NURSING TUTORIALS

Lose Weight - Fitness Tips

2011-08-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

1. Drink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot of water so give in to water. Water is not just way to flush out toxin but if you have more water in your body you will generally feel healthier and fitter. This it self will discourage any tendency to gorge. The best thing about water is that is has no calories at all.

2. Start your day with a glass of water. As soon as you wake up, gulp down a glass of cool water. It’s a wonderful way to start you day and you only need a lesser quantity of your breakfast drink after that. A glass of water lets out all your digestive juices and sort of lubricates the insides of your body. You may have your morning cup of tea but have it after a glass of water. It is good for you.

3. Drink a glass of water before you start the meal. Water naturally needs some space so that you feel fuller without actually having to stuff yourself.

4. Have another glass of water while you are having the meal. Again this is another great how to lose weight fast super tip and a way of making yourself full, another great weight loss tips, so that you can actually rise from the table eating less but feeling full just the same. Instead of drinking it one gulp, take sips after each morsel. It will help the food to settle faster so that you get that feeling that you are full faster. SIDENOTE: Water is such a remarkable thing, but seldom do we give it the credit that it deserves. Did you know that over 66% of your body weight is nothing but water’ It’s amazing! Water also plays a vital role in weight control, which is why I donated so much space to it, above.

5. Stay away from sweetened bottle drinks, especially sodas. Hey all those colas and fizzy drinks are sweetened with sugar and sugar means calories. The more you can cut out on these sweetened bottle drinks, the better for you. So if you must drink sodas, then stick to diet sodas.

6. Include in your diet things that contain more water like tomatoes and watermelons. These things contain 90 to 95 % water so that there is nothing that you have to lose by feasting on them. They fill you up without adding to the pounds.

7. Eat fresh fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. Juice is often sweetened but fresh fruits have natural sugars. When you eat fruit, you are taking in a lot of fiber, which is needed by the body, and fruits of course are an excellent source of vitamins.

8. If you do have a craving for fruit juice then go for fresh fruit juice instead of these that contain artificial flavors and colors. Or even better, try making your own fruit juice taking care not to sweeten it with too many calories.

9. Choose fresh fruit to processed fruits. Processed and canned fruits do not have as much fiber as fresh fruit and processed and canned fruits are nearly always sweetened.

10. Increase your fiber intake. Like I mentioned, the body needs a lot of fiber. So try to include in your diet as many fruits and vegetables as you can.

11. Go crazy on vegetables. Vegetables are your best bet when it comes to how to lose weight fast. Nature has a terrific spread when it comes to choosing vegetables. And the leafy green vegetables are your best bet. Try to include a salad in you diet always.

12. Eat intelligently. The difference between man and beast is that we are driven by intelligence while beasts are driven by instinct. Don’t just eat something because you feel like eating it. Ask you’re self whether your body really needs it.

13. Watch what you eat. Keep a watchful eye on every thing that goes in. Sometimes the garnishes can richer than the food itself. Accompaniments too can be very rich. Remember that it is the easiest thing in the world to eat something without realizing that it was something that you should not have eaten. Selective memory you know’

14. Control that sweet tooth. Remember that sweet things generally mean more calories. It is natural that we have cravings for sweet things especially chocolates and other confectionary. Take this weight loss tips seriously and go easy on theses things and each time you consume something sweet understand that it is going to add on somewhere.

15. Fix times to have meals and stick to it. Try to have food at fixed times of the day. You can stretch these times by half an hour, but anything more than that is going to affect your eating pattern, the result will either be a loss of appetite or that famished feeling which will make you stuff yourself with more than what is required the next time you eat.

16. Eat only when you are hungry. Bonus how to lose weight fast tips here–> (make sure you are not just thirsty!) Some of us have the tendency to eat whenever we see food. We use parties as an excuse to stuff our selves. Understand that the effect of a whole week of dieting can be wasted by just one day’s party food. Whenever you are offered something to eat do not decline it completely bit just break of a nibble so that you appear to mind your manners and at the same time can watch your diet.

17. Quit snacking in between meals. Do not fall for snacks in between meals. This is especially true for those who have to travel a lot. They feel that the only time they can get a bite to eat is snacks and junk food. The main problem with most snacks and junk food is that they are usually less filling and contain a lot of fat and calories. Just think about French fries tempting but terribly fattening.

18. Snack on vegetables if you must. You might get the pangs of hunger in between meals. It is something that you can very well control. Or even better, try munching on carrots. They are an excellent way to satisfy those hungry pangs and are good for your eyes and teeth. True, you might end up being called Bugs Bunny, but its miles better to be called Bugs Bunny than fatso.

A Review of Yoga Programs for Four Leading Risk Factors of Chronic Diseases Kyeongra Yang

2011-08-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Yoga, a form of physical activity, is rapidly gaining in popularity and has many health benefits.
Yet healthcare providers have been slow to recognize yoga for its ability to improve health
conditions, and few interventions have been developed that take full advantage of its benefits.
The purpose of this article is to review published studies using yoga programs and to determine
the effect of yoga interventions on common risk factors of chronic diseases (overweight,
hypertension, high glucose level and high cholesterol). A systematic search yielded 32 articles
published between 1980 and April 2007. The studies found that yoga interventions are generally
effective in reducing body weight, blood pressure, glucose level and high cholesterol, but only a
few studies examined long-term adherence. Additionally, not enough studies included diverse
populations at high risk for diabetes and its related common health problems.
Keywords: yoga – chronic disease – risk factors – overweight – hypertension – glucose – cholesterol
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and
diabetes are leading causes of death in the US (1).
Common conditions for these chronic diseases are
overweight, high blood pressure (BP), high glucose and
high cholesterol. These conditions are commonly associated
with each other. According to a prospective cohort
study focusing on men (2), there were positive relationships
between body mass index (BMI) and hypertension
incidence. Men with a higher BMI have a higher likelihood
to have diabetes and high cholesterol. Another
study with men and women showed that overweight is
linked to type 2 diabetes (3). Even among patients newly
diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the Hypertension in
Diabetes Study found that 40% had hypertension, and
that hypertension considerably increased mortality in
people with type 2 diabetes (4). Another recent study
found a 79% rate of hypertension in patients who had
received outpatient care for type 2 diabetes for at least
2 years (5). Individuals with impaired glucose tolerance
also are more likely to have risk factors for
cardiovascular disease such as elevated levels of triglycerides
and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and low levels of
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (6).
Promising in this regard is appropriate physical activity
because it can reduce body weight, BP, glucose level and
cholesterol (7,8). Yoga, a form of physical activity
consisting of various postures (Asana) and breathing
and meditation techniques (Pranayama) (9), has been
shown to have therapeutic benefits for individuals with a
wide range of health conditions, including hypertension
(10) and diabetes (11). Yoga also appears to be effective
in reducing stress (12) and improving exercise tolerance
as it is related to cardiovascular response (13).
The number of people practicing yoga in the US
increased significantly between 1997 and 2002 (14).
According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey
(14), 5% of American adults practiced yoga in the month
previous to the study. Yoga also is well received as a
therapeutic intervention; for example, participants in a
yoga intervention for insomnia found that it was easily
learned and performed (15). Despite its popularity and
positive physiologic effects, however, yoga has not been
widely recognized in efforts to prevent and treat major
chronic health conditions. The purpose of this article is to
For reprints and all correspondence: Kyeongra Yang, School of
Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 415 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria
Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. Tel: +412-624-6943; Fax: +412-
383-7293; E-mail: yangk@pitt.edu
2007 The Author(s)
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-nc/2.0/uk/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.
review published studies using yoga practice to determine
the effects of yoga on common health problems, such as
overweight, hypertension, high glucose level and high
cholesterol.
Methods
Articles were retrieved from electronic databases
(CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE and PsychInfo) using yoga
as a keyword. This initial retrieval, performed in April
2007, yielded 2349 articles, of which 861 have been
published since 1980. A search within those 861 articles,
using the keywords overweight, blood pressure, glucose and
cholesterol, identified 56 research articles. After the author
had read the full text of the 56 articles and identified those
that met the purpose of the study, 24 articles were excluded,
mainly because they described outcome variables and
characteristics of yoga that were irrelevant. Poor quality
was not a reason for exclusion, but studies were excluded if
they focused only on meditation or relaxation (Pranayama)
or if they were case studies. This process resulted in a final
total of 32 articles to be reviewed.
The review comprised studies involving yoga interventions
and using an experimental or quasi-experimental
design. In addition, observational studies were included
because they often supply important information beyond
the results of clinical trials (16). Studies that used yoga as a
control, not as an intervention, were included as long as
they provided evidence of the effectiveness of yoga on
variables of interest (overweight, BP, glucose and
cholesterol).
Findings
Of the 32 articles reviewed, 12 described experimental
studies, 18 described quasi-experimental studies and two
described observational studies. Only 2 of the 12 true
experimental studies (17,18) described the randomization
method. Even though risk factors for chronic health
conditions were used as keywords in the search strategy,
many of the studies used healthy adult samples; only half of
the 32 studies actually focused on subjects with diabetes
(19–23), hypertension (10,11,18,24–27), or cardiovascular
disease (28–31). Seven of the studies were conducted in the
US; the others, in India and other countries.
Content of Yoga Programs
Other than duration and frequency, most articles did not
describe the yoga sessions in detail. Only a few articles
(17,20,22,31,32) provided details of the yoga sequences
used. Some listed the names of postures and breathing
techniques. Of the few articles that identified the type
of yoga studied, the most common was Hatha yoga, a
popular form of yoga in the Western world.
The Compendium of Physical Activities, (33) a coding
scheme that classifies physical activity based on energy
expenditure, does not define energy expenditure while
performing various types of yoga. However, Hatha yoga
is classified as a conditioning exercise, in the same
category as stretching, which has a metabolic equivalent
(MET) of 2.5 (1 MET equals the amount of energy used
for resting). A recent study (34) found that when young
adult women (19 to 40-years old) performed a 30-min
session of Hatha yoga, the MET was 2.17. However, if
the session was made more active using Sun Salutations,
a flowing series of physical postures, the MET increased
to 3.74 (SD=0.70).
Frequency and Duration of Yoga Sessions
The total dose of yoga training, which depends on both the
duration and frequency of yoga sessions, also needs to
be considered in evaluating and comparing yoga studies.
The most common duration and frequency of yoga sessions
in the studies were 30–60 min per session and sessions
meeting daily for 4–10 weeks, but many studies used
sessions meeting 2–3 times per week for 8–12 weeks. Some
yoga programs met more frequently than others but for a
shorter time span. For example, in a study by Damodaran
et al. (24), persons with essential hypertension received 1 h
of yoga training daily for 3 months, which is counted as
84 h of training, whereas Ray et al. (32) studied healthy
young adults who received 1 h of yoga training three times a
week for 10 months, for a total of 120 h.
Some findings can be useful in trying to determine
effective durations of yoga sessions. For example, in one
study, 1 h daily yoga practice was associated with significant
reductions in body weight and cholesterol levels
after 4 weeks, and those significant effects lasted for
14 weeks (28). In a study of 20 patients with essential
hypertension, daily 30-min sessions of yoga led to a
decrease in BP by the fifth day (27).
Adherence to the Yoga Program
Any persistent benefits from yoga would rely on long-term
adherence, which was examined in only a few of the
reviewed studies. In some studies, after yoga training,
subjects were asked to continue their programs with daily
home practice (28,35). One of these (35) compared
adherence to yoga practice after a 10-week yoga intervention
between white and black American adults (mean age:
69 years for whites and 70 years for blacks). Although the
dropout rate did not differ significantly (16% for whites,
22% for blacks), the black participants did not engage in
yoga at home as frequently as whites. A different study (36)
found greater compliance with subsequent home practice
among participants in a yoga class that met three times
per week than in those who attended a weekly yoga
class (86% versus 65%, P<0.05). However, found no
488 Yoga
difference in compliance with home practice between
groups engaged in yoga or aerobic exercise (36).
Weight Decreased
According to a retrospective observational study of 15,550
adults aged 53–57 years (37), regular yoga practice for 4 or
more years was significantly associated with weight loss by
overweight participants. Several intervention studies
(10,26,29,31,38–41) also showed that yoga practice was
effective in reducing body weight. After 4-day residential
yoga practice followed by 14 weeks of 1 h daily home
practice, one study (28) found a significant loss in mean
body weight from 72.26 to 70.48 kg among subjects with risk
factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Other studies
found that yoga was associated with significant weight loss
by subjects with CAD (29–31) and subjects without CAD
(30). Manchanda et al. (29) showed a 7% loss of body
weight among adult men with CAD after 1 year of yoga
practice, and in a study by Schmidt and colleagues, healthy
adults lost an average of 5.7 kg after 3 months of yoga
practice (39). All overweight adults studied by Yogendra
et al. reached a normal weight within 1 year after initiating
yoga-based lifestyle modifications (31). However, this
article did not show the effect size of this change.
Blood Glucose Level Lowered
Of the six studies that examined blood glucose, all found
that yoga was effective in reducing blood glucose level
(11,19–22,31). For example, after 4 months of yoga
practice, fasting glucose fell significantly (from 144 to
119 mg dl1, P<0.005) in a group of adults with type 2
diabetes, (19). Another sample of 24 adults with type 2
diabetes had significantly decreased fasting glucose (from
190.1 to 141.5 mg dl1, P<0.001) after 40 consecutive
days of yoga practice, (20). Adults with normal blood
glucose levels (11) also had significantly lower glucose
levels after 3–4 h of yoga practice for 8 days (P<0.001).
BP Decreased
This review found ample evidence that yoga was effective in
reducing BP. In a group of low-income elderly people,
effects on systolic BP did not differ between a yoga class
and an aerobic exercise class, both held three times a week
for 10 weeks (36). However, eight other studies found that
yoga practice was effective in lowering BP in healthy
samples, regardless of the type of yoga (13,32,38–44). Yoga
practice also significantly improved BP among people
with hypertension (10,11,18,24–27), cardiovascular disease
(28–31) or type 2 diabetes (19–23). For example, in 13
patients, aged 41–60 years, with essential hypertension (25),
BP dropped significantly during the third week of a 4-week
yoga program (1 h per day, 6 days per week), and it
fell further after the program. For example, systolic BP
dropped from 141.7 to 127.9mmHg by the third week and
to 120.7mmHg by the fourth week.
Cholesterol Level Improved
The practice of yoga was associated with significant
decreases in cholesterol among subjects with cardiovascular
disease (28,29), hypertension (11) or type 2 diabetes
(19). One study (28) examined a regimen involving 4 days
of a yoga program at a residential course, followed by 1
year of yoga practice at home. In both men with angina and
asymptomatic participants with CAD risk factors, all lipid
variables except HDL decreased beginning the fourth week
of yoga practice (e.g. total cholesterol fell from 206.6 to
193.6 mgdl1), and the level of total cholesterol continued
falling to 176.06 mg dl1 at 14 weeks. A study of subjects at
risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes (11) found
significant improvements (P<0.01) in total cholesterol,
triglycerides, LDL, HDL and very-LDL (VLDL, defined
as total cholesterol minus LDL minus HDL) after shortterm
intensive yoga practice (3–4 h per day for 8 days).
Notably, for subjects whose baseline total cholesterol was
200 mg dl1 or higher, the reduction in triglycerides
(from 151.548.9 to 132.750.5mg dl1, P<0.001)
and VLDL (from 36.713.8 to 30.214.6mg dl1,
P<0.001) was significantly greater than in subjects with
lower baseline total cholesterol (triglycerides falling from
113.646.5 to 110.538.1mg dl1, P>0.05; VLDL from
23.712.8 to 23.212.5mg dl1, P>0.05). Finally, a
study of healthy adults over 40 years old found that 5 years
of yoga practice reduced age-related deterioration in
cardiovascular functions (45). Although the article describing
this observational study did not detail the type of yoga
performed nor the frequency or intensity of the yoga
sessions, the data showed a long-term change indicating the
effectiveness of yoga on cardiovascular functioning.
Four studies used aerobic training as an intervention and
yoga as a control (38,43,46,47). One of these, a study of
healthy active people aged 65 years or older (38), found
that aerobic exercise produced no significant reduction in
weight or BP, whereas 4 weeks of yoga practice did lead to
some reduction in weight or BP (for example, systolic BP
decreased from 146 to 139 mmHg). DiPietro et al. (47)
found no change in glucose and insulin responses in their
yoga control group. However, the yoga control group was
monitored to ensure that pulse rates did not exceed 90 beats
per min during yoga practice (47). Therefore, this restriction
should be considered in interpreting this result.
Discussion
The reviews showed that yoga had beneficial effects on
body weight, BP, blood glucose level and cholesterol level
(Fig. 1). Nonetheless, several shortcomings in research on
eCAM 2007;4(4) 489
this topic need to be addressed, in order for clinical
programs to capitalize on these health benefits.
Of the articles describing interventions, only a few
provided details regarding the yoga programs or the
names and sequence of yoga postures. Asana and
Pranayama provide different types of health benefits, and
therapeutic yoga programs can involve various combinations
of these two components. An optimal comparison of
study results thus requires knowing the combination of
Asana and Pranayama used. The sequence of yoga postures
can be inferred from the list of posture names, but more
straightforward information is essential to future studies
seeking to replicate or generalize the results. A related issue
that remains to be resolved is how to standardize yoga
exercises for research purposes.
The optimal duration and intensity required to maximize
the effectiveness of yoga need to be determined, as does the
need for a booster to provide long-term effects. Because the
MET of yoga is low, increasing the frequency may increase
the benefits. However, these factors cannot be judged
from the reviews studies; many articles did not clearly
identify the dosage of the yoga program studied, and they
focused on the short-term health benefits of yoga. Only a
few studies included follow-up data beyond 6 months.
It also remains to be determined whether more intensive
training, that is, a greater dosage, improves the likelihood
of adopting and maintaining active behavior in the
long run.
The samples in the reviewed studies pose additional
dilemmas. It was not a surprise that a large portion of the
studies were conducted in India, where the philosophy and
practice of yoga originated. However, this focus on one
geographical region, where yoga is particularly ingrained
in the culture, limits the generalizability of results. Few
studies have addressed variables of interest specific to
minorities in the US (Blacks, Hispanics and Asians), which
are populations believed to be more vulnerable to type 2
diabetes (48,49) and physical inactivity (8).
Yoga has beneficial effects on various health conditions.
A large portion of the reviewed studies analyzed the
effects of yoga with healthy samples. There is evidence that
yoga practice was more effective in lowering triglycerides
among people with higher cholesterol than those with a
lower cholesterol level (11). Therefore, it is important to
consider participants’ health conditions because there are
possible differences in the effects of yoga by their health
severity.
Conclusions
Analyses of yoga intervention should be designed and
conducted to identify programs best suited for diverse
populations and for specific populations with high-risk
factors for chronic health conditions. Such studies could
guide the development of more practical and effective
interventions.
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YOGA Glucose level ↓
PRACTICE
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Physiological changes
Figure 1. The possible effects of yoga on behavioral, psychological and
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evidences for physiological changes.
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Received February 23, 2007; accepted September 5, 2007

Yoga – The Benefits

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Yoga’s primary emphasis is upon general well-being. Although yoga has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of conditions, it is not considered a therapy for specific illnesses. Rather, yoga employs a broad holistic approach that focuses on teaching people a new lifestyle, way of thinking, and way of being in the world. In the process, however, it is also found to bring a myriad of healing effects. By attending to practices for improving, regaining or retaining general good health, a person is likely to find that some of his more specific difficulties tend to disappear. Many of the healing effects of yoga is clinically verified. We will look at the healing effects of yoga. However, one of the most important benefit of yoga is its application in relieving stress, fatigue, invigoration and vitality and its anti-aging properties and its application for relaxation therapy.

