Archive for December, 2009

How You Can Survive Stage 4 Bladder Cancer

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009



Stage 4 bladder cancer means that the cancer has become metastatic and has spread to other organs in your body. Obviously, this is probably the worst news you can receive if you are suffering from the disease, but find comfort in the fact that there are treatments available and that other people have been able overcome the disease. Below you will find a quick rundown of the treatment options available to such sufferers.

Chemotherapy

This involves the administration of drugs to eliminate as many cancer cells in your body. The good news is that bladder cancer tends to be very sensitive to chemotherapy and responds quickly and frequently. However, this also means that side effects of chemotherapy will also be felt often and rapidly. As a result, there are still clinical trials being conducted to find ways to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing the side effects.

Surgery

Given the advanced stage of the disease, this would involve the removal of the entire bladder (known as a cystectomy in medical terms) and tissue surrounding it. For men, this also involves the removal of the prostate. In the case of women, this involves the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Surgery is also used when chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are not found to be effective on a patient.

As you can see, there are various treatments available to treat this type and stage of cancer. The most important thing is to keep reading about such treatments and getting continuously informed so that you can increase your chances of surviving stage 4 bladder cancer.

The Alcohol and Drug Culture At American Colleges And Universities

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009




Over the centuries, drugs and alcohol have grown in popularity especially in the college way of life. Going away to college, for many, is their goodbye to reality, and their entrance into a world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Though individuals who participate in using drugs and alcohol come from all walks of life, each one seems to participate in the events chiefly for social status. On the other hand, for many college students, this is the first time in their lives that they have been released from the reigns of their parents, and therefore tend to get a little bit crazy.

The vast majority of college students experiment with drugs and alcohol during their college careers, and some tend to use them for much more than experimental use, though many of these students go on to lead successful, normal lives. Though Bill Clinton claims that he “never inhaled” marijuana while in his younger years in college, I think that there are very few citizens in the United States that truly believes his story. That minimal drug and alcohol experimentation is healthy and normal for college students, though it can be very dangerous if done on a consistent and indulgent manner.

Many college campuses have a no tolerance regulation when it comes to drugs and alcohol on campus, yet college students always seem to find a way to get it onto their dorms, without getting caught. Colleges and universities do not have the time or the manpower that it would necessitate in order to mandate these regulations, by checking each individual who enters a college dormitory, and all of the things that they take inside with them. Though many universities will enforce their no tolerance regulations when they actually catch an individual, they will never be able to completely stop these events from happening.

What is Arthritis in the Hip?

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009



People often wonder what the pain in their hip is from. Some people have had an injury and think the pain is still a result of that, where others may think the pain is from a past surgery. The fact is that the pain in this region may be caused from this type of debilitating disease. This is a disorder of the joints, and can cause great pain. This article will describe pain in the hips as well as its causes and treatments.

Before discussing this specifically in this area it is important to know what arthritis actually is. This is a disorder in which the joints in the body become inflamed. This inflammation can be caused from a variety of things. The inflammation can cause the joints to become extremely painful when moved. Joints that are inflamed will often hurt when sitting still or moving.

Arthritis that takes place in the hip is caused from the joints in this region to become inflamed. When the joints become inflamed it is becomes very difficult to walk, sit or lay. Many people that experience pain in this area can find one or two positions that are comfortable for them, however most of the time they are in terrible pain.

The treatments for this type of disorder in the hip are the same as any kind of arthritis. The most common treatment is medication. In most cases a doctor will prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication to relieve the pain. Other times a pain killer will be prescribed to reduce the amount of pain that is being experienced. On occasion a doctor will advise that you perform physical therapy for this parameter. Physical therapy is a type of exercise that you can do and be assisted by physicians. When you go to physical therapy you will work on making the hip feel more comfortable.

