Health News Blog provides coverage of current health news.

ISD AND THE MIND: YOUR SEXUAL HISTORY – NOT GETTING WHAT TURNS YOU ON—AND NOT WANTING TO

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:19:51 +0000

Denying or suppressing a sexual preference because you or your partner cannot accept it is yet another remote cause of ISD. We see it in men who get sexually aroused by dressing in women’s clothing or by wearing a specific piece of their clothing—such as pantyhose, dresses, or silky undergarments. Problems arise when these men cannot, or find it very difficult to, become aroused without cross-dressing, but their partners are repulsed by the practice and forbid it. This can also occur in people who practice so-called deviant sexual behaviors. These individuals are sexually apathetic unless the activity or partner is “different” or forbidden (and sometimes illegal), or the partner acts in very specific ways. And it plays a part in some cases of situational ISD where—like Ed, who feels no desire for his wife but plenty for women half his age—someone has mutually exclusive categories for “sex objects” and “love objects.”

While homosexuality is not a sexual deviation, for some people it is a problem. Like Bobby, some men and women don’t accept their own sexuality. Determined to change or deny their true sexual preference, they may “flee” to heterosexuality. They may enter a heterosexual relationship and even get married, doing their best to function sexually. Since one of the most fundamental elements of their sexual scripts—whom they find sexually attractive—is being ignored, they derive less satisfaction from sexual activity and often lose interest in it. In other cases, like Bobby’s, the sexual preference is blocked completely from consciousness, and in the process all sexual urges may be blocked as well.

Regardless of your sexual preference or marital status, if you have ISD as a result of any of the immediate or remote psychological issues we have discussed in this chapter, your relationships will suffer because of it. It is time to explain what that means and to take a closer look at perhaps the most important connections of all—the connections among ISD, intimacy, and relationships.

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REDUCING YOUR RISK OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: EATING FOR BETTER HEALTH – EAT FIVE OR MORE SERVINGS OF VARIOUS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EVERY DAY

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:08:39 +0000

What do fruits and vegetables have to do with heart disease? Most fruits and vegetables are low in fat and contain no cholesterol. Depending on how they are prepared, most fruits and vegetables are also low in sodium calories, which is an important factor if you are trying to control your blood pressure or weight.

Eating more fruits and vegetable in place of foods that have more fat and calories is a relatively easy way to improve your diet without cutting back on the amount you eat. You will learn to enjoy the natural flavors, and the increased fiber in your diet will have added health benefits. Steam vegetables or cook them in a microwave oven with a small amount of water. This method will help preserve natural flavors so butter or sauces are not necessary. Experiment with different spices, herbs, and flavored vinegars to add pizzazz to vegetables.

Many vegetables are good to eat raw. Keep celery, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and other raw vegetables ready to eat in your refrigerator when the urge to snack attacks. Remember not to smother them with dips that may contain a lot of fat. Commercial low-fat dips are available or make your own with low-fat yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese mixed with various flavorings.

Fruits are another good snack food. They are rich in nutrients and high in fiber. Consider using fruit as a naturally sweet dessert. There is one precaution, however. Some people with high triglycerides may not be able to eat all the fruit they want because of its natural sugar content.

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DEVELOPMENT OF BABY IN WOMB: MONTHS 6-9

admin — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:13:25 +0000

Sixth Month As mother and the unborn child enter the sixth month the hair is starting to grow longer and the eyelashes and eyebrows are now formed. If baby is born at this time it could live but the lungs are not yet fully formed and the fetus might die. Modern medicine has, however, made great advances in the treatment and management of premature infants and the chances now for survival are improving all the time. Baby now weighs about 0.5 kg (1.10 pounds) and is approximately 32 cm (13 inches) in length.

Seventh Month Mother and the unborn child are now entering the seventh month (28 weeks). Baby could weigh as much as 0.9 kgs (2 pounds) and have attained a length of 38 cm (14.5 inches). The nails now break through the thin covering that protects them and the membrane that has covered the eyes over the past six months starts to disappear. As body fat increases the skin starts to smooth out and the unborn child resembles a full term child. If baby is born at this time then the chances of survival are much better.

Eight Month In the eighth month (32 weeks) the fetal weight increases along with length. Baby is now approaching 42 cm (16 inches) in length. Kicking and movement can be felt and the father usually receives a number of kicks from the baby in bed. A foot or arm can also be seen pushing against the mother’s stomach from time to time. This is another exciting time as the parents realize more fully that in a few weeks a new life will arrive.