According to Swami Sivananda, the benefits of pranayama (yogic breathing practices) include:

"The body becomes strong and healthy. Too much fat is reduced. There is luster in the face. Eyes sparkle like diamonds. The practitioner becomes very handsome. Voice becomes sweet and melodious"

Asthma

Studies conducted at yoga institutions in India have reported impressive success in improving asthma. For example, one study of 255 people with asthma found that yoga resulted in improvement or cure in 74 percent of asthma patients. Another study of 114 patients treated over one year by yoga found a 76 percent rate of improvement or cure and that asthma attacks could usually be prevented by yoga methods without resorting to drugs.

Yet another Indian study of 15 people with asthma claims a 93 percent improvement rate over a 9-year period. That study found improvement was linked with improved concentration, and the addition of a meditative procedure made the treatment more effective than simple postures and pranayama. Yoga practice also resulted in greater reduction in anxiety scores than drug therapy. Its authors believe that yoga practice helps patients through enabling them to gain access to their own internal experience and increased self-awareness.

A study of 46 adolescents with asthma found that yoga practice resulted in a significant increase in pulmonary function and exercise capacity and led to fewer symptoms and medications. Patients were given daily training in yoga for 90 minutes in the morning and one hour in the evening for 40 days. Practice included yogic cleansing procedures (kriyas), maintenance of yogic body postures (asanas), and yogic breathing practices (pranayama).

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Respiration Problems - Bronchitis and Emphysema

In an experiment conducted in Western Australia, 22 male patients aged 52 to 65 were selected. They suffered severe breathing problems such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema - that made normal breathing impossible.

Half of the men underwent standard treatment: physiotherapy, that included relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and general workouts to improve stamina.

The other 11 men were given a yoga teacher instead of a physiotherapist. He taught them techniques of yoga breathing, which encouraged the use of all chest and abdominal muscles as well as ten yoga postures.

The patients practiced their particular exercises for nine months. Then they were reexamined at the hospital: a technician tested their lung function, a physician screened them closely to determine how their symptoms had changed, and a stationary exercise bicycle was used to measure their capacity for exercise.

The difference between the two groups was striking. The men who had practiced yoga showed a significant improvement in their ability to exercise, but the physiotherapy group did not. Eight or more out of the 11 patients who underwent yoga declared that they had definitely increased tolerance for exertion and that they recovered more quickly after exertion The physiotherapy group reported no similar improvement.

Best of all, the patients who had studied yoga apparently gained the ability to control their breathing problems. A significantly greater number of patients reported that "with the help of yogic breathing exercises, they could control an attack of severe shortness of breath without having to seek medical help," according to the study.

Doctors analyzing the results from the study postulate that, after the training, the breathing pattern of the patients in the yoga group changed to a slower and deeper cycle, allowing them to tolerate higher work loads. Patients in the physiotherapy group continued in their shallow rapid breathing pattern. This may explain the higher tolerance breathing problems by the yoga group.

Other studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of yoga for patients with respiratory problems.

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High Blood Pressure

The relaxation and exercise components of yoga have a major role to play in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure (hypertension). A combination of biofeedback and yogic breathing and relaxation techniques has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for high blood pressure medication in people suffering from high blood pressure. In 20 patients with high blood pressure who practiced biofeedback and yoga techniques, five were able to stop their blood pressure medication completely, five were able to reduce significantly the amount of medication they were taking, and another four had lower blood pressure than at the beginning of the three-month study.

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Pain Management

Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain's pain center regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain. Because muscles tend to relax when you exhale, lengthening the time of exhalation can help produce relaxation and reduce tension. Awareness of breathing helps to achieve calmer, slower respiration and aid in relaxation and pain management.

Yoga's inclusion of relaxation techniques and meditation can also help reduce pain. Part of the effectiveness of yoga in reducing pain is due to its focus on self-awareness. This self-awareness can have a protective effect and allow for early preventive action.

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Back Pain

Back pain is the most common reason to seek medical attention. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems. A number of components of yoga help to ease back pain:

* Asanas (Postures)-Practicing of postures provides gentle stretching and movements that increase flexibility and help correct bad posture.

* Pranayama (Breathing Exercises) -Breathing patterns can affect the spine in various ways, such as movement of the ribs and changes in pressure within the chest and abdomen. Exhaling can help relax muscles.

* Relaxation and Meditation- Relaxation provides a physiologic antidote to stress. Imaging techniques may also be used. For example, imagining a movement before it is actually performed makes it easier to move the muscles that are being used.

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Self-Awareness

Yoga also strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. This allows people to take early collective action, such as adjusting posture, when discomfort is first noticed.

Patients who study yoga learn to induce relaxation and then can use the technique whenever pain appears. Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression.

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Mental Performance

A common technique used in yoga is breathing through one nostril at a time. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies of the electrical impulses of the brain have shown dial breathing through one nostril results in increased activity on the opposite side of the brain. Some experts suggest that the regular practice of breathing through one nostril may help improve communication between the right and left side of the brain.

Other studies show this increased brain activity is associated with better performance and suggest that yoga can enhance cognitive performance. For example, a study of 23 men found that breathing through one nostril resulted in better performance of tasks associated with the opposite side of the brain.

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Diabetes

A study of 149 persons with non-insulin dependent diabetes found that 104 had lowered blood sugar and needed less oral antidiabetes medication after regularly practicing yoga. Because the patients were placed on a vegetarian diet during the study, however, the effect of yoga practice alone on blood sugar levels cannot be determined.

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Mood Change And Vitality

Mental health and physical energy are difficult to quantify, but virtually everyone who participates in yoga over a period of time reports a positive effect on outlook and energy level. A British study of 71 healthy volunteers aged 21 to 76 found that a 30minute program of yogic stretching and breathing exercises was simple to learn and resulted in a "markedly invigorating" effect on perceptions of both mental and physical energy and improved mood.

The study compared relaxation, Visualization and yoga. It found that the yoga group had a significantly greater increase in perceptions of mental and physical energy and feelings of alertness and enthusiasm than the other groups. Relaxation was found to make people more sleepy and sluggish after a session, and visualization made them more sluggish and less content than those in the yoga group.

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Arthritis

Yoga’s gentle exercises designed to provide relief to needed joints had been found to be very effective in relieving arthritis.

"Exercise has been recommended as treatment for arthritis for a long, long time -about 75 years," says Morris K Bowie, M.D., a rheumatologist at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Pennsylvania. "People were exercising their arthritic joints before yoga was ever introduced into this country. Exercise is very important to try to reestablish a complete range of motion. Of course, that doesn't mean you should induce a long continual strain. We encourage a moderate amount of non-strenuous, non-weight-bearing exercises tailored to the individual's needs. Some yoga postures are not tolerated well, particularly by those past 50."

Yoga’s slow-motion movements and gentle pressures reach deep into troubled joints. In addition, the easy stretches in conjunction with deep breathing exercises relieve the tension that binds up the muscles and further tightens the joints. Yoga is exercise and relaxation rolled into one - the perfect antiarthritis formula.

A major problem in prescribing exercise is in getting the patient to follow through. If an exercise program is painful and too strenuous, it isn’t likely to be continued. An arthritis sufferer probably will be startled at the mere mention of the word "exercise." Yoga eases you into exercise without causing strain or undue pain. Even if you are only able to move an inch and hold a position for five seconds, you are already enhancing your body's flexibility.

Some physicians have long recognized the advantages of yoga like exercises. Dr. Bowie recommends the pendulum, an arm-swinging exercise "devised by an orthopedic surgeon' for bursitis and shoulder stiffness. He also favors deep-breathing exercising for ankylosing spondylitis, an arthritis related condition affecting the joints of the spine.

It is important not to overdo these exercises. It will do more harm than good. Start with a few of the simple stretches. The simple leg pull, the chest expansion exercise, and the knee and thigh stretch are especially beneficial to the joints. If your arthritis is severe, use a modified version of these stretching exercises that suit your needs.

Then try some slow rotation exercises. Head circles performed in the yoga fashion - that is, slowly, with pauses in the forward, side and back positions - will help loosen up a stiff neck. Similarly, ankle rotation will improve arthritis conditions in those joints.

The Flower is a great yoga exercise for arthritic fingers. Whenever you think of it, make a tight fist and hold for five seconds. Then release and stretch your hand open as far as you can for an additional five seconds.

Ready to concentrate on those major problem areas? if your arthritis has come to rest in your spine, limber up that area with the seated spiral twist, the cobra, and the neck and shoulder stretch. Got it in the hips? Then lie down in bed and try some hip rolls.

Take a few days’ rest if the pain gets too intense. Resume again when you're feeling better.

Of course, on days that movement comes easy, don't overdo it. Overworked joints can be as painful as neglected ones. So, no matter how good the exercises feel, don't continue for more than a few minutes at a time. For people with severe arthritis, it's usually better to divide the daily yoga routine into about three or four segments of about five minutes each. Rest periods and deep-breathing exercises interspersed throughout the day's yoga sessions will help relax the muscles that tighten up joints.

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Anti-ageing Properties of Yoga: Remain Young Forever!

According to yoga philosophy, it's the flexibility of the spine, not the number of years, that determines a person's age. Yoga slows down the aging process by giving elasticity to the spine, firming up the skin, removing tension from the body, strengthening the abdominal muscles, eliminating the possibility of a double chin, improving the tone of flabby arm muscles, correcting poor posture, preventing dowager's hump and so on. Yoga lets you trade in characteristics of old age for characteristics of youth.

Yoga is dynamite to make you feel younger with heightened mental prowness. Longer life often result from following yogic ways of health maintenance. When both external dangers and internal diseases and habits leading to degeneration have been removed, one naturally lives longer

Swami Nikhilananda wrote in ‘Vivekananda: The Yogas and Other Works’, as follows:

"The result of hatha yoga is simply to make men live long. Health is the chief idea, the one goal of hatha yoga. He is determined not to fall sick, and he never does. He lives long. A hundred years is nothing for him; but he is quite young and fresh when he is one hundred and fifty, without one hair turned gray."

The following are some of the anti-ageing effects of yoga, according to Dr. Paul Galbraith, author of ‘Reversing Ageing’:

Live longer. Yoga affects all the important determinants of a long life: the brain, glands, spine and internal organs.

Increased resistance to disease. Yoga produces a healthy strong body with increased immunity against disease. This increased resistance extends from the common cold to serious diseases like cancer.

Increased vitality due to yoga's effect on the brain and glands.

Rejuvenation of the glands. Yoga has a marked effect on the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and sex glands. This produces a feeling of well-being, prevents premature ageing and extends sexual virility well into old age.

Look and feel younger. Yoga reduces facial wrinkles and produces a natural 'face-lift'. This is mainly due to the inverted postures. By doing the inverted postures for a few minutes each day, we reverse the effect of gravity and use it to our advantage. The result is firmer facial muscles, which cause a reduction in wrinkles, and a natural face-lift.

The inverted yoga postures often convert gray hair back to its natural color and they will certainly delay the onset of gray hair. This is due to the inverted postures causing an increase in blood supply to the hair follicles in the scalp. Also, the increased flexibility of the neck produced by the asanas removes pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the neck, causing an even greater blood supply to the scalp. The release of pressure on the nerves in the neck also causes the scalp muscles to relax, since the nerves in the neck supply the scalp muscles. This means that the hair follicles are better nourished and thicker healthier hair is the result.

Yoga will take years from your face and add years to your life. As you get older, you will take on an ageless appearance.

Vision and hearing improve. Normal vision and hearing depend to a large extent on the eyes and ears receiving a good nerve and blood supply. The nerves and blood vessels which supply the eyes and ears have to pass through the neck. As we get older, the neck becomes less flexible, like the rest of the spine, and there is a tendency for nerves and blood vessels to be encroached upon as they travel through the neck. This impairs the nerve and blood supply to the eyes and ears, affecting their function. Yoga postures and yoga neck exercises improve the condition of the neck, resulting in better eyesight and improved hearing.

Mental/emotional benefits. Because of yoga's rejuvenation effects on the glands and nervous system, including the brain, yoga results in a positive mental/emotional state. It will help you to feel more confident, enthusiastic and generally optimistic. You will also become more creative in your everyday life.

As you start to feet and took better and unfold more of your full potential, these positive mental and emotional states occur as a consequence.

Within a few weeks you will feel calmer and have better concentration. Within a few months, rejuvenation of the organs will start to occur.

You will take years from your face and add years to your life. As you get older, you will take on an ageless appearance.

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Yoga For Weight Reduction:

Does yoga help in weight management? Most definitely. There are a number of factors involved. Firstly, some of the asanas stimulate sluggish glands to increase their hormonal secretions. The thyroid gland, especially, has a big effect on our weight because it affects body metabolism. There are several asanas, such as the shoulder stand and the fish posture, which are specific for the thyroid gland. Fat metabolism is also increased, so fat is converted to muscle and energy. This means that, as well as losing fat, you will have better muscle tone and a higher vitality level.

Secondly, yoga deep breathing increases the oxygen intake to the body cells, including the fat cells. This causes increased oxidation or burning up of fat cells. ). Yogic exercises induce more continuous and deeper breathing which gradually burns, sometimes forcefully, many of the calories already ingested.

Thirdly, yogic practices that reduce anxiety tend to reduce anxious eating. When under nervous strain we tend to gulp our food without attaining much genuine satisfaction. We end up in eating more. If, on the other hand, we approach our meals with greater calmness of mood, whether produced by habits which have calmed our life or by yoga (like a pause for prayer before a meal), we tend to be less likely to overeat in a frantic effort to quiet our midday anxieties.

Lastly, yogic aids may be employed between meals whenever one becomes tempted to search for a snack. One may deliberately turn to yoga, rather than to the icebox or snack bar, when he feels the need for a lift or relief from restless nervousness. Practicing yoga may make you aware of your weight problem that may also act as a deterrent from overeating.

If you are not overweight, your weight will remain about the same. If you are underweight, you will gain weight. The weight you gain will be healthy firm tissue, not fat. That is, yoga will tend to produce the ideal weight for you. This is due to yoga's effect of 'normalizing' glandular activity.

An article that appeared in the San Francisco Examiner of October 13, 1959 shows that the weight reduction potential of yoga was recognized in the USA more than quarter of a century ago.

"Would you like to lose weight without resorting to the miseries of dieting? Well, try the miseries of Yoga exercises instead. One staunch advocate is Metropolitan Opera star Robert Merrill, who has been practicing these exercises for two years, and keeps trying to win converts. In those two years he has lost twenty pounds and now he's down to a trim, rhythmic-breathing one hundred and sixty, even though he continues to eat like a lumber jack. 'At one time I went on a lot of diets but just couldn't lose any weight,' he said. 'Then along came Yoga and look at me now.' He punched his hard flat stomach and started breathing through one nostril. And to further demonstrate what it's all about, he did a little flip and stood on his head. After that he showed the lotus position, legs scissored under the body. Was he still breathing through one nostril? Yes, the other one. 'If people weren't so lazy they wouldn't have to worry about diets,' he said."

For those whose eating habits, whether at meals or between meals, are believed to be due to feelings of weakness rather than anxieties, most yogic postures and breathing exercises are designed to increase one's strength. Hence, they may relieve feelings of weakness more effectively than additional eating. The exercises themselves, although consuming some energy, also store up energy which, when combined with oxidizing breathing, provide energy that is ready for use rather than for storage.

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Yoga and Mental Health

Those practicing yoga experiences a number of factors that results in a profound effect on their mental health. These can be classified under:

reduction of tension and
restoration of pliability.
"personal" and
"social."

1. Reduction Of Tension

Many people who practice yoga speak of "freeing the mind from mental disturbances," "calming the spirit," or "steadying the mind." Reduction of nervousness, irritability and confusion, depression and mental fatigue are some of the benefits experienced. One experiences a relief from the pressure of his "compulsions." His nervousness, especially any jitteriness, should subside or disappear.

The extent to which these benefits may be expected will depend in part upon whether or not one can approach and participate in them willingly and wholeheartedly; for one who tries to practice postures with anxiety cripples his chances for very much benefit.

2. Restoration Of Pliability

"The positive side of the benefits from a full round of yogic exercises may be described as renewal of mental agility. Both mood and capacity for alertness, attentiveness and willingness to tackle problems revive. One may not be able to rekindle boundless enthusiasm late in a working day; early morning, or even noonday, efforts to recharge mental energies can revive a full measure of willingness. Traditional phrases, such as restored "spiritual vitality," intend to convey the complex idea of mental spryness, agreeableness, resiliency, and feelings of confidence and self-sufficiency. Some even testify to attaining feelings of buoyancy and euphoria; these then provide a background or mood of well-being and assurance such that one naturally more fully enjoys both his ability and the worthiness of being more tolerant and generous."

Archie Bahm, ‘Executive Yoga’

Personal Values

a. Avoidance of fear: Yoga is said to result in the reduction of a variety of mental ills. These may range all the way from vague feelings of frustration, persecution, insecurity, on the one hand, to acute and specific types of insanity, on the other.

Yoga is not a cure all for all conditions. But its attack upon, and diminution of, some basic mental ills may indeed be just enough to pay dividends that grow in magnitude.

If, through use of yogic techniques, we can merely halt and reverse some mental cancer, some compulsive complex that keeps us chained to unrelenting, omnipresent and gradually increasing anxiety, we may reset a course which will bring us around to a healthier adjustment. We are all at times insane. We are all, in some degree, insane. Overwhelming waves of tension and stress, which may catch us in periods of physical and mental exhaustion, can produce a spiritual explosion which leaves us so helpless that we are at a loss to know how it all came about.

By recurrent, regular efforts to reduce tension through yogic exercises, we may stay and finally reverse our tendencies toward insanity.

Most of us succumbs to fears and anxieties – some valid and some purely imaginary. For example, as one gets older, he begins to fear that his life has not been sufficiently worth while, that he has fallen short of his goals, that he has failed to attain his proper ambition, that he has lost out in the race to keep up with the Joneses or in his attempt to measure up "in the sight of God"-however he happens to conceive his shortcoming.

