY STUBBS

Hair Loss Treatment for Men and Women

2006-11-11T01:28:00.000-08:00

Provillus has been boon for many men and women who suffer from hair loss.
Yes I said women too! The company has two products, one specifically designed for men and one product for women. Both products are geared to stop hair loss and also regrow hair back. Provillus works to give both men and women the nutritional needs we need for a healthy head of hair.

Female Pattern Baldness:

There is no set pattern for female hair loss. Some women don’t start to lose their hair until later on in life, others find their hair thinning while they are relatively young. There are many reasons for women to lose their hair but the most common is hereditary thinning or alopecia – it accounts for 95% of female hair loss.

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB) affects 1 out of every 4 women in the United States. Recent findings have found that the incidence of FPB has been reported to be as low as 8% and as high as 87%. And, it does appear to be as common for women as for men. Most often, menopause is the most frequent time for female hair loss to become apparent.

Provillus for Women aggressively seeds your scalp to create the optimum environment for new, healthy hairs. It supplies the proper nutrition to bring dead hair follicles back to life or prevent hair loss from occurring!

For women hair loss can be even more troubling than for men. Female hair loss is not generally accepted as part of the normal aging process. Society has come to expect a thick, luxurious head of hair as part of the attractiveness in women.

Male Pattern Baldness:

Hair loss and thinning hair have been sensitive issues for men throughout time. Recently, medical science has finally identified the main cause of hair loss. Now, it is a known medical fact that hair loss stems from both genetic and hormonal causes. Androgenetic Alopecia or "male pattern hair loss" is implicated in 95% of hair loss cases. The key is a hormonal byproduct called DHT (dihydrotestostrone). The more DHT that gets put into your body, the more your hair follicles become thinner and finer until the hair is permanently lost.

Provillus blocks DHT (dihydrotestostrone) from getting to your body, which is one of the major causes of hair loss. The Breakthrough formula of Provillus was designed to block DHT and supply the proper nutrients to your body specifically tailored to prevent hair loss and to help you regrow hair naturally. Strong, healthy hair begins with the proper nutritional building blocks. You don't have to wait until there's a problem to prevent it! Provillus supplements your body's natural supply of these nutrients and lets the tiny follicles beneath your scalp receive exactly what they need to create beautiful, full-bodied hair.

by MONICA THOMSON

The Biggest Mistakes Women Make During Sex With Men

2006-11-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

1 Behaving like he's a mind reader - or dropping "clues" about what you want

This is a very feminine game, but it won't get you what you want.

Men just don't think that way, and it's disrespectful to later blame them for something they could never figure out from such indirect communication. Drop the games, and be direct. Good communication is everything in a relationship. For example, if you want oral sex, ask him to go down on you. If you're embarrassed about it, use language which makes your meaning clear: "I'd like you to kiss my bits" will do - anything that gets your meaning across. And, though you may find it difficult, if he's working on bringing you to orgasm, he'll need feedback to make sure he carries on enthusiastically. Losing your self in your bliss and not saying anything will make him wonder if you're asleep, dead or uninterested, at which point he'll most likely stop.

2 Resenting him when you don't get what you want

What, didn't you read number 1 above? If you want, say, more foreplay, then you need to say so. If he charges straight into your erogenous zones after a few minutes' kissing, then you need to educate him about what you want. Men are much more quickly aroused than women on the whole, and they simply need slowing down. One great way to do this is to make sure you get an orgasm before you have intercourse (see below). And you can always distract him with a spot of fellatio, or by licking him all over. As a woman you're likely to be more creative than he is, so maybe you can apply your creative skills to sex, and improve it for both of you!

3 Not realizing that "Women come first"!

Well, maybe not in everything, but it's not a bad rule to follow during sex. Men lose interest very rapidly after they've ejaculated: like it or not, that's how they are biologically built (in fact they are programmed to sleep after sex) and unless they're especially sensitive, once they've come, they won't be much interested in your satisfaction. The best way to deal with this is to have extended foreplay which includes him giving you oral sex or pleasuring you with his fingers until you come.....then it's his turn. This way he'll be very turned on, and enjoy a big orgasm when he does come inside you - or in any other way. (And in case you don't know, men really do like the sight, smell and taste of your vulva!)

4 Being much more critical of your body than he is

It's hard for women to believe, but it is true. In general, men are much less critical of your nobody than you are. When you start hiding it during sex, or refusing to enjoy certain sexual positions because you fear what he might think of your body, he's likely to get very disenchanted, very quickly. If you need reassurance that your body is OK, remember rule number 1: ask him for it. Say, for example, "I'm feeling a bit insecure about my tits/bottom/belly/whatever. Do you find them attractive?" or, "Do you like my body?"

5 Not being assertive during sex

It's an old, old stereotype: men lead, women follow. Well, that certainly shouldn't be true all the time in sex. Even if you like him to be masculine and dominant during sex, or even if you like to feel as if you're being "taken" sometimes, it's just as nice for him to see your assertive side. Take the lead from time to time: give him a treat - woman on top or rear entry will push all his sexual buttons and make him wonder if his birthday has come early.

6 Being critical of his performance

Nothing, but nothing, will turn a man off faster (especially if he thinks he's doing well) than being critical. If he comes too soon for you, if he doesn't give you enough pleasure, if he's too rough or he touches you too hard or soft, or whatever, the answer does NOT lie in criticism! Instead, find a way of gently expressing your feelings and tell him what would like instead. For example, "When you don't look at me when you enter me I miss the feeling of intimacy with you" or "I like it when you do that, but I'd like it even more if you slowed down, touched to the side of my clitoris, thrust harder/softer...." and so on.

7 Treating his penis as if it were your clitoris

Which means - handle it more firmly. He'll soon tell you if you do it wrong. In general, men masturbate with much more pressure than is acceptable for a woman: her clitoris is simply too sensitive. You need to do it differently for him, especially as he approaches orgasm, when he really will like a firm touch. (Having said that, he'll still enjoy feather light touches from your well-lubed hand in the early stages of your sex play - try saliva as a quick and easy lube.)

8 Refusing oral sex

Well, this may be contentious, but I'll say it anyway. Most women don't really understand how important oral sex is to men. Sure, you know men like it (how could you not!), but you may not understand how important it is. And this isn't some crude male desire to dominate you. Men love oral sex because the intimacy and trust of the act is signals your love. Taking his penis into your mouth is not just a sign of accepting his penis, but also signals to him your total acceptance of him as a man: in his mind this may be an act of the greatest possible intimacy. By the way - you don't have to let him ejaculate in your mouth, let alone swallow his semen.

by ROD PHILLIPS

Can chocolate affect your sex life?

2006-11-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

From the time the first coca beans were harvested by the Mayans, there has been the belief that chocolate has a euphoric impact on the body’s senses.

The conquistadores saw the Emperor Montezuma of the Aztecs consuming a large quantity of cocoa in the form of a beverage called chocolatl before entering his harem. The invading Spaniards spread the Emperor’s belief that cocoa was an aphrodisiac and brought it to Europe. This belief was also shared by one of history’s most famous lovers, Giacomo Casanova.

Since then, the use of chocolate as part of the mating ritual has been firmly established. . More recently it has been shown that not only does chocolate increase the sexual appetite but also produces a sense of elation similar to an orgasm. It has only been in recent times that scientists have unravelled chocolate’s psychotropic properties and the effects it has on us. Chocolate has been found to contain modest amounts of the stimulants caffeine and theo-bromine, (much less than in coffee or tea) Chocolate is also known to generate increased levels of serotonin, a chemical naturally produced by the brain, which is known to reduce anxiety. Serotonin is most commonly associated with the effects of marijuana or getting ‘stoned’ (you would have to eat 25lbs of dark chocolate at once to achieve the same effect).

Neither of these properties by themselves provides the connection between eating chocolates and heightened sexual pleasure. It is in fact the rush of endorphins produced by eating chocolates, particularly dark chocolates, which is most similar to the bliss associated with a healthy sexual relationship. Chocolate also contains phenyl-ethylamine which is known to stimulate the release of dopamine into the pleasure centers commonly associated with an orgasm.

In addition to this scientific evidence, a great deal of behavioral research has been done to study the sexual behavior of women who eat a lot of chocolate and those who don’t. The conclusion of this is that women who consume large quantities of chocolate have more satisfying sex lives. However the reverse correlation could also be assumed where women with satisfying sex lives tend to eat more chocolate.

Despite the fact that the relationship between sex and chocolate can’t be proven with 100% certainty, the scientific evidence combined with behavioral studies provides a compelling argument for cocoa’s impact on our sexual drive - it is convincing enough for chocolate to have become a part of my daily diet!

I recommend that you buy chocolate with a high cocoa content which taste better and do not contain extra sugars and oils like candy bars found in most shops. Belgium’s premier chocolate house Neuhaus Chocolates, is an example of where you can get dark chocolate with a high cocoa content and a resulting surfeit of pleasure. To paraphrase the Song of Solomon, ‘Stay me with flagons and comfort me with chocolates, for I am sick with love’.

by SHALIN POPAT

Is Safe Sex Really Safe?

2006-11-10T04:13:00.000-08:00

Gone are the days when people could have multiple partners without the use of a condom, and other safe sex practices.

Safe sex is all about keeping yourself, and your partner, protected from the complications of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted disease.

Although the concept of safe sex seems easy enough to understand, more and more people (young people in particular) seem to be missing the point, or missing the concept of how to accomplish safe sex. And just how safe and reliable is that condom when it comes right down to it? A condom can't promise 100% protection from AIDS or from pregnancy.

For males in particular, another problem with practicing safe sex is remembering to take the time to ...

(a) have a condom ready (b) know how to use it properly, and (c) take the time to put it on.

It's important to educate young people today in the proper use of condoms so that they understand when and how to use them. There's no point to having a condom ready if neither partner is going to take time to enforce its use.

In a very practical sense, however, although a condom is typically worn by the male partner during heterosexual intercourse (and typically by both partners in a homosexual one), the responsibility for proper condom-IQ is borne by both partners.

Fortunately, there are more and more products appearing on the market to help people to plan for safe sex and to practice this method of responsible intercourse. Since both the birth control pill and the condom aren't 100% effective, combining the use of both of them together will increase your chances of staying safe.

It's also vital to be aware of a partner's sexual history, and to seek "medical clearance" before engaging in a new relationship. This is especially important for those in polygamous relationships (more than one sexual partner at a time), because a "chain" of unsafe sex can start with any partner and spread rapidly through a previously healthy group.

The only way that there are going to be less unwanted pregnancies, and less transmission of STD's is if all sexually active people (both young and old) are educated in the concepts of safe sex and what it means to them. In particular, in parts of the country where access to information is more challenging (such as some underprivileged areas), it's vital that communities step forward and provide this education.

Young men, in particular, need to understand the implications and risks of unprotected sex and what it can mean to their lives when they have an unwanted pregnancy or find out that they have a STD. Safe sex starts with education and knowledge, neither of which any young teen can do without.

by JIM SHAW

Alternative Medicine for Bad Cholesterol

2006-11-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

Cholesterol is categorized under “Lipids” or “Fats”.
They form part of the cell membranes and are very important in cellular functions. In the blood the fats are attached to proteins and they form groups of substances called lipoproteins.
* Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
* Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL)
* High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

Chylomicrons

Of these Low Density Lipoproteins are called “ Bad Cholesterol”. If the blood level of this bad cholesterol increases, it gets deposited along the walls of the blood vessels blocking the flow of blood. If the blood flow to heart is blocked it causes angina and myocardial infarction. If the blood flow to the brain is blocked it results in stroke.

On the contrary, High Density Lipoprotein is called “ Good Cholesterol” and it has protective function.

The Alternative Medicine
Though statins rule the roost when it comes to bring down and controlling the blood levels of bad cholesterol, the option of using alternative medicine is always there – for its effectiveness, lesser cost and minimal side effects.

Before contemplating alternative medical treatment for decreasing cholesterol, one should know the optimum levels and high-risk levels of cholesterol.

Total cholesterol:
* < 200mg/dL is the safe and desired level
* 201-239mg/dL is borderline high risk
* > 240mg/dL is high risk level
LDL Cholesterol:
* <130 is the safe and desired level
* 130 to 160 is borderline high risk
* >160 is high risk level

The goal in people with higher risk factors for heart disease is less than 130 mg/dL. In patients who already have heart disease, the goal is under 100 mg/dL, according to FDA guidelines. And also one should increase the HDL levels or the good cholestrol. So now if you want to avoid statins and take only alterative medicine, then you have to follow two steps. 1. Avoid foods rich in fats
2. Take natural supplements

Fatty foods to be avoided:
The highest cholesterol content is found in meat, poultry, shellfish, and dairy products. As far as possible these food items should be avoided.

