Showing posts with label Men's Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Men's Health. Show all posts
Friday, March 22, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The number of individuals with lung cancer is increasing per annum, therefore to spot the symptoms of lung cancer is contributory to its treatment. Currently, lung cancer is one in all the foremost common primary malignant tumors of respiratory organ, that principally originates in cartilaginous tube animal tissue, therefore lung cancer may be referred to as cartilaginous tube lung cancer.
Early Stages Symptoms
There ar typically no symptoms or warning signs within the early stages, so it's simply unheeded, leading to delay of treatment.
Common Symptoms of lung cancer
Early Stages Symptoms
There ar typically no symptoms or warning signs within the early stages, so it's simply unheeded, leading to delay of treatment.
Common Symptoms of lung cancer
- Cough: there ar regarding 2 thirds of patients have cough, that is that the commonest symptom of early lung cancer. It is manifested as gentle dry cough, severe cough, cough with high frequency or cough at the hours of darkness.
- haemoptysis (Coughing up blood): it's conjointly an indication of early lung cancer and it's additional obvious in male smokers. it's manifested as forcing out phlegm with blood or intermittent bloody mucous secretion, and having continual infections somewhere within the region of lungs.
- Chest pain: it's an indication in regarding thirty p.c of individuals with lung cancer. If the growth is near respiratory organ membrane, the pain is boring or obscure and cough intensifies once respiratory or coughing. If cancer has invaded respiratory organ membrane, persistent pain is caused.
- Fever: fever because of lung cancer may be a quite cancerous heat that is generally caused by inflammation that growth blocks bronchial tube of respiratory organ, inflicting inadequate voidance. The fever is usually below thirty eight degree, ineffective to antibiotic treatment, and tends to develop repeatedly.
- Chest distress and shortness of breath: they're commonest symptoms of early lung cancer. they typically result from a blockage to the flow of air partly of the respiratory organ, assortment of fluid round the respiratory organ (pleural effusion), or the unfold of growth throughout the lungs.
- Clubbed finger: referred to as drum hammer finger, it's manifested as enlargement of the primary joint of fingers and toes, protruded and recurved of nails, and pain. If you discover yourself having those signs, you would like to listen to stop lung cancer.
- Arthritis: it's manifested as wandering and burning pain of the joint of elbow, knee, ankle, wrist, and finger, inability to use the hand or walk.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Normal cherry save from pain in the legs
U.S. researchers have found that cherries reduce the risk of gout attacks.
What is gout
Gout - a disease which is characterized by acute onset: severe pain in the joints , swelling, redness and increased temperature of the skin over them. As a rule, in the pathological process involves joint of the big toe, also can be affected by the ankle, wrist, knee joints and joints of the hand. Gout is more common in men, women are exposed to the disease after menopause.
Gout is caused by deposits of urate crystals in the joints - uric acid - which leads to the development of inflammation and the appearance of severe pain. Urate crystals are formed when the level of uric acid in the blood. Increased levels of uric acid may be associated with an increase in its production in the body or in violation of excretion by the kidneys.
The essence of the study
The study involved 633 patients suffering from gout. The average age of the patients was 54 years, most of them were men. Follow up of patients was carried out in a single year. Each participant provided the authors of the study data is the start time of gout symptoms, take medication, risk factors, as well as on the use of cherries or cherry extract.
Among patients who consumed cherry, 35% eat fresh berries, 2% - the cherry extract and 5% - and fresh berries, and cherry extract. During follow-up registered 1247 gouty attacks, 92% of the attack affected the joint of the big toe.
Findings
These results indicate that fresh cherries and cherry extract reduces the risk of gout attacks. Maximum reduction in risk observed in the use of 30 berries per day. However, it should be noted that the cherries in any case is not a substitute for the standard treatment of gout.
What is gout
Gout - a disease which is characterized by acute onset: severe pain in the joints , swelling, redness and increased temperature of the skin over them. As a rule, in the pathological process involves joint of the big toe, also can be affected by the ankle, wrist, knee joints and joints of the hand. Gout is more common in men, women are exposed to the disease after menopause.
Gout is caused by deposits of urate crystals in the joints - uric acid - which leads to the development of inflammation and the appearance of severe pain. Urate crystals are formed when the level of uric acid in the blood. Increased levels of uric acid may be associated with an increase in its production in the body or in violation of excretion by the kidneys.
The essence of the study
The study involved 633 patients suffering from gout. The average age of the patients was 54 years, most of them were men. Follow up of patients was carried out in a single year. Each participant provided the authors of the study data is the start time of gout symptoms, take medication, risk factors, as well as on the use of cherries or cherry extract.
Among patients who consumed cherry, 35% eat fresh berries, 2% - the cherry extract and 5% - and fresh berries, and cherry extract. During follow-up registered 1247 gouty attacks, 92% of the attack affected the joint of the big toe.