Thus, when Ramacharaka, in his ‘Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath’, says one may, by controlled breathing, "practically do away with fear and worry and the baser emotions," he refers to the growing ability of a devoted practitioner to diminish the power which both momentary and permanent fears have over us. One seeks to develop habits of resistance to the disturbing effects of excitement, ambition, antagonism and frustration.

The long-range goal of yoga is not just momentary relaxation, but the living of a relaxed life.

b. Acceptance of Faith in Life.

The goal of yoga is confident living. Its aim is to replace pessimism and its varieties such as cynicism with a "Yea-saying" appreciation of life, not only on any given day, but as a gracious, wonderful whole. When you achieve the yogic spirit, then you can say with the Stoics, "I accept the universe."

If you cannot accept all of it, because some problems remain unavoidably troublesome, then you will accept the troubles which you have as (1) yours and (2) enough for you, without wishing you had still more troubles.

Poise, serenity, contentedness, patience, assurance-all of these are positive mental values attainable by anyone who has achieved a willingness to be at peace with himself and the world. The confidence desired is not just enough to do the day's work but enough to live one's whole life and one can do his day's work more confidently if he has already predisposed himself to living his life with trustful serenity.

Thus a person seeks through yoga not merely momentary mental agility, but an agile life; not just momentary pliability, but a continuingly pliable existence; not just momentary relief from disturbance, but a permanently peaceful perspective.

Although not everyone who undertakes to experiment with yoga can expect to achieve or maintain the goal described by Shri Yogendra, Yoga: Personal Hygiene, as "exuberant and exultant health, he should notice the sun more often when it shines. Swami Sivananda pictures the goal as "ecstatic joy" (Yoga Asanas).

Dechanet, a Roman Catholic monk who was led into yoga by his Catholic predecessors, gives a vivid account of how he uses yogic techniques as aids to worship. He describes a "euphoria that pervades the story of my experiment. I wish to make it clear that this euphoria is real and lasting and spreads through the various levels of my daily life, physical, Psychical and spiritual" (Christian Yoga). Even though few of us will achieve anything like perpetual exuberance, ecstatic joy or euphoria, attainment of a more trusting outlook on life provides a spiritual soil from which spiritual roses have a better chance to grow. The pragmatic experimentalist will say: "Try it and see."

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Social Values

a. Yoga may reduce your annoyance with others and others' annoyance with you. If you become less irritable, you tend to irritate others less and tend to be less irritated by what others do when they present themselves as problems to you.

Your obdurate, demanding, insistent, morose attitudes can make you hard to get along with. Diminution of these should make you less difficult to deal with. The social effects-upon your colleagues and clients, superiors and inferiors, to say nothing of family, public officers and service specialists-could be overwhelming.

b. You tend to be easier to get along with and you tend to find others easier to get along with.

Or, if your personal improvement grows beyond mere contentment, to exuberant appreciation, you may find both more people liking you and you liking more people. You become more adaptable, reliable, steady, alert, responsive, ever-ready, patient, gentle and humane.

When this happens, you become recognized as a more desirable person to deal with.

If you develop a buoyant spirit, you will find that buoyancy is catching.

Others, seeing you as cheery, tend to respond in kind, reacting more cheerily to you.

Your rewards increase.

The effects of yoga upon character as noted by Dechanet in Christian Yoga.

"Yoga also produces a more active, willing and generous disposition. It quickens the life of faith, of love of God and our neighbor. It quickens our sense of duty and responsibility as men and, above all, as Christians". "It follows that Hatha Yoga influences character to the good. One man, after some weeks of practice, admits he no longer knows himself, and everyone notices a change in his bearing and reaction. He is gentler, more understanding. He faces experience calmly. He is content; the pinpricks of life affect him less or not at all. He is in command of his own will and goes about his studies without fear and anxiety. His whole personality has been altered and he himself feels it steadying and opening out; from this there arises an almost permanent condition of euphoria, of 'contentedness' ". "You will feel that gentleness and sympathy come more readily. You will not feel like venting your spleen on others as frequently as before, and if it should occur, you will regret it all the more. You will make a kind of pact of non-violence with yourself. You will still have fits of impatience often enough, and even of anger. But something will be telling you that this is not only bad but even useless, and that it really is not worth the trouble to fly out and get beside yourself for nothing. 'A great need for sincerity -will bring you to detest, more than others do, not only lying but all forms of duplicity and dissimulation. You will sense the more keenly whatever is not genuine, and even what is merely conventional in speeches and words, and also in attitudes that men think they can take up in order to edify, but more often they take up lest they should lose face"

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Yoga and Beauty

Beauty of figure, graceful carriage, melodious voice, glowing face and charming smile have all been mentioned as possible rewards of yogic practice.

Swami Sivananda says that "By practicing the Asanas regularly, men and women will acquire a figure which will enhance their beauty and that suppleness which gives them charm and elegance in every movement," and "be endowed with a peculiar glow in his face and eyes and a peculiar charm in his smile" (Yogic Home Exercises).

Clara Spring, expressing an American woman's point of view, reminds us that "A number of world-famous beauty courses contain certain exercises based on Yoga" (Yoga for Today).

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Yoga and Sex

Yoga's view of sex is the same as of every other issue - moderation. Yoga considers sex to be a natural function, very beneficial in a loving relationship and, of course, essential for the continuation of the human race.

Yogis warn against overindulgence in sex since they consider this will deplete the life force. They state that the sexual secretions contain very concentrated life force and nutrients, since they contain the seeds of life. Depletion of life force results in a reduced vitality level and reduced resistance to disease. It also retards progress from the practice of yoga. A whole field of yoga called Tandric Yoga or Kundalini Yoga is concerned with harnessing the sexual power. Yoga enables one to get into meaningful relationships and enjoy the process, at the same time provides a path to use the powerful energy involved in sex.

The yogis consider that normal sexual function occurs when the reproductive system is in a state of optimum health. They have found that the most effective way of attaining this optimum health state is by doing yoga asanas and breathing exercises. Those who are physiologically weak and partially or wholly impotent may restore potency as they regain their physical health. Steadier practice of milder yogic exercises may yield results when more vigorous bodybuilding workouts end in undue exhaustion. Those who approach sexual matters nervously rather than relaxedly may profit from previous relaxing yogic exercises.

Marriage counselors suggest that a relaxed condition is one of the essentials for a harmonious sex relationship because when hurried and strained it leaves the couple (the woman especially) dissatisfied and irritated, adversely affecting her entire well being. Indra Devi, author of many books on yoga, remarked that "The wives of several of my students have often told me that since their husbands had taken up Yoga exercises, their marital relationships had undergone remarkable changes."

It's true that advanced yogis practice celibacy. They need every ounce of their life force for their quest for cosmic consciousness. They also know that the realization of their goal produces eternal bliss, besides which the brief pleasure of sex pales into insignificance. Their minds have progressed so far that they are not prepared to settle for a watered-down version of happiness.

Benefits of Yoga

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Increasing Flexibility – yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the ‘radar screen’ let alone exercised.

Increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons – likewise, the well-researched yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body.

Surprisingly it has been found that the body which may have been quite rigid starts experiencing a remarkable flexibility in even those parts which have not been consciously work upon. Why? It is here that the remarkable research behind yoga positions proves its mettle. Seemingly unrelated “non strenuous” yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.

Massaging of ALL Organs of the Body – Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those – such as the prostate - that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime. Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.


	One of the far-reaching benefits of yoga is the uncanny sense of awareness that it develops in the practitioner of an impending health disorder or infection. This in turn enables the person to take pre-emptive corrective action

Complete Detoxification – By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny as well as providing nourishment up to the last point. This leads to benefits such as delayed ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life.

Excellent toning of the muscles – Muscles that have become flaccid, weak or slothy are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess flab and flaccidity.

Benefits of Yoga

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Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium
Pulse rate decreases
Respiratory rate decreases
Blood Pressure decreases (of special significance for hyporeactors)
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) increases
EEG - alpha waves increase (theta, delta, and beta waves also increase during various stages of meditation)
EMG activity decreases
Cardiovascular efficiency increases
Respiratory efficiency increases
Gastrointestinal function normalizes
Endocrine function normalizes
Excretory functions improve
Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase
Breath-holding time increases
Joint range of motion increase
Grip strength increases
Eye-hand coordination improves
Dexterity skills improve
Reaction time improves
Posture improves
Strength and resiliency increase
Endurance increases
Energy level increases
Weight normalizes
Sleep improves
Immunity increases
Pain decreases
Steadiness improves
Depth perception improves
Balance improves
Integrated functioning of body parts improves

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
Mood improves and subjective well-being increases
Self-acceptance and self-actualization increase
Social adjustment increases
Anxiety and Depression decrease
Hostility decreases
Concentration improves
Memory improves
Attention improves
Learning efficiency improves
Mood improves
Self-actualization increase
Social skills increases
Well-being increases
Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
Self-acceptance increase
Attention improves
Concentration improves
Memory improves
Learning efficiency improves
Symbol coding improves
Depth perception improves
Flicker fusion frequency improves

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

Glucose decreases
Sodium decreases
Total cholesterol decreases
Triglycerides decrease
HDL cholesterol increases
LDL cholesterol decreases
VLDL cholesterol decreases
Cholinesterase increases
Catecholamines decrease
ATPase increases
Hematocrit increases
Hemoglobin increases
Lymphocyte count increases
Total white blood cell count decreases
Thyroxin increases
Vitamin C increases
Total serum protein increases

Yoga Health Benefits versus Exercise Benefits

Yoga Benefits
- Parasympathetic Nervous System dominates
- Subcortical regions of brain dominate
- Slow dynamic and static movements
- Normalization of muscle tone
- Low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments
- Low caloric consumption
- Effort is minimized, relaxed
- Energizing (breathing is natural or controlled)
- Balanced activity of opposing muscle groups
- Noncompetitive, process-oriented
- Awareness is internal (focus is on breath and the infinite)
- Limitless possibilities for growth in self-awareness

Exercise Benefits
- Sympathetic Nervous System dominates
- Cortical regions of brain dominate
- Rapid forceful movements
- Increased muscle tension
- Higher risk of injury
- Moderate to high caloric consumption
- Effort is maximized
- Fatiguing (breathing is taxed)
- Imbalance activity of opposing groups
- Competitive, goal-oriented
- Awareness is external (focus is on reaching the toes, reaching the finish line, etc.)
- Boredom factor
source --/www.abc-of-yoga.com/beginnersguid

Benefits of Yoga

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Brings down stress and enhances powers of relaxation
Boosts physical strength, stamina and flexibility
Bestows greater powers of concentration and self control
Inculcates impulse Control
Helps in rehabilitation of old and new injuries
Intensifies tolerance to pain and enhancing mental clarity
Boosts functioning of the immune system
Enhances posture and muscle tone
Improves blood circulation
Results in healthy, glowing skin
Cleanses and improves overall organ functioning
Bestows peace of mind and a more positive outlook to life
Infuses a sense of balance and internal harmony

Best of all, Yoga is highly therapeutic. Some of the ailments proven to be relieved, reversed and even healed through the practice of Yoga are acidity , allergies, alzheimer disease, anemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, colitis, common cold, constipation, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, eye problems, facial wrinkles, gastro-intestinal disorders, headaches, heartburn, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hypertension, immune-deficiency, impotence, menopause, menstrual cramps, migraines, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, nervous tension, obesity, osteoporosis, prostate, enlargement, sciatica, skin problems, sleep apnea, slipped disk, sterility, stiffness, stress, insomnia, intoxication, thyroid problems, kidney stones, stuttering and stammering, urinary tract disorders for women, vaginal infections and many more...

So, if Yoga has varied and immense physical benefits, what exactly is Yoga?

Yoga is a 5000 year old science whose teachings were first imparted not in a classroom or Gurukul, but on the battle field. In the epic Mahabharata, the sage, Lord Krishna is first said to have imparted the teachings of Yoga to his despondent student Arjuna. Around 1500 years later, another sage, Patanjali, went on to enunciate, for the benefit of humankind and eternity, the way to reach the summom bonum of life through a series of 195 aphorisms (sutras) in his epic treatise The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Derived from the Sanskrit root “Yujir Yogey” meaning to unite, to yoke, to join, to put together, Yoga is not about mind over body. On the other hand, Yoga is about developing harmony between them. In Yoga, you use your mind to perceive (diagnose) and guide (heal) your body. Never control, let alone force it!

Yoga is a way of life, a conscious act, not a set or series of learning principles. The dexterity, grace, and poise you cultivate, as a matter of course, is the natural outcome of regular practice. You require no major effort. In fact trying hard will turn your practices into a humdrum, painful, even injurious routine and will eventually slow down your progress. Subsequently, and interestingly, the therapeutic effect of Yoga is the direct result of involving the mind totally in inspiring (breathing) the body to awaken.

Contrary to popular – or unpopular – perception, Yoga positions are not about how far you can reach to touch your toes or how many repetitions you can perform. It is all about paying attention to how your body feels; how it moves without that excruciating pain or agony! Yoga is all about breathing correctly about integrating that breath into your being. Conscious Yoga doesn’t call for you to force or strain your never or sinew. Meaning to say, right Yoga is learning how to do things right, do less that gets you more!

Ironically, by doing less – correctly – Yoga enhances your strength, energy, vitality, flexibility and levels of endurance. Accordingly, your body and mind start to become more balanced until, eventually, you find it takes so much less energy to move through the day. Yes, any and everyone can do less…and get a lot, lot more!

Yoga Benefits

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he most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. By keeping the body clean, flexible and well lubricated, we can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell deterioration. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to combine the practices of yogasanas, pranayama and meditation.

Regular practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation can help such diverse ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins and heart conditions. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi`s increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Research into the effects of yogic practices on HIV is currently underway with promising results.

According to medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and organs of the body. Yoga acts both as a curative and preventive therapy. The very essence of yoga lies in attaining mental peace, improved concentration powers, a relaxed state of living and harmony in relationships.

Through the practice of yoga, we become aware of the interconnectedness between our emotional, mental and physical levels. Gradually this awareness leads to an understanding of the more subtle areas of existence. The ultimate goal of yoga is to make it possible for you to be able to fuse together the gross material (annamaya), physical (pranamaya), mental (manomaya), intellectual (vijnanamaya) and spiritual (anandamaya) levels within your being.

Physiological Benefits
Physicians and scientists are discovering brand new health benefits of yoga everyday. Studies show it can relieve the symptoms of several common and potentially life-threatening illnesses such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, diabetes, AIDS, asthma and obesity.

Asthma
Studies conducted at yoga institutions in India have reported impressive success in improving asthma. It has also been proved that asthma attacks can usually be prevented by yoga methods without resorting to drugs.

Physicians have found that the addition of improved concentration abilities and yogic meditation together with the practice of simple postures and pranayama makes treatment more effective. Yoga practice also results in greater reduction in anxiety scores than drug therapy. Doctors believe that yoga practice helps patients by enabling them to gain access to their own internal experience and increased self-awareness.

Respiration Problems
Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems. With the help of yogic breathing exercises, it is possible to control an attack of severe shortness of breath without having to seek medical help. Various studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of yoga for patients with respiratory problems.

High Blood Pressure
The relaxation and exercise components of yoga have a major role to play in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure (hypertension). A combination of biofeedback and yogic breathing and relaxation techniques has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for high blood pressure medication in people suffering from it.

Pain Management
Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain`s pain center regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain. Because muscles tend to relax when you exhale, lengthening the time of exhalation can help produce relaxation and reduce tension. Awareness of breathing helps to achieve calmer, slower respiration and aid in relaxation and pain management.

Yoga`s inclusion of relaxation techniques and meditation can also help reduce pain. Part of the effectiveness of yoga in reducing pain is due to its focus on self-awareness. This self-awareness can have a protective effect and allow for early preventive action.

Back Pain
Back pain is the most common reason to seek medical attention. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems.

Arthritis
Yoga`s gentle exercises designed to provide relief to needed joints had been Yoga`s slow-motion movements and gentle pressures reach deep into troubled joints. In addition, the easy stretches in conjunction with deep breathing exercises relieve the tension that binds up the muscles and further tightens the joints. Yoga is exercise and relaxation rolled into one - the perfect anti-arthritis formula.

Weight Reduction
Regular yoga practice can help in weight management. Firstly, some of the asanas stimulate sluggish glands to increase their hormonal secretions. The thyroid gland, especially, has a big effect on our weight because it affects body metabolism. There are several asanas, such as the shoulder stand and the fish posture, which are specific for the thyroid gland. Fat metabolism is also increased, so fat is converted to muscle and energy. This means that, as well as losing fat, you will have better muscle tone and a higher vitality level.

Yogic practices that reduce anxiety tend to reduce anxious eating. In addition, yoga deep breathing increases the oxygen intake to the body cells, including the fat cells. This causes increased oxidation or burning up of fat cells. Yogic exercises induce more continuous and deeper breathing which gradually burns, sometimes forcefully, many of the calories already ingested.

Psychological Benefits
Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness, increases body awareness, relieves chronic stress patterns, relaxes the mind, centers attention and sharpens concentration.

Self-Awareness
Yoga strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. Patients who study yoga learn to induce relaxation and then to use the technique whenever pain appears. Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression.

Mental Performance
A common technique used in yoga is breathing through one nostril at a time. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies of the electrical impulses of the brain have shown that breathing through one nostril results in increased activity on the opposite side of the brain. Some experts suggest that the regular practice of breathing through one nostril may help improve communication between the right and left side of the brain. Studies have also shown that this increased brain activity is associated with better performance and doctors even suggest that yoga can enhance cognitive performance.

Mood Change And Vitality
Mental health and physical energy are difficult to quantify, but virtually everyone who participates in yoga over a period of time reports a positive effect on outlook and energy level. Yogic stretching and breathing exercises have been seen to result in an invigorating effect on both mental and physical energy and improved mood.

Spiritual Benefits
When you achieve the yogic spirit, you can begin knowing yourself at peace. The value of discovering one`s self and of enjoying one`s self as is, begins a journey into being rather than doing. Life can then be lived practicing "yoga off the mat".

Pride
Pride, and especially anxiety about pride, is something which Hatha Yoga seeks to diminish or eliminate. To one who has been dejected because he cannot do his work properly when he becomes tired, irritable, or haggard, any degree of refreshment may be accompanied by additional degrees of self-respect. Furthermore, one who has benefited from yoga may be moved to help his friends who are obviously in need, he may instruct others and be rewarded with appreciation due a to teacher.

But if one succeeds in achieving skill which provides health and self-confidence, one may justly raise his self-esteem simply by observing himself living the improved results as an achieved fact.
Knowledge
Yogic theory and practice lead to increased self-knowledge. This knowledge is not merely that of the practical kind relating to techniques, but especially of a spiritual sort pertaining to grasping something about the nature of the self at rest.

Knowing the self at rest, at peace, as a being rather than merely as an agent or doer, is a genuine kind of knowledge which usually gets lost in the rush of activities and push of desires. The value of discovering one`s self and of enjoying one`s self as it is, rather than as it is going to be, is indeed a value as well as a kind of knowledge.