Natural supplements to bring down cholesterol levels:
There are numerous natural supplements, which are found, be effective in bringing down the cholesterol levels and it has been proved by many studies. Some of them are

* Beta Sitosterol: It is a plant sterol which reduce cholesterol levels * Niacin: It is Vitamin B3 which lowers LDL cholesterol by 20% * Fish oils * Green Tea * Psyllium and Flax seeds: These contain fibers which reduce the cholesterol levels * Mangosteen and sytrinol: These are fruit extracts which reduce cholesterol levels * Policosanol: it is derived from sugar cane and it reduces LDL cholesterol by nearly 25% * Cholestin: It is a processed form of red yeast fermented with rice. Cholestin lowers LDL cholesterol by 20-30%. It also raises HDL. * Soy protein: The isoflavones in it brings down LDL cholesterol by 10% * Garlic: It reduces LDL cholesterol by 12% * Aphanizomenon flosaquae (AFA): It is blue green algae, which reduces LDL cholesterol by 20%. * Gugulipid an extract of Commiphora mukul, the gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree and Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos), a medicinal herb of South Africa are also effective In addition to these supplements, the other treatment options available are diet regimens including Vegetarian diet, Asian diet, and Low Glycemic diet. A regular exercise will add to the beneficial outcome.

by MARKUS WAHLGREN

How to avoid headaches

2006-11-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

Nowadays headaches have become a common problem, so it is not a great surprise that they occur at work.
Many specialists consider that a cause for the headaches could be some specific environmental reasons.

Sometimes, headaches could be really nasty. For instance, more than 18 million working days are lost every year because of migraines. This dreadful type of headache can cause symptoms that last almost three days. And the sensation could be so unbearable that will make the employee unable to continue working.

It’s possible that employers should think if their employees could support the stress at their work place.

Causes for the headaches could be:

Stress, worry, tension etc. Disputes at the work place. Uncomfortable working environment. Too many hours spent at the computer Working too much without taking breaks more frequently. Missing lunch Not taking a good sleep at night. Drinking alcohol.

Some tactics for headaches prevention:

First, learn the causes of your headaches and try to avoid them. Create some kind of headache agenda and learn how to link factors with symptoms. Eat well at breakfast, get rested at nights and prepare yourself for the days with many tasks to do. Eyes problems may be a cause for the headaches, so test your eyes when you feel need. Try to make your work environment as comfortable as possible. Try to do your job as good as you can. Take immediate control when a headache occurs.

At work, make sure your chair is ergonomically designed. Make sure there’s good ventilation at your work place. Avoid exposure to strong chemicals. Headaches can also be easily avoided by changing the position on the chair you sit. Another trick is to take frequent breaks to de-stress. You may also learn some techniques to improve the personal relationships at work.

by ALISON WHITE

Vitamin D Can Fight Breast Cancer

2006-11-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

Vitamin D may help curb breast cancer progression, as per a research studypublished recently in the Journal of Clinical Pathology.

The authors, from Imperial College London, measured the levels of vitamin D in the blood serum of 279 women with invasive breast cancer. The disease was in its early stages in 204 of the women, and advanced in the remaining 75.

The results showed that women with early stage disease had significantly higher levels of vitamin D (15 to 184 mmol/litre) than the women in the advanced stages of the disease (16 to 146 mmol/litre).

The authors say that the exact reasons for the disparity are not clear, nor is it known whether the lowered levels of vitamin D among those with advanced disease are a cause or a consequence of the cancer itself. However, the researchers' results, taken together with results from prior studies, lead them to think that lowered levels of vitamin D may promote the progression of the disease to its advanced stages.

Laboratory studies have shown that vitamin D stops cancer cells from dividing and enhances cancer cell death. Vitamin D sufficiency and exposure to sunlight has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The body produces its own vitamin D in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. The vitamin is also found in certain foods, including eggs and fatty fish.........

by: Janet

Smoking Related Cancers

2006-11-06T04:12:00.000-08:00

There are currently about fifty million smokers in the U.S. and there are another fifty million ex-smokers. Cigarette smoking has been linked to several human malignancies. Some of these links like the relationship between smoking and lung cancer are well established. In some other cases the relationship between smoking and cancer is not very well established. However several studies have clearly shown the malignant potential of chemical substances in cigarette smoke. This article is an attempt to summarize some of the known links between cigarette smoking and caner.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer has a strong association with smoking. On average, smokers increase their risk of lung cancer between 5 and 10-fold compared to never smokers. Even though lung cancer can occur in non-smokers, it should be appreciated that more than 90 percent of all lung cancer patients are current or past smokers. Some sub types of lung cancer like small cell lung cancer is more strongly associated with smoking than others. There is plenty of research evidence in the literature linking lung cancer to smoking. A recent study published in the British Journal Of Medicine (Ref: BMJ 1997) concluded that the accumulated evidence support the fact secondhand exposure to cigarette smoke could lead to lung cancer.

Weight Loss and Phentermine

2006-11-06T03:06:00.000-08:00

How close are researchers in their discovery of a magic pill for weight loss?
When Phentermine was introduced for the first time, people thought that they have finally found the drug that they were always looking for.
In fact, there is always the euphoria whenever a new weight loss drug is launched. Over-weight, unlike other illnesses takes time to be cured. Besides the treatment is often too onerous demanding too much perseverance from the individual. With every drug that is launched, people expect that they will be relieved from weight without this struggle. Does phentermine reach the expectations of people?

Phentermine continues to be popular until today. It is one of the most purchased weight loss drugs all around the world. Around 50% of the weight loss drugs have phentermine as a major ingredient in them. In spite of this, the popularity of phentermine has not been because it reached people’s expectations. It was an advancement over the drugs at the time in the weight loss segment.

Phentermine is helpful to treat the overweight condition. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as Anorectics. They affect serotonin levels in the brain and thus decrease food cravings. In this manner, the individual feels lesser consumption of food and calories.

Phentermine does not make tall promises. It does not claim to be a magical pill. People who use it will however find acceleration in the rate of reduction in fat. Therefore, taking phentermine along with balanced diet and daily workout will surely give positive results. People who are suffering from obesity and obesity related diseases must only use phentermine pills. Those who are undergoing medication for heart problems will be advised to stay away from phentermine.

Phentermine is available in two different formulas. These are immediate release or time-release formulas. Phentermine pills with an immediate release formula create an immediate impact. As soon as they are taken, they will enter the blood stream and begin the action. Time-release Phentermine capsules differ from these, since they will release the medicine into the body over an extended period of time, which spans over 8 to 12 hours.

It is advised that people who are undergoing treatment with phentermine tablets or capsules may not engage in hazardous and difficult work like driving, operating machinery etc. The period of use of phentermine will be for shorter terms such as 12 weeks.

Even after a patient stops using Phentermine, ones body will not be acclimatized to this immediately. It will need time to adjust, with the time depending on the quantum of Phentermine being used and the period of use.

Use of phentermine does not mean that we stop eating properly or lead a sedentary lifestyle. Phentermine will work well only if individual gives continued attention to these two aspects of life.

by JOSEPH JONES

Hate the weight before it's late

2006-11-05T03:01:00.000-08:00

With an increasing number of people suffering from obesity, it is becoming important to get to the roots of the problem.
Medically, obesity is a condition where the natural energy reserve of our body increases to a point where it begins to harm the overall health of the person. Unless appropriate measures are taken to curb down, it continues to show its ill effects. Depression, hypertension, genetic pattern, lack of physical movement of the body, stress, overeating or unhealthy food intake are few causes that eventually lead to obesity.

More than it harm the physical health of a person; it brings several types of mental disorders. In adults it is associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, colon cancer. Lowered self esteem, withdrawal from society, frustration, introvert ness etc is just few of many side effects.

It is frustrating and notoriously difficult to get rid of obesity, for both the patient as well as the doctor. Rarely do they come out with long term solution. So it is wise to check for it at the earliest stage and prevent it from becoming a severe problem.

Various nutritionists, diet experts and yoga gurus recommend diet programs, exercises, and therapies to loose weight. These are actually effective, but it all depends from person to person. Physiology of the patient governs how the body will react to the measure adopted and up to what extent.

One such method is of diet pills that can be included but only for short duration of time. They work as an appetite suppressant when taken as advised by a medical practitioner. Several brands of these diet pills are available these days. They are cheap and easily available. They come in economy packs of tablets and capsules of 15, 30, 37.5 mg. Many deals and attractive offers also come along with them to lure more and more customers.

Most popular and one of the best selling is http://phentermine.affordable-prescriptions.md>Phentermine. It belongs to the class of drugs called amphetamines. Sold under the brand name of http://www.affordable-prescriptions.md/adipex.html>Adipex and IONAMINE, it stimulates the hypothalamus gland and affects the central nervous system. In return, the autonomic nervous system, sleep cycle, body temperature, appetite is affected. Though it bring along with it few side effects like blurred vision anxiety, increased feeling of satiety, difficulty in breathing, swelling, very high BP, nausea, agressivenss, vomiting etc.

A correct dosage should be strictly taken under the supervision of the competitive practitioner. It is suggested to include Phentermine in your weight control management program in conjunction with proper healthy diet, regular exercise. Last but not the least obesity should be discouraged at the early stage by leading a disciplined life style.

by STEPHEN DCOSTA

Herbal Breast Enhancement Pills Very Quickly Method Of Breast Enlargement

2006-11-04T03:04:00.000-08:00

hese herbal breast enhancement pills are very quickly becoming the most talked about method of breast enlargement.
The most popular alternative method to surgical breast enlargement is breast enhancement pills (also known as bust pills). If you have seriously tried all the other methods such as breast enlargement pills, then maybe this method. Research the ingredients in any breast enlargement pills you are considering. You will want to know the ingredients of any breast enlargement pills so you can research it for safety. As with any supplement, you should research and talk to others who have used a breast enlargement pills.

With a breast enlargement pills, you can stop taking it when you reach your desired size. Discover if breast enlargement pills can increase your bust size, or if herbal breast enhancement is the right alternative to cosmetic surgery. Search the internet for breast enlargement and you will find many sites that sell a breast enlargement pills. A quick Internet search on "breast enlargement" comes up with thousands of products, including creams, pills, lotions, exercise devices, and hypnosis tapes. Information about breast enlargement pills, exercises, creams, pumps etc.

This category generally includes pain killers, aphrodisiacs, weight loss solutions, penis enlargement pills, breast enlargement pills, cancer and AIDS cures, etc. Most breast enlargement pills are merely vitamins and herbs, which do little more than give your body nutrients. Most breast enlargement pills contain phytoestrogens which are naturally occurring non- hormonal plant estrogens which stimulate female body to produce new breast tissue growth. Product reviewed range from natural breast enlargement and enhancement pills and products to acne & rosacea remedies.

Pueraria Mirifica Pills KWAOTIP THAI FDA. G. 187/42

Kwaotip is a premuim grade Thai traditional herbal formula derived mainly from White Kwaotip Krua (Pueraria Mirifica). After many years of research from Dr. Wichai Cherdshewasart, the studies indicated that this herb shows estrogenic and rejuvenate effects to the female body especially at the breast, hip, facial skin, body skin, hair and vaginal epithelium. Thus elevate the appearance of the female secondary sexual characteristics and also the skin beauty.

ALL Natural Dietary Supplement

Hight Phytoestrogen (especially isoflavonet):

*Increases sensitivity and vitality

*Promotes silky shiny hair ,keeps hair pattem bone calcium accumulation

*Enhances breast and skin appearance

*Serves as a anti-wrinkle agent

*Enhances physical and mental ability

*Serves as a fountain of youth

Ingredients: Pueraria Mirifica and other herbs (60 capsules per box)

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 capsules after breakfast and dinner.

Precautions: - Not for women under 20 years old. - Women with developing cyst at the ovary, breast, and uterus. - Pregnant women and breast feeking mother should avoid taking this product. - Women who are taking birth control pill should not take this product.

by ANCHALEE SAECHIN

Make It a Pink October

2006-11-03T02:33:00.000-08:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month - the perfect opportunity and the perfect excuse to promote breast cancer awareness in your workplace.
But to increase awareness you first have to get people’s attention, and one of the best ways to make people stand up and take notice is through planning a memorable and distinct awareness campaign.

First off - decorate. Pink is the color of breast cancer awareness, but it’s not just a matter of ribbons. Start with your own cubicle or office. Infuse a refreshing blush into the earthy oranges of autumn. Whether your style calls for tulle and taffeta, tissue and bows or construction paper and crayons, brighten up your work space with soft shades of pink. And check with your supervisors to see if you can decorate other parts of the office: windows, doorways, the lunchroom or the reception area. The more pink, the better, and encourage your co-workers to decorate too.

