SkyBlue Cross Alternative Health Blog

Friday 10 August 2012

PROSTATE CANCER

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
PROSTATE CANCER

Introduction:-

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

Diseases of the prostate gland:-

1) Prostatitis:-

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

2) Benign enlargement of the prostate:-

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

Cancer of the prostate.

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

Site of tumour:-

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

Changes in the gland in cancer:-

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

Growth :-

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

Spread of tumour:-

Metastasis in cancer of prostate is very early.

1) Local spread:-

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

2) Lymphatic spread:-

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

3) Spread through the blood:-

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

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer:--

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

1) No symptoms:-

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

2) Slight difficulty in urination:-

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

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

4) Retention of urine:-

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

5) Signs of metastasis:-

Some patients come with the signs and symptoms of metastasis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clinical examination :-

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

Investigations:-

1) Complete blood investigations;-

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

2) Urine analysis:-

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

3) Renal function tests:-

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

4) Serum acid phosphatase:-

Increased in cancer of prostate.

5) x-ray of the spine:-

To detect any tumour or fracture.

6) Ultra sonography;-

Gives idea about prostate,bladder,kidney ect.

7) C T scan:-

More detailed information about organs and tumour.

8) MRI of the spine:-

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

9) Lymphangiography:-

Gives idea about lymphatic spread of cancer.

10) Biopsy to confirm cancer:-

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

Treatment:-

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

Partial prostatectomy :-

Here only the affected lobe is removed.

Radical prostatectomy :-

Total removal of prostate along with nearby lymphnodes.

5, Hormone therapy :-

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

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

7) Radiotherapy is also done for some cases.

8) Homoeopathy:-

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

9) Yoga and meditation is also healpful.


Wednesday 8 August 2012

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Acupuncture for Weight Loss
By: http://www.skybluecross.com/

There are so many people struggling to lose weight these days. It must be a dilemma that pertains to the United States more specifically than most other countries. It could be our poor eating habits and abundance of fast food. However, we can't be held responsible for this! Especially since most of us love to eat great foods. Anyway, there are always new and improved methods for dropping excess body fat. While you may have thought that dieting ended with the workout programs, starvation methods, pills, and frozen meals, you were wrong. There are also new-age, innovative approaches to dropping that unwanted body weight. Have you ever heard of acupuncture for weight loss?

Although it may be a totally fresh concept to you, there is such a thing as acupuncture for weight loss. I know what you might be thinking. Acupuncture is a scary, Chinese healing method that involves needles. Well, this type of Chinese medicine is used in a number of ways. First of all, the needles in acupuncture aim to address the different meridians in your body. So when you have a certain muscle ache or pain, and acupuncture professional can assess that specific meridian and deal with the affliction. Do not just assume that this holistic approach to medicine does not work. Countless people have already benefited from acupuncture for weight loss in America alone. Maybe it's your turn!

To better understand acupuncture for weight loss, you need to better understand the human body. Let's say you have severe allergies. Well, acupuncture needles can be placed in the sinus areas to balance out this health condition. Heat is deliver into the meridians and lymphatic system in order to calm the body down. When you get involved with acupuncture for weight loss, your desires are altered. While you may typically crave tons of food and sweets throughout the day, you no longer have to deal with this. Basically the severity of these cravings is suppressed significantly. While some people notice it decrease, others notice that it goes away altogether.

When getting involved with something like acupuncture for weight loss, you naturally have to make certain that the person assisting you is a trained professional. Since acupuncture involves needles and delicate areas of your body, it is certainly crucial to find an expert in Chinese medicine. So, take a moment to think about all of the dietary supplements you've tried over the years. Maybe you have been working out your entire life and simply never saw the results you wanted. Fortunately acupuncture for weight loss may be the right path for you. Be sure to look into acupuncture experts in your area to learn more about what is available.