Benefits of Yoga

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At the outset, we must understand what we can gain out of this wonderful practice

At the physical level, yoga and its cleansing practices have proven to be extremely effective for various disorders. To get a sampling of how yoga benefits health disorders, please visit the Yoga Therapy section.

More importantly, yoga is extremely effective in:

Increasing Flexibility – yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the ‘radar screen’ let alone exercised.

Increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons – likewise, the well-researched yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body.


	One of the far-reaching benefits of yoga is the uncanny sense of awareness that it develops in the practitioner of an impending health disorder or infection. This in turn enables the person to take pre-emptive corrective action

Excellent toning of the muscles – Muscles that have become flaccid, weak or slothy are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess flab and flaccidity.

Symptoms of H1N1 (Swine Flu)

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wK1127fHQ4

Swine Flu Symptoms

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According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:

fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent
cough
runny nose or stuffy nose
sore throat
body aches
headache
chills
fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu

Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.

If your child has symptoms of swine flu, you should avoid other people and call your pediatrician who might do a rapid flu test to see if he has an influenza A infection. Further testing can then be done to see if it is a swine flu infection. (Samples are being sent to local and state health departments and the CDC for confirmation of swine flu.)

Serious Swine Flu Symptoms

More serious symptoms that would indicate that a child with swine flu would need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Swine Flu Symptoms vs. a Cold or Sinus Infection

It is important to keep in mind most children with a runny nose or cough will not have swine flu and will not have to see their pediatrician for swine flu testing.

This time of year, many other childhood conditions are common, including:

spring allergies - runny nose, congestion, and cough
common cold - runny nose, cough, and low grade fever
sinus infections - lingering runny nose, cough, and fever
strep throat - sore throat, fever, and a positive strep test

What You Need To Know

Swine flu likely spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone that is sick with swine flu, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you.
People with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms.
Droplets from a cough or sneeze can also contaminate surfaces, such as a doorknob, drinking glass, or kitchen counter, although these germs likely don't survive for more than a few hours.
Anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.
The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that students should stay home if they have swine flu symptoms, but schools do not need to close unless they have large clusters of cases that are affecting school functioning. Schools that closed based on previous recommendations, such as if they had a single confirmed case or probable case, can now likely reopen.

_Source:

_{CDC. Swine Influenza and You. Accessed April 2009.
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm}

Swine Flu

CDC - Swine FluSwine FluSwine Flu - Hype or Hazard?

Swine Flu Resources

Swine Flu TreatmentsSwine Flu CasesSwine Flu Map

Swine Flu

Swine Flu VaccineSwine Flu Myths and FactsSwine Flu News

What can I do?

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What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?

The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:

avoid touching your mouth and nose;
clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.

If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.

When and how to use a mask?

If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
rest and take plenty of fluids;
cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.

Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?

No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet.

Warning on purchase of antivirals without a prescription [pdf 35kb]

What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?

No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.

When should someone seek medical care?

A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).

Supportive care at home - resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches - is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

Can I travel?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.

How does swine flu spread amongst pigs?

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What is swine influenza and influenza A (H1N1)?

Swine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that normally only affects pigs. It is commonly caused by H1N1 strains of swine influenza A virus. However, other strains, such as H1N2, H3N1 and H3N2 also circulate in pigs. While it is not usual for people to get swine flu, human infections do occasionally happen, mainly after close contact with infected pigs.

During March/April 2009, a new strain of swine influenza virus emerged in Mexico, and started to cause illness in humans. The World Health Organisation says that this new strain of influenza, called influenza A (H1N1), can spread from person to person. Experts around the world are working closely with the World Health Organisation to help determine what risk this virus poses to the public. There is some concern that this new strain could cause a human flu pandemic (see Pandemic flu FAQs).

Click here for the latest situation update from the World Health Organisation.

How does swine flu spread amongst pigs?

Pigs can get swine flu if they inhale respiratory droplets expelled by an infected pig. They can also get infected through direct or indirect contact with an infected pig.

What symptoms do infected pigs show?

Signs of swine influenza in pigs can include dullness, fever, coughing and breathlessness. Some infected pigs (about 1 to 4 %) may die, but most pigs recover rapidly.

Which countries have infected pigs?

Swine influenza is present in all pig-producing countries around the world, including the India. Outbreaks in pigs occur throughout the year. However, many countries routinely vaccinate pigs against swine influenza.

Should I take any special precautions when handling pigs?

Although there is no indication that the current human infections are linked to cases of swine influenza in pigs in the India, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) advises pig keepers to maintain high levels of hygiene. Pig keepers should look out for unusual signs of respiratory disease in their pigs and contact their veterinary surgeon if they are concerned or require any advice on protecting their pigs from swine flu.

Which countries have human cases of influenza A (H1N1)?

During March/April 2009, Mexico reported an increase in the number of people with severe respiratory infections. Human infections with influenza A (H1N1) were then confirmed in Southern California and Texas. Since then, the World Health Organisation has confirmed human cases of influenza A (H1N1) in several countries around the world, including the India.

Click here for the latest situation update from the World Health Organisation.

What are the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) in humans?

When people are infected with swine flu viruses, their symptoms are usually similar to those of normal seasonal influenza. These include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhoea. In Mexico, some people infected with influenza A (H1N1) have had severe illness and died. However, in almost all cases outside Mexico, including the India, the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) have been mild, and people have made a full recovery.

How does influenza A (H1N1) spread between people?

This new influenza virus is thought to spread in the same way as seasonal flu; in tiny droplets, expelled from the mouth and nose of an infected person when they talk, cough or sneeze. People may get infected if they breathe in these droplets or if they touch someone or something that is contaminated with the virus (e.g. a used tissue or door handle), and then touch their nose or eyes.

Is there a vaccine to protect people from influenza A (H1N1)?

There is no vaccine available to protect people from the influenza A (H1N1) virus currently causing illness in humans, and we don't yet know if the normal seasonal flu vaccine can provide any protection. It could take four to six months to develop an effective vaccine.

Is treatment available?

Antiviral medicines, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, are available from your GP. These may shorten the illness and reduce the risk of complications. These drugs may cause side-effects and are not suitable for everyone, so your GP will only prescribe them if the benefits outweigh the risks.

What precautions can I take to help protect myself and my family?

Good hygiene can help to reduce the spread of a wide range of viruses, including influenza viruses. The Health Protection Agency advises everyone to follow these precautions at all times:

Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if possible.
Dispose of used tissues promptly and carefully. Put them in a bag and then bin them.
Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently.
Ensure children follow this advice.

If you intend to travel to an affected country, you should check the advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Health Protection Agency website provides comprehensive advice for people returning to the India from a country affected by influenza A (H1N1). If the disease begins to affect more people in the India, more information will be made available through leaflets, websites and the media. This will tell you how you can help protect yourself and your family and what to do if you think you are infected.

How can washing my hands help to protect me?


Washing your hands frequently can help to protect you from a wide range of infections.

Washing your hands frequently is the best way to protect yourself from a wide range of illnesses, including influenza. Everytime you touch something, germs can transfer to your hands. Touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands could transfer the germs from your hands into your body. Washing your hands frequently, helps to remove the germs and stop them spreading to you and other people.

Click here for more information about how and when you should wash your hands.

How can I remove flu viruses from surfaces?

An infected person could spread germs to surfaces around them when they cough or sneeze, or touch them with unwashed hands or used tissues. Cleaning surfaces regularly can help to stop influenza viruses and other germs spreading around your home, to you and other people.

Cleaning surfaces with detergent and water can remove germs from an item provided you scrub all the surfaces and rinse them thoroughly with clean water. However, where proper rinsing is not possible (e.g. large or fixed surfaces such as kitchen worktops, toilet flushes and door handles) it is important to use a disinfectant to help kill the germs. It is particularly important to clean and disinfect surfaces that people often touch with their hands, such as;

handles and switches
taps and toilet flush handles
kitchen worktops
telephone receivers
computer keyboards.

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces using products that destroy influenza viruses will give extra reassurance.

Click here to find suitable disinfectants.

Click here if you have any questions about using Dettol products.

Is it safe to eat pork and other foods derived from pigs?

You cannot get influenza by eating properly handled and prepared pork or other foods derived from pigs (e.g. bacon, sausages). However, good food hygiene helps to prevent a wide range of infections, so it is important that all food is always prepared hygienically.

Never eat raw or poorly cooked meat.
Keep raw meat away from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
Use a separate chopping board and knife to prepare raw meat.
Wash your hands immediately after handling raw meat.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and utensils immediately after contact with raw meat.

If someone develops flu symptoms, what should they do?

If you live in or have recently travelled to an area affected by by influenza A (H1N1), and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home to limit contact with others, and seek medical advice by telephoning your GP, NHS Direct or (in Scotland) NHS 24. You can contact NHS Direct by telephoning 0845 4647. In Scotland, you can contact NHS 24 by telephoning 08454 24 24 24.

If the risk of catching influenza A (H1N1) increases in the India, the Health Protection Agency will issue further advice.

Is this the start of a human flu pandemic?

Although this influenza A (H1N1) virus can spread from person to person, and is causing outbreaks of flu in some countries, it is too early to say whether this particular virus will cause a global human pandemic. The World Health Organisation is closely monitoring the situation.

Click here for the latest information about influenza A (H1N1) from the World Health Organisation.

Swine Flu Guide

2009-06-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

What is swine influenza and influenza A (H1N1)?

Click here for the latest situation update from the World Health Organisation.

How does swine flu spread amongst pigs?

Pigs can get swine flu if they inhale respiratory droplets expelled by an infected pig. They can also get infected through direct or indirect contact with an infected pig.

What symptoms do infected pigs show?

Signs of swine influenza in pigs can include dullness, fever, coughing and breathlessness. Some infected pigs (about 1 to 4 %) may die, but most pigs recover rapidly.

Which countries have infected pigs?

Should I take any special precautions when handling pigs?

Which countries have human cases of influenza A (H1N1)?

Click here for the latest situation update from the World Health Organisation.

What are the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) in humans?

How does influenza A (H1N1) spread between people?

Is there a vaccine to protect people from influenza A (H1N1)?

Is treatment available?

What precautions can I take to help protect myself and my family?

Good hygiene can help to reduce the spread of a wide range of viruses, including influenza viruses. The Health Protection Agency advises everyone to follow these precautions at all times:

Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if possible.
Dispose of used tissues promptly and carefully. Put them in a bag and then bin them.
Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently.
Ensure children follow this advice.

How can washing my hands help to protect me?


Washing your hands frequently can help to protect you from a wide range of infections.

Click here for more information about how and when you should wash your hands.

How can I remove flu viruses from surfaces?

handles and switches
taps and toilet flush handles
kitchen worktops
telephone receivers
computer keyboards.

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces using products that destroy influenza viruses will give extra reassurance.

Click here to find suitable disinfectants.

Click here if you have any questions about using Dettol products.

Is it safe to eat pork and other foods derived from pigs?

Never eat raw or poorly cooked meat.
Keep raw meat away from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
Use a separate chopping board and knife to prepare raw meat.
Wash your hands immediately after handling raw meat.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and utensils immediately after contact with raw meat.

If someone develops flu symptoms, what should they do?

If the risk of catching influenza A (H1N1) increases in the India, the Health Protection Agency will issue further advice.

Is this the start of a human flu pandemic?

Click here for the latest information about influenza A (H1N1) from the World Health Organisation.

flu pandemic

2009-06-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

The 2009 flu pandemic is a A(H1N1) pandemic and a global outbreak of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, identified in April 2009, commonly referred to as "swine flu", which is transmitted between humans. It is thought to be a mutation—more specifically, a reassortment—of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1: one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine). Experts now assume that the virus "most likely" emerged from pigs in Asia, and the virus was carried to North America by infected people. There is further evidence that the new strain has been circulating among pigs, possibly among multiple continents, for many years prior to its transmission to humans. Virtually all transmission is from human to human; cooked pork products are safe for humans and the virus cannot be transmitted from foods.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared the outbreak to be a pandemic on June 11 as a result of the global spread of the virus, while noting that the virus has "moderate severity".^[83] They anticipate a bleaker picture as the virus spreads to less developed countries having poor health care and other underlying medical problems. As of June 24 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is predicting the pandemic will be "Category 2" in severity.^[84] A category 2 pandemic has a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) between 0.1% and 0.5%, with between 90,000 and 450,000 deaths in the U.S. (compared with 36,000 deaths during a typical influenza season).^[85]

The virus typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu, and may include fever, sneezes, coughs, headache, muscles or joint pain, sore throat, chills, fatigue and runny nose. The CDC notes that most hospitalizations have been people with underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune systems. In an attempt to slow the spread of the illness, a number of countries, especially in Asia, have enforced strict quarantines on travelers showing any symptoms, along with travelers seated nearby any infected persons.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan says a vaccine for the 2009 flu pandemic strain is unlikely to be available until September 2009, and by mid October in the U.S., but even then the supply will be limited. They expect that two or three vaccine injections will be required for maximum immunity. There is concern that the virus could mutate later in the year and become more virulent and less susceptible to any vaccine developed to protect from an earlier strain. This concern is partly due to the memory of the 1918 flu pandemic, which is thought to have killed between 40 and 100 million people, and was preceded by a wave of milder cases in the spring. ^[86]

The outbreak began in Mexico, and there is speculation that they may have been in the midst of an unrecognized epidemic for months prior to the date the outbreak was officially announced. Soon after the outbreak began in Mexico, the government closed down most of Mexico City's public and private offices and facilities.

As of late June the virus is continuing to spread worldwide, especially in Southern Hemisphere countries, where the winter flu season has started.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

2009-06-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Also called: Swine flu

Swine flu is a type of virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

source -http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

Abused Kids Face Higher Cancer Risk

2009-06-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

HealthDay

By Robert Preidt

Thursday, June 25, 2009

THURSDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Adults who experienced physical abuse as children are more likely to develop cancer than those who weren't abused, according to a Canadian study.

The University of Toronto researchers concluded that childhood physical abuse is associated with a 49 percent increased risk of cancer in adulthood. Even after taking into account potentially major health factors -- childhood stressors, adult socioeconomic status and adult behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity -- the association between childhood abuse and cancer remained significant, they found.

A number of psychophysiological factors could help explain the link between childhood physical abuse and cancer, suggested study co-author and doctoral student Sarah Brennenstuhl.

"One important avenue for future research is to investigate dysfunctions in cortisol production -- the hormone that prepares us for 'fight or flight' -- as a possible mediator in the abuse-cancer relationship," she said in a news release from the university.

"Few talk about childhood physical abuse and cancer in the same breath," Esme Fuller-Thomson, of the University of Toronto's faculty of social work and department of family and community medicine, said in the news release. "From a public health perspective, it's extremely important that clinicians be aware of the full range of risk factors for cancer. This research provides important new knowledge about a potential childhood abuse-cancer relationship."

The study is in the July 15 issue of the journal Cancer.

SOURCE: University of Toronto, news release, June 25, 2009

HealthDay

Cancer and Women

2009-06-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Cancer and Women

Every year, cancer claims the lives of more than a quarter of a million women in America. A woman can reduce her cancer risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle and getting the right cancer screening tests for her stage of life.

In 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, more than 650,000 women in the United States were told they had cancer, and nearly 269,000 died from it. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent some of the most common types of cancer in women.

Lung Cancer

More women in the U.S. die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. Nearly four out of every five lung cancer deaths in women in this country are due to smoking. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or to quit if you smoke. You can also reduce your risk of lung cancer by avoiding other people's smoke and testing your home for radon.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, before it can be felt, and when it is easier to treat. If you are 40 years old or older, you should have a screening mammogram every one to two years.

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer

The third leading cause of cancer deaths in American women is colorectal cancer. Screening tests for colorectal cancer can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. Both men and women should be tested for colorectal cancer regularly starting at age 50.

Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers, which start in a woman's cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, vulva, or rarely, fallopian tubes, claimed the lives of more than 27,000 women in 2005. You can take steps to prevent some of these cancers.

Pap tests can find abnormal cells that may turn into cervical cancer. Pap tests can also find cervical cancer early, when the chance of being cured is very high. Women should get Pap tests regularly starting at age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active, whichever happens first.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is available for females who are 9 to 26 years old. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
In addition to the Pap test, the HPV test may be used for screening women who are 30 years old or older, or at any age for those who have unclear Pap test results.

Data source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2005 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2009. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.

Bariatric Surgery Cuts Cancer Risk for Women

2009-06-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Bariatric Surgery Cuts Cancer Risk for Women

TUESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- Obese women who have weight-loss surgery may reduce their risk of developing cancer, but there appears to be no such benefit for men, Swedish researchers report.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing many different cancers. In the United States, obesity is linked with 14 percent of cancer deaths in men and 20 percent of such deaths in women, according to background information in the study.

Data from the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study had previously shown that bariatric surgery has favorable effects on body weight, diabetes, other cardiovascular risk factors, heart structure and function, and health-related quality of life. "We now show a strong reduction in the female cancer incidence," said lead researcher Dr. Lars Sjostrom, a professor in the Department of Body Composition and Metabolism at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The report is published in the June 24 online edition of The Lancet Oncology.

For the study, Sjostrom and colleagues collected data on 2,010 obese patients who underwent weight-loss surgery and compared them with 2,037 obese patients who did not have surgery.

People who underwent surgery lost about 44 pounds, while those who didn't gained about 3 pounds, according to the report.

Over almost 11 years of follow-up, the researchers found that women who had weight-loss surgery lowered their risk of cancer by 42 percent compared with women who did not have the surgery. There was no reduction in the risk for cancer among obese men who had the surgery, the study authors noted.

"Bariatric surgery is reducing cancer incidence in women but not in men," Sjostrom said. "The favorable effect of bariatric surgery could not be demonstrated to be mediated by weight loss or reduced energy intake."

New research is needed to understand the gender difference, Sjostrom said. "Mechanisms need to be studied separately in men and women. If the favorable effect in women is not mediated by weight loss or reduced energy intake, it must be mediated by something else," he said.

Andrew G. Renehan, from the Department of Surgery in the School of Cancer and Imaging Sciences at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, and author of an accompanying journal editorial, says this study together with data from other studies show that weight reduction through bariatric surgery is associated with cancer prevention.

"This study adds strength that the association between obesity and cancer risk is causal," Renehan said. "As the beneficial effects of weight reduction appear to favor women, there is a need to further research the mechanisms underpinning associations between body fat and cancer development."

Renehan stated, "Obesity causes cancer, but the obesity epidemic is not abating and we now have proof that we can reverse the effect of obesity on cancer risk."

Another expert thinks bariatric surgery, although expensive, saves money in the long run.

"For those of us who have practiced bariatric surgery, this is no surprise," said Dr. Mitchell Roslin, chief of bariatric surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "We know if you get rid of excess fat a whole lot of things get better."