Findings
These results indicate that fresh cherries and cherry extract reduces the risk of gout attacks. Maximum reduction in risk observed in the use of 30 berries per day. However, it should be noted that the cherries in any case is not a substitute for the standard treatment of gout.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Fat men die of prostate cancer
Adipose tissue surrounding the prostate gland of men with obesity, creates favorable conditions for the progression of prostate cancer.
What is the prostate gland
The prostate gland - is musculo-glandular organ located below the bladder and surrounding the initial portion of the urethra. The main function of the prostate is to produce secretions, which is part of semen. Ducts of the prostate glands open into the urethra.
Prostate cancer
In the early stages of prostate cancer does not manifest itself. Complaints are associated with tumor spread and metastasis. At the stage the only manifestation of the lack of symptoms, allowing the disease to suspect, is to increase blood levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). As prevention of prostate cancer for all men should conduct an annual PSA test beginning at age 45.
By increasing the size of the tumor shows the following symptoms:
Scientists have received samples of adipose tissue surrounding the prostate gland in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer and prostate cancer. Regardless of prostate disease in men with obesity , there is increased activity of genes in fat cells. These genes encode proteins involved in the immune response, inflammation, growth, reproduction, and cell death.
Increase in the activity of genes leads to inhibition of the immune response and stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, which creates favorable conditions for the progression of prostate cancer. The study's authors hope that the findings will more carefully selected treatments for patients with obesity.
What is the prostate gland
The prostate gland - is musculo-glandular organ located below the bladder and surrounding the initial portion of the urethra. The main function of the prostate is to produce secretions, which is part of semen. Ducts of the prostate glands open into the urethra.
Prostate cancer
In the early stages of prostate cancer does not manifest itself. Complaints are associated with tumor spread and metastasis. At the stage the only manifestation of the lack of symptoms, allowing the disease to suspect, is to increase blood levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). As prevention of prostate cancer for all men should conduct an annual PSA test beginning at age 45.
By increasing the size of the tumor shows the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Urinary incontinence
- urge to urinate.
Scientists have received samples of adipose tissue surrounding the prostate gland in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer and prostate cancer. Regardless of prostate disease in men with obesity , there is increased activity of genes in fat cells. These genes encode proteins involved in the immune response, inflammation, growth, reproduction, and cell death.
Increase in the activity of genes leads to inhibition of the immune response and stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, which creates favorable conditions for the progression of prostate cancer. The study's authors hope that the findings will more carefully selected treatments for patients with obesity.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Lung cancer and stigma: The USA's biggest cancer
The USA's biggest cancer killer gets a disproportionately small share of public attention and research dollars. One big reason is that lung cancer is seen largely as a self-inflicted "smoker's disease," says a new report from FairWarning, a nonprofit online publication. The fact that many people with the disease die too quickly to become advocates for their own cause also plays a role. With many dying within a few months, "there's not much time to fit a walkathon in," one expert says.
Lice treatment: A new prescription lotion for head lice called ivermectin left 75% of kids pest-free two weeks after one treatment in a new study, meaning it may work better than older remedies. But it wasn't tested directly against other treatments and lacks long-term safety data. So some experts say it's still a last resort. (HealthDay)
Mumps outbreak: A mumps outbreak that hit Orthodox Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey in 2009-2010 spread largely through religious schools that used intense face-to-face teaching -- enabling the virus to spread even among people who had been vaccinated, researchers say. (Reuters)
Today's talker: Will your child share Halloween candy today? Or share toys at playtime? It may depend on whether anyone is watching, a new study suggests. The study found five-year-old children were more generous with a stash of stickers when they could see and be seen by the child on the receiving end and when their offerings were put in see-through boxes, rather than opaque containers. It seems children are like adults, a researcher says: "The more others know about their actions, the more likely they are to act generously." (NBC News)
Kim Painter, @USA TODAY
Lice treatment: A new prescription lotion for head lice called ivermectin left 75% of kids pest-free two weeks after one treatment in a new study, meaning it may work better than older remedies. But it wasn't tested directly against other treatments and lacks long-term safety data. So some experts say it's still a last resort. (HealthDay)
Mumps outbreak: A mumps outbreak that hit Orthodox Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey in 2009-2010 spread largely through religious schools that used intense face-to-face teaching -- enabling the virus to spread even among people who had been vaccinated, researchers say. (Reuters)
Today's talker: Will your child share Halloween candy today? Or share toys at playtime? It may depend on whether anyone is watching, a new study suggests. The study found five-year-old children were more generous with a stash of stickers when they could see and be seen by the child on the receiving end and when their offerings were put in see-through boxes, rather than opaque containers. It seems children are like adults, a researcher says: "The more others know about their actions, the more likely they are to act generously." (NBC News)
Kim Painter, @USA TODAY
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Syphilis epidemic rising in the Canada and U.S.
