Author Archive
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (mucous membrane lining the anterior sclera and the inner surfaces of the eyelids) that appears in a wide variety of disorders, including allergy.
Allergic inflammation of the ocular surface (the edge of the eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea) is one of the most common eye diseases, mainly observed in industrialized countries.
In its mildest form, the conjunctiva becomes inflamed in response to an allergen transient or persistent and produces troublesome symptoms but do not threaten vision. In its most severe are conditions such as vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis which can be complicated and cause blindness if it affects the cornea.
The eye is a frequent target of the inflammatory response of local hypersensitivity reactions and systemic. Ocular inflammation resulting from immune responses is intense due to the high vascularity and the sensitivity of the
vessels of the conjunctiva that are embedded in a transparent medium. The eye and surrounding tissues are likewise affected by a variety of immunologically mediated disorders.
In the last ten years has made rapid progress in understanding the pathophysiology of allergic diseases. New concepts of allergic sensitization, The differentiation and IgE production were described thinking of allergic respiratory diseases, but can be applied to allergic eye diseases.
Revisions to Detect Cancer
The odds of detecting cancer before it spreads increase if regularly performs certain tests for detection and analysis. Many cancers can be treated more easily when found early. The analysis is done and the frequency with which they are performed on your age, medical history and risk factors like family history and lifestyle.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer after lung cancer deaths. But colorectal cancer is detected early, can be treated.
The men and older women are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than younger people. From age 50, you should get regular colorectal cancer analysis.
Tell your doctor if you have polyps or if any of your family has had colorectal cancer, cancer breast or ovarian cancer or uterine cancer. If so, you may need to be performed more frequently analysis and when younger. There are several effective analysis, used individually or together, for colorectal cancer screening. Each has its advantages and disadvantages
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer, talk to your doctor about whether you should take medication to reduce their risk. Although the preventive drugs may reduce the risk in some women, too can cause blood clots and uterine cancer.
Women age 50 and older have increased risk of breast cancer than women younger. If your sister or mother affected by breast cancer, your risk is even greater. Get a mammogram every year or two, can help detect the disease early,
when it is easier to control. Mammograms have some risks. You may not find all types of cancer breast may also show that you have a cancer that has not really. These results false positive may lead to unnecessary biopsies.
Cervical Cancer
All women who are or have been sexually active are at risk of developing cervical cancer, unless it has been completely removed the uterus. Most deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented if discovered and treated early. To detect cervical cancer using Pap smears.
Women need to get a Pap smear at least every 3 years, and women more risk of developing this cancer in need more often.
A woman has an increased risk of developing cervical cancer if:
- Has had an STD.
- Has had more than one sexual partner.
- Has had previously abnormal Pap smears.
Your doctor may suggest that longer done Pap analysis if:
- Are older than 65 years, has previously had normal results of Pap tests and no increased risk for other reasons.
- Has had a hysterectomy.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is more common in men over 50 years. It may also have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer if your father or brother had prostate cancer.
The analysis, like the PSA test (prostate specific antigen) blood test or a digital rectal examination can help detect prostate cancer, but these tests also carry risks. Sometimes produce false positive results, which can lead to suffering
avoidable anxiety and unnecessary biopsies and treatments. It remains unclear whether these tests save lives.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancer of the lips, tongue, pharynx and mouth. Most oral cancers occur in people over 40 who smoke or drink alcohol.
People who are long exposed to sunlight are at risk of developing cancer of the lips. You can help prevent oral cancer if you stop smoking and abusing alcohol. If you spend a lot time outside, use sunscreen on the lips. If you smoke or abuse alcohol snuff, you should have your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer during your regular dental checkups. You should also visit your dentist more often.
Surgical Procedure for Hiatal Hernia
There are two types: open and laparoscopic surgery, the latter being used more frequently, particularly if the patient has access to resources or health insurance with appropriate coverage.
The preferential path for the cases of esophagitis or uncomplicated hiatal hernias secondary to-and also for most traumatic recurrent hernias and hernias is the way old-abdominal incisional xifoumbilical median.
The technique, generally manages to get into the abdomen and with relative ease, not only to the stomach in hiatal hernias, but also to other organs that have migrated into the chest in hernias of the diaphragm.
To abdominal also allows you to treat other conditions often coexisting with hiatal hernias (peptic ulcer, gallstones, etc.). Stenosis in patients with long or very high indicating the opening of the chest cavity to be secure in the dissection and release of the thoracic esophagus, generally, is set firmly adherent to local structures.