Bariatric surgery should not be seen as the treatment of last resort, Roslin said. "Seeing this as the treatment of last resort will wind up costing us more. We will be paying for years of diabetes, we will be paying for years of heart disease, we will be paying for years of cancer treatment," he said.

Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society, said avoiding obesity in the first place is the best way to reduce your risk of cancer.

"The American Cancer Society believes that maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a healthy diet and exercising are important in our efforts to reduce the risk of cancer," Lichtenfeld said. "The question is how do we create a culture where children and adults are focused on healthier lifestyles and better alternatives so we don't have to be facing this increasing epidemic of obesity."

SOURCES: Lars Sjostrom, M.D., Ph.D., professor, Department of Body Composition and Metabolism, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Andrew G. Renehan, Ph.D., Department of Surgery, School of Cancer and Imaging Sciences, University of Manchester, U.K.; Mitchell Roslin, M.D., chief, bariatric surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Len Lichtenfeld, M.D., deputy chief medical officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta; June 24, 2009, The Lancet Oncology, online

HealthDay

Talking With Your Doctor

2009-06-29T07:49:00.002-07:00

What Should I Ask My Doctor About Cancer?

Your relationship with your doctor and the other members of you cancer care team is a key part of your care. It is usually best to have one doctor who coordinates all of your care. This doctor should be someone you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to your concerns and answers all of your questions. Your doctor will explain your diagnosis, health status, treatment options, and progress throughout treatment.

There will also be nurses working with your doctor who have special training to care for people with cancer. These nurses are there to help you with your treatment or any side effects you may have. In many cases, the nurses can answer your questions, too. Nurses can also help you get the answers you need from other members of your health care team.

Like all successful relationships, your relationship with your doctor is a two-way street. It is your responsibility to ask questions and learn about your treatment and health -- to be an active part of your cancer care team.

Doctors differ in how much information they give to people with cancer and their families. Likewise, people who are newly diagnosed also differ in the amount of information they need or want. If your doctor is giving you too much or too little information, let them know. Ask them whatever questions you have, and keep them informed of your needs. As in any relationship, clear and honest communication is the key to success. Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. The following are examples of questions you may want to ask during the discussion:

What type of cancer do I have? What is the stage or extent of my cancer?
What is my prognosis, as you see it?
What treatment do you recommend and why?
What is the goal of treatment?
What are the possible risks or side effects of treatment?
What are the pros and cons of my treatment?
Are there other treatments for me to consider?
Are there any clinical trials I should consider?
How often will I need to come in for treatment or tests?
How long will my treatments last?
What if I miss a treatment?
Will my life change? Will I need to make changes in my work, family life, and leisure time?
What are the names of the drugs I will need? What are they for?
What other drugs or treatments may I have to take?
How will you know that my treatment is working?
Why do I need blood tests and how often will I need them?
If other specialists take part in my care, who will coordinate my entire treatment program?
What symptoms or problems should I report right away?
If I don't feel sick, does that mean the treatment is not working?
What are the chances that my cancer may come back (recur), with the treatment plans we've discussed?
What can I do to be ready for treatment?
Will I still be able to have children after treatment?
Are there any special foods I should or should not eat?
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
Will my insurance cover treatment? What costs will I have?
What is the best time to call you if I have a question?

Make sure that all your concerns and questions, no matter how small, have been answered. It may take more than one visit to discuss all of your concerns, and new questions may come to mind. It may be hard to remember everything your doctor says to you. Some people find it helpful to take notes, bring a family member or friend, tape record the conversations, and/or bring a prepared list of questions and write down the doctor's answers.

Remember that you have the right to a second opinion about your diagnosis and the recommended treatment. Asking for a second opinion does not mean that you don't like or trust your doctor. Doctors understand you need to feel that every possibility for the best treatment is being explored. You can also ask your doctor if they have consulted with other specialists at their treatment center. For more information, please see our documents, Talking With Your Doctor and Choosing a Doctor and a Hospital.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

What Is Remission?

2009-06-29T07:49:00.001-07:00

What Is Remission?

Some people think that remission means the cancer has been cured, but this is not always the case. Remission is a period of time when the cancer is responding to treatment or is under control. In a complete remission, all the signs and symptoms of the disease go away and cancer cells cannot be detected by any of the tests available for that cancer. It is also possible for a patient to have a partial remission. This is when the cancer shrinks but does not completely disappear. Remissions can last anywhere from several weeks to many years. Complete remissions may go on for years and over time be considered cures. If the disease returns (recurs), another remission may be possible with further treatment.

Cancer Treatment Side Effects

2009-06-29T07:48:00.002-07:00

Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Cancer treatment can cause many different side effects. The kinds of side effects depend mostly on the type of treatment used. Side effects vary from patient to patient. Some people have no side effects at all, while others have quite a few. This is because every person responds to treatment differently. There is no way to predict who might or might not have side effects.

Many side effects of treatment can be managed or treated. And most side effects go away over time. In the meantime, there are ways to reduce the discomfort they may cause. Tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you notice so they can help you manage them. You can learn more about treatment side effects on our Web site, but your doctor and nurse are the best people to talk to you about your treatment, side effects, and any other medical concerns you may have.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

2009-06-29T07:48:00.001-07:00

When you have cancer you are likely to hear about ways to treat your cancer or relieve symptoms that your doctor hasn't mentioned. Everyone from friends and family to Internet groups and Web sites offer ideas for what might help you. These methods can include vitamins, herbs, and special diets, or other methods such as acupuncture or massage, to name a few.

What exactly are complementary and alternative therapies?

Not everyone uses these terms the same way, and they are used to refer to many different methods, so it can be confusing. We use complementary to refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor's medical treatment.

Complementary methods: Most complementary treatment methods are not offered as cures for cancer. Mainly, they are used to help you feel better. Some methods that are used along with regular treatment are meditation to reduce stress, acupuncture to help relieve pain, or peppermint tea to relieve nausea. Some complementary methods are known to help, while others have not been tested. Some have been proven not be helpful, and a few have even been found harmful.

Alternative treatments: Alternative treatments may be offered as cancer cures. These treatments have not been proven safe and effective in clinical trials. Some of these methods may pose danger, or have life-threatening side effects. But the biggest danger in most cases is that you may lose the chance to be helped by standard medical treatment. Delays or interruptions in your medical treatments may give the cancer more time to grow and make it less likely that treatment will help.

Finding out more

It is easy to see why people with cancer think about alternative methods. You want to do all you can to fight the cancer, and the idea of a treatment with no side effects sounds great. Sometimes medical treatments like chemotherapy can be hard to take, or they may no longer be working. But the truth is that most of these alternative methods have not been tested and proven to work in treating cancer.

As you consider your options, here are 3 important steps you can take:

Look for "red flags" that suggest fraud. Does the method promise to cure all or most cancers? Are you told not to have regular medical treatments? Is the treatment a "secret" that requires you to visit certain providers or travel to another country?

Talk to your doctor or nurse about any method you are thinking about using.

Contact us at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) to learn more about complementary and alternative methods in general and to find out about the specific methods you are looking at. Or you can learn more on our Web site.

The choice is yours

Decisions about how to treat or manage your cancer are always yours to make. If you want to use a non-standard treatment, learn all you can about the method and talk to your doctor about it. With good information and the support of your health care team, you may be able to safely use the methods that can help you while avoiding those that could be harmful.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Clinical Trials

2009-06-29T07:47:00.001-07:00

You may have had to make a lot of decisions since you've been told you have cancer. One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing which treatment is best for you. You may have heard about clinical trials being done for your type of cancer. Or maybe someone on your health care team has mentioned a clinical trial to you.

Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies that are done with patients who volunteer for them. They are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures.

If you would like to take part in a clinical trial, you should start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials. You can also call our clinical trials matching service for a list of clinical trials that meet your medical needs. You can reach this service at 1-800-303-5691 or on our Web site at http://clinicaltrials.cancer.org. You can also get a list of current clinical trials by calling the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or by visiting the NCI clinical trials Web site at www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials.

There are requirements you must meet to take part in any clinical trial. If you do qualify for a clinical trial, it is up to you whether or not to enter (enroll in) it.

Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. They are the only way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they are not right for everyone.

You can get a lot more information on clinical trials in our document, Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Treating Cancer (General Information)

2009-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

How Is Cancer Treated?

The number of treatment choices you have will depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and other factors such as your age, health status, and personal preferences. You are a key part of your cancer care team -- you should talk to them about which treatment choices are best for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you understand your options. A cancer diagnosis often makes people feel like they have to hurry to make choices about treatment and services. But take time to look at all the options available to you so you will be as well informed as possible.

The 3 major types of treatment for cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, 2 or more of these types of treatment may be combined at the same time or used after one another.

After the cancer is found and staged, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options with you. It is important to take time and think about your possible choices. In choosing a treatment plan, one of the most important factors is the stage of the cancer. Other factors to consider include your overall health, the likely side effects of the treatment, and the probability of curing the disease, extending life, or relieving symptoms.

In considering your treatment options it is often a good idea to seek a second opinion, if possible. This may give you more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you have chosen. It is also important to know that your chances for having the best possible outcome are highest in the hands of a medical team that is experienced in treating the type of cancer you have.

What treatment will be best for me?

Your cancer treatment will be based on your unique situation. Certain types of cancer respond very differently to different types of treatment, so figuring out the type of cancer is a key step toward knowing which treatments will work best. The cancer's stage (how widespread it is) will also determine the best course of treatment. This is because early-stage cancers respond better to different treatments than later-stage ones. Your overall health, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences will also play a part in deciding which treatment options are best for you. Not all types of treatment will work well in your situation, so be sure that you understand your options. Don't be afraid to ask questions; it is your right to know what treatments are most likely to help you and what their side effects may be.

Before making treatment decisions, ask about and be sure you understand the goal of treatment in your situation. Is the purpose of the treatment to cure the cancer, keep it under control, or treat the problems it is causing? Know that the goal of treatment can change over time, so you may need to ask about this again at some point.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

What Is Staging?

2009-06-29T07:45:00.002-07:00

Staging is the process of finding out how much cancer there is in the body and where it is located. Staging the cancer is a key step in deciding on your best treatment choices. It also gives your health care team an idea of your outlook (prognosis).

Staging can take time, and people are usually anxious to begin treatment right away. Do not worry that the staging process is taking up treatment time. In most cases it is OK because by staging the cancer, you and your health care team will know which treatments are likely to work best. For more information, please see Staging.

How Is Cancer Diagnosed?

2009-06-29T07:45:00.001-07:00

A patient's signs and symptoms are not enough to know whether or not cancer is present. If your doctor suspects cancer you will probably need to have more tests done, such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy. In most cases a biopsy is the only way to tell for sure whether or not cancer is present.

To do a biopsy a piece of the lump or abnormal area is taken out and sent to the lab. There a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases) looks at the tissue under a microscope to see if it contains cancer cells. If there are cancer cells the doctor tries to figure out exactly what type of cancer it is and whether it is likely to grow slowly or more quickly.

Scans can measure the size of the cancer and whether it has spread to nearby tissues. Blood tests can tell doctors about your overall health and can show how well your organs are working.

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

2009-06-29T07:44:00.001-07:00

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

What are signs and symptoms?

A symptom is a signal of disease, illness, injury, or that something is not right in the body. Symptoms are felt or noticed by the person who has them, but may not be easily seen by anyone else. For example, chills, weakness, aches, and feeling short of breath may be symptoms of pneumonia.

A sign is also a signal that something is not right in the body. But signs are signals that can be seen by a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional. Fever, fast breathing, and abnormal breathing sounds heard through a stethoscope may be signs of pneumonia.

Having one symptom or sign may not be enough to figure out what's causing it. For example, a rash in a child could be a sign of a number of things, such as poison ivy, an infectious disease like measles, a skin infection, or a food allergy. But if the child has the rash along with other signs and symptoms like a high fever, chills, achiness, and a sore throat, then a doctor can get a better picture of the illness. In many cases, a patient's signs and symptoms alone do not give the doctor enough clues to figure out the cause of an illness. Then medical tests, such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy may be needed.

How does cancer cause signs and symptoms?

Cancer is a group of diseases that may cause almost any sign or symptom. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects nearby organs or tissues. If a cancer has spread (metastasized), symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.

As a cancer grows, it can begin to push on nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. This pressure creates some of the signs and symptoms of cancer. If the cancer is in a critical area, such as certain parts of the brain, even the smallest tumor can cause early symptoms.

But sometimes cancer starts in places where it will not cause any symptoms until it has grown quite large. Pancreas cancers, for example, do not usually grow large enough to be felt from the outside of the body. Some pancreatic cancers do not cause symptoms until they begin to grow around nearby nerves (this causes a backache). Others grow around the bile duct and block the flow of bile. This causes a yellowing of the eyes and skin called jaundice. By the time a pancreatic cancer causes these signs or symptoms, it is usually in an advanced stage. This means it has grown and spread beyond the place it started – the pancreas.

A cancer may also cause symptoms like fever, extreme tiredness (fatigue), or weight loss. This may be because cancer cells use up much of the body’s energy supply, or they may release substances that change the way the body makes energy from food. Or the cancer may cause the immune system to react in ways that produce these symptoms.

Sometimes, cancer cells release substances into the bloodstream that cause symptoms which are not usually linked to cancer. For example, some cancers of the pancreas can release substances which cause blood clots in veins of the legs. Some lung cancers make hormone-like substances that raise blood calcium levels. This affects nerves and muscles, making the person feel weak and dizzy.

How are signs and symptoms helpful?

Treatment is most successful when cancer is found as early as possible. Finding cancer early usually means it can be treated while it is still small and is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This often means a better chance for a cure, especially if the cancer can be removed with surgery.

A good example of the importance of finding cancer early is melanoma skin cancer. Skin cancer can be easy to remove if it has not grown deep into the skin. The 5-year survival rate (percentage of people living at least 5 years after diagnosis) at this stage is nearly 100%. Once melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate drops below 20%.

Sometimes people ignore symptoms. They may not know that symptoms could mean something is wrong. Or they may be frightened by what the symptoms might mean and don't want to get medical help. Some symptoms, such as tiredness, are more likely to have a cause other than cancer and can seem unimportant, especially if there is an obvious cause or the problem only lasts a short time. In the same way, a person may reason that a symptom like a breast lump is probably a cyst that will go away by itself. But no symptom should be ignored or overlooked, especially if it has been there for a long time or is getting worse.

Most likely, any symptoms you may have will not be caused by cancer, but it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor, just in case. If cancer is not the cause, a doctor can help figure out what is and treat it, if needed.

Sometimes, it is possible to find cancer before you have symptoms. The American Cancer Society and other health groups recommend cancer-related check-ups and certain tests for people even though they have no symptoms. This helps find certain cancers early, before symptoms occur. For more information on early detection tests, see our document, American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. But keep in mind, even if you have had these recommended tests, it is still important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms.

General cancer signs and symptoms

You should know some of the general (non-specific) signs and symptoms of cancer. But remember , having any of these does not mean that you have cancer – many other things cause these signs and symptoms, too.

Unexplained weight loss

Most people with cancer will lose weight at some point. An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more (when you're not trying to lose weight) may be the first sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.

Fever

Fever is very common with cancer, but it more often happens after cancer has spread from where it started. Almost all patients with cancer will have fever at some time, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system. This can make it harder for the body to fight infection. Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer, such as blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.

Fatigue

Fatigue is extreme tiredness that does not get better with rest. It may be an important symptom as cancer grows. It may happen early, though, in cancers like leukemia, or if the cancer is causing blood loss, which can happen with some colon or stomach cancers.

Pain

Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers such as bone cancers or testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away or respond to treatment may be a symptom of a brain tumor. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of the colon, rectum, or ovary. Most often, pain that is linked to cancer is a symptom of cancer that has already metastasized (spread from where it started).

Skin changes

Along with cancers of the skin (see the next section), some other cancers can cause skin symptoms or signs that can be seen. These signs and symptoms include:

darker looking skin (hyperpigmentation)
yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)
reddened skin (erythema)
itching
excessive hair growth

Signs and symptoms of certain cancers

Along with the general symptoms, you should watch for certain other common symptoms and signs which could suggest cancer. Again, there may be other causes for each of these, but it is important to see a doctor about them as soon as possible.

Change in bowel habits or bladder function

Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool may be a sign of colon cancer. Pain when passing urine, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as needing to pass urine more or less often than usual) could be related to bladder or prostate cancer. Any changes in bladder or bowel function should be reported to a doctor.

Sores that do not heal

Skin cancers may bleed and look like sores that do not heal. A long-lasting sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer and should be dealt with right away, especially in people who smoke, chew tobacco, or often drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer, and should not be ignored.

White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue

White patches inside the mouth and white spots on the tongue may be leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a pre-cancerous area that is caused by ongoing irritation. It is often caused by smoking or other tobacco use. People who smoke pipes or use oral or spit tobacco are at high risk for developing leukoplakia. If it is not treated, leukoplakia can become oral cancer. Any long-lasting mouth changes should be checked by a doctor or dentist right away.

Unusual bleeding or discharge

Unusual bleeding can happen in early or advanced cancer. Blood in the sputum (phlegm) may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (or a dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause unusual vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.

Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body

Many cancers can be felt through the skin. These cancers occur mostly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer and should be reported to a doctor, especially if you’ve just found it or notice it has grown in size.

Indigestion or trouble swallowing

While they most often are caused by other things, indigestion or swallowing problems may be signs of cancer of the esophagus (the swallowing tube that goes to the stomach), stomach, or pharynx (throat).

Recent change in a wart or mole or any new skin change

Any wart, mole, or freckle that changes color, size, or shape, or loses its definite borders should be reported to a doctor right away. Any new skin changes should be reported as well. A skin change may be a melanoma which, if found early, can be treated successfully.

Nagging cough or hoarseness

A cough that does not go away may be a sign of lung cancer. Hoarseness can be a sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box) or thyroid.

Although the signs and symptoms listed are the ones more commonly seen with cancer, there are many others that are less common and are not listed here. If you notice any major changes in the way your body works or the way you feel, especially if it lasts for a long time or gets worse, let a doctor know. If it has nothing to do with cancer, the doctor can find out more about what's going on and treat it, if needed. If it is cancer, you'll give yourself the best chance to have it treated early, when treatment is most likely to be effective.

Additional resources

More information from your American Cancer Society

We have selected some related information that may also be helpful to you. These materials may be viewed on our Web site or ordered from our toll-free number.

After Diagnosis: A Guide for Patients and Families (also available in Spanish)

American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer (also available in Spanish)

Imaging (Radiology) Tests

Is Cancer Contagious? (also available in Spanish)

Questions that People Ask about Cancer (also available in Spanish)

Testing Biopsy and Cytology Specimens for Cancer

Understanding Your Lab Test Results

What is Cancer? (also available in Spanish)

National organizations and Web sites*

Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of patient information and support include:

CancerCare
Toll-free number: 1-800-813-4673 (1-800-813-HOPE)
Web site: www.cancercare.org

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Toll-free number: 1-800-422-6237
Web site: www.cancer.gov

*Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by the American Cancer Society.