The resurgence of syphilis has risen dramatically over the past 20 years in the United States and Canada --- from 177 cases in 1993 to 1,750 cases in 2010. It is temporarily shutting down the porn industry in Southern California.
Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS) sounded the alarm about "recent unsubstantiated rumors of syphilis among adult performers." The usual annual testing for syphilis is in September, but because of the alarm the agency opened up their semi-annual syphilis testing immediately.
Other sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are also on the rise. According to Huffington Post, "Syphilis infection rates jumped by 18 percent from 2010 to 2011, and there was also a five percent increase in chlamydia and 1.5 percent increase in gonorrhea cases." And truthfully, the syphilis outbreak cluster among California porn performs is not surprising because of their business. But sexually transmitted diseases are spreading on a worldwide basis --- with Canada and the United States no exceptions.
APHSS has since called for a temporary moratorium on adult film production until all performers get tested for syphilis, and the non-profit AIDS Healthcare Foundation is also expected to hold a news conference Monday morning in response to the possible outbreak.
"I think it's just a general indicator of what's happening in terms of sexual activity," said Dr. Howard Njoo of the Public Health Agency of Canada, director general of PHAC's Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control. The majority of syphilis cases are among men, accounting for 90.5 percent of all reported cases in 2010. But according to Njoo, the dynamics of the disease are different from other STDs. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are attacking the younger people while syphilis is attacking the older ones. People who are age 30 and older are accounting for approximately 73 per cent of all the reported syphilis cases in 2010. Huffington Post reports that, "Syphilis is a bacterial STD that initially manifests itself in sores or sometimes presents no symptoms. If the infection isn't treated immediately, people who have syphilis can go on to suffer rashes and lesions, hair loss and flu-like symptoms like muscle aches, fevers, sore throats and fatigue. Without treatment, syphilis could last for years and go on to damage internal organs and cause stillbirths. If caught early, the infection is easily treated with antibiotics such as penicillin."
By Nancy Houser
Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS) sounded the alarm about "recent unsubstantiated rumors of syphilis among adult performers." The usual annual testing for syphilis is in September, but because of the alarm the agency opened up their semi-annual syphilis testing immediately.
Other sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are also on the rise. According to Huffington Post, "Syphilis infection rates jumped by 18 percent from 2010 to 2011, and there was also a five percent increase in chlamydia and 1.5 percent increase in gonorrhea cases." And truthfully, the syphilis outbreak cluster among California porn performs is not surprising because of their business. But sexually transmitted diseases are spreading on a worldwide basis --- with Canada and the United States no exceptions.
APHSS has since called for a temporary moratorium on adult film production until all performers get tested for syphilis, and the non-profit AIDS Healthcare Foundation is also expected to hold a news conference Monday morning in response to the possible outbreak.
"I think it's just a general indicator of what's happening in terms of sexual activity," said Dr. Howard Njoo of the Public Health Agency of Canada, director general of PHAC's Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control. The majority of syphilis cases are among men, accounting for 90.5 percent of all reported cases in 2010. But according to Njoo, the dynamics of the disease are different from other STDs. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are attacking the younger people while syphilis is attacking the older ones. People who are age 30 and older are accounting for approximately 73 per cent of all the reported syphilis cases in 2010. Huffington Post reports that, "Syphilis is a bacterial STD that initially manifests itself in sores or sometimes presents no symptoms. If the infection isn't treated immediately, people who have syphilis can go on to suffer rashes and lesions, hair loss and flu-like symptoms like muscle aches, fevers, sore throats and fatigue. Without treatment, syphilis could last for years and go on to damage internal organs and cause stillbirths. If caught early, the infection is easily treated with antibiotics such as penicillin."
By Nancy Houser
Labels:
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Women's Diseases
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Causes of Infertility
Contrary to what is commonly believed, infertility is not principally a woman's problem, and the causes of infertility in both men and women are highly complex. There are just as many cases of male infertility as there are of female infertility . However, due to the complexity of the reproductive process, there are many more causes of female infertility than there are causes of male infertility. This section offers you more information about the most common causes of female infertility and the most common causes of male infertility.