Most of the time a combination of all three of these treatments will be used. Doctors have found that by using pain killers to reduce the pain people can feel more comfortable to do physical therapy. While taking the pain killers and doing the physical therapy doctors will most likely have you take the anti-inflammatory medication as well. This will somehow knock out all of the above at once. The best results have been shown by using a combination of all three. When people choose to use all three the pain and inflammation will start to subside quicker.

It is important to remember that there is not a cure for arthritis and that it may never completely go away. By using these treatments your symptoms may decrease or go away for a while. In most cases the pain comes back and will stay around. All of these things are designed to help ease the pain and make it more livable. This is a serious disease and should be dealt like one. Some people ignore their pain until it is too much to handle. This is not a wise decision because the pain will get more severe over time. The sooner arthritis is detected the better off you will be.

Some Symptoms Associated with Arthritis

Sunday, December 27th, 2009



A group of joint disorders is an overall term for arthritis. Our joints are surrounded by a layer of cartilage. Aiding in motion, this cartilage is a protective lubricant. Pain in the joints is caused by damage to the cartilage that surrounds the joints. With more than one hundred types of arthritis, symptoms can vary. However, in order to help detect arthritis here a few general symptoms that you can look for.

One of the more common symptoms is persistent joint pain. If when moving or doing certain activities that can range from walking, writing, throwing or even standing up the pain in your joints worsens, then that is another sign of arthritis.

Other symptoms can be warmth and redness in color as well as stiffness and swelling in your joints. This is a sign of inflammation in the joint. If you lose your range of motion or flexibility, these may also be a result of arthritis.

Weight loss for no reason as well as fatigue and weakness are considered symptoms of arthritis. A crackling sound combined with grating sensation that is affecting the joint is called crepitus another symptom of arthritis. This symptom may or may not be painful to you. Other areas that can be affected by crepitus are the lungs and under the skin. The wearing down of cartilage can be a cause of crepitus in the joint.

As mentioned earlier there are various types of arthritis and it is possible to be diagnosed with more than one type. This means that each person’s symptoms will be different. With this in mind, you should be tested immediately for arthritis. There are online screen tests that you can take to determine whether you do or do not have arthritis. These tests are easy and convenient to take. These screen tests are geared with specific symptoms that are associated with particular arthritis types such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis, and other types of arthritis.

Of course, visiting your doctor is the only sure way to tell if you suffer from arthritis. By accessing your medical history, doing a physical examination, lab tests and x-rays are things that your doctor will do to determine if you have arthritis. If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, then it is you should visit your doctor at the earliest convenience for consultation. It is important to not treat yourself for arthritis if you have not been diagnosed by a doctor as having arthritis. In order to better treat your specific type of arthritis, you need to be diagnosed properly by your doctor.

Pain Medication You Can Legally Order Online

Friday, December 25th, 2009



Millions of American live with pain. Chronic pain, daily pain, short term severe pain. Of all the medications sold by online pharmacies, by far the most common type is pain relievers. You might think then that online pharmacies are a great source of pain relievers.

Well, did you know the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States (DEA) has busted and close over 5000 online pharmacies? Did you know that many online pharmacies sell counterfeit medication? Did you know it is a federal crime for you to order prescription drugs from outside the United States?

It is true, online pharmacies are a great source of pain relief medication. This article teaches you to order pain medication legally, from within the United States, with a legal prescription. It’s the only way to go!

First, the caveats: You cannot legally order medication from outside the United States, even if you have a prescription. We always hear about the elderly taking buses to Canada to buy cheap medicine. The fact is, as of this writing, this course is illegal. Also, you cannot legally order medicine from a pharmacy without a prescription. Many online pharmacies (including my own) have physicians on staff who review your medication request and write you a prescription if they think it’s safe. In addition, NEVER order narcotics through the mail. Forget codeine, Tylenol #3, oxycontin, demerol, percodan and percocet. You can be charged with a federal crime for buying these substances. Lastly, regardless of the medication you buy, be sure to read the package insert (or a monograph on my web site). Drugs interact with each other and with your body- the package insert will tip you off to potentially dangerous behavior with respect to the medication you ordered.