The next step is to provide information. Find out if you can set up a breast cancer resource center in the workplace. A desk, a bulletin board, a section of wall - the nature of the space matters less than its visibility and accessibility. Decorate this area too, but more important here is the availability of informative and supportive material. Fill the space with posters and pamphlets. Provide contact details for local breast cancer resources, including support groups and mammography facilities.

You may even want to dedicate the space in honor of a breast cancer survivor, or in memory of someone who has had breast cancer. The company’s intranet is another good location for this kind of recognition or memorial space. You could put up a page where employees can share their stories and experiences, or post messages in honor of breast cancer patients they have known. Your business could even have breast cancer awareness messages printed on its pay stubs or promotional material for the month.

Every great awareness campaign needs an event, so don’t forget to plan something special to catch people’s notice and get them involved. Get a speaker in for a lunch and learn - a breast cancer survivor or activist, or a health care worker from a local cancer treatment center or mammography facility. Plan a pink themed day; make it Hawaiian or beach wear so everyone can dress down for a donation, and cap it off with a rose-colored meal, like a pink potluck lunch.

The basic steps involved in raising breast cancer awareness at your workplace this month may be fairly standard but the creativity lies in details, and there’s no limit where your imagination can take you. Make this month - and this issue - one to remember.

by KRISTEN KELLY

Abortion Notification, Consent Laws Reduce Risky Teen Sex

2006-11-01T02:08:00.000-08:00

Laws that require minors to notify or get the consent of one or both parents before having an abortion reduce risky sexual behavior among teens, according to a Florida State University law professor in Tallahassee, Fla.

Jonathan Klick, the Jeffrey A. Stoops Professor of Law, and Thomas Stratmann, professor of economics at George Mason University, came to that conclusion after they looked at the rates of gonorrhea among teenage girls as a measure of risky sex in connection to the parental notification or consent laws that were in effect at the time.

The researchers found that teen gonorrhea rates dropped by an average of 20 percent for Hispanic girls and 12 percent for white girls in states where parental notification laws were in effect. The results were not statistically significant for black girls. The study will be published in an upcoming edition of The Journal of Law Economics and Organization.

"Incentives matter," Klick said. "They matter even in activities as primal as sex, and they matter even among teenagers, who are conventionally thought to be short-sighted. If the expected costs of risky sex are raised, teens will substitute less risky activities such as protected sex or abstinence."

In this case, the incentive for teens is to avoid having to tell their parents about a pregnancy by substituting less risky sex activities. In doing so, the researchers say, the rates of gonorrhea among girls under the age of 20 went down.

"This suggests that Hispanic and white teenage girls are forward looking in their sex decisions, and they systematically view informing their parents and obtaining parental consent as additional costs in obtaining an abortion, inducing them to engage in less risky sex when parental involvement laws are adopted," Klick said. "Unfortunately, the data do not allow us to differentiate between the possibility that teens engage in less sex or they simply have the same amount of sex but are more fastidious in their condom use."

The researchers ruled out the possibility that teens simply substitute risky sexual behaviors for which pregnancy is not a concern, such as oral or anal intercourse, because these activities still could transmit gonorrhea. The use of birth control pills also would not protect against the sexually transmitted disease.

The researchers used data from the Centers for Disease Control to determine the rates of gonorrhea for women by age and race for the years 1981 through 1998. Gonorrhea rates for teenage girls were compared to those of women 20 and older whose behavior would not be affected by the notification and consent laws. Using the rate of gonorrhea among older women as a control, the researchers were able to ensure that the decline in incidence among the teens was not simply reflective of an overall decline of the disease in the state.

Forty-four states, including Florida, have adopted laws requiring minors to obtain consent or notify one or both parents prior to an abortion, but the laws have been blocked by the courts or otherwise not yet enforced in nine of those states, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Sexual Health and Contraception in UK: Chlamydia Awareness

2006-11-01T01:50:00.000-08:00

One fifth (20 per cent) of women aged 16-49 had undergone a test for Chlamydia at some point in the past, of whom 27 per cent had done so in the previous year, according to a new report published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Awareness of Chlamydia is increasing. The proportion of people who recognised that it is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) has increased sharply since the question was first asked in the 2000/01 survey – from 35 per cent to 79 per cent of men and from 65 per cent to 91 per cent for women.

Young women were most likely to have had a test for Chlamydia (31 per cent of 16-29 year-olds had been tested in the past compared with 20 per cent of 30-39 year olds and 11 per cent of 40-49 year olds.).

Women who had had more than one sexual partner in the past year were also more likely to have had a test (43 per cent compared with 20 per cent of those who had had just one partner).

Those who knew Chlamydia was an STI were asked five questions about the symptoms. Women were twice as likely as men to give correct responses to all questions (38 per cent compared to 18 per cent).

This report presents the results of a survey on contraception and sexual health carried out by the ONS in 2005/06 on behalf of the Information Centre for health and social care. Questions were addressed to women aged 16-49 and men aged 16-69.

Contraceptive use in women aged under 50

The majority (74 per cent) of women aged under 50 were using contraception. The most popular method was the contraceptive pill (24 per cent) followed by the male condom (21 per cent) - both methods were more popular among younger women.

Ten per cent of women under 50 had been sterilised (18 per cent of men under 70 had undergone a vasectomy). Sterilisation was more common among women with no qualifications than among those with qualifications.

Twenty-six per cent of women under 50 were not currently using a method of contraception (14 per cent were not in a sexual relationship with someone of the opposite sex).

Among women in a heterosexual relationship, the main reason that women did not use contraception was because their partner had been sterilised (55 per cent). The next most common reason was actual or planned pregnancy (21 per cent).

Emergency contraception

Condom failure was most common reason why hormonal emergency contraception (the morning after pill) was used (45 per cent) followed by forgetting to take the oral contraceptive pill (22 per cent).

Five per cent of women had used emergency hormonal contraception in the year before interview. Of these women, 45 per cent had obtained it directly from a chemist or pharmacy, 30 per cent from their own GP or practice nurse and 24 per cent from a family planning clinic.

Condom use

Forty-one per cent of men and 46 per cent of women said they had used a condom in the previous year. Condom use was most common among men who had had more than one sexual partner in the past year and among those with degree level qualifications.

Ninety per cent of women who used a condom said the reason was to prevent pregnancy and 43 per cent cited preventing infection, compared with 88 per cent and 47 per cent of men respectively. (People could give more than one reason).

Sexual behaviour

Sixteen per cent of men aged under 70 had had no sexual partners in the previous year, 73 per cent had had just one partner and 12 per cent had had more than one.

Twelve per cent of women aged under 50 had had no sexual partners in the previous year, 81 per cent had had just one partner and seven per cent had had more than one.

Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections Just over half of men and women reported making no changes to their behaviour as a result of what they had heard about HIV/AIDS and other STIs. However, 37 per cent said they had increased their use of condoms, nine per cent had fewer one night stands and three per cent had a test for STIs.

Television programmes were the most commonly mentioned source of information about STIs (32 per cent), followed by television advertisements (21 per cent) and newspapers, magazines or books (21 per cent).

How Green Tea Helps You Loose Weight

2006-11-01T01:04:00.000-08:00

For thousands of years green tea has been used by both the Chinese and Japanese as both an herbal medicine and a beverage.
Recently the use of this tea as an herbal medicine gained notice in the western world as a part of the medical profession. The antioxidant and chemotherapuetic effects of the green tea have been studied in recent years. Both Switzerland and the United States have conducted recent research that indicates a strong connection between green tea and weight loss.

An issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Urology published in December 1999, indicated a study where certain compounds in green tea extracts might promote weight loss. A group of ten healthy young men under went a research study at the University of Geneva under Dr. Abdul Dulloo. The men, who ranged in size from lean to mildly overweight, were given a typical American diet. With each meal the men were asked to take a capsule of green tea and caffeine. The results showed that more calories were burned on average by the men who took green tea capsules. This showed that it might not be a myth at all when it comes to the connection between green tea and weight loss.

Green Tea and the Fight Against Fat

The idea that green tea can be an active combatant against fat may be another way that green tea and losing weight may be connected. The fat content of a body must be reduced in order to truly lose weight and get healthy. A recent study showed that every day for three months those who drank a bottle of tea fortified with green tea lost more body fat than those who drank regular oolong tea. There seems to be a link between green tea nad losing weight even if the exact connection isn’t known, at least in the case of losing fat.

Another Possible Connection Between Green Tea and Losing Weight

Another reason why green tea and losing weight might be connected wasn’t mentioned in the above studies. This is the fact that green tea, unlike any other tea, has the ability to satisfy people. There is a good possibility that a person will eat less and thus lose weight by drinking a glass or two with a meal. In addition you can’t rob your body of hydration with green tea since there are no sugars or additives that causes fat and water weight to stay on the body rather than being shed as calories are burned.

by COLIN HOLCOMB

Report: Convenience more important than health for American consumers making food choices

2006-10-31T01:29:00.000-08:00

The NPD Group's 21st annual Eating Patterns in America report has found that consumer-purchasing decisions in the United States are still primarily convenience-driven, despite an increased focus on health over the last year.

“The driving force in our eating habits has always been convenience," said report author and NPD Vice President Harry Balzer. "The only surprise is how that will manifest in our behavior."

The report's conclusion was drawn from data from more than 40 NPD research efforts, which noted three consumer behaviors: more people were relying on sandwiches at mealtimes, fewer were using fresh ingredients, and more were purchasing take-out food. Sandwiches have always been the most popular lunch food, according to the report, but over the last year they have become the No. 1 dinnertime food in American homes, too. Eleven point one percent of home meals include a sandwich, however the report found that even sandwiches are starting to lose ground to convenient take-out meals. The average American family eats 13 take-out lunches a year, compared to 8 in 1990.

"While the frequency is still low, this is a reflection of a bigger issue: How do we make fresh foods easier?" said Balzer. "I think we're saying, 'Let the restaurant operator worry about having fresh bread, fresh tomatoes, fresh lettuce, fresh meat.'"

More than half of the 50,000 households studied reported choosing their evening meal based on how easy it was to make; 40 percent said they prepare their meals with what they have around the kitchen; 35 percent say the whole family agreeing on the dish is most important factor; and 34 percent choose a meal based on what is easiest to clean up. Healthy, nutritious meals came next, and while Americans showed an increase in concern for these meals, they still came much lower on the list.

Still, Americans have been looking for healthy ways to eat. In 2006 so far, 64 percent of adults surveyed said they wanted to get more whole grains in their diet, 58 percent wanted more dietary fiber, another 58 percent wanted more calcium, and 55 percent were trying to add more vitamin C. Americans are also becoming increasingly aware of the need to cut harmful food additives from their diet, as 71 percent of adults said they wanted to cut down fat, 62 percent said they wanted to cut calories, 62 percent were looking to lower cholesterol, and 58 percent said they wanted to reduce their sugar intake.

"Healthy eating will take hold when it is either easier or cheaper to do than what we do now," the report stated.

(NewsTarget)
by: Ben Kage

Psoriasis correlated with heightened heart attack risk

2006-10-31T01:06:00.000-08:00

The skin disorder psoriasis is not only painful and hard to treat, but a new study suggests that psoriasis may be an independent risk factor for heart attack, particularly in young individuals with severe psoriasis.

But not just young individuals with psoriasis are at risk. Researchers studied medical records for more than 680,000 British patients, and found that people in their 40s with severe psoriasis were more than twice as likely to have a heart attack than people without the skin disease.

The study involved over 127,000 patients with mild psoriasis, 3,837 with severe psoriasis, and 556,995 controls. The patients all had a follow-up period of just under 5.5 years. Over that time, the heart attack rate in the control group was 2.0 percent, while the rates in the mild and severe psoriasis groups were 1.8 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.

Researchers said, "Our findings are novel and therefore it is important that additional studies be performed to confirm these results and determine their therapeutic implications." They added, "In the meantime, as part of good medical care, patients with psoriasis should be encouraged to aggressively address their modifiable cardiovascular risk factors."

Although current research supports a link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, all the research thus far has come from hospital-based studies that did not control for known cardiovascular risk factors. The researchers of the current study addressed these non-controlled issues by conducting a population-based cohort study to examine the risk of heart attack in patients with and without psoriasis. They also adjusted the study to exclude high blood pressure, diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and other heart risk factors.

"The unstated implication in all of this is that if psoriasis is linked to heart attacks, consumers can reduce their heart attack risk by treating their psoriasis with drugs. But this logic is absurd," explained Mike Adams, a holistic nutritionist. "Both conditions may, indeed, have a common cause, but that cause is certainly not a lack of medication. The real cause common to both conditions is a variety of nutritional imbalances and deficiencies, including a lack of omega-3 oils, zinc and other nutrients."

by: Jerome Douglas

Cigar Smoking

2006-10-30T05:38:00.000-08:00

While most of the uninitiated might consider the generic habit of smoking to be one thing, and one thing only, any cigar aficionado will be at great pains to tell you otherwise. While the smoking of cigarettes is something that most teenagers have tried, and increasingly is viewed socially as something a person does because they simply haven't managed to give up yet, cigar smoking is something akin to a hobby, and for many, a passion. While cigarette smoking is something you simple do, the smoking of cigars is done with panache, and like any other skilled pastime, there is a whole sub-culture that participates in it.