Women are responsible for:
The production of the egg
The migration of the egg in the Fallopian tubes
The production of cervical mucus
The proper implantation of the egg in the womb
The development of the embryo (baby)
Whether the egg is able to be penetrated by the sperm
Men are responsible for:
The production of semen
The deposition of the sperm
Couples require different types of treatment depending on the cause of infertility: for some couples, the treatment may be as simple as carefully monitoring their ovulation, while other couples might need to undergo infertility treatments such as clomid or procedures such as ovulation induction, IVF, ICSI, or IUI. You may have to take a number of fertility tests to determine the cause of infertility. Using DuoFertility can help you to accurately and reliably monitor your ovulation by continuously taking over 20,000 temperature measurements each day. It can also be used as a complement to assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
Women are responsible for:
The production of the egg
The migration of the egg in the Fallopian tubes
The production of cervical mucus
The proper implantation of the egg in the womb
The development of the embryo (baby)
Whether the egg is able to be penetrated by the sperm
Men are responsible for:
The production of semen
The deposition of the sperm
Couples require different types of treatment depending on the cause of infertility: for some couples, the treatment may be as simple as carefully monitoring their ovulation, while other couples might need to undergo infertility treatments such as clomid or procedures such as ovulation induction, IVF, ICSI, or IUI. You may have to take a number of fertility tests to determine the cause of infertility. Using DuoFertility can help you to accurately and reliably monitor your ovulation by continuously taking over 20,000 temperature measurements each day. It can also be used as a complement to assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
Monday, August 6, 2012
Depression And Substance Abuse
Substance abuse disorders (including alcohol and prescription drugs) frequently co-exist with depression. Substance abuse must be discontinued in order to clarify the diagnosis and maximize the effectiveness of psychiatric interventions. Additional treatment is necessary if the depression remains after the substance use and withdrawal effects have ended.
Individuals or family members with concerns about the co-occurence of depression with another illness or chemical dependency, should discuss these issues with the physician.
Many factors can contribute to depression. Some people become depressed for a combination of reasons. For others, a single factor appears to trigger depression. Some become depressed for no apparent reason. Regardless of the cause, depression needs to be diagnosed and rated.
Check any symptoms experienced for more than 2 weeks. If four or more of the symptoms for depression or mania have been checked, physical and psychological evaluation by a physician and/or mental health specialist should be sought.
Symptoms of Depression:
By BILL URELL
Individuals or family members with concerns about the co-occurence of depression with another illness or chemical dependency, should discuss these issues with the physician.
Many factors can contribute to depression. Some people become depressed for a combination of reasons. For others, a single factor appears to trigger depression. Some become depressed for no apparent reason. Regardless of the cause, depression needs to be diagnosed and rated.
Check any symptoms experienced for more than 2 weeks. If four or more of the symptoms for depression or mania have been checked, physical and psychological evaluation by a physician and/or mental health specialist should be sought.
Symptoms of Depression:
- A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
- Sleep problems (insomnia, oversleeping, early-morning waking)
- Eating problems (loss of appetite or weight, weight gain)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Recurring aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
By BILL URELL
Friday, July 27, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Do not Sit on Your Wallet
This is something which we are not focusing in our daily life but can produce multiple problems in spine especially for those who have long sitting hours. Make sure that when you sit in your office chair your wallet should be not in your back pocket (Not only Wallet don't sit with anything in your back pocket).
Your wallet can be real pain for your back and the waist, and it can even lead to shooting pains down the legs. Sitting on a wallet for prolonged hours every day can compress sciatic nerve which passes beneath piriformis muscle and leads to piriformis syndrome, low back pain and self-inflicted sciatica.
The wallet acts as a wedge that forces the pelvis, spine and body out of alignment. Just as you would not sit on a brief case or a rock for an extended period of time, you should not sit on your wallet. Anyone who drives more than a half hour sitting on a wallet is a candidate for sciatica or back pain.
The healthiest option is to move the wallet to your front pocket. If it's must to keep your wallet in your back pocket, you should remove it before you sit
Your wallet can be real pain for your back and the waist, and it can even lead to shooting pains down the legs. Sitting on a wallet for prolonged hours every day can compress sciatic nerve which passes beneath piriformis muscle and leads to piriformis syndrome, low back pain and self-inflicted sciatica.
The wallet acts as a wedge that forces the pelvis, spine and body out of alignment. Just as you would not sit on a brief case or a rock for an extended period of time, you should not sit on your wallet. Anyone who drives more than a half hour sitting on a wallet is a candidate for sciatica or back pain.
The healthiest option is to move the wallet to your front pocket. If it's must to keep your wallet in your back pocket, you should remove it before you sit
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Workout for Lower Abs
Lower abs is situated in the lower part of belly. It is considered a problem area by people who are working over abdominal muscles since a long time. Belly fat tends to accumulate more in this area. Hardly would you have heard from anyone complaining about their upper abdominal fat, rather people always grumble about their lower abdominal fat. So at times, it definitely becomes quite frustrating for people who perform endless exercises for a flat toned abdominal region yet never get to see visible results. There are numerous reasons contributing for this:
Managing daily an exercising routine in a gym along with daily work load is nearly impossible. People have been searching for a home-based workout scheme that works for them effectively. But out of millions of spam on internet, it is hard to find an authentic solution.
Truth about six pack abs is an abs program that guarantees flawless outcomes. It is a customized program designed to serve every individual. Starting from calculating body fat level to the construction of a diet plan, to composing the cardio duration and weight training sets as per your bodily requirements. This might sound like a fantasized dream to you, but this is more than a reality. Mike Geary is a certified trainer who knowing the crucial wants of exercise freaks is the one person behind the success of the world wide acclaimed abs program.