The following are quick summaries of common pain relief drugs you can order through the Internet with very little risk:

Fioricet (butalbital)

Fioricet is a combination drug. It is made up of acetaminophen, caffeine and butalbital. Acetaminophen is the same medication in Tylenol You know caffeine from coffee (or even your favorite candy bar.) Butalbital is a mild barbiturate. It relaxes you.

Medical Science does not have an explanation for the reason this combination of drugs works so well, but the fact is Fioricet (and its generic form butalbital) is highly effective for tension headache. Presumably, it relaxes the muscles in the head and neck which typically tighten during tension headaches.. This is the top selling drug at our pharmacy month after month- it really helps headaches!

Soma (carisoprodol)

Soma is a muscle relaxant. It acts by blocking electrical signals among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord. Carisoprodol, combined with rest and physical therapy, is prescribed for the short term relief of painful muscle conditions- particularly muscle spasm (where the muscle tightens and does not relax). Most back strains result in muscle spasm, so patients find carisoprodol highly effective in relieving back pain.

Celebrex (celecoxib)

Celebrex is used in the treatment of symptoms of arthritis. This includes joint pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation. The medication does not cure arthritis, but does provide symptomatic relief. It s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and inflammation. The drug works by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins contribute to the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

Ultram (tramadol)

Ultram is used for treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. It binds to the opiod receptors on nerves (the same mechanism used by narcotics), but it has a far lower potential for dependency. It’s the closest medication to a narcotic you can order legally in the US online. It is not a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug) and does not carry the risk of stomach ulceration and internal bleeding which can accompany the use of such medications. It is often prescribed for pain associated with shingles, fibromyalgia and other chronic diseases.

Ulracet

Ultracet is a combination of acetaminophen and tramadol. It is typically prescribed for the short term (up to five days) relief of moderately severe acute pain. It is often prescribed for post-surgical pain or after dental procedures.

The ultram mechanism as described above is very similar to the mechanism employed by narcotics. Acetaminophen of course is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It works by increasing the threshold to pain (i.e. it takes more pain stimulus to cause the sensation of pain). These two drugs work by different mechanisms, and they combine to be more effective than either drug alone.

Pain relief medication can be ordered safely online, but one should exercise appropriate caution before doing so. Specifically, it’s important to determine whether you need to see a physician before ordering pain medication. If you have a sudden onset of pain which is not readily explained, you should consult a physician first. If in doubt, go to the emergency room. If however you are a patient who has been diagnosed, and pain is a recurring problem, you can conveniently order pain medication online- typically at a lower cost than the combined cost of a doctor’s appointment and the medication itself.

Copyright 2005 DeepDiscountPharmacy.net

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Breast Cancer

Thursday, December 24th, 2009



Nutrition and Supplementation

In addition to following the diet and a supplement recommendations listed under the general “Cancer” entry, you would benefit from the consumption of flaxseed oil. The essential fatty acids in this oil have a protective effect against breast cancer. Take 1 tablespoon daily. Use it or extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil on your salad.

Soybeans and soy products contain phytoestrogens that help prevent many forms of cancer. Since they are high in protein, soy products are perfect replacements for meat.

The maitake mushroom kills cancer cells by enhancing the activity of T-helper cells, and studies indicate the mushroom helps control breast cancer. It also minimizes the side effects of chemotherapy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture In China, acupuncture has been used to successfully treat breast cancer in its earliest stage. The thinking is that acupuncture unblocks stagnant chi pathways, allowing vital nutrients to nourish the area while harmful toxins and damaged cells are whisked away.