Because cigar smoking is undoubtedly a skilled art - as any common cigarette smoker can tell you after making the leap from what might be considered the waif of the smoking world, the paltry and ten-a-penny cigarette, to the voluptuous and charismatic cigar. Cigars have a depth that delves into all five senses, and a flavor that is completely unexpected by those familiar only with cigarettes. The novice cigar smoker will be nauseous and headachy for days! But apparently this is a barrier that is worth working through - you only have to mention cigars to an aficionado to hear them wax lyrical on the wonders of cigars.

Like fine wine, there is a wealth of different types of cigar available whose differences seem incomprehensibly subtle to the disinterested. It is a brave relative or friend who attempts an unguided shopping trip to purchase cigars for a loved one, as the variations available are overwhelming. And, because of the enthusiasm with which cigar lovers love their cigars, the wrong choice can cause a family rift that might linger for years.

Thankfully, the popularity of cigar smoking means that there are a variety of resources available to help, from magazines to websites, whether you are looking to purchase a gift, or simply pretend to be more knowledgeable when next in the company of a cigar smoker. Just remember - don't ask him if he would like a cigarette.

Article by : Jeff Lakie

What is High Energy Sex? How To Help Premature Ejaculation by Raising Your Sexual Energy

2006-10-30T01:22:00.001-08:00

Mukee Okan speaks about sexual energy and describes a premature ejaculation exercise that will increase your overall levels of sexual energy and 'juiciness'.

My sincerest wish for men is that they can experience the ecstasy of high energy sex as often as possible and learn new ways to stop having low energy sex!

You know the kind where it's all over in a flash and you feel like, "Why did I even bother?"

What is low energy sex? Low energy sex is usually when your sex experience is short and swift, without much sensation or orgasm.

You may even have feelings of anxiety, boredom, or lethargy.

You don¹t really care much about your partner and her response.

Sometimes you are even glad it is over.

What is high energy sex? High energy sex is about you being in a passionate energy field of lovingness and joy - the expression of sheer enthusiasm to be in an intimate space with your partner.

That is what it is all about for a woman!

Want to be deeply appreciated by your partner? Here is the secret!

Feel your overflowing desire to bring happiness and pleasure to your partner by being you completely and by being that strong loving man that you are.

You are no longer concerned about performance. You are no longer thinking about what is going to happen in the next split second.

You are simply being with your partner as a joyful, lusty, passionate man and appreciating her. You are not trying to "get it."

Be in that spontaneity of the moment without thinking, without trying to make something happen.

Just be present in the moment. You will begin to feel and experience your partner's energy fully.

No expected outcome, nothing to strive for.

See what happens! In this spontaneous space you can feel your powerful masculine attraction energy penetrate the mystery of the feminine - her irresistible magnetism as a woman.

You will feel expansion, union, and merging together.

In fact, you can enter into a remarkable orgasmic experience together where you will totally lose track of time.

You will be in the timeless orgasmic zone of creation.

What if you never feel that kind of enthusiasm these days to just be with your partner?

What if you feel tired, lethargic, confused, anxious, or angry?

Well, here is AN EXERCISE FOR YOU that is just one tip for increasing your sexual energy.

Give this a try:

- Any time during the day that you feel yourself in any kind of low energy state, sit for a few moments, close your eyes, and drop your awareness (your attention) to the navel.

- Imagine you feel each breath moving directly in and out of your navel. You don't need to change your breath or hold it or do anything special.

- Just let your breath be totally relaxed and spontaneous.

- You drop your awareness to your navel and feel there.

- Feel the sense of expansion as you breath in through your navel.

- Feel a wave of relaxation as you breath out through your navel.

- Continue this for just a few minutes.

- Then notice your energy. How do you feel? Open your eyes and notice your energy level now.

- Practice this any time of the day or night.

What is the benefit of breathing through the navel like that?

Your centre of gravity, your hara, your 1-point as a human is about 2 inches below your navel.

Whenever you focus in this area, you are revitalizing yourself, centering yourself, becoming more solid as a man, and shifting and raising your energy field in a subtle and potent way.

Try it! Notice what influence it has first on you and then on the space where you are.

Your sexual energy is creative energy. It is the energy of all creation.

It is the essence of creation. Nothing exists without sexual energy.

Like the wind and weather, sexual energy is the most natural and powerful force of creation.

Ecstasy appears naturally whenever your mind and body stretch and expand beyond their ordinary boundaries.

Ecstasy is surrender to the life force - to your life force.

Sexual intimacy and connection can be the most profound human experience, a total revelation of your depths, the greatest source of joy, and a path to inner knowledge.

Rooted in the core of your being, you have a deep craving for sexual intimacy, love, and connection.

Your presence in the world is a reflection of your presence in sex and intimacy. Your sexual energy is your most vibrant alive self.

What happens when you block, ignore, or even reject feeling your natural sexuality and desire?

You limit and cut yourself off from the source of your creativity, your inner peace and joy, your health, your abundance.

So don't let your sexuality languish.

Feed and nurture it like you would anything that you want to grow.

A plant, a business, a child; these all need care to thrive and likewise so does your creative sexual side.

Article By : Mukee Okan

Race Affects African American Survival Of Breast Cancer

2006-10-28T03:17:00.000-07:00

African-American women with breast cancer were more likely to have larger, later-stage tumors that were more difficult to treat and also had lower survival rates than Hispanic and Caucasian women who received the same treatment in two independent series of clinical trials examined by researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

The analysis published on line Oct. 23 by Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, indicates that race is associated with unfavorable tumor biology, which, along with other factors, likely contributes to the lower rate of breast cancer survival among African-Americans.

"These findings should prompt additional research on how we can improve outcomes for African-American patients by understanding and addressing tumor biology," says first author Wendy Woodward, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of radiation oncology at M. D. Anderson. "It's important to identify unique features in different populations and subgroups of all women with breast cancer so we can understand a woman's risk and factors that affect her care on an individual level."

African-American women are less likely than Caucasian women to have breast cancer but are more likely to die from it. Many factors have been implicated in this disparity, the researchers note, including access to health care and screening, differing treatments, socioeconomic status and racial bias.

By examining two series of clinical trials in which treatment was specified and rigorously followed for all patients, the research team minimized biases related to access to care and type of treatment, two variables that often confound analysis of the issue.

Between 1975 and 2000, 2,140 breast cancer patients were treated in two prospective series of clinical trials at M. D. Anderson involving use of the chemotherapy doxorubicin before and after a radical or modified radical mastectomy.

Of the total patients, 1,590 were Caucasian, 300 were Hispanic, and 250 were African-American, with racial categories based on self-reporting by the patients. In both trials, African-American women received at least as many cycles of chemotherapy as did Hispanics and Caucasians.

In the clinical trial for post-operative chemotherapy, the 10-year overall survival rate for African-Americans was 52 percent. For Hispanics and Caucasians it was 62 percent.

More African-American women came to the trial with later stage disease (24 percent compared with 18 percent of Hispanics and 16 percent of Caucasians) and tumors greater than 5 centimeters (22 percent compared with 13 percent each for Hispanic and Caucasians). African-Americans were more likely to have tumors that were estrogen-receptor negative, which are considered more difficult to treat (41 percent compared with 32 percent for Hispanics and 33 percent for Caucasians).

The trial of pre-operative chemotherapy showed similar results, with African-American 10-year survival rate of 40 percent, compared with 56 percent for Hispanics and 54 percent for Caucasians. As in the post-operative trial, higher percentages of African-Americans came to the trial with later-stage disease, larger tumors, and estrogen-receptor negative disease.

A multivariable analysis that took into account age, estrogen receptor-negative status, primary tumor size, and whether the disease had spread to the lymph nodes, showed that African-American race is an independent factor in reduced overall survival rate.

The researchers note they could not take into account factors that might have influenced the patients' care before they entered the clinical trials. And their analysis did not include socioeconomic factors because that information was not available for patients. However, they doubt socioeconomic factors could fully explain differences in survival rate because Hispanic and African-American women have similar socioeconomic status in M. D. Anderson's patient referral area.

"We interpret these data as suggesting that intrinsic biological differences in the disease and response to treatment among racial groups contributed to the poorer overall survival rates seen in the African-American cohorts," the researchers conclude.

"It's important to note that African-Americans, and people in all self-reported racial groups, are genetically and culturally diverse," Woodward says. "Not all African-American women will have worse survival prospects for breast cancer, but there are probably subsets of patients for whom we could be doing something better.

"The tools and technology are emerging that will allow us to understand how one person's tumors differ from another and how we can more effectively assign people to treatments," Woodward says.

Study Warns Against Linking Ethnic Identity To Breast Cancer Genes

2006-10-28T03:11:00.000-07:00

Genetic research over the past decade has linked Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity to an increased risk for hereditary breast cancer, so much so that certain gene mutations have become known as "Jewish ancestral mutations." But a new study released in the November issue of The American Journal of Public Health challenges this approach, warning that disparities in access to care and other unintended consequences can, and have, resulted.

The study, by Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons researchers, notes that while three recognized breast cancer mutations are present in 2-3 percent of the Ashkenazi Jewish population, similar prevalence studies have not been carried out in other ethnic groups. In addition, the study finds that research linking the breast cancer mutations with Ashkenazi Jews has been beset by methodological problems that cast doubt on the use of ethnicity as the basis for genetic research on disease.

"The linking of Ashkenazi Jews to a deadly disease raises serious scientific and social concerns," said co-author Sheila M. Rothman, PhD, Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at the Center for the Study of Society and Medicine. "Focusing genetic studies on a specific ethnic group confers disadvantages to that group and others. For Ashkenazi Jews it raises the risk of stigmatization and insurance or job discrimination. For other groups, it introduces a gap in access to testing and treatment."

The report cites examples of disparities that have occurred. For instance, Ashkenazi Jewish women have access to an inexpensive test that detects the mutations at a cost of $415 compared with $2,975 for non-Ashkenazi Jewish women without known family mutations. Other studies have found that Ashkenazi Jewish women with family histories of breast cancer are more than twice as likely as other women at similar risk to undergo testing for suspect genes.

Rothman and her coauthors interviewed 30 genetic researchers and conducted a review of genetic and historical literature on the Ashkenazi Jewish population. The interviews revealed how geneticists came to substitute ethnicity for family history as the most relevant indicator of risk. Serendipity played a vital role. Researchers had previously found a high prevalence of a mutation causing Tay-Sachs disease in Ashkenazi Jews. Within 20 years, one-million Jews around the world had been tested for the mutation, and scientific institutions had created large repositories of genetic samples that could then be screened for the genetic mutations associated with breast cancer--but only in Ashkenazi Jews.

"The science of breast cancer genetics has been marked by methodological inconsistency in how researchers defined 'Ashkenazi Jew,'" said study coauthor Sherry Brandt-Rauf, JD, Associate Research Scholar at the Center. Most scientists relied on study participants' self-identification. Ashkenazi Jews are descended from Jews who lived in central and Eastern Europe, but a complex history of migrations, and multiple cultural and religious meanings of Ashkenazi, makes self-identification problematic.

The study also illuminates how geneticists interpreted Jewish history to support the theory of Ashkenazi genetic uniqueness. This interpretation views the historic Ashkenazi Jewish population as isolated, and as having undergone extreme expansions and contractions. It attributes Ashkenazi Jewish genetic uniqueness to "founder effects," the idea that genetic mutations can take hold and spread within small, geographically isolated populations, such as a group living alone on an island.

Although Ashkenazi Jews were never geographically isolated, Rothman said that "researchers made persecution--the pogroms and massacres in Jewish history--the equivalent of geographic isolation."

The study noted that a number of recent genetic surveys--including among Spanish, German, Dutch, Polish and Hispanic women--have shown a high presence of the so-called "ancestral Jewish mutations" in non-Ashkenazi and non-Jewish groups. For example, a large study of Spanish women with breast cancer reported that one of the three mutations accounted for 16.7% of all mutations in the gene.

Ladies, Alcohol Could Hurts Your Breast Health!

2006-10-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.
Breast cancer occurs in men also, but the number of new cases is small. Early detection and effective treatment is expected to reduce the number of women who die from breast cancer, and development of new methods of prevention continue to be studied.

No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer. Doctors can seldom explain why one woman gets breast cancer and another does not. However, research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer.

Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor; anything that decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease is called a protective factor. Some of the risk factors for breast cancer can be avoided, but many cannot.