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Green Tea & Weight Loss

Green Tea &  Weight Loss
By: http://www.skybluecross.com/

Although no one would characterize me as overweight at first glance, I could still stand to lose 5 to 10 pounds. That doesn't seem like much of a challenge, but I've found that sometimes the fewer pounds I want to shed, the harder it is. I know that's counterintuitive, but that has been my personal experience. For me, it has always been easier to go from 150 to 149 than from 120 to 119. Fortunately, I think I've finally discovered something that can help me achieve my goal of slimming down: a green tea weight loss program.

Green tea weight loss programs have been around forever, as this beverage has long been known for its positive effects on the body's metabolism rate. But I had never tried any green tea weight loss diets before because I'm not all that fond of the drink. It's definitely an acquired taste as far as I'm concerned, and even after drinking the stuff for about a month and a half, I still cannot sip it leisurely or linger over the cup for an extended period. Instead, I have to chug it down and then chase it with a bit of water just to rinse the taste out of my mouth. I know that seems pretty childish, but that's what I have to do! At least I'm still getting all the benefits of the beverage!

So how does a green tea weight loss program work? Well, most of the time these programs are meant to be followed in conjunction with ordinary dieting activities such as exercise and reduced caloric intake. You will not lose significant pounds simply from drinking special teas -- unless you completely eschew solid food while on the program, which is definitely NOT recommended. So despite what some green tea weight loss programs claim, it's not a miracle product, but it can help you burn up an extra hundred calories or more per day depending on how many cups you drink. While that doesn't seem like a lot on the surface, those calories certainly do add up in the long run.

As I said, I've been on a green tea weight loss program for about six weeks now. (Bear in mind that this is in addition to an exercise regimen that I already had in place.) Without changing anything else about my eating habits, I have already lost three pounds, which for me is amazing news considering how long I'd been stuck on that dieting plateau. A couple more months of doing this should have me weighing in right near my target.

If you're looking for a miracle product that can magically reduce your waistline by several inches and slim you down practically overnight, I'm telling you right now it doesn't exist. If it did, we would all know about it and there wouldn't be any more debates about what works and what doesn't. Nevertheless, a green tea weight loss program can help you slim down slowly, steadily, and naturally if you're willing to give it a chance. Try adding five cups to your daily routine to see if it helps!

Monday 6 August 2012

Alternative Herbal Medicine And Weight-Loss

By:http://www.SkyBlueCross.comhttp://www.SkyBlueCross.com
Alternative Herbal Medicine And Weight-Loss

 Herbal products are not only being used for treating diseases or common health-related problems. Alternative herbal medicine is now being integrated into weight loss programs to promote proper body functions while shedding excess fat to achieve a trim and lean body.

 Herbal Weight Loss Program

 Weight loss programs today are making use of herbal medicines considering that it is safe to use and without any side-effects. Synthetic weight loss pills are often laced with restrictions that may prove to be a problem for individuals who have a fixed dietary preference or lifestyle. In most cases, this weight loss solution may limit a person's meals, physical movement, and can be very expensive to purchase.

 Herbal weight loss medicines use 100% natural ingredients from plants and animals. The concept behind this method includes the right nutrients integrated into the body in order to promote normal body functions, and to activate certain hormones for breaking down cholesterol, burning calories, improved metabolic function, and so on.

 Usage Of Herbal Products For Weight Loss

 The use of herbal products depends upon the potency and nature of the medicine. Most are taken before or after meals, while some are termed as supplements to boost a body's performance during physical workout. However, it is very important for an individual to consult an expert first before taking in herbal medicine for weight loss. There are possibilities that usage might result to allergic reactions with your normal body chemistry that could lead to health complications.

 It would be best to check out the labels of these herbal products to determine their exact ingredients that would be useful for your weight loss program. If you have no idea what an ingredient does, then you can either consult an expert or do some research on the Internet to tell you what it is all about.

 Such is the case; it is essential for an individual to utilize herbal products effectively for their weight loss program by taking in measured doses according to the prescription of your medical expert, as well as avoiding self-medication that would lead to complications.