The surgery is aimed more gastroesophageal reflux than the correction of hernias, so that all existing surgical techniques to treat hiatal hernias cause reflux, have as main fixing point 3 to 5 centimeters of the esophagus in the abdomen.
This is replenished in their normal lower esophageal sphincter, which antireflux action is facilitated by synergistic action of intra-abdominal pressure on the abdominal esophagus.
Thus, the gap widened to a diameter is reduced according to the dimensions of the esophagus, without pressing too much.
Experts cite a discussion about whether or not it is indispensable crurorrafia (when you leave a space equivalent to a pulp of finger between the esophagus and closure of the pillars) are in favor of it, therefore it is not yet major surgery, if well done helps to hinder the return of the stomach into the chest.
They consider it essential in this type of surgery, the reaction of an antireflux valve mechanism at the cardia. This can be achieved by single or double suture, between the fundus and the left side of the abdominal esophagus, or covering, like a necklace, the abdominal esophagus made by the fundus.
This coverage can be complete, as recommended by Nissen and Rossetti; or partial freeing of the anterior part of the esophagus and should have a length of 3 to 4 inches. “To not be too narrow the esophagus to the stomach, it is advisable to suture on a large-bore gastric tube or Foch, which may prevent this complication.
The antireflux mechanism can also be obtained by fixing the cardia to the arcuate ligament of the diaphragm. With these procedures are remakes the acute angle between the esophagus and stomach or ‘fistuliza’ penetration of the esophagus into the stomach. “Moreover, the volume created by the aforementioned Embracing esophagi difficult to return the abdomen to the thorax.
Laparoscopic intervention requires general anesthesia and takes between 3 to 4 hours. If developed without serious inconvenience, the patient can get up and go high even a day after surgery, returning relatively quickly to normal activities.
What You Need to Know about Caffeine?
There in the general population myths about caffeine, of which some are true, but many others, fortunately, are not:
“A coffee after a meal aids digestion”
Caffeine stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juices and helps digestion, but there is something more interesting: the consumption of coffee reduces the appearance of gallstones, according to a study released in June 1999 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
According to researchers at Harvard University, adults who drink two to three cups of caffeinated coffee are 40 percent less likely to suffer from that ailment. It appears that caffeine can prevent crystallization of cholesterol, the main component of gallstones. However, specialists have refused to recommend increasing coffee consumption because of the negative consequences that may have on other aspects of health.
“Caffeine interferes with the activity of drugs”
Some compounds, such as contraceptives and drugs for the heart or ulcers, reduce the body’s ability to eliminate caffeine by the kidneys, this can cause insomnia, irritability and palpitations. Caffeine reduces the sedative effect of certain tranquilizers and, if taken with certain antidepressants, can cause a serious crisis of hypertension and heart rhythm disturbances.
“Parents should stop their children drink coffee”
According to the statement by Dr. Judith Rapoport, chief of child psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S., almost any child reacts adversely with lots of caffeine consumed so typical. She advises parents “to apply common sense to give their children normal servings of caffeinated foods and beverages, including soft drinks and tea,” and adds: “I remain skeptical of any statement to the effect that caffeine causes hyperactivity in children, based on our own research and the weight of scientific evidence. ”
“Expectant mothers can not consume caffeine
Research indicates that moderate consumption does not cause adverse health effects for pregnant women, and does not affect fertility. Dr. James Mills, chief of pediatric epidemiology section at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development U.S., says: “We have a large database on caffeine in pregnancy from different studies.
Overall, the data reinforce the safety of moderate consumption of caffeine during pregnancy. ” In the case of pregnant women who wish to consume foods and drinks containing it, Mills recommends 300 milligrams daily as a safe level of caffeine, the amount in three to five cups of coffee or more cans of soda.
“Caffeine causes disease in the breast”
Both the Council on Scientific Affairs American Medical Association and the NCI (National Cancer Institute) concluded that there is no relationship between caffeine intake and fibrocystic breast disease -benign disease presenting as lumps, so says Dr. Laurie Green, Gynecological Pacific Medical Center in California.
“Caffeine is dangerous as drugs become addicted”
While cocaine and heroin are highly addictive drugs and cause serious health effects in the social and psychological level there is evidence to suggest that caffeine leads to similar results, says Dr. Charles O’Brien, chief of psychiatry at the Center Veterans Administration Medical and professor of psychiatry at the Medical Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania.
In the strict medical sense, the “addiction” to caffeine would consume in an abusive way. Once people reach their normal daily level of caffeine, usually do not want to eat more, and almost nobody has problems when it reduces its consumption in the course of several days rather than all at once, says O ` Brien.