Some studies suggest that the more alcoholic beverages a woman drinks, the greater her risk of breast cancer.

So if you an alcoholic, there is a higher risk of breast cancer.

The equivalent of a glass of wine after work - this is a relatively safe level to drink. However even low levels of alcohol intake have been linked to breast cancer.

Besides cutting down on alcohol, being physically active is important, as it further reduces risk of breast cancer.

Women who are physically inactive throughout life appear to have an increased risk of breast cancer. Being physically active may help to reduce risk by preventing weight gain and obesity.

It is especially important to remain physically active after menopause. The chance of getting breast cancer goes up as a woman gets older. A woman over age 60 is at greatest risk. This disease is very uncommon before menopause. High levels of estrogen may be the reason that obese women have an increased risk of breast cancer. And some studies show that gaining weight after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer.

Lack of physical activity is an important contributor to many of the most important chronic diseases for older Americans, including heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. Lack of physical activity, along with poor nutrition, is a major contributor to the growing epidemic of obesity in the United States.

Start to be physically active today, and always be in the pink of health as you age!

by JULIE WALKER

What Has a Monk Got to Do With Breast Enhancement?

2006-10-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

One may wonder, or even find it bizarre to relate a monk, and breast enhancement together...Well, it happen unintentionally, at least for the monk.Here's the full story.

Source: Bangkok Post Newspaper 'white kwao kreu hit the news headlines again when doctors identified that it enlarged the breasts of a monk who regularly consumed the herb. White kwao kreu is believed to contain the female hormone oestrogen while the red kwaao khruea is believed to stimulate the male hormone ...'

Can not imagine? Well, that's beside the point. This discovery by the monk means good news for ladies (and special men) who want to enlarge their breasts naturally. White Kwao Kreu has proven to work on a man, and there is high chances that it will work for ladies.

What is white kwao kreu? And how does it helps in breast enhancement?

white kwao kreu, also known as Pueraria Mirifica or "Kwao Kreu Kao", are commonly found in the north, the west and the northeast of Thailand at the altitude of 300 to 800 metres above sea level. Woman in the rural communities of Thailand have used this tuberous roots effectively as rejuvenating folk medicine for well over a hundreds years before it become well known and received much attention from Thai and foreign scientist, especially the Japanese.

Most of the kwao kreu processed by the Japanese are made into medicines and cosmetics commonly used for improving the skin, hair and firming the breasts.

This herb is known to ... 1. Grow hair, strengthen and darken existing ones 2. Help improve complexion and remove wrinkles 3. Improves eyesight 4. Increase energy and vigor leading to more reflexive body movements 5. Including breast enhancement.

A woman's body will produce hormones known as estrogens during puberty. This hormone determines the size, shape and fullness of a woman's breasts. Lower levels of these hormones due to lack of nutrition will result in smaller less developed breasts. Phytoestrogens, which are "estrogens" commonly found in certain plants and herbs, is known to stimulate your body to produce new breast tissue growth, resulting in bigger, firmer and fuller breasts. Many clinical studies have shown that it have positive effects like lowering the incidence of female related cancer and promote hormone balance.

Pueraria Mirifica not only contains the phytoestrogens needed to stimulate breast development, it contains the best phytoestrogens.

In 1940, in a protected biotechnology laboratory, a group of German scientist successfully isolated the phytoestrogen - Miroestrol from the root of Pueraria Mirifica. But, this herb is mistakenly reported then as Butea Superba. It was later on classified as a new plant called Pueraria Mirifica. After another 60 years, in year 2000, another phytoestrogen - deoxymiroestrol is isolated from the root of Pueraria Mirifica.

"Miroestrol and Deoxymiroestrol " is very different from other phytoestrogen, as it posses highest estrogenic activity among the known phyto-estrogens due to structural similarity to estradiol, (Estradiol is the main human estrogen which can be found in all women who are at the stage of nursing baby (Lactating); as you may notice that all women who are in this stage, their breast will enlarge and gain firmness for feeding purpose.

Next thing you may have in your mind is where can you find white kwao kreu breast enhancement products...frankly, you can find many such products online. But first listen to want the breast enhancement expert, Ms Yvonne Lee, who is the author of internationally acclaimed book "To All Women Who Want To Enhance Their Breasts Naturally, But Don't Know How To Start" has to say...

"..after doing hours of researches on breast enhancement to write my book "To All Women Who Want To Enhance Their Breasts Naturally, But Don't Know How To Start", my personal recommendation would be ANBES Nano Breast Serum...2 main supporting reasons... Firstly, ANBES Nano Breast Serum contains the white kwao kreu that has a long proven history, and it uses latest nanotechnology to enable faster and deeper penetration into your breasts... Secondly, ANBES has testimonials from their customers (both males and females) to show...impressive..."

by JULIE WALKER

Lasers for Everything, Removal of Birthmarks, Unwanted Hair

2006-10-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Unwanted Facial hair Birthmark Acne is a common condition that often goes untreated.Women most often seek treatment, but men may also have concerns about this problem. For laser hair removal and beautiful cosmetic surgery results, you need superior care. Using lasers for everything, removal of birthmarks, smoothing out wrinkles, removing unwanted hair and assisting with acne

Laser Hair Removal
The basis for laser hair removal is the specific targeting of melanin in the hair bulb. Melanin absorbs the light emitted by the laser at a specific wavelength. The energy of the laser converts into heat, causing the selective destruction of the hair bulb. However, melanin in the surrounding epidermis can also be targeted, which may limit the success of the procedure. With too much melanin in the adjacent skin, the laser energy is absorbed into the surrounding epidermis, causing epidermal damage or absorptive interference with less effective hair destruction. Patients with dark hair and light skin have a relatively higher concentration of melanin in the hair compared with the epidermis, allowing for more selective absorption of light within the hair bulb, reducing damage to or interference by the melanin in the epidermis. Conversely, gray or white hair is a poor target for laser energy. The LasermedSpa centers offer the latest equipment and treatment in hair removal

Acne Treatments
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases develop most prevalently during the teenage years and the early 20s. Acne is caused by an excess production of oil in the sebaceous glands. There is a wide variety of acne treatments now available. There is not a single product that will work for everyone. Your search may involve trial and error, whatever you choose as your acne treatment, keep in mind that it takes time for results consult a dermatologist for more aggressive treatment. The LasermedSpa centers have the latest acne treatment equipment.

Skin Tightening
Skin Tightening reverses the signs of aging. The procedure treats lax and redundant skin throughout the body including the abdomen, thighs and underarms and is also used to tone, lift and tighten skin on the face and neck.

Botox
The answer for those who want to get rid of forehead lines, crows feet, line between the eyes and lip line

Microdermabrasion
A non-surgical exfoliating treatment, helpful for those unhappy with acne scars, enlarged pores, sun damaged skin, aged spots, freckles, fine lines and scares. You will end up with a more youthful appearance and a renewal of fresh skin tone.

by Manisha

Helping Your Child Stop Smoking

2006-10-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

You need to find solutions to teen-age problems, very fast.This generation is in a hurry. They have no time to pause and ponder. Being young, impressionable minds, they are easily carried away. They want quick rewards, efforts or no efforts. For every question, the youngsters have a counter-question. As a matter of course, this generation picks up bad habits. Smoking is one such serious habit, which needs to be checked well in time.

To help your child stop smoking is your parental responsibility. Do not show any latitude on this count.

Teenage smoking has been increasing at a phenomenal rate for the last few decades. The reasons may be many, but if the elder members in a family smoke, you can hardly do anything morally about smoking.

This negative tendency is also given additional fillip by advertisements in TV, newspapers, and calculated encouragement by the tobacco manufacturers. This habit has assumed alarming proportions in the college-going youngsters.

The father and mother alone can not help the teenage child. His social environment also compulsively influences him. So, they need to be provided with helpful resources for identifying remedy for their compulsive smoking addiction.

Educating the teenagers on compulsive smoking addiction, should be a part of the school syllabus. There are many stop smoking centers, run by private individuals or voluntary organizations. Provide your son with their telephone number, and if necessary take them along you, a couple of times. There is another danger about smoking. Smoking is just the first step of the ladder of a series of destructive habits. The child, after taking course to smoking, may indulge in self-destructive behavior and neglect studies. Notice these early warnings and your child's changed behavior, to take corrective measures immediately.

The future of the family depends upon the children. It is your duty to give them good education and a solid foundation as for their moral and ethical values.

Children generally take to habits like smoking because of a lack of communication between the members of the family and the children. You will be the party to their moral doom, and ethical disaster unless you do something tangible, well in time.

by KANISHK MANCHANDA

Stop! You Might be injuring yourself just by reading this article

2006-10-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

Virtually everyone today uses a computer either for home use or at work.Did you know there are many injuries and ill health conditions associated with using a computer?

Every time you look at your computer screen you are straining your eye muscles to a certain extent. The most common health complaints associated with using a computer monitor screen regularly are headaches, Migraines and eye strain.

How do you overcome these health related conditions?

The most important factor in preventing eye strain and headaches are simply to take regular breaks away from looking at your computer screen. The recommendation as per the Display Screen Equipment Regulations is between five and ten minutes break for every hour of constant use.

When you use your keyboard you are applying force to the finger joints, muscles and your wrists. Without the correct precautions in place and guidance you could be setting yourself up for a condition widely known as RSI (Repetitive strain Injuries).

Using a keyboard constantly without regular breaks in activity can also lead to a very serious health condition called Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Sufferers of this condition once diagnosed usually have to complete surgery which will need full recovery for a long period of time rendering the hands and wrists unusable for the recovery period. Do you really want to have surgery and not be able to properly use your hands for a long period of time?

The most common health problem when working with a computer

The most common problem people have today connected with the use of a computer is bad posture resulting in lower back pain and long term injuries. If your seating position is not correct in relation to the set up of all your other equipment, then there is a significant chance you are or will suffer from back pain or injury very soon which could affect you for the rest of your life.

What I have attempted to do in this article is just inform you all of only a few of the health related problems that you are encountering when using a computer.

If you use a computer at work, then your employer has a legal duty to assess you working with a computer so you do not suffer from any of the above health related conditions.

The way your employer must do this is by completing what is called a display screen equipment risk assessment or DSE assessment. What is useful in this assessment is that you can copy this assessment and do your own personal assessment whilst working with your computer at home.

If you have concerns for your health whilst using a computer, visit our free information site for more helpful tips and advice on how to carry out a display screen equipment assessment on the link below.

by ALAN PAYNE

Know More About Food Allergy

2006-10-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Food allergy is one of the most common allergy disease that found in a child more often than an adult, and found in the young children more often than the adolescent.In adult, this disease founded about 2 % but in a child found 6% and founded 8% in small children (age a little 3 more year ). The most common food defeated symptoms found in small children is allergic to cow's milk , because small children drinks cow's milk in everyday life. When they begin grow up then get more supplementary food such as eggs, then they may allergic to eggs also. For the adolescent and adults, the allergic to seafood are found in most cases

What is the symptoms of food allergy? Food allergy disease can effect to every system of the body , but the most common cases found with; - Alimentary canal symptoms ( vomit , stomachache , suffer from diarrhea) - Skin (urticaria) - Breath system , (sneeze , catarrh , cough, breath uncomfortably) in some cases, patient might get severe symptoms and die.

How do you know that what kind of food that you allergic to? Once you have noticed that there is the same symptoms happend repeatedly after meal, you should go to see a doctor and investigate, then have a check-up. The most important information for the doctor that you should remember kind of the food that you have taken, the quantity that eat, the symptoms that happens so the doctor can diagnose easily. But in the some people who are suspected that allergic various kinds foods or not sure that which kind of food that allergic to. Doctor may ask the patient taking notes of what they have eaten in detail as well as unusual symptoms that happen for better diagnose. Besides, there is a skin test to identify the kind of food that patient allergic to, which takes only 15 minute for take the skin testing. Another option is to take blood test for food allergic. However the most accurate diagnosing method is to let the patient has a meal that suspect to be the cause of allergy, if the symptoms appear from eat certain kind of food and that symptom disappears when stop eating ,as a result , that patient is allergic to such food. However,this testing step should be within close supervision of a doctor, especially in case of allergy symptoms is severe.

What is the most effective way to cure? The most effective way is to avoid or nevr eat the food that you allergic to. You must also avoid everykind food that participate or assemble of the nutrient that you allergic. Forexample, if you allergic to cow's milk, then avoid the food that have milk is the components , such as , icecream, biscuit and eat soybean milk instead. Medication treatment should be used only to cure specific symptom that appear from time to time such as use medicine to heal urticaria symptoms, medicine to decreases catarrh etc.