To experience the hallucinating venture of the abdominal workout program, read Truth about abs review.
Few recommended suggestions for lower abdominal workout:
- Majority people follow traditional exercises, not knowing if it is suitable for them or not. Every human body differs structurally. Hence, every individual requires an exercise schedule made serving to his body needs only.
- Some people do not pay much attention to the food supplements. Some go on a crash diet dreaming for a fast fat reduction and hence experiencing malnutrition. While some of them keep on eating unnecessary fats, which does not supports the abdominal muscle workout.
- Some people generally ignore having a happy balanced lifestyle. Being stressed out always, not going to bed early, etc are factors that have a great negative impact on our internal body system. Experts claim that while a person is facing a stressful time, certain hormones accumulate in lower abdominal area that causes it to enlarge.
- A toned lean perfect six pack that is an immediate consequence of righteous abdominal workouts.
- Elimination of the unwanted fat layers under which are positioned the build-in abs.
- A good body posture one gets that medically is proven beneficial for the backbone and back-ache problems.
Managing daily an exercising routine in a gym along with daily work load is nearly impossible. People have been searching for a home-based workout scheme that works for them effectively. But out of millions of spam on internet, it is hard to find an authentic solution.
Truth about six pack abs is an abs program that guarantees flawless outcomes. It is a customized program designed to serve every individual. Starting from calculating body fat level to the construction of a diet plan, to composing the cardio duration and weight training sets as per your bodily requirements. This might sound like a fantasized dream to you, but this is more than a reality. Mike Geary is a certified trainer who knowing the crucial wants of exercise freaks is the one person behind the success of the world wide acclaimed abs program.
To experience the hallucinating venture of the abdominal workout program, read Truth about abs review.
Few recommended suggestions for lower abdominal workout:
- Knowing the physical arrangement of the abdominal muscles is the foremost thing you should start with. It helps a lot when you are able to visualize how the system operates internally.
- Learn professionally how to execute reverse crunches, leg lifts and bicycle crunches. (Step-by-step screen shots in Truth About abs Review have it all). They are the cardinal exercises that everyone has to carry out while reducing the lower belly.
- Unplanned and abrupt workouts lead you simply no where. You need to plan a proper workout routine stating the time you giving to each workout step, how many times you will be executing it, etc.
- Punctuality is the key to success in every aspect of life. Therefore, stick regularly to your workout/diet plan to experience superlative results.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Types Of Drug And Alcohol Treatment
There are several levels of drug and alcohol treatment. Before we look for a drug rehab or alcohol treatmentalcohol treatment program, we have to look at the level of care needed for the severity of the problem. Just as there are various levels of use of mood altering drugs, there are various levels of treatment. Here are some levels of care and examples of what may be appropriate for a situation.
Brief Therapy/Intervention - This is usually a very short duration program, but can be very effective. Perhaps a person who really is not involved with alcohol over does it one time on a birthday or New Years and is caught on their first DUI. They may be mandated to attend alcohol classes where education is provided for a few weeks.
Detoxification - The idea that this is treatment is a common misconception. The purpose of a 'Detox' is to safely monitor and de-escalate an incident of intoxification. Generally, as soon as you are medically stable (which is not recovery treatment) you are dismissed from the hospital or facility. Supervised detox is recommended for long term alcohol or benzodiazepine (Xanax, Ambien etc) users as the risk of seizures exists. This may be a required first step before entering treatment.
Outpatient Program - This is non-residential treatment usually consisting of attending a therapy group and/or individual counseling once or twice/week. This may be appropriate for a person' whose use is starting to cause problems, but is not yet dependent
Intensive Outpatient Program - This is non residential but generally consists of 16-20 hours of group and individual therapy per week. Insurance is more likely to cover this form of treatment rather than inpatient treatment. This is less costly than residential, but is appropriate for a person with full dependency. Outpatient programs may be used as a 'step down' after completing residential treatment
Inpatient Treatment - This is your classic drug rehab. It is residential and the programs generally consist of a full day of activities and may last from 4 weeks to a year. It is the most intense form of treatment and these facilities are usually equipped to handle additional global problems associated with addiction such as mental health, physical, emotional and spiritual areas.
I am definitely biased. That being said, I would recommend inpatient treatment for anyone with addiction and chemical dependency. One disadvantage is that it can be costly and insurance generally does not cover it. The reality is that insurance companies will pay out as little as possible for addiction treatment.
The important thing is to get a proper assessment so you can be matched with an appropriate type of drug and alcohol treatment.
By BILL URELL
Brief Therapy/Intervention - This is usually a very short duration program, but can be very effective. Perhaps a person who really is not involved with alcohol over does it one time on a birthday or New Years and is caught on their first DUI. They may be mandated to attend alcohol classes where education is provided for a few weeks.