“Caffeine raises blood pressure and damages the heart”
It has been shown that moderate intake is an increase in tension, but for a short period, and that does not increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. But according to a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, caffeine, along with stress raise blood pressure and those with hypertension experience greater risk. Like any stimulating substance, which must not be abused, resulting in a state of hyperactivity body at all levels, including cardiovascular, by the secretion of catecholamines.
Adverse effects of caffeine
Excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to dependence, although withdrawal symptoms much milder than in other cases, headache, irritability and pathological sleepiness. At high doses produce arousal, anxiety and insomnia, tremor, increased overall sensitivity and diminished reflexes. It can also cause gastritis by stimulation of gastric secretion.
In the sport is considered a restricted substance, ie that they are allowed provided they do not reach a concentration in the urine of 12 micrograms per milliliter. As this data may say little, you should know that two coffees at a time or taken a row virtually produce this level of caffeine in urine up to two or three hours after ingestion. Exceeding these values is considered doping, because it improves physical performance.
Caffeine is found in many influenza prepared in association with other drugs. It can be used in the treatment of migraine because it produces vasoconstriction in pericranial vessels dilated.
Given the varied and extremely powerful effects of caffeine, and its extensive use in all social strata, may someday be considered the more general restriction of its use as a home to preventive health care. Indeed, increase public education to aid recognition of substances frequently consumed and socially accepted as tea, coffee, alcohol and recreational drugs snuff contain important to help the public distinguish between the types and patterns of consumption.
Healthy Eating Habits
Eating well does not mean going on a diet or regimen and again. In fact, studies have shown that dieting often does not work, and dieting may have a rebound effect, since many people, when you stop dieting, gained even more weight than they did before dieting .
One of the reasons that diets do not work is because urge to think that food is “good” and “bad,” when the truth is that everything is good if taken in moderation. Moreover in most weight loss diets should stop eating certain foods, which favors the cravings of food in particular. And many diets and regimes in the body cause shortages of important nutrients.
Young people should follow a varied diet, and there is nothing wrong with allowing a rich delicacy of flavor but little nutritional occasionally. For example, a candy bar tastes more special if we take us occasionally if we do it every day.
The best way to maintain a healthy weight (or lose weight if necessary) is to make healthy choices as regards food every day. For some, this will involve changing the culture as far as food is concerned. Instead of thinking about food in emotional terms (eg as a reward for having taken good note on a test or a way of coping with stress), sailing as it is-a practical way to fuel your body.
Here are 10 tips to make healthy eating a part of your life:
- Replace soft drinks, fruit juices and sports drinks that are rich in sugar water, skimmed milk or unsweetened drinks.
- It takes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. The fiber will satisfy you and get the nutrients and flavors that your body needs to feel satisfied.
- Eat foods from all groups. Apart from fruit and vegetables, including whole grains and lean protein at every meal.
- When eating at a fast food establishment, make healthy choices whenever possible. Choose a hamburger sandwich (single floor) instead of one huge (several floors) and Pair it with a salad instead of chips. Always choose normal rations – super or not oversize! And even better: avoid fast-food establishments whenever possible.
- Always have healthy foods on hand. If your kitchen is always full of healthy foods such as celery, raisins or peanut butter, you will have many fewer opportunities to throw on a package of pasta (You may have to teach your parents a thing or two about food to make sure you buy good things!)
- Bring your own snacks from home to avoid falling into the temptation to use food vending machines or from going into a supermarket. Try to take carrot sticks, pieces of fruit or muesli done for you instead of a packet of biscuits, a bag of chips or other industrially produced food, which are usually loaded with fat and calories.
- Eat when you’re hungry. If you are tempted to snack out of boredom, try to find another way to occupy their time.
- Healthy breakfast every day.
- Do not take main meals or snacks watching TV because you probably end up eating more than you need.
- Look at the size of the portions. If a portion is too large, partial in half and let the other half for later or share it with a friend.
Use your creativity to find ways to introduce even regular exercise and healthy eating into your life in a way that works for you you. We are all different. Perhaps your best friend prefers to join a gym to you while you spend infinitely better in the park playing Frisbee with your dog. If you’re having fun, everything will be much easier!
Tips to Protect yourself from West Nile Virus
The way that suck blood, mosquitoes are excellent candidates for the prize at the world more annoying insect. While most mosquitoes are merely annoying, a small percentage can carry diseases like West Nile virus. In recent years, they found cases of West Nile virus in animals and humans in most parts of the United States.
West Nile virus is found more frequently in some parts of the world-Africa, West Asia and Middle East – but probably was first broadcast in the United States in 1999. The virus reaches humans through mosquitoes that probably became infected by feeding on animals carrying the virus.