Can food allergy be permanently cured? In some case, if patients can avoid and haven't take the food that they allergic for about 1-2 year consecutively , as a result , the allergic symptom disappear and permanently cured. However, seafood allergy and peanut allergy can not generally be cured. For babies who allergic to cow's milk, about 50% of them this symptom is likely be disappear when they are 1 year old , 85% when they are 3 years old , and only 15% still got the allergy and 25 % of a child who are allergic to cow's milk , often have the symptoms that allergic to other food.

How to prevent from food allergy? For a family who have the first child got the disease allergy can reduce a chance for the next child to get the disease by breast-feed at least 4 month or more. Mother who breast-feed a child should also aviod the food that cause the disease such as , egg , cow's milk , seafood , and peanut nut during the breast-feeds period.

by DR THANIS SAKSIRINUKUL

Vitamins For A Healthy Heart

2006-10-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

As we all know, vitamins are very important when it comes to keeping your heart healthy.You need to eat the right foods of course, although you also need to supplement the food you eat with the necessary vitamins your body needs to stay in shape and keep your heart working healthy for a long time to come. If you don’t consume the right nutrients, you won’t be doing your heart any favors - and may end up having problems later on in life.

The first vitamin that comes to mind for most people is vitamin E, a vitamin that is essential to improving the overall health of your heart. When taken correctly, vitamin E will stop the cholesterol in the body from harming the arteries that surround the heart. Anytime cholesterol oxidizes, it sticks to the sides of the arteries and can lead to blockages which can cause heart attacks or other serious problems with the heart.

To help you keep your heart healthy, most doctors recommend that you take additional supplements that contain vitamin E. They may also suggest that you eat foods that are naturally rich in vitamin E, such as nuts. Nuts have high amounts of vitamin E, and most of them taste great. You can find other foods that contain vitamin E as well, although nuts have the highest amounts.

In the past, research has shown Vitamin E to help those who have already suffered the wrath of a heart attack. This vitamin helps to prevent heart attacks in the future by opening up the arteries and eliminate blockage. Those who have had a heart attack in the past are always encouraged to add more vitamin E to their diet.

What many aren’t aware of, is the fact that you can use vitamin C to boost the effects of vitamin E. Vitamin C is known as an antioxidant, which prevents the damaging effects that cholesterol has on the body. Along with preventing cholesterol from damaging the body, vitamin C also helps vitamin E with it’s functions - such as protecting your arteries and your heart.

By taking both vitamin C and E as a combination, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier heart. Overall, this is the easiest way that you can be sure you aren’t damaging your heart, especially if you have had a heart attack in the past. If you have a history of heart disease or heart problems in your family, these vitamins are essential to your diet. Even if you are just concerned about the health of your heart, these vitamins will give you the peace of mind in knowing that you are eating for a healthy heart.

As far as your dosage goes, it will vary from person to person, although 400 international units of vitamin E and C are the recommended amounts for most people. On it’s own, vitamin C can be tolerated in large doses, without imposing any harmful effects. You can take around 500 mg of it twice a day, and ensure that your heart remains healthy.

To be on the safe side, you should always make sure that you get the proper amount of vitamins in your daily diet. Taking additional vitamins and supplements isn’t a bad idea either, especially if you are trying to boost the health of your heart. Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body, which is why you should always take care of it. If you eat the proper diet and take the necessary vitamins - you’ll be well on your way to keeping your heart healthy.

Know More About Food Allergy

2006-10-22T23:05:00.000-07:00

by DR THANIS SAKSIRINUKUL

Female Orgasm Training Can Be A Factor

2006-10-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

One of the most interesting phenomenons I've witnessed in dealing with human sexuality is the ability of people to train themselves into having an orgasm.

Any one who has ever masturbated has engaged in a self-training program which has taught them how to orgasm. Before we talk about female training, I'll give you an example from male sexuality.

I worked with a male once who was a regular masturbator. During masturbation, he fantasized about having his partner bent over the edge of a couch and engaging in rear penetration, not anal sex. For months he used this same fantasy to help him reach orgasm during masturbation. This affected his sex life. When he was having sex with his partner, he found that he was losing his erection and finding it difficult to climax in any other position.

The only way he was able to reach orgasm during actual sex was by imitating what he had been doing in his masturbation fantasies. Essentially, he had trained himself about how to get off.

Men are not the only ones who train themselves. In fact, the training men do usually does not interfere with their ability to reach an orgasm during actual intercourse. With women, it's different.

Women train themselves in two ways. First, they train themselves to reach orgasm using specific techniques. Second, they train themselves for each orgasm using certain fantasies. Let's talk about both of these.

When women begin masturbating, they do tend to try multiple ways of accomplishing the goal. Once they find something that works then they stick to it. Let me give you an example. One woman I worked with had been masturbating with a vibrator for about ten years. She had to use the same vibrator every time because she claimed no other vibrator could bring her to orgasm. With sexual partners, she would fake orgasm then excuse herself to the bathroom where she would reach a real orgasm using her vibrator. After a decade of relying on the same toy and the same technique to reach orgasm, this young woman had taught her body how to have an orgasm. Since her partner's penis was not her vibrator, it was not capable of doing the job.

To his credit, he did try a variety of things to help her but the problem really wasn't his alone to fix. She had to re-train her body. The second method of training often begins even before a woman ever masturbates. As soon as girls begin fantasizing about men, they are beginning to train their bodies about how to reach orgasm. I have another example to share which illustrates this fact as well. A woman I worked with had been relying on the same fantasies during masturbation for almost two decades. Her preference were rape fantasies in which she was the victim and was non-violently coerced into having intercourse with multiple partners. The fantasies involved different scenarios, locations, and men but the basics were all the same.

Even when she tried to have other fantasies, they would always end up deteriorating into a rape fantasy before she was able to orgasm. The only time she was able to reach an orgasm with her husband was when they attempted to act out her fantasy. Like the other woman, she had to re-train her mind about what turned her on and what would lead her to an orgasm. The reason I'm sharing these stories with you is because orgasm training is one of the biggest, yet most often unrecognized, reasons for women's difficulties in reaching an orgasm.

The only way to break free of that old training is through experimentation. The more the two of you try different things the more likely she is to find something else that can help her climax.

Keep in mind that there are a number of reasons why women may have more difficulty reaching an orgasm than men will. Those reasons include social pressures not to enjoy sex, a lack of trust in the relationship, anatomical differences between men and women, and limited orgasm training.

Understanding what may be hampering your sexual relationship will help you determine the best course of action to take in order to enjoy mutually satisfying sex.

Article by : GABRIELLE M

You Diet But Remain Fat:10 Steps To Keep It Simple

2006-10-22T01:07:00.000-07:00

What is going on with our health in America today? Why are 68% of us fat? The diet industry is making billions off of us each year, and we are getting nowhere!

We have seen it all: Low Fat, Low Carb, Atkins, South Beach,Hollywood Diet, Blah,blah,blah. Not to mention the thousands of pills on the market. I received an advertisement just yesterday that proclaimed no diet change or exercise needed, just take this magic pill for weight loss. What the.....do people actually fall for this? Obviously they do. I used to be one of them.

First of all, america is the fattest country because of what we eat. Dieting is a temporary solution. Unless you are willing to change your diet completely for good, you are setting yourself up for failure. Unfortunately, there is no "magic pill", like these money-hungry companies want you to believe. Sure, they may speed up the weight loss process, but at what cost to your health? Do you even know what you are putting into your body? Do you care? I will tell you right now 99% of diet pills are harmful to your health. I don't know why, but we are so easily sold on a fancy advertisement promising us the world, when in reality, we get ripped off , and possibly even killing ourselves. Well I got fed up. I decided to devote years into getting to the bottom of weight loss and dieting.

My findings may not be what you want to hear, but I'm not going to sugar coat it or lie to make money. I used to be fat,depressed,sick,and unmotivated. My father died from cancer, and that was the last straw for me. I decided this one chance at life we are given is too short to be miserable. These 10 guidelines will help keep it simple:

1. EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. Remember, restaurant meals are 3-4 times the portion amount you should be eating. 2. BEST CHOICES are fruits, vegetables and lean meat . 3. BAD CHOICES for sure is if it comes in a package. Anything processed, i.e. cookies,crackers,chips,ice cream,etc. Not good. All of this crap is loaded with sugars,preservatives, and empty calories. 4. FAST FOOD. We are in a world of convenience, and drive-thrus are on every corner. Avoid when you can. You are teaching your children nothing but bad habits when you give them a happy meal for lunch. 5. Soft Drinks. There is nothing positive at all in these. Empty calories, one of our worst enemies. 6. HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. Yikes! This stuff should never be consumed. When you see it, run! 7. SUGAR. A person should be consuming NO MORE THAN a half a cup per day. In reality, the average american has 2-4 cups per day. (If you were properly educated on what this does to your body, you would be shocked!) 8. SAUCES. Be careful...know the ingredients. Heavy creams,cheese,butter and oils should be used sparingly. 9. WATER. Love it.Your body is crying out for 8 or more glasses a day. 10. EXERCISE. The no. 1 cause of depression is lack of physical activity. There are a lot of ways to get in daily physical activity. I am not going to tell you to get a gym membership and work out 3 hours a day. Find whatever exercise regime you enjoy, and get moving! You most likely will not feel like exercising, however, you will benefit from it in more ways than you realize, so MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Thats it. Those are the basic guidelines. If you are extremely heavy and would benefit from a diet program to get you started, the links below are programs that I recommend. But remember, if you are not willing to make a lifetime commitment to a healthier lifestyle, the second your diet is over and you pick up your old habits, you will pick up all those pounds (and most likely more) you work so hard getting rid of.

I highly suggest getting your life going today, right now! Don't wait another second. Be the person that you want to be, do the things you want to do. Remember, misery is an option. Don't just lay around and let your precious life flutter away before your eyes.

by : Angela Schvaneveldt

You Diet But Remain Fat:10 Steps To Keep It Simple

2006-10-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

In United States, too much weight is the most common medical condition of childhood.The problem has doubled over the past two decades. In 2004, about 15 percent were considered overweight or obese. The overall cause is both too much food and too little exercise.

Several reports in recent years have shown health benefits from dairy products, despite of their fat content. One research has nonetheless shown an unusually striking effect on weight as children go through their teens. Youngsters who skimp on milk and other dairy food to avoid calories actually appear to substantially increase their risk of becoming overweight.

2 servings of dairy food a day are linked to a substantial reduction in adolescent fatness. This was the finding revealed in 2004 by a research, based on the Framingham Children’s Study and conducted by Boston University of Medicine.

Childhood dairy intake has been falling for the last 20 years partly as youngsters have switched their preferences from milk to soft drinks. Youngsters consume less and less as they get older. Adolescent girls, in particular, are concerned about eating dairy because they think it will make them fat. But the research found that the opposite is true.

The researchers did frequent dietary surveys on 106 families with children and followed them an average of 12 years. They judged body fat by measuring the skin thickness on 4 parts of their bodies. They found that those who consumed less than 2 servings a day averaged about an extra inch of fat in a fold of skin, a surprisingly large amount. The children’s average skin fold thickness was 75 mm, while those who ate little dairy were 25 mm greater.

Other findings from the research were:

- Youngsters who ate moderate amounts of fat, between 30 to 35 percent of total calories, weighed less than those who ate either more or less. - Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables was also associated with lower weight. - Contrary to one popular theory, the glycemic index of children’s diet, the amount of fast-burning carbohydrates, had no bearing on their eventual weight gain.

However, how dairy food might moderate weight gain is a mystery, at least for the time being. It is suspected that calcium or some other nutrient in milk might help influence the way the body stores energy in fat cells. Or perhaps dairy foods simply make children feel less hungry.

The research, including several other studies, also showed that children and adults who consume adequate amounts of dairy foods have lower blood pressure. Some researchers have even put adults on diets with increased dairy and found, to their surprise, that they also seem to lose weight.

Obesity and high blood pressure are known to be two risk factors for heart disease. Perhaps, you might want to persuade your children or even yourself drinking moderate amount of milk on a daily basis just to keep the heart healthy.

by : Dr-Rabert

Drink Tea for Your Health - What is in a Cup of Tea?

2006-10-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

Tea is the dried plant Camelia sinensis.True tea includes black, green, white and oolong teas. Drinking two or more cups of tea a day can provide many health benefits. What is in tea that makes it so special? EGCG

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant, has shown remarkable health-promoting properties in laboratory studies. Included are anti-viral actions, which offer more cold protection than either vitamin C or Echinacea. It is thought that the chemicals in tea stimulate gamma-delta T-cells that boost the bodies own natural immunity against both bacteria and viruses. Tooth decay or gingivitis causing bacteria are also killed.