Ninth Month The ninth month (36 weeks) arrives, and it is at this time the mother feels the most uncomfortable, as it is during this month that the fetus moves into position in readiness for the birth. The fine hair that covered the entire body of the fetus has almost gone and the nails have reached the end of the fingers and toes. The unborn child’s head bones are soft and easily moulded into the shape of the mother’s pelvis. Baby’s weight is now approximately 2.7 kg (5.5 pounds) with a length of 49 cm (18 inches).

The exercises that have been learned during the prenatal classes now become more difficult. It is important to keep them up. For those who did not attend prenatal classes, turn to the exercise section. Some of the important exercises are explained there. The father should also take an active interest and help with these exercises. Remember that it takes two to make a baby and it is important he be involved in everything.

Full term Finally the tenth month (40 weeks), full term and the baby is fully developed and ready to enter the world. This is the time when the suitcases are packed and everybody jumps at the first sign of any pains. Baby is now approximately 55 cm (21.5 inches) in length.

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BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: IMPATIENS REMEDY – MR. S. SINGH’S CASE

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:01:44 +0000

Mr. S. Singh was a very smart, able, and hard-working person with great intuition. He could hardly wait to listen to a full sentence from another’s mouth, took the words from his mouth to complete the sentence. He was unusually fast in all his actions, and could not tolerate slow or normal speed of the other person. He would snatch a piece of work from a worker’s hand to complete the job faster. He was hasty even when it was not necessary to finish the work with speed.

Once hurrying to office, he very hastily crossed the road without caring for the fast traffic, and fractured his leg in an accident. In the hospital the fractured part was put under plaster and he was advised to come after 6 weeks for re-examination and re-plaster if necessary.

It was a torture for him to wait for months in order to get well. He had heard that Homoeopathy could assist in hastening up the process of uniting broken bones. A course of Calcaria Phos and Symphytum reunited the fractured bone in the X-ray plate after 6 weeks, but he was given ‘Impatiens’ remedy three times a day from the very start of homoeopathic treatment and it was continued for 10 weeks to change his impatient nature. It removed the inner restlessness and mental tension during his forced rest, and removed the bane of unnecessary haste from his temperament, while keeping his other good qualities intact.

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HOW LONG DO SEIZURES NEED TO BE TREATED? WHAT IS THE BEST THAT CAN HAPPEN IF MY CHILD CONTINUES TAKING THE MEDICATION? ARE THERE ANY SITUATIONS WHERE YOU WOULD DISCOURAGE SOMEONE FROM DISCONTINUING MEDICINE?

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:51:29 +0000

“What is the best that can happen if my child continues taking the medication?”

The best that can happen if medication is continued is that your child will be no worse off than he is now. He may also not be as fearful if he is taking medication, even though he is constantly reminded that another seizure may recur. But, unless he takes medication forever, at some time in his life he will need to face this worry. If the decision is to stop medication, you and he should choose the time at which this concern will have the least impact. For example: you might want to discontinue medication at a convenient time during the summer when school is out.

“Are there any situations where you would discourage someone from discontinuing medicine?”

Yes. We would recommend continuing medication for the child whose EEG is severely abnormal, where the chance of recurrence is very high, although if the child and parent were determined to try to discontinue medication we would be supportive. In some of the special forms of epilepsy, such as the juvenile myoclonic epilepsy of Janz, or the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, where the chance of recurrence of seizures is very high, we would suggest continuing medicine. In each case we would make an individual decision, discuss the risks and benefits of alternative courses of action with the parent and child, and help them to reach a sound decision.

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NERVES IN DIABETICS. CHECK FOR NEUROPATHY

admin — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:35:19 +0000

Many newly diagnosed diabetics notice tingling or pins and needles in their hands or feet. This is caused by an alteration of the function of the nerves supplying sensation to the hands or feet and tends to improve when the blood glucose is under control. Sometimes interference with nerve function lasts for longer, or develops several years after the diagnosis of diabetes. This is called neuropathy. Occasionally neuropathy may affect just one nerve or the working of the muscles instead of, or as well as, sensation. After many years of diabetes it is not unusual to have slight numbness of the feet. This is usually not unpleasant or very obvious but it means that you may not e aware of small rubs or cuts on your feet. If you do have numb feet you should get into the habit of looking at your feet every day so that you discover any small injuries and can protect them. Do not walk barefoot and ensure that your shoes cannot possibly rub.

Check for neuropathy

You can find out if your feet are numb by yourself, but your doctor can make more detailed checks. It is important that sensation is checked regularly so that small changes can be detected early. Vitamin deficiencies are another cause of neuropathy that can be put right easily. Your doctor will be able to look for these.