The virus is not spread from person to person. Only spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Although pets can also become infected with West Nile virus can not pass to humans.
Healthy people are less likely to develop severe illness by the West Nile virus, but is likely to run the same risk of contracting the virus than any other person bitten by a mosquito. If infected, many of them have few or no symptoms. A small number of people may experience symptoms similar to influenza (such as fever and body aches), but usually recovers quickly.
A small number of people infected with West Nile virus (usually elderly and those with immune system problems, such as HIV / AIDS or certain cancers) are at greater risk of developing a more severe form of infection , called encephalitis. Encephalitis is the medical term for the inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the brain.
Encephalitis is a serious infection that can cause long-term illness, brain damage and permanent disability, and in exceptional cases, even death. Generally, symptoms begin between three and fifteen days after a person has been infected. Severe infection leads to encephalitis which causes symptoms like these:
- High fever
- Very stiff neck and back (can not bend the neck)
- Severe headache
- Confusion or disorientation
- Muscle weakness
- Convulsions or seizures
If you think you have symptoms of encephalitis, you should immediately consult a doctor so that you can make a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
The good news is that, even in areas where mosquitoes are more likely to transmit the virus, it is highly unlikely that a person will contract the disease by the bite of a mosquito. Only 1% of mosquitoes from an area affected by West Nile virus are actually infected with the virus. And less than 1% of people who become infected with West Nile virus develop severe illness.
Tips to protect yourself
Although mosquitoes are rarely more than a nuisance, it is always a good idea to protect yourself from these warm weather pests. This is especially important if you live in an area that has been detected West Nile virus. Take the following precautions:
- Do not stay near ponds or other accumulations of stagnant water such as storm drains or sinks, are a common breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Use an insect repellent that contains 10 to 30% DEET (NN-diethyl-meta-toluamide). For best results, read the instructions carefully and apply it.
- Limits the amount of time spent outdoors at dusk, dawn or at night when mosquitoes are most active. If you’re going to be outdoors, use long sleeved shirts and long pants to cover skin.
- If you find a dead bird, do not touch or try to move it. Tell your parents so they can contact the local health department immediately.
Relationship Between Bone Loss and Celiac Disease
There are many people today suffer from gluten intolerance (Celiac disease or Celiac Sprue), the protein that is found mainly in wheat. It then produces damage to the villi of the small intestine, which play a role in digestion. When these hairs are inflamed and damaged, can not absorb food properly, with consequent diarrhea and malnutrition.
People with this type of intolerance may be more susceptible to osteoporosis because their own immune system to attack the bone, according to a new study.
Osteoporosis is known to be a risk to suffer gluten intolerance to a certain failure to absorb calcium and vitamin D. But a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that these patients produce antibodies which attack a key protein that help maintain healthy bones.
The good news is that according to the researchers, this would be easy to treat with drugs that prevent bone loss. This could also explain why people with osteoporosis with digestive problems, would not respond well to calcium and vitamin D.
Apparently researchers have found a protein called osteoprotegerin, which would be the key between celiac disease and osteoporosis.
It is therefore important that people who suffer from this condition care by limiting their food consumption of wheat, oats and rye and foods prepared with these inputs.
Check also the state of bone densitometry in a regularly could help, exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Swine Flu: Free Vaccination for Poor Countries
The World Health Organization (WHO) will distribute millions of free doses of swine flu vaccine in some of the world’s poorest countries.
About a hundred developing countries receive such international donations.
The specific list of countries will be announced soon, he explained on Monday October 12th, 2009, Marie-Paule Kieny, director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research, WHO.
According Kieny, a first wave would be distributed in November 2009 and would be about 60 million doses. Be enough to vaccinate at 2% of the population of these countries. The next goal is to reach 10%.
The idea is to immunize first-sector workers in health that are most exposed to the virus of influenza.
Then vaccinate other susceptible groups such as pregnant women and people with certain chronic diseases.
Given the controversy in the richest countries, where much of the population is afraid to be vaccinated, Kieny said that a single dose is sufficient to prevent disease and repeated that there is no reason to doubt the effectiveness of the vaccine.
In this regard Juan Ortín, virologist flu virus expert at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) in Spain, had told BBC News that “there is reason to believe that this vaccine is less secure” than that of seasonal flu.
Donations
The doses were donated by pharmaceutical companies and a group of developed countries, led by the United States, announced they will deliver to the poorest 10% of its stockpile of vaccines.
Sanofi-Aventis, the largest producer of flu vaccines in the world, and GlaxoSmithKline donate 150 million doses, while a third manufacturer, Medimmune, delivered a still unspecified.