EGCG is very effective at destroying free radicals, which cause cell-mutations that can lead to cancer. It even fights existing cancer by preventing the tumors from developing their own blood supply. Flavonoids

Flavonoids, more antioxidants, lower LDL cholesterol levels benefiting the heart and circulatory system. These powerful antioxidants protect against hypertension by suppressing the production of a hormone, angiotensin II, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Further protection against heart attacks and strokes comes from actions that inhibit the abnormal formation of blood clots. In addition, anti-oxidants show effectiveness in lowering blood sugar and protecting against diabetes.

A diet rich in anti-oxidants can to slow the aging process by attacking free radicals before they have the opportunity to damage cells. Anti-inflammatory properties of these anti-oxidants also protect against arthritis. A diet rich in anti-oxidants can to slow the aging process by attacking free radicals before they have the opportunity to damage cells. Anti-inflammatory properties of these anti-oxidants also protect against arthritis.

Minerals

Drinking tea provides important minerals such as zinc and folic acid. An eight-ounce cup of tea provides 25% RDA of manganese, a mineral essential for bone growth and body development. Drinking tea hydrates the body and, as a good source of potassium, helps maintain healthy body fluid levels. Fluoride strengthens teeth and bones and can help protect against osteoporosis.

So the next time you need a break, make it a tea break with a warm, soothing cup of anti-oxidants and minerals!

Article by JEAN FISHER

Stop Smoking Tips For Advanced Smokers

2006-10-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Your decision to give up cigarettes at this advanced stage of cigarette smoking seems to be a desperate decision and there must be strong reasons for that.You have increased awareness within you. You are convinced that you need to give up smoking once and for all. Still, you agree that you can't resist the sight and taste of the burning cylinder.

You have to reverse this cynical situation. The first and the foremost weapon in this difficult yet possible endeavor, is your will power. There is no other potent force that can be of more assistance to you in this critical juncture.

You need to take out the feeling from your mind that smoking is associated with pleasure. You as a smoker have a peculiar type of mood swing. The cravings for the smoke give rise to irritability, stress and headache.

Such a situation can be reversed only by going to the root cause of your smoking. What are those unconscious conflicts that stop you from stopping smoking? A dent has to be made through your conflicts and find the way to weaken them.

For this you need to attend special smoking cessation classes and your involvement with such efforts should be on day to day basis. It has also been found possible to break the die-hard habit of smoking with hypnosis. Well, some hypnotists have claimed to have helped smokers to quit smoking within 48 hours.

At this stage, nicotine is in total control of you. So if the smoking habit is given up abruptly, it could result in sudden weight gain. This is a proven fact. But you can try the available natural, non-addictive natural botanicals to help you quit smoking. These have no side effects. Nicotine normally suppresses hunger and this type of suppression might have prevented your weight-gain.

Think positively about the benefits of giving up smoking and let them get implanted in your mind firmly. Some of the obvious benefits are, you will save substantial amount of mental clarity and your focus will be better. Plus, your anxiety and depression levels will decrease.

Also develop the habit of eating fresh fruits and vegetables with lots of fiber contents in them. Make juice of fruits a permanent part of your diet. The accumulated toxins within your body will soon decrease and with that your will to fight against smoking will increase.

The day is not far when you will join the non-smoker's alley.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

2006-10-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

It is simple to understand.If your blood pressure is below the normal level, taking into consideration your age and activity levels, you have low blood pressure. Prolonged illness, taking drugs that have reputation for lowering the blood pressure like alpha blockers could be the other reasons for your low blood pressure condition.

In low blood pressure you feel dizzy, you are unable to stand up, and may even faint sometime. Hence you need to consult your physician immediately when you have a low BP.

The causes for low blood pressure are too many. With the advancing age, blood pressure problems surface. The arteries stiffen and become less supple and the even blood flow is hampered. When you stand up, your blood pressure may fall. You can still carry on with the normal life with low blood pressure and there is not much to worry. But if the BP is too low, it is a dangerous situation. It could be an invitation to death!

The following are the possible symptoms of abnormal low blood pressure: Fainting, transient blurring of vision, over exertion, extreme confusion. But with the normalization of the blood pressure, these symptoms will subside gradually.

Now medications prescribed for high blood pressure, heart diseases, anxiety, depression and some of the diuretics or “water-tablets” and painkillers could also cause low blood pressure. Pain killers with the combination of alcohol could also pave a way for low blood pressure. More serious causes of low blood pressure are heart disease and heart valve disease, changes in heart rhythm, kidney diseases, bacterial infection in the system and bleeding.

In general terms, poor diet, and unimaginative lifestyles are the prime causes of this medical condition of low blood pressure. The type of food that you take must assist the perfect metabolism in your body. If the metabolism is perfect, the blood flow also will be perfect, to all part of your body. Once you have the problems like blood pressure, recurring medication could well be a cause of some other ailments. So, your health care strategy needs a total revamp!

Older Breast Cancer Patients May Be Under-diagnosed And Under-treated

2006-10-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Elderly patients with breast cancer who received care in a community hospital setting may have been under-diagnosed, under-staged and under-treated, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

The number of older breast cancer patients has increased along with overall elderly population, according to background information in the article. About half of breast cancer patients are older than 65 years and 35 percent are older than 70; 77 percent of breast cancer deaths occur in women older than 55. Choosing the appropriate treatment for older patients is a challenge, because many have other serious illnesses in addition to their cancer that may threaten their health and shorten their lives. Questions remain about the best screening protocols for elderly women, as well. Some current guidelines suggest that women stop having mammograms at age 70, while others provide no upper limit.

David A. Litvak, M.D., then of Michigan State University, Lansing, and now at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Orange County, Calif., and Rajeev Arora, M.D., used a tumor registry database to identify 354 women age 70 or older who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1992 and 2002 at a community hospital. The researchers studied the group of women as a whole and also divided them into three age groups for analysis: ages 70 to 74 (136 patients), 75 to 79 (115 patients) and 80 or older (103 patients).

Overall, 46 percent of the patients came to their physician with breast cancer that could be felt during a physical examination. Although 72 percent of all the women and 60 percent of those age 80 and older had mammograms, they were mainly used to verify the results of the physical exam--mammograms uncovered previously undetected breast cancer in only 54 percent of the patients, including 38 percent of those 80 years or older. More than 70 percent of patients were in the early stages of cancer, stages I and II, at diagnosis, but evaluation of the lymph nodes to thoroughly assess the cancer's progression was omitted in 36 percent of the cases (56 percent of those in women 80 or older).

About half of the women received breast-conserving surgery; however, rates of chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapy were lower than would be expected and were lowest among the oldest women. For example, 12 percent of all patients, 19 percent of those age 70 to 74 and 5 percent of those older than 80 underwent chemotherapy. "We also noted omissions of treatment in patients with indications for adjuvant [combination] treatment," including those whose cancer had spread to the their lymph nodes or who had estrogen receptor-positive tumors, the authors write. "All together, 70 patients (20 percent) had positive lymph nodes. Of these patients, 29 percent received chemotherapy. Moreover, only 17 percent of patients age 80 years or older received chemotherapy in the presence of lymph node disease, significantly less than the 70- to 74-year age group."

Although the results of this study do not confirm that these diagnosis and treatment patterns in older women lead to worse health, other evidence suggests this is the case, they continue. "Contrary to many physicians' beliefs, the data suggest that fit older patients derive the same benefits from treatment as do their younger counterparts," the authors conclude. "The cornerstone of treatment of older breast cancer patients is an adequate geriatric assessment that helps estimate life expectancy and predict tolerance of treatment. Treatment strategies then ought to be individualized based on this assessment." Screening guidelines should also be customized to the patient; those who expect to live more than five additional years should continue having mammograms, they write.

Increased Risk Of Cancer For Computer Factory Workers, Large Study Shows

2006-10-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Workers at computer factories are at increased risk of dying of cancer. The largest study of its kind published today in the open access journal Environmental Health looks at over 30,000 deaths of workers who had been employed at IBM factories in the USA. The study reveals that IBM factory workers were more likely to have died of cancer, including brain, kidney or breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, than the rest of the population.

Richard Clapp, from the Boston University School of Public Health, USA, studied the causes of death among all IBM factory workers who had worked for the company for at least five years between 1969 and 2001. Clapp analysed the causes of death for 31,941 workers and compared them with causes of death among the American population during this period. The data were obtained from the IBM corporation as part of a California lawsuit against IBM, and the plaintiffs' attorneys contracted with Clapp to carry out the analysis.

The results of Clapp's analysis indicate that there was increased mortality due to several types of cancer, especially in manufacturing workers and workers at particular plants in California, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. Most notably, there was an excess of deaths due to cancer of the brain and central nervous system. Kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer were also found in excess in some groups of workers. It was not possible to link these deaths to specific chemicals or other exposures in the workplace because the information necessary to do this was not available.

The study confirms a small mortality study of just three IBM plants published a year ago by company consultants, which also showed increased deaths due to brain and central nervous system cancer.

Breast screen 'wrong care' fears

2006-10-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

Breast screening may produce false positives

Concerns have been raised that breast cancer screening might lead to some women undergoing unnecessary treatment.

Researchers looked at international studies on half a million women.

They found that for every 2,000 women screened over a decade, one will have her life prolonged, but 10 will have to undergo unnecessary treatment.

UK experts said women over 50 should go for their breast checks, but a screening pioneer raised doubts about the NHS programme's future.

The report, published in the Cochrane Library, involved a review of breast cancer research papers from around the world.

Women invited to screening should be fully informed of both benefits and harm

Dr Peter Gotzsche, researcher

The scientists found mammograms did reduce the number of women dying from the disease.

But they also discovered it was diagnosing woman with breast cancer who would have survived without treatment, meaning they were undergoing unnecessary chemotherapy, radiotherapy or mastectomies.

About a fifth of cancers picked up by screening are in the milk ducts of the breast.

Some of these cancers will progress while others will not - but there is no way of predicting what will happen.

This means women and doctors have to decide whether or not to risk doing nothing, or go ahead with treatment which might be unnecessary.

They also revealed a further 200 women out of every 2,000 experienced distress and anxiety because of false positives - a result that indicated a cancer was present but was later found to be wrong.

Lead researcher Dr Peter Gotzsche, of the Nordic Cochrane Centre, said: "Women invited to screening should be fully informed of both benefits and harm.

"When screening advocates and their organisations produce information materials, they generally emphasise the benefits and omit information on the major harms.

"This needs to be corrected to ensure that women can give genuinely informed consent before joining a screening programme."

In 2001, the same authors concluded there was no convincing evidence that screening programmes reduce mortality from the disease.

NICE referral?

Michael Baum, professor of surgery at University College London who set up one of England's first screening programme in 1987, told the Daily Telegraph: "This latest evidence shifts the balance even further towards harm and away from benefits.

The benefits of breast screening far outweigh the risks

Julietta Patnick, director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes

"If this report stands up, the NHS screening programme should be referred to the National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence to decide whether it should be closed down."

But a spokesman for the Department of Health said that, as mammography was an accepted, evidence-based technology, it would not be appropriate to refer the screening programme to NICE."

And Professor John Toy, medical director of Cancer Research UK, said: "Researchers in the field all agree that breast screening saves lives although they differ in their views about the balance of the pros and cons.

"Benefits need to be balanced against any disadvantages, as is the case with all medical treatments.

"Certainly women invited for screening should be made aware of both potential benefits and downsides - such as possible initial mis-diagnosis.

"But overall we continue to encourage UK women to participate in the NHS Breast Screening Programme."

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: "When early changes are picked up by screening it is not currently possible to predict whether or not they will progress and so treatment is usually offered to prevent breast cancer from developing.

"It's important women are given clear information about their treatment options. Early detection saves lives. Women over 50 should not be discouraged from taking up their screening appointments."

And Julietta Patnick director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes said: "The programme saves 1,400 lives every year. Women who are screened are also less likely to have a mastectomy than those who are not screened.

"For lives to be saved breast screening must detect cancers in the early stages. The benefits of breast screening far outweigh the risks and I would strongly encourage all women to make an informed choice to attend for screening when invited."

Children 'need sex advice sooner'

2006-10-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

Researchers say children now reach puberty earlier than ever

Children should be given advice on adult issues much sooner because of earlier puberty, a report says.

It says social problems such as alcohol abuse, unprotected sex and self harm may result from children receiving information on these topics too late.

The study, from Liverpool John Moores University Centre for Public Health, says the age at which puberty begins has come down for the past 150 years.

It is published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

The gap between when children are developing and coming into adulthood and when adult information is dispensed is the longest it's ever been

Dr Mark Bellis

The report says there have been no attempts to develop young people faster, leaving "an increasing gap between physical puberty - changes to their bodies - which tends to happen at around 12, and social puberty - when they are able to make decisions for themselves".

This, it argues, can result in unprotected sex, substance abuse, self harm, violence and bullying.

Dr Mark Bellis, one of the report's authors, said: "Children who are now developing at an earlier stage need a different approach.