 Some Herbal Ingredients Useful For Weight Loss

 There are different types of weight loss herbal medicines being used today and each varies according to the ingredients used in it. Keep in mind, however, that no herbal product can address the entirety of your weight problem. They work only to promote a specific function that will help you get rid of excess weight.

 For example, Guggul is a well-known ingredient used in herbal weight loss products today. The extract from this plant is known to regulate the cholesterol levels in the human body. This is a very effective medicine for obese or overweight individuals.

 Hoodia Gordoni is also one of the well-celebrated ingredients in weight loss herbal product. The flower of this desert plant has the ability to intercept the stimulus of hunger from the brain and lessen a person's food intake. Aptly termed as a hunger suppressant, Hoodia is perfect for those who have eating problems.

 There are also other herbal products that utilize some ingredients that would help in your weight loss program, but is considered to be dangerous due to its adverse effect when the dosage is not properly controlled. Senna is a well-known laxative that is mainly used for removing waste materials in our digestive tract. Possible reaction to this herbal component may include diarrhea, dehydration, and constipation.

Saturday 4 August 2012

Back Pain Interventions: How to relieve back pain

Back Pain Interventions: How to relieve back pain
By: http://www.skybluecross.com

Doctors often prescribe a variety of exercises, diets, stretch exercises, etc to relieve back pain. According to statistics, more than 200 million Americans alone suffer back pain. Some patients endure surgery, while others find ways to minimize the pain. Unfortunately, some people turn to alcohol and drugs to relieve such pain.

When pain is chronic, it makes it difficult to cope with daily duties. Most pain in the back starts at the lower region. With so much suffering, many people make a hobby out of finding relief.

Back pain mild or chronic can slow activities, mobility, and so on. While there are, many medical causes and sometimes-mysterious causes the fact is the majority of people in the world fail to maintain ROM of the joints by stretching and exercising regularly.

For this reason, back pain is the number one cause of time loss and money spent. The fact is back pain alone is one of the prime reasons that people must call in to work sick. According to statistics, the increase in back pains the total estimate of loss and medical costs soars up to $60 billion dollars annually.

Some people are lucky. That is some people mysterious experience back pain and in a few months, the pain vanishes, never returning. Lucky dogs!

While the large percentage of people soon recover naturally from back pain, another percentage makes up 100 and these people find relief by modifying their weight, adjusting sitting arrangements, and stretching.

Still, others suffer enduring back pain. Some of these people will sit inappropriately in chairs, or on couches until they lower back finally dents, forming the shape of the chair position they had sit. These people often spend a lifetime indulging in over-the-counter meds, such as analgesics. If they would get off the couch, align the back with stretch exercises and support of Chiropractors, thus the pain may disappear.

Still, other people suffer life-long back pain due to injuries, trauma, disease, and so on. The downside is these people rarely get the treatment they deserve, since it is rarely recommended by doctors. In short, doctors will often recommend over-the-counter medications, i.e. painkillers to resolve the problem. Doctors rarely tell patients to exercise, diet, etc. Sometimes you may hear, “Loose some weight,” yet the doctor will rarely tell the patient how it is done.

Painkillers work to eliminate inflammation and sometimes pain, yet what doctors fail to tell the patients is that some of these painkillers are in fact killers. In addition, painkillers do not have the same affect on all persons. For sure, some painkillers will reduce pain for some, while others may continue hurting.

This leads us to drug addictions and alcoholism, since these people need help coping with the pain, and if doctors are not offering that help, thus drugs and alcohol is the answer. We have another problem.

In view of the facts, back pain recoveries lay behind information. When a patient has an idea as to what is causing his/her pain, thus he/she can move to treatments that help them to find relief.

Fact: When a person is aware of cause, effect, only then can he take action to eliminate the cause. When a person is aware of cause, he moves to acceptance, in turn acceptance moves him to act.