In a 1987 Russian study, acupuncture waS also shown to lessen radiation-induced nausea and edema in breast cancer patients and to alleviate pain. The same study found that acupuncture improved lymph flow and normalized hemostasis, Another Soviet study followed three women who were confined to their beds with metastatic breast cancer; after undergoing acupuncture treatments, all three patients reported that their pain was gone and their mobility was fully restored,

An Israeli study demonstrated that moxibustion (heated cones or sticks made from the Chinese herb, mugwort, which are used to heat certain acupoints) dramatically improved the post-surgery survival rate of mice that had been injected with breast cancer tumors. Only 40 percent of the mice that received post-op moxibustion treatment died after the surgical removal of the tumor, while the mortality rate for the mice receiving only surgery was 70 percent.

Acupoints that may be manipulated to relieve breast pain include Liver 3, Stomach 18 and 36, Small Intestine 1, Gallbladder 41, and Conception Vessel 17.

Acupressure This modality may be used to improve the flow of chi in breast cancer patients, manage pain, and remedy treatment-related queasiness.

Chinese Herbal Therapy In a study done at Penn State University, a daily dose of garlic was shown to minimize the incidence of breast cancer in mice injected with the carcinogen. In fact, breast cancer affected 90 percent of the rats fed a normal (non-garlic) diet, while only 35 percent of the mice who ate garlic for 2 weeks before and after the injection contracted the disease.

In addition, since Chinese medicine regards bast cancer as resulting from one of three conditions (sluggish chi due to a liver deficiency, dampness due to a malfunctioning spleen, or stagnant toxins throughout the body), various other herbs may be prescribed to counteract any Or all of these conditions. There are many Chinese herb formulations that may be used to minimize the side effects of conventional cancer treatment. Always see a practitioner for a diagnosis first.

Cancer and Hair Loss

Saturday, December 19th, 2009



Not always the easiest topic to discuss with your doctor or stylist. But over 30 million women in the US alone suffer abnormal hair loss due to a variety of different reasons such as chemotherapy or mandy other types of medical conditions.

One of the biggest challenges for a women suffering from hair loss is the acceptance, then the strength to find a resource for answers. It is my hope that this information will guide you to some relief.

Today there are a large number of wig suppliers that are easy to access and shop for on the internet. If you feel more comfortable ordering a wig on line, I’d highly recommend you visit some online wig retailers.

If you are in need of financial assistance or are just finding it tough to get some support you can always refer to the America Cancer Society, for helpful resources.

When choosing a type of wig, you should choose closest to your favorite hair color and style whichever reflects you. Most of the time hair loss is temporary due to chemo or postpartum alopecia, finding the positive in a negative will help you heal physically and spiritually.

Women who lose their hair due to chemo go through an enormous flood of emotions, and losing your hair is just another negative piece of the pie. So finding a great wig will allow you to gain back some self confidence and get you through the rough time. The good news is most of the time your hair will come back thicker and better than before.

If you prefer a more personal wig shopping experience then the best route would be to shop for a local salon that offers wig fittings and service and make an appointment with the hair additions specialist. This service is more readily available now than ever before.

Your first visit may include the stylist measuring your head for the wig, showing you the different type of wigs available, consulting on your comfort and style you prefer. Wigs come in a variety of hair types, styles and price ranges. Shop around and be confident before making your purchase, and remember you have to wear it not them, so love it.

As your hair begins to grow you may then want to venture to extensions, they are the next step to rebuilding your hairstyle, a good qualified hair extension specialist can do amazing things. There a many different types of extensions and techniques of application it varies on the client’s individual needs.

Call your local salon, who offer hair extensions and go in for a consultation, you have nothing to lose and a great head of hair to gain.

Malignant Mesothelioma — The Cancer Of The Mesothelial Cells

Saturday, December 19th, 2009



The diseased defined

Mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart and also produces a special lubricating fluid that allows the internal organs of the body to move around. Malignant Mesothelioma can be defined as the cancer of the mesothelial cells which become abnormal and start dividing without any order. Majority of the mesothelioma patients have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.

Types of malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma or simply Mesothelioma can be divided into 3 main types namely

- Epithelioid

- Sarcomatoid

- Mixed/biphasic

Of these, Epithelioid is the most common (50% to 70% cases) and stands the best chance of recovery. Sarcomatoid type is seen in 7% to 20% cases whereas mixed/biphasic type is seen in 20% to 35% cases.