Detoxification - The idea that this is treatment is a common misconception. The purpose of a 'Detox' is to safely monitor and de-escalate an incident of intoxification. Generally, as soon as you are medically stable (which is not recovery treatment) you are dismissed from the hospital or facility. Supervised detox is recommended for long term alcohol or benzodiazepine (Xanax, Ambien etc) users as the risk of seizures exists. This may be a required first step before entering treatment.
Outpatient Program - This is non-residential treatment usually consisting of attending a therapy group and/or individual counseling once or twice/week. This may be appropriate for a person' whose use is starting to cause problems, but is not yet dependent
Intensive Outpatient Program - This is non residential but generally consists of 16-20 hours of group and individual therapy per week. Insurance is more likely to cover this form of treatment rather than inpatient treatment. This is less costly than residential, but is appropriate for a person with full dependency. Outpatient programs may be used as a 'step down' after completing residential treatment
Inpatient Treatment - This is your classic drug rehab. It is residential and the programs generally consist of a full day of activities and may last from 4 weeks to a year. It is the most intense form of treatment and these facilities are usually equipped to handle additional global problems associated with addiction such as mental health, physical, emotional and spiritual areas.
I am definitely biased. That being said, I would recommend inpatient treatment for anyone with addiction and chemical dependency. One disadvantage is that it can be costly and insurance generally does not cover it. The reality is that insurance companies will pay out as little as possible for addiction treatment.
The important thing is to get a proper assessment so you can be matched with an appropriate type of drug and alcohol treatment.
By BILL URELL
Monday, July 9, 2012
Definition Of Addiction
How many legitimate definitions of addiction are there? There are hundreds-literally hundreds.
Which one is the best? Actually, there are several good ones. Read on.
Morse & Flavin's (RM Morse,DK Flavin JAMA, 1992 Am Med Assoc) definition of addiction represents the one traditionally utilized by treatment centers and substance abuse counselors. It is very good and touches all of the bases. Published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 68, No.8, Morse & Flavin defined addiction thusly (paraphrased for simplicity):
The DSM IV (1994) relies on symptoms for its definition. The DSM says that addiction, or dependence, is present in an individual who demonstrates any combination of three or more of the following symptoms (paraphrased for simplicity), occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
Which one is the best? Actually, there are several good ones. Read on.
Morse & Flavin's (RM Morse,DK Flavin JAMA, 1992 Am Med Assoc) definition of addiction represents the one traditionally utilized by treatment centers and substance abuse counselors. It is very good and touches all of the bases. Published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 68, No.8, Morse & Flavin defined addiction thusly (paraphrased for simplicity):
- Addiction is a primary, progressive, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by impaired control over use of the substance, preoccupation with the substance, use of the substance despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking.
The DSM IV (1994) relies on symptoms for its definition. The DSM says that addiction, or dependence, is present in an individual who demonstrates any combination of three or more of the following symptoms (paraphrased for simplicity), occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
- Preoccupation with use of the chemical between periods of use.
- Using more of the chemical than had been anticipated.
- The development of tolerance to the chemical in question.
- A characteristic withdrawal syndrome from the chemical.
- Use of the chemical to avoid or control withdrawal symptoms.
- Repeated efforts to cut back or stop the drug use.
- Intoxication at inappropriate times (such as at work), or when withdrawal interferes with daily functioning (such as when hangover makes person too sick to go to work).
- A reduction in social, occupational or recreational activities in favor of further substance use.
- Continued substance use in spite of the individual having suffered social, emotional, or physical problems related to drug use.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Liver Cancer Screening, Study Doubts Value
Screening people with alcoholic liver damage for signs of cancer may not be worth the expense or other downsides, a new report says.
Alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring, of the liver. People with cirrhosis have a higher-than-average risk of developing liver cancer, but it is not clear whether screening people with cirrhosis for the cancer extends lives.
In the new study, Danish researchers found that for alcoholic cirrhosis patients in their country, the risk of liver cancer is so low that screening may not be justified.
Of nearly 8,500 Danish adults hospitalized for alcoholic cirrhosis, the chance of developing liver cancer in the next five years was 1 percent, the study found.
That's well below the risk that justifies cancer screening, based on U.S. guidelines for cost-effectiveness.
In the U.S., an abdominal ultrasound would typically cost a few hundred dollars. Follow-up tests, if needed, could cost much more. But there are more than costs to consider when it comes to widespread cancer screening, said the lead researcher on the new study, Dr. Peter Jepsen of Aarhus University Hospital.
Screening always carries some risk of falsely suggesting a person has cancer. And that leads to unnecessary further testing, which may be invasive.
Ultrasound is the method of choice for liver cancer screening, Jepsen told Reuters Health in an email. If that test suggests there is a tumor, the next step is usually a CT scan, which exposes the patient to radiation (at a much higher dose than with standard x-rays).
So the benefits of liver screening would need to outweigh the risks in order to recommend routinely screening people with alcoholic cirrhosis.