"Information often regarded as adult on sex, relationships and dealing with issues of conflict is currently given to them when it is too late.

"The gap between when children are developing and coming into adulthood and when adult information is dispensed is the longest it's ever been.

"So giving it over at a later stage can do more harm than good because children need to get to grips with the changes in their life sooner."

Developmental problems

Dr Bellis said, because of this delay in receiving adult advice, children can develop problems with sexual health, substance abuse and violence because they are not well-enough equipped to deal with the difficulties they face in life.

"What we don't know, and what we should be looking at, is do we have children developing early in poorer areas, which often have a high number of single parent families without a father.

"We cannot say that puberty is definitely happening earlier in poor areas.

"But what we are saying is that there are all three factors in these poorer areas - social problems, single-parent families and a high birth rate."

He said better nutrition and the reduction in child health diseases were "public health reasons" for the earlier development of puberty.

Puberty may be starting sooner but there's no difference in the age at which children become fertile

Professor Gary Butler
University of Reading

But he added that another factor was the absence of a father in the parental home.

"Recent studies in America show a strong relationship between a tendency for puberty to happen earlier when a father is not present.

"We can't judge children in the 21st century the same way that we did 100 years ago, because they don't look the same and are at a different mental stage than they were back then."

Gary Butler, professor of paediatrics at the University of Reading, said there was a need for sex education to be given earlier, but not because of puberty issues.

"Giving information earlier needs to be done anyway but not as a result of the age children reach puberty.

"Puberty may be starting sooner but there's no difference in the age at which children become fertile.

"We need to tackle the issue of teenage pregnancies but that's separate from the biological issues."

'25% of smokers' get lung disease

2006-10-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

The longer someone smokes the higher their risk, the study said

At least a quarter of long-term smokers will develop the incurable lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a study suggests.

COPD describes a range of conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema, which make it difficult to breathe.

Over 8,000 people aged 30 to 60 were studied by UK and Danish researchers for 25 years in the Thorax study.

A spokesman for the British Lung Foundation said the study should act as a "wake-up call" to UK smokers.

Of the people studied, who all lived around Copenhagen, 5,280 were smokers, 1,513 had never smoked and 1,252 were ex-smokers.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that at least 25% of the smokers without any initial symptoms of the disease had "clinically significant" COPD, while up to 40% had some signs of the condition.

Over the 25 years, 2,900 people died, with 109 dying from COPD.

Nine out of 10 of those who died were smokers at the start of the study, while just two non-smokers died of the disease.

The risk of COPD was reduced in those who gave up smoking early on in the study - none of the ex-smokers developed severe COPD and only seven died.

At the end of the study, the lungs of almost all the male non-smokers continued to function well.

However, the same was true for only six out of 10 of those who continued smoking.

Around nine out of 10 female non-smokers had lungs that functioned well at the end of the study compared with only seven out of 10 female smokers.

Most smokers 'susceptible'

Writing in Thorax, the researchers who were led by Dr Peter Lange of Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark, said: "Our main finding is quite simple - the longer people smoke, the higher the risk of developing COPD."

In an editorial in the journal, Dr Nick Anthonisen of the University of Manitoba in Canada, said: "The message is that many smokers develop airway obstruction if they live long enough and continue to smoke, and that the number that do so is increasing.

"An argument can be made therefore that many, perhaps most, smokers are 'susceptible' to COPD if they live long enough."

But he said there were long-term smokers who did not develop the condition, and more work was needed to find out why there was such a distinction.

Professor Stephen Spiro, from the British Lung Foundation, said: "This is an important study showing that people are even more at risk of COPD than we previously thought.

"It should act as a further wake-up call to smokers to get their lungs tested and to get help to stop.

"It's also a wake-up call to the UK - COPD is our fifth biggest killer, yet it's a hidden disease."

How to Lose Weight

2006-10-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

For most people who are overweight or obese, the safest and most effective way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. If you eat less and exercise more, you will lose weight. Simple as that. There are no magic pills. Diets that sound too good to be true are just that.

Effective weight loss plans include several parts. You will find tips for achieving these goals in the next sections.

Eating less: Unless you eat fewer calories than your body uses, you will not lose weight.

Physical activity: Any good diet plan will include physical activity. Physical activity burns calories and is one less opportunity to eat during the day. You should exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Regular exercise also has many other health benefits.

Change in habits and attitudes: Most people have enough willpower to lose weight for a few weeks. To lose enough weight to improve your health and keep it off, you will need to change the way you think about food and exercise. As you eat, try to understand some of the hidden reasons you eat. You can learn to spot situations in which you overeat and head off the overeating. You can learn to enjoy eating less and being active.

Support: Many people find that enlisting friends, family, and coworkers for support is helpful in losing weight. Others prefer groups such as Weight Watchers or Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) to keep them motivated. The important thing is to seek the support you need to achieve your goals.

Drastic changes in eating habits, such as not eating at all (fasting), are usually unsuccessful. Eating too few calories causes your metabolism to slow down, meaning the body burns fewer calories.

Don’t believe claims about losing weight while you sleep or watch TV, or plans that claim to cause weight loss without dieting or exercise. Such gimmicks just don’t work. They may even be unsafe or unhealthy.

Of special interest to women who have gained weight during pregnancy is that breastfeeding helps you shed some extra pounds. It is good for your baby too.

Child clothes 'fail to block sun'

2006-10-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

A quarter of children's clothing could be failing to give proper protection from the sun's harmful rays, experts have warned.
A team from the Health Protection Agency tested 100 items of child clothing from high street stores.
Using the same measure of cover against UV rays as sun lotions, they found 25% offered less protection than factor 15.
The items offering the least protection were dresses, followed by shirts. Swimwear came out the best.
Parents have the right to know what protection from the sun clothes are giving
Dr Jill Meara, deputy director of the HPA's radiation protection division
The team believes it is partly down to the weave of the fabric - when fibres are closer together the protection is greater.
Clothes that were stretched or got wet would offer less protection, she said.
Dr Jill Meara, deputy director of the HPA's radiation protection division, said clothing companies should give information about sun protection on their products.
She said labels could carry a sun protection factor in the same way that sun creams do.
Speaking at the HPA's annual conference at the University of Warwick, she said: "I think parents have the right to know what protection from the sun clothes are giving.
"Most people do not realise that just because you are covered up, it does not mean that you are totally protected against UV rays."
Holding the material up to the light is a good way to see how much light and UV rays will get through
Jo Viner Smith of Cancer Research UK
Each year there are 100,000 new cases in the UK of skin cancer, which is linked to UV radiation.
Cancer Research UK encourages people to cover up with both sun cream and clothing.
JoViner Smith, Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign manager, said: "We advise people to look for T-shirt materials with a close weave and in darker colours as they will block out the most UV rays.
"Holding the material up to the light is a good way to see how much light and UV rays will get through. People should be aware that the protection of clothing is reduced when it is stretched or wet and other sun protection measures should be used.
"The SunSmart campaign warns that clothing doesn't cover all your skin, so on hot summer days we advise people to wear a hat and sunglasses, find some shade around midday, and apply SPF15+ sunscreen to exposed areas."
Some retailers already declare the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) on their clothing. This is voluntary.
The test itself is relatively simple and can be applied to all garments. Any garment with labels displaying a claim of UV protection should conform to those claims.

Breast Infection Causes

2006-10-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue) is a common benign cause of a breast mass. It is commonly seen in women after childbirth while breastfeeding. These masses are often quite painful. Women who are not breastfeeding can also develop mastitis. In healthy women, mastitis is rare. However, women with diabetes, chronic illness, AIDS, or an impaired immune system may be more susceptible.

Bacteria normally found in a baby's mouth or on the nipple can enter the milk ducts through small cracks in the skin of the nipple and can multiply rapidly in the breast milk. This can lead to a superficial small area of inflammation (frequently from a streptococcal germ) or a deeper walled-off infection or abscess (frequently from a staphylococcal germ).
Mild temperature elevations (previously termed milk fever) accompanied by some breast or nipple soreness is usually secondary to engorgement and dehydration immediately (48-72 hours) after delivery and is treated by improved breastfeeding technique. This condition may also occur in women who are not breastfeeding and have not completely suppressed lactation yet.

About 1-3% of breastfeeding mothers develop mastitis, usually within the first few weeks after delivery. Most breast infections occur within the first or second month after delivery or at the time of weaning. Engorgement and incomplete breast emptying can contribute to the problem and make the symptoms worse.

Chronic mastitis occurs in women who are not breastfeeding. In postmenopausal women, breast infections may be associated with chronic inflammation of the ducts below the nipple. Hormonal changes in the body cause the milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris. These clogged ducts make the breast more open to bacterial infection. Infection tends to come back after treatment with antibiotics.

Sitemap

2006-10-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

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Breast Infection Overview

2006-10-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

Mastitis is an infection of the tissue of the breast that occurs most frequently during the time of breastfeeding. This infection causes pain, swelling, redness, and increased temperature of the breast. It can occur when bacteria, often from the baby's mouth, enter a milk duct through a crack in the nipple. This causes an infection and painful inflammation of the breast.

Breast infections most commonly occur 1-3 months after the delivery of a baby, but they can occur in women who have not recently delivered as well as in women after menopause. Other causes of infection include chronic mastitis and a rare form of cancer called inflammatory carcinoma.

The breast is composed of several glands and ducts that lead to the nipple and the surrounding colored area called the areola. The milk-carrying ducts extend from the nipple into the underlying breast tissue like the spokes of a wheel. Under the areola are lactiferous ducts. These fill with milk during lactation after a woman has a baby. When a girl reaches puberty, changing hormones cause the ducts to grow and cause fat deposits in the breast tissue to increase. The glands that produce milk (mammary glands) that are connected to the surface of the breast by the lactiferous ducts may extend to the armpit area (axilla).

A breast infection that leads to an abscess is more serious. If left untreated, an abscess, which is an infection within an enclosed space that forms a collection of pus, can develop in the breast tissue. This type of infection may require surgical drainage.

Ovarian Cancer Overview

2006-10-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

Cancer occurs when cells undergo a transformation and begin to grow and multiply without normal controls. As the cells grow and multiply, they form masses called tumors. Cancer is dangerous because it overwhelms healthy cells by taking their space and the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and function.

Ovarian cancer occurs when a tumor forms in one or both of a woman's ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of small organs that produce and release ova, or human eggs. The ovaries also produce important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. They are located in the lower abdomen (pelvis), on either side of the womb (uterus). Ova released by the ovaries travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where they may or may not be fertilized by the male sperm.

Cancerous tumors are malignant. This means they spread to other tissues and organs. Not all tumors, however, are malignant.

In a process called metastasis, malignant tumors may encroach on and invade neighboring organs or lymph nodes, or they may enter the bloodstream and spread to remote organs such as the liver or lungs. Metastatic tumors are the most aggressive and serious of all tumors.

The type of cell that originated the abnormal growth determines the class of the ovarian tumors.

Epithelial tumors: These tumors arise from a layer of cells that surrounds the outside of the ovary called the germinal epithelium. About 70-80% of all ovarian cancers are epithelial. These are most common in women who have been through menopause (aged 45-70 years).

Stromal tumors: Stromal tumors develop from connective-tissue cells that help form the structure of the ovary and produce hormones. Usually, only one ovary is involved. These account for 5-10% of ovarian cancers. These tumors typically occur in women aged 40-60 years. Often, surgical removal of the tumor is the only treatment needed. If the tumor has spread, though, the woman needs chemotherapy.

Germ cell tumors: Tumors that arise from germ cells (cells that produce the egg) account for about 15% of all ovarian cancers. These tumors develop most often in young women (including teenaged girls). Although 90% of women with this type of cancer are successfully treated, many become permanently infertile.

Metastatic tumors: Only 5% of ovarian cancers have spread from other sites. The most common sites from which they spread are the colon (52%), breast (17%), stomach (10%), and pancreas (5%).

Within these main classes are many different subtypes of tumors.

Noncancerous (benign) ovarian masses include abscesses or infections, fibroids, cysts, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis-related masses, ectopic pregnancies, and others.

Of markedly enlarged ovarian masses (>4 cm) found in women who are still menstruating (have not been through menopause), about 20% are cancerous.

Of markedly enlarged masses found in women who have been through menopause, about 45-50% are cancerous.

The incidence of ovarian cancer varies greatly. Globally, Scandinavia, Israel, and North America have the highest rates. Developing countries and Japan have the lowest rates.

At least 15,000 women die each year from ovarian cancer.

The 5-year survival rate is greater than 75% if diagnosis of the cancer occurs before it has spread to other organs. However, the 5-year survival rate drops to 20% when the tumor has spread to the upper abdomen.

In the United States, about 1 in 56 women develops cancer of the ovary. More than 26,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.