As with retinopathy, studies have shown that people with diabetes who have neuropathy have had higher blood glucose levels in the preceding years than those who have not developed this complication. Furthermore, the symptoms of neuropathy may be improved with the return of the blood glucose level to normal. Occasionally a change to insulin treatment, even if your blood glucose control is all right, may produce an improvement in troublesome neuropathic symptoms. We do not fully understand why this works. There are also drugs that can be used to treat tingling or unusual sensations if these become unpleasant.

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NERVES IN DIABETICS. CHECK FOR NEUROPATHY Many newly diagnosed diabetics notice tingling or pins and needles in their hands or feet. This is caused by an alteration of the function of the nerves supplying sensation to the hands or feet and tends to improve when the blood glucose is under control. Sometimes interference with nerve function lasts for longer, or develops several years after the diagnosis of diabetes. This is called neuropathy. Occasionally neuropathy may affect just one nerve or the working of the muscles instead of, or as well as, sensation. After many years of diabetes it is not unusual to have slight numbness of the feet. This is usually not unpleasant or very obvious but it means that you may not e aware of small rubs or cuts on your feet. If you do have numb feet you should get into the habit of looking at your feet every day so that you discover any small injuries and can protect them. Do not walk barefoot and ensure that your shoes cannot possibly rub.
Check for neuropathy You can find out if your feet are numb by yourself, but your doctor can make more detailed checks. It is important that sensation is checked regularly so that small changes can be detected early. Vitamin deficiencies are another cause of neuropathy that can be put right easily. Your doctor will be able to look for these.As with retinopathy, studies have shown that people with diabetes who have neuropathy have had higher blood glucose levels in the preceding years than those who have not developed this complication. Furthermore, the symptoms of neuropathy may be improved with the return of the blood glucose level to normal. Occasionally a change to insulin treatment, even if your blood glucose control is all right, may produce an improvement in troublesome neuropathic symptoms. We do not fully understand why this works. There are also drugs that can be used to treat tingling or unusual sensations if these become unpleasant.
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CHECKING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE WITH SPECIAL DEVICES

admin — Sun, 29 May 2011 15:25:22 +0000

Having your blood pressure checked is quick and painless. It is usually done with a stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer (sphygmo means “pulse”), which consists of an inflatable arm cuff attached to a column of mercury and a gauge. Although newer technologies in monitoring – including wrist and finger cuffs with digital readouts – are becoming more and more popular for home and clinic use, the sphygmomanometer remains the standard.

Here’s how a sphygmomanometer works. The cuff, which is wrapped around the upper arm just above the elbow, is inflated with air to compress the brachial artery, the major artery in the arm. The cuff is first inflated to a pressure that shuts off all of the blood flow through the artery. As the cuff is slowly deflated, the person taking the blood pressure reading listens through a stethoscope placed on the brachial artery for the first audible beat – the sound of blood rushing back into the compressed artery – and notes the number on the gauge. (A computer chip in the electronic versions does this for you.) This indicates the systolic blood pressure, or pressure generated by the heart immediately after it contracts, or beats, and represents the top number of the blood pressure reading.

As pressure from the cuff continues to be released, the beats become stronger and more distinct, then taper off and disappear. The number at which the last beat is audible indicates the diastolic pressure, or the arterial pressure maintained between heartbeats, when the heart is at rest. The combined ratio of systolic over diastolic reveals the relative pressure generated by the heart as it alternately pumps blood through the arteries and rests. The fraction is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), which refers to the amount of mercury displaced by the arterial pressure during the reading. So a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg represents a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80.

A blood pressure reading will indicate one of three states: hypotension (low blood pressure), normotension (normal blood pressure), or hypertension (high blood pressure). Normotension is, of course, the ideal. In fact, it’s one of the best predictors of a long life. Low blood pressure may not be entirely desirable. If the reading indicates hypertension, your health is in danger, and you need to take immediate steps to bring your blood pressure down to healthier levels.

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NECROTIZING FASCIITIS: RISK FACTORS AND CLINICAL PRESENTATION

admin — Thu, 26 May 2011 14:53:01 +0000

Risk Factors

Risk factors for necrotizing fasciitis are numerous and include diabetes meilitus, alcohol abuse, immunosuppression, intravenous drug abuse, peripheral vascular disease, malnutrition, and obesity. However, young, otherwise healthy individuals can also be affected, particularly when the infection is caused by virulent strains of group A strepococci. Some studies have linked prior non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use to the development of necrotizing fasciitis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may attenuate inflammatory signs and delay diagnosis, or possibly affect host immune responses. Therefore, some authors suggest caution or avoidance of these commonly used drugs for patients with soft tissue infections.