No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for cancer-related information and support. Call us at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) or visit www.cancer.org.

References

Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Cancer Fact Sheet. Available at: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/COM/cancer-fs.html. Accessed October 29, 2008.

National Cancer Institute. Cancer: Questions and Answers. Available at: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/general. Accessed October 29, 2008.

Last Medical Review: 12/12/2008
Last Revised: 12/12/2008

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Early Detection, Diagnosis, Staging

2009-06-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Cancer Screening and Early Detection

There are tests, called screening tests, which adults should have in order to find cancers at an early stage when they are most treatable. Screening can prevent cancers of the cervix, colon, and rectum by allowing doctors to take out pre-cancerous tissue before it becomes cancer. Screening can also detect cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, oral cavity, and skin at early stages. For most of these cancers, early detection has been shown to reduce the number of deaths caused by cancer.

Cancers that can be prevented or detected earlier by screening account for at least half of all new cancer cases. For complete information on cancer screening and early detection please see our document, American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

What Causes Cancer?

2009-06-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

What Causes Cancer?

Some kinds of cancer are caused by things people do. For example, smoking causes cancers of the lungs, mouth, throat, bladder, kidneys and some other organs, as well as heart disease and stroke. While not everyone who smokes will get cancer, smoking increases a person's chance of getting the disease. Drinking a lot of alcohol has also been shown to increase a person's chance of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, and some other organs. This is especially true if the person drinks and smokes.

Radiation (x-rays) can cause cancer. But the x-rays used by the doctor or dentist are safe. Too much exposure to sunlight without any protection can cause skin cancer.

Certain inherited DNA changes can increase the risk for developing some cancers and are responsible for the cancers that run in some families. For example, the BRCA genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are tumor suppressor genes -- they keep tumors from growing. Changes (mutations) in these genes can be passed on (inherited) from parents. When they are mutated, they no longer suppress abnormal growth, and cancer is more likely to develop.

But in most cases, the exact cause of cancer remains a mystery. We know that certain changes in our cells can cause cancer to start, but we don't yet know exactly how this happens. Many scientists are studying this problem.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Can Cancer Be Prevented?

2009-06-29T07:40:00.001-07:00

Can Cancer Be Prevented?

Smoking and drinking alcohol cause some people to get certaintypes of cancer. All cancers caused by cigarette smoking and heavy use of alcohol could be prevented completely. The best thing is to never use tobacco at all. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco all cause cancer and should not be used. People who already smoke should try to quit -- we know that former smokers have less risk of cancer than do people who continue to smoke.

Many of the more than 1 million skin cancers that are diagnosed every year could have been prevented by protecting the skin from the sun’s rays and avoiding indoor tanning. The chances of getting skin cancer can be lowered by staying in the shade as much as you can, wearing a hat and shirt when you are in the sun, and using sunscreen.

About one third of the cancer deaths expected every year are related to nutrition, overweight or obesity, and physical inactivity, and thus could also be prevented. We know that our diet, (what we eat) is linked to some types of cancer, but the exact reasons are not yet clear. The best advice is to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains like pasta and bread, and limit foods high in saturated fat, like high-fat dairy products, processed meats (like bacon, hot dogs, and luncheon meats), and red meats. It is also important to get to and stay at a healthy weight and get at least 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity on at least 5 days per week. You can get more information on this in our document, American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention.

Certain cancers are related to infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), human papilloma virus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and others. Many of these could be prevented through behavioral changes, vaccines, or antibiotics.

There is no way to prevent most cancers, but the best plan is to avoid risk factors you can control and make healthy lifestyle choices. Also see the section, "Cancer screening and early detection" for more information on things you can do to prevent cancer.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Can Cancer Be Prevented?

2009-06-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Can Cancer Be Prevented?

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention

2009-06-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

What Are the Risk Factors for Cancer?

Many of the more than 1 million skin cancers that are diagnosed every year could have been prevented by protecting the skin from the sun's rays and avoiding indoor tanning. The chances of getting skin cancer can be lowered by staying in the shade as much as you can, wearing a hat and shirt when you are in the sun, and using sunscreen.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Who Gets Cancer?

2009-06-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

Over one million people get cancer each year. About 1 out of every 2 American men and 1 out of every 3 American women will have some type of cancer at some point during their lifetime. Anyone can get cancer at any age; but about 77% of all cancers are diagnosed in people age of 55 and older. Cancer can be found in Americans of all racial and ethnic groups, but the rate of cancer occurrence (called the incidence rate) varies from group to group.

Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have been cured of the disease. The sooner a cancer is found and the sooner treatment begins, the better a patient's chances are of a cure. That's why early detection of cancer is such an important weapon in the fight against cancer.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Detailed Guide: What Is Cancer?

2009-06-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Cancer begins when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. There are many kinds of cancer, but they all start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.

How a normal cell becomes cancer

Normal body cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion. During the early years of a person's life, normal cells divide faster to allow the person to grow. After the person becomes an adult, most cells divide only to replace worn-out or dying cells or to repair injuries.

Because cancer cells continue to grow and divide, they are different from normal cells. Instead of dying, cancer cells outlive normal cells and keep forming new abnormal cells. Another difference between cancer cells and normal cells is that cancer cells can invade (grow into) other tissues. Being able to grow out of control and to invade other tissues makes a cell a cancer cell.

Cells become cancer cells because of damage to DNA. DNA is in every cell and directs all its actions. Most of the time, when DNA gets damaged the cell can fix it. If the cell can’t repair the damage, the cell dies. In cancer cells the damaged DNA is not repaired, but the cell doesn’t die like it should. Instead, this cell goes on making new cells even though the body does not need them. These new cells will all have the same DNA damage as the first cell does.

People can inherit damaged DNA, but most of the time DNA damage is caused by something we are exposed to in our environment. Sometimes the cause of the DNA damage is something obvious, like cigarette smoking. But many times no clear cause is found.

A cancer cell has many mistakes in its DNA -- having damage in just one spot does not cause cancer. Even when someone inherits damaged DNA, more mistakes in their DNA are needed before a cancer will develop. Staying away from things that are known to damage DNA (like smoking) as a part of a healthy life style lowers the chance that more DNA damage will take place. This can reduce the risk of cancer -- even in people who have an inherited tendency to get cancer.

How cancers grow and spread

In most cases the cancer cells form a tumor. Some cancers, like leukemia, do not form tumors. Instead, these cancer cells involve the blood and blood-forming organs and circulate through other tissues where they grow. But sometimes the extra cells in these blood cancers may also form a mass of tissue called a tumor.

Cancer cells often travel to other parts of the body, where they begin to grow and replace normal tissue. This process is called metastasis. It happens when the cancer cells get into the bloodstream or lymph vessels of our body.

But no matter where a cancer may spread, it is always named for the place where it started. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the liver is still called breast cancer, not liver cancer. Prostate cancer that has spread to the bone is metastatic prostate cancer, not bone cancer.

Not all tumors are cancerous. Tumors that aren't cancer are called benign. Benign tumors can cause problems -- they can grow very large and press on healthy organs and tissues. But they cannot grow into (invade) other tissues. Because they can't invade, they also can't spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). These tumors are almost never life threatening.

How cancers differ

Different types of cancer can behave very differently. For example, lung cancer and breast cancer are very different diseases. They grow at different rates and respond to different treatments. That is why people with cancer need treatment that is aimed at their particular kind of cancer.

How common is cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly half of all men and a little over one third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. The risk of developing most types of cancer can be reduced by changes in a person's lifestyle, for example, by quitting smoking and eating a better diet. Often, the sooner a cancer is found and treatment begins, the better are the chances for living for many years.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009

Cancer

2009-06-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Cancer

Also called: Carcinoma, Malignancy, Neoplasms, Tumor

Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also break away and spread to other parts of the body.

Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast. The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis. Symptoms and treatment depend on the cancer type and how advanced it is. Treatment plans may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Animal fats pancreas cancer link

2009-06-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

Eating a diet high in red meat and dairy products is linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, a US study has suggested.

Researchers followed 500,000 people who had completed a food diary for an average of six years.

The Journal of the National Cancer Institute paper found those who had the most animal fats in their diet had a higher risk of developing the cancer.

UK experts said cutting down on the fats was a way of reducing risk.

There has previously been confusion over whether there was a link between animal fats and pancreatic cancer, with different studies reaching opposite conclusions.

About 7,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year, with smoking being the biggest risk factor.

The prognosis is poor - the time between diagnosis and death is usually about six months.

'Welcome addition'

This latest research was carried out by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, which felt earlier studies had been too small to give reliable results.

The participants were being followed to see if they developed a range of diseases.

This large study adds to the evidence that pancreatic cancer is more common in people who eat too much fat, particularly saturated fat

Josephine Querido, Cancer Research UK

Of the half a million studied, 1,337 developed pancreatic cancer.

Men who consumed the highest amount of total fats had a 53% higher relative rate of pancreatic cancer compared with men who ate the least.

In women, there was a 23% higher rate of the disease in those eating the most fat compared with those who ate the least.

Overall, people who consumed high amounts of saturated fats had 36% higher relative rates of pancreatic cancer compared with those who consumed low amounts.

Writing in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the researchers led by Dr Rachel Stolzenberg-Solomon, said: "We observed positive associations between pancreatic cancer and intakes of total, saturated, and monounsaturated fat overall, particularly from red meat and dairy food sources.

"We did not observe any consistent association with polyunsaturated or fat from plant food sources.

"Altogether, these results suggest a role for animal fat in pancreatic carcinogenesis."

In an editorial in the journal, Dr Brian Wolpin, of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and Dr Meir Stampfer, of the Harvard School of Public Health, said the study was a "welcome addition to the understanding of a disease that is in great need of new insights".

Josephine Querido, senior science information officer for Cancer Research UK, said: "This large study adds to the evidence that pancreatic cancer is more common in people who eat too much fat, particularly saturated fat.

"Understanding ways of reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer is very important because it can be very difficult to treat.

"Apart from stopping smoking, the best way to reduce your risk of cancer is to eat plenty of fruit vegetables and fibre, and to cut down on fatty foods, red and processed meat and limit your intake of alcohol."

source -http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health

fat -Definition- Function -Food Sources

2009-06-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

Definition Return to top

Fats are organic compounds that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are a source of energy in foods. Fats belong to a group of substances called lipids, and come in liquid or solid form. All fats are combinations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Function Return to top

Fat is one of the three nutrients (along with protein and carbohydrates) that supply calories to the body. Fat provides nine calories per gram, more than twice the number provided by carbohydrates or protein.

Fat is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Fats provide essential fatty acids, which are not made by the body and must be obtained from food. The essential fatty acids are linoleic and linolenic acid. They are important for controlling inflammation, blood clotting, and brain development.

Fat serves as the storage substance for the body's extra calories. It fills the fat cells (adipose tissue) that help insulate the body. Fats are also an important energy source. When the body has used up the calories from carbohydrates, which occurs after the first 20 minutes of exercise, it begins to depend on the calories from fat.

Healthy skin and hair are maintained by fat. Fat helps the body absorb and move the vitamins A, D, E, and K through the bloodstream.

Food Sources Return to top

SATURATED FATS

These are the biggest dietary cause of high LDL levels ("bad cholesterol"). When looking at a food label, pay very close attention to the percentage of saturated fat and avoid or limit any foods that are high. Saturated fat should be limited to 10% of calories. Saturated fats are found in animal products such as butter, cheese, whole milk, ice cream, cream, and fatty meats. They are also found in some vegetable oils -- coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. (Note: Most other vegetable oils contain unsaturated fat and are healthy.)

UNSATURATED FATS

Fats that help to lower blood cholesterol if used in place of saturated fats. However, unsaturated fats have a lot of calories, so you still need to limit them. Most (but not all!) liquid vegetable oils are unsaturated. (The exceptions include coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils.) There are two types of unsaturated fats:

Monounsaturated fats: Examples include olive and canola oils.
Polyunsaturated fats: Examples include fish, safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils.

TRANS FATTY ACIDS

These fats form when vegetable oil hardens (a process called hydrogenation) and can raise LDL levels. They can also lower HDL levels ("good cholesterol"). Trans-fatty acids are found in fried foods, commercial baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers), processed foods, and margarines.

HYDROGENATED AND PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED FATS

This refers to oils that have become hardened (such as hard butter and margarine). Partially hydrogenated means the oils are only partly hardened. Foods made with hydrogenated oils should be avoided because they contain high levels of trans fatty acids, which are linked to heart disease. (Look at the ingredients in the food label.)

Side Effects Return to top

Eating too much saturated fat is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. A diet high in saturated fat causes a soft, waxy substance called cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Too much fat also increases the risk of heart disease because of its high calorie content, which increases the chance of becoming obese (another risk factor for heart disease and some types of cancer).

A large intake of polyunsaturated fat may increase the risk for some types of cancer. Reducing daily fat intake is not a guarantee against developing cancer or heart disease, but it does help reduce the risk factors.

Recommendations Return to top

Choose lean, protein-rich foods such as soy, fish, skinless chicken, very lean meat, and fat free or 1% dairy products.
Eat foods that are naturally low in fat such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Get plenty of soluble fiber such as oats, bran, dry peas, beans, cereal, and rice.
Limit fried foods, processed foods, and commercially prepared baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers).
Limit animal products such as egg yolks, cheeses, whole milk, cream, ice cream, and fatty meats (and large portions of meats).
Look at food labels, especially the level of saturated fat. Avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat.
Look on food labels for words like "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" -- these foods are loaded with bad fats and should be avoided.
Liquid vegetable oil, soft margarine, and trans fatty acid-free margarine are preferable to butter, stick margarine, or shortening.

Children under age 2 should NOT be on a fat-restricted diet because cholesterol and fat are thought to be important nutrients for brain development.

It is important to read the nutrition labels and be aware of the amount of different types of fat contained in food. If you are 20, ask your health care provider about checking your cholesterol levels.

References Return to top

American Heart Association Nutrition Committee; Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Brands M, Carnelian M, Daniels S, et al. Diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Circulation. 2006 Jul 4;114(1):82-96.

source- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002468.htm

Fat ---

2009-06-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

Alternative Names Return to top

Saturated fat; Diet - fat; Polyunsaturated fat; Monounsaturated fat; Lipids

What Are Congenital Heart Defects?

2009-03-16T00:31:00.000-07:00

What Are Congenital Heart Defects?
Congenital (kon-JEN-i-tal) heart defects are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. These defects can involve the interior walls of the heart, valves inside the heart, or the arteries and veins that carry blood to the heart or out to the body. Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart.
There are many different types of congenital heart defects. They range from simple defects with no symptoms to complex defects with severe, life-threatening symptoms.
Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting 8 of every 1,000 newborns. Each year, more than 35,000 babies in the United States are born with congenital heart defects. Most of these defects are simple conditions that are easily fixed or need no treatment.
A small number of babies are born with complex congenital heart defects that need special medical attention soon after birth. Over the past few decades, the diagnosis and treatment of these complex defects has greatly improved.
As a result, almost all children with complex heart defects grow to adulthood and can live active, productive lives because their heart defects have been effectively treated.
Most people with complex heart defects continue to need special heart care throughout their lives. They may need to pay special attention to certain issues that their condition could affect, such as health insurance, employment, pregnancy and contraception, and preventing infection during routine health procedures. Today in the United States, about 1 million adults are living with congenital heart defects.

Heart and Vascular Diseases

2009-03-16T00:24:00.000-07:00

Risk Assessment Tool for Estimating Your 10-year Risk of Having a Heart Attack
The risk assessment tool below uses information from the Framingham Heart Study to predict a person’s chance of having a heart attack in the next 10 years. This tool is designed for adults aged 20 and older who do not have heart disease or diabetes. To find your risk score, enter your information in the calculator below.
-->
Age:
years
Gender:
Female Male
Total Cholesterol:
mg/dL
HDL Cholesterol:
mg/dL
Smoker:
No Yes
Systolic Blood Pressure:
mm/Hg
Are you currently on any medication to treat high blood pressure.
No Yes

Total cholesterol - Total cholesterol is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood. The higher your total cholesterol, the greater your risk for heart disease. Here are the total values that matter to you: Less than 200 mg/dL 'Desirable' level that puts you at lower risk for heart disease. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or greater increases your risk.200 to 239 mg/dL 'Borderline-high.' 240 mg/dL and above 'High' blood cholesterol. A person with this level has more than twice the risk of heart disease compared to someone whose cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL.

HDL cholesterol - High density lipoproteins (HDL) is the 'good' cholesterol. HDL carry cholesterol in the blood from other parts of the body back to the liver, which leads to its removal from the body. So HDL help keep cholesterol from building up in the walls of the arteries.Here are the HDL-Cholesterol Levels that matter to you:Less than 40 mg/dL A major risk factor for heart disease 40 to 59 mg/dL The higher your HDL, the better60 mg/dL and above An HDL of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease.

Smoker - Select “yes” if you have smoked any cigarettes in the past month.

Systolic blood pressure - Systolic blood pressure is the first number of your blood pressure reading. For example, if your reading is 120/80 (120 over 80), your systolic blood pressure is 120.

for more info -http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/atpiii/calculator.asp?usertype=pub

Key Points

2009-03-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

Key Points

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If the flow of blood isn’t restored quickly, the section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and begins to die.
Heart attack is a leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
Today there are excellent treatments for heart attack that can save lives and prevent disabilities. Treatment is most effective when started within 1 hour of the beginning of symptoms.
Unfortunately, many heart attack victims wait 2 hours or more after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in lasting heart damage or death.
If you think you or someone with you is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 right away.
Heart attacks occur most often as a result of a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD).
Heart attack also can be caused by a condition called microvascular disease, which involves the microscopic blood vessels of the heart. Less commonly, a spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery can cause a heart attack.
Certain risk factors increase the changes of developing CAD and having a heart attack (for example, age, a family history of CAD, smoking, and being overweight or obese). Some risk factors can’t be controlled, while others can.
The warning signs of heart attack aren’t the same for everyone. However, common signs and symptoms of a heart attack are:
- Chest discomfort or pain—uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or the chest that can be mild or strong. This discomfort or pain lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
- Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath may occur with or before chest discomfort.
- Other signs include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat.
Treatments for heart attack include medicines and procedures to open blocked arteries (such as angioplasty).
Lowering your risk for CAD can decrease your chances of having a heart attack (or second heart attack). This usually involves making healthy lifestyle choices and treating conditions related to CAD such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, and diabetes.
Most people are able to return to their normal activities after a heart attack. Ask your doctor when you can resume daily activities such as driving, exercise, work, sexual activity, strenuous activities (for example, running or heavy lifting), and travel.
Many people survive heart attacks and live active and full lives.
source-http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/HeartAttack/HeartAttack_Summary.htm

Life After a Heart Attack

2009-03-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

Life After a Heart Attack

Many people survive heart attacks and live active and full lives. If you get help quickly, treatment can limit the damage to your heart muscle. Less heart damage improves your chances for a better quality of life after a heart attack.