The current findings suggest they do not, Jepsen's team reports in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
SPECIALIST GROUPS ALONE
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-backed independent expert panel, has no recommendation on liver cancer screening.
Right now, screening is recommended by two specialist groups the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver.
Both groups suggest that cirrhosis patients be screened every six months, Jepsen noted.
"But whether clinicians are actually offering this to their patients, and whether patients are compliant with (screening) if given the offer are unknown," Jepsen said.
The American liver diseases group could not be reached for comment.
The recommendations from the specialist groups are based on the common belief that alcoholic cirrhosis patients have a liver cancer risk that tops 1.5 percent per year. (That's the level at which screening is considered cost-effective.)
But Jepsen's team says the risk may actually be much lower a 1 percent chance over five years, based on their findings.
What's more, the researchers found, less than 2 percent of deaths in their study group were due to liver cancer.
Some past studies in various countries have suggested that liver cancer is a bigger risk for alcoholic cirrhosis patients than the current study implies. (A study in France, for example, found that cirrhosis patients developed cancer at a rate of over 5 percent per year.)
But Jepsen said the bigger numbers are based on "clinic-based" studies, which look at select groups of patients being treated at medical centers.
His team's study, in contrast, was population-based. They had information on all 8,482 Danish citizens who had a first-time hospitalization for alcoholic cirrhosis between 1993 and 2005.
Population-based studies give a clearer idea of the liver cancer risk for the typical alcoholic cirrhosis patient.
Jepsen said he thinks his team's findings are likely to be relevant to countries other than Denmark. The higher rates that have been in some other countries, he noted, are probably because of study design, rather than actual geographic variation.
By: updatednews
Alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring, of the liver. People with cirrhosis have a higher-than-average risk of developing liver cancer, but it is not clear whether screening people with cirrhosis for the cancer extends lives.
In the new study, Danish researchers found that for alcoholic cirrhosis patients in their country, the risk of liver cancer is so low that screening may not be justified.
Of nearly 8,500 Danish adults hospitalized for alcoholic cirrhosis, the chance of developing liver cancer in the next five years was 1 percent, the study found.
That's well below the risk that justifies cancer screening, based on U.S. guidelines for cost-effectiveness.
In the U.S., an abdominal ultrasound would typically cost a few hundred dollars. Follow-up tests, if needed, could cost much more. But there are more than costs to consider when it comes to widespread cancer screening, said the lead researcher on the new study, Dr. Peter Jepsen of Aarhus University Hospital.
Screening always carries some risk of falsely suggesting a person has cancer. And that leads to unnecessary further testing, which may be invasive.
Ultrasound is the method of choice for liver cancer screening, Jepsen told Reuters Health in an email. If that test suggests there is a tumor, the next step is usually a CT scan, which exposes the patient to radiation (at a much higher dose than with standard x-rays).
So the benefits of liver screening would need to outweigh the risks in order to recommend routinely screening people with alcoholic cirrhosis.
The current findings suggest they do not, Jepsen's team reports in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
SPECIALIST GROUPS ALONE
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-backed independent expert panel, has no recommendation on liver cancer screening.
Right now, screening is recommended by two specialist groups the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver.
Both groups suggest that cirrhosis patients be screened every six months, Jepsen noted.
"But whether clinicians are actually offering this to their patients, and whether patients are compliant with (screening) if given the offer are unknown," Jepsen said.
The American liver diseases group could not be reached for comment.
The recommendations from the specialist groups are based on the common belief that alcoholic cirrhosis patients have a liver cancer risk that tops 1.5 percent per year. (That's the level at which screening is considered cost-effective.)
But Jepsen's team says the risk may actually be much lower a 1 percent chance over five years, based on their findings.
What's more, the researchers found, less than 2 percent of deaths in their study group were due to liver cancer.
Some past studies in various countries have suggested that liver cancer is a bigger risk for alcoholic cirrhosis patients than the current study implies. (A study in France, for example, found that cirrhosis patients developed cancer at a rate of over 5 percent per year.)
But Jepsen said the bigger numbers are based on "clinic-based" studies, which look at select groups of patients being treated at medical centers.
His team's study, in contrast, was population-based. They had information on all 8,482 Danish citizens who had a first-time hospitalization for alcoholic cirrhosis between 1993 and 2005.
Population-based studies give a clearer idea of the liver cancer risk for the typical alcoholic cirrhosis patient.
Jepsen said he thinks his team's findings are likely to be relevant to countries other than Denmark. The higher rates that have been in some other countries, he noted, are probably because of study design, rather than actual geographic variation.
By: updatednews
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Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Seven Point Weight Loss Strategy
You must have undergone a lot of crash programs to lose weight but the extra pounds keep coming back. It's not that you just need to work for a few days control your diet and then let the weight return. There needs to be a strategy in place instead of a plan. The short term weight loss courses available in abundance in the market are not only short lived but are also dangerous for the health of an individual. It's not always necessary that you follow some old advice from a medical book that had been written when obesity was in its infancy.