Clinical Presentation

Patients usually present acutely with local signs of inflammation: redness, heat, swelling, and marked tenderness. Margins may be indistinct. Fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension are also common signs. In the earlier stages of infection, systemic toxicity and pain classically appear out of proportion to local findings. The subcutaneous tissue may have a “wooden-hard” consistency on palpation, and subcutaneous emphysema and crepitus may be present. The usual disease course results in patches of blue-gray skin that progress to hemorragic cutaneous bullae and necrosis over 3 to 5 days. Localized tenderness progresses to anesthesia secondary to sensory nerve destruction. Circumferential involvement of a limb may lead to compartment syndrome and myonecrosis. Septic shock ensues as exotoxins and bacteria are released into the blood. Metastatic abscesses can occur in distant sites.

In cases of infection due to group A streptococci, the presence of shock and organ failure completes the constellation of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Among cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis may be present in as many as 50%.

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VACCINATIONS AS CAUSES OF CANCER

admin — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:03:08 +0000

According to an eminent naturopath, K. Lakshmana Sarma, vaccinations can cause cancer. He observes that the substances introduced through vaccinations and inoculations “Combine with the molecules of the body-cells”, and so alter their character in a profound and interesting manner. This re-arrangement of the molecules is of a more or less permanent character in many individuals, and in this case, persists for a considerable time. The very common use of vaccinations and inoculations in recent times has a significant bearing upon the increase in the incidence of cancer.

Several European doctors also agree with this view. Dr. W.B. Clark of Indianapolis says, “Cancer was practically unknown until copox vaccination began to be introduced. I have had to do with at least 200 cases of cancer and I never saw a case of cancer in an unvaccinated person.” Another doctor, Dr. E.J. Post of Berlmont, Michigan says, “I have removed cancers from vaccinated arms exactly where the poison was applied”.

According to Medical Voodoo, in more than 100 years of vaccination, in England and Wales, cancer has increased by 92 per cent and the yearly rate of increase is now about 20 per cent of the total death rate in 1938. Dr. Wm. Lautie, late Medical Director of Metropolitan Cancer Hospital of London said “I am thoroughly convinced that persistent vaccination is an important contributing cause of cancer increase”.

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ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT TECHNIQUES AND APPROACHES: A WORD OF CAUTION

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:41:00 +0000

One word of caution to the newcomers to the field: alcoholics are sometimes described as notorious “con artists.” They’ve had to be. Anyone who has managed to continue drinking alcoholically in spite of the consequences has learned many sneaky little tricks. These do not disappear with the first prod, push, or pull toward treatment. Habits die hard. The habit of protecting the right to drink (even to death) is a longstanding one for most alcoholics. When he finds that you are probably not going to hand out a simple “three-step way to drink socially,” all the considerable cunning at his command will rise up in defense.

“Gee, you’ve really helped me to see exactly what I have to do. I’ll_______, _______, and ______, and everything will be just fine. Thanks so much. You’ve made my life for me.

“Well, you know, both my parents were alcoholics. I even had a grandfather who was. But you know, I really don’t drink like that at all! It really only started when Johnny had that awful operation, and I spent hours at the hospital, and then my husband was called away to South America, and I needed something to just boost me over those awful times. But my husband’s due home next week, and I’m just sure now that I know all the facts you’ve given me, that I’ll just stop by myself, and everything will be just fine! Thank you so much. You’ve changed my life.

“I can’t imagine why my wife says what she does about my drinking. She must really be down on me, or jealous, or something… After all, I only have a couple of beers with the guys after work…

“Speaking of _______, did you hear about that new research they’ve been doing? You know, the stuff that talks about having a dog helps. I bet if I just get a dog and take something for my nerves (after all, my nerves are the real problem), I’ll be just fine! Etc., etc., etc.

Most alcoholics are far more inventive than these examples show. Add tears, or a charming smile, or bruises from a beating, and you’ve been exposed to quite a smoke screen. If they’re not at the moment falling down, slobbering, throwing up, or slurring their words, it is hard not to believe them. There they sit—full of confidence, hopeful, and very friendly. Experience has shown that at some point, you will either see, hear from, or hear about these people, and their situations will have gone downhill. They don’t know how familiar their stories are—to them, they are unique. They are not lying. They are simply trying to hang on to the only help they feel they have— the bottle. Also, always keep in mind that the purpose of the “con” is not to deceive you. The alcoholic is trying above all to maintain his or her own self-deception. You may be able to help them loosen their grip by not allowing these pat replies to go unchallenged, by giving them something else to grasp.

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