Approximately,

Know Your Arthritis Treatment Options

Friday, December 18th, 2009



Being diagnosed with some form of arthritis can be alarming, especially if you feel that it will curtail normal lifestyle habits that you have enjoyed for years. However, being diagnosed with the disease doesn’t mean that life they way you know it is over.

There are multiple forms of arthritis treatment options available to people today, as well as much more information about the condition, including causes, medications, and in some cases, preventions. Being diagnosed with arthritis means that adaptation and patience may be required until you find a new stride, one that will protect damaged joints and tissues as well as keeping yourself as active as possible.

Arthritis treatment methods vary according to the type of arthritis you’ve been diagnosed with. In order to diagnose in the first place, your doctor will have to get an x-ray, which will display damaged joints or loss of cartilage. This is only a first step, because while the two most common forms of arthritis, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, are prevalent in society, there are over one hundred different kinds of arthritis to identify and rule out, if necessary.

The more traditional arthritis treatment options for most people are the use of medication, resting the injured or damaged joint, and building stronger muscles and tissues through exercise. Learning how to protect damaged joints is essential to prevent further injury, and to protect other joints in the body as well, which may be working overtime to make up for the loss of strength or range of motion in damaged tissues.

Medications may range from over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines to stronger meds prescribed by your physician. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore joint mobility and use. In some cases, pain and loss of motion in a specific joint may lead to artificial joint replacement, which may provide sufferers with renewed strength and vitality in previously weak extremities.

Dealing with the almost constant aches, throbs, or burning sensations that are caused by arthritis, are not an easy task. Some people feel pain differently, as well as levels of pain. Some physicians may recommend corticosteroid injections, to ease pain and stiffness, and again, depending on each individual, may provide temporary or long lasting results. Pain is an individual and relative aspect of arthritis treatment and your doctor will provide you with the safest method to treat your pain.

Straying away from the traditional concept of arthritis treatment, many people are seeking alternate methods of treating arthritis and the pain it causes. Many people suffering from various forms of arthritis find that acupuncture relieves many painful symptoms, while others extol the virtues of massage therapy. Homeopathic supplements and medications are also explored in many cases, including products like fish oil and many different kinds of herbs and herb mixtures.

Only those who suffer from chronic arthritis pain understand the need to find relief so that daily lifestyle habits and desires can be continued. Some scoff at the use of home remedies, while others find such treatment options the only way to provide adequate pain relief. When it comes to finding the right arthritis treatment that will work best for your type of arthritis and your lifestyle, work with your doctor to find the best and safest treatment method that will allow you to continue living with gusto.

Selenium As a Remedy to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009



If you want to prevent prostate cancer when you are older, then you need to do something: read this article. You need to start doing something about prostate cancer and that is to know more about selenium as a way to avoid this cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the top 3 leading causes of death among men in Asia and one of the top 10 around the world. Prostate cancer can be prevented with the right remedy and healthy lifestyle.

In truth, there are always cells in our bodies that are possibly cancerous. The only thing why they cannot do damage is that they do not multiply uncontrollably to result in a disease.

But cancer is more dangerous as we age because the body cannot fight these cells and they begin to spread at a faster rate. And the reason for that is because the free radicals accumulate with age. This is a reason enough to make you want to start early and prevent damage that can probably be the cause of the cancer.

Take selenium. This is your secret remedy in fighting against this type of cancer. Even researchers agree that this mineral seeks out free radicals even before they have the chance to attack the prostate cells.

As verified by many clinical studies, scientists have determined that taking 200 micrograms of selenium every day can lower your risk of cancer of the prostate by up to 49 percent.

Do not allow yourself to be caught by prostate cancer because its signs only show during the later stages of the cancer. Be healthy and take selenium every day. You will save your health and save your sexuality too.