Medical Followup

After a heart attack, you will need treatment for coronary artery disease to prevent another heart attack. Your doctor may recommend:

Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, increasing your physical activity, and losing weight, if needed
Medicines to control chest pain or discomfort, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and your heart’s workload
Participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program

Returning to Normal Activities

After a heart attack, most people without chest pain or discomfort or other complications can safely return to most of their normal activities within a few weeks. Most can begin walking immediately. Sexual activity also can begin within a few weeks for most patients. Discuss with your doctor a safe schedule for returning to your normal activities.

If allowed by State law, driving can usually begin within a week for most patients who don’t have chest pain or discomfort or other complications. Each State has rules about driving a motor vehicle following a serious illness. People with complications shouldn’t drive until their symptoms have been stable for a few weeks.

Anxiety and Depression After a Heart Attack

After a heart attack, many people worry about having another heart attack. Sometimes they feel depressed and have trouble adjusting to the new lifestyle that’s needed to limit further heart trouble. Your doctor may recommend medicine or professional counseling if you have depression or anxiety. Physical activity can improve mental well-being, but you should consult with your doctor before starting any fitness activities.

Risk of a Repeat Heart Attack

Once you’ve had a heart attack, you’re at higher risk for another one. It’s important to know the difference between angina and a heart attack. The pain of angina usually occurs after exertion and goes away in a few minutes when you rest or take medicine as directed. During a heart attack, the pain is usually more severe than angina, and it doesn’t go away when you rest or take medicine. If you don’t know whether your chest pain is angina or a heart attack, call 9–1–1.

Remember, the symptoms of a second heart attack may not be the same as those of a first heart attack. Don’t take a chance if you’re in doubt. Always call 9–1–1 within 5 minutes if you or someone you’re with has symptoms of a heart attack.

Unfortunately, most heart attack victims wait 2 hours or more after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in lasting heart damage or death.

How Can a Heart Attack Be Prevented?

2009-03-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

Lowering your risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) can help you prevent a heart attack. (See "Who Is At Risk for a Heart Attack?") Even if you already have CAD, you can still take steps to lower your risk of heart attack.

Reducing the risk of heart attack usually means making healthy lifestyle choices. You also may need treatment for medical conditions that raise your risk.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent heart attack include:

Following a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Pay careful attention to the amounts and types of fat in your diet. Lower your salt intake. These changes can help lower high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
Losing weight if you're overweight or obese.
Quitting smoking.
Doing physical activity to improve heart fitness. Ask your doctor how much and what kinds of physical activity are safe for you.

Treat Related Conditions

In addition to making lifestyle changes, you can help prevent heart attacks by treating conditions you have that make a heart attack more likely:

High blood cholesterol. You may need medicine to lower your cholesterol if diet and exercise aren't enough.
High blood pressure. You may need medicine to keep your blood pressure under control.
Diabetes (high blood sugar). If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar levels through diet and physical activity (as your doctor recommends). If needed, take medicine as prescribed.

Have an Emergency Action Plan

Make sure that you have an emergency action plan in case you or someone else in your family has a heart attack. This is especially important if you're at high risk or have already had a heart attack.

Talk with your doctor about the signs and symptoms of heart attack, when you should call 9–1–1, and steps you can take while waiting for medical help to arrive.

How Is a Heart Attack Treated?

2009-03-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

Early treatment can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. Acting fast, at the first symptoms of heart attack, can save your life. Medical personnel can begin diagnosis and treatment even before you get to the hospital.

Certain treatments are usually started right away if a heart attack is suspected, even before the diagnosis is confirmed. These include:

Oxygen
Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting
Nitroglycerin, to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow through the coronary arteries
Treatment for chest pain

Once the diagnosis of heart attack is confirmed or strongly suspected, treatments to try to restore blood flow to the heart are started as soon as possible. Treatments include medicines and medical procedures.

Medicines

A number of different kinds of medicines may be used to treat heart attack. They include the following.

Thrombolytic Medicines

These medicines (also called clot busters) are used to dissolve blood clots that are blocking the coronary arteries. To be most effective, these medicines must be given within 1 hour after the start of heart attack symptoms.

Beta Blockers

These medicines decrease the workload on your heart. Beta blockers also are used to relieve chest pain or discomfort and to help prevent additional heart attacks. Beta blockers also are used to correct arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

These medicines lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on your heart. They also help slow down further weakening of the heart muscle.

Anticoagulants

These medicines thin the blood and prevent clots from forming in your arteries.

Antiplatelet Medicines

These medicines (such as aspirin and clopidogrel) stop platelets (a type of blood cell) from clumping together and forming unwanted clots.

Other Medicines

Medicines may also be given to relieve pain and anxiety, and to treat arrhythmias, which often occur during a heart attack.

Medical Procedures

If medicines can’t stop a heart attack, medical procedures—surgical or nonsurgical—may be used. These procedures include the following.

Angioplasty

This nonsurgical procedure can be used to open coronary arteries that are blocked by a blood clot. During angioplasty, a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) with a balloon on the end is threaded through a blood vessel to the blocked coronary artery. Then, the balloon is inflated to push the plaque against the wall of the artery. This widens the inside of the artery, restoring blood flow.

During angioplasty, a small mesh tube called a stent may be put in the artery to help keep it open. Some stents are coated with medicines that help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgery in which arteries or veins are taken from other areas of your body and sewn in place to bypass (that is, go around) blocked coronary arteries. This provides a new route for blood flow to the heart muscle.

Treatment After You Leave the Hospital

Most people spend several days in the hospital after a heart attack. When you leave the hospital, treatment doesn’t stop. At home, your treatment may include daily medicines and cardiac rehabilitation (rehab). Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, losing weight, changing your diet, and increasing your physical activity, to lower your chances of having another heart attack.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Your doctor may prescribe cardiac rehab to help you recover from a heart attack and to help prevent another heart attack. Almost everyone who has had a heart attack can benefit from rehab. The heart is a muscle, and the right exercise will strengthen it.

But cardiac rehab isn’t only about exercise. It also includes education, counseling, and learning about reducing your risk factors. Rehab will help you learn the best way to take care of yourself after having a heart attack and how to prevent having another one.

The cardiac rehab team may include doctors (your family doctor, a cardiologist, and/or a surgeon), nurses, exercise specialists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, and psychologists or other behavioral therapists.

How Is a Heart Attack Diagnosed?

2009-03-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

The diagnosis of heart attack is based on your symptoms, your personal and family medical history, and the results of diagnostic tests.

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

This test detects and records the electrical activity of the heart. Certain changes in the appearance of the electrical waves on an EKG are strong evidence of a heart attack. An EKG also can show if you’re having arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), which a heart attack (and other conditions) can cause.

Blood Tests

During a heart attack, heart muscle cells die and burst open, letting certain proteins out in the bloodstream. Blood tests can measure the amount of these proteins in the bloodstream. Higher than normal levels of these proteins in the bloodstream is evidence of a heart attack.

Commonly used blood tests include troponin tests, CK or CK–MB tests, and serum myoglobin tests. Blood tests are often repeated to check for changes over time.

Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography is a special x-ray exam of the heart and blood vessels. It's often done during a heart attack to help pinpoint blockages in the coronary arteries.

The doctor passes a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) through an artery in your arm or groin (upper thigh) and threads it to your heart. This procedure—called cardiac catheterization—is part of coronary angiography.

A dye that can be seen on x ray is injected into the bloodstream through the tip of the catheter. The dye lets the doctor study the flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels.

If a blockage is found, another procedure, called angioplasty, may be used to restore blood flow through the artery. Sometimes during angioplasty, the doctor will place a stent (a small mesh tube) in the artery to help keep the artery open.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

2009-03-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

Not all heart attacks begin with a sudden, crushing pain that is often shown on TV or in the movies. The warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack aren’t the same for everyone. Many heart attacks start slowly as mild pain or discomfort. Some people don’t have symptoms at all (this is called a silent heart attack).

Chest Pain or Discomfort

The most common symptom of heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. It can be mild or severe. Heart attack pain can sometimes feel like indigestion or heartburn.

The symptoms of angina can be similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. Angina is pain in the chest that occurs in people with coronary artery disease, usually when they’re active. Angina pain usually lasts for only a few minutes and goes away with rest. Angina that doesn’t go away or that changes from its usual pattern (occurs more frequently or occurs at rest) can be a sign of the beginning of a heart attack and should be checked by a doctor right away.

Other Common Signs and Symptoms

Other common signs and symptoms that a person can have during a heart attack include:

Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Shortness of breath may often occur with or before chest discomfort
Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat

Not everyone having a heart attack experiences the typical symptoms. If you’ve already had a heart attack, your symptoms may not be the same for another one. The more signs and symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you’re having a heart attack.

Act Fast

Sometimes the signs and symptoms of a heart attack happen suddenly, but they can also develop slowly, over hours, days, and even weeks before a heart attack occurs.

Know the warning signs of a heart attack so you can act fast to get treatment for yourself or someone else. The sooner you get emergency help, the less damage there will be to your heart.

Call 9–1–1 for help within 5 minutes if you think you may be having a heart attack or if your chest pain doesn’t go away as it usually does when you take prescribed medicine.

Don’t drive yourself or anyone else to the hospital. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.

Who Is At Risk for a Heart Attack?

2009-03-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Who Is At Risk for a Heart Attack?

Certain risk factors make it more likely that you will develop coronary artery disease (CAD) and have a heart attack. Some risk factors for heart attack can be controlled, while others can't.

Major risk factors for heart attack that you can control include:

Smoking
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Overweight and obesity
Physical inactivity
Diabetes (high blood sugar)

Risk factors that you can't change include:

Age. Risk increases for men older than 45 years and for women older than 55 years (or after menopause).
Family history of early CAD. Your risk increases if your father or a brother was diagnosed with CAD before 55 years of age, or if your mother or a sister was diagnosed with CAD before 65 years of age.

Certain CAD risk factors tend to occur together. When they do, it’s called metabolic syndrome. In general, a person with metabolic syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop diabetes as someone without metabolic syndrome.

source -www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

What Causes a Heart Attack?

2009-03-03T22:22:00.000-08:00

What Causes a Heart Attack?

Most heart attacks occur as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the buildup over time of a material called plaque on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Eventually, a section of plaque can break open, causing a blood clot to form at the site. A heart attack occurs if the clot becomes large enough to cut off most or all of the blood flow through the artery.

Coronary Artery With Plaque Buildup

The illustration shows a normal artery with normal blood flow (figure A) and an artery containing plaque buildup (figure B).

The blocked blood flow prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the part of the heart muscle fed by the artery. The lack of oxygen damages the heart muscle. If the blockage isn’t treated quickly, the damaged heart muscle begins to die.

Heart attack also can occur due to problems with the very small, microscopic blood vessels of the heart. This condition is called microvascular disease. It’s believed to be more common in women than in men.

Another less common cause of heart attack is a severe spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery that cuts off blood flow through the artery. These spasms can occur in coronary arteries that don’t have CAD. It’s not always clear what causes a coronary artery spasm, but sometimes it can be related to:

Taking certain drugs, such as cocaine
Emotional stress or pain
Exposure to extreme cold
Cigarette smoking

The animation below shows how a heart attack occurs. Click the “start” button to play the animation. Written and spoken explanations are provided with each frame. Use the buttons in the lower right corner to pause, restart, or replay the animation, or use the scroll bar below the buttons to move through the fram
soutce -www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Other Names for a Heart Attack

2009-03-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

Other Names for a Heart Attack

Myocardial infarction or MI
Acute myocardial infarction or AMI
Acute coronary syndrome
Coronary thrombosis
Coronary occlusion

What Is a Heart Attack?

2009-03-03T22:20:00.000-08:00

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If the flow of blood isn’t restored quickly, the section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and begins to die.

Heart attack is a leading killer of both men and women in the United States. But fortunately, today there are excellent treatments for heart attack that can save lives and prevent disabilities. Treatment is most effective when started within 1 hour of the beginning of symptoms. If you think you or someone you’re with is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 right away.

Overview

Heart attacks occur most often as a result of a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, a fatty material called plaque (plak) builds up over many years on the inside walls of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to your heart). Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the part of the heart muscle fed by the artery.

Heart With Muscle Damage and a Blocked Artery

Figure A is an overview of a heart and coronary artery showing damage (dead heart muscle) caused by a heart attack. Figure B is a cross-section of the coronary artery with plaque buildup and a blood clot.

During a heart attack, if the blockage in the coronary artery isn’t treated quickly, the heart muscle will begin to die and be replaced by scar tissue. This heart damage may not be obvious, or it may cause severe or long-lasting problems.

Severe problems linked to heart attack can include heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood throughout the body. Ventricular fibrillation is a serious arrhythmia that can cause death if not treated quickly.

Get Help Quickly

Acting fast at the first sign of heart attack symptoms can save your life and limit damage to your heart. Treatment is most effective when started within 1 hour of the beginning of symptoms.

The most common heart attack signs and symptoms are:

Chest discomfort or pain—uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that can be mild or strong. This discomfort or pain lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of breath may occur with or before chest discomfort.
Other signs include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat.

If you think you or someone you know may be having a heart attack:

Call 9–1–1 within a few minutes—5 at the most—of the start of symptoms.
If your symptoms stop completely in less than 5 minutes, still call your doctor.
Only take an ambulance to the hospital. Going in a private car can delay treatment.
Take a nitroglycerin pill if your doctor has prescribed this type of medicine.

Outlook

Each year, about 1.1 million people in the United States have heart attacks, and almost half of them die. CAD, which often results in a heart attack, is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States.

Many more people could recover from heart attacks if they got help faster. Of the people who die from heart attacks, about half die within an hour of the first symptoms and before they reach the hospital.

Heart Attacks

2009-03-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

Heart Attacks

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. CHD is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, and often results in a heart attack.

Each year, about 1.1 million Americans suffer a heart attack. About 460,000 of those heart attacks are fatal. About half of those deaths occur within 1 hour of the start of symptoms and before the person reaches the hospital.

Fortunately, everyone can take steps to protect their heart–and their life or that of someone else. The key is seeking medical care as soon as possible.

This Web page tells you about heart attack and the steps you can take to increase your chances of survival. You’ll learn why a fast response to the signs of a heart attack is crucial to save lives and limit heart damage.

source:/www.nhlbi.nih.gov

headache

2009-02-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

Your doctor probably won't suggest prophylactic treatment unless you have several attacks per month. If you take drugs this way, your physician will monitor you for side effects, such as weight gain, water retention, lethargy, memory impairment, and hallucinations. Do not try to combine any weight loss medications with prophylactic drugs, and do not stop taking the drugs suddenly.

Here are a few principles of prophylactic treatment:

It should begin with low doses, which are increased slowly.
Every month or two, it should be tested to see if it is working correctly.
Your doctor should check that you are not taking any other drugs or vitamins that could interfere with the headache medication.
You should be sure you are not pregnant.
Medication should be tapered off and discontinued once your headaches are under control.

Although there is no set schedule for how long someone should stay on prophylactic therapy, many experts consider more than six months excessive.

The major prescription drugs used to treat tension, migraine, and sometimes cluster headaches prophylactically include: beta blockers such as Tenormin, Lopressor, and Inderal; calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia; antidepressants such as Elavil and Zoloft; serotonin antagonists such as Sansert; anticonvulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin; and ergot derivatives such as Cafergot and Sansert.

source :www.healthsquare.com

Headaches

2009-02-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

Headaches can't be cured, but they can be controlled. There are many medications that can either stop the pain associated with headaches or stop the symptoms, like nausea, that accompany them.

Using medication should be only one part of a wellness program. Life-style changes—such as avoidance of any known headache triggers, personal and family counseling, stress management, and relaxation therapy—should accompany any drug plan your doctor prescribes

There are two ways to benefit from available medications. You can take them either prophylactically (every day to reduce the severity and frequency of possible attacks), or abortively (once the headache begins).

BACK PAIN

2009-02-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

Back Pain Overview

Back pain in the lower back or low back pain is a common concern, affecting up to 90% of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Up to 50% will have more than one episode. Low back pain is not a specific disease. Rather, it is a symptom that may occur from a variety of different processes. In up to 85% of people with low back pain, despite a thorough medical examination, no specific cause of the pain can be identified.