How do I find the cause?
You find the cause by researching your condition. Once you begin research your eyes will open, which leads you to discuss with your doctor, treatments to eliminate your pain. Doctors prescribe medicines, recommend tests, and encourage surgeries in some instances, thus these people rarely focus on REAL HEALTH, which includes exercise.

Exercise has proven to reduce even the worst back pain. Exercise has gone as far as proven to prevent death from internal injuries. Most people would ordinary die after six months from internal injuries; however, one person stood against doctors and should them that exercise is the gatekeeper to good health.


Friday 3 August 2012

Why Organic Foods is Equal to Improved Health

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
Organic food is food that is free from all genetically modified organisms, produced without artificial pesticides and fertilizers and derived from an animal reared without the routine use of antibiotics, growth promoters or other drugs. Once only available in small stores or farmers' markets, organic foods are becoming much more widely available
 Organic foods have been shown to improve your immune system, help you sleep better, shed the excess weight more easily, and improve your blood work just to name a few. Organic food can boast intense, realistic flavors, and a higher vitamin and mineral content.
 And though logically it makes sense to consume a diet based on organic foods, some worry about the cost. But with careful planning and preparation, going organic is actually quite affordable. And, the peace of mind knowing you and your family are consuming foods that haven’t been treated with pesticides or genetically altered is worth the extra money spent.
 The pesticides used by conventional farmers can have many negative influences on your health, including neurotoxicity, disruption of your endocrine system, carcinogenicity and immune system suppression. Pesticide exposure may also affect male reproductive function and has been linked to miscarriages in women. Additionally, conventional produce tends to have fewer nutrients than organic produce. On average, conventional produce has only 83 percent of the nutrients of organic produce. Studies have found significantly higher levels of nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and significantly less nitrates (a toxin) in organic crops.
 So it’s a smart idea to buy and eat organic produce and free-range organic foods as much as possible for maximum health benefits. In addition, the knowledge that you’re supporting the organic foods industry that is dedicated to protecting the environment by steering clear of harmful pesticides and chemicals that can result in the loss of topsoil, toxic runoff and resulting water pollution, soil contamination and poisoning and the death of insects, birds, critters and beneficial soil organisms should help you feel even better.
 

Thursday 2 August 2012

Superfoods against Food Poisoning

Superfoods against Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an all-encompassing term involving the consumption of contaminated food, stomach flu, stress, drug interactions, nutrient deficiencies or their excess. It can come on rather suddenly after eating; diarrhea or vomiting can begin 30 minutes to one hour after eating foods that are chemically poisonous; within one to 12 hours with bacterial poisoning, and 12 to 48 hours with viral or salmonella poisoning. Food poisoning can be serious and a medical professional should be contacted especially if it is accompanied by a difficulty in swallowing, speaking or breathing; if there is a fever of 100 degrees F; if the person can't even hold down liquids; if there is severe diarrhea of more than two days.
 The best remedy is to curtail eating until all the symptoms have subsided and the toxins have had the chance to exit your system. Drink plenty of fluids - vitamin C and blackberry and peppermint teas can be taken then to strengthen the stomach, along with yogurt that contains acidophilus to recolonize the lost flora in the bowel. Diluted sweetened drinks can also be consumed to replace the body’s lost fluid and electrolytes, and the BRAT diet (bananas, apples, rice and toast) can also be helpful in getting the toxins cleared from the body.
 As a precaution against food poisoning, great care should be taken when preparing foods. Avoid over-handling foods, and when in doubt, throw it out – don’t take a risk with leftovers if you’re just not sure how long they’ve been in your refrigerator.
 Mint, lemon, raspberry, chamomile or teas might also be helpful in easing the stomach pain associated with food poisoning or stomach cramping. Ginger tea is also good for settling an unsettled stomach, and promotes good digestion. Try to get plenty of rest as food poisoning can be an exhausting and nutrient-depleting chore for your body. Once you’re feeling better, be sure to eat a well-balanced healthy diet that includes foods rich in iron, zinc, vitamin C to help your body get back to its old self again

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