Times have changed and so have many habits of individuals. While going in for shopping we tend to look at the ingredients of the packaged stuff that we are buying. Very few people know that food items that have numbers etched on them are quite high on fats and preservatives that will not really go down well with your health. You need to make sure that you purchase food items that are low on fats and preservatives. Make it a practice for the whole of your life to eat healthy and remain healthy.
Many individuals go on a diet that does them more harm than any good although unintentionally. Many people just have salad for lunch that is the worst thing to do in weight management. You need to supplement it with something else like a bean soup. You need to take care, a hormone called ghrelin that triggers hunger in the human body. If ghrelin levels don't fall you are going to feel hungry and your weight management will go in for a toss.
You need to be very sure about the time period that you sleep for. Make sure that you enjoy a sleep time of at least 5-6 hours every day. If the time is less than this, everyday; chances are you are going to gain weight instead of losing some extra pounds. Many weight loss coaches will suggest you saving your time from the Gym and investing it on the bed sleeping.
You need to breathe heavy before breakfast as breakfast is the most important part of the meals that you have throughout the day. Do aerobics before breakfast. Your insulin level needs to be the lowest at this point of time so that the energy for exercise comes from the fat that is present in the body and your body becomes a fat burning machine.
Make sure while exercising to divide it into phases. If you are exercising for 1 hour break it into 4 sets of 15 minutes each or 2 sets of 30 minutes each. This will help you in catalyzing the fat burning process. And once the fats start burning you are in the weight loss with a bang.
This point is of utmost importance for almost everyone all across the world as majority of the population is doing desk jobs or jobs that involve a person to sit in a cubicle for 8 hours a day. No matter how regularly you visit the Gym after office hours it's not really going to make the things happen in the right direction. You need to do something extra during the office hours. It maybe a brisk walk or some jumping jacks.
The last but the most effective method for burning calories and fats is cycling. Cycling is one activity that's famous all across the world. Even in Gyms you are bound to find bicycle exercises. Cycling will not only burn fat for you but will also save a bit of expenses in form of fuel expenses. Thus while following this seven point weight loss strategy you are bound to lose weight in the long run and lead a healthy quality life in future.
Author Bio
The author is a fitness freak. A strong advocate of Somanabolic Muscle Maximizer the author has been writing about Muscle Maximizer and many health issues for the past 15 years. The author has been associated with many bodybuilders coaching and mentoring them for various events and tournaments.
Times have changed and so have many habits of individuals. While going in for shopping we tend to look at the ingredients of the packaged stuff that we are buying. Very few people know that food items that have numbers etched on them are quite high on fats and preservatives that will not really go down well with your health. You need to make sure that you purchase food items that are low on fats and preservatives. Make it a practice for the whole of your life to eat healthy and remain healthy.
Many individuals go on a diet that does them more harm than any good although unintentionally. Many people just have salad for lunch that is the worst thing to do in weight management. You need to supplement it with something else like a bean soup. You need to take care, a hormone called ghrelin that triggers hunger in the human body. If ghrelin levels don't fall you are going to feel hungry and your weight management will go in for a toss.
You need to be very sure about the time period that you sleep for. Make sure that you enjoy a sleep time of at least 5-6 hours every day. If the time is less than this, everyday; chances are you are going to gain weight instead of losing some extra pounds. Many weight loss coaches will suggest you saving your time from the Gym and investing it on the bed sleeping.
You need to breathe heavy before breakfast as breakfast is the most important part of the meals that you have throughout the day. Do aerobics before breakfast. Your insulin level needs to be the lowest at this point of time so that the energy for exercise comes from the fat that is present in the body and your body becomes a fat burning machine.
Make sure while exercising to divide it into phases. If you are exercising for 1 hour break it into 4 sets of 15 minutes each or 2 sets of 30 minutes each. This will help you in catalyzing the fat burning process. And once the fats start burning you are in the weight loss with a bang.
This point is of utmost importance for almost everyone all across the world as majority of the population is doing desk jobs or jobs that involve a person to sit in a cubicle for 8 hours a day. No matter how regularly you visit the Gym after office hours it's not really going to make the things happen in the right direction. You need to do something extra during the office hours. It maybe a brisk walk or some jumping jacks.
The last but the most effective method for burning calories and fats is cycling. Cycling is one activity that's famous all across the world. Even in Gyms you are bound to find bicycle exercises. Cycling will not only burn fat for you but will also save a bit of expenses in form of fuel expenses. Thus while following this seven point weight loss strategy you are bound to lose weight in the long run and lead a healthy quality life in future.
Author Bio
The author is a fitness freak. A strong advocate of Somanabolic Muscle Maximizer the author has been writing about Muscle Maximizer and many health issues for the past 15 years. The author has been associated with many bodybuilders coaching and mentoring them for various events and tournaments.
Labels:
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Weight loss Strategy,
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