Low back pain is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost days at work. It is also one of the most common reasons to visit a doctor's office or a hospital's emergency department.
For 90% of people, even those with nerve root irritation, their symptoms will improve within 2 months, no matter what treatment is used-even if no treatment is given.
Doctors usually refer to back pain as acute if it has been present for less than a month and chronic if it lasts for a longer period of time.
Back Pain Causes

Back pain is a symptom. Pain arising from other organs may be felt in the back. This is called referred pain. Many intra-abdominal disorders-such as appendicitis, aneurysms, kidney diseases, bladder infections, pelvic infections, and ovarian disorders, among others-can cause pain referred to the back. Your doctor will have this in mind when evaluating your pain.
Nerve root syndromes are those that produce symptoms of nerve impingement (a nerve is touched), often due to a herniation (or bulging) of the disc between the lower back bones. Sciatica is an example of nerve root impingement. Impingement pain tends to be sharp, in one spot, and associated with numbness in the area of the leg that the affected nerve supplies.
- Herniated discs are produced as the spinal discs degenerate or grow thinner. The jellylike central portion of the disc bulges out of the central cavity and pushes against a nerve root. Intervertebral discs begin to degenerate by the third decade of life. Herniated discs are found in a third of adults older than 20. Only 3% of these, however, produce symptoms of nerve impingement.
- Spinal stenosis occurs as intervertebral discs lose moisture and volume with age, which decreases the disc spaces. Even minor trauma under these circumstances can cause inflammation and nerve root impingement, which can produce classic sciatica without disc rupture.
- Spinal degeneration is caused by alterations in the disc that progress to degeneration. This, coupled with disease in joints of the low back, causes spinal canal narrowing. These changes in the disc and the joints produce symptoms and can be seen on an x-ray. A person with spinal degeneration may have morning stiffness or pain while standing for a long time or walking even short distances.
- Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. Disc material expands into the spinal canal, which compresses the nerves. A person would experience pain, possible loss of sensation, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. This could include inability to control urination causing incontinence, or the inability to begin urination.
Musculoskeletal pain syndromes that produce low back pain include myofascial pain syndromes and fibromyalgia.
- Myofascial pain is characterized by pain and tenderness over localized areas (trigger points), loss of range of motion in the involved muscle groups, and pain radiating in a characteristic distribution but restricted to a peripheral nerve. Relief of pain is often reported when the involved muscle group is stretched.
- Fibromyalgia results in pain and tenderness on 11 of 18 trigger points when touched, one of which is the low back area, as classified by the American College of Rheumatology. Generalized stiffness, fatigue, and muscle ache are reported.
Other skeletal causes of low back pain include osteomyelitis or sacroiliitis (infections of the bones of the spine). This pain is usually worse at night and is worse when sitting or standing for a long time.
Tumors, possibly cancerous, can be a source of skeletal pain.
Back pain is a symptom. Pain arising from other organs may be felt in the back. This is called referred pain. Many intra-abdominal disorders-such as appendicitis, aneurysms, kidney diseases, bladder infections, pelvic infections, and ovarian disorders, among others-can cause pain referred to the back. Your doctor will have this in mind when evaluating your pain.
Nerve root syndromes are those that produce symptoms of nerve impingement (a nerve is touched), often due to a herniation (or bulging) of the disc between the lower back bones. Sciatica is an example of nerve root impingement. Impingement pain tends to be sharp, in one spot, and associated with numbness in the area of the leg that the affected nerve supplies.
- Herniated discs are produced as the spinal discs degenerate or grow thinner. The jellylike central portion of the disc bulges out of the central cavity and pushes against a nerve root. Intervertebral discs begin to degenerate by the third decade of life. Herniated discs are found in a third of adults older than 20. Only 3% of these, however, produce symptoms of nerve impingement.
- Spinal stenosis occurs as intervertebral discs lose moisture and volume with age, which decreases the disc spaces. Even minor trauma under these circumstances can cause inflammation and nerve root impingement, which can produce classic sciatica without disc rupture.
- Spinal degeneration is caused by alterations in the disc that progress to degeneration. This, coupled with disease in joints of the low back, causes spinal canal narrowing. These changes in the disc and the joints produce symptoms and can be seen on an x-ray. A person with spinal degeneration may have morning stiffness or pain while standing for a long time or walking even short distances.
- Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. Disc material expands into the spinal canal, which compresses the nerves. A person would experience pain, possible loss of sensation, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. This could include inability to control urination causing incontinence, or the inability to begin urination.
Musculoskeletal pain syndromes that produce low back pain include myofascial pain syndromes and fibromyalgia.
- Myofascial pain is characterized by pain and tenderness over localized areas (trigger points), loss of range of motion in the involved muscle groups, and pain radiating in a characteristic distribution but restricted to a peripheral nerve. Relief of pain is often reported when the involved muscle group is stretched.
- Fibromyalgia results in pain and tenderness on 11 of 18 trigger points when touched, one of which is the low back area, as classified by the American College of Rheumatology. Generalized stiffness, fatigue, and muscle ache are reported.
Other skeletal causes of low back pain include osteomyelitis or sacroiliitis (infections of the bones of the spine). This pain is usually worse at night and is worse when sitting or standing for a long time.
Tumors, possibly cancerous, can be a source of skeletal pain.

»SOURCE-www.emedicinehealth.com

Best Health Care Policy Blogs

2009-02-08T05:46:00.000-08:00

hether you want to participate in the debate over universal health care or unfair health insurance policies and workers' comp, or if you you'd just like to learn more about the issues and legislation that affect the cost and quality of the health care your family receives, you've probably tried turning to the Internet for help. Unfortunately, it can be overwhelming to track down the exact kind of information you need without getting distracted, frustrated or even just lost. If you need a little more direction to help you with your search, check out our list of 100 of the best health care policy blogs online, where you can read up on public health, geriatric care, disease management, politics and legislation, and even the business of health care and pharmaceuticals.

Pediatrics

Here you'll find information about vaccines, medical marketing and other issues that surround pediatric care and policy.

Healthy Kids: Learn about free screenings, medical marketing, and other pediatric news here.
Dr. Tapas' Pediatric Blog: In addition to helping parents understand their children's symptoms and diseases, this blog "also discuss[es] issues surrounding pediatrics in an effort to aid parents in understanding how these issues will affect their children."
Dr. Gwenn is In: Dr. Gwenn is a pediatrician who blogs about everything from recalls to medical community news to childhood obesity to women's health.
Vaccine Awakening: Learn all about childhood vaccines, vaccine risks and the government's role in enforcing vaccines.
Saying No to Vaccines: This anti-vaccination blog reveals risks associated with vaccines and reports on lawsuits and court cases dealing with vaccines.

Ethics

Learn more about the ethics codes in hospitals and in the greater health care industry here.

Healthcare Blogger Code of Ethics: This is the website that evaluates medical blogs online.
Medical Ethics: Stuart Laidlaw of the Toronto Star writes posts like "Who gets treatment?" and "Access to health care."
Bioethics Discussion Blog: Learn about and participate in the bioethics debate here.
Health Care Organizational Ethics: This blog considers "the ethics of health care organizations and the wider health system."
Global Bioethics Blog: This blog reports on bioethics and medical research ethics around the world.
Health Care Renewal: This blog tries to hold accountable those who abuse the health care system.

Senior Care and Life Care

For information about geriatrics, Medicare, assisted living, disease management and chronic illnesses and the policies and laws they influence, turn to this list.

Disease Management Care Blog: Get news, stats, research finds and analysis of health issues like primary care, pay for performance, disease management, and health insurance.
The Senior Care Market: After browsing posts in this blog, consider how the booming senior care business impacts health policy.
Senior Care Notes: Learn about the business of the senior care industry here.
The Geriatrics Blog: Modern Medicine's Geriatrics page covers everything from the future of the niche industry to specific diseases to long-term care investments.
The Geriatric Patient: Elderly patients can turn to this site to learn more about the issues affecting their care.
Quality of Life Care: Learn about end-of-life care, life care resources and trends for baby boomers and more.
Pallimed: Read all about hospice care and palliative medicine on this blog, which also covers topics in health care ethics, coverage and policy.
Alliance for Aging Research Blog: Learn about new studies, cures, drugs and policies affecting geriatrics medical research.
SeniorCareMarketer.com: Recent posts in this blog include "Marketing to Boomers: Don't Stereotype" and "New Report: Trends and Best Practices for Marketing to the Senior Care Industry."

Politics, Legislation and Law

This list contains blogs all about health care laws and how they fit into the political system.

Health Care Law Blog: Read up on health care ethics, legislation, privacy issues, business and more.
Health Beat: Check this blog frequently for great pieces about the inner workings of the health care industry, as well as reports on legislations and issues affecting health care.
HealthBlawg: This health care law blog posts about lawsuits, legislation, managed care, Medicare, and more.
Each Patient Counts: The Massachusetts Medical Society uses this blog as a venue for posting about legislation, Congress' rulings on health care-related bills and more.
Health Law Prof: Read about health care issues and health law, from consumer behavior to insurance to exams and screenings to politics.
Health Commentary with Dr. Mike Magee: Dr. Mike Magee blogs about research, environmental health, patient advocacy, health care reform and a lot more.

Health Care and Business

Health care policies can be influenced by and can directly affect the business of health care. Learn about new technologies, systems and marketing campaigns in the health care industry here.

Health Business Blog: Read about the pharmaceutical industry, investments in prevention and more.
WSJ Health Blog: The Wall Street Journal's Health Blog reports on the business of the health care industry, as well as legislations and trends in health care.
Health Care Policy and Marketplace Review: Read posts about federal health care policies and health care consumers, health plans, pharmaceuticals and more.
Health Policy and Communications Blog: This blogger aims to discuss the health care system by analyzing its effect on and response to the economy.
Healthcare Economist: Find out how all health care issues, from maternal health to geriatrics to medical research, affect the economy.
Health Care Policy, Innovation and Renewal: This blog challenges the American health care system to become more efficient and quality-driven, "in an era of globalization, rising free market dynamics" and other changes.
Healthcare Today: Read about consumer culture in the health care system, reimbursement, health care politics, insurance, ethics and other issues surrounding the business of health care.

International Health Care

Find out about what's being done to improve health care policies in other countries like India, Africa and more.

World Health Care Blog: Recent posts from this blog include "Disease Management's Ace in the Hole" and "Health Care Challenges in the Post-American World."
The TIME Global Health Blog: Browse the archives to learn about global health policies, bird flu, TB, malaria, HIV and more.
International HIA Blog: Here, you can get "the latest news and views on Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and discussing policy and practice internationally."
The International Medical Marketplace: Read this blog to gain insight into how the business of health care around the world affects American health policies, treatments and trends.
Global Health Policy: The Center for Global Development fuels the discussion about global health policies, AIDS and more in this blog.
IH-Blog: APHA's international health blog writes about population growth, health policies, trade, and "stories from the field."
Global Health Report: Journalist Christine Gorman explores "what needs to happen next in global health" in her blog.

Drugs/Pharma

Sneak a peek into the world of the pharmaceutical industry by reading these blogs.

Hooked: Ethics, Medicine and Pharma: This blog analyzes the medical research and pharmaceutical industries by discussing sponsorship, projects taken on by Congress and more.
Eye on FDA: Find out what the FDA is currently up to when you check out this blog.
Pharma Marketing Blog: Visit this blog for the latest in the business of pharmaceuticals.
Pharma Gossip: Read about drug company alliances, pharma investments and more.
Pharmaceutical Engineering: Recent posts cover FDA probes, the UK pharma industry and growth in the U.S. prescription drug market.
MedAd News: This blog will teach you about the ins and outs of drug marketing.
The Pharmaceutical Marketing Blog: This is "the source for pharma markeing" news and trends.
FDA Law Blog: Learn all about health care law and pharma law as it relates to the FDA here.
Rx Blog: This "drug news and pharmaceutical information blog" can help you better understand how pharmaceuticals play a role in health care policy.
Pharmalot: This blog will help you understand court cases that center around pharmaceutical companies and the FDA.

Free/Affordable/Universal Health Care

Join the debate on universal health care and the health care crisis in America by reading these blogs.

In America, No One Should Go Without Health Care: Get the facts about America's health care system here, while you watch videos, get news from the AFL-CIO, and learn about health care reform.
We Don't Need Insurance, We Need Guaranteed Health Care: Learn about which candidates and sponsors support universal health care, read analysis and articles by nurses and other medical professionals, and more.
Health Care for All: The Campaign for America's Future network publishes posts from various authors who write about health care reform and the American health care industry.
Coverage for All: This site, from the Foundation for Health Coverage Education, shares information about different health coverage programs, news reports about health care policies and insurance, and more.
Common Health: The articles on this blog discuss coverage, cost, health care reform and related topics.

Nursing, Physicians and Hospitals

For insight into how nurses and doctors view health care policies, turn to these blogs.

Hospital Impact: This blogger asks, "what will it take for our hospitals to be the best run organizations on the face of the planet?"
Nick's Blog: The President and CEO of Windber Research Institute and Windber Medical Center blogs about quality of care, hospital bullies, Medicare and more.
Wachter's World: Get an inside look at hospitals' efforts to promote quality, patient safety and efficiency.
Healthcare Collaboration: Read about the campaign to improve doctor-hospital relations here.
Our Own System: This blog considers why the nursing shortage is so dangerous to the health care system.

Official Organizations

Visit the blogs from official health care policy organizations like The Policy Journal of the Health Sphere.

SCOTUS Blog: Keep track of any health care policy cases that make it to the Supreme Court by checking this blog.
Health Affairs: This is the blog for The Policy Journal of the Health Sphere. Recent posts tackle HIV/AIDS outbreaks in India and China, recipients of government health care spending, and the business of health care.

Medicare/Medicaid

Older patients and those helping to take care of elderly friends and family members can learn about the confusing Medicare and Medicaid policies here.

Piper Report: Learn all about Medicare and Medicaid here.
Medicare News Blog: Read up on Medicare coverage and cases in hospitals and hospice.
Medicare Part D Blog: Find out what drugs are covered and which are not, tips on enrollment, and more.
Florida Medicaid: Subscribe to this feed to get updates and reports about Medicaid.
Hospice Blog: Hospice Blog frequently brings Medicare and Medicaid discussions to the table.

Health Insurance and Coverage

Learn more about the health insurance crisis by reading these blogs.

InsureBlog: Gain insight into the world of health insurance, health savings accounts and more in this blog.
Workers Comp Insider: Learn about the policies, risks and business associated with workers comp by reading this blog.
RiskProf: Get the lowdown on which laws and issues affect health insurance and liability.
Managed Care Matters: Managed Care Matters explores health care policy, insurance trends, medical research and more to make sense of the insurance mess.
Insurance Industry Blog: This is the blog for the Insurance Information Institute, and visitors will learn about health education, technology and other issues that affect insurance.
The New Health Dialogue: This blog tackles health insurance coverage, health care plans, and the quality of health care.
Speaking of Outreach: Learn about dental insurance, health care reform, subsidized heatlh care and other health policy issues here.
Health Insurance Blog: Learn about insurance reform, state legislation, and other health care issues in this blog.
Health Insurance Blog: About.com's Kelly Montgomery shares her knowledge about navigating health insurance reform, claims disputes, policies, confusing terms and more.
The Coverage Corner: Learn about discounts, local and state campaigns to make health insurance more accessible, and insurance technology.

Sexual Health

From birth control to abortions to AIDS and STDs, sexual health policy is a major issue today.

Sexual Health: Sex Matters: WebMD's Dr. Louanne Cole Weston answers all kinds of sex questions here.
Men's Sexual Health Blog: Get reports on research studies, legislation and other sexual health issues for men.
Kinsey Confidential: Learn about sex education programs, sex health policy, pregnancy, contraception and more here.
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation Blog: Get the lowdown on new sexual health meds, pelvic fitness and more.
Birth Control Buzz: Read about adenomyosis, babies by design, eco-friendly birth control and more topics about birth control.
Birth Control Watch: This pro-choice blog tracks legislation, campaigns, and news about all types of birth control.
National Abortion Federation Blog: Learn about lawsuits, abortion cases and state and federal legislation about abortion on this blog.

Public Health

These blogs feature articles about everything dealing with public health, including the FDA and the tobacco industry.

Dr. Buttery's Public Health Blog: Recent posts cover the FDA, chronic diseases, health insurance and sex education.
Genetics and Health: Learn more about genetics and diseases here.
Health Mongers: This student-led blog tackles topics like research, public health reform, and more.
The Rest of the Story: Tobacco News Analysis and Commentary: Learn all about the tobacco industry and how it relates to public health.
Stayin' Alive: Join in the "discussion of public health and health care policy, from a public health perspective" by reading, commenting and writing to Congress, as the blog encourages.
Impact Analysis: Read analysis about environmental health here.
U.S. Food Policy: Understand how organic living, the economy and U.S. food policies also affect public health.

General Health Policy and Reform

Discover what these bloggers are doing to improve the health care industry.

Health Wonk Review: Visit this site to get summaries and analyses of stories posted on all the other health care policy blogs.
DB's Medical Rants: Read this professional's rants and reviews of the health care system.
Retired Doc's Thoughts: This retired doctor shares his thoughts and insight on health policy, government interference, pharmaceuticals and more.
Let's Talk Health Care: This online community is run by Charlie Baker, President and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim. In his blog, Baker discusses health care quality, cost effectiveness, reform, coverage, alternative medicine and Medicare.
Change Now 4 Health: This network encourages readers and members to "help fix the health care system" through innovation.
Future Healthcare: To get the most out of this website, choose a focus area like patient safety, future surgery, IT security or supply chain management.
PHMI Blog: Partners Harvard Medical International's blog covers all kinds of health news and policy updates.
The Alan Katz Health Care Reform Blog: Katz, a former president of the National Association of Health Underwriters and the California Association of Health Underwriters blogs about health care reform.
AFL-CIO NOW Blog: This blog often covers public health issues and health care reform.

Neural Stem Cells May Help Repair Spina Bifida in Utero

2009-02-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

A pilot animal study led by researchers from Children's Hospital Boston provides preliminary evidence that delivering neural stem cells (NSC) into the spinal cord, along with surgical coverage of the defect while in utero, may help repair spina bifida before birth. The delivered cells engrafted selectively in the most damaged areas of the spinal cord, remained viable, and produced neurotrophic and neuroprotective factors locally, the first steps in initiating a reparative process. The findings appear in the September issue of the journal, Surgery.

Spina bifida is a condition in which a portion of the spinal cord and its surrounding structures develop outside, instead of inside, the body. The defect develops at around the fourth week of gestation and can occur anywhere along the spine. Children with spina bifida suffer from partial paralysis, urinary and fecal incontinence, and musculoskeletal deformities. The condition has an overall mortality rate of 14 percent at 5 years.

Fetal surgery to repair this defect has been available for over a decade; however, the outcomes have shown limited improvement on spinal cord function. Only now is a large multicenter clinical trial comparing fetal repair to postnatal closure underway.

The Children's Hospital Boston researchers hypothesized that the surgery needs to be augmented by tissue regeneration techniques.

Dario Fauza, MD, of the Department of Surgery and Advanced Fetal Care Center at Children's, and colleagues studied a model of spina bifida in fetal lambs, involving a severe form of the condition known as myelomeningocele, in which a fluid-filled sac containing the spinal cord and nerves is visible outside of the back. Hoping to reverse a portion of the spinal cord damage, they used NSCs, which have previously been shown to mediate repair in a number of central nervous system abnormalities. To maximize the cells' regenerative impact, researchers administered the NSCs at 97-112 days of gestation (full term being 145 days) during the development of the spinal cord, rather than operating later in the more mature fetal stages. "To date, all that has been attempted is the prevention of further insult to the cord, rather than repairing the damage that has already occurred in utero," notes Fauza.

The Children's researchers, along with colleagues from Harvard Medical School and the VA Boston Healthcare System divided the animals into three groups. Group I saw no repair; Group II received standard surgical repair, with the open neural tube being covered by skin; and Group III received the same repair, plus an injection of NSCs directly into the spinal cord.

Once the surgery was completed, researchers monitored the fetuses through the remainder of gestation. Upon the birth of the animals, two examiners performed a basic clinical evaluation to check motor and sensory skills. The survival rate was significantly lower in Group I (44 percent) than in Groups II (86 percent) or III (89 percent). The incidence of partial paralysis was also significantly worse in Group I compared with Groups II and III.

Group III showed a slightly lower incidence of partial paralysis than Group II, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. "In this introductory study, our goal was to validate the model and therapeutic concept by documenting the NSC survival, engraftment and early phenotypical patterns," said Russell Jennings, MD, of the Department of Surgery and Advanced Fetal Care Center at Children's. "Furthur studies will look at different forms of NSCs and alternative delivery methods, and will also provide the longer-term data needed to get a better idea of how successful repair in utero will prove to be for humans."

Though this research is in the beginning stages, the initial findings, paired with the vast amount of information on the use of NSCs in other forms of spinal cord injury, support further investigation into this prenatal approach.

The study was supported by a grant from the former Harvard Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery and by the Kevin and Kate McCarey Fund for Surgical Research, at Children's Hospital Boston.

Children's Hospital Boston is home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. More than 500 scientists, including eight members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and 12 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children's research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children's Hospital Boston today is a 397-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care grounded in the values of excellence in patient care and sensitivity to the complex needs and diversity of children and families. Children's also is the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. For more information about the hospital and its research visit: www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom.

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