Kieny said that global production of vaccines against H1N1 influenza may be greater than estimated in the latest forecast, but gave no figures.
In September 2009, the WHO had cut its forecasts to 3000 million doses per year, when previously had said he would produce 5,000 million.
Treatments for Cellulite
Should be chosen formulations containing active ingredients which act on the 3 components involved in the development of cellulite: the microcirculation, fat and connective tissue.
Products used for treatment of cellulitis are made out of various herbal extracts and other active substances, including some vitamins.
For the most part, contain:
• Centella asiatica (Hydrocotyle asiatica): it acts by protecting the vascular tissue. Stimulates the biosynthesis of collagen.
• Ginkgo biloba: has a high concentration of antioxidants and stimulating circulation.
• Fucus vesiculosus: a seaweed is rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It has iodine, the effect on metabolism makes it advisable in cellulite treatments. Activates the metabolism of cells and thus helps to remove accumulated toxic elements.
• Retinol: is the active form of vitamin A that stimulates cellular activity.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which acts by protecting cellular structures.
• Ruscus aculeatus: the root contains one active ingredient, ruscogenine, which has venotonic action, activates microcirculation and facilitates lymphatic drainage and circulation.
• Ivy (Hedera helix) has analgesic properties and lipolytic, supports irrigation and vascular and lymphatic drainage.
• Aloe vera: healing is an antiinflammatory agent, regenerating the skin tissue.
• Caffeine: active lipolysis, mobilizing stored fat.
• Cupalina: guarana extract rich in caffeine, stimulates fatty output.
• L-carnitine: lipolytic properties, helps burn fatty.
• Salicylic Acid: prevents the entry of glucose into the fatty tissue.
• Escin: favors lipolysis.
• Glycerin-silicone oil: moisturizes the skin.
• Thermal water: rich in minerals and trace elements with soothing properties, anti-irritants and decongestant.
• Bioactive a / Y: lipid-lowering system comprising the bioactive ae Y acts directly blocking NPY receptors and a2 (which are primarily responsible for fat storage), thus enhancing the continuous disposal. A decrease in the thickness of adipose tissue and a tonic that gives more firmness to the skin. Reduce the orange peel appearance.
The anti-cellulite products on the market are presented in oral dosage forms (tablets, capsules) and topical (creams, gels and emulsions).
• Centella asiatica. Cream.
• Centella asiatica-birch-Seaweed-Fucus-Ivy-Vine Melilot-red. Gel.
• Centella asiatica sesame-oil-Buckeye Cohosh Ginkgo biloba-Hedera helix-Urtica dioica Ilex paraguayensis. Gel.
• Centella asiatica-Allantoin-Hedera helix-Vitamin A-Vitamin E. Cream.
• Centella asiatica-Seaweed. Cream and gel.
• Centella asiatica-Seaweed-Aloe vera-Caffeine Hedera helix-L-carnitine Vitamin E. Foam.
• Centella asiatica-Seaweed-Equisetum arvense. Cream and gel.
• Centella asiatica, Hamamelis-Seaweed. Emulsion and soap.
• Centella asiatica-Seaweed-Hedera helix. Cream gel.
• Centella asiatica-Seaweed-Hedera helix-Vitamin E. Cream.
• Centella asiatica-Seaweed-Vitamin E. Cream.
• Centella asiatica-Aloe vera-Caffeine-Ivy. Cream.
• Centella asiatica-turned-vegetable extracts Hedera helix-Principle thermo-Vareque vesicular-Vitamin E. Emulsion.
• Centella asiatica, Vitamin A, Vitamin E. Cream.
• Soybean oil-Algae-Chamomile-Collagen-Fucus vesiculosus-Hedera helix-Vitamin A-Vitamin D, Vitamin E. Cream.
• Bioactive to / Y. Emulsion.
• Caffeine. Emulsion.
• Caffeine-silicone oil-salicylic acid-water thermal-Escin-Ginkgo biloba-Glycerin-Sales routine. Gel.
• Caffeine-carnitine-coenzyme A-vegetable substances. Foam.
• Caffeine-Retinol, Ruscus aculeatus. Emulsion.
• Ginkgo biloba-Hava-ivy-Melilotus tonka. Patches.
• Ginkgo biloba-Hava-Melilotus tonka. Patches.
• Retinol. Emulsion.
• Retinol-Mucopolisacaridasas. Cream.
Importantly, the efficacy of these products are not based solely on their actions but also their continued use. In order to see satisfactory results, ie an improvement in skin appearance, you should continue treatment for at